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Teaoher's Librfl%
APRIL, 1925
YEAR BOOK NUMBER
Community Recreation Leadership in 711 Cities
Officers of Recreation Commissions, Boards and
Associations - -
24
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Playground and Community Recreation Statistics for 1924 34
VOLUME XIX. NO. 1
PRICE 50 GENTS
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Vol. 19 April, 1925 No. 1
The Playground
Maintained by and in the interests of the Playground and Recreation
Association of America
Published monthly
at
315 Fourth Avenue, New York, N. Y.
Subscription $2.00 per year
MEMBERSHIP
Any person contributing five dollars or more shall be a member
of the Association for the ensuing year
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Community Recreation Leadership in 711 Cities 5
Summary of Recreation Facts 18
Officers of Recreation Commissions, Boards, Associations and Committees. . . 24
Table of Playground and Community Recreations Statistics for 1924 34
Notes from the Recreation Field 56
Book Reviews 69
Entered as second-class matter March 27, 1924, at the Post Office at New York, New York,
under act of March 3, 1879. Acceptance for mailing at special rate of postage provided for
in Section 1103, Act of October 3, 1917, authorized May 1, 1924.
Copyright, 1921, by the Playground and Recreation Association of America
Qr 7 '26
Ot * ***
Boonf
PLAYGROUND AND RECREATION ASSOCIATION
OF AMERICA
JOSEPH LEE, President ROBERT GARRETT, Third Vice-President
JOHN H. FINLEY, First Vice-President GUSTAVUS T. KIRBY, Treasurer
WILLIAM KENT, Second Vice-President H. S. BRAUCHER, Secretary
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
MRS. EDWARD W. BIDDLE, Carlisle, Pa.
WILLIAM BUTTERWORTH, Moline, 111.
CLARENCE M. CLARK, Philadelphia, Pa.
MRS. ARTHUR G. CUMMER, Jacksonville, Fla.
F. TRUBEE DAVISON, Locust Valley, N. Y.
MRS. THOMAS A. EDISON, West Orange, N. J..
JOHN H. FINLEY, New York, N. Y.
HUGH FRAYNE, New York, N. Y.
ROBERT GARRETT, Baltimore, Md.
C. M. GOETHE, Sacramento, Cal.
MRS. CHARLES A. GOODWIN, Hartford, Conn.
AUSTIN E. GRIFFITHS, Seattle, Wash.
MYRON T. HERRICK, Cleveland, Ohio
MRS. FRANCIS DE LACY HYDE, Plainfield, N. J.
MRS. HOWARD R. IVES, Portland, Me.
GUSTAVUS T. KIRBY, New York, N. Y.
H. McK. LANDON, Indianapolis, Ind.
ROBERT LASSITER, Charlotte, N. C.
JOSEPH LEE, Boston, Mass.
EDWARD E. Loo MIS, New York, N. Y.
J. H. McCuRDY, Springfield, Mass.
OTTO T. MALLERY, Philadelphia, Pa.
WALTER A. MAY, Pittsburgh, Pa.
CARL E. MILLIKEN, New York, N. Y.
ELLEN SCRIPPS, La Jolla, Cal.
HAROLD H. SWIFT, Chicago, 111.
F. S. TITSWORTH, New York, N. Y.
MRS. J. W. WADSWORTH, JR., Washington, D. C.
J. C. WALSH, New York, N. Y.
HARRIS WHITTEMORE, Naugatuck, Conn.
HONORARY MEMBERS
MRS. W. B. AVER, Portland, Ore.
A. T. BELL, Atlantic City, N. J.
U. N. BETHELL, Montclair, N. J.
NATHAN D. BILL, Springfield, Mass.
GEORGE F. BOOTH, Worcester, Mass.
ANNA H. BORDEN, Fall River, Mass.
JOHN R. BRINLEY, Morristown, N. J.
S. P. BUSH, Columbus, Ohio
FREDERICK P. CABOT, Boston, Mass.
MRS. JULIAN C. CHASE, Tarrytown, N. Y.
MRS. WALTER S. COMLY, Port Chester, N. Y.
CHARLES M. Cox, Boston, Mass.
W. M. CRANE, JR., Dalton, Mass.
Z. MARSHALL CRANE, Dalton, Mass.
JULIAN W. CURTISS, Greenwich, Conn.
MRS. S. S. DRURY, Concord, N. H.
MRS. COLEMAN DU PONT, Wilmington, Del.
MRS. E. P. EARLE, Montclair, N. J.
J. M. EASTWOOD, Hamilton, Ont.
DR. CHARLES W. ELIOT, Cambridge, Mass.
MRS. CHARLES W. EVANS, East Orange, N. J.
OTTO H. FALK, Milwaukee, Wis.
HERMAN FEHR, Milwaukee, Wis.
MRS. IRVING FISHER, New Haven, Conn.
MRS. PAUL FITZSIMONS, Newport, R. I.
F. L. GEDDES, Toledo, Ohio
REV. CHARLES W. GILKEY, Chicago, 111.
REX B. GOODCELL, Los Angeles, Cal.
MRS. MAX GUGGENHEIMER, Lynchburg, Va.
Lucius F. HALLETT, Denver, Colo.
ELLEN R. HATHAWAY, New Bedford, Mass.
MRS. FRANCIS L. HIGGINSON, Boston, Mass.
MRS. ALBERT W. HOLMES, New Bedford, Mass.
MRS. L. V. HUBBARD, Montclair, N. J.
C. L. HUTCHINSON, Chicago, 111.
H. H. JACOBS, Milwaukee, Wis.
RICHARD C. JENKINSON, Newark, N. J.
MRS. ERNEST KANZLER, Detroit, Mich.
HELEN KELLER, Forest Hills, N. Y.
JOHN HARVEY KELLOGG, Battle Creek, Mich.
WILLARD V. KING, New York City
F. J. KINGSBURY, Bridgeport, Conn.
MRS. CHARLES D. LANIER, Greenwich, Conn.
ARTHUR W. LAWRENCE, Bronxville, N. Y.
RT. REV. WILLIAM LAWRENCE, Boston, Mass.
PHILIP LEBOUTILLIER, New York City.
Lucius N. LITTAUER, Gloversville, N. Y.
SETH Low, New York City
ARTHUR H. LOWE, Fitchburg, Mass.
MRS. MEDILL McCoRMicK, Washington, D. C.
SUMNER T. MCKNIGHT, Minneapolis, Minn.
MRS. Louis C. MADEIRA, Philadelphia, Pa.
SAMUEL MATHER, Cleveland, Ohio
HENRY L. MAYER, San Francisco, Cal.
JOHN B. MILLER, Pasadena, Cal.
ADELBERT MOOT, Buffalo, N. Y.
A. G. MYERS, Gastonia, N. C.
F. GORDON OSLER, Toronto, Ont.
J. E. OTIS, Chicago, 111.
MARY PARSONS, Lenox, Mass.
ARTHUR POUND, Slingerlands, N. Y.
H. L. PRATT, New York City
JOHN T. PRATT, New York City
JULIUS PRINCE, New Rochelle, N. Y.
WM. COOPER PROCTOR, Cincinnati, Ohio
MRS. WILLOUGHBY RODMAN, Los Angeles, Cal.
FRANKLIN D. ROOSEVELT, Hyde Park, N. Y.
THEODORE ROOSEVELT, Oyster Bay, N. Y.
MRS. HENRY H. SANGER, Grosse Pointe, Mich.
C. M. SCHENCK, Denver, Colo.
W. F. SEVERN, Bridgeport, Conn.
B. J. SHOVE, Syracuse, N. Y.
ALFRED J. SPORBORG, Albany, N. Y.
A. A. SPRAGUE, Chicago, 111.
ALFRED E. STEARNS, Andover, Mass.
FLORENCE M. STERLING, Houston, Texas
ROBERT W. STEWART, Chicago, 111.
CLEMENT STUDEBAKER, JR., South Bend, Ind.
RICHARD W. SULLOWAY, Franklin, N. H.
LORADO TAFT, Chicago, 111.
MRS. H. E. TALBOTT, Dayton, Ohio
REV. W. R. TAYLOR, Keene Valley, N. Y.-
THOMAS D. THACHER, New York City
BENJAMIN THAW, Pittsburgh, Pa.
A. J. TODD, Kalamazoo, Mich.
HENRY VAN DYKE, Seal Harbor, Me.
W. L. WARD, Port Chester, N. Y.
RIDLEY WATTS, Morristown, N. J.
WILLIAM A. WATTS, New Haven, Conn.
C. S. WESTON, Scranton, Pa.
AUBREY L. WHITE, Spokane, Wash.
MRS. THOMAS G. WINTER, Minneapolis, Minn.
RABBI STEPHEN S. WISE, New York City
A Great Nation-Wide
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Cyclone Nation-wide Fencing Service offers:
Service — of Cyclone engineers to study your fencing re-
quirements, make recommendations and submit estimates
of cost. No obligation —
Service — of one of the 100 expert erection crews which
are constantly at work installing Cyclone Fence. Or —
Service— ^of an erection superintendent to direct workers
in installing Cyclone Fence.
Cyclone Service is available everywhere and to everyone.
Covers every phase of playground fencing. Provides for
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Link or Wrought Iron Fence.
Phone, wire or write nearest offices
CYCLONE FENCE COMPANY
Factories and Offices:
Waukegan, Illinois Cleveland, Ohio
Newark, New Jersey Fort Worth, Texas
Western Distributors:
Standard Fence Company
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Northwest Fence & Wire Works
Portland, Ore,
clone
"Galv-After" Chain Link
Please mention THE PLAYGROUND when writing to advertisers
Local Recreation Progress in 1924
New play areas opened in 1924 for the first time 635
Total number of separate play spaces reported 8,115
Indoor recreation centers 1,763
Ball fields 2,522
Tennis Courts 4,865
Swimming pools 626
Bathing beaches 293
Summer camps under recreation systems 123
Municipal golf courses 131
Skating places 1,076
Number of cities in which land or property was donated for recreation 65
Total expenditure reported for public recreation in 1924 $20,052,558
Total number play leaders working without pay 4,444
Total number of workers employed 15,871
Cities reporting play areas 711
Approximate number cities and towns over 8,000 population not
reporting a single playground 400
Since the friends of the movement organized, the average number of
cities starting playgrounds each two year period has been greater than
for the entire twenty year period without national organization.
The Service of the Playground and Recreation
Association of America in 1924
318 cities were given substantial service, upon request, through
personal visits of field workers.
255 cities used the special service of the Association directed to
finding and training local recreation workers.
19,000 requests for help were cared for by the Correspondence and
Consultation Service.
4,400 individuals received each month THE PLAYGROUND magazine,
the tool kit of the recreation worker.
2,400 communities were covered in securing a comprehensive Year
Book of recreation developments throughout the country.
195 cities in 35 states were represented by 600 delegates at the
Eleventh Annual Recreation Congress held at Atlantic City.
391 cities and twelve state departments of physical education used
the Association's physical fitness tests for boys and girls.
61 cities used the lantern slides, cuts, photographs and other special
material prepared by the Association for use in local educational and
financial campaigns.
40 cities received personal service and 90 additional cities received
help by correspondence in meeting the play and recreation problems
of their colored citizens.
If we are ready to help adequately those seeking knowledge and
expert leadership, practically every child in an American community
of 8,000 population can live in a town or city which has playgrounds
before January 1, 1930.
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Community Recreation Leadership in 711 Cities
Seven hundred and eleven cities have reported recreation programs under leadership for 1924, the
greatest number ever. The number of paid leaders increased from 12,282 in 1923 to 15,871 in 1924. Of
this number 2,783 were employed the year round in 300 cities. In addition 4,444 volunteer leaders are
reported.
The training of leaders achieved a significant growth last year. One hundred seven cities report
training institutes for paid workers ; 82 cities report training institutes for volunteers. The enrolment
of workers in the institutes of 82 cities totaled 3,094; the volunteer enrolment in 72 cities was 2,541.
The many workers and friends of the recreation movement may well feel happy over the splen-
did growth of last year, and particularly over the increase in training programs which will bring about
higher standards of recreation work.
Employed Workers
During 1924, 15,871 workers were employed to give leadership for community recreation activi-
ties. This is a substantial increase over the previous year, as the following comparison shows :
1923 1924
Cities reporting 660 71 1
Men workers employed 5,123 6,577
Women workers employed 7,159 9,294
Total 12,282 15,871
Cities reporting workers employed the year round 281 300
Total number of workers employed the year round 1,925 2,783
Play Areas Under Paid Leadership
In the 1924 survey of the recreation field an effort was made to secure a more detailed report of
play areas under leadership. The reports from the 71 1 cities appearing in the table on page 34 show a
total of 8,115 separate play areas. An analysis of the length of term of these areas follows:
Cities Reporting No. of Areas
Areas open the year round 530 1,701
" summer months 633 3,626
" other seasons 316 2,389
" for the first time in 1924 231 635
The detailed reports of separate play areas have been summarized and are classified as follows :
Outdoor Playgrounds
A summary of the reports on outdoor playgrounds follows:
Cities reporting 652
Total number of outdoor playgrounds 5,006
Open the year round (145 cities} 862
Open during the summer months (567 cities) 3,443
Open other seasons (90 cities} 852
Total average daily attendance of participants at outdoor playgrounds (471 cities} 881,500
Total average daily attendance of spectators at outdoor playgrounds (196 cities} 116,643
Total acreage of outdoor playgrounds (364 cities) 9,580
Total valuation of outdoor playgrounds (179 cities) $ 43,099,459.97
Total number of outdoor playgrounds open in 1924 for the first time (168 cities) 444
In the total of 5,006 playgrounds are included 133 playgrounds maintained for the use of colored
children. A separate report of these centers follows:
Cities reporting 58-
Total number of playgrounds for colored children 133
Open the year round (16 cities) 25
" summer months (41 cities) 92
" other seasons (5 cities) 16
Total average daily attendance of participants at playgrounds for colored children
(22 cities) 14,339
Total average daily attendance of spectators at playgrounds for colored children
(9 cities) 1,290
Total valuation of playgrounds for colored children (9 cities) $112,000.00
Total number of playgrounds for colored children open in 1924 for the first time
(4 cities) 5
Indoor Recreation Centers
Cities reporting 193
Total number of indoor recreation centers 1,763
Open the year round (76 cities) 489
Open other seasons (134 cities) 1,274
Total average daily attendance at indoor recreation centers (81 cities) 66,110
. Total valuation indoor recreation centers (26 cities) $13,458,389.00
Total number of indoor recreation centers open in 1924 for first time (34 cities) 155
Indoor recreation centers for colored citizens are reported as follows : (These figures arc included
in the above.)
Cities reporting
Total number indoor recreation centers for colored citizens 46
Open th6 year round (16 cities) 16
Open other seasons (21 cities) 30
Total average daily attendance at indoor recreation centers for colored citizens
(14 cities) 1,168
Total valuation indoor recreation centers for colored citizens (5 cities) $97,000.00
Total number indoor recreation centers for colored citizens open in 1924 for first time
(4 cities) 4
Community Houses
Community houses used for recreation purposes are reported as follows:
Cities reporting 123
Total number of community houses 288
Open the year round (100 cities) 240
Open other seasons (26 cities) 48
Total valuation of community houses (25 cities) $2,659,544.00
Total average daily attendance at community houses (44 cities) 23,850
Total number of community houses open for first time in 1924 (7 cities) 7
6
Bathing Beaches
One hundred fifty-four cities report a total of 293 bathing beaches. Of this number 5 cities report
bathing beaches open for the first time in 1924. The total average daily attendance at bathing beaches,
reported by 54 cities, is 57,551.
Play Streets
Streets closed for play under leadership are reported by 35 cities. Ten of this number report a
total average daily attendance of 10,926.
Total number of streets closed for play under leadership 117
Year round ( 3 cities} . . : 17
Summer months (8 cities) 42
Other seasons (21 cities') 53
Play streets open for first time in 1924 (2 cities) 14
Municipal Golf Courses
Although the number of cities reporting the maintenance of municipal golf courses shows an in-
crease over the previous year, the information on valuation, acreage and attendance is incomplete,
many cities failing to report on these items. The reports are summarized as follows :
Cities reporting municipal golf courses
Total number of courses 131
Total average daily attendance (22 cities) , 8,713
Total valuation of property (17 cities) $3,128,576.00
Total acreage (31 cities) 4,752
Courses open in 1924 for the first time (5 cities) 6
The cities reported as having municipal golf courses are :
California Indiana
Long Beach East Chicago
Los Angeles Evansville
Porterville Indianapolis
Oakland Richmond
Sacramento South Bend
San Diego Terre Haute
San Francisco
Iowa
rff .t0n Cedar Falls
Vallejo ^
Davenport
Colorado Waterloo
Colorado Springs
Kentucky
Connecticut Louisville
Bridgeport
__ . . Louisiana
Hartford . , , .
Alexandria
Florida Shreveport
Jacksonville
Maine
Illinois Westbrook
Aurora
„, . Maryland
Chicago - .
._ .„ Baltimore
Danville
Galesburg Masschusetts
Jacksonville Boston
Rockford Falmouth
Winnetka Worcester
Michigan
Detroit
Flint
Grand Rapids
Highland Park
Kalamazoo
Lansing
Niles
Minnesota
Fergus Falls
Minneapolis
St. Paul
Winona
Missouri
St. Louis
Nebraska
Lincoln
New Hampshire
Concord
New York
Buffalo
Elmira
New York
Rochester
Syracuse
Ohio
Barberton
Cleveland
Columbus
Dayton
Middletown
Springfield
Youngstown
Oregon
Portland
Pennsylvania
Harrisburg
Lancaster
Pittsburgh
Wilkes Barre
South Dakota
Mitchell
Watertown
Tennessee
Memphis
Nashville
Texas
Dallas
Fort Worth
Houston
San Antonio
Texarkana
Provo
Virginia
Norfolk
Portsmouth
Washington
Centralia
Seattle
Spokane
Wisconsin
Janesville
Kenosha
Oshkosh
Racine
Canada
Lethbridge, Alberta
Vancouver, B. C.
Winnipeg, Manitoba
London, Ontario
Stratford, "
Toronto,
Windsor, "
Summer Camps
Eighty-three of the cities appearing in the Year Book table report a total of 123 summer camps
maintained as a part of the recreation program. The total average daily attendance reported by 28 of
these cities is 5,034. Twenty-two cities report a total acreage of 1,121.5 for camp property. A total
property valuation of $87,800.00 is reported by 11 cities. Two cities report summer camps open for
the first time in 1924.
Other Play Areas
In addition to the areas in the foregoing classification a total of 394 miscellaneous play centers is
reported by 41 cities. It has not been possible to classify these, since many of the cities simply report
them as "other areas."
Ninety-three of these areas were open the year round, 141 during the summer months, and 162 at
other seasons.
9
Separate Play Facilities
The following classification indicates the different types of play facilities available in the 711 cities
sending reports. Many of these facilities are a part of the larger play areas already listed:
Number open
Total in 1924
Cities Reporting Number for first time
Athletic Fields 439 1,330 132
Tennis Courts 410 4,865 359
Quoit Courts 247 2,327 281
Swimming Pools 272 626 34
Places for Water Sports 215 458 36
Skating Places 266 1,076 98
Dancing Places 174 601 19
Picnic Grounds 275 1,092 37
Ball Fields 460 2,522 146
Miscellaneous 24 250 24
Management
Municipal
The forms of municipal administration in the 711 cities sending complete reports are summarized
as follows :
Managing Authority No. of Cities
Playground and Recreation Commissions, Departments, Divisions, Boards or Bureaus.... 135
Boards of Education 122
Park Boards, Commissions, Departments and Bureaus, or Park and Recreation Commis-
sions 93
City Councils 21
Departments or Boards of Public Works 7
Departments of Public Welfare 4
Welfare and Recreation Commissions 2
Playground Athletic Leagues 1
Bath House Commissions . 1
386
In a number of cities municipal departments combined in the management of playgrounds and
community centers, as follows :
Managing Authority Xo. of Cities
Recreation Department and Park Board 3
Recreation Department and Board of Education 2
City and Board of Education 6
Board of Education and Park Board 6
Department of Public Welfare and Board of Education 1
18
10
Private
Private organizations in control of playgrounds and community recreation centers are reported as
follows :
Managing Authority
No. of Cities
Playground and Recreation Associations, Leagues, Committees and Societies; Community
Service Boards, Associations and Bureaus 174
Civic and Improvement Leagues and Neighborhood Associations 25
Women's Clubs 16
Community Center Boards and Councils 14
Parent Teacher Associations 14
Industrial Plants 14
Social Welfare Leagues and Associations 10
Y. M. C. A 9
Chambers of Commerce 8
Rotary Clubs 5
Athletic Associations 4
Kiwanis Clubs 3
Lions' Clubs 2
Boys' Clubs 2
Missions 2
Churches 1
War Memorial Association 1
Memorial Library 1
Trust Company (Memorial Playgrounds) 1
Recreation Camp 1
Educational and Industrial Union 1
Red Cross 1
Individuals 1
310
fr dUNIOR POLICE
EVANSTON P1AY6ROUND5
Junior Police on Eranston, Illinois, Playgrounds
11
Finances
The sources of support in the 711 cities appearing in the Year Book table are summarized as fol-
lows:
Cities reporting work supported by municipal funds 302
" private funds 195
" municipal and private funds 199
" county funds 3
" municipal and county funds 1
" " county and private funds 10
" " " " state, municipal and private funds 1
Expenditures
The annual total expenditure for public recreation throughout the country again shows a satisfac-
tory increase. The total amount reported for 1924 is $20,052,558.02. A comparison with the reports
of the previous year follows: (The figures in italics indicate the number of cities reporting in each
case. )
Expended for 1923 1924
Land, Buildings, Permanent Equipment $ 4,114,249.75 (239} $ 8,885,587.85 (258}
Upkeep, Supplies and Incidentals 1,893,920.28 (466} 3,276,947.37 (478}
Salaries 4,531,380.05 (533} 5,453,627.17 (557)
Total expenditure 13,943,054.43 (616} 20,052,558.02 (662}
Bond Issues
Twenty-eight cities report a total of $11,801,817.54, an increase of more than a million dollars over
1923. The cities are listed as follows :
City Amount of Bond Issue
Monrovia, Cal $ 80,000.00
Oakland, Cal 50,000.00
Stockton, Cal 137,000.00
Lake Wales, Fla. 195,000.00
Columbus, Ga 55,000.00
Chicago, 111 8,000,000.00
Chicago Heights, 111 60,000.00
Clinton, 111 7,500.00
Evanston, 111 65,000.00
Hammond, Ind .' 150,000.00
Chicopee, Mass 31,000.00
Medford, Mass : 22,000.00
Chisholm, Minn 988,000.00
Minneapolis, Minn 304,400.00
Claremont, N. H 4,500.00
East Orange, N. J 55,319.54
Newark, N. J 200,000.00
Buffalo, N. Y 183,000.00
New York, N. Y : 165,098.00
Schenectady, N. Y 25,000.00
Syracuse, N. Y 20,000.00
Columbus, Ohio 144,000.00
Harrisburg, Pa 50,000.00
Philadelphia, Pa 350,000.00
12
Williamsport, Pa 10,000.00
Dallas, Texas 325,000.00
San Antonio, Texas 100,000.00
Hamilton, Ont, Can 25,000.00
$11,801,817.54
Donated Playgrounds
Donations of land or property to be devoted to recreation purposes are reported by 65 cities. In
addition, 18 cities report loans of property for recreation areas. The cities reporting the value of the
property donated are:
City Value of Property
Fort Smith, Ark $ 14,000.00
Fresno, Cal 100.00
Long Beach, Cal 15,000.00
Santa Monica, Cal 25,000.00
Shelton, Conn 921.55
Lake Wales, Fla 5,000.00
Albany, Ga 350.00
Galesburg, 111 5,000.00
Mattoon, 111 4,500.00
Bedford, Ind 6,500.00
La Porte, Ind 3,000.00
Grundy Center, la 400.00
Coffeyville, Kans 2,000.00
Ashland, Ky 140.00
Milltown, Me 500.00
Alexandria, La 100.00
E. Weymouth, Mass 1,000.00
Leominster, Mass 350.00
Ludlow, Mass 30,000.00
New Bedford, Mass 60,000.00
Peabody, Mass 300.00
Woburn, Mass 5,000.00
Detroit, Mich 6,000.00
Flint, Mich 150,000.00
Madison, N. J 100,000.00
Roselle Park, N. J 3,000.00
Cobleskill, N. Y 1,500.00
Danville, N. Y 2,500.00
Coatesville, Pa 665.00
Ellwood City, Pa 25,000.00
Scranton, Pa 2,000.00
Tidioute, Pa 11,000.00
Riverside, R. I 5,000.00
Woonsocket, R. 1 7,500.00
Spartanburg, S. C 10,000.00
Dallas, Tex 40,000.00
San Antonio, Tex 2,000.00
Provo, Utah 2,200.00
Wheeling, W. Va. . . . : 355,000.00
Sheboygan, Wis 25,000.00
$927,526.55
13
Harmon Foundation Gifts
Fifty-four communities received gifts of land under the terms of a special offer made by the Har-
mon Foundation in 1924. The conditions of the offer were developed with a view toward immediate
and future need, the assurance of local cooperation in development, maintenance and use, and the edu-
cational value of the principles on which the Harmon Foundation is working; that the "gift of land
is the gift eternal."
Communities taking advantage of the offer must have more than 3,000 population, and have advanced
in growth at least 30 per cent, since 1900. The maximum amount given to any single locality was
$2,000. The land, not to cost more than $1,000 an acre, the minimum tract to include two acres level
and easily accessible, must be used in perpetuity for playgrounds or other recreational purposes.
The communities receiving gifts of land under the 1924 offer are:
Alabama
Mobile (Colored)
Tuscaloosa
Arkansas
Paragould
Russellville
Stuttgart
California
Ocean Beach
Tracy
Colorado
Alamosa
Florida
Fort Lauderdale
Georgia
Canton
Idaho
Twin Falls
Illinois
Harvey
Indiana
Bicknell
Kansas
Coffeyville (Colored)
Neodesha
Kentucky
Madisonville
Mayfield
Louisiana
Alexandria
DeRidder
Houma
Maryland
Salisbury
Michigan
Muskegon
Sturgis
St. Joseph
Minnesota
Pipestone
West St. Paul
Worthington
Missouri
Chaffee
Nebraska
Kearney
New Hampshire
Claremont
New York
Herkimer
North Dakota
Williston
Ohio
Bucyrus
Fremont
Sidney
Wapakoneta
Oregon
Bend
Pennsylvania
Scranton
Stroudsburg
South Carolina
Dillon
Marion
Orangeburg (Colored)
Tennessee
Elizabethton
Martin
Rockwood
Texas
Fort Worth (Colored)
San Antonio
Stamford
Utah
Provo
Vermont
Windsor
Washington
Hillyard
West Virginia
Point Pleasant
Volunteer Workers
In 240 cities the help of trained volunteers was enlisted in carrying out the community recreation
program. The total number of volunteer leaders reported is 4,444. Of this number 1,509 are men
and 2,935 women.
14
Training Classes for Workers
A large increase is observed in the number ofcities having training classes for employed workers.
The total is 107, as compared with 79 cities reporting in 1923. The total enrolment of students in
these classes, reported by 82 cities, is 3,904.
Training classes for volunteers assisting in the community recreation program are reported by 82
cities. The total enrolment of volunteer students reported by 72 cities is 2,541.
Civil Service Examinations
In fifty-five cities civil service examinations are a requirement in filling recreation positions.
School Buildings as Evening Recreation Centers
Two hundred and nineteen cities report a total of 1,389 school buildings used as evening recreation
centers. This is an increase over 1923, when the number of cities reporting was 196, and the total
number of buildings, 1,127.
Acreage of School and Park Playgrounds
An analysis of the cities reporting on the acreage of school and park playgrounds yields the fol-
lowing :
No. of Cities Reporting Total Acreage
School Playgrounds
Park Playgrounds ,
303
277
5,375
9,390
League Activities
The organization of leagues in connection with community recreation activities is reported
lows: (The figures in italics indicate the number of cities reporting for each item.)
Spectators
Leagues Teams Players Per Season
Baseball 1,171 (339) 8,929 (321) 107,427 (267) 10,843,391
Kittenball 91 (14) 617 (12) 15,368 (10) 1,400,600
Playground Ball 967 (209) 6,982 (201) 74,249 (161) 1,472,346
Football 182 (98) 959 (90) 13,243 (71) 1,164,316
Soccer 551 (91) 1,584 (87) 28,493 (79) 598,463
Basketball 764 (235) 5,124 (222) 40,724 (187) 1,296,124
Quoits 280 (125) 1,854 (105) 28,932 (91) 87,651
Dodge Ball 34 (10) 590 (10) 13,737 (9) 23,500
Volley Ball 257 (72) 1,843 (70) 13,136 (58) 104,823
Bowling 41 (15) 259 (14) 1,977 (75) 17,650
Miscellaneous 954 (94) 4,310 (85) 39,568 (90) 483,887
Total number of Leagues 5,292
" Teams 33,051
" Players 376,854
" Spectators 17,492,751
as fol-
(161)
(4)
(82)
(44)
(44)
(109)
(46)
V)
(29)
(6)
(27)
15
Special Recreation Activities
Activities Cities Reporting
Badge Tests 178
Community Singing 259
Bands 191
Orchestras . 144
Music Memory Contests , 77
Toy Symphonies 54
Pageants 245
Dramatics 276
Holiday Celebrations 315
Block Parties 75
Motion Pictures 163
Citizenship Activities 138
First Aid Classes 170
Domestic Science 117
Gardening 74
Art Activities 156
Craftsmanship 193
Junior Police 64
Self -Government 1 10
Athletics for Industrial Groups 237
Winter Sports 188
Organized Hiking 200
Marble Tournaments 166
Horse Shoe Tournaments 262
Forums 43
A Great Cooperative Educational Movement
With 711 cities maintaining playgrounds, with expenditures of more than
$20,000,000 in a single year, with nearly 16,000 employed local workers, with
thousands of volunteer workers, the need of a national association through which
cities and workers can exchange experiences and unite to help each other is
evident to all. The expenditures of the P. R. A. A. last year were \l/$ per cent,
of the total local expenditures.
16
17
Summary of Facts
Number of cities to which questionnaire was sent
Replies received
Cities sending reports complete enough for publication
Cities reporting in 1924 which did not appear in 1923 Year Book
Cities reporting work under way for 1925
Cities reporting the possibility of future recreation development
Play Areas Maintained
Total number of play areas under paid leadership (711 cities) ' 8,115
Areas open the year round (530 cities) 1,701
" summer months (633 cities) 3,626
" other seasons (316 cities) 2,389
Total number of play areas open in 1924 for the first time (231 cities) 635
Outdoor Playgrounds
Total number outdoor playgrounds (652 cities) 5,006
Open the year round (145 cities) 862
summer months (567 cities) 3,443
" other seasons (90 cities) 852
Total average daily attendance of participants (471 cities) 881,500
Total average daily attendance of spectators (196 cities) 116,643
Total acreage of outdoor playgrounds (364 cities) 9,580
Total valuation outdoor playgrounds (179 cities) $43,099,459.97
Total number of outdoor playgrounds open in 1924 for first time (168 cities) 444
Total number of playgrounds for colored children (58 cities) 133
Indoor Recreation Centers
Total number indoor recreation centers (193 cities) 1,763
Open the year round (76 cities) ^ 489
" other seasons (134 cities) 1,274
Total average daily attendance (81 cities) 66,1 10
Total valuation indoor recreation centers (26 cities) $13,458,389.00
Total number indoor recreation centers open for first time in 1924 (34 cities) 155
Total number indoor recreation centers for colored citizens (37 cities) 46
Community Houses
Total number community houses (123 cities) 288
Open the year round (100 cities) 240
" other seasons (26 cities) : 48
Total valuation community houses (25 cities) $2,659,544.00
Total average daily attendance (44 cities) 23,850
Total number of community houses op^en for the first time in 1924 (7 cities) 7
18
Bathing Beaches
Total number of bathing beaches (154 cities) 293
Bathing beaches open for first time in 1924 (5 cities) 7
Total average daily attendance (54 cities) 57,551
Play Streets
Total number of streets closed for play under leadership (55 cities) 117
Total average daily attendance play streets (10 cities) 10,926
Play streets open for first time in 1924 (2 cities) 14
Municipal Golf Courses
Total number of golf courses (95 cities) 131
Total average daily attendance (22 cities) 8,713
Total acreage golf courses (31 cities) 4,752
Total valuation of property (17 cities) $3,128,576.00
Courses open in 1924 for first time (5 cities) 6
Summer Camps
Total number summer camps maintained in connection with recreation program
(83 cities) 123
Total average daily attendance (28 cities) 5,034
Total acreage camp property (22 cities) 1,121.5
Total property valuation summer camps (11 cities) $87,800.00
Separate Play Facilities
Athletic Fields (439 cities) 1,330
Tennis Courts (410 cities) 4,865
Quoit Courts (247 cities) 2,327
Swimming Pools (272 cities) 626
Places for Water Sports (215 cities) 458
Skating Places (266 cities) 1,076
Dancing Places (174 cities) 601
Picnic Grounds (275 cities) 1,092
Ball Fields (460 cities) 2,522
Miscellaneous play facilities (24 cities) 250
Employed Workers
Total number of employed workers (711 cities) 15,871
Men workers 6,577
Women workers 9,294
Total number of workers employed the year round (300 cities) 2,783
19
Volunteer Workers
Total number of volunteer workers (240 cities) 4,444
Men volunteer workers 1,509
Women volunteer workers 2,935
Training Classes for Workers
Number of cities having training classes for employed workers 107
Total enrolment in training classes for employed workers (82 cities) 3,904
Number of cities having training classes for volunteers 82
Total enrolment in training classes for volunteers (72 cities) 2,541
Number of cities having civil service examinations as a requirement in filling recreation
positions 55
Finances
Cities reporting work supported by municipal funds 302
" private funds 195
" municipal and private funds 199
" county funds 3
" municipal and county funds 1
" " " " " county and private funds 10
" state, municipal and private funds 1
Total expenditure for recreation purposes (662 cities) $20,052,558.02
Total amount issued in bonds for recreation purposes (28 cities) SI 1,801,817.54
Cities reporting playgrounds donated by citizens during 1924 65
Total valuation of donated playgrounds (40 cities) $927,526.55
School Buildings as Evening Recreation Centers
Total number of cities reporting school buildings used as evening recreation centers. . . . 219
Total number of buildings 1,389
Acreage of School and Park Playgrounds
Total acreage of school playgrounds (303 cities) 5,375
park playgrounds (277 cities) 9,390
20
Why Not?
One hundred and fifty millions of dollars were set aside in 1924 for endowing pub-
lic service. How generously American men and women have dedicated private
wealth to meet public needs !
The greater part of the income from these gifts is for education and research ; much
is for hospital and other institutional service. Important fields of social service
are yet without endowment ; without such assurance of permanency as is essential
to effective statesmanlike planning.
The leisure time problem of America is of outstanding and growing importance. It
must be solved. All authorities agree as to the constructive value of play and rec-
reation— not only in lessening idleness, and waste of time — but also in preventing
and curing delinquency and crime.
Play and recreation build health and nerve stamina, serve as an antidote for per-
sonal restlessness and act as a unifying influence in community life. The high
grade stimulus of clean play can be substituted for the low grade stimulus of vice.
President Coolidge recently said : "I want to see all Americans have a reasonable
.amount of leisure, then I want to see them educated to use such leisure for their
own enjoyment and betterment."
This educational program is under way.
A long time, continuous, difficult task is ahead. It can be carried on only to the
extent to which enlightened public opinion makes funds permanently available for
this purpose. There are .encouraging indications that an endowment will be made
available.
Six trust funds of from $500 to $25,000, totalling $47,000, have already been estab-
lished. An insurance policy of $50,000 taken out in the name of the Playground
.and Recreation Association of America has just recently been reported. Word has
come that a number of legacies will later be received by the Association.
Special trust funds provided for a part of the program or a large endowment for
the work as a whole — each means an increase in human happiness, each means mak-
ing life more worth living. The Board of Directors of the Playground and Recrea-
tion Association of America believes that the income of a ten million dollar endow-
ment can be used to advantage in this great movement. One man or woman or
many individuals contributing together have an opportunity to make an outstand-
ing contribution to American life through the centuries to come.
Why not endow the leisure time movement now?
21
OFFICERS OF
RECREATION COMMISSIONS
BOARDS AND ASSOCIATIONS
and
TABLES
of
PLAYGROUND AND COMMUNITY
RECREATION STATISTICS
for
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PLAYGROUND AND COMMUNITY RECREATION STATISTICS FOR 1924
Footnotes follow the table
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51
Playground and Recreation Association of America
Statement of Income and Expenditures
For the fiscal year ending December 31, 1924
General Fund Balance November 30, 1923
Income
Contributions '
Contributions for Summer Camp Study
Contributions for Vacation Service Bureau
Interest and Dividends on Endowment Funds
Interest
Playground Sales
Playground Subscriptions
Playground Advertising
Badge Sales
Pamphlet Sales
Song Sheet Sales
Equipment Sales
Photos and Publicity Sales
Expenditures
Municipally Supported Community Recrea-
tion Field Service . $
Privately Supported Community Recreation
Field Service
Field Service to Colored Communities
National Physical Education Service
Playground Magazine
Local Employment Service
Consultation and Correspondence
Slides, Cuts and Photos
Physical Efficiency Tests, Boys' and Girls'
Badges
Bureau of Special Publications
Year Book
Recreation Congress
Special Study Summer Camps
Vacation Service Bureau
319,922.48
6,582.55
3,766.07
3,286.32
944.63
622.86
3,471.98
3,498.26
2,942.71
2,653.83
4,922.35
58.49
116.33
154,143.90
70,640.20
24,403.41
12,325.30
20,277.37
5,598.69
22,833.59
809.69
2,860.45
11,019.51
3,481.50
5,504.63
9,493.39
. 4,282.76
$ 35,588.18
352,788.86
$ 388,377.04
347,674.39
$ 40,702.65
52
Vacation Service Bureau
A special contribution has been pledged to the
Association for the full cost of this service
Contributions received $
Contributions due
3,766.07
516.69
Amount Expended
Special Study Summer Camps
A special contribution has been pledged to the
Association for the full cost of this service
Balance on hand December 1, 1923 $ 2,910.84
Contributions received 6,582.55
Amount Expended
Endowment Funds
Special Fund (Action 1910) $ 25,000.00
Lucy Tudor Hillyer Fund 5,000.00
Emil C. Bondy Fund 1,000.00
Geo. S. Sands Fund 12,470.04
"In Memory of" J. L. Lamprecht 3,000.00
"In Memory of" Barney May 500.00
4,282.76
$ 4,282.76
$ 9,493.39
$ 9,493.39
$ 46,970.04
We have audited the accounts of the Playground and Recreation Association of America for the
fiscal year ending December 31, 1924, and certify that the above statement is a true and correct state-
ment of the financial transaction of the General and Endowment Funds for the period.
(Signed) J. F. CALVERT
Certified Public Accountant
Because the Association has practically no endowment as yet and is almost entirely dependent on
current contributions and the contributions which the Association will receive in any month are always
uncertain, the Association is endeavoring to have on hand on the first of each month a balance sufficient
to carry the work for two months, so that even in times of emergency all obligations may be met
promptly.
53
I believe heartily in the vital work of the PLAY-
GROUND AND RECREATION ASSOCIATION OF
AMERICA and want to do my part in helping to assure
its continuance. To this end I am happy to contribute the
sum of $ , payable , 192 .
(Signed)
(Address)
FORM OF BEQUEST
I hereby give and bequeath to the PLAYGROUND
AND RECREATION ASSOCIATION OF
America the sum of
Dollars,
to be applied to the uses and purposes of said Association.
(Signed)
(Date)
54
JUNGLEGYM —THE BODY BUILDER
N. Y. City Parks
'SAFEST PIECE OF APPARATUS MADE"
ABSOLUTELY NO QUARRELING
Neva L. Boyd — Director — Hull House, Chicago
Patented 1923-24
22 Units— Now in the New York City Playgrounds
Increased Attendance in Playgrounds
JUNGLEGYM Is Six Years Old This Spring
QUOTED FROM LETTERS RECEIVED FROM THOSE WHO
HAVE HAD JUNGLEGYM IN USE OVER THREE YEARS—
Retains its popularity after Several Years' use. Would sooner part with all the rest of
our playground apparatus than with Junglegym.
C. W. WASHBURNE, Supt. Public Schools,
Winnetka, 111.
Requires Little Supervision. Develops the Children Physically. Very Economical Appar-
atus. J. V. MULHOLLAND, Supervisor of Recreation,
Manhattan, N. Y.
Children do not tire of Junglegym. Absolutely SAFE TO PLAY ON.
J. S. WRIGHT, Director of Physical Education,
Chicago.
Fewer Bumps Than on Any other Type of Apparatus. Straighten the Back and Spine.
PERRY DUNLAP SMITH, Headmaster
North Shore Country Day School, Winnetka, 111.
Write for Circular "C."
THE PLAYGROUND EQUIPMENT CO., 225 Fifth Ave., New York City
Please mention THE PLAYGROUND when writing to advertisers
TRADE
tlDl
The
Shoe of
Champions
PRACTICALLY every
World's and Olympic
speed record has been made
with Spalding Running
Shoes.
Not only in track but in
baseball, tennis, basket
ball, foot ball — every
athletic sport — Spalding
equipment is "first
choice."
The complete field equip-
ment for the Olympic Games
of 1920, at Antwerp, and at
Paris, 1924, was furnished by
A. G. Spalding & Bros.
New York Chicago San Francisco
Gymnasium and Playground Contract Dept.
Chicopee, Mass.
Notes from the
Recreation Field
Spreading the Movement. — Mr. Leo. J.
Buettner, Secretary of the Municipal Recreation
Commission of Johnstown, Pennsylvania, writes
of an interesting instance showing how the work
which recreation executives and officials are con-
stantly doing in outlying communities bears abund-
ant fruit. A short time after Mr. Buettner had
started harmonica playing in Johnstown, a Mrs.
Simpson came to his office one afternoon to secure
information on how to go about the organization
of harmonica bands. Recently she returned to
Mr. Buettner's office and told him that 700 boys
and girls in Patton, Carrolltown and Bakertown
were playing mouth-organs, the schools taking
time during school hours to teach the children
how to play harmonicas. These three little towns
are in the northern part of Cambria County and
have a combined population of less than 5,600,
according to the 1920 census. Patton has a local
newspaper which is not only publishing articles
about the movement but is printing music and
instructions for playing selections.
An Historical Pageant for Children.—
There is a suggestion for other state groups in
the recent publication by the Extension Division
of the University of North Carolina of an his-
torical pageant entitled Children of Old Carolina,
written by Ethel Rockwell of the Bureau of Com-
munity Drama for presentation by children. The
children sing the songs of the period, dance the
dances, play the folk games, work at typical tasks
and talk about the great events of the day as they
would have seen them through their childish eyes
and interpreted them. The main attempt has been
to make beautiful, colorful, active scenes that
have the effect of living moving pictures.
A copy of the pageant may be secured from
the University Extension Division, Chapel Hill,
for 50 cents. Upon the payment of a royalty of
$25.00 communities outside of North Carolina
may substitute their own state heroes and make
such other changes as they desire.
Athletics as a Character Builder. — Speaking
at the luncheon in connection with the twelfth
annual celebration of Alumni University Day at
Yale University on February 23, Professor Clar-
56
Please mention THE PLAYGROUND when writing to advertisers
What kind of costumes do you need
for your Playground Pageant i
NO MATTER what your needs,
you will find real help in
Dennison's new instruction book,
"How to Make Paper Costumes" —
32 pages full of illustrations, direc-
tions and suggestions for making
costumes of
This material is ideal for cos-
tumes. With it you can obtain
wonderful color effects — and un-
usual designs. It is inexpensive
and so easy to handle that the
youngsters can help with their
own costumes.
The possibilities are limitless —
with 35 plain colors and 72 printed
designs of crepe papers from
which to choose.
Stationers, department stores
and druggists sell Dennison Crepe
papers and also the instruction
book, "How to Make Paper Cos-
tumes."
Dennison Instructors and Ser-
vice Bureaus work with Play-
ground Supervisors. They can be
of much assistance in planning
costumes for pageants and in or-
ganizing classes in the various
fascinating Dennison crafts.
Use this coupon and mail today.
DENNISON MANUFACTURING CO.,
Dept. 12-D, Framingham, Mass.
Enclosed find ten cents for which please send me the book,
"How to Make Paper Costumes." I am also interested in
D The free service of Dennison instructors
D The Dennison Crafts.
Name
Please mention THE PLAYGROUND when writing to advertisers
57
KELLOGG SCHOOL
OF
PHYSICAL
EDUCATION
Broad field for young women, offering at-
tractive positions. Qualified directors of
physical training in big demand. Three-
year diploma course and four-year B. S.
course, both including summer course in
camp activities, with training in all forms
of physical exercise, recreation and health
education. School affiliated with famous
Battle Creek Sanitarium — superb equipment
and faculty of specialists. Excellent oppor-
tunity for individual physical development
For illustrated catalogue, address Registrar.
KELLOGG SCHOOL OF
PHYSICAL EDUCATION
Battle Creek College
BOX 255 Battle Cfeek, Michigan
ence W. Mendell, '04, Chairman of the Board of
Control of the Athletic Association, said :
"I conceive that the object of an undergraduate
college education is, in the broadest sense, the
development of character. .
"The college cannot succeed solely through the
theoretical side of the education through the class-
room instruction. It must have an educational
laboratory in which theories and results may be
tested. This is the real educational function of
athletics. In competitive sport, judgment under
stress, quick thinking, self-confidence against
odds, co-operative action, sportsmanlike respect
for the rights of the other man and for the rules
of the game — all of these are tested out under
expert observation. The competitions of life are
different and often more severe and the penalties
for failure more inescapable but in the laboratory
of sport the demonstrations are clear and the
lessons are lasting.
"If competitive sports are the laboratory of
character, then it must be extended to as nearly
100 per cent, of our undergraduates as possible.
It must be under the supervision of the finest
staff of men that we can gather together. It must
give something of the variety of opportunity and
severity of competition that the participants will
meet in after life."
Omaha's Volley Ball Tournament.— Mr.
Ira A. Jones, Director of Athletics, Board of
Education of Omaha, reports that 960 girls played
volley ball every Saturday morning during the
winter in five leagues conducted for grade school
girls. High school girls acted as officials. On
February 14 a round robin tournament was
played by the winners of each league, the team
winning all its games being declared city cham-
pions. After the game all the girls who had
taken part in the tournament were given a ban-
quet in the Technical High School cafeteria. The
dinner was served cafeteria style at twenty-five
cents per person. The tables were decorated by
the schools and there was much friendly rivalry
as to who could claim the best decorated and the
most original tables, the best school song and the
most original song.
The banquet was attended by the women mem-
bers of the Board of Education. The Assistant
Superintendent of Schools, a woman, made the
only speech, and each school sang its school song.
The dinner took place at five o'clock, and the girls
left for their homes at seven.
58
Please mention THE PLAYGROUND when writing to advertisers
Like transit companies and power plants,
playgrounds must be prepared to take care
of the "peak-load" — the hours when appara-
tus is jammed — when clamoring youngsters
pile on swings, ladders or Giant Stride.
Heedless of their own safety, these reckless
care-free little-folks must be protected. And
there lies your responsibility as purchaser of
playground apparatus.
PLAYGROUND EQUIPMENT
Over 50 years of experience has enabled
Medart engineers to design playground ap-
paratus which will yield a high margin of
Safety during "peak-hours." It is but natural
that the qualities of Durability and Economy
should follow that of Safety.
Catalog M-33 contains much valuable information
on playgrounds and equipment. May we send it?
Fred Medart Manufacturing Co.
Potomac & DeKalb Streets
ST. LOUIS, MO.
NEW YORK
CHICAGO
SAN FRANCISCO
Please mention THE PLAYGROUND when writing to advertisers
59
The Child's Approach
to _Music Study
*iL _jJ' "" -"
To win the enthusiastic interest of the boy or girl at the very
outset has always been one of the biggest problems in music
teaching. Our leading educators agree, today, that this can be
best accomplished by enabling the youngsters to make music in
their own ways, by the use of the most universal of all musical
instruments — the Harmonica. After they have become proficient
on this instrument they will take naturally to the study of the
piano, the violin and other musical instruments. A Hohner Har-
monica for the boy or girl will help to solve the problem. With
the newly perfected Chromatic Harmonica they can play the
complete chromatic scale. It is not a toy, but a real musical in-
strument which will promote the child's self expression in music.
These instruments are endorsed by such prominent group educa-
tors as
rknt iaJicaits faagut .tofat li.tt tndiotttf movto
BLOW DRAW
"do" "re"
Peter W. Dykema, Prof, of Music Education, Columbia
University, New York City.
Dorothy Enderis, Asst. Supt., Milwaukee Schools.
W. A. Gore, Supt. Schools, Webster Grove, Mo.
Edward Randall Maguire, Principal, Junior High School 61,
New York City.
Charles H. English, Supervisor, Bureau of Recreation, Chi-
cago, Illinois.
G. Ovedia Jacobs, Principal Nixon School, Chicago, Illinois.
Write today to M. Hohner, Inc., Dept. 209, 114 East 16th St., N. Y. C., for a FREE BOOK OF IN-
STRUCTION on How to Play the Harmonica and particulars as to its application to School work.
HOHNER HARMONICA — "TtotMus*ca/Pa/ofMme"
PHYSICAL EDUCATION
TEACHERS AVAILABLE
For Elementary <and High Schools
Meeting the Advanced Requirements of
New York, Pennsylvania, Michigan, In-
diana, etc.
NORMAL COLLEGE
of the
American Gymnastic Union
407 East Michigan St., Indianapolis, Ind.
SUMMER SESSION IN CAMP at Elkhart Lake, WU.
Ivory Soap in the Art World. — To concen-
trate the attention of the public on a novel use
for Ivory soap a nation-wide competition in sculp-
ture was recently held by the Art Center of New
York City. The Procter and Gamble Company
offered prizes of $250, $150 and $100 for the best
small sculpture carved in white soap. More than
600 entries were made in the contest and some
beautiful exhibits were shown.
The use of soap in this way is a valuable dis-
covery to sculptors who wish to get away from
the modelling habit to develop skill in carving,
and it is also a valuable medium for those students
who have no access to marble or who have not
the strength to work in marble. There is an added
and important advantage in the fact that this dis-
covery will have influence on the development of
the artistic side of children.
A number of the best sculptures submitted for
the contest will be sent on tour to museums in
some of the leading cities of the country.
An interesting suggestion for soap carving is
found in Playground Handicraft, a suggestive
little booklet compiled by Gladys Cameron Britten
and published by the Westchester County, New
York, Recreation Commission:
"Soap carving is simple work and is intensely
interesting to the average child. It answers more
readily to the pressure of the knife and because it
is easier to work with than wood, attracts the be-
ginner. A bar of ivory soap will make a most
perfect Eastern house and has been used with
great success in Sunday school classes. One need
not be an artist, though if a child has any ability
along artistic lines, carving heads from soap is
constructive and interesting play. A bar of soap,
a jack-knife and the American boy's insatiable
desire to carve something somewhere will account
60
Please mention THE PLAYGROUND when writing to advertisers
Action!!!
Activity!!!
The chikl demands action — something that moves — something to hold onto — some-
thing to push — something to ride upon. The "Merry-Whirl" Swing provides all of
these for children, and their joy is complete when riding on it or holding onto the
railing and running around the platform, jumping on and off as the swing whirls.
The "Merry-Whirl" Swing is the bright spot in playgrounds. It fills the need of
a long looked for pleasure device that combines all the qualities of a perfect plaything,
by giving exercise to mind, muscle, and imagination, combined with fresh air and sun-
shine.
The "Merry-Whirl" Swing solves a big part of the problem of the child's enter-
tainment and development. Wherever installed, it instantly becomes the favorite of
children who daily enjoy playing various games their imagination inspires.
The "Merry- Whirl" Swing represents an advance in playground equipment that is
as logical as it is needed. Filling the demand for a perfect toy, as it may be termed, it
takes its place as a standard piece of public playground apparatus ; sturdy in construc-
tion, easily installed, and easily dismantled for storage in winter, if desired.
NO PLAYGROUND IS COMPLETE WITHOUT A "MERRY-WHIRL" SWING
Write for Descriptive Booklet
THE MERRY WHIRL SWING MANUFACTURING CO.
110 So. Dearborn Street, Chicago, Illinois
Please mention THE PIAYGROUND when writing to advertisers
61
Giant Products Excel
— in guarantee because all Giant Products are
guaranteed to be as represented and to give com-
plete satisfaction. Five years are given in which
Giant Products may be thoroughly tested. In that
time if any defect appears in any of the equipment
it will be cheerfully replaced at no charge.
— in finish. All metal parts used in the construc-
tion of Giant Products are heavily "hot-galvanized"
producing beautiful spangles which insures a long
lasting and durable finish.
— in material. All wood and steel used in the
manufacture of Giant Products is absolutely first
grade. Nothing but the best must be used to up-
hold our liberal guarantee.
A FEW GUARANTEED PRODUCTS
MADE BY GIANT
Giant Strides, Universal Waves, Portable Slides, Steel Stairway
Slides, Swings, Combination Outfits for large or small playgrounds,
Horizontal Ladders, See-Saws, Merry-Go-Rounds, Traveling Rings,
Flag Poles, and many others.
Write for attractive prices
GIANT MANUFACTURING COMPANY
COUNCIL BLUFFS, IOWA
RHYTHMS
For Playground Activities, Social
Dancing, Schools and Settlements.
The books listed below have become
standard in schools for use in rhythmic in-
terpretation. They present a wealth of
material in fine music especially adapted to
stimulating the imagination and calling forth
rhythmic activities that are inherently ar-
tistic.
SKIPS AND RHYTHMICAL
ACTIVITIES $1.00
By Dora I. Buckingham
SCHOOL RHYTHMS 1.25
By Ethel M. Robinson
RHYTHMS FOR THE KIN-
DERGARTEN 1.00
By Herbert E. Hyde
MUSIC FOR THE CHILD
WORLD (3 Vols.) each 2.50
By Mari Ruef Hofer
CLAYTON F. SUMMY CO., Publishers
429 South Wabash Ave., Chicago, 111.
Send for our Catalog of School Song Books,
Operettas and Entertainments
for many hours on the playground. Ducks and
boats and fishes are especially well adapted for
soap carving, as they are not difficult to shape and
may be used in the water especially if they are
cut in floating soap."
A Report from Indianapolis. — A summary
of the activities of the Indianapolis, In-
diana, Park Board for the year 1924 shows that
the work of the Park Department has not only
kept pace with the progress and accomplishments
of former years but has greatly increased its ef-
ficiency and service to the general public. Thou-
sands of men, women and children of all classes
have been served during the season in golf, base-
ball, football, tennis, horse shoe pitching, roque,
dramatic performances in the municipal theaters,
and in musical events. Camp Samuel Lewis
Shank, operated by the United States Naval au-
thorities at Riverside Park, with the cooperation of
the Park Department was highly successful. The
Tourist Camp also furnished wholesome hospital-
ity and enjoyment to thousands of tourist campers.
The importance of the activities of these units of
recreation and diversion cannot be overestimated
in a city the size of Indianapolis, the capital of the
State.
62
Please mention THE PLAYGROUND when writing to advertisers
Children Play Better on
a hard, but resilient,
dust less surface.
Here is a new treatment for surfacing
playgrounds which makes a hard, durable,
dustless, yet resilient footing for the children.
Solvay Calcium Chloride is a clean, white, flaky chemical
which readily dissolves when exposed to air, and quickly com-
bines with the surface to which it is applied.
S O L V A Y
Flake
Calcium Chloride
"The Natural Dust Layer"
is odorless, harmless, will not track or stain the children's
clothing or playthings.
Its germicidal property is a feature which has the strong
endorsement of physicians and playground directors.
Solvay Flake Calcium Chloride is not only an excellent dust
layer but at the same time positively kills all weeds. It is easy to
handle and comes in a convenient size drum or 100 Ib. bags. It
may be applied by ordinary labor with hand shovels or the
special Solvay Spreader, which does the work quickly and
economically.
The new Solvay Illustrated Booklet will be sent free on request.
Ask for No. 1159
THE SOLVAY PROCESS CO.
Wing & Evans, Inc., Sales Department
40 RECTOR STREET, NEW YORK
Please mention THE PLAYGROUND when writing to advertisers
63
Did You Ever
have the THRILL of
FLYING?
These children are
getting wonderful
EXERCISE and a
SAFE THRILL.
It gives them the
sensation of flying
through space by Re-
volving and Teeter-
ing.
This is only one of
our many pieces of
apparatus for the
PLAYGROUND.
JUST ONE ROUND OF JOY
ON OUR
BALL-BEARING FLYING SWING
Mail a Post-card today for our ILLUSTRATED CATALOG
PATTERSON -WILLIAMS MFG. CO., SAN JOSE, CALIF.
COSTUMING A PLAY
Inter-Theatre Arts Handbook
BY ELIZABETH B. GRIMBALL AND RHEA WELLS
AN invaluable book for producers and directors
in little theatre, community drama, educa-
tional dramatics and the recreation field.
It contains practical information and instruction
about period costumes, their design and execution,
the choice of materials, the color, lighting, dyeing
and decorating of costumes.
The costume plates show the most distinct and
characteristic changes in line and silhouette from
the early Assyrian and Egyptian to the Civil Wai-
period. Each plate gives designs for the various
social castes of the time, such as king, nobleman,
middle class, peasant.
Explicit directions are given of how to make each
costume from the design, and what simple and in-
expensive materials can be used to give the effect
of richness and beauty. Directions are also given
as to the making of jewelry, head dresses and foot
wear.
This is a book which will simplify the problems
of costume.
The price, $3.00.
THE CENTURY COMPANY
353 Fourth Ave., New York City
The Christmas season activities were varied.
They included cooperation with the Indianapolis
Choral Society of more than five hundred trained
voices in the rendition of the Messiah at Cadle
Tabernacle ; the sponsoring of the Christmas carol
movement with its hundreds of singers carrying in
song and by musical instruments the message of
Christmas cheer to all parts of the city. Hotels,
hospitals, the sick in their homes, prisoners in the
jails were visited by the singers, and brass quar-
tets heralded Christmas morning with their stirring
notes. Beautifully lighted Christmas trees were
placed around the Soldiers' and Sailors' Monu-
ment, in University Park, and furnished to muni-
cipal centers, hospitals, schools, and engine houses.
The list of property acquisitions for the year is
impressive. Among others are lots on the East
and West sides of the James Whitcomb Riley
homestead on Lockerbie Street for a small park
and playground, furthering the dreams of the cele-
brated Hoosier poet for the happiness of children,
and a swimming pool and lockers in Rhodius Park
at a cost of $85,000. In addition to these accom-
plishments the Park Department has received note-
worthy gifts of playground sites of four lots from
Kingham & Company, and a space on English
64
Please mention THE PLAYGROUND when writing to advertisers
Be Sure of the Best
Specify "Paradise!"
When a manufacturer has exceptional facilities whereby
he can produce the finest possible equipment and sell at a
price almost equal to that of inferior equipment, he can
assure the user the greatest dollar for dollar value obtain-
able in playground apparatus. Paradise Playground Equip-
ment is all of this — in fact we can justly call it the "Ne Plus
Ultra" of Playground Equipment.
The "Paradise" line is complete and includes Straight
and Wave Slides, Swings, Teeter Boards, Merry-go-rounds,
Teeter Ladders, Horizontal Ladders and Bars, Parallel
Bars, Flying and Traveling Rings, Giant Strides, Ocean
Waves, etc., and each and every one built to last a lifetime.
Our new beautiful catalog will interest you. Drop us a
line and we shall be glad to send it at once.
THE F. B. ZIEG MFG. COMPANY
140 Mount Vernon Ave.
Fredericktown, Ohio
Please mention THE PLAYGROUND when writing to advertisers
65
Municipal
Horseshoe
Courts
at
Flint,
Mich.
A view of the twelvo cement courts at Berston Field, Flint, Michigan. During
the Cityi Horseshoe Tournament, held here in the evening, there were as high as five
hundred ' spectators.
Flint now has thirty-two horseshoe courts, located in five different parks, and
more are to be built this summer.
J. D. McCallum is Landscape Designer, Department of Parks and Forestry.
Five Dollars for a Photograph
Do they play Horseshoes in your city ? We will pay five dollars for any photograph
of good ^horseshoe courts which we can use for advertising purposes. Send one in if
you have good courts, with any particulars you can furnish about your local leagues.
Do not hesitate to use and recommend Diamond Pitching Horseshoes. They are
drop forged steel, scientifically heat treated to prevent breaking or chipping. Sold
in sets complete with stakes, or with leather carrying cases holding two pair, also
by the pair. Made in "Official" weights and in "Junior" weights for women and
children.^
Ask for free copies of the folder, "How to Play Horseshoe."
DIAMOND CALK HORSESHOE CO.
4610 Grand Avenue, Duluth, Minn., U. S. A.
Diamond "Official" Horseshoes conform exactly
to the requirements of the National Association of
Horseshoe Pitchers, but are made in weights vary-
ing to suit individual tastes as follows: 2*4 Ibs. ;
2 Ibs., 5 ounces; 2 Ibs., 6 ounces; 2 Ibs., 7
ourrces, and 2 % Ibs.
THE NORMAL COURSE
IN PLAY
Ready for distribution in May — The Normal
Course in Play. Compiled by the Playground and
Recreation Association of America for the use of
colleges, normal schools, special recreation and
physical education schools and other institutions in
the training of workers.
The practical material contained in the book will
make it of value to recreation departments and
private groups holding institutes for the training
of employed workers and volunteers.
The material is presented under the following
chapter headings :
Chapter I — The Community Recrea-
tion Program
Chapter II — Nature and Function of
Play
Chapter III — Leadership
Chapter IV — Facilities
Chapter V — Organization and Admin-
istration
Chapter VI — Growth of the Community
Recreation Movement
At the end of each chapter appear a bibliography
and questions and suggestions for presenting the
material.
Orders for books at $2 each may be placed im-
mediatelv with the Association.
Avenue from George T. Porter. This latter play-
ground will be called Porter playground and will
serve a neighborhood hitherto without such a
space.
In carrying out its policy of extended service to
the people the Park Department and its superin-
tendent, Walter Jarvis, are giving realization to
the recreational survey made in 1914 by Francis
R. North, field secretary of the Playground and
Recreation Association of America, a survey which
seemed a far-flung ideal at that time.
The Play Movement in Paterson, New
Jersey. — The growth of the recreation move-
ment in Paterson during the past six years is
graphically shown in a chart which appears in the
annual report for 1924 submitted by Dr. L. R.
Burnett, Superintendent of Recreation. A few
of the figures follow: Proposed
1919 1924 1925
Children's playgrounds 10 20 23
Playground ball fields 1 20
Junior baseball fields 2 6 10
Senior baseball fields .. . . 3 7 10
Football fields 1 7 9
Athletic fields 2 2 3
Evening school centers with
gymnasiums and baths.... 167
In addition to the playgrounds, indoor athletic
66
Please mention THE PLAYGROUND when writing to advertisers
A SPECIAL OFFER
of
Special Interest
to
Recreation Workers
ARE your supplies ready for the playground season? And have you included among them
the book on Handcraft? Here are patterns and directions for making more than forty
toys, favors and articles of various kinds. You will find it invaluable in your playground pro-
gram. Price $1.25.
There is, too, THE PLAYGROUND appearing each month, with all the suggestions it has to
offer on playground activities and adult recreation. No recreation worker should be without
this magazine. For a year's subscription, $2.00.
To new subscribers to THE PLAYGROUND the Association is offering the magazine for a
year and the Handcraft book at a special rate of $2.75.
Why not place your order immediately?
FUN FOR
EVERYONE
The Playground
and Recreation Asso-
ciation of America
announces a new edi-
tion of the handbook
on social recreation
known as Fun for
Everyone. Many
suggestions for holi-
day celebrations and
special parties have
been added and the
book has been en-
larged and made
more helpful. The
price, however, re-
mains the same —
$.50.
TWELFTH
NATIONAL RECREATION
CONGRESS
ASHEVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA
October 5-10, 1925
Put it on your calendar now —
Plan to come —
Bring a delegation from your city —
Information — RECREATION CONGRESS COMMITTEE
315 Fourth Avenue, New York City
GAMP
SANITATION
What camp director
has not at one time or
other wished that he had
at hand detailed informa-
tion on Camp Sanitation?
Such information, com-
pressed into 100 pages,
with copious illustrations,
will be found in Camp
Sanitation, a reprint from
the chapter on this sub-
ject which appears in
Camping Out — A Manual
on Organized Camping.
Prepared by George C.
Dunham, M.D., Major,
Medical Corps, United
States Army, this chapter
contains the most author-
itative and up-to-date in-
formation available on
the subject.
Price 25c
ACCOUNTING FOR CAMPS
Not an inspiring but a necessary and very practical subject !
Accounting for Camps by Irving Ornstein, C.P.A., and Louis A. Rifkin, B.C.S., C.P.A., is a reprint from a chapter
in Camping Out — A Manual on Organized Camping in which detailed suggestions are given for classifying accounts, keeping
books and records and for making financial statements. Sample balance sheets, statements of income and expenses, and
schedules, are shown and a number of forms are given.
Price 15c
SIX BIBLE PLAYS
By
MABEL HOBBS AND HELEN MILES
Bureau of Educational Dramatics
Playground and Recreation Association of America
Plays of simplicity, based on Old Testament
stories — Bible language used throughout.
Beautifully illustrated with photographs of
the characters in costume. Included are the
words and music of Hebrew melodies appro-
priate to the plays.
Price $2.00
THE CENTURY COMPANY
353 Fourth Avenue, New York City
MANUAL on ORGANIZED CAMPING
Playground and Recreation Association
of America
Editor, L. H. Weir
The Macmillan Company
A practical handbook on all phases of organized camping
based on an exhaustive study of camping in the United
States.
May be purchased from the
PLAYGROUND AND RECREATION ASSOCIATION
OF AMERICA
315 Fourth Avenue, New York. N. Y.
Postpaid on receipt of price ($2.00)
Please mention THE PLAYGROUND when writing to advertisers
67
A WHOLE library of stand-
*± ard folk dances are now
being recorded for
The
DUO-ART
THE AEOLIAN COMPANY
Educational Department
AEOLIAN HALL NEW YORK CITY
FOLK DANCES
Games — Festivals — Pageants
Send for illustrated circular with
Tables of Contents of our more than
40 books.
A. S. BARNES & GO.
7 West 45th St. New York
uQBb
Wetomachek Hockey
and Sports Camp
POWERS LAKE, WISCONSIN
For Women Coaches, Directors of Physical
Education and Playground Instructors.
English Coaching methods used in Hockey.
Facilities for all Land and Water Sports.
An Ideal Vacation.
Registration for one, two, three or four weeks.
July 20th to August 15th.
For particulars address Camp Secretary, Dept. 45.
Chicago Normal School of Physical Education
5026 Greenwood Ave., Chicago, Illinois
meets and evening centers, one of the outstand-
ing features of the program in Paterson is the
Industrial Athletic Association formed in 1920,
which continues to promote interfactory competi-
tion in several forms of athletics, with dances at
evening centers and schools and group banquets.
The Association is self-supporting.
The most striking example of the varied groups
brought together in weekly contests under the
auspices of the Association is afforded by the
occupations of over six hundred men registered
in seven bowling leagues. There are silk workers,
dyers, salesmen, grocers, machinists, electricians,
plumbers, city, county and federal employees, tele-
phone, gas and insurance men, bakers, furniture,
drygoods and news dealers, aeroplane, bridge and
ice makers, laundry, oil, express and bank em-
ployees, together with many other lines repre-
sented.
Among the other activities of the Association
are industrial baseball teams, basketball leagues,
soccer and rugby teams.
Southern California's 1925 Eisteddfod.—
From April 13 to 18 Ventura County, California,
will hold its second annual Eisteddfod under the
auspices of Community Service of Oxnard.
Music contests, according to the program which
has just been issued, will play an important part
in the plan. The sections on pianoforte, violin
and string instruments, orchestras, vocal music,
choral contests and bands, are creating widespread
interest. The Drama Department will have sec-
tions on comedy, fantasy, pantomime, children's
plays, readings and story dramatization. There
will be an oratory section with impromptu
speeches, prepared orations, high school declama-
tions, recitations and debates.
The Art Department is arranging for exhibi-
tions of paintings — oil, water color and pastel —
and etchings. There will also be exhibits of
photography, commercial art — lampshades, batik,
posters, metal and leather work, bookbinding,
wood carving, needle work and China painting.
The Department on Essays and Literature will
receive essays on Americanism and on questions
of national and local interest.
An interesting feature of the Eisteddfod will
be group contests in folk dancing and in individual
national dances.
Interest in the Eisteddfod has extended far
beyond the limits of Ventura County and has
spread all over Southern California.
68
Please mention THE PLAYGROUND when writing to advertisers
THE LITTLE MERRY-GO-ROUND
Patented June 1917
Particularly recommended for its capacity of accommodation, its ready
adjustment to all sizes, ages and kinds, and its unusually reasonable cost.
Write for free illustrated catalog
Little Merry-Go-Round Company
Manufacturers of Real Playground Equipment
Men, Not Money, Make a Country Great
Education Without Health is Futile
St. Cloud
Minnesota
SPECIAL COMBINATION OFFER
THE ATHLETIC JOURNAL
A magazine for athletic coaches and physical directors
THE PLAYGROUND
A monthly magazine on recreation
$1.50
Per Year
$2.00
Per Year
Total $3.50
These magazines taken together $2.35
Send your
Subscription to
THE PLAYGROUND
315 Fourth Avenue
New York City
Book Reviews
FUNDS AND FRIENDS by Tolman Lee Published by the
Woman's Press, New York City Price $1.50
A real contribution to the art of money raising, called
by the author the "art of friendly finance," is made in
this book which discusses in a most human, understand-
ing way some of the problems and principles involved
in financial campaigns or in raising funds.
"The getting and giving of funds should be a friendly,
natural transaction, based upon confidence and interest.
Too often it is thought of as an attack and a surrender.
That attitude puts both fear and edge into the manner
of the asker and guardedness and reserve into the mind
of the donor. People are not enemies to be conquered.
They do not present walls of indifference to be battered
down. They are persons like ourselves, often pressed
for time, conservative by training, scrutinizing by habit."
With this as the attitude in mind, the money raiser
should start on his task. Suggestions are offered under
the following groupings : Making Your Fears Work for
You ; Words Fitly Spoken ; Why People Give ; No Man
Liveth to Himself; Fact Information; Picturizing the
Budget ; Quality in Leadership ; Keeping the Public In-
formed ; Five Parts Human Nature.
Here is a book which every social and civic worker,
paid or volunteer, should add to his library.
COMMUNITY SINGING AND THE COMMUNITY CHORUS — A
Manual of Procedure — by Kenneth S. Clark Pub-
lished by the National Bureau for the Advancement
of Music, New York City
Helpful suggestions for organizing for community
singing, for meeting exercises, for training new leaders
and for selecting music will be found in this booklet,
which also tells how to build on the interest in community
singing to create a permanent community chorus.
PITCHING
HORSE
SHOES
Drop
Forged
Steel
Used by the World's Champions
Special prices to Recreation and Playground
Associations
OHIO HORSE: SHOE: co.
888 Parsons Ave. Columbus, Onto
"HANDY" prepared by Social Recreation Union. Pub-
lished by Lynn Rohrbough, 72 Mt. Vernon Street,
Boston. Complete set $2.00
An exceedingly interesting venture is "Handy" a
quarterly magazine being issued by the Social Recreation
Union of Boston, an organization created by a number
of graduate students who have been meeting to discuss
church recreation. The book is made up of loose-leaf
notes, printed, bound in a serviceable blue cloth binding.
It is divided into twelve sections which may be secured
separately :
A. Guideposts — Gives information regarding the So-
cial Recreation Union, general suggestions and
definitions of terms used throughout the book
Please mention THE PLAYGROUND when writing to advertisers
69
70
BOOK REVIEWS
Patented
WHOLESOME WATER
'IpHE Murdock Outdoor Bub-
ble Font is more than a
Drinking Fountain — it is a wa-
ter supply system. Inside the
rugged pedestal is an all brass
construction to furnish safe and
wholesome water.
LASTS A LIFETIME
For
PLAYGROUNDS— PARKS
Write for Booklet "What An Outdoor Drinking
Fountain Should Be."
The Murdock Mfg. & Supply Co.
427 Plum Street, Cincinnati, Ohio
Makers of Outdoor Water Devices Since 1853
McGill University
School of Physical Education
A two year Diploma course in the theory and
practice of Physical Education. Women Students
only admitted for Session 1925-26. Special Resi-
dence. Session begins late in September and ends
in May.
The demand for teachers still exceeds the supply.
For special Calendar and further information apply
to the
Secretary, Dept. of Physical Education,
Molson Hall, McGill University, Montreal
[WK5S
IP
-fi*
m THE WOMANS PRESS
ill 600 Lexington Avenue New York, N. Y.
Tlayj
and
Paje-
antj
H
HI THE QUEEN OF YOUTH .50
Spring is crowned queen of youth in n
pageant of pantomime ami dancing.
THE FESTIVAL OF PROSERPINA - .50
The capture of Proserpina by Pluto and
joy of awakening earth at her return.
THE CROWNING OF SPRING - - - .50
A delightful little play Introducing
dancing and using children.
FOLK FESTIVALS ------- $1 50
for
•Sprinj
Source book for spring pageants of old
world folk customs.
SLAVIC FOLK DANCES $1.75
Eighteen delightful old dances for out
of door festivals.
RECREATIVE ATHLETICS
THE Playground and Recreation Asso-
ciation of America announces the
publication in April of a revised and
enlarged edition of Recreative Athletics.
A number of additions have been made to
the material which should add greatly to its
value. Winter sports, water sports, track
and field meets, methods of classification and
scoring, group and mass athletics, physical
fitness tests, problems of organization and
administration, and many other phases of
athletics are discussed in the book, which in
its new and attractive form will appeal to
recreation workers, physical directors,
athletic coaches and all workers who are
concerned with the recreational life of young
people.
Price 60 cents
B. Contains advance information regarding publicity,
decorations, refreshments and equipment
C. Is full of suggestions for leadership
D. Has to do with program building
G. Mixing games
H. Active games and outdoor recreation
K. Quiet games
M. Mental recreation
Q. Dramatic recreation
S. Musical recreation
W. References
There are envelopes for collecting clippings regarding
different phases of recreation, and a number of blank
pages are included which may be inserted in the various
sections. The book is full of helpful suggestions and is
ingenious and original.
MAY DAY FESTIVAL BOOK Published by the American
Child Health Association, 370 Seventh Avenue, New
York City
The American Child Health Association is planning
this year to make May Day a day on which communities
will concentrate their thought and attention on the pro-
tecting and safeguarding of child health and welfare.
To bring this about the Association suggests that the ideal
of joyous health be emphasized from the viewpoint of
the child through outdoor festivals and parties. To help
communities in arranging programs two booklets have
been issued — May Day Plan Book, giving suggestions
for organization and program planning, and the May
Day Festival Book, containing information regarding
pageants and festivals, old May Day customs and cere-
monies, plays, parades and window displays. The price
of each is $.10.
Please mention THE PLAYGROUND when writing to advertisers
A Victrola XXV for every playground
Have you arranged for music on your playground this summer?
Folk dancing is impossible without just the right music played in just the
right tempo and spirit. These are so played on our Victor Folk Dance Records
as directed by Miss Elizabeth Burchenal. Singing games are monotonous with-
out accompaniment. Most of the drills and exercises cannot be successfully
given without musical accompaniment of music that is spirited, in even tempo,
loud and clear, and that can be heard from the back row.
Victrola XXV, $115
Designed especially for use in schools and
playgrounds. Finish: Golden oak, waxed
In this instrument is combined every strong feature that
particularly fits it for every requirement of school work. It
is complete with its own stand, has a lid (with lock and key),
is equipped with No. 41 oak horn, which is removable and
may b? placed underneath when not i n use. Being light, it
is easily carried up and down stairs, out on the play-
ground, or wherever it is needed. The lid is removable,
permitting the hom to swing in any direction.
For further information consult your nearest dealer in
Victor products or write
Educational Department
Victor Talking Machine Co., Camden, N. J.
The Victrola XXV is the best type of talking-machine manufactured for this
purpose. It is light, easily shifted about, strong and durable. Its splendid wood
horn gives it musical carrying power for out-of-door work. Lifted on a platform
from fourteen to twenty inches above the ground, (to allow the sound waves to
flow freely without obstruction of the bodies of the children) , set with the wind,
an extra-loud Victor Tungs-tone Needle, and your music will ring out clear and
true, and will carry to the back rows without becoming "muddy" or faint. Try
it with several hundred children, and go back of them and note results.
The Victrola XXV will do the work! Try it!
Educational Department
Victor Talking Machine Company
Camden, New Jersey
Please mention THE PLAYGROUND when writing to advertisers
"HIS MASTERS VOICE
73
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74
The Playground
Vol. XIX, No. 2
May, 1925
The World at Play
A Holiday with the English People. — An
invitation has come to Americans from the Holi-
day Fellowship Association in England to make
use of their guest houses while traveling in the
British Isles or in such places on the continent as
they are located. The Association has for its
objects : to organize holiday making ; to provide
for the healthy enjoyment of leisure ; to encourage
the love of the open air, and to promote social
and international friendship. Charles Trevelyan,
M.P., formerly Secretary of State for Education,
is the President of the Association, which is run
on a more or less cooperative plan and seeks no
profits. The Association has many attractive
guest houses where for about $16 a week both
young men and women may enjoy outdoor life
and social intercourse, and find new friends.
Trips to the surrounding country, walking, motor-
ing, games, dancing and other social activities are
enjoyed. The Association believes that world
peace and brotherhood can come only when the
folks of different countries get better acquainted.
They are therefore offering their resources to
Americans, that they may come to know better
this cross-section of the English people. A plan
has been worked out whereby, through using these
centers, a seven weeks' tour to England, Scotland,
and Wales may be enjoyed for approximately
$400. Since the centers are very popular, accom-
modations should be booked early. Miss Emily
Bax, Women's City Club, 22 Park Avenue, New
York City, will be glad to send full particulars.
Vacation Study in Europe. — The North/
German Lloyd Steamship Company is organizing
in connection with its Student Trips, a visit to
Germany at reduced rates to study new develop-
ments in physical training in that country. Special
research has been conducted by the Deutsche
Hochschule fuer Leibesuebungen in the correla-
tion of sociological and anthropometrical observa-
tion for the purpose of adapting physical educa-
tion to the needs of the people. The Deutsche
Hochschule has also given very special attention
to the Youth Movement in Germany. Courses
will be arranged to suit American students. A
special leader will be assigned to each group of
twenty.
Accommodations can be secured on the S. S.
Muenchen leaving New York on June 30 and
sailing west from Bremen, August 15. Further
information may be secured from Friedrich O.
Kegel, 2016 Green St., Philadelphia, Pa.
Play in Armenia.— Barclay Acheson in an
article published in the January, 1925, issue of
The New Near East says, "If ever the Armenians
are to be welded into one racial unit they must
learn the playground lessons of good sportsman-
ship and teamwork regrettably lacking in so in-
dividualistic a race." At Kazachi Post, Alex-
andropol, one hundred leaders have been trained
in recreation under the Near East Relief's "play"
program. Games have been translated from Ban-
croft, Curtis and Angell and children are taught
them in groups of fifty. Community singing is
also another phase of the program. Because all
Armenian music is sad and commonly depicts
tragic scenes or laments, songs of a lighter,
happier character have been translated into the
Armenian language and a girls' choir, a band,
out-of-door singing and musical recitals have
been organized. Dramatics are also included in
the program and cheerful plays are being trans-
lated for the use of the Armenians. There is
much enthusiasm over this amusement and a play
is given every Saturday evening. A party is also
given every Saturday evening at a cost of $2.80,
with different groups of the older girls acting
as hostesses. Discharged orphan boys living close
at hand are guests — a social event which is most
unusual in the Near East where such wholesome
companionship between sexes is little known.
Recreation of this sort is a counter-balancing in-
fluence to the institutional life and tragic history
of the Armenian children.
75
76
THE WORLD AT PLAY
Recreation in the Holy Land. — Dr. Chaim
Weizmann, head of the World Zionist Organiza-
tion, in discussing the influence of American
civilization on the rapidly growing Hebrew State
in the Holy Land, told of the recreational activi-
ties being carried on. "Apart from reading," he
said, "the population relies chiefly on sports and
music for recreation. By music I mean serious
music. The various communities have their own
concerts. As there are a great many able mu-
sicians in Palestine, the concerts compare favor-
ably with concerts in Paris and London.
"We even have the beginnings of opera. Of
course, there is no opera house yet. The perform-
ances are out-of-doors — the climate is well suited
to that. But the strength lies in the personnel.
Almost all the Jewish artists formerly at the
Imperial Opera in Petrograd are now in Palestine.
The performances are really excellent.
"Football, cricket and other English games are
played quite generally. The schools give special
attention to both physical culture and sports.
The popularity of English games comes from the
English army. Many English Jews, two or three
thousand, I should say, have been stationed there,
and they have taught the games to the newcomers
from other parts of the world."
Knights of Columbus Provide Play for
Children of Rome.— The New York World
reports that the Knights of Columbus are now
developing a million dollar recreation enterprise
in Rome. "Five centres have been located in
strategic points of the city for welfare work
among children.
"The first recreation centre is located quite near
St. Basilica, on a site of 5,000 square metres, sur-
rounded by buildings fully equipped to meet the
recreational needs of the neighborhood. The
buildings include a spacious theatre fitted with
modern equipment, a gymnasium fully equipped,
a chapel for boys and one for girls, study rooms,
and living quarters for attendants.
"The second centre lies on Jasmin Hill, a mile
beyond St. Peter's. It has an area of twelve acres,
including two football fields, a track and tennis
and basketball courts. There is a fully equipped
club house.
"The third centre, in the densely populated San
Lorenzo district, has 18,000 square metres of land.
The playgrounds and buildings will serve more
than 5,000 school children in the district, who at
present have no recreation centre.
"Two other centres, with 15,000 square metres
of land each, are being prepared to serve other
densely populated sections."
(Copyright New York World Press Publishing
Company, 1925.)
A Welcome with Flowers. — Houston's latest
project is a Flower City Contest. The Houston
Advertising Association and the Neighborhood
Organization Division of the Recreation and
Community Service Association is conducting a
campaign to make Houston a city of flowers by
May, the time of the coming of the \Vorld Adver-
tising Convention. Every citizen is urged to im-
prove and beautify his home and neighborhood.
Seeds of the very best kind are being placed on
sale for a small amount at the school building in
each school district.
"Let's make Houston bloom a bright welcome
to the world. Get your seeds in the ground. Call
for your seed packages. Let's dig, plant and grow
together."
The Margaret Baylor Inn. — The recreation
center of Santa Barbara, California, founded by
Margaret Baylor, has for ten years provided lec-
tures, concerts, dances and similar activities and
such facilities as a concert hall and auditorium, a
gymnasium, a reading and pool room for men and
a club and rest room and kitchenette for women.
In 1924, 123,000 people used the center.
Activities for girls have been an important part
of the program. Rooms have been set aside for
transients, a room registry for girls and women
lias been maintained, and many girls have been
placed in positions through the free employment
bureau. Now, in response to the last expressed
wish of Miss Baylor, a hotel for young women
is to be erected which will be the center of
women's activities. Known as the Margaret
Baylor Inn it will prove a fitting memorial for
one who gave years of unselfish service to her
community.
In Pasadena. — "The crowning event of the
year," writes Fred W. Walker of Pasadena Play-
ground Community Service, "was the annual
banquet, at which were gathered fifty playground
supervisors, members of the city Board of Educa-
tion, city directors, the Board of Playground
Directors, representatives of the press and other
guests. After the banquet the hall was turned
into a playground and playground activities were
THE WORLD AT PLAY
77
carried on. Among the events were basketball,
dribble relay, broomstick golf, Noah's ark in
plasteline, ring quoits, give-away checkers and a
fashion parade. There was, too, a community
song, a grand march and musical chairs."
Drama, music and art are strongly emphasized
on the Pasadena playgrounds, and each month
every school puts on a playlet. On some of the
grounds guitar, mandolin and ukulele orchestras
have been organized.
New Year-Round Cities in Illinois. — Alton,
Illinois, has initiated its year-round recreation
program. A Recreation Commission has been
organized and John E. MacWherter has been ap-
pointed Superintendent of Recreation.
Clarence Day has become the recreation execu-
tive in Blue Island, Illinois, and work there is
proceeding on a year-round basis.
Radio Contests on the School Playgrounds
in Chicago. — The radio contests conducted by
the Bureau of Recreation of the Chicago Board
of Education, for both boys and girls, are proving
very popular. The parts 'necessary for the con-
struction of crystal sets are secured at the Five-
and-Ten-Cent store, making the total cost about
seventy-five cents. The radios are judged on the
basis of the set which gets the most distant sta-
tion, is the best constructed and the most novel.
Many Thousands for Recreation in Colum-
bus.— "The budget of Columbus, Ohio, for 1925,"
writes a district representative of the Playground
and Recreation Association of America, "allows
$41,785 for recreation, an increase of about
$10,000 over last year. There has also been passed
a bond issue of $25,000 for playground equipment,
and $26,000 for land. I was present as a visitor
at an open council meeting when approval was
voted of a plan to convert the city market-house
into a neighborhood center at an estimated cost
of $30,000, and the first vote of approval was
given a bond issue for $140,000 for a new golf
course. It was inspiring to hear a city council
go on record unanimously for recreation to the
extent of many thousands of dollars."
Helping Them Change Their Minds! — Not
long ago in a northern city there was a movement
on foot in the City Council to cut down the play-
ground appropriation from $10,000 to $6,000.
The president of the local playground association
went before the Mayor and Council and said to
them, "Gentlemen, this proposed cut in the appro-
priation will mean that we shall have to close two
of our six playgrounds. I feel that it will be my
duty to place large signs on the two most popular
playgrounds which will read as follows : THIS
PLAYGROUND HAS BEEN CLOSED BY ORDER OF
THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL." This created
a stir and the Mayor urged that certain other
playgrounds be closed instead of the two desig-
nated. The playground association president,
however, stuck to his point, and finally the Coun-
cil and Mayor agreed to give the full appropriation.
Can You Help? — The offices of the Recrea-
tion Department of Newport and their entire con-
tents were destroyed in the City Hall fire which
took place on March 24th.
Supervisor of Recreation Arthur Leland lost
all of his professional tools and a very valuable
playground library which contained reports from
playgrounds all over the country dating back to
the year or two previous to 1901 when Mr. Leland
entered playground work. He also lost his per-
sonal copy of the book which he wrote Playground
Technique and Playcraft, which is now. out of
print. Mr. Leland would appreciate information
as to how he could secure a copy of this book and
also wishes his friends to send him any reports,
publications, or playground forms which will be
helpful in re-establishing his library.
Cooperation with the Local Library. —
The McKinley Memorial Library of Niles, Ohio,
is cooperating with George McCourt, the Recrea-
tion Director of Niles Community Service, in
having prescribed bookshelves and bulletin
boards for Mr. McCourt's material on kites. In
arranging for kite tournaments Mr. McCourt has
found it helpful to give blackboard talks to school
children on kite construction.
A Library Recreation Center. — The Melrose,
Massachusetts, Public Library is operating a very
successful recreation center in the basement of its
building. The center is open under leadership
every afternoon from three until six and children
between the ages of five and fourteen are ad-
mitted. In addition to a game room where groups
can assemble to play games at tables, the program
includes quiet group games, storytelling and dra-
matization. Among the stereopticion talks on
interesting topics have been talks on famous
78
THE WORLD AT PLAY
paintings. Hikes are taken once a week and na-
ture stories are one of the popular features of the
hike. A musical afternoon was arranged by the
children and given in one of the nearby homes.
During the Christmas 'season they also plan their
own Christmas play, the boys building the stage
in the game room and the girls planning the
decorations.
Since the center opened over five hun-
dred different children have taken part in
the activities, the average daily attendance being
fifty. Plans are being made to open the center
evenings to older people, particularly those of high
school age. While the work is under the direction
of the Library, it has received financial aid from
the Community Associates and the Public Health
Service, as well as from the Library Board.
Wilkes-Barre Has an Active Program.—
Bowing is a popular sport in Wilkes-Barre.
The Playground and Recreation Association of
Wyoming Valley, Inc., reports that there are
twenty-four teams of girls and thirty-four of
men, with a total of approximately six hundred
registered bowlers.
The weather permitted of unusually fine winter
sports — eight coasting hills and a big skating rink,
skiing and tobogganing made the program a lively
one. Forty-four business concerns of various
kinds belonged to the Store Employees' Associa-
tion during 1924 and participated in the recreation
program. Recently the Association raised ocer
$1200 at an entertainment which it gave.
Asheville's New Golf Course. — Asheville,
through the Mayor and his Recreation Commis-
sion, in cooperation with the Chamber of Com-
merce Recreation Committee, has bought land for
a municipal golf course at a cost of approximately
$75,000. The course adjoins land which is al-
ready improved for park purposes and which has
a pleasure lake with bathing and swimming facili-
ties already under construction.
A Basket Ball Banquet. — In March the De-
partment of Recreation of Shreveport, Louisiana,
finished a highly successful basket ball season by
holding a 600-plate banquet. Addresses on recrea-
tion, music, entertainment features and dancing,
added to the enjoyment of the banquet.
A Roller Skating Carnival. — The Playground
Department of the Board of Park Commissioners
in Seattle in January conducted a roller skating
carnival for boys and girls.
The events consisted of relays in which entries
from Boy Scouts, Camp Fire Girls and parochial
schools participated. The special races included
novelty races for boys and girls, a brother and
sister race and seventy-five-yard dash for boys.
In a third group of the program were open races,
with such events as a coast for distance for boys
and girls, seventy-five-yard dash for boys and
fifty-yard-dash for girls. Ribbon awards were
made the winners.
Westchester County Recreation Camp. —
The Recreation Commission of Westchester
County will conduct a summer camp for children
from ten to fifteen years of age, facilities fur-
nished by the Westchester Park Commission at
Croton Point Park. The rates will be $6.50 per
week per child. Boys will be taken July sixth to
August third, girls from August third to August
thirty-first.
The Pasadena Community Players. — The
growth of the work of the Community Players
of Pasadena has been a convincing demonstration
of a community response to a sincere effort to
produce non-commercial, non-professional drama.
In 1917 a group of people came together to
discuss means of providing Pasadena with spoken
drama. The Community Players Association
was organized as a result of this meeting. Dur-
ing the first year of its existence, the Association
produced plays in which paid performers played
the principal parts, amateurs being used to fill in.
This experiment was not successful. The follow-
ing year the organization was put on a non-pro-
fessional basis, and at the end of the second year
the Association's membership totaled forty-seven
people who paid a fee of $1 a year. Today it has
1,767 members at $2 a year, 160 sustaining mem-
bers who pay $25 a year, and eleven patrons who
contribute $100 or more.
The supporters of the movement are now build-
ing a $300,000 theatre which will be opened about
May 15th. The new playhouse is the last word
in theatre construction. The proscenium arch
will be 30' high, the stage proper 120' wide and
45' deep — large enough to present any drama
written for stage production. Its architecture is
early Calif ornian.
The Community Players produce two plays a
month throughout the entire year. The program
is so planned that there will be plays appealing
THE WORLD AT PLAY
79
to all the various elements making up the city's
population. Comedy, tragedy, farce, melodrama
and occasionally musical plays, are represented.
For the plays it produces the Community Players
pay royalty ranging from $100 to $300 a week,
depending on the popularity and age of the play.
The playwrights of America have occasion to be
grateful to the Little Theatre of Pasadena, not
only because it uses and pays for their plays but
because it has recently taken a step which may
open a nation-wide market for plays, the character
of which prevents them from being produced in
the commercial theatre. Members of the Dra-
matist Guild of the Authors' League of America
have been invited to submit plays to be considered
for the opening of the new theatre. To date more
than eighty of the recognized dramatists of
America have sent plays. It is the plan of the
Community Players in the future to devote con-
siderable time to bringing out new plays.
Urbana Players Open Little Theatre. —
Market Square Theatre in Urbana, Ohio, dark
for several years, has been converted into what
many call "the prettiest little theatre in the state"
by the city's Community Players. The walls are
decorated in tan and cream, with the Players'
monogram in green. Shaded wall lights, cream-
colored curtains at the windows and stage draper-
ies of brown denim further carry out the restful
color scheme. The dressing rooms have also been
refurnished.
The Players opened their theatre with two one-
act plays, directed by Mrs. Edwin Murphey.
Her First Appearance was an adaptation of Rich-
ard Harding Davis' The Littlest Girl. The story
concerns a child dancer. This part was beautifully
played by little Anna Lee Tignor, who is the
pride of the Players and has appeared before in
their productions. The second play was a comedy
Sauce for the Goslings, by Elgine Warren.
Dr. T. T. Brand is President of the Urbana
Community Players, who were organized three
years ago through Urbana Community Service.
Starting with thirty-five members, the Players
now have seven hundred members enrolled.
The Cross Creek Players. — The Cross Creek
Players of Fayetteville, North Carolina, organized
in January, 1925, started their career with a pro-
duction of Kick In, Willard Mack's powerful
melodrama. So great a success did the play prove
to be that one of the surrounding communities
has asked to have the play produced in their
community. Members of the organization who
have had little or no experience in acting, but who
show histrionic ability, are given an opportunity
for further development by being cast in light
one-act plays. Players who have had more ex-
perience participate in such drama as Kick In.
The Cross Creek Players foster the High School
Dramatics Club which has been formed in Fay-
etteville, and a great deal of assistance is given
this junior organization by the director, who helps
plan and design the junior productions.
It is the plan of the Players to give at least nine
performances during the next season, averaging
about one a month. The organization, which will
be incorporated in the near future, will be operated
on the Theatre Guild plan. Ticket books, sold for
$15, will assure the holder two seats at each of the
productions. In addition to these sustaining mem-
bers, there will be patrons who contribute larger
amounts for the maintenance of the organization.
In Honor of Hansel and Gretel. — A Hansel
,and Gretel Storytellers' League is one of the latest
activities of San Diego, California, Community
Service. The League, which took its name be-
cause of the success attending the telling of the
story of the opera a year ago, will serve to em-
phasize the purpose of the preparation of the
opera Hansel and Gretel which is to be given again
on April 24-25. The chief objective of the
League, however, is to promote home recreation.
Just as San Diego's Front Lawn Theatre has been
started to foster home dramatics, and folk dancing
classes organized for mothers in teaching dancing
to their own and their neighbors' children, so
storytelling is to be developed as a phase of home
play which calls for a participation of fathers,
mothers, brothers and sisters. Parents wishing
to arrange home story hours will be assisted
through bulletins and stories mailed them at their
request. Training classes will be conducted at
which the essentials of storytelling will be given.
A Mother-Dad Frolic.— The Mothers' Play
Group of Port Chester, New York, which for
more than a year has been meeting on alternate
Wednesdays to study problems of play for little
children, using Joseph Lee's Play in Education as
the basis for their study, on March 28 gave a
party to which husbands were admitted.
The social hall of the firehouse was transformed
for the event into a veritable flower garden.
80
THE WORLD AT PLAY
Every other dance was a favor number, featuring
gardening. Partners found each other by match-
ing small rakes and shovels. The matching of
cards picturing "daily dozen" poses, and whistling
for your partner, were other devices for partner
finding. Another popular feature of the frolic
was an auto race.
The Port Chester Mothers' Play Group repre-
sents a type of organization which has a real place
and field of service in connection with community
recreation programs.
Recreation Institutes. — The annual play-
ground institute conducted by Cincinnati Com-
munity Service will be held this year on nine
Saturday mornings. The object of the institute
will be to train men and women in the work of
directing and assisting on the playgrounds of Cin-
cinnati and vicinity. It will also be of value to
those interested in such activities as summer
camps, play streets and club work.
From June 15 to 26th a recreation institute will
be conducted under the auspices of the Depart-
ment of Sociology of the University of Omaha .
Summer School. The purpose of the institute
will be to train for volunteer and paid leadership
in the various fields of recreation and to make the
play life of groups more effective and interesting.
University credit will be given for all work satis-
factorily completed, and recreation leaders' certi-
ficates will be issued to those completing forty-five
recitation hours of instruction. Classes will be
held from 8:00 to 12:00 P. M., with practical
demonstrations in the afternoon, ten hours of
practical work being required of candidates for
leaders' certificates.
Broadcasting the Harmonica. — Johnstown's
municipal harmonica band, conducted under the
auspices of the Recreation Commission, recently
gave a concert over the radio. The Mayor in
introducing the orchestra outlined the purposes of
a program of recreation and made a plea for the
better use of leisure.
The program consisted of the following selec-
tions : Opening chorus, ensemble of folk airs, or-
chestra; Golden Stairs, orchestra; zither solo;
Follow the S'tvallow, orchestra ; Trio, The Cricket
Waltz; String trio, guitars and harp-zither; har-
monica solo, with harp-zither accompaniment;
vocal solo, Believe Me If All Those Endearing
Young Charms, accompanied by orchestra; har-
monica solo, Old Folks at Home; duet, The Last
Rose of Summer; harmonica solo, Hear the Bells;
harmonica solo, Humoresque; chromatic har-
monica selection ; finale, orchestra.
Music and Childhood. — The National Child
Welfare Association, Inc., has issued, among its
many posters, a series showing the place of music
in the child's life. The complete set of ten
posters, 17"x28" in size and lithographed in full
color, may be secured for $5. Single posters cost
sixty cents apiece.
Another recent set of posters is entitled Kind-
ness to Animals. This set of six posters may be
secured for $2.
Admission Ten Cents! — The final concert of
the Los Angeles Philharmonic Symphony was
attended by an audience numbering about 35,000
people. By a system of careful placing of mem-
bers of the orchestra it was possible for the entire
audience in the vast auditorium to hear even the
muted notes of the violin. More than 15,000
tickets were available at ten cents. Ten thousand
school children were in attendance.
Making Art Function. — Art museums are
increasingly proving centers of interest for chil-
dren. Classes at the Worcester, Massachusetts,
museum in drawing, sketching, modelling and
woodblock-printing are developing in many chil-
dren an appreciation of the beautiful which will
enrich their later lives.
Story hour on Saturday afternoon is the open
door to the museum for many of the children.
When the story hour is over, the children are
taken through the museum on a tour of discovery ;
or if such a trip does not appeal, there are picture
and puzzle books and attractions of many kinds.
A Miniature Playground Exhibit. — The
Children's Bureau of the United States Depart-
ment of Labor announces that a miniature model
of a five-acre playground for city children has
been constructed and will be displayed as part of
the Bureau's exhibit at the meeting of the Inter-
national Council of Women in Washington this
spring. The model, planned by the recreation
expert of the Children's Bureau, is an exact repro-
duction to scale of a playground adequately
equipped for daily use by approximately 300 boys
and girls. It contains a miniature swimming pool,
a shelter house, two tennis courts, a basket ball
court, a large baseball diamond, a smaller diamond,
THE WORLD AT PLAY
81
A MODEL PLAYGROUND FROM THE CHILDREN'S BUREAU
a wading pool for little children, seats for the
story hour, swings, ladders, flying rings, sand
boxes and other equipment. Tiny figures of chil-
dren engaged in the various sports are part of the
model.
The model will be available for exhibit purposes
by communities or accredited child welfare or-
ganizations. Application should be made to the
Children's Bureau well in advance of the time
the exhibit is desired, and the borrower will be
asked to pay expressage both ways.
An "Old Country" Exhibit.*— An interesting
exhibit in Detroit grew out of a discussion of
old laces which took place in the sewing room of
the Junior High School. The teacher, wishing
to illustrate the different types of laces, asked the
pupils to bring samples from home. They not
only brought laces but other articles of interest
and the sewing room was soon the scene of an
interesting exhibit of Old World products.
Hungary and Germany contributed the largest
number of articles. Other countries, however,
were well represented. Tapestries from Norway,
Scandinavian laces, Italian cutwork scarves, Irish
linen embroidery, beads from Jamaica, picture
frames from England, a real Paisley shawl from
Jugo-Slavia and a chest full of treasures from
China, were among the articles sent in by inter-
ested parents. An embroidered vest worn by the
father of one of the pupils on his wedding day
was on display, while one of the girls came to
school on the day of the exhibit dressed in a com-
plete Rumanian costume.
Handcraf t Suggestions. — -M o u 1 d i n g with
sealing wax is one of the newest and most delight-
ful forms of handcraft designed by the Dennison
Manufacturing Company. Anyone who has seen
the beautiful flowers resembling glass which can
be made by this method will be eager to discover
the secret of how it is done. There are, too,
pendants, beads and other fascinating articles
which may be made by the same process. Mould-
ing with Sealing Wax is the name which has been
given Dennison's craft packet of patterns and
directions, which may be secured for ten cents.
A similar package entitled Painting with Seal-
ing Wax contains patterns and suggestions for
preparing and applying sealing wax paint in mak-
ing floral designs and designs for borders and for
decorating vases and boxes, candles and candle-
sticks and similar articles. The cost of this pack-
age is also ten cents.
*From February 9th issue of School Topics, published by the
Board of Education of Cleveland.
William H. Geer
In the death of William H. Geer, the recreation
movement loses a good friend and an active
worker. Mr. Geer began his ^career as instructor
and athletic director at the Austin, Minnesota,
High School in 1908. He later served as secre-
tary and recreation director of the Government
Clubhouse in the Canal Zone, receiving the Roose-
velt medal for this service; director of play-
grounds at Mount Vernon, New York; assistant
inspector of physical training with the Military
Training Commission of New York State ; super-
intendent of physical education for New York
State. At the time of his death he was director
of physical education at Harvard.
82
THE WORLD AT PLAY
Lectures at the American Museum of Nat-
ural History. — A People's Course of Lectures is
given at the American Museum of Natural His-
tory, in conjunction with the Board of Education
of the City of New York, on Tuesday, Wednesday
and Saturday evenings. These lectures are on
such subjects as history, art and the theatre and
are free to adults, and to school children if ac-
companied by parent or teacher. A special school
children's course is offered on Monday, Wednes-
day and Friday afternoons and another course on
Thursday evenings is open only to Members of
the American Museum. Saturday morning is
given over to interesting lectures for the children
of members. The Annual Membership fee is
$10.00, the Sustaining Membership, $25.00 and
the Life Membership, $100.00.
Regarding the Work of the Buffalo Society
of Natural Sciences. — In the article on the
work of the Buffalo Society of Natural Sciences
in the March PLAYGROUND there appeared a state-
ment to the effect that the Friday evening lectures
conducted by the Society had been carried on for
five years. These lectures have been a part of
the program for twenty-five years instead of five,
and the Society is justly proud of this long record
of successful service.
To Save the Children.— In the 1924 edition
of "Facts and Figures of the Automobile Indus-
try," published by the National Automobile
Chamber of Commerce, there are printed six
traffic safety suggestions which are the recom-
mendations of the National Automobile Chamber
of Commerce Traffic Planning and Safety Com-
mittee.
Suggestion No. 4 reads as follows :
"BETTER GUARDIANSHIP OF CHILDREN — Wash-
ington, D. C., cut its child fatalities in half by
safety education iji the schools. It cannot be ex-
pected that children will remember to cross at the
crossings unless they are thoroughly drilled in this
habit. Adequate playgrounds must be provided."
A Gift to the Junior Achievement Clubs.
— Horace A. Moses of Springfield, Massachusetts,
President of the Eastern States League of the
Junior Achievement Bureau, has given a splen-
didly equipped clubhouse to serve as a central
institution for all Junior Achievement activities
of the northeastern states. The building will be
a two-story structure 72'x230'. It is believed that
it will cost nearly $300,000.
The first floor will have an exhibition hall,
office and rest rooms, and an auditorium with a
seating capacity of 500. The entire upper floor
will be used as a dormitory, with sleeping quarters
for 300 boys and 300 girls. In the rear of the
main building will be an annex for receiving and
shipping of exposition exhibits of the achieve-
ment clubs and for storage purpose. In addition
to serving as a home for all achievement club ac-
tivities, the building will be used for a series of
training camps for club members and leaders and
like activities throughout the year.
Safety on the Playground. — The Education
Section of the National Safety Council in the
April issue of Safety Education suggests some
methods for "encouraging children to play in safe
places such as yards and playgrounds wherever
these are available, to help them to see the unde-
sirability of the street as a playground and to
make them considerate of the rights of others in
their play." Among the suggestive methods are
playground rhymes, safety games and devices, a
playlet and a discussion of the public playground
as the safest place to play. Another device con-
sists in asking the children to draw pictures show-
ing playground activities.
An Old Game Revived. — The ancient game
of Badminton has been revived in the banking
district of Boston. There are more than three
hundred members in the Badminton Club, and
every day many of the leading bankers, clergy-
men, lawyers and business men of the city go to
the Club for the daily exercise which means re-
laxation, health and recreation.
The essential features of Badminton date back
to the China and Japan of 2000 years ago. The
game itself, as it is known in England and scat-
tered sections of the United States, was probably
developed along with battledore and shuttlecock,
which was the progenitor of modern tennis. But
as far as can be ascertained, the first Badminton
court was built in 1873 in India. It took England
by storm about forty years ago. But unlike
cricket, which has never been played to any extent
in this country, Badminton is fast gaining in
popularity. It has been called an ideal game for
men in the fifties and sixties.
The game is played over a net almost five feet
high stretched across a room 44'x22'. The
THE WORLD AT PLAY
83
equipment consists of a small leather-covered cork
shuttle or "bird," with a tiny weight inside. Six-
teen perfectly matched feathers stick out from it.
A racket similar to a tennis racket is used to strike
the shuttle.
A physician makes a personal examination of
every applicant for admission to the Club, decides
how long a time he shall play, and in every way
keeps a watchful eye on the player to see that his
game shall remain suitable to his needs.
(Information from Boston Herald.)
Boston University Complimentary Docu-
ments.— The School of Religious Education and
Social Service of Boston University distributes
each year valuable studies in the fields of moral
and religious education. The publications in this
year's list which will be of special help to public
school teachers and officers are:
Athearn, Walter S. : An Evaluation of the
Project Method as an Instrument of Religious
Education
Bentley, John E. : The Mechanistic and Per-
sonalistic Psychological Contributions to the Field
of Religious Education
Marlatt, Earl : What is a Person ?
Munkres, Alberta, and others : Bibliography for
Elementary Workers in Religious Education
Any or all of these bulletins will be mailed with-
out cost to any address upon application.
Requests for the publications should be sent to :
WALTER S. ATHEARN, Dean of the School
of Religious Education and Social Service
of Boston University, 20 Beacon Street,
Boston, Mass.
Convention Program of the Eastern Dis-
trict Section of the American Physical Edu-
cation Association. — Discussions 'of interest to
recreation workers were in the program of the
Eastern District Convention of the American
Physical Education Association held at Rochester,
New York, April 2-4, 1925. The convention
opened in the evening of April 2, after a day of
visiting the schools and seeing Rochester by auto,
with an address by Dr. Payson Smith, State Com-
missioner of Education, Massachusetts, speaking
on Some Fundamentals in the Educational Pro-
gram. On the two following days there were dis-
cussions on athletics for women and physical abil-
ity tests for girls, on problems in the conduct of
men's athletics, on motor ability tests and many
allied subjects.
The Annual Report of the Girl Scouts,
Inc. — The annual report of the Girl Scouts, Inc.,
for 1924 has made its appearance in a new and
attractive form. Indeed, so novel and delightful
is it in appearance, length and illustrations that
one cannot resist reading it.
Mr. Lies in Alabama. — Eugene T. Lies spoke
before 300 registered delegates at the Alabama
State Conference of Social Work. He also spoke
before the local Mobile Optimist Club and before
the School of Organic Education conducted by
Mrs. Marietta Johnson at Fairhope, Ala. Mrs.
Johnson, in the School of Organic Education, is
applying some of the fundamental principles which
are being carried out in the national leisure time
movement.
Mr. Lies found that a number of Alabama
leaders are interested in trying to secure the pas-
sage of the referendum home rule recreation bill
at the next session of the legislature in 1927.
Mr. Kennedy Acting Head at South End
House. — The Council of the South End House
Association of Boston has asked Albert J. Ken-
nedy, who was so long associated with Robert A.
WToods, to become Acting Head Worker of South
End House. Mr. Kennedy has worked with
Robert A. Woods not only in the South End
House but also in the National Federation of
Settlements, of which Mr. Woods was Presi-
dent, and of which Mr. Kennedy is still Secretary.
Badges at Lower Rates. — Recreation execu-
tives and officials will be interested in the an-
nouncement that the price of the badges awarded
boys and girls for passing the Athletic Badge
Tests of the P. R. A. A. has been reduced from
twenty to ten cents.
Last year 13,914 boys' and girls' badges were
purchased from the Association by workers in
391 communities. This sale represents a great
increase over any preceding year. The fact that
the state physical education departments in twelve
states include these tests in their programs is an
indication of the growing popularity of the tests.
It is the hope of the Association that during
1925 the number of recreation executives using
the tests will be very materially increased. A
pamphlet descriptive of the tests may be secured
free of charge by writing the Association.
84
IRENE KAUFMANN SETTLEMENT
Henry Kaufmann Gives
Birthday Gift to the Irene
Kaufmann Settlement
Henry Kaufmann came to the United States
as a poor immigrant boy at the age of 16. At the
end of a period of struggle he founded with his
brothers the firm of Kaufmann's in Pittsburgh of
which he is now vice-president. In 1910 Mr.
Kaufmann gave $200,000, which enabled the
"Columbian School and Settlement" of Pitts-
burgh to erect a new building which has since that
time been called the "Irene Kaufmann Settle-
ment" in memory of his daughter. Yearly he has
contributed toward the expenses of the settle-
ment and the expansion of its work. On Janu-
ary 18, 1925— the settlement's thirtieth birthday
— Mr. Kaufmann donated a piece of property in
downtown Pittsburgh worth $750,000, making a
total of approximately $1,500,000, which he has
contributed to his daughter's memorial. Because
of his interest in those who desire a higher edu-
cation he has provided through the settlement over
100 scholarships to high schools, colleges and uni-
versities.
During the thirty years since the Irene Kauf-
mann Settlement was founded it has been active
in social, civic, health, recreational and educa-
tional activities. It has become one of the largest
social settlements in the country. Each year of
the thirty has marked some new accomplishment.
Sidney A. Teller, who has been resident director
of the settlement for the past eight years, has
given enthusiastic and untiring service to the
work.
Mr. Kaufmann's latest gift and his continued
interest will stimulate the courage and faith of
the settlement's loyal workers. It will make pos-
sible greater accomplishments by the settlement
in the years to come.
The Irene Kaufmann
Settlement Celebrates Its
30th Birthday
Several years ago, the Irene Kaufmann Set-
tlement, under the direction of Sidney A. Teller,
Head Resident, started the observance of the
birthday of that Institution by having an Open
House Week.
This year the thirtieth birthday was observed,
and Open House Week was spread out from
January 16 to January 25 because of the great
number of events \vhich were held. One evening
was devoted to the annual neighborhood reception
and tea when the Residents and Board Members
were the hosts to the hundreds who came, filling
the building with neighborliness. There were old-
fashioned, old time and old country dances, and
impromptu talks by the neighbors, and tea out of
samovars. On another evening Mr. Teller spoke
over KDKA Radio. The boys at the Settlement
had built their own radio set, and with a loud
speaker a crowded auditorium heard the story of
the Settlement as it went from the Broadcasting
Station. Hundreds "tuned in" in Pittsburgh, and
letters have been received from Canada to Ala-
bama, from New Hampshire to Mississippi.
Three evenings were devoted to the sixty clubs
which meet at the Settlement. On these evenings,
besides the usual program of entertainment, char-
ters were presented to the new clubs, and the
Honor Club Trophy awarded. Charters are
given after a year to clubs who qualify through
service, progress, effort and attendance. The
Honor Club Trophy is contested for during the
entire year, because it is on the whole year's
standing as to "attendance, self expression, ad-
vancement and service" that the decision is
reached.
Two evenings were set aside for a three act
musical comedy, which was like all other events of
Open House Week, entirely a Settlement produc-
tion. Costumes, dancing, singing, orchestra, print-
(Concluded on page 128)
Program Making for Girls' Camps
BY
MRS. EDWARD GULICK
Director, Aloha Camp
What are the ultimate ends of camping for
young people? If we can agree on what makes
the ideal camp, we can probably find what pro-
gram will most nearly achieve the result. The
Association of Camp Directors, at their annual
meeting last spring, accepted and adopted a state-
ment of the basic standards for organized sum-
mer camps. After speaking of the great impor-
tance of the camp director and of the physical
fundamentals of a good camp, the statement out-
lines these additional standards for the good camp.
"A — A good camp measures the value of its
location, sanitation, food, equipment, personal re-
lationships and program in terms of health. It
makes the inculcation of health habits an integral
part of the camp program, and strives to have its
campers attain good health as a durable and joy-
ful possession, worthy of daily effort and atten-
tion.
B — A good camp measures the value of its loca-
tion, equipment, personal relationships and pro-
gram in terms of character. It consciously and
unconsciously develops in its campers the funda-
mental virtues, such as obedience to law for the
good of the whole, resourcefulness, loyalty, toler-
ance, generosity, a desire to serve, leadership —
in short the qualities most needed for good citi-
zenship.
C — A good camp measures the value of its lo-
cation, its equipment, personal relationships and
program in terms of joy. It secures happiness for
the camp season. One chief effect is to enable the
campers to revalue for themselves the various
ways men employ to secure happiness. Thus the
good camp educates for leisure and the durable
satisfactions of life.
Even in the brief period of one season the state-
ment asserts there should be some measure of
benefit in each of these points: 'Superior health
and the knowledge and will to preserve it ; mastery
of the body; joy and skill in its use both on land
and in water, keenness of eye and ear, deftness of
hand, senses alert in observation, heart responsive
'Address at meeting on Summer Camp Problems, Recreation
Congress, Atlantic City, October 17
to beauty.' We have also the right to expect to
some degree social consciousness and responsibil-
ity, modesty in victory and graciousness in de-
feat, resourcefulness and reliability, contentment
with simplicity and readiness to serve and to
endure."
If we then are agreed these are the fundamen-
tals for a good camp, we must make our program
with great wisdom and care to attain such results.
What should be the program? How can it be
most successfully carried out so as to bring to each
camper, health, character, and joy?
Naturally a program will vary according to
many situations, but the ultimate aim of all excel-
lent camp directors being much the same for their
campers, some tried and tested activities of camp
programs may be helpfully suggested.
A program must be rigid enough for much sav-
ing of time and for effective training, but not so
rigid as to be irksome to the average camper.
Rigidity tempered with wise and reasonable flexi-
bility should be the aim. The modification of the
routine of the program is part of the real camp
program.
The thrifty use of time is a most valuable lesson
to learn early in life. If by gladly choosing the
opportunities for training and development open
to her at camp a girl learns how to plan her day
she has gained a great point in life. Here let me
say I think when a girl is beyond twelve or thir-
teen it is well to have the camp program offer
choices of activities for different times. Some
girls will choose wisely from the first, others will
blunder for awhile. But is it not wise to develop
a little the power of choice early, especially since
none of the choices of a good camp program
would be seriously astray? Campers have often
said to me, "Next summer I know just what to
do and shall not waste any time." It is paying a
big price if a camp girl wastes two or three weeks,
but it is not too big a price if she has learned her
lesson and taken to heart the determination to
choose promptly for herself the best opportunities
and advantages open to her and to plan her time
wisely and thriftily in life.
85
86
PROGRAM FOR GIRLS' CAMPS
The camper must ride the program and not feel
that the program is making a slave of her. The
director must be wise to anticipate a possible
slump of enthusiasm that sometimes comes about
the first week in August, after the camp is well
through the first half period.' Vary the program
promptly, insert a red letter day of delightful ad-
venture, have the campers be councillors. The
fun of such a day will be great, and generally a
few such days will make councillors and campers
all glad to return to the usual program. Illustra-
tion : Trips — mountain, river, camping out ; first
aid and emergency contest ; woodcraft contest.
But to return to our main question — what
should be the program in general ? The serving of
three good meals with a fourth of crackers and
milk at warning before taps is the custom in most
of the best camps in our Vermont neighborhood.
Long nights of sleep — ten hours from 8:30 to
6 :30 — is an excellent practice. A quiet hour after
the midday meal is also part of the day's program
in most private camps. This hour, at some camps,
is kept very quiet, and at others only moderately
so. With Aloha the understanding is to keep so
quiet that the girl at the next cot can sleep if she
wishes to do so. The power to fall asleep for a
short refreshing nap is a great asset in one's life.
It may prove in later life the saving grace that
prolongs health and nerve power for a hard work-
ing leader. At one camp the smallest had special
credits if they fell asleep. In 1924 the rest hour at
Aloha was lengthened.
After these basic physical activities of a day,
what next in the program ? A camper must learn
to be at home on land and water, as far as the
limitations of location and his ability allow. To
be at home in and on the water means to be a good
swimmer ; then to work to be a superior swimmer
and a life saver and to handle correctly and ably
the canoes, boats and sail boats and crafts avail-
able at the camp.
At-home-ness on land is a lifelong task, but
should be stressed at all camps as far as possible.
The task includes woodcraft and all its branches — •
how to pitch a tent, make a lean-to that will stand
wind and rain, make a comfortable bed with bal-
sam boughs or the best available materials, make
various kinds of fires, know how and what to
cook, know the edible plants on a trip and the
harmful ones, too, have some wisdom as to wind
and weather and be able to follow trails, and if
necessary, find one's way home by the stars at
night.
At-home-ness on land means also nature lore —
knowing something of soils, rocks, streams, trees,
plants, insects, animals, birds, clouds and stars.
Among the many leaders needed in a camp it is
hardest to find councillors of contagious enthu-
siasm, intelligently equipped for this sort of work.
But the demand is beginning to bring us the sup-
ply. Cornell University and the Forestry School
of Syracuse University are preparing leaders ex-
cellently trained for such work. Let us not be
discouraged by the difficulty and bigness of this
task. For when a camper has once begun to have
even a slight degree, this "at-home-ness" with all
nature, his life is enriched and his vision is en-
larged with sources of enjoyment that can hardly
be measured.
Besides these two main lines of filling in the
program, we would place of secondary value, but
of real worth, organized sports, and wherever pos-
sible, horsemanship. Baseball, basket-ball, hockey,
called the great coming game for girls in Amer-
ica, and tennis are often so well taught in the
school and home towns of our campers that we
prefer to stress games more naturally belonging
to campy setting, such as treasure hunts, nature
games, archery and Indian games. But still the
organized land sports have their very real value
in character training, even greater. I believe, than
campy games, if I may so call the others. They
train quickness of eye and judgment, quick and
accurate coordination of muscles, the subordina-
tion of the individual to the good of the team,
team and camp spirit, clean sportsmanship and all
that that implies. For these reasons I still believe
in the organized team games in camps, especially
for girls. Boys and men have played and worked
in teams and gangs since the days of Troy and
Nineveh, but only very lately have women begun
to get the training of team play or team work.
Horsemanship is an activity which brings great
joy and health to those who can indulge in it.
Have it in the program when practical. The exer-
cise is a joy, the wise, kind control of an animal
much stronger than oneself gives one a thrill, and
learning how to care for and keep one's horse has
its real value in developing the character and spirit
of the rider.
Handcrafts of all kinds, but chiefly the simple
kinds that may to some degree belong to one's
camp location, have very real value also. Some
consider handcrafts as chiefly valuable for rainy
days. I believe all humanity should know how to
use the hands well and to produce useful, beauti-
ful articles. Training in handcrafts makes a
child appreciate hand work. It is also of real
PROGRAM FOR GIRLS' CAMPS
87
therapeutic value. Doctors are glad now to have
nervous patients taught handcrafts, recognizing
their very real value as a muscular diversion, the
easing of a nervous strain plus the pleasure of
producing some article expressive of one's own
skill and personality. Self-expression is em-
phasized in craft work in camps, as against team-
expression in organized sports, and I believe each
is entitled to a part of each day's program.
Music should have a dignified and liberal allot-
ment of time in the camp program. For making
camp spirit, for developing loyalty and for the
joyous community way of self expression I should
put singing as of the greatest value in the pro-
gram. Those who deal with boys may differ with
me. But I believe a wise, virile man, like the
best song leaders who led our soldiers in their
singing in the Army camps a few years ago, could
make singing a real power in boys' camps. In
girls' camps, by singing, more than in any other
way, the camp comes to feel its entity and unity.
The fun and joy of camp days are constantly sung
into camp life. We are surprised if a good bunch
of mountaineers, after a three days' hike, can't
bring back to camp a bright jolly song telling us
of all their good times to rhyme and music. A
word against camps that sing lustily of their
camp's prowess and sure ability to down all its
opponents may be worth while. As we grow older
and wiser such songs slip out of our accepted lists.
We are teaching girls to admire and cheer good
sportsmanship, even in an opposing team. We
teach many things through songs. Our posture
song—
"When we are at Camp Aloha
It's up to us all to stand straight.
If we bend our shoulders or knees,
We're sure to turn to T. B.'s — etc.
So don't lower your head — look up at the sky —
To all of your ills say goodbye."
We teach camp customs and courtesy :
"Politeness, let me tell you, is a very gentle art,
It softens all asperity and heals the wounded heart.
For instance when in June the campers to Aloha
came
Mr. Gulick for them did these rules and regula-
tions frame.
But, he said it so politely — etc., etc."
It teaches the new girl to fall into line promptly :
"All night long she whispered in her tent,
She 'vould, you know, she would."
Good sportsmanship — "Our shoes may leak but
our feet are water-tight."
It teaches table manners. The little children at
Aloha Hive often sing:
"Table manners may make you happy,
Table manners may make you sad."
Mrs. Farnsworth's camp, Hanoum, celebrated
its fifteenth anniversary entirely through the
Hanoum Camp songs and dance.
Have music at stated times, but also at meals
and impromptu occasions, for quick response to
some pleasant announcement or arrival or de-
parture of camp friends. Our music at morning
prayers or assembly is of the best kind, well ac-
companied with violins, piano, cello and other in-
struments. On Sunday there should be the best
of music for the service, and on Sunday evenings
we have found that our campers delight in sing-
ing the hymns around the fire in the living room.
Dramatic activity of various kinds has its value
in the program. Let it be a chance for guided
self-expression. Do not put too much labor into
long elaborate plays, but never let a poor, un-
worthy play, utter trash, be produced. Let us not
feel that electric lighting and much artificial aid
is necessary. Use your camp setting to best ad-
vantage. Let the campers feel the challenge to
themselves of getting the heart of the play over
to the audience, without the assisting parapher-
nalia used in a city theatre. An excellent article
by Mrs. Alice Heniger in the 1924 edition of Por-
ter Sargent's handbook on summer camps gives
us a most thoughtful plea for good simple dra-
matic work in camps, for better English, and for
eliminating much slang and the use of a small half
dozen adjectives to express all the emotions of
pleasure and surprise. In this line it is possible
girls show more poverty in the use of our rich
language than boys. How hard they use such
words as "wonderful," "marvelous," "awful."
Mrs. Heniger quotes Matthew Arnold as saying,
"Good poetry and good drama do undoubtedly
tend to form the soul and character ; they tend to
beget a love of beauty and of truth in alliance
together. They suggest, however indirectly, high
and noble principles of action, stimulate the imag-
ination." Barefoot dancing in very simple, inex-
pensive costumes of the Greek lines, when taught
so as to allow the child to express the joy and
beauty about her with rhythm and grace has very
real character value. There is the story set to
music. The leader reads the words which are
then sung with the music a couple of times, while
the children listen. Then they give their own
interpretation.
Allow a place or places in your program for
88
PROGRAM FOR GIRLS' CAMPS
many pleasant evening entertainments. Let the
campers feel responsible for getting up these
affairs. But let the wise guide and mentor, the
councillor who superintends entertainments, be al-
ways "in the offing" as it were. Let no poor
trash or unworthy vaudeville be labored over and
presented. Let the director be ready promptly
with finer, better, happier material.
Sunday programs will naturally differ accord-
ing to the spirit and vision of the director. May
I plead for a day of rarer pleasures, a day of a
little more leisure in which to choose the nicest
things one has not had time for during the week.
Let it be as it were a "gilt-edged" day, with more
and better music, inspiring Sunday addresses, long
walks with a choice friend, a chance to paddle off
to a quiet nook, to read some delightful poetry.
Let it be a day of privilege, rather than the old-
fashioned day of "don't."
To illustrate a sample program there is this
one tried at Aloha and often modified, but in gen-
eral quite continuously followed:
Reveille 6:1 5
Calisthenics or Dip 6 :30
Breakfast 7:00
Assembly 8 :30
Hymns, devotions, talks, current events,
guests' addresses, nature talks, music and
contests
Handcrafts 9 :30
Handcrafts, weaving, basketry, pottery,
jewelry, carpentry, sewing, gardening
Woodcraft — trail blazing, camp making, pack
rolling in preparation for longer hikes
Nature lore, tennis, canoeing, boating, sailing
Horseback riding
Swimming 11:00-11:20
Different periods for groups. Cap system.
Saturday contest, wisdom of weekly water
sports, rather than all on a great Water
Sports day
Dinner 12:00
Announcements of honors, singing to victors
Quiet Hour 1-2
Sports 2-5
Camp craft, land sports, swimming periods,
hikes, horseback rides
Supper 5 :00
Leisure 5 :30-7
Evening program 7-8
Dancing, music, games, serenades on lake,
short hikes
Crackers and milk 8:00
Taps 8:30
Notice the choices offered to our campers. It
is our desire to have them feel a great freedom in
filling in the camp time. There are little unfilled
times, leisure times, during the day, besides the
after-supper period. What one does with that
rare thing "leisure" is a test of character. Are
our young folks able to cherish and handle wisely
this precious gift? See that the leisure time of
camp is one of pleasant relaxation and refresh-
ment, never a time of lowering of standards, of
cruel gossip or mischief. Here the councillor,
who has won her way as a wise friend of the camp
girl, has a great opportunity for good.
Having touched somewhat fully on one sort
of program for girls' camps that will make for
health, character, and joy, how can this program
be successfully carried out?
The answer lies in securing the best possible
councillors, in having all councillors not on escort
duty come at least three days early and in having
an intensive training period for the camp staff.
Letters, stating camp ideals and explaining to each
councillor her duties, responsibility, and privileges,
have, of course, preceded the coming together.
All should know the camp and its program and
discuss its points carefully. The camp traditions
and customs, the ideals and methods of the camp
director should all be well known by the council-
lors. Also, each councillor should know as much
as possible about her own particular group of
girls, the health, training of each and the ideals
of the parents for the child's summer attainments.
Great care should be taken to fit the program to
each camper's need. The delicate, but over-ambi-
tious, girl must not be allowed to take long swims
or much athletics. The sluggish, over- weight, girl
must be stimulated to train down, to exert herself
and develop the joys of active sports.
Weekly councillor meetings, meetings of heads
of departments, heads of councils or units, when
such divisions are used, help to clear the uncer-
tain points and keep the ideals of the camp con-
stantly before the staff.
The program is further made to work success-
fully through many happy contests and the giving
of honors, and at the closing the great council or
banquet, and the camp chart of achievement.
Chiefly, however, it is through the fine spirit of
the campers themselves that success is achieved.
Other camp directors may secure health, char-
acter, joy by somewhat different programs. The
program that has a project for the summer, with
all concentrating on that, has worked very
(Continued on page 94)
Program Making in Camps for Boys
BY
L. L. MCDONALD, Director,
Department of Camping, Boy Scouts of America
This rapid growth in camping for boys has
been made possible because camp directors have
had the courage to make their own programs to
suit the desires as well as the needs of boy.-.
There is no compulsory law which requires boys
to go camping. Enrollment depends entirely on
satisfied customers. For this reason the camps of
the early days, when the principal appeal was that
they "kept boys off the streets" and that the extra-
ordinary hardships offered by these poorly
manned and poorly equipped camps helped to
work off the "surplus energy" of boys, are for-
ever a thing of the past. In the light of present-
day experience in camps carefully planned to pro-
duce positive rather than negative results such
camps have no place. Location, equipment, low
price are all important in their appeal to campers,
but program and capable leadership in adminis-
tering it really determine the camp's success or
failure. Program and leadership in any camp are
of paramount importance.
How then are programs to be made? First of
all, we must consider the appeal to the natural im-
pulses of boys. The outstanding elements which,
in the boys' minds make a good camp are fun,
food, freedom, and fellowship. Fun inclusive of
noise, hilarity, competition, adventure, and grati-
fying achievement in activities both physical and
mental. Food, with emphasis on quantity, but
prepared and served with proper care. Freedom
from restrictions, scolding, and many of the
"don'ts," which make city life often so unhappy
to American boys. Freedom, above all, to choose
the subjects and activities which suit his fancy
best; free time to dream day dreams, and free-
dom to try his hand at putting his own dreams
into action. Fellowship and association with
members of his own gang to be sure, but also
familiar friendly speaking acquaintance with men
in the camp who represent the boy's idea of fair-
minded achievement and success.
It is one thing to make a list of things in which
boys might be interested, and still another to
*Address given at Recreation Congress, Atlantic City, N. J.,
October 17, 1924.
schedule definite activities with proper leadership
and facilities in such a way as to make a program
which runs ' smoothly and produces the best re-
sults with a given amount of effort and expense.
Program making in its main essentials must be
done far in advance of the opening dates of the
camp, since selection of leadership, supplies, and
means of advertising are based on what campers
are expected to do. Program the date and the
material for your announcements through bulle-
tins, correspondence, meetings, and personal calls
on prospective campers. A very late spring will
alter the dates on which your final applications
are distributed. Local events shift actual days
on which news publicity is most desirable, but
these must be part of your program.
Program the extraordinary features which
occur but once in a season, and to some campers
possibly once in a life time — the reception of
campers on arrival, formal opening of the camp,
introduction or installation of officers, stunt
nights, field days, water pageants, dramatic pro-
ductions, patriotic occasions, big visitors' day or
days, trips out of camp, last night in camp with
an orderly follow-up to keep in touch with camp-
ers after their return home. For most camp pro-
grams cover a term of years. These are sched-
uled first because to the boys they are most likely
to be memorable occasions, and unless properly
spaced in the season's calendar may fall short of
their best possibilities.
Next, but not necessarily to be announced in
the advance program, prepare your daily routine
in the camp. This should be announced prefer-
ably after arrival at the camp grounds but clearly
understood by leaders in advance. The program
includes :
(a) Rising and retiring hours
(b) Regular meal times
(c) Care of tents, grounds, and other camp
work involving good housekeeping
(d) Campcraft instruction and practice
through which campers learn the art and
devices for living out-of-doors
89
PROGRAM FOR BOYS' CAMPS
(e) Nature study instruction as well as in-
struction in more formal subjects
(f) Supervised camp games and drills
(g) Free time in which boys may choose their
own program or no program at all
(h) Patriotic and religious observance
(i) Camp fires and evening entertainments
(j) Inspections and examinations
(k) Sanitation
(1) Tests for emblems and awards
In the choice of subjects to be presented pref-
erence should be given to the subjects best adapted
to the camp environment. In some camps, for in-
stance, swimming and boating facilities are lack-
ing, and other features, such as hiking, mountain
climbing, and horseback riding can be made very
interesting to campers. Where the surrounding
country is monotonous and uninteresting for hikes
or where hiking trips are especially hazardous,
special leadership must be provided or less em-
phasis must be given to the out-of-camp activi-
ties.
Surely the subjects which would give oppor-
tunity for manual expression, such as handicraft
in wood, leather, and clay ; archery ; construction
work using pioneer tools and materials ; building
of towers, bridges, shelters, rustic benches ; camp
cookery; mapping and drawing; astronomy and
geology, all have their places. There should be,
too, the beginnings of forestry, especially as it
applies to conservation ; dramatics and public
speaking; music; organization and leadership
taught by practice and group projects. A feature
often overlooked is the presentation of the true
pioneer history of the neighborhood in which the
camp is situated. This presented by one of the
oldest residents may be made most effective. An-
other valuable feature for the program is a dis-
play of pioneer skill by backwoodsmen of the
neighborhood ; the use of woodsman's tools in
camp construction ; tree felling ; wood carving ;
marksmanship, horsemanship, tracking and trail-
ing of wild animals ; the use of the lariat ; boat
handling; barbecue and similar events. The ele-
ments actually worked into the camp program will
depend on the director's good judgment and
knowledge of boys and the out-of-doors. The
degree to which a good program succeeds depends
on the skill of the staff.
The result of skillful administration of a wisely
planned program must be :
1. Happy campers
Physical health and safety enjoyment of
camp life
Discovery and development of boys' natural
talents
Development of character, self-respect, un-
selfishness, resourcefulness and inventive
genius
The spirit of fair play and leadership
Knowledge and love of purposeful living
in the out-of-doors
Good citizenship and feeling of responsi-
bility in service to community
A better out-of-doors for future campers
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
I AM MUSIC*
Servant and master am I ; servant of those dead, and master of those living. Through me
spirits immortal speak the message that makes the world weep, and laugh, and wonder, and wor-
ship. I tell the story of love, the story of hate, the story that saves and the story that damns.
I am the incense upon which prayers float to Heaven. I am the smoke which palls over the field
of battle where men lie dying with me on their lips.
I am close to the marriage altar, and when the graves open I stand nearby. I call the wan-
derer home, I rescue the soul from the depths, I open the lips of lovers, and through me the dead
whisper to the living.
One I serve as I serve all ; and the king I make my slave as easily as I subject his slave. I
speak through the birds of the air, the insects of the field, the crash of waters on rock-ribbed
shores, the sighing of wind in the trees, and I am even heard by the soul that knows me in the
clatter of wheels on city streets.
I know no brother, yet all men are my brothers ; I am the father of the best that is in them,
and they are fathers of the best that is in me; I am of them, and they are of me. For I am the
instrument of God.
I AM MUSIC
'American Book Company
Oregon Enlarges Recreation Service for
Harvesters
BY LOUISE F. SHIELDS
Secretary, Oregonian Social Service Bureau
A pair of twins which appeared in the home of
a bachelor stirred the neighborhood to action.
The mother of the twins had applied to the
Hood River Apple Growers' Association employ-
ment office for a position, claiming to be an expert
apple packer but saying nothing about her encum-
brance with the seventeen months old twins. She
was assigned to the apple packing house of the
bachelor along with other women who claimed to
have had experience.
The Twins — and Others
The employment manager received a dismayed
telephone call from the bachelor an hour later,
protesting against the presence of the little chil-
dren who would keep the mother's attention from
her work. The employment specialist replied that
the bachelor was not alone in his misfortune, that
scores of other apple growers who had applied
for harvesters without children were finding that
workers who had reported to the employment of-
fice as two in family were appearing at the or-
chards with a lively bunch of youngsters. The
children were distracting their parents' attention
from their work of sorting, grading and packing,
were getting tangled in the machinery, and were
damaging delicate fruit. Those who went with
their parents to the orchards were taking cold in
the wet grass and causing loss of time for doc-
toring them, and were using the apples for base-
balls.
The Kiddie Kamp Starts
So the neighborhood was ready for the "Kiddie
Kamp" suggested by the Council of Women for
Home Missions, an interdenominational group of
church women with headquarters in New York,
which had established similar projects in cannery
and truck garden centers on the Atlantic Coast,
and through September, 1924, on two large hop
ranches in the Willamette Valley, Oregon. A
committee of the Hood River Apple Growers'
Association took the Council's representative to
call upon orchardists in several parts of the valley,
to a grange meeting and other gatherings, and
decided upon a location for the "Kiddie Kamp"
at a point on the Mt. Hood Loop Highway from
which large orchards radiated, with their attend-
ant fringe of apple pickers' and packers' cabins
used only a few weeks each year. Don Nuna-
maker cleared his ranch machine shop of black-
smith's tools, put up playground apparatus under
a sheltering tent, 30 by 50 feet, and the tents for
living quarters of the Kiddie Kamp staff. A
printed bulletin and personal calls informed par-
ents of the service offered.
Transportation a Problem
The day nursery opened at seven in the morn-
ing and closed at six in the evening. Some of the
parents brought their children in their own cars.
Others bundled them into warm wraps and stowed
them with their supplies of lunch and change of
clothing into the "Kiddie Kars" motored out
each morning and evening by the staff of the
"Kiddie Kamp." The range of ages from nine
years down to six months made even the question
of transportation a lively one. Lois, aged six,
who had early developed the gift of reliability,
was trusted to hold the six months old baby, and
Margaret, aged five and with motherly tendencies,
wedged in the seventeen months old twins between
herself and the four- and five-year-olds who over-
flowed the back seat of the little machine of well-
known make.
The wails of the babies on the first day of leav-
ing their mothers' arms were turned into shouts
of glee on later days when the Kiddie Kar hove
into sight. There were tears on Sunday when
they stayed at home with their parents. The
mother of the seventeen months old twins reported
that Shirley brought out her and Kathleen's
red sweaters and white toboggan caps and said,
"Lady, car, kiddie," and would not be comforted
because she had to stay to witness the Sunday
laundry strung between the harvesters' cabins.
91
92
OREGON SERVICE FOR HARVESTERS
Plenty of Play
The first hour at the nursery was spent in
thawing out the little mites of humanity, giving
breakfast to those whose mothers had risen too
late to prepare it, bathing and dressing the babies
whose mothers had not taken care of that, and
looking after the physical needs of those who had
splinters to remove, or blistered burns, or colds
or stomach aches. Then came an hour of games
under the expert guidance of Miss Carin H.
Degermark, director for the project, and formerly
supervisor for the Portland park recreation ser-
vice.
The roly-poly two- and three-year-olds, as well
as the older children, learned alertness of mind
and coordination of muscles through the fun of
frog leaping, elephant walking, fire engine rescues,
songs and stories, and received citizenship train-
ing through patriotic exercises. The babies
parked on the side lines under the care of other
members of the staff usually looked on with
crowing delight, but occasionally furnished or-
chestral accompaniment of another tune.
For the remainder of the morning the children
aged six to nine alternated with those of kinder-
garten age in the use of the school room under
the direction of Mrs. Carrie H. Chapel, for years
a successful primary teacher in Oregon schools.
The morning and afternoon periods at the "Kid-
die Kamp" were broken by the luncheon hour,
with its festive spreading on low tables, of the
food brought in baskets, tin pails and milk bottles.
Then came a nap hour when Miss Constance
Kantner, the staff specialist in the care of very
small children at all hours of the day, charmed to
sleep all who were under six years. The older
brothers and sisters who came to the playground
for swings, teeterboards, sand box, slippery slides
and giant stride, after school and on Saturdays,
often asked to take a nap, too. Some of the chil-
dren seemed to have been short of sleep at night
and would sleep through the entire afternoon.
There were some sick children each day who
required special care, and a few who necessitated
a five-mile drive into the city of Hood River for
diagnosis by the county physician. The county
nurse, who visited the camp almost daily, segre-
gated several children with infectious skin dis-
eases. Health education received an impetus from
the use of individual drinking cups and paper
towels. Even the two-year-olds learned the
proper hooks for their cups in the wall sections
reserved for their particular coats and caps, and
would stand at their places, cups in hand, while
the water was dippered from the passing bucket.
A tooth brush drill was made possible by gener-
ous druggists.
General instruction in the care of the body
showed results in improved dispositions after a
few days. Some who had been thirsty without
knowing what made them peevish, now had regu-
lar hours for drinking. Others who had been
allowed to "piece" whenever fancy suggested
hunger now had a schedule of mid-morning and
mid-afternoon lunches.
Groups of church women and parent-teacher
associations provided bedding for the babies'
afternoon naps, clothing for those who did not
have a change for emergencies, games, toys, maga-
zines, and, most appreciated of all, newspapers
which served for table cloths, bedding and unnum-
bered purposes.
Providing for Their Education
J. W. Churchill, State Superintendent of Pub-
lic Instruction, came up from Salem to visit the
Kiddie Kamp school and the nearby district
schools with emergency rooms and short term
teachers during the harvest period, arranged for
the first time in Oregon, on the plan started in
California in 1920, to serve the children of sea-
sonal workers. The outstanding difference from
the California method was that Hood River
county had worked out the plan under the direc-
tion of J. W. Crites, county superintendent, with-
out state subsidy.
Apple growers urged their harvesters to send
their children to the regular schools of the districts
or to the private school at the Kiddie Kamp. But
one district which enrolled 60 transient children
found there were 57 of school age whose parents
did not enroll them; some because of their need
for the children's earnings, others because of their
unwillingness or inability to buy text books or
clothing, and in a few cases, their defiance of the
compulsory education law. Oregon has not yet a
state supervisor of school attendance to assist the
counties, as California has had in Miss Georgiana
Garden since 1920.
Excellent Results Secured
Oregon's original contribution to the problem
of the migratory workers has come through its
establishment of the day nurseries, first aid
OREGON SERVICE FOR HARVESTERS
93
stations and evening entertainment as demonstrat-
ed in the Kiddie Kamp at Hood River and in
health and recreation projects on five of the large
hop ranches in the Willamette Valley.
The Kiddie Kamp was carried on as an ex-
periment in citizenship training for the under-
privileged children of the migratory workers, but
it proved to be of service to the families living in
the Hood River Valley. Women who were ex-
pert sorters or packers were now able to retU ji
to work in the apple houses and earn $3 to $4
a day, with the assurance that their children were
safe and learning useful things. Nineteen out
of the 46 children enrolled were from resident
families. Both resident and transient families
paid a small fee for the nursery service.
About 50 per cent, of the Hood River har-
vesters were from established homes in Oregon
and nearby States. The growers stated that they
received the most efficient help from families with
homes and a sense of responsibility to some com-
munity. They have decided to place their order
for 1925 harvesters with reliable employment
agencies 60 to 90 days in advance of their need,
in an effort to obtain families with established
residence, both for the sake of efficient work,
and for the protection of children against the
nomadic life. In this the Hood River growers
are cooperating with the Sectional Employment
Commission of the Oregon Department of Labor.
The Hood River Apple Growers' Association
has adopted a recommendation from its health
and recreation committee to maintain in 1925 at
least one day nursery, first aid for minor injuries,
and evening entertainments— the expense of main-
tenance to be met jointly by the orchardists and
the harvesters benefited, and they have requested
the Council of Women for Home Missions to
provide the organization of the project as it did
this year.
One of the orchardists said at the close of the
1924 experiment, "It has been worth the ten dol-
lars I contributed to the nursery to have my
workers relieved about the safety of their chil-
dren. They have been able to do a full day's
work without running to the door every few min-
utes to see whether their babies were in the wet
grass or eating dirt or getting their fingers caught
in machinery, or worst of all, preparing for an
all night pain by eating too many apples." One
of the contributors supported the project because
of his interest in providing wholesome entertain-
ment to keep the young people from the type of
amusement which he had found in other years
left a trail of tragedy and disease.
Evening Entertainments Appeal to All
Employers as well as employed came in large
numbers on the various nights. One grower said, ,
after a rousing community sing, "We ought to.
get together like this often, even those of us who;
live here." The evening entertainments brought1
out a surprising lot of native ability — a profes-
sional whistler, a cowboy ballad singer, a vaude-;
ville acrobat and others. The first evening was
devoted largely to games, which proved good mix-
ers, and always after that the workers on the
home ranch who had been present for the first
performance came forward to extend hospitality
to those from other ranches.
The plan for evening entertainments in this
apple section differed from that of the five hop
ranches where successful projects were carried
through in the Willamette Valley, in the need for
transportation, since the workers live in crews
of 10 to 40, in contrast with the 400 to 1,000 in
one camp on the hop ranches. The apple har-
vesters coming together for music, games and
stunts from ranches several miles away had to
be late returning and could not lose the sleep
more than once or twice a week. A chain of
entertainment centers is under consideration for
1925, each open twice a week.
The positions of recreation supervisors for
1925 are at a premium. Dozens of college majors
in physical education are interested in this oppor-
tunity for a "vacation with wages," amid stately
firs crowned with views of snow peaks. But the
directors of the projects must be mature men and
women, seasoned in handling social problems.
Lois CARING FOR THE TWINS, PORTLAND, OREGON
94
MORE RUMINATIN'
RECREATION
All who would work toward radical improvement in social conditions in any nation or com-
munity should place recreation next to the development of a positive religious purpose and ideal
on the part of the people as a whole.
For the first need of everybody is a positive and social life to grow up into and have a part
in. Life is always the arch opponent of death, whether moral or spiritual.
The great enemy of disease is health. It is the gray, uninteresting life that is responsible for
the breakdowns, whether physical or moral, and there is comparatively little use in treating the
sick in either form while the possibility of a full, happy and devoted life does not exist.
I have used the word recreation, and put it next religion, but recreation is a poor word.
What I mean is absorption in the pursuit of the ideals which in human life are supplementary to
goodness — namely truth and the beauty. Surrender to these ideals is a part of any religion by
which men can live. JOSEPH LEE
Program Making for Girls'
Camps
(Continued from page 88)
successfully in some camps. This delightful form
of education must bring to every camp director
satisfaction far beyond any possible material re-
ward. The camp girl may hardly see why her
glorious camp summer is called a period of educa-
tion. Isn't this because living and education are
one in camp life, while the average school girl
finds it hard to connect her daily school work with
practical every day living? May not the camp
movement in some degree help to connect the
education in schools with every day living for the
practical youthful mind?
It is a pleasure and duty to keep records of our
experiences and to pass on helps and suggestions
as we may have worked out our problems. But let
us not rest till the camp work, at its best, is known
and appreciated by all, till not one-half million
boys and girls go to camps, but all the twenty
million boys and girls of this land have this out-
of-door community training for health, charac-
ter and joy.
A Year-Round Recreation System in
Springfield, Illinois
Springfield, Illinois, the capital of the State,
and the host in 1923 of the Recreation Congress,
has recently inaugurated a year-round recreation
system. A Playground and Recreation Commis-
sion has been organized, and for the current year
approximately $20,000 will be available from the
special recreation tax recently voted. Arthur T.
^Noren has been appointed Superintendent of
Recreation.
More Ruminatin'. — My mother and Jack's
mother, they don't think of nothin' else but their
chillern — how we look, how we ac' and how all
about us. My mother don't seem to think other
chillern mean so much. I guess her mother
thought that too. Aint that the trouble? My
mother lookin' at just me, and Jack's mother
lookin' at just him. And when they aint lookin'
they're only pretendin' they aint. Aint there lots
o' chillern all over the world just for to live and
have fun? Don't seem to me chillern can have
fun if somebody's lookin' at 'em all the time. If
people keep on lookin' at 'em they got to begin
lookin' at theirselves aint they?
You can't do much when you're lookin' at
yourself. You can't do it right anyhow. When
Jack and me's playing we just play. Soon's a
grown-up comes I got to wonder — "How do I
look? — Am I doin' this right? — Watch how good
I can hit this ball! — Gosh! I must be clumsy!"
Seems to me I must be doin' that all the time
'cause people are all the time lookin'. I wonder
how much goes out of me doin' that. It must
be an awful lot. I guess I'm all the time actin'
for ev'rybody, 'cause my mother and father
started me actin' for 'em and ev'rybody else's
mothers and fathers started their chillern actin'
for 'em, so ev'ry time I see anybody lookin' I
guess I just natcherly act. I got the actin' habit
and I got to keep thinkin' 'bout myself. I don't
b'lieve it's so much fun to be all the time thinkin'
'bout yourself, — it's worryin!
From More Ruminatin' in Mental Health for
February.
Art in Rest and Play*
FRANK ALVAH PARSONS
President, New York School of Fine and Applied Arts,
New York City
It is the fashion now to bemoan the times in
which we live. It is as much as one's life is worth
to approach an individual or an organization
without condemning society. The kitchenette and
folding bed are ruining the home. Bobbed hair
is dehumanizing, de feminizing women, and clubs
are destroying the fireside companionship.
The truth is this: The point of view of our
people at this time is such that a kitchenette and
a folding bed are a God-send to nine-tenths of
the people in our country; otherwise, we should
be sleeping in the subways, elevated trains, parks,
and eating on the sidewalk. The difficulty is with
the point of view of life and not with the folding
bed nor the kitchenette, God bless them. There
is no immediate danger of de feminizing what is
already defeminized. And so far as clubs are
concerned, if it weren't for them; we should be
without them.
The first point I would like to make with you
is that it is a pleasure to be able to attempt to
leave a thought in the minds of people who still
have power (because if you hadn't, you wouldn't
be in this movement) to see a human being as a
human being and then possibly seeing him there-
after, as a Divine one, if things work out as we
think they are going to.
' We are committed, friends, in the second place,
to a new Trinity. Instead of the Father, the Son
and the Spirit, we are committed to scientization,
standardization and acceleration. Everything is
becoming scientized, from religion to the lunch
counter. Nobody doubts the power of scienti-
fically replacing a lost leg. Who would dare to
eat a natural luncheon without inquiring and
laboring to see how many calories and how many
vitamines of a, b and c are essential if we are not
to die with indigestion? It would be impossible
to find anybody who isn't beset to be scientized.
To attempt to talk without talking psychologically
would be to be illiterate. We are beset, I say, to
be scientized. Look out or we shall be scientized
out of existence. Not only will the atom be
opened up, but we shall be !
*Address given at Recreation Congress, Atlantic City, N. T.,
October 18, 1924.
Standardization, they say, is making a nation
of Robots. In the olden days when man needed
a chair, somebody went to work to create one.
He worked out a design and plan for one in-
telligently with the rest of his natural self work-
ing, and a chair which was an individual, personal
thing, alive with personality, almost came to life.
He was asked to copy it, and he couldn't. He
made one something like it, but it wasn't like it.
In that lies the value of an antique chair. It has
personality, individuality, individual creation and
individual quality.
Now, we have to have chairs and more of them.
One man designs a leg, one a back, perhaps ; any-
way, they get the parts of a chair with little mental
effort. Then they make two hundred machines
for each part of the chair, and a Robot stands at
each machine and feeds sticks into it and it comes
out legs. That doesn't take a highly developed
intelligence nor much personal creative force or
knowledge of either fitness or beauty to make a
chair. Then we have it so we can put it together
almost as quickly as Henry Ford can an auto-
mobile— a minute and forty seconds — and all has
been done with no mental effort except in the or-
ganization of the thing at the beginning.
We are too standardized. Were I given two
hours instead of thirty minutes, couldn't I tell you
in every field of life exactly how it is from bobbed
hair to automobiles ? It has to be so we can have
a mass production with no brains, apparently, ex-
cept in the one who conceived the first thing of
its kind. No wonder we are criticizing ourselves.
The one aim of an American is to get money, get
it quick and may I add, to spend it as quickly
and as foolishly as he got it.
The last of these three qualities is due to the
first two. And I say a new Trinity has taken
possession of us, and that is the thing to doctor —
not kitchenettes, nor clubs, nor bobbed hair mani-
acs. It is a question of doctoring at the source,
which is the mind, and not the externalized thing,
whatever the field is we are talking in.
And this group of people is a group committed
to seeking causes and remedying them through the
95
96
ART IN REST AND PLAY
natural instincts, desires and appetites of man,
normally and decently expressed. That is what
you stand for and that is where you are a power,
and that is where you will go down in history as
an agent working against all the other agencies
that are working for a scientization that destroys
life.
Friends, it is to the source I want you to look
in the few minutes we talk together. We are said
to be a machine-made people. So we are. I just
illustrated it with the chair, so I needn't illustrate
any more. Somebody says, "Flat hats are the
fashion." If you knew sometimes who said,
"Flat hats are the fashion," the virtuous among
you would run in and lock the door ! But it
doesn't matter as long as it is the fashion. Every-
body gets flat hats. A woman doesn't seem to
care whether she weighs a hundred and eighty
and is four feet tall or a hundred and twenty and
is seven feet tall. She has a flat hat all the same.
But it makes some difference to the onlooking
public.
Think of it. Do you see that the first reason
we are machine-made is because our individuality
is going and our commonsense is going with it ?
In the next place, man hasn't changed any,
fundamentally. Adam was as bad as I am, and
Eve as bad as you are. The question is only one
of a changed proportion of things. That is all
it is. We are fundamentally the same. Adam
had the same appetities that I have for food, shel-
ter, rest, air, sex. I don't know anybody that
hasn't. Even my great grandfather, who was in
John Quincy Adams' Cabinet, born in Boston, is
recorded as having succumbed to some of these.
Now, this is general, it is universal and always
was and we shan't change it in this age in which
we live. Let's acknowledge it and handle it, not
sneak around the curtain and deny it.
But that isn't all. An engine has to be oiled,
fed, cleaned, painted and repaired. So does the
human body, and you are out to do it. Go to it,
and you will do it ; because everybody knows that
they have to stop and feed the engine and paint
it. Of course, some people think it is wholly on
the outside they paint it. It isn't. And they have
to rest, they have to replace parts that are worn
out. And in that, of course, you have nature with
you.
People will listen to any information dealing
with the human body, but will they listen when
you tell them that the human body is the instru-
ment of the mind and it is no use to dope the body,
nor rub on ointment when the disease is in the
mind? I must get at it where it is and cure it
there, and it will manifest itself in everything I
touch — because that is the law under which we
were born and we still live.
I say there is another set of desires or appe-
tites entirely outside of my body. And your
chairman very beautifully alluded to the soul or
the spirit or that which is life in us. We don't
care what you call it. It is it. It isn't my body.
It isn't that, but it is what I am. And call it soul,
call it spirit, call it mind, call it what you like, it
is what isn't my body.
Now, this something is made up of the mental
pictures that I have got into my mind since my
birth, plus what hereditary tendencies I have.
Now these things that have got into my mind, I
either saw or heard or smelled or tasted or
touched. I didn't get anything any other way;
neither did any one else. That is where every-
thing came from. Most of it I saw, because I
liked to nose around. Some of it I heard, because
I couldn't help myself. Some of it I touched.
Now, I say that my mental content is dependent
upon what I got through my senses. And out of
it has grown what is called my "apperceptive
mass." (I love that because it is scientific!) It
merely means what I have in my head and the
point of view I have because I have it in my
head, and what I do with my hands and my mouth
and the rest of me because I have it there, you
see. But it is a great phrase to use. People like
it.
Now, my apperceptive mass is my own, and
yours is your own. But you have never changed
your instincts, and they are mine. You have
never changed your appetites, and they are the
same as mine. You have never changed your
fundamental desires and longings, and they are the
same as mine. And you have a soul, though you
don't show it. You have a spirit and an intellect,
though you don't manifest it. I have the same,
though I seem not to have, and so on.
This point is, then, essential : My mind or spirit
appetites are as essential as my physical ones. And
two of them are fundamental, necessary and
essential to any human being. First, I have cer-
tain intellectual appetites. I declare there are
some things that are appalling that people write
and say and play. Aren't there? Not a particle
of intellectual activity seems to have been present
when they were either conceived or born. In the
next place, we have just as clearly defined the
appetite whose organ is the aesthetic sense. It is
the appetite for beauty or taste.
ART IN REST AND PLAY
97
Now, that side of me is essential. In that lies
the kernel of the address this morning. If I have
an intelligence, which is intellect and aesthetic
sense (and if I haven't one, I am not human),
whether I live in the slums or on Michigan Boule-
vard, Chicago, or Beacon Street, Boston, or Broad
Street, Philadelphia, or Fifth Avenue, New York
—I have one and it is crying out for satisfaction.
If I am hungry enough and cannot get rolled
oats, I will eat sawdust. So will you. If I am
thirsty enough and cannot get water that is pure,
I will drink it any place. So will you. When I
am tired enough, if I can't have a spring bed, I
will sleep on a bench. And so will everybody.
If I cannot have for my intellect, my intelligence
and my aesthetic sense what they demand I will
take what I can get.
Now the next important step in grasping that
is this: That is not a divine gift peculiar to a
few ; it is universal. And so until this thing be-
comes universal it is missing the point.
Now, then, if it is true that this longing for
art is universal, its expression must be universal
before it is doing its work at all. What is art?
Life is made up of ideas and their expression.
These ideas are the ideas of what we need — you
and I and everything else. We don't need what
they did in Greek days, in the days of the Renais-
sance, in the eighteenth century, and God grant
we do not need what they did in the nineteenth
century! It is too near us. But we think we
know what we need. Art is the expression of
these needs or the answer to them.
We need a house. I remember riding along a
beautiful sea-coast not so many years ago, where
they have a standardized type of house. Each
one got worse than the other, but they were all
alike— only they weren't. I go out in the street
and see thousands (and so do you) of women.
You will see that they have forgotten the funda-
mentals of art entirely. Men can't forget it as
fast because they are partially standardized as to
what they wear. There are certain things we
can't do.
Houses are no longer considered aggregates
of stuff where a man can crawl in and lie down
and feed and crawl out. We have learned one
thing. A man is practically what he lives in, isn't
he ? He becomes what he lives in. And a pig is
a pig because he has been in pig surroundings so
long, whether he has two legs or four. There
is no chance to get out of it, because man is what
he lives in. Now, the house is the fundamental
expression of art. The most personal thing in
art is one's clothes. Everybody is more inter-
ested in himself than in his neighbor, even though
he runs playground associations. And we think
first of our appearance, because we care so much
more for our reputation than we do our character.
And, of course, most everybody's reputation is
made on how he looks and how he behaves.
Friends, these and the publicity methods we
have in poster, magazine, leaflet, and newspaper,
constitute the three great art expressions of our
time : The house — and by that I mean its sur-
roundings, its outside, its inside, and I include
public buildings in it — the clothes we wear (and
those we don't) and all forms of so-called aclver-.
tising — all this is the art expression of the day
in which we live.
Now, about art. When I go into a shop and
I ask for a dining room chair, I expect the clerk
or salesman to have brains enough to hear that
I said, "Dining room chair." And when he
pushes out something to me that when I sit down
in and lean back I lie down almost as flat as I
would in that accursed thing called a Morris
Chair, I think the man has lost his mind. I say,
"'What did you think I wanted, a bed? It is a
dining room chair that I want — and most people
are thought to sit up when they eat." And I
don't care if the chair is carved, or he says, "They
are all doing it now, because it is a Queen Ann."
I say, "I want a dining room chair, and that means
I want something that I can sit up in like a gentle-
man and eat in with peace." That is the first
quality of a chair.
Now, if I went out to buy shoes, and somebody
gave me shoes with a high heel, coming to a point
at the bottom, and I had reached my seventy-fifth
year anyway, I would say, "What do you think I
asked for ? I am going to walk in these."
Do you get the point? The Erst thing about
art is that it is an expression of fitness to purpose.
Why can't a playground be fit to play in ? It can
be made so. Why can't every invention and every
device under heaven that is made for people to
express themselves in play be made attractive as
well as unattractive, since the human soul asks
for it and since the economics of our land depend
on it and since life cannot be lived successfully
without it ? Why is it that we may not instill into
every human mind that art is a question of the
eternal fitness of things, and that a thing must be
fit for use?
If I have ever so good a table to place in my
home, together with a lamp, some books and a
chair, and I don't know where to put them, I had
98
DRAMA CONFERENCE
better not have them. The chair should work.
So should the lamp. So should the books. So
should the table. And when they are placed so
that I can sit in a comfortable chair at a table,
with a light, with some books and read without
getting in the neighbors or furniture movers, I
shall begin to know about interior decoration ;
and that means that my intelligence shows signs
of being.
I say that art is a question of — I want to use
another word, I want to get it down to one word
— appropriateness. Let us take that element into
whatever walk of life, because in the visual, prac-
tical things of life — unlike music, you see, and
unlike the drama forms of art expression — this
is a practical thing and we, the most practical
people in the world, know the least about it.
Now, let's not mix nature with art. Art is an
expression of beauty, and nature is God's crea-
tion, and man and woman, too, should be among
God's creations, and were in the beginning; and
if nothing awful had happened to them, they
would be yet. So let us not destroy what was
in the beginning if we can help it.
Natural beauty is one thing, and artistic beauty
is another thing. Natural beauty stirs the soul,
or else a man is dead already, soul and all.
Man's beauty should stir the aesthetic sense, which
is the connecting link between spiritual beauty
and the ugliness of materialism. That is what
art is. It is the link that makes material bear-
able; because really the commoner a thing gets,
the more vulgar it gets, the uglier it gets, the more
unbearable it is even to the ugly themselves. Now,
it is the aesthetic sense, a realization of it, a know-
ledge of it and what it means, that connects ma-
terial with spirit and makes it possible to bear
what is going on. Such is art, a compound quality
of appropriateness and taste.
Art rests on law. It isn't a matter of gush,
slush, nor imagination. It is law. The first law
in art expression is the law of proportion. I want
to give two laws, because if you went away with-
out something you would never come back.
First, proportion is not arranged mentally, or we
shouldn't want to jazz all night; and we shouldn't
want to jazz at all if we hadn't a jazz mind.
Jazzing isn't dancing any more than it is any-
thing else. People dress jazz, they cut their hair
jazz, they do other things jazz, if they are jazz ;
if they aren't, they don't ; because people do what
they are, just as they become what they live in.
Now, proportion must be cultivated. God made
the human figure on curved lines. Some people
are quite so. Houses are made on straight lines.
To attempt to do over a room the way you do
over yourself, or vice versa, is peculiar. Funda-
mentally, we are a certain proportion from the
top of our head to our waists and there is a
relation of the waist to the knees, and from the
knees down to the ground ; that is, from the head
to the waist and the waist to the ground should
have a certain relation.
Were there time, it would be easy to give a
hundred illustrations in every manifestation of life
where the idea of proportion is not known. Teach
proportion, and people won't jazz too much, nor
eat too much, nor do lots of other things too
much ; because proportion will be a part of their
mental content.
There is so much said about decoration that
it makes you sick. Everybody is taking up in-
terior decoration. Let me give you one law. I
say decoration is based on law. Leonardo da Vinci
(and he is a good authority) said, ''Decoration
exists to direct your attention to a special place
for a particular reason."
The church is in a condition where it can't
function as it did. Social lines don't function any-
more. Political parties seem to be a bit chaotic
and everybody else is peculiar, but the funda-
mentals won't change. You grasp the idea that
appropriateness and taste are elements in human
life and hang on to them like that, and you will
be injecting something into life that will never,
never be forgotten.
On May 28th, 29th and 30th the Drama League
of America will hold its 15th annual convention
and Little Theatre Conference in Cincinnati,
Ohio, as the guests of the local group. This year
the plan will be followed of having fuller reports
on definite concrete work, with less lecturing on
general principles. There will be much informal
discussion and conference and many round tables.
Among the speakers will be Montrose J. Moses,
Barrett H. Clark, Roland Holt, Constance D'Arcy
Mackay Holt, Harold Ehrensperger, Walter Hart-
wig, Stuart Walker, Thomas Woods Stevens and
others. Special features include a play to be given
by the children of the Chuster Martin school and
a joint performance by the winners of the Little
Theatre contests of Cincinnati, Pittsburgh and
New York, each giving the prize-winning play.
Sunday afternoon the churches will cooperate in
a production of The Pulgrim and the Book.
SALT LAKE CITY CIVIC OPERA
99
Salt Lake City Has Civic
Opera
By
CHARLOTTE STEWART
Supervisor Municipal Recreation, Salt Lake
City, Utah
The Nibley Park Water Theater in Salt Lake
during the last week in August was the scene
of the production of Salt Lake's first Civic
Opera. It was a distinctive affair of great local
moment. This civic venture fostered by the
City Recreation Department with an advisory
committee of twenty-five musicians appointed
by Mayor C. Clarence Neslen, made it possible
for 16,000 music loving citizens to enjoy free
a most excellent production of Gilbert-Sulli-
A DRAMATIC MOMENT
van's well known opera, "The Pirates of Pen-
zance." In fact and deed it was a real amateur
production of cast and orchestra as well, yet it
was rendered with such finish that it stood favor-
able comparison with professional presentations.
Four hundred of the 2,000 seats were reserved
and sold for 25 cents each to those who wanted
to be assured of a reservation, and this little rev-
enue practically paid the opera expenses.
During the short summer season of seven
weeks 80 amateur singers were recruited from
school, club, and church to join the Civic Opera
OPENING CHORUS, PIRATES OF PENZANCE
Co. Tryouts were held open to any one in the
city. At these two casts of principals and chorus
members were selected. Double casts were or-
ganized, each under a Pirate King who happened
to be respectively the City Auditor and the As-
sistant State Auditor. The City Recreation De-
partment's musical director took entire direction
of the opera and daily and nightly rehearsals
were held in the City Commission Room which
was loaned for that purpose.
In six weeks the opera company — members
from every section of the city, every occupa-
tion, age, and experience — were whipped into
shape. A theater was loaned for stage rehear-
sals the last week, and the Water Theater made
ready. The spirit of cast competition was con-
trolled by balancing casts nicely and the morale
of the whole group was such that not one of the
hundred unpaid performers missed one night's
production.
Students of art in the schools assisted with
posters and a committee on costuming and scen-
ery and one on staging were recruited from the
teachers in the local colleges and high schools
and also other public spirited citizens.
Most of the costumes designed by the City
Recreation Department were cut out in bulk and
made by the performers, and became the prop-
erty of the city, thereby adding to the already
large city wardrobe.
The scenery and properties were all made by
employees in the City Recreation Department
directed by a committee of local artists. Boy
Scouts acted as ushers and the lights were han-
dled by the stage crew of a local high school.
Music was provided by the city's community or-
chestra augmented by a number of musicians,
making an efficient orchestra of thirty-five pieces.
From every point of view it was a community
effort of great artistic merit given at the least pos-
sible expense. It was a demonstration that such
an undertaking is entirely practicable and feasible.
100
THE GARDEN THEATER
The Garden Theater
By
FLORENCE HOLMES GERKE
Landscape Architect, Bureau of Parks, Portland,
Oregon
"In most instances the playground director who
wishes to put on a little play or pantomime has
no place for such activity. There is not even a
quiet green corner where the story hour may be
held. Surely the tale of the Babes in the Woods
is more vital if the listener is crouched on the
grass at the foot of some great tree with a leafy
barrier cutting him off from pavements and houses
and garages and other too real things. Half the
battle in scenery and costuming for amateur thea-
tricals might be solved by an informal garden
theater or even a fairly secluded lawn with a
shrubbery screen and some shade.
"The garden theater should have a place in a
goodly number of the city playgrounds. This
does not mean the stadium" or Greek theater with
masonry walls and seats, but a simple area de-
pending on its greenness for its charm. Its uses
are many and are not confined to one age or
group. The neighborhood flower show, the har-
vest exhibit of prize vegetables, the bird-houses
made by the boys, the Scouts' show of camping
equipment and rites — all might appear more
charming than they would be in some hall where
pink and green and red bunting defy the flowers
to show their charm or the camp-fires of the Boy
Scouts to appear true, despite the aid of an electric
light hooded with red crepe paper. Fourth of
July celebrations, the May-pole dance, the band
concert, the awarding of prizes for crafts work
and athletic prowess, might well find their way to
this green grove.
"In times when the theater is not in use for any
show or entertainment it becomes a park for pic-
nicking, resting, reading and informal play. A
group of women may gather for the afternoon
darning and mending in this area cut off from
flying balls and acrobatic enthusiasts. The occa-
sion at the theater will make life a little more in-
triguing, and the daily use of the plot will furnish
a restful place for one type of 'play.'
"In giving the children and adults of a com-
munity vent for their physical energy alone, the
recreation officials are surely losing tremendous
'Extracts from Helping the Playgrounds to Serve the Full
Purpose of Play, in The American City, January, 1924
opportunity to teach some of the beautiful im-
aginative things. Summer hours are spent out-
doors when possible, and they should be made to
offer something in appreciation of beauty, closer
contact with trees and grass and shrubs, better
knowledge of good things in dramatics, singing
and dancing and such activities as are possible for
groups. The right environment will solve much
of the difficulty for advocates of these fine things
^who have the subject and the players but not the
place to play.
PLANNING A SMALL GARDEN THEATER
"The building of a small garden theater calls
for no great code of rules. Given the space,
which will vary according to the community
served, seclusion should be sought. If the topog-
raphy gives this, the designer is fortunate, but
ordinarily a flat area has been set aside for the
playground, and the theater must fit into this
scheme. If the ground is flat, the stage should
be elevated, but a more pleasing arrangement is
to have the seating space slope gently toward the
stage, which then appears to be rather in a hollow.
Shade is valuable in the theater which is to be
used in the hot months. In fact, all planting
should be studied with a view toward enriching
the season of use — the summer, and shrubs which
flower during these months should be selected for
the screen planting. Evergreens may also be
employed to give a year-round appearance.
"The screen plantings should follow in general
the effect given by the drop curtain and wings of
the indoor auditorium, but should not be too set
and formal unless the entire theater is given this
treatment, which calls for special study. If the
site chosen has trees and large shrubs, these
should be cherished and. worked into the scheme
whenever possible. Turf makes an excellent floor
for the stage, and grassy banks are pleasant to sit
upon, provided the area is well drained and the
turf thoroughly established. On some sites it is
desirable to have the park workmen bring in the
benches for special performances. Masonry seats
are not to be considered in this type of theater,
which is arranged merely for the community and
not designed to accommodate more than 500 per-
sons at the most. The stadium idea should not
be confused with that of the garden theater,
which is planned for more intimate close-up pro-
ductions than for the great shows, which must
be done at huge cost and through much
(Continued on page 126)
HOME-MADE APPARATUS
101
Home-Made Playground
Apparatus at a Country
School
BY
CHARLES J. STOREY
Russell Sage Foundation
The country school at Stanton, New Jersey, had
a small playground, but the only "equipment" was
a high board fence which was used as a horizontal
bar and for general athletic exercises by the chil-
dren. As the force was rapidly going to pieces
under the strenuous kicks of small toes, the Par-
ent-Teachers Association decided to furnish some
modern playground apparatus and not depend on
the rather rickety fence.
HOME-MADE — BUT JUST AS MUCH FUN
As money was needed for this project, a lawn
party was held in the early summer at the home
of one of the members and over $40 was realized.
At first glance, this would not seem very much to
equip a playground with, but after getting advice
on the subject it was decided that the men of the
village should be enlisted and swings, see-saws
and horizontal bars be constructed by them from
materials available. We wanted two swings, two
see-saws, two parallel bars (one for boys and one
for girls), and a giant stride. How to get this out
of the small sum was quite a question. The mat-
ter of lumber was overcome by a generous dona-
tion from one man of sufficient timber from his
wood-lot. Five men volunteered their services
for a Saturday afternoon to build the apparatus.
During the week before a man was sent to a
wood-lot to get out the necessary timbers, good-
sized chestnuts which, although dead, were stand-
ing and in a well-seasoned condition. The holes
RECESS Is MORE INTERESTING WITH A LITTLE APPARATUS
for the posts were also dug. Cement, sand, planks
for see-saws, the hardware and pipe were sent for
and were in readiness for the afternoon's work.
The timbers for the swings were first put up,
two fifteen-foot logs buried three feet in cement
and the cross bar fastened with twelve-inch lag
screws and iron braces on the sides. The cross
bar was twelve feet wide which allowed for two
swings. The ropes were fastened to two-inch gal-
vanized rings which hung in the eye bolts to pre-
vent the ropes from being worn through quickly.
Two horizontal bars, one six feet high for boys
and the other five and a half feet high for girls,
were erected. These consisted of two-inch gal-
vanized pipe six feet in length, fastened through
a hole in the post. Each pipe had a quarter-inch
hole bored through it about six inches from the
NOT MUCH WORK TO MAKE
end. When in place a ten penny nail was driven
through the post and through the hole in the bar
to prevent it from slipping out. I might remark
that two-inch bars are recommended in several
102
VOLUNTEERS IN RECREATION
publications but experience in this instance is that
these are a little large for children and a one and
a half inch bar would be better. The pipe was
carefully sandpapered to remove any roughness.
The see-saws were constructed of a six-foot
pipe, two inches in diameter, held between two
heavy timbers planted in two feet and a half of
cement and stones. Twelve-foot planks, two by
ten inches, were used with blocks nailed under-
neath on either side of the bar to prevent slipping.
There remained only the erection of the giant
stride, which was put over to another Saturday
afternoon on account of lack of time. An old
cart-wheel was obtained and the spokes cut off
about five inches from the hub. The top of the
pole was trimmed so'that the wheel fitted over eas-
ily. Six ropes were fastened to the hub and the
weight rested on the hub and not on the spokes.
The rope was passed through a one-inch screw-
eye fastened into the hub so that it would not slip
off.
The community interest in this project was
manifested late in the afternoon when cake and
ginger ale were brought around to the hard-work-
ing crew. An outstanding fact in this undertak-
ing was that the raising of the money was made
a pleasant community event in the way of a gar-
den party and the building of the apparatus was
no hardship when done with such enthusiasm and
good-will by the men, who gladly donated their
services.
The itemized cost is as follows. The labor item
includes cutting the timber in the woods and dig-
ging the holes for the posts which was done in
advance to expedite matters.
Entire cost of two swings, two horizontal bars,
two twelve- foot see-saws and one giant stride.
Labor $20.10
Carting 4.00
Cement and sand 2.43
Lumber 2.97
Hardware 3.43
Galvanized pipe (18 ft., including boring
holes) 4.25
Rope 4.06
Total $40.24
A New Association Comes Into Being. —
On March 3, at a meeting held in New York
City, the United States Paddle Tennis Associa-
tion was formed ; to promote paddle tennis, mak-
ing possible the benefits of lawn tennis in limited
space.
Community Recreation
Volunteers*
Mrs. Edwin W. Gearhart of Scranton, Pennsyl-
vania, spoke on the subject of The Volunteer's
Place in the Community Recreation System.
While recognizing the objection to volunteer serv-
ice as inconsequential and unreliable, Mrs. Gear-
hart made a convincing plea for recognition of
the importance of volunteers in building up such
work and their propaganda value after the work
had been organized. She felt that the volunteer
has a definite place in all constructive community
work, and that in knowledge and love of the com-
munity the volunteer has much to give the paid
worker. She divided the volunteers in three
groups, as organizers, counsellors and adminis-
trators. She instanced her own city of Scranton
where for seven years twelve volunteers gave the
leadership and raised the money for the recreation
work until the community was educated to the em-
ployment of a professional worker. After this
organization period the services of volunteers as
recreation counsellors and as executives for some
specific task were invaluable. The proper use of
volunteers means the sympathy and interest of
these volunteers in the whole program, and goes
far to insure its progress. Sometimes the anxiety
of the volunteer workers is misunderstood by the
first professional worker, but this first paid worker
can make or break the program which the volun-
teers have labored hard to organize. Mrs. Gear-
hart emphasized the fact that a growing program
moves faster than the financial support, and al-
ways requires volunteers for advice and the con-
duct of specific activities.
Mrs. Gearhart was followed by Z. Nespor, Sec-
retary of Community Service, Elmira, New York,
who spoke on the subject of Finding and Holding
Volunteers. Mr. Nespor said that he had always
found more work to be done than the paid work-
er could do, and that if he wished to build his sys-
tem and program rather than himself, he had to
depend on volunteers. With two paid workers in
Elmira, thirty-five activities have been organized
with 500 active volunteers. Among his methods
of accomplishing this he cited the plan of making
volunteer leadership an honor, having the volun-
teer appointed by the Mayor or some official, giv-
ing full publicity to his appointment and giving
him real responsibility. In Elmira the plan is
*Report on section meeting at Recreation Congress, Atlantic
City, October 17, 1924
PHYSICAL EDUCATION IN CITIES
103
followed of giving a certificate or some token of
recognition of work well done.
There was active discussion over methods of
dealing with unreliable volunteers and some dif-
ference of opinion as to whether it is wise to select
a volunteer for ability as an executive or for
specialized activity ability.
Many requests have been received for the
address delivered by Jay B. Nash, of Oakland,
California, at the meeting on Leadership. This
address was published in THE PLAYGROUND for
March, 1924, and reprinted as Publication No.
200.
In concluding his Congress address Mr. Nash
quoted the following lines from Henry Newbolt :
There's a breathless hush in the Close tonight —
Ten to make and the match to win —
A bumping pitch and a blinding light,
An hour to play and the last man in.
And it's not for the sake of a ribboned coat,
Or the selfish hope of a season's fame,
But his Captain's hand on his shoulder smote —
"Play up! play up! and play the game!"
The sand of the desert is sodden red —
Red with the wreck of a square that broke —
The Catling's jammed and the Colonel dead,
And the regiment blind with dust and smoke.
The river of death has brimmed his banks,
And England's far, and Honor a name,
But the voice of a schoolboy rallies the ranks :
"Play up! play up! and play the game!"
This is the word that year by year,
While in her place the School is set,
Everyone of her sons must hear,
And none that hears it dare forget.
This they all with a joyful mind
Bear through life like a torch in flame,
And falling fling to the host behind —
"Play up! play up! and play the game!"
*Courtesy of D. Appleton & Co.
Physical Education in
Cities*
BY
ALLEN G. IRELAND, M.D.
Director of Physical Education and Health, State
Board of Education, Connecticut \
Any consideration of physical education and its
specific adaptations to city conditions must take
into account two factors : first, the greater empha-
sis now being placed upon the use of leisure time
for healthful, re-creating activity, especially out
of doors ; second, the aim of education as typified
by the public school of today.
Of the fact that recreation is being sought in-
telligently by a larger number of people than ever
before there can be no doubt — whether in the form
of walking, auto camping, picnicking, the arts, or
at the baseball park — makes little difference. The
point is that the value of an avocation, a hobby,
or some enjoyable pastime other than the daily
occupation is winning recognition. Since this
tendency is commendable and since it seems to
be what the people want, should we not be guided
by it?
The second factor relates to the modern con-
ception of education and the purpose of the
school. It is now generally conceded that the
school must lay more stress upon what the child
is to become and mold its curriculum accordingly.
There has been a gradual shifting of the emphasis
from the subject matter to be learned to the sub-
ject doing the learning. Therefore, physical edu-
cation of a type that will create a desire for whole-
some leisure time activity and provide at the same
time suitable activities with a permanent interest
seems to be indicated. It is in this way that the
play life of the child can be made to pay dividends
throughout life.
"Address given at Recreation Congress, Atlantic City, N. J.,
October 20, 1924.
"We in this country are beginning to realize more than ever before that art is worthy of our
careful consideration, and that a reasonable knowledge and understanding of it would bring
greater returns and more real joy in living than almost any other study which we could pur-
— GEORGE C. NIMMONS
sue.
Motivation of Interest in Recreation and
Physical Education*
By
J. H. MCCURDY, M.D.
International Young Men's Christian Association College, Springfield, Massachusetts
Physical education should contribute to the
health, education, character and recreation of
school pupils. It has great opportunities for serv-
ing the pupils because it is one of the dominant
interests of many of them. As to health it fur-
nishes a good chance for instruction and the for-
mation of habits in diet, sleep, body environment
and exercise. Physical education uses the big
muscles of the body. The other school tasks use
largely the small muscles of the eyes, face and
fingers. These muscles could all be put into an
average sized bowl. Their use does not affect
health favorably. Their over-use is often a detri-
ment to health. As to education the activities af-
fect favorably the small muscles as well as the
large muscles because in the physical activities the
finer muscles of the hand and eye are integrated
with the large muscles of the legs and trunk.
A careful study made by Dr. George E. Dawson
indicates that physical education from the stand-
point of the small muscles does three things :
1. It sensitizes the nervous system, bringing the
individual into more intimate relationship with his
environment.
2. It helps to integrate the factors of conscious-
ness, thus making them more effective.
3. It brings the body under more perfect con-
trol of the mind and insures a better mastery of
the environment.
In tactile sensitiveness, that is, touch discrimina-
tion of the index finger, a trained physical educa-
tion group were 25 % more sensitive than an aver-
age college group. In kinesthetic sensitiveness for
space these men were 15% superior to the general
average of male adults, and for weight discrimina-
tion 45% superior. In tests involving visual,
auditory and tactile stimuli these students made
better records than the average by 22% for sight,
12% for touch and &% for hearing. In rate of
speed of movements they made 379 movements
per minute as compared with the general average
"Address given at Recreation Congress, Atlantic City, N. J.
October 20, 1924.
104
of 352, or an increase above the average of 8%.
The average college student makes three times as
many errors as these men made, or 18 errors as
against 6 errors. In big muscle skills that are
more largely related to health and emotional con-
trol these men show larger degrees of skill. Ac-
curate tests are in progress at the present time.
Statistical details are not yet available.
All skill activities are dependent upon big muscle
balance. These fundamentally are dependent upon
three factors — eye judgments, semicircular canal
or inner ear judgments and kinesthetic judgment
of muscles and joints. The individual must have
two of these judgments intact for any skilled act.
The person, for example, with inner ear deafness
cannot walk in dense darkness. The inner ear
deaf person who jumps into the air for a ball is
liable to get hurt in the body or face because while
in the air he has lost his kinesthetic sense and is
also deaf. His eyes alone will not give him satis-
factory judgments. The motor judgments have
two factors, the sensory or feeling factor with ref-
erence to conditions of the body in the air or in
water with reference to touch, with reference to
smell. The motor movements are dependent upon
these sensations as well as upon central nervous
stimulation.
Physical education should train the sensory and
the motor sensations related to skilled acts of a
considerable variety. Many 'varsity athletes never
secure a wide range of skill. I have had for two
years a former prominent university athlete who
had played but one position in football. He lacked
variety of skill to make him efficient or to make
him enjoy physical recreation.
The team games afford opportunity for training
not only in health and education but in the qual-
ities of honesty, fair play, courage, grit, and cour-
tesy. All these elements of character are related
to the environment in which the activity is con-
ducted. If character is to be secured from 'varsity
athletics the institution must regulate the activities
RECREATION DEVELOPMENTS IN DENMARK
105
in relation to health, scholarship and length and
time of schedules. They must furnish competent
instructors who are more interested in the develop-
ment of character than merely in winning teams.
The crowd and the newspapers must see the ac-
tivity not only as a game for winning, but as an
educational activity. The winning or losing must
be under fair conditions to be good sport, or to be
educational from the character standpoint.
Individuals now under modern conditions work
eight hours per day, sleep (roughly) eight hours
and have eight additional hours for eating and
recreation. The activities within the school day
and those of the after-school activities must pro-
vide physical education and recreation under
healthful conditions for the mass of the students
beginning with the first grade and continuing
through the high school.
Mrs. Jane Ogle of the National Physical Educa-
tion Service, maintained by the Playground and
Recreation Association of America, spoke of the
organization of the Service in 1918 at the request
of a number of private and governmental groups.
At that time eleven states had compulsory physical
education laws ; now thirty-three states have such
laws. The state laws which have been passed re-
quire that a specified amount of time, usually 100
minutes per week, be set aside for physical educa-
tion. Other requirements include a state super-
visor of physical education, a teachers' training
course and the publication of a manual or physical
education for free distribution to the teachers.
The National Physical Education Service, in
addition to the work which is being done in pro-
moting state compulsory physical education laws
and in working for federal legislation, is conduct-
ing a continuation service which, through visits
and correspondence, is helping state physical edu-
cation departments to enlarge their programs.
How Deer Park Secured a Community
Building. — Mr. L. f . McMahan, Superintendent
of Schools at Deer Park, Washington, tells in the
March issue of The American City Magazine how
the 1400 residents of the community secured a
gymnasium and community hall.
"It was impossible to vote bonds as the district
had already nearly reached its limit. At last a
solution was found. The local Athletic Associa-
tion offered to issue 5 per cent, bonds in $25
denominations to the amount of $7,500, and after
selling these buy a site and erect a building ; then
in turn rent this building to the school district for
a reasonable sum, which, added to what the build-
ing might earn from other sources, would be suffi-
cient to retire the bonds in a period of ten years,
when the building would become the property of
the school district.
"With this plan, a committee went to work,
and in ten hours the entire amount was subscribed
by 127 persons. Work was started on November
19, 1923, and the building was dedicated on Janu-
ary 11, 1924, a record time when one considers
that the building is 46x90 feet in size, with a
gymnasium floor 46 x 74 feet, and has a balcony
on two sides and one end, a stage, dressing-rooms
with showers, and a fine hard maple floor.
"During the construction the manual training
class of the high school dug trenches, mixed con-
crete, nailed sheeting and, in fact, did a tremen-
dous amount of work. When the roof was ready
for shingles, the entire town turned out, and
66,000 shingles were put on the roof in one day
by the citizens. About a hundred persons actu-
ally performed work on the building. An excel-
lent dinner was prepared by the ladies.
"Since completion, the building has been the
scene of many a happy gathering, both for school
and for community purposes. At a recent car-
nival sixteen different organizations of the town
and surrounding country were represented by
booths or exhibits, and nearly $300 was realized
to apply on the bonds. Nearly every voter in the
district is a bond holder and therefore a booster
for the building, and the financial success of the
undertaking seems assured. The building is serv-
ing its purpose, and one can easily see why
TEAMWORK is spelled with capital letters in
Deer Park."
Recreation Developments in Denmark. —
The recently organized Recreation Committee of
Denmark has issued a pamphlet on The Use of
Leisure Time, containing suggestions for spare-
time programs. Much stress is laid on plans for
the construction of community centers in rural
districts. The Committee held in February a
meeting with the state and school authorities in-
terested in education and recreation. The purpose
of the conference was to organize a national
council for people's education, representing all
organizations interested in spare-time activities.
Physical Education — Rural and City
Aspects*
BY
HENRY S. CURTIS, PH.D.
Director of Hygiene and Physical Education, State of Missouri
More than any other one thing the country boy and girl needs the team game.
Playground ball is very well adapted to the rural school.
Basket ball should be prohibited at rural schools.
Volley ball and circle dodge ball are splendid games for the rural school.
I suppose we are all agreed that the problem
of physical education is most difficult in the coun-
try and in the one room school. These schools
have been growing smaller and smaller in num-
bers for several decades because of the decreased
size of families and the migration to the cities.
We have 2,300 rural schools in Missouri with less
than fifteen children to the school. There are not
enough children for the ordinary team games.
This is not the worst of the situation. There
are children of all ages from six to sixteen or
seventeen. There are few games or athletics that
children of such different ages can do together.
The older ones are fewer in number than the
younger children.
There are no gymnasiums, and the grounds are
often such as have been given to the schools or
have been acquired at very little expense, because
they were nearly worthless for farm purposes.
The grounds are often irregular or perhaps they
are merely a side hill. They have practically never
been graded. Ofttimes projecting stones make
running dangerous to barefooted children. In
many sections they are often thickly sown with
trees. Where the grounds are of good size the
grass often becomes a great hindrance to active
play. There are usually no running- tracks, jump-
ing pits or apparatus.
But more serious than this, the rural community
is often antagonistic to play, and the rural teacher
quite untrained in the organization of play activi-
ties. In her motor education as shown by her skill
in games and athletics the teacher is often not
*Address delivered at Recreation Congress, Atlantic City,
October 17-20, 1924.
106
more than eight years old, showing about the type
of coordination that we should expect in an eight
or nine year old child who has had three years of
systematic physical education.
Farmers often say their children do not need
physical education because they have plenty of
exercise on the farm, but the strength of our
fathers came from three types of activities : chop-
ping, mowing and cradling. Each of these repre-
sent a pretty complete gymnasium so far as physi-
cal exercise is concerned. But the boy who is
riding a mowing machine does not get any better
exercise than the girl who is running the type-
writer. The work of our fathers has gone never
to return. At its best farm work over-develops
certain muscles and leaves others untrained. It
often causes persons to become muscle bound and
awkward. From its nature the shoulders are
stooped and the head bowed. There were fifteen
states from which there was a larger rejection
in the draft from rural sections than from the
cities. In the athletic badge test the rural boys
do not do better than the city boys. Farmers in
speaking in this way are forgetting the girls.
Physical education is much more important for
them than for boys, because beauty and a good
figure are more significant, and these are both by-
products of a proper system of physical education.
Motherhood is a much larger fact than father-
hood and demands of the woman a higher degree
of health and vitality for the sake of the future.
The death rate of bottle fed babies is from three
to ten times that of babies that are nursed by a
healthy mother.
It is in their play that children learn to get on
RURAL AND CITY PHYSICAL EDUCATION
107
with other children, to make friends and to be
good comrades. The lack of social opportunity
is the greatest hardship of the country. More
than any other one thing the country boy and girl
needs the team game. Character is formed in the
active side of life. Loeb and Leopold undoubtedly
knew it was wrong to murder as most thieves
know it is wrong to steal. The child's habits of
honesty, courtesy, and friendliness are formed al-
most altogether in their games. There are many
rural schools where nearly every boy and girl goes
wrong. The greatest safeguard is to give them
many vital interests to utilize their leisure time.
In the rural schools over America the boys are
usually trying to play baseball, but the average
rural school contains about twenty children, with
not more than six who are ten years old or older
and it takes eighteen boys to play baseball. Girls
do not play in regular games to any considerable
extent because they cannot throw across the dia-
mond and the hard ball hurts their hands. Base-
ball is not adapted to the rural school because
there are not enough children. On the other hand
playground baseball is very well adapted. The
diamond is smaller and the girls can throw across
as the ball is soft and does not hurt their hands.
Girls who learn to play in the fourth or fifth
grade, will play nearly as well as the boys in high
school.
I find a great many schools in which they are
trying to play basket ball, but in most rural schools
there are not over five boys and five girls at the
outside who are old enough to play. Boys and
girls are supposed to play by different rules. The
rules say they should not play for longer than
six minute quarters, but there is no timekeeper and
this rule is disregarded.
The School Athletic Federation says all girls
playing basket ball should have a physical exam-
ination, but country girls do not have such an
examination. Basket ball is probably the most
violent strain on the heart of any game played.
The time at which it is most dangerous is at 13,
14 and 15 when the heart is growing most rapidly.
It is not well for boys to tackle girls in basket ball
at best. Basket ball should be prohibited at rural
schools.
Volley ball on the other hand is a game well
adapted to rural schools because it may be played
with any number on a side. Country boys are
nearly all round shouldered or stooped shouldered
and volley ball makes them get their heads back
and their shoulders back. It does not have the
personal contact of basket ball and there is no
trouble from boys and girls playing together. It
is easy to umpire and does not result in quarrels.
Circle dodge ball is another game that is ad-
mirably adapted to the country school. It is vig-
orous, has a wide age range and can be played by
boys and girls alike.
There ought to be croquet at every rural school,
because croquet is adapted to the country and goes
from the school to the country home. For the
same reason there should also be tennis because
it is adapted to the country, requires only two
players and is becoming a part of a liberal educa-
tion. Country people have all the equipment that
is required to make tennis courts cheaply.
Young children should not engage in long races
but the test of the Public School Athletic League
is admirably adapted to their needs.
There is great need of corrective exercise. At
least nine-tenths of the rural children have poor
posture. But our rural teachers are so largely un-
trained in this work that it is difficult to make it
vigorous and interesting enough to secure results.
Most of the physical education at the rural
schools will have to be on the school grounds, but
there are many days each year in which exercise
cannot be taken out of doors. At such times there
should be setting up drills, calisthenics, and cor-
rective exercises indoors. Considerable time
should be given to the teaching of hygiene.
There is about one doctor for every 1,000 people
in the country and one doctor to every 500 in the
city. Adenoids, bad tonsils and teeth are much
more common among country children than city
children because they do not have so close medi-
cal supervision. There is also a larger percentage
of children who are undernourished. In the coun-
try milk is too common to be drunk.
In Missouri we are asking all rural schools to
provide themselves with the following equipment :
2 volley balls and a net ; 2 playground base balls
and four bats. This is being furnished in good
quality for $8.35 and a large proportion of the
schools are securing it. We are asking also that
during the pleasant weather the recesses be length-
ened, and the latter part of the noon period be
organized. The games mentioned as well as
others in athletics are to be taken at this time.
Probably the easiest way to get such a program
into effect is through the County Field Day. We
are asking for sectional field days in each county
to begin with, at which each school shall be rep-
resented by teams in volley ball, playground base-
ball and dodge ball and with certain contestants
for our state medal.
10S
NEIGHBORHOOD SERVICE
It is my belief that this program, when properly
organized, will make the school more attractive
to country children, will make the attendance
more regular and will cause many of the older
boys and girls, who otherwise would drop out, to
continue for a longer period.
The great difficulty in a program of this sort
is that rural teachers are untrained in the games
and activities involved and there are no physical
directors. There are a few counties in California
and Pennsylvania where county physical directors
have been employed, but most counties are not in
a position to do this. The best solution seems to
be in most cases that one of the deputy superin-
tendents should have had training- along this line
and should have the supervision of physical educa-
tion.
Probably the country needs the community cen-
ter more than the city because of its lack of social
life. In these days of good roads the community
center and county park are quite as accessible to
country people as the city center and park are to
city people. All new consolidated schools should
be provided, if possible, with an auditorium and
gymnasium and ample grounds that can be used
both by the school and community. Each county
should also have a county park and game preserve
which may serve as a camping ground for the Boy
Scouts and Camp Fire Girls, and a center for the
community life and recreation over a wide district.
The experience of California and a few other
places where it has been tried seem to indicate
that the country swimming pool, dance hall, base-
ball diamond and other play features lying along
any hard surfaced road are as well used in the
country district as in the city and are much
cheaper.
In discussing this paper Dr. William Burdick,
of the Baltimore Playground Athletic League,
pointed out that it is in the field of behavior that
physical education can make its greatest contribu-
tion. In the selection of play activities for girls
we must be guided largely by the girls' native in-
terest, by what she likes to do and can do well.
"Athletics as a department of college education
serves a larger number of undergraduates than
any other department and serves them as a labora-
tory course, testing the value of the whole educa-
tion that comes to them in the class room and on
the campus. It is not too fantastic to claim that
athletics makes education safe for the Yale under-
graduate."
— Professor Clarence Whittlesey Mendell, Chairman of the
Board of Control of the Athletic Association, Yale
Neighborhood Service
Last summer the director of one of the South
Parks of Chicago cut out a clipping from a local
newspaper telling of a little girl in the county
hospital with tuberculosis of the spine forced to
lie face downward without changing position. He
posted the clipping on his bulletin board, writing
beneath it, "The park director proposes to do
something for this little girl. Anyone who wishes
to join him will be welcome." That same evening
a number of boys came in with small contributions
of money which they wanted used for the little
patient. A group of girls approached the director
on the possibility of doing something in an or-
ganized way and a Sunshine Club was the result.
The mothers of the neighborhood began to take an
interest and offered to provide cakes and deli-
cacies.
The Sunshine Club sent a committee to the hos-
pital and discovered that in the ward given over
to similar cases there were fifteen patients. An
inquiry regarding the kind of things the patients
wanted disclosed an interesting fact. The children
asked for not a single thing to eat and for no deli-
cacies, fruit or flowers. In every case they re-
quested some plastic material for construction ac-
tivity. Everything asked for represented some-
thing which appealed to the children's sense of the
beautiful. They wanted paints, brushes, drawing
materials, fancy work equipment, silks and vari-
ous materials, in order that they might make
things.
The community provided the ward with radio
outfits, gave a Hallowe'en party and entertained
them on Thanksgiving. Instead of making the
Christmas program one of distribution of gifts to
the children of the neighborhood, the neighbor-
hood gave gifts to the children of the Crippled
Children's Hospital and the orthopedic patients in
the hospitals. The quantity of gifts that came in
was overwhelming.
The ward has been adopted as the community's
own, but in many cases the service has been ex-
tended to other wards and hospitals. The plan has
developed more enthusiasm in neighborhood re-
sponse to a park activity than anything yet under-
taken in this particular district. It has demon-
strated the fact that the altruistic impulses of peo-
ple and their readiness to respond to an appeal
touching the emotions should be given a channel
of expression through the neighborhood recrea-
tion program.
BOWLING ON THE GREEN
109
Bowling on the Green
By
CHARLES G. BLAKE
President Chicago Lawn Bowling Club and
Vice-President of the Hamilton Club of Chicago
The greatest preventive of ill health and the
greatest aid in rebuilding the health is proper
exercise in the open air. The great majority of
those living in cities work indoors and long ago
cities recognized the necessity for providing means
of outdoor recreation through the establishment
of public parks. They found it necessary, too,
to go further and provide in the parks play-
grounds for children and tennis courts, baseball
diamonds and football grounds for young men.
Then, as it is unwise for most men above thirty
years of age to play these games continuously, the
great game of golf was provided to take care of
them.
Those men who were above thirty when golf
was established in this country are now above
fifty years of age and as the doctors tell us that
all men's arteries are appreciably hardened at
fifty years of age and each year become more so,
it has become necessary to provide an outdoor
game that will be as interesting as the others, re-
quiring all the exercise necessary for good health
without sudden strain.
A Game Over 700 Years Old
There is such a game and it is over 700 years
old — 200 years older than golf — not a substitute
for golf but rather an older brother in the family
of health-giving outdoor games. So absorbing is
this game that at one time the King of England
prohibited the playing of it because the young
men neglected practising archery for it, and since
in those days the country was defended by men
with bows and arrows instead of rifles, its popu-
larity was a menace to the nation. So decorous
is the game that the Encyclopedia Britannica tells
us that John Knox called on John Calvin one
Sunday afternoon and found him playing the
game.
It is the game that Sir Francis Drake and his
captains were playing at Plymouth in 1588, 336
years ago, when the messenger arrived telling him
that the Spanish Armada had entered the English
Channel. So interesting was the game he was
playing, however, that Sir Francis finished the
match before leaving to whip the Spanish.
Hundreds of men go to St. Petersburg, Florida,
every year because this game is played there.
They come from as far east as Nova Scotia and
as far west as California. Such is the pull of
the game. Many of the higher grade Scotch and
English hotels have their private equipment for
their guests. They play not only during the day
but also at night in evening dress. Scores of
churches in Canada have their own grounds, so
sociable is the game.
The game I am speaking of is to the average
man of fifty what golf is to the man of thirty —
a delightful life and health preserver. This game
is Bowling on the Green, technically called the
Game of Bowls.
When the idea was presented to the South
Park Commissioners of Chicago a year ago, they
realized its great health and pleasure-giving values
and built a fine public bowling green. It is here
that the Chicago Lawn Bowling Club plays regu-
larly. In this coming season, as the greens are
to be brilliantly lighted, there will be evening play
as well. A start has been made. Detroit, Buffalo,
Cincinnati, Boston, Hartford and other cities have
both public and private greens.
How to Play It
The game is entirely different from indoor
bowling in which the object is to knock over ten
pins with a 16-pound ball, requiring considerable
exertion and strength. In Bowling on the Green
the object is not to knock something over but to
roll the bowl so that it will just rest against a
214-pound china ball a hundred feet or there-
abouts away from the players. Although the
bowls look round only one-half is round, the other
half being turned slightly off so that as the speed
leaves the ball it drops on the flattened half, caus-
ing the ball to curve. Because of this bias, as it
is called, it is impossible to roll it in a straight
line to a finish. The players therefore try to start
the ball at such an angle and speed that it will
curve around and stop exactly at the little white
ball or jack, as it is called. A perfect shot is
seldom made.
The balls are about five inches in diameter and
weigh only three pounds. The delivery from the
hand is by a gentle forward swing.
In team play there are four on each side, each
player bowling two bowls. Thus each side bowls
eight bowls or a total of sixteen in each end or
inning, and there is a possible score of eight points
in each inning. As a matter of fact, the average
score for each end or inning is only one or two
110
FIELD BALL
points. At the close of the inning each of the
bowls of the side nearer the jack than the nearest
bowl of the opponents counts one point.
A toss-up decides which side leads. A player
then leads with one bowl, the opponent lead also
bowls one bowl. The first player then bowls his
second bowl followed by his opponent. Number
two on each side does the same, followed by the
third player on each side, who is called the vice-
skip. The six men having bowled their total of
twelve bowls walk to the other end and the two
skips or captains, who have been there directing
each bowl, walk to the bowling end and they
in turn each bowl two bowls, thus completing the
play for that end or inning.
A Few Suggestions
1. To Middle-aged Golfers — Do you not occa-
sionally come home from the golf links so tired
that you feel like dropping into an easy chair
and staying there for the evening? Take Na-
ture's hint and vary your program by bowling on
the green occasionally, for it does not exhaust,
it merely gives you a good, healthy, tired feeling.
Furthermore, when you play bowls, you cannot
think of anything else. It is so absorbing you for-
get your business troubles, and you cannot help
it for the fortunes of war change so frequently.
2. To Younger Golfers — Bowling on the Green
is a fine game to play for an evening or two when
you become stale at golf. It will keep you in fine
shape and you will be able to go back and play
golf at top form.
3. To Golf Club Presidents and Boards of Di-
rectors— Build a bowling green at your club.
Not only will it be a great addition to the club but
you can have from fifty to one hundred additional
members without crowding the links any more.
4. To Park Commissioners and Public Health
Bodies Everywhere — You owe it to your people
whom you have so well taken care of in games
from youth to middle age to continue to care for
them with a game intensely interesting, requiring
just the right amount of exercise, which they can
play in the open air, day or evening, at any age
without danger of injury through excessive strain.
5. To Physicians — Tell your patients of this
exceedingly interesting outdoor game which can
be played without physical strain.
Ohio is to have a State Commissioner of School
Athletics with general supervision over the athletic
affairs of the high schools.
Have You Tried Field Ball?
Field ball is rapidly becoming a popular sport
for girls. The rules as adapted and played by the
girls associated with the Playground Athletic
League of Maryland are as follows :
The Game
The game of field ball is played by two teams
of eleven girls each. The aim of each team is to
throw the ball through the enemy's goal.
The Ball
The Ball is to be No. "O" Soccer.
The Field
The field shall be the soccer field using mid-line
goal and penalty area lines. The goal is 8 feet
wide and 8 feet high.
Officials
The game shall be in charge of a referee who
may choose a time-keeper and a scorer. It is bet-
ter to have linesmen to help the referee on "out
of bounds" and goal area rulings.
Playing Regulations
Time — The game shall last four quarters of ten
minutes each with five minutes' rest between.
Goals are changed each half.
The game begins with each team in its own half
of the field, throwing the ball at least 15 feet into
enemy's country, with or without a run. None
of the thrower's side may cross the line until the
ball has gone past midline. If onrushers get ahead
of the ball or if it is not thrown 15 feet into oppo-
nents' area, attackers lose 15 feet. If repeated,
other side starts the ball. Two hands must touch
the ball to own it but it may be thrown with one
or both hands. A ball caught or picked up must
be thrown within three seconds. It may be re-
gained after one bounce or one juggle. It may
not be handed to a team-mate but it must be
thrown 15 feet if catcher is nearer enemy's goal.
Backward, it may be thrown anywhere, if catcher
is at side of or behind the thrower. A player must
be at rest on one or both feet or jumping when
throwing the ball. Guarding is not allowed except
as in girls' basketball. Ball should not be touched
if held by another but if caught by two is tossed
up by referee.
Scoring — A team scores 2 points when the ball
goes through the goal (as in soccer) if thrown
(Continued on page 112)
Recreation as an International Leaven
As SEEN BY
MRS. WlLLOUGHBY RODMAN
The "war to end wars" will be fought on the
playground instead of on the battlefield.
This is the conclusion of Mrs. Willoughby
Rodman, founder of the Los Angeles play-
ground system, long a national figure in the play-
ground movement, who has just returned from
Mexico, where she studied the effects of recrea-
tion there, following a still more extended study
of conditions throughout Europe and the Near
East.
From interviews with kings, queens and pres-
idents, statesmen, leaders in educational and eco-
nomic fields and from a close personal knowledge
of the beliefs and hopes of the rank and file of
many nations, such as it has been the privilege
of few men or women to gain, Mrs. Rodman be-
lieves that the only solution of many of our
international relationships will be found in rec-
reation. Nor has her theory been unheard nor
unheeded in international bodies, for it was given
serious consideration at the Women's Peace Con-
ference at the Hague.
"The securing of a special fund for the crea-
tion of an international recreation committee
representative of all countries, in which Amer-
ican agencies engaged in this work should take
the lead, is the first step," says Mrs. Rodman,
"in bringing to bear the force of this greatest hu-
man common denominator behind the efforts to
create an actual and effectual brotherhood of man.
Such an international good will agency would go
further than the present Olympic Games organi-
zation, which is representative chiefly of picked
groups of athletes. Its ramifications would reach
back through playgrounds and recreation centers
into every community, and thus into every home.
"As the lessons of individual citizenship and
national loyalty can best be planted in the hearts
and souls of children while at play, so the seed
of international tolerance can be sown by the
playground workers of the world in the receptive
and unprejudiced mind of each nation's child-
hood. Children trained from the beginning in
international friendship will as adults find the
way to international peace and good will. A
child at play is the same the world over. Tom
Sawyer on the Mississippi would have no trou-
ble in understanding the young Maxim Gorky at
play on the banks of the Volga, as has been re-
markably brought out by the unconscious simi-
larity of the American story and the Russian
author's autobiography, My Childhood. Out of
this sympathy, realization of which can be given
on the playgrounds of each nation, would come
the birth of an international spirit such as the
world has never known."
Among those who have lent favorable ear to
Mrs. Rodman's conception are the Queen of the
Belgians, the King and Queen of Rumania, the
King and Queen of Serbia, Prince and Princess
Lubonierski of Poland, President Mazaryk of
Czechoslovakia, the King of Bulgaria, the Earl
of Sandwich of England, Countess Ducell of
Belgium, the former King of Greece, Senator
Carlos Zetina of Mexico, and ministers and dig-
nitaries of every sort in the many continental
countries which she visited.
Following her visits several cities immediately
set aside playground land, and in some she helped
plan the actual layout of the grounds and outline
the program. Everywhere the message of what
American cities have done in recreation work
was eagerly heard and greatly stimulated both
municipal and national recreation plans.
"At present there is too much military em-
phasis on recreation in Europe," declares Mrs.
Rodman. "This is one of the evils which a new
movement for international friendship through
recreation would go far to remedy. However,
the political and economic readjustments in
Europe have greatly hastened the adoption of the
American type of peace-time recreation, and it
is encouraging that at last recreation is being
thought of otherwise than as a means of physical
preparation for hostilities.
"Recreation for women needs general stimulus
across the seas. Greatest interest and under-
standing is still manifested chiefly by the men, and
its possibilities for the other sex are not fully
appreciated. The need for education along rec-
reation lines is everywhere apparent. An inter-
national board would find this pioneer work its
first calling, from which would spring the higher
goal of world amity.
Ill
112
A TOWN TO LIVE IN
"The broad changes which have followed the
sweep of democracy over Europe have likewise
been reflected in the field of recreation. In the
garden of the Empress Maria Teresa, where roy-
alty once promenaded in regal state, boys play
football, and little children romp merrily. The
Prater, world famous, once the private domain
of Austria's emperors, is being used in part as
an athletic field. The regal playground where the
silken dandies who' ruled the Holy Roman Em-
pire played daintily is now the home of the
American national game. Undoubtedly the
young Austrians from every class who play it
have thus gained a better understanding of the
American temperament. This instance is a prac-
tical illustration of how the peace through recrea-
tion theory is already working."
It is chiefly during the last five years that
Mexico has awakened to the importance of rec-
reation, Mrs. Rodman reports from this newest
field of her study. The playground there may
eventually displace the bullfight. "Baseballs in-
stead of bulls" may some day be the slogan of
a new kind of Mexican revolution. Demands
for playgrounds and equipment are constantly
increasing.
Everywhere in Europe American workers were
doing legion service in spreading the gospel of
recreation. It is Mrs. Rodman's belief that the
achievements of these workers, based on the best
thought on recreation, have done more to cement
the friendship of these older nations with Amer-
ica than all the efforts of diplomats and politi-
cians. And as recreation has in this case created
bonds of national friendship, so general applica-
tion of the same spirit in all countries will create
the brotherhood of nations.
The war to end wars is already being fought!
Have You Tried Field Ball?
(Continued from page 110)
from outside goal area, 1 point if thrown from
within goal area.
Out-of-bounds — The ball is out of bounds when
it crosses the end of side lines. It belongs to the
team who did not touch it last. On ball crossing
and line defenders 2 shall take ball and may throw
it into field from any part of goal area with or
without a run. When the attackers are entitled
to the ball beyond the end-line, one shall throw
it into the field while standing at the corner near-
est where the ball crossed the end line. Defend-
ers must remain at least 15 feet away from throw-
er until a ball has been thrown.
The Kind of Town We
Would Like to Live in
In an address delivered before the Seventeenth
Annual Convention of the Southern Commercial
Association Secretaries' Association, Spartanburg,
South Carolina, June, 1924, John Ihlder, Mana-
ger of the Civic Development Department of the
Chamber of Commerce of the United States, made
a number of striking references to the place of
recreation and the enjoyment of life in the city
plan.
The following extracts indicate the emphasis
placed by Mr. Ihlder on the need for a community
recreation program :
"But some day the hard-boiled man wakes up
to find that his associates who have made their
pile, have moved to some other place to spend it,
and the fellow who is irked by the sight of toil
realizes that it is on the profits of business that
he exists. As these two scold each other the rest
of us wake up to the fact that business is the basis
of most of what makes life worth living, beauty ,
art, music ; comfortable homes, a gracious social'
life ; all these come from the profits of business.
And at the same time we wake up to the comple-
mentary fact that business is not an end in itself,
but is a means to an end, 'that we may live more
abundantly.'
"So we begin to understand that while business
is the first essential to our town, it is not the
whole town, and consequently instead of spoiling
the rest of the town it must make the rest of the
town a better place to live in. I am therefore
going to ask you to accept a second proposition
as part of the starting point of our argument :
"While the existence of a town or city depends
upon business, that existence is not justified un-
less the profits of business make life in that town-
constantly more and more worth living."
*****
"With education, with the labor of our matur-
ity, goes or should go the seventh item, recreation.
"It is sometimes said by foreigners that we
Americans do not know how to enjoy ourselves
in simple, natural ways but must have something
spectacular and expensive. My belief is that this
characteristic of ours is not inherent, but is due to
conditions. In a town that has no parks or play-
grounds, no library, no art, where homes with
gardens are being superseded by apartments with
the smallest permissible paved courtyards, what
shall we do except utilize the roller coaster, the
DEVELOPMENTS IN DALLAS
113
joy wheel and the joy ride ? They are all we have
to take us away from the routine of our labor, the
commonplace of mediocrity, the ugliness of a half-
finished community.
"So our town will have a park system, not just
one or two so-called parks ; a playground system
that will meet the needs of adults as well as of
children. It also will provide music and theatri-
cals, both amateur and professional.
"The line between amateur and professional is
a wavering one and we shall not try to draw it
here, for our town encourages both in its recrea-
tional program and supports all that is good from
bowling alleys, pool rooms and movies to concerts,
remembering that the chief pleasure in amateur
performances comes from participation and the
chief pleasure in professional performances comes
from witnessing a worthwhile thing exceedingly
well done."
*****
"The Spirit of the People : — If there is any one
thing that makes us want to live in a town it is
the spirit of the people. I put this last because
it is an intangible and we Americans want some-
thing we can get a grip on. But this intangible is
so important that it can't be left out. Any one of
you who has lived among strangers for awhile
knows the joy of again being among his own peo-
ple. And our own people are those who are
friendly, helpful, willing to get in and push. That
spirit is not natural always, but it can be culti-
vated. And where that spirit is there is also a
good town, the kind of town \ve would like to live
in."
Recreation Developments
in Dallas, Texas
Dallas, Texas, through the Park Board is offer-
ing its citizens a year-round program under the
leadership of a trained recreation superintendent
supported by funds appropriated by the munici-
pality.
The program and facilities are as follows :
Twenty-six summer and sixteen winter play-
grounds under paid leadership.
Seventeen free wading and swimming pools for
children. In almost every instance these pools are
30' x 50' and 3^' deep. For wading purposes a
small amount of water is run into the basins twice
daily. Approximately 160,000 children used these
pools during the past season. There is a sanitary
swimming hole, free from the dangers of death
and disease, in almost every neighborhood of
Dallas.
Two municipal pools — one for the white, the
other for the colored population. The pool used
by the white people is 160' x 400' and the depth is
graduated from 2y2' to 10'. The pool used by the
Negroes is 50' x 100' and has a graduated depth of
2' to 7'. The attendance at these pools last sum-
mer was over 100,000.
Four municipal golf courses. All of the courses
have sand greens at present, but one 18-hole and
one 9-hole grass green course will be ready in the
spring. One of the four courses is run especially
for the children and no fee is charged.
Industrial athletics. Baseball, basketball and
football to a certain extent are very highly or-
ganized in Dallas and the Park Board not only
lends its aid in the organization but furnishes the
necessary buildings and fields for these activities.
Athletic fields. The Park Board of the City of
Dallas furnishes and maintains free of charge
forty-three tennis courts, thirty baseball diamonds,
sixteen outside and one inside basketball courts,
four football fields and five soccer fields.
Band concerts. Last season there were ap-
proximately seventy band concerts given on the
Dallas park system to an attendance of over
200,000.
Twenty-two free moving picture shows in
twenty-two parks in different localities of the City.
In each of the twenty-two parks three shows are
given each week during June, July and August.
Last year approximately 1,100,000 people attended
the 900 open air cinema entertainments. No tax
money is spent on these entertainments as the
money derived from cold drink concessions and
screen advertising defray the operating expense.
Municipal zoo. The Park Board maintains a
large municipal zoo which has at present 981 live
specimens on hand, including elephants, tigers,
lions, leopards, zebras, orang-outang.
The Park Board also fosters and maintains
a large art gallery and the Texas Museum of
Natural History which are located in Fair Park.
A child who does not play not only misses much
of the joy of childhood but he can never be a
fully developed adult. He will lack in many of
the qualities most worth while, because many of
the avenues of growth were unused and neglected
during the most plastic period of his life.
(From Psychology of Childhood, by Norsworthy and Whitley
114
SPRING ACTIVITIES
Suggestions for Spring
Activities
The delights of spring are many, and the op-
portunity of the recreation worker in his program
planning for this season is unlimited.
TOURNAMENTS AND ACTIVITIES OF VARIOUS
KINDS
With the strong spring winds, kite flying
naturally comes into favor. In many recreation
programs kite tournaments are now an annual
event. The rules and regulations used in the
Chicago contests are described in detail in C. S. I.
Bulletin No. 562. Patterns for kites are to be
found in Handcraft, published by the Association
—price, $1.25. Kitecraft and Kite Tournaments
by Charles M. Miller contains detailed informa-
tion for making kites and for conducting tourna-
ments. This book is published by the Manual
Arts Press, Peoria, Illinois — price, $1.75.
The time-honored game of marbles is just as
important to small, younger citizens as golf is to
many of our older ones. In many of our cities
marble tournaments have become very popular.
Mumble -the -Peg, Jackstones and Hopscotch are
games which also smack of spring. Stilt contests
and baseball pitching contests both have their
place in the program. Suggestions for all these
activities may be secured from the Association.
Suggestions for a top-spinning tournament are
supplied by the Chicago South Park Commission.
Among the events are diabolo, duration and toss-
ing contests, top duration spins, whip top dis-
tance races, accuracy top casting at chalked
targets, stunt pick-ups, girls' top spinning dura-
tion and accuracy contests.
The gray-haired participants in horseshoe
tournaments are very often the most enthusiastic
of all, although horseshoe pitching is enjoyed by
young and old. Spring is sure to bring out many
devotees of this sport. Rules for this popular
game may be secured from the Association.
The coming of spring calls into the open a large
number of young and reckless one-track roller-
skaters whom the pedestrians must dodge. Many
of these boys and girls, and even some of the
older members of the community, will enjoy
taking part in such roller skating contests as those
described in C. S. I. Bulletins No. 744 and No.
543. In the contests held on the playgrounds of
the Chicago South Park Commission such events
are included as dashes, single skate races, coacting
for distance, skulling backwards and tug-of-war
on a single skate.
The desire on the part of the younger genera-
tion to become mechanicians and chauffeurs is
partially fulfilled in the building and driving of
pushmobiles and scootmobiles. Contests in the
construction and running of such vehicles are en-
couraged, with great success, in some recreation
programs.
Better housing facilties should be provided for
our feathered citizens. City-wide Bird House
contests have been launched in a number of cities
and have served as a valuable and interesting
activity for the boys and girls. Prizes are offered
for such things as
1. The most natural and practical house for
bird life use
2. The best house in workmanship
3. The most artistic design
4. Combination house
5. Most unique or odd house
6. Best house made of sticks
7. Best house made of bark
8. Best house made of flat wood
9. Best house made of tin cans
10. Best open house made
The Department of Agriculture has issued a
very suggestive pamphlet on the construction of
bird houses under the title Bird Houses and Hoiv
to Build Them, Farmers' Bulletin No. 609.
Home Play
Home play is a year-round activity, but in
spring the out-of-doors calls out the entire family.
Many suggestions for backyard home equipment
and for activities of various kinds will be found
in Home Play by W. C. Batchelor, which may be
secured from the Association — price 10 cents.
Bulletins on Home Play Week Experiences — price
10 cents — which may be secured from the Asso-
ciation, are also suggestive.
This year the Better Homes of America cam-
paign will be held from May 10th to 17th. The
Guidebook, giving suggestions for organizing for
the Week, may be secured from Better Homes
in America, 1653 Pennsylvania Avenue, Wash-
ington, D. C. — price, 15 cents.
Out-of -Doors in the Spring
Games and Athletics — The ever-popular game
of baseball in all its forms comes into its own
in the spring. Information for the organization
of twilight baseball leagues may be secured from
the Association. Rules for playground ball, re-
cently formulated by a special committee of the
Association, are also available.
Children Play Better on
a hard, but resilient,
dustless surface.
Here is a new treatment for surfacing
playgrounds which makes a hard, durable,
dustless, yet resilient footing for the children.
Solvay Calcium Chloride is a clean, white, flaky chemical
which readily dissolves when exposed to air, and quickly com-
bines with the surface to which it is applied.
S O L V A Y
Flake
Calcium Chloride
"The Natural Dust Layer"
is odorless, harmless, will not track or stain the children's
clothing or playthings.
Its germicidal property is a feature which has the strong
endorsement of physicians and playground directors.
Solvay Flake Calcium Chloride is not only an excellent dust
layer but at the same time positively kills all weeds. It is easy to
handle and comes in a convenient size drum or 100 Ib. bags. It
may be applied by ordinary labor with hand shovels or the
special Solvay Spreader, which does the work quickly and
economically.
The new Solvay Illustrated Booklet will be sent free on request.
Ask for No. 1159
THE SOLVAY PROCESS CO.
Wing & Evans, Inc., Sales Department
40 RECTOR STREET, NEW YORK
Please mention THE PLAYGROUND when writing to advertisers
115
116
SPRING ACTIVITIES
KELLOGG SCHOOL
OF
PHYSICAL
EDUCATION
ROAD field
for young
women, offering at-
tractive positions.
Qualified directors
of physical training
in big demand.
Three-year diploma
course and four-
year B. S. course,
both including sum-
mer course in camp
activities, with
training in all
forms of physical
•exercise, recreation and health education.
School affiliated with famous Battle Creek
Sanitarium — superb equipment and faculty
of specialists. Excellent opportunity for
individual physical development. For illus-
trated catalogue, address Registrar.
KELLOGG SCHOOL OF
PHYSICAL EDUCATION
Battle Creek College
Box 255 Battle Creek, Michigan
Track and field events are of special interest at
this season. In this connection, recreation work-
ers will find Staley's new book, Track and Field
Athletics, published by A. S. Barnes and Com-
pany, exceedingly helpful. Recreative Athletics,
a handbook published by the Association, has
been revised and is now ready for distribution.
Spring is the time when athletic badge tests
are most popular. The tests published by the
Association are available in quantities up to ten
copies free of charge. In larger quantities a
charge of 5 cents a copy is made.
Games for Limited Space — In many communi-
ties space is a consideration, and games requiring
only limited space are in demand. Paddle Tennis,
an adaptation of the regulation game of tennis,
is played on a court which is one-quarter of the
area of the regular court. Four full-sized paddle
tennis courts may be laid out in the space re-
quired by one regular court, with two feet of
space between each and an additional foot and a
half on each side of a court. The equipment
consists of wooden paddles, balls of sponged
rubber, net posts, a net, floor hooks and some
additional equipment making it possible to play
indoors. The equipment, which is inexpensive,
may be secured from the American Paddle Tennis
Association, 800 Church Street, Brooklyn.
Another adaptation of regulation tennis is Tcni-
koit, which may be played on a singles court,
40' x 12', or a doubles court, 40' x 18'. In addi-
tion to the net which should be 5' from the ground
at the poles and 4' 9" in the center, the equip-
ment consists of a hollow, inflated rubber ring 7"
in diameter and 1*4" thick. The general prin-
ciples of the game are the same as tennis. The
quoit is served (thrown) diagonally across to the
opponent. Equipment and rules may be secured
from Alex Taylor, 22 East 42nd Street, New
York City.
Suggestions for constructing regulation tennis
courts will be found in pamphlet No. 143, pub-
lished by the Association, How to Build and Keep
a Tennis Court, by Paul Williams — price, 10
cents.
Golf — For those who are interested in helping
their cities secure municipal golf courses, Munic-
ipal Golf in a Hundred Cities will be of interest.
This may be secured from the Association, price
20 cents.
Hiking — Those who love to tramp find the high-
ways and byways of spring particularly inviting.
There are many kinds of organized hikes to be
taken: Flower hikes, water bug hikes, surprise
Please mention THE PLAYGROUND when writing to advertisers
You Couldn't
Do More —
"Would You Do Less ?
nn.
»>X^>X*->>3«
HB
dSS&Sss
The Mark of
Quality Fence
and Service
When you enclose your playground with Cyclone Fence you
have taken the utmost precaution against the dangers of traffic
to children.
And, would you do less — with this great danger to child life
continually claiming a larger toll of children who thoughtlessly
dash from playgrounds into busy streets?
Call on Cyclone Nation-wide Fencing Service now to assist
you in safeguarding the children in your charge. Cyclone en-
gineers will study your fencing requirements, offer recommen-
dations and submit estimates of cost without obligation.
Phone, wire or write nearest offices.
CYCLONE FENCE COMPANY
FACTORIES AND OFFICES:
Waukegan, 111. Cleveland 0.
Newark, N. J. Fort Worth, Tex.
Pacific Coast Distributors:
Standard Fence Co., Oakland, Calif.
Northwest Fence & Wire Works, Portland, Ore.
Cyclone
^±*& • ^ "Galv-AftW
^•^^ A ^<^ rm
Cyclone Wrought Iron
Fence is built in suitable
styles for playground use.
Please mention THE PLAYGROUND when writing to advertisers
117
118
SPRING ACTIVITIES
Reputation
Some manufacturers as-
sert that it is a handicap
to have too good a repu-
tation— too much is ex-
If that were so, then we
certainly would be han-
dicapped, because for
half a century "Spalding
Quality" has been the
standard by which athletic
equipment is judged.
Just as good" is never
just the same!
Chicago
Gymnasium and Playground Contract Dept.
Chicopee, Mass.
hikes, tree and shrub hikes, camp hikes and just
p!ain sociability hikes. A number of recreation
departments have hiking clubs which go out,
usually on Saturday afternoons, taking lunch or
supper with them. Very often the hike takes
the form of a nature study expedition or a trip
to some point of historical interest. Bulletins
C. S. I. No. 720 and No. 549 describe a number
of hikes. In Games and Recreational Methods
for Clubs, Camps and Scouts, by Charles F.
Smith, published by Dodd, Mead and Company-
price, $2.00 — will be found an exceedingly sug-
gestive chapter on Hike and Camp Games, de-
scribing treasure hunts, tracking games and
similar activities. A chapter on Nature Lore
Games and Methods is full of fascinating sugges-
tions for hikes. Hike cooking comprises another
chapter of special interest to the hiker.
Hikes, picnics and outings of all kinds are in-
complete without singing. Community song
sheets may be secured from the Association at
$1.00 per hundred, plus postage.
Clubs for the Out-of-Doors — Nature study
clubs, camera clubs, canoe and boat clubs, all
come into prominence with the spring. And at
this season plans are well under way for the sum-
mer camp program. Cainpiny Out — A Manual
on Organized Camping — is full of information
on the selection of camp sites, construction of the
camp, sanitation, food, programs and all the prob-
lems connected with camping. It may be secured
from the Association — price, $2.00.
Clean-up and City Beautiful Campaigns
Spring is the time for community housekeeping
and Clean-up Weeks, and campaigns are very
much before the public. Suggestive information
may be secured from the National Clean-up and
Paint-up Campaign Bureau, Pontiac Building, St:
Louis, Missouri. A number of campaigns are
described in C. S. I. Bulletin No. 229.
During a Clean-up Campaign, the collecting of
books and magazines may well be encouraged.
There is still need for such literature in recon-
struction hospitals and similar institutions and in
rural libraries. From the American Red Cross
and State Library Commission may be secured
information regarding places where this reading
matter is needed. When the clean-up idea has
taken a good hold upon the community, it is well
to have a Community Day, when vacant lots may
be cleared of rubbish and transformed into play-
grounds. This will also be an auspicious time to
secure the loan of lots for children's playgrounds
Please mention THE PLAYGROUND when writing to advertisers
Also manufacturers
of Steel Locker i.
Send for Locker
Catalog "A-10."
Your Responsibility
HEN you approve a requisition for playground equipment,
you immediately assume grave responsibilities. You are
responsible for the safety of the children who will use the ap-
paratus for years to come. You are responsible to taxpayers,
because they depend upon your judgment, to buy for economy
and durability. This means apparatus that costs less in the long
run — and will still be in daily service after the children who use
it have children of their own.
'PLAYGROUND EQUIPMENT
is built with three fundamental principles in mind. It must be
SAFE. It must be Durable, and therefore ECONOMICAL.
Fred Medart began making gymnasium and playground appara-
tus in 1873 — it stands to reason that by now it must be as nearly
perfect as it can be made.
But its continuous purchase by wise and careful buyers over a
period of 51 years is definite proof. Why not be sure of making
the proper selection by following the judgment of these experi-
enced and capable men?
Send for Catalog M-33, which illustrates and describes Medart
Apparatus in exhaustive detail, and contains much valuable data
which should be in your files.
FRED MEDART MANUFACTURING CO.
Potomac and DeKalb Streets St. Louis, Mo.
New York Chicago San Francisco
Please mention THE PLAYGROUND when writing to advertisers
119
120
SPRING ACTIVITIES
Municipal
Horseshoe
Courts
at
Flint,
Mich.
A view of the twelve cement courts at Berston Field, Flint, Michigan. During
the City Horseshoe Tournament, held here in the evening, there were as high as five
hundred spectators.
Flint now has thirty-two horseshoe courts, located in five different parks, and
more are to be built this summer.
J. D. McCallum is Landscape Designer, Department of Parks and Forestry.
Five Dollars for a Photograph
Do they play Horseshoes in your city? We will pay five dollars for any photograph
of good horseshoe courts which we can use for advertising purposes. Send one in if
you have good courts, with any particulars you can furnish about your local leagues.
Do not hesitate to use and recommend Diamond Pitching Horseshoes. They are
drop forged steel, scientifically heat treated to prevent breaking or chipping. Sold
in sets complete with stakes, or with leather carrying cases holding two pair, also
by the pair. Made in "Oflicial" weights and in "Junior" weights for women and
children.
Ask for free copies of the folder, "How to Play Horseshoe."
DIAMOND CALK HORSESHOE CO.
4610 Grand Avenue, Duluth, Minn., U. S. A.
Diamond "Official" Horseshoes conform exactly
to the requirements of the National Association of
Horseshoe Pitchers, but are made In weights vary-
ing to suit individual tastes as follows : 2 % Ibs. ;
2 Ibs., 5 ounces; 2 Ibs., 6 ounces; 2 Ibs., 7
ounces, and 2 V4 Ibs.
from public-spirited citizens, thus increasing the
town's space.
The City ^ Beautiful campaign is closely allied
to the Clean-up campaign. The improvement of
city squares, railway station grounds, school
grounds, tree planting and house to house distribu-
tion of seeds for improving home yards, are some
of the things to be considered in such a campaign.
Flower festivals, such as the Rose Festival, held
annually in Portland, Oregon, and the Tulip
Festival in Bellingham, Washington, are some-
times the culmination of such campaigns.
Gardening — The encouraging of home and
school flower gardens is usually part of the Com-
munity Beautiful campaign. Vegetable gardens
are quite as popular and more profitable. A
Garden Club in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, has four
kinds of membership: Junior, home garden,
plotted vacant lot and entire vacant lot. Small
membership fees are charged which cover the
cost of seeds, of literature and visits of instruc-
tors. Literature of great value to gardeners may
be secured upon request from the United States
Department of Agriculture, Washington, D. C.
Institutes
In the spring many cities conduct institute
courses for the training of volunteer and paid
workers for the summer playgrounds. Suggested
programs for such institutes may be secured from
the Association.
Music Week
The project of a spring Music Week is being
developed in many cities as a demonstration of
what local groups are doing and of what a com-
munity music program may mean to a city. The
second annual observance of National Music
Week will be held May 3-9, 1925. A guide for
the organization of local Music Weeks may be
secured from the National Music Week Com-
mittee, 45 West 45th Street, New York City.
Bulletins No. 367, No. 367A and No. 367B,
relating to Music Week, may be secured from the
Association — price, 15 cents.
Holidays
Especially delightful celebrations are possible
for the spring holidays. Sources of information
on a number of them follows :
Please mention THE PLAYGROUND when writing to advertisers
What kind of costumes do you need
for your Playground Pageant ?
NO MATTER what your needs,
you will find real help in
Dennison's new instruction book,
"How to Make Paper Costumes" —
32 pages full of illustrations, direc-
tions and suggestions for making
costumes of
This material is ideal for cos-
tumes. With it you can obtain
wonderful color effects — and un-
usual designs. It is inexpensive
and so easy to handle that the
youngsters can help with their
own costumes.
The possibilities are limitless —
with 35 plain colors and 72 printed
designs of crepe papers from
which to choose.
Stationers, department stores
and druggists sell Dennison Crepe
papers and also the instruction
book, "How to Make Paper Cos-
tumes."
Dennison Instructors and Ser-
vice Bureaus work with Play-
ground Supervisors. They can be
of much assistance in planning
costumes for pageants and in or-
ganizing classes in the various
fascinating Dennison crafts.
Use this coupon and mail tffday.
DENNISON MANUFACTURING CO.,
Dept. 12-E, Framingham, Mass.
Enclosed find ten cents for which please send me the book,
"How to Make Paper Costumes." I am also interested in
D The free service of Dennison instructors
D The Dennison Crafts.
Name
Address
Please mention THE PLAYGROUND when writing to advertisers
121
122
SPRING ACTIVITIES
SLIDE - KELLY- SLIDE
in Perfect Safety on the
SAFETY PLATFORM SLIDE
Oh the JOY
of SLIDING
The safety Platform holds
3 children at a time and
the top of the slide makes
a railing in front of them,
they cannot fall off.
Steps and platform made
of hard maple. Very
strongly built. Send for
illustrated catalog.
Patterson -Williams Mfg. Co., San Jose, Calif.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION
TEACHERS AVAILABLE
For Elementary and High Schools
Meeting the Advanced Requirements of
New York, Pennsylvania, Michigan, In-
diana, etc.
NORMAL COLLEGE
of the
American Gymnastic Union
407 East Michigan St., Indianapolis, Ind.
SUMMER SESSION IN CAMP at Elkhart Lake, Wis.
TRAINING IN RECREATION
Five weeks' Summer Term at Camp Gray,
Saugatuck, Michigan
New Finnish Gymnastics for women, athletics,
swimming, dramatics, games, folk
dancing and other courses.
Write for Catalog
RECREATION TRAINING SCHOOL OF CHICAGO
800 South Halsted Street (Hull-House)
Arbor Day and Memorial Day — Out-of-door
ceremonies for Memorial and Arbor Day may
have a simple dignity and impressiveness which
will make them long remembered. From the
Association may be secured a ceremonial by Nina
Lampkin — price, 15 cents. A Memorial Day
pageant by Josephine Thorpe is particularly
good for those wishing to do a fairly pre-
tentious pageant. The Association is also
issuing a Memorial Day program especially
adapted to the use of schools — price, 10 cents.
Arbor Day, by Robert Haven Schauffler, pub-
lished by Moffatt, Yard and Company, New
York City — price, $1.50 — contains suggestions for
Arbor Day programs.
Children's Day — This day is usually celebrated
on an early June Sunday. There are a number
of simple exercises which have been prepared for
the use of churches and Sunday schools. Life
and the Children's Garden, by Annie Russell
Marble, is a very simple pageant suitable for the
junior department of Sunday schools. This may
be secured from the Association at 10 cents.
Out of the Bible, by Lyman P. Bayard, is an-
other interesting pageant for Children's Day.
which may be secured from the Pageant Pub-
lishers, 1206 South Hill Street, Los Angeles,
California, for 35 cents a copy. A Children's
Day program called The Secret Whispered to
Children, by Elizabeth Edland, may be obtained
through the Board of Education, Methodist Epis-
copal Church, 150 Fifth Avenue, New York City,
for 25 cents.
Please mention THE PLAYGROUND when writing to advertisers
JUNGLEGYM —THE BODY BUILDER
N. Y. City Parks
Patented 1923-24
"SAFEST PIECE OF APPARATUS MADE"
ABSOLUTELY NO QUARRELING
Neva L. Boyd — Director — Recreation Training School, At Hull House, Chicago
22 Units— Now in the New York City Playgrounds
Increased Attendance in Playgrounds
JUNGLEGYM Is Six Years Old This Spring
QUOTED FROM LETTERS RECEIVED FROM THOSE WHO
HAVE HAD JUNGLEGYM IN USE OVER THREE YEARS—
Retains its popularity after Several Years' use. Would sooner part with all the rest of
our playground apparatus than with Junglegym.
C. W. WASHBURNE, Supt. Public Schools,
Winnetka, 111.
Requires Little Supervision. Develops the Children Physically. Very Economical Appar-
atus. J. V. MULHOLLAND, Supervisor of Recreation,
Manhattan, N. Y.
Children do not tire of Junglegym. Absolutely SAFE TO PLAY ON.
J. S. WRIGHT, Director of Physical Education,
Chicago.
From a departmental standpoint the outstanding feature is the absence of maintenance
cost, the safety and durability.
A. C. BENNINGER, Comm. of Parks, Borough of Queens, New York.
Ideal Equipment for School Yards. No Quarreling.
THE PLAYGROUND EQUIPMENT CO., 342 Madison Avenue, New York City
Please mention THE PLAYGROUND when writing to advertisers
1.
124
AT THE CONFERENCES
dQBb
Wetomachek Hockey
and Sports Camp
POWERS LAKE, WISCONSIN
For Women Coaches, Directors of Physical
Education and Playground Instructors.
English Coaching methods used in Hockey.
Facilities for all Land and Water Sports.
An Ideal Vacation.
Registration for one, two, three or four weeks.
July 20th to August 15th.
For particulars address Camp Secretary, Dept. 45.
Chicago Normal School of Physical Education
5026 Greenwood Ave., Chicago, Illinois
No. 125
Other illustrations
and prices sent
upon request
FOLDING CHAIRS
The chair illustrated is a strong,
durable chair, specially designed
for recreation use. Folds per-
fectly flat and will not tip
forward.
Made by
MAHONEY CHAIR CO.
Gardner, Mass.
Look for the Duo-Art demonstra-
tion booth at the Rochester, Chi-
cago and Los Angeles Physical
Training Conventions. Save your
accompanist fees. Buy
DUO-ART
THE AEOLIAN COMPANY
Educational Department
AEOLIAN HALL NEW YORK CITY
At the Conferences
Thirty-two people attended the district con-
ference on Recreation held under the auspices of
the Playground and Recreation Association of
America at Indianapolis, January 9-10, 1925.
Many questions were discussed and experiences
exchanged. Summer camps, activities for for-
eign born boys' clubs, outstanding activities in
the cities represented, the relation of city and
country programs, community houses, recreation
legislation, activities for women and girls, athletics
and similar phases of the program were among
the subjects discussed.
A SOUTHERN RECREATION CONFERENCE
The recreation conference for the district of
the Carolinas, held at Winston-Salem, North
Carolina, March 19-21, brought together a group
of educators and recreation workers and volun-
teers from two states. In addition to the ad-
dresses and discussion, which dealt with many
phases of community recreation, there were game
demonstrations, a storytelling hour, a tour of in-
spection of the city's recreation facilities, the
production of a play and music furnished by a
boys' harmonica band and by the music depart-
ment of the schools.
TRAINING FOR LEADERSHIP
At the recreation conference for the carolinas,
held at Winston-Salem, North Carolina, March
19-21, Miss Nora McAllister, Playground Direc-
tor in Greenville, South Carolina, told of the
workers' conferences for the training of women
workers held in that city.
Conferences lasting an hour are held each week,
the meeting being divided into two parts. The
first half is devoted to a discussion of the past
week's activities on the playground, such as
tournaments and game contests. The second half
is given over to games, storytelling, handwork,
horseshoe pitching, marble tournaments and spe-
cial activities. The time devoted to each is
determined by the need. Miss McAllister stressed
the point that it is most important in training
women workers to give considerable time to game
instruction. The games are first described clearly
and are then played, the leaders being required to
take notes. Throughout the demonstrations cer-
tain principles in game leading are impressed upon
the workers.
Storytelling is one of the activities featured.
The workers are assigned stories to tell at the
Please mention THE PLAYGROUND when writing to advertisers
Two Books
You
Should
Have!
Get Your
Copies Today!
EVERYONE interested in the planning of
playgrounds and the purchasing of equip-
ment should have these two books in
their file.
The Paradise Playground Catalog is an elabo-
rate portrayal of the highest attainment in play-
ground apparatus. It is a veritable mine of
information, photos and suggestions on the selec-
tion of equipment. You should have a copy.
Write for it today.
"Paradise Playgrounds — How to Plan Them"
is an attractive booklet containing valuable hints
on playground planning. If you are thinking of
planning a playground be sure to write for your
copy of this treatise.
The F. B. Zieg Mfg. Company
140 Mt. Vernon Ave. Fredericktown, O.
Please mention THE PLAYGROUND when writing to advertisers
125
126
AT THE CONFERENCES
. McGill University
School of Physical Education
A two year Diploma course in the theory and
practice of Physical Education. Women Students
only admitted for Session 1925-26. Special Resi-
dence. Session begins late in September and ends
in May.
The demand for teachers still exceeds the supply.
For special Calendar and further information apply
to the
Secretary, Dept. of Physical Education,
Molson Hall, McGill University, Montreal
MANUAL on ORGANIZED CAMPING
Playground and Recreation Association
of America
Editor, L. H. Weir
The Macmillan Company
A practical handbook on all phases of organized camping
based on an exhaustive study of camping in the United
States.
May be purchased from the
PLAYGROUND AND RECREATION ASSOCIATION
OF AMERICA
315 Fourth Avenue, New York, N. Y.
Postpaid on receipt of price ($2.00)
Patented
WHOLESOME WATER
'TpHE Murdock Outdoor Bub-
ble Font is more than a
Drinking Fountain — it is a wa-
ter supply system. Inside the
rugged pedestal is an all brass
construction to furnish safe and
wholesome water.
LASTS A LIFETIME
For
PLAYGROUNDS— PARKS
Write for Booklet "What An Outdoor Drinking
Fountain Should Be."
The Murdock Mfg. & Supply Co,
427 Plum Street, Cincinnati, Ohio
Makers of Outdoor Water Devices Since 1853
meeting and constructive criticism is offered.
During the conferences, outsiders are invited in
from time to time to talk on various subjects, and
special reading is assigned.
Such conference hours are helpful not only in
the definite training they make possible but in the
opportunity they offer the recreation executive to
emphasize the values of play and of group life.
A district conference of the recreation execu-
tives of the cities of Michigan and a number of
Ohio cities was held under the auspices of the
Playground and Recreation Association of Amer-
ica at Ypsilanti, Michigan, from March 26-28.
The main emphasis was on problems connected
with the summer program, including the training
of playground workers and activities on the play-
ground and in the community. Members of the
conference were entertained at dinner by the Rec-
reation Committee of Ypsilanti. Following this
the Ypsilanti Players presented a play.
STATE PARK CONFERENCE
The Fifth National Conference on State Parks,
to be held May 25, 26, 27, 28, will be notable to
begin with in its location. Skyland, the Eaton
Ranch of the East, in the heart of the proposed
Shenandoah National Park, is at the summit of
the highest mountain in the State of Virginia.
Varied and fascinating excursion points abound.
Only 200 delegates and visitors can be accom-
modated.
A new bulletin is issued by the National Con-
ference on State Parks, giving valuable informa-
tion of the status of the movement in various
States.
The Garden Theater
(Continued from page 100)
organization. At the back of the stage behind the
shrubbery border there should be space for the per-
formers, and in case of change of costume, area
enough to accommodate a tent for dressing pur-
poses.
"Several colleges have garden theaters. Coun-
try Clubs and private individuals have built them.
The Bureau of Parks of Portland, Oregon, has
recently completed the construction of a rather
larger theater in its nine-acre rose garden in one
of the important parks. Dunthorpe School, just
outside of Portland, is contemplating a garden
theater in connection with the school athletic
grounds, where native shrubs and trees will be
used."
Please mention THE PLAYGROUND when writing to advertisers
MAGAZINES RECEIVED
127
Magazines and Pamphlets
Recently Received
Containing Articles of Interest to Recreation Workers
and Officials
MAGAZINES
Mind and Body. February, 1925
How Long Does It Take to Learn Swimming?
By George B. Slifer
Place of Physical Education in the School
Athletic and Scholastic Competition
By Charles H. Keene
Physical Efficiency Tests for Girls and Women
By Agnes R. Wayman
Women and Sport
By Dr. Franz Kirchberg
Mind and Body. March, 1925
Story of the Eighth Olympiad
By Jess T. Hopkins
Bowl Club Ball
By Rosalie Keen
Shuttle Ball Relay
A Field Day Drill for Junior High School Boys
By Janet B. Walter and S. J. Judelsohn
Marsovia Waltz, a Field Day Dance for Junior High
School Girls
By Janet B. Walter and S. J. Judelsohn
The Thrift Magazine. February, 1925
To Help People Employ Their Spare Time
A statement by Frederick P. Keppel regarding
the survey being made by the Carnegie Corpora-
tion in an effort to find out "how the millions
of individuals who are bored with spare time
can be helped."
Film Progress. February, 1925
This issue contains the report and addresses of the
Better Films Conference.
The American City. February, 1925
A Suburb Sets the Pace — Winnetka Community
House
Purpose of Better Homes Week— May 10-17, 1925
An Abandoned Cemetery Transformed Into a
Memorial Park
A Township Park and Playground System
By Jacob L. Crane, Jr.
The American City. March, 1925
Playgrounds in New Real Estate Subdivisions in
Houston
Deer Park, Washington — Team Work on a Com-
munity Building
Pittsburgh's Carousels Are Popular
A Small Town's Outdoor Theatre
How Pana is Financing and Building Its Community
Swimming Pool
Harmon Foundation Announces Play-Site Awards
and New Offers for 1925
A New Venture in Housing
Municipal Record. Salt Lake City, January, 1925
Recreation Department — A review of the year's ac-
complishments
By Charlotte Stewart
The Health Bulletin of the North Carolina State Board
of Health. March, 1925
Brush Piles and Briar Thickets to Playgrounds
By J. V. Dabbs
The Sporting Goods Dealer. February,' 1925
Major Griffith Discusses the Trend of Athletics
Parks and Recreation. January-February, 1925
Relation of Park Planning to City and Regional
Planning
By Frederick Law Olmstead
Playground Decoration
By Phelps Wyman
Rockford's First All-City Junior Golf Tournament
By Leo M. Lyons
Mother Goose Takes Up Her Abode in Texas
NEW YORK UNIVERSITY
SUMMER
SCHOOL
n
July 7 to
August 14
1925
PHYSICAL EDUCATION
Under the direction of
Prof. Clark W. Hetherington
Professor of Physical Education
School of Education, New York University
Elementary and Advanced courses for full and
part time Specialists in Physical Education,
Physical Directors, Play Grounds Directors, and
Administrators of School Play Grounds and
Recreation Systems. Helpful to those expecting
to teach physical training and who need the
requirements of these courses for examinations,
for licenses or credentials for teaching in vari-
ous cities and states of the United States.
University Credit and Certificates awarded stu-
dents upon satisfactory completion of the
courses.
Special assistance to out-of-town students in
securing comfortable, convenient and inex-
pensive living accommodations.
Send for Special Circular of Physical Education
Courses.
Address: Dr. John W. Withers, Director
New York University Summer School
100 Washington Square, N. Y. City
Special Combination Offer
THE PROGRESSIVE TEACHER is now in
its twenty-ninth year. It is printed in two colors —
ten big handsome issues — two dollars the year.
Circulates in every State in the
Union, Philippine
Islands, England, Cuba, Porto Rico and Canada.
It contains Primary and Grade Work, Method,
Outline, Community Service, Illustrations, Enter-
tainments, History, Drawing, Language, a course
in Physical Training and many
other subjects.
The Progressive Teacher
One Year $2.00
Both of these
The Playground
One Year $2.00
Magazines for
$3.OO if
Total $4.00 J
you act today
MAIL THIS COUPON TODAY
THE PLAYGROUND
315 FOURTH AVE., NEW
YORK CITY
I am sending $3.00, for which
please send THE
PROGRESSIVE TEACHER and THE PLAY-
GROUND for one year.
Name
Town
R F D State
Please mention THE PLAYGROUND when writing to advertisers
128
BOOK REVIEWS
Long Ball as Played in West Parks
By William J. H. Schultz
The Delmar Club of Chicago
West Chicago Parks Have Athletic Program
By E. A. Dygert
Success with Skating Rinks
By George W. Gurney
The American Physical Education Review. February,
1925
Teaching Good Citizenship through Physical Educa-
tion
By Charles L. Hampton
Field Ball
As -adapted and played by the girls in the high
schools throughout the State of Maryland
Tenikoit or Ring Tennis
The Survey. March 15, 1925
The Arts in Community Life
By F. P. Keppel
Fifty-Four New Playgrounds
An explanation of the Harmon Foundation's
offer for 1925
Athletic Journal. April, 1925
Community Baseball — The results of a nation-wide
survey — with suggestions for amateur leagues
By J. A. Butler
Educational Aims in Competitive Athletics
By Fielding H. Yost
PAMPHLETS
Juvenile Delinquency — A Selected Bibliography
Bulletin of the Russell Sage Foundation Library,
130 East 22 St., New York City Price. lOc
Recognition of Health as an Objective
By Harriet Wedgwood
Report of the Health Conference held in Boston,
October, 1923
Government Printing Office, Washington, D. C.
Price, 5c
Thirtieth Birthday
(Continued from page 84)
ing, were all of the Settlement, by the Settlement,
for the Settlement — an expression of community
recreation enjoyed by over 3,000 spectators.
There was a Parents' Day, a Visitors' Evening
and Exhibit Night, a Boys' Stunt Night, Art
School Evening, Athletic Trophy Night, Senior
Anniversary Dance, Intermediate Anniversary
Dance, Boys' Gym Night, and similar events, with
insufficient room on all occasions.
The attention of Pittsburgh was centered on the
Irene Kaufmann Settlement during this celebra-
tion, not only because of the unusual amount of
good newspaper publicity, but because of a poster
contest held in the schools, the art students inter-
preting the Settlement's activities. Besides these
posters, a window full of trophies and pictures
were displayed during the celebration in a window
of the leading department store.
While the Irene Kaufmann Settlement keeps
open house every day of the year — and is used to
its capacity by its eager, ambitious, and loyal mem-
bership— the Open House Week, marking the
thirtieth anniversary, was an unusual expression
of Community interest, participation and appre-
ciation.
Book Reviews
WHAT EVERY TEACHER SHOULD KNOW AUDIT THK
PHYSICAL CONDITION OF HER PUPILS by James F.
Rogers, M. D. Health Education No. 18 Depart-
ment of the Interior, Bureau of Education 1924.
Government Printing Office, Washington, D. C.
This pamphlet should be valuable to the recreation
worker as well as the teacher in helping him detect
physical defects needing attention or indications of com-
municable diseases necessitating the exclusion of the
child from the playground.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION AND HYGIENE. Course of Study
Series, 1924, No. 3. Prepared by C. B. Ulery and
R. G. Leland under the direction of Department of
Education and Department of Health. Issued by
Superintendent of Public Instruction, State of Ohio
Under the title Physical Education and Hygiene the
Department of Education and Department of Health
have issued a syllabus designed to suggest to the teachers
of Ohio methods of procedure which will help them in
complying with the provisions of the law requiring all
pupils in the schools of the State to receive as part of
their work not less than 100 minutes a week of instruc-
tion in physical education.
INTRAMURAL ATHLETICS. By Elmer D. Mitchell. Pub-
lished by A. S. Barnes and Company. New York
City. Price, $3.00
Heralded as the "first book on the subject to appear,"
Professor Mitchell's practical contribution to this field
will be a welcome one. The topics discussed include
Nature of Intramural Athletics, Stages of the Movement,
Objectives of the Program, Organization of the Depart-
ment, Units of Competition, Program of Sports, Methods
of Organizing Competition, Intramural Group Scoring
and Individual Score Plans, Rules and Regulations,
Awards and Special Administrative Problems.
INDIVIDUAL AND MASS ATHLETICS. By S. C. Staley.
Published by A. S. Barnes and Company, New York
City. Price, $3.00
A. S. Barnes and Company announces the publication
in April of another book by the author of Games, Con-
tests and Relays and The Program of Sportsmanship
Education. In this volume Professor Staley has as-
sembled the widely scattered, individual athletic events
and outlined the various methods of athletic competition.
The material is classified on the basis of the following
definitions :
Inditvdiial Athletics — All big-muscle activities which
are measurable in terms of time, number and space.
Mass Athletics — Group competitions in the individual
activities.
After outlining the individual athletic events, the author
has described the various methods used, such as : mass,
modified mass, relay, shuttle, cumulative, elimination,
tournament, rank, zone, point and group. In addition,
there are chapters on School Programs of Individual
Athletic and Miscellaneous Athletic Meets.
TRACK AND FIELD ATHLETICS. By Albert Wegener.
Published by A. S. Barnes Co., New York City.
Price, $2
The purpose of this book, as stated by the author, is
to give athletes a brief but comprehensive course of
instruction in the technique and rules of track and field
athletic events, to give suggestions on the general conduct
of meets and to provide a textbook on athletics for
normal schools of physical education. In addition to
this information, there is a chapter on national adminis-
trative bodies in the field of athletics, outlining the work
of the Amateur Athletic Union, the National Collegiate
Athletic Association, the Amateur Athletic Federation
and other groups. There are many illustrations showing
the proper position in various events.
Children Play Better on
a hard, but resilient,
dust less surface.
Here is a new treatment for surfacing
playgrounds which makes a hard, durable,
dustless, yet resilient footing for the children.
Solvay Calcium Chloride is a clean, white, flaky chemical
which readily dissolves when exposed to air, and quickly com-
bines with the surface to which it is applied.
SOLVAY
Calcium Chloride
"The Natural Dust Layer"
is odorless, harmless, will not track or stain the children's
clothing or playthings.
Its germicidal property is a feature which has the strong
endorsement of physicians and playground directors.
Solvay Flake Calcium Chloride is not only an excellent dust
layer but at the same time positively kills all weeds. It is easy to
handle and comes in convenient size drums or 100 Ib. bags. It
may be applied by ordinary labor with hand shovels or the
special Solvay Spreader, which does the work quickly and
economically.
The new Solvay Illustrated Booklet <will be sent free on request.
Ask for No. 1159
THE SOLVAY PROCESS CO.
Wing & Evans, Inc., Sales Department
40 RECTOR STREET, NEW YORK
Please mention THE PLAYGROUND when writing to advertisers
129
H
QQ
o
U
-
-
130
The Playground
VOL. XIX, No. 3
JUNE, 1925
The World at Play
A Gift to the Children of Davenport. — Mrs.
D. N. Richardson has given the Park Board of
Davenport $2,500 to be used in equipping as a
playground the piece of property given by her to
the city several years ago.
Ten Million Dollars for Parks in West-
chester County. — The Board of Supervisors of
Westchester County, New York, has passed a bill
appropriating $10,411,000 to construct a system
of parkways, parks, public golf courses and bath-
ing beaches. The development will include two
eighteen-hole golf courses and a number of bath-
ing beaches and pavilions, which will add tre-
mendously to the recreational facilities of the
County.
An Auditorium for Providence, Rhode
Island. — Providence is planning to erect a large
auditorium seating 8,000 people which will pro-
vide facilities for hockey, skating, carnivals,
athletic meets and similar sports and will house
conventions, automobile shows and other events
of a public or semi-public nature. The cost is
estimated roughly at $500,000.
The permanent cement floor will be piped for
forming process ice at short notice, so that the
entire floor space may be flooded, frozen speedily
for skating and as quickly slushed off and made
into an attractive ballroom floor by a slide-over
wooden surface.
7,000 People— $4,000 for Municipal Recrea-
tion.— The town of Menasha, Wisconsin, has
appropriated $4,000 for a year-round recreation
system, and a recreation executive has been ap-
pointed. The appropriation is to be used entirely
for leadership and administration as the com-
munity already has such facilities as parks, a
$10,000 municipal athletic field, playgrounds and
equipment.
Gifts of Land to Fresno. — Citizens of Fresno,
California, have been very generous in their gifts
of land and money for playground purposes, and
many of them have not waited until their death
to make their contributions.
W. J. Dickey soon after the original bond issue
of $60,000 bequeathed the city $10,000 for play-
ground purposes. It was at that time that the city
trustees decided to appropriate a certain amount
each year for playground work, and the Play-
ground Department was established by ordinance.
In 1913 Mrs. Julia Fink-Smith donated a com-
plete block of property for playground purposes;
soon after she provided apparatus for the ground.
In 1917 the Louis Einstein Estate gave the city
a playground completely fenced and equipped with
a clubhouse, wading pool, concrete tennis court,
apparatus and other equipment.
In 1919 Frank H. Ball donated $10,000. Only
a few months later Mrs. Augusta P. Fink- White
gave a city block just adjacent to the Fink- Smith
Playground donated by her sister.
These gifts have aided greatly not only in ex-
tending the playground facilities of the city but in
giving the city as a whole the feeling that play-
grounds are necessary to the well-being of the
community.
Interest in Badge Tests Grows. — The Play-
ground and Recreation Association of America
has recently received from Strong Hinman,
Supervisor of Physical Education in the Wichita,
Kansas, schools, an order for 922 badges for boys
and girls.
A Gift to High Point, North Carolina.—
S. C. Clark, local realtor, has offered the city
approximately twenty acres of land on condition
that it be developed and maintained as a park and
playground. Mr. Clark has employed a landscape
architect to draw plans for the development of the
ground, which will include an outdoor theatre.
The property is valued at about $11,000.
The Way of Achievement. — A clear state-
ment of the accomplishments and program of the
131
132
THE WORLD AT PLAY
Eastern States League of the Junior Achievement
Bureau will be found in the pamphlet issued under
the title Accomplishments and Program.
Not the least important of the activities of the
Bureau is the publication of a number of practical
pamphlets for the use of Junior Achievement
Clubs. Among them are manuals on millinery,
electrical club work, sewing, clothing club work,
home improvement, papercraft, leathercraft, tex-
tiles, reed work and woodcraft.
Further information regarding the work of the
Eastern States League may be secured from Ivan
L. Hobson, Director, Junior Achievement Bureau
Committee, Eastern States League, 33 Pearl
Street, Springfield, Mass.
Again the National Game! — Detroit is plan-
ning to have "Kid Days" at Navin Field, with
baseball games between teams of the elementary
public school league and parochial school league,
and later during the summer between teams in
local sandlot organizations prior to the regular
American league game in the afternoon. The
Detroit Baseball Club and the Recreation Com-
mission, together with a number of other organi-
zations, are cooperating in the plan. C. E. Brewer,
Recreation Commissioner, is Chairman of the
committee in charge.
On May 8th two teams from the elementary
grades opposed each other. American league
umpires do the officiating, and Tiger players,
coaches, members of visiting teams, coach the
boys during the game. Seven innings were played,
and following the contest the young players had
an opportunity of seeing the major attraction.
On May 15th two teams were selected from the
parochial school league for a similar game. The
winners of these two games will meet in a final
contest early in June. On that day over 2,000
baseball players from the elementary public
schools, parochial, intermediate and high schools
will be guests of the Detroit management.
During July, August and September, when the
Tigers are playing at home, four different days
will be held for boys under sixteen years of age
in Detroit amateur leagues between teams affiliated
with the recreation league and the Detroit Ama-
teur Baseball Federation.
A New Project in Elmira. — The Boys' Band
conducted by Elmira Community Service has
proved so successful that a Juvenile Violin Sym-
phony has been organized, with a membership
of 112 boys and girls.
Quincy's Tercentenary. — Quincy, Massachu-
setts, will celebrate its 300th anniversary the week
of June 7-13, with a patriotic program and civic
festivities. A pageant to be produced five times
will depict the history of Quincy from the days of
Captain Wallaston's plantation at Merry Mount
to the departure of the Quincy soldiers for the
Civil War. It will conclude with a masque of
Quincy, in which the civic community receives
her foreign-born to citizenship and shows them
their heritage from the past. It is expected that
10,000 people representing the schools, military,
civic and fraternal orders, will be in line in the
parade which will take place on the last day of the
celebration.
Ritzville, Washington, Has a Swimming
Pool. — In Adams County, Washington State,
there is a small but wideawake town of 2,000
called Ritzville. Last year the business men of
that town got together and contributed $7,000 for
the building of a swimming and wading pool. It
is situated in their small park and is 35 by 75 feet
in size and from 4 to 8 feet deep. Since it was
finished it has been used extensively, not only by
the boys and girls of the town, but also by auto-
mobile parties and tourists.
High School Facilities. — A recent study made
by the North Central Association of Colleges and
Secondary Schools based on the information pre-
sented by 1,571 public high schools showed that
84.5% of these schools have auditoriums; 82.6%,
gymnasium; 10.7%, swimming pools; 83.7%,
shower baths; 26.1%, a health clinic room;
23.1%, a recreation room; 18.6%, a club or
activities room ; 59.5%, a music room; 9.4%, Boy
or Girl Scout room ; 75.4%, an adequate athletic
field or playground.
The average cost of certain of the facilities per
school are as follows: Gymnasium, $1,275; play-
ground and athletic field, $3,209; health clinic
room, $188.
Elmira's Easter Egg Hunt.— Two thousand
Elmira children took part in the Easter egg hunt
when a search was carried on for three thousand
chocolate-covered Easter eggs.
The event was held under the auspices of the
City Recreation Commission and Community
Service. Company L had charge of the children
on the field; the Foreign Bureau furnished the
straw ; the Girl Scouts hid the eggs, and the Boys'
Band supplied the music.
THE WORLD AT PLAY
133
Live rabbits were awarded the boys and girls
who found the largest number of eggs. Eggs
were supplied for the Home for the Aged and a
number of children's institutions and for the chil-
dren who were unable to come to the field and take
part in the hunt.
Recreation Activities in Watertown, Con-
necticut.— In 1918 the Watertown, Connecticut,
Civic Union was founded "to make the town the
pleasantest possible place in which to live, and to
that end to assist in promoting the good health,
comfort and happiness of the inhabitants thereof
by all reasonable and proper means."
A recent report of the Union shows how the
dreams and ambitions of its members have mate-
rialized.
The community house is, perhaps, the most out-
standing, tangible evidence of the success of the
work. Made possible through the generosity of
the descendants of old Watertown families it has
been deeded to the Community House, Inc., free
of all encumbrance. Other activities of the Union
in the recreation field include the Watertown
Girls' Club, with various classes, sports, social
events and service activities ; its younger sister,
the Industrial Girls' Club; the community play-
ground, Americanization activities, bowling
leagues, Boy Scout and Girl Scout activities,
Junior Achievement Clubs, an annual field day
which is among the most popular events of the
year, and a community Christmas celebration.
A Novel Plan. — Westover, West Virginia, in
constructing its reservoir for the water supply of
the municipality plans a storage tank of doubly
reinforced concrete holding 200,000 gallons of
water. It will be entirely underground with no
surface body of water. The reservoir will be so
constructed that about 18 inches of earth and sod
may be placed over the top. This surface, com-
prising six acres, will be used as a playground
plot.
Recreation Week in Nashville. — April 19 to
25 was Recreation Week in Nashville, Tennessee,
and many organizations combined with the Park
Department to make it a success. The Peabody
College and Demonstration School, the Young
Men's Christian Association, Young Women's
Christian Association, Junior Red Cross, Ten-
nessee Industrial School, Southern Young Men's
Christian Association College, high schools, the
Chamber of Commerce, the Junior Chamber and
a number of civic groups were all back of the
movement working for its success.
The program was as follows :
Sunday — Sermons on the Value of the Recrea-
tion Movement.
Monday — Tennis, Playground Ball and Swim-
ming Day.
Tuesday — Neighborhood Day, with special
programs of music, drama, games in settlements,
park buildings and meeting places in all parts of
the city.
Wednesday — Come and See Day, with special
events and with a program of national. folk dances
in the evening.
Thursday — Church Social Recreation Day. On
this day the churches of the city put on social
recreation programs of games and music for
adults and boys and girls in church and Sunday
school buildings.
Friday — Indoor recreation programs in the
evening. During the day the Tennessee Physical
Education Association held its convention.
Saturday — The closing day was a general com-
munity affair, beginning with a parade. A num-
ber of games were scheduled in all parts of Shelby
Park, including volley ball, cage ball, field hockey,
speed ball, soccer, archery, newcomb, croquet,
paddle tennis, playground ball, horseshoe pitching
and tug-of-war. There were such special events
as kite and marble tournaments, stilt races and a
golf tournament. A picnic band concert and com-
munity sing closed the day.
Houston's Campaign for Keeping Out-of-
Doors Beautiful. — The May issue of The
American City Magazine tells of the action of the
Houston Rotary Club in appealing to tourists, pic-
nickers and others who stop to enjoy the parks
and picnic spots of the city and country to help
preserve the beauty of the out-of-doors for those
who follow them.
The Club had printed 250 of the following signs
which were placed in parks, in lobbies of public
schools, at gas-filling stations and other public
places, and were carried for two weeks in the
trolley cars of the city :
Help Make the Outdoors Beautiful
Spare the wild flowers and birds
When picnicking remember to
Clean up Your Camp
Put out Your Fires
Think of Those Who Follow You
134
THE WORLD AT PLAY
Making Leisure Possible. — Following a radio
address on Home Recreation by a member of the
P. R. A. A. staff, Mrs. X, a correspondent from
a small scattered town in Long Island, writes of
a plan she and her neighbor have devised with
reference to the care of their children. Mrs. X
has three small children; Mrs. Y, one. Mrs. Y
takes all the children two days a week for two
hours in the morning and two in the afternoon,
and Mrs. X has them for an equal length of time
for three days. "We play house, garage man
(to please the little man), horse and ball. The
baby has her share in all the games. We find it a
great joy on the days we have the children, and
we can do our housework with so much speed
and satisfaction on our days home. We find it a
splendid idea for all of us."
From What District Do Delinquents Come?
— Erie Fiske Young, Assistant Professor of So-
ciology, University of Southern California, writ-
ing in the Journal of Applied Sociology, suggests
that social maladjustment ought to be studied
with reference to various areas. A number of
recreation workers have found it advantageous
to study the district from which juvenile delin-
quents have come and often the facts revealed
have aided greatly in showing the districts need-
ing playgrounds and recreation.
Highway Survey. — The United States Cham-
ber of Commerce has responded favorably to the
request of the Conference for a "pathfinder" sur-
vey of the recreation values of our highways.
The Chamber has assigned Arthur Comey of
Cambridge, Mass., to this work. A preliminary
report is expected in April. John Ihlder, Mana-
ger of the Civic Development Department of the
United States Chamber of Commerce, is in gen-
eral charge of the "pathfinder" survey and will be
very glad to receive suggestions and data from the
member organizations of the Conference.
Women's Indoor Circus. — A very successful
indoor circus was held by the women's gymna-
sium class of the Grayling School community
center gymnasium under the auspices of the
Detroit Department of Recreation.
The class consists of seventy-five married
women, who made all the animals and costumes
and handled all the details connected with the
circus.
The early part of the evening was devoted to
dancing and games in which everyone took part.
At 9 o'clock came the grand parade with the
elephant, the giraffe, the dancing girl, the bare-
back rider, the charmer of snakes, clowns and, last
but not least, the handsome ring-master. The
band showed special talent, including as it did
not only every instrument strung and unstrung
but bagpipes as well, played with true Scotch
talent. After the parade the sawdust ring was
laid in the center of the gymnasium, ropes were
put up to protect the audience from the more
ferocious animals, and the ring-master took charge
of a program which proved to be an evening of
laughs in which the animals proved the most im-
portant feature. At the end of the evening the
ring-master thanked the spectators and invited
them to line up in grand march order. After a
march around the gymnasium they were led
out into the corridor, where refreshments were
served.
A Spelling Bee Revival. — The second annual
spelling contest conducted by The Portland Ore-
gonlan, in cooperation with the public schools,
reached the fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth grades
of the schools. The Oregonian issued a chart of
several hundred words made up in a scientific
manner, with a view to presenting words of equal
difficulty and of arranging them accordingly.
These charts were available for the children com-
peting. A committee of educators was in charge,
sub-divisions of which worked out the rules of the
contest.
The preliminary contests were conducted as a
matter of class routine. Each elementary school
then selected the best spellers of the fifth, sixth,
seventh and eighth grades to compete for the
championship of their grades and for the grand
championship. The representatives of the fifth
and sixth grades met in the auditorium in sep-
arate grade oral contests. Those of the seventh
and eighth grades met at the same place another
day. At each of these contests the first, second
and third best spellers were chosen from each
grade. Contests were held in the above men-
tioned order at the conclusion of the contest in the
eighth grade. The three best spellers from each
of the four grades competed on the same night for
the grand championship of the city. The public
was invited to attend the two final contests and
interest ran high.
More Playground Sites for Washington,
D. C. — Through an act of Congress, appropriating
$600,000 for playground work in Washington.
THE WORLD AT PLAY
135
the national capitol will have several more play-
ground sites. This will make possible the putting
into effect of some of the recommendations made
as a result of a survey conducted in 1921 by the
Children > Bureau.
A Swimming Pool for Colored Children. —
New Orleans, Louisiana, has opened a swimming
pool exclusively for the use of colored children.
The pool, which was built on the Lafon Play-
ground, is maintained by the Playground Com-
munity Service Commission. The Public School
Board cooperated in the project, and over $6,000
of the funds necessary for the pool was raised by
the colored people themselves.
Denver's Annual Play Festival. — The Phys-
ical Education Department of the Denver Public
Schools, assisted by the Music and Art Depart-
ments, gave as its annual play festival a program
in part one consisting of formal gymnastics and
a dance, The Sailors' Hornpipe. The second part
was a delightful festival introducing King Sun,
Queen Moon, Princess Earth and Princes
Autumn, Winter, Spring and Summer, with their
attendants — wind, leaves, snowmen, frost elves,
bunnies, shower and rainbow, daffodils and sum-
mer flowers.
Ramonaland Presents Its Pageant. — The
Ramona pageant, now a yearly festival in the twin
cities Hemet and San Jacinto, California, pictur-
ing the romance of Ramona and her Indian lover
Alessandro, was given in the open air theatre. It
was enlivened by the songs and dances of the
Spanish and Indian fiestas.
Another Year-Round City. — Carnegie, Penn-
sylvania, now has a municipal recreation board
and an appropriation of $5,000 for the work.
Halsey Thomas, who has been engaged as Direc-
tor of Recreation, began his work on May 5th.
A State Recreation Commission. — The Gov-
ernor of Oregon has appointed a State Recreation
Commission of about ten members, whose first
task will be the revision of the Physical Education
Manual originally published in 1914 under the
direction of L. H. Weir, of the P. R. A. A.
A Plan for Motion Picture Study Clubs.—
There may now be secured from the National
Committee for Better Films, 70 Fifth Avenue.
New York, a pamphlet entitled A Plan for Mo-
tion Picture Study Clubs designed to give sug-
gestions for community encouragement of the best
in screen art and entertainment. The booklet con-
tains suggestions on methods of organization, pro-
gram and financing of motion picture study clubs.
Operettas. — A number of operettas have re-
cently been issued by C. C. Birchard Company,
Boston. Among them are Penny Bun and Roses,
a musical fantasy in one act and one scene; In
Arcady, a musical play in two acts, and Mellilotte,
a fairy operetta in one act.
Harmonica Contests in Grand Rapids,
Michigan. — Last October at the Recreation
Congress at Atlantic City, Henry Lightner, Su-
perintendent of Recreation in Grand Rapids, was
initiated into the mysteries of the harmonica. He
returned to Grand Rapids determined that his
city should be a leader in the movement. With the
cooperation of the Grand Rapids Press he con-
ducted during January and February a contest
which has reached 4,000 boys and girls and which
has made the harmonica solo or quartette a part
of every luncheon and party program in the city.
In spreading the news many tunes were adapted,
charted and published in the newspaper, and 6,000
instruction sheets were printed by the boys of the
School of Printing of the Creston High School.
Some of the tunes printed and learned were Battle
Cry of Freedom; Love's Old Szveet Song ; All
through the Night; Taps; Tramp, Tramp, Tramp
the Boys Are Marching; Massa's in the Cold, Cold
Ground; Lead, Kindly Light; Silent Night; Old
Black Joe, and Drink to Me Only with Thine
Eyes.
All the schools of the city, public and parochial,
were visited with an idea to interesting the chil-
dren in the project. The Boy Scouts, Young
Men's Christian Association and similar groups
became interested, and a contest was arranged
for which boys and girls under sixteen years of
age were eligible, each school being allowed to
enter four individual players and a quartette. The
city was divided into three sections, from each of
which twelve individuals and one quartette were
selected for the final contest which was held in one
of the auditoriums. The winner was a fourteen-
year-old boy ; fourth place was won by an eight-
year-old boy.
During the finals the instrument played by a
little colored boy went wrong. A white boy stand-
ing near immediately volunteered his instrument,
and the playing went on.
136
THE WORLD AT PLAY
The Right Use of Leisure — The Hope of
Western Democracy. — Professor William
George Stewart Adams of Oxford, England, in
concluding his series of lectures in Boston, said,
"We have got to keep this idea forward, 'the right
use of leisure,' if we are going to have a good
western democracy. The right use of leisure is
going to determine the future of democracy. The
community is able to win more time from indus-
try, for leisure. The proper use of that leisure
is what is going to make us good citizens. Unless
society in this country and England can seriously
turn its mind to leisure and the use of leisure and
to the conservation of resources to the end that
there may be future leisure, then the future of
Western democracy is not safe."
Sacramento's Community Clubhouses. —
Sacramento's community clubhouses are open
without charge to any organized group for recrea-
tional purposes. The only requirement is that the
Department shall have assurance that the function
held will be properly managed and supervised.
The reservation of a clubhouse carries with it the
right to use the kitchen, the portable tables and
the gas stove for making coffee. Wood is fur-
nished to heat the rooms, but if the group wishes
to keep a fire burning throughout the winter, the
fuel must be paid for. The buildings are under
the supervision of a caretaker when the govern-
ing groups are given reservations, but whenever
entertainments or other functions are carried on
under the auspices of the Recreation Department
one of the leaders is present.
Sacramento's Municipal Orchestra. — Start-
ing with fewer than a dozen members, meeting in
a little playground clubroom, Sacramento's
Municipal Orchestra now numbers sixty mem-
bers, who, under the leadership of Franz Dicks,
are giving concerts attracting thousands of people.
An admission fee of 50 cents is all that has ever
been charged.
The first concert was held on May 25, 1925.
Among those who assisted in the undertaking
were the local Musicians' Union, who allowed
union musicians to play with amateurs, the union
musicians who gave up engagements to assist the
Orchestra, the concert master, the leaders of the
various sections, the librarian and the property
man of the Orchestra, who served without pay,
the merchants who gave window space for pub-
licity and the newspapers who helped in putting
the concert before the public.
When the proceeds of the first concert were
turned over to the Orchestra, the musicians turned
back all the money to purchase drums and other
equipment for the orchestra. For 1925 a $5,000
appropriation has been made by the city.
Plans are being laid for a Junior Symphony
Orchestra to be directed by Arthur Heft, the con-
cert master of the Municipal Symphony Or-
chestra.
Boston's Music Festival. — Boston's second
annual International Music Festival, held under
the auspices of Community Service of Boston and
the Women's Municipal League, brought into
friendly competition Swedish, Dutch, Danish,
Spanish, Polish, German, French, Armenian and
Chinese groups. In the contest of male voices
the Dutch chorus won the first prize, the Swedish
the second and the Danish the third. Of the
choruses of mixed voices the German group won
first prize, the French second and the Armenian
third.
Dr. Archibald T. Davison, Frederick S. Con-
verse and Thomas W. Surette served as judges,
and Mayor Curley awarded the prizes. Richard
Burgin, concert master of the Boston Symphony,
gave a program of violin music. Community
singing was led by Augustus D. Zanzig.
Municipal Music in Kansas City. — Kansas
City has launched a campaign to secure a $25,000
organ for the Municipal Memorial Auditorium,
and a plan to organize a symphony orchestra has
been advanced, with the creation of a Civic Music
Council to make a drive for funds. In addition,
a major concert course is being advocated. It is
expected that a large organization of business
men and musicians will be formed to sponsor
these concerts, which will be given in parks by
various local organizations.
Sufficient financial support for the organ drive
and the orchestra is expected, as cities in Kansas
are authorized by law to set aside a tax fund at
the rate of one mill for music. The fund thus
provided for Kansas City would be about $12,000
a year.
$3,000,000 for Scholarships.— Simon Guggen-
heim and his wife have announced a preliminary
gift of $3,000,000 for fellowships to be used by
American students for advanced foreign study in
many subjects, including art and music. The
fund will be known as the "John Simon Guggen-
heim Memorial Foundation" and will be a
THE WORLD AT PLAY
137
memorial to Mr. and Mrs. Guggenheim's son, who
died in April, 1922, while he was preparing to
enter Harvard University, prior to foreign study.
The scholarships, which will approximate about
$2,500, will be awarded to men and women of any
color, race or creed. Only those candidates will
be appointed who have embarked upon some im-
portant piece of work and shown exceptional tal-
ent and ability.
For Girl Scout Leaders. — During the summer
of 1925 there will be held eleven national train-
ing schools for Girl Scout leaders in various
parts of the country. The object of these schools
is to give a working knowledge of the ideals and
practices of scouting to those who would be Girl
Scout leaders, fresh inspiration and a broader
understanding and skill to those who are leaders
and to all students an intensified appreciation of
out-of-door living under simple and well-ordered
living.
Information regarding the various schools may
be secured from Girl Scouts, Inc., 670 Lexington
Avenue, New York City.
Sports in Java. — E. F. Brown, formerly Sec-
retary of the Santa Barbara Community Arts
Association, who has just returned from a trip
around the world, in Java saw natives kicking
soccer- footballs with their bare feet in a clearing
in the bush. They do not follow the rules of
soccer closely, but kick the ball about the field in
a rough and tumble fashion. The chief of the
village told Mr. Brown that whenever a new vil-
lage was established the youth demanded a clear-
ing for a playground.
Recreation Training School of Chicago. —
The Recreation Training School of Chicago an-
nounces its summer term at Camp Gray, Sauga-
tuck, Michigan, July 20-August 22. The classes
will include gymnastics for women, athletic
games, swimming, active games for gymnasium
and playground, group games, folk games, folk
dances, court dances, social dancing, theory of
play, club organization and leadership, adminis-
tration, publicity, budget making and records.
Through the Dramatic Department students may
secure training in play production and funda-
mentals of play construction.
Additional information may be secured from
the Recreation Training School of Chicago, 800
South Halsted Street.
Chautauqua School of Physical Education.
— Under the leadership of Dr. Savage of Oberlin
College the Chautauqua School of Physical Edu-
cation will be held July 4th to August 14th. There
will be courses for the training of teachers of
physical education, coaches of athletic sports as
well as graduate and special classes.
Catalogs may be secured from the Registrar
of the School, Miss Minnie F. Seaver, Chau-
tauqua, New York.
A Summer School at Greenwich, Connecti-
cut.— Under the direction of Marietta Johnson,
founder of the Fairhope School at Fairhope, Ala-
bama, the Fairhope summer school will be held at
Greenwich, Connecticut, June 30th to August 8th.
English folk dancing and music in the schools
will be taught by Charles Rabold, American rep-
resentative of the late Cecil Sharp and of the
English Folk Dance Society. There will be
classes in fine arts — sculpture, pottery, textiles,
drawing and color work — and in the industrial
arts. Students will have the benefit of the
demonstration school for children, which will be
in session every morning. A social evening each
Friday will be in charge of the young people, who
will give plays, dances and entertainments of
various kinds.
A Drama Institute. — The Drama League of
America will this year conduct its institute in
association with the School of Speech of North-
western University at Evanston, Illinois, June
22nd to July llth. The courses offered include
Stagecraft, High School Drama, Religious
Drama, Community Work, Voice, Lighting, Cos-
tuming, Producing and Acting the Classic Drama,
Dyeing, Puppetry, Junior Work and Dancing.
Students of the institute may elect any of the
following courses offered in the summer curricu-
lum of the School of Speech: Play Directing,
Acting, European Stage Devices and Their Ap-
plication to American Production, Storytelling,
Make-up, Community and University Theatre
Management. Further information may be se-
cured from the Drama League Institute, 59 East
Van Buren Street, Chicago.
Dramatics on the Playground. — In a discus-
sion of dramatics at the Conference of Superin-
tendents of Recreation of the Midwest held in St.
Louis, Missouri, Miss Josephine Blackstock told
of the program conducted on the playgrounds of
Oak Park, Illinois. Under the leadership of a
138
dramatic organizer a children's theatre has been
developed which gives performances for clubs,
hospitals and other institutions, giving special at-
tention to the entertainment of ex-service men
in hospitals. The stage settings and costumes
are provided through the recreation budget, but
in some instances the children provide their own
costumes. The costumes are stored and loaned to
other groups in the community.
Extension Drama. — A Woman's Department
in the Extension Service of the University of
Kentucky is doing special work through women's
clubs in the drama. Mrs. W. F. Lafferty is at
the head of the Department.
For the Rural Community. — The Monthly
Program Service for Rural Meetings issued by
the Extension Service, South Dakota State Col-
lege, Brookings, South Dakota, contains sugges-
tions for a community picnic. The suggested
order of events is as follows :
Noon — Picnic dinner
1.00 p. m. — Formal program
2.15 p. m. — Field events
3.15 p. m. — Games
Recreation in Two Languages. — In ac-
knowledging the receipt of some literature re-
cently sent him by the Playground and Recrea-
tion Association of America, Mr. Tracey K.
James, Executive Secretary of the Canton Child
Welfare Movement, says, "We will work some
of the material into Chinese and thus your ideas
will be doing good in more than one language."
Camping in Denmark. — A manual on camping
entitled Modern Open Air Summer Camp Life,
prepared by C. Lembcke, has recently been pub-
lished by Fr. Palm Greisens Forlag, Copenhagen,
Denmark. In the booklet has been incorporated
information on family camps, industrial camps,
tourists camps and camps for lodges and similar
orders, with suggestions for equipment, organi-
zation, program and various facts which camp
directors should have. A good deal of informa-
tion is given about camps in the United States.
Many illustrations add to the value of this prac-
tical book.
N. A. A. F., Women's Division. — Miss
Lillian Schoedler, Executive Secretary of the
Women's Division of the National Amateur Ath-
letic Federation, writes that recreation workers
who are in the west or who are to be in Los
Angeles for the annual convention of the Amer-
ican Physical Education Association in June are
cordially invited to attend the Western Confer-
ence which the Women's Division is to hold in
Los Angeles, Friday and Saturday, June 19th and
20th.
The meeting is being arranged primarily for
western groups, but the program which has been
planned will be of great help, interest and stimula-
tion to workers in girls' athletics in other parts
of the country also. Mrs. Herbert Hoover, Chair-
man of the Women's Division, will probably
preside at the meetings.
Information regarding detailed plans and ar-
rangements for the meeting may be secured by
writing to the Chairman of the Western Confer-
ence Committee, Miss Helen M. Bunting, Stan-
ford University, California.
Ilion's Symphony Orchestra. — The Cham-
ber of Commerce of Ilion, New York, has started
a movement to create a permanent orchestra to be
known as the Ilion Symphony Orchestra. The
object is to promote the love of orchestral music,
to hold concerts regularly and to keep a well-
rounded combination of choral society, band and
orchestra which will make Ilion the musical center
of the Mohawk Valley.
The plan includes the securing of patrons who
will contribute a minimum of five dollars for the
financial support of the movement. The indus-
trial concerns of the community have become in-
terested in the project and are placing posters and
publicity notices in their plants. The director of
the orchestra has volunteered his services, and a
place for rehearsals has been provided without
charge to the Chamber of Commerce.
They Didn't Look Ahead !— "There is no
time like the present for acquiring property for
playground purposes in any city," writes a Super-
intendent of Recreation, who gives a concrete
example from the experience of his own city to
show the tremendous saving there would have
been in terms of dollars and cents if twenty years
ago the city had looked far enough ahead to pro-
vide a sufficient number of playgrounds.
In 1900 a playground containing 1.02 acres had
an assessed valuation of $8,910, with a sales value
of approximately $14,850.
In 1910 the assessed valuation was still $8,910,
but the sales value had probably increased to
$16,000.
In 1920, when the playground was condemned,
THE WORLD AT PLAY
139
it had an assessed valuation of $41,100, and the
amount which the city had to pay for this play-
ground was fixed by the jury at $114,763.36. In
other words, it cost the city approximately eight
times more to acquire this property in 1920 than
it would have in 1900; and it cost seven times
more than if the property had been acquired in
1910.
This instance is by no means unusual. Other
cities are paying the penalty of not having looked
ahead. Acquire land for playgrounds before its
value makes it prohibitive is a slogan which every
community in the country might well adopt.
Two Ohio Cities Begin Work. — In the
March issue of THE PLAYGROUND it was an-
nounced that the Recreation Board of Brazil,
Indiana, had employed a year-round recreation
director. The city should have been Lima, Ohio,
which has employed Mr. C. C. Sexton of Brazil,
Indiana, who began work on April 1st.
Another Ohio city which has recently initiated
recreation work is Niles. Through Niles Com-
munity Service a recreation director has been em-
ployed on a six-months' basis.
Scranton's Recreation Facilities Are In-
creased.—Mr. C. S. Weston of Scranton, Penn-
sylvania, who in 1917, with his sister, Mrs. Frank
M. Bird, gave the city a field and recreation
building as a memorial to his parents, is adding
additional recreation facilities at a cost of approxi-
mately $150,000. The plan submitted includes a
natatorium 70' x 103', which will have a swim-
ming pool, and an auditorium 70' x 75', a one-
story building 20' high, which will be used for
many different purposes, such as a dance hall,
gymnasium and banquet hall. In connection with
it will be a stage, dressing room, kitchen, serving
room and motion picture equipment.
Puppets on Houston Playgrounds. — Miss
Corinne Fonde, Executive Secretary of the Hous-
ton Recreation and Community Service Associa-
tion, writes:
"Puppetry was introduced on the playgrounds
as an excellent means of coordinating hand work,
storytelling and dramatization. Doll furniture
made by the children became miniature stage sets.
Dolls bought at the five and ten cent store were
dressed as Red Riding Hood, the Grandmother,
the Woodcutter and the Wolf. Some characters
were made by the children. The business of op-
erating was very simple. Each puppet was sus-
pended by a single wire or string and operated
from above. The portable screen which hides the
operators from view slips into the back of a Ford
coupe, is light in weight and easy to set up in-
doors and out. It is made in three sections and
decorated with familiar characters from Story-
land. The screen was made by a junior high
school boy with the supervision and assistance of
the dramatic director.
"Stories that never grow old were told by the
director or special storyteller and then enacted on
this tiny stage. The children selected their own
cast, their stage manager and director, and did
everything themselves. Each character was op-
erated by a different child. We found it un-
MAKING READY FOR GRASS SLEDDING
To THE LAND OF DREAMS VIA THE PUPPET SHOW
wieldy to have a cast of more than five operating
at one time. Puppet clubs were organized on
eighteen playgrounds. The democratic way in
which these clubs set about their work was a
credit to the youngsters and to the personnel of
our playground staff.
"While the interest was keen a tournament was
held with ten troupes participating. Each con-
testant was presented a bronze medal of appro-
priate design as a symbol of membership in the
Puppet Players' Club.
"Miss Frances E. Fox, who is in charge of the
work, is Director of Educational Dramatics,
Houston Recreation and Community Service."
THE WORLD AT PLAY
Grass Sledding in Houston. — Another inter-
esting development in the Houston recreation
program is described by Nathan L. Mallison,
Supervisor of Playgrounds:
"Hills in Houston are few and far between.
Snow is even more scarce. Woodland Play-
ground is the only ground having any slopes, and
that because it is on the banks of White Oak
Bayou, a small stream. A youngster slipping on
the pine needles and dry grass conceived the idea
of sliding down hill on runners, and the result
was a crude sled with runners made of two by
fours. Several other crude affairs followed the
first one. Then a painted sled appeared and boys
vied with each other in the decorative schemes
employed. Such names as Lightning, Red
Rocket and Cannon Ball were painted on the
runners. In order to get greater speed, runners
were planed and waxed. Children from other
playgrounds were invited to share the new joy.
A sliding tournament was held, the Red Rocket
establishing a speed record.
"Then a strange thing happened. For the first
time in thirty years, Houston had a sleet storm,
leaving the slopes encrusted with ice. The first
youngster to try the new sliding surface went
all the way to the bayou and in, because of the
greater speed possible on ice. Fortunately, the
water was shallow. Sledding continued in an-
other place and several hundred children ate din-
ner that night with an appetite which only slid-
ing-down-hill and air with a tang can stimulate."
A Memorial Theatre. — Mr. and Mrs. W. O.
Goodman of Chicago have given a fund of
$350,000 to be devoted to the construction of the
Kenneth Sawyer Memorial Theatre at the Chicago
Art Institute. The theatre, which will serve as
a memorial to their son, playwright and poet who
died during the World War, is novel in construc-
tion, being built wholly below the street level.
The plan is to have one company of professional
artists who will teach at the school and perform
in repertoire plays and a second company made
up of students at the Art Institute of Drama.
These student players will number about twenty.
They will be selected by competitive examination
for their fitness for dramatic work upon entering
the school.
Architecturally the Goodman Theatre has many
striking features. The auditorium proper has a
seating capacity of about five hundred. Just out-
side the auditorium there is a large foyer which
will be the artistic center of the theatre. The
stage is very large, being 160 feet across. All
stage settings will be done by platform sets which
may be erected in twenty seconds. It will have
a sky dome across the stage, arched elliptically to
conform to the spread of the light from reflectors
in a pit below the stage at the rear. The lighting
system will be unusual, the stage being lighted
from a bridge above the proscenium with soft
edge spotlights lately developed for the theatre
and working in the teaser space. From another
bridge across the ceiling of the auditorium floods
of light may be thrown on the stage. This will
make lighting effects possible that will meet all
demands of modern theatrical production.
The floor of the stage, which is about level with
the floor of the foyer, is 25 feet below the ground
level. Additional features include an exhibit
room for the showing of scenic and costume de-
signs, which will be part of the usual art exhibits
of the institute. There will be a large rehearsal
room, and next it a round-table room for the
reading of new plays. There will be a studio
seventy-eight feet long adjoining the auditorium
for the creating and construction of scenes and
costumes for the new theatre's productions.
"Mooring Ropes." — Under this title, the Met-
ropolitan Life Insurance Company has issued the
annual report of the Welfare Division which,
under the leadership of Dr. Lee K. Frankel, Sec-
ond Vice-President, is carrying on a varied and
broad service in the field of health work. The
report tells of the nursing service of the Com-
pany with its record of 2,565,295 visits to policy
holders; of the publishing and distributing in
large numbers of approximately eighty different
health pamphlets; of the work of the Immigrant
Service and Citizenship Bureau; of the Welfare
Division's housing projects and of its health films
which are available to local groups. Many other
activities are touched on, such as special studies,
the work of the Influenza-Pneumonia Commis-
sion, scholarships to teachers, exhibits, demonstra-
tions and campaigns which have been undertaken
in cooperation with other agencies.
A tremendous service along health lines, not
only to policy holders but to communities and to
the country at large, is indicated in this report,
copies of which may be secured from the home
office of the Metropolitan Life Insurance Com-
pany in New York City.
The Index to Volume XVIII of THE PLAY-
GROUND is now available, and subscribers may
THE WORLD AT PLAY
141
secure copies free by writing the Association. The
Index has been prepared in the same size at THE
PLAYGROUND so that it may be bound with the
magazine.
For Women's Clubs. — As a part of its pro-
gram for cooperation with the women's clubs of
America in their efforts to raise the health stand-
ards of their communities, the Welfare Division
of the Metropolitan Life Insurance Company has
prepared material particularly appropriate for
use in club programs. Health and Recreation;
Milk; Community Responsibility toward Chil-
dren of School Age ; Teeth } Food and Health of
the Pre-school Child; are the subjects discussed
in the six papers which have been prepared. Each
one is to be accompanied by a large poster illus-
trating the subject and by a supply of leaflets
reproducing the poster and listing topics for dis-
cussion. An effort has been made in the prepara-
tion of each paper to show activities that are now
being conducted by various organizations in the
country in connection with each subject. The ma-
terial given is practical and presented in a vital
and interesting way.
The paper on Health and Recreation contains
a statement regarding the early stages of play
and its universality, the importance of play in
the physical development of man, the forms of
recreation important for the individual and
family, suggestions for community recreation, a
statement regarding the work of the Playground
and Recreation Association of America and some
of the twenty -one fundamentals outlined by the
Association. Questions are suggested for discus-
sion by women's clubs, and a brief bibliography is
given.
Women's clubs making use of this material
will find it very suggestive.
A Health Program Study. — The American
Child Health Association announces that eighty-
nine public, parochial and private schools have
enrolled in the school health program study be-
ing conducted by the Association. Twenty-eight
states and the District of Columbia are repre-
sented in the enrollment. All the valuable data
developing from health programs carried on by
individual schools will be brought together in a
report which will serve as source material for
other schools in the country. One thousand dol-
lars will be divided among the three schools con-
tributing the most helpful programs, the awards to
be used in furthering the health programs of the
schools.
A Museum Exhibit of Interest to Athletes.
— The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York
City has had on view an exhibit making it pos-
sible to visualize, with some clearness, the whole
scheme of Greek athletics — running, discus and
javelin throwing, jumping, wrestling, boxing, rid-
ing and chariot racing. These activities are shown
through seventy photographs, many of them en-
largements from Greek vases, sculptures, poems
or drawings. To these are added drawings show-
ing in detail the successive movements of javelin
throwing and the stances of the throwing of the
discus. There are, besides, two cases of originals
such as vases, coins and bronzes with the Greek
athlete's strygil or scraper, and the oil-flask car-
ried suspended from his wrist. Casts, a large one
of Myron's Diskobolos and three of statue bases
recently found in Athens which bear reliefs show-
ing a cat-and-dog fight, ball playing and a scene
curiously suggestive of a hockey game, complete
the exhibition.
The copious illustration makes it possible to
see just how a Greek broad jumper took off and
the exact form of his finish, to trace the stages
of a spectacular wrestling throw like the "flying
mare," to note the use of music as accompaniment
to exercise and the action of the Greek trainer
who interferes to prevent fouls.
A Public Park for Wheeling, West Vir-
ginia.— Recently a number of public-spirited
citizens in Wheeling subscribed a fund of approxi-
mately $360,000 for the purchase and improve-
ment of Wheeling- Park, formerly owned by the
Wheeling Public Service Company. On Christ-
mas Day the park was presented to the city for the
use of all the citizens as a recreation area. The
city has agreed to maintain it. The park, which
consists of approximately 102 acres, is one of the
most beautiful of its size in the country. It is lo-
cated four and a half miles from the center of the
city in the eastern suburbs. A Park Commission
has been created by a special act of the Legisla-
ture, to have full control over the management and
operation of the park. It is the intention of the
Commission to equip the park with a golf course.
A Top-Notch Athletic Library. — An inter-
esting little library has been issued by the Beacon
Falls Rubber Shoe Company of Beacon Falls,
Connecticut, in the form of four booklets 3"x4^".
The titles of these miniature books are Training
that Wins, Ten Tricks in Basket Ball, a Manual
of Camping and The Strategy of Baseball. Copies
of these booklets may be secured on request.
142
LEADERS IN THE RECREATION MOVEMENT
Clark W. Hetherington
So many and varied have been the accomplish-
ments of Clark W. Hetherington in physical edu-
cation and recreation that it is difficult to select
specific instances from the long list of activities
and educational institutions with which he has
been associated.
Numberless committees and boards of directors
have benefited through Prof. Hetherington's
membership. To mention a few : He served as a
member of the Council of the American Physical
Education Association, 1903-05 ; Delegate to the
International Congress of Sport and Physical
Training, Brussels, June, 1905 ; Member of the
Executive Committee, National Collegiate Athletic
Association, 1906-11; Member of Board of Di-
rectors of the Playground and Recreation Asso-
ciation of America, 1906-13 ; President of the
Athletic Research Society, 1907-13 ; Member of
Board of Directors of the American School Hy-
giene Association, 1907-15 ; President of Depart-
ment of Physical Education, National Education
Association, 1910-11 ; Member of National Coun-
cil of the Boy Scouts of America, 1911-13 ; Chair-
man of National Federated Athletic Committee,
1912-13; Member of National Education Associa-
tion Commission on the revision of Elementary
Education, 1919-22; Member of the Advisory
Committee of the National Child Health Council,
1921-22; Chairman of New York Society for the
Experimental Study of Education, Physical
Training Section.
The recreation movement is deeply indebted to
Mr. Hetherington for the contribution he made as
Chairman of the Committee on the Normal Course
in Play. After the completion of the Normal
Course, he devoted two years to working with the
Association in introducing the course into educa-
tional institutions and in helping normal schools
and colleges to adapt the course to their curri-
culum.
Some of Mr. Hetherington's notable accomplish-
ments include the organization of playgrounds
in the Whittier State School, California, 1896-
98; the organization and development of the
Department of Physical Education and Athletics
in the University of Missouri, 1902-10;
the organization of the movement to establish
playgrounds in the rural towns in Missouri, 1907-
08; the organization of a five-year curriculum in
the University of Missouri for training of leaders
in physical education and playground direction,
1902-08 ; the organization of the Athletic Research
Society in 1907, and the National Federal Athletic
Committee in 1911; the conduct of the physical
education and recreation surveys under the Fels
Endowment, 1910-12 ; the organization of the
Demonstration Play School of the University of
California, 1913; the organization and develop-
ment of the State Department of Physical Educa-
tion, State of California, and the establishment
of a program, 1918-21.
Mr. Hetherington received his A.B. in the De-
partment of Education, Stanford University, in
1895 ; he became Professor of Education and
Director of Gymnasia and Athletics, University
of Missouri, 1900-10. He was Professor of
Physical Education, in charge of Professional
Training Courses in Physical Education, Univer-
sity of Wisconsin, 1913-18. He held the position
of Supervisor of Physical Education, State of Cali-
fornia, February, 1918-21. Since that time he has
been investigator in Physical Education, Institute
of Educational Research, Teachers College, Co-
lumbia University, and is at present Professor of
Physical Education, School of Education, New
York University.
RECREATION FOR GIRLS
143
A Comprehensive Recrea-
tion Program for Girls
"What can we do for the girls and women of
our city?"
This is the question which recreation depart-
ments are constantly asking ; very often the weak
spot in local programs is in the work for girls.
The Board of Park Commissioners of Minne-
apolis has been concentrating on the solution of
this problem since 1920, when the Girls' Muni-
cipal Athletics program was organized. The story
of the building-up of a year-round, city-wide pro-
gram under the handicap of a lack of recreation
centers with facilities and meeting places, is an
inspiring one. To Miss Dorothea Nelson,
Assistant Director of Recreation, we are indebted
for the story of the program.
ACTIVITIES
The list of organized activities in which 16,814
women and girls participated last year and which
were self-supporting, outside of the directors'
salaries, are as follows : Diamond ball, basket
ball, figure skating, bowling, rifle club, archery,
tennis, swimming, canoeing, sketching, riding
club, winter sports, volley ball, horseshoes and
hiking.
Diamond Ball — May to September
Girls' diamond ball is conducted on our big
athletic field known as the Parade, which is
located about one mile from the center of the
city. On this field there are twenty-four diamond
ball fields. On Monday evenings, the entire Parade
is turned over to girls' teams, and the dressing
rooms in the Armory are obtained for these eve-
nings.
The league is divided into city, commercial and
junior divisions. The city league is open to any
team ; the commercial to bona fide employees of
firms they represent, while the junior division is
made up of girls under sixteen years of age.
Forty-two teams, comprising 630 players, took
part in last season's four months' schedule, and
some remarkable games were witnessed by the
thousands who came every Monday evening to
see the girls play.
Knickers and middies comprised the uniforms
of the players, who ranged in age from twelve
to fifty-five years. All the large department stores
and factories have good teams from their em-
ployees, and the association has been organized
so long that its ideals are thoroughly appreciated.
Consequently the question of the employment of
winning team and commercialism does not arise.
With three or four divisions in each league, the
teams can always be matched according to play-
ing strength and unfairness can be eliminated.
The entrance fee is $5 a team, the officials
receiving $1 a game for refereeing. Cups are
awarded winners in the various divisions and
leagues.
In addition to the teams described, there are
eighty-two teams of younger girls who play
diamond ball on the playgrounds during the sum-
mer season.
Basket Ball — December to May
The Girls' Municipal Basket Ball League has
been organized among the various churches, settle-
ment houses, commercial houses and atheletic
clubs. Any girls' basket ball team in the city is
eligible. For the teams who have no floors to
play on we make arrangement with the School
Board for the use of the school gymnasiums.
The teams are divided into city, commercial,
settlement, intermediate and junior divisions, the
age classification being senior, intermediate under
eighteen and junior under sixteen. Girls' rules
are used. Last year eighteen teams, comprising
216 players, participated. The entrance fee is
$5 a team, officials receiving $2 a game. Teams
may make a gate charge of 15 cents to pay the
officials. Cups are awarded winners.
Sketching — Year-round
A competent art instructor has been engaged,
under whose leadership the club meets out of
doors every Saturday afternoon during the sum-
mer, and indoors at the Art Institute during the
coldest winter months. A membership fee of
fifty cents a year is paid by the members, and the
instructor is paid by a charge of 20 cents a lesson
made the members present. During the sum-
mer months a number of interesting sketching trips
are made to the various parks and beauty spots
around the city. A total number of forty-five
trips, with 1,312 in attendance, were made last
year. Social affairs such as dancing parties,
picnics and special outings are conducted and an
exhibition of the best work of the season is
given at the Art Institute. The club is open to
beginners and professionals and has 150 members
at present. We feel that this club fills a long-felt
need.
Riding Club — Year-round
Lessons in riding are given every Monday,
Wednesday and Friday evening at the Minne-
144
RECREATION FOR GIRLS
apolis Riding Academy, a special price having
been secured from the Academy because of the
numbers taking part. Classes are divided into
beginning and advanced groups. During the sum-
mer months the girls ride out of doors, and dur-
ing the coldest weather in the rink. The mem-
bership fee is 50 cents a year, the lessons $1 for
an hour and a quarter. The club, which consists
of 320 members, makes riding less expensive for
the individual girl and gives the girls who enjoy
riding an opportunity to become acquainted. A
number of moonlight rides, special rides, dancing
parties, sleigh rides and an annual banquet are
conducted for the sake of the social values in-
volved.
Winter Sports — December to March
As Minneapolis is the center of winter sport
activities in the northwest, the winter sports pro-
gram for girls is a comprehensive one. Many of
the best skiers and figure skaters in the country
are members of the various clubs, including the
Girls' Municipal Winter Sports Club which pro-
motes skating (figure and speed), skiing and
tobogganing. The membership fee is $1 a year
and this is used to purchase toboggans and
other equipment. Lessons in speed and
figure skating are given two nights a week,
and skiing is taught by the members of the Ski
Club. The club has a big toboggan party each
week ; it assists at the ski tournaments, puts on a
winter circus on ice and has skating parties and
races. Some wonderfully fine sport has grown
out of the associations formed in this club, which
has proved to be one of the most popular of all.
The club meets at Glenwood Chalet, the winter
sports center of the city.
Bowling — September to May
The demand for bowling has resulted in the
formation of the Girls' Municipal Bowling
League for which the use of sixteen of the newest,
cleanest and best ventilated alleys in the city has
been secured for two nights a week. This year
the league consists of four leagues comprising
36 teams and 281 players, divided into city and
commercial teams, these being sub-divided into
handicap and straightaway. The entrance fee of
$5 a team is used to buy trophies and to pay the
salaries of score-keepers and meeting other ex-
penses. In addition, the girls pay the alley
charges.
Bowling, we have found, fills the need of older
girls and women who do not care for the more
strenuous sports. .
Rifle Club — September to June
The Girls' Municipal Rifle Club, the only girls'
civilian rifle club outside of colleges in the coun-
try, is now in its second successful year. Classes
are held at the Armory on Thursday evenings.
Three new rifles were purchased by the club with
the proceeds from a dance given at Logan Park.
A rabbit hunt, a turkey shoot and a number of
social affairs have been given. The girls have
developed a crack team which has been successful
in winning matches with teams from all over the
country. There are forty-five girls in regular
attendance at the beginning and advanced groups.
The membership fee is $1, the instruction fee
50 cents a month. As there is no out-of-doors
range, the club is disbanded in the summer.
Archery — May to October
The Archery Club, newly organized, has
twenty-five members. A class is conducted every
Wednesday evening in one of the centrally located
parks. The instruction fee is 10 cents a lesson ;
the membership fee of 50 cents a summer is used
for the purchase of bows and arrows. We hope
to establish a course for the new game of Bonarro
which combines many of the features of golf with
archery. This will add great interest to the
activity.
Tennis — May to October
So many requests for instruction in tennis
were received that it was decided to set aside for
this purpose, five nights a week, four courts of
the group of eighteen at the Parade. Three hun-
dred girls registered for these classes, paying 10
cents a lesson to meet the expense of instruction.
Later on, advanced instruction was given one
night a week. Tennis tournaments, including a
beginners' event for this group, are conducted.
Swimming — Year-round
Lessons in swimming during the winter are
conducted at the Municipal Baths and during the
summer at Lake Calhoun. For this third season
of the swimming lessons the club has 200 mem-
bers. A competent instructor is engaged and the
classes are divided into beginners and advanced.
A fee of $1 for twelve lessons is charged and the
money collected pays the instructor. Various
meets are held.
Canoeing — June to September
There are eighty-five members in the class
which meets every Tuesday evening at Lake Cnl-
houn for instruction in paddling. The member-
ship fee is 25 cents, and each girl pays 25 cents
NEIGHBORHOOD ORGANIZATION
145
a lesson to meet the expenses of instruction and
of renting canoes. A number of extended canoe
trips, picnics, roasts and canoe races are con-
ducted. This club affords a new and interesting
activity.
Volley Ball — December to April
This sport is conducted in connection with the
basket ball schedule and is used as a substitute
for the game. We are endeavoring to make it fill
the needs of girls who should not play basket ball
but who enjoy competitive floor sport. This year
three leagues of twelve teams have been or-
ganized, comprising seventy-two girls.
Horseshoe Pitching — May to September
On all the playgrounds there are special
courts for women, and at Loring Park there are
six courts used for the city championship events.
Last year there were five teams with fifty-five
women participating. Our experience has been
that this sport makes a strong appeal to older
women.
Hiking — Year-round
One of the most delightful organizations in this
department is the Minneapolis Hiking Club — a
group in which every woman and girl in the city
can take part. Many strangers and former mem-
bers now in all parts of the country remember
this club as one of their most enjoyable associa-
tions with the city. A hike is conducted every
Saturday afternoon, generally ending with supper
and dancing. One evening hike is held each week,
and once a month there is an all-day Sunday hike.
During the five years of its existence 18,867 peo-
ple have attended, walking a distance of 1,590
miles. Minneapolis is surrounded by beautiful
lake country and hills, and the club gives many
people a chance to become familiar with the beau-
ties of their environment.
SOME INTERESTING GROUPINGS
Many of the same girls are registered in a num-
ber of different clubs or leagues, and it has been
interesting to see the groupings which have
resulted. Girls and women interested in hiking
are quite sure to enlist in winter sports, riding,
canoeing and other out-of-door sports rather
social in their nature. Girls who enjoy diamond
ball usually play basket ball and tennis and like
competitive sports. The girls and women who
take up bowling seem to form a distinct class of
their own, made up mainly of girls who work in
banks and offices and of older women. This
group is not particularly interested in the social
features of their association and most of them
bowl only during the winter.
Horseshoe pitching, archery, shooting or sketch-
ing have their own particular fans, and these
activities seem to be the one hobby of the girls
and women who go in for them.
The social side of girls' athletics are of tre-
mendous importance, for if the girls do not form
social relationships and make contacts which
result in their doing things together, the interest
lags. In team games they become acquainted as
they play. But with activities such as winter
sports, shooting, archery, riding and hiking, there
must be parties and special events during the
year. In Minneapolis many novel and interesting
events have been the outgrowth of these activities.
To see a program of activities grow from
participation by a few girls to thousands is a
revelation of the universal desire which exists for
receiving and giving the best things there are in
the world — health, happiness, friendship and
service.
Neighborhood Organization
The plan for neighborhood organization sug-
gested by Successful Farming may be helpful to
a number of communities contemplating such or-
ganization.
The plan, as worked out by the Center-Soil
Home and Garden Club in Des Moines, involved
a simple form of organization with a committee of
a man and a woman in each block and also a boy
and a girl, the neighbors in each district selecting
their committeemen and a junior committee. The
delegates then met and elected their chairman,
secretary and executive committee, and adopted
simple by-laws.
Among the activities of the group were clean-
up and paint-up campaigns, with planting of gar-
dens, shrubs and trees, the dissemination of in-
formation regarding the care of trees and flowers,
and Christmas, Hallowe'en and Fourth of July
celebrations.
The plan for the Fourth of July celebration in-
volved the blocking off of the street by the Police
Department, where neighbors enjoyed dancing
with an orchestra and viewed the fireworks. Ice
cream cones and lemonade were on hand.
The underlying purpose of the organization was
to promote neighborliness, improve home, street,
lawns and gardens, and make the section a better
place in which to live.
146
BONARRO
Bonarro
By
JAY B. NASH, Oakland, California
SOMETHING NEW ON THE FACE OF THE EARTH !
They tell us that there is nothing new on the
face of the earth, yet every few days a new
game turns up. Is it really new? At least the
name is new and the rules are new. We shall
have to confess, however, that the principles of
all these so-called "new games" are as old as
all games.
The "Pulls" of Golf
What are the elements that have contributed
to the great growth of golf during the past few
years? It is not, as most golfers say, "We love
the exercise — it's not the game after all." It is
the game! We are all thankful, however, that
the exercise goes with it. If it were only the
exercise, that could be had by walking around
the yard. All exercise must be motivated. A
president of one of the well known normal
schools of the Northwest said to me a few days
ago, "I am too lazy to take my walks straight —
they must be motivated by having a gun on my
shoulder."
But, to come back to golf — what are the
"pulls" of the game? The long, beautiful flight
of the drive — it is a joy to see it ride; the
accurate approach — a conquest over hazards; the
deadly put — a game of judging the fine charac-
teristics of the green; of course, the "ball-ball-
ball" has its side also. The exercise, the out-of-
doors, the fresh air are just what we talk about
and, of course, are the elements of the game that
do us the real good. In addition to these "pulls,"
I sometimes wonder whether the high price of
country clubs is not one of the things that make
us think we like the game of golf.
A New and Inexpensive Adaptation of Golf
Bonarro — bow and arrow — archery golf is an
adaptation of golf — the something new on the
face of the earth we are talking about. In it
stands are substituted for tees, double-faced tar-
gets (twenty inch) are substituted for greens,
bows and arrows are substituted for golf clubs
and balls.
As in golf you get the long flight — and may
I say that the flight of the arrows is just as
thrilling as the flight of a golf ball. Next, you
get the accurate approach, and finally the thrill
of hitting the BULL'S EYE. Again, may I say
that the thud of hitting a bull's eye is fully up
to the thrill that comes with the drop of the golf
ball into the cup. The exercise is just the same,
the fresh air is just the same and the out-of-
doors is just the same, and — if you must — you
can make it an "arrow-arrow-arrow."
Witness — I am a golfer, an "upper dub." I
have won a few cups, have been runner up in
several finals and I keep well supplied with golf
balls from my friends, who think that they can
play better golf than I can; I play every time
I can get a chance, which is about twice a week ;
and, in spite of all this, may I say that I get just
as much thrill out of bonarro as I do out of golf.
I am just as proud of my yew bow as I am of
my steel shafted driver.
The one objection to bonarro is going to be,
I suspect, that it does NOT cost much to equip
a course and does NOT cost much to play on it !
This objection may prove fatal as viewed by the
average country club, but it will commend it to
recreation departments ! Very seriously, this
game should take the place of golf in many small
cities where $25,000 to $50,000 cannot be laid
out for a nine-hole golf course. Small clubs,
summer resorts and summer camps should find
this a game to fill a long felt need.
Bonarro is a game of slightly less accuracy
than golf; thus it can be learned more easily
and because of this the range of ages of people
who can be interested is much greater than in golf.
Children at the age of seven, shooting with a
twenty-pound bow, find the game very fascinat-
ing. An added attraction to both children and
adults is the opportunity offered to make all of
the individual equipment needed — namely, the.
bow and arrows. The targets are very cheap
and the upkeep of the course is nothing. Land
that could not be used for other things can thus
be made to serve a good purpose.
RULES FOR BONARRO
The following tentative rules are being tried
out. It will be necessary to revise them from
time to time as the game develops. It IS devel-
oping fast in Oakland and the first inter-club
match will be held in a few weeks on the Oakland
Municipal Bonarro Course. There will be at
least five teams entered.
Rule 1. Course
A. The course consists of the whole area
where playing is permitted.
BONARRO
147
B. The course, which should measure not
less than 2,400 yards in distance to be
shot, is marked by eighteen double-faced
20-inch targets, placed at such distances
as suits the landscape and space available.
Rule 2. Implements
The official implements comprise a bow
of any size and type except a cross bow,
and arrows of any style and length, to
be changed during play to suit the archer's
convenience. Hunting arrow-heads are
barred.
Rule 3. Object of the Game
To score with an arrow on the eighteen
targets in the least number of shots.
Rule 4. Players
A. Side consists of 1, 2, 3 or 4 archers,
known as a single, twosome, threesome or
foursome.
B. No more than four archers may shoot at
a target at one time, and none shall shoot
at a target until the archers ahead shall
have reached the next stand. Any archer
violating this rule may have his shot re-
called and must shoot it over again when
the course is clear, all other archers with
him having precedence.
Rule 5. Targets
A. These are of regulation size of 20 inches,
made of such material as to withstand any
ordinary penetration without damaging
the arrow.
B. The target has two faces and is painted to
show a white circular center area of four
inch diameter, surrounded by a black ring
four inches wide, in turn surrounded by a
white ring four inches wide, the last white
ring being outlined with a one-half inch
red stripe. Their values in scoring are
one, two and three, reading from the cen-
ter. An arrow cutting two colors shall
score the lower count.
Rule 6. Stand
A. This denotes the starting place for a tar-
get. It shall be marked by a monument
of suitable material not to exceed five
inches in width or twenty inches in height.
B. The archer shall take his stand with his
foremost foot behind the monument.
C. The word "stand" shall also apply to the
archer's position with drawn bow ready
to shoot, i. e., the archer takes his stand.
Rule 7. Scoring
A. A score of one is counted against an
archer for every shot taken to hit a target,
and additional shots are charged against
him on hitting the target as follows :
Bull's eye, none; first ring, one; second
ring, two. An arrow anywhere in the
target, in or outside the red ring, shall
score 2. For example :
3 archers hit the target on their third
shots respectively as follows :
A strikes the bull's eye ; his score is 3.
B strikes the black ring; his score is 4.
C strikes the white ring; his score is 5.
The archer having the lowest score for
the course shall be declared the winner.
B. A BUCK— When an archer shall shoot
from the stand and hit the center white
of the target with the first arrow, it shall
be known as a buck, and he shall be
credited with shooting that distance, and
no score shall be marked against him.
C. A BIRD — When an archer shall shoot
from the stand and hit the target any-
where with the first arrow, it is known
as a bird. The archer shall be credited
with making that distance in one shot,
irrespective of the score made on the
target.
D. A tied score is decided by
1. Match play; shooting another target.
2. Medal play; shooting over the course
again, at a time specified by the Commit-
tee.
Rule 8. Sides
A. The game of BONARRO shall be played
by two sides, each playing its own arrows.
Rule 9. Shooting
A. A shot is any releasing of an arrow from
the bow string so that it travels to such
a distance that the archer cannot touch
any part of it with his outstretched bow
without moving from his stand.
B. After the first shot at a target an archer
shall take his stand for the next shot at
the place where the point of the arrow
lies.
C. The target-stand shall be so constructed
that the target may have only two posi-
tions ; one, directly facing the stand : the
148
BONARRO
second, at a right angle to the first posi-
tion. An archer may shoot to better his
position with regard to the target, but
such position may be obtained by an actual
shot only. It shall be the privilege of the
archer to turn the target to either of its
two positions, to better his opportunity
when attempting to hit it.
D. The arrow lying farthest from the target
under competition shall be the first arrow
shot on the ensuing round, except as
otherwise covered by a rules penalty.
E. The archer having the lowest score for
a given target shall have the honor, and
shall shoot first at the next stand.
F. The minimum distance from the target
that an arrow may be shot shall be one
yard, after the first shot from the stand,
and five yards, upon any subsequent shot
at the same target measured from the
center of the target to the point of the
arrow, when fully drawn on the bow.
G. An archer who shall have shot after
overstepping his stand, or who shall have
shot out of turn, shall have his shot re-
called, and he shall shoot it over again
from the correct distance or in proper
turn.
H. A dispute may be settled by recalling an
arrow and shooting it over again, the
score to be as though the arrow had not
yet been shot.
I. When a shot is absolutely unplayable, the
archer may take his stand as near as pos-
sible to the lie of the arrow, but in no
case nearer to the target (nor at a less
acute angle), one shot being scored against
him for the change in position.
Rule 10. Out of Bound
Out of bounds shall be any area in which
play is prohibited on any particular course.
Rule 11. Lost Arrow
An arrow shall be deemed lost when it
cannot be found after five minutes' dili-
gent search by all parties shooting from
the stand at that time, and another shall
be shot in its place, the archer taking his
stand at a point agreed upon by the
players or the tournament committee as
the approximate location of the lost arrow.
One shot shall be scored against the archer
losing the arrow.
Rule 12. Obstructions
Any temporary obstruction relating to the
construction or upkeep of the field, such
as piled leaves, cut hay or grass, wheel-
barrows, farm implements or any vehicle,
cut brush, etc., may be moved or the
archer may take his stand to one side,
only that he may not take undue advan-
tage to thus better his position.
Rule 13. Practice Competition
Xo practice by competitors is allowed on
the course on days of competition before
a match, unless otherwise agreed by the
Tournament Committee as a courtesy to
the visiting players.
L. B. Sharp, copied from Diefcnbach
CHILDREN PLAYING LEAP FROG
COMMUNITY SINGING PROGRESSES
149
Community Singing Pro-
gresses*
BY
KENNETH S. CLARK
National Bureau for the Advancement of Music
Following the demobilization period there was
a natural slump in community singing, which was
a part of the emotional let-down of that period.
The slackening of the tide of community "sings"
caused certain persons to ask, "Did not com-
munity singing die out with the war?" That
question can be answered with a confident nega-
tive. It is true that there are fewer opportunities
or necessities for holding big community sings
upon a high emotional plane. Probably there is
a smaller volume of community singing, or rather
a less frequent participation by large masses of
people. Nevertheless, community singing is still
going on encouragingly, in what its advocates con-
sider to be a more wholesome form. Besides its
use on special occasions, it now plays a more
spontaneous part in the daily life of the people.
That use of community singing in the daily
lives may well have eluded the ears of critical
commentators because it is not a performance
but a habit with many groups. Take, for ex-
ample, the numerous men's civic luncheon clubs
which are doing a fine job in helping to make their
communities better places in which to live. Some-
one has remarked of them, "When I see a good
singing club, I know that it is an active, progres-
sive club." To help its clubs make the most of
their musical possibilities, there is a well directed
movement within Rotary International ; the or-
ganization has its own song book, its song leaders
have frequent round-table conferences on methods.
Kiwanis International also has its book of songs
and a forward looking Music Committee headed
by a musical educator of national eminence, Prof.
Peter W. Dykema of Columbia University. The
same tendency is found in a greater or less degree
among the various local groups of the Lions,
Civitan, Exchange, Quota and other national
bodies of men.
Possibly the matter of mass singing is the one
musical field in which our American men are a
bit more active, personally, than our women.
However, there is no less stimulation of assembly
^•Address Kiven at Recreation Congress at Atlantic City, N. J.,
singing by the national alignments that engross
the women, such as the National Federation of
Music Clubs and the General Federation of
Womens' Clubs. Each has its department that
devotes thought and energy to developing com-
munity singing. Each has its official song (in
both cases the same — America, the Beautiful).
Among the boys' and girls' societies the young
idea is being taught to shoot, vocally, and the
youngsters respond glowingly to the process.
The Boy Scouts have a well-edited song book
embracing a sterling literature of Scout songs.
Both the Girl Scouts and the Campfire Girls are
stressing group singing in a similar way, with
emphasis upon creating a greater song literature
of their own. Then we have the painstaking
development of group singing in the public
schools. To make the leading of this singing
more skillful, the school music supervisors of
Pennsylvania were trained in community song
leadership by Robert Lawrence last summer at
the West Chester State Normal. Similar train-
ing is required in several college courses for
supervisors. The singing of the youngsters in
the Sunday schools is also being directed into
better channels through hymn memory contests
stressing the finer hymns.
If these types of habitual singing are not ad-
mitted as evidence of the present continuance of
the custom, let me submit examples in the more
elaborate forms. For instance, the entire project
of the Hollywood Bowl Concerts owes its incep-
tion to the spirit generated by the several winter-
time series of Hollywood Community Sings
which still thrive under the leadership of Hugo
Kirchhofer. California, with its exceptional
climate, has especially nurtured community sing-
ing through its facilities for handling large out-
door song assemblages. San Diego's regular
sings at its organ pavillion have been a feature
of the city's life ever since the war. Long Beach
has its sing every Monday night. Weekly sings,
with a folk art background, are also provided for
Pasadena by its Community Music and Art Asso-
ciation. A musical awakening of an entire town
through community singing has been brought
about in Redlands, the offshoots being an artist
series and a community orchestra. A similar ex-
perience is that of the "western Coney Island" of
Venice, where the sings have created a real com-
munity spirit as well as a permanent music pro-
gram.
Such instances, of course, are to be found all
150
MOTHERS' CLUB SONG CONTEST
across the continent. So much vocal interest
abounds among the men's clubs of Denver that
during the last National Music Week there was
a community singing competition among six of
such clubs and also among eight lodges of the
Knights of Pythias. In Chicago last summer
the South Park .Commissioners imported Harry
Barnhart to lead their series of sings throughout
that system of parks. They regarded the enter-
prise as so successful that they have re-engaged
this pioneer leader for next summer. The wide-
spread custom of recreational singing among in-
dustrial groups finds exemplification at Flint,
Michigan, where W. W. Norton and the Com-
munity Music Association have built an especially
happy singing spirit among the workers.
It is Community Service which in Cincinnati
fosters the community singing that culminates
each autumn in a big sing at Eden Park. A tidy
little crowd of 30,000 participated in the fifth an-
nual sing last October. Community singing is
also a part of Pittsburgh's exemplary system of
city band concerts each summer which is super-
vised by the Civic Club of Allegheny County. In
Baltimore the municipality itself, through Fred-
erick R. Huber, its municipal director of music,
provided for community singing in the parks
throughout the past summer. Nowhere has there
been a more week-by-week development of com-
munity sings than at Washington, where Robert
Lawrence and the Community Music Association
have created a civic music institution that is
crystallized each year in the Capital's own Music
Week.
And so it goes ! These are merely some of the
high spots chosen somewhat at random. In
the returns to a questionnaire on municipal music
sent out to mayors by the National Bureau for
the Advancement of Music, the figures showed
seventy-four cities having community singing with
their band concerts and forty more cities which
have public community sings with sufficient
regularity for the respective mayors to regard
them as an institution. This is in addition to
all the habitual use of community singing that
obtains in almost every town.
Mothers' Club Song Contest
One of the most interesting activities of Cin-
cinnati Community Service was a song contest in
which mothers from eighteen years of age to
seventy took part. The majority of these women
had never before taken any interest in music.
In promoting the contest, Norman Fehl,
Director of Community Singing for Cincinnati
Community Service, met with the presidents of
the Cincinnati mothers' clubs and explained in
detail the plan for the contest, urging that the
presidents take steps to have their clubs partici-
pate. A short time later a letter was mailed giv-
ing organization outlines and rules of the con-
test. A postcard was also enclosed which served
as a registration blank. The outline provided for
a director and accompanist who were to be chosen
from the club membership. They would not,
however, be eligible if they received compensa-
tion. The clubs were asked to sing one of the fol-
lowing five songs : Sivect and Low, Love's Old
Sweet Song, Alolia Oe, Santa Lucia and O Sole
Mio; and, in addition, one song not on the list.
Twenty-nine mothers' clubs organized choruses
and sent in registration cards. These cards were
scattered and collected into four piles. In this
way four preliminary contests were arranged on
separate afternoons, a winner being selected at
each preliminary contest.
Musically prominent women of Cincinnati
acted as judges. The four winning clubs again
competed in the final contest for the trophy
awarded by Community Service. Great en-
thusiasm was expressed over the contest, approxi-
mately four hundred spectators being present to
applaud their favorites. The judges awarded the
trophy to the Madisonville Mothers' Club, who
sang O Sole Mio and Little Mother of Mine.
The winning club has been asked to broadcast its
songs from station WLW of the Crosley Radio
Corporation.
All the members participating in the song con-
test have registered to take part in a city-wide
glee club which will be known as the Federation
of Women's Clubs Glee Club. Work for this
large chorus will be started next fall.
"The development of this love of beauty has not only a value to the happiness of the in-
dividual, it has a value to the welfare of the nation. The things that are material, the house, the
food, the clothing, the business — what you choose — tend to differentiate us. The things of the
spirit tend to bring us together. It is not on the things that are material, it is on the things that
are spiritual that the great kinships of life, the great kinships of the world are founded."
— MORRIS GRAY
MUNICIPAL SUPPORT OF MUSIC
151
The Municipal Support
of Music
In an address delivered before the Community
Music and Drama Conference held in Los An-
geles, California, January 3rd, Herbert L. Clarke,
Director of the Long Beach, California, Municipal
Band, presented some interesting facts about the
development of musicipal music.
"It was in 1909 that Long Beach first ventured
into this civic activity. That it has proved a
profitable one is evidenced in the fact that a great-
er sum was appropriated for the support of the
Long Beach Municipal Band in the present fiscal
year than in any previous year in its history.
"The Municipal Band is a regularly established
department in the musicipal organization of Long
Beach. It has a personnel of fifty-two men in all
— a Director, a Secretary who combines with his
secretarial duties that of publicity agent, and fifty
playing members. Among these members are
some of the most talented bandmeri in America,
twenty of them being regularly programmed as
soloists with the band and giving interpretations
that many a bandmaster would be proud to in-
clude in his concerts. There are also innumer-
able combinations in instrumentation in duet, trio,
quartette, quintette and sextette, enabling the di-
rector to give wide variety to his programs and
provide more numbers of special appeal to the
splendid audience which comes to hear us daily.
"The maintenance of the band is provided for
through a special tax of 8^ on each $100 of as-
sessed valuation. This makes available a sum for
this year of $128,000 regularly set aside as the
Municipal Band fund, and over which the director
has complete control. The personnel of the band
is provided for by city ordinance, specifying the
number of men to be employed on each instrument
and the maximum salary to be paid each. As
these specifications in respect to instrumentation
are drawn on the recommendation of the director
himself, and the Council has always been found
ready to acquiesce in such recommendations as
keep within the budget limit, no great hardship
falls on the directing head of the band.
"The members of the band are under a special
civic service status, which removes the political
element from the employment situation, and the
director is the sole judge of their fitness for posi-
tions with the band. He is also the sole arbiter in
matters affecting their discharge. I am very proud
of the men in our organization — proud not only of
their outstanding skill as musicians but proud of
the fact that they are a fine upstanding group of
citizens with whom it is a pleasure to be associated,
and a credit to the city they serve.
"I suggest that in the organization of any musi-
cal organization along the lines of the Long
Beach Municipal Band, the factor of character
be made equally paramount with the factor of
musicianship. The services of men combining
both qualities can be secured, and the higher the
standard of character the greater the value of the
men to the community which employs them. This
consideration will remove such causes of criti-
cism as might be justified against any group lack-
ing qualities of good citizenship.
"In return for the expenditure of $128,000,
what does the City of Long Beach receive?
"The band programs two concerts each week
day in the year with the exception of Monday, and
one concert each Sunday afternoon — a total of
eleven each week, to none of which is there any
charge for admission. On the basis of eleven con-
certs each week for the fifty working weeks of *be
year — the men are given a two-weeks' holiday in
the spring with full pay — there are provided for
the entertainment of our citizens and for the thou-
sands of visitors who come to us every day in the
week, 550 concerts each year.
"On occasions of real civic importance the band
is available for parades by arrangement with the
director, and ten such appearances were made in
the past twelve months. In addition, five special
concerts were given for the school children of the
city and this has been among the most pleasurable
and important of the band's activities. Interest-
ing little talks are given the young folks in which
explanation is made of the musical family to which
each of the instruments belong, its range, tonal
quality, name and its particular function in rela-
tion to the whole. The talks are illustrated with
practical demonstrations on each kind of instru-
ment by the soloists of the band, and the program
concludes with a concert of four numbers selected
with a view to their particular appropriateness for
juvenile minds. This is an activity of incalculable
value to these minds in the formative stage, and in
no little part it justifies the support of the band by
the municipality. Each week the men have two
rehearsals of two and a half hours' duration, so
that their time is pretty fully occupied with their
musical duties.
"Here then, we had last year, counting regular
concerts, parades and juvenile concerts, 565 public
appearances of the band. On the basis of the
152
MUNICIPAL SUPPORT OF MUSIC
population of 150,000 for Long Beach, the $128,-
000 tax represents a per capita cost of 85^ each
year, with the per capita cost of each public appear-
ance running around the negligible figure of one-
seventh of one cent.
"Commercially there is value in the fact that
thousands of people are attracted to Long Beach
by the opportunity of hearing music of the higher
quality interpreted by master performers, and the
benefits accruing to the city's business from this
source can be calculated in cold dollars and cents.
The city also enjoys the feeling that in inviting
people to visit Long Beach it is offering them
something to make their sojourn attractive, and
the benefits are, in consequence, not all one-sided.
It is demonstrable from written statements that
many tourists are attracted to the city specifically
by reason of the free concerts provided by the
band.
"The concerts are given on the air every after-
noon between 2 :30 and 4 :00, and the first part of
the program each evening between 7 :00 and 8 :00
is also broadcast. Letters of commendation of
the band's work have been received from points as
widely separated as Batavia, New York, and Val-
dez, Alaska.
"To those who may be impelled to follow the
example of Long Beach, let me say they will find
no bed of roses. It costs money to do the thing
right, and if it isn't worth doing well, it should
not be attempted at all. It means taxation, and
anything even remotely suggesting taxation in
these days will meet with a determined and voci-
ferous opposition. This was the case in Long
Beach, and even today there recurs from time to
time in negligible degree opposition to continua-
tion of the expense of maintenance of our band.
"In the face of some slight opposition recently
expressed, The Press Telegram determined to
ascertain the exact sentiment of the people regard-
ing the value of the band to the city, and threw its
columns open to letters in which citizens might ex-
press themselves. The response was vigorous,
emphatic and illuminating. In a ratio of better
than five to one, the citizens of Long Beach ex-
pressed the opinion that the Municipal Band is
one of the city's most valuable assets. They have
come to realize its value so fully that many of the
men bearing the greatest burden of taxation have
declared themselves ready not only to provide
through taxation for the continuation of the or-
ganization as a municipal entity as it now exists,
but further to accept increased taxation so that the
band may be built up to a point where it will have
no peer in America. It is such support which
heartens us all to the belief that the day of greater
unselfishness in community thought is fast dawn-
ing— a day when the cultural, the educational, the
altruistic things in life will be deemed of equal
importance with things material.
"There are many things to be guarded against
if the municipal support of music is to be a suc-
cessful venture, even after the foundation for it
has been laid. One grave danger to the success of
such organizations lies in the fact that the en-
gagement of individuals may be made as a reward
for political services without much respect to the
ability of men so employed. Such practice would
utterly destroy the spirit of any organization
operated under municipal auspices. It would cre-
ate a situation which no self-respecting director
would tolerate for a moment, and far better no
municipally maintained organization at all than
one started under conditions which could only
result in discredit to the great cause of musical
advancement in America through official municipal
support.
"Official statistics recently gathered covering
appropriations for the municipal support of music
show that $1,778,580 is the expenditure through-
out America, of which California's share is $244,-
305. Long Beach's expenditure of $128,000 for
the year represents more than 7 per cent of the
total for the entire country and more than 52
per cent of the expenditures of the great state of
which it is a part."
Let's Make the Dubs Play Too.— Even the
loudest yeller in the bleachers isn't exercising
enough of himself, and the silent looker-on is a
total loss. Possibly they would be dreary dubs in
the team line-up; a game between bleacherites
only might be pretty sad to watch. But ten such
games, or a hundred, taking in every student in
the school, would be worth far more to the com-
munity ten years later than the most faultless per-
formance of the picked few on the school team.
The towering genius and the creepy, unde-
veloped moron do not average within computing
distance of two normal children led to develop to
their best. Compulsory physical education in
school and college is a growing need.
Collier's, Nov. 1. 1924-
FIRST ANNUAL MEN'S INDOOR MEET
153
Rochester Promotes Amer-
ican Music
Continuing the development of his great vision
of carrying music into the warp and woof of
American life, George Eastman has made avail-
able productions of American scores, both orches-
tral and operatic. Young Americans who would
otherwise lack a hearing were asked to submit
compositions to the School of Music. Those
whose work was accepted for use by the Roches-
ter Philharmonic Orchestra were invited to re-
hearsals and performance as guests of the School
of Music. Two such concerts have been given
this spring and will probably become annual
events.
Beginning with moving picture shows in the
Eastman Theatre, with unusual musical programs,
Mr. Eastman's gifts have made possible a re-
markable development of musical taste of the peo-
ple of Rochester. The Rochester Philharmonic
Orchestra gives matinee concerts to between 35,-
000 and 40,000 people each week at thirty-five
and fifty cents admission, students twenty-five
cents. Three opera performances in English have
been given by the Rochester American Opera
Company, Faust, Pagliacci and Boris Godounoff.
Mr. Eastman believes that the great masses will
never know opera until it is sung in the native
tongue. In Italy, France and Germany all grand
opera is rendered in the native tongue. Because
of lack of patronage in America there are but two
cities in the United States — New York and Chi-
cago— where grand opera companies have been
permanently organized. In both of these the
foreign tongue prevails.
It is the aim of Mr. Eastman to prove that
grand opera can be rendered well and effectively
in the English language.
Potent Leisure. — George H. Gartlan, Director
of Music, New York City Public Schools, ad-
dressing the National Education Association at
its 1924 meeting, said : "In one of our great cities
a judge in a children's court propounded this
question to 84 children who were brought before
him for juvenile delinquency:
"Do you love music and do you love to sing?*'"
Only four of the 84 said, "Yes." The judge
said, 'If the public schools of America did half
as much to teach children to use their hours of
recreation well as to prepare them for business
there would IDC less need for children's courts.' "
Detroit's First Annual
Men's Indoor Meet
Another progressive step was recently taken
by the City of Detroit in its development of com-
munity centers, when the First Annual Men's In-
door Meet was held at the Atkinson Community
House. The meet or carnival, the first ever held
to show the men's winter activities of the De-
partment of Recreation, was an idea conceived
and carried to its successful conclusion by John
J. Considine, Assistant Supervisor of Recreation.
Manifesting an interest such as is rarely seen
in similar events, an audience of more than 1,500
adults were present at the Atkinson Community
House to view the splendid spectacle in which
fully 600 contestants, representing 18 community
centers, took part. The carnival took on all the
aspects of a civic affair, having for its Honor-
able Chairman, Mayor Smith of Detroit, with
Judge Moynihan as one of the contest judges,
as well as a goodly representation of the City's
leading citizens in the audience.
The meet was divided into three parts : exhibi-
tion, competitive, and aquatic events. Among
the exhibition events were apparatus exhibitions
by more than fifty members of the German,
Swedish, Bohemian and Danish Turnvereins ; a
mass calisthenics class of 250 members repre-
senting ten community centers ; a barbell class ;
Indian club drills, stunts, contortionists and
tumblers.
The competitive events comprised shuttle re-
lay races, a forty yard dash, boxing, tug-of-war
and a volley ball game between teams represent-
ing the east and west sides. Life saving exhibi-
tions and water polo marked the chief aquatic
events. Basketball and indoor games with which
the general public is quite familiar were dispensed
with.
The carnival, as stated before, marks a de-
cided advance in directed recreation in the City
of Detroit and the enthusiasm which attended
each event assures its future annual recurrence.
It also brought into the Department of Recrea-
tion's work teams from the German, Swedish
and Danish gymnastic associations.
"Man is above all a pleasure loving animal and
a recognition of the pleasure principle is an
essential to the understanding of his behavior.'*
— FREDERICK L. WELLS, Appleton, N. Y.
Dramatics in Camp
The Playground and Recreation Association
of America recently sent to Camp Directors a
questionnaire including an inquiry about camp
dramatics. The answers indicate that stunts,
pageants and very short plays are the forms
most popular. The chief reason for not pro-
ducing long formal plays is the lack of time for
rehearsals and the absence in many cases of an
experienced dramatic director on the staff. Pag-
eantry employing dancing and other arts taught
in camp is being utilized more and more, espe-
cially for the closing production.
Stunts now hold an important place in camp
dramatics. Directors recognize the value of well
planned and well executed stunts in developing
originality and ingenuity and are endeavoring to
find in all stunts a result worth the effort. There
is a growing desire on the part of boys and girls
to make their particular stunt night a clever,
artistic and interesting contribution. The an-
swers to a questionnaire sent to Girl Scout lead-
ers as to how stunts might be improved were
almost unanimous in urging that they be put in
the hands of an able camp leader and planned
several days in advance of the presentation. The
following suggestions on the subject from other
camp leaders seem especially helpful :
1. Encourage the dramatization of folk lore
and ballads ;
2; Apply knowledge of nature and good lit-
erature to stunts;
3. Interest the boys and girls in the idea so
that they will search for material before
coming to camp ;
4. Make stunts a part of a big program of
competition ;
5. Have the first stunt night well planned
and given over to a responsible group who
will set a high standard for the season;
6. Have books available suggesting stunts
which have proved successful through pro-
duction ;
7. Produce both original and tried-out stunts ;
8. Create stunts which will depict the ideals
of individual organizations.
The circus and the minstrel show, in minia-
ture, as produced in camps belong to the stunt
family and never fail in popularity. The district
school, the country fair, the toy shop, the mock
wedding, the inevitable take-off of the staff and
take-off of a day in camp need no explanation;
154
scarcely a camp closes its season without the
presentation of at least one of these. Almost
equally popular is the dramatization of Indian
tales, especially with boys. These dramatizations
are usually original and very often depict the
Indian history of the camp site. The ques-
tionnaire also indicated that many camps are
interested in the dramatization of Bible stories,
usually presented on Sunday night.
There are camps where the same groups stay
throughout the season and an experienced dra-
matic director is employed. In these camps
exceptionally fine productions are often devel-
oped. The list of plays in this bibliography has
been compiled for the short time campers. Other
plays for more experienced groups are available.
Successful stunts contributed by camp direc-
tors:
1. Fortunes. The campers are seated around
the fire divided into groups according to
their birth months. A half dozen or more
members of the camp draped in sheets
march in to the slow beat of a drum; the
leader, after being seated on a throne of
boughs about which group the attendants,
opens a huge book and reads the fortunes
of the campers according to months. As
each horoscope is read it adds to the
atmosphere of the occasion if the astral
colors are thrown on the group. A strong
flashlight with colored gelatin sheets will
produce this effect.
2. Radio. A camper inside a radio box acts
the loud speaker and static, speaking about
camp topics fifty years hence.
3. Moving Picture Try out. Actors are se-
lected by vote for best acting.
4. A Safe Crossing. The scene: A railroad
station. Three characters : Deaf station
agent, deaf couple. The man endeavors
to find out about trains. Has an exceed-
ingly hard time trying to make anyone
understand. Finally discovers that no
trains are due from the east, west, north
or south. The wife sighs and says, "Well,
I guess we can cross the track then."
5. Pantomime. The Discovery of America:
1. Columbus aboard ship sighting land.
2. Landing party setting out for shore.
3. Arrival of the Indian offering peace
pipe and exchange of gifts.
DRAMATICS IN CAMP
155
6. Sight Seeing Bus. Attention is called to
all points of interest around camp.
7. Happy Dreams. A camper comes on the
stage very slowly, yawns and finally drops
to sleep under a tree. Several campers
then appear and act out the dream of the
sleeping camper.
8. A Mock Trial. The staff is called to
account for its sins.
9. Battle of Blenheim. The stage is lighted
only by weird green lights. Suddenly sev-
eral ghosts appear. One steps to the front
and recites "The Battle of Blenheim." The
other ghosts act the lines as they are
spoken. Strange subdued music may be
played throughout. Lighting effects would
add greatly to the performance.
10. Scotch Minstrel Night. Old songs, tales,
dances and ballads create a realistic and
appealing number.
11. The Battle. A glorious fight between
pirates and natives. (Careful supervision
is suggested.)
12. Mother Goose. Mother Goose rhymes
were dramatized and also presented in
pantomime.
The bibliography which follows is submitted
as an aid to Directors in quest of material to
meet their need:
Stunts;
Stunts of Fun and Fancy, by Elizabeth Hines
Hanley.
Samuel French. Price, 50c
Ten splendid dramatic stunts arranged for
camps, clubs, schools and playgrounds
Crest Action and Dialog Songs, by Douglass
and Hoschna
Witmark & Sons. Two volumes ; $1 each
A delightful collection of songs with de-
tailed instructions for each movement of the
action
An Animal Convention, by Chas. N. Douglass.
Witmark & Sons. Price, 35c
An entertaining sketch introducing as char-
acters the rooster, horse, gander, cow, mon-
key and others. The animals' laments are
most amusing
Books containing chapters on stunts:
Producing Amateur Entertainments, by Helen
Ferris
Icebreakers and the Icebreaker Herself, by
Edna Geister
Phunology, by E. O. Harbin
Games and Recreational Methods, by Charles
F. Smith
(For detailed description of above men-
tioned books see page 157)
Circus:
Suggestions for an Amateur Circus
Playground and Recreation Association of
America. Price, 15c
Plans for the organization of a circus, sug-
gestions for a program and ideas for stunts
and costumes
A Circus, by Helen Durham.
The Woman's Press. Price, 75c
Directions for organizing a circus, good
suggestions for parade and circus stunts.
Clown dance described in detail. Adapted
especially to girls
Sore paw and Fells Circus, by Margaret S.
Bridge and Margaret H. Hahn
Eldridge Entertainment House. Price, 35c
Contains excellent ideas for parade, side
show and circus stunts
How to Put On an Amateur Circus, by Fred
A. Hacker and Prescott W. Fames
T. S. Dennison & Co. Price, $1.75
Complete instructions for the big show, the
side shows, the parade and how to make up.
Numerous working drawings, sketches and
photographs
Minstrel Shows:
The Minstrel Encyclopedia, by Walter Ben
Hare
Walter Baker & Co. Price, $1
One of the most complete minstrel guide
books ever published, setting forth in detail
just how to produce a minstrel show from
the organization of the company to the final
curtain of the performance
Amateur Minstrel Guide and Burnt Cork En-
cyclopedia, by Frank Dumont
" Witmark & Sons. Price, $1.50
Contains important instructions for everyone
taking part in a minstrel show. Includes
a general supply of jokes, gags, stage effects,
cake walk; in fact, covers every phase of
this entertainment
Drills and Marches (Catalogs on application)
T. S. Dennison & Co.
Edgar S. Werner & Co.
Penn Publishing Co.
Eldridge Entertainment House
156
DRAMATICS IN CAMP
Mock Trial (Catalogs on application)
Fitzgerald Publishing Company.
Walter Baker & Co.
Indian Lore
Indian Games and Dances with Native Songs,
by Alice C. Fletcher
C. C. Birchard & Co. Price, $2
Contains full directions for four dance fes-
tivals and many Indian games
Indian Folk Talcs, by Nixon-Roulet
American Book Co. Price, 56c
Indian Material from the Office of Indian
Affairs, Dept. of Interior, Washington:
Indian Music, Bulletin 19 (1923)
Indian and Pioneer Stories for Children,
Bulletin 13 (1925)
Indian Religion, Bulletin 7 (1922)
Bibliography of Indian Legends, Bulletin 2
(1924), and other excellent bulletins
Ceremonials and Bible Plays:
Friends of Jesus, by Lydia M. Glover
Abingdon Press. Price, 75c.
Six short dramatizations from the New
Testament for young people. Simple cos-
tumes and scenery
Si.v Bible Plays, by Mabel Hobbs and Helen
Miles
The Century Company. Price, $2
Plays of simplicity based on Old Testament
stories. Illustrated with photographs of the
characters in costumes. Included are the
words and music of traditional Hebrew
melodies. Dramatized especially for inex-
perienced directors
Services for the Open, by L. I. Mattoon and
H. D. Bragdon
The Century Company. Price, $1
Contains songs, hymns and readings that
may be dramatized. Arranged especially for
camp use
Ceremonies and Dramatised Folkzvays, by E.
R. Jasspon and B. Becker
The Century Company. Price, $2.50
Contains delightful ceremonies of many
lands, short devotional plays and patriotic
suggestions which will be of great value to
directors seeking material for assembly in
camps and schools
Parable of the Wise and Foolish Virgins, by
Marjorie Lacey-Baker
The Woman's Press. Price, 30c
A simple, dramatic picture of the story set
forth in the words of the Bible
The Lamp, by Anita B. Ferris
Westminster Press. Price, 30c
A pageant of religious education. The epi-
sodes may be presented as individual plays.
"The Good Samaritan" is especially recom-
mended
PLAYS, PAGEANTS AND FESTIVALS
Short Plays for Boys
Little John and the Miller Join Robin Hood's
Band, by Perry Boyer Corneau. Seven
speaking parts and extras. Plays about
twenty minutes. Old Tower Press, 40c
The Poor Boy Who Became a Great Warrior,
by Perry Boyer Cofneati. A Pawnee legend.
Ten speaking parts and extras. Plays about
thirty minutes. 'Old Tower Press, 40c
The Princess Whom No One Could Silence, a
Norwegian folk play. Eight characters.
Drama Bookshop, 25c
The Perry Boys, by Harold Strong Latham.
Ten characters. Plays about one hour. Old
Tower Press, 30c
The Oaten Cakes, by Rea Woodman. Seven
boys, one girl and extras. Dramatization of
story of King Alfred. Old" Tower Press,
15c
King of Sherwood, by Ivy Bolton. Ten char-
acters and extras. A Robin Hood play in
which the part of Balaam, the Tinker's ass,
affords a great deal of comedy. Woman's
Press, 50c
King Alfred and the Cakes, by Lena Dalkeith
in "Little Plays Told to the Children."
Four characters. The book also contains a
scene from Robin Hood and four other
plays. E. P. Button & Co., $1.25
George Washington's Fortune, by Constance
D. Mackay in "Patriotic Plays and Pag-
eants." Six characters. The book also con-
tains : Daniel Boone. Patriot ; Benjamin
Franklin, Journeyman ; Abraham Lincoln,
Rail Splitter — and others. Henry Holt &
Co., $1.25
Short Plays for Girls
A Garden Cinderella, by Edith Burroughs.
Eleven characters and extras, who may take
the parts of flowers and insects. Penn
Publishing Co., 25c
The Forest Spring, by Constance D. Mackay
DRAMATICS IN CAMP
157
in "Silver Thread and Other Folk Plays."
Four characters. Charming Italian folk
tale. Henry Holt & Co., $1.25
The Enchanted Garden, by Constance D.
Mackay. A June play. Ten principal parts
and extras. Samuel French, 30c
The Gooscherd and the Goblin, by Constance
D. Mackay. Eight characters. Story of
the gooseherd who wished to become a
prince. Samuel French, 30c
Little Scarface, Amelia H. Walker. Six char-
acters. A unique Indian play developed
from a Micmac Indian legend. Norman
Remington Company, 40c
Dream Lady, by Netta Syrett in "Six Fairy
Plays." Six principal characters and extras.
The book includes five splendid plays. John
Lane, $1.25
The Maypole of Mcrrymount, by Constance
D. Mackay in "Patriotic Plays and
Pageants." Sixteen characters and extras.
Henry Holt & Co., $1.40
The Forest of Domremy, by Vida R. Sutton.
Seventeen characters and extras. A play
written around the theme of Jeanne d'Arc.
Woman's Press, 50c
Alice through the Postal Card, by Anita B.
Ferris. Messages are sent to the children
in Japan. Japanese costumes. Missionary
Education Movement, 15c
Pageants, Festivals and Long Plays
for Girls or Boys:
The Peddler of Hearts, by Gertrude Knevels.
A German folk play. Fifteen speaking
parts and extras. Music for songs and
dances are- included. Walter Baker & Co.,
25c
The Masque of the Pied Piper, by Katharine
Lord in "Plays for School and Camp."
Twelve speaking parts and extras. Unusual
adaptation of the famous Piper. The book
contains several other excellent plays. Little
Brown & Co., $1.50
A Day at Nottingham, by Constance D.
Mackay. A festival based on the theme of
Robin Hood. P. R. A. A., 15c
The Festival of Proserpina, by Margaret
Lynch Conger. Seven principal characters
and extras who may take parts of flowers
and insects. Woman's Press, 50c
The Treasure Chest, by Josephine Thorp.
Twenty-five or more characters necessary.
A charming fairy pageant play introducing
dances. Drama Bookshop, 40c. (Girls and
boys or cast of all girls)
Marenka, by Era Betzner. Five principal
characters and over fifty extras. A charm-
ing operetta using folk customs and folk
songs. Woman's Press, $1. Royalty, $5
The Scarlet Knight, by Mary S. Edgar. Ten
characters. A charming pageant telling of
the passing of summer and coming of au-
tumn in the character of the Scarlet Knight.
Woman's Press; price, 35c
Flag of the Free, by Elizabeth B. Grimball.
A program for the celebration of Independ-
ence Day including the ceremony of the
making of the Flag. P. R. A. A., 15c
Festival of Freedom. A review of the nation's
patriotic songs in chronological sequence
and expressed by tableau, song and story.
P. R. A. A., lOc
Lantern Light, by Olive M. Price in "Short
Plays from American History and Litera-
ture." Thirteen principal parts and extras.
A simple and intensely dramatic presenta-
tion of New England witchcraft. The book
also contains Evangeline, Hiawatha, Around
the Blue Wigwam and others. Samuel
French, $1.75
Two Water Pageants, by Lucy South Proud-
foot. Six characters and any number of
nymphs. Delightfully fantastic. Woman's
Press, 50c. (For girls)
The Evolution of First Aid. A series of
dramatic events depicting the growth of
first aid. American Red Cross, free of
charge
Showing Father Neptune, a water play in
which Neptune unexpectedly visits the
swimming pool. American Red Cross, free
of charge
How Swimming Grew Up. Neptune, Davy
Jones, teacher of swimming class, and others
who come to get swimming lessons for their
children are among the characters. Ameri- ,
can Red Cross, free of charge
The District Swimming School. It is an
application of the familiar schoolroom scene
to the swimming pool. American Red
Cross, free of charge.
GENERAL RECREATION
Producing Amateur Entertainments, by Helen
Ferris. E. P. Dutton & Co. Price, $2.00
The book includes information for short, in-
formal programs, full evening entertainments,
158
DRAMATICS IN CAMP
stunts, musical numbers, pantomime ideas, min-
strel show and song specialties invaluable to the
amateur director.
What Can We Do? Playground and Recrea-
tion Association of America Price, 25c
Suggests a great many social games and nov-
elty game programs.
Icebreakers and The Ice Breaker Herself, by
Edna Geister Doran & Co. Price, $1.35
Contains directions for playing a variety of
excellent games and a chapter on stunts, includ-
ing the famous Wild Nell movie.
Games and Recreational Methods, by Charles F.
Smith Dodd, Mead Co. Price, $2.00
A practical and comprehensive treatment of
games, stunts and recreational methods for clubs
and camps.
Fun for Everyone Playground and Recreation
Association of America Price, 50c
A handbook containing social programs of
great practical value for churches, clubs, neigh-
borhood parties, camps and community gath-
erings.
ADDRESSES OF PUBLISHERS
Abingdon Press, 150 Fifth Avenue, New York
City
American Book Company, 100 Washington
Square, E., New York City
American Red Cross, Washington, D. C.
Walter Baker & Co., 41 Winter Street, Boston,
Mass.
C. C. Birchard & Co., 221 Columbus Avenue,
Boston, Mass.
The Century Company, 353 Fourth Avenue, New
York City
T. S. Denison & Co., 152 W. Randolph Street,
Chicago, 111.
Dodd, Mead & Co., Fourth Avenue and 30th
Street, New York City
George H. Doran Co., 244 Madison Avenue,
New York City
Drama Bookshop, 29 West 47th Street, New
York City
E. P. Dutton & Co., 681 Fifth Avenue, New
York City
Eldridge Entertainment House, Franklin, Ohio
Fitzgerald Publishing Co., 18 Vesey Street, New
York City
Samuel French, 25 West 45th Street, New York
City
Henry Holt & Co., 19 West 44th Street, New
York City
John Lane & Co., 116 West 32nd Street, New
York City
Little, Brown & Co., 354 Fourth Avenue, New
York City
Missionary Education Movement, 150 Fifth
Avenue, New York City
Norman Remington Co., Baltimore, Md.
Old Tower Plays, 431 S. Dearborn St., Chicago,
111.
Penn Publishing Co., Filbert Street, Philadelphia,
Pa.
Playground and Recreation Association of
America, 315 Fourth Avenue, N. Y. C.
Edgar S. Werner & Co., 11 East 14th Street, New
York City
Witmark & Sons, 1650 Broadway, New York
City
Woman's Press, 600 Lexington Avenue, New
York City
Baseball throwing for accuracy and for dis-
tance is becoming a popular activity. A home-
made target may be devised by using a piece of
heavy white muslin or canvas about two yards
square. Mark a strike area by painting, prefer-
ably by sewing, strips forming a parallelogram
17 inches wide representing the width of home-
plate and about 32 or 36 inches long representing
the longitudinal length of the strike area between
the knees and shoulder.
For baseball throwing for accuracy, mark off
the regulation pitching distance of 60^ feet and
allow each member three or six trials. Score a
strike as five points and a ball which hits the can-
vas area outside the strike area as one point.
In throwing baseball for accuracy and distance,
mark off 127 feet 3^ inches, the distance be-
tween home-plate and second base. At this dis-
tance from the throwing line, place a barrel on its
side, open head towards the thrower. In scoring
allow ten points for each throw into the barrel.
Inasmuch as a good shortstop or second baseman
can make a put out even if the throw comes on a
hop — one bounce, or on a pickup, it is well to
count any throw which enters the barrel on one
bounce as worth ten points. A barrel hoop will
serve as well as a barrel. If any home-made target
is used for this event, the bull's eye should be with-
in two feet of the ground because an actual throw
to second base during a game is usually fairly
close to the ground in order to facilitate the tag-
ging of a sliding base runner. — From Physical
Education Syllabus, State Board of Education,
Virginia.
AMERICANIZATION THROUGH THE ART MUSEUM
159
Art Education and Dra-
matic Expression through
Children's Plays
By
MRS. HOGUE STINCHCOMB
The first of the second season of Saturday
Matinees given January 31 under the direction of
the Highland Park (Mich.) Recreation Commis-
sion, and sponsored by the Highland Park Wom-
en's Club was both a financial and artistic suc-
cess.
The program included four plays: Sleeping
Beauty, by Lindsey Barbee, The Ginger Bread
Boy, by Helen Dye, The Pig Brother, by Laura E.
Richards, and Cicely and the Bears, by Eleanor
Skinner, which were presented by Blue Bird and
Camp Fire groups under the direction of Nina B.
Lamkin of the Recreation Commission. The open-
ing number was a Dance of January, given by a
group of Blue Birds in snowy white toboggan cos-
tumes, who closed their dainty dance by throwing
the snow balls at the audience. The singing play
Thome Rosa followed and charming dance num-
bers from the studios of local dancing teachers
rounded out a delightful program.
The costumes and stage sets, designed and
carried out by the recreation staff, created much
amused interest. Weird animals delighted the
children who saw under the masques real bears,
a fine Hereford cow, a squirrel, wren, cat and pig.
The wolf who bit off the ginger bread boy's head
was especially realistic even though made of out-
ing flannel and crepe paper, and the flowing stream
of cambric edged with crepe paper grass over
which he helped the ginger bread boy to his tragic
end was rippling water to the imaginative child.
Trees made with black cambric trunks with
crepe paper foliage with impressionistic mounds of
flowers at the base, and trellises of vines with gar-
lands of flowers helped out the illusion in garden
and woodland scenes, while the interiors were also
wrought out of inexpensive materials and with an
eye to artistic effects rather than a realistic crea-
tion,
It is part of the plan back of the matinees to
teach the possibilities of simple materials and in-
expensive presentation as well as to create a love
of dramatization and an understanding of the
harmony of color and the opportunity each play
offers of making stage pictures.
Plays are in rehearsal to be given by other girl
club groups and with the contribution of Scrumbo,
Bumbo and Blinko by Jagedorf from the Chil-
dren's Plays at the Mohegan Colony Modern
School of Peekskill, N. Y. This will be given by
a boys' club group.
Every child has the longing for dramatic ex-
pression, and these matinees which are being given
for the benefit of the Summer Camps of the Rec-
reation Commission and the Women's Club, are
offering an opportunity to the children of High-
land Park which the teachers, parents, and the
children themselves eagerly welcome.
Americanization through the Art Museum.
— In the February issue of Kindergarten and
First Grade Magazine, published by Milton Brad-
ley Company, Springfield, Mass., appears an in-
teresting article on the Use of Art Museums by
Children, which will be of interest to recreation
workers. In the article Miss Carolyn Bailey tells
of the work which is being done by the Metro-
politan Museum of Art of New York, the Boston
Museum of Fine Arts, the Cleveland Museum of
Art, Department of Fine Arts of Carnegie In-
stitute, Pittsburgh, and the Cincinnati Museum.
Story hours, traveling exhibits, illustrated talks
and trips through the museum, are among the ac-
tivities. In the Cleveland Museum, as in a number
of others, the purpose is to have the exhibits at
all times of interest to younger children, and one
of the very important uses of the Children's
Museum is that of providing a place where chil-
dren may draw. Pencils, paper and drawing
boards are always at hand. Cincinnati has an in-
teresting plan in drawing for its Saturday classes
of children — that of showing the periods of his-
tory through pictures, color prints and objects
arranged each week from the collections of the
museum.
United States Commissioner of Education
John F. Tigert says, "No one can doubt the im-
mense education value of the art museum. What
we need is the more effective organization for its
educational use."
Is it not possible that recreation departments
may work more closely with their local museums
in the development of cultural activities?
160
DRAMATIZING LEISURE TIME
Patriots' Day
The annual celebration of Patriots' Day, held
under the auspices of the Citizens' Public Cele-
brations Association in Boston and the surround-
ing communities on April 19th and 20th, shows
what remarkable things may be accomplished in
the way of a joint celebration by a number of
cities and towns. Eight communities united to
make this 150th anniversary of the Battles of
Lexington and Concord the great success which
it turned out to be. At least a dozen celebrations
were given in the eight cities and towns, covering
the two days' time, and thousands of obviously in-
terested spectators thronged to witness this won-
derful occasion which was fraught with so much
patriotic significance. In Arlington, Boston,
Brookline, Cambridge, Medford and Somerville
fitting celebrations took place, but the anniversary
settled mainly about the historic towns of Lex-
ington and Concord. In many of the reproduc-
tions of the happenings of 1775 the descendants
played the parts of their ancestors.
Not the least important event was the presence
at the celebration of General Pershing, of Vice-
President Dawes, great grandson of William
Dawes, and of Mrs. Nathaniel Thayer, great
grand-daughter of Paul Revere.
The most important happenings of the celebra-
tion were a procession, representing the develop-
ment of the United States, the mock battle of
Concord and the reproduction of the ride of Paul
Revere and William Dawes in 1775.
Allen French, the historian, was in charge of
the staging of the battle of Concord and the fight
was modelled as nearly as possible in all respects
after actual events. The arrival of only seventy-
five Red Coats, with but five British officers,
marching up to the tune of "Yankee Doodle,"
hitherto considered by many as an entirely Ameri-
can song, was a great surprise to some, as was
the later arrival of the 225 colonial men and their
fifteen officers, half of them uniformed in buff
and blue. With the noise of the rifles, the uni-
formed soldiery and the vividness of it all, the
scene was enough to make one's blood tingle.
The Boston Herald intimates that the horse-
back ride of William Dawes in 1775 as he gal-
loped over twelve miles of rough roads, calling
the Middlesex Minute Men to action, was proba-
bly not nearly so strenuous as the 100-mile auto-
mobile ride of Vice-President Dawes on this
memorable occasion of 1925, as he traversed, in
a flurry of snow, not only the route of his ances-
tor but many extra miles to witness the celebra-
tions which were being staged for the occasion,
to shake hands with the people, and to speak to
the waiting throngs.
On this 1925 Patriots' Day, the spirit of 1775
lived afresh on the battleground of our ancestors
and in the hearts of their descendants. It was
truly a great occasion in historic significance.
Dramatizing Leisure Time
The Bureau of Recreation of the Department
of Parks, Manhattan, gave a novel entertainment
when the children from the park playgrounds
presented a playlet, Leisure Time, written by
James V. Mulholland, Supervisor of Recreation.
The purpose of the play was to contrast the
dangers and evils of street and unorganized play
with the values of parks, playgrounds, athletic
fields and gymnasiums.
The first scene showed boys playing craps, the
arrival of the police and the removal to the hos-
pital of a boy injured by an automobile. Some
especially good harmonica playing and a little jig
dancing were introduced in this scene.
Scene II took place in the juvenile court, where
one of the boys who had been playing craps was
taken on a charge of delinquency. He was turned
over to the parole officer, asked if he liked to play
ball and told to report at the playground where
balls and a bat would be supplied.
Scene III showed a park playground, with
children at play on apparatus and games and
with storytelling and activities of various kinds
going on. A kitchen cabinet band of mothers was
a popular feature of this scene.
In Scene IV a fairy waved a wand and the
curtain arose showing Cinderella in Flowerland,
an attractive fairy scene centering about the story
of Cinderella to which the children had listened in
the previous scene.
Act II, which showed a public gymnasium, gave
an opportunity to present tumbling, apparatus
work, club swinging exhibits and gymnastic exer-
cises of various kinds.
The final act was laid in the children's court, to
which after a year the delinquent had returned to
report progress. The act showed the great im-
provement in the boy after a year of play under
leadership.
FL'X AND COMFORT FOR STAMFORD CHILDREN
161
SHOWER AND WADING POOL MADE AND OPERATED BY MEMBERS OF THE FIRE DEPARTMENT, DURING
THE SUMMER MONTHS, IN DIFFERENT SECTIONS OF THE CITY OF STAMFORD, CONN.
The City of Montreal is reported to have acquired 164,504 square feet of land, that is
about three and four-fifths acres, at a cost of $82,252. In the center it laid out a small park,
and bounded it by streets. The area taken up by the park and the surrounding streets was
82,466 square feet, or 1 9/10 acres. The city then sold the balance of 82,038 square feet for
$99,032, reaping a net profit of $16,780.
This action demonstrates the theory of William E. Harmon as to the increase in land values
brought about by the adequate planning for parks.
162
RECREATION WEEK IN HOUSTON
Two New Offers from the
Harmon Foundation
The Harmon Foundation has just announced
the distribution of $10,000 in two groups of cash
awards, each totalling $5,000, to be made on or
about March 1, 1926, to Harmon Fields which
have shown the greatest progress and enthusiasm
in playground development between March 1,
1925, and March 1, 1926.
The two groups are as follows :
1. $5,000 for assistance and cooperation in the
acquisition of new play sites that are dedicated
permanently for recreational uses
2. $5,000 for constructive development and use
of existing Harmon Fields
The purpose of offer No. 1 is to encourage ac-
tivity and interest in securing new play fields.
The awards will be granted to Harmon Fields in
proportion to the service they render in bringing
about the purchase or acquisition of permanent
play space in other sections of the same community
or in other towns or cities.
The second offer is designed to encourage a
high standard in the use of creative leadership on
Harmon playgrounds. In furthering this purpose,
$5,000 will be distributed in various sums to those
fields showing the greatest progress and expan-
sion, improvement and supervision between March
1, 1925 and March 1, 1926.
Along with the offer to Harmon Fields which
has been outlined comes another offer from the
Foundation. During 1925 the Foundation plans to
expend $10,000 in contributions toward the pur-
chase of recreation sites in growing communities
throughout the United States. Assistance will be
rendered to the extent of 10 per cent, of the cost of
the land, provided that this proportion does not
exceed $200, and the gift will be made in final
payment of the purchase price.
The offer is restricted to towns in which the
initial step in securing playground space has been
inaugurated since January 1, 1925, and to those
towns which applied for, but failed to receive ap-
propriations under the offer to give fifty play
sites in 1924. Applications will be acted upon in
order of their receipt.
To be eligible a town must give a satisfactory
evidence of growth, show active cooperation and
specific plans for the development of the play-
ground if secured. The provision is also made
that the land must be permanently dedicated for
recreation use, and the deed vested in either the
Town Council or the Board of Education.
No condition is made that the sites are to be
known as Harmon Fields in order to receive these
appropriations. All playgrounds so named, how-
ever, will be entitled to participate in competitions
for awards made to Harmon Fields, or to receive
maintenance allowances which may be made.
Recreation Week in
Houston
February 1st to 7th was Birthday Week in
Houston, Texas. The regular weekly recreation
program went on as usual but there were a num-
ber of additional features which made it a par-
ticularly interesting week for the whole city.
On Sunday the local ministers preached on the
right use of leisure. On Monday at 3 :30 Nellie,
the Herman Park Zoo elephant, visited Sam
Houston Playground. At 4 :00 there was a Birth-
day Party at Woodland Playground, and at 8:00
the first public concert of the Houston Orchestral
Society was given. Special music was a feature
of the luncheon of the Conopus Club on Tuesday.
Wednesday's celebration included a talk to the
Kiwanis Club and parades and birthday and com-
munity parties at Eastwood, Woodland and Carter
Playgrounds.
Three-minute speakers talked on Recreation at
the down town theatres on Thursday. In the eve-
ning Houston Recreation and Community Service
held its annual meeting, and The First of May,
a one-act play by Eleanor Rowland Wembridge,
was presented by the Dramatic Division. On Fri-
day there was a community party and anniversary
parade on two of the playgrounds. On a third a
parade and party with bonfire, old-fashioned
games and contests, proved a popular feature. A
fourth playground had as its program a basket
ball game followed by a celebration. At 9 :00 the
Rabbis of the city preached on the right use of
leisure.
Throughout the week the men's and women's
clubs included in their program three to five-
minute talks on the recreation program of the city.
Parent-Teacher associations, civic and improve-
ment clubs, planned parties in observance of the
Week, and schools displayed the Recreation De-
partment posters. In the store windows were to
be seen exhibits of the work of the Department
in playgrounds, athletics, music, drama, social
recreation and home plays.
EVANSTON, ILLINOIS, TO THE FORE!
163
Evanston, Illinois, to the
Fore!
The Bureau of Recreation of Evanston, Illinois,
has made a splendid record of achievement, as
its report for May 1st to December 31st, 1924,
indicates.
Soon after the appointment on May 1st of
W. C. Bechtold as Recreation Superintendent,
seventeen playground sites were selected as far as
possible within six blocks of every child. Of
these seventeen nine have been put into operation.
The playground activities conducted during the
summer included the organization of the Junior
Police, a track and field meet, a doll show, a
flower show, a pet show, a volley ball tournament,
a lantern parade, a horseshoe tournament, folk
dance contests, storytelling, a roller skating car-
nival, the athletic badge tests, a stilt contest, a
tennis tournament, coaster races and sandcraft.
An activity on the summer program which was
most unique was a toy symphony organized by
Harry Murrison. A small piano was mounted on
a Ford truck and taken from one playground to
another where demonstration sessions were held.
When the youngsters saw the truck approaching,
there was a rush for the sticks, drums, tambour-
ines and whistles. The Anvil Chorus, Stars and
Stripes Forever and The Parade of the Wooden
Soldiers were the popular selections. Many a
passer-by stopped to listen and to comment on the
music.
Athletics have held an important place in the
program. Seventeen baseball teams have been or-
ganized, with 120 games played. One three-team
football league, a ten-team men's bowling league
and an eight-team women's bowling league have
been in operation. In addition to these it is
planned to organize an indoor baseball league, a
volley ball league, paddle tennis, an adaptation of
regular tennis.
Five bathing beaches were open for eleven
weeks from June 23rd to September 8th. In ad-
dition to the Senior Life Guards, a corps of seven-
teen Junior Life Guards was organized on a vol-
unteer basis which served the public daily without
cost to the city. The attendance at the five beaches
totalled 98,037 for the eleven weeks.
In close cooperation with the Board of Edu-
cation, community center work has been con-
ducted at three school centers. Classes have been
organized in adult activities for which definite
requests have been made by groups numbering
CITY-WIDE STILT CONTEST AT MASON PARK,
EVANSTON, ILL.
not fewer than twelve individuals. Public speak-
ing, handcraft, dancing, sewing, gymnasium work,
parliamentary law and woodwork, are among the
activities which have already been started. Plans
are on foot for organizing classes in radio, tele-
phony, folk dancing, French, millinery, Spanish,
bridge, dramatics, business principles and infant
welfare — all activities which have been requested
by those attending the centers.
The program of winter sports has been exceed-
ingly popular. Twelve skating rinks were main-
tained by the city last winter and there was an
average attendance on them of 2,500 per day. In
EVANSTON, ILL. GROUP OF ORIGINAL DOLLS MADE ON THE
PLAYGROUNDS
addition to these, a number of private rinks were
operated.
A recreation leaders' institute, covering a period
of six months, with over 100 people enrolled, was
held during the fall and winter, with two periods
of three hours each twice each month. Many of
the members of the staff were from the faculty
of Northwestern University who gave their serv-
ice in the interest of the local work. Possible
leaders for next summer's playground work were
developed, while many of those enrolled were
(Concluded on page 165)
OUTDOORS IN THE SCHOOLROOM
Finding Outdoors in the
City Schoolroom
The April issue of The Kindergarten and First
Grade published by Milton Bradley Company
contains a number of suggestive articles; among
them, Taking Care of Pets and A Little Child's
Garden Plot.
Finding Outdoors in the City Schoolroom con-
tains a number of suggestions for a nature room.
A typical room is described as follows :
"As the tide of small naturalists in the making
flows across its threshold they find themselves in
a Never-Never Land of enchantment. The walls
are covered with green burlap to reproduce the
forest background, and this morning they are
banked with orchard branches in leaf and bloom
among which the various birds' nests of the
neighboring countryside may be discovered by
sharp eyes, and their construction seen and
studied. Cocoons on their native branches may
burst into the winged loveliness of the moth be-
fore the children's enchanted gaze. Here is a
wall completely draped with creeping pine and
against this background are such marvels as
snakes' skins, amazing rattles no longer to be
dreaded, a mounted wild bird or two of a rare
variety and a squirrel or chipmunk. Tables placed
at convenient spaces about the nature room take
the children on delightful trips. Here is an
aquarium exhibit that shows, on the convenient
level of the small person's eyes, newts, frog
spawn, tadpoles and snails. Close by is a ter-
rarium filled with native ferns- and woodsy plants
in which a small "tame" little frog holds court
•daily. He was afraid of his shadow at first, and
jumped when his glass cover was raised, but now,
as Peter says regretfully, "I can't go without tell-
ing our~ frog good-bye," and suits the action to
the word by almost diving into the miniature
swamp landscape. Master Frog blinks his appre-
ciation of the friendliness. He has learned, with
these nature-starved children of the city, that he
and Peter both speak that various language which
makes of brooks a song, and the winds a trumpet
call to the sky.
"Other exhibits lure the child from one point
to another of the nature room — a beach with
shells, coral and starfish ; trays of cool green moss
with growing ferns, wintergreen, and partridge
berries ; a miniature garden with its cedar-crowned
hillock, rocky ledge, pools and bridges; a tiny
sand tray desert with cacti and palm trees. A
mineral corner with interesting bits of lava,
Indian arrowheads, mica and local kinds of
quartz ; groups of mounted animals shown in a
setting of their native evergreens; and an insect
corner with moths and butterflies are attractive.
Bird charts, pictures of animals, birds and flow-
ers in magazines and collections of colored shells
are displayed. There is a "surprise" exhibit al-
ways in the nature room changed from season to
season, and offering a note of present interest
that the children love. This surprise is always a
center of enthusiastic observation. A shower of
red, russet and gold leaves spread like an Oriental
carpet to feast the eyes ; a lovely pitcher plant in
the center of the table with books and pictures
describing it ; a bundle of fascinating twigs show-
ing the prints of wily beavers' teeth ; one chrysalis
almost ready to break; a spray of beautiful apple
blossoms on which, when the petals fall, the little
folks may see the beginning of a tiny apple ; a
visiting tortoise with his old world store of fable
and folk lore; even an enterprising cricket who
stills the babble of voices with his chirping — these
greet the children and take them afield in nature's
wonderland."
SUGGESTIONS FOR COLLECTING FLOWERS
The School Nature League, with headquarters
at Public School No. 62, has the following sug-
gestions to make regarding collections which will
be of interest to playground workers in their pro-
gram :
January
Birds' nest with branch when possible ; wasps'
nests (mud and paper) ; cocoons with twigs they
are fastened to; sections of wood showing bark,
pith and annual rings; young stems to show
color of bark or pith, as willow, swamp dog-
wood, sassafras, sumac and elderberry; mosses,
lichens, bracket fungi.
February
Budding twigs for forcing in the classrooms,
such as alder, willow, poplar, hazel, birth, beech,
tulip tree, magnolia, horse-chestnut, hickory,
maple, elm, dogwood, sassafras, spicebush, sumac,
elderberry, apple, pear, peach, plum and cherry.
March
Same, further advanced ; also branches of early
flowering garden shrubs — forsythia, Japan quince,
lilac, spiraea, bush honeysuckle, currant. From
the woods — skunk cabbage, mosses, lichens.
OUTDOORS IN THE SCHOOLROOM
165
Frog, toad and salamander spawn; tadpoles,
snails and aquatic plants.
April
Sprouting acorns, maple seedlings, early bloom-
ing trees and shrubs ; early wild flowers ; early
garden flowers. Seeds of hardy plants to start
in the classroom and school gardens, as morning
glory, nasturtium, bachelor's button, larkspur,
zinnia, aster, pansy, sweet alyssum, sunflower,
bean, pea, radish, also seedlings that have win-
tered in the garden.
May
Special material for Arbor Day, flowering
branches of apple, cherry, peach, plum, pear, for-
est trees in flower or fruit, elm, maple, oak, hick-
ory, butternut, dogwood, birch, beach. Garden
shrubs ; potted plants for the classroom, pansies,
daisies. Common garden and wild flowers, ferns
and mosses.
June
Buttercups, daisies, clover, iris, strawberry,
blackberry, raspberry, huckleberry, grape with
blossoms and young fruit when possible ; branches
showing young cherries, apples, pears, peaches,
garden flowers.
Summer Collecting
During the summer much material can be col-
lected, as grasses and sedges, wheat, rye, barley,
oats; milkweed pods and many other wild and
garden fruits; nuts of all kinds; also mosses, lich-
ens and fungi, and common minerals. At the
seashore, shells, starfish, sea urchins, seaweeds,
pebbles. Children can be easily interested in
collecting, and anything from out of doors that
can be dried and will keep will be welcome.
Specimens may be sent direct to the nature room
at any time if so desired.
September
Common wild and garden flowers ; grains,
grasses and sedges; thistle, clematis, bittersweet,
cat-tails, milkweed pods, sumac, acorns, nuts, and
fruits of all kinds, autumn leaves; caterpillars
with the plant or branch on which they were
feeding; grasshoppers, locusts, crickets, katydids.
October
Witch-hazel, branches of the various oaks with
acorns; fruits and seeds of all kinds, such as bay-
berry, tulip tree, dogwood, buttonball, winter
berry, greenbrier, sumac, ash, ailanthus. Speci-
mens of winter vegetables showing leaves and
manner of growth, as carrots, parsnips, turnips.
Late wild and garden flowers. Potted plants for
the classrooms, as geraniums, begonias, oxalis,
tradescantia, ivy, ferns.
November
Mosses and lichens for moss dishes. Fronds
of hardy ferns, as Christmas fern, rock fern.
Fungi, especially puff balls and woody bracket
fungi. Bulbs to start in the classroom. Galls, as
oak, apple, willow cone, blackberry, and mossy
rose gall.
December
Evergreens with specimens of the fruits when
possible, as pines, spruce, cedar, hemlock, bal-
sam, cones of all kinds, laurel, holly.
In Evanston, Illinois
(Continued from page 163)
school teachers and group leaders from various
churches who through the institute have been able
to add materially to the interest of their various
programs.
Forty- four paid staff workers and sixty- four
volunteer workers cooperated in carrying on the
program. The total expenditure for the eight
months, including that made for permanent equip-
ment, was $26,931.
Many plans for the future are under way. It
is expected that the city will pass in the spring a
bond issue of $30,000 to cover the building of five
playground shelter houses and another issue of
$50,000 for the purchase of a five-acre tract of
ground adjoining a community golf course which
has been operated in the past by a group of private
citizens. With the purchase of this property, the
private group has agreed to turn over to the city
all of its property and building for municipal
operation.
Professor Robert E. Park of the University of
Chicago, and President of the National Com-
munity Center Conference this year, set forth
the first-rate importance of this whole subject of
leisure time in the minds of thoughtful people
everywhere when he stated that, "the improvident
use of leisure represents the greatest waste in
our American life today." Directly after saying
this he quoted Professor William I. Thomas as
to the fundamental hungers of human beings,
namely, for a home (and all it represents), for ad-
venture (that is, real recreation), for status (that
is, recognition), and for affection.
— National Community Center Conference, Chicago, December
29 to 31, 1924
166
ROBERT A. WOODS
Robert A. Woods
There are men through whom the deeper cur-
rents run, who represent so much of the eternal
force that virtue goes out from them irrespective
of any conscious teaching and others gladly re-
ceive their leadership. Robert A. Woods was one
of these. He was not only, as a colleague has
named him, the philosopher of the settlements
but a leader in the whole field of social work, and
the whole country will feel his loss. In my own
•experience, I hardly felt safe in undertaking any
important step in social matters without his coun-
sel and approval, and I never came away without
having gained a deeper insight into the interests
involved. Many were the municipal .and the legis-
lative campaigns in which he had a leading place
and Massachusetts owes her respectable position
in social work and legislation in no little part to
him. In fact, Mr. Woods was in the higher, long-
distance sense a statesman and of a very high
order, — a quality recognized in his selection by
Calvin Coolidge to write his campaign biography.
He was an impressive and convincing speaker.
In the meetings and discussions on social matters
in which he took part one felt that he had dug
deeper than the rest of us, though his opinion was
always so modestly given — often with a blushing
shyness like a schoolboy called upon unexpectedly
to recite — that you had to listen well to realize that
he had passed your mark. And with his modesty
went a spontaneous appreciation of other people's
work. He was quick in admiration of others'
statements of a case and he rejoiced in their re-
sults. He had a keen, though quiet, sense of hu-
mor and was easily taken under the fifth rib by
what seemed to him a piquant expression. With
such appreciativeness, with an unusual power of
understanding what you were trying to do or say
and a warm heart to help you on with it, Mr.
Woods was to many people in all walks of life a
true sustaining friend. And for all his modesty
he was a redoubted champion of any cause he un-
dertook. Indeed, there lay beneath that quiet,
rather shy, exterior not a little of the fighting
spirit of his Scotch-Irish ancestors — as those who
sought to break or evade the law when he was on
the License Board, and their sympathizers in high
places, discovered to their cost.
And with all his power of sympathy Mr. Woods
was never a sentimentalist. He was an advocate
from the first of immigration restriction, which all
the sentimentalists opposed, because he saw that
the most important question of all in social mat-
ters is who gets born. He stood always for sound
economics as against the socialistic doctrines of
the short cut. He never believed in tying on the
blossoms but was an early sustainer of the Family
Welfare Society in its slower and less showy
method of watering the plant. That he should be
a friend of the playground movement, with its di-
rect appeal to fundamentals, was inevitable.
Vision and realism, each in an unusual degree —
and in their perfect combination very rare — were
the characteristics of Mr. Woods' mind. As in
the case of our own great leader, Frederick Froe-
bel, and of other idealists who have left their
mark on human institutions, he thought his ideals
out in their concrete implications and went to his
daily work in the illumination of his thought.
Each stone he laid so carefully had its place in the
temple of his dream. And deepest in him was his
faith — faith in democracy and faith in the eternal
laws. He believed in people and his life was given
to reverend service of the divine within them, a
service to which the idea of condescension could
not occur. He believed in the perfectibility of
man — the ultimate triumph of his cause. In that
faith he walked, serene and unafraid, identifying
his will with that which shall not fail.
And so he lived and died as one of those
Looking seaward well assured
That the word the vessel brings
Is the word they wish to hear.
His is a great loss to ours, as to every funda-
mental and enduring social cause.
JOSEPH LEE.
The former Prime Minister of England, Ram-
say MacDonald, was asked by a group of work-
ing men for a definition of the educated man. He
replied,
"The educated man is a man with certain subtle
spiritual qualities which make him calm in adver-
sity, happy when alone, just in his dealings, ra-
tional and sane in the fullest meaning of that word
in all the affairs of his life."
President Hopkins of Dartmouth College, in an
address before Harvard students has given his
definition of the educated man as :
"Such a man must have been humble in the
presence of great minds and great souls, must
have been simple in contacts with his fellows, and
must have been indefatigable in his desire to cul-
tivate and to maintain the power of his mind and
to accumulate that knowledge which makes up
the data of accurate reasoning."
TINY TOWN
167
Seeking the Joy of Living
"In the story of his wanderings in the South
Sea Islands O'Brien made a provocative observa-
tion on one cause for the dwindling of the native
populations. He says they were dying out be-
cause of imported diseases, ignorance, inadequate-
ness, and — because they liad lost the joy of living.
The white man had imposed his religion and his
ethics on them, and in doing so had taken from
them their barbaric rites, religions, symbols and
observances and the savage ethics. These ob-
servations and customs fitted them and were a
source of joy to them. Under the present dispen-
sation, life to them was humdrum, dull, prosaic,
free from dramatic crises and without emotional
appeal. They were dying out partly because life
had become unattractive.
"The South Sea Islanders are far away from
Boston, but the principle which O'Brien pointed
out also works close at hand. Recently Health
Commissioner Bundesen of Chicago gave over
practically one entire number of the weekly bul-
letin of the Chicago Health Department to the
subject of music. The joy of living, with music
as one of the sub-divisions, might fill one of these
bulletins without violating the laws of values.
The particular theme for which the foregoing lays
the foundation relates to the happiness of chil-
dren.
"The children of school age are in somewhat
the same position as the South Sea islanders.
When they reach six years of age, we call them
in from play under the trees and in the grass and
set them at tasks in the schoolroom. The old-
fashioned little red schoolhouse was the ultimate
in barbarism. Hard-looking inside and outside —
bare walls, poor heat, no ventilation, no con-
veniences, no comforts, nothing aesthetic. Chil-
dren had to fish hard on Saturday, to play hard
at recess, to live in the midst of nature, to keep
the little red schoolhouse from grinding all the
spirit out of them.
"Now things are better. Schools have con-
veniences and comforts. Intelligent principals are
getting some pictures and books. Special clubs
are buying paintings and statuary for the walls.
Athletic clubs are picking up ornamental trophies.
Play is encouraged. Diversion is planned and
organized.
"The misanthrope may say the cities, having
cut down the trees, driven out the birds, banished
nature, are now encouraging art in school build-
ings and on school walls as a recompense. That
is beside the question. Whatever the reason may
be, the fact is — things are better." — (From Bos-
ton Herald, November 19, 1924)
Tiny Town
The school children of Springfield, Missouri,
are busy preparing for the City's second annual
Tiny Town exhibit which is to occupy 250,000
square feet of space in the exhibit at Grant Beach
Park, May 25th to June 6th. Manual training
pupils are constructing the buildings which make
up Tiny Town — the miniature city built to the
scale of one inch to the foot. There will be resi-
dences of all kinds, community buildings, exten-
sive parks, gardens and playgrounds equipped
with the latest apparatus. The girls have their
part in drawing plans, planning interiors, making
rugs, furniture and curtains.
The interest in the exhibit in 1924 has resulted
in a real educational project, and the schools of
the city took advantage of the interest in Tiny
Town to motivate much of the school curriculum.
Practically every subject in the curriculum re-
ceived an added interest because of the children's
activities in connection with Tiny Town.
The greatest enrichment, however, came to
community civics. It was self-evident that an
ideal city like Tiny Town should have an ideal
government. Immediately copies of the City
Charter were in demand. When the students had
mastered their chosen form of government,
primary election for nomination of officers was
in order. Any boy above the fifth grade and
twelve years of age who was not failing in his
studies was eligible to any office. Each candi-
date wrote his own platform and made his own
announcements. The daily papers not only pub-
lished the names of the candidates, but kept their
platforms and announcements before the voters
until the primary was over. There were fifty
candidates for nomination to six elective offices.
After the result of the primary was announced,
there were three contests, two resulting in favor
of the contestants. Immediately after the elec-
tion the young officials assembled and the City
Council was organized. Regular police and fire
departments were established, giving each school
proper representation. These officers took charge
of Tiny Town, and no real city officials in charge
of a real city could have been more punctilious in
the discharge of duties than were they.
168
WHITTLING CONTESTS IN CHICAGO
War without Tears
William Bolitho in the New York World for
August 18, 1924, writes of the Olympic Games
"the only collective celebration of civilization."
They were revived by Baron Pierre de Cou-
bertin, a Frenchman who wished to regenerate
France through sport.
At the Olympic Games, "with immeasurably
more justice and logic than in any artillery war,
are decided the relative ranks of nations in
athletic sports."
The struggle is more heroic than war. "No
cheating. No strangle hold. The elements that
decide are human will, courage, and muscular
force. The games use every heroism and forti-
tude except the supreme sacrifice of death. The
men of the 100 metres, those of the high jump,
and the mile, suffer the essence of the deprivations
of soldiers.
"The combatants are not half-willing conscripts,
terrorized into starting and smothered with flat-
tery to go on, but picked representatives chosen
by indisputable methods of right from millions of
youths in millions of organizations in every village
of the industrially civilized world.
"The joy of spectators and participants at an-
other record smashed by one of their own number
is the same as in some war victory in which thou-
sands are engaged.
"Did the war show us anything newer or richer
in human nature than Paavo Nurmi, the Finn,
who runs with a watch in his hand, unbeatable,
automatic, baffling, a blond hermit of sport? Or
as hot to the imagination as Paddock's lightning
leap for the tape in the hundred metres, Osborn's
style in the high jump, Abrahams, the living
arrow, in the sprint?
"With the greatest champions of all, the strug-
gle ceases to be with men and becomes a higher
fight with the forces of nature which have set a
limit to human powers. Nurmi no longer runs
against mortals. He fights to beat the clock alone.
"There is an awe in the place when world rec-
ords, not mere men, are being grappled with.
They set up the blue and white, bar of the high
jump higher than a man's head to begin. In an
emotion deeper than we ever felt in a temple we
watch the great Osborn, the American, at grips
with gravity. By centimetres they raise the bar to
that two metres, the untouchable limit of Beason,
and one by one the rest of the nations fail. The
American continues with tiny victories over his
immense antagonist. With a little run he raises
himself head and shoulders over the bar, then with
a marvelous motion of the back he brings up his
legs parallel with the height he has to pass, and
turns himself on his left side slowly, as if he were
lying in the air. For a fraction of a second we
see him thus defy the force that keeps the stars
in their places, gravitation itself, not an earthly
competitor ; then, with that giant grip on his ankles
that has never relaxed, he falls lightly on the other
side."
Whittling Contests in
Chicago
The whittling contests which are being held ort
the playgrounds of the Board of Education under
the auspices of the Bureau of Recreation are
proving tremendously popular. The 1,860 pieces
comprising the exhibit were on exhibit for a
week at one of the large loop stores.
From a sociological standpoint, C. H. English,
Supervisor of the Bureau, suggests some very
interesting facts disclosed through the contests.
The Gallistel Playground, which won the right to
keep the cup awarded each year, had new articles
in their exhibit showing the tendency to tools and
wood working instruments. This playground is
located in a great manufacturing center and the
fathers' employment no doubt had a strong in-
fluence on the character of things made. From
the playground located in a. neighborhood recog-
nized as one of the "crime hot houses" of Chicago
came an exhibit running to swords and guns.
Thus throughout it was found that home environ-
ment was reflected to a large degree in the choices
of the children.
"It is an ill wind that blows no good," says the
old adage. In talking with the instructor at a
playground located in an Italian Center, Mr.
English said, "You probably won't have much of
an exhibit. Your Italian boys have knives but
they are not the right kind for whittling."
"Oh we'll have a pretty good exhibit," said the
instructor. "You see we had some good luck last
week. A hardware store burned down and every
kid has at least six knives !"
With one exception, all the big loop stores in
Chicago have shown exhibits of various kinds
from the Board of Education playgrounds. This
is significant in showing the possibilities which lie
in interesting business men in the recreation pro-
grams of our communities, even to the extent of
giving up valuable window space.
TAKING CARE OF THE BOYS
169
How One Community Takes
Care of Its Boys
In 1923 the Rotary Club of Two Rivers, Wis-
consin, appointed a committee on boys' work. A
study of the situation resulted in the decision that
the boy problem was not strictly a Rotary Club
problem but rather a community problem, and a
combination of the boys' work committees of the
Lions' Club, the Community Club and the Rotary
Club was effected.
A further study was made, resulting in five f un-
damental conclusions: 1. No boys' work will be
successful unless practically every citizen of the
community is interested in it. 2. Every citizen
should have an opportunity to contribute seme-
thing, no matter how small the amount. 3. Every
jperson wishing to serve in connection with the
>oys' work program should have an opportunity,
and something should be given him to do. 4.
Every club, church, society and neighborhood
hould be made to feel that it is their work and not
he work of some particular society or group of
citizens. 5. Personalities should not enter into
any of the work. In other words, if anyone should
want to go into the work for the sake of personal
lory he should be told that this is service for the
sake of service, and so far as possible no names
vill be given publicity, except when all names are
mentioned.
Boys' Week in 1924 was the occasion of the
aunching of the movement. Programs for Boys'
Day in Church, in School, in Industry, were all
lighly successful, one church having more than a
housand boys and men in attendance. Loyalty
Day ceremonies with a parade and meetings ad-
Jressed by a well-known speaker surpassed all
expectations. To make sure that everyone in the
lommunity would be reached with information
ibout the meetings, minutemen (one for each
ilock) called at the homes and delivered personal
nvitations.
Following Boys' Week came a mass meeting to
Hscuss ways and means. It was decided that play-
grounds should be immediately established, with
imds raised by general subscription, and that an
association should be formed with a Board of
aovernors of twenty-five members. A campaign
:o raise funds to carry on the work of the Boys'
Work Association was started at once. The ob-
jective was $6,000 for the year's work, but instead
icarly $14,000 was raised.
Following the campaign a director was secured,
and the work is in operation. Over 300 men are
serving on. the various committees, and everyone
who wants to serve is given a task. Three large
playgrounds are in operation in the summer.
Three school buildings are being used for general
purposes; one grade building every night in the
week, and the high school building almost every
night. The gymnasium of one of the parochial
schools is used for athletics.
The Public Library has set aside for a Boys'
Library Club a large room which has been suitably
. furnished by the American Legion. To this room
hundreds of boys come every evening, and the best
boys' magazines, papers and books are to be found
there. Each night the Library's club program
changes. Monday evening photographs of great
men are unveilea and their life stories given;
Tuesday evening is "hobby night" ; Wednesday
night is open for special events; and Thursday is
"story night."
Various boys' organizations have been formed,
such as Boy Scouts, Highlanders, Pioneers, Com-
rades, Woodcraft League, a high school boys'
club known as the Order of the Square, and a vo-
cational boys' club or the Twin Park Gang.
A health education program is being conducted
in both the public and parochial schools. As fast
as the boys are enrolled in any activity they are
given a physical and mental examination. A voca-
tional guidance program is under way.
On Hallowe'en a party is given for all the boys
in the city, which greatly reduces the unfortunate
happenings which so often attend that occasion.
In November a Father and Son Committee put
on a banquet at the High School, in which about
700 fathers and sons took part.
Every boy taking part in an activity is graded
on the basis of his record in school, in church, in
home and in physical activities. All marks are
based on the same standing, so that the percentages
each one attains is a fair record of his propor-
tionate ability.
Among the other activities of the Association
are birdhouse contests, a hobby show, Thrift
Week essays, winter sports and the organization
of a Boys' City Council, a group functioning in
much the same way as the City Council.
The Association has a committee working on
home building which is preparing a series of lec-
tures for parents. Through the Leaders' Training
Department leaders are being developed. It is
believed that if twenty-five effective leaders can be
trained, the cost of the movement will be justified.
In July the Association will sponsor a gipsy
170
WESTCHESTER MUSIC FESTIVAL
tour as a wind-up to the season's activities. Fifty
boys with the highest standards will have a sight-
seeing tour by automobile. A permanent camp is
being erected for overnight and week-end camp-
ers. A very popular service rendered by the Asso-
ciation is the immediate sending to any boy at
home on account of illness a so-called Boys' Busy
Box, containing boys' books, toys and games.
The cost of the year's program will be approxi-
mately $6,000, leaving a surplus of over $5,000,
which will be increased as rapidly as possible so
that eventually it will be possible to have a general
community house available not only for the boys
but for the whole community.
A "Flower City" Campaign
The Neighborhood Organization Division of
the Houston Recreation and Community Service
cooperating with the Park Board in its general
plan for city-wide beautification, recently conduct-
ed a "Flower City" Campaign, and through its
neighborhood organizations interested homes,
schools, churches and playgrounds all over the
city in doing their part toward making Houston
a city of flowers by May, the time of the coming
of the World's Advertising Convention. Miss
Florence M. Sterling served as chairman, Miss Ida
Stanberry as chairman of the campaign.
Facts in the case and the object of the campaign
were presented to the citizens through the news-
papers in a way to create an active interest in the
present plan of beautification but leaving the im-
pression that the result would be permanent. Pub-
licity was also given through talks before local
organizations and through the distribution of ex-
planatory circulars. Splendid cooperation was
received from school authorities and Parent-
Teacher Associations, Civic and Improvement
Clubs, real estate dealers, seed houses and Girl
Scouts.
Flower seeds were put in envelopes with in-
structions for planting printed on back of en-
velopes. A small charge was made on seed pack-
ets to cover cost of seed. The seeds were selected
and the cultural directions written by a flower ex-
pert from one of the largest seed houses in the
city. This expert acted as general advisor
throughout the campaign. Because of the care-
fully selected seed, the wholesale seed house au-
thorized the Houston house to offer a $25.00 prize
for the prettiest bed of zinnias.
The Girl Scouts volunteered to put the seeds
into the packets. Practically every section of the
city was represented among the Girl Scout work-
ers. These scouts received credit on their Com-
munity Service Badge for this work. As the City
Auditorium, the headquarters of the Recreation
and Community Service, was being repaired, R. S.
Sterling, President of the Humble Oil & Refining
Co., offered a room in that great office building in
which to pack the flower seeds.
The seed packets were turned over to the Par-
ent-Teacher Associations of the various schools
and distributed to those living in the vicinity of
the schools. Thirty-one Parent-Teacher Associa-
tions cooperated in the distribution.
The Woman's Viewpoint Publishing Co. offered
three cash prizes : first prize $25.00 ; a second prize
of $15.00; third prize of $10.00 to the white
schools making the most improvement in their
yards by May. To the colored school making the
most improvement the Viewpoint offered a cash
prize of $25.00. School yards all over the city
showed greaf interest in the beautification of their
surroundings. Beds, borders and window boxes
were planted wherever possible.
It was the plan of the Division to have the dif-
ferent neighborhood organizations compete in
bringing their lawns and gardens to the highest
state of perfection, and as a result of this rivalry
a number of organizations offered local prizes.
Some of these prizes were offered for the prettiest
home yard, others for the prettiest flower bed in a
specified neighborhood. The influence of this
campaign has extended over the entire city.
The Westchester County Music Festival Asso-
ciation embarked upon a brilliant and ambitious
program, culminating in a three day festival held1
in a great tent at the county seat, White Plains,
May fourteenth, fifteenth and sixteenth. During-
the past year choral groups have been established
in every city in the country and in many villages.
Festival rehearsals were held in fourteen commu-
nities. The combined chorus numbered well over
2,000. The New York Symphony Orchestra,
under Walter Damrosch, accompanied the chorus,
Morris Gabriel Williams serving as Musical!
Director. The soloists were Florence Easton,
Kathryn Meisle, Paul Althouse and Arthur Mid-
dleton. Prizes were awarded the best choir in
several classes and for soloists.
TRIBUTE TO A PUBLIC-SPIRITED CITIZEN
171
A Tribute to a Public -Spirited
Citizen
Last December 300 leading men and women ot
Grand Rapids, Michigan, gathered at a banquet to
honor Charles W. Garfield for all he had done for
the civic welfare of the city during his fifty years
of public service. While recognition was given
his service in church and welfare work in city
planning and in the Citizens League, it was his
gifts and achievements in fields relating to recrea-
tion which had most prominence. The Mayor in
opening his speech said that Mr. Garfield's gift
of Garfield Park was the most valuable from a
monetary standpoint, with the single exception
of the Library, that the city had ever received.
Representatives of the Park and Boulevard Asso-
ciation and of the Boy Scouts spoke of his work in
their organizations, and Mrs. Clark A. Gleason of
the Playground Association said, "Mr. Garfield
deserves great credit for his part in the playground
movement. He has built, not only for our chil-
dren, but for our children's children and their
children to come. From the first he insisted that
playgrounds were a municipal function and as a
result every taxpayer aids in establishing and
maintaining these playgrounds."
The most interesting and most interested gifts
at this testimonial dinner were twenty-three prize
winners from the public and parochial schools who
had written the best 100-word essays on What the
Playgrounds Have Done for Me. The following
extracts have been chosen from a number of the
prize-winning papers :
"If you put it in the shell of a nut, it would
mean — playgrounds have prevented me from
busting windows and playing in the street."
"The parks taught me how to be unselfish. As
I was teetering with a boy, another boy asked me
if I wouldn't let him teeter. As I wouldn't, he
asked the boy I was teetering with to go to another
teeter. He said, 'Yes' and walked away with him.
I got a bump for being selfish."
"Many children have no yards but the parks
and you can't go swimming and still have a dirty
face and ears. You can't learn to play fair unless
you play with a lot of boys and girls."
"The playgrounds have helped me to get ac-
quainted with children that I would never have
known. I believe that I found one of my best
friends when I asked a little boy standing by a
slide to play with me."
"I and many other children have helped our
mothers by going to the playgrounds and keeping
out of their way."
"The playground has kept swimming and
skating in my mind as great sports. It has kept
me from getting lazy and fat. The playgrounds
have taught me to be a good sport and to take fail-
ures more easily. The playground has given me
new friends and keeps me from wishing it was
winter when it is summer and for wishing it was
summer when it is winter."
"Exercise is my motto. As a result I am prop-
er weight, eat hearty meals and sleep well. Hy-
giene tells us that a boy of twelve years should be
able to expand his lungs about three inches. I can
do this. The playgrounds have done this for me
by providing proper and well regulated exercise."
"Once on the playground I was playing volley
ball with a group of girls. The ball from one of
the teams shot across the net but scraped the net.
I having the place of referee called out 'Dead
Ball.' At these words the captain of the team that
had sent the dead ball across the net grew angry
and naturally started to 'bawl me out' as she didn't
agree with me. It was all I could do to hold my
temper, but I managed to do so with the help of a
friend's cool hand in mine. This was the place in
which I first learned to hold my temper."
"The playgrounds bring cheer and joy to my
heart, put color in my cheeks and make me strong
and full of pep. Because of the benefits, I want
to give three cheers for the playgrounds and give
honor to Mr. Charles W. Garfield, pioneer of the
Play and Playground movement."
In a Connecticut city of 5,000, two of the paid
workers began their interest as boys on the play-
grounds. One, a young Italian, is now a capable
assistant director of a Newsboy's Club in one of
the recreation centers, formerly a privately sup-
ported boys' club where he first enjoyed organ-
ized play. He has exceptional control of the boys
of his own nationality who come from the same
environment. From his intimate knowledge of
his own people's traditions and prejudices he is
often able to straighten out difficulties which arise.
The other young man is to the boys a popular
young hero. He is now working to fulfill his
ambitions to be assistant to the executive by taking
special work at Columbia, and to be adequately
prepared to go into recreation work. He is a very
successful playground director and says his desire
to enter the recreation field is one of the results
of the many benefits he received through the work
as a child.
172
SHOULD CHILDREN GO TO THE MOVIES?
The Problem Column
The director of a midwestern Department of
Recreation has just received the following letter
from the distributor of motion picture films :
"We are booking 'Long Live the King' for
(blank town) February 28. Please be advised
that we shall not be able to serve you with any
more pictures in (blank town) as our regular
account claims that these pictures are being shown
absolutely gratis, no admission charge being made
at all."
The Recreation Department has been showing
motion pictures in its various school centers with-
out charge. One of the theatre owners has asked
the Board of Education to cause the Recreation
Department to cease showing motion pictures as
such showing is seriously interfering with their
business. The Board of Education refused to
agree with the owner of the theatre and so the
owner is trying now to bring pressure to have no
more films given to the Recreation Department
in this particular city.
In this community the Recreation Department
has been striving to elevate the whole status of
the movies and it is believed that the work done
has created a demand for better pictures.
This problem is presented to the readers of
THE PLAYGROUND for comment and suggestions.
Ought Recreation Departments showing motion
pictures in school houses and trying through
securing the better class of films to create a
demand for such films, to make a regular charge
for those who see the films? Is it fair for
community centers, supported by taxation and
relieved from any necessity of paying taxes them-
selves, to show motion pictures free in competi-
tion with the regular theatres in the city ? Would
we, if we were motion picture theatre owners,
feel it was fair for a city department to show
motion pictures free when we were showing the
same motion pictures and making a charge for
admission? Can an equal service be rendered in
raising the standards in motion pictures when an
admission charge is made? What are the special
reasons for having free admission to motion pic-
tures in a community center?
Collier's Magazine suggests that a tremen-
dous impetus might be given general tennis play-
ing by including the American public courts cham
pion on tennis teams engaged in international
competition.
Should Children Go to
the Movies?
The Delineator for September, 1924, prints the
following article: To get the most benefit out of
play it should be in the open air. Here the little
children can romp, sing or yell with freedom of
motion and absence from restraint. Children who
have the movie habit and whose parents indulge
them in it are deprived of such wholesome and
healthful play.
A conservative estimate of the number of chil-
dren attending movies was made in one of our
large cities, and it was found that over ninety
per cent of the school children between the ages
of seven and fourteen attend the movies regularly.
There is no ventilation worthy of the name, and
the same air, too often contaminated with offen-
sive odors from the persons or garments of "the
great unwashed," is breathed over and over again
by successive audiences. Patrons attending cheap
theaters are not very particular about coughing,
sneezing and expectorating, and they freely dis-
tribute and disseminate various kinds of disease
germs. Surely no one can claim that such air and
such surroundings are conducive to health in
children.
Children generally attend the movies in the
afternoon, when they should be out playing in the
open and breathing fresh air.
Doctor Pollock, an eye specialist in Glasgow,
made an extensive study of the effect of motion
pictures on the eyes of young school children, and
found frequent congestion of the optic nerve, as
well as cases of squint and cross-eye and eye-
strain among the children who attend the movies
two or three times a week. Teachers told him
that it was difficult to retain the attention of chil-
dren who had spent two or three hours in a pic-
ture house the night before.
Motion pictures may exert a bad effect on the
immature nervous system of the child. The brain
in young children is very immature, and it and
the nerves should be very carefully protected.
Children who night after night gaze open-mouthed
at exciting episodes and thrilling escapes become
peevish and irritable. They have restless nights
and nightmares.
It is impossible to entirely separate the moral
from the health phase of this problem. A prom-
inent judge in an address on delinquency in
children said, "I believe the source of much
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These are the questions to make sure of in
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Please mention THE PLAYGROUND when writing to advertisers
173
174
SHOULD CHILDREN GO TO THE MOVIES?
KELLOGG SCHOOL
OF
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Battle Creek College
Box 255 Battle Creek, Michigan
delinquency in children to be the movies. The
story of the picture may be ever so moral, but the
moral escapes the child. He remembers that a boy
stole an apple from a fruit-stand, that a policeman
chased him, that the policeman fell down, per-
mitting the boy to escape. Then he goes ahead
and imitates the little thief in the movies."
Again the movies create an appetite and crav-
ing for excitement which is as unnecessary as it
is unnatural. It takes them away from play and
the initiative of play.
However, if we deprive children of the movies
we must substitute more and proper play.
Mothers and fathers ought to play more with their
children, and it is a great pity that the rush and
stress of modern life prevents this helpful inter-
course.
Junior movies which have been carefully
selected and censored could be shown with advan-
tage on Saturday mornings in a large, well-ven-
tilated theatre, provided that adults accompany
the children and that the picture does not last
over one hour. There is no objection to a clean
and spirited comic which amuses and entertains
the children.
Briefly, the movies are a poor substitute for
outdoor play and recreation.
The question is raised whether the Playground
and Recreation Association of America has any
right to be a party to the work which is being
done under the auspices of the Motion Picture
Producers and Distributors of America, Inc., to
secure better children's matinees; whether the
entire effort ought not to be rather to get children
out in the open air. There is no question that it
is much more desirable for children to be playing
out of doors than to be attending frequently in-
door motion picture exhibitions. But the fact
remains that millions of children in America are
going every week to the motion picture theatres.
No matter what else is provided many of them
will continue to go. There ought not to be an
effort to try to increase the number of children
going, but it is desirable to try to provide better
pictures and better conditions so that those who
are going will see better pictures and see them
under better conditions. The association therefore
considers it important to work with Will H. Hays
on this project as well as to corporate in passing
on suggestions looking to the continual improve-
ment of motion pictures in general.
Please mention THE PLAYGROUND when writing to advertisers
The
PARADISE
Line
includes
Senior Swings
Junior Swings
Hammock Swings
Chair Swings
Junior Flying Rings
Senior Flying Rings
Junior Traveling Rings
Senior Traveling Rings
Teeter Boards
Teeter Ladders
Giant Strides
Ocean Waves
Portable Slides
Straight Slides
Wave Slides
Horizontal Ladders
Parallel Bars
Jumping Standards
Merry-Go-Rounds
Combination Outfits
Flexible Ladders
Climbing Poles
Lawn and Porch Swings
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Equipment Now!
Fine weather is just around the corner.
Vacation days for the kiddies are almost
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Place your order now for that play-
ground equipment you have had in mind.
You can order Paradise Equipment
with assurance of getting practical units
that are strongly constructed to render
the maximum length of service and the
greatest degree of safety.
Delivery will be prompt and the price
will be right.
If you haven't the Paradise Catalog,
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FREDERICKTOWN, OHIO
"That Vacant Lot —
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175
176
OFFICIAL SPEED BALL RULES
r
A view of the twelve cement courts at Berston Field, Flint, Michigan. During
the City Horseshoe Tournament, held here in the evening, there were aa high as five
hundred spectators.
Flint now has thirty-two horseshoe courts, located in five different parks, and
more are to be built this summer.
J. D. McCallum is Landscape Designer, Department of Parks and Forestry.
Five Dollars for a Photograph
Do they play Horseshoes in your city? We will pay five dollars for any photograph
of good horseshoe courts which we can use for advertising purposes. Send one in if
you have good courts, with any particulars you can furnish about your local leagues.
Do not hesitate to use and recommend Diamond Pitching Horseshoes. They are
drop forged steel, scientifically heat treated to prevent breaking or chipping. Sold
in sets complete with stakes, or with leather carrying cases holding two pair, also
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children.
Ask for free copies of the folder, "How to Play Horseshoe."
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SPECIAL COMBINATION OFFER
THE ATHLETIC JOURNAL
A magazine for athletic coaches and physical directors
THE PLAYGROUND
A monthly magazine on recreation
$1.50
Per Year
$2.00
Per Year
Total $3.50
These magazines taken together $2.35
Send your
Subscription to
THE PLAYGROUND
315 Fourth Avenue
New York City
Official Speedball Rules
Are you using speedball in your program ? This
popular game was devised by Professor Elmer
D. Mitchell, Director of Intramural Athletics at
the University of Michigan, in an effort to develop
a good all-round game which would bring the
whole body into play, make scoring easier, give
room for a variety of styles of team work and
allow expression for natural athletic tendencies.
In the fall of 1922 it became a major sport in the
intramural program at the University.
Some of the advantages of the new game are
that it combines passing, kicking and dribbling;
there is more scoring in the game than in soccer ;
and it is easy to learn. In soccer the goal tender
has nothing to do a good share of the time, but
in speedball he is always a part of the eleven-man
team. Speedball is fun, can be adapted to all
ages of players and gives good exercise.
Official speedball rules may be secured from
George J. Moe, Sport Shop, Ann Arbor, Michi-
gan, 25 cents.
Please mention THE PLAYGROUND when writing to advertisers
What kind of costumes do you need
for your Playground Pageant ?
NO MATTER what your needs,
you will find real help in
Dennison's new instruction book,
"How to Make Paper Costumes" —
32 pages full of illustrations, direcr
tions and suggestions for making
costumes of
This material is ideal for cos-
tumes. With it you can obtain
wonderful color effects — and un-
usual designs. It is inexpensive
and so easy to handle that the
youngsters can help with their
own costumes.
The possibilities are limitless —
with 35 plain colors and 72 printed
designs of crepe papers from
which to choose.
Stationers, department stores
and druggists sell Dennison Crepe
papers and also the instruction
book, "How to Make Paper Cos-
tumes."
Dennison Instructors and Ser-
vice Bureaus work with Play-
ground Supervisors. They can be
of much assistance in planning
costumes for pageants and in or-
ganizing classes in the various
fascinating Dennison crafts.
Use this coupon and mail today.
DENNISON MANUFACTURING CO.,
Dept. 12-F-, Framingham, Mass.
Enclosed find ten cents for which please send me the book,
"How to Make Paper Costumes." I am also interested in
D The free service of Dennison instructors
D The Dennison Crafts.
Name
Address
Please mention THE PLAYGROUND when writing to advertisers
177
178
AT THE CONFERENCES
SLIDE - KELLY- SLIDE
in Perfect Safety on the
SAFETY PLATFORM SLIDE
Oh the JOY
of SLIDING
The safety Platform holds
3 children at a time and
the top of the slide makes
a railing in front of them,
they cannot fall off.
Steps and platform made
of hard maple. Very
strongly built. Send for
illustrated catalog.
Patterson -Williams Mfg. Co., San Jose, Calif.
Among the Conferences
About 1,250 of the 2,500 members af the Music
Supervisors' National Conference came together
at the meetings held in Kansas City, March 30-
April 3rd. This group, which is working toward
the goal of having music a fundamental part of
the education of every child, has through its Re-
search Council worked out standard courses in
choral and instrumental music and is now prepar-
ing a standardized course in music appreciation.
The subject of music appreciation had a promi-
nent part in the program, and there were many
demonstrations in the form of concerts, high
school glee club contests and interstate band con-
tests and similar activities. Edgar Gordon of the
University of Wisconsin was elected President for
next year.
which children of pre-school years are cared for,
and a demonstration of the original and progres-
sive methods of teaching foreign-born children to
read English which has resulted in the re-organi-
zation of the primary grade. Delegates will also
find of special interest the famous Cizek exhibit
showing the work of child pupils of the Arts and
Crafts School of Vienna. Nearly 500 art objects
will be shown, including painting, stencil work,
statues, wood-cuts, pottery and embroidery, all the
products of children between seven and eight
years of age and created without models.
The International Kindergarten Union conven-
tion will be held in Los Angeles, California, July
8-11. A particularly interesting feature of the
program will be the demonstrations of various
types of activities in the Los Angeles schools,
which will include problems of dealing with little
foreign-born children, day school nurseries in
At the Better Films Conference held under the
auspices of the National Committee for Better
Films January 15-17, a motion picture study club
plan was presented which was adopted as a plan
for the basis for national Better Films work.
The operation of this plan, involving careful study
of motion picture films and conditions will supply,
it is believed, a better knowledge of the situation
and will bring about a sympathetic understanding
of the point of view of those of differing opinions
Further, the motion picture study club is an at-
tempt to bring into the group as many people as
is humanly possible.
Please mention THE PLAYGROUND when writing to advertisers
Prepare for vacation months —
The busy vacation season for play-
grounds is just ahead.
Right now is the time to consider safety
measures for the protection of children
in your charge. Right now is the time
to consider, above all things, enclosing
your grounds with Cyclone Chain Link
or Wrought Iron Fence, making them
safe against the dangers of traffic.
There is still time. Act today. Have
Cyclone engineers study the fencing
requirements of your grounds, make rec-
ommendations and submit estimates of
cost. This is part of Cyclone Nation-
wide Fencing Service. Available every-
where. It obligates you in no way.
Cyclone "Galv-After" Chain Link Fabric
is heavily zinc-coated (or hot-galvanized)
by hot-dipping process After weaving.
Phone, wire or write nearest offices
CYCLONE FENCE COMPANY
Waukegan, 111.
Newark, N. J.
FACTORIES AND OFFICES:
Cleveland, Ohio
Fort Worth, Texas
Pacific Coast Distributors:
Standard Fence Co., Oakland, Calif.
Northwest Fence & Wire Works, Portland, Ore.
(yd
V2£"rr«™
one
The Mark
of Quality
Fence and
Service
Please mention THE PLAYGROUND when writing to advertisers
179
180
AT THE CONFERENCES
Spalding
for Sport
TRADE
MARK
Spotting
for Sport
The Little Folks
will thank you
for "Oversize" Playground
Apparatus. You know what
we mean by "Oversize" —
everything made better than
demanded — stronger than
usually thought necessary —
assuring a satisfaction greater
than expected. "Oversize"
means Safety — permanent
Safety. The little folks have
put their trust in us, and we
shall continue to justify that
confidence. Good enough
will not do — it must be Best.
Let us work with you on
your plans.
Recreation Engineers
Gymnasium and Playground Contract Dept.
Chicopee, Mass.
Stores in all principal cities
Copies of the motion picture study club plan
may be secured from the National Committee for
Better Films, 70 Fifth Avenue, New York City.
The Annual Meeting of the American Olympic
Association was held in the Hotel Astor, April 18
General Charles H. Sherrill of the International
Olympic Committee spoke on preparations for the
Olympic Games to be held in Amsterdam in 1928.
Some question had been raised as to whether the
place for holding the 1928 games was to be
changed. General Sherrill stated that the 1928
games would positively be held in Holland and
that the 1932 games would be held in Los Angeles.
The Association voted to send a note to this effect
to the associated press.
The following were elected delegates to the
National Olympic Congress to be held at Prague :
Col. Robt. M. Thompson, Murray Hulbert.
Alternates : G. T. Kirby, Frederick W. Rubien.
Col. Robt. M. Thompson, President of the
Association, urged the finance committee and
others cooperating to take early action in raising
the funds for the 1928 games.
The delegates to the International Olympic
Congress requested suggestions for their guidance
at the Congress. There was considerable dis-
cussion and among other things the delegates
were urged to resist the deletion of shooting events
from the Olympic games, also to resist the deletion
of hockey and skating.
Many practical problems were discussed at the
Conference of Recreation Executives of Michigan
and Ohio held at Ypsilanti, Michigan, March 26th
and 28th, under the auspices of the Field Depart-
ment of the Playground and Recreation Associa-
tion of America. How recreation departments
can help in promoting home play; special day
programs and similar events ; helping local groups
in their recreation activities ; evening activities on
the playground ; closing days on the playground ;
training of leaders ; standards of attendance ; ac-
tivities off the playground ; competitions and
awards ; winter sports ; and administrative prob-
lems of all kinds were among the topics presented.
Miss Nina B. Lamkin of the Highland Park
Recreation Commission stressed the importance
of establishing friendly working relations with
neighboring cities. The Recreation Commission
of Highland Park answers many inquiries from
outside cities and sends out a great deal of ma-
terial. The Commission makes a special point
Please mention THE PLAYGROUND when writing to advertisers
THE
EQI
34
\
READ THIS LETTER
CITY OF NEW YORK
DEPARTMENT OF PARKS
March 16,1925
The Playground 3quipment Co.,
225 Fifth avenue,
New York City.
Gentlemen: -
I thought you would be interested in
knowing the results obtained from the use of
the five (5) "Junglegyms" erected in the
playgrounds of this borough, last season.
They were a decided boon. to the hundreds
of kiddies who visited our playgrounds, and
they never seemed to tire of the fun they had
while climbing in and out and around the 'Gyms.
They were easily one of the most popular of
all the apparatus on the playgrounds.
Prom a departmental standpoint the
outstanding feature is the absence of maintenance
cost, the safety of the apparatus, and
its durability.
Wishing you success in>/6ur venture, I
7a*3f^rtKLy y)Durs ,
/ ^\A. (ABerminger, \ \
/ i^^flaiMsjjiopjr of PaVks.^/
L..^'
SEND THE COUPON
PT A VP R OTT1SJFI
Playground Equipment Company,
J A A 1V1 H/ 1\| 1 \^ \J. 342 Madison Avenue, New York
2 MadiSOIl A~V6IlUe. Please send me further information about
Junglegym. I am under no obligation.
New York City Name
lakers of Junglegym
Please mention THE PLAYGROUND when writing to advertisers
181
1S2
AT THE CONFERENCES
Education through
Physical Education
ITS ORGANIZATION AND ADMINISTRATION
FOR GIRLS AND WOMEN
By AGNES R. WAYMAN
Assistant Professor of Physical Education and Head of
Department, Barnard College, Columbia University
Octavo, 356 pages with numerous charts and
diagrams. Cloth $4M net
HP HIS Manual is the first written purely
from the women's point of view. It
contains many valuable suggestions for pro-
grams of gymnastics, games and sports for
various ages, physical conditions, and types
of groups; individual and group scoring sys-
tems; swimming programs, field-day pro-
grams ;with instruction how to arrange and
conduct games, sports, contests, etc.
Send for circulars on this book; Miss 1 C.
Drete'i work on Gymnastics and the Physical
Education Series edited by Dr. K, Tail MeKrnzir.
LEA & FEBIGER
S. Washington Square, Philadelphia
TRAINING IN RECREATION
Five weeks' Summer Term at Camp Gray,
Saugatuck, Michigan
New Finnish Gymnastics for women, athletics,
swimming, dramatics, games, folk
dancing and other courses.
Write for Catalog
KECREATION TRAINING SCHOOL OF CHICAGO
800 South Halsted Street (Hull-House)
Chicago Normal School
of Physical Education
For Women
Two year course. Graduates from accredited High Schools
admitted without examination. Experienced Faculty of men
and women. Dormitories for non-resident students. 22nd
Year Opens September 21, 1925.
For catalog and book of vieics address
Frances Musselman, Prin.
Box 45. 5026 Greenwood Ave., Chicago, 111.
of keeping in touch with young women's clubs
throughout the State and supplying them with
material.
United Neighborhood Houses. — Speaking at a
luncheon of the United Neighborhood Houses of
New York City, John Lovejoy Elliott made the
following points:
1. Neighborhood houses are a medium where
democracy is being worked out.
2. Tenement dwellers are still largely disin-
herited from cultural opportunities.
3. In the neighborhood house sections of New
York there have not been many improvements in
schools or in general living conditions.
4. Still, settlements have rendered a real serv-
ice in elevating recreation through the little theatre
and other activities.
5. Settlement neighbors have a cleaner play
life than many high schools and colleges. There
are 4,000 mothers in a Mothers' Association
organized by the United Neighborhood Houses
6. Neighborhood houses can now give back-
something to the universities and colleges where
they had their origin.
7. Settlements should reflect to Washington,
Albany and other political centers the thoughts,
feelings and wishes of the tenement folk.
8. The United Neighborhood Houses will pro-
vide a method for the united interpretation of the
people's hoj)es and desires. A single settlement
head or a single settlement cannot do it alone.
9. "We have not gone far. but we have a great
purpose and objective. It is this great purpose
that dignities our work and should inspire us to
greater enthusiasm and more united action."
Some of the world's most distinguished authori-
ties will participate in the first session of the
American Institute of Cooperation which will l>e
held at the University of Pennsylvania in Phila-
delphia, July 20th to August 15th. Among the
speakers will be Secretary of Agriculture William
M. Jardine; Secretary of Commerce Herbert
Hoover; Governor Gifford Pinchot of Pennsyl-
vania, and former Governor Frank O. Lowden of
Illinois. The institute trustees are looking for-
ward to having as their guest the well-known
veteran of Irish cooperation, Sir Horace Plunkett.
Professor O. H. Larsen of the Royal Agricul-
tural College of Copenhagen will tell in a series
of lectures how Denmark has developed her co-
operative undertakings. Eminent jurist^ will dis-
cuss the legislative foundations of the movement
and court decisions affecting it in the United
vStates.
The American Institute has among its objec-
tives the collecting and making available of
knowledge concerning the cooperative movement
in America and other lands.
Further information regarding the conference
may be secured from Charles W. Holman, Sec-
retary of the American Institute of Cooperation,
1731 Eye Street, N. W., Washington, D. C.
Please mention THE PLAYGROUND when writing to advertisers
OUR FOLKS
183
Our Folks
The following workers have recently been ap-
pointed to year round recreation positions :
Eliot V. Graves, formerly on the national staff
of the Playground and Recreation Association of
America, has recently been appointed to the posi-
tion of State Supervisor of Physical Education
for the State of Virginia. He began his work
about March 1st.
\Y. C. Batchelor, Springfield College 1913,
formerly Superintendent of Recreation Utica,
\Y\v York, and Fort Worth, Texas, has recently
accepted the position of Superintendent of Rec-
reation for the city of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
lie started his new duties about March 15th.
On March 1st Miss Helen Porterfield, formerly
connected with the national staff of the Play-
ground and Recreation Association of America
and later Superintendent of Recreation in Red
Hank, New Jersey, accepted the position of direc-
tor of Community Service in Knoxville, Ten-
nesee.
Arthur Noren began his duties as Superin-
tendent of Recreation in Springfield, Illinois, on
April 1st. For nearly two years Arthur Noren
lias been the Director of Recreation in Cen-
tralia, Illinois.
Early in March Niles, Ohio, employed George
McCourt as year-round Director of Recreation.
In March J. W. Seitz, formerly Director of
Community Service in Jeffersonville, Indiana,
was employed as Director of Recreation in Bed-
ford, Indiana.
Kddie Walkup, formerly connected with Com-
munity Service at Highland Park, Illinois, has
been employed to succeed Arthur Noren as Super-
intendent of Recreation in Centralia, Illinois.
Raymond C. Miller, who has been working
with Charlie English on the Board of Education
playgrounds in Chicago, was employed April 1st
as Superintendent of Recreation in Menasha,
Wisconsin.
Blue Island, Illinois, recently employed as
Superintendent of Recreation C. J. Day, for-
merly connected with the Park Department of
Kewanee, Illinois.
Victor A. Read was employed April 1st as
Superintendent of Recreation in Waterloo, Iowa.
Frances Haire, formerly connected with the
national staff of the Playground and Recreation
Association of America and more recently Super-
intendent of Recreation in York, Pennsylvania,
Patented
WHOLESOME WATER
*~pHE Murdock Outdoor Bub-
ble Font is more than a
Drinking Fountain — it is a wa-
ter supply system. Inside the
rugged pedestal is an all brass
construction to furnish safe and
wholesome water.
LASTS A LIFETIME
For
PLAYGROUNDS— PARKS
Write for Booklet "What An Outdoor Drinking
Fountain Should Be."
The Murdock Mfg. & Supply Co,
427 Plum Street, Cincinnati, Ohio
Makers of Outdoor Water Devices Since 1853
Notes from the Work-Study-Play Con-
ference of the National Education
Association
Physical education is as valuable as any other
department of school work.
Physical education in the schools is a most im-
portant factor in any city-wide health program.
Physical education and recreation programs
are valuable in establishing in young people ideals
of sportsmanship, honor, chastity, which influence
their future citizenship.
The personality of the physical education leader
is most important.
The recreation leader ought to have enthusiasm
for his work, common sense, a sense of humor,
must have the interest of the children at heart,
must have executive ability, good health, alert-
ness.
Physical education leaders ought not to neglect
their own play life.
Health is more than physical; it is mental, and
moral, and this kind of health is brought about by
games of skill and team work.
The "stunt" games such as cartwheel are good
for instilling courage in the boy or girl.
Please mention THE PLAYGROUND when writing to advertisers
184
BOOK REVIEWS
McGill University
School of Physical Education
A two year Diploma course in the theory and
practice of Physical Education. Women Students
only admitted for Session 1925-26. Special Resi-
dence. Session begins late in September and ends
in May.
The demand for teachers still exceeds the supply.
For special Calendar and further information apply
to the
Secretary, Dept. of Physical Education,
Molson Hall, McGill University, Montreal
MANUAL on ORGANIZED CAMPING
Playground and Recreation Association
of America
Editor, L. H. Weir
The Macmillan Company
A practical handbook on all phases of organized camping
based on an exhaustive study of camping in the United
States.
May be purchased from the
PLAYGROUND AND RECREATION ASSOCIATION
OF AMERICA
315 Fourth Avenue, New York. N. Y.
Postpaid on receipt of price ($2.00)
STATKMENT OP THE OWNERSHIP, MANAGEMENT. CIRCULATION
ETC., REQUIRED BY THE ACT OF CONGRESS OK
AUGUST 24. 1912.
Of The Playground, published monthly at New Tork, N. Y., for April 1,
1925.
STATE OP NKW YORK, I
COUNTY OF NEW YORK, ("•
Before me, a notary public in and for the State and county aforesaid,
personally appeared H. S. Braucher, who, having been duly sworn accord-
ing to law, deposes and says that he is the editor of THK PLAYGROUND,
and that the following is, to the best of his knowledge and belief, a true
statement of the ownership, management, etc., of the aforesaid publication
for the date shown In the above caption, required by the Act of August 24,
1912, embodied In section 411, 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 315
Fourth Avenue, New York City.
Editor: H. S. Braueher^ 315 Fourth Avenue, New York City.
Managing Editor: H. S. Braucher, 315 Fourth Avenue, New York City.
Business Manager: Arthur Williams, 315 Fourth Avenue, Now York
City.
2. That the owner is: Playground and Recreation Association of
America, 315 Fourth Avenue, New York City.
Present Directors : Mrs. Edward W. Biddle, Carlisle, Pa. : William
Butterworth, Moline, 111. ; Clarence M. Clark, Philadelphia, Pa. ; Mrs.
Arthur G. Cummer, Jacksonville, Fla. ; F. Trubee Davispn, Locust Valley.
N. Y. ; Mrs. Thomas A. Edison, West Orange, N. J. ; John H. Finley,
New York, N. Y. ; Hugh Frayne, New York, N. Y. ; Robert Garretl, Balti-
more, Md. ; C. M. Goethe, Sacramento. Cal. ; Mrs. Charles A. Goodwin,
Hartford, Conn. ; Austin E. Griffiths, Seattle, Wash. : Myron T. Herrick,
Cleveland, Ohio ; Mrs. Francis deLacy Hyde. Plainfleld, N. J. : Mrs. How-
ard R. Ives. Portland, Me. ; Gustavus T. Kirby, New York, N. Y. ; H. McK.
Landon, Indianapolis. Ind. : Robert Lassiter, Charlotte, N. C. ; Joseph
Lee, Boston, Mass. ; Edward E. Loomis, New York, N. Y. ; J. H. McCurdy,
Springfield, Mass. ; Otto T. Mallery, Philadelphia, Pa. ; Walter A. May.
Pittsburgh, Pa. ; Carl E. Milliken, Augusta, Me. ; Miss Ellen Scripps, La
Jolla, Cal.; Harold H. Swift. Chicago, 111.; F. S. Titsworth, New York.
N. Y. ; Mrs. J. W. Wadsworth, Jr., Washington, D. C. ; J. C. Walsh, New
York, N. Y. ; Harris Whittemore, Naugatuck. Conn.
3. That the known bondholders, mortgagees, and other security holders
owning or holding 1 per cent, or more of total amount of bonds, mort-
gages, or other securities are: None.
4. That the two paragraphs next above, giving the names of the
owners, stockholders, and security holders, if any, contain not only the
list of stockholders and security holders as they appear upon the books of
the company but also, in cases where the stockholder or security holder
appears upon the books of the company as trustee or in any other fidu-
ciary relation, the name of the person or corporation for whom such
trustee is acting, Is given ; also that the said two paragraphs contain
statements embracing affiant's full knowledge and belief as to the circum-
stances and conditions under which stockholders and security holders who
do not appear upon the books of the company as trustees, hold stock and
securities in a capacity other than that of a hona fide owner; and this
affiant has no reason to believe that any other person, association, or cor-
poration has any interest direct or indirect In the said stock, bonds, or
other securities than as so stated by him.
H. S. BRAUOHBR.
Sworn to and subscribed before me this 21st day of March, 1925.
C. B. WILSON.
(My commission expires March 30. 1926).
has just recently been employed at East Orange,
New Jersey, as supervisor of recreation. Miss
Haire will be associated with Lincoln E. Rowley,
Commissioner of Recreation.
Florence Gates, formerly in charge of Women's
and Girls' Work in Knoxville, Tennessee, was
employed May 15th as Director of the Com-
munity House in Rushville, Illinois, and of the
County Recreation program also.
Bernard M. Joy, formerly Director of Recrea-
tion in LaGrange, Illinois, has recently been em-
ployed as Superintendent of Recreation in May-
wood, Illinois.
Carnegie, Pennsylvania, has recently appointed
a Recreation Commission and employed J. Halsey
Thomas as their year round Director of Recrea-
tion.
Mrs. Katherine Dabney Ingle has recently been
employed as Superintendent of Recreation in
Mount Vernon. Mount Vernon has, during the
last year, started its first year-round program
with the appointment of a Recreation Commis-
sion.
Willard Hayes, formerly engaged in recrea-
tion work in Clarkesville, Tennessee, and Paris,
Kentucky, has recently gone to Cedar Rapids,
Iowa, as Superintendent of Recreation.
Book Reviews
NATIONAL DANCES OF IRELAND. By Elizabeth Burchenal,
Piano Arrangements by Emma Howels Burchenal.
Published by A. S. Barnes & Co., New York. Price,
$3.00
Those who are familiar with Folk Dances of Finland.
Folk Dances of Denmark and others of Miss Burche-
nal's series — and that includes everyone who feels any
vital interest in folk dancing — will not need to be told
that attractive and meaningful dances have been chosen
and that the descriptions are clear and fill the reader
with the will to do and the belief that he can. Twenty-
five traditional Irish dances collected from original
sources are described as well as illustrated by diagrams
and pictures taken in Ireland. Thirty-four popular
jigs and reels arranged for piano and violin are com-
prised in the music provided.
In the preface Miss Burchenal says:
"Since we have adopted Irish music so completely,
it seems to me quite natural that we should also feel
the appeal of Irish dancing, which is s<* closely asso-
ciated with the music. * * *
"Therefore, it is with hope of sharing with others
the pleasure I have experienced in dancing them in
Ireland that I have, in the present collection, described
twenty-five of the group dances which seem to me most
practicable and desirable for both social and recrea-
tional use in America.
"These dances are essentially the dances of Ireland.
They are of the country, of the Nation, of the people
of Ireland. * * * They are traditional and characteristic
of the Irish people, possessing definite attributes which
distinguish them from the dances of other nationalities."
Please mention THE PLAYGROUND when writing to advertiser*
Weaving with crepe paper rope
a craft well suited for Playground work
For Playground classes, the art of weaving
colored crepe paper rope is ideal.
1. The material is inexpensive.
2. It is easy to learn — and intensely inter-
esting to the younger as well as the older
children.
3. Dennison's Crepe Paper Rope is soft and
pliable and does not hurt the hands. There
are none of the objectionable features which
accompany weaving with other material, as
there is no necessity for wetting, or singeing
the finished article.
4. Children can make baskets, trays, lamps
and many other useful articles.
5. The instruction booklet is complete, fas-
cinating and costs but ten cents. A quantity of
booklets can be easily obtained, from which
self-instruction is possible.
6. Dennison will help in establishing classes
through their Service Bureaus.
If you are interested in this craft — note the
coupon. Send ten cents now for the 32 page
illustrated instruction booklet "Weaving with
Paper Rope."
DENNISON MFG. CO., Dept. 12G
Framingham, Mass.
Enclosed find ten cents for a copy of "Weaving with Paper Rope."
I am also interested in
the other Dennison Playground Crafts.
the free service of the Dennison Service Bureaus.
Name. . .
Address
Please mention THE PLAYGROUND when writing to advertisers
185
INSPIRATION POINT, NEAR CHIMNEY ROCK, Is RECOMMENDED TO POETS AND MUSICIANS
A Short Motor Trip from Asheville, N. C, Where the Recreation Congress Will Be Held
186
The Playground
VOL. XIX, No. 4
JULY, 1925
The World at Play
Represents P. R. A. A. — Otto T. Mallery, a
Director of the Playground and Recreation Asso-
ciation of America, and Treasurer of the Phila-
delphia Playgrounds Association, has been chosen
to present the leading paper on "Organized Rec-
reation" at the International Congress on Child
Welfare, to be held in Geneva, Switzerland,
August 24-28, 1925. Delegates from some forty
countries will be present at this conference. In
writing to the Playground and Recreation Asso-
ciation of America, the Honorary Secretary states,
"We know what splendid work the United States
has done and is doing in connection with this
matter and we therefore felt that it was more
appropriate that your country should provide the
English paper on this subject, than that ours
should do so."
Play Urge in South America. — Professor
and Mrs. Charles H. Farnsworth, for many years
active supporters of the national leisure time
movement, recently made a trip through South
America.
Professor Farnsworth noted that in traveling
by rail from Sao Paulo to Rio De Janeiro, some
300 miles, they found hardly a little village which
did not have its football ground. In one very
humble little suburb, a bunch of colored boys were
trying to play in mud which was ankle deep. A
Young Women's Christian Association worker
from Montevideo told Professor Farnsworth
that there was keen interest in Y. W. C. A. and
Girl Scout organizations, and that a camping ex-
pedition was being planned for the girls for the
coming season. The great popularity of the radio
and of the motion picture is influencing South
America, giving wide opportunity for the exten-
sion of progressive ideas.
Walking Habit on Decline. — Dr. Charles W.
Eliot, President Emeritus of Harvard, speaking
at a meeting of the trustees of public reservations
at the Appalachian Mountain Club, declared that
the habit of walking is being largely diminished
and is almost lost today.
"As a nation," he said, "we are losing our taste
for outdoor enjoyments. We are providing parks
and opportunities for this sort of thing in the
cities, and giving ample opportunity for walks
through the open spaces, but now we want to
get them used. We want to get people into the
habit of not only going into them, but of walking
in them as well."
Dr. Eliot told of a letter which he had received
from a miner in the Pacific Coast Coal Company,
a cooperative establishment in which the plant is
run by the workers as well as the officials. "Every
one of us has an auto," the letter read, "and some
are very 'classy' ones."
"In other words," said Dr. Eliot, "every man in
the plant rides to his work and back from it every
day, and the healthy occupation of walking is
thrown into the discard. This condition is, I
think, widespread, and can be found in the rural
communities as well as in the cities."
Rock Island Mayor Enthusiastic for Muni-
cipal Playgrounds. — "Rock Island would vote
to do away with most any other tax before it
would vote to abolish the playground levy!"
That is the value of the playground and recrea-
tion measure adopted some time ago by Rock
Island, according to Mayor W. A. Rosenfield.
"Rock Island voted on this tax some time ago
and the tax is so low that it is a burden to no
one," said Mayor Rosenfield in a recent letter.
"Since we have had supervised recreation in Rock
Island, the morale of the children is much higher
and they are a great deal happier than formerly,
when there was no supervision or systematic play-
ground instruction."
Play — the Solution. — "The time has come
when a nation will be measured not so much by
its material wealth and military strength as by
the mental and spiritual attitude of the people,"
777/1 WORLD AT PLAY
said Mrs. John D. Sherman, President of the Fed-
eration of Women's Clubs, at a session of the
International Council of Women at Washington
on May llth. "When the play time of children
and the leisure time of the people are put to the
best possible advantage, many of the problems
which confront our community and national life
will be solved."
Hawaiian Schools and Playgrounds Are
Chief Political Educators. — In an editorial in
the Herald Tribune on May 27, 1925, ex-Judge
Sandford B. Dole, former President of the
Hawaiian Republic, is quoted as saying that the
schools and playgrounds of Hawaii are the real
political educators. Judge Dole feels that the
melting pot in Hawaii, which involves many races,
including Americans, Filipinos, Japanese, Portu-
guese, Hawaiians, and Chinese, is really fusing
these peoples.
In Political Circles. — The remarkable race of
Mayor Daniels in his contest for renomination
was one of the outstanding features of yesterday's
primaries in Marion. Mayor Daniels waged his
campaign principally on his program for enlarged
parks and playgrounds. — (From Indianapolis
News, May 6, 1925).
Winning Badges under Difficulties. — A
guardian of a Camp Fire group in a Massachusetts
town, who has adopted the plan of awarding the
Athletic Badge Tests of the P. R. A. A. at special
ceremonial meetings of her group, writes the fol-
lowing: "The last tests that we held this past
month were conducted under difficulties. There
was no basket ball set in the park, so we took a
barrel stave, the required size of a basket, tied it
on a large beam and held it upright the necessary
distance away. We carried our beam over a mile
with us to use, so you see how anxious the girls
were to carry on the tests. We had a lot of fun
doing them under these conditions. Camp Fire
Girls always find a way out, and you see we did !"
Hoboken's Annual Outdoor Athletic Meet.
— On May 30th the Department of Parks and
Public Property and the Board of Commissioners
of the City of Hoboken, New Jersey, hekl its
annual Outdoor Athletic Meet. In addition to
events for high school and grammar school boys
and girls, there was a physical drill by Company
D, 104th Engineers, and events for Boy Scouts
and Girl Scouts.
Scholarships for Safety Education. — The
National Bureau of Casualty and Surety Under-
writers have announced three university fellow-
ships of $1,000 each for the study of safety edu-
cation. The subjects are: 1. The Grading of
Subject Matter for Safety Instruction in the
Primary Schools; 2. The Preparation of a Course
of Study in Safety Education for the Use of Nor-
mal Schools, and 3. A Study of the Relative Im-
portance of Positive versus Negative Methods of
Instruction. These fellowships are offered in or-
der to secure expert solutions of problems which
confront the Education Section of the National
Safety Council in its work. Application should
be sent to Albert W. Whitney, Associate General
Manager and Actuary, National Bureau of Cas-
ualty and Surety Underwriters, 120 West 42nd
Street, New York.
Pasadena Reports. — In the annual report of
Playground Community Service of Pasadena,
California, for the past year, which tells of the
physical, dramatic, musical and art activities for
children and adults and of the work in Mexican
centers, some interesting special activities are to
be noted.
Paddle tennis has proved a very popular activ-
ity, and nineteen sets have been in use.
A semi-portable moving picture machine pur-
chased for community purposes has been much
in demand by schools and local groups of all
kinds.
The program at the two Mexican social centers
has included orchestra practice, cooking for the
older boys, social and athletic games, moving pic-
tures, stereopticon lectures, handwork, community
singing and a library.
One of the most interesting developments of
the work has been that devoted to handwork and
hobbies.
Cooperation with local agencies and service
to them has been one of the outstanding features
of the work. Playground Community Service
has responded to many calls from local organiza-
tions for assistance involving the organizing and
conducting of activities at picnics and other social
occasions, for helping in the building of play-
grounds and the loaning of equipment.
From Swampy Land to Park. — Xenia, Ohio,
Recreation Association has made its immediate
THE WORLD AT PLAY
189
A GLIMPSE OF WESTCHESTER COUNTY'S PLAY DAY
objective the securing of fifteen acres of low,
swampy ground within ten minutes' walk of the
center of the city, adjoining the high school ath-
letic park. This property one of the residents
purchased as a memorial to his wife and gave
to the Association. On March 19th a one-day
campaign was conducted for funds for improve-
ments to the park. Six thousand dollars was
raised and a great deal has been done in improv-
ing the park, draining the swamp, digging out the
lagoon, building tennis courts and a court for
horseshoes and quoits. It has become very much
a community affair. The county is building a
bridge; the city is putting in roads and water;
the Garden Club is doing a great deal of plant-
ing ; the Parent-Teacher Associations will provide
some playground apparatus ; the Kiwanians are
making inquiries as to the cost of a shelter house,
and it is hoped to secure funds from former resi-
dents for a bandstand.
Each year a campaign will be put on for addi-
tional improvements.
A New Recreation Association. — There has
recently been organized in Seattle, Washington,
a recreation association with the following objec-
tives : To study in advance recreation and physi-
cal education in general, particularly as applied
to the problems of this city; to awaken in the
public mind a wider and more intelligent interest
in recreation and physical education, and to work
for the improvement and extension of the recrea-
tion and physical education facilities.
Playgrounds Spread in Westchester
County. — Twenty-three communities of West-
Chester County, New York, reports Mrs. Chester
Marsh, Executive Secretary of the Westchester
County Recreation Commission, will have play-
grounds this summer. The latest additions to
the list include Armonk, Hastings and North
Pelham, where appropriations have recently been
secured.
Recreation Progress in Glendale. — Glendale,
California, has recently received a gift of 800
190
THE WORLD AT PLAY
acres in the hills back of the city, to be used as a
municipal park. Through the will of the late
L. C. Brand, Glendale's "pioneer citizen," a
magnificent house with beautiful grounds has
been bequeathed the city for a community art
center.
Nine thousand people attended the Easter sun-
rise service held under the joint auspices of Com-
munity Service and the Federation of Churches.
In Hoquiam. — One of the recent projects of
Hoquiam, Washington, Community Service,
which has been undertaking to meet a definite
need, is the conducting of two kindergarten
classes, with a large attendance. Hoquiam has
never been able in the past to provide a kinder-
garten at low enough cost to be available for the
children of the mill and forest workers. Under
the present arrangement a special teacher is em-
ployed who is paid from the small charge made for
enrollment. A weekly meeting of the mothers of
these children is held, and as most of the children
come from foreign families the kindergarten is
instrumental in drawing foreign-born women
into some form of community participation and is
providing a valuable citizenship agency.
Other activities of the Hoquiam program in-
clude clubs of various kinds, a weekly children's
hour held at the library, followed by a play hour
at the community house, a weekly junior dramatic
club, a play hour for girls from seven to ten years
of age at the East Side Methodist Church, ath-
letic classes and domestic science classes. An
interesting project is a class in furniture making
and painting for household purposes conducted
by a local paint company.
Portable Showers for Columbus. — Columbus,
Georgia, will use this summer five portable shower
baths which will operate from the regular fire
plugs. The Fire Department will take charge of
them in districts where they can be placed close
to a station. It is planned to use them one hour
in the afternoon and one in the evening during
the hot weather.
A Training Course at Woonsocket, Rhode
Island. — A training course for play leaders was
conducted May 18-28th under the auspices of the
Park Commission of Woonsocket. Seven meet-
ings were held, one of them taking the form of
a demonstration on the High School field of the
organization of a field meet and of Athletic Badge
Tests. Each lecture period was followed by a
practical demonstration of games, folk dancing,
or the conducting of community singing.
A Gift of a Playground. — "Through the gen-
erosity of Mr. and Mrs. S. F. Bowser their fellow
residents and the children of Bowserville have
been provided with a permanent park and play-
ground," says the March issue of The American
Citv Magazine. "The site which covers half of
a city block was bought by Mr. and Mrs. Bowser
and then given to the city of Fort Wayne, Indi-
ana, for public recreation purposes. The play-
ground is well equipped with swings, slides and
other types of apparatus, and a splendid wading
pool has been installed."
Charles Eliot Norton Chair of Poetry. — A
professorship of poetry to be so named has re-
cently been presented to Harvard University by
Charles Chauncey Stillman, of New York. Mr.
Stillman has requested that poetic expression in
language, music, architecture and the fine arts be
included, as well as verse.
A Field House for Summer and Winter. —
Seattle, Washington, has a field house, under the
management of the Park Board, which serves the
double purpose of a bathing pavilion and shower-
bathhouse in summer and a field house in winter.
This is accomplished by a series of removable
partitions and floors.
Minneapolis Reports on the Past Year. —
The 1924 report of the Recreation Department
of the Board of Park Commissioners of Minne-
apolis is exceedingly suggestive in showing the
activities which may be incorporated in a year-
round recreation system. Copies of the report
may be secured from K. B. Raymond, Superin-
tendent, Recreation Department, Board of Park
Commissioners, Minneapolis.
More About Wheeling's Recreation Park.
— Mention was made in the June issue of THE
PLAYGROUND of the park of more than one hun-
dred acres presented on Christmas Day to the
City of Wheeling, West Virginia, by a group of
public-spirited citizens.
The first work undertaken is the construction
of a golf course which will occupy approximately
fifty acres and will be ready for use, it is hoped,
THE WORLD AT PLAY
191
before the close of the summer. The remainder
of the space will be devoted to playgrounds and
recreation facilities for children, tennis courts,
volley ball courts, horseshoe courts and similar
facilities.
A Community House for Negroes. — The
Colored Community Association of Middletown,
Ohio, devoted the week of May 3rd to 10th to
services appropriate to the opening, of their com-
munity building erected to house the recreation
activities of the community's 3,000 colored
citizens. Musical selections and addresses made
up the programs. On Sunday, May 3rd, came
the dedication services. Monday was Boy Scouts'
Night ; Tuesday, Club Night ; Wednesday,
Quartette Night; Thursday, Choir Night; Fri-
day, School Night; and Saturday, Fraternal
Night. On Sunday a community musicale was
held.
Does Golf Do More Harm than Good?—
Debating this weighty question for the benefit of
London public hospitals, with Leo Maxse, editor
of the National Review, Lord Balf our declared :
"Superiority in games is really not inherent in
the British race. We are not fitted by nature
for sport more than our neighbors. Our suprem-
acy has been due to the fact that we invented
all the great games except, perhaps baseball.
Court tennis we took from France and developed
into lawn tennis, but football, cricket, golf, all
came from this island, and the fact that we are
imitated by other races to the remote parts of the
world must interfere with our success. We have
conferred benefits on the world by our games.
"I do think," he said, "the schools should
encourage lawn tennis more than they do. It is
more international than gclf, increasingly inter-
national. In America, which has produced the
greatest lawn tennis players, it is played in the
schools. Here it is discouraged. The result is
inevitable. Tennis, like golf, will only be played
successfully by those who begin to play it when
young. * * *
"But another object, quite as important, is,
How can we employ our leisure time. Middle
age had no special occupation, no means of filling
the weary hours of leisure, until it got golf to
give it the opportunity for exercise in the open
air amid beautiful scenery. We must admit that
for the middle-aged the blessing of golf is im-
mense."
A New Municipal Golf Course. — Eight miles
from the center of the City of East Orange, New
Jersey, beautifully located in the hills on the
property used as a water reserve for the city, will
soon be constructed an eighteen-hole golf course.
The project is due to the energy of Mayor
Charles H. Martens who, discovering that last
year over five hundred citizens of East Orange
went to the Weequahic golf course in Newark to
play, conceived the idea of making use of the
property already owned by the city so that East
Orange might have its own course. An organiza-
tion known as the East Orange Golf Association
was formed, officers and trustees duly elected,
funds raised for floating a bond issue and a
bond sale committee formed. The Association
leased the land from the city at $1 a year for a
period of ten years; $100,000 was the amount
determined upon as necessary for the construc-
tion of the course. At the end of the first month
$40,000 worth of bonds had been sold.
Bonds will be numbered serially and will be
redeemed as speedily as possible from the income
of the course, those to be retired to be selected
by lot. Provision will be made in case of neces-
sity to retire bonds out of the regular order upon
application to the trustees. Under the terms of
the lease the East Orange Golf Association
guarantees that immediately upon the retirement
of these bonds the golf course or courses, build-
ings and all other improvements will be made an
outright gift to the City of East Orange.
Funds for the retirement of the bonds and the
accrued interest will be created from the follow-
ing estimated yearly receipts :
Resources
Green fees and privileges —
Total resources $32,000.00
Liabilities
Interest, first year $6,000.00
Upkeep of course (yearly) . . 14,000.00
Sinking Fund (yearly) 10,000.00
Reserve for Improvements
and Taxes . 2,000.00
Total liabilities $32,000.00
The fee for joining the Association will be
very small, merely covering registration, and it is
planned to charge on the "pay-as-you-play" plan.
An Overnight Camp for Boys and Girls. —
The Seattle Park Department has opened at
Carkeek Park — a three-mile hike from one of
192
THE WORLD AT PLAY
the trolley lines — an overnight camp for the boys
and gins of the Seattle playgrounds who cannot
afford more expensive outings. The fee for the
camp trip, which includes an afternoon and a
night at camp, the children leaving the following
noon, is fifty cents. Three meals are provided.
About thirty children can be cared for at one
time. Last summer over 1200 boys and girls
attended the camp, and during the winter many
groups used it for week-end trips.
A commodious new building has been erected
for sleeping quarters. Other equipment includes
the cook house and an open air dining room with
a canvas top. An indoor baseball field, a volley
ball court, a swimming beach, playground ap-
paratus, equipment for horseshoe pitching and
other games, provide plenty of recreational op-
portunities.
The staff at the camp consists of the instructor
from the playground, a man in charge at night,
a cook and a life-guard.
Each child is asked to bring at least two pairs
of blankets, a bathing suit, towel, toothbrush and
a sweater.
Exclusive of the cost of the shelter, which was
constructed by the Optimist Club of Seattle and
donated to the Department, the estimated cost
of maintenance during the summer was about
$1,100.
A Notable Exhibit. — The Boston Social
Union, the city-wide federation of settlements of
Boston, recently held an exhibit of the many
different forms of handwork produced in the
settlements of the city. There were examples of
drawing, modelling and designing, sewing, needle-
work, cross-stitch, pottery, wood carving, cabinet
making, boat models, and exhibits containing a
good many objects that were fine in design and
exceptional in execution, and a large number
which showed promise. The exhibit attracted a
good deal of attention and was widely attended
not only by board members and people from the
settlement neighborhoods but by craftsmen and
others interested in handwork. There must have
been over five thousand people in all.
"The exhibit," writes Albert J. Kennedy, Secre-
tary of the Federation, "really represents the
development of the last ten years and the quality
of work promises finely for the future."
A Pageant of the Nations. — Under the direc-
tion of the Department of Music and Physical
Education of the Burlington, North Carolina,
Pub.ic Schools, A Pageant of the Nations was
presented by the city schools of Burlington at the
Broad Street Playground. The program was
made up of folk songs and dances of eight differ-
ent nations. The theme running through the
pageant showed how each of the nations comes
to the United States and finally how Uncle Sam
makes them his own.
Rosaria. — The Rose Festival Association, Inc.,
of Portland, Oregon, will present June 15-20
Rosaria, a magnificent pageant of the rose, written
by Doris Smith of Portland. The music for the
pageant has been written by Charles \Yakefield
Cadman. Montgomery Lynch, the producer of
the Wayfarer, will direct the pageant. Choral
music by 2,000 trained voices, accompanied by a
huge orchestral band, will supply the musical in-
terpretation of the various episodes. It is ex-
pected that 10,000 people will participate in the
ceremony.
May Festival Week at Pittsburgh. — The
Irene Kaufmann Settlement celebrated May
Festival Week, May 20th to June 3rd, with a
series of events lasting the entire week. Among
the most popular of the festivities were the Inter-
mediate May party, the Senior May party, the
neighborhood arts and crafts exhibit, a cantata,
Welcome Spring, given by the Girls' Department,
the annual Better Baby contest and an evening of
games and entertainments by the playroom chil-
dren.
Omaha's May Day Festival. — Almost 6,000
girls took part in the May Day folk dancing which
was conducted in six different parks of Omaha
under the leadership of Ira A. Jones, Recreation
Director of the Public Schools.
A novel feature of the festival was the supply-
ing of music for the dances by radio. Each set
was equipped with eight radio sets which caught
up the music broadcast for the occasion through
W.O.A.W. by the Technical High School band.
Large amplifiers connected with the sets flooded
the parks with music.
Promptly at eight o'clock Miss Belle Ryan,
Assistant Superintendent of Schools, sent out a
May Day greeting. She was followed by Mayor
Dahlmann. Ira Jones then took the microphone
and directed the dances. At the end of the folk
dancing came the finale — the Maypole dance.
THE WORLD AT PLAY
193
And when the dancing was over, the Boys' Drum
Corps in their brightly colored uniforms led the
children back to school.
A Demonstration in Boston. — On April 15th
the Park Department of Boston held at the Arena
a demonstration of gymnastic exercises in which
massed classes from the municipal gymnasiums
participated. Over 2300 individuals took part,
while 4,000 friends watched the program of
gymnastic exercises, drills and dances.
County Play Days in Baltimore. — The Play-
ground Athletic League of Baltimore reports a
great increase in the number of county field days
which are being held under the auspices of the
League. From April 14th to June 13th more
than fifty of these unique meets have been
scheduled for colored and white children.
A Notable Independence Day Celebration.
—Those planning their 1925 Fourth of July cel-
ebrations may like to recall Boston's 1924 observ-
ance.
The City of Boston has an organized municipal
system for planning and conducting the celebra-
tion of public holidays throughout the year. This
is done with the constant help of a citizens' organ-
ization known as the Citizens' Public Celebration
Association of Boston of which E. B. Mero is
Secretary. The Association has cooperated con-
tinuously with the city administration from 1912
to the present time.
The program of the Independence Day celebra-
tion for 1924 was as follows :
Flag Raising and Patriotic Exercises, at Boston
Common, 9:30 A. M.
Reading of Declaration of Independence.
Oration Exercises, Old State Meeting House,
10:00 A. M.
Children's Pageant, The Pied Piper, Boston Com-
mon, 3:45 to 5:15 P. M.
( Children from ten settlement houses partic-
ipated in the pageant, the third annual event
of this character.)
Flag Ceremony, Boston Common, 5 :30 P. M.
(Living flag of 700 children from Mission
Church School and evening military parade
with ceremony of colors and lowering of
flag, by a battalion and band of the United
States Army.)
Community Demonstration, Boston Common, 8 to
10:00 P. M.
(The program for this demonstration, which
has become a very popular feature of the
Independence Day celebration, consisted of
music by band, singing by the audience and
by glee clubs and choruses, and the dances
of many nations. The audiences at these an-
nual demonstrations have numbered 75,000
or more people.)
Display of Fireworks, Boston Common, 10:00
P. M.
Athletic Carnival, Boston Common, 10:00 A. M.
Rowing Regatta, Charles River Basin, 9 :00 A. M.
Yacht Races, Off City Point, 11 :00 A. M.
Swimming Races, Charles River Basin, 2 :30 P. M.
District celebrations were held in fifteen sec-
tions of the city under the direction of local com-
mittees appointed by the Mayor.
Civic Grand Opera. — An interesting develop-
ment of the recreation program of Winston-
Salem, North Carolina, is a civic grand opera.
During last summer the music faculty at the sum-
mer school provided seven nights of grand opera,
with home talent in all the roles except three
which were taken by visiting instructors. The
patronage by the public was sufficient to justify
carrying on the experiment.
University and Recreation Department
Work Together.- — An interesting piece of co-
operation between a university and local recrea-
tion department was worked out by Osbourne
McConathy of the Department of Public School
and Community Music of Northwestern Univer-
sity and W. C. Bechtold, Superintendent of Pub-
lic Recreation, Evanston, Illinois. Arrangements
were made for a series of concerts to be given
by students of the Music Department in connec-
tion with the evening community center program
conducted in the public school buildings. Four
such concerts were given by the students, each of
them in charge of a committee, responsible both
for the planning and production of the program.
Credit toward graduation was allowed by the Uni-
versity to those students taking part in the com-
munity program.
This cooperative arrangement brought about
two excellent results. The students obtained
valuable experience in their chosen field, while
the audiences enjoyed musical treats of real merit.
Such numbers as quartettes, duets, vocal and
violin solos, reading and community singing made
up the program.
North Carolina Community Music Festival.
— On May 7th and 8th a state-wide music festival
194
THE WORLD AT PLAY
was held at Raleigh, North Carolina; in it a
notable success was achieved. On May 7th the
Raleigh Symphony Orchestra gave a concert.
On the afternoon of the 8th came the contest of
women's and of men's choruses. The evening
was devoted to mixed chorus work. Community
singing was a feature of the program. Dr. W.
C. Horton of Raleigh, who has long been inter-
ested in promoting community music, is President
of the Festival Association. The committees on
selection of music and on promotion were made
up of individuals representing various parts of the
State.
Glendale's Eisteddfod.— From April 27 to
May 4th Glendale, California, held its first
Eisteddfod under the auspices of Glendale Com-
munity Service. More than 1,500 people took
part in the musical, dramatic and art contests, and
very successful results were secured. One of the
interesting features of the Eisteddfod was the
fact that no cash prizes were given. "The
results," writes Mr. R. Ernest Tucker, Superin-
tendent of Recreation, Glendale Community Ser-
vice, "bore out our belief that the competition is
just as keen with medals and banners as awards."
A Much-Travelled Harmonica Band. — The
Salisbury, North Carolina, harmonica orchestra of
100 travelled 110 miles in busses to take part in
the State Music Festival at Raleigh early in May.
A cup was awarded the orchestra.
Until Next Year. — Many banquets, dances
and musical programs marked the closing of the
Milwaukee social centers, each of which had its
own special entertainment. Exhibits of articles
made in the industrial classes were features of the
program. A listing of the articles made by the
various centers with their commercial values
shows something of the purely economic value
of the work done. The Fifth Street School social
center, for example, makes the following report :
Sewing — 55 members — 682 articles — value $2,046
Sewing — 53 members — 424 articles — value 1 ,684
Millinery — 42 members — 252 articles —
value 1,872
Needle Work — 24 members — 237 articles
—value 1,202
China Painting — 47 members — 840 ar-
ticles— value 2,036
Reed — 42 members — 86 articles — value.. 1,150
Total value $9,990
Interschool Athletics Stimulate Academic
Study. — In order to be eligible for participation
in New York interscholastic activities, a candidate
must have passed at least nine school credit hours
in the preceding semester, according to a new rul-
ing of the State Public High School Athletic As-
sociation; and in order to represent a school a
passing grade must be maintained in at least
fourteen hours of work.
(From May, 1925, Clip Sheet, Bureau of
Education.)
Relative Values of Physical Activities. —
Sports which seem to have the greatest value in a
high school are walking, volley ball, playground
baseball, tennis, swimming, dancing, soccer, jump-
ing, basket ball and the short races. These are
also much the cheapest to provide and they re-
quire the least space. They should be furnished
in all school systems. This statement is made
by Dr. Henry S. Curtis, State Director of Hygiene
and Physical Education for Missouri, in a study
of the relative value of physical activities in high
schools in Scliool Life, a publication of the Interior
Department, Bureau of Education. Dr. Curtis's
conclusion is that walking represents probably
nine-tenths of all the physical energy most of us
develop, outside of the vital processes themselves.
It is the only activity that most of us continue in
after life. Every high school should have a
walker's guide and develop a series of twenty to
thirty walks of from five to twenty miles each.
(From May, 1925, Clip Sheet, Bureau of
Education.)
Adult Education. — Adult Education and the
Library is the title of the fourth of the series on
adult education issued by the American Library
Association. This booklet, after defining reading
courses and suggesting their value and use, tells
of courses available through alumni associations
of colleges, through periodicals, radio lectures,
guides to reading and study prepared by national
organizations and through other sources.
These bulletins, of which seven are issued each
year, are mailed free to all members of the Amer-
ican Library Association. Others interested may
secure them at $.25 each.
Rural Drama Contest. — The New York State
College of Agriculture announces four prizes of
$100, $50, $30, and $20, for plays dealing
sympathetically with some phase of country life.
LEADERS IN THE RECREATION MOVEMENT
195
The p.ays are to be judged by Professor A. M.
Drummond of Cornell University. Further rules
regarding the contest may be obtained from the
Department of Rural Social Organization, State
College of Agriculture, Ithaca, New York.
On the Drama. — Theatre Arts, a monthly
magazine on the drama, has arranged a stage de-
sign exhibition, a collection of fifty photographs
and several originals showing the progress in
stagecraft in this country and abroad during the
last twenty years, which may be secured by
schools and libraries. For those who are able
to pay lecture fees, lantern slide lectures by
Kenneth McGowan and John Mason Brown may
be added to the exhibition. Theatre Arts has also
arranged a series of lectures to be given next year
by Windsor P. Daggett ; the subject of the lectures
will be Our American Voice and Speech.
Further information may be secured from B. B.
Knudsen, Executive Secretary, Theatre Arts, 7
East 42nd Street, New York City.
A Boys' Book List and a Girls' Book List.
-Two excellent new reading lists, one for boys
and one for girls of ten to fifteen years, have
just been issued by the American Library Asso-
ciation, 86 East Randolph Street, Chicago. Each
One describes about thirty books. The inclusion
(Jf some old familiar titles serves to quicken the
interest and confidence of the boy and girl reader
in the newer books by their association with the
old. Each book is described with a brief note
indicating its principal theme. The titles included
were chosen for their genuine interest, as well as
for literary merit. They include Fiction, Adven-
ture, Travel and Biography. The lists are sold at
nominal prices for general distribution by libra-
rians, teachers and others, to boys and girls and
to those interested in children's reading.
Youthful Editors. — During Boys' Week in
Elmira, New York, the boys edited the Son-
Father page of the May 2nd issue of The Star
Gazette. There were articles on athletics, social
events and art exhibits. In an editorial attention
was called to the fact that Boys' Week should
not be limited to boys alone but should include
girls in the program.
Leaders in the Recreation
Movement
FRANK S. MARSH
On April sixth the Board of Supervisors of
Westchester County, New York, passed a bill ap-
propriating $10,411,000 for the construction of
a system of parkways, public golf courses, bath-
ing beaches and similar facilities. These facilities,
added to the existing resources of the Westchester
County Park Commission, will result in a re-
markable development. Frank S. Marsh, who has
been associated with the Westchester County Park
Commission since October, 1923, has been made
supervisor of activities for the department and
will be in charge of all the recreation activities
carried on. Few workers in the recreation field
have had more intensive experience than Mr.
Marsh, who served for a number of years as
Superintendent of Recreation in San Diego, Cali-
fornia, had a share in War Camp Community
Service activities, and before going to Westchester
County was Superintendent of Recreation in
Middletown, Ohio.
'The world's next prophet will be a dramatist." — DEAN INGE.
OVER RUGGED LEDGES SLIPS THE SILVER CASCADE OF LINVILLE FALLS
Don't Miss This When You Come to the Congress at Asheville, N. C.
196
NINETEENTH ANNUAL MEETING
197
A Congress in the "Land
of the Sky"
The Twelfth Recreation Congress is going to
be "different." For one thing, it is to be held in
the South, for the first time since the Richmond
meeting in 1913. The mere announcement of the
selection of Asheville, North Carolina, has
stimulated the recreation movement south of the
Mason and Dixon line.
Then, too, Asheville offers excellent oppor-
tunities for that relaxation and recreation which
all covet in attending the Recreation Congress.
While Atlantic City offers the convention-goer
sea breezes and boardwalk pleasures, Asheville
is distinguished for an environment of mountain
scenery which many declare is unsurpassed in
America. From the windows of the Battery
Park Hotel, where the convention will meet,
Mount Pisgah may be seen. Pisgah National
Forest and Game Reserve are but twenty-six
miles distant from Asheville. Chimney Rock, a
great monolith towering amid precipices and
mountain peaks, is but twenty-five miles away —
a mecca for thousands of motorists every' year.
Mount Mitchell, "the top of Eastern America,"
6,711 feet in altitude, and Devil's Head are other
attractions near the convention city.
Throughout all this country are splendid motor
roads, offering views of the most gorgeous char-
acter.
There will be ample opportunity for golfers,
tennis enthusiasts, hikers and all other sport
lovers. The first night's frolics will be held out-
doors on the beautiful plaza near the hotel, and
this in itself will be an innovation in Recreation
Congress traditions.
The municipal auditorium, where most of the
general sessions will be held, is next door to one
hotel and but a few hundred feet from the other.
The rooms for section meetings- are designed for
the comfortable seating of 100-150 persons.
Asheville has the open heart of cordiality and
hospitality of the South, combined with the enter-
prise of the North and West. Where twenty
years ago the farmers and their wives used to
come barefoot to market, trudging behind their
ox carts, has developed today a progressive mod-
ern community seeking the best in contemporary
social and commercial Irfe.
Put October 5-10 on your calendar today and
plan to attend the Congress "in the land of the
sky." For particulars write to Thomas E. Rivers,
secretary of the Congress Committee, 315 Fourth
Avenue, New York City.
Nineteenth Annual Meeting
of the Playground and
Recreation Associa-
tion of America
The reports of the work of the Playground and
Recreation Association of America, presented at
the annual meeting of the Association, held on
May 21st at the Town Hall Club, New York City,
were vitalized by the testimony offered by a num-
ber of local recreation officials, who told of the'
progress of the work in their communities and
of the help which the national organization had
been to them in the organization of their work
or in the strengthening and broadening of the
program.
Mrs. Harry Wilcox, vice-chairman of the newly
appointed Recreation Commission of Mount
Vernon, New York, and a member of the old
Playground Commission since 1909, told how the
work started in her community with a few play-
grounds under the auspices of a commission of
twelve, which later was enlarged to fifty by a
new administration who evidently believed that
"if a commission of twelve was good one of
fifty would be infinitely better." The program
in Mount Vernon was limited largely to a few
playgrounds until last year it was decided, with
the help of the P. R. A. A., to conduct a referen-
dum campaign under the State Recreation Law.
$20,000 was the budget determined upon — an
amount which to many seemed appalling and out
of all proportion. The Taxpayers Association
united against it; the local press opposed it, but
the League of Women Voters, the Lions Club
and many other groups got behind it. An edu-
cational campaign was carried on, with the result
that the citizens cast a vote of six to one in favor
of the project. A Superintendent of Recreation
has been employed, and with the $20,000 secured
a program of twelve playgrounds, eight recrea-
tion centers and of community- wide activities
such as music and dramatics will be carried on.
"One-two-three-out !" was not the experience
in Yonkers, according to John Cullen, Superin-
tendent of Parks, who proved with the facts he
gave about the work in Yonkers that the third
198
RECREATION FOR PAROLED INMATES
attempt to start a year-round recreation system
was attended with success.
In 1923, after a period when recreation had
failed to appear in the city budget for a number of
years, the movement was revived and $6,000
appropriated for the work. Mr. Cullen, who had
recently been made Superintendent of Parks, was
asked to take charge of the recreation as well.
Unwillingly he undertook the work which has
since become his chief interest. The appropriation
has been greatly increased. With the help of the
field service of the P. R. A. A. and of its bulletins
and other literature, the program is gradually
broadening from an almost purely athletic pro-
gram to include many other phases of community
recreation.
It was the work of the Community Service
organization in Barre, Vermont, said Hollis Jack-
son, which swung the pendulum in favor of the
recreation bill when the Legislature in its last
session voted on the referendum feature. When
the members of the Legislature came to realize
what the recreation program meant in that city
of many nationalities with its dearth of recreation
facilities, and what it could mean to every com-
munity in Vermont were provisions made whereby
the municipality might institute year-round
systems, a unanimous vote was cast in favor of
the bill.
Mr. Jackson urged that the Association continue
in all parts of the country its work of helping
communities to establish year-round recreation
systems. He spoke also of the lack of adequate
physical education programs in the Vermont
schools and asked that the Association help make
the program more fully meet the needs of the
children.
Hugh McK. Landon, a director of the P. R. A.
A., who has long been associated with the recrea-
tion movement in Indianapolis, where about $90,-
000 was spent for recreation last year, told how
the developments have been based on the study
and recommendations made in 1914 by Francis
R. North, Field Secretary of the P. R. A. A.
He spoke particularly of the provision which was
being made for the colored children and adults
of the city through swimming pools and play-
grounds.
It was suggested that the method found most
successful in the administration of work of the
colored citizens was to have a group of colored
citizens actively engaged in furthering the work.
That community is wise which places adequate
facilities at the disposal of its colored people.
The Recreation Hours of
Paroled Inmates
"One who has not come into intimate
association with the habitual offenders can
have no conception of how few real inter-
ests they have, and, in many cases how
unworthy are these interests. They lack
individuality of thought and resourceful-
ness in action. This poverty of thought,
with the inability to express themselves in
wholesome activities may have been a con-
tributing factor toward their delinquency."
The recreation hours of paroled inmates of cor-
rectional institutions is a subject most interestingly
discussed by Miss May Therry Christian in a
paper read at the National Conference on the
Education of Truant, Backward, Dependent and
Delinquent Children in Jacksonville, Fla.
She speaks of the present trend of social
thought toward the broadening of community in-
terests and activities and of the encouraging and
fostering of the play spirit in the present realiza-
tion that the play time of youth is the period when
character formation takes place.
"When the girls come to our correctional in-
stitutions," she says, "we find that the only group
spirit understood by them is an anti-social one.
Through recreational games we can build up the
true group spirit. The girls can be taught to play
fair and to be good losers — to have opponents and
still be friendly with them. The value of this has
already been demonstrated in many of our re-
formatories. The industrial work in an institu-
tion is quite essential, but we know that all the
inmates do not derive the same benefit from the
work; some few like to work, but most of them
do it because they are obliged to do it. When
recreation time arrives, however, the majority of
the girls play with a zeal that shows their hearts
are in what they are doing. This is the time for
real constructive work, giving them a training in
the simple social laws — something that was denied
them in their childhood. . . .
"One who has not come into intimate associa-
tion with the habitual offenders can have no con-
ception of how few real interests they have, and,
in many cases how unworthy are these interests.
They lack individuality of thought and resource-
fulness in action. This poverty of thought, with
the inability to express themselves in wholesome
RECREATION FOR PAROLED INMATES
199
activities may have been a contributing factor
toward their delinquency."
Because of this, Miss Christian asks whether
our duty does not lie in awakening larger and
more varied interests for the inmates of correc-
tional institutions so that when they again enter
community life they will be able to adjust them-
selves, seeking pleasures which were not their
natural bent before commitment.
Miss Christian speaks of the obligation of exist-
ing local organizations toward these paroled in-
mates, as the churches, Big Sister organizations,
and other social agencies. She feels that much
individual work is necessary. "The paroled in-
mate," she says, "needs someone to help her find
wholesome recreational outlets, sociability ex-
pression and in some instances intellectual and
emotional stimulation. The aim should be to
awaken interests that will absorb her leisure,
create higher ideals, and counteract the unwhole-
some influences of her old environment. The
worker must be very careful of her attitude to-
wards the girl, for she resents being patronized."
. . . "An endeavor should be made to find suit-
able companions for the girl. This may be done
by helping her join the right kind of club. Some
of the girls feel that people wish to shun them
because they have been in an institution and they
are rather sensitive about seeking new com-
panions."
The person in charge of the after-care of the
inmate, Miss Christian feels, may easily be the
greatest force for good that has come into his or
her life. "Now," she says, "more than ever be-
fore, a helping hand is needed to guide the girl
or boy in the straight and narrow path which
leads to • an upright career and good citizen-
ship. . . ." "The girls and boys need to be
taught constancy, steadfastness, perseverance,
economy and the simple virtues. Some might be
encouraged to attend evening school, especially the
vocational schools, but they all must learn to take
a reasonable amount of recreation and be guided
away from undesirable places of amusement.
Healthful recreation and pleasure are as necessary
for the development of the mind as of the body."
Miss Christian cites an instance of a bright,
vivacious girl who was paroled -in a small town.
Diversions and recreation were very scarce and
although the girl had the will to do right, she
became tired of simply "spending the evening"
(as she expressed it). She craved something
more exciting and eventually broke her parole.
"Daily lectures," says Miss Christian, "will not
eradicate vicious propensities. To be kept from
evil is negative influence, there can be no perma-
nent cure without positive moral influences. The
girl needs someone to advise her and show her
how to get healthful recreation and pleasure. . . ."
"The correction of the girl or boy is not sufficient
to prevent relapse unless, to the best of our ability,
we also change the environment."
Miss Christian puts forth an argument for suit-
able home recreation in her description of a
mother who came to the Elmira Reformatory ask-
ing that her boy be sent home because he helped
support the family when he was there. She had
no idea where or how he got the money but
stated, "I have eleven other children and I have
left them on the streets to come up here (275
miles) for we need the money my boy gives us
when home." Miss Christian adds, "It is not
unusual for a mother to leave her children in the
streets, for that is the playground for city chil-
dren. They spend very little time in their homes
beyond what is required for sleeping and eating.
Many parents are ignorant of where their daugh-
ters are, what they are doing, what habits they are
forming, or with whom they associate. A lack
of proper home interests when the day's task is
done is a source of evil not properly understood or
appreciated. Recreation, children will have in
some way or another. If the parents do not
absorb and interest the girl at home, she will, of
course, go elsewhere." And later, "The social
worker should understand the correlation of
nature and nurture for we know that what a
person becomes by training depends upon what he
is by nature. My optimism leads me to believe,
however, that despite heredity, humanity is natu-
rally good if surrounded with good environments
and sufficient opportunity for healthful develop-
ments."
In closing Miss Christian makes an added plea
for the active and whole-hearted cooperation of
all the constructive forces of the community in
this problem of helping the paroled inmates —
especially during their hours free from work, and
says, "It is true this world holds a myriad of tasks
for each of us and it takes courage to bear one's
own trials and disappointments, but considering
the fact that God has endowed us with a spirit
that has resiliency — a spirit that cannot be crushed
to extinction, should we not make an effort to be
of service to those who are less fortunate?"
• *
The Psycho therapeutic Value of Music
BY
WILLIAM VAN DE WALL
Field Representative, Bureau of Mental Health, Department of Welfare, Pennsylvania
Not defending amateurism from a musical professional point of view, I defend it
from a mental hygienic point of view. It helps many a forlorn and oppressed soul to
reach some substitute happiness and satisfaction, which otherwise could not be obtained.
Speaking for the emotions, it colors their lives and brings in elements of love, which
everybody needs. It is up to the professional musicians, to seek out the talented ama-
teurs and perfect them in a technical sense. But let the professionals not quench the
spirit of a dabbling amateur. In their zealotic aesthetic professionalism they may bring
grief and shame and a void and a weakening misery in the lives of those who just need
that little romanticism of singing or playing badly a good or bad tune to keep up courage
and be of more service to their environment, which is to millions of these unenlightened
souls nothing more than a drab drudgery. Music fulfils to them the same mission as it
does to the hyper-developed art-for-art musician. It balances the personality.
Humanity is staggering under such an increas-
ing load of woe that those whose mission it is to
alleviate some of the suffering by prevention and
treatment are sometimes tempted to throw up
their hands in despair and sigh, "How much
longer can this be carried on?"
Dr. Frankwood E. Williams, of the National
Committee of Mental Hygiene, has pointed out
that from every 7,000 children born in the United
States each year, 269 will become definitely dis-
eased in the course of their lives. Looking back-
ward, he says, "50,000 Americans were admitted
last year (1923) as new patients in the mental
hospitals of the United States, and this does not
include the readmissions."
Looking forward, this means that 250,000 peo-
ple carrying the burdens of life today will break
down mentally under the load within five years
and that half a million men and women will be
registered in the mental hospitals as new patients
within ten years at an increasing rate of admission
each year. Who among our acquaintances will
be among them ?
Although mankind is not totally responsible for
this and other types of suffering, he certainly con-
tributes to his own misery to a degrading extent.
There is no measure to gauge the human sorrow
which is caused by this lamentable state of affairs.
There is, however, a measure for the material
losses which man inflicts upon himself by various
'Address given at Recreation Congress, Atlantic City, October
19, 1924.
200
types of misbehavior, internationally, socially and
privately.
Edward H. Smith tells us in Business that crime
costs the United States at least ten billion dollars
a year. "This is a sixth or a seventh of our earn-
ings, three times the amount of the budget for
1923, two and a half times the total of the or-
dinary receipts of the nation for the same period,
more than three times the customs and internal
revenue receipts and at least twelve times the
annual costs of the army and navy."
The pain and endless misery caused by all this
is immeasurable. The overfilled prisons and hos-
pitals of all kinds represent only some of the
symptoms.
Of all the factors which may be enumerated as
contributing to this flood of human woe, one
stands out clearly. That is the emotional immatur-
ity and insufficiency of mankind. Emotional and
intellectual life represent two sides of our men-
tality so closely interwoven as to be hardly sepa-
rable in a practical sense. It seems, however, that
civilization so far has educated us to a better
control and use of our intellectual powers than of
our emotional faculties; that our intellectual life
has progressed at a more rapid pace than our
emotional development. It often seems as if
within the same individual a twentieth century in-
tellect is serving the imperious decrees of a pre-
historic emotional brute, who only knows and
loves himself and to whom everybody else is
either a useful tool or a deadly enemy.
PSYCHOTHERAPEUTIC VALUE OF MUSIC
201
To Save From the Human Scrap Heap
As I have quoted before, a mentally healthy
person is one whose power of resistance is at least
in equilibrium with the internally and externally
destructive forces preying upon his well-being.
A mentally diseased person, then, is somebody
whose mental powers do not harmoniously inte-
grate but interfere with each other's normal func-
tion. Such an inwardly torn personality comes
in conflict with society because society is an organ-
ization of human beings, which depends upon
normal mental action and interaction of its con-
stituent members and stagnates as soon as that is
blocked.
The struggle between very primitive funda-
mental instincts, revealing themselves through im-
perious emotional demands and present day condi-
tions and social necessities, is claimed by many
scientists to be at the bottom of many of the
mental disturbances. "I want now ! My will be
clone !"
Psychotherapy is a collective term for the vari-
ous methods which aim to restore the balance and
proper functioning of the various mental powers
of the human being and, by so doing, to overcome
and prevent some of the evils which continuously
menace mankind. A Herculean task is laid upon
those who devote their lives and rack their brains
to the task of saving some of the unfortunates
who are cast out by a ruthless society to fall
upon the human scrap heap. I am speaking now
about the authorities and workers in institutions,
state and private, who make it their mission to
transform those former dungeons of humanity,
asylums and stockades as they were called, into
medical hospitals for physical, mental and moral
treatment.
A new practical knowledge of life and living is
there being extracted from misery. An answer
is being worked out to the problem of how to
balance physical, mental and moral life ; how to
harmonize and elevate the self and eliminate some
of the worst conflicts which now tear at the breasts
of men.
And this new light is penetrating also the walls
of prisons, where the bad men who were caught
are expiating their own and society's crimes.
I did not see a line in any paper lately about the
fact that the advent of a psychiatrist in one of
our biggest penitentiaries had reduced the number
of recalcitrants punished with solitary confinement
from sixty to six in a few months. Who will
still claim that misconduct has nothing to do with
unfavorable mental conditions which cannot be
improved upon by medical treatment?
You will perhaps say, "What has this all to do
with music?" But we are still facing some of
the negative issues of life.
The modern mental hospital treatment is con-
ducted on an individual basis. It includes physi-
cal, neurological and mental examinations besides
social investigations and besides medical assist-
ance comprising x-ray, electro-therapy and patho-
logical laboratory service. It furthermore in-
cludes hydro-physic therapy, rest, food, fresh
air, exercise, internal medical care, surgery and a
system of occupying the patients with manual
tasks and teaching them in this way, to a certain
extent, control of the mind over the manipulation
of matter.
Psychotherapy is an art which aims to organize
that will and direct it towards positive goals and
away from "vice, disease, weakness and de-
formity of the soul, towards health and beauty
and well-being of the soul" — as Plato calls virtue.
Modern mental treatment includes also the study
and care of the emotional man and the subjuga-
tion of that primary source of energy to reason
and justice. In short, it comprehends the educa-
tion of the emotions in harmony with the educa-
tion of the intellect and the will.
It is here that we make the connection between
psychotherapy and the fine arts which supply the
highest technic for harnessing the emotional
energies for idealistic, intellectual purposes — a
product of art being the fulfilled will to achieve
the beautiful. And, above all, music is called upon
to come to the support of moral treatment and the
emotional education of the will.
You may be pleased to hear that, commencing
three years ago in the Central Islip State Hospital
in New York with a couple of patients once a
week, today 1772 patients take part each week in
a seven-days-a-week rotating program of activi-
ties, directly and indirectly utilizing music. Fur-
thermore, that in the State Hospital at Allentown,
Pa., in less than two years the identical activities
increased from 1 to 5 to 17 to 72 weekly hours,
not including special events, such as the prepara-
tion for concerts, and similar activities. These
facts tell the tale.
A Challenge to Musicians
The aim of this address is a practical one. Its
purpose is to prove and urge the necessity of giv-
ing service as musicians to a goal quite as great
202
PSYCHOTHERAPEUTIC VALUE OF MUSIC
as giving relief and inspiration to the tired busi-
nessmen and Others, quite as great even as the
aesthetic satisfaction for its own sake. The goal
to which I refer is the relief and prevention of
mental and other suffering and aid to curative
methods. By so adding, the musician will give
to his profession a new significance and I should
like to know of any composer or interpretative
artist who would not regard his own sufferings
for his aesthetitc ideals rewarded if he could
know that the products of his creative and techni-
cal abilities, expressing the loftiest endeavors of
his soul, were being utilized for such humane
ends.
A new mission, then, is calling the musician to
help shoulder the task of medical and correctional
reconstruction of personalities along with all those
who are now engaged upon it against terrific
odds. And this task means nothing less than help-
ing our fellow men and those who come after us
to regain a way of life filled with that positive
idealism which is essential to growth in health
virtues and happiness, the lack of which causes
so much mental and social misery.
. If we go back in history to gray antiquity we
find Pythagoras, the Greek philosopher, mathema-
tician and naturalist of the sixth century before
Christ, expressing his belief in the unity of all
that is created and music as the expression of this
principle as an actually resounding world-filling
harmony. Pythagoras formed with his disciples
a brotherhood, constituting an elect group of
thinkers, centuries ahead of their contemporaries.
It is said "that these men rose at an early hour
and together sang hymns and songs. One of their
chief occupations was the search for beautiful
melodies and rhythms that would sink into their
souls and subdue any tendency to jealousy, pride,
excess of appetite and angry feelings." What
psychotherapy !
Mental unbalance is in a certain sense a lack
of power and subsequently of courage to organize
our mental faculties, to face the hard problems
of reality and to suffer pain and discomfort to
overcome obstacles. I speak here of mental dis-
eases having seemingly a preponderantly mental
origin. The pain is in such cases avoided by
dodging the issue.
Music — for Normal and for Abnormal
Music does to the so-called abnormal mind
identically what it does for the so-called normal.
It dispels the gloom of morbid isolation which
impotent dream realization as delusions and hallu-
cinations afford. It creates a direct, pleasurable,
congenial and beautiful environment in tones.
It gives something much to be desired — aesthetic
sense — satisfaction. It overcomes the pathological .
idler's state of indecision which is eating up the
lives of thousands of people. It stimulates some
of the drowsy patients to vigorous action and
many of the anti-social individuals to participa-
tion in socially constructive activities. Even those
unfortunates who are too handicapped mentally
and physically to fit into the normal scheme of
efficiency and productivity demanded by society,
find in the inspiration of music the power and
the will to forget their weaknesses. They quickly
drop their pathological moods and reflections,
throw off their eccentric behavior and sing, dance,
act and talk with full concentration of mind,
exercising all the faculties they have and often
exhibiting more than they have shown in their
previous abnormal condition. What makes music
the most humane and divine of all the fine arts?
I don't know whether some of my more sophisti-
cated fellow musicians will like this fact, but I
do not doubt that the appeal of music is so funda-
mental that with the least remnant of mentality
left, anyone may enjoy music in some or other
form and also express his self in producing it,
though this expression may be from a technical
musical point of view beyond any artistic merit.
The feeble-minded, called more correctly the
mentally defectives, are people not mentally dis-
eased but incompletely mentally equipped. They
may lack power of judgment to lead socially in-
dependent and successful lives, but they enjoy
music and they can make good music, too.
In our Washington Birthday Pageant at the
Allentown State Hospital our cast consisted of
25 dementia praecox cases, 7 cases of manic de-
pression, 5 cases of general paresis, 18 psycho-
pathic cases of which some were feeble-minded
in addition, 4 epileptics, 1 drug addict — all to-
gether forming a cast of 26 women and 34 men.
What did the music do to them from a psycho-
logical point of view? Outside of all attributed
to it so far, it made them respond normally to an
environmental stimulus in a certain precise desired
way, which asked for concentration of will and
absolutely normal mental functioning and self-
control of many mental faculties they were not
wont to exercise. Through the various rehearsals
occupying some time, these repeated reactions
turned into so-called conditioned reflexes. In or-
(Continucd on page 220)
Recreation for the Feeble-Minded
E. R. JOHNSTONE,
Director, School of Training, Vineland, N. J.
When one thinks of recreation in an institution
for the feeble-minded, it should be remembered
that here are people of all physical ages from
three to sixty, with mental ages from a few
months to about twelve years ; that most of them
will spend their entire lives in the institution and
that means twenty-four hours a day and 365 days
a year. To make an ideal community, work must
be a pleasure and therefore in a sense recreation.
It will be seen that the line between work and
play is but lightly drawn.
The feeble-minded, or as we like to say, "those
whose minds have not developed normally," fre-
quently have the bodies of adults, but all have the
minds of children, so their play and recreation is
simple. But because they learn slowly and be-
cause the steps of learning are short, one whc
learns to teach these children to play becomes ar
excellent teacher of normals.
Undirected play for the feeble-minded means
no play, for they lack initiative, but the older
and brighter children are often more patient and
therefore more effective than employees. Never-
theless there must always be employees to stimu-
late, praise and encourage.
The little children learn Ring-around a-Rosie,
Drop the Handkerchief, Follow My Leader and
similar games. There are swings, see-saws, slides
and other apparatus on the different playgrounds.
Kites and tops appear among the feeble-minded at
regular seasons as they do with normals. But in
an institution we must provide tops and materials
for kite making even though here, as in normal
homes, balls of twine mysteriously disappear from
desk and store room. The carpenter shop must
turn out sticks and the cooks are begged for flour
to make paste. It is amazing how much paste a
boy can get all over himself in making one kite!
I think perhaps our boys get more pleasure out
of flying their kites than outside youngsters for
here nearly everyone will stop to "see how she
pulls."
Many roller skates are given each year and in
the winter evenings there are games of checkers,
parchesi and the like. Many of the children play
'Address given at Recreation Congress, Atlantic City, N. J.,
October 18, 1924.
very good games but none play chess. There are
half a dozen baseball diamonds on the grounds,
one of which is the big league diamond where
games are played with the colony boys and the
teams from the Vineland High School, the glass
house or other outside places. Our picked team,
all feeble-minded boys, won 20 out of 24 games
this summer aga'inst outside teams.
On Saturday afternoons and Sunday mornings
the big auto-truck is relieved from all work in
order to take groups riding, for the most difficult
time from the disciplinary standpoint is when
there is leisure time. Something to which to look
forward, some pleasure to anticipate not too far
away, is necessary with our children as well as
with normals.
PICNICS AND PARTIES
•
Picnics and parties run all through the summer.
Sometimes the groups spend a few hours at Par-
vins Pond or Centerton, six or eight miles away,
where there are fishing and boating with the ever
popular lunch. There are dozens of these each
summer, for there are five hundred children and
a long summer. Then there is a cottage at the
seashore, Ocean City or Wildwood, where groups
of sixteen to twenty-four spend from a single
day to a week each, depending upon their capacity
to enjoy such a change. The long auto ride,
twenty to fifty miles, is a large part of the fun.
But better even than the seashore is our own
camping ground. We have a colony where one
hundred of our grown boys live. It is about five
miles from the institution proper. There are
1,300 acres of scrub oak and pine land with the
pretty little Menantico river flowing for nearly
two miles along one border. The big boys prepared
the camp land. It was one of the happiest of
times to go out in the brush with axes and grub
hoes to clear a place for the shacks and open up
the dense undergrowth to the stream. To the
average man it would seem almost an impossible
task, but these boys sang and shouted as they
worked, and cheered as the piles of brush grew
to enormous size. The best boys had the privilege
of stamping down the piles, and a few weeks later
203
RECREATION FOR THE FEEBLE-MINDED
night after night there was a glorious camp fire
around which we could all sit and sing and tell
stories.
One interesting side light on camp was when
a group of the colony boys went to spend their
period at camp. They had often walked over
across the little creek and through the corn field
to help clear the grounds or to visit the campers
less than a quarter of a mile from their own
dormitories, but now they were to go to camp
themselves. So the big truck drove up to their
buildings, they were loaded in and whirled off —
not just a quarter of a mile — but away off to
the Training School proper, five- miles away, and
there they were driven to and fro about the
grounds where they could shout and cheer and so
let their little world know that they were bound
for camp. Then the truck turned back toward the
colony, but instead of going directly in it turned
off on a woods road and finally brought up at
the camp grounds, where they spent their camp-
ing period as happily as though they were not
almost within a stone's throw of where they
live the rest of the year.
Throughout the winter months there are nu-
merous afternoon and evening parties in the dif-
ferent cottages, of which there are sixteen. These
are much like the home parties we used to have
when we were children, if we were fortunate
enough to live in a small town. Sometimes it is
just, the children in one group and sometimes
children from other groups are invited in. Games
are played, there is much singing and reciting and
''eats." Always there must be "eats" at a chil-
dren's party even though the children be men and
women in years. Parents remember their chil-
dren's birthdays and frequently send money to
provide refreshments for John's or Mary's or
Tommy's party and so, of course, this child be-
comes the host and invites whomsoever he pleases.
Officers, teachers and other employees are included
in the invitations so that it is physically impossible
for us to accept all of the invitations we receive.
But the greatest of all parties are the monthly
birthday parties for everybody. Each month
there are posted on the official bulletin boards the
names of all children who have birthdays in that
month and also the names of all employees who
came to the institution in that month on any
previous year. Institution Birthday we call it.
The director sends to each child and employee a
birthday card on the anniversary day so all of
this leads up to the big birthday parties in which
all take part. These are held in the play hall in
Garrison Hall. The birthday children, all whose
birthdays fall within the month, have special seats
at one side of the room, the band (24 pieces) sits
opposite and at the two remaining sides are the
boys and girls with the big center open for games.
The band plays, everybody sings and the birthday
children choose the games. Chase the Squirrel,
Circle the Rope, Pass the Bean Bag, Musical
Chairs, Kick the Clubs, Falling Pillar, everything
and anything that anyone can think of is played
and everyone takes part. Of course, the ladies are
excused when we play Leap Frog but when we
dance, they are in special demand by the girls as
well as the boys.
Each Wednesday evening there is a regular en-
tertainment. We do have moving pictures but
we find it exceedingly difficult to find pictures that
are not too sentimental or too exciting, or over
the heads of our children, and the slap stick, pie
throwing kind have no value. Even Charlie Cap-
lin is rather too much like ourselves in his awk-
wardness so we have movies only occasionally ;
and perhaps twice a year carefully selected outside
entertainers. But we are still old-fashioned
enough to want to give our own shows. The
teachers must present one entertainment a month
prepared by the pupils in their classes. This
gives a great many different children a chance to
take part.
JOYOUS CONTESTS
Our contests are famous for their training and
fun. Here on the stage the children appear in
pairs. Each pair of contestants strives over
some regular activity of daily life. For example,
John and Jennie make up two beds that are placed
on the stage ; at the same time Frank and Fanny
contest in setting tables. Sam and Sally play
solos, Max and Mary spell against each other,
Tom and Tillie wash the faces and hands and fix
the hair of Carl and Caroline. Two sewing ma-
chines furnish a seaming contest for two of the
girls while two husking pegs let two boys contest
with corn shucks on the floor in front of the
stage. Of course, there are prizes for the win-
ners and so that there may be no broken hearts,
there are second prizes for those who do not win.
It's a great stimulation in regular work to be
hoping to take part in a contest. Here, too, any-
one can take part.
Band concerts and physical culture entertain-
ments belong in the Wednesday 'night entertain-
ment group.
(Continued on page 225)
The Relation of the Individual Problem
Child to Recreation
By
CLAUDIA WANNAMAKER,
Supervisor of Recreation, Illinois Institute for Juvenile Research, Chicago, Illinois
The Illinois Institute for Juvenile Research has
for its function the study of behavior difficulties
of children with the object of obtaining informa-
tion in regard to the nature and treatment of
these difficulties. The children are usually re-
ferred by social agencies but may be brought in on
the initiative of the parents. In the majority of
cases no one factor is found to exist as a cause
of the difficulty, but a combination of many fac-
tors. In no case referred have we found that the
lack of recreation was the one cause of the diffi-
culty, but at the same time there are many cases
in which the need for emotional outlet is an im-
portant factor of the situation. The purpose of
our experimental work in recreation is to deter-
mine just how important this factor is and to
what extent play may be used in a scheme for
social adjustment. Howeverr the recreational
phase of social treatment is not regarded as more
important than other lines of treatment, nor can
it ever be a substitute for them.
From a practical standpoint, many things must
be taken into consideration in the formulation of
recreational plans for the child who has been re-
ferred to the Institute. In the first place, the
character of the personality difficulty may indicate
the type of recreation which seems to be needed.
For example, a complaint of truancy and stealing
may be found to be closely associated with a love
of adventure, in which case an objective of rec-
reational treatment is to furnish an activity which
will serve as a means of expressing this in a legiti-
mate way. Or, perhaps the child craves recog-
nition. His misbehavior and his attitude toward
it assume a "grand stand" character. Again a
wholesome mode of expression must be sought.
However, one cannot always rely upon the appar-
ent character of behavior and a hasty jumping
at conclusions is to be especially guarded against.
At the Institute whatever is attempted recreation-
ally is done in accordance with the psychiatrist's
interpretation of the behavior problem. For ex-
ample, a child may appear extremely self-
centered; the actual cause may not be a desire to
show off but rather a deep sense of inferiority
for which he is unconsciously compensating.
Here the objective is to place him in a situation
in which there will be relatively few possibilities
of having his feeling of inferiority played upon.
The .shy, timid child usually needs a small group
in which he may receive considerable attention
from the leader without being conspicuously
singled out. The child who lacks persistence and
gives up easily is placed in a group where individ-
ual accomplishment is not especially clear-cut,
otherwise he may become discouraged from the
very start ; and so we might go on piling up
illustrations.
HEALTH IMPORTANT IN BEHAVIOR ANALYSIS
The physical examination may reveal conditions
which must be kept in mind in determining the
nature of the recreation. For example, in cases
of undernourishment and heart conditions which
are not well compensated, an activity must be
-selected in which physical exercise is only a minor
part of the program. These include manual train-
ing, drawing classes, radio construction, and so
forth. Many think that the recreation center it-
self should show forethought and not allow chil-
dren to enter athletic events without a previous
physical examination. Thaddeus Slezynski, the
former director of Holstein Park, Chicago, has
made some interesting studies in this connection
in which he deplores the lack of preventive health
work in recreation centers. To what extent the
health of children is seriously harmed through
indiscriminate participation in athletics is mere
conjecture until further investigations have been
made.
In no program for social treatment can the
individual be isolated from his family group, and
so the social worker must take the home into
205
206
THE PROBLEM CHILD
consideration in making his recreational plans.
In this we must consider the family budget and
its relation to expenditures for recreation; the
play life of the family and the type of treatment
which will strengthen rather than weaken it ; the
equipment for play in the home. In the last
mentioned we are again confronted by a lack of
standards, for after all, what constitute adequate
facilities for play in a home? Might not the
imaginative child be thwarted by the play equip-
ment which would seem to be indicated in the
case of his less imaginative brother or sister?
Of all of the questions concerning the home situa-
tion, the most important is the attitude of the par-
ents toward the play lives of their children, for
on that so many of the other questions depend.
Many parents while not actually antagonistic to
play expression, tend to regard it as a necessary
evil which must be tolerated. Few homes make
any systematic provision for a child's play time,
and regardless of how absorbing a game may be,
or how necessary he is to it, he may be interrupted
any number of times with demands to run this or
that errand. It is not surprising that he takes
matters in his own hands and removes himself
from the possibility of hearing when he is called.
Often the parents base their estimate of the child's
play upon quantity rather than quality. They say,
"Oh, that boy plays enough — why, he's running
around all the time." That a different type of
play may be indicated is hard for them to grasp.
Re-education to another viewpoint is a long and
tedious process, but it is ultimately worth while.
That social workers often fail to recognize this
need was brought out in a study of juvenile de-
linquency made by the Child Welfare League of
America in Rochester, New York. "In only seven
of the sixty-four cases studied was there any
effort put forth by social workers to interest the
children in some form of wholesome recreation.
Even in these seven cases no special mention was
made of an effort to educate the parents, although
in at least thirty-two out of sixty-four families
the parents were found not to have an apprecia-
tion of the worth of supervised recreation, and
apparently made no attempt to provide safe and
wholesome recreation, for their children."
NATURAL BENT CANNOT BE IGNORED
Up to this point we have said nothing about
the attitude of the child toward the recreational
plan which might be made for him. Perhaps you
have an impression that we at the Institute regard
him as a neat little checker which may be moved
here and there as seems to fit the need. Such is
by no means the case. As a matter of fact, the
best laid plans of psychiatrists and social workers
may be put to naught by his simple but emphatic
statement, "No, I don't like that." In his case
we are not planting new ideas into a virgin soil.
He has his likes and dislikes acquired in his eight,
ten or twelve years of life before he came to us.
We have all sorts of criticisms to make of the
type of play which he has found for himself, but
nevertheless he is often tremendously pleased
with it. Of course he may also dislike other
plans made for him — as a visit to the dental clinic.
He is not greatly concerned over the harm which
might result from decayed teeth. However, this
attitude toward the matter does not affect the
mechanical process of having the tooth filled. In
questions of play we are dealing with a much
more intricate problem and one in which the
mental attitude is of great significance. The
activity must be regarded as recreation by the
child or else it is not recreation in the true sense
of the word. The real problem is not registration
in a certain club or class but to work out with the
child a plan which will combine the advantages
to be gained through wholesome play — whatever
that might mean — and his own ideas of having
a good time. He must want to carry it out if the
plan is going to be ultimately worth while. This
does not necessarily mean that experiments can-
not be attempted, for he may have a very limited
play experience and be inclined to object to a
play program because it is new and unknown.
However, in such cases it is much better to have
him realize that it is an experiment and thai no
arbitrary plan is being put over on him.
ARE THE PLAYGROUNDS ALERT TO MEET A NEED ?
Suppose the social worker is confronted with
the problem of the child who satisfies his love of
adventure through misbehavior. It seems logical
to say that play which furnishes an outlet for such
a desire may entirely change his antisocial be-
havior. But how many of our recreation leaders
recognize this fundamental need to the extent of
working out programs designed to meet it? Very
recently a child at the Institute was talked to
about the advantages of belonging to a club. He
immediately asked, "Will we dig caves and build
huts and do things like that?" His recreation
history indicated considerable activity of this
nature — never under leadership. The complaint
THE PROBLEM CHILD
207
against him was that he had taught sex practices
to a boy of his gang; the psychiatrist considered
that behavior merely incidental to his type of
group association. The love of adventure is by
no means confined to children who express it in
antisocial behavior; and it is especially true of
the child in the large city. A small group of
boys was passed on the street. One boy who
acted as spokesman called out, "Lady, can you
tell us where we can join a club? We want to act
like Indians and have adventures." They were
directed to the nearest recreation center, but with
no great assurance that the schedule of activities
there would satisfy their longing for the unusual.
Take another type of problem which the social
worker wishes to treat through recreation — the
child who craves recognition. What is the play
leader's attitude toward the "smarty" child who
wants to be "it" all of the time? The repressive
mode of treatment which he usually receives may
be beneficial in certain cases, but there are many
others in which it only accentuates the difficulty.
Take still another example : the doctor says,
"This boy is a restless type of individual as is
seen in the hobo. He cannot stand monotony.
The kind of recreation is not so important as
frequent changes in it. Can you find a recreation
center where such treatment might be carried out
through play?" A survey of recreational facili-
ties did not reveal the possibility of carrying out
the recommendation.
These may be extreme cases and perhaps it will
always be impossible to adjust them recreation-
ally where the interest of the majority must be
considered. Their acceptance by the group is
often an impossible thing to bring about and fur-
nishes a situation with which the recreation leader
is powerless to cope. The conditions which are
presented in this paper are statements of fact;
they may or may not be actual criticisms, for it
is realized that there may be a decided discrepancy
between theory and practice in such situations.
However, the recreation center might well inquire
into its adequacy in meeting play needs and de-
sires. There are individuals who drift in and out
of recreation centers and do not seem to find
what they want. Is the fault entirely within
themselves, or might it not be that we are placing
too much emphasis upon the material aspects of
furnishing play opportunities, and too little upon
the individuals who make up the groups? It is
so much easier to follow the beaten paths of play
schedules than constantly to inject into them the
spirit of novelty. The recreation approach in so-
cial case work is a thing to be fostered and de-
veloped, but perhaps a great deal might also be
said about the value of the case work approach
in recreation.
A FEW CASE RECORDS
It was with some such thought in mind that
V. K. Brown of the South Park Commission,
Chicago, suggested that the Institute use the parks
of that system as a laboratory for research in
recreation. Only a preliminary study over a two
months' period has been carried out thus far, but
the results clearly indicate the possibility of mak-
ing a more extensive study.
This preliminary study included the personal
interviewing of fifty-four girls and boys in four
park centers. These children ranged in age from
nine to eighteen years, the high point being-
reached at the thirteen to fourteen year age group
in which there were thirteen children. Each child
was referred by the park director or instructor as
an example of good group adjustment or poor
group adjustment. He was told that the inter-
view was entirely optional and that the purpose
of it was the study of how to have a good time.
In not one instance was antagonism to the inter-
view expressed, although of course some children
naturally responded more cordially than others.
In one of the parks several requested the inter-
view.
Perhaps a clearer insight into the nature of
the response to the interview might be gained by
giving here a typical recreation history. In this
case the girl was fourteen years of age. The
parents were born in Lithuania; the father died
five years ago. There are four brothers and
two sisters.
The equipment in the home for play includes
a ball, bat, glove, football, bicycle, two sleds,
marbles, tops, jackstones, jumping rope, two
tennis racquets, boxing gloves, ice skates, swim-
ming suit, checkers, cards, piano, radio, victrola,
automobile. There is no yard at the home; the
pets are a dog and a bird.
The significant feature of the game interests
is a preference for activity usually ascribed to
boys. Football is given as first choice, baseball
as second and volley ball as third. Wrestling and
boxing are also included in her favorites. When
she plays London Bridge she likes only the tug
of war at the end. She has never cared for such
games as Farmer-in-the-Dell as she thinks there
is nothing to them. She shoots craps with her
brother in which they use pennies for stakes.
208
THE PROBLEM CHILD
The girl has lived in the park neighborhood all
of her life. However, she has attended the park
only during the past six months. Before that
time she played there occasionally but did not
"belong to the gang" and did not enjoy it particu-
larly. About six months ago a friend introduced
her to the other girls and ever since then she has
"belonged."
At the age of ten she joined the Girl Scouts.
She belonged to it only three months as the cap-
tain left and the troop went to pieces. During
this time she passed the Tenderfoot Test.
At the age of ten she joined a reading club.
This membership lasted only a few weeks as she
did not like the director — thought she was "bossy"
and partial to her favorites. However, "she was
very good to me," this girl said.
She has belonged to four clubs organized and
managed by the children themselves. Each lasted
only a few weeks and was discontinued because
the members lost interest in them. She likes the
clubs at the park, but has more fun in the un-
supervised type of organization for the following
reasons : The children think of more things to
do ; they have more freedom ; when a teacher is
present "You dassn't get dirty."
Two daily papers are taken at the home. The
parts of the paper read are accounts of murders
and divorces, sports, comics, obituaries, continued
stories and society news. The favorite comic is
Jiggs and Maggie, because "of the way she picks
on the poor guy." The magazines taken are "The
Smart Set," "Cosmopolitan" and "Argosy," all
of which are read by her.
A library card was secured a year ago upon
her own initiative, and she attends once in two
weeks. A brother and sister also own cards. The
books she has especially enjoyed are Anne of
Green Gables, Tarzan of the Apes, Little Men
and Little Women.
There has been no instruction in music. She
had six months' instruction in classical and toe
dancing but gave it up because she did not like
the instructor. She thought he was a "sissy"
and he was always telling stories of his greatness
which she doubted.
The only hobby has been collecting cigar bands,
which she kept up for a month. Off and on she
has collected tinsel.
Attendance at the picture show is on an average
of once a week, but she would go every night if
her mother allowed her to. Her favorite actor is
John Gilbert because, "He is the most hand-
somest man I ever saw." The favorite actress is
Irene Rich because, "She is sweet and takes
mother parts." The picture best remembered is
Robin Hood which was seen over a year ago. She
imitates the mannerisms ' of actresses, acrobatic
feats and stands before a mirror trying to portray
various emotions. She never has an audience for
the last mentioned. When she imitates the man-
nerisms of actresses the mother complains that the
movies are "turning her head."
She thinks her circle of friends numbers twenty
girls and eight boys, of whom three girls are her
"pals." She has had four fights in which she
"punched just like a boy" and won all of them.
They were all with outsiders and were caused by
their accusing her of showing off. There was
considerable gang fighting up to a year ago. She
has quarrels with her friends, who always take
the initiative in making up. One of these quarrels
lasted a year, although the girl lived next door
and had been one of her best friends. She is
somewhat perplexed over her relationship with
her friends. She feels herself superior to them
and always takes the initiative in doing things.
The girls seem fond of her but resent her leader-
ship saying that she is trying to show off. She
says, "They hang around me but down in their
hearts I think they despise me." When the inter-
viewer suggested that a really successful leader
does it in a way that does not antagonize and that
perhaps the girls are justified in resenting her
manner of leading she became very reflective and
said, "I never thought of it in that way." She
showed great interest in having further talks along
this line.
There were many interviews in which the chil-
dren were equally frank about their problems.
One boy of seventeen was concerned over his
awkwardness and shyness in approaching others.
He described his efforts toward self improvement
which were assuming the jaunty manner of the
movie actors and copying selections from books
which he thought were particularly fine. Several
girls expressed a preference for playing alone be-
cause they said they could not get along well with
others and always wanted their own way. Prob-
ably these children will never become what we
call "behavior problems;" their insight into their
problems bespeaks a step in their adjustment.
A broader study would no doubt reveal many
children in recreation centers who have to some
degree the traits we find in the children who come
to the Institute. In a scheme for preventive work
(Continued on page 236)
Physical Education at the New Jersey
State Hospital*
BY
EDITH STRICKLAND MOODIE, B.A.
Physical Director for Women
My task as I saw it was to improve
the physical condition as far as possible,
and still more to allay the anti-social
instincts and actions, emotions, and sub-
stitute, if only for the moment, social
ones ; to rouse the quiescent or deterio-
rating mental powers; to revive such
knowledge as in them lay and to teach
new things to the limit of their capacity.
Conditions
New Jersey State Hospital at Morris Plains,
sheltering 3,400 patients, consists of main build-
ing, large massive structure of grey stone, con-
taining the executive offices and forty wards,
twenty of which are occupied by over a thousand
women; the dormitory buiHing, housing about
900, of whom half are women, and a clinic, or
receiving building, the women's side of which
shelters about 140. Two million dollar building
operations have been commenced this year. The
scenery is beautiful and the extensive grounds
have been laid out by an artist.
Aims
In my first interview with the Medical Super-
intendent and the Clinical Director they both ex-
pressed their desire to see to what extent physical
education could prevent or postpone the deteriora-
tion of certain classes of patients, those of ex-
cessively untidy or perverted habits, who wish to
lie on the floor in the corners of the wards or sit
with head buried upon flexed knees in a pre-
natal position. They were to receive as much of
my time and interest as the high grade patients,
if not more.
On my arrival I weighed the three-fold nature
of my task, or problem. I must improve the
•Address given at Recreation Congress, Atlantic City, October
18, 1924.
physical, psychic and social sides of my patients,
giving each case as much individual attention as
my time would permit. The physical side was
very important. Mental collapse is often pre-
ceded or accompanied by physical. A large per
cent of the patients were flat-chested, round-
shouldered, anemic, with drooping heads and
dragging feet. The manic-depressive group, who
were passing through the depressed even stupor-
ous phase, and the involutional melancholias had
the world-weary, hopeless, almost somnambu-
listic gait, the springless walk of defeat. A ma-
jority of those on the wards sat on the small of
the spine with dorsal curves greatly exagger-
ated, and arms folded. The tendency to fold the
arms tightly across the chest had become almost
automatic with those who at some stage of their
affliction have had to be in restraint for long
periods. It took some effort on the part of the
teachers to keep the arms hanging naturally after
a ball had been thrown or when marching. The
arms when not in use flew back to the chest almost
as if worked by springs. This was also true of
the catatonics. Digestive troubles were frequent,
partly due to physical and psychic conditions,
partly to unsatisfactory diet and mass cooking.
The psychological and sociological sides of the
work were, if possible, even more important than
the physical. On the parlor wards elderly com-
placent women did a few minutes' housework in
the morning, then rocked and rested for the re-
mainder of the day. The more active and willing
patients did housework in hospital corridors, or
nurses' homes, assisted in the care of the de-
teriorated patients, helped in laundry and mend-
ing room, attended the industrial or occupational
therapy classes, but these occupations, while chal-
lenging the intelligence and attention of the
patient, did little for her on the sociological side.
A woman might sit at a loom, or stand at an
ironing board and turn out beautiful work, yet be
as introverted, seclusive, as anti-social as before.
209
210
IN THE STATE HOSPITAL
Repetition may have made her task almost or
quite mechanical, and her delusions or hallucina-
tions might be at the focal point of conscious-
ness. The majority of the women were sitting
or lolling about the wards all day with the excep-
tion of a daily walk regulated to the speed of the
slowest plodder.
Even their pleasures were of a relatively
passive order. Attendance at concerts, movies,
volunteer dramatic performances, baseball games.
Even the weekly dance, calling into play old estab-
lished coordinations, had long since become auto-
matic ; the patients tended to dance with the same
partners, so that even the stimulation of different
personalities was reduced to a minimum. Many
had no guests, no living contact with the outside
world; they read nothing, so they were existing
in a state devoid of higher emotions, and filled with
the most primitive instincts.
My task as I saw it was to improve the physical
condition as far as possible, and still more to allay
the anti-social instincts and actions, emotions, and
substitute, if only for the moment, social ones;
to rouse the quiescent or deteriorating mental
powers ; to revive such knowledge as in them lay,
and to teach new things to the limit of their
capacity. To do this I had to win confidence and
friendship, convince them that I came as a friend
and ally, whose one aim was their welfare, who
wished to help them to cure or improve their
psychic condition, and have some pleasure while
working towards that end.
The attendance at classes or participation in
ward activities, games, stories, singing, was abso-
lutely voluntary so the patients had to be won
and kept by personal effort.
Methods and Program
The methods by which I have tried to realize
my aims are the following: Classes, ward games,
storytelling, reading, community singing, parties
and picnics.
\}Tard Games and Ball Play
This work I regard as the very backbone of the
department, the trunk from which the branches
spring.
. When I came in February, 1923, there were
hosts of patients who from inertia, nineteenth
century prejudice against physical activity as un-
becoming a lady, delusions or suspiciousness of
the unknown, refused emphatically to attend
classes in the halls or participate in games on the
wards. Many of these are now faithful, enthusi-
astic attendants at classes and parties, won over
gradually by the influence of ward work.
The hospital, like most state institutions, is
overcrowded, some wards in the main building
having over ninety patients on them. The day
rooms at the dormitory have a total population of
over three hundred. The teachers go into the cor-
ridors or day rooms, gather as large a group as
possible in a minimum of time, play a game or
singing game or hold a contest as faba gaba, bean
bag passing or ten pins. This program may have
to be repeated in another part of the room. On
some wards group action is at a low ebb, and only
six or seven can be induced to join without great
loss of time. Personal antagonism may keep one
player from entering a group which her special
detestation has entered. After all the actively
interested ones who can be induced to enter the
games have been exercised the teacher tries to
rouse those who for various reasons will not join
any group. The Virgin Mary, for instance, will
play a two-some with teacher, but will not par-
ticipate otherwise. Some very deteriorated hebe-
phrenics sitting with head tucked between bent
knees, have to be induced to put knees down, lift
heads up, and catch the ball. Even a temporary
rousing from that prenatal posture must have
some corresponding mental stimulation. Some
excited patients restrained to a bench for the
safety of themselves or others, can enjoy a few
minutes' arm and trunk exercise and let off steam
in a wholesome manner. A patient cursing an
auditory or visual hallucination may be tem-
porarily recalled to the objective world by kines-
thetic sensations. With the help of a better grade
patient a stuporous manic-depressive or catatonic
precox can be roused. It may be necessary for
the teacher to put the ball in her hands, close her
fingers around it and actually toss her arms, and
then hold her hands in position to receive it again
from the patient who is assisting.
After such individual work for some time often
the patients can be induced to catch in turn with
their nearest neighbors while seated, then stand
and later enter a simple game, as "Teacher and
Class." Sometimes they join an elementary
class and attend the class parties given in the rec-
reation halls. Some never reach this level, but
enjoy the singing and stories on the wards, and in
the yards and lawns. Some runaways and sui-
cidal patients who are not permitted to leave the
shelter of the wards can in this way partake of
some of the pleasures offered to the more for-
tunate.
IN THE STATE HOSPITAL
211
Community Singing and Storytelling
Singing and storytelling are offered on every
ward, usually on alternate days, and songs are
part of every party or picnic.
The elderly women who predominate among
the chronic patients especially enjoy the songs
which were popular in their youth — My Bonnie,
Jingle Bells, Kentucky Home. The more recent
commitments like Long, Long Trail, Smiles, and
others of the same vintage. All enjoy the old
standbys, Coming Thro' the Rye, Yankee Doodle,
John Broum's Body, Dixie. Gradually all but the
lowest grade women learn the words and music
of the songs less familiar to them. Some wards
have pianos, and then it is easy; in others the
teachers have to carry the tune, and with the vari-
ous disturbances on the ward it is harder for all.
Storytelling
Storytelling and reading aloud are much ap-
preciated even in the wards for disturbed patients.
The second floor of the clinic or receiving build-
ing was considered by one of the teachers as im-
possible on account of the noise made by some
excited patients. Her successor accepted that
tradition, but I induced her to persevere in her
efforts and be content with a small group in a
quiet or less noisy corner. Now she has a little
group of nine which will form the nucleus of a
larger one.
Regarding the type of material I may say that
the old ladies, the hebephrenics and some deterior-
ated organic cases have retrogressed to the nur-
sery tale and fairy story stage; others enjoy ani-
mal stories, myths, legends and short stories with
simple direct plot. The patients of better men-
tality appreciate Kipling, O. Henry and even con-
tinued stories, especially those with rather loose
connection between the chapters, such as Daddy
Long Leg?. In the back wards of the main build-
ing, where the disturbed patients are of the
chronic rather than the acute type, we have a verv
attentive audience some days.
Classes
Classes are of three grades, advanced, inter-
mediate, and elementary. The advanced class is
attended by those of reasonable physical pro-
ficiency, whose deportment approaches the nor-
mal. Some are charter members, and some have
been promoted from the intermediate classes. The
pupils in this group do work which, when learned,
compares favorably with that of any slightly
trained group of mature adults, Y. W. C. A.
ladies' classes, or even college faculty classes.
But the process of learning is much slower and
that of forgetting much more rapid than with the
normal. It is difficult to get and hold the atten-
tion of the entire class for an explanation or
demonstration. Sometimes a second command
given to the entire class will recall the wander-
ing minds; sometimes it is necessary to address
the individual by name. Usually that is effica-
cious. In twenty months' training, meeting
almost daily, they have learned several figures of
fancy marching, complete wheels, stars, combina-
tions of stars and wheels, mazes, single and
double, lions' march, and other movements, free-
hand, wand, and bounding-ball drills, leg and arm
movements simultaneously executed, folk dances
such as Gathering Peascods, English Ribbon, Ox-
dansen, Portland Fancy, Darkies' Dream, Vir-
ginia Reel, races and other contests, relays of
various kinds, e.g., arch goal ball, relay pursuit,
Corner Spry, Ten Trips.
At first we had individualistic games chiefly —
Dodge Ball, Three Deep, Numbers Change, Good
Morning, Whip Tag, Ball Tag, and so forth.
Now we play Newcomb, Volley Ball, American
Bat Ball, Long Ball. We have only one basket
ball goal available, or we would try nine court
basket ball. End and corner ball did not meet
with great success ; some guards would always
throw to guards of opposite team even when dif-
ferentiated by arm bands of contrasting colors.
I may say in passing that games are the weakest
point in all classes in the institution.
A folk dancing class, comprising almost identi-
cal membership, has learned the Irish Lilt,
Soldiers' Joy, Pastorelle, John Brown's Body, We
Won't Go Home 'Till Morning, The Blue Bird,
My Lady Goes a Walking, Parade of Wooden
Soldiers and Highland Schottische, besides simple
technic.
On the advanced and folk dancing classes falls
the weight of public performances on field day,
open lessons, Hallowe'en parties and similar
events. They are making satisfactory progress
in all phases of the program.
The intermediate classes offered in each build-
ing enroll a few members whose physical ability
is equal to that of the advanced class, but whose
language and habits are not according to Hoyle.
Conducting the intermediate classes in the main
and clinic buildings especially is like driving a
wagon of T.N.T. The average of the mental
ability in this group is lower than in the advanced
212
7Ar THE STATE HOSPITAL
and folk dance group. They are unable to under-
stand, remember or play games with several
rules, such as American Bat Ball. The mechanics
of their throwing, catching, running, and batting
is fairly good, but they cannot coordinate these
movements into a continuous movement. When
they have caught a ball they do not know what
to do with it and are as likely to aid the opponents
as their team. I had one who used to bat well,
but run to field her own balls.
They can do simple marching by twos, fours,
eights, running and skipping in a maze, free hand
exercises involving only one part of the body,
story plays, races, sprints, and relays, goal shoot-
ing, faba gaba, bean bag passing and simple indi-
vidualistic games. Folk dances such as Jolly
Miller, Hoiv-do-ye-do, My Partner? Kinder-
polka, Hunting (Bancrofts), Dance of Greeting.
They enter with childlike zest into all phases of
the work, will come twice or three times a day
if permitted, and greet you with rejoicing when
you appear on the ward if only to pass through
it. The personal antipathies are very strong, and
one needs to know the group and whom to sep-
arate by the width of the circle or length of line.
The statement that "the busy child is the good
child" holds true with this group. Any cessation
of activity is apt to precipitate quarrels. "Keep
Moving" is the motto for teachers of this group.
Elementary classes are drawn from the lowest
group capable of leaving the wards. Among this
crowd are dangerous yet dynamic patients, but
the majority are so listless and apathetic as to
render the mass inert. The danger of explosion
is much less than in the intermediate class, but
they are far harder to teach, and exhaust the in-
structor in mind and body. The actual task of
getting a number of negatavistic or stuporous
patients through the wards and corridors requires
an amount of pushing and pulling which repre-
sents many foot-pounds of work. The traditional
games, Farmer in Dell, Did You Ever See a
Lassie? have to be simplified — a few will per-
form, practically none will initiate, as in Lassie.
Story plays are beyond their imaginative power.
I give a very simple one part drill, but the ma-
jority have to be prompted, and the assistants
have to help with hands as well as voice.
In straightaway races the majority will run,
but some have to be given initial impetus. Hardly
any can touch a goal and return to scratch line.
When shooting basket ball goal they rarely cage
the ball. They are fairly good at faba gaba, at
short distances.
Social Dancing
A class in social dancing is offered in all build-
ings. It is restricted to beginners. Those who
can dance attend the functions offered by another
department of the hospital.
Holding
A weekly class in bowling is offered each build-
ing. The patients enjoy it, and do fairly well, but
the groups have to be large, so their turns are
not frequent. Still, they are glad to get off the
ward on any pretext.
Parties
At least once a month each class has a party
or picnic, with an attendance varying from thirty
to one hundred and sixty patients. The entertain-
ment furnished to the patients by the committee
on amusements is largely non-participating. My
aim has been to make the patient furnish her own
play and that of her friends, to increase sociability,
stir sluggish memories and bring to light talents
hid in a napkin. At parties for better grade
patients I have asked them to bring an Irish joke,
conundrum or limerick. Most have responded
and some have composed original jingles or local
puns. We have guessing games such as person
and object, and proverbs. Out of a hundred gen-
eral information questions only one was un-
answered by any member. We use puzzles,
bisected pictures, recite tongue twisters, do stunts
such as Jerusalem, bean bag, Lakes of Killarney,
Treading on Hearts and others according to >uit-
ability of the season. Other possible forms of en-
tertainment are races, individual and relay, indi-
vidual contests, basketball distance throw, ten pins
and others. I often teach a new singing game — as
John Brown's Body — at a party before using it
as class work. To stimulate interest, especially
in the lower grades, I give a half stick of penny
candy to the contestants and a whole one to the
winner. When I have men guests at the parties,
I award cigarettes or give them the choice of
candy and cigarettes. Many prefer the candy.
The advanced class and folk dancing class often
perform at these parties. At the March parties
they give the Irish Lilt; English Ribbon at
Easter. I keep these concert program numbers to
a minimum, one or two at outside, as I want gen-
eral participation. Better one hundred singing
Yankee Doodle out of tune than one hundred
listening to one soloist.
We have beautiful grounds and a most attrac-
(Continncd on page 229}
The Recognized Value of Recreation in
the Rehabilitation of the Disabled*
BY
R. E. ARNE
Assistant Manager, Pacific Division, American Red Cross
Supervised and directed recreational activities
in hospitals are very new and must still be con-
sidered in a decidedly elementary stage. I have
been unable to ascertain that any organization
other than the American Red Cross has had suffi-
cient experience in this field to offer practical
suggestions, although many organizations and in-
dividuals have given valuable service to the dis-
abled. Because of its unique position as a supple-
mentary agency to the United States government,
the American Red Cross has been authorized to
maintain and develop recreational activities in
government hospitals, under supervision of the
medical officers in charge.
To fulfill this obligation, the American Red
Cross is now employing 72 recreation workers
throughout the Veterans' Hospitals, the Soldiers'
Homes, the Contract, the Army and the Navy
hospitals. In addition to these specialists are the
regular hospital social workers who devote a por-
tion of their time to the field of recreation. Dur-
ing the fiscal year ending June 30, 1924, $122,-
064.00 was spent on recreation and entertain-
ments exclusive of salaries. The salaries of our
present recreation staff amount to $9,970 per
month which would make an approximate total
of $119,640 expended during the year for this one
item. The annual report of the Red Cross shows
that during the year 14,152 recreation events were
supplied in Veterans' Bureau Hospitals, Soldiers'
Homes and Contract Hospitals and that in a single
month there were over 500 entertainments fur-
nished in the recreation houses of the same insti-
tutions. Such events and personnel are provided
by the American Red Cross because the organiza-
tion is convinced of the therapeutic value of recrea-
tion for the disabled ex-service man.
Practically all of the war time recreation in
hospitals was of the more spectacular type.
Patients were entertained but in almost no in-
*Address given before the Community Recreation Conference,
Western Division, held in Santa Barbara, November 6-8.
stances by their own efforts. We are not entirely
free from this type of recreation in some of our
hospitals, though it is the policy of the American
Red Cross to stress the therapeutic value of recrea-
tion and serious efforts have been made to get
away from the spectacular and passive form.
It is not surprising that it is no easy matter to
develop thorough-going recreation programs with
the objective of making the greatest possible con-
tribution to the complete restoration to normal
society of the disabled men, when we consider that
practically all our commercial recreation is of the
passive type and that even our colleges and uni-
versities put far greater stress upon the athletic
prowess of the few than upon the development
of physical perfection in the majority of the stu-
dents. In the main the Red Cross program has
been one of active recreation for the neuro-psy-
chiatric patients and with some general patients,
and of the more passive type for the tubercular
group, all recreation being under the supervision
of the medical authorities.
ACTIVE PARTICIPATION VITAL
Experience has shown that the neuro-psychi-
atric patient is in need of active recreation in
which he may participate and through which he
may be able to forget himself. Field Days and
outdoor athletic programs are especially good.
Outdoor games that are too exciting and vigorous
must be avoided for certain types of nervous
patients. Great care must be taken in securing
the right kind of moving pictures, theatrical per-
formances and similar events in order to avoid
the harmful features. Films which are intensely
dramatic, sensual, criminal or disturbing should
be avoided. Music is a very important feature
in recreation programs. It should have a part in
the daily recreation activities. Wherever possible
there should be patients' orchestras and bands,
group singing and mass singing as well as musical
talent from the outside.
213
214
REHABILITATION OF DISABLED
For the tubercular patients much of the recrea-
tion must be of the passive type. However, there
are many games in which the patient may partici-
pate and which do not interfere with treatment.
In the general hospital, the recreation program
is particularly difficult as the patient is often there
for a very short period. If he is recovering from
an operation he is frequently unable to participate
in any type of recreational activity. Furthermore,
since the patient usually remains in the hospital
but a short period, he is likely to maintain his out-
side community contacts and therefore does not
have the serious difficulty in making social adjust-
ments upon discharge from the hospital.
Just as in social case work it is our aim to study
the needs of the individual, to meet those needs
and assist the man and his family to bring about
a proper social and economic adjustment in com-
munity life; so, in the field of recreation special
thought must be given to the recreational needs of
the individual patients. As an instance of the
value of attention to the recreational needs of in-
dividual men, permit me to cite an interesting ex-
periment which is being tried at a state hospital
in New York. Here are many psychotic patients
who are practically in a state of semi-coma. They
sit for hours, looking at nothing. Many of them
have not spoken since being admitted to the hos-
pital. Seated at table, they ignore food. Only
constant attention preserves their lives from the
results of their neglect of the most elementary
functions of existence.
Through the efforts of the Red Cross workers
twenty of these men have been organized into a
special class for training in hygienic habits and
for participating in recreational activities. With
unlimited patience they have been taught to dress
themselves, wash their faces, comb their hair,
brush their teeth, polish their shoes. Great was
the rejoicing throughout the hospital when, un-
bidden, the patients brushed their hair one morn-
ing. From this small beginning other habits have
been acquired.
Every morning after breakfast these men are
taken to an athletic field where they are taught to
play. There are baseballs, medicine balls, hand-
balls, and similar equipment. They are put
through calisthenic drills. Slowly under the physi-
cal instructor's patient direction the men are
learning to play. They catch balls thrown to them
and throw them back. They have learned to exe-
cute simple calisthenic drills. Gradually some-
thing of the spirit of play they have forgotten
awakens in them and they take an interest, which
finally becomes a pleasure, in activity. Following
the play period they go to a class in occupational
therapy. One of these men has gradually worked
back to normal life to such an extent that he will
be sent home on parole. The Red Cross social
worker will keep in touch with him during his
period of parole, visiting his home several times
during the month and watching for signs of the
return of his trouble in order to bring him back
to the hospital if necessary, giving encouragement
when he improves and as soon as it is found that
he has made the social adjustment extra-murally,
assist him in securing a position where he will be
self-supporting.
It is realized that the few months of concen-
trated effort which have meant real progress in the
lives of these men does not prove conclusively the
value of organized play in the restoration of the
mentally sick. It does, however, give us cause
to hope that herein lies a tangible means for re-
habilitation.
AFTER DISCHARGE
More and more attention is being given to the
matter of serving the disabled man in his recrea-
tional needs after his discharge from a hospital,
because many social workers and some physicians
feel that all social efforts may be useless if the
recreational needs of a man discharged back into
normal life are not provided for in a plan for his
after-care. No one attending this conference
would hesitate to emphasize the importance of
directed recreation and the proper use of leisure
time on the part of our healthy and normal popu-
lation. How much more important it must be to
direct and supervise the recreational and leisure-
time activities of men who because of the ravages
of war have spent months and years in hospitals
and who will have great difficulty in making the
readjustments to normal social life!
The need for directed play has long since passed
the experimental stage. Our local units of gov-
ernment have shouldered the financial responsi-
bility and direction for the proper use of the
leisure time of our children, and more and more
the leisure time of our adults. It is very fair to
assume that the time is coming when recreation
will be a definite part of programs in civilian hos-
pitals and of course in all government hospitals
and that such programs will be supported, to a
large extent, by public funds.
SATURDAY MOVIES
215
Nation -Wide Saturday
Morning Movies
BY
JASON S. JOY
Indoor recreation of the sort which perhaps
boys and girls like best of all will be readily avail-
able in a large number of cities during the coming
Fall and Winter in the shape of Will H. Hays's
Saturday Morning Movies, which are to be shown
at an admission of 10 cents.
These movie programs, which consist of a full-
length feature picture, a short comedy and a
semi-educational subject, bear the full endorse-
ment of the Department of Public Relations,
which cooperates with Mr. Hays's organization,
the Motion Picture Producers & Distributors of
America.
Mr. Hays gives his personal assurance to par-
ents regarding these Saturday morning movies in
the following words :
"The very best sort of movies will be displayed
for the youngsters. Every picture will have the
endorsement of our department of public rela-
tions. Parents and guardians may send their
children to these performances with complete con-
fidence that what they see will be altogether
wholesome and beneficial. Ever since motion
pictures became a familiar public service insti-
tution, there has been talk of a so-called problem,
'What of the Child and the Movie?' This ar-
rangement, the Saturday morning movie, is the
complete answer to the situation. Any really in-
terested group anywhere, cooperating with the
local exhibitor, may now obtain pictures proper
for this purpose."
By October 1 it is expected the special showings
will be given on a nation-wide scale. A number
of experimental exhibitions were presented dur-
ing the Spring and these proved to be a great
success. Large crowds of boys and girls were
delighted and parents everywhere were enthusi-
astic in their approval of the plan.
The most striking presentation was on the last
Saturday in April at Rochester, N. Y., when
nearly 3,000 youngsters filled the Eastman
Theatre, which the well-known film manufac-
turer presented to the University of Rochester.
The interest in this performance was so great
that notices concerning it were posted in all the
class rooms of the city and the transportation com-
panies ran special cars to the theatre. The feature
picture was a farce-comedy, The Hottentot, ac-
companied by a 1-reel scenic and a 1-reel comedy.
These Saturday morning movies are the result
of a year's survey made by Mr. Hays's Depart-
ment of Public Relations and included a viewing
of the film material in the vaults of the 22 pro-
ducing and distributing organizations which be-
long to his Association. From the thousands of
reels seen, sufficient material was chosen to com-
plete 52 distinct programs.
The showings will be given first in the 32 "key
cities" of the United States from which the mo-
tion picture companies distribute their product to
the surrounding territory. It is the plan of Mr.
Hays's Public Relations Department to extend
these special Saturday morning movies to all cities
and even to smaller towns.
Those who are interested in obtaining the Hays-
endorsed programs should see their local ex-
hibitor, who will be able to obtain the complete
assembled programs from one or another of sev-
eral distributing corporations.
In the cities of Albany, N. Y., Butte, Mont.,
Kansas City, Mo., New Haven, Conn., New York
City the Fox concern is the distributor. In At-
lanta, Ga., Dallas, Tex., Des Moines, la.,
Memphis, Tenn., New Orleans, La., and Okla-
homa City, the films may be had from Para-
mount. In Charlotte, N. C, Chicago, Los An-
geles, Seattle, Wash., Universal will distribute.
In Boston, Indianapolis, Milwaukee, Omaha, Salt
Lake City and San Francisco, the handling will
be done by Metro-Goldwyn. First National will
distribute in Buffalo, Denver, Portland, Ore., and
Washington, D. C., and the Producers' Dis-
tributing Corporation in Cincinnati, Cleveland,
Detroit, Minneapolis, Pittsburgh and St. Louis.
Mrs. Harriet Holly Locher speaking at the Na-
tional Better Films Conference on January 16th
reported that an hour each week was given in the
Crandell Theatres of Washington, D. C., to edu-
cating mothers in civic and social welfare matters.
Many mothers had not understood the purpose of
the public playgrounds. The showing of local
playground activities in the films at the theatres
resulted in bringing large numbers of new chil-
dren to the playgrounds, many times with the par-
ents accompanying them. Athletics for girls have
been promoted through the screen by showing
slow motion pictures of Washington girl athletes.
216
HOM1-: PLAY EXHIBIT
A Letter from Jerusalem
Mrs. Max Guggenheimer, who has been so
active in the recreation development in Lynch-
burg, Va., and who is also an honorary member
of the Playground and Recreation Association of
America, like many other friends of the national
movement thinks of play and playgrounds even
when she is in far off Asia. The following letter
has just been received from her :
"Jerusalem, April 3, 1925
"My dear Mr. Braucher :
" .... As yet there are no playgrounds here, but
many interesting possibilities for recreation activi-
ties. The children do not know how to play —
so many of them are confined to underground
homes, and dark alleys — and are very sad little
human beings. I hope some time we may be able
to help them to a happier life."
A few days later Mrs. Guggenheimer wrote :
"I have been making enquiries and investiga-
tions, and find there is absolutely no organized
form of recreation — and consequently no possible
development.
"If you could see these sad little children I am
sure you would feel their needs, as much as I do,
and be willing to help them find health and hap-
piness.
"A few days ago I went through parts of the
Old City, within the walls, and saw the homes of
little children — many of them huddled in under-
ground stone rooms, with little or no ventilation
or light. There were only small, narrow alleys
for an outlet. In this district, there is one only
vacant lot — a little more than a quarter of an acre.
It belongs to the Pro- Jerusalem Society, of which
Sir Ronald Storrs is the President. He has of-
fered this lot to some Jewish ladies, who have
already established a kindergarten and Milk Sta-
tion in the district. Now I am urging these ladies
to accept this lot, and I am willing to assist them
financially to develop it into a non-sectarian play-
ground. This will necessarily be only a small be-
ginning, but I hope it may demonstrate the bene-
fits to be derived from organized play, and lead
to further developments, in the same direction.
In this undertaking, I am asking your coopera-
tion, in giving advice as to the best method of
procedure. I think it may be possible to get a
trained worker here, who, of course, is not ac-
quainted with our methods, but could possibly
obtain some instruction by correspondence. Will
you send me any instruction and literature that
may be of use, and also catalogues of equipment,
which they will be able to make here, if they have
the details. I will be remaining in Palestine,
probably, until the middle of June, and it would
give me great happiness to be able to start the
playground movement here. I am having a won-
derful time. With kind regards,
Sincerely yours,
(Signed) MRS. MAX GUGGENHEIMER
A Home Play Exhibit
The annual Better Homes Exhibition of the
Builders' and Contractors' Association of Read-
ing, Pennsylvania, offered an excellent opportun-
ity to the Recreation Department of the city to
bring before the public materials and methods for
home and backyard recreation. During the week
of the exhibit, February 9-14, a large booth was
set up in which home play apparatus, demonstra-
tions of activities and appropriate slogans were
placed. Three thousand six hundred circulars
were distributed among the passing throng, along
with 1,200 four-page bulletins telling of home play
opportunities. Two hundred and fifty samples
of the special holiday bulletin telling of activities
for Valentine Day gatherings were given those
interested. As the booth was open each after-
noon and evening during the week, under the aus-
pices of a representative of the Department, it
was possible to make many contacts and to do
much propaganda work among the 40,000 visitors
at the exhibit. Many interesting reactions to the
work were reported — chief among them surprise
at the discovery that such a mutual agency ex-
isted among the municipal departments. Upon
learning of the service, 167 peop'e were added to
the mailing list for home recreation bulletins.
Thirty-two individuals were discovered, leaders
in various institutions, who could make use of
the special holiday and bulletin sendee.
Interest ran high in the booth, the spectators
paying very close attention to the project activities
of the children who were working in various parts
of the booth. Of the handcraft exhibits, such as
sandcraft, bead, reed and raffia work, modelling
and drawing, the modelling and sandcraft activi-
ties seemed to attract the greatest amount of in-
terest. Many questions were asked regarding
materials, apparatus and methods. Careful ob-
servation showed that the vast majority of the
spectators read the slogans which were p'aced at
the back of the booth.
VITAL TO SOCIAL HYGIENE
217
On Athletics for the
Largest Number*
BY
DANIEL CHASE
Chief, Physical Education Bureau, State Depart-
ment of Education, Albany, New York
I believe that the school which gets the largest
number of its students engaged in sports is doing
a bigger service to its community than that which
turns out championship teams. The major por-
tion of the benefits that come from athletics may
be obtained from interscholastic and intramural
competition. I rejoice when a school gives up
games with outside schools and thereby has a big-
o-er and richer program of activities within its own
borders, but this does not always follow. I be-
lieve the all around program, that includes every
pupil, is the basic part of physical education and
athletics, and is the factor that should be given
most attention by those concerned with this work.
The school team which plays the outside school
is only the apex of the pyramid. As an apex it is
important, but when it is used as the base then the
physical education program and the whole athletic
program is upside down. Schools should not let
interest in any one sport be out of all proportion
to interest in other school activities.
I believe that there is a need of more activities
that may be participated in by high school boys,
in schools too small to maintain football teams,
and for boys who may not be fitted for participa-
tion in football. Cross country running is one
such sport. A second sport that should be pro-
moted is soccer football. Swimming is another
sport that could receive a little stimulation. The
ability to swim, and to swim well, should be the
equipment of every well educated boy and girl.
Up-to-date schools are providing swimming facili-
ties.
The State Athletic Association, which is not
yet five years old, has, we believe, done much to
raise the plane of high school athletics in this
state. For one thing it has improved standards
of sportsmanship. It has acted as the agent of
all the high schools for promoting better relation-
ships and for making possible the deciding of
championships. Misunderstandings and disputes
still arise occasionally, and will as long as human
nature remains as it is. Progress is being made,
however. Bitterness is disappearing. Cordial re-
lationships between towns, where once bitter rival-
From Albany Evening News, March 21, 1925.
ry existed, prove, 1 think, that athletics may be
used as a means for doing away with suspicion,
hatred and unfriendliness.
Recreation Vital to Social
Hygiene*
The demands of the emotions must be met and
adequate companionship between the sexes must
be provided under, decent conditions. The prob-
lem of recreation, therefore, becomes of real im-
portance, not only to the individual, but to the
race. Fortunately, this is being more and more
widely recognized from the medical, educational,
and social standpoints. As a practical measure for
reducing promiscuity, it has proved one of the
strongest factors. As an example, the fall of the
incidence of venereal disease among the British
troops stationed in the Aldershot Command could
be cited. In 1885, the incidence of venereal dis-
ease was 321 per thousand. During the ensuing
years, barrack accommodation was improved, and
organized recreation for the men vastly increased,
and by 1902 the incidence had fallen to 86 per
thousand. The modern method of treatment was
. introduced within the next few years, and, of
course, medical measures accounted for a consid-
erable fall, but those medical measures were in
force throughout the British Army and did not
affect only the Aldershot Command. The inci-
dence in the Aldershot Command had fallen, in
1913, to 29.8 per thousand, while the same year,
in the London Command, it amounted to 95.6.
An even more striking result, uncomplicated by
the introduction during the period of an altered
form of medical treatment, was obtained in the
British Army in Constantinople. Social condi-
tions were exceptionally bad and remained unal-
tered during the whole of the period. The medi-
cal treatment was uniform during the whole
period, but when General Harrington took over
the command of the Army of the Black Sea, in
1921, he initiated an active recreational and edu-
cational program, which resulted in halving the
venereal rate the following year.
In plain fact, those who are provided with
counter-attractions do not indulge as frequently
in promiscuous intercourse; if the attention can
be diverted, the racial instinct can be sublimated
into social channels. Therefore, the problem of
securing adequate facilities for recreation is one
of primary importance.
~~^m "A Review and Forecast," by Syb
January, 1925, issue of Journal of Social Hygi
Sybil Neville Rolfe.
iene.
218
HIKERS' DRESS
Mountain-Climbing
Semi-weekly the Department of the Interior is
issuing notes on mountain climbing. These are
very practical and will be welcomed by the in-
creasing number of enthusiasts of this old-time,
outdoor activity. Its values are many, including
promotion of health and strength, teaching of self-
reliance, determination, presence of mind, neces-
sity for individual thought and action, fearless-
ness, endurance, loyalty and patriotism. It also
develops friendship and a friend is defined as one
with whom you would like to go camping again.
The four bulletins which have so far been issued
by the Department contain a large number of
practical hints for mountain-climbers.
In case the trip is long, preparations should be
made to spend a night in camp. If a pack horse
can be secured more elaborate equipment may be
used and a small tent may be carried. A light
pack sack (about 1 Ib.) with shoulder straps is
better than one with a strap over one shoulder and
across the chest. The sack can carry one's coat,
lunch, kodak and minor articles. Sleeping bags
should always be taken for an over-night trip.
Few cooking utensils are necessary. Much can
be done with an ordinary lard pail and a frying
pan. Other utensils to facilitate the preparation
of meals may be added. Field glasses are a worth-
while aid but some find the additional weight bur-
densome and they are not, of course, essential. A
small, light-weight engineer's compass, in which
the needle can be lifted from the pivot, should
always be carried. Other equipment includes a
piece of light-weight rope from ten to twenty feet
long for difficult scrambles ; dark glasses if there
is snow ; face cream for sunburn ; a canteen (hold-
ing 1 quart — weight 3 Ibs.) ; a piece of candle and
a hot water bag to warm the sleeping bag. (This
may be transferred into a portable shower bath by
means of an attachment consisting of a perforated
rubber ring.) It is well to keep the equipment at
ten pounds if a pack horse is not used.
Clothing should be the weight of that worn in
October in lower elevations. On a trip of more
than one day it is well to have a change of cloth-
ing in case of rain. A corduroy suit or other
strong- heavy material that will keep out the wind
or light rain is needed. Khaki will do in mid-
summer. Knickerbockers or riding breeches and
flannel shirts are practical for climbing. Warm
clothing is necessary after a climb. A sweater
makes a good extra garment. Leggings and
heavy boots or shoes, waterproofed and well
broken in and with hobnails added and an extra
sole put on, are best to wear. Shoes may be water-
proofed by rubbing them well, when thoroughly
dry, with oils or with bacon fat, lard or axle
grease, with frequent applications. Two pairs of
socks with the outer pair of heavy wool, should
be worn, soaping the inside of the sock or using a
liberal amount of talcum powder to prevent chaf-
ing or blistering. Gloves are advisable for
warmth and to protect the scratching of the hands.
A light weight slicker or other waterproof cover-
ing is frequently useful.
How Should Hikers Dress
for Comfort?
Dr. Charles P. Fordyce, authority on trailcraft,
answers this question in the April issue of
Hygcia. He says in part :
"Footwear is the most important part of the
hiker's equipment. The one who has tender feet
should follow the plan used by Weston, most fam-
ous of all walkers, and should soak them at night
in a brine made with ice cream salt. One should
wear, even in summer, the heavy weight, thick, all-
wool socks that lumbermen use.
"This will necessitate large shoes — at least a
size larger than those usually worn on the street.
Munson last army shoes of ordinary height (never
the high top hunting boot) are proper; women
can get suitable and comfortable service from
shoes sold to boy scouts.
"The underwear should be light weight wool;
likewise the shirt. Semi-military riding pants of
wool are good. A silk neckerchief and a broad
brimmed felt hat complete the outfit.
"If blisters develop, heat a needle in a match
flame and when cool insert it under the blister at
the edge, to draw out the serum; then slap on a
piece of common surgeon's adhesive plaster."
A Creed for Workers' Education. — We be-
lieve that the purpose of education for young and
for old is the understanding and enjoyment of
life and that the uneducated man is not he who
cannot read or write or spell or count but he who
walks unseeing and unhearing, unaccompanied
and unhappy, through the busy thoroughfares
and glorious open spaces of life's pilgrimage."
World Association for Adult Education, 13 John
Street, Adelphia, London, W. C. 2.
Rural America, January, 1925
RECREATION FOR ARTISTS
219
Recreation for Artists
Detroit, that great industrial center growing in
leaps and bounds, has her Art Institute which her
motor millionaires have helped to build and main-
tain. But the Art Institute by no means repre-
sents the only art center in the city. There is the
Detroit Art Club organized by the Department of
Recreation, whose members come from the Rec-
reation Sketch Class directed by the Department
in the Institute of Art and from the entire city.
These men and women are clerks, factory work-
ers, sign painters, draftsmen, teachers and house-
wives. Four committees have been formed — Art,
Literature, Drama and Music. On the theory that
an artist must have an all-round appreciation and
knowledge of all the arts, participation in the du-
ties of each committee is considered important.
The Art Committee holds weekly sketch classes
in the clubroom. Here artists come and criticize
the sketches, and criticism from student teachers
as well is invited. Practical problems such as
clubroom decorations, stage settings and posters
are worked out in this class. Correct exhibitions,
books and lectures are discussed.
During the summer an outdoor sketch class is
maintained on a farm fifteen miles from the city.
A truck meets certain inter-urban cars, and the
artists are taken out and classes held Saturday
afternoons and all day Sunday. Here they paint
landscapes, study tree and flower construction, an-
alyze color and observe composition. For recrea-
tion they have hikes and rides on the truck to the
village. A big wiener roast with corn and a beau-
tiful play on the river bank composed the one big
event of the season. The play was well attended
by the farmers in the vicinity.
On November 16, 1924, the fourth annual ex-
hibition opened with over a hundred entries. Oil
paintings and sketches in pencil, charcoal and col-
ored chalk were exhibited. The Club gave $65
in prizes, the Recreation Department awarding
three medals. Prominent artists were the judges,
and the statement to the effect that the members
of the Club had passed from the amateur to the
student class was very encouraging.
Results thus far secured have been very grati-
fying. One young man, a sign painter from Ken-
tucky, is now in the Pennsylvania Academy of
Fine Arts. Two young men, one a Greek, the
other an Hungarian toolmaker, who had about de-
cided to give up studying, through the encourage-
ment of the Club pursued their work in clay
modelling and are now the owners of a very suc-
cessful cast stone works. One boy through the
Club discovered his love for dramatics and is now
a partner in the only marionette show in Detroit.
Four members are in New York ; several have bet-
ter positions with advertising firms ; all attend
various night classes. There are several gray-
haired mothers who are now resuming their studies
since the children have grown up.
Among the social activities are teas given by the
various committees to which are invited well-
known professionals who give interesting talks.
Over the teacups social contacts are made through
a subject of mutual interest.
Parties, too, are held, but back of each must be
a guiding idea — in preparing them much researcr
is carried on and appropriate dances learned.
Pantomimes are rehearsed, old ceremonies repeat-
ed, and the success of the evening is measured by
the smooth performance of the program and the
effect of the whole. There is active participation
in the annual canoe carnival.
"This is a report of the art division only," writes
Miss Jessie Talmage of the Recreation Depart-
ment, in charge of the work. "Other committees
are just as active. The work of the Dramatic
Committee would make an entire report in itself ;
the Literary Committee keeps us informed and
watches our English, and the Music Committee
furnishes music for our various entertainments."
The following Play Hour Program was a part
of the National P. T. A. Convention, Austin,
Texas, Friday, May 1st, 1925 :
1. Simple marching to music
2. Introduction games
(a) How do you do (to music)
(b) Come along.
3. Singing games
(a) Looby Loo (to music)
(b) Farmer in the Dell (to music)
4. Group games
(a) Partner tag
(b) Freeze out
(c) Squirrel in trees
(d) Heel and nose tag
5. Quiet game
Moon is round
6. Team games
(a) Weaver relay
(b) Passing relay
7. Simple Folk Dance
Jump Jim Crow (to music)
(From the Opera Maytime}
220
ON CHICAGO SCHOOL PLAYGROUNDS
The Community Recre-
ation School
From July 20th to August 29th the P. R. A. A.
will conduct its 24th Community Recreation
School. Through the courtesy of the South
Chicago Park Commissioners the School will be
held at Fuller Park, and the facilities of the field
house will be at the disposal of the students.
The School presents an intensive course de-
signed to train recreation workers for executive
and administrative positions. It offers a discus-
sion of the fundamentals and philosophy of the
modern community recreation program, a presen-
tation of methods of organization, publicity and
finance as related to community recreation, pro-
gram building for different types of communities
and for special days, training in leadership prin-
ciples, in panics, athletics and physical recreation.
in social recreation, music and drama as com-
munity recreation activities. It makes possible
an exchange of experiences with other workers
and volunteers and gives a picture of current
trends in the leisure time movement. Anyone
wishing further information may secure it by
writing T. E. Rivers, the P. R. A. A., 315 Fourth
Avenue, New York City.
The list of fifty-eight projects classified accord-
ing to months are as follows :
1924
On Chicago's School Play-
grounds
The annual report of the Bureau of Recreation
of the Chicago Board of Education, which has
recently appeared, will be of interest to recreation
executives and officials both from the standpoint
of content and of appearance. The report tells of
the work of the Bureau through its departments
on supervised and equip^'d playgrounds, on after-
school play, on unequipped school grounds and on
recreational activities in schools used as com-
munity centers. It also outlines some of the prob-
lems which it has had to meet, and makes recom-
mendations for future developments.
A particularly interesting feature of the annual
rei>ort is the supplementary report of the year's
program of activity which deals in some detail
with the fifty-eight activities conducted and gi\es
interesting facts about the results of the balloting
on play activity preferences in which the play-
ground children and instructors took part.
January
Ice Skating Tournaments
Division
1. Junior
2. Intermediate
3. Senior
4. Snow Modelling
February
Wrestling Tournaments
Division
5. Junior
6. Senior
7. Valentine Parties
Uorek
S. Whittling Contest
9. Poster Contest
10. Junior Police
11. Radio Contest
Wrestling — Continued
\2.
April
13. Baseball Pitching Con-
test
14. Top Tournament
15. Girls' Week Pageant
and Athletics
16. Marble Tournament
17. Junior Olympics
18. Clean Up Campaign
1(>. Marble Tournament
May
20. Jack Stones Tourna-
ment
Jl Hoys' Day in Athletics
22. Hikes
23. Low Organization
Game Contest
24. Horse Shoe Contest
June
25. Folk Dance Contest
26. Pet Shows
27. Stilt Contest
28. Playground Rodeo
29. EnVienr\
My
Playground Ball
Division
30. Boys' Junior
31. Rovs' Intermediate
32. Men Seniors
33. Girls' Juniors
34. Girls' Seniors
35. Original Doll Show
36. Pushmobile Races
37. Knot Hole Club
. /HI/ ».?/
38. Playground Mardi Gras
39. Chicago Olympic Track
and Field
40. Sand Craft Exhibition
Baseball — Continued
September
41. Defense Day Athletics
42. Lantern Parade (Sta-
dium i
4.\ Playground U;>
(Stadium )
Y..lh-y Ball
1 )ivisions
44. Junior i 1'.
45. Intermediate (Boys)
46. Senior ( Men)
47. Junior (Girls)
48. Senior (Girls)
Oct
49. Soccer Football League
50. Diabolo
51. Apparatus Contest for
Girls
52. Harmonica Content
(Boys)
53. Ukelele Contest
(Girls)
54 I'.arher Shop Quartette
55 Hallowe'en Program
5" Klection Preferential
Vote on Activities
v er Football — Con-
tinued
Dtctmbtr
57. Toy Making for Christ-
nuis (lifts to Poor
Children
5S. Hare and Hound Con-
test (Girls)
Soccer-Football —
Continued
Psychotherapeutic Valuejof
Music
> n tinned from fayc 2
der to produce and hear the music, the cast had
to do many things which finally led up to the
music-making, but in themselves had no connec-
tion with it, such as planning and making them-
selves ready in dress for a rehearsal. Finally,
some of these conditioned reflexes turned into
ordinary habits and repeated themselves without
the original stimulus. Patients first interested in
PSYCHOTHERAPEUTIC VALUE OF MUSIC
221
musical meetings finally took an interest in all
kinds of meetings.
These by-products of newly acquired more nor-
mal behavior are perhaps the most desirable re-
sults to be obtained from a behavioristic point of
view. Let us see what the music-making further-
more nets :
First of all. a system of constructive normal and
idealistic mental suggestions, supplying from the
outside an initiative and a force which is missing
within the patient. And let leaders remember
that in institutional work, their initiative counts
and is the deciding factor. Let them take care to
have always plenty of it and of a pedagogic type.
The positive suggestions then as, for instance,
those given by the songs and other selections
change the patient's emotional tone, make him
concentrate his intellectual forces and induce him
to expand physical energy internally and extern-
ally. They furthermore make him leave his place
of self-suf'liciency and seclusion and raise him to
the level of sociability. He joins a chorus, a
dance or an audience and mixes with others,
going so far as cooperating with them for a
mutual goal of beauty. He proves another point
and a very important one in mental therapy, that
he has not only a great desire to function nor-
mally, but that he wants to learn, to acquire new
ideas and new skill, to master a new repertoire
and to fill up his mind with new happiness bring
ing notions. And here we touch one of the great
technics of mental therapy; namely, education,
straight drilling, prompting, reaching out for new
goals of efficiency on higher mental, moral and
cultural planes. Mental patients should be occu-
pied and instructed only in the light of their
aesthetic and other abilities and should not be
given work below their capacity. This would
mean in many crises a systematic breaking down
instead of building up.
Si TOYING THE USE OF MUSIC
The term "therapeutics" denotes the effect of
a certain object in relation to another object. It,
therefore, involves two objects. It does not speak
of structural but of functional qualities. When
used in connection with music, it is not intended
to define structural properties of the composition
or the technical merits of an interpretation, but
the influence this selection and its interpretation
have on a human being with a special mental state
at a certain time with the idea of substituting this
state by one that is more to be desired.
Therapy is a medical term, meaning cure.
Musical therapy, then, -is a medical term with the
attribute musical, simply telling that the system
of treatment utilizes music to bring improvement
in the condition of a certain man at a certain
time.
Which type of music will act as a therapeutic
stimulant depends on the man, his social and cul-
tural history, his type of disease and the particular
trends which this disease shows at the time of the
presentation of the musical stimulant. It also de-
pends on the particular part which this piece of
music may or may not have played in the history
of the man.
A musical therapeutic critic, therefore, must be
capable of the interpretation of the psychological
reactions and their effective value and of necessity
must be a psychiatrist with sufficient musical
appreciation to accomplish this. Without this
technical musical insight, the psychiatrist should
be assisted by a musician who has sufficient
psychological knowledge to bring out the required
reactions and assist the physician in the interpre-
tation thereof, leaving the prescription of further
measures to him, the medical expert, as the one
who is qualified to judge wnat the result has been
and to prescribe what is medically further desired.
Therapeutic values are relative values. Take
a Beethoven Symphony played by a first-rate or-
chestra and a crude concoction of tones by an
amateurish composer played by a helpless "bunch"
of fake musicians. To a deaf man and a man in-
different to music, both compositions and ren-
ditions have the same therapeutic value — namely,
none.
In the case of a music-lover and a music-hater,
the proposition becomes quite different. If the
beautiful masterpiece and its interpretation help
to quiet down a patient who really needs to be
unpleasantly aroused in order to shake off his ab-
normal indifference, even a Beethoven Symphony
becomes in that case a detriment and is no thera-
peutic agent. If the "murdering" of even a crude
piece of music indignates the patient in such a way
that by reacting violently against such music and
music-making, he shakes off his abnormal habits,
the crude piece and its faking act as veritable
therapeutic agents.
The listening to music, however, is not its most
important medical use. This is the utilization of
music as a means of emotional self-expression.
In this way, music enables many a patient to lift
himself a number of notches higher in normal
behavior, preventing that tendency of regression
222
PSYCHOTHERAPEUTIC VALUE OF MUSIC
as evidenced by such conduct as manneristic be-
havior, such as is expressed by thumb-sucking,
directing emotional energy into activities which
give a more mature sense-satisfaction and a chance
for intellectual application of the same.
The wonderful therapeutic quality of music is
that it is able to substitute so many of these in-
fantile regressions by such respectable and pleas-
ant emotional discharges as the singing of songs,
playing simple tunes on simple instruments, to
begin with, even if it is only a tambourine or
mouth-organ.
The most deplorable rendition of either master-
piece or crude monstrosity has, therefore, a
greater therapeutic value than the aesthetically
correct rendition of a masterpiece or crude tune
if, in the first case, the insufficient rendition is the
means through which the patient by murdering,
so to say, the musical masterpiece makes an at-
tempt to express himself emotionally in music,
making a higher type of adjustment thereby than
indulging in day-dreams or phantastic cere-
monies. From the simple tune one can always
lead on to further progress in selection and execu-
tion, finally to aesthetic interpretations. Day-
dreams and symbolic ceremonies tend to regres-
sion.
The most beautiful melody rendered in an
aesthetically sublime way may have no thera-
peutic value if it is performed by a psychopathic
or paranoiac (personality using his technic to
aggrandize his ego and by way of the music force
himself on other people. We find among the pro-
fessional artists and also among the amateurs
quite a number of pretenders who misuse art to
project their egotistic personalities. To many
unfortunate souls music has become in this way
a curse instead of a blessing, intensifying the ab-
normal trends of such individual.
SELF-EXPRESSION VITAL
Not defending amateurism from a musical pro-
fessional point of view, I defend it from a mental
hygienic point of view. It helps many a forlorn
and oppressed soul to reach some substitute
happiness and satisfaction, which otherwise could
not be obtained. Speaking for the emotions, it
colors their lives and brings in elements of love,
which everybody needs. It is up to the profes-
sional musicians, to seek out the talented amateurs
and perfect them in a technical sense. But let the
professionals not quench the spirit of a dabbling
amateur. In their zealotic aesthetic professional-
ism they may bring grief and shame and a void
and a weakening misery in the lives of those who
just need that little romanticism of singing or
playing badly a good or bad tune to keep up cour-
age and be of more service to their environment,
which is to millions of these unenlightened souls
nothing more than a drab drudgery. Music fulfills
to them the same mission as it does to the hyper-
developed art-for-art musician. It balances the
personality.
The practical music program for a psycho-
therapeutic purpose ought, therefore, to include
as far as mental hospitals and kindred institu-
tions are concerned,
(1) activities for every type of patient,
thereby doing the greatest good to the greatest
number, consisting of the singing, playing and
dancing from the most simple and ordinary tunes
and steps on to the more skill requiring selections
of a better type. Skill and perfection are not
asked — only this: participation, activity, self-
expression, howsoever crude it may be.
(2) activities for special types of patients,
tending to aesthetic expression through an inter-
pretive type of music and better type of music-
making.
(3) music as a stimulating accompaniment in
physical exercises, social parties, etc.
(4) last, but not least, regular classes and
concerts, making the more apt patients acquainted
with and skilled in the best standards of musical
beauty to them attainable. Concerts by artists,
instruction by understanding artists, always striv-
ing to reach the apex, even when the results fall
far below. Concerts by patients and concerts by
artists, the first for their primarily therapeutic
value (also to the patient listeners appreciating
immensely even the crudest effort of their per-
forming fellow-patients and seemingly drawing
much inspiration to get busy themselves from
this) ; the second type of concerts, namely, those
by artists, for their aesthetic as well as thera-
peutic values. All with one aim — to supply new
energy and idealism and courage to those who
need it most for shouldering the burden of life
again or for finding new hope in the peace of
resignation.
Do we not seek refuge and self-fulfillment in
our art, independent of our ideal technical level?
Do we not find new youth, fervor, hope and con-
fidence, so that we say, instead of, "I want now !
My will be done!" — "Thy will be done!" and its
ready application in the loving service of our
fellow-men ?
RURAL PLAY CONTEST
223
"If music be the food of love, play on, give
me excess of it," Shakespeare sang around 1600
and all generations passed by since and those yet
to come were and will be ready to tune in with
him.
One last word of advice. Music alone cannot
rebuild a broken down mind. Mind and life are
too complicated for that. We musicians have to
realize that. Music can generate all kinds of
forces, but they must be directly harnessed by a
general system of treatment which aims by all
kind of methods at the patient's total recovery and
includes all the therapies mentioned. Contem-
plation of musical joys alone could easily turn
into a sedative, a dope and even intensify abnor-
mal automatisms and introvert phantasies.
THE MUSICIAN'S CONTRIBUTION
And now I shall call upon my fellow-musicians
and ask them to set aside a time in their busy
lives in which they are going to serve as high
priests of divine energy (and there was a time
when music was made only by high priests). By
doing so, they will help to supply new energy,
more health and happiness to those now beset with
evils, needing all possible strength not to succumb.
This they can achieve, first of all, by educating
themselves generally outside of their technical
erudition to a level which will enable their total
personality to re-echo the harmonious and in-
spiring character of their art, so that they will be
musical through and through — Pythagorians in
the musical sense of the term.
Next, they can serve by educating as many chil-
dren as they can reach in the spirit and technic of
the most sublime types of music, for art's sake
certainly, but also to help the oncoming generation
to mould its emotional energy along cultural and
aesthetic lines in balance and co-ordinary with a
high intellect and parallel morality. By doing this,
some of life's and society's woes will be prevented
and the world be relieved from much more suf-
fering— for disease and crime both are often the
offspring of a distorted and warped emotional
life.
I ask them, finally, to offer their services as
often as they feel inspired to those who care for
the mentally and morally afflicted — the medical
and correctional authorities. I ask them to co-
operate under the guidance of such authorities in
relieving the woes and inspiring the souls of those
unfortunates entrusted to institutional care who
need psychotherapeutic assistance.
I ask my fellow-musicians and all those inter-
ested in music to remember one fact; that the
greatest musical masters offer the richest food in
every way. The task will be to educate our
friends in need to the highest possible level of
aesthetic impressionability and power of expres-
sion. Then they will have consecrated their art
to the highest possible form of human service, for
they will be aiding the homes and the institutions
in helping to alleviate the misery of life and to
supplant it by happiness.
They will help to implant in the suffering lives
a new love and tenderness and that new hope,
health and happiness which emanates from the
compositions of the great musical masters and
which moved the spirit of our American poet,
Henry Van Dyke, when he sang:
"Music, I yield to thee
As swimmer to the sea,
I give my spirit to the flood of song
Bear me upon thy breast
In rapture and at rest
Bathe me in pure delight and make me strong;
From strife and struggle bring release
And draw the waves of passion
Into tides of peace!"
A Rural Play Contest
The New York State College of Agriculture
of Cornell University, through the department of
rural social organization, is offering four prizes
for original plays dealing sympathetically with
phases of country* life. Suitability for production
by amateur groups should be considered, since
simplicity and ease of staging are important.
Plays with action and plot are desired.
The competition is open to any resident of the
United States or Canada who has not had a play
professionally produced or published in book
form. The prizes which have been offered will
be awarded as follows:
First Prize $100
Second Prize 50
Third Prize 30
Fourth Prize 20
This money has been made possible by joint
contributions of the New York State Grange,
New York Federation of County Farm Bureau
Associations, New York State Home Bureau Fed-
eration and the G. L. F. Exchange.
Further information about the competition may
be secured from the Department of Rural Social
Organization, New York State College of Agri-
culture, Ithaca, New York.
224
HERE AND THERE AT THE CONGRESS
A Faculty Folk Dance Club
By
FANNIE FREER
University of Illinois
A wholly recreational and rather unique organ-
ization is the Faculty Folk Dance Club at the
University of Illinois. This club was organized
in 1916 by the Department of Physical Education
for Women. It had an auspicious beginning, as
the late Cecil Sharp was present at the first meet-
ing and taught several English country dances.
The Club has flourished with an average attend-
ance of 40 and frequently there have been as many
as 70 on the floor.
The meetings are held on alternate Thursday
evenings during the school year from 8 o'clock to
10 o'clock in the Women's Gymnasium. Dues,
which are 50 cents a semester, are used to pay ilic
pianist. Folk dances are taught by different mem-
bers of the physical education staff. Baseball
games and shooting basketball goals provide addi-
tional recreation for the more strenuous in be-
tween the dances. The last 15 or 20 minutes of
the evening are devoted to social dancing, which
consists chiefly of the old fashioned waltz and
the less modern dances.
The last meeting of the Club in May is in the
nature of an outdoor picnic with a baseball game
before supper and afterwards singing and games
around a big bonfire.
One of the most delightful features of the club
is the bringing together in an informal way fac-
ulty members from the various colleges and de-
partments.
Here and There at the
Recreation Congress
At the luncheon on Athletic Badge Tests held
at the Recreation Congress at Atlantic City,
October 20, 1924, a few important questions which
had been raised during the past year were dis-
cussed. These problems were as follows:
1. The adaptation of Badge Tests to younger
children
2. The establishment of a set of physical
standards for adults
3. The problem of recognizing the proficiency
of handicapped children
4. Administration
After a discussion of the question, the follow-
ing action was taken:
1 . The meeting voted not to make an adaptation
of the tests for younger children.
2. It voted to recommend to the committees
that they consider favorably the establishment of
a set of physical standards for adults, both men
and women.
3. The meeting voted to recommend to the com-
mittee that some award be adopted for handi-
capped children.
4. The meeting voted not to lower the standards
required for the awarding of badges.
Miss Ethel A. Grosscup of the Xew Jersey
State Department of Health reported that while
she was in charge of physical training at the
Montclair, Xew Jersey, Normal School, she was
successful in having established as a requirement
for a certificate to teach physical training the suc-
cessful passing of the tests which are used in the
State so that all physical training teachers will
be thoroughly familiar with the tests and have
badges to show when they are actually carrying
on the job and trying to stimulate the children's
interest in the tests.
In the class on Community Drama held on
October 21, at the close of the Recreation Con-
gress, the Chairman, Mr. George Junkin, em-
phasized the following points which are important
in any consideration of community drama:
Need for the development of leaders through
institutes
Need for sincerity in the work and for an un-
derstanding of aesthetic possibilities
The great volume of work involved and the
details which must be worked out
Competition with commercial companies who
create no permanent artistic or cultural values
Need for studying lighting, costuming and stage
settings as well as acting
In the discussion of religious drama Miss Joy
Higgins of Boston Community Service pointed
out the growing interest of the churches in re-
ligious drama, the recognition of drama as the
place where art and religion meet, the need for
reverence on the part of the players and the value
of studying statuary for costuming and draping
effects. For studying group effects, Miss Higgins
stated the Tissot pictures have great value.
This discussion was followed by a demonstra-
tion of draping.
Miss Era Betzner discussed the question of
PLAY FOR FEEBLE-MINDED
225
pantomime, of practical dramatic work, especially
in relation to groups of girls, and of the social
aspects of dramatics.
W. E. Longfellow of the American Red Cross
called attention to the possibilities of aquatic
pageantry which have been rather generally over-
looked.
Miss Ada Crogman, Dramatic Organizer,
Bureau of Colored Work, Playground and Recrea-
tion Association of America, discussed Negro
Drama and Pageantry and its social, recreation
and cultural value to colored people.
In closing, Joseph Lee, President of the Play-
ground and Recreation Association of America,
spoke on the spiritual values of drama in relation
to the recreation program.
In another section of the class, Mabel F. Hobbs
demonstrated lighting effects to be obtained by
simple means where expense must be slight and
facilities are few. This was followed by a
demonstration of ways of securing responses from
amateur players. The class acted out parts of a
one-act play under Mrs. Hobbs' direction. So
successful and unusual were Mrs. Hobbs' methods
that at one point the player-class broke into
applause.
GAME DEMONSTRATIONS AT THE RECREATION
CONGRESS
At the game periods held on October 18 and
20, 1924, games both old and new, were demon-
strated. Of particular interest were the games
used by Mr. Clark in teaching safety first to
Detroit school children and Mr. Martin's group
used at recreation evenings for young people and
adults.
J'rofessor G. S. Adams of Oxford, England, at
a recent lecture in Boston said, "Unless this
leisure, when gained, is properly employed the
outlook for the future is not the brightest. It
is the proper use of leisure that is going to make
us good citizens." If on the other hand, leisure
is looked upon as an objective the achievement
of which in some mysterious way will make man
happy, he who gains his goal is likely to find him-
self disappointed. Far more than many realize
leisure unless properly associated with interested
activity becomes synonymous with apathy and
lethargy, and leads not to progress but in the
direction of retrogression.
Recreation for the
Feeble-Minded
(Continued from page 204)
SPECIAL FESTIVALS
Special festival occasions are all celebrated.
January has Ladder Sunday when we have lists
of the children read aloud, calling attention of
those who have advanced upward on the ladder
of life. February is Birthday Month, and not
only Washington and Lincoln but also Dickens,
Lowell and Edison are remembered. Easter is
observed by special services.
July Fourth is not a day of fireworks, but
of putting up decorations, for it is more fun to
put them up than to see them up. There is a
big game or sports or a movie, and then the
big parade. And one of the real joys is getting
up the parade. As everyone wants to be in it,
of course, it is necessary to march outside the
grounds on broad Dandis Avenue, where we can
counter-march and so everybody can see every-
body else. Then, too, the Fourth of July is
Parents' Day and it seems as though every father
and mother with the "sisters and cousins and
aunts" come with autos full of friends.
Harvest Sunday and Thanksgiving furnish
many days of fun in the preparation of the
gorgeously decorated stage, and songs, instru-
mental and vocal selections and recitations by the
children.
And then comes Christmas !
Letters to Santa are written by or for each
child. As many as possible go out to get the
greens or help to make wreaths, rope and other
decorations. Santa comes himself on Christmas
Eve to the most riotous reception ever held, and
on Christmas morning the hundreds of packages
that have been coming by mail and express for
weeks ahead are given out from the trees, for
there is one in every cottage.
Thrice each year, on Annual Day in June,
for the summer students in August and during
Christmas week, are given special entertainments
in which more than one hundred children take
part. The children see them first and then they
are repeated for the public. These are adapta-
tions or rewritings of Aladdin, Pied Piper, The
Other Wise Man and similar favorites.
Perhaps the most interesting of all of our
226
PLAY FOR FEEBLE-MINDED
recreations is what we call Morning Assembly.
From this singing, games, stunts and the like
extend throughout the cottages. At 8:45 the
tower bell rings, and all of the children troop
to the Assembly Hall. They are here for just
twenty minutes, but every minute is filled. There
never has been a prepared program for this unless
some child has written one out. As soon as all
are seated the leader says, "Now what do you
want to do?" Hands go up all about the room
and whosoever is called is expected to respond.
Tim may say he wants to sing. Tim sings.
Mary has a recitation, so she gives it. There
is no diffidence here in an audience of one's
peers. Employee or child may be called upon;
all respond. Stunts are performed, races called
that take groups tearing out of the hall and
around the square. Schneider's band gathers up
a couple of drums and horns and plays merrily.
A story is called for or a Punch and Judy show.
Perhaps the leader chases some child whose
birthday it is, with a big stick that somehow is
found upon the piano.
In all of our recreations we try to have as
many as possible of the children take an active
part, but at birthday parties and morning assem-
bly there is no limit. Little and big, the brightest
and the dullest may here get upon the stage and
show off whatever little talent they think they
have. Here there is no one to sneer but many
to applaud. Morning exercises and chapel may
have their places in school and institutions, but
I know of nothing so stimulating to good feeling,
so full of joy or so sure to change any trouble
or sorrow in the home into a happy spirit upon
entering the classes five minutes later. By 9:15
all are in school, on the farm, in the shops or
wherever the day's schedule requires.
Out at the colony the boys have a wonderful
"swimmin' hole" such as delighted us in our
boyhood days, and further up the stream at
camp is another natural spot where the campers
swim ; but on the long summer days these were
too far away, so a couple of years ago we built
a real swimming pool at the institution and all
summer long, morning, afternoon and evening,
it is in use. The physical training teachers, one
for boys and one for girls, have general charge,
and it has surprised us all to see how easily
children of rather poor mentality learn to swim.
Water exhibitions are frequently given to most
enthusiastic audiences who clamor to "show
them" how well they, the audience, could do it.
PROVIDING AN URGE TO INDUSTRY
The drift from recreation to occupation is al-
most imperceptible for we try to make all occu-
pation a privilege. Making brooms or brushes
is fun if it is a contest. The domestic science
classes give parties, the wood workers make toys,
the rug weavers take their products all about the
place to show everyone what they can do. The
free play rooms are a part of the kindergarten
and the games are a part of the preparation for
parties.
The school donkey is a fine object upon which
to learn to hitch up and drive, and out at the
colony the boys will cut and pile brush all day
in order to have the fun of burning it up.
Because it was special privilege John got up
with the other milking boys at 4.30 every morn-
ing for several years and helped to milk forty
cows. Now he is practically in charge of the
herd at the colony and is making it a great privi-
lege to the other boys who help him. It is some-
thing like white-washing Tom Sawyer's fence.
William has been given the privilege of caring
for the ducks and last year he and his boys fur-
nished us with one ton of duck meat. Joe and
Walter with a group of rather low grade boys are
raising a couple of hundred hogs a year. And
Willie, who was called a pyromaniac by the judge
who sent him to us, is one of the best fireman
we ever had. Yes, of course, they have to have
supervision but it is so carefully done that they
think they are working independently and they
speak of my horses, my hogs and my ducks.
Even Charlie who is janitor of Garrison Hall
— and incidentally solo cornetist in the band-
feels that the Hall is his. And when last year
the Board of Trustees decided to hang Charlie's
picture up in the big assembly room along with
the pictures of those former trustees who had
given of interest and time and money to the Train-
ing School at Vineland, we all felt that it was
only a just tribute to one who has been these many
years, faithful to a trust.
And last week while I was out at the colony
at Menantico, Raymond, who came to us many
years ago as a troublesome, impudent, disobedient
little ragamuffin and who slowly but surely,
through work that was made play, has come to be
a help and comfort and guide to the other boys
at the colony; Raymond whose flowers beautify
cottages and grounds, yes even the horse stable
and hog pens, said to me — "I'm trying to be good
enough so that some day the Board will put my
TODDLERS' PLAYROOMS
227
picture up at Menantico like they put Charlie's up
at Garrison Hall."
And I know that they will, for Raymond has
learned the wonderful art of making all of the
doings of his daily life real recreation.
What a Community Recre-
ation Movement Means
"I know of no object more sad than a child
who has never learned to play, unless perhaps it
be a man who has forgotten how. Leisure hours
which might be filled with healthful activity and
gladness are more easily spent in the emptiness
of sloth, dissipation and despondency. I have
often argued with our prohibition friends that
the one thing above all others that has made their
proposition tenable is the development of the
moving picture. We have eliminated the saloon
and with it we have taken away from a vast body
of the people their place of relaxation, their
club. When we prohibit we must beware lest,
if we do not provide a better substitute, those
who are prohibited will seek a worse one.
"Accomplishment depends upon organization.
Remove from our modern theories of evolution
and of civilization the concept of purposive or-
ganization and what have we left? Yet I may
say that nothing is more alien to the central idea
of Community Service than that form of organi-
zation which seeks to control or dictate. Its
activities are merely helpful. Whether it be a
boys' band or a symphony orchestra, a skating
pond or a swimming pool, Community Service
merely lends a helping hand. It is only too will-
ing to drop out as soon as it may. It does not dic-
tate or regulate or legislate. Its doors are open
to the hobbies of all. In fact, it seeks their
hobbies, it brings together those who are con-
genial, it fosters their companionship, it runs their
errands and provides them their needed facilities,
and it is glad when it may retire saying only, 'If
you need me again call me.' Community Service
does not tell boys to play ball. It knows that if it
can find the boy who has no ball and give him
one, then the boy is perfectly competent to play
ball himself and to gather his whole neighbor-
hood around him. And at times we are all big
boys who have lost their ball."
—From an Address by A. E. Rhodes, El-
mi ra Community Service
Toddlers' Playrooms in
Edinburgh
The story of the development of toddlers' play-
rooms in Edinburgh is told in the report of the
proceedings of the Third English Speaking Con-
ference on Infant Welfare held at Westminster.
Realizing the need for providing fresh air, sun-
shine and exercise for children of play school age,
it was decided in 1914 to organize a demonstration
playroom. A very large, empty hall was found
which had formerly been the malting room of a
brewery. A group of about thirty children was
drawn in from the homes which contained babies
but from which mothers did not go out to work.
The room was equipped with low tables and chairs
and supplied with toys which almost without ex-
ception induced running-barrows, balls, scooters,
perambulators and horses on wheels.
In addition to playing with toys, there was much
free play, a certain limited amount of organized
drill and plenty of romping. Beneficial results
were immediately noticeable. Muscles developed,
circulation improved, lungs expanded and listless-
ness disappeared.
So great was the significance of the demonstra-
tion playroom that other rooms were opened, and
at the present time there are eight toddlers' play-
rooms in Edinburgh, one located on the roof of a
high building, one in the corner of a large public
playground and others in halls and open areas be-
longing to mission churches. The use of all of
them are given free.
At the beginning of the movement all the work-
ers were voluntary, drawn from the band of visi-
tors who knew the homes and conditions under
which the children lived. Later it was found
necessary to appoint in each playroom one paid
superintendent so that there might be continuity of
influence. The playrooms are open from ten to
twelve during the school days of the session, and
children are taken at 2y% years of age and kept
until they are 5. Volunteer helpers give in rota-
tion one, two or three days' work. The expenses
for each room are met partly by grant from the
Public Health Committee and partly by voluntary
contributions. Each costs between sixty and sev-
enty pounds.
"Happiness," says the report, "is an undefinable
tonic, an undefinable quality for good, but it is cer-
tainly a definite asset in building up resisting
forces. Spread happiness, and with spreading
happiness health is spread."
228
PLAYGROUND SURFACING
El Dorado's Campaign for
Recreation
On March 17, 1925, El Dorado, Arkansas, de-
cided to raise a budget of $6,612 to provide for
its immediate needs.
The first week of the campaign was devoted
to perfecting the organization, to the prepara-
tion of newspaper articles and letters, to the in-
struction of workers and similar details. Letters
were sent with a special dodger by the Chairman
of the Playground and Recreation Association to
all names on the list of prospects and to the
teachers of the public schools. The dodgers,
which were also distributed throughout the city
by the school children, aroused much interest.
The Chairman of the El Dorado Playground
and Recreation Association, who was in charge,
had as his assistant a colonel of teams who ap-
pointed four majors, each major naming four
captains and each captain four workers. The
workers reported to the captains, the captains to
the majors and the majors to the colonel.
The canvas for subscriptions took place the
following week. On Tuesday, March 24, the
teams visited those whose names were on the list
of prospective givers. On Wednesday the people
were visited who could not be seen on Tuesday.
Sixteen teams of women, two to a team, can-
vassed the city, which had been divided into six-
teen districts.
The full budget of $6,612 was raised in the
first two days of the campaign. This was a re-
markable achievement in view of the fact that
the recreation campaign had been preceded by
three others.
An interesting feature was a school essay con-
test on the subject Why El Dorado Needs More
Playgrounds. One thousand seven hundred essays
were submitted.
The first action of the Parks Promotion Com-
mittee of the Association was the securing of a
nine-acre plot in the center of the city only two
blocks from the High School. This committee
will bend its energies to the securing of land for
parks for the city.
A recreation superintendent will soon be ap-
pointed to take charge of the work.
Playground Surfacing*
The special committee on surfacing of play-
grounds appointed in June last to make a study of
the problem has recently presented its report to
the Chicago Board of Education. The commit-
tee presents the following suggestions for consid-
eration and adoption by the Board :
1. The Committee condemns the use of cinders
for surfacing either on playgrounds or school
grounds used for play purposes.
2. Future playgrounds should be crowned tq
drain to the side, rather than the present method
of draining to the center.
3. In the case of playgrounds now constructed,
in which cinders combine or compose the major
portion, the cinders should either be removed or
regraded to permit not less than a 4" coating of
yellow clay, to be properly rolled and surfaced
with torpedo sand. The use of yellow clay with
a sticky texture is preferred.
4. In the case of new playgrounds to be con-
structed, they should be excavated, if necessary,
14" ; and filled with at least 6" of cinders, properly
rolled ; 6" of yellow clay, properly rolled ; surfaced
with torpedo sand ; drained to the side ; the sub-
grade upon which the cinders rest should be par-
allel to the finished grade.
5. All grounds should be treated at least twice
a year with a solution of calcium chloride, ap-
proximately one-quarter of a gallon to the square
yard (liquid form). The Chicago Park System
uses the crystal form on the bridle paths.
6. A permanent maintenance crew should be
established, consisting of men who go about to the
various playgrounds, roll them when necessary,
put in additional shovels of sand, touch up the
holes. They should be men experienced in that
work, and in charge of them should be a man with
landscape knowledge, ability to work out details,
and one who takes a personal interest in the work.
He should also be able to take care of the running
tracks, and according to the board's payroll might
be entitled to $3,600 a year. The parks have a
crew of seven men employed the year around for
the maintenance of sixteen grounds. They do
nothing else than the repair work, and could not
possibly touch the matter of surfacing.
*Frora the School Board Journal, October, 1924
A Colonel in the United States Army, talking with a visitor a few days ago, said, "The greatest
thing the Citizens Military Training Camp does is to teach the boys to play."
IN A STATE HOSPITAL
229
"Grass"
"Grass," a recent Paramount release, is a re-
markable motion picture. It is an epic of the
migration of a Persian tribe in search of grass
to feed their flocks. Not a studio product, nor
even a story filmed "on location," it is reality,
a bit of history caught in the making.
Merian C. Cooper, Ernest Schoedseck and
Mrs. Marguerite Harrison, who filmed "Grass,"
went to Persia in search of the forgotten people,
tribes who are living in the manner of the ancient
tent dwellers, dependent for food and clothing
on their herds. The march of civilization has
been westward. To find the forgotten people,
these three journeyed east from Constantinople.
After considerable hardship, they came upon the
tribe and made a daily record of its wanderings
from parched fields to a valley of plenty.
"Grass" has no story in the usual sense of a
motion picture story. But, depicting the oldest
conflict in the world, man's struggle for exist-
ence, it grips the interest. Thousands of people,
driving thousands of goats, horses and cattle, are
led by their chief through a rugged wilderness.
The women carry their babies on their backs in
heavy wooden cradles. Coming to the broad tor-
rent of a river, the tribe crosses on rude rafts
and on inflated goat skins. Scores of animals go
down in the rapids.
The greatest obstacle is a steep, ice-covered
mountain. The camera has caught some striking
views of the army of exhausted people, as they
toil upward through the snow, barefooted and
urging on their reluctant beasts.
"Grass" is well worth seeing if only for its
revelation of how far the human race has pro-
gressed. Here is a modern struggle against en-
vironment which is as primitive as the Biblical
journey of the children of Israel.
Recreation in a State
Hospital
(Continued from page 212)
tive well-kept lawn. In suitable weather we take
all patients who can be trusted for picnics. Some
outdoor games are substituted, but the general
principles are the same. The hospital provides
tea and cookies — home-made — for all parties and
picnics. Some kind friends in Plainfield and
Westfield have sent us gifts of coffee, cake and
taffy. These have been very much appreciated,
as have the cheap chains, fans and similar articles
awarded as prizes.
Field Day
The hospital holds an annual Field Day in
September. All the activities of the institution
are on exhibition, and an athletic program is pre-
sented. The Department of Physical Education
for Women was represented by the advanced in-
termediate and folk dancing classes, in marches,
drills, folk dances, races and games, held on the
baseball diamond, before an audience of several
thousand persons in boxes, grand stand and motor
cars. The patients kept their heads wonderfully,
and no mistakes were made. The audience ex-
pressed itself very appreciatively. Many persons,
among them members of the Board of Managers,
expressed surprise that patients could focus
attention for so long a time, and cooperate with
others as well as they did. They were exceed-
ingly pleased and satisfied with themselves, and
the little praise from members of the staff and
the public gave them much happiness. The exhi-
bition tendency is pretty strong in most of them,
and if they are afforded opportunity to gratify
it in conventional ways there seems to be less de-
sire to manifest it in objectionable words and
deeds.
Results
Twenty months is a short time in which to
judge permanent results. There is a little statis-
tical data which may be of interest. I conducted
the department single-handed for six months.
After Field Day, September, 1923, I was granted
two assistants, both graduates of good schools of
physical education, a third was added in January,
1924, another in March and a fifth in September.
In less than twelve months five instructors had
been engaged. The work, of course, has increased
in proportion. In February, 1923, the average
participating daily was 64. In July, 1924, eighteen
months later, the average was 956. Of course
there is some duplication ; the same patients often
attend a class and sing or listen to stories on the
ward, but even discounting that there are easily
ten times as many interested. Seventeen times
this year the daily attendance record has surpassed
1,000, and on September 20 it touched a peak of
1,541. The average monthly attendance for the
230
THE PROBLEM COLUMN
past six months is 21,347, a daily average of 854.
In September, 1924, total attendance at sings was
3,105, and at storytelling 2,807. In May, our
banner month in parties and picnics, 630 attended.
The above figures indicate that the department
is being attended by the hospital population. The
attitude toward it is not so easily measured. I
think we have convinced the patients, even the
lower grade ones, that we are their friends, and
that if they will do their part we will do ours.
Some patients with very tigerish records have
never showed their claws to any of the teachers,
and many who were very abusive when the work
commenced are almost fulsome in praise. Many
who would not allow anyone to go behind them,
now will play Good Morning or similar games
with perfect confidence in our good faith and
that of the other members of the class. It is the
consciousness of this progress towards the goal
set which has enabled me to endure and ignore
the many unpleasant aspects of the work. Our
slogan may well be, "Happiness for Every
Patient and Every Patient Happy."
A Successful Kite Tourna-
ment
The Bureau of Recreation of the Middletown,
Ohio, Civic Association recently held its third an-
nual kite flying tournament.
In preparing for the tournament entries were
received at every school by one designated
teacher, and blueprints and charts of kite con-
struction were supplied by the Association for
each school bulletin board. The judges, referees
and timers were supplied by Middletown Post,
No. 218, American Legion. Attractive ribbon
badges were given as awards to first, second and
third class winners.
There were 131 entries in fifteen events. Nine-
teen girls took part in the tournament. Boys
who had passed their twelfth birthday on April
15 were classified as seniors; under twelve years
at that date as juniors. Entries were in two-
man teams, composed of a flyer and helper who
assisted the flyer in getting the kite into the air.
All kites entered for the tournament were made
by the boys and girls except in Class C. No re-
strictions were placed on the size of the kite or
the material used in construction.
The Problem Column
What Do You Think?
I. The Executive — What proportion of an
executive's time should be given to the following
parts of his job if his force consists of (1) him-
self alone, (2) one other worker, (3) five other
workers, (4) twenty-five other workers?
(a) Direct recreation activity
(b) Publicity
(c) Contacts with public officials, school or-
ganizations, influential individuals, civic groups,
people served, etc.
(d) Speechmaking and interpretation
(e) Training — staff and volunteers
(f) Work with his own board
(g) Financial work
(h) Work with advisory committee if he has
one
What principles should determine the distribu-
tion of his time?
II. Plan — What should be done in planning
for a number of years ahead for securing new
facilities and the setting aside of play spaces in
the newer growing sections of the community?
What can be done in planning activity programs
for a number of years ahead and directing pub-
licity and other efforts to securing the public sup-
port necessary to assure the steady growth of the
work in accordance with a carefully worked o
plan?
What can be done in a community where the
program is supported by subscriptions to secure
a three-year budget?
///. Workers — What are the best sources for
recruiting workers:
(a) Year-round?
(b) Summer or seasonal?
What training should be provided for workers :
(a) Year-round?
(b) Summer or seasonal ?
(c) Special (drama, music, handcraft, etc.)?
(d) Volunteers?
In what way can volunteers be most helpful in
a community recreation program ?
IV. Publicity — What is a workable plan of
publicity in
(a) Stimulating use of facilities?
(b) For informing public and public officials
of the work being done ?
What is best way to secure fullest publicity
value from
(a) Newspapers?
As the silent white car glides swiftly away
with its little playground traffic accident
victim, the question arises, "Who's respon-
sible?" Is it the child, or the motorist, or
those who might have made the grounds safe
and prevented the accident by proper safe-
guards?
Cyclone Fence keeps playing children out of
dangerous streets. Start today to make your
playgrounds safe. Call on Cyclone Nation-
wide Fencing Service for a careful study of
your fencing requirements by Cyclone en-
gineers. These experts will make recom-
mendations and submit estimates of cost
without obligation. There are many suitable
styles of Cyclone Chain Link and Wrought
Iron Fence for playground enclosures.
Phone, Wire or Write Nearest Offices
CYCLONE FENCE COMPANY
Factories and Offices: Waukegan, 111., Cleveland, Ohio, Newark,
N. J., Fort Worth, Texas
Pacific Coast Distributors: Standard Fence Co., Oakland, Calif.,
Northwest Fence & Wire Works, Portland, Ore.
Cyclone
^fe^^B^Q Gal v After Chain LinK
rence
The
Quality Fence
and Service
Cyclone "Galv-
After" Chain Link
Fabric is heavily
zinc-coated (or
hot galvanized)
by ho t-dipping
process After
weaving.
Effectively resists
corrosion.
Please mention THE PLAYGROUND when writing to advertisers
231
AT THE CONFERENCES
AT THE HARVESTER WORKS HORSESHOE CLUB, MILWAUKEE, WIS.
$10.00 For a Photograph
Do they play Horseshoe In your city?
We will pay $10.00 for any photograph
of good horseshc* courts which we can
use for advertising purposes. Send one
in if you have good courts, with any
particulars you can furnish about your
local leagues.
A partial view of the 16 regulation clay courts at
the Harvester Works. These courts are crowded
daily as shown in the illustration. Milwaukee now
has over sixty horseshoe courts located in public
parks and accessible places. Six are on the roofs
of downtown buildings. Photograph was furnished
by Wesley E. Gibson.
DIAMOND CALK HORSESHOE CO.
Grand Avenue Duluth, Minnesota
Write fir Free Booklet "He* to Play Horseikoe," u-hitli girt* OfJtH-al Rulet.
Diamond Pitching Horseshoes
Recommend and use them. They are
drop forged steel scientifically heat treated
to prevent chipping or breaking whirl) is
dangerous to the hand.. Conform ex-
actly to regulations of National A-^ocia-
tion. Furnished in pairs or sets. Official
ur Junior weights.
(b) Bulletins?
(c) Reports?
(d) Pageants, pet parades, tournaments and
other activities?
(e) Posters?
(f) Insurance and public service bills and
statements ?
At the Conferences
Pioneers in the recreation movement in the
southwestern district, including the states of Ar-
kansas, Texas, Oklahoma and southern Kansas,
met at Houston, Texas, April 17, 18 and 19, to
discuss their present work and plan for future
progress. It was the first meeting of its kind
ever held in the district, and workers from eight
different cities were the guests of the Houston De-
partment of Recreation and Community Service
Association.
A wide range of topics were discussed, cover-
ing the field of activities in Music, Sports and
Athletics, Pageantry, Storytelling, Moving Pic-
tures, Social Recreation, Golf, Water Sports and
Community Center Activities. Some of the prin-
ciples involved in administering recreation were
given major attention, such as The Division of
Hours of Activities for Adults and Children,
Competition, Badges and Types of Awards,
Beautification of Playground Areas, The Relative
Relation of Quantity and Quality in Public Rec-
reation and the varied cultural and educational
uses of different types of apparatus.
One of the most valuable uses of the confer-
ence was the observation tour of the Houston
municipal recreation system, which enabled the
delegates to see at first hand more than twenty
activities.
As a result of the conference, some new cities
have become interested in municipal recreation,
pnd at least one has definitely signified its inten-
tion of establishing a department of recreation.
Educators of Physical
Educators Meet
One of the important conferences of the year
was that held in Washington on May 7th and
Please mention THE PLAYGROUND when writing to advertisers
Children Play Better on
a hard, but resilient,
dust less surface.
Here is a new treatment for surfacing
playgrounds which makes a hard, durable,
dustless, yet resilient footing for the children.
Solvay Flake Calcium Chloride is a clean, white, flaky chemi-
cal which readily dissolves when exposed to air, and quickly
combines with the surface to which it is applied.
S O L V A Y
"The Natural Dust Layer"
is odorless, harmless, will not track, and does not stain the
children's clothing or playthings.
Its germicidal property is a feature which has the strong
endorsement of physicians and playground directors.
Solvay Flake Calcium Chloride is not only an excellent dust
layer but at the same time positively kills all weeds. It is easy to
handle and comes in convenient size drums or 100 Ib. bags. It
may be applied by ordinary labor with hand shovels or the
special Solvay Spreader, which does the work quickly and
economically.
The new Solvay Illustrated Booklet will be sent free on request.
Ask for Booklet No. 1159
THE SOLVAY PROCESS CO.
Wing & Evans, Inc., Sales Department
40 RECTOR STREET, NEW YORK
Please mention THE PLAYGROUND when writing to advertisers
233
234
•AT THE CONFERENCES
Spalding
on your Playground Ap-
paratus tells the World
that you believe in Safety
First for the boys and girls
of your community.
Spalding
Time-Tested
Apparatus
Tried and True
Safe and Sane
Write us. We shall be
glad to help you plan your
recreation program.
Playground and Recreation Engineers
Chicopee, Mass.
Athletic Headquarters jor fifty years
8th of the Institutions Giving Professional
Training in Physical Education.
Some fifty colleges, universities and special
schools were represented. The Conference was
brought about by the Bureau of Education of the
Department of the Interior and was addressed by
the Commissioner of Education, Dr. John J.
Tigert. Dr. Tigert called attention to the wide-
spread interest in physical education and the phe-
nomenal growth of the schools for the training of
teachers of the subject, both in number and im-
portance. Whereas forty years ago there were
but two small schools struggling for existence,
there are now over a hundred institutions giving
such training, including over fifty of our leading
universities and colleges. Forty years ago the
graduates in one year could have been counted on
the fingers, and this year they will exceed a thou-
sand. A half dozen universities now give post-
graduate work in this subject, leading to the de-
grees of Master of Arts and Doctor of Phil-
osophy.
A resolution was passed asking the Council of
the American Physical Education Association to
make arrangements for a survey and classification
of Training Schools for Teachers of Physical
Education to be carried out by a Commission
working in cooperation with the Bureau of Edu-
cation.
Five State Directors of Physical Education
were present at the Conference, and the Ameri-
can Child Health Association, the Playground and
Recreation Association of America, and the Rus-
sell Sage Foundation were represented. Among
the representatives of the schools were : Dr.
Thomas D. Wood of Columbia, Prof. Mabel
Cummings of Wellesley, Prof. C. W. Savage of
Oberlin, Dr. Anna Norris of the University of
Minnesota, Dr. John Sundwall of the University
of Michigan, Dr. J. H. Kellogg of Battle Creek,
Dr. R. Tait McKenzie of the University of Penn-
sylvania, Dr. J. H. McCurdy of the Y. M. C. A.
College of Springfield, Massachusetts, Dr. E. H.
Arnold of the New Haven Normal School of
Gymnastics, Dr. J. E. Goldthwait of the Boston
School of Physical Education, Dr. Watson L.
Savage of the Savage School of Physical Train-
ing, and Dr. Clark W. Hetherington of the New
York University.
Please mention THE
"The most important emphasis at the conven-
tion of the American Physical Education Asso-
ciation at Rochester," writes a friend of the P. R.
A. A. who attended the conference, "was the
PLAYGROUND when writing to advertisers
ll=
High Quality
Strength, Safety
— At Low Cost
High Quality because of greater buying
power and facilities; Strength because only
finest materials, workmanship and design are
used; Safety because every part is made right
to withstand the greatest strains; Low Cost
because of quantity production and careful buy-
ing. In every respect Paradise Playground
Equipment is the preferred equipment.
Whether you want one swing or a complete
Athletic ground installation, we welcome the
opportunity of serving you with the best appa-
ratus obtainable, regardless of price. Our Engi-
neering Department is at your service to furnish
plans for any size playground.
Write today for catalog, also copy of our
booklet "Paradise Playgrounds — How to plan
them."
TheF.B.ZiegMfg.Co.
140 Mt. Vernon Ave., Fredericktown, O.
Please mention THE PLAYGROUND when writing to advertisers
235
236
THE PROBLEM CHILD AND RECREATION
Circle Travel Rings
A CHILD'S PRINCIPAL
BUSINESS IS PLAY
Let us help to make their play
Profitable
Put something new in your playground.
On the Circle Travel Rings they swing from ring
to ring, pulling, stretching and developing every
muscle of their bodies. Instructors pronounce this
the most healthful device yet offered.
Drop a card today asking for our complete
illustrated catalog.
Patterson -Williams Mfg. Co,
San Jose, California
broader educational aspect of the physical educa-
tion program. The principle was brought out
frequently during the conference that the objec-
tives of physical education are the objectives of
general education and are beginning to be so ac-
cepted. This was emphasized by Mr. Carl
Schrader, President of the Association, and by
Professor Anderson of Yale, both of whom urged
a much broader cultural training for the physical
educator than has been the case in the past.
"In line with this tendency was another major
emphasis of the convention — that the teaching of
health must be upon a broader basis than it has
been in the past ; that it cannot upon the one hand
be based upon a belief that certain muscular
movements will automatically produce physical
and mental health nor, upon the other hand, that
health is a negative matter to be secured by the
elimination of defect and the discovery of every
abnormality of condition. But it was emphasized
that health is positive and dynamic and effects
the totality of the individual and not simply cer-
tain parts of the organism."
The Problem Child
and Recreation
(Continued from page 208)
early detection of such traits as a desire for isola-
tion and inability to get along well with others is
important. Seventy of the one hundred and
seventy-five children interviewed at the Institute
said they had belonged to some kind of supervised
group play. One wonders what their present
situation might be if their difficulties had been
recognized and treated when they first made their
appearance.
THE OPPORTUNITY OF THE PLAY CENTER
The recreation center has an unique opportunity
in the field of Mental Hygiene. In the first place
its setting is conducive to freedom and frankness ;
in the second, therapy might be made very effec-
tual through appealing to the play impulse. Con-
sidering the progress which the recreation move-
ment has made it is not far fetched to believe
that the recreation system of the future will have
on its staff people who are trained in the detection
and treatment of personality difficulties, and who
Please mention THE PLAYGROUND when writing to advertisers
BOOK REVIEWS
237
will have an advisory relationship with the play
directors. In the meantime, there is a great deal
of material on the subject of mental hygiene which
recreation directors might use to advantage in a
better understanding <>f such problems. Many of
the deficiencies in this respect are recognized by
the leaders of the recreation movement, and many
of them are inherent to its present stage of de-
velopment. However, all of us are too prone to
make claims for organized play which have very
little foundation. Some of them are based upon
an optimistic belief in what it should accomplish ;
others are often generalizations upon insufficient
data. In order to make these claims of real value
we need an unbiased attitude toward the question
and a careful analysis of our successes and fail-
ures. A scientific approach will not only result
in new undertakings but it will increase the value
of what we have already begun by eliminating
conjecture and placing our efforts upon a sound
basis.
Book Reviews
THE ORGANIZATION AND ADMINISTRATION OF PHYSICAL
EDUCATION FOR GIRLS AND WOMEN By Agnes R.
Wayman. Published by Lea & Febriger, Philadelphia
There are about 350 pages, with numerous charts and
diagrams in this manual written purely from the woman's
point of view. Miss Wayman, who is Professor of
Physical Education and Head of Department at Barnard
College, is one of the first to see the necessity of an
independent, separate and modified method of exercises
for women. The book is so broad in its scope that it
will serve splendidly as a practical guide for such groups
as the Girl Scouts, Camp Fire Girls, Y. W. C. A. and
similar groups.
SOME PRACTICAL USES OF AUDITORIUMS IN THE RURAL
SCHOOLS OF MONTGOMERY COUNTY, ALABAMA. Rural
School Leaflet No. 34. By Lillian Allen, Instructor
in English, and Cora Pearson, Supervisor of Elemen-
tary Schools. Obtainable from the Government
Printing Office, Washington, D. C., at 5c a copy
This pamphlet gives a number of program suggestions
for use in rural school auditoriums. They are made
from practical experiences in the rural schools in Mont-
gomery County, Alabama, and aim to form a general
program coordinating school and community activities,
making the most of the social and educational advantages
of the school auditoriums.
DENNISON'S GALA BOOK. Published by Dennison Manu-
facturing Company. Price, lOc
The 1925 edition of the Gala Book, which has just
appeared, is full of new and interesting suggestions for
the celebration of St. Valentine's and St. Patrick's Days,
patriotic holidays and Easter. The illustrations which
are given and the suggestions for uses for crepe paper,
together with information regarding the material re-
quired, make the planning of parties a delight. The
Gala Book and the material mentioned may be secured
from local dealers. If purchased direct from the Denni-
son Manufacturing Company at Framingham, Massa-
chusetts, or from the stores and service bureaus in New
York, Boston, Philadelphia and Chicago, there will be
a charge made for postage.
THE LISTENING CHILD. By Lucy W. Thacher. Pub-
lished by Macmillan Company. Price, $1.75
Patented
WHOLESOME WATER
HpHE Murdock Outdoor Bub-
ble Font is more than a
Drinking Fountain — it is a wa-
ter supply system. Inside the
rugged pedestal is an all brass
construction to furnish safe and
wholesome water.
LASTS A LIFETIME
For
PLAYGROUNDS— PARKS
Write for Booklet "What An Outdoor Drinking
Fountain Should Be."
The Murdock Mfg. & Supply Co.
427 Plum Street, Cincinnati, Ohio
Makers of Outdoor Water Devices Since 1853
Chicago Normal School
of Physical Education
For Women
Two year course. Graduates from accredited High Schools
admitted without examination. Experienced Faculty of men
and women. Dormitories for non-resident students. 22nd
Year Opens September 21, 1925.
For catalog and book of views address
Frances Musselman, Prin.
Box 45. 5026 Greenwood Ave., Chicago, 111.
No. 125
Other illustrations
and prices sent
upon request
FOLDING CHAIRS
The chair illustrated is a strong,
durable chair, specially designed
for recreation use. Folds per-
fectly flat and will not tip
forward.
Made by
MAHONEY CHAIR CO.
Gardner, Mass.
Please mention THE PLAYGROUND when writing to advertisers
This selection of poetry includes the works of great
English poets of the past six hundred years. "There are
poems here," says Mrs. Thacher in the short talk to
children which precedes the poems, "that may puzzle the
largest of you ; but there are none which are altogether
beyond the hearing of the smallest. The best are not
too good for you if you can hear them, and sometimes
238
BOOK REVIEWS
Special Combination Offer
THE PROGRESSIVE TEACHER is now in
its twenty-ninth year. It is printed in two colors —
ten big handsome issues — two dollars the year.
Circulates in every State in the
Union, Philippine
Islands, England, Cuba, Porto Rico and Canada.
It contains Primary and Grade Work, Method,
Outline, Community Service, Illustrations, Enter-
tainments, History, Drawing, Language, a course
in Physical Training and many
other subjects.
The Progressive Teacher
One Year $2.00
Both of these
The Playground
One Year $2.00
Magazines for
$3.OO if
Total $4.00 J
you act today
MAIL THIS COUPON TODAY
THE PLAYGROUND
315 FOURTH AVE., NEW
YORK CITY
I am sending $3.00, for which
please send THE
PROGRESSIVE TEACHER and THE PLAY-
GROUND for one year.
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Town
R F D State
TRAINING IN RECREATION
Five weeks' Summer Term at Camp Gray,
Saugatuck, Michigan
New Finnish Gymnastics for women, athletics,
swimming, dramatics, games, folk
dancing and other courses.
Write for Catalog
RECREATION TRAINING SCHOOL OF CHICAGO
800 South Halsted Street (Hull-House)
MANUAL on ORGANIZED CAMPING
Playground and Recreation Association
of America
Editor, L. H. Weir
The Macmillan Company
A practical handbook on all phases of organized camping
based on an exhaustive study of camping in the United
States.
May be purchased from the
PLAYGROUND AND RECREATION ASSOCIATION
OF AMERICA
315 Fourth Avenue, New York, N. Y.
Postpaid on receipt of price ($2.00)
you can hear the sweetness or greatness sounding through
a poem although you do not quite know what it is about."
BIBLE CROSS-WORD PUZZLE BOOK. .By Paul J. Hoch.
Published by George H. Doran Company, New York
City. Price, $2.00
As a method of fixing the interest of young people in
the persons, places and teachings of the Bible, the fifty-
two cross-word puzzles suggested in this book offer great
possibilities. Instead of Webster's dictionary, the solver
must use the Bible or Bible dictionary or concordance,
and in this way his biblical knowledge is increased. The
first published volume will probably be followed by others
adapted to the different grades and ages. They will be
of service in Sunday schools and in the varied forms of
religious education. A book of solutions accompanies the
puzzle book — price 15c.
HISTORY OF NATIONAL Music WEEK. By C. M. Tre-
maine. Published by National Bureau for the Ad-
vancement of Music, 45 West 45th Street, New York
City. Price, $2.00
The National Bureau for the Advancement of Music
has issued a comprehensive book on the subject of Na-
tional Music Week, giving the theory, the origin and
growth of the Music Week idea, some international
aspects of the movement, the work of the Committee,
facts about local observances and governmental endorse-
ments.
THE SONG SERIES "Made for the Children." By Alys
E. Bentley. Published by Laidlaw Brothers, Inc.,
New York City. Price, $1.20
The first of the Bentley Song Series is a teachers'
handbook to be used in the first grade in teaching songs
by note to the children. It forms the basis for the
material given in the other books of the series. The
first part of the primer is devoted to lessons on the songs
and helpful suggestions are given for teaching twenty-two
songs. This section is followed by forty-eight songs for
which accompaniments are given. Fundamentals of
music teaching in the primary grades compose the third
section.
CHURCH Music AND WORSHIP — A Program for Today.
By Earl E. Harper. Published by Abingdon Press,
New York City. Price, $2.00
In the introduction to the book, H. Augustine Smith
says of the present status of music : "We are becoming
atrophied through the deadly blight of spectatoritis —
looking on but not participating; being mildly entertained,
not joyously creating."
And the remedy, as far as church music is concerned,
Mr. Smith believes, lies in the rekindling of the church's
inner fires, through the use, to be sure, of the old hymns,
the old organ, the old leadership, the same time schedules
but through the giving of new content and a new spirit.
"Hymn singing should become glorified through new
methods, new programs, new relationships, a flood of
information and inspiration about texts and music, writers
and translators, and new opportunities for congregational
song rehearsals."
Mr. Harper in this exceedingly practical and suggestive
book tells how he has used these new methods in his
own church. His suggestions are presented under the
headings : The Problem and the Need ; Music and
Religion — The Association ; Music and Religion — Their
Relationship : The Musical Leadership of the Church ;
Congregational Singing; Congregational Song Reper-
toires ; Choirs — The Junior Choir, the Intermediate
Choir, the Young People's Choral Society, the Senior
Choir; Cooperative Choral Events.
THE PIANO EDITION OF TWICE 55 GAMES WITH Music.
Published by C. C. Birchard and Company, Boston.
Price, 75c
The piano edition of Twice 55 Games with Music has
just been published. Because the music and the accom-
panist are such important features in playing games
with music, this edition will fill a real need. In addition
to the music, the book contains general suggestions for
social recreation programs and march figures.
DEVOTIONAL PLAYS AND FOLKWAYS. By Ethel Reed
Jasspon and Beatrice Becker. Published by Century
Company, New York City. Probable price, $2.50
This book, which will be ready for distribution on
June 15, has been prepared for assembly in camp and
school. It answers a direct appeal of educators who
value the beauty of ritual for young people. All the
material included has been tried out and found adaptable
to simple costume and stagecraft facilities. Stage charts
Please mention THE PLAYGROUND when writing to advertisers
BOOK REVIEWS
239
describe indoor and outdoor settings. Costume descrip-
tion and pen sketches add value to the book. The music
background has been carefully developed ; and in some
cases, arrangements from traditional sources are supplied.
There are ceremonies and devotional plays, French and
English ballads, Russian pantomime, four Japanese life
scenes, a Hindu scene and other helpful material in Parts
I and II. Part III contains a pantomime, New Windows,
and a playlet, Simple Simon.
DRAMATIZING CHILD HEALTH. Published by the Amer-
ican Child Health Association, 370 Seventh Avenue,
New York City. Price, $2.00
"Health play today is a backward child; it has never
progressed beyond the first grade. We have never lifted
it out of the realm of propaganda into the realm of art.
We have continued to use it as a vehicle for teaching
health rather than as a means of glorifying the fullness
of life." Here in a nut shell is the purpose of the
American Child Health Association in issuing the book
—to make available not only existing health plays and
drama and to give information on technique of produc-
tion but to influence the quality of future health plays
and through them affect more deeply child life.
There are chapters on the development of the health
play on successive stages of language expression, on
dramatic activity in the classroom, on the writing of
plays and the educational value of playwriting and play
production. Groups of plays and dialogues and story
dramatization are presented. The place of singing and
dancing in the program is discussed, and suggestions for
presenting health pageants are offered.
ANALYSIS OF THE CADDIE PROBLEM — A DETAILED PLAN
FOR ORGANIZING CADDIE SERVICE. By Charles A.
Gordon, Detroit, Michigan
With the rapidly growing popularity of golf, which is
sweeping over the entire country, the caddie problem has
come very much to the fore. How to maintain high
standards of sportsmanship and develop real qualities of
citizenship in the large numbers of boys employed in the
service presents a challenge to golfers and caddie masters.
Mr. Gordon, who has served as caddie master at a
number of clubs, offers the results of his experience under
the following headings : Qualifications of the Caddie
Master, How to Secure Caddies and Keep Them Inter-
ested, Accounting Methods for Caddie Department,
Standard Caddie Check, Uniforms for Caddies, Distribu-
tion of Work to Caddies, Player-Interest in the Caddie.
At the end of the statement appears a list of the
caddie equipment which may be secured through the
Gordon Caddie Service Supplies, 1310 Maple Street,
Detroit.
OFFICIAL REPORT OF THE THIRD BIENNIAL CONFERENCE
OF BOY SCOUT EXECUTIVES. Published by the Boy
Scouts of America, New York City. Price, $1.50
For workers with boys there is a wealth of material
in this report of the Conference of Boy Scout Executives
held at Estes Park, Colorado, September 6-15, 1924.
There are almost 600 pages of this volume which con-
tains not only material on scouting methods and problems
of definite interest to Boy Scout executives but sugges-
tions for nature games, recreational activities and pro-
grams which will be helpful to all recreation workers in
their contacts with boys.
HEALTH AND SUCCESS by Andress and Evans. Published
by Ginn and Company, New York City
The fundamentals of health outlined in this textbook
are so simple and clearly stated that they can be easily
understood by children. Enough physiology is presented
to give a general idea of the working of the body and
to make clear the desirability of forming certain health
habits. Exercises are suggested which offer the oppor-
tunity to correlate health teaching with subjects in the
curriculum.
A. CHILD OF THE FRONTIER. By Elma E. Levinger. D.
Appleton & Company, 35 West 32nd Street, New
York, price 50c.
A one act play about Abraham Lincoln. Three women
Please mention THE PLAYGROUND when writing to advertisers
KELLOGG SCHOOL
OF
PHYSICAL
EDUCATION
ID ROAD field
*-* for young
women, offering at-
tractive positions.
Qualified directors
of physical training
in big demand.
Three-year diploma
course and four-
year B. S. course,
both including sum-
mer course in camp
activities, with
training in all
forms of physical
exercise, recreation and health education.
School affiliated with famous Battle Creek-
Sanitarium — superb equipment and faculty
of specialists. Excellent opportunity for
individual physical development. For illus-
trated catalogue, address Registrar.
KELLOGG SCHOOL OF
PHYSICAL EDUCATION
Battle Creek College
Box 255 Battle Greek, Michigan
240
IN MAGAZINES AND PAMPHLETS
characters. A simple, inspiring one act play showing the
faith, the hopes and desires which, against almost over-
whelming odds, a frontier mother holds for her child
at birth, thereby saving his life to fill one of the biggest
places in American history. Especially recommended to
women's clubs.
TENTH ANNUAL SELECTED PICTURES CATALOG. National
Committee for Better Films, 70 Fifth Avenue, New
York City. Price, $.25
The catalog lists 551 pictures out of a total of 1,520
coming before the National Board of Review in advance
of release in 1924, these films being new or current films
in 1925. Information given includes the name of the
company, number of reels, the featured players, a short
description and literary or dramatic source. The catalog
will be exceedingly useful to Better Films Committees,
exhibitors and local groups planning to give motion pic-
ture programs.
Magazines and Pamphlets
Recently Received
Containing Articles of Interest to Recreation Workers
and officials
MAGAZINES
The American City. April, 1925
The Tourist Camp Site. Equipment and Maintenance
By P. J. Hoffmaster
How Marlboro, Mass., Developed a Model Play-
ground in the Heart of the City at Low Cost
By Robert Washburn Beal
East Cleveland's Municipal Swimming Pool
By Edward C. Moore
San Francisco's Municipal Vacation Camp
A Community Exhibit that Works 365 Days a Year
By Frank H. Fraysur
Municipal Auditorium in San Bernardino, Cal.
Playground Model Available as Loan Exhibit from
Children's Bureau
The American City. May, 1925
County Park Development and Regional Planning
,By Jay Downer
Rose Festival, Portland, Ore.
How to Plan Playgrounds
The Nation's Health. April, 1925
Recreation Grounds Popular with Minute Employees
(Minute Tapioca Company)
The Nation's Health. May, 1925
A City Where Life Is Worth Living
By C. E. Brewer
Choose Games for Your Mind's Sake
Women Athletes Define Standards of Fair Play
The Survey, April 15, 1925
Playgrounds for Toddlers
On with the Dance
Mind and Body. April, 1925
Scottish Mothers
Athletics and Conduct
By Henry S. Curtis
Does Physical Education Accomplish All We Claim ?
Physical Education in Special Classes— Philadelphia
Public Schools
Hop Scotch Golf
Entr' Acte Gavotte— A Field Day Dance for Ele-
mentary School Girls
A Field Day Drill for Elementary School Boys
Parks and Recreation. March-April, 1925
Recreation Value of National Forests
By L. F. Kneipp
Golf as a Public Utility
By C. P. Keyser
Lawn Bowling
Location of Playgrounds Relative to Landscaping
By Horace W. Peaslee
Recreation in Public Parks
By Lt. Col. C. O. Sherrill
Whittling Contest
Stay at Home Competjtion
Skiing in the Municipal Recreation Program
By B. G. Leighton
Amateur Rules and Amateur Facts
Report of the Westchester County Recreation Commis-
sion. 1924
Problems in Physical Education — Report of the Confer-
ence of State Directors of Physical Education — Phvsi-
cal Education Series No. 5, Bureau of Education
Government Printing Office, Washington, D. C.
Price, 5c
Survey of Private Recreation Facilities in Louisville —
Made by the Recreation Division of the Community
Chest
A Plan for Motion Picture Study Clubs
Published by the National Committee for Better
Films
Glendale District Eisteddfod, 1925
List of References on Education for Citizenship — Library
Leaflet No. 30, Jan. 1925
Government Printing Office, Washington, D. C.
Price, 5c
Rural Planning — The Village
By Wayne C. Nason
Farmers' Bulletin No. 1441, U. S. Department of
Agriculture
Obtainable from Government Print.ing Office,
Washington, D. C. Price, lOc
Annual Report of the Recreation Department of the
Board of Park Commisioners — Minneapolis, 1924
Report of the Community Recreation Association — Rich-
mond, Va., for the year ending April 1, 1925
Our Folks
Harvey, Illinois, has recently initiated a year
round recreation program by taking advantage
of the State Enabling Act. Gerald P. Scully lias
been employed as Superintendent of Recreation
under the Recreation Commission.
Ruth Swezey, formerly Director of Community
Service in Richmond, Indiana, has recently ac-
cepted the position of Superintendent of Recrea-
tion in York, Pennsylvania, succeeding Miss
Frances Haire, now of East Orange.
Bellefontaine, Ohio, has recently started a year
round recreation program with joint funds from
the Board of Recreation and the City. Charles
Burnham, formerly director of Community
Service in Franklin, New Hampshire, has been
employed as Bellefontaine's first director.
Alton, Illinois, has recently started a year round
recreation program with funds voted by special
tax. The Playground and Recreation Commission
has employed John E. MacWherter as Director
of Recreation.
Children Play Better on
a hard, but resilient,
dust less surface.
Here is a new treatment for surfacing
playgrounds which makes a hard, durable,
dustless, yet resilient footing for the children.
Solvay Flake Calcium Chloride is a clean, white, flaky chemi-
cal which readily dissolves when exposed to air, and quickly
combines with the surface to which it is applied.
S O L V A Y
Flake
Calcium Chloride
"The Natural Dust Layer91
is odorless, harmless, will not track, and does not stain the
children's clothing or playthings.
Its germicidal property is a feature which has the strong
endorsement of physicians and playground directors.
Solvay Flake Calcium Chloride is not only an excellent dust
layer but at the same time positively kills all weeds. It is easy to
handle and comes in convenient size drums or .100 Ib. bags. It
may be applied by ordinary labor with hand shovels or the
special Solvay Spreader, which does the work quickly and
economically.
The new Solvay Illustrated Booklet will be sent free on request.
Ask for Booklet No. 1159
THE SOLVAY PROCESS CO.
Wing & Evans, Inc., Sales Department
40 RECTOR STREET, NEW YORK
Please mention THE TLAYGROUND when writing to advertisers
241
242
The Playground
VOL. XIX, No. 5
AUGUST, 1925
The World at Play
A Benefactor to New Orleans. — The play-
ground system in New Orleans owes its begin-
nings and much of its growth to a very modest
woman who is known in that city as the mother
of the New Orleans recreation movement. She
is Mrs. A. J. Stallings, President of the Play-
ground Community Service Commission, who
opened and maintained the first playground in
New Orleans with her own personal funds that
people might have an opportunity to see its value
and necessity.
At present the city has 17 playgrounds and 5
public swimming pools with five more play-
grounds and two more swimming pools contem-
plated. The interest of Mrs. Stallings has con-
tinued unabated through this growth. The latest
sign of it is her gift of the Olive A. Stallings Rec-
reation Center, plans for which were recently ap-
proved by the City Council. This center is to be
located in the very heart of the city, occupying
a stretch of ground measuring 1000 feet long and
166 feet wide. The plans call for a gymnasium
building 150 feet by 60 feet, a swimming pool 40
feet by 120 feet, a concrete band stand, tennis
courts, a playground, football field, basketball field
and fields for other games. The cost of the gift
is about $50,000, the city donating land for it to
the amount of $200,000. In Mrs. Stallings the
children of New Orleans have a true friend. Mrs.
Stallings has recently become a patroness of the
Playground and Recreation Association of
America.
Gift of Park Land to Grand Rapids, Mich-
igan.— Grand Rapids, Michigan, has recently been
presented with 100 acres of land for a municipal
park, lying along Buck Creek to the south of the
city limits. The donor is William J. Breen of the
Breen and Halladay Fuel Company. The only
condition is that the city will agree to make the
improvements necessary.
It is Mr. Breen's intention that the new park
shall be a country club for children and for
grown-ups whose financial limitations preclude
membership in the expensive recreation clubs.
The land has many natural possibilities for
recreation. Included in the plans are bass ponds
and trout hatcheries.
Playgrounds Find Enthusiastic Support in
Montgomery. — The playground system in Mont-
gomery, Alabama, was started six years ago by
Miss Daisy V. Smith. Today five playgrounds
are in operation, with a superintendent and eight
assistants, and an average weekly attendance of
6000. In addition to the daily playground activi-
ties, a harmonica contest, a tennis tournament,
two operettas, two spring festivals and a jackstone
tournament have made this year's spring and sum-
mer program particularly interesting. Mayor
Gunter of Montgomery has found that the play-
grounds keep the boys out of the juvenile courts,
and gives them his utmost cooperation. The work
has many warm friends in the community.
Mayor of Detroit Endorses Recreation. —
Recently Mayor Smith of Detroit gave a talk over
the radio in which he outlined the work of the
Department of Recreation, declaring that the
money spent by the city in this field paid great
dividends in decrease in crime.
"The cost of public recreation in Detroit for
the last fiscal year was approximately five cents
for each person who was benefited. View it from
another angle — out of every dollar which the tax-
payer turned into the City treasury only one cent
was required to provide for recreational facili-
ties."
The Mayor's Finance Committee has recom-
mended that $2,000,000 be spent for the acquisi-
tion of more playgrounds within the next ten
years.
As Judge Landis Sees It. — "Judge Landis
praised Springfield for the steps the city is taking
to provide playgrounds facilities for the children.
243
244
THE WORLD AT PLAY
Turning to Arthur T. Moren, city superintendent
of recreation, who was seated at the speakers'
table, he said :
" 'There isn't anyone in the city with more re-
sponsibility than you have, Sir. You are building
for the next generation and this community will
be worth while or not in proportion to the success
of your efforts.'
"Judge Landis is here today to attend the open-
ing game of the Three-I League."
From Illinois Slate Register, May 12, 1925
Cooperation in Oxnard, Cal. — Dr. Beach, a
prominent physician and one of the foremost
orthopedic surgeons in California, now residing in
Oxnard, has offered to conduct gymnasium classes
for business men twice weekly from 5-6 p. m.
A friend of Community Service has also offered
to supply enough plants to provide a privet hedge
and flowers along the outside of the Rebote Court
ground.
Additions to the Athletic Library. — The
American Sports Publishing Company announces
the publication of two handbooks — The Official
Athletic Rules and Handbook of the Amateur
Athletic Union of the United States (1925) and
the Golf Guide for 1925 containing the playing
rules of the United States Golf Association.
The Newbery Medal Goes to "The Tales
from Silver Lands." — Each year the Newbery
Medal, established by Frederic G. Melcher of
New York, is awarded for the most distinguished
contribution to literature for children from the
pen of an American writer. At the 47th Annual
Meeting of the American Library Association in
Seattle in July, this medal was awarded to Charles
J. Finger of Fayetteville, Kansas, for his book,
The Tales from Silver Lands. Mr. Finger was
born in England and has traveled extensively,
living with Indians, gauchos, miners, and sailors
— a high hearted adventurer always. He has
written a number of books, and his stories have
appeared in The Youth's Companion, The Ameri-
can Boy and The Century. At present he is rais-
ing sheep near Fayetteville, Ark. He is enthu-
siastic about his children's outdoor theatre, their
libraries, their music and the natural beauty all
about. He is now at work on a romance for boys
and for men with boys' hearts.
Our National Parks. — All who are interested
in national parks will want to have a copy of the
May 26th issue of the National Parks Bulletin
published by the National Parks Association,
1512 H Street, N. W., Washington, D. C. Under
the caption, "The National Parks at a Glance,"
information is given regarding the nineteen na-
tional parks of the country with a total area of
11,387 square miles, their location, area and dis-
tinctive characteristics. Similar information is
given regarding the national military parks, na-
tional forests, and federal wild life refuges. Data
is included regarding the land and wild life poli-
cies of the Outdoor Recreation Conference and
the official policy governing national parks.
A very interesting and valuable section of the
bulletin is the map of the United States on which
is indicated the location of the national park for-
ests, military parks, and other facilities.
A New Park for Colored People in Shreve-
port, La. — Shreveport, La., has secured fifteen
acres of ground, situated right in the heart of the
colored section for the recreational use of its
colored population. The Park Board has appro-
priated $2500 to be spent in making the ground
usable. The Parish School Board plans to build
a big negro school on the five acres adjoining the
park area.
Play for the Blind. — To make life for our
young people happier by being interested in and
contented with their environment involves more
than the human contact which is the mainstay of
all shut-ins ; it involves also the cultivation of self-
entertainment. The radio can be a great boon
to most; it becomes an added delight to anyone
who can make a workable set of his own. But
even this resource sometimes palls. Reading is
a fair competitor. Blind people who read little
miss much. Our larger girls belong to a Howe
Reading Club which is so old as to be an institu-
tion in itself. At their first meeting after return-
ing from the summer vacation they severally re-
port all books read during that period. The vol-
untary reading of most pupils during term time
is fair to good in amount and variety. It would
be more did not school life furnish so many dis-
tractions. Table games are among these. To
cards, checkers, chess, dominoes and the like,
which are old social games for them, we have
added this year the solitaire called puzzlepeg, to-
gether with a manual embossed in braille of some
fifty problems to be solved on it. This has be-
come extremely popular in the cottage living
rooms.
THE WORLD AT PLAY
245
Nearly every one of the eight upper school
families has emblazoned on its walls one or more
banners won in inter-cottage football or in field
sports and for good form in swimming and danc-
ing and good walking, carriage and sitting pos-
ture. The presentation of a pin or a banner is
not made without due formality, the occasion
being always either a school affair or perhaps a
private banquet with speeches by pupils as well
as by teachers.
(From the Trustees' and Special Reports 1924,
Perkins Institute, Boston.)
Mothers and Dads Get Togethers Popular
in Port Chester, N. Y. — Get Togethers of
Mothers and Dads have been popular as a part
of Post Chester's recreation program. A dance
already scheduled, coincided with the hot weather
and was therefore turned into an Arctic Party
with ice skates, skiis, snowshoes and toboggan
sleds as decorations, proving their power of sug-
gestion. Another activity was a steak supper at
Rye Lake with the dads as chefs and the mothers
entertainers.
First Annual Play Day in Yonkers, N. Y. —
Not perfection but 100% participation was the
aim at Yonkers' First Annual Play Day held on
Saturday, June 6, at Trevor Park, under the aus-
pices of the Yonkers Recreation Commission.
An exceedingly interesting and varied program
was given, including- a large number of folk
dances by the playground children and a series of
athletic events for the boys consisting of a 50-yard
dash, potato race, sack race, three-leg race, whist-
ling contest, pie-eating contest, shoe race, egg and
spoon race, peanut race, bottle race, wheel-barrow
race and obstacle race. Six hundred children par-
ticipated and throngs of people came to witness
the scene, which, with Trevor Park as a setting,
rn.ide a beautiful picture.
New Swimming Pool Publication. — The
Portland Cement Association, 347 Madison Ave-
nue, New York City, has recently issued an in-
teresting booklet on Swimming Pools, showing
pictures of many attractive concrete pools in the
country and giving a number of pointers on de-
sign, construction and care. Some specifications
are also included.
Golf Links for Children. — The provision of
golf links for the increasing number of child en-
thusiasts in that sport is a question that is begin-
ning to trouble play officials about the country.
Fifty thousand children in the Central States have
been equipped with juvenile sets of golf clubs
during the last four months. In Bay City, Michi-
gan, a six-hole course for children has already
been provided and in Texas, Colorado and other
states child golfers have been practising and estab-
lishing records on miniature municipal courses.
Detroit has a large number of children who want
a place to perfect their form and efforts are being
made to provide such facilities for them. In this
day and age there is no game much better than
that of golf to induce fathers to make pals of
their sons and daughters.
Adaptations of Golf in Pittsburgh. — The
description of bonarro in Oakland, California,
which appeared in THE PLAYGROUND for June
has led G. \V. Postgate of the Warrington Play-
ground of Pittsburgh to write of the experiences
of the Bureau of Recreation in developing adapta-
tions of golf.
"Bonarro," writes Mr. Postgate, "was played
twelve years ago in this city on two of our golf
courses. We played against the best golfers we
could find, some of them professionals, and in-
variably won by ten shots (strokes) or more.
Our wooden target was the same size as the
'hole' and placed about five feet away from it,
the shooter being allowed to turn it towards the
point to which he was shooting. One of my
pupils who played this game was James S. Jiles,
who was national champion last year and three
years ago.
"Playground golf, played with regular golf
clubs and balls, was another innovation tried by
our boys six years ago. We generally used old
baseballs and field hockey sticks. Tin cans sunk
at different intervals made excellent 'holes,' with
broom-handles as 'flags.' Usually we had four
holes phced each in a corner of the field and
played from one to three, over to two, finishing
at four or one. We also played a putting game
with half a dozen holes. These games are excel-
lent for small crowds on a hot day.
"It is very important for bonarro to be well
supervised. A modern bow and arrow are more
dangerous than a gun, because they are harder
to control, and — boys will be boys."
A Beginner's Golf Course. — Because begin-
ners, in their enthusiasm to learn, are delaying
the game of the veteran golf players on the South
Grove municipal links in Indianapolis, Mr.
246
THE WORLD AT PLAY
Schopp, the professional in charge, has suggested
that the city Park Board establish a beginner's
course of 9 holes, using the vacant land of the
Indianapolis Water Company nearby. The plan
demands that each player must become able to
make this qualifying course in a specified number
of strokes and receive a certificate of graduation
before he may play on the regular course.
A Four-Hole Golf Course in Hackensack,
N. J. — The first golf tournament in the history
of Hackensack 's playgrounds was run off last
summer on a four-hole golf course built at First
Ward Park by boys who had at some time acted
as caddies. It is played upon daily by the boys,
who all use the same stick.
A New Edition of the Handcraft Book. — A
second edition of the popular Handcraft book
has recently been issued by the Playground and
Recreation Association of America. This con-
tains a number of additional pattenis including
a Peter Rabbit doll, a duck doll and a cigar box
wagon — all of them full size. The price is the
same as the first edition — $1.25. Those who have
copies of the first edition but who would like to
have copies of the new patterns may secure from
the Association reprints of .the three toys men-
tioned for lOc each.
i
Constructive Play in Hackensack, N. J. —
Much interesting constructive play was carried on
at the Hackensack playgrounds last summer. Be-
sides the making of kites, doll houses, baskets,
furniture, net making, cord weaving, and the
other more usual activities, several bases and
home plates were constructed by the boys and
also several working models of a steam shovel,
the model for which was in operation for some
time in the nearby streets digging sewer trenches.
A number of Peter Rabbit dolls were made by the
girls for the use of one of the Kindergartens near-
by. The colored children gave a particularly good
exhibition of weaving — their hot dish mats in par-
ticular being nearly perfect in their construction
and color schemes.
Recreation at the Ministers' Conference. —
At the 12th meeting of the Ministers' Confer-
ence of Hampton Institute three hours were de-
voted to the subject of Play. The following sub-
jects were discussed: Religion and Play, the
Abuse of Play and A Program for the Church.
The Sixteenth Annual New York City
Conference of Charities and Correction. —
The subject of the Sixteenth Annual New York
City Conference of Charities and Correction held
at the Town Hall on May 19, 1925, was Parents
Plus. Parents plus the $chool, pius Associations,
plus the Social Worker and plus Adult Education
were discussed. That parents and teachers should
become acquainted with each other and work to-
gether for the child's further knowledge, physical
betterment and character training was empha-
sized.
Dr. F. P. Keppel, President of the Carnegie
Corporation, indicated the emphasis of adult edu-
cation in this country on the vocational side and
the lack of sufficient opportunity for general cul-
ture. He urged that adults go on with their edu-
cation, keeping their interests large and free and
broad. This, Elihu Root had said, constitutes one
of the secrets of keeping young. Dr. Keppel
spoke with admiration of the Danes who within
forty years through their system of adult educa-
tion with its simple beginnings and small support
have practically made over their national morale.
Their well-balanced civilization had been brought
about largely through the disinterested devotion
of simple people who had built up the Danish folk
school.
The Honorable Henry Morgenthau summed up
the speeches of the evening, paying a tribute to the
school teachers, and urging that everything be
done to make their profession attractive.
Out to Save Lives. — Detroit now has approxi-
mately 500 registered life savers, persons who
have taken the Red Cross course and who have
been admitted into the inner circle of men and
women who save lives. 1925 will add 50 more to
the list already signed up for service.
Johnstown's Playgrounds Are Busy.— Life
is taking on a roseate hue for the children of
Johnstown, Pa., these days. The twenty play-
grounds are open and going full tilt. On the first
day of the opening of the municipal swimming
pool, there were 333 children present and, on the
second, 463. The pool is free to little children
during the morning periods and swimming is
taught. Classes for preparation for the American
Red Cross Life Saving test will be conducted as
usual.
Plans are on foot to have the playground chil-
dren keep themselves busy, and at the same time
do something useful, during the summer months.
THE WORLD AT PLAY
247
by making toys and gifts for distribution to Johns-
town's poor children on Christmas Day. Har-
monica playing is also an added feature of the
summer program.
Otis, Mass., Shows Itself Progressive. —
Otis is a small town in Massachusetts which is
13 miles from a railroad or town of any size. At
the suggestion of the pastor of the Congregational
Church, a Better Otis Association has been organ-
ized. A community day is being planned for the
first week in August. Once each month a Com-
munity Night is held in the Town Hall with com-
munity singing and games and an out-of-town
speaker. A Community Religious Service is also
held in the Town Hall once a month. The com-
mittee includes a Congregationalist, an Episco-
palian, a Jew and a Roman Catholic. The attend-
ance is very good at these services and consider-
able interest is shown.
A Varied Summer Program in Grand
Rapids. — The Grand Rapids summer program
includes weaving, basketry, boat modeling, the
making of bird houses, toys, dolls, kites, stilts and
scooters. A whittling contest will give opportun-
ity for carving profiles of famous men, horses and
riders, panels and fans. Another attraction is the
making of paper flowers and paper flower cos-
tumes. A doll contest and doll show will be
staged, the dolls being rated for pretty dresses,
homely faces, funny figures and queerest origin.
Workmanship, design, novelty, range and cost will
be the basis for judging the radios, in the con-
struction of which youthful designers must spend
no more than $1.00, exclusive of ear phones and
aerials. A fife and drum corps and harmonica
clubs are included in the program and mothers
who visit the parks and playgrounds for rest in
the cool of the evening are being especially pro-
vided with entertainment.
Detroit's Safety Patrols. — To reduce acci-
dents on the playgrounds as well as on the city
streets, the Detroit Department of Recreation has
organized "safety patrols" on all playgrounds.
The patrols have been organized by the directors
of the playgrounds under the supervision of J. J.
Considine, of the Department of Recreation, with
the cooperation of the Safety Bureau of the De-
troit Police Department.
Each patrol is composed of not more than eight
nor less than six boys who are at least 12 years
old. Each patrol elects its own captain. Mem-
bers of the patrol are assigned to regular hours of
duty. While on duty they wear arm bands fur-
nished by the director.
Their orders are few but to the point : Obey
all safety rules and insist that other children do
the same. Warn children of danger both on the
playgrounds and streets. When assigned, act as
traffic officer on streets leading to the playgrounds.
A Repertory Theatre for Boston. — Boston
plans to open in October a repertory theatre which
will be not a private enterprise but a civic insti-
tution assuming a public function analogous to
that of museums and libraries, and which proposes
to provide a varied and changing program of
dramatic entertainment consisting of the best
plays available. Thus, like the foreign theatres, it
seeks to become a cultural center for the people
who find in theatre-going not merely an idle pas-
time but an interest which is a part of everybody's
post-graduate university course in civilization. In
view of its educational obligations the classics of
the Shakespearean school as well as of the school
of Sheridan will form a considerable proportion
of the year's offerings. In addition, there will be
the best of the moderns — Shaw, Barrie, Dunsany,
Galsworthy, Maugham, Bennett, Milne, for in-
stance— and every now and then a brand new
modern play, either for its own sake or because it
is the sort of meritorious play that the commercial
theatres would hesitate to attempt to put on.
The site for the new theatre was purchased sev-
eral years ago at a cost of approximately $150,000.
In November ground was broken for the new
building, which it is expected will cost about
$800,000. It will house not only the theatre
proper but the auxiliary organization known as
The Repertory Theare Club and provide an
assembly hall, a tea room and similar facilities.
The theatre proper will seat a thousand people.
Outdoor Concerts and Health. — It is well to
remember that among other benefits of public
parks they contribute to improvement of the pub-
lic health. A city the size of Birmingham tested
the value of park music a few years ago. Pro-
grams were rendered every night for three months
during the heated term. Thousands of people
who would otherwise have remained indoors at-
tended the concerts, breathed fresh air, and other-
wise enjoyed the outdoor benefits. At the end of
the season it was found that the public health was
so improved that the health department could
safely reduce its cost enough to meet the expense
248
THE WORLD AT PLAY
of park music. As an investment the park music
proved practical, not to speak of the pleasure
afforded the people.
(From Birmingham Age Herald.}
"The Wondrous Gift." — The school children
of Lima, Ohio, under the leadership of the city's
recreation director, with special directors for the
dances and dramatics, recently presented The
Wondrous Gift, a pageant of health, on the Cen-
tral High School Athletic Field. The spirit mani-
fested and the splendid cooperation on the part
of all the schools made the occasion one of unusual
interest throughout the city. Over 10,000 citizens
attended the spectacle and enthusiastically demon-
strated their appreciation.
Port Chester Players Give an Outdoor Pro-
duction Evening. — The Port Chester Players of
Port Chester, N. Y., gave three outdoor plays —
The Shepherd by C. H. Fonest, a Lancashire
Folk-Play, The Maker of Dreams, by Oliphant
Down, a Fantasy, and Manikin and Minikin, a
Brittle Comedy in Free Verse by Alfred Kreym-
borg — to a keenly interested audience. The co-
operation of local residents and business firms in
presenting these plays was most encouraging.
Original music and the costume designs were fur-
nished by local artists. Pipe fitting frames for
scenery use, front curtain material, dyeing, make-
up material, the program design and the printing
of the programs, the stage and lawn lighting, the
seats, and the use of a number of trucks were all
contributed by local firms. The stage was built
in six sections and will be kept by the Players for
future use at community events. Its size may be
varied and it may be easily transported.
Attached to the program was a detachable slip,
asking that guests kindly register their opinion
concerning the plays and the value of a Com-
munity Drama group.
Huntington Players Present Dear Brutus.
— The Huntington, W. Va., Community Players
became full fledged producers with the presenta-
tion of their first full-length play, Barrio's Dear
Brutus. The excellent cast, competent direction
and artistic staging were the logical result of sev-
eral seasons of training and experimentation with
bills of one-act plays, according to Mrs. Kate N.
Alger, chairman of the dramatic department of
Huntington Community Service, which is the par-
ent organization of the players.
Ian Forbes directed. The scenery was designed
by Grace C. Forbes, Philip Amiable arranged the
interior decoration, while Bert C. Peters con-
tributed the lighting effects. Especially clever
were the scenes of the magic forest, both in minia-
ture and as a full stage effect.
Oak Park's Children's Theatre in 1924.—
The Children's Theatre in Oak Park, Illinois,
under Mrs. Joy Crawford's direction, gave eleven
plays during the year 1924, the players compris-
ing children from the various playgrounds. These
plays ranged from fairy tales to Bible and his-
torical plays. The children were instructed in
color values and stage settings and also given an
idea of the best dramatic literature. In one case
a 13-year old girl appeared in a play she had
written, with musical numbers of her own com-
position. At the same time a number of girls ap-
peared in dances they had invented themselves.
During the Christmas season many community or-
ganizations availed themselves of the services of
the children for their holiday programs. The
plays presented during the year were : A Bean of
Bath, Hansel and Gretcl (Marionette show in co-
operation with School), King Robert of Sicily,
Grandmother's Valentine, Lcarc it to /'a//v,
Daniel Boonc, Fuji, Garden of Children, Testing
of Sir Gawaync, Florist Shop, The Little Mistake.
Plainfield, N. J., Holds a Drama Tourna-
ment.— Under the auspices of the Recreation
Department, the dramatic talent of Plainfield,
N. J., held itself up to a measuring stick in that
city this spring. Ten dramatic organizations en-
tered a drama tournament presided over by five
competent judges. The tournament was con-
ducted for a period of three evenings in succes-
sion and some very fine plays were produced.
The Valiant played by the Community Players
was unanimously given first place by the judges.
First honorable mention went to Back of the
Yards presented by the Plainfield High School
Alumni Association. The second honorable men-
tion was given to War Brides produced by The
Comedy Club. Walter Reade, a New York show
man and local theatre owner, awarded a beautiful
loving cup to the winning organization, which will
be competed for annually until one organization
has won it three times. The other plays given
were as follows : The Crowsnest by William F.
Manley, presented by The Probasco Bible Class ;
Trifles by Susan Glaspell, presented by The Catho-
lic Daughters of America ; IVho's the Boss by
Ragna B. Eskil, presented by the St. Stanislaus
249
Dramatic Club ; Mis' Mercy by Louise Whitefield
Bray, presented by the Young People's Federation
First Presbyterian Church ; The Wonder Hat by
Kenneth Sawyer Goodman and Ben Hecht, pre-
sented by the Plainfield High School Dramatic
Society; Mortgaged by Willis Richardson, pre-
sented by the Dunbar Dramatic Club; Fame and
the Poet by Lord Dunsany, presented by The
Parish Players.
Competitive Athletics in Columbus, Ohio,
Public Schools. — B. E. Wiggins, Supervisor,
Department of Physical Education, Columbus
Public Schools, reports that during the past year
fifty-five dual meets were held with 7,548 par-
ticipants. This represents an increase of 19.9%
over the preceding year. In intramural athletics
the increase over 1924 was 261.9%. In major
sports there were 3,522 contests. The progress
of swimming instruction in the one pool available
was best shown by the following figures: Of 334
boys, 84% are swimmers; of 335 girls, 60% are
swimmers.
Worcester County's Outdoor Track Meet.
—Twenty-six high schools participated in the
fourth annual High School Outdoor Track Meet
of Worcester County held in Fitchburg, Mass.,
June 6th. The events included running broad
jump, 100-yard dash, one-mile run, 120 high
hurdles, 440-yard dash, shot put, running high
jump and 880-yard run. Gold, silver and bronze
medals were awarded first, second and third
places ; ribbons, fourth place. The Crocker Cup
goes to the school earning the highest number of
points, while the Horace Partridge Cup was
awarded the championship high school relay team
of Worcester County.
Erie's Stadium.— On May 29th the School
District of the City of Erie, Pennsylvania, held a
May Day Fete in the new stadium which was
erected on school property fronting the Academy
High School Building costing $1,500,000. "The
rather unusual feature," writes R. S. Scobell,
Business Manager of the School District of the
City of Erie, "is that the stadium was erected by
subscription from the citizens of Erie as a tribute
to those who served in the World War. One hun-
dred and fifty thousand dollars was given in this
way, and the stadiiim was erected on a piece of
. *- r
property belonging to the School Board, the topog-
raphy of which admirably suited the purpose, and
was presente^ to the Board of Education to oper-
ate and maintain."
Over 7,000 children participated in the festival,
which was witnessed by an audience of more than
10,000 people.
Detroit's Recreation Sketch Class Exhibit.
— Interesting products of creative art executed by
members of the Sketch class conducted by the
Recreation Department of Detroit, were recently
exhibited along with other work by Detroit stu-
dents, at the Board of Commerce Building in that
city. The Recreation Sketch class, which meets
in the evening, has an enrollment of 90 members
and an average attendance of 50. This is quite a
remarkable showing, considering the fact that all
the members are otherwise employed during the
day.
The class met once a week for a two-hour
period. To maintain interest, the teachers divided
the work of the year into monthly topics. In Oc-
tober the class studied figure poses as applied to
greeting cards in preparation for the holidays.
In November, Thanksgiving and Industrial De-
troit posters were the subject of interest. In De-
cember, the subject was poses for action, value
and color; in January, poses for illustration —
classical, modern and romantic. In February,
those ambitious to be fashion artists had their
chance, as three Detroit firms cooperated by send-
ing merchandise, fashion models and fashion art-
ists to demonstrate the art of fashion drawings.
In March, color, based on the four seasons, held
the students' attention ; portraiture was the subject
in April and in May, still life and flowers. Thus
variety was supplied to keep up the interest and
an opportunity was given the more talented pupils
to see what field suited them best. Encourage-
ment was then given them to specialize in this
field.
It is related that a speaker before a large assembly of newsboys in New York City asked
how many had radio sets and every hand was raised !
250
AMONG LOCAL LEADERS
Among Local Leaders
FRANK E. SUTCH
Mr. Sutch, who is a graduate of the Philadel-
phia School of Pedagogy and has taken courses
at the Normal School of Indianapolis and at Tem-
ple University, started his recreation career in
1910 as caretaker on a summer playground in
Philadelphia. From 1910 to 1917 he served the
Department of Physical Education in various
capacities — as principal of a playground, member
of the faculty of teacher training courses con-
ducted by the Department and as worker in the
evening recreation centers conducted by the Phila-
delphia Bureau of Recreation.
From 1916 to 1920 Mr. Sutch served as as-
sistant to the Director of Physical Education of
the Philadelphia Public Schools. In 1920 he be-
came Executive Secretary of the Recreation Com-
mission of Phoenixville, Pennsylvania, leaving
that city in 1921 to become Superintendent of the
Municipal Bureau of Recreation at Scranton,
Pennsylvania, where a rapidly growing program
is being developed.
30,000 lives indicate the improvement in mor-
tality among industrial policy holders of the
Metropolitan Life Insurance Company for the
year 1923 which may be credited to the efforts of
the Welfare Division of the company.
— "Mooring Ropes" Report of the Welfare Division,
Metropolitan Life Insurance Co.
New Games in England
A game known as "Disco" has recently been
introduced in England. An adaptation of tennis,
the game requires an area of about one-third that
of regulation tennis and may be played indoors.
Wooden racquets 22" in length and a soft ball
are used. The court 40' x 14' is divided across the
middle by a net \l/2 feet deep, the top of which is
5 feet from the ground. On each side of the net,
at a distance of 14 feet from it and parallel with
it, are drawn the service lines between two posts
1 1 feet apart, 8^/5 feet above the ground, each sup-
porting a disc \2/$ feet in diameter. Four players
may play at one time.
In playing the game one of the players serves
the ball over the net. The opposing player re-
turns it with his racquet, the principal object being
to hit one of the discs in the opposite court. Each
stroke must be a volley stroke, and the player is
not permitted to return any ball which has touched
the ground.
American patents for the game have been
granted.
Another adaptation of tennis, known as "Five-
Ten," is played in spaces varying from one-half
to one-sixth the area of the regulation tennis
court. The only equipment needed, in addition
to the usual tennis racquet and balls, is a frame,
the lower portion of which is made of netting to
the height of an ordinary lawn tennis net; the
upper part of wood or other material.
In the center of the frame, just above the lower
portion, there is a gap three feet above the
ground, with a net pocket or box at the back to
receive the ball. The court needed for playing
Five-Ten may be in size anything between the
maximum of 12 yards by 7 yards or the mini-
mum of 7 yards by 3J/2 yards. A service
line is drawn halfway up the court and par-
allel with the base line. The half of the court
nearest the frame is divided into two equal
parts, called the service courts, by the center
service line. The base line is bisected by a center
mark. As in tennis, service is played from the
base line, the object being to serve the ball into
the gap, failing which it must rebound from the
board into the opposite service court. Five-Ten
is suitable for one, two, three or four players. It
is exceedingly helpful in affording tennis players
the opportunity for practice at any time.
An Experiment in Church Cooperation
BY
Ross W. SANDERSON
Executive Secretary, Wichita Council of Churches Wichita, Kansas
Eight years ago fifty letters were sent to Sun-
day school superintendents in Wichita, suggesting
a plan for cooperation in the development of
athletics through Sunday schools and asking for
a conference on the subject. There were only
three replies and the meeting was called an
entire failure. But eight groups of boys were
"ready to go" and each of them secured a man to
attend a meeting. Today the churches are mov-
ing ahead as far as the boys and girls have
demanded, and the Sunday School Athletic Asso-
ciation is one of the most successful enterprises
in town.
Sonic Impressive Records
Basketball — Last year twenty-one churches
played fifty-el.ght teams in the seventh season of
basketball, all but two of them finishing the season.
Two churches put five teams in the field; 4, 4;
6, 3; 5, 2: and 4, 1. There were two junior
leagues, three intermediate and two senior. Of
205 games scheduled, 190 were actually played by
629 registered players. Under the leadership of
a fire insurance agent, himself a successful teacher
of older boys, 135 volunteers helped to make the
season a success. Fourteen gymnasiums were
used, two in colleges, five in intermediate schools,
six in churches and one in the Y. M. C. A. The
league play-offs were won by 'three different
denominations.
Last year the girls had their first season of
basketball. Fourteen teams played through, and
there were two leagues, junior and senior. This
year there are three, and the number of teams
will be larger.
Baseball — In baseball the girls have played their
third season, twelve teams playing last summer in
two leagues. The boys under the leadership of a
Young Men's Christian Association boys' work
secretary scheduled 105 games, of which 94 were
played. Eighteen churches provided sixteen senior
teams, seven junior and six intermediate. Twen-
ty-nine teams played the entire season through.
Not quite 2,000 spectators attended, but this com-
paratively small number was not regretted since
the games were played for the sake of the players
themselves. Seventy-five volunteers helped main-
tain the schedule, and 434 players were registered
for this very successful season.
Tennis — Tennis has been played for over four
years. Last summer six churches engaged in a
regular elimination contest on a point system so
arranged as to result in the playing of a maximum
number of games. Men and women, boys and
girls, played both doubles, singles and mixed
doubles. Teams consisted of two, three or four
members. Men played two single matches and
one doubles, as did women, girls and boys. The
team winning two sets out of three was put up
one bracket. In nine cases out of ten the teams
(or players) chose to play a final game for the
sake of one extra point, even though the match
was already lost. The idea was "to get 'em to
play." Games were played on any courts secured
by the players.
Bowling — Bowling is another sport popular
with the Association. Last year teams from four
churches, with a total of 38 players, competed for
a gold watch fob which was given to the man
scoring the highest average in at least thirty-six
games, and for a loving cup for the winning team.
The winning player won at 173. Each team was
supposed to play forty-five games. All except
one series of three games were played.
Track and Field — There w*as not sufficient
participation in the track and field events last
year to make it desirable to continue them this
year.
Volley Ball — In 1925 seven girls' teams from
as many churches are to play volley ball, using
the Young Women's Christian Association and
the First Methodist-Episcopal Church gymnasium.
The churches are glad to have their facilities used
for this purpose. The attitude of the churches
toward the use of their courts was indicated by
the fact that the director of this gymnasium on
being requested for its use by the Sunday School
Athletic Association said, "Our purpose is to have
the greatest number of people possible use the
251
252
CHURCH COOPERATION
gymnasium. You will put it to the very best use.
Of course, you can have it."
Financing the League
The Association is financially strong. It began
the year ending October, 1924, with more than
$100 in the treasury, and during that year an
additional surplus of over $60 was built up. Last
year's expenditure amounted to less than $400,
including refunds. More than this amount was
received in fees, of which nearly $200 was re-
funded. The largest item of expense was the $60
paid the Board of Education for the use of school
gymnasiums.
Administration
Players in any games must be enrolled in the
Sunday school which they are to represent for at
least thirty days prior to their first game. If they
have previously represented another Sunday
school, the requirement is ninety days. And they
must maintain an average of at least 50% at-
tendance at Sunday school. No player is allowed
to represent a Sunday school who plays on a
representative high school or college team, the pur-
pose of this rule being obvious, to increase the
number of players in all games. No player is
allowed to participate in match games on Sunday,
and this rule is strictly enforced, even to the point
of forfeiting a whole series and a season's title.
The prompt filing of eligibility lists is required.
Every floor on which the game is being played
is supervised by two adults, one a referee, the
other being in general charge. This is a require-
ment of the Board of Education, as far as school
gymnasiums are concerned, and the Association
has been eager to apply it elsewhere. This means
that many times churches have to provide volun-
teer supervisors on floors where they are not other-
wise represented and not especially interested.
The plan sometimes causes complaint, at first, but
when the purpose of the provision is explained,
the church in question always sees the wisdom of
the practice.
One of the problems is to get people interested
beforehand. The aim is to have everybody share
in making the rules and regulations to which later
all must agree. There is rarely any trouble with
those who have had a share in the plans from the
outset. Many have no realization of ' the im-
mensity of the task.
The Secret of Success
The secret of success for the Association lies
in the tremendous amount of volunteer service
secured. Without the volunteer service of Em-
mett T. Ireland, the Physical Director of the
Young Men's Christian Association, and of others
who have put a large amount of time into the
enterprise, the results obtained would not have
been possible. For eight years Mr. Ireland has
been the moving- spirit and he is justly proud of
the fact that last year over 130 teams represented
twenty-four churches of nine denominations.
During the basketball season Mr. Ireland gave as
much as half-time to this work and in connection
with the remaining sports other leagues gave a
proportionate amount of time. The self-effacing
service of several of the Christian Association
secretaries, professional in character, but not used
even as an advertisement for their organizations,
has been a factor of inestimable value. A separate
organization has been deliberately maintained for
the reason that many have been interested in this
one branch of inter-church cooperation who have
not been concerned with other aspects of com-
munity church work. Further, the separate or-
ganization has been able to do everything on a
volunteer basis and at a very low cost.
The Results in Character Building
The athletic program is never used as a bait to
attract unwary youth who might not otherwise
come within the sound of the preacher's voice.
On the other hand, it serves both to hold those
already in the Sunday school and gives helpful
expression to the recreation needs of those who
would be in Sunday school in any case. Five out
of one team of seven basketball players joined
the church at the end of the season. This was due
largely to the leadership which they enjoyed.
They were taught religion through play.
The leaders in the movement feel that learning
to play according to rules is a good thing in itself.
While occasionally a man is a poor sportsman in
games but a man of unquestioned integrity in his
daily life, the general rule seems to be that as a
man's religion is to his games so his religion is to
his business. If his religion makes him a sports-
manlike contestant for athletic honor, it will prob-
ably make him a straight business leader.
The Wichita Sunday school teacher is pretty
likely to begin the Sunday school lesson with some
reference to basketball during the previous week.
It is understood that religion which does not func-
tion on the gymnasium floor or the athletic field
is really bogus religion. The leaders all regard
these competitive games as a character-building
(Concluded on page 285)
Recreation for Young People in the
Church
BY
OSCAR A. KIRKHAM
E.vccutiz'e Director, Young Men's Mutual Improvement Association
Salt Lake City, Utah
The leaders of the early community of Utah
caught the vision of the great worth of recreation
in the lives of the people, and even before the
community life was established, during the great
pioneer journey from the Momsia River to the
new home in the Rocky Mountains, night after
night the camp fire was made to burn more bright-
ly, songs of praise and songs of the plain were
sung, the "fiddler" began his merry tune and they
danced until the hardships and heartaches of the
day's journey were forgotten.
One of the first buildings to be erected in Utah
was the Salt Lake Theatre which is still one of the
best and most commodious dramatic temples in the
west. The management has always aimed to
present what is highest and finest in dramatic art.
High moral standards have been impressed upon
the young people from the stage as from the
pulpit, and in many instances more effectively.
The development of proper music has always
been of great interest. A definite organization
of professional people, meeting weekly, issuing
helpful printed material, have developed large
choirs made up of volunteer singers, in nearly
every community. The Tabernacle Choir with
over two hundred well trained voices and the great
Tabernacle Organ constructed over 50 years ago
yet commanding a place today among the greatest
organs in the world — these are expressions of the
love and interest of the people in the art of music.
The Deseret Gymnasium of Salt Lake City, one
of the largest and best equipped in the United
States, might be called the parent institution of
hundreds of smaller places throughout the entire
community life. Nearly all the churches are
provided with recreation halls, many having stages,
motion picture booths, hat and cloak rooms, rest
rooms and similar facilities. These recreation
centers are often under the same roof as the
church itself.
The recreation program proper, however, is
under the direction of an organization within the
Latter Day Saints' Church known as the Young
Men's and Young Ladies' Mutual Improvement
Association. This organization is headed by a
group of volunteer workers — men and women who
meet weekly and plan the work and give general
supervision to the leadership and program. Then
in some 900 small community centers known as
wards, the real detail work of the organization is
conducted. The men and women associated with
these smaller units carry out the general leisure
time and recreation program of the people. Great
care is used in the selecting of men and women to
do the leadership work. Those chosen are of a
high moral and spiritual character, willing to study
and become well informed on the recreation needs
and opportunities of the respective communities
and able to give supervision and direction in the
work. The program is all carried on by volunteer
workers. There are only two paid men, who are
known as field secretaries. They travel continually
among- the people giving leadership training and
helping in the general supervision.
We feel that through our program of recrea-
tion we must always emphasize the fundamental
ideals and standards of the church. The follow-
ing are some of the objectives which we are striv-
ing to use as guiding principles in the selection
and direction of our recreational activities.
1. The making of the joys of healthful recrea-
tion and social activities a vital part of the life of
every man and woman and child. This implies
(a) The providing of ways and means for
wholesome enjoyment
(b) An educational campaign lor better use
of leisure time \
(c) More attention to education in valuable
enjoyment
(d) A fairer distribution of recreation op-
portunities
253
254
FOR YOUNG PEOPLE IN THE CHURCH
2. The development of the spirit of sympathy
and brotherly feeling through
(a) More extensive social contact
(b) More natural social contact
(c) Breaking down undesirable class distinc-
tion
3. The development of a higher type of social
leadership. Group activities demand intelligent
initiative and cooperation.
4. Promoting health by means of proper
physical and social recreation, emphasizing more
and better supervised outdoor activities
5. Developing culture and social refinement in
youth through maintaining proper standards of
etiquette in parties and social functions, educating
youth to assist individuals who are socially timid
and in directing the mind of youth to the beautiful
in dress and outward expression and to the deep
values of mind and spirit
6. Developing the power of self expression
through dramatics, debating and other aesthetic
and intellectual activities
7. Extending desirable acquaintanceship among
adolescents that wholesome friendships may be
made, that ideals of manhood and womanhood
may develop, that errors in courtship may be
avoided and a more wholesome relationship
promoted
These are some of the objectives in our recrea-
tion and leisure time program.
In the organization which we have already men-
tioned the committee in charge of the work divides
its responsibilities as follows :
(a) A chairman to make a study of activities
which are intended for the whole community of
the church, holiday programs, picnics, parties,
moving picture shows and similar activities
(b) A second member of the committee to
make a study of the needs of recreation for adults
— married folks' dances, old folks' reunions and
parties
(c) A third member of the committee to make
a study of the recreation and leisure time activities
for the adolescent youth
(d) The fourth member to study play activities
and recreational needs of children
The making of money by means of recreation
is discouraged. A careful budget system is being
worked out.
One of the first duties of the committee is to
cooperate with all the agencies of the church and
build a year-round program of recreation for all
the members of the church.
The following activities are given special atten-
tion on the year . round program :
(1) Monthly special programs, patriotic and
pioneer celebrations, festivals, program in honor
of father and mother
(2) Home parties — neighbors and friends in-
vited
(3) Banquets and receptions
(4) Contests — both musical and literary —
15,000 young people participated in one year with
grand finals at big conference at Salt Lake City
(5) Debating
(6) Drama
(7) Public speaking — worked out in contests
(8) Storytelling and dramatic reading
(9) Pageantry
(10) Dancing — social and folk
(11) Standards and the moving picture
(12) Standards and the summer resort
(13) Physical activities — baseball, basketball
(14) Reading course — each year four books
are selected — one religious, one fiction, one life
story, one nature book
(15) Slogans — each year we adopt a slogan
such as —
"We stand for a sacred Sabbath and a weekly
half holiday"
"We stand for thrift and economy"
"We stand for a weekly home evening"
"WTe stand for the commandment — honor thy
father and mother"
(16) Home evenings — each community selects
a night and then all stay home on that evening.
(17) Lectures and special musical and literary
entertainments
(18) Mothers' and daughters' clay
(19) Fathers' and sons' outings
Ten thousand fathers and sons this year spent
from 3 to 10 days in the great out-of-doors to-
gether, generally with organized camp programs
but giving plenty of time for father and son to
be together.
The details covering these events are published
in the Young Men's and Young Ladies' Mutual
Improvement Association hand book and in spe-
cial bulletins.
In a speech to the Rhodes Scholars, Rudyard Kipling said, "The world needs fellowship."
I Play Rooms in Chicago's Apartment
I Buildings
BY
MARIE G. MERRILL
Associate Director, Public Welfare Department Chicago, Illinois
Every change in the building and equipping of
the apartment houses has added conveniences.
All the comforts of home in one room and kitch-
enette. But there has been subtraction as well
as addition. Even the most expert C. P. A.
would find it difficult to give the net profits at
present.
There isn't much to do in this sort of home —
not much to be interested in — not much room in
which to be active. But there is much leisure
time and much room for discontent. Facts re-
cently collected in Chicago show that the "kitch-
enette" district has a larger proportion of divorces.
Figures show that eighty per cent, of the divorces
in Cincinnati come from the "four rooms or less"
apartments. The causes or grounds presented
show the danger to the wife of too much leisure
time.
And the children — little children. "Every year
conditions point more and more to the fact that
cities were not planned for children. We seem
to have expected them to drop into our community
full grown. Inasmuch as they must have a place
in which to live and play, we must give time and
thought to it," said Miss Mary E. McDowell,
Commissioner of Public Welfare of Chicago.
Mother goes out for recreation ; father goes to
another place fof his. And what about the chil-
dren? There is little chance for normal life for
them. The playgrounds are invaluable but they
cannot fill all needs.
I asked a man who was keenly interested in
having me equip play rooms in his buildings if
there were any particular reason for his interest.
"Yes," he said, "I was raised in an orphanage.
I want to encourage home life."
I recently heard a five-year old lad who lives in
a kitchenette apartment talking of hunting a home
where, he said, "there's nobody over us and no-
body under us and a porch all around the house."
We cannot hope for that for all of us in this land
of large cities. In spite of the many processes of
elimination there are still lots of folks. We must
adjust home life to conditions. If we go far
enough back in our references to "good old days"
we will find the two room cabin home the source
of supply of some of the best citizens of our land.
Parents offered attractions and comfort — not such
as we have now but more appreciated. "A house
is no home unless it contains food and fire for
the mind as well as the body. For human beings
are not so constituted that they can live without
expansion. If they do not get it in one way they
must in another or perish."
People with small children often find it difficult
to get a desirable place to live if their income is-
quite limited. Landlords fear, and sometimes,
justly, that children will mar the rooms in ant
effort to amuse themselves. Why not have a.
place for children to play at home and play to-
gether? Nearly all buildings of fairly recent date
have basement rooms above ground.
I took my plan to Mr. Henry B. Zander, Pres-
ident of the Chicago Real Estate Board. Mr.
Zander was heartily in sympathy and suggested
that I write a letter regarding my plan. The fol-
lowing suggestions are copied from the letter
which was sent out by Mr. Zander to every mem-
ber of the Chicago Real Estate Board :
"Among the cases of all sorts that are referred
to this department (Public Welfare Department)
some have presented the problem of finding a
home for children in apartment buildings. I am
fully aware of the fact that the landlord is by
law allowed to discriminate when choosing tenants.
However, if a case were carried very far, few
people would want the spotlight of publicity on
the fact that they had refused entrance to chil-
dren and therefore would give another reason for
refusing the tenants.
"There are, of course, many parents who are
not fitted to act in that capacity. Their untrained
children would not be desirable in a building.
We cannot blame the landlord for choosing care-
255
256
/Ar CHICAGO'S APARTMENT BUILDINGS
fully when several children are concerned. On
the other hand, children must be housed and the
more suitably housed the higher their standards
of living. Teach them to respect house and home
with all it contains and signifies.
"Children must have a place to play. In a
year of the child's life there are 2,600 hours when
the child is awake and has nothing in particular
to do. It is playtime. A boy without a place
to play is apt to be the man without a job.
Recreation centers cannot take the place of the
home play for little children. It is good for them
to be near home at that age.
"The desire to play in groups is natural and
it is there that they show and develop power of
leadership which may later direct big business.
(Of course some may become politicians.) They
know mob psychology but not by its baptismal
name.
SUGGESTIONS
"My idea is to try to give the children a place
to play which will not endanger the apartment
home. All buildings have basement space. A
room can be made suitably attractive and usable
as a play room for an insignificant expenditure.
No play apparatus is needed or advisable. There
would be only such equipment as will make it
convenient for children to bring their own toys
and games. Benches can be benches and, smoothly
finished on under side, can be turned about and
worn inside out for ten pins. A strong painted
table can serve for little maids' tea party or boys'
checker game. Children of kindergarten or grade
school age know an endless number of group
floor games. A bulletin board would have typed
lists as suggestions to parents regarding game
books, story books, songs, busy work, etc. (I
have had many requests for such from parents.)"
During the period following the publicity given
the plan it has been interesting to see in the "For
Rent" columns of the Chicago papers such "ads"
as:
"3 Rooms; Murphy Bed. Child's play
room."
"'In new fireproof bldg. Consisting of
2-3-4 rooms. Unfurnished apts. Chil-
dren's playroom."
"New Building. 'Cooperative Plan.'
Playroom for children."
"A new order of things. 'Children
First.' 2-3-4 room unfurnished apts.
Plavroom for vour children."
"Apartments
construction,
playground."
unsurpassed in location,
design, service, private
Now about mother and father. A young
father said recently, "We grew up so fast our-
selves and had so many new things continually
thrust upon us that we have forgotten the inter-
ests and amusements of little children." Mothers
often ask me what to do to help amuse the children
in a way that will develop minds and skill. There
are so many kinds of simple busy work and games
— so many delightful stories and songs. Why not
teach parents? They would find it great fun.
My own mother found it so and was the center
of attraction for children in the neighborhood.
Recreation centers, schools, and clubs could do it.
The following list of helpful books can be posted
in the apartment buildings in bulletin form and
additions made from time to time.
Games:
Games — Bancro ft
Games with Songs — Hofer, Boyd, Cecil Sharpe
Finger Play — Poulsson
Songs:
Poems of R. L. Stevenson, Music by Crownin-
shield
Poems of Eugene Field, Music by De Koven
Songs of Happiness — Bailey
Song Books by J. Gaynor
Improving Rhymes for Anxious Children-
Carpenter
See Music Room in Public Library
Stories:
Books Arranged by H. W. Mabie
Stories by C. S. Bailey
Stories as Told by Georgene Faulkner
Stories by Gudrun T. Thomson
Dr. Doolittle Stories
Good Stories for Great Holidays — F. ]. Olcott
Peter Rabbit
Uncle Remus — J. C. Harris
Wonder Garden — Olcott
Language of Flowers — Kate Greenaway
Tales by Grimm
Tales by Hans Christian Andersen
The Story of Mankind — H. Van Loon
Jungle Book — R. Kipling
See Thos. Hughes Room — Public Library
Poems:
Poems of James Whitcomb Riley
Poems of Eugene Field
PLAY COURSES IN JUNIOR COLLEGE
257
Poems of R. L. Stevenson
Collections of Poems for Children
See Thos. Hughes Room — Public Library
Plays:
Plays by Constance Mackay
Plays by Rita Benton
Plays by Marie G. Merrill
See Children's Room — Public Library
List from Playground and Recreation Associa-
tion.
Handcrafts:
Sand Craft — Mason
Paper Flowers, Etc. — Dennison Paper Co.
Paradise of Childhood
Suggestions for Handcrafts — Hoxie
Rafia and Reed — Knapp
Busy Hands — Bowker
Harper's Handy Book for Girls
See Catalogue — Kindergarten Supplies — Brad-
ley Co.
Supplies — Department Stores
"In the homes of America are born the children
of America ; and from them go out into American
life, American men and women. They go out
with trie stamp of these homes upon them ; and
only as these homes are what they should be will
the children be as they should be." This does not
apply only to the home which has very little of
this world's goods. It means all of us. When
you are teaching Mother Goose Rhymes to your
children, find one which says,
"Hark! Hark! the dogs do bark,
Beggars are coming to town,
Some in rags, some in tags,
And some in velvet gowns."
As you read and play you and your children can
learn a great deal about life — its philosophy and
beauty.
"Who reverence not the lamp of life
Can never see its light."
Junior College Requires
Play Course from Teachers
The Junior College of Highland Park, Mich-
igan, which gives an accredited two years of
college work, is requiring of those who expect to
teach the following Recreation Course given by
Miss Nina B. Lamkin. The course gives a credit
of three hours and includes two hours of practice
work with a group.
First Semester
Theory — History of the Play Movement and
its relation to education
Correlation of Health and Play with
School work and its effect on growth
Classification of activities and meth-
ods of teaching
Organization of Boys' and Girls'
Clubs. Reference work, discussions,
outlines and plans
Practice — Rhythms and story plays for small
children. Story dramatization. Games
and folk dances for different aged
groups. Corrective work and mime-
tic exercises
Second Semester
Theory — Physiology and psychology of activi-
ties of the different aged groups.
Organization of material and admin-
istration. Methods of teaching. Spe-
cial programs for holidays. Festivals.
Pageants. Reference work, discus-
sions, outlines and plans. Practice.
Setting up exercises for playground
and camp. Games, folk dancing,
nature lore, the building of a pageant,
swimming and water sports, group
athletics, efficiency tests. Games and
sports for adult groups. Tourna-
ments and contests.
Recreation must try to save everybody or nobody. We are all together. It is not possible to
do for one human individual except as we do for all.
— ANNA GARLIN SPENCER.
258
FOREVER DEDICATED
Portland's Rose Festival
Each year, for an entire week, the city of Port-
land, Oregon, pays homage to the rose. No city
gives fairer samples of this queen of flowers, and
during that week roses of all types and colors are
present in profusion — a constant demonstration of
their great beauty.
This year a singularly beautiful and interesting
festival was held during the third week in June.
The presentation of an allegorical pageant,
"Rosaria," depicting the influence of the rose upon
the progress of civilization, was presented on the
first night of the celebration. The story of this
pageant was written by Mrs. Doris Smith.
Charles Wakefield Cadman, of "Land of the Sky
Blue Water" fame, wrote the music and Anthony
Euwer the poetry. The ticket sale for this one
event netted $25,000.
At the culmination of this pageant the Queen
of the Festival, Suzanne Caswell Honeyman, was
crowned. Arriving in the morning with her six
princesses and forty ladies in waiting on the
battleship Oregon, she was met by the Royal
Rosarians and Rosariari Band, who whisked her
in her white and gold auto to the royal suite set
aside for her use in the Multnomah Hotel to await
the coming- festivities. The Governor was also
an especial guest on the Oregon for this occasion.
The 36th annual rose show was held for two
days in the municipal auditorium under the aus-
pices of the Portland Rose Society. Each day a
special floral display was exhibited at the Portland
Art Museum. A Grand Floral Parade with floats
and hundreds of natural rose blossoms was one
of the week's features. At the Multnomah
Stadium, a Rose Festival Chorus consisting of
hundreds of voices, sang each evening.
Much interest was aroused in the Rose Festival
Regatta in which there were a large number of
entries. Rosebud programmes, consisting of
athletics and dancing, were given in the afternoons
during the week at the public parks.
During this gala week, a King was also crowned
— by name, Rex Oregonus IX, and a Merrykhana
Parade was staged in his honor. At this time the
drum corps were awarded prizes through the
American Legion Drum Corps competition.
No one lacked for entertainment during the
week. Everyone was interested and nearly every-
one in this "City of Roses" had a part in making
Rose Week a complete success.
"Forever Dedicated to the
Public for Parks and
Playgrounds"
The following provisions for the platting of
lands for recreation purposes were placed in the
revised codes (1921) of the State of Montana.
Chapter 41, Sec. 4980. Plat or addition to be
made and recorded.
"Any person, company, or corporation who may
lay out any city or town, or any addition to any
city or town, or any tract of land within the limits
of any city or town, or town site, or tract of land
outside of the boundaries of any city or town, or
transfer any lots, blocks, or tracts therein, must
cause to be made an accurate survey and plat
thereof, and cause the same to be recorded in the
office of the County Clerk and Recorder of the
county in which said land lies."
Sec. 4981. Wliat plat must contain. The plat
must show as follows :
9. For the purpose of promoting the public
comfort, welfare, and safety, such plat and sur-
vey must show that at least one-ninth of the
platted area, exclusive of streets, alleys, avenues,
and highways, is forever dedicated to the public
for parks and playgrounds ; the one-half of such
area so dedicated to the public for parks and play-
grounds may be distributed in small plots of not
less than one block in area through the different
parts of the area platted ; and the one-half shall be
consecrated into larger parks on the outer edge of
the area so platted. The board of county commis-
sioners of the county, or the council of the city or
town, is hereby authorized to suggest suitable
places for such parks and playgrounds, and for
good cause shown may make an order in the pro-
ceedings of such body (to be endorsed and certified
on said plat), diminishing the amount of such area
herein required to be dedicated as public parks
and playgrounds to not less than one-twelfth
thereof, exclusive of streets, alleys, avenues, and
highways ; provided, that where such platted area
consists of a tract of land containing less than
twenty acres, such board of county commission-
ers of the county, or the council of the city or
town, may make an order in the proceedings of
such body, to be endorsed and certified on said
plat, that no park or playground be set aside or
dedicated.
Swimming Pools
BY
WESLEY BINTZ
Lansing, Michigan
We all used the old swimming hole when we
were children. In its way it had all the niceties
we have today in our modern pool. The bank
used to be the spring board; we would have an
overhanging tree which was the high dive ; the
lockers were some bushes out on the side where
you could keep an eye on your clothes, and I am
sure you remember the slide, that clay bank on
the other side of the hole. But there is just one
trouble about that swimming hole today. So
many cities are dumping their sewage in the
streams that it is almost impossible to find a body
of water today that can be used for swimming.
Most cities have to construct their pools, and
there are many things to be considered in such a
project.
Location of Pool
In regard to the location of your swimming
pool, try to get it on a street car line, if you can.
Get it on a good hard road, because automobile
traffic is the biggest feeder of your swimming
pool. "You need a lot of parking space. And
then do not forget your water, electric light and
sewer facilities. As a general rule, the municipal
park is the place that meets all those conditions.
It has good roads in it ; it has the space ; it always
has electric lights, water and sewage facilities ; and,
as a general rule, it is the best place in the city.
So often people say to me, "We are going to
put the pool down in this hole." Yes, a hole
in the ground ! Did you ever stop to consider
that your excavation, if you constructed the pool
on a flat piece of ground, would not cost you
more than about $1,000, and your swimming pool
more than fifteen or twenty thousand dollars. And
still people will put the pool in a hole and make
the sewerage, the water and electric lines as much
as 500 to 600 feet longer than they should be.
Practically such an arrangement is poor economy.
Put the pool where it belongs.
Size and Shape
The size of the pool is probably the first item
you will have to take up. The ordinary maximum
*Acldress given at the Recreation Congress, Atlantic City, October
18, 1924.
daily attendance at any swimming pool, taking the
average size, is about seven per cent, of a city's
population. We are not talking about New York
or Chicago here. Most of us live in the average
size town. About seven per cent., then, of your
population is your maximum attendance for any
one day. Your maximum usage at any one time
is about two per cent. You never get those people
all in the pool at one time in any one day. They
are spread all over the day. Your pool can be
run to its capacity once in the morning, at least
twice in the afternoon and once in the evening.
That is, three and a half or four times a day the
pool can be used to its capacity. I would not rec-
ommend that you design a pool for its maximum
possible usage. When you go to a show Friday
night or Saturday night, you wait to get in. You
take your turn. They do not design theatres for
the crowd that is going to come on the Fourth of
July or some hot day; do not design for the
biggest crowd in the swimming pool. When you
have a crowd, they can wait in line and take their
turn. So design your pool for the average daily
attendance.
If you figure about one bather to every ten
square feet of water surface in your pool, that is
about right. You can't put one person in every
ten square feet of water, but you are going to
have some people changing their clothes to go in
swimming and some changing their clothes to go
out, and you are going to have some lounging
around on the concourse floor or sand beach, if
you have it. But you have to have those facilities
there to take care of that many people.
Practically all pools become community pools.
No town, unless it is a small town, can build one
pool to take care of its entire population. It
resolves itself into putting these pools in parts
of the town so that they become community pools.
The shape of the pool can be rectangular, ovoid,
circular or irregular. There is one outstanding
argument in favor of the rectangular pool, namely
— you can hold official swimming meets in it more
easily, provided it is sixty feet long or more. Out-
side of that one point, I cannot see any particular
259
260
SWIMMING POOLS
argument in favor of rectangular pools. You
can hold swimming meets in a pool with circular
corners, if you want to, ana there are several
good points in favor of a pool with circular corner,
or ovoid pool. For instance, take a rectangular
pool seventy-five feet by one hundred and fifty
feet. The length of the pool wall is what costs
you most of your money. It has a lot of re-
inforcing in it ; it goes into the ground ; it has a
walk around it. The length of the pool wall and
the pool wall itself are your controlling cost. If
you will make the above rectangular pool an ovoid
pool, you can make it fifteen feet wider, you can
make it thirty feet longer, you can increase the
water area in the pool twenty per cent, and still
have a pool wall exactly the same length. So,
unless you expect to hold official meets in the
pool, I would say, stay away from rectangular
pools. There is another outstanding feature in
favor of pools with rounded corners, and that is
the fact that your temperature stresses are less
destructive. That is a theoretical matter, but it
comes up here if you have that kind of a pool.
An irregular pool is purely a local proposition,
where you want to make it fit into some architec-
tural or landscape design. You should have ad-
vice on that matter.
The Bath House
Now your bath house. That is an auxiliary to
the pool, of course, the bath house being to ac-
commodate the pool. I find, however, in going
over the country that the bath house is usually
just about one-half to one-third as big as it ought
to be. That is, if you take care of all the people
you possibly can take care of in that bath house,
you cannot use that pool to its capacity. So I
would say that the bath house ought to be large
enough to use the pool to its capacity, to put in
all the equipment you want to put in. Be sure
your bath house it well ventilated. There is noth-
ing that will rot so quickly as a bath house if
you build it of wood. It is not under water, it is
not dry ; it is damp all the time. Then be sure it
is designed to take care of your bathers so you
have control of them. Let them go in one door
and come out another door. Do not have them
crossing each other. Men should be on one side
and women on the other.
The equipment in every pool can be divided
into three parts. First, the facilities for changing
clothes and taking care of your bathers ; second,
the sanitary facilities ; and third, re-circulation.
For changing clothes, of course, the men are
usually satisfied to have a little bench to sit down
on and a place to put their clothes. You can use
the basket system for the clothes, sometimes called
the St. Louis system, or you can use lockers.
Those are the two outstanding systems which
you may use. The baskets cost you less to put
in and more to operate. The lockers cost you
more to put in and less to operate. If you have
baskets, a man comes in, gets a basket, takes it
and changes his clothes, puts his clothes in the
basket, brings it back and you put it away. Then
when he is through using the pool, he comes to
the attendant and gets the basket again, changes
to his street clothes and returns the basket. You
not only handle the basket four times, but you
handle that bather four times. When you have
lockers, he comes up, you give him a key and
then you forget him until he is ready to leave
the place.
Sanitary facilities must be taken care of. There
is nothing quite so important as sanitary facilities.
Re-circulation
In the old swimming hole this problem was
taken care of by the running stream of
water. That was fine. But when you build
an artificial pool, the water must be re-circulated
in some way or other. There are several ways
to take care of that. In the first place, you can
use the fill and draw system. That means fill the
pool and use it three or four days and then empty
it and fill it again. That works out all right
where your city has plenty of water and they
want to save the expense of the filtration and
sterilization equipment, which in the ordinary
pool would cost about three thousand dollars or
thirty-five hundred dollars.
It is possible to take care of the sterilization
manually, that is, by dosing the water in some
way, but you cannot take care of your filtration
by this means. Your filtration equipment is a
big tank of various sizes. The ordinary tank-
would be about eight feet in diameter, twelve to
sixteen feet long, filled with four feet of graded
sand, coarse at the bottom and fine at the top.
It is a steel tank, built so as to sustain sixty-five
to one hundred pounds pressure per square inch.
The water is brought in at the top, forced down
through the sand, and in going through it all the
suspended matter and so on is taken out of the
water. But still you do not yet have the water fit
to bathe in. It might be just as clear as crystal and
be the deadliest water. Here sterilization comes
in, and some agent is used to sterilize that water.
SWIMMING POOLS
261
Ozone is used to some extent ; chlorine is used
in probably ninety-eight per cent, of the municipal
water systems of the United States, and there is
the ultra violet ray which is gaining headway very
fast and will, no doubt, in a few years be used
as much as the chlorine.
To recirculate the water in a pool you have to
bring the water into the pool in some way and
take it out in some way so you will get an even
distribution of that water. Let us say that this
room is a tank. If you bring the water in one
hole at one end and take it out one hole at the
other end, you will not recirculate it. The water
will form a current down the center of the pool,
just as you have ocean currents, and you will not
re-circulate the water. You have to bring the
water at three or four or five points at one end
and take it off at three or four or five points at
the other end. The state law of California re-
quires that the water be changed once at least
every six or eight hours. It requires a turn-over
twice a day, sometimes four times a day. Per-
sonally I have not found that necessary. Cali-
fornia has the most stringent law there is. In
all states, however, if they do not have a law —
and there are only eight or ten states that do — the
swimming pool comes directly under the State
Board of Health or local health officers. The
standards for a swimming pool are those of drink-
ing water. You can readily see the reason for
that. You are in that water, some of it gets in
your mouth, and if you contract any infections it
always comes through your eyes, nose, ears, mouth
or open sores. If the pool is properly taken care
of, no one with an open sore will be admitted.
Problems of Construction
With regard to construction. Some of you
people live in the south and you do not need to
worry much about it, but when you get up in
this climate you have to look out for frost. Take
your footings down deep enough. It does not
cost much to go a foot deeper. In this part of
the country you ought to be at least three feet
under the ground line. Do not forget sub-drain-
age. There are not many pools which put in
sub-drainage, but that is what causes the floor
to crack.
Do not get any sharp offsets on the pool bottom.
People walk along, drop in, lose their heads, and
if you do not have some lifeguards there, they
get in trouble. Be sure to have your pool roped
off at the deep end.
If you have somebody who knows how to de-
sign your pool, you will get a larger percentage
wadable than you would otherwise. The average
pool is about sixty per cent, wadable, and I am
able to get as high as ninety per cent, wadable
in my pools.
Do not forget the scum-gutter. Out in Illinois
they asked me about tarvia and asphalt bottoms
and gravel bottoms, and what they did not ask
me about was not worth asking about. They had
a design without a scum-gutter. I said, "Do all
the other things that should not be done, but do
not forget a scum-gutter. I would rather see that
than all the other things." You get three kinds
of dirt in your pool : One that goes to the bottom,
which does not bother you; the second goes into
suspension and solution and is taken care of by
your filtration equipment ; and the third is a kind
of an oily scum which comes to the top. The
pools at Flint did not have any filtration and
sterilization equipment ; they would fill them, use
them three or four days and empty them. They
would fill them up full, the pools would be used
all day long, and by night they would be down
three or four inches from the top of the scum
gutter. The next morning the pools would be half
covered with a kind of oily scum just from the
one day's use. They would bring the water up on
to the scum gutter and in five minutes that was
all off.
Be sure and have inlets and outlets where they
belong, and the proper number so that you get
proper re-circulation. You cannot have a pool
and put an inlet here and an outlet ten feet away
and get any circulation. The water merely passes
from one to the other.
You should have a walk around the pool. If
you do not, the bathers are going- to walk in the
grass or in the mud. It does not make much
difference which they walk in, if you get it in the
pool it makes a mess.
I am going to give you my opinion about sand
beaches and then you can use your own judg-
ment. I do not have much use for them on an
artificial pool, because it is my opinion that they
are probably one of the best breeding places of
germs and bacteria which can be found. The
sand is damp and warm and has no chance of
being washed and changed like the water in the
pool. Just one contaminated grain of sand in
your eye, your mouth, your nose or your ears
will contaminate you or give you an infection just
as quickly as the water can. Personally, I do not
have any use for sand beaches.
It is important to enclose your pool so that you
262
PHILADELPHIA REPORT
have control of your public. That is, you cannot
just let people promiscuously come and use the
pool and go away.
Operation of the Pool
There must be several life guards — not fewer
than three on the average sized pool, nor
two when the pool is in full use, as in the after-
noon and evening. During supper time and
around noon, when it is not much used, one guard
can take care of it if it is not too big. You should
get length rather than too much width in your
swimming pool, for when they are too wide, the
life guards cannot watch them. You have to have
overhead lighting on your pool. If you do not,
your guards cannot watch it. If you had lights
around the outside of the pool, and the pool was
a floor or something like that, the light would be
reflected, but the water absorbs the light and you
do not have the proper kind of lighting unless
you have some overhead lights.
Water is a local matter, and you can find out
from your water board what it will cost you. It
is very easy to figure the capacity of the swim-
ming pool in gallons or cubic feet, and get the
cost of a tank full of water at the rates that
water will be supplied. Your electrical bill will
amount to the light usage that you will have plus
the cost of operating a recirculating pump and
motor. This motor will be from five to fifteen
horse power, depending on the size of the pool
and the rate of recirculating and also the pressure
at which you recirculate the water. If a recircula-
ting system is installed, you will need to change
the water in the pool about once in a month to
remove the heavier dirt that settles to the bottom
of the pool ; if you use the fill and draw system,
you must figure on emptying the pool and refilling
about twice a week.
In general it is not necessary to heat a pool
because when the water gets so cold that the people
do not want to use it, the air is too cold for them.
You could do more good heating the air than
heating the water ; and with an outdoor pool that
is out of the question.
Maintenance on a pool outside of general oper-
ating expenses does not amount to very much
if it is designed right. If it is wrong, you get
temperature cracks, every year it gets worse, and
you have to take care of that.
In regard to cost, that is very hard to give you
here, because every pool is different, the condi-
tions are different, and so on; but you can figure
in general about two dollars per square foot of
water surface area — that is a general figure — if it
is designed right and put in the way it ought to be.
Take your bath house, include your equipment
and everything, it will run between three and
four dollars per square foot of water surface.
The Division of Physical
Education of Philadelphia
Makes Its Report
In the report of the Division of Physical Edu-
cation for the year ending August 31, 1924, Wil-
liam A. Stecher, Director of Physical Education,
tells of the work of the Division in its five general
types of activities — Physical Education in High
and Elementary Schools, Athletics and After-
school Play in High and Elementary Schools,
Vacation Playgrounds and Swimming Centers,
Training Courses for Playground Teachers and
Wanderlust Walks on Saturdays.
An interesting section of the report is that deal-
ing with supervised athletics, in which is described
the work of the Supervisory Committee on Athle-
tics composed of different sections, each section
having full control of the athletic situation in
different types of schools. The members of these
sectional committees are appointed yearly by the
Superintendent of Schools upon recommendation
of the principals of the schools affected. Each
section makes the rules applying to its type of
school. The boys' section of the high schools,
for example, has full control of all phases of
athletic competition in boys' high schools. No
school may engage in any kind of athletic competi-
tion with any other school, either within or with-
out the Philadelphia system, without the sanction
of the Committee, which regulates all questions
relative to eligibility, age of players, number of
games that may be played during the week or dur-
ing a season, scholarship standing, and similar
problems. The Committee meets once a month
in the office of the Director of Physical Educa-
tion.
Our Way
Night and day
Work and play
Watch and PRAA.
Canoe Polo
(A New Game)
BY
B. E. WIGGINS
Division of Physical Education Columbus, Ohio, Public Schools
Object of the Game
The object of the game is to direct a large ball
floating upon the water across a goal line by
means of a pole in the hands of a player. The
end lines of the playing area constitute the goal
lines.
The players are in canoes.
Playing Area and Equipment
When the game is played in a lake, the end or
goal lines should be marked by anchored craft or
buoys, one at each corner of the designated area.
The area shall approximate a 300 foot by 400 foot
rectangle. If practicable, wood or cork "float
lines" may be used to mark the entire area. When
played in a stream, flags should be used on each
bank to mark the end or goal lines if the game
is played across-stream ; or to mark the side lines,
as the case may be. The five yard zone at each
end should be marked with buoys or flags.
The ball shall be a regulation cage ball or its
equivalent, and fully inflated. No substance other
than a water-proofing material shall be applied to
its surface.
The tilting poles shall not exceed ten feet in
length, and shall be well padded on one end in
order to safeguard the players and to prevent
puncturing the ball.
The canoes, three for each team, shall be ap-
proximately equal as to size and type. No canoes
of the "Sponson" type shall be used unless (1)
by mutual agreement of the competing teams, (2)
or, in the event of there being a sufficient number
of same to equip both teams.
Personnel of Cre^vs
Each team shall be composed of three crews,
and each crew shall comprise two paddlers and
one tilter — nine in all. Each team's craft, or
contestants, should have a distinguishing mark for
the convenience of both the officials and specta-
tors.
Officials
There shall be one starter and referee; two
inspectors of boundaries; one timer and two
scorers. The starter and referee shall be supreme
in authority during the progress of the game, and
shall rule upon all fouls, penalties and goals. The
referee and timer should occupy one boat or canoe
in order to avoid confusion of signals (whistle or
gun).
Length of Game
Two fifteen minute periods shall constitute a
game. At the expiration of the first period, the
contesting teams shall change goals and resume
playing ten minutes thereafter on the referee's
signal. It is suggested that a game for juniors
shall consist of two ten minute periods.
Ball Out of Bounds
(1) When the ball is propelled over the side
lines, the inspectors or referee shall replace it in
fair territory and the two nearest crews of the
opposing teams shall start its progress — bow on
to the ball. (2) When within the goal and five
yard lines, it shall be replaced in fair territory five
yards from the goal line.
Time Out
Time shall be taken out : ( 1 ) when the ball is
forced out of bounds; (2) when a fair goal is
awarded; (3) at the end of the first period; (4)
when a capsized canoe blocks or impedes the
progress of the ball five (5) yards from the goal
line (full length of end lines) ; (5) when a serious
accident occurs; (6) when a foul is called by the
referee ; (7) when a pole is broken or dangerously
damaged.
"Time out" shall in all cases be determined by
the referee.
Starting Position of the Respective Teams
At the start of the game, after each fair goal is
made, or a penalty for foul goal or otherwise, the
263
264
NINE POINTS IN LEADERSHIP
crews of each team shall start from their respec-
tive ends of the playing area. The ball shall be
placed in the center of the playing area ( 1 ) at the
beginning of each period, (2) after each fair goal,
(3) after each foul goal (penalty).
A fair goal shall count five points. A foul
goal shall count two points for the team fouled.
Overtime periods of five minutes each shall be
played if the score is a tie at the end of the
regular playing time.
Fouls and Penalties
(1) Tilting at or interfering with an opponent
or his canoe: Penalty 2 points. (Note:- The ball
in all cases should be played, not the opponent,
as in canoe tilting.) (2) Using the hands to ad-
vance the ball in lieu of the pole : Penalty — 1 point.
(3) Advancing the ball by any part of a canoe:
Penalty — 2 points. (4) Raising the ball by any
method from the surface of the water : Penalty —
1 point. (5) "Boxing" (enclosing an opponent
with two or more crews) : Penalty — 2 points.
(6) The use of the hands, paddles or pole to
block or impede the progress of an opponent :
Penalty — 2 points. (7) Unnecessary roughness,
illegal blocking or holding five (5) yards from the
goal lines : Penalty — 4 points.
The loss of one or more members of any crew
by capsizing or otherwise shall not cause a
stoppage of the game.
Exceptions: When a mishap of this character
occurs within five yards of the goal line, and the
free progress of the ball is impeded thereby. The
referee only shall give the signal for a stoppage
of the game.
All changes or modifications of the above rules
made necessary by peculiar conditions shall be
mutually agreed upon by the competing captains
prior to the beginning of the game.
Nine Points of Community
Recreation Leadership
To Be a Successful Community Recreation
Leader Means to Be
1. A Student To have a knowledge of the his-
tory, philosophy and psychology of the play, rec-
reation and leisure time movement; to keep in
touch with the latest experiments, developments
and literature; to understand its relationship to
other national social movements and its relation-
ship to the whole social problem of America.
2. A Promoter To have the power to interest
folks; to interpret the movement successfully to
others ; to have the imagination and initiative to
visualize and secure support for new programs
and activities; to be an enthusiastic and firm be-
liever in the movement so that one can stir up en-
thusiasm and inspire individuals, groups and or-
ganizations to take responsibility for meeting the
community recreation problem ; to be sympathetic,
friendly and to inspire good will.
3. An Organizer To be able to organize com-
mittees and other groups such as volunteers ; to be
able to get folks to do things for themselves; to
organize the details of programs and activities and
work them into a balanced recreation program ;
to have the ability to multiply one's self so as to
promote successfully all the activities which must
be carried on to meet in any substantial way the
demands for a full program.
4. An Administrator To be a good executive
and administrator ; to render service to the great-
est number in the most places, at the least cost per
capita; to organize and have properly carried on
the necessary business detail of community recrea-
(Continued on page 277)
The Medieval Church used the drama, music, art, literature to create a refining influence
to save the world from vulgarity, which is only another name for the pollution of the mind. Dr.
S. Parkes Cadman would like to have the Church go back to its old refining activity. He sees
the religion of the future spreading a beautiful sight before the eye, pouring lovely sounds into
the ear, filling the youthful mind with wholesome and inspiring ideas, clothed in the alluring lan-
guage of wonderful literature. Youth will get its music, its drama somewhere. The problem
is to give music and drama which will elevate.
Eighteen Years' Progress in Community
Recreation"
ABBIE CONDIT : Once more the stage is set.
We, too, are going to give you a play tonight.
The place is everywhere in America. The time,
present. The theme, the development of the com-
munity recreation movement. The cast is rather
a large one. It includes not only the players whom
you see on the platform but the thousands of rec-
reation workers, officials and volunteers through-
out America.
The play is arranged in a number of short
scenes. In presenting them, we, too, shall give
you something of fantasy, something of comedy,,
and perhaps, something of tragedy.
The play will of necessity be an unfinished one.
Its final acts have not yet been written. We are,,
all of us, playing only in the first act, for recrea-
tion as an organized movement in America is in
its teens. The play is still young, and also the;
players.
My part in this drama is to present to you the
published material of the Association.
The really interesting and significant thing
about the booklets, pamphlets and bulletins which,
are published is that they are the product of all of
the recreation workers in the country. The hand-
books on music and drama, on games and social,
activities, on community buildings, on layout of
playgrounds, on recreative athletics, are all based
on your experience as you have passed them on
to us. The bulletins are the records of what you
are doing in your cities, and so we might go on
indefinitely.
We now have fourteen handbooks, in addition
to three prepared specifically for the American
Legion. The most recent of our books is the
Handcraft Book, of which you have doubtless all
heard. All of our books may be seen in the ex-
hibit room.
As I have said, the publishing of literature,
pamphlets, bulletins and magazines is made pos-
sible only as you out in the field make your find-
ings and experiences available. We are merely the
assembling and distributing stations which pass on
those experiences in black and white, so that
Maine may know what California is doing, and a
town in Massachusetts may profit by what is being
clone in a community in Illinois.
'Report of addresses given by the Workers of the Playground
and Recreation Association of America at the Recreation Congress,
Atlantic City, October 18, 1924.
And so, because you play such an important
part in the literature of the recreation movement,
please be very patient and very responsive when
we ask you for information and pester you with
questions, remembering that it is for the common
good. Please make it a point to send us all your
bulletins, everything you publish, in whatever
form. It is all welcome, and it is all grist for
the mill.
L. H. WEIR : I am supposed to talk to you about
my activities as a "Fact Hound" tonight. In
other words, I am to speak on the subject of the '
exchange of information through studies, investi-
gations, surveys.
Xow, when this subject was suggested to me,
I became very curious to know just how scientific
an organization the recreation workers represent,
both from the standpoint of a national organiza-
tion and from the standpoint of the local organi-
zations throughout the United States. And I found
that during the last thirteen years there have been
made in America, so far as I have information,
about sixty special so-called recreation surveys of
as many communities in America. Thirty-seven .
of these, I believe, have been made by the Play-
ground and Recreation Association of America,,
and the remainder by different national and local
organizations. — j
A good many of those surveys I have had the
pleasure of working upon myself, and during the
thirteen years that I have been with the Asso- .
ciation I suppose I have attempted to make al-
most as many studies or so-called surveys. At the'
present time I have upon my hands the follow-
ing studies : A recreation study of the City of, '
Buffalo ; one of Houston, Texas ; a state-wide
survey of the State of Utah, with special studies
of Salt Lake City, Provo, Logan and Ogden,
Utah. And during the past year, at the same ;
time that I have had all these surveys upon my :
hands, we undertook to direct the nation-wide
study of the organized camping movement in
America. Some of you may know something '•
about the results of that study as it appeared in the j
form of the manual on organized camping, entitled
Camping Out.
Now, in these surveys, take, for example, the
study that I am attempting to make of the City of
265
Li MI-ID FALLS, A CRYSTAL THREAD TRACED ON A PINE-CLAD SLOPE, A TREAT FOR RECREATION CONGRESS DELEGATES
Recreation Congress, Asheville, N. C., October 5-10, 1925
266
EIGHTEEN YEARS' PROGRESS
267
Buffalo. We started in with this viewpoint, under
the direction of the Civic Planning Association of
the City of Buffalo — of studying that large
community of over a half million people
from the standpoint of finding out what had
been done by the citizens of that community to
make the City of Buffalo the best possible place in
the world in which to live; and if a good job had
not been done in making it the best possible place
in which to live, then what ought to be done to
make it so.
It is significant that a Civic Planning Associa-
tion has taken this broad viewpoint of the build-
ing or the rebuilding and replanning of a com-
munity. Originally most of our City Planning
Commissions started out with the idea of trying
to make our communities the best possible places
in which to work. And for years the civic plan-
ners have given their attention to the location of
factories, commercial institutions and transporta-
tion facilities. But now we have them giving
equal, if not more, attention to the great question
of planning our communities so that they will not
only be the best places in the world in which to
work but also will be the best possible places in
the world in which to live.
I should like to say just this in conclusion : that
I believe everyone of us ought to turn himself
into a sort of scientific investigator. I think that
we ought to be searching, day in and day out, from
a critical point of view, to study and understand
our problems better and better. And I am hop-
ing that the time may come, and come soon, when
we may have, perhaps as a part of the national
organization, a well-organized and thoroughly
officered and well-financed research department.
JAMES E. ROGERS: Every profession needs
leaders, trained leaders. And, of course, a new
and growing profession — and we are now a pro-
fession— needs leaders. So, as the President, Mr.
Lee, says, we have been growing by leaps and
bounds. And if you will take THE PLAYGROUND
MAGAZINE of this year, you will see what has hap-
pened in the way of one hundred per cent, growth
from 1913 to 1923, from 320 cities to 680, from
6,000 workers to something like 12,000, and you
will see the great need in this thing that was once
a job but is now a profession.
I think we should emphasize the great fact that
we have entered into the portals with medicine,
with the great profession of teaching, with the
profession of engineering — and we are engineers.
We are educators. But profession must, of
course, have training. And with training, you
must have schools. So in this spreading, grow-
ing, new profession, the great need is for new
leaders.
This profession has changed greatly in the past
ten years, from summer playgrounds for children,
twenty years ago, to a new profession which is not
playgrounds, not drama, not music, but com-
munity recreation. This is a Recreation Congress,
and that changes the whole subject matter and ap-
proach. And the community side, the unity in
our program, the ideal of including not only play
and athletics, but drama and music and com-
munity art, has brought with the word "com-
munity" the great need for the training of organ-
izers, and not directors. And so the secret of the
whole profession is the emphasis on the approach
to this art that our President has spoken about.
Therefore, in the training of leaders it seems
to me we have three parts in this new subject of
community recreation as against physical educa-
tion or play, the subject matter that is included
in the big plan or program, which is the profes-
sion of community organization for recreation for
the welfare of community and national life.
The activities are represented in four great de-
partments: Athletics and play is the first. Then
has grown the second addition — neighborhood or-
ganization, social centers, adult recreation. The
third great theme is drama and community
pageantry. The fourth theme is community music.
Those are the four departments in what we may
call skill and knowledge. And so, in training,
there is the great need for skill and knowledge.
On the art side there is a great need. When I
go into communities, people say, "We don't want
directors who merely direct activities, such as folk
dancing. We want somebody to go out and mobil-
ize, energize, bring together the Rotary Club, the
School Board, the Park Boards, who will take all
of our plans, who will take the school yards and
the buildings, the parks, the vacant lots, the streets
and the church centers, and mobilize this thing
and go at it as an engineer." So there comes in
the art of approach, the art of set-up, the art of
getting folks.
In the community centers it is not the program
of recreation for that evening, but it is : "How did
you get that Parent-Teacher Association to be the
initiating group? In the neighborhood of the
Fifth Ward, how do you go about it?" And so
the great need in training today, it seems to me,
is the art side.
Now, because a speaker should have terminal
268
EIGHTEEN YEARS' PROGRESS
facilities, I just want to say that the national asso-
ciation, naturally, being a co-operative movement,
has established a co-operative school in Chicago
— a center that gives much in the way of facilities
and through the courtesy of the South Park Com-
mission and V. K. Brown, Charles English and
others, there has been established there a dynamic
school training to meet this new profession, to
meet the new needs coming up because of the de-
mand not only from you but from the field. And
I simply want to end with this : This need for
leadership comes from the community that says,
"We want directors plus, who are community
organization people with ideals, and who are
artists."
PETER W. DYKEMA: Friends, I have hardly a
right to be up here, because only a portion of my
time is given to Community Service. And so I
consider this a privilege to be here.
There are two things I want to tell you. The
first one is personal, and the other has reference
to your work. The first one is that which I feel
the most, and that is what Community Service has
done for me. And the second is what we are try-
ing, as far as I have been able to help with the
music program, to do with music through Com-
munity Service and through this organization.
In the first place, I want to say that just as Lee
Hanmer started me in the humanizing aspect of
music when he was kind enough to take me, noth-
ing but a poor, ignorant University professor, and
make me into an army song leader — just as he
started that, I think Community Service has car-
ried it on and kept me throughout at the task of
finding out what music is in actual relationship to
people, and not only in relationship to the class-
room. That to me it is the large side. It is the
reason why I cling to this opportunity of working
with Community Service when it is extremely
difficult to do so.
But the other thing is what this organization
has aimed to do with music. Music has been so
long in the world, it has been used so constantly
and it has been misused so constantly that the
great task before the community worker today is
to interpret this old art of music in terms of the
new needs of our people. We constantly had these
things in the old times, and we had that over and
over again to meet.
Now, Community Service brings no specially
new forms to music, but it does bring continually
new interpretations of this old art of music which
so long has been in the possession of a few, which
so long has been an art of display for a number
of the talented. And the thing that this organiza-
tion stands for and the thing that I know you
stand for has been the insistence that this old art
be turned back, as it was originally, into the full
and complete use of the people.
The great thing, it seems to me, we do when
we go into a city is simply to aid the various fac-
tors in the community to interpret themselves.
There is nobody so lonely, as we have found out
in the ordinary town, as the musician. The music
supervisor, to take one example, is the sole one
of her species in the whole community. She has
no one to commune with. She feels usually that
all the community efforts are against what she
is trying to do in the school, that she has no one
who understands her problem ; and she has need,
first of all, of being put into relationship with the
rest of the work and what music is to be.
On the other hand, the average community
worker has the feeling that he only has the direc-
tion of what music is to be, that he has no rela-
tionship with the trained musician. If there is
anything we have tried to do it is to make all these
people understand, the music supervisor with her
children in the school, the artist with his special
pupils, the one who is giving the concert courses,
those who have a little of the high charms of
music in their homes, and the man who is leading
community singing in the parks, the Kiwanis Club,
the Rotary Club, and all those — to have them un-
derstand that all of them together are working
with this one precious art for the sake of making
a finer and a better America.
That has been the essential thing we have done
in our conferences throughout. That has been the
spirit we have tried to put into the school with
these people who have passed through it under
Mr. Rogers. That is the thing which the cor-
respondence has always endeavored to do — to
make people understand the unity effect of all the
various types of music and the fact that all of
them are working for the sake of making a finer
and happier America.
GEORGE E. DICKIE : There are a great many
things that I should like to tell you. There are
names of organizations written all over pieces of
paper stuck in my inside pocket and here on the
table that I should like to read to you. But Mr.
Lee told me this morning that if I started to do
it, everyone would walk out. There are still a
number of people to be heard from, and I desire
to finish before the tap of the bell. So, first of
EIGHTEEN YEARS' PROGRESS
269
all, let me erect here a great statue and, earnestly
and with great reverence, let us bow our heads
before that statue to the unknown and unsung
organizations.
America, you have often heard, is a great coun-
try. It extends from Maine to California and vice
versa. And we who are here often find ourselves
in a very nerve center of the community life, the
community in which we live. I know that almost
all of us say we have too many organizations. But
please let us not lose our perspective because we
happen to be in the nerve center.
I feel that way very, very often. But let us
think of the thousands and millions of men and
women, and especially children, whose lives are
hungry and starved, for what? For life, for con-
tact, for social life with other people. And then
when we think of' those thousands and millions of
people, and we look about us in our communities
and see the barren lives of large numbers of peo-
ple, we realize the need for all of the organiza-
tions that we have and many, many more — at
least, much more organized group effort, because
it is through organization that in society we
achieve these better things. So I have no apology
to offer for the very large number of organiza-
tions.
But the message that I want to bring is that the
recreation movement, as interpreted by the Play-
ground and Recreation Association of America,
aims to serve in the recreation field all these or-
ganizations in local communities. And almost
all organizations, from the army and navy to the
school, from the church to the American Legion,
from the Parent-Teacher Association to the fra-
ternal organizations of many kinds, and the in-
dustrial organizations have their recreation prob-
lems, and recreation plays a part in even the most
serious business meetings.
So the Playground and Recreation Association
of America aims to be the effective expression for
all of these organizations in the field of recrea-
tion. If legislation is needed, the Association
seeks to secure what is necessary. If information
and studies are needed, the Association tries to
meet the need. And the Association does not en-
deavor to confine recreation into any one organi-
zation or one channel or one group in a com-
munity. It does not aim to build up an institu-
tion, either nationally or locally, but rather to set
free the ideas, thoughts, activities, methods, and
help them to permeate all organizations.
I know there isn't time to tell much of this. I
have on this list, at the top of the list, beginning
with the A's, the American Legion, with its thou-
sands of posts throughout the country. Thou-
sands of pamphlets relating to the Legion and com-
munity activities have been distributed by the As-
sociation to all the posts and many of the indi-
vidual members of the American Legion. It is
only one little example of the hundreds of things
that are being done co-operatively between the
American Legion and the Playground and Recrea-
tion Association of America in the field of com-
munity recreation.
In the church drama which you will see illus-
trated here tomorrow evening, in the field of
music, in the singing of Christmas carols, in many
other ways, there is a service to the churches;
there is a service, also, from the churches and
from all these organizations to the recreation
movement. Recently leaders in the Protestant,
the Catholic and the Jewish churches in Iowa and
Illinois wrote letters to all of their local branches
in all denominations and centers, urging the inter-
est of the churches in legislative efforts which
were taking place in those states.
I must stop now, but I assure you that I have
a very long list of examples and testimonials to
prove the truth of what I am saying when I tell
you that the Playground and Recreation Associa-
tion of America is truly endeavoring to represent
and to serve the recreation interests of all people
and all organizations, regardless of caste or race
or religion.
A. R. WELLINGTON : I remember at Springfield
last year, I think for possibly the first time in my
career, I was called upon to fill the pulpit of a
church. It is a far cry from sales management
to the pulpit of a church. I want to say, however,
that the little experience I had at Springfield I
believe was of tremendous value. In that little
country church, some six or seven miles out of
Springfield, one could not but be very forcibly im-
pressed with the opportunity for service, if you
would allow the co-operation of those whom you
were attempting to serve to help you.
In going into some of the cities of the Middle
West where they have had a good deal of a prob-
lem in the past few years, I have been very forci-
bly impressed again with the fact that by simply
surrounding oneself with a few men and women
who have at heart the best interests of the com-
munity in which they live, one is struck with the
fact that with very little effort and with very little
stimulation a plan may be quickly evolved which
is bound to result in what afterwards becomes
270
EIGHTEEN YEARS' PROGRESS
an all-embracing system of recreation affording
real leisure time activities not for one or for two
but for all.
Having a very few minutes' time, I think it
might be well to mention one particular situation.
Some two years ago, for the first time, I happened
to go into a little city in the State of Indiana, a
city of some thirty thousand people. They appar-
ently were filled with the idea that duplication of
effort had made it practically impossible to evolve
anything which would really function in a satis-
factory way. The Mayor of that city mentioned
the fact that he had just recently purchased some
attractive land for park purposes, that the city
was very much divided and he was rather fearful
that he would be defeated for re-election because
of the purchase of that land. One or two simple
questions brought out the fact that if in any way
he could possibly popularize that little area he
would feel that he had not only done something
of great value for his own administration but, of
course, for the city.
The result was that some few months ago (not
two years ago, but some few months ago) this
same little city had progressed to the point where
I was able to wire to our headquarters staff that
this city at the present moment has an option on
a twenty-five thousand dollar golf course, a forty
thousand dollar swimming pool which will start
to operate in the spring, five public parks with
playgrounds, four neighborhood community cen-
ters in operation, and with a total attendance using
the activities during this past summer of 174,000.
That is stimulating. And sometimes I believe,
as we get around from time to time and feel within
ourselves that the bottom is dropping out, some
such situation as the one that I have just spoken
of is the thing which means, to most of us, more
than we can realize a new faith, a new hope and
a real understanding and real, unquestionable feel-
ing that with such workers as we have here with
us, with the help of organizations and individuals
and with the spirit which comes to us from such
gatherings as this, there is no question at all as to
the ultimate results in the work that we are trying
to accomplish.
GEORGE W. BRADEN : Twenty-two years ago,
when my son Paul was born, I conceived the idea
of planting a tree on each of his birthdays. And
you can imagine what a tremendous joy it was to
me a year ago last May, in returning to the old
home, to see the sycamores, the eucalyptus trees,
the peppers and some six or eight varieties of fruit
trees that were the result of that early planting
of birthday trees.
With that simple illustration you can easily
understand what a joy it was to me, again, in re-
turning to the coast, to see the fruit and the re-
sults of the early planting in the field of com-
munity recreation and play of our friends, L. H.
Weir and Lee Hanmer and our beloved Dr.
Gulick, who has now gone to the other side.
I remember when in the first playground meet-
ing in the City of Los Angeles, Lee Hanmer said,
"I was tremendously interested in coming out to
this site (the Echo Park in Los Angeles) this
afternoon, to see that convicts were hauling in the
sand for the creating of the sand boxes and the
sand piles for the kindergarten children. Little
did these convicts know that they were working
themselves out of a job." How true that is — they
were working themselves out of a job !
Now, hear me when I say this : In talking with
my friend, William F. Holland, director of all the
charitable and philanthropic work of Los Angeles
County, when three weeks ago I was taking a ride
with him around the district to Pasadena, I said,
"Now, tell me, how do you feel, as the County's
director of charities and philanthropies and having
to do with all of the probation work of this
County, regarding the community recreation en-
terprises in this district?"
He turned to me and made this statement: "I
know of one district in the City of Los Angeles
where last year there were a hundred children, or
in the earlier period, a hundred children who were
convicted of minor offenses of various kinds, de-
linquency of various kinds; and this year out of
that district only three children have been haled
into court." That, again, is one of the fruits of
the early sowing of L. H. Weir and Lee Hanmer
and others on the coast.
I remember the story that is told frequently in
the far west of the elderly woman who, going
down one of the avenues, conceived the idea of
scattering seed as she went along the lane. It is
said she sowed the seed of the California poppies.
And now as you go down this particular lane or
avenue in the spring of the year, the golden Cali-
fornia poppies are strewn in the way and under
your feet. And so, in a sense, we can do that in
the field service.
Now, in closing, I want to give two or three of
the practical things that seem to me come into the
field service work. Field service in the eleven
western states, as you can well recognize, is a
difficult task because of the great distances that
EIGHTEEN YEARS' PROGRESS
271
have to be covered. It is quite a trip for me to
go from the City of Pasadena to Denver. It is
quite a trip to Seattle and Portland and Victoria
and Washington. But the distance itself is one
of the important factors in the field service in the
Western states. You can see that it is quite a dif-
ferent problem to the field worker in the little city
of Grand Junction, Colorado, who doesn't have
a dozen or fifteen or twenty well-organized and
going community recreation centers nearby.
John Norviel is off by himself. And it means
a great deal when I go in to see John Norviel and
meet with his committee there. In a sense, it is an
event in the city. It might be more of an event
if somebody else should come, but it means a great
deal to John Norviel. It means a great deal to the
Recreation Association of Butte, Montana, when
the field worker comes in to visit that city. And
so because of the distance itself, I think in many
ways the field work means more than it does in the
congested districts of the east, where there are a
large number of cities and city executives and
committees and boards that, in a sense, can lean
upon one another.
I might say that at the present time there are
thirty-three cities in the eleven western states,
which we sometimes call the western division or
district, that now have year round directed com-
munity recreation and play. There is the problem
of the sixty cities beyond eight thousand popula-
tion that do not have year round recreation and
play.
Now you will be tremendously interested, I
know, and will see the importance of this one
fact : that this last year, in part through our field
service, we were able to get eighteen of the high
grade recreation directors in cities like San Fran-
cisco, with Miss Hagan, Jay Nash in Oakland,
Charles Raitt in Los Angeles, and many others,
to go to the nearby points, to carry the coals of
fire and to start the thing going in these nearby
cities. And that, again, is all the more necessary,
you see, because of the great distances that have
to be covered.
J. R. BATCHELOR: If there is any one thing
that typifies the ideals which the men in my ter-
ritory have for their work, I think it is summed up
in this thought : that those men are seeing in the
future in their municipalities the recreation de-
partment functioning as effectively and as thor-
oughly for all the citizens of their city as do the
water and light departments or any other depart-
ments of the municipal government.
The cities which I make regularly, or attempt
to make, starting at the eastern side of my terri-
tory in Detroit, are doing remarkable work. If
we could only have time to have men in charge of
the work in these communities stand up and tell
us some of the things they are doing and the won-
derful way in which they are working out the
problems in their own cities ! Take Detroit, for
example, with its recent ten million dollar bond
issue, which is moving the houses off in block
after block, fencing them and putting on play-
grounds, and with its staff (twenty of whom are
here with us at this convention), and with the
functioning of that recreation department, not
only on the playgrounds but out through the
churches and other organizations, the school build-
ings. Then go on to Chicago, and see the won-
derful things that are being done there! The
other day I figured up the total budgets of all the
departments in Chicago that are paid from tax
funds, and I think the amount was something like
$2,500,000 a year. Never yet have they had to
go before the public and urge the public to vote
for a recreation measure in that city.
The thing that I enjoy in my territory is the fact
that everyone of these men with whom I come in
contact is so cordial and so willing to give me
anything he has. I went into one of the offices
in Cicago, that of Mr. English, early last spring,
and picked up from his files, which he turned over
to me, all of the things that he had been working
out in that department of his. I had a huge stack
which I filed. After a while I went to another
city, had stencils made of them and sent that in-
formation to all of the middle west. Later on I
sent the stencils to the Playground and Recreation
Association of America and they sent them out,
I think, to all of the recreation departments in the
United States. Mr. English was very glad to
give us of his experience.
In Milwaukee where about a year ago we or-
ganized the Municipal Recreation Council, a vol-
unteer group which is seeing that the municipality
is giving the recreation director every opportunity
to be of service to all the people of the community,
we have had the pleasure this last spring of seeing
the culmination of those first efforts in the passing
of the $500,000 bond issue for new playgrounds
in that city.
The other night I had the privilege of going
out to one of the playgrounds. One of the things
that had been bothering us was the method of
lighting up the playgrounds. And we discussed
one thing after another, and one thing was recom-
272
EIGHTEEN YEARS' PROGRESS
mended and another thing was recommended, and
finally we hit upon what we thought was right.
We got out to that great, big school field and we
saw, after the expenditure of many thousands of
dollars, this one field and the lights turned on that
night, and actually the tears just streamed down
our faces as we saw the wonderful opportunities
that were coming out from just that one expe-
rience of having worked out what we thought was
an efficient lighting system for that one play-
ground itself.
Going over into Minnesota, with those great
twin cities there right together and the wonderful
things that are developing there day after day,
where they have had a vision, in one of the cities
at least, of having a director for the recreation
work. At first, to be sure, he did not have much
help, but now they are beginning to see the value
of getting out into the city life, and they are real-
izing the importance of adding to the staff, so that
they can get out into the community and function
through the Parent-Teacher organizations, the
clubs, the fraternities, the churches and in the
Sunday school picnics. They are practically run-
ning all the Sunday school picnics and things of
that kind that are functioning there.
Over in Minneapolis, that beautiful city where
I have the privilege of living, we have seen the
expenditure this last year of about $800,000 in
the development of those playgrounds that they
have in that city.
But there comes a tragedy once in a while. Per-
haps this is not a tragedy, but I had the experience
in my territory this last summer of finding a new
way of picking the playground directors for the
summer. This had occurred because they had dis-
posed of the education director. All the applica-
tions that came in for the position of playground
director were dumped into a big pail, and the
Superintendent of Parks, or whoever he was, went
up to the pail and picked out as many as he needed
for the playgrounds for the summer and they
were thereupon appointed, with an ex-policeman
to take charge of them for the year.
And since then, because of that occurrence and
because of our constant hammering in that one city
alone, we have had appointed a wonderful com-
mittee which says it is going to sit on the job for
ten years, if it takes that long, to see that that
city comes through with a real recreation program
that the politicians can't disorganize.
W. A. PARKER : There are sixteen cities in the
Carolinas. in each of which there is a group of
people promoting community recreation. There
are none in some cities, a dozen or a score of in-
dividuals in others, and in other communities there
are several hundred who are committed to the
idea of enriching the leisure of the people.
I have made a list of those sixteen cities, but
I can not take time to read it. I made a mathe-
matical diagram that I might select impartially
from those cities two or three typical communi-
ties to talk about, and I can't do that in the time
allotted. I am going to take the first town alpha-
betically in the list — it is by no means the best—
and give you as careful an analysis of the situa-
tion in that city as I can in three or four minutes.
Anderson, South Carolina, is a typical southern
community. There are ten thousand people in the
city, and immediately outside of the city are ten
thousand more. The outside group are mill
workers and live in mill villages. The inner group
are the cultured Southern people of whom I have
spoken. Neither group wishes to mingle with the
other. The people inside do not wish to extend
the corporate limits, because they say it would cor-
rupt the ballot of the city. The people outside
do not wish to come in, the mill owners particu-
larly, because it would increase the taxes on mill
property to be included in the corporation.
But here is a community of twenty thousand
people, situated in a county of twenty thousand
more, with no Young Men's Christian Association,
no Young Women's Christian Association, no Girl
Scout movement, no Boy Scout movement, no
recreation organization whatsoever, except the
community recreation organization established by
our agency. It is a beautiful field, therefore, for
the working out of a program of community rec-
reation without those necessary and inevitable in-
terferences of one agency with another. It has,
however, certain agencies that might be called rec-
reational in a broad way.
The church is prominent in that community, as
cannot be realized by people who have never
visited or lived in a southern city. There is a
church in that city of ten thousand people, sur-
rounded by ten thousand more, that has four thou-
sand members ; and they go to church. Partly the
church is friendly and partly it is unfriendly.
In eighteen months these things have been
achieved in the city of Anderson, South Carolina,
by the local agency established through our
efforts : There have been set aside four tracts of
ground, three of them adjoining school buildings,
that had never been improved ; and these have be-
come the community playgrounds that are oper-
EIGHTEEN YEARS' PROGRESS
273
ated every day in the year, except Sunday. Chil-
dren can play outdoors in Anderson nearly every
day in the year.
There have been conducted in the community,
since eighteen months ago, four great community
events that have assembled from five thousand to
twenty thousand spectators or participants. There
has been arranged a county song festival in which
the people of the city and county will co-operate in
a great popular music rendition on a single day.
There have been arranged and conducted leagues
for the playing of athletic games and competition
for twelve different groups or agencies of people.
The various seasonal games have had emphasis in
these athletic leagues — such as baseball, basket-
ball, football — and the more unusual forms of
games of competition in making and flying kites
and in the construction and use of various imple-
ments for the amusement of the makers.
There has been planned for this autumn a single
day of the program of the county fair — which is
not a horse fair, but a human fair. The county
fair is giving up a single day entirely to recrea-
tion; and our organization leader, our executive,
is in charge of that day's program. There is, in
addition to this rich and varied list of community
activities, a girls' camp, which is under the con-
trol of the community recreation committee. And
the most fruitful and, to my mind, the most hope-
ful single aspect of that great enterprise is that
four hundred and forty different people, adults,
have co-operated generously to make that pro-
gram a success. And yet none of that work would
have been achieved without the missionary work
of this group here and of the great organization
that it represents.
CURTIS L. HARRINGTON : The message from
New England is constant growth. You know,
in New England, we are favored with the inspira-
tion and the help of Mr. Lee, and it means much.
We are not content in New England with the
statement of progress only. We want definite,
convincing evidence of results. So we know in
one city that the first year the recreation system
was established there was an improvement of
fifty-one per cent, in the deportment in the public
schools. We know the cost of a playground, of
street play and baseball fields, and of drama. We
know how much these activities decrease juvenile
delinquency, crime, disorder. And we know to
a fraction how much the taxpayer is saved because
of the original investment. And in New England
we are convinced that there isn't a finer dollar and
cent investment in America today than the recrea-
tion system.
We check accurately, too, the values and worth
of the citizenship and character building move-
ment. There are today perhaps a thousand in
Xew England interested in these things, where
there was one three years ago, because this evi-
dence is convincing. There are not only the per-
manent systems established and in operation, but
there are neighboring communities organizing
systems and establishing the work.
Recently a gentleman from a smaller com-
munity visited one of the permanent organizations.
He was so impressed that he went home and today
is building a recreation plant that will cost him
personally about $200,000. It is arranged to have
that permanently tied in with the city group in
the spring. There are many such examples in
New England.
This has been a matter of creation and growth.
\Ve have something that we know is good. But
it is my observation that unless there is a follow-
up service of the Playground Association, eight
out of ten of these projects that we have worked
for and that have come to life as an instrument
for good are going to collapse. So there is a call
to you and a call to us for more thought and
greater effort to continue to create and maintain
these activities.
S. \VALES DIXON : I am glad Mr. Braucher
called your attention to the fact that so many of
the good things come out of the east, because as
you listen to Batchelor or some of the fellows
from the middle west and the far west as they
breeze along in typical fashion, you would think
that section of the country is the start and the
finish of all things ! We in the east know that the
best things they have in the west came out of the
east!
I know that in our work of public recreation we
come to different viewpoints as we get into dif-
ferent communities. And sometimes we may
think that our movement is somewhat misunder-
stood. But it isn't at all like the circumstances
of a youngster who came home from school look-
ing very serious and said to his mother, "What do
you suppose the teacher said to me today? She
said I was a dirty elephant and she would throw
me into the furnace." That didn't sound like
much of anything, so the mother went to the tele-
phone and called up a neighbor and talked to her
274
EIGHTEEN YEARS' PROGRESS
about it. The neighbor laughed about it and said,
"Now, it doesn't sound like Miss X. She is a
pretty good sort. I hardly think she would say
that. Why don't you call her up and talk to her
and see what she says ?" So the mother called up
the teacher, and the teacher laughed and said,
"What I did say was that your Tommy was a very
disturbing element and that if he wasn't a better
boy I would drop him from the register."
But I know that as we meet various communi-
ties and with our hats off to some of the good
spirits of the east, some of the "old-timers," the
men who have gone through the thick of the fight
and have done well along the lines of leadership,
did much along the lines of pioneering and are
still in the fight, we bow before the younger ele-
ment who are carrying the burden today and who
are now in the thickest of the fight and with the
whole picture before them. And while we some-
times hear of the old-timers talking about the dan-
ger of this thing going like a prairie fire, of going
too strongly and being out of proportion, as we
heard so much of it this morning, I don't believe
it for a minute ! To me it i£ one of the thrills of
life to have a part in the thing that is making such
a mighty impression upon our national life — this
matter of the conservation of leisure hours.
We believe in it so because of the past and be-
cause of what we are in right now and because
of the picture of the future before us. And we
believe that we can't be downed.
It might be interesting to you to know that one
man in the little district that I run around in, had
come to the point where he wanted to make a very
great contribution to his neighborhood and do
something awfully nice because the town had been
mighty good to him. His idea was a great clock
tower with some chimes which would stand there
as a memorial to him. And partly through the in-
fluence of our Association and partly through the
"get-together," which, in the last analysis, is the
best of all — the coming together of a group of
people who will sit down and talk over problems
and come to some definite line of policy in the
interest of the community — he isn't going to build
the chimes tower at all, but he is buying an athletic
field, for which the boys of the town will bless
him and his name for long years to come.
Because of inter-athletic relationships between
that town and another neighboring town, the fin-
est kind of relationships have been established.
And because one town seemed to be getting ahead
of the other, twenty men in the second town
banded together because the city would not give
an adequate budget for the proper prosecution of
the work of recreation in that town or meet its
problem honestly. So these twenty men rose up
and said, "We will go to it and we will carry it."
And they are carrying it, and tens of thousands
of dollars they are carrying, too, until such time
as the city will see the thing is right and take it
over.
There is another man who left a hundred and
fifty thousand dollars as a memorial to his family
and his town, because that was where they had
made their money. In the hills overlooking that
town was a great shaft of some general of the
Civil War — a friend of the father of this man.
And they had selected another spot about one hun-
dred and fifty yards away from that shaft for
another great shaft to stand there in memory of
this man. But that is not going to be done. To
that one hundred and fifty thousand dollars which
has been set aside, the son has added one hundred
thousand dollars more. In that town will be es-
tablished an athletic field and recreation park.
And the two things will be in harmony.
Now, the most impressive or the most encour-
aging thing about the whole movement is that re-
gardless of the present status of recreation in our
communities in New England, where we some-
times think our politics are pretty bad, we know
that after all we can have faith because there is so
much more of good and honesty than there is of
dishonesty and badness. And we know that we
can convince even the politicians, if we can only
give a better reason than the reason which they
have today.
It seems to me that sometimes the people who
are called politicians are not politicians at all. A
man rises up and wants to make himself a big
fellow, so he won't spend the city's money for
anything — not even for a playground, if they
haven't one in the town. And I say he isn't a
politician. He could make himself stronger if he
would help make provision for some of the great
essentials. We have to help these men see it.
And very often the encouraging thing comes along
and we are surprised how easily that man will
see it, too.
And bless the women of this country — the
women's clubs of all kinds ! It seems to me they
have been doing even more in recent years than
the men. The work of such good groups as
Rotary, Kiwanis, Lions and other groups — those
luncheon clubs that take such a vital interest in
their neighborhood life — I think is certainly
matched by the work of the women's clubs, to
EIGHTEEN YE^S' PROGRESS
275
whom I look in the future for the best of the
things that are to come. Because, you know, the
women of this country have as good reason as the
men have ever had for the fuller and the better
prosecution of this work.
JOHN BRADFORD : During this past winter in the
so-called continuation type of service which is
really the expression of yourselves who are the
Playground and Recreation Association of Amer-
ica, and not the employed officers, who are simply
your instruments, there came to my attention one
or two pieces of service to this department that I
am sure will be of interest to you.
In one city where there had been for a long
time the wrong attitude on the part of the then
governing officials toward the administration of
recreation, and where the positions had been filled
by the so-called political appointees, the continua-
tion secretary had come in and was able, in a series
of personal conversations with various folks about
town, to bring the message of you lay people in
terms of a broader community vision, telling them
how up and down the land there were men and
women like yourselves giving their time and their
money so that a broader and a better type of com-
munity association and social life might be devel-
oped. And so in the process of a little time there
came a change. There was gradually pushed for-
ward the idea that a different type of committee
might be appointed. This was done. Lay men
and women like yourselves began to serve, and a
non-partisan and non-political committee was
formed.
Then they said, "We don't know a good deal
about this, but there is a clause in one of our laws
which says that an examination must be set for the
Director of Recreation in this city." And so the
man called upon the Correspondence Department
of the Playground and Recreation Association of
America to send the information. When it came
they said, "We do not understand it. We do not
know how to interpret or apply it." And so the
man took the information from your headquarters
and translated that into an examination covering
the situation in that city.
Six young men and women took the examina-
tion. Numbers were put upon the papers, and not
names, and they were mailed to the continuation
secretary who was then at work in another city;
and he marked those to the best of his ability, not
knowing whether they were men or women or
who those were who wrote the examination
papers. They went back again, but he added this
suggestion : "In the wisdom of the lay workers in
this organization, training of a broader type is
necessary. Whoever succeeds in securing the ap-
pointment should be sent to the Community Rec-
reation School to get the broader vision." And
this suggestion was accepted. A man secured the
appointment who had been a former physical
director in the local Young Men's Christian Asso-
ciation. He went to the training school conducted
by the Association in Chicago. He is here tonight
at this Congress to carry back the inspiration
which your presence brings to his city.
And this typifies the work of the so-called Con-
tinuation Department, which is simply a continua-
tion of your interest through a personality bring-
ing the broader view of the work throughout the
country, knitting up the lay folk in the local com-
munity with you who represent the country as a
whole, rendering a broader service to the local
community through the inspiration which comes
from you in a gathering like this.
T. S. SETTLE : We have had many illustrations
tonight of how quickly that heartless bell breaks
up any attempt at a review of a long list of activi-
ties accomplished. And so, in my brief time, I
am going to tell simply the story of an old mother
and her youngest daughter, both of whom I know
intimately and love dearly. The mother's name
is Virginia; the daughter's is West Virginia.
I can never think of the present work going on
in Virginia without thinking of it as the Renais-
sance of Play. Our early Virginians brought with
them a rich tradition of play from the mother
country. They put that into practice. They had
a well-balanced life of work and study and in-
terest in civic affairs and play. And that flowered
fourth in such citizens as her Washingtons and her
Jeffersons and her Lees.
Perhaps, home recreation and social recreation
reaches its highest point at Mount Vernon and
Monticello and Arlington. And then Virginia
became a battlefield of civil strife — much of it a
cemetery. And for many decades after that play
life was neglected indeed, if it wasn't frowned
upon. It just seemed that it wasn't an appropriate
thing to do, to play around the cemetery.
But in about 1905 some of the citizens of Rich-
mond, some of whom are here tonight, heard of
this modern play movement and thinking of their
own past started the first Playground Association
and the first playground in Richmond and, prob-
ably, in the south.
276
EICHTEEX YEARS' PROGRESS
Along about 1912, wanting more advice and
help, they turned to this National Association and
asked for a field secretary. And Rowland Haynes,
of blessed memory, went down. And it was under
his evangelism that I literally hit the trail and have
traveled many, many thousands of miles since.
And then, wanting to get into it in a wholesale
way, a few months after that they invited all of
you down. And I look into the faces of many who
attended the Richmond Recreation Congress near-
ly twelve years ago. People came in from the
provinces and sat at your feet. And you will be
gratified to know that in many instances your
advice was taken.
And so from the one city of Richmond, with a
few summer playgrounds, the movement has
spread to fourteen cities in Virginia ; from a few
playgrounds, to scores of playgrounds. Seven
cities have a total of eleven swimming pools and
bathing beaches. Two cities have municipal golf
courses. You see, we followed your advice.
Soon after the world war, realizing that thirty-
six per cent, of the stalwart sons of Virginia
had been rejected as unfit for military service (and
that is just as good a percentage as Massachusetts
could show), they called upon us again and we
helped them to get a State Physical Education
Law with an appropriation of fifty thousand dol-
lars. And here is the thing that interests me : Yes-
terday, as a result of that law, two hundred thou-
sand children of Virginia had a ration of play and
physical training under such trained and com-
petent directors as are graduated by Dr. McCurdy
and others.
Now, a word about the youngest daughter.
West Virginia. She is a beautiful daughter. She
is called by many "The State Beautiful" ; by
others "The Switzerland of America."
Somewhere, I suppose, with that twenty-five
thousand dollars of Mr. Lee's, or probably out of
the goodness of his heart, he roped in Lee Han-
mer, beloved of all, and started him out on the first
missionary journey of the recreation movement.
Lee Hanmer stopped at a place called Wheeling,
West Virginia. Nobody was thinking about a
playground there. It was the last thing people
were dreaming about. But Lee Hanmer got to-
gether a group of people in a parlor there, and
before he got through they had a playground as-
sociation. And that summer they had one play-
ground, and that one playground has grown to
eighty-seven playgrounds, and the movement has
extended to sixteen cities with broad cultural pro-
grams.
If you are in Huntington next week, you will
see the dramatic committee staging such works as
Zona Gale's Neighbors. You would see the music
committee put on The Messiah, or, perhaps, in the
spring of the year, The Creation. And then there
is the great pageant, such as was put on at Clarks-
burg. And so the daughter also has been making
progress.
But I want to say that this work hasn't come
easily — not at all — every bit has come by hard,
hard effort. I see throughout this audience many
and many a worker who has gone into Virginia
and West Virginia, following up that generous
advice you gave ten or twelve years ago.
In conclusion, let me say that we have only
scratched the surface. That is the message I
really want to get to you. We have only made a
beginning. There isn't one of those thirty cities
I have mentioned doing more than over twenty-
five per cent, of the job they ought to do. Seventy
per cent, of the people of Virginia and West Vir-
ginia live outside of the incorporated cities out in
the rural districts. And I tell you truly and seri-
ously that they need this thing that we have been
talking about all this week even more than the
people of Richmond or Wheeling or Philadelphia
or New York — and in no uncertain language and
terms and sounds comes the Macedonian call from
them. And I trust it will not be very much longer
that we shall fail to heed that call.
God grant that we, everywhere, in every city
and every community of Virginia and West Vir-
ginia and other places in America, shall all have
the vision and consecration to carry this great
gospel of play, in its broadest aspects, to Virginia
and West Virginia and the outermost parts of the
earth.
The great question with all people who want to improve the condition of mankind is, how to
get mankind to try to improve itself. — ELIHU ROOT.
Address before Advisory Council of Milbank Memorial Fund.
NINE POINTS IN LEADERSHIP
277
THE CHILDREN OF CLIFTON FORGE, VA., PLAY IN UNUSUALLY BEAUTIFUL SURROUNDINGS
Nine Points in Leadership
(Continued from page 264)
rion work including proper handling of budgets
and finances so as to retain the full confidence of
the community; to see that communities, volun-
teers and paid workers function efficiently; to be
able to manage and have properly supervised all
physical equipment and supplies; to see that ma-
terials and equipment are well kept and that clean-
liness and order are maintained ; to know how to
plan most effectively for the use of his own time.
5. A Technician To know in detail how to
conduct recreation activities; to have skill in as
many branches as possible ; to be able to arrange
programs for local fraternity, church, club, com-
munity center, playground and other local groups ;
to be able to arrange programs for special celebra-
tions and events; to have an appreciation of the
proper balance of program and of dramatic ele-
ments of program so as to have good programs,
good talent, worth while activities ; to be prepared
to take the place of leaders of activities when they
are not able to meet definite engagements made;
to be able to organize and conduct competitive ac-
tivities, leagues and tournaments ; to develop not
only expertness but a sense of sportsmanship and
loyalty.
6. A Teacher To know and use the best peda-
gogical methods; to know the values of different
activities and their best uses; to be able to draw
out the best from participants.
7. A Publicist To be able to keep committees
and the general public fully informed regarding
activities, the value of work and the results se-
cured; to know how to make the most effective
use of newspapers, bulletin boards, show windows
and the many other mediums of publicity.
8. A Cooperator To have the power to work
with others and to get others to work with him;
to be interested in other local problems, move-
ments and organizations ; to give service if he is to
(Continued on- page 285)
A Camp for Farm Women
BY
MRS. JANE S. McKiMMON
State Agent, Home Demonstration Division, North Carolina
"I would not have believed it if I had not seen
it," was one newspaper man's comment when he
saw fifty or more country mothers playing like
girls at a three-day encampment for home demon-
stration club women in Craven County, North
Carolina. "Why," said one cheerful little mother,
"it's the first real holiday I have had in the twenty
years I have been married. There was always the
children, the cooking or something to rise up and
smite me if I thought of going off for a vacation.
If the home agent had not persuaded me that I
would be a much more valuable person in my
family if I got away and brushed wits with other
women, I think I would still be letting family
cares fill my world and would have missed all the
fun of our glorious three-day camp. I did not
think it was in me to romp and to play those
foolish games, but I have certainly enjoyed them."
Fifty farm women, bunking together in scantily
furnished rooms, talking and laughing like girls
until lights were out, fifty unaccustomed women
getting dressed in the early morning and going
through setting-up exercises, fifty hungry women
eating with hearty appetites the camp breakfast
they did not have to prepare for themselves, and
fifty happy women planning fun for the day was
a sight to warm the heart and fill the eyes.
At the camp in Rockingham County the camp-
ers invited those fun makers, the Rotarians and
Kiwanians, to eat Brunswick stew with them one
evening, and when experiences and stories were
told over the camp fire, it was not those farm
women who took a back seat in the telling.
It is the rule to have the mother leave the
children at home, if possible, when she comes to
camp, that she may have a real rest from respon-
sibility, but in one case this could not be managed,
and three little tots came with mother. Everybody
lent a helping hand, and there were tears on that
mother's cheek when she told the agent what the
three days of companionship with other women
had meant to her.
Mrs. Pete Wilson, an enthusiastic camper of
Rockingham County, said when the home demon-
stration council met to discuss the camp, "I be-
278
lieve the camp should be made compulsory for
every farm woman. Then we could forget the
hardships and drudgery and find our home tasks
and our lives more worth while when we get
back."
If mothers are to be able to go to camp and
get the best out of a holiday it will be necessary
to plan for a mothers' week when all the home
duties, the care of the children and the companion-
ship with father will be undertaken by the
daughters of the family.
If every club girl makes up her mind that she
will substitute at least three days for mother, or
for some one else's mother if she has not one of
her own, and will do it understandingly, we are
going to find the sun shining in many a dreary
life in North Carolina, and a rejuvenation of many
a prematurely aged woman who never before had
the opportunity of expressing that love of fun
that is locked up somewhere within her. — From
Rural America, February, 1925.
A Camp for Farm Girls
Eight years ago one of the present camp coun-
cillors driving along a hill road in Vermont
waved to a little girl standing by the roadside. A
month or so later, a farm woman asked this
councillor whether she had been by her house.
"My little girl said a lady driving past waved
to her and she's been talking about it ever since."
It was for such lonely children as this girl that
the Green Mountain Camp was organized, to
give them the chance which comes as a matter of
course to city children, the chance to play and to
make friends with other girls.
Each summer some sixty girls of between
twelve and seventeen years of age come from the
farms of southern Vermont for two weeks of
play and companionship with other girls. Com-
bined with this is instruction in handicrafts, hy-
giene, first aid, dietetics, swimming and nature-
study. Perhaps the most valuable part of the
experience is the close contact they have with the
councillors. These are college girls who try to
TOURIST CAMP
279
pass on, in exchange for all they learn of country
life, the advantages they have had in their wider
education and contacts.
The improvement that many of the children
show when they come back to camp a second year
is striking. Their enthusiasm for playing games
and making friends is in sharp contrast to the
shyness and timidity of the new girls, who often
hardly dare to speak and do not know what play-
ing a game means. It shows that the experience
takes permanent root.
At the end of camp each summer the children
go back to their homes where no one can share in
their new activities. For lack of such companion-
ship, a large part of their camp experience, such
as handicrafts, which could be kept up, fades to
mere memories. To change these memories to
continuing experience, funds have been given the
camp for a permanent worker who is extending
the camp work into a year-round program. Miss
Marjorie Rowe, a graduate of Miss Boyd's Rec-
reational Training School in Chicago, will initiate
this program.
The Evolution of the
Tourist Camp
\V. H. King, Secretary of the Chamber of Com-
merce in Mitchell, S. D., in an article on The
Tourist Camp Problem shows how the problems
of the tourist camp have changed from what they
used to be in the past.
When the camps were first opened the wealthy
people constituted the majority who were travel-
ing by automobile. The towns desired to secure
their trade and therefore conceived the idea of
offering tourist camps with all conveniences sup-
plied free of charge. They thought that what-
ever was expended in this way by the city or
town in support of the camp would be amply re-
turned to them through the patronage of the tour-
ists— and for a time this was the case — but with
the cheapness of the automobile suddenly the class
of travelers began to change. With the lowered
cost of the automobile and the establishment of
the many service stations along the way, people
of smaller means began to travel — people who
went to see what could be seen and who, although
they were not tightwads, watched their expenses
— now the most desirable of all the tourist classes.
Unfortunately another tourist class sprang up al-
most simultaneously which brought about the real
problem. With the sale of used cars and the
migratory labor regular tramps appeared at the
camps. It was cheaper for families to live at
these free camps than to pay rent anywhere and
they lived better than they ever had before. A
man would leave his family in a camp while he
worked long enough to move on to another. He
spent little money in the town and was receiving
all the community benefits and exercising none
of the duties which every good citizen should exer-
cise. Moreover the better class of person began
to keep away from the camp because he did not
care to camp near these vagrants. He not only
did not like their unkempt ways but he was sus-
picious of their honesty. Reports circulated
among the tourists and many camps were given
poor reputations because of this class of travel-
ers. The possibilities of the problem were seri-
ous. Children would be denied an education or
would be given one by an over-taxed town while
their parents paid no taxes. Petty crimes were on
the increase and disease would be spread. Some-
thing had to be done.
At first the stay of people at camp was limited
in some cities but this did not solve the problem
for the vagrants simply moved on to another camp.
Business men began to question why they should
be taxed more for automobile tourists than for
those who came on trains. And cities on the West
Coast, the pioneers in Tourist Camps, began to
charge a camp fee. Police protection, with a man
to enforce certain camp rules, was given each
camp. A change was immediately noticeable.
The real tourist welcomed the fee and the super-
vision. The vagrants began to disappear. The
tourist felt free to leave his things in camp, jump
into his car and go into town to shop, if he de-
sired anything, so the town was benefited.
Mr. King does not feel that all camps should
necessarily be pay camps. Every town should
have a camp as a protection to the town itself
as well as for the convenience of the tourist and
where the initial outlay is not great and the service
rendered small it might be a mistake to charge
a fee. There are certain camps which are natural
stopping places for more tourists than others be-
cause of their size, the crossing of trails or the
distance from another large town or good camp.
At Mitchell during the past summer a fee of
50c a car a night has been charged and signs
were posted as far as fifty miles away advertising
the fact that it was a pay camp. The camp has
been a different place and tourists seeing the sign
have traveled extra miles to reach it because they
280
DO WE NEED TIME-KILLERS?
were assured of protection. Space nearest the
camp shelter was reserved for parties which in-
cluded women. The $800 paid in by campers
made the camp practically self-supporting and
the best boosters of the Pay-Camp have been the
tourists themselves.
Social Recreation Union
Organized a year ago at the School of Theology
of Boston University by 50 students as a forum
club in the church recreation field, the Social
Recreation Union, as the new organization was
named, has had a remarkable growth. The
Union, open to leaders of church recreation activi-
ties who aim to establish standards, train leaders
and provide recreation materials, has expanded
remarkably. It now includes leaders in nine
denominations and recreation leaders actually in
service in 28 states are on its membership list.
During the year the Union has carried on a
program of education which has had a widespread
significance. Leadership courses have been pro-
vided for 230 leaders of church recreation. A 275
page loose leaf handbook for recreation leaders
has been published and is already in use by 4,600
leaders in all parts of the world. Another product
of the Union is the "Kit," a pocket recreation
magazine which has attained a circulation of 3,000
since it was launched early this year.
Do We Need Time-
Killers?
The George Batten Company points out that
before the cross-word puzzle came in we were
constantly being reminded that people simply
have no time for this or that, and then came the
cross-word puzzle. One a week was not enough.
One a day appeared. That was not enough.
Books came out with 40 or 50 puzzles. Men
were willing to give their newspapers not a scant
half hour but several hours.
The time was not given to the editorial page
nor to the fashion page nor to the sport page.
The important fact is that men had time. It
is a mistake to assume that people haven't time
to read and study and talk about something that
will catch and hold their attention and give their
imagination a chance for exercise.
The George Batten Company suggests :
"Would you be rich?
"Invent something that will give our average
Americans something that will help them kill
time, for they have time to kill.
"Give them something to occupy this time
when the car, the movie, the radio and the cross-
word puzzle have all had their hour or more and
it still lacks two hours of bedtime."
EVERY NIGHT THE BIG BONFIRE BLAZES AT CAMP SACRAMENTO
GOLF IN INDIANAPOLIS
281
Municipal Golf in Indian-
apolis*
By
R. WALTER JARVIS
Into modern city planning has been injected
a new factor— golf. Without golf courses the
park system of any modern municipality is con-
sidered incomplete, and rightfully so, for of all
outdoor sports there are few that bring about to
so great a degree as golf the complete relaxation,
muscle development or the full sporting sense
which comes from an increasingly skillful tech-
nique and from keen competition. A wonderful
thing is the municipal golf course for the people
who love golf, and who think they can learn to
love it! Here the city's municipal links have
proved to beginners and others whose circum-
stances do not permit their going into organized
clubs, that there are rare opportunities for exer-
cise and fresh air, for lung expansion and for
that warming up to the sport which comes from
skillful play of the muscles.
In this new development Indianapolis has made
progress with four eighteen-hole and one nine-hole
courses which are quite the equal of any municipal
course in the country. In addition to these we
have another nine-hole course in process of con-
struction.
In the year 1896, Charles E. Coffin, who is the
father of municipal golf in Indiana, and who was
at that time president of the Board of Park Com-
missioners, established a small nine-hole course in
Riverside Park, and from that humble beginning
it has developed into a game second only to base-
ball in the number of its followers.
The Board of Park Commissioners of Indian-
apolis maintains in its promotion of golf as a
municipal service that discipline on the course is
the most important part of golf and also the hard-
est thing to maintain. The Park Department has
been wrestling with this problem for the past
twenty years, but under the management of the
present Board it is being solved.
At each of the courses are a manager and a
professional player whose duties are to enforce
the principles of golfing conduct. Better than
laying down rules and punishment is the establish-
ment of a code of honor— a code to be observed
religiously by the older, more experienced players
and taught to the new players.
At both the Charles E. Coffin and Riverside
links,— each 18 holes — a charge of $20.00 a season
or 75 cents a day is made. These courses are well
trapped and are very "sporty." At the South
Grove course, 18 holes, which was originally in-
tended for women and children and beginners, a
charge of $8.00 a season or 25 cents a day' is
made. For the use of Pleasant Run Course, an
18-hole course, there is a charge of $10.00 for the
season or 50 cents a day.
The Woodstock nine-hole course is not as yet
open to the public. This club is operating under
a lease, but at the expiration of the lease it will
become a public course.
At each of the links there is a club house with
lounging rooms, cafeteria, shower baths and lock-
ers. These lockers rent at $5.00 a season and
towel tickets are sold at 5 cents each, or 8 tickets
for 25 cents. A professional player at each course
acts as manager and green keeper. At each course
we also have an organized club, but there is no
association other than golfers.
The combined acreage of the above named
courses aggregates about 725 acres. We use the
registration system of starting at each course. The
players are given a numbered receipt and are
started from the first tee in their order, just as
soon as it is safe for them to play. We have
six laborers at each course, a janitor and matron
at the club house whose duties are to keep the
links and club house in the best possible condi-
tion. These constitute the regular force and when
in the spring we have extra work, an additional
force is employed temporarily.
The total attendance at the four courses in the
1923 season was approximately 335,000. The
total operating expenses were about $47,000.00.
Caddies at each course are licensed and are all
uniformed and are given metal badges with their
rating. First class caddies are paid 25 cents an
hour; second class, 20 cents -an hour; and third
class, 15 cents an hour. Each caddy isr supplied
with a caddy manual. When a player wants a
caddie he is given a ticket with the number of the
caddy and showing time out. As soon as the
player has finished his round, the time is marked
on the ticket and we get reports as to whether the
caddy's services were good, bad, or indifferent.
I believe that no city can consider itself up-to-
date if it does not provide the citizens with facili-
ties for municipal golf. It is one of the finest
outdoor recreation activities, giving not only en-
joyment but also relaxation from mental worries,
and is a great factor in clean living and health.
282
RECREATION ON SHIPBOARD
Recreation on Shipboard
BY
HELEN SEDGEWICK JONES
An ocean liner is truly "a floating city." And
as in a city built on land, recreation is necessary
to the well-being of the inhabitants to keep them
healthy and content, so on shipboard, many recrea-
tive activities are provided from which the pas-
senger may make a selection according to his
taste. That there is a desire for and an apprecia-
tion of such activity at sea is evident, for all
facilities are used to capacity, or at least that was
the case on the S. S. America on a mid-summer
crossing a year ago.
For the more formal type of athletic exercise a
gymnasium was provided below the promenade
deck with an instructor at hand to help and sug-
gest without cost to the passengers. Here were
the usual dumb-bells, Indian clubs, jump ropes,
horses, rowing equipment and a pair of bicycles
where many stationary wheeling races were held.
These bicycles had round clock-like discs in
front of them with a pointer on each, which moved
around as one pedalled. At each quarter mile a
bell rang which spurred one forward to the next
quarter, but by the end of a mile one was usually
fairly well winded. A punching bag was also pro-
vided which afforded amusement to men and
women alike — but at different hours. Everyone
exercised in the gymnasium, from the children to
the old people. One might even conjecture that
President Coolidge's fondness for a hobby horse
might have sprung from an experience in a ship-
board gymnasium!
Of course the most common recreation after
eating (for six meals, either whole or semi, were
served during the day) was walking in the won-
derful salt air around the promenade deck.
"Three times around before every meal" was
the prescription and at least one-half of the pas-
sengers regularly took all or a part of it. An-
other pet recreation was just sitting in a long easy
deck chair all wrapped up in steamer rugs and
reading some of the interesting books offered by
the ship's library. The custom which passengers
have of donating "steamer present" books to the
library after the voyage helps to keep the collec-
tion up to date. A librarian is in charge at certain
hours to check out the books. Each afternoon a
band appeared upon deck and gave a band con-
cert which livened up things considerably for the
readers.
Among the young people and the older men
the deck games were very popular. The Ring
Tennis or Tenikoit and Shuffle Board courts were
always in demand and the Bean Bag boards were
in continual use by those who wished to play less
strenuous games. It was not only fun for the
participants but much pleasure was also derived
by the spectators who strayed by and stopped to
root for the players.
Every night there was dancing in the big home-
like parlors and the music played by the little
Hawaiian orchestra, coupled with the sound of
the water and the sight of the bright stars over-
head, created an unforgettable atmosphere of
enchantment.
Two nights during our eight-day trip a motion
picture screen was put up on the rear deck and
we had the pleasure of viewing Java Head and
also of seeing Mary Pickford quite as well as on
land, and at the same time breathing in good
fresh (or salt) air instead of stale ozone flavored
with Florazone — or some other disinfectant.
One day out of our eight at sea was an Athletic
Field Day, when a space was cleared on the top
deck and everyone crowded round to participate
or enjoy the fun of seeing the others. Young
and old entered the events. The dining room
steward took charge and a potato race, a three-
legged race, a sack race, a Kitten Cuff contest
and last but not least, a Pie-Eating Contest, were
the events of the day. Enthusiasm waxed high
and all winners were given their quota of cheer-
ing from the by-sitters.
A the dansant took place one afternoon on the
top deck and on the evening before landing the
Captain's Dinner (at which, as someone has said,
the Captain is seldom able to be present) with its
paper caps and souvenirs at each place added an-
other gala occasion.
Possibly the event in which the largest number
of passengers took the greatest interest 'was the
Masquerade held two nights before landing. The
ingenuity exhibited in getting up the costumes was
truly wonderful. For on shipboard there is no
grandmother's attic and no one bothers to carry a
masquerade costume when he is traveling with as
little luggage as possible. Everything imaginable
was brought to light — even to the curtains and
the sheets off the berths. Hawaiian dancers, sheiks,
pirates, peasants, Hindu maidens, soldiers — all
were there on that balmy night parading about
the canvas-curtained-in deck to the lively tune of
the band. (My room mate spent much time get-
ting herself up as an Old Fashioned Girl and
SAND MODELLING
283
when the great event came off a Russian, whom
;she had seen several times during the voyage,
came up and asked her, much to her amusement,
"Why didn't you dress up this evening?") Prizes
were offered (1) for the most beautiful costume,
i (2) for the most grotesque, and (3) for the most
original. The first prize went to a Cuban boy
iand girl, brother and sister, who were dressed in
ivery stunning Spanish costumes, and who did a
Spanish dance for the entertainment of all. The
jmost grotesque went to a young man attired as a
debutante. He had secured a bunch of straw for
a bobbed wig and around it was tied a red ribbon.
I His earrings were shoe horns. He carried three
wilted American Beauty roses and his somewhat
negligible costume was made up of the cretonne
curtains which he had taken off the berth. These
were draped in a panier effect and to keep the
paniers out at the hips he had attached to each
side of his belt the cardboard cartons which are
attached to the berths to be used in the event of
sea sickness. By an ingenious flipping of the side
panels of his make-shift gown, he managed to
keep these uncomfortable reminders ever in view.
He surely deserved the prize ! The award for
the most original costume went to a girl who
was dressed as a Wooden Soldier from the
Chauve-Souris. She had tipped a bell-boy for
his brass-buttoned blue coat and had borrowed
striped pa jama trousers from a friend. Her hat
was a high black one made of a newspaper inked
over. White bands were crossed on her chest
and red and blue service stripes were pinned on
her right side. A toy gun loaned by a little boy
on board completed her costume. Her face was
powdered white with two round red spots on the
cheek bones and she kept her cheeks blown out
during most of the evening, thus imitating the
fat faces of the little Russian soldiers in the play.
After the prizes were awarded amidst applause,
there was dancing on deck for the remainder of
the evening.
People were really acquainted by this time and
many about came to the conclusion that Europe
itself could offer no more joys than had been ex-
perienced on this. trip.
Father Neptune might indeed be called the play
leader for these "floating cities," for it is really
largely up to him what recreations shall be en-
joyed. When the sea is too high or it is rainy
the outdoor games are less popular and the shuffle
board court is apt to be sprayed off the deck. It's
a little cool to sit under the moon even to watch
such a famous star as Marv Pickforcl on some
nights. But there are enough spring and summer
and balmy fall days in the calendar to make
Father Neptune and the "floating city" recreation
system very popular for all who know it. Would
that the joys of it might be provided for "2 cents
per capita!"
RECREATION PROBLEMS IN SMALL
COMMUNITIES*
One of the most interesting features of the
section meeting on Recreation Problems in Small
Communities was the discussion of the adaptation
of buildings such as garages, school buildings and
fire stations for recreation purposes. In Forest
Hills, New York, for example, a storage ware-
house is used as a recreation center. In another
town where a garage is used for evening basket-
ball games the owners of the cars attend and run
their cars out of the garage in order to make the
space available.
Discussion clubs were reported by one worker
as most successful in his community. Subjects
of local and national interest are discussed, each
speaker being given three minutes to present his
views on the subject.
There was the feeling of those taking part in
the discussion that given intelligent leadership the
problem of facilities and program will solve them-
selves. There must, however, be leadership of
the type which is able to adapt itself, and not the
kind which thinks only in terms of expensive
equipment.
The necessity for community-wide cooperation
was stressed as of fundamental importance.
SAND MODELLING*
One of the interesting features of the Congress
was the sand modelling demonstration given by
J. Leonard Mason, author of Sand Craft, who
showed how sand play might be popularized dur-
ing vacation days at the seashore. On the English
and European beaches considerable sand modelling
may be seen. This pastime, Mr. Mason believes
should be made possible among the thousands of
children and adults who spend their vacations at
our beaches. Children and even older people
respond to the idea, and lacking regular sand tools
they will use pieces of wood lying around to form
castles, arches, bridges and walls from damp sand.
Sand modelling is important, for when the child
is engaged in it the instinct to create and the art-
istic sense are being developed.
At Mr. Mason's summer camp for boys at Brant
'Given at the Recreation Congress, October 18, 1924.
284
MUNICIPAL GOLF
Beach, New Jersey, sand building has a prominent
part on the program of sand activities. Boys are
awarded prizes for the best objects that are made.
Small mountains of sand are piled up, and attrac-
tive castles are built on top, with paths leading up
to them. A lighthouse is erected to warn approach-
ing ships to keep away from danger, and seawalls
are made and ditches dug to resist the incoming
tide as long as possible.
Mr. Mason demonstrated with the simple tools
he has devised how sand modelling may be done.
Our Holidays
In Over the Hills with the Holiday Fellowship,
a magazine published in Manchester, England,
appears an address from the President of the
Holiday Fellowship, the Rt. Hon. Charles Trevel-
yan, M. P.
"I am prepared to judge a man or a woman by
the nature of their holidays as much as by their
work. A well-planned holiday is almost conclu-
sive proof to me that a person is capable of a well-
planned life. I was recently at the Board of
Education and I very nearly — but did not quite,
having in mind my official position there at the
time — said we all ought to have many more holi-
days; I very nearly said, and I believe there is
much truth in it, that the excellence of teachers
depends upon what use they make of their holi-
days. I think so to a greater extent in that pro-
fession, perhaps, than in any other, for the great
difficulty of a teacher is to keep out of a rut. By
far the best way to keep out of a rut in life is to
make sure every year that you have a new series
of scenes and comradeships during your holidays.
. . . . There is only one other thing I feel
inclined to say. I am so very glad of
the development of tours and holidays in your
centers abroad. It is good to do a little
to pull down the barriers between nations. It
is ignorance of each other more than differences
of custom and outlook that form the bar between
one people and another. Therefore it is splendid
that so many of us can now go abroad. In old
days only the rich could go. It was a rich man's
amusement. I sincerely hope that it is going to
begin to be in our generation the democratic pas-
time to go abroad and get to know the people of
other countries. But above all, finally, I want to
say again, that I hope more and more that this
Fellowship is going continually to cultivate the
art and joy of walking. It is the cheapest and
the best and it lasts longest. I know there is
plenty of fun in chasing an animal, or in kicking
or whacking a ball, but the lasting pleasure is got
out of walking and where walking takes you.
But this you have to realize, that it is not enough
merely to say the exercise is good. In order to
get the best out of it, you have to plan and get the
proper variety of scenery and of place; you have
to ring the changes. That is what makes walking
so grand ; and you of the Holiday Fellowship
have a series of centres which ought to satisfy
everyone and let them enjoy their holidays to the
utmost over a whole series of years. I am de-
lighted to meet you all, and anything I can do to
help the Fellowship I shall be happy to do."
Municipal Golf in Colorado
Springs
Golf enthusiasts will be interested in the figures
of a month's activity in municipal golf in Colorado
Springs, Colorado.
The expenditures for January, 1925, amounted
to $1,908, which deducted from the regular appro-
priation of $24.000 leaves the Golf Club with
$22,306 on which to count for the balance of the
year.
Detailed figures follow :
Revenue
Men's annual permits $1,980
Women's annual permits 2.^ >
Junior annual permits SO
Trap permits 30
Monthly golf permits 15
Daily golf permits 96
Locker rental 497
Billiards 25
Rentals . 90
Total $3.043
Expenditures
Salaries, maintenances, etc $ 525
Grounds 364
Development ... 1,018
Total $1,908
CHURCH COOPERATION
285
An Experiment in Church
Cooperation
(Continued from page 252)
project. Of course, there are infelicities and oc-
casionally there is ill-feeling over a decision or a
ruling, but these are exceptions which prove the
rule. And the work grows steadily.
The daily press is so eager to get the athletic
news of the Sunday schools that they give increas-
ing publicity. Sport editors ask for, even send
for, box scores. The Sunday school superintend-
ents, and the pastors as well, invariably approve
when they understand. As for the players them-
selves, the following instance will tell the whole
story: A member of a young men's class, taught
by one of the leaders in the Sunday School
Athletic Association, recently remarked : "Look
at the fellows just older than us ; none in the
church, one in jail, three or four others where
they oughtn't to be. Look at us — not as good as
we ought to be, but none of us where they are.
Then look at the kids coming along in the next
class below us ; clean kids they are." These older
boys, themselves the winner of a championship,
really feel that the "kids" who are coming along
are distinctly better than they, and they give the
credit to the clean play fostered by the Wichita
Sunday School Athletic Association.
to which your organizations are devoted. What-
ever involves the welfare of the people must be of
interest to it. In the establishment of the national
parks, in the establishment and administration of
the forest reserves, in its contributions to high-
way building, it has sought to play a full and in-
telligent part of leadership and encouragement.
In the main, the states, the counties, the cities
and even the neighborhoods must be relied upon
to develop that vision and perception of these
matters which will insure their enlistment in be-
half of the work you are pressing. The national
government, I am sure, will always stand ready to
do its part. But that part must largely be by way
of example, encouragement and educational effort.
As a whole it is a work which looks to making
stronger, healthier, better citizens; to raising the
social and intellectual standards.
PRESIDENT COOLIDGE.
The national government has manifold reasons
for a keen and continued interest in all the affairs
Nine Points
(Continued from page 277)
receive service ; to develop a sense of team work ;
to learn to obey in order to lead.
9. A Spiritual Leader To set a good example
of conduct ; to be able to instill in all his programs
and activities and in all his workers and groups,
the spiritual value of clean living, sportsmanship
and citizenship; to be able to develop through his
program and through his personal leadership the
higher qualities of character; to be the embodi-
ment of all that is best in the community recreation
movement.
BACKWARD RACE, SEASIDE PARK PLAYGROUND. LONG BEACH, CALIFORNIA
286
PITCHING CONTESTS
High School Athletics
In an article entitled High School Athletics,
which appears in the March issue of New York
State Education published by the New York
State Teachers' Association, Utica, New York,
Daniel Chase, Chief of Physical Education Bu-
reau, State Department of Education, traces the
development of the program of state- wide athletic
activities in New York and the organization of
the State Athletic Association.
In stating his position on tournaments and
championships Mr. Chase says :
* "There are some who are opposed to the tour-
nament and championship idea. The whole ques-
tion must be very carefully kept before us, the
dangers as well as the good points, and the
opinions and suggestions of every principal are
asked for continually and welcomed always. One
of the serious questions that must be faced by all
principals is how to sublimate, to use the term of
the psychologists, this intense interest in the team,
particularly the winning team ; how to tie it up to
the other educational influences and make it func-
tion as it should. The desire to win at any cost
has been preached against for years and most
principals and coaches are now conducting their
athletics in the spirit of true sportsmen. Still
some principals are so anxious to win that they
will strain a point at every opportunity and do
things that they would not think of doing in any
other school activity for the sake of a boy who
is needed by a team. We must think of two boys
whenever we consider the case of an individual
player. The boy who may be kept from playing
because of the enforcement of certain eligibility
rules and the boy who is kept from playing, if
the ineligible player plays. Frequently a coach or
principal will say, 'Unless So and So, and So and
So can play we cannot have a team this year.'
What they mean is 'Our team will be weakened
in its ability to win unless we have So and So and
So and So.' Any school that cannot maintain
a sufficient number of players to make up a full
team of strictly eligible players should not be at-
tempting to compete with other schools in that
sport.
"The major portion of the benefits that come
from athletics may be obtained from interscho-
lastic and intramural competitions. I rejoice when
a school gives up outside games and thereby has
a broader and richer program of activities within
its own borders. But this does not always follow.
I believe the all-round program that includes
every pupil is the basic part of physical educa-
tion and athletics, and is the factor that should be
given the most attention by principals and physi-
cal directors and coaches. The school team which
plays the outside school is only the apex of the
pyramid. As an apex it is important, but when
it is used as the base, then the physical education
program, and the whole athletic program is up-
side down. Do not let interest in basketball or
any other one sport be out of all proportion to
interest in other school activities."
Baseball Pitching Contests
Baseball pitching contests as conducted by the
Bureau of Recreation of the Chicago Board of
Education are carried on under two classifications
— junior and senior. Juniors include boys four-
teen and under; seniors, boys from fifteen to
eighteen.
For juniors the pitcher's box should be fifty
feet from the frame ; for seniors, sixty feet. The
opening of the pitching frame is adjustable. For
the juniors it must be 36", the lower edge or bot-
tom of the opening being 15" from the ground.
The opening for seniors should be 44", the bottom
being 20" from the ground.
Each contestant throws nine balls. Each
straight ball that passes through the opening
counts one point. The ball must pass through
clear, i. e., not hitting the edge of the opening.
Each curved ball that passes through the opening
counts two points. The instructor must stand
back of the pitcher and award the points. The
pitcher who gains the greatest number of points
in the nine throws is declared winner.
In the contests which are being held a five-man
team represents each ground in the district tourna-
ment, the finals having eight five-man teams com-
peting for honors which are awarded teams rather
than individuals.
Recently there fell into the little hands of
Julia, age 6, of Massachusetts, a slip of paper
pleading for funds for the play movement "so
that children everywhere might have happy, safe
places in which to play their games." The next
day the Association received an envelope enclos-
ing the slip of paper signed in Julia's childish hand
and enclosing a five-cent piece — a real heart-gift
to the play movement ! And, as was learned later,
Julia's mother knew nothing of her philanthropy.
THE QUESTION BOX
287
The Problem Column
How can playground and recreation leaders
train children and young people so that permanent
creative interests may be built up? How create
interests that will function in adult life so that
there may never be a time when there are not
leisure time activities open to the individual which
command his interest and his enthusiasm?
What are the activities which are most likely to
continue through adult life? Are adults likely to
continue or to have opportunity to continue to play
foot ball, soccer ball, basketball, hand ball, in the
same way that they continue to play baseball,
tennis, volley ball, golf?
Is there special gain in developing early the
habit of taking long walks? For many individ-
uals, may there be throughout life very great
permanent satisfaction in rowing, canoeing, sail-
ing?
Js it a very great service to develop early the
habit of careful and accurate observation of trees,
flowers, birds and nature in general so that there
may ever be unusual interest in the outdoor world
at all times of the year, day and night, whatever
part of the world one may be in?
Is there particular gain in developing such
capacity as may exist for making something with
one's hands so that there shall always in later life
be the desire for some form of creative construc-
tive manual occupation?
In the June issue of THE PLAYGROUND the ques-
tion was raised as to what the policy of the recrea-
tion department should be in showing motion pic-
ture films at community centers. Is it fair, the
question was asked, for community centers, sup-
ported by taxation and relieved from any paying
of taxes themselves, to show motion pictures free
in competition with the regular theatres in the
city ? ... What are the special reasons for hav-
ing free admission to motion pictures at a com-
munity center?
The following information has been sent us by
C. E. Brewer, Commissioner of Department of
Recreation, Detroit :
"In answer to the question raised by a mid-
western department of recreation relative to the
showing of motion picture films in community
centers, wish to state that in Detroit the film
distributors grant us the use of these films gratis.
"It is true that the Department of Recreation
does not charge admission or attempt to make
any profit on the use of these films. If we did
charge admission, the film company would charge
us for the use of the film. There is no objection
from the neighborhood motion picture shows in
Detroit, in fact, several have stated that they .are
glad that the Department shows these films, as
it makes more business for them. People see the
shows free one evening a week in the community
centers and receive so much enjoyment from
them that they go to the neighborhood motion pic-
ture show one or two other nights during the
week.
"I do not think that any community center
should be expected to operate upon the receipts
which is receives from such admissions. Tliat
community center is then simply a commercial
recreation place and not a public recreation center.
It is not fair to the neighborhood motion picture
show if patrons are being distracted from his
theatre to the community center. He must pay a
license, his property is taxed, and he must also
pay a revenue tax on admissions. The com-
munity center is not taxed and has no license fee
to pay, although they should pay the internal
revenue tax on admissions. The community center
can raise the tone of the community by giving
films of a higher type, thus creating a demand for
better shows ; but this can be done without charg-
ing admission.
"There is a pro and con argument for the show-
ing of films in the community centre ; however, I
think it can be generally stated that if the showing
of films in the community center detracts from a
neighborhood motion picture house, which is giv-
ing good shows, then the community center is run-
ning in competition with the motion picture house,
and I do not think that any public recreation de-
partment should run commercial recreation in
opposition to an already established business which
is operating properly."
The Question Box
Question: I note in the PLAYGROUND for
October, 1924 (page 443) that Ernst Hermann
suggests the use of the Hennessey Blocks on play-
grounds. Can you tell me just what these blocks
are and from whom they can be secured?
Answer: "Hennessey blocks," writes Mr.
Hermann, "are the most efficient set of com-
mercial, manufactured blocks in existence. They
are very substantial, of proper size and of durable
quality. They avoid fancy shapes and thereby
give wonderful opportunity for the development
of skill and imagination. I believe the J. L.
288
CALIFORNIA CATECHISM
Hammett School Supply House, 10 Beacon Street,
Boston, is still handling them. Unfortunately,
they are now rather expensive. Before the war,
a box I'x2' and 1' high could be bought for $7.
Now they are in the neighborhood of $18. I
always have had at least one or two boxes on each
playground, with a large, perfectly level platform.
The boxes are placed on the platform and the
children are at liberty to play with them as they
please. All we require is that they shall be handled
with reasonable care and put back into the boxes
when the children are through with them. If I
could afford it, I should have at least one-half
dozen such boxes on each playground. In Sum-
merville we have them in our kindergartens and
primary grades, keeping them in a corner of the
room where we spread a carpet. I have experi-
mented with these blocks with children and adults,
and I personally believe they are fundamental
equipment for playgrounds and school rooms.
At this time I cannot go into the teaching or
development of block building, but I believe no
attempt should be made at direct teaching ; indirect
influence should bring about the best results. I
wish to say that I find the blocks wonderfully
effective in connection with our sandboxes, where
we have an extension cover which is used for
sand work and block building."
Miss Lillian N. Towne, of Bowdoin School,
Boston, recently gave as her opinion that very
few teachers have many recreational hobbies.
Very few like to go on walks or play tennis or
golf. Making our teachers recreationally minded
is one of the next steps in health development.
A Community- -Not Merely
a Place to Live
A recent issue of a Tampa, Florida, newspaper
contains an advertisement by a realtor stressing
the play facilities in a section that he is develop-
ing. The advertisement reads as follows:
Modern, high standard
school, new children's
recreation beach, with
swings, trapeze; tobog-
gans, horizontal bars and
other playground appar-
atus, progressive Parent-
Teachers Association are
some of the advantages
that make parents and
children happy at
OLDSMAR
a Reality
A CALIFORNIA PUBLIC SCHOOL CATECHISM by
A. R. Heron. California Teachers' Associa-
tion Bulletin, April, 1925, Phelan Building,
San Francisco
This interesting catechism, giving in question
and answer form much information about the
school system of California, contains the follow-
ing data on physical education :
Why do children need physical education? — Be-
cause happiness and success depend upon physi-
cal fitness quite as much as upon mental train-
ing.
Because play habits are very important in the
development of moral character.
Why does tlte school have to undertake this? —
Because the school has the best opportunity to
provide playfellows, play space and good lead-
ership.
Is physical education in school required outside
of California? — Yes, in thirty-three states of
the Union, in England, France, Italy and many
other countries.
How much school time is required to be given to
physical education? — Only twenty minutes a
day in elementary schools and 120 minutes a
week in high schools. The rest of the program
in physical education is carried on outside of
school hours.
Why should we pay teachers to organise and lead
play? — Because only with proper leadership
can we have play that is democratic, safe, and
that surely contributes to health and character
development.
Is it any wore necessary to Jiave physical
education as a school activity than it was
twenty years ago? — Yes; with our rap-
idly changing manner of living, with our
city traffic and cement highways, many natural
opportunities for play have been wiped out
during the last twenty years. Now we must
consciously provide the space and the oppor-
tunity for play which twenty years ago could
be taken for granted.
Free Plans
for Any Size
Playground
We maintain an efficient playground planning
department to relieve you of this burden. Whether
you want a playground for a small lot, or an ex-
tensive installation for a large athletic field, we
invite you to use this department without obliga-
tion to purchase.
The Paradise Line of high quality equipment is
complete and includes: swings, rings, teeter boards,
teeter ladders, horizontal ladders, horizontal bars,
giant strides, ocean waves, slides, revolving plat-
forms, merry-go-rounds — and at prices that are
exceptionally reasonable.
Write today for catalog and price list. Also copy
of "Paradise Playgrounds — How to Plan Them,"
an attractive booklet giving valuable hints on
planning.
The F. B. Zieg Mfg. Co.
140 Mt. Vernon Street
FREDERICKTOWN, - OHIO
Please mention THE PLAYGKOUND when writing to advertiser.
289
290
AT THE CONFERENCES
DIAMOND OFFICIAL PITCHING SHOES
AT LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY
The photograph shows Messrs. Storey and Carnighan pitch-
ing Diamond horseshoes in the city tournament at Shawnee
Park, Louisville, Kentucky.
An interesting feature of the courts at Louisville is the fact
that the stakes are set in damp foundry sand which makes a
most excellent bed for pitching.
Diamond Pitching Shoes are favored in tournaments all over
the country because they have the right balance and shape to
make ringers, and because their hardness is just sufficient to
prevent the nicking and chipping which is dangerous to the
hands if shoes are too soft.
DIAMOND OFFICIAL.
Made in weights 2^4 Ibs., 2 Ibs.
5 oz., 2 Ibs. 6 oz., 2 Ibs. 7 oz.,
2*A Ibs.
DIAMOND JUNIOR — For
Ladies and Children. Exactly
the same as Diamond Standard
Official Shoes except lighter.
Made in weights, 1% Ibs., 1 Ib.
9 oz., 1 Ib. 10 oz., 1 Ib. 11 oz.,
1*A Ibs.
Conform exactly to regula-
tions of the National Horse-
shoe Pitchers Association.
Drop forged from tough steel and heat treated so that they will not
chip or break. Cheap shoes which nick and splinter are dangerous to
the hands.
One set consists of four shoes, two painted white aluminum and two
painted gold bronze, each pair packed neatly in a pasteboard box.
Write for a copy of the Official Rules "How to Play Horseshoe"
DIAMOND CALK HORSESHOE COMPANY
GRAND AVENUE, DULUTH, MINNESOTA
At the Conferences
The annual convention of the American In-
stitute of Park Executives and the American
Park Society will be held at Rock ford, 111., this
year. The dates are September 14-17 and the
headquarters will be at Hotel Nelson.
While all of the sessions will be of interest
to playground directors and recreation workers,
the special session on Wednesday forenoon, Sep-
tember 16, under the direction of the Committee
on Playgrounds and Recreation, will be of most
value. It is expected that R. Walter Jarvis of
Indianapolis will preside at this session and prob-
lems relating to the work of the recreation execu-
tive will be discussed and several addresses will
be made.
On the same evening there will be an address
by Eugene T. Lies of the Playground and Recrea-
tion Association of America before an open meet-
ing under the auspices of the American Park-
Society.
A play fest under the direction of Recreation
Supervisor Leo M. Lyons of Rockford will be
given on the evening of September 14 at Black
Hawk Park and on September 15 there will be
tours of Rockford's fine parks and plagrounds.
The convention will close with a trip to Lake
Geneva and Milwaukee. At the latter place the
delegates will be entertained by the park depart-
ment all day Friday, September 18.
C. H. Meeds of Cincinnati is president of the
American Institute of Park Executives ; Adam
Kohankie of Denver, Vice-President, and Will
O. Doolittle of Rockford, Secretary-Treasurer.
On March 2nd and 3rd the first Appalachian
Trail Conference was called at the request of the
Regional Planning Association of America by the
Federated Societies. The purpose of the Con-
ference, which was held in Washington, was to
organize a body of workers representative of out-
door living and of the regions adjacent to the
Appalachian range to complete the building of
the Appalachian Trail.
The ultimate purpose of the project is the con-
servation, use and enjoyment of the mountain
Hinterland which penetrates the populous portion
of America from north to south. The Trail, or
system of trails, is a means for making this land
accessible. The Appalachian Trail is to this Ap-
palachian region what the Pacific Railway was to
Please mention THE PLAYGROUND when writing to advertisers
What kind of costumes do you need
for your Playground Pageant ?
NO MATTER what your needs,
you will find real help in
Dennison's new instruction book,
"How to Make Paper Costumes" —
32 pages full of illustrations, direc-
tions and suggestions for making
costumes of
This material is ideal for cos-
tumes. With it you can obtain
wonderful color effects — and un-
usual designs. It is inexpensive
and so easy to handle that the
youngsters can help with their
own costumes.
The possibilities are limitless —
with 35 plain colors and 72 printed
designs of crepe papers from
which to choose.
Stationers, department stores
and druggists sell Dennison Crepe
papers and also the instruction
book, "How to Make Paper Cos-
tumes."
Dennison Instructors and Ser-
vice Bureaus work with Play-
ground Supervisors. They can be
of much assistance in planning
costumes for pageants and in or-
ganizing classes in the various
fascinating Dennison crafts.
Use this coupon and mail today.
DENNISON MANUFACTURING CO.,
Dept. 12-H, Framingham, Mass.
Enclosed find ten cents for which please send me the book,
"How to Make Paper Costumes." I am also interested in
D The free service of Dennison instructors
D The Dennison Crafts.
Name
Please mention THE PLAYGROUND when writing to advertisers
291
292
BOOK REVIEWS
Spalding
on your Playground Ap-
paratus tells the World
that you believe in Safety
First for the boys and girls
of your community.
Spalding
Time-Tested
Apparatus
Tried and True
Safe and Sane
Write us. We shall be
glad to help you plan your
recreation program.
Playground and Recreation Engineers
Chicopee, Mass.
Athletic Headquarters for fifty years
the Far West — a means of opening up the country.
But instead of a railway the desire is to have a
"trailway" which will preserve and develop the
environment. The path of the trailway will be as
pathless as possible, a minimum path consistent
with practicable accessibility.
The Conference was made a permanent body,
with an executive committee of fifteen members
of which Major William A. Welch, Director of
the Federated Societies and Manager of the
Palisades Interstate Park Commission, New York
City, was made Chairman.
Book Reviews
REPORT OF COMMITTEE ox SCHOOL HOUSE PLANNING
National Education Association, Washington, D. C.
For a number of years a committee of the National
Education Association on School House Planning has
been conducting careful and exhaustive research work
under the leadership of Frank Irving Cooper. The find-
ings of the study and the recommendations of the Com-
mittee have just been published, and a practical and
valuable guide to the construction of school buildings
is the result. Stress is laid on the necessity for providing
for social activities, and it is suggested there should be
an art gallery, an auditorium with picture booth and
stage, gymnasiums and swimming pools for boys, and
girls, headquarters for the student association, for clubs,
caucuses, organized play, indoor games and bowling, for
community play facilities and for issuing the student
paper.
The book represents a very important contribution to
the literature on school planning.
AMERICANIZATION QUESTIONNAIRE by Cathrine A. Brad-
shaw Published by Noble and Noble, New York
Price $1.00
Here is a book written for the stranger from abroad
who coming to America wants to know more of the land
of his adoption, its government and ideals. In it are to
be found a brief summary of the principles of adminis-
tration and the fundamentals of our American institu-
tions. The question and answer form has been selected
because these are the questions the judge will ask the
foreign-born seeking citizenship.
The contents include the following: General informa-
tion regarding chief events in American history, prin-
ciples of administration, how to become a citizen, infor-
mation regarding city, county, state and national govern-
ment, the constitution, the Declaration of Independence, a
summary of the naturalization laws and forms of petition
and certificates of naturalization.
THE PROBLEM CHILD IN SCHOOL By Mary B. Sayles
and Howard W. Nudd Published by the Joint Com-
mittee on Methods of Preventing Delinquency, New
York. $1.00
This new volume of case narratives continues the series
of publications issued under the auspices of the Common-
wealth Fund Program for the Prevention of Delin-
quency, the purpose of which is to promote community
organization and facilities for the better understanding
and guidance of children who present behaviour problems.
The Problem Child in School, offered at a price which
represents merely the cost of production, will be of inter-
est not only to school administrators and teachers but to
parents and friends of children generally. It presents
convincing evidence of the value of the work of the
visiting teacher in opening channels of expression for the
child and creating bonds of sympathy and understanding
which vitally affect his life.
Please mention THE PLAYGROUND when writing to advertisers
BOOK REVIEWS
293
THE SOCIALIZED SCHOOL — THE SCHOOL GROUNDS AND
THEIR EQUIPMENT. Prepared by Henry S. Curtis,
thD. Published by State Department of Education,
Jefferson City, Missouri
In this pamphlet Dr. Curtis has prepared for the teach-
^s "i Missouri a most helpful and practical guide to the
iiM- of school property. Here are discussed problems of
amount of play space, surfacing, beautifying the play-
ground, planning the layout, and equipping the ground.
Information is also given on the construction and equip-
ment of the school itself — the gymnasium, auditorium and
provision for teachers.
NATIONAL COLLEGIATE ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION TRACK
AND FIELD RULES No. 112R Spalding's Athletic
Library Published by American Sports Publishing
Company, New York. Price $ .25
An interesting feature of this edition is a section giving
definite suggestions on track construction prepared by
Henry F. Schulte, athletic coach at the University 01
Xebraska. Rules for events, preparations, equipment aiu
records comprise the greater part of the booklet.
UNDER THESE TREES by Grace Humphrey Milton
Bradley Company, Springfield, Massachusetts. Price
$1.75
In this collection of stories Miss Humphrey is helping
to keep alive ten of the most important historical events
in which famous trees have featured. The historical
facts given — and only authentic data is offered the reader
— assume greater interest through Miss Humphrey's de-
lightful telling of them. "The Fig Tree" of the Roman
Forum, "The Trysting Oak" of Robin Hood's Band,
Jeanne D'Arc's "Fairy Tree of Domremy", "The Royal
Oak" of Charles II, "The Talking Oak of Dodona", "The
Eliot Oak", "The Liberty Tree" in Boston, "The Penn
Treaty Elm", "The Washington Elm" and "The Charter
Oak" at Hartford, are the trees which have been made to
live again under the author's pen.
Not only boys and girls but grown-ups will enjoy these
stories with the new light they throw on some of the high
spots of our history.
HANDBOOK OF HEALTH by Woods Hutchinson Pub-
lished by Houghton Mifflin Company, New York
Written in a way which will appeal strongly to chil-
dren, this book deals practically and sanely with the care
of the body, giving in simple language the reasons why
certain hygienic practices are necessary. A chapter on
Exercise and Growth contains many arguments for play,
not only from the standpoint of health-giving exercise
but for its happiness and character-building values.
MANUAL OF PLAY. Community Chest Headquarters,
Franklin Building, Louisville, Kentucky
This booklet, containing the games used in the recrea-
tion training course conducted by the Training Com-
mittee of the Recreation Division of the Louisville Com-
munity Chest, represents a compilation of games which
have been found from actual experience to be successful,
which can be used with little or no equipment in a room
of any size and which will be serviceable to various types
of groups.
SOCIAL MINISTRY IN AN AMERICAN CITY — A Recrea-
tional Survey of the Churches of Omaha, by T. Earl
Sullenger. University of Omaha Bulletin, Volume I.
Number I. University of Omaha, Omaha, Nebraska.
Price, $ .15
As a result of this study of 161 churches of Omaha
44.7% of which were found to have some form o
definitely organized recreation, the following suggestions
for church recreation programs are offered by Mr.
Sullenger :
1. If at all possible, a modern well equipped gymnasium
should be provided. It should be in connection with the
church building or on the same lot. The church audi-
torium should never be used for recreational purposes.
2. Equip one or more rooms in the church which shall
KELLOGG SCHOOL
OF
PHYSICAL
EDUCATION
Broad field for young women, offering at-
tractive positions. Qualified directors of
physical training in big demand. Three-
year diploma course and four-year B. S.
course, both including summer course in
camp activities, with training in all forms
of physical exercise, recreation and health
education. School affiliated with famous
Battle Creek Sanitarium — superb equipment
and faculty of specialists. Excellent oppor-
tunity for individual physical development
For illustrated catalogue, address Registrar.
KELLOGG SCHOOL OF
PHYSICAL EDUCATION
Battle Creek College
BOX 255 Battle Creek, Michigan
Please mention THE PLAYGROUND when writing to advertisers
294
BOOK REVIEWS
Circle Travel Rings
A CHILD'S PRINCIPAL
BUSINESS IS PLAY
Let us help to make their play
Profitable
Put something new in your playground.
On the Circle Travel Rings they swing from ring
to ring, pulling, stretching and developing every
muscle of their bodies. Instructors pronounce this
the most healthful device yet offered.
Drop a card today asking for our complete
illustrated catalog.
Patterson-Williams Mfg. Co.
San Jose, California
be open to the various clubs in the community for meet-
ing purposes.
3. Organize a brass or string band to give free enter-
tainments in the church.
4. Assume responsibility for the teaching of whole-
some games that may be played in the homes and at the
church socials.
5. Supply volunteer helpers to the community recrea-
tion agencies.
6. Provide tennis courts and baseball diamonds.
7. Hold regular open-houses for the young people, and
provide story hours for the younger children.
8. Promote church athletics ; baseball, basket ball, vol-
ley ball leagues. Offer a banner or prize for the best
athletic club.
9. Have regular classes in calisthenics for old and
young, for both sexes.
10. Arrange for summer camps and camping trips. •
11. Plan hikes for groups of different ages in the
church.
12. Provide comfortable reading rooms, also room for
checkers and chess.
13. Secure a vacant lot and equip it as a modern play-
ground for the younger children.
14. Cooperate in promoting Wolf Cub, Boy Scout,
Camp Fire, Girl Reserve, and Girl Scout Organizations.
15. Motion pictures and stereopticons may be provided.
16. Urge, work and demand in the name of humanity
the Saturday half-holiday for all.
17. Use the influence of the church to make and keep
municipal and commercialized recreation clean and
wholesome.
HEALTH AND GOOD CITIZENSHIP. By Andress and Evans.
Published by Ginn and Company, New York
The first half of this practical book is concerned with
fundamentals of physiology and hygiene presented in
such a way that facts are subordinated to principles of
action. And since knowledge of personal hygiene is not
sufficient if an individual is to assume his responsibility
to the community, to be a real citizen, the second half
of the book attempts to present facts about the health
of the home, school and community, which will give
pupils an insight into problems of social health and in-
spire them to take part in their solution. Many group
activities are suggested, and information is given about
the men and women who have helped in the great cam-
paign for healthful living.
WISCONSIN MEMORIAL DAY ANNUAL, 1925. Compiled
by J. F. Shaw. Issued by the Department of Public
Instruction, Madison, Wisconsin
This practical pamphlet, prepared for the use of teach-
ers and school pupils, contains many selections — prose,
poetry and songs — for use in the presentation of
Memorial Day programs. It will prove a valuable addi-
tion to permanent school libraries.
WHAT SHALL WE PLAY? Compiled by Estelle Cook.
Published by the Woman's Press, New York City.
Price, $.30.
Seventy lively games and stunts for social evenings are
described in this practical booklet.
A LIST OF Music FOR PLAYS AND PAGEANTS, by Roland
Holt. Published by D. Appleton and Company, New
York. Price, $1.00
The problem of securing music for plays and pageants
is by no means an easy one. Dramatic directors, all who
are concerned with planning for pageants and plays, will
find exceedingly valuable the practical suggestions given
by Mr. Holt on organizing the musical program. The
details which must be arranged before a play or pageant
is presented are discussed ; a list of music for pageants
and plays in general, is given, and there are suggestions
for national music for Christmas, music particularly for
children and a list of music for American pageants and
plays. There is also a list of selected music stores in
different cities throughout the country.
Please mention THE PLAYGROUND when writing to advertisers
BOOK REVIEWS
295
SPECIAL COMBINATION OFFER
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LIST OF REFERENCES ON EDUCATION FOR CITIZENSHIP.
Library Leaflet No. 30. Bureau of Education, Wash-
ington, D. C. Price, 5c
In this suggestive and helpful bibliography the books
on citizenship education are classified under general, ele-
mentary schools, rural schools, high schools, colleges and
universities, community civics, Junior Civic Leagues,
civics for women, civics for new Americans, patriotism,
reference books and textbooks.
COUNTY LIBRARY SERVICE. By Harriet C. Long. Pub-
lished by American Library Association, Chicago.
Price, $1.75
This new book tells of the steps to take to establish
a county library, discusses campaigns, legislation, organi-
zation and administration, and suggests how the county
library may cooperate with existing agencies to increase
its usefulness .to the community.
Carrying books to the individual reader is a compara-
tively new feature of library work, but its rapid growth
testifies to the usefulness of the service. Forty-two out
of the fifty-six counties in California now give free book
service to every resident no matter how far he lives from
the base of supply. As a result, in California many
people living in mountain districts and on remote ranches
are as well supplied with books as though they lived in
large communities.
PROGRAMS FOR HOLIDAYS AND SPECIAL OCCASIONS. Com-
piled by Wilma Jeppson, Department of Physical
Education, Brigham Young University, and her
classes in Recreational Leadership. Circular No. 7,
B. Y. U. Extension Division, Provo, Utah. Price,
$.50
A number of very suggestive social programs and in-
teresting games and stunts are offered in this compila-
tion of mimeographed material which outlines parties for
special days and general stunt nights.
THE BOY AND His VOCATION, by John Irving Sowers.
Published by Manual Press, Peoria, Illinois. Price,
$1.00
This new book for boys is designed to give the boy
"such a peep into the estate of manhood as will tend to
give him vision and helpful ideals about such common
things as work, character, thrift, health and citizenship."
The Boy on the Fence, The Value of Education, The
Blazed Trail (The Value of Thrift), Choosing a Voca-
tion, Health and Efficiency, Citizenship and Selling Your
Ability, are the subjects of the chapters expressed in
language which the boy can understand.
EDUCATION THROUGH PHYSICAL EDUCATION, by Agnes
Wayman. Published by Lea and Febriger, Philadel-
phia. Price, $4.00
A book dealing specifically and frankly with problems
of physical education and activities for girls and women
is this volume.
"This book," says the author in her preface, "repre-
sents entirely a woman's point of view in physical educa-
MANUAL on ORGANIZED CAMPING
Playground and Recreation Association
of America
Editor, L. H. Weir
The Macmillan Company
A practical handbook on all phases of organized camping
based on an exhaustive study of camping in the United
States.
May be purchased from the
PLAYGROUND AND RECREATION ASSOCIATION
OF AMERICA
315 Fourth Avenue, New York, N. Y.
Postpaid on receipt of price ($2.00)
Chicago Normal School
of Physical Education
For Women
Two year course. Graduates from accredited High Schools
admitted without examination. Experienced Faculty of men
and women. Dormitories for non-resident students. 22nd
Year Opens September 21, 1925.
For catalog and book of views address
Frances Musselman, Prin.
Box 45. 5026 Greenwood Ave., Chicago, 111.
tion ; it makes its appeal to girls and women. It repre-
sents a reaction against the man-made athletic world.
It makes no specific effort to solve the problems in men's
athletics, but, by advocating a different educational phil-
osophy where girls' and women's athletics are concerned,
it hopes to avoid for them most of the evils commonly
associated with physical education in the past."
The book contains a vast amount of practical material
of great value to recreation workers in their development
of programs of physical activities for girls and women.
There are chapters on leadership, departmental organiza-
tion, departmental office routine and regulations, pro-
grams, informational hygiene, physical activities, the or-
ganization and administration of the gymnastic program,
individual work, dancing, sports and games, competition,
general conduct of games and meets, field days and track
meets, swimming and swimming meets, tennis tourna-
ments, games and sports of low organization, physical
efficiency tests and athletic associations.
There is a wealth of information here such as has
never before been brought together for the benefit of
physical directors, recreation workers and workers with
girls in all fields of activity.
SING-SONG SOCIAL. By Margaretha Lerch. Noble and
Noble, New York. Price, $.15
Song guessing contests form the basis of this program
for a social which is original and new.
Please mention THE PLAYGROUND when writing to advertisers
296
OUR FOLKS
Magazines and Pamphlets
Recently Received
Containing Articles of Interest to Recreation Workers
and Officials
MAGAZINES
The Catholic Charities Review. May, 1925
Play and Life Traits
Mind and Body. June, 1925
A Camp Scoring Schedule for Use in Awarding
Camp Honors
By John Alexander, Jr.
Physical Education for Workers
By William J. Bogan
Physical Training. June, 1925
The Chemistry and Sanitation of the Swimming Pool
By A. J. Danielson
Red Cross Courier. June 1, 1925
Safeguarding Health of Bathers in Swimming Pools
By Jack J. Hinman, Jr.
American Physical Education Review. June, 1925
Motor Ability Tests
By Frederick W. Maroney
A Program of Physical Education
By J. H. McCurdy, M. D.
The Purpose of Athletics
By John L. Griffith
Hints on Athletic Association Management
By H. S. DeGroat
A Recreational Leadership Course for College
Women
By Gertrude Bilhuber
Parks and Recreation. May-June, 1925
Outdoor Swimming Pools
By R. J. Gibb
Holds Recreation Week (Nashville)
By George B. Moulder
Park Study Round Table at Recreation Congress
Industrial Recreation — Rockford, 111.
By Leo M. Lyons
Chicago Schools Journal. June, 1925
Chicago's School Playgrounds
By Ruth H. Larson
The American City. June, 1925
Riverside Park Improvement Project
By Albert V. Sielke
Saturday Morning Movies for Youngsters
By James S. Joy
Rhode Island Cities Organize Public Recreation UiuK-r
New State Law
Richmond, Va. Year ending April 1, 1925
An All Year Round Swimming Pool
By H. C. McClure
Lantern Slides Available on Village and Town
Planning
PAMPHLETS
Report of the Community Recreation Association of
Richmond, Va. Year ending April 1, 1925.
How the Kindergarten Educates
By Luella A. Palmer and Mary G. Waite
Kindergarten Circular No. 18 — U. S. Bureau of
Education
Obtainable from The Government Printing Office,
Washington. D. C. Price lOc
Annual Report of the Public Recreation Commission—
Plainfield, N. J.. 1924
Annual Report of the Park Department of the City of
Cambridge. Mass., for the year ending March 31, 1924
The Country Book list. Price lOc
Obtainable from The American Country Life As-
sociation, 1849 Grand Central Terminal Building,
New York City
Bulletin of the American Library Association. May 1925
giving the Conference Program, Seattle, Wash.. 1925
Annual Report of the Plavtrround Board of the Village
of Oak Park, 111. 1924
Our Folks
C. R. Wood, formerly Superintendent of Recre-
ation at Lynchburg, Virginia, and later in Raleigh,
North Carolina, has recently accepted the position
of Superintendent of Recreation in Durham,
North Carolina.
Herbert W. Park is to be the Superintendent of
Recreation under the Recreation Commission re-
cently appointed in Greensboro, North Carolina.
Salisbury, North Carolina, has recently em-
ployed Justus N. Hull as their recreation execu-
tive.
Instead of Miss Florence Gates, Mrs. Gertrude
Warwick of Framingham, Massachusetts, has
gone to Rushville, Illinois, to direct the Com-
munity House and supervise county recreation.
Ben S. Dillenbeck, Springfield College, 1923, is
to succeed Miss Marjorie Geary as Director of
the Community Recreation Association in Dalton,
Massachusetts. Miss Carin Degermark, formerly
in charge of women's and girls' work in New
Haven, Connecticut, and more recently Camp Fire
Executive, Portland, Oregon, will come on Sep-
tember first from Portland, Oregon, to work with
the Dalton Community Recreation Association.
Playground and Recreation
Association of America
JOSEPH LEE, President
JOHN H. FINI.KV, I-'irst Vicc-l'resident
\Vii.u.\M KK.NT, Second I'icc-l'residenl
KOBKKT GARRKTT. Third Vice-Trcs'idoil
(irsTAVi's T. KIKHV, Treasurer
HOWARD S. BRA uc HER, Secretary
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Mrs. Edward W. Biddle, Carlisle, Pa.; William Butterworth,
Moline, 111.; Clarence M. Clark, Philadelphia, Pa.; Mrs. Arthur
G. Cummer, Jacksonville, Fla.; F. Trubee Davison, Locust Valley,
N. Y.; Mrs. Thomas A. Edison, West Orange, N. J.; John H.
Finley, New York, N. Y.; Hugh Frayne, New York N. Y.; Robert
Garrett, Baltimore, Md. ; C. M. Goethe, Sacramento, Cal.; Mrs.
L'harlcs A. Goodwin, Hartford, Conn.; Austin E. Griffiths. Seattle.
Wash.; Myron T. Herrick, Cleveland, Ohio; Mrs. Francis dcl.;u-v
Hyde, Plainfield, N. J.; Mrs. Howard R. Ivc*. Portland, Mr.:
Gustavus T. Kirby, New York, N. Y.; H. McK. I.an.i.m. lu.fi.in
apolis, Ind. ; Robert Lassiter, Charlotte, N. C.; Joseph Ler. '<
Mass.; Edward E. Loomis, New York, N. Y ; J. H. MrCurdy.
Springfield, Mass.; Otto T. Mallery. Philadelphia, Pa.; Walter A
May, Pittsburgh, Pa.; Carl E. Milliken, Augusta, Me.; Miss Ellen
Scripps, La Jolla, Cal.; Harold H. Swift, Chicago, 111.; F. S.
Titsworth, New York, N. Y.; Mrs. J. W. Wadsworth, Jr., Wash-
ington, D. C.; J. C. Walsh, New York, N. Y.; Harris Whittemore,
Naugatuck, Conn.
Health Joy Love Happiness
are magic words in the life of the child. There must inevit-
ably come later much that is serious, sorrowful, and sordid
— let us then keep childhood happy, playful, and beautiful.
There is no other one thing that offers so much of the ele-
ments of rapturous abandon to the child spirit of play and
joy — to the child world of mimicry and make-believe — to
the power of self-expression, as does music.
Put music into the daily lives of your children, let them sing
with it, dance with it, imagine stories as suggested by it, and
listen to its inspiring messages of beautifully interpreted
masterpieces.
There is one way, and one way only, by which all this may
be made available to all the children everywhere, at anytime,
in any place, and that is by means of the Victrola and the
splendid collection of Victor records selected by one who
knows and loves children, and recorded especially for children
by our finely trained artists.
Educational Department
Victor Talking Machine Company
Camden, New Jersey
Please mention THE PLAYGROUND when writing to advertisers
297
298
The Playground
VOL. XIX, No. 6
SEPTEMBER, 1925
The World at Play
Lions Urge Play Centers. — The Lions' Inter-
national at their recent meeting endorsed the work
of the Playground and Recreation Association of
America and suggested that Lions' Clubs serve
the handicapped children in their communities
"by urging city councils and school boards to
establish playgrounds and recreation centers."
Prominent Athlete Affirms Moral Values of
Play. — Melvin W. Sheppard, one of America's
greatest athletes, for a number of years a field
worker of the Playground and Recreation Asso-
ciation of America, has written a series of articles
which have been published in the Sport Story
Magazine, telling of his experiences as an athlete.
He writes, "It was one of the most pathetic things
I have ever seen to find full grown men who
apparently had never learned to play, and it was
one of the most interesting works I was ever en-
gaged in when I set about to solve the problem
of how to teach them to play."
Mel Sheppard in writing of his work with the
Playground and Recreation Association of Amer-
ica suggests, "Every situation I encountered
brought out some new and wonderful phase of
the remarkable remedy for evils — athletics. It is
small wonder then that, with all this evidence con-
stantly before my eyes, I became completely dom-
inated with the idea of sports for all. I have seen
playgrounds spring from vacant lots used hereto-
fore only for the disposal of refuse. I have seen
small playgrounds opened with no more than a
volley ball and net or baseball and bat, and I have
seen whole families tasting for the first time the
wonder of the spirit of play."
"I could cite any number of personal experi-
ences in which I have seen the introduction of
athletics perform miracles."
What It Meant to Her.— A Music Festival
was held recently in a New England city, giving
an opportunity for varied musical expression
through its concerts and unique program.
The day following the final sessions a little old
Italian woman came to the office of the director
and with all her powers of expression told how
happy it all had made her. She said in Italy she
had played a harp — and when she came to Amer-
ica she had brought it with her, but here she had
had no chance to play it. During the festival she
had been given a place in an orchestra — and she
had played and had been so happy, happier than
at any time since she had left the Homeland. She
then said she understood not enough money had
come in to pay the expenses and that she wanted
to help and she handed the director a dollar.
Some Spirit ! — There is a boy, Frank Fox by
name, in a State institution in New York, who
has been a cripple for some time. One leg is
shorter than the other and he wears a brace, but
that doesn't dampen his zeal for the Boys' Ath-
letic Badge Test. He has already qualified in
the pull-up, rope climb, standing broad jump, base-
ball throw for accuracy and baseball throw for
distance. Unfortunately he cannot enter the 60-
yard dash and therefore cannot qualify in this
event, but his athletic spirit is 100% perfect.
Worth a Fortune. — Musical America tells of
an aged recluse in Peoria, Illinois, who recently
left her $60,000 estate to Paul Ash, jazz symphony
bandsman, whom she had never seen. A friend
brought a portable radio set to her cabin, and she
heard Mr. Ash conduct from a Chicago station.
A few days later she died, and on her deathbed
directed that, since she had no relatives, her estate
should be a reward for the greatest happiness
she ever had.
Expansion of Training Courses at Chicago
Normal School. — A course of specialized train-
ing for playground leadership and administration
is to be given by the Chicago Normal School. In
December of 1925 entrance examinations will be
held for those who hold a high school certificate
or who have less than a college degree. It is now
too late for anyone to apply to enter the course
299
300
THE WORLD AT PLAY
this fall who has not taken the entrance exam-
ination previously unless such person holds a col-
lege degree. Students from outside of Chicago
taking this course pay a fee of $200 a year. The
subjects covered during the three-year course are :
Physiology ; English — Composition ; Kindergar-
ten ; Play and Education ; Psychology ; First Aid ;
Music ; Drama ; Publicity Methods ; Child Psy-
chology ; Leadership Organization ; Program Con-
tent; Recreational Gymnastics; Pageantry; So-
cial Problems ; Hygiene ; Statistical Methods ;
Education; Games, Graphic Art; Playground
History and Theory ; Oral Expression ; Athletics ;
Folk Dancing ; Dancing ; Playground Manage-
ment ; Playground Craft Work ; Elementary So-
ciology; Cadeting; Music in Playground; Pro-
gram Building; Swimming; Practice and Coach-
ing of Games and Athletics.
Say It in Rhyme. — The Recreation Depart-
ment of Sacramento, California, has sent out vari-
ous rhymes emphasizing good conduct in play,
urging the children to memorize the lines.
Charles H. English, of Chicago, has found one or
two verses useful in setting the playground ideals
before his staff.
School Extension Recreation Service in
Salt Lake City. — In Salt Lake City the elemen-
tary Junior and Senior High Schools are increas-
ingly being equipped for education extension rec-
reation service. Service rooms with a stage are
being put in all the new elementary schools ; serv-
ice rooms, auditorium and gymnasia in the new
Junior High Schools ; and auditorium, gymnasia
and a large acreage for major and minor sports
in all Senior High Schools.
Good Camp Advertising. — "Take the whole
family to camp" is the slogan of the municipal
camp placards which are being carried by all the
municipal railway street cars in San Francisco.
A large attendance is expected at the ever-popular
municipal camp maintained by the Recreation De-
partment at the Hetchy Hetchy site.
Are You Eligible to the Honorable and
Sublime Order of Fishes? — Many boys and
girls on the Cleveland playgrounds are proud
possessors of red, white and blue "Ima Fish"
buttons — an outward indication of the fact that
they are able to swim ten strokes. Great prepara-
tions are being made by the city and board of edu-
cation swimming teachers, the playground chil-
dren and The Cleveland Plain-Dealer for the lira
Fish Carnival, when the city bathing beaches wii;
be roped off for a series of contests for hundreds
of boys and girls from city and school play-
grounds. Competitors will be boys and girls who
have learned to swim ten strokes this summer
under school and city playground swimming
teachers. Gold, silver and bronze medals will be
awarded by The Plain-Dealer for a number of
events, including distance and speed swimming,
fancy swimming and diving. Schools of fishes
from the various playgrounds, with such names as
Gar Pike, Carp. Red Fin, White Mullet, Pacific
Smelt and Mackerel Shark are all set for the con-
tests.
Opening Crowds. — Among the report- of
"opening" days on summer playgrounds, special
interest attaches to Albany, New York, and Chi-
copee, Massachusetts, where noticeable increase
of attendance over last year is reported. Last
year Chicopee had an average daily attendance of
3500. On the opening day in 1925 10,000 chil-
dren flocked to the grounds, flooding the swings,
seesaws, baseball and volley ball courts and other
play apparatus.
Six thousand appeared on Albany's playgrounds
the first day, long lines of children waiting for
more than an hour before the joyous signal was
given.
A Children's Art Contest in St. Paul.— An
art contest for children, conducted this spring in
the St. Paul Public Libarry, was participated in
by more than 300 children. The schools co-
operated and work of a high order was presented.
Sixty of the children received prizes of attractive
art books and framed and un framed pictures.
A Better Cities Contest. — Twenty Wisconsin
cities have entered a "better cities contest" a:id
they will be judged in relation to public education,
health, location, playgrounds, libraries, parks, and
other activities which make the life of the com-
munity worth while.
An Auditorium and Field House for Uni-
versity of Nebraska. — A large auditorium and
field house costing $250,000 is to be erected at the
University of Nebraska, Lincoln, financed entirely
by the athletic board of the university.
Public Benefactors. — Colonel Edward A.
Deeds of Dayton, Ohio, an officer of the General
Motors Corporation and a music-lover and bene-
THE WORLD AT PLAY
301
factor of education has recently given an athletic
field valued at $1,000,000 to Dennison University.
Mrs. Deeds has lately been appointed head of the
American opera activities of the National Federa-
tion of Music Clubs for a term of two years.
A Jackstone Tournament in Glenn Falls,
N. Y. — A Jackstone Tournament held throughout
the schools of Glens Falls, New York, under the
auspices of the Zonta Club, developed enthusiastic
competition. So interested was a visiting recrea-
tion worker that she contributed a cup. This was
won by a little girl from the Parochial School.
The cup can be held permanently by the school
that wins it three years.
Terre Haute Has New Golf Course and
Stadium. — The new 18-hole public golf course in
Rea Park, Terre Haute, is part of the park area
given to the city by Mr. Rea, who left $100,000
in his will for the purpose. Since that time Mrs.
Rea has built a $43,000 Club House with excel-
lent facilities and presented it to the city. The
golf course is made self-supporting by a green
fee charge of 25c. In the first two months after
opening this season the receipts amounted to
$3000.
Terre Haute expended last year approximately
$500,000 for park and recreation areas ; a bond
issue for $400,000 built the new municipal stad-
ium which will hold 20,000 or more people. It
is open to the use of the public provided no
charges are made.
More Golf for Flint, Michigan.— The dedi-
cation of Flint's second municipal golf course
recently took place in Mott Park. The celebration
included addresses by the Mayor, the Superin-
tendent of the Park Board, and the Vice-Presi-
dent of the Buick Motor Company. The mayor
started play on the 9-hole layout by sending the
first ball down the fairway. More than 100 golf-
ers teed off after the dedication.
Bowling Popular among Women Store
Employees in Wilkes-Barre, Pa. — During the
past year one of the objectives of the Playground
and Recreation Association of Wyoming Valley
at Wilkes-Barre, Pa., has been to develop athletic,
recreation and special activities in the State Em-
ployees' Association of that city. Their year's
report shows 3202 employees participating in
activities and 1,355 games played. A noteworthy
feature is in the increase of girls' bowling over
the previous year. In 1923 there was one em-
ployees' league with four teams and thirty-two
registered bowlers. The past year showed" four
leagues with twenty-two teams and 176 registered
bowlers. Four hundred and fourteen games were
bowled during the year.
Portchester's Special Days.— Special Event
Fridays, promoted by the Recreation Commi»i..n
and Community Service of Portchester, New
York, have been a great success. The first, a Pet
and Doll Show, gave evidence of the "up-to the-
minuteness" of some of the playground members
when there appeared on the ground a baby doll in
a cardboard box bearing the name "Adam" above
it, with a picture of a monkey below. Guinea pig
litters, one week old, kittens with their mother,
carried in perforated baskets, a turkey and a
young duck all came in for their share of blue
ribbons.
The next Friday was Stunt and Folk Dance
Day. Courtesy transportation made it possible to
bring all three playgrounds together in the large
Athletic Field at Recreation Park. More than
300 attended and took part in the athletic games,
folk dances, and play demonstration, which were
the order of the day. An attractive feature was
an original outdoor sketch put on by four girls
from one of the playgrounds. Two of the girls
appeared in the guise of 1925 girls, dressed in
the latest style, and carried on a humorous con-
versation. The other two, costumed in old-fash-
ioned clothes, took the part of girls of 1825 and
danced the Minuet.
Fourth of July in New Mexico. — Most of
the celebrations in New Mexico last three clays,
people coming from even a hundred miles. In
some sections there are more Indians and Mexi-
cans in attendance than Anglo-Saxons, with a
few Chinese on the edges. George W. Braden
writes of last Fourth : "The day is free for all. for
here you know everybody and everybody here
knows you. The old-fashioned square dances
are largely used — not exclusively, however, and
Pa and Ma and Uncle Bill and Aunt Mary and
even the grandparents can swing and step as well
as the young folks. At San Marciel — population
about 1000 — on the Santa Fe almost equal dis-
tance from El Paso and Santa Fe, the three-day
patriotic program included not only foot races
and horse races, the prizes so much "in trade,"
but a cowboy tug of war, cowgirl race, steer rid-
302
ing, bronco busting, cowboy relay and a great
barbecue."
Boston Celebrates the Fourth. — Boston's
Fourth of July celebration, planned by the Di-
rector of Public Celebrations, began with a Flag
Raising at the City Hall at 9:30 in the morning.
Local patriotic exercises took place all over the
city at 10 o'clock. These consisted of band mu-
sic, the singing of America, the Pledge of Alle-
giance, brief addresses, the reading of the Dec-
laration of Independence and the singing of The
Star-Spangled Banner. A municipal athletic
meet and swimming races added to the fun of
the day. A Children's Pageant, Story of a Prin-
cess Who Could Not Laugh took place in the
afternoon. During the day games and sports were
held for the children in twenty-five playgrounds in
the city and as usual, ice cream was distributed
among the younger children. Band concerts were
given in twelve different sections of the city. At
7:30 the flag was lowered amidst an impressive
Sunset Military Ceremony. A special program of
singing, pageantry, illumination, band playing and
fireworks made a brilliant ending for a day never-
-to-be-forgotten.
Kirby Night Celebrated in Wilkes-Barre,
Pa. — Kirby Night was not only the occasion of
the celebration of the first anniversary of the
opening of Kirby Park, but it also presented an
opportunity to the citizens of Wilkes-Barre, to
express their appreciation to F. M. Kirby, the
donor of the park, for the happiness he has given
by providing this beauty spot. It was also the
occasion for the first turning on of the new light-
ing system in the park. A parade of city em-
ployees and equipment was held prior to the park
ceremonies, which consisted of a number of in-
teresting speeches, and the presentation to Mr.
Kirby of a bouquet by the members of the Serve-
Your-City Club. More than 5000 attended the
Kirby Night exercises, which will be an annual
affair hereafter.
Recent Pageants.— The Pageant of Stoneham,
Mass., directed by Percy Jewett Burell, recently
became a notable addition to the colorful historical
spectacles of American communities. Produced in
a natural amphitheatre with a background of for-
est, the pageant marked the 200th anniversary of
the town. A thousand townspeople were in the
cast.
The pageant traced the history of Stoneham
from the winter's day in 1632 when its site was
discovered by Governor John Winthrop and a
group of Boston explorers. The finale is a beauti-
ful masque with a procession -of "town builders,"
including agriculture, industry, health, education,
religion and fellowship.
A feature of "Old Home Week" as conducted
by the American Legion Post in Phoenixville,
Pa., was a pageant "Building the Bridge from
Barbarism to Civilization," staged at the race
track. Elizabeth Hines Hanley of the Playground
and Recreation Association of America directed.
The pageant was written by Rev. W. Herbert
Burk, rector of the Washington Memorial Church
at Valley Forge. Penrose D. Jones, a student at
the Philadelphia School of Industrial Art, de-
signed the beautiful costumes.
Built around the settling and progress of
America, the pageant introduced music, panto-
mime, and dancing. A poetic prologue was read
by "The Master Builder."
Spring Music. — Among the interesting reports
of spring music which have come in is that of
Cincinnati's historic festival, given this year for
the fifty-second time. The children's cantata,
Young America, was one of the memorable
events. Opening with Elgar's Dream of Geron-
tius, McCormack and Matzenauer singing the
solo parts, the festival closed with an all-Wagner
program.
The seventeenth annual festival of the Chicago
and North Shore Festival Association opened
with Haydn's Creation. The children's chorus
of 1,500, always a much-appreciated feature, sang
in Marta.
North Carolina celebrated its first state-wide
community music week, marked by the debut of
the Raleigh Symphony Orchestra.
Raleigh's St. Cecilia Club won the women's
prize and their men's chorus also captured the
men's prize, while the prize for mixed chorus
went to Charlotte. In connection with the festi-
val a state-wide music memory contest was con-
ducted under the auspices of the North Carolina
Federation of Women's Clubs.
LINDSBORG, KANS.
All attendance records were broken at the
Lindsborg festival this year, when two thousand
people were turned away from the auditorium on
the final night. Visitors came from all parts of
Kansas and from ten other states. Lindsborg
hopes within a year to start building a new audi-
THE WORLD AT PLAY
303
torium, for which there is already a fund of
$85,000.
PHILADELPHIA, PA.
An audience of more than 30,000 sat under the
sky in the great stadium of the University of
Pennsylvania to hear the music festival staged
under the auspices of the Philadelphia Music
League on June 4th. Dr. Herbert J. Tily is
President of the League and Mrs. Frederick W.
Abbott is managing director. Thousands of musi-
cians took part in the varied program. The festi-
val chorus of 1,500 voices was under the direc-
tion of Henry Gordon Thunder.
Ballets and a pantomime The Festival of
Bacchus were part of the program. Virtually
all of the artists were Philadelphians. Toward
its close, the festival introduced the second scene
from the second act of Aida, given by members
of the Philadelphia Civic Opera Company. It
closed with The Stars and Stripes Forever, played
by nineteen massed bands, led by John Philip
Sousa.
ANN ARBOR, MICH.
For the thirty-second time Ann Arbor staged
its historic May music festival, which this year
was under the direction of Farl Vincent Moore.
The University Choral Union and the Chicago
Symphony Orchestra presented programs. This
year's children's concert was called by the Detroit
Free Press "The best a May festival has
ever offered."
SPARTANBURG, S. C.
"The best yet," said Spartanburg of its thirtieth
music festival, which opened with a choral night
and included a performance of Flotow's Marta
with a chorus of five hundred school children.
Rosa Ponselle and Mario Chamlee were among
the artists appearing.
SAX FRANCISCO, CAL.
As a climax to a brilliant music season came the
second spring music festival, presented in the
civic auditorium under the joint auspices of the
Musical Association cf San Francisco and the
city. Alfred Hertz was general director. The
festival marked the organization of a great com-
munity chorus, which will become permanent
under the year-round leadership of Hans Leschke.
The chorus already has an extensive repertoire at
its command.
SPRINGFIELD, M<\.ss.
Audiences were large and enthusiastic during
the Springfield Music Festival, which opened on
May 8th in the auditorium. The festival chorus
of three hundred voices was under the direction
of John J. Bishop of the Boston Festival
Orchestra.
A Browsing Corner. — Speaking at the meet-
ing of the School Libraries Section, 47th Annual
Conference of the American Library Association
at Seattle, Miss Eleanor M. Witmer, Supervisor
of Libraries, Denver Public Schools, told of at-
tempts through "browsing corners" to lure the
student of today into leisurely contemplation of
books.
In this day of the endless movie reel, the blaz-
ing headline, the realistic novel, we need to awaken
the student's consciousness to the beautiful in
literature and art. This the library can best do
through the provision of well illustrated editions
of the masterpieces for this browsing corner.
"For this is the priesthood of art — not to bestow
upon the universe a new aspect, but upon the
beholder a new enthusiasm."
Play First. — The park rules of the West Side
Parks in Chicago have been very leniently in-
terpreted during the summer in order to provide
play for children and youths. Ball playing on
grass plots, fishing and wading in lagoons and
even romping on the golf courses have been per-
mitted at certain hours of the day. The center
drives have been closed on Sundays and holi-
days, as a protection to children at play. "It is
either the grass or humanity," was the opinion
given by a prominent judge as to the park rights
of children.
Boys' Hobby Show, Sheboygan, Wisconsin.
— Seventy-five hundred people visited the First
Annual Boys' Hobby Show given under the
auspices of the Sheboygan, Wisconsin, Lions'
Club, March 23rd to 29th, 1925. All of the 10
public and 10 parochial schools participated, and
out of 3,500 eligible to enter the Show about
2,000 actually had exhibits on view.
In arranging the exhibits the boys in each grade
were asked to elect a captain or chairman, whose
duty it was to encourage the boys to enter their ex-
hibits, to check up in the preparation, and to
report to the general chairman about a week
before the opening of the Show.
304
THE WORLD AT PLAY
All kinds of toys and handcarved articles were
exhibited, and so successful was the Show that
plans are already under way for next year's
exhibit, which will be extended by the addition
of art craft department and by the location in
the mechanical section of an iron shaft, operated
by an electric motor, which will provide power
for any mechanical toys the boys may wish to
enter.
Play Streets in Cincinnati. — The summer
playground plans of Community Service of Cin-
cinnati include the setting aside of nine streets
for play in various parts of the city. The streets
will be open each night with the exception of
Saturday and Sunday, will have a program of
group games for boys and girls and such special
activities as boxing, races, tournaments. There
will be Gypsy storytellers, who will tell stories
each night to the smaller children, and a traveling
theater whose performances will be taken to the
various streets.
Banks Help Carry Play Referendum. — The
banks of Jacksonville, Florida, recently demon-
strated their good will and belief in the recreation
movement by running the following advertisement
in the newspapers in connection with the refer-
endum campaign for recreation conducted in that
city by the Playground and Recreation Board.
PLAYGROUNDS OR PLAGUE GROUNDS?
On June 2nd the voters of Jacksonville will be asked
to decide whether one mill be added to taxes to be used
for playgrounds and recreational facilities for children.
Seventy-one per cent, of all criminals in institutions
in the United States are of juvenile age. As a nation
we are spending 9 cents per capita for recreation to
keep young people straight and $439.39 a year to
punish those who go wrong.
With the funds supplied by the additional millage
asked for, Jacksonville children will be given play-
grounds, athletic coaching and supervision, and general
oversight of free time during the most formative
period of their lives.
VOTE FOR THIS MEASURE, AND GIVE OUR
CITIZENS OF TOMORROW A BETTER
CHANCE FOR HEALTH AND
CHARACTER
What Helps the Community Helps the Bank
The referendum vote was carried by a major-
ity of nearly 4 to 1. It will provide about $80,000
for the recreation system or about one dollar per
capita.
Gift of Wading Pool to Manchester, N. H.
—During a downpour of rain, on July 22nd,
with 200 people looking on, the wading pool
given by the Rotary Club of Manchester, N. H., to
the Parks and Playgrounds Commission, was dedi-
cated with a simple and brief ceremony. The
following day brought scores of children to make
use of it. This cement pool is located on the east
side of Park common. The water is 20" at its
deepest point. The showers are located at the
south side of the pool. There are four sprays,
attached to the top of a pipe which is nearly 10
feet in height. The attachments are such that one
shower of water is thrown into the air and an-
other downward. Nearly 100 youngsters may
receive the benefit of this spray while scores of
others have ample room to play about in the
water.
Sunday Swimming in Pittsburgh. — The city
swimming pools of Pittsburgh, Pa., drew a large
crowd of bathers and swimmers on Sunday, July
19th — the first Sunday on which the pools had
been open to the public. The pools will continue
to be open for swimming on Sundays as well as
on weekdays throughout the summer.
Gift to Y. M. C. A. Camp in Wisconsin. —
C. W. Nash, President of the Nash Motor Com-
pany of Kenosha, Wisconsin, has recently given
a $22,000 lodge with all modern improvements at
Camp Manitowish, the Y. M. C. A. camp in the
North Woods, Wisconsin. By his gift of the
building, Nash Lodge, he has made possible an
increase of 100 to 125 per cent, in the capacity
of the camp. The lodge is located in the midst
of a grove of virgin timber, Norway and white
pines. It will have social and mess halls, kitchen,
pantry, storage rooms, a bank, a store, leaders'
office, council ring, a stage, and wide porches, be-
sides bedrooms for cooks and helpers and for
guides and visiting speakers.
A Memorial Community Building in Golds-
boro, N. C. — A Memorial Community Building
housing the American Legion, Red Cross, Asso-
ciated Charities and Community Service was re-
cently dedicated in Goldsboro, North Carolina.
Hon. Josephus Daniels made the chief address
and read communications from Newton Baker,
Raymond Fosdick and others who were promi-
nent in war leadership at the time the building
was planned. The building is very attractive,
THE WORLD AT PLAY
305
duplicating in some ways Mount Vernon, the
residence of George Washington.
One portion of the building provides a gym-
nasium and auditorium combined, which will seat
700. It is planned to use the outdoor space sur-
rounding the building for recreation purposes. A
sketch has been made outlining courts for hand
ball, volley ball, tennis and horseshoe pitching.
In 1924, $35,000 was raised and in 1925 an
additional fund of $25,000 was collected to com-
plete and furnish the building. The city -md
county provide $1800 each year for its mainte-
nance.
Pasadena's Playground-Community-Service
Service Bureau. — "Play and Recreation in
Pasadena" is the title of the very attractive an-
nual report recently issued by the Playground
Community Service in that city. This report con-
tains much interesting material, including a num-
ber of good pictures, showing a variety of activi-
ties conducted. In addition to the other work of
the organization, a Service Bureau is maintained
which is ready at all times to give information and
render assistance along the following lines:
1. Suggestions for the organizing and con-
ducting of athletic events, sports and tournaments
2. Suggestive programs and assistance in or-
ganizing activities at the picnics and socials of
schools, stores, churches
3. Plans for backyard playground equipment
4. Directory of recreational facilities and or-
ganizations in Pasadena
5. Instruction in swimming, tennis and other
sports
6. Small circulating library relating to play and
recreation
7. Rental of costumes and properties at a
nominal charge to outside groups and individ-
uals of the community
8. Loan of moving picture machine and other
equipment for educational and social recreation
This section in the report ends with the cap-
tion: "Playground Community Service will grow
in just the measure that it serves the community."
Detroit Counts the Cost. — For the year end-
ing June 30th, 1925, the Department of Recrea-
tion of Detroit reports a total attendance of 7,-
923,683. Of this number 58 per cent, were chil-
dren and 42 per cent, adults; 69 per cent, were
males and 31 per cent, females.
The maintenance cost of the Department for
the year was $456,510.06. A per capita cost
of $.0576; $181,061.30 was spent on permanent
improvements. This added to the maintenance
cost gives an expenditure of 53 cents per capita
for recreation in the City of Detroit.
These figures are based on a population of
1,200,000.
In their play children learn to observe quickly,
judge, to weigh values, to pick out essentials, to
give group attention; they learn the value of co-
operation, to recognize the rights of others as
well as to insist on their own being recognized;
they learn the meaning of freedom through law ;
they learn the value and function of work and
the joy of accomplishment. No wonder that play
is regarded by many as the most important edu-
cational factor of them all.
(From Psychology of Childhood, by Norsworthy and Whitley
France has a prize which must be awarded for moral and social progress. Paavo Nurmi
was considered for the 1925 award but rejected on the ground that his exploits did not meet
conditions.
The Xezu York Sun says, "How can men think of barring Nurmi from consideration on the
ground that his performances do not lead to moral and social progress?"
The man who started this bit of philosophy could never have witnessed Nurmi's first victory
in the mile run in New York City. There was hardly a boy in Madison Square Garden watc
the great Finn but was resolving himself on a clutch at the white star of a broken
There was not an adult in the great crowd who did not feel admiration for the perfect
the artist's use of it. Such feelings work themselves out into certain habits o
Performances like Nurmi's races built up the English sporting tradition.
306
A RECREATION MAYOR
MAYOR JOHN H. CATHEY, ASHEVILLE, N. C, 1925
A "Recreation" Mayor
John H. Cathey believes that recreation is a
vital part of a city's job. And not a little of
Asheville's recent progress in public recreation has
been due to that belief.
Under Mayor Cathey's leadership the city has
opened a $200,000 athletic field, enlarged play
space about its schools and built a new city hall,
which contains an auditorium for community
gatherings. A municipal golf course has been
under construction and when it is opened in the
fall it will add Asheville to the one hundred
American cities which put the popular game with-
in the reach of all their citizens. The public
recreation park, with its fifty-six acre lake, swim-
ming pool, merry-go-round and other play ap-
paratus, is a perennial source of health and joy
to Asheville, young and old.
Last summer a representative of the Play-
ground and Recreation Association of America
visited Asheville to determine the possibilities of
helping the city to set up a recreation system.
Asheville proved decidedly ready to organize for
recreation. In less than a month it had a recrea-
tion commission and a municipal appropriation
with which to employ a year-round recreation
director.
Mayor Cathey's energy and his strong belief
in public recreation were behind this quick action.
He called together a group of representative citi-
zens to discuss the recreation measure. He ap-
plied to recreation purposes a special fund which
was at his disposal, thus enabling the city to act
immediately and making a budget petition un-
necessary.
In October Mayor Cathey will extend the city's
welcome to leaders in recreation from all parts
of America. Asheville has been chosen from
thirty cities in thirteen states as the convention
city for the Twelfth National Recreation Con-
gress. Its progressive provision for public rec-
reation helped to influence this decision. Its
spirit in planning civic backing for the conven-
tion was further expression of the conviction of
Asheville and its Mayor that more play areas and
play leadership are an urgent need of America
and the South. Through the holding of the Con-
gress in Asheville, public recreation in the South
will be set forward many years, Southern recrea-
tion experts predict.
The capital city of "The Land of the Sky" has
every natural recreation attraction. Its climate,
its scenic beauties and outdoor sports yearly draw
thousands of pleasure-seekers. Municipal recrea-
tion facilities are adding to Asheville's fame as a
resort. But to make Asheville more liveable for
its own people has been the prime consideration
of the "Recreation" Mayor in promoting public
play.
Men and Women Want to Be Gay
Men and women want to be gay but find it diffi
cult. That's why musical comedy tickets are in
demand and command such high prices.
In fiction and on the stage characters assume
obligations, seek adventures, perform deeds,
threatening consequences which the earnest on-
looker dares only in imagination. Between the
limit of man's daring and the limit of man's
imagination lies the most fertile field of fiction.
Amateur dramatics give the individual himself
a chance to act characters he has dreamed of, to
enter sympathetically into experiences that will
never be his own in real life.
Through the leadership of the municipal recrea-
tion systems boys and girls may be trained to be
gay without being foolish.
WILL YOU BE THERE?
307
Will You Be There?
Will you be in Asheville when Joseph Lee calls
to order the Twelfth Recreation Congress? Will
you be among those present when the games and
folk dances take place on the green near the
Battery Park Hotel?
Do not miss the Congress this year because it
promises to be the best yet. For the program of
general and section meetings, the Congress Com-
mittee announces such stellar attractions as Gov-
ernor John G. Winant of New Hampshire, whose
topic will be "The Responsibility of the Govern-
ment for Promoting Community Recreation" ;
Joseph Lee, opening address; Mayor John H.
Cathey of Asheville, address of welcome ; H.
Augustine Smith of Boston University, "Syn-
thetic Arts in Community Life" ; Peter W. Dy-
kema (himself); Robert Lassiter of Charlotte;
Rev. M. Ashby Jones of Atlanta, "Recreation and
the Church"; J. C. Walsh of New York City;
E. S. Draper of Charlotte, "Planning for Future
Parks and Playgrounds of the South" ; Elizabeth
Burchenal, folk dancing; H. F. Enlows of the
American Red Cross ; M. F. Hasbrouch of New
York City, swimming pool engineer, "Swimming
Pool Problems" ; Raymond H. Torrey of New
York, "State Parks" ; Kate Oglebay, executive
secretary of the Inter-theatre Arts, Inc., the Lit-
tle Theatre section ; C. B. Smith of the U. S.
Department of Agriculture, "Rural Recreation,"
and many others of equal note.
A feature of the program will be the water
sports and swimming pool demonstration under
the leadership of H. F. Enlows. All of Friday,
October 10th, will be given over to classes and
demonstrations in music, dramatics, games and
rural recreation.
Golfers take note that the Asheville Golf Club
very kindly offers its membership privileges to all
delegates. Tours of the surrounding country,
with its remarkable scenery, are being planned.
For further particulars write to the Congress
Committee, 315 Fourth Avenue, New York City.
Can a Whistle Stop Play?
The fathers and mothers of Ventnor City,
N. J., find that their children prefer to play in-
stead of coming home to supper. The city has
decided to blow a steam whistle at supper time to
see if the children cannot be summoned from
their play to eat their evening meal.
There may be doubt as to whether boys and
girls want to do certain things, but the world over,
there can be no more doubt than there is in Vent-
nor City, N. J., that children want to play and
usually are more interested in play than in eating.
Is it not worth while to give some time and
thought to a tendency so universal and so com-
pelling?
For years our water falls have given us pleasure
as we have watched them, and now the new in-
dustrial era is harnessing these water falls and
using this electricity for power.
For years the play of little children has given
us pleasure and now it is agreed that attention
to play can be used to give us a moral and social
progress which will be comparable to the industrial
progress which has come through the use of
electricity.
And that is why many of the ablest men and
women of America are today giving their lives
to trying to make it easy for boys and girls and
men and women to have the right kind of oppor-
tunity for play. Elihu Root is reported to have
said, "There is no problem before the world today
more important than training for the right use of
leisure."
And it was Aristotle who said a great many
years ago, "The whole end and object of educa-
tion is training for the right use of leisure."
Recently in one of his public addresses, Presi-
dent Coolidge raised the question whether after
all our large cities possess as great advantages as
we have thought. This question is being asked
by an increasing number of thoughtful men and
women the world over. Every few weeks one
hears of some meeting where there has been dis-
cussion of the garden cities which have been built
and of the special plans for the development of
parts of cities here and there so as to leave much
more open space and make the cities much more
attractive places in which to bring up children.
Mention is made of places like Letchworth, Wel-
wyn and many other such developments.
There is growing evidence that we are at the
beginning of a very considerable movement for
giving a great deal of time and thought to making
the parts of our cities in which we live, and prob-
ably also the parts of our country in which we
work, much more beautiful, attractive, and much
more restful than they have been heretofore.
TABLE ROCK, A CURIOUS NATURAL FORMATION, ONE OF THE BEAUTIFUL SCENES IN STORE FOR DELEGATES TO THE
RECREATION CONGRESS
308
Michigan Goes by Automobile
A Motor Coach Trip through the Scenic Won-
ders of the Sunny South including Mammoth
Cave, Lincoln's Birth Place, and Battle Fields
of Chattanooga to the Asheville Congress is an-
nounced in the following circular :
Bright and early on the morning of Monday,
September 28. we will take one of the DeLuxe
Motor Coaches of the People's Motor Coach Com-
pany traveling over the recently completed High-
way to Toledo, and then south through Ohio. At
Findlay, Ohio, we will stop for a light luncheon
r.nd then continue to the City of Dayton where
we v/ill spend the night.
We leave Dayton at 7 :30 a. m. Tuesday morn-
ing with a short stop at Cincinnati, then across
the Ohio River into Kentucky having luncheon
at the little town of Williamston. From this point
we proceed west to the capital city of Kentucky,
Frankfort, where we spend the night.
Wednesday morning we make another early
start proceeding to the typical southern city, Louis-
ville, where the members of the party will be
taken for a sight-seeing trip and then proceed
sou h through West Point, the center of the gre.it
Artillery Encampment during the war, to F.liza-
bethtown where we will have luncheon. From
there we make a short trip to Hodgenville in order
to see ihe famors Lincoln Birth Place, and from
there to Cave City.
Thursday morning early the coach takes us to
Mammoth Cave, eleven miles distant, where Tour
No. 1 affords sights and experiences one finds
unable to describe adequately, in itself alone jus-
tifying the time and expense of the trip. We then
return to Cave City for luncheon and proceed
south through the Kentucky and Tennessee Moun-
tains— the wildest kind of scenery and an oppor-
tunity to see at close hand the farms of the primi-
tive "crackers" — arriving in Nashville sufficiently
early to undertake a short sight-seeing trip be-
fore continuing to Murfreesboro where we spend
the night.
From Murfreesboro we proceed next morning
early to Chattanooga, Tennessee, arriving there in
time for luncheon and ample opportunity to visit
Look-Out Mountain and Missionary Ridge and
Chickamauga Park, and other points prominent
during the Civil War.
Saturday morning we leave for Knoxville, stop-
ping for a light luncheon at Dayton.
Sunday morning we enter upon the final leg of
our journey reaching Asheville in the afternoon.
How does this appeal to you as a real honest
to goodness trip to Asheville and our Congress
of 1925? Doesn't it seem just made to order for
hard working Recreation men and women ?
What a lark we can have if the Michigan peo-
ple will all get together and put this trip across
— Let's make it a Michigan affair.
Imagine arriving at Asheville 25 strong — motor
coaches and all!
The People's Motor Coach have co-operated
with us most splendidly. They have planned this
trip with every detail complete — (hotels, etc., en
route) at the very lowest possible figure in order
to enable as many as possible to share the fun—-
with very little added cost and with as few extra
days as possible to make the trip one which will be
decidedly worth taking and still not too strenuous
(200 miles a day).
The bus fare will be Sixty Dollars ($60.00)
round trip. This will include all side trips both en
route and during the Congress — the added cost
en route (hotels, meals, etc.) will not be over
Thirty or Forty Dollars). The cost of the Con-
vention at Asheville is not included.
The bus will accommodate 29 or 30 passengers,
but our capacity on this trip will be 25 in order to
assure comfort to all — First come, first served !
Reservations may be made at once with Viola
P. Armstrong, Department of Recreation, 504
Elmwood Avenue, Detroit, Michigan, or with Mr.
William Robinson, 610 Dwight Building, Jackson,
Michigan.
Ten Dollars ($10.00) must be paid with all
reservations in order to reserve place in bus.
Let's know what you think of the trip and do
plan to join us, if you can — believe the associa-
tion during the trip will be of great value to each
and every one of us — and will make this 1925
Congress the one which will stand out in our
memory.
We'd like to have every city possible repre-
sented.
Let's go, MICHIGAN ! ! !
Here's for 100% ! ! !
During the days of the Convention (October
5-10) short trips will be made by the coach to
nearby points of interest such as Biltmore, Buena
Vista and Skyland.
Early on the morning of October 11, we leave
309
310
GOOD TIMES CLUB OF AMERICA
Asheville, taking luncheon at Cumberland Gap
and spending the night at Dora, Kentucky. This
section of the trip, like that from Chattanooga, is
entirely through the Allegheny Mountains, and
affording views of scenery unthought of by the
average Detroiter.
On Monday, October 12, we leave Berea, lunch-
ing at Cincinnati and spending the night at Piqua,
Ohio. The next morning at 8 :00 we resume our
journey northbound, having luncheon at Bowling
Green and arriving back in Detroit early in the
afternoon.
Morale
Napoleon said, "In war, the morale is to the
physical as three is to one." Leslie D. Zeleny
writes in the Journal of Applied Sociology, that
administrators and statesmen of -today would
probably say, "In social groups morale is to the
physical as three is to one — but we know little
about how to develop morale with any certainty."
Without morale there is apt to be an accumula-
tion of dead knowledge which does not result in
action. Morale means a confidence which helps
greatly with success. Morale means sustaining
power. When a group of men work together for
a common aim with buoyancy of spirit, zeal, hope,
expectancy of success, then we feel that morale
exists. Morale is dependent in considerable part
on common aims and a common spirit. A happy
sharing of leisure time together does much to
create a common spirit. Morale is something
which grows from day to day and week to week.
It cannot be created over night. It cannot be
created simply by talking about it. Just as it is
hard to steer a boat unless the boat is under way,
so it is hard to have morale unless the group is
going somewhere, unless there is real purposeful
activity.
The City Commissioners of Tampa, Florida,
have recently shown practical appreciation of the
work of the local Recreation Association. An
extra revenue of $10,000 was received by the
city from unexpected sources. The City Com-
missioners suggested giving half of it to the
Board of Health and half to the Recreation As-
sociation. This is indication of approval of the
first year's recreation program in Tampa. There
are now six playgrounds for white children and
one for colored children in operation.
Good Times Club of
America
The Janesville, Wisconsin, Daily Gazette, which
is doing much to further community projects of
various kinds, is promoting Good Times Clubs
which exist for the sole purpose of "laying the
foundation in the lives of the young people of its
membership for the true and lifelong happiness"
which the right use of leisure helps make possible.
Over 4,000 children in southern Wisconsin repre-
senting 191 different school branches were mem-
bers on January 1, 1925. The service of the
Good Times Club of America consists of a month-
ly recreation bulletin sent its branches, the provid-
ing of recreation material and of motion picture
equipment, the awarding of achievement buttons,
the promotion of music memory contests, kite
tournaments and of community Play Days and
similiar events.
A Good Times Club Manual, prepared by Flor-
ence S. Hyde, Community Editor of the Janes-
ville Daily Gazette, tells the purpose of the Club,
gives suggestions for organizing simple prelimi-
nary rules, gives suggestions for games, story-
telling, dramatics, directions for games, tourna-
ments and recreation programs for different
months. A bibliography adds value to this book,
which may be secured in slip sheet notebook form
for $1.00.
Dr. Knud Rasmussen is authority for the fol-
lowing Eskimo legend :
"There was no sun, no moon, no stars. Every-
where there was only cold and darkness. A young
man of promise was picked up in the talons of a
giant eagle and carried to the eagle's eyrie. There
he found instead of being carried to the mountain
crest for food he was to converse with two saga-
cious eagles who were to coach him in the fine
human pursuits of song, dances and feasts. He
learned of these pastimes which would make life
better and happier and, returning with the young
eagle, taught his people to sing and dance and
feast. Then light came into the world ; and all
the old eagles became young again."
Dr. Rasmussen said there are more than 2,000
legends and songs among the Eskimos of the
frozen north. Dancing is one of the chief pas-
times.
"Every man and woman makes poems and
songs. I doubt if there are any people who have
developed, primitive as it is, the fine sense of
rhythm these people seem to have acquired."
To Provide Playing Fields for Great Britain
An earnest and well-supported effort is now
under way in Great Britain to provide playing
fields for the youth of the nation. As a first
step the following letter was sent out by a group
of representative citizens:
MORE PLAYING FIELDS FOR THE PEOPLE
Dear Sir :
The lack of adequate recreation grounds for
the great majority of our young people is a mat-
ter which for many years past has occupied the
minds of everyone who has the interest of the
Nation's health and efficiency at heart. Today
this problem demands an even closer attention.
From nearly every city, town and village comes
the cry from our boys and girls and our young
men and young women for more and yet more
playing fields, and so great is the demand and
so far short of normal requirements the supply,
that in every big city today a really critical and
indeed tragic situation exists.
If we examine the reason for this serious state
of affairs, we find that they are many. First, the
lack of town-planning in the past, particularly in
the last hundred years when has occurred the
greatest influx into our cities of population from
country towns and villages. Secondly, the build-
ing of whole residential quarters with no deliber-
ate provision for open spaces in connection with
them; and thirdly, the actual absorption for
houses, factories, roads and railways of the fields
suitable for recreation, many of which were pre-
viously used for that purpose.
Each of these has been, and still is, a contribu-
tory factor to the shortage of recreation grounds,
but the main underlying cause of the whole trou-
ble is this : — Whereas the building of houses and
the construction of roads and railways have
rightly been accepted as matters of National im-
portance, the recreation of the people, which
affects our National well-being to such a degree,
has been left to take care of itself, and how well,
or rather how badly it has done so can best be seen
by anyone who takes the trouble to go into the
slums or to visit the outskirts of any of our great
cities on a Saturday afternoon.
Our young people are continually being told to
play and not look on. There is real irony in thi*
when we think of the thousands and tens of thou-
sands who have no grounds to play on.
Surely, Sir, it is time that the value of provid-
ing more playing fields for the Nation as an aid
to the health, strength and happiness of the peo-
ple was recognized in some official manner.
We do not for an instant suggest a Ministry
of Sport, but we do very strongly urge — Firstly,
that the Ministry of Health, in whose hands lies
the health of the people, should give a much closer
attention to this matter, and in the closest coopera-
tion with the Local Authorities endeavor to find a
solution. The Government which decides by Ad-
ministrative and Legislative action to ensure for
the masses more playing and recreation fields of
every kind will be doing an immense public
service.
And, Secondly, we suggest the formation of a
National organization, which, without trespassing
in any way on the functions of the Local Authori-
ties or of those other Bodies referred to below,
shall coordinate effort and support them in their
most praiseworthy endeavors to provide the people
with adequate recreation grounds.
In conclusion we desire to state that we very
fully realize that the Local Authorities, many bod-
ies such as the London Playing Fields, the Man-
chester Playing Fields and the Commons &
Footpaths Preservation Societies, 'the Metropoli-
tan Public Gardens Association, the Juvenile Or-
ganization Committees in the great cities of Glas-
gow, Edinburgh, Liverpool, Birmingham, Shef-
field and other centres, many great Business
Houses and the Governing Bodies of our great
National Sports have been working in this direc-
tion for many years past and indeed have given
an immense stimulus to improving matters in their
own Areas and on behalf of those whose inter-
ests they watch.
But in some cases they have failed to achieve
their purpose through lack of funds and also
owing, we suggest, to the want of a Central Or-
ganization to back up and support their chivalrous
and praiseworthy efforts.
We sincerely hope that these many bodies will
now take a further step and combine with others
who are equally interested and prepared to devote
their time to this matter, in order to create the
central organization which, in our opinion, must
be formed if a satisfactory solution of the prob-
lem is to be reached.
We invite anyone who is interested and who is
prepared to assist the movement, to communicate
311
312
PLAYING FIELDS FOR GREAT BRITAIN
with the Honorary Organizer, National Playing
Fields Association, 166, Piccadilly, London, W.L
We remain, Dear Sir,
Yours truly,
NANCY ASTOR
ROBERT BADEN-POWELL
MARGARET BONDFIELD
BURNHAM
CADOGAN
CAMPDEN
CHEYLESMORE
W. S. DONNE
(Pres : Rugby Union)
ARTHUR CROSFIELD
J. R. CLYNES
ARTHUR GREENWOOD
HAIG
HARRIS (M. C. C.)
ARTHUR HENDERSON
W. L. HICHENS
THOMAS INSKIP
J. SCOTT LIDGETT
D. LLOYD GEORGE
A. F. LONDON
LONSDALE
J. RAMSAY MACDONALD
T. J. MACNAMARA
OXFORD
PLUMER
JOHN SIMON
H. SMITH-DORRIEN
PHILIP SNOWOEN
SUTHERLAND
C. P. TREVELYAN
SIDNEY WEBB
WODEHOUSE
JAMES YOUNGER
(Capt: R. & A. Golf
Club)
We do not think there is a single person in the
land who will dispute the justice or soundness of
such a cause and so, when we make our Appeal,
we confidently look to every man and woman in
the country who is able to give and especially to
those who, by an accident of birth, have been
privileged from boyhood and girlhood to have
had the use of excellent and adequate playing
fields on which to take their recreation, to sup-
port us.
Immediate and enthusiastic response prompted
the second letter :
Dear Mr. Braucher :
On behalf of the organizers of the National
Playing Fields Association, I desire to thank you
very sincerely for having written and expressed
your sympathy with the movement.
You will be interested to know that since the
date of publication of our letter, i. e., April 4th,
some hundreds of letters have been received in
this office and without exception the writers are
unanimous as to the necessity of immediately set-
ting up a National Organization, and the mesasge
which is contained in each and every one of them
is "Go straight ahead before it is too late, for
you have the country behind you."
We are going straight ahead and the purport
of this letter is first to thank you for your letter,
secondly to give you a concise statement of the
history and progress of the movement up to date ;
and thirdly to suggest to you how, pending the
establishment of the National Association, you can
render the greatest service to the cause.
HISTORY AND PROGRESS UP TO DATE.
The following very briefly states how the pres-
ent movement originated :
1. (a) Since two or three years ago His Royal
Highness the Duke of York, who as you are
doubtless aware is very deeply interested in the
welfare and happiness of the youth of the Nation,
expressed a wish that a scheme, which would
ameliorate the present situation of the shortage of
playing fields for the poorer boys and girls should
be prepared and submitted to him. His Royal
Highness' desire was at once acceded to and, as a
result of a very exhaustive examination of the
whole question and of many visits to every big
city and town in Great Britain, a report was
drawn up and presented to His Royal Highness.
(b) For many reasons, which need not be gone
into here, it has been found impossible to give
effect to the proposals contained in the said scheme
until now, and although the delay may in a sense
have prejudiced the effective work of some of the
proposals in certain cities, in the majority there
is still time to assist very materially the Local Au-
thorities and other Bodies, who have been and
are still struggling so hard to meet the demand of
the hundreds of boys and girls, whose interests
are in their hands. The enforced delay in launch-
ing the scheme has made it possible for the Or-
ganizers to become better acquainted with the
many sides of the problem, and this has helped
them very considerably in framing their policy
and in coming to a decision as to the best method
of putting that policy into execution.
(c) His Royal Highness received the said re-
port and expressed himself in entire agreement,
but having regard to the importance and magni-
tude of the undertaking, he suggested that his
brother, H.R.H. the Prince of Wales, should be
asked to identify himself with the movement.
The Prince of Wales was at once approached
through the Comptroller of his Household, viz.,
Admiral Sir Lionel Halsey, and His Royal High-
ness not only immediately concurred, but went a
step further by suggesting that his brothers, Prince
Henry and Prince George, should also come in
and join hands to help in what His Royal High-
ness described as essentially a Young People's
movement, and we are happy to inform you that
today we have the four Princes now prepared to
come in at the head of the National Association,
directly it is formed and established on a sound
workable basis.
(d) Before, however, attempting to form the
National Association we considered it essential to
ascertain public opinion, and with this end in
view letter marked "A" attached to this cor-
respondence was broadcasted in the Press on
PLAYING FIELDS FOR GREAT BRITAIN
313
April 4th, and today, April llth, exactly a week
since the date of its publication, we have over-
whelming evidence of the fact that the case, as
put in our letter of the 4th, in no way overstates
the tragic and lamentable shortage of Playing
Fields for our young people, and that the one and
only solution is to coordinate the efforts of all
existing bodies and grapple with the problem on
National lines. We propose to do so and below
in the next paragraph of this letter I give you our
plan of action.
PLAN OF ACTION.
The following is our plan of campaign :
2. (a) We are inviting to a meeting representa-
tives of existing Bodies, such as are referred to in
letter A. and others, and together we shall draw
up the Constitution, Rules and Articles of a Na-
tional Association. The meeting will take place
almost immediately.
(b) We are holding a Public Meeting in Lon-
don to which everyone interested will be invited
to attend from all parts of the country. At this
meeting those present will be asked to give their
views on the proposed Constitution, copies of
which will have been previously circulated to the
public ; and after full discussion the said Consti-
tution will be passed and communicated to the
Press.
(c) The National Playing Fields Association
being formed will devote its entire energies to the
problem of the people's facilities for recreation
and will leave no stone unturned in its efforts to
drive home to the Government the lamentable
shortage of Playing Fields throughout the coun-
try and to the necessity of facing and dealing with
the problem on National lines.
(d) The National Playing Fields Association
will have a County organization with a branch in
every county, each county having its sub-branches
in every one of its cities, towns and villages, and
the big cities and boroughs being dealt with as
separate entities. The whole will be directed and
helped by a Central Council on which will be the
representatives of every County Association and
of any other bodies that it may be thought desir-
able to elect.
How, PENDING THE FORMATION AND ESTABLISH-
ING PROCESS OF THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION,
THOSE INTERESTED CAN HELP.
3. We ask you to take the following steps:
(1) Write at once to the Press (London, Local
or Provincial) and give your own opinion or that
of the Body or Community you represent on the
subject of the shortage of playing fields and make
at the same time suggestions regarding the Con-
stitution of the National Association. This is
verv important.
(b) Get your friends to do the same and if
they have not already done so, get them to write to
me at 166, Piccadilly, expressing their sympathy
with and interest in the movement.
(c) Get every Sports Club or Association of
Clubs and all bodies of Sport— no matter how
small or humble — with which you are acquainted,
to pass resolutions whole-heartedly endorsing the
action of the Organizers of the movement, and to
communicate the same to the Press.
(d) Immediately start in your own district,
area, city, town or village to get information re-
garding the actual number of PUBLIC AND
PERMANENT football, cricket, hockey and net-
ball grounds, tennis courts and running tracks and
at the same time the numbers roughly of boys and
girls and young men and young women of the
playing age, say between 8-30. (N. B. You are
certain to find the number of the PERMANENT
AND PUBLIC grounds and pitches available
totally inadequate for the needs of the young Com-
munity and with this information in front of you
continue the campaign in your local Press.)
I conclude this letter by drawing your very par-
ticular attention to pamphlet marked B. which I
would ask you to read because it is of vital im-
portance that the facts therein should be widely
known.
If you desire any more litrature please write
here, stating your requirements and they will be
dealt with immediately.
You are at liberty to make whatever use you
like of this letter, or of any of the papers enclosed
with it.
Yours very truly,
(Signed) R. J. KENTISH
Brig.-General.
Honorary Organized National Playing Fields
Scheme.
NOTE PLEASE
(1) WE ARE NOT OUT to get the Govern-
ment to set up a Ministry of Sport or, as one well
meaning supporter has described it, a G. H. Q.
of Sport.
(2) WE ARE NOT OUT to run counter to or
to interfere in the slightest degree with the Local
Authorities and those other Voluntary Bodies,
which are working so hard to improve the out-
door playing facilities of the masses.
314
PLAYING FIELDS FOR GREAT BRITAIN
(3) WE ARE NOT OUT, as a prominent per-
son suggested, to find playing fields for our boys
to play on in order that the nation may produce
better physically developed soldiers. Militarism
or the aims of militarism hold no place in this
movement.
BUT
(1) WE ARE ALL OUT to impress on the
Government the vital importance of dealing with
this problem on National lines and it will be our
first aim to invite the Prime Minister to receive
a deputation of the Council of the proposed Na-
tional Playing Fields Association in order that
he may be apprised of the true state of affairs.
In other words:
(2) We are determined not to let this great
zifrong on the youth of the country continue any
longer.
FINANCE
We have several ways and means of financing
our scheme, but before announcing what those
ways and means are, we desire to ascertain the
views of others in public life well qualified to
speak on such a subject. In the meantime we
emphasize the fact that there are still many peo-
ple in our country who are able to give and to
leave big sums of money to charitable and other
objects provided they are convinced of the justice
of the cause and that the objects for which they
are asked to give are sound. We have daily evi-
dence of this in the Press.
Our cause is the cause of the thousands of poor
boys and girls living in our great cities and towns,
whose playgrounds, oimng to a grave oversight on
the part of our forbears are the streets and slums.
Masses of these boys and girls are crying out for
playing fields and we are concerned only with see-
ing that before it is too late they are provided with
many more than they have today.
If we can achieve our purpose we shall be help-
ing towards a better and a fitter manhood and
womanhood, and those who give their financial
assistance will be supporting a movement, which
is rendering an immense service to the country.
Hoivard S. Braucher, Esq., Secretary, Playground
and Recreation Association of America, 315
Fourth Avenue, New York City:
MY DEAR MR. BBAUCHER — I thank you sin-
cerely for your letter and enclosures, and I am
glad to feel that we are in touch and that we have
the sympathy of such a splendid Body as the
Playground and Recreation Association of Amer-
I will keep you in touch with our Movement—
I am already sending you the papers which show
the progress up to date.
On July 8th we are organizing a great Mass
Meeting in the Albert Hall in London, to for-
mally inaugurate the birth of this New Body, and
at which His Royal Highness the Duke of York
will be present and in the Chair.
It would be a great thing to have a Speaker
from your Association telling the story of what
you. have done, or failing this to have a message
which could be read out. Kindly consider this.
In great haste — working 20 hours out of 24 and
yet can't keep pace with the work owing to the
widespread interest our letter of April 4th has
evoked.
Yours sincerely,
(Signed) R. J. KENTISH,
Brig.-General.
Hon. Secretary, Provisional Committee, Na-
tional Playing Fields Association.
THE PLAYGROUND will publish a full report of
this meeting when it is received.
ica.
Daniel Chase, Chief of the Physical Education
Bureau of the State of New York, speaking at the
Conference of Directors of Physical Education
and heads of Normal Schools and Colleges of
Physical Education, held in Washington, D. C,
May 7, 1925, said that New York State believes
that a teacher or supervisor of physical training
should be first of all an educator.
"Skill in performance may be developed, knowl-
edge of methods may be learned, a certain amount
of leadership ability acquired — but the elements
of personality (moral soundness, enthusiasm,
adaptability, which go farthest to my mind in
making a successful teacher or supervisor) are
present or absent in the individual before he
reaches normal school. 'You can't make a silk
purse out of a sow's ear.' Select your candidates,
therefore, with extreme care. A new form of ex-
amination is needed. Sort over and weed out your
material frequently. Lift the level of natural
requirements to the highest possible point. After
that, give the complete training in theory and
practice of physical education and eventually the
crop of teachers coming into this branch of the
teaching profession — the most important part of
the whole educational system, will be able to 'de-
liver the goods' — a better race of citizens — trained
in all the elements that go to make healthy, vigor-
ous, efficient and happy life.
A League of Walkers
A thousand miles in one year in the open and
on foot! Membership in a League of Walkers
to accomplish this feat is proposed by Dr. John H.
Finley, Associate Editor of the New York Times
and vice-president of the P. R. A. A. To each
of the first one thousand who complete the thou-
sand miles by April .1, 1926, and send a log —
that is, an authentic record of the daily walks mak-
ing a total of a thousand miles, including one sin-
gle day's "hike" of at least twenty-six miles, Dr.
Finley will himself send a bronze medal, the em-
blem of the League of Walkers, a la Sainte Terre
(to the Holy Land), or as Dr. Finley freely
translates "to our better selves."
Dr. Finley himself is a famous walker, a walk
around Manhattan Island being a favorite and at
least annual recreation. Among his more ambi-
tious walks have been a forty mile walk in France
that night which "dawned into the day that waked
all Europe to war," a sixty mile walk in one day
and night across the Holy Land and a seventy
mile walk across New Hampshire. Dr. Finley
feels one should have in addition to the daily
walk each year some memorable outstanding even
thrilling achievement afoot — and it should include
the night with the day.
And there is a poetic beauty about the humble
walk denied to the machine-possessed mind. Not
every one can sail to foreign climes — but every one
can plan a voyage. Crusaders called every road
which led a la Sainte Terre the Via Dei, the way
of God. Every road may indeed be via dei, a pil-
grimage to sundry lands while staying at home.
One might while walking to and from one's office
or daily work tour the south of France with Felix
Gras's Reds of the Midi, or across the Campagna
from the Eternal City up through Tivoli and out
to Horace's Sabine farm or up among the Tus-
can hills with Howell's Tuscan Cities in one's
pocket and other collateral reading and pictures to
keep up the play.
Now and then an article on joys afoot creeps
into our hectic press. The Johnstown, Pennsyl-
vania, Tribune recently commented editorially as
follows :
WALKING
Is walking a lost art? Or, is there something
queer about strolling along on a wonderful day
such as yesterday proved to be ?
A young, if rather old-fashioned, couple pro-
pound the queries.
Yesterday, they say, they decided to take a walk,
and started by going out as far as Ferndale, via
trolley. Through that pretty suburb the pedes-
trains wended their way, finally reaching the
"upper road" leading down to the Somerest Pike.
From then on they seemed to be representatives
of a departed era. Every automobilist who passed
turned to look, surprisingly or pityingly, at the
walkers. Several, some known to the pedestrians
and many unknown, slowed up and offered a
"lift." Those who were acquainted with the strol-
lers expressed tremendous surprise that anyone
could find any pleasure in such "hard work."
Possibly had the couple confined their limber-
ing-up exercises to the byroads, or the woods, they
would not have been so much in the limelight.
The byroads and woods are not just the places
for strolls now, however, and the hard surfaced
roads were chosen.
The tremendous surprise, almost awe, that
greeted announcements that they were "walking
for fun" proved a great source of amusement to
the couple. Few, apparently, could understand
the impulse, especially in view of the fact that the
young couple have a car. Last evening, to cap
the climax, two friends called up to ask what had
happened to the car, as "we saw you walking out
by Ideal Park."
All of which brings up the query, "is walking
a lost art, and why is it something which makes
its devotees objects of suspicion as to their men-
tality?"
Possibly many of those who bowled along at
25 to 30 miles an hour in their cars traveled far
yesterday. The roads were fine, and the weather
perfect, though a trifle cold. In contrast to that
mileage, it took the walking couple hours to cover
a very few miles, comparatively speaking. But
they saw the signs of awakening spring; noticed
several wonderful views which had never been
visioned from a car seat; and got home tired out
but feeling fine — and with the reputation with a
score of friends of "being queer."
The Outlook for May 27, 1925, has an article
on Walking by Edmund Lester Pearson.
"I live in a city where nobody walks.
"... A few quaint persons — boys, chiefly —
ride bicycles.
315
316
A LEAGUE OF WALKERS
". . . The city man is afraid to walk lest
someone take him for a Rube. . . .
"Walking, or physical effort of any kind, un-
less done on the prescribed athletic field or
grounds, and in the proper costume, is decidedly
out of the mode ; not only is it unfashionable, it is
almost a sign of degradation.
". . . But the country roads are being utterly
ruined for walkers, and the American waist-line
is steadily growing in circumference, and these
things, I venture to suggest, are matters for regret.
". . . From Easthampton to the light at the
tip of Long Island, and back to Montauk Village,
is twenty-five miles, perhaps a little more. It is
a cheering thing to a middle-aged gentleman of
sedentary habit and not precisely lissome in figure,
to find that he can take that walk, carrying a pack
most of the way. That he can, moreover, do it
without hurry, and with ease and pleasure, be-
tween the hours of a fairly late breakfast and a
dinner in the early evening, and that afterwards
he does not require the treatment for blisters, or
any restoratives other than to eat dinner and to go
to bed when it gets so late that there is nothing
else to do. And that next day he does not have
to lie swaddled on a shelf nor limp about with a
cane, but can take an early train back to the city
and to work as usual. After this bit of boasting
I can leave discussion of the physical aspects of
such a walk, merely remarking that thousands of
other middle-aged gentlemen who never allow
themselves to walk five miles could do the same
thing, if they wished to, and if they didn't con-
sider it, on the whole, an idiotic performance.
Idiotic, because nobody does it, and because the
good American, thinking himself a rebel, is ac-
tually a thorough conformist."
On the practical side, we quote from Hobbies
(May, 1925) an article on Woodcraft by Ells-
worth Jaeger.
HIKING
Of all the woodcraft delights hiking is on the
topmost rung. The person who goes afoot is the
most independent on earth. He is footloose and
free. He can go where neither boat, auto or horse
can and sees the most inaccessible places that have
the strongest lure for anyone who loves unspoiled
nature.
But hiking requires preparation and horse sense
as much as any other woodcraft pursuit. You
cannot enjoy the country if you are loaded down
like a pack mule. The first and last motto to
keep in mind at all times is Go Light.
If you are to spend the night out of doors you
must have a comfortable bed; you will need a
shelter against rain, a protection against mosqui-
toes and flies, and you must have well cooked
food.
Clothing is a very important item on a success-
ful hike. Of this, footwear is paramount. Shoes
and stockings must fit. Wear a heavy shoe that
is roomy but not enough to blister. Don't wear
new shoes ! Wear light woolen underwear and
woolen stockings, a flannel shirt, breeches or
knickers.
Hiking Shelter
Rain is most uncomfortable especially if you are
forced to sleep in it all night (try to sleep if you
can) and it is always best for the hiker to be pre-
pared for it. A dog tent, or simply light canvas
sewn in the shape of a 7x9 rectangular, will make
a good shelter. Put grommets or eye holes
around the edges of the canvas. There are vari-
ous ways of setting up this shelter but the simplest
is the "lean-to" type. When erected in this way,
build your fire parallel with it and a warm snug
shelter will be the result for the slanting canvas
reflects the heat.
One of the glooms of hiking overnight is sleep-
ing badly. Don't lie down upon the cold hard
earth. The best sort of bed can be had by taking
with you a tick made of light canvas with a rub-
ber poncho sewed on the bottom for a ground
sheet. The tick is simply a bag about 32 inches
by 78 into which you can put dry leaves or
bracken and is closed with large blanket pins.
The leaves in the bag cannot spread and the rub-
ber sheet keeps off the chill of the ground. A
three-pound blanket on top of this is a lot warmer
than a five-pound one would be without it. Two
light blankets are better than one heavy one.
Cooking Kit
Your cooking kit should be composed of a
knife, fork, spoon, two small broad kettles with
lids, as water boils more quickly in a broad flat
kettle than in a deep narrow one. These can also
be used as a protection for your food stuffs. You
will need a small frying pan also.
A sheath knife is better than a pocket knife. It
is stronger, more serviceable and always handy.
You may need a small camp axe, but not very
often.
A small canteen, the army pattern will do, is
also needed, as you cannot always be sure about
(Concluded on page 341)
Parks and the Leisure Time of the People
BY
C. E. CHAMBERS
Commissioner of Parks, Toronto, Canada
Parks are the logical outdoor recreation places
of the masses of the people.
It is the duty of every municipality to provide
sufficient park areas for the recreation of the peo-
ple, and to take action in this regard (contrary to
practice) before the building up of a town or city
makes it impossible to do so effectively.
In the parks should be found opportunity for
the outdoor recreation of all the people, young
and old, men, women and children, and this rec-
reation should and must take many forms, both
active and passive.
Passive recreation for those who cannot under-
take active recreation is an essential.
If the provision of parks to meet the recrea-
tional needs of the people is to be as valuable and
effective as it ought to be, the needs of the com-
munity to be served thereby require to be thor-
oughly studied in the acquiring of lands to this
end, and the definite purposes to be served through
these lands require to be thoroughly recognized
and understood.
The parks and the activities carried on in them
will not serve their best and fullest purpose un-
less and until we have an awakened consciousness
of the fact that beyond the advantage of the physi-
cal recreation which they afford there is a further
and a greater object to be served.
This object should be so to supervise and direct
the park activities that the young people engaged
in them are taught the virtues of honesty, gener-
osity, courage and refinement — as well as games
and methods of play; and that older people are
encouraged, by proper direction, in high ideals of
loyal and useful citizenship and service to others.
Such an object will be attained only through a
new or better conception of the far-reaching in-
fluence of properly directed park activity, and a
supervision and direction of it that contemplates
the frailties in human nature and character and
aims to strengthen them.
This supervision and direction is so vitally im-
portant that it should only be entrusted to those
specially fitted and qualified to undertake it —
not to those whose effort is simply routine or
mechanical.
The error of today lies in the failure of many
of our recreation leaders to realize the unlimited
possibilities of molding the characters and lives
of our people which present themselves in the
intimate contact with them afforded us through
our park activities. We shall fail in our duty if
we do not make the most and best of this wonder-
ful opportunity for good. It is a goal toward
which all of us engaged in this work should strive.
It is a great enough and splendid enough cause to
demand and command our utmost enthusiasm and
effort. In it you may serve your God, your coun-
try, your community and your neighbor ; and you
may serve the present and the future.
Let us so do our part that our parks may ful-
fill their full purpose and destiny in a worth-while
service to humanity.
William H. Johnson, of the Chicago Normal
College, writes of the relation of education to a
wise use of leisure, in the Chicago School Journal.
Professor Johnson says that educators recognize
that training for leisure time is their task but as
yet little has been done about it.
"We have a large number of young workers
who are earning good wages, considering their
youth, and who have much leisure time. It will
be the business of the school to see to it that the
pupils, while yet in attendance on school work,
are taught how to use such free hours and excess
earnings so that their health and moral character
may be preserved.
"What is the usual manner in which most of us
use our leisure time?
"Is leisure time not only often wasted, but
worse than wasted by the average person ?
"What percentage of people you know are able
to employ their leisure in such a way as either to
add to their own satisfaction and genuine pleas-
ure or to make them among the agreeable and
useful members of society?
"Recent economic and social developments have
provided a new problem in the field of education
—one which is as yet very little recognized— the
need of education for leisure."
317
318
NATION WIDE PARK STUDY
A Nation-Wide Park Study
At a meeting of the executive committee of the
National Conference on Outdoor Recreation held
in Washington on May 29th, 1925, Mr. L. H.
Weir of the Playground and Recreation Associa-
tion of America presented a report on the progress
of the National Study of Municipal and County
Parks now being conducted.
For several years there has been a recognition
on the part of those intimately in touch with park
development in the United States of the need of a
comprehensive study of municipal and county
parks with special reference to their human uses.
A number of park and recreation leaders had
suggested that the Playground and Recreation As-
sociation of America, because of its experience in
similar work, should make such study. After
investigation the Board of Directors of the Asso-
ciation authorized the study to be made, provided
adequate funds could be secured.
Early in 1923, the first appeal for funds was
made. Later the subject was presented to the
executive committee of the National Conference
on Outdoor Recreation who went on record as
believing a nationwide study was needed. The
committee requested the Playground and Recrea-
tion Association of America to undertake the
study.- At a conference in October, 1924, the
president and secretary of the American Institute
of Park Executives offered to cooperate fully in
the proposed work, provided funds were made
available. It was understood that the Playground
and Recreation Association of America should be
responsible for securing the funds and for the
executive management of the study.
On November 21, 1924, the Laura Spelman
Rockefeller Memorial appropriated to the Asso-
ciation the sum of $26,600 per year for two years
to carry on the study as outlined. Mr. L. H. Weir
was appointed director of the study.
The first step was the appointment of a National
Advisory Committee on the study of municipal
and county parks. The following members are
serving on the Committee :
Major William A. Welch, Chairman, Executive
Officer of the Palisades Interstate Park Commis-
sion.
Mr. Theodore Wirth, Superintendent of Parks..
Minneapolis, and member of the Board of Direc-
tors of the American Institute of Park Execu-
tives.
Mr. Will O. Doolittle, Secretary-Treasurer of
the American Institute of Park Executives and
Editor of Parks and Recreation.
Mr. C. E. Brewer, Commissioner of Recreation,
Detroit, Michigan, and Chairman of the Recrea-
tion Committee of the American Institute of Park
Executives.
Mr. Herman W. Merkel, Head of the Bronx
Zoological Park, New York City, and Editor of
the Department of Zoological Exhibits, Parks and
Recreation, American Institute of Park Execu-
tives.
Mr. Martin G. Brumbaugh, Ex-Governor of
Pennsylvania and President of Juniata College,
Huntingdon, Pa.
Mr. Henry Hubbard, Professor of Landscape
Architecture, Harvard University; Editor of
Landscape Architecture, the official organ of the
American Society of Landscape Architects ;
Editor of City Planning.
Mr. Otto T. Mallery, Member of the Board
of Directors of the Playground and Recreation
Association of America.
Dr. J. H. McCurdy, Department of Physical
Education, International Y. M. C. A. College,
Springfield, Mass. ; Editor of American Physical
Education Review; member of the Board of
Directors of the Playground and Recreation As-
sociation of America.
Mr. J. Horace McFarland, Ex-President of
the American Civic Association.
Mr. Paul C. Lindley, Leader in the movement
for development of a park system in Greensboro,
North Carolina, and head of the J. VanLindley
Nursery Company.
Mr. David I. Kelly, Executive head of the
Essex County, New Jersey, Park System.
Mr. Arthur Ringland, Executive Secretary of
the National Conference on Outdoor Recreation,
Washington, D. C.
Mr. Weir began work as Director on January
1, 1925. After securing all available information
on parks, the Director made a study of 45 cities
in Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Geor-
gia, and Florida — a study extending from Febru-
ary 10th to April 12th. Later, a staff of five mem-
bers was selected to help the Director in the study.
It is the purpose of the study and the objective
of the Advisory Committee to place emphasis
upon the securing of examples of the best stand-
ards of recreation developments in parks, and the
obtaining of information from all the larger cities
though it is believed important to have examples
of development of parks in as many of the smaller
towns as possible.
Why Safety and Recreation Belong
Together*
BY
ALBERT W. WHITNEY
Associate General Manager and Actuary, National Bureau of Casualty and Surety Underwriters;
Chairman, Educational Section, National Safety Council
In closing I want to say explicitly what I am sure you have sensed. We look at you
with admiration and reverence as the modern incarnation of the joy of living. You are
the 20th Century nymphs and fauns and leprechauns. You are the leaders of the bands
of fairies that still may be found in the land of heart's desire. You thought we wanted
to stop your play. We don't, we want to play with you. Admit us, I pray, to the glorious
company of those that are trying to rediscover the joy of life!
Before undertaking to trace in detail the relation
between safety and recreation I want to give you
a picture of what the safety movement is, for
when that picture is drawn the relation will come
naturally into view. The safety movement in its
early stages was negative. I wonder if it is not
true that the normal development of most move-
ments is from negative to positive. They start
with inhibitions against some abuse and the stage
of their growth can be measured in terms of the
gradual discovery of their positive content. We
are now seeing religion and education grow in
this way and this has been very definitely the
course of development that the concept of safety
has followed.
The organized safety movement was an out-
growth of the awakening of the public conscience
some fifteen years ago to the appalling loss of
life and limb that was going on in industry; this
had as one of its other immediate consequences
the enactment of workmen's compensation laws.
The desire for speed and a short-sighted efficiency
had made industry a savage, inhuman monster
that was taking an enormous toll in human suf-
fering. The first few years of the safety move-
ment were necessarily taken up in the elimination
of these abuses — in the correction of bad ways of
doing things. It was an emergency situation in
which there was so much that was so obviously
needed and so immediately needed that for a
period of several years there was no time to look
'Address given at Recreation Congress. Atlantic City, October
17, 1924.
ahead and discover the larger social implications
of the movement and how it could be coordinated
with other parts of life.
It was characteristic of this stage that the de-
velopment should have so largely centered about
the slogan "safety first," a sentiment that is both
inadequate and misleading, and it is equally char-
acteristic of the latter, more introspective stages
of the movement that this slogan is being aban-
doned.
SAFETY FIRST OUTGROWN
The safety movement is now recognized as pri-
marily educational and in this field the flagrant
ineptitude of the sentiment is particularly appar-
ent. Safety first is an appropriate sentiment in
the railroad field, for safety on trains is more de-
sirable than speed, barbers, stock reports or ladies'
maids and safety under normal conditions may be
made a prime requisite in industry. But to go
into the schools with the slogan safety first, which
if it is taken literally and seriously means that
safety is to be counted as the prime desideratum
in life, is not only to be egregiously contrary to the
facts of human nature but positively immoral.
It has not done the harm that might have been
expected solely because our sense of humor and
balance is sufficiently strong to cause us to take
this sentiment with a large grain of salt, but nev-
ertheless the time has come when the proponents
of the safety movement must make it perfectly
clear to the public that they are no longer really
thinking in terms of safety first.
319
320
SAFETY AND RECREATION
The fact is of course that safety is not the
prime object in life. Exactly the contrary is true.
The most important thing in the world is adven-
ture, and by adventure I mean a fresh, first-hand
experience of life. All that is worth while in
life — love, friendship, loyalty, knowledge, art, re-
ligion— are adventures in which the human spirit
goes out to experience the realities of life ; if these
experiences lack the element of adventure it can
only mean that life is not being lived in the keen
way that makes it most worth while, it can only
mean that life is deficient in the finest spiritual
values. Evolutionary development has been along
this line. It is the daring, vital, vigorous, high-
souled man and woman with the courage to face
and experience the world that have survived and
left descendants. Our blood is full of the urge
of it and it is unlikely that civilization will be
able to divert the stream of life into tamer and
more ignoble channels.
But there is danger in living life in this way !
Of course there is danger. Danger is woven into
the very warp and woof of life. Danger cannot
be taken out of life without leaving life flat and
uninteresting any more than the bunkers and other
hazards can be taken out of a golf-links without
leaving it too easy to be worth playing over. The
thrill in the game of life quite as much as in the
game of golf consists not only in the clean long
drives down the fairway but in keeping out of the
bunkers and even more in playing out of the
rough.
Here then is a straight, clean issue. How is the
safety movement to be harmonized with a life of
adventure ? Have we two opposing concepts, the
adventurous life on the one hand and the safe
life on the other?
That all depends upon what we mean by safety.
If by safety we mean safety first in the literal
sense then goodbye to adventure. But is that the
real meaning of safety, is that its deep, inner
meaning ?
SAFETY "FROM" OR SAFETY "FOR"?
We must make a closer analysis. A ray of
light falls on the situation when we realize that
the word safe is incomplete by itself and must
be used with a preposition. The obvious preposi-
tion is "from." But that does not help matters,
for to be safe from something is still negative, it
is an avoidance, an inhibition. But there is an-
other preposition that can be used equally well,
namely, "for." And here the difficulty begins to
disappear for "safety for" is distinctly positive.
Safety from leaves a vacancy, but this vacancy
is filled by safety for. Nature abhors a vacuum
and so it appears does thought and language.
Safety then instead of being merely inhibitory is
in reality substitutional. It throws something out
but it puts something else in its place. But what
is thrown out and what is put in its place? Well,
that is up to you ! You, may say what safety
shall mean for you. What do you choose to have
thrown out of your life and what do you choose
to have put in its place? As for me, I choose ad-
venture. I choose to have the bad adventure
thrown out and the good adventure brought in,
and because I believe that adventure is in truth
the deep, significant value in life by that token I
believe that we have here the real meaning of
safety. Take an example. You teach a boy to
play football safely, or to sail a boat safely or to
use a gun safely. In each case you are showing
him how he can have a good adventure instead
of a bad one. Instead of the bad adventure of
breaking his collar-bone he can have the good
adventure of carrying the ball across the goal-
line ; instead of the bad adventure of tipping his
boat over and either ending his adventure en-
tirely by drowning or temporarily by a stupid
wait for help he can have the good adventure of
sailing on to a thrilling finish ; instead of ending
his hunting "adventure with a bullet through his
leg he can have the better adventure of the chase.
SAFETY FOR MORE AND BETTER ADVENTURE
This is a very different safety from the safety
of safety first. Instead of impoverishing life it
does just the opposite, it makes life richer and
more adventurous. Instead of safety first a bet-
ter slogan would be "safety for more and better
adventures."
Safety then is leagued together in the noble
company of recreation, art, love, religion and all
the other good forces of life in the work of in-
creasing the depth and breadth and quality of life.
It recognizes that there are good values and poor
values in life; it gives us the chance to discrim-
inate and select those values that we most prefer.
If you are not safe then you cannot select. You
must take what chance and carelessness have
waiting for you in the form of an accident.
Safety allows you to make a choice, to select
in a purposeful way. An accident on the other
hand is something that breaks into purpose, that
overwhelms your purpose by the dictates of
chance or stupid carelessness. "Accident" by de-
rivation means "falling across," that is falling
SAFETY AND RECREATION
321
across some order or purpose. Safety then finally
is the condition that makes it possible to live a
purposeful life of high adventure.
In the process of evolution the survival of the
fit has been survival of the safe, using the word
safe in this larger and truer sense. Those have
survived who were best able to live this kind of
life : this has been the true safety. Civilization
is the carrying on with purpose of the processes
that were begun under natural selection. Safety
has quite as important a part to play therefore
in the civilized life of today as in the savage life
of the past.
AT ROOT ONE OF THE SPIRITUAL FORCES OF LIFE
The safety movement has been a religion to
those who are giving their lives to it. Many of
them could scarcely tell you why, but the reason
is evident : they have been dealing with one of
the great spiritual forces of life. They have done
more than save lives, they have set free the force
that brings adventure into life and that has the
potency to create a new world.
From this point of view the relation between
safety and recreation is immediately clear. Safety
rids us of the bad adventure and opens the way to
the good adventure but it remains for recreation
actually to bring the good adventure. We cannot
put the children off of the streets, for playing in
the streets is better than not playing at all, unless
we can furnish them with other, safer places in
which to play. The two movements must go hand
in hand. The safety movement needs the recrea-
tion movement in order to supply the better adven-
ture. The recreation movement needs the safety
movement in order to free life for the better ad-
venture. They are both bound together as in-
S£parable parts of the movement for a richer, bet-
ter, more spiritual, more truly adventurous life.
There are certain dangers in life that are in-
trinsic and normal ; life cannot be made fool-
proof without being made insipid. Safety consists
quite as much in knowing how to face danger as
in avoiding it. Safety in industry has turned out
to be immediately correlated with efficiency, safety
in life in general has turned out to be immediately
correlated with alertness and intelligence. Acci-
dents are stupid. It is the ignorant, untrained,
unalert boy that gets hurt.
Safety has a place in the schools not primarily
because of the lives that can be saved, although
our experience has gone far enough to allow us to
say that 10,000 children's lives a year can be saved
through such education, but primarily because it
has this intimate and profound spiritual connec-
tion with life, in other words it belongs in the
curriculum because safety is a fundamental con-
dition of life. If education is to be an experience
of life as well as a preparation for life or better,
if it is to be an experience of life as an inevitable
condition for being a preparation for life, then
it must deal with such things.
SEEKING THE JOY OF LIVING
The children themselves with their fresh, naive,
true intuition for fundamental values, far keener
than we with our rationalizations, have grasped
the situation at once. They realize that they are
dealing with something big and powerful that
bears directly on life and they throw themselves
into the work with the fervor of a crusade. To
them it is another aspect of the fascinating game
of living. And this leads me to speak of another
contact with recreation. Safety and recreation
are both parts of a purposeful life and such pur-
posefulness is directed toward the continuation
of the evolutionary process of producing a finer
race, for we cannot overlook the fact that we
are only a part of the great cosmic process of
carrying on. But that objective is a long way off
and fortunately we are paid in other more imme-
diate human values, namely in joy of living. The
soul of recreation is joy of living, but similarly
with children the soul of safety is joy of living.
This is quite different from the grown-up atti-
tude. We grown-ups do things for remote reasons,
and often our remote reasons are not only ex-
ceedingly remote but exceedingly poor so that
our processes become a mere senseless, uninspired
treadmill. Children do things for immediate rea-
sons and get far better value for their effort.
What I am trying to express is too subtle, it
eludes me, but you will, I hope, appreciate that
I am bold enough to want to claim for safety a
share of that marvelous joy of living that is so
essentially the spirit of recreation. Please be gen-
erous and let us have a bit!
Physical safety is only a part of something
much larger. For the same considerations apply
to physical health and to moral health and the con-
cept of safety can be broadened to include not
merely the individual but the community, the
nation and the world. Take for instance the ques-
tion of love. What does safety mean here? It
does not mean, I assure you, being afraid of sex !
Love is an adventure which is clearly within the
world purpose, for it is tied up to the very
(Continued on page 342)
Leisure and Labor
BY MATTHEW WOLL
Vice-President American Federation of Labor
It is particularly fitting that your Association,
dealing with problems of recreation and play-
grounds, should meet here in Atlantic City, the
greatest playground in the world, and I am cer-
tainly happy to be with you and regret I can't
stay in this playground a little longer.
May I extend to you, first of all, the fraternal
greetings and good- will of the American Federa-
tion of Labor in this great humane work you are
undertaking and assure you, on behalf of the
American Federation of Labor, of our continued
encouragement and support to the great purposes
towards which your movement has been dedicated.
Perhaps I take somewhat of a personal delight
in extending these greetings and conveying this
encouragement and support to you, by reason of
the fact that it was myself who originally intro-
duced the problem before the American Federa-
tion of Labor and secured its endorsement and
cooperation.
But the work of recreation and the development
of playgrounds, their facilities and opportunities,
is a great work, more needed today than ever be-
fore. As a nation, we have done considerable in
the development of a sound mind and a sound
body. Our educational institutions throughout the
land are a great testimonial to that fact. Our
schools, colleges and universities are not only
seeking to develop a great and sound mind but,
likewise, a sound body.
While that is true, unfortunately we have been
negligent in trying to carry on those principles
after the youth of the land has left the educational
institutions and enters the economic world, the
industrial and commercial fields of endeavor.
From that moment on, it seems that we neglect
or we lose sight of the great principles that we
advocate and promote in our educational insti-
tutions.
Unfortunately, our industrial life today is
dominated altogether by the materialistic spirit of
production, of work and more work, giving little
attention to the development of the human body,
the human mind or the spirit of life. All that we
hear of in industry today is production, more pro-
*Address given at the Recreation Congress, Atlantic City. New
Jersey, October 17, 1924.
322
duction and constantly more production. The
human factor in industry is not considered as a
human factor at all. It is considered as a natural
power on a par with electricity and steam, and to
be bought and sold as a commodity; and all of
the finer elements of life, all of the finer human
qualities of life are entirely ignored in the rela-
tionship that prevails in our industrial and in our
commercial life. And by reason of that and the
great development of our mechanical devices and
the harnessing of the great natural forces to those
mechanical devices, we find that labor is con-
stantly becoming more mechanicalized day in and
day out.
With our great developments in industry, the
individual wage-earner counts for less each suc-
ceeding day and each succeeding year. That
which was a pleasure to do some years ago, today
becomes monotonous and almost a human tragedy.
Men are harnessed to great machines and in-
dividuality is lost. Automatic employment is
gaining headway everywhere and all incentive to
labor and enjoyment of labor is being removed.
Because of that, there is great need for increased
leisure time as well as there is for the proper and
intelligent use of that leisure time. And your
Association, in that field of endeavor, is accom-
plishing a great and a most needed thing.
Leaving quite aside the question of the relation
of labor in industry and the dehumanizing effect
that is going on within industry, there is this
further consideration and tendency within our
social life. That is, through our methods of en-
tertainment we are losing that great fraternal
spirit, the opportunities for that great social de-
velopment among the people generally. Again, in
this field, your Association has a fitting place and
can accomplish many helpful results.
As is well known to you, of course, the labor
movement of America has been engaged for years
in the struggle for greater leisure time, believing
that the wage-earner should secure not only a fair
reward for the services he contributes to society,
but in order that he may enjoy the great gifts of
God fully, that greater leisure time must be ac-
corded him. And hence our struggle for the con-
LEISURE AND LABOR
323
stant reduction of hours of service, hours of labor.
Too often is our activity in that field misunder-
stood by the public generally who believe that
labor is only concerned with trying to loaf and
just having time to while away. To the contrary,
our thought has been to secure leisure time in
order that we may avail ourselves of the very
things that you are urging, in order that we may
apply our endeavors in the direction to which you
would have all peoples apply themselves.
In addition to that, we find, with the constant
development of industry going on, through the
mechanical improvements and the harnessing of
forces that heretofore were unknown, production
is gaining by leaps and bounds. Indeed, produc-
tion is almost overlapping our ability to consume ;
and hence, there must be some restraining influ-
ence, some readjusting of the various factors of
industry in order that they may go on indefinitely
and permanently without destructive failure and
bankruptcy.
But leaving that question, the American labor
movement having analyzed and considered the
work in which you are engaged, has most heartily
and unreservedly pledged its support and encour-
agement to your undertaking. We realize the
great opportunities there are for the development
of recreational facilities, and, moreover, the
application of the human mind and heart and body
to those recreation centers being encouraged by
you.
It is all very well to speak of your parks and
beautiful playgrounds, but of what service are
they if the great mass of the people are not able
to enjoy them, if they are after all but beauty
spots and beauty centers for the few and not for
the many? And so the work must go beyond
merely the buying of lands and the creating of
parks and recreation grounds. It must, likewise,
extend itself into opening opportunities for all
peoples, high or low, to avail themselves of those
varied facilities provided.
We are in thorough accord with your work, and
in any way we can cooperate we shall be very
happy and glad to do so. I am advised by the
officers of your Association that during the past
year many of our International Unions and many
of our State Federations of Labor have opened
their doors to speakers of your organization, that
their addresses and the messages they have to
convey were most cordially received, and that a
most helpful and encouraging response has been
met.
Our relation in that field of endeavor is but a
year old. Much has been accomplished within
the one year's time. I hope that the coming year
and the years to come will show even a closer
relationship and mark even an ever-increasing
progress in that direction.
Now, just a few reasons why we believe in your
work might be summarized as follows:
1. It is fundamentally interested in human life,
its conservation, enhancement, perfection and en-
richment.
2. It is interested in human happiness.
3. It is interested in good citizenship.
4. It is interested in the welfare of boys and
girls and knows that the right sort of play pro-
motes their physical well-being, their mental
growth and their character development.
5. Working conditions, though much improved,
are marked by the prevalence of the automatic
machine which calls for so little motion from the
worker, and by the minute division of production
processes which deprives the worker of creative
satisfactions. Diseases which are on the increase
in the United States are largely due to the seden-
tary life, the disuse of the larger muscles and,
therefore, the reduction of lung and heart and
nerve power. This situation can be dealt with
through play — vigorous, satisfying and joy pro-
ducing.
6. The need of self-expression by workers to
satisfy deep hungers. Constructive recreation-
physical, social, aesthetic— offers the means.
7. Organized labor has achieved larger leisure
through its struggle for the shorter work day, and
here lies its great opportunity for the broadening
and enriching of life on all sides.
8. America is considered today the workshop of
the world. If our people are not to become
mechanized, we must likewise build up our recrea-
tion centers and socializing influences and make
America the playground of the world.
9. America must reverse its present order of
"live to work" to the more human philosophy of
"work to live."
In that way alone true happiness can be attained.
And in that work we gladly cooperate with you
and extend to you every facility, every encourage-
ment, every support of which we are capable and
which lies within our power.
Neighborhood Organization
BY
C. E. BREWER
Commissioner of Recreation, Detroit, Michigan
In order to create a spirit of real neighborliness,
to make personal contacts on the basis of mutual
understanding, and to give the neighborhood an
opportunity of self-expression, any recreation sys-
tem is faced with a big problem. It is impossible
to give the neighborhood the kind of recreation it
needs without some form of organization. How-
ever, before the organization of the community
begins, some preliminary steps must be taken.
The first step is the selection of the right leader.
He is often difficult to secure, but the right type
of leader is more important than the form of
organization.
The neighborhood recreation leader must first
of all have the imagination which will enable him
to visualize the possibilities of the work in the
community. He must be a practical dreamer and
a business-like idealist, paradoxical as that may
sound. He must be a "jack-of-all-trades," and a
master of each one. In order to be a vital force
in the community, the recreation worker must
have common sense, enthusiasm, patience, humil-
ity, tact and eternal perseverance. He must be
courteous, alert, friendly, and be able to judge
character, make decisions, and be firm in these
decisions, yet yielding when necessary for the
good of the community. He must have executive
ability, a practical knowledge of the organization
and administration of activities, should be able to
multiply himself through volunteer leaders, and
above all have a sense of humor. The sense of
humor is the saving grace of recreation workers
in many an embarrassing situation. No sane
recreation executive would assign as a referee in
a championship basketball game one who has
never played basketball before, yet many recrea-
tion executives expect a worker to go out and
organize a community without previous organiza-
tion experience.
Before starting the organization work, the
worker must determine what forms of recreation
already exist in the community, how it is con-
ducted, and what activities should be promoted
•Address given at Recreation Congress, Atlantic City, October
20, 1924
324
by him in order to give the community what it
needs. It is a waste of time, money and energy,
to organize and promote an activity the neighbor-
hood does not care for. Furthermore, it is suicide
to arouse the antagonism of any community or-
ganization by promoting a type of work which is
already being well conducted by it. The recrea-
tion worker should assist and help such a group
rather than attempt to duplicate its work.
All facts concerning the community life must
be obtained and carefully analyzed and the deci-
sion made as to what activities should be pro-
moted before the organization work in the com-
munity is started. In making this decision, do not
forget that the important thing is to promote the
kind of activity which will do the most good for
the greatest number. Entirely too many failures
have occurred through poor leadership, because
the worker has functioned entirely independent
of other community groups or has neglected to
provide an adequate program which will attract
and draw the people of the community to it. The
recreation worker, whether an employee of the
municipality or private organization, will allow
existing groups to use the facilities provided, as
groups, provided of course, the privilege of no
one group will be permitted to interfere with other
groups.
The neighborhood deciding upon organization
must be large enough to have the inter-lacing in-
terest which creates a neighborhood, and to main-
tain the activities to be organized, and yet should
be small enough to have a community conscious-
ness. Since the purpose of any neighborhood or-
ganization is the discovery by the neighborhood
itself, of its recreation needs, and the meeting of
these needs through neighborhood resources or the
development of new facilities and activities, it
is not possible or desirable to have a stereotyped
form of organization for each community. The
form of organization must be as simple as pos-
sible. Whatever the form, there will naturally
develop a central body through which all work
will clear. Therefore, the first step for the rec-
reation worker in organizing the community, is the
NEIGHBORHOOD ORGANIZATION
325
formation of this central or executive committee
with himself as the important cog. It is not ad-
visable to have himself elected the chairman or
even secretary, but he should hot allow the con-
trol of the organization to get out of his hands.
The wise leader opens up opportunities for the in-
dividuals or groups to participate while seemingly
exercising the least amount of control. He should
multiply himself and work through individuals
and not tie himself up with routine details.
The central committee should be democratic
and designed to develop local leadership. There
are two ways of organizing this central commit-
tee : the first is by calling a mass meeting, explain-
ing the purpose of the meeting and outlining the
activities. At this meeting select the central com-
mittee and immediately start activities, keeping
them alive through publicity and spectacular
stunts, and with the expenditure of a tremendous
amount of time and energy on the part of the
worker. The second way is to start with a smaller
group of sincere and interested individuals and a
limited number of activities. Do these well and
ac, others become interested, broaden and enlarge
the program, selecting only the interested and sin-
cere ones for your group leaders. Gradually the
entire community will be behind the whole pro-
gram when they see what can be accomplished.
The first method is much faster, grows quickly,
but like all mushroom organizations expires read-
ily, because no sincere community spirit has been
developed. At the mass meeting the main offices
go to the publicity seeker or the supposedly influ-
ential people in the community who have not the
time or inclination to do any real constructive
work, desiring only to bask in the light of the
popularity of their office. Also, certain minorities
will be offended that their candidates are not se-
lected, for no influential man is without enemies
in his own community, factions spring up and
spoil the team-work so essential to any perma-
nent neighborhood organization. Permanent
changes or reforms are always of slow growth.
Although the second method is slower, it is more
efficient in the end, for by taking the few people
vitally interested and a few activities and doing
these few well, others will see what can be accom-
plished and will be more ready to assist when the
opportune time comes to bring them into the or-
ganization to assist in the development of other
activities or the formation of other committees.
These committees should be kept busy or the
members will soon lose interest and cease to func-
tion, and the work will slump. It is much better
not to organize special committees at all than to
let them die through lack of something to do.
When the main activity has been organized, these
special committees should be organized to handle
groups, whose talents tend toward special activi-
ties, such as dramatics, musical groups, basketball
teams, social dancing, community entertainments.
These special groups can be used for the enter-
tainment of the entire community on special occa-
sions.
It is wise not to limit committee work to recrea-
tion alone, but great care must be exercised in
organizing committees for other kinds of com-
munity work. All the people in the community
are interested in recreation and it is the common
ground on which the entire community can stand.
It would be foolish for any recreation worker to
jeopardize his work by sanctioning the organiza-
tion of a committee to urge the granting of a
franchise to the Gas Company, for example —
even if there was a small majority in the com-
munity in favor of it. The big minority would
look with disfavor upon the leader and would be
alienated from the work. It is better for the
leader to stick to a recreation program and mould
public opinion as to what is best for the com-
munity, than to bite off more than he can chew.
One failure counteracts several successful efforts.
It is essential that the worker keep closely in
touch with his committee chairman and see that
these committees function properly, although he
should not "boss" the committee. He is a poor
leader who attempts to dominate the group. The
worker must also realize from the very beginning
of his organization work that his work is in a
field in which he cannot successfully operate in-
dependently. He must recognize that without the
support of the community he cannot achieve full
success, and that upon the utilization of all forces
and the inter-weaving of their activities depends
the efficiency of his work.
When several communities have been organ-
ized they can be welded into a city-wide organiza-
tion and used very effectively for the promotion
of an efficient recreation program for the entire
city. They are a big support in putting across
bond issues for the acquisition of additional rec-
reational facilities ; they can be effective in secur-
ing adequate appropriation and are strong bul-
wark when attempts are made to cut the budget.
Problems of the Community Recreation
System
RELATIONSHIPS WITH OTHER ORGANIZATIONS AND WITH THE CITY*
BY
H. G. ROGERS
Superintendent of Recreation, Knoxville, Tennessee
The gospel of community recreation has spread
over America like a great missionary movement.
Its evangelists have been public-spirited and so-
cially minded men and women who, having caught
the gleam, were fired by the enthusiasm of service
to mankind. The founders of the Playground
and Recreation Association of America may not
have fully comprehended the potential strength of.
the movement which they inaugurated, but they
have, doubtless, witnessed the spread from city
to city with increasing satisfaction. The members
of this small group were like the modern broad-
casting station in that they spread this gospel.
They have been successful in getting thousands
of individuals and hundreds of communities to
tune in with this movement. The national organi-
zation has been the center, organizing, disseminat-
ing information, enlisting leadership, and sending
out workers, leaders and advisors wherever there
seemed to be an opportunity for local develop-
ment. In this manner the few enlisted many.
By demonstration, interpretation and practical re-
sults in many localities, the time has now come
when thoughtful men and women in every part of
the continent are ready to accept public recreation
as something both useful, beneficial and neces-
sary. They are willing to give their own services,
their wealth and their consent to be taxed in order
that community recreation shall be available
for all.
In the local community, the history of recrea-
tional development is quite similar to that of the
national organization. However, today there is
more latent interest in recreation than in 1906.
But even now, although there is this interest, an
organizing genius is needed to promote the local
organizations, to enlist public-spirited individuals,
to assemble the community interests for the def-
inite purpose of developing a recreational pro-
*Address given at Recreation Congress, Atlantic City, October
20, 1924
326
gram and the necessary facilities. This organiz-
ing genius may be a local citizen who is willing
to give himself to the task or a paid trained work-
er brought in by an interested group, or a field
representative of the national organization.
We all know that an organization is necessary to
promote community recreation, and that an or-
ganizer precedes successful organization.
The moment a local organization is anticipated
the problem of recognition and of relationships
with existing agencies in the given community
confronts both the organizer and the organization.
The experiences of the new agency are quite simi-
lar to that of the missionary in new fields where
superstition, old traditions, prejudices, fear, mis-
understanding, political intrigue and apathy are
to be dealt with. To be halted by these lions on
the highway is to lose heart and retreat. These
lions are chained to rocky cliffs like those which
Bunyan's Pilgrim encountered. They have been
overcome in the many cities where community
recreation has been definitely organized, and they
can be conquered in other cities. Experience has
taught us that if we use care in the creation of
the organization and in the selection of the planks
which constitute our program, we can advance
with confidence.
CHOOSE REAL LEADERS FOR THE COUNCIL
The local group which assumes responsibility
for the promotion of communityy recreation, in
order to gain recognition ought to be composed
of representative, public-spirited citizens, who are
recognized leaders in their professions, business
and organization connections. A person who is
in sympathy with our objectives and enlisted as
an individual rather than elected as a delegate
from an established agency, is of the greater value
to us. If this same individual happens to be con-
nected with other agencies, so much the better,
but his selection as an interested person makes it
COMMUNITY RECREATION PROBLEMS
327
possible for him to act upon his own initiative
rather than upon the advice or action of the organ-
ization which he represents as an official delegate.
It is needless to say that a group concerned in
promoting community recreation should be rep-
resentative of the diversified interests of that
community.
In the second place, care should be exercised,
it seems to me, in the determination of the pro-
gram of activities to be undertaken by the local
group. The entire list of possible activities will
stagger the average citizen in the early stages of
a local development. A study of the recreation
needs and facilities will soon suggest those most
apparent and most acceptable. Other activities
may be added in due course of time. Beginning
at the point of greatest need, we will have less
criticism or opposition on the one hand, and a
more hearty response on the other. Proceeding
along this line we shall also be more likely to main-
tain the active interest of our own committee
members, board of directors and the members of
our associations.
To have relationships implies the existence of a
definite organization with a definite program, for
relationships do not exist between nonentities.
To seek working relations before there is an
established organization may place us in the posi-
tion of a beggar. Many of the problems arising
in these relationships are due first to a lack of
understanding as to the purpose and functions of
the existing agencies and of the new agency seek-
ing recognition and support. There is occasional
fear that the new organization will subtract from
the activities carried on by the older organizations,
that financial support will be lessened, or that
duplication will result. Because of this possible
lack of understanding, or over-anxiety, I have
suggested the necessity for a definite organiza-
tion, representative and democratic, and the deter-
mination of a definite program of activities. Local
identity will largely be created by and through
the individuals forming the association, and the
wisdom manifested in the selection of the initial
activities for the organization's program.
GIVE SERVICE
The principle of addition is more gratifying
than that of subtraction. Community recreation
makes a contribution to each existing agency in
our social order. If we can make this point evi-
dent to the agencies in our cities, we can solve
whatever problems there may be arising from
relationships with them. The remedial agencies
in the field of health and charity are quite willing
for their burdens to be lightened through the
measures of prevention applied in the recreation
program. Not many juvenile courts will protest
the reduction in the number of cases appearing
each year. Few police officers will complain in the
reduction of mischief and petty crimes committed
on their beats. The Courts of domestic relations
are glad to welcome anything that will assist in
maintaining the home ties and the neighborhood
spirit. So I do not expect ever to find any diffi-
cult relation with those social agencies involved
in health, family case work or delinquency. Com-
mon objectives enlist cooperation.
Among the religious or semi-religious organi-
zations, if I may so designate them, there is a pos-
sibility of misunderstanding. The fact that some
of these organizations are doing something in the
field of recreation has led some of their leaders
to think that they are doing all that should be done
in this field. If we can but point out that those
activities which they are carrying on may be a
part of the community recreation program, and
that our organization can bring to them helpful
suggestions, leadership and still larger opportuni-
ties, a spirit of cooperation should result.
Recreation to the religious organizations is one
item in the list of their activities, and often a
minor item, while in the community recreation
movement it is the major item. The latter gains
an experience and technique which may be help-
ful to the religious organizations. As the latter
become acquainted with our services, may we not
hope for a more cordial attitude? Proceeding
along these lines in our own work, we have been
able to render the following services : the program
of volunteer leaders for social gatherings and pic-
nics, Sunday afternoon and mid-week concerts by
choirs and organists, Community Easter and
Christmas observances, religious plays and pa-
geants, special program materials for Sunday
schools and young people's societies. As a result
local pastors and church officers have given en-
thusiastic support to our community recreation
program, because they have felt they were par-
ticipating in that program.
The same principle has been applied to educa-
tional and cultural agencies such as the schools,
Parent-Teacher Associations, literary and musical
clubs. Playground demonstrations interested the
school superintendent in physical education ; Com-
munity "Fun Nites" aided the Parent-Teacher
Association in building up a community interest in
the schools. Our local musical clubs, for years
328
COMMUNITY RECREATION PROBLEMS
self-centered, were interested in rinding a way of
serving the public, by bringing artists for concerts,
by rendering concerts themselves, and by the pro-
motion of the Music Memory Contest and par-
ticipation in Music Week. A general public ap-
preciation of music, which they long prayed for,
has come ; they feel they had a hand in bringing it
about and we added to our community recrea-
tional program both new activities and the friend-
ship of these organizations.
HAPPY RELATIONSHIPS WITH LOCAL PRESS
Local newspapers may be valuable friends or
formidable opponents in the development of a
recreation program. Generally speaking the
newspaper is interested in promoting community
improvements. Parks and playgrounds are quick-
ly seized upon as definite planks in the platform
of the press. It so happens in Knoxville there are
three papers, different in politics and policies, yet
all three are strongly advocating more parks and
playgrounds, and one is raising a fund for a new
park. Three years ago one of these papers advo-
cated the sale of properties owned by the city
and called playgrounds, because without super-
vision and direction they had become nuisances.
When the outline of a community recreation pro-
gram was presented, the editor manifested much
misgiving but agreed to have an open mind until
a demonstration could be made. We were able in
the. meantime to proceed with our various fea-
tures, and came to the Christmas season, when we
were informed that this paper had conducted an
empty stocking fund for several years. The Com-
munity Christmas tree was proposed and accepted,
the editor from that time on has shown an interest
in the community recreation program, for each
Christmas he makes a contribution to it. His in-
terest has been extended to cover parks and neigh-
borhood centers. Another of our local papers was
anxious to promote horseshoe pitching. The Com-
munity Service Council furnished the agent.
When the tournament was completed, the editor
asked what was the greatest need from the stand-
point of recreation — we replied — "a big city
park." Since that time this paper has been rais-
ing a fund through birthday contributions, with
the view of purchasing that big park. The third
paper sponsored the music memory contest for the
first year. Editorially these three papers are now
staunch supporters of our private organization
and municipal bureau.
Another policy which I have found very helpful
in maintaining relationship with the press, has
been in giving the reporters attention, assisting
them in the stories, even going so far as to write
some of them for the new reporters unfamiliar
with our work. By taking them into confidence in
discussing aims and objectives they have been
given a background for the writing of the news
stories which has been most beneficial.
The hope of the private group promoting rec-
reation is that sooner or later the whole program
will be placed on a tax supported basis. But pre-
ceding governmental operation private initiative is
often needed to create public sentiment, carry on
experiments and develop leadership. However,
after the municipality assumes the responsibilities
for all recreational activities, there is still need of
the group of citizens who will act as an advisory
body, linking the government with the people of
the neighborhoods.
When the city officials are friendly to com-
munity recreation the private group can render a
great service, as indicated, and continue to enrich
the program and extend the activities. When the
administration is not so friendly, the private
group can insist upon adequate attention by arous-
ing public sentiment, for the politician and officer
holder is generally willing to listen to the wishes
of his constituency. The private group can more
effectively handle the matter of acquiring new
properties for park purposes. It is a service re-
lationship again.
The suggestions that I may make with refer-
ence to the problems of relations rather than dis-
cussing the problems at length, are as follows :
Create an Understanding
1. Endeavor to establish a strong, representa-
tive organization.
2. As early as possible determine upon a few
major activities that meet the most urgent needs
of the locality. Add new activities, as new needs
and new responses come. Have something accom-
plished to point to.
Create Friendship through Scnnce
3. Offer service as you invite the existing agen-
cies to join in the big community wide program
o f recreation. Give credit to the good work these
agencies accomplish.
4. Offer new opportunities for old organiza-
tions through volunteer service and training
courses.
COMMUNITY HOUSE FILLS NEED
329
Modern Community House
* Fills Important Need in
Western Lumber Center
BY
MAX SOMMERS
The important role that may be assumed by a
modern community house is being exemplified
daily in the little industrial city of Longview,
Washington, the model milling town recently es-
tablished on the north side of the Columbia River
in southwestern Washington. Here the Long-
Bell Lumber Company operates an immense in-
dustry in lumber manufacture in a pre-planned
town of more than 5000 inhabitants, laid out so as
to provide the most attractive environment pos-
sitle for the company's several thousand mill
workers.
The community house, a two-story structure of
stucco over brick, in old English style and trimmed
in half timbers with log gables over the main en-
trance, has become the center of civic and athletic
interest to nearly every individual in the town.
The building provides a large auditorium with bal-
cony, gymnasium, swimming pool, bowling alleys,
reading and writing rooms, class rooms, banquet
and special entertainment facilities including an
up-to-date kitchen, and an attractive interior dec-
orating scheme. Here the physical director in
charge and his assistants are kept busy at all times
helping half a thousand children of the company's
employees or throngs of the mill workers them-
selves to get the most out of life in the way of
physical exercise and recreation or in the develop-
ment of mental and civic interests. Not only em-
ployees of the lumber company, but all residents
of the city are encouraged to take full advantage
of all facilities offered by the community house,
and the great number of club meetings, social
functions, and physical training classes claiming
their place in the building, together with the regu-
lar movie and lecture audiences that fill the audi-
torium on occasions have proved that the company
planned its city most opportunely when it remem-
bered to include this community house.
The auditorium seats nearly 800, has a fully
equipped stage providing for a large pipe organ,
and its entrance lobby is completely equipped with
a projection booth for two motion picture ma-
chines. The dimensions of the auditorium are 50
COMMUNITY HOUSE, LONGVIEW, WASH.
by 113 feet with a general ceiling height of 30
feet
The work of the physical training department
is divided in four departments, one each for men,
women, boys and girls. Pursuant to this plan of
operation, the gymnasium, bowling alley, and
swimming pool are so arranged that by locking
the doors from each of the other departments the
(Continued on page 347)
Recreation, in its best and most wholesome
sense, is nowadays becoming an increasingly im-
portant interest in the lives of most people. Vigor-
ous, clean, honest sport is only less important than
earnest, productive, useful and happy work. The
efficiency of production effort is bound to depend
largely upon a properly balanced measure of
recreation. More and better work will be ac-
complished where it is accompanied by more and
better play.
The modern world has recognized the right of
all the people to their fair share in the relaxations
and pleasures that once were the privilege of the
fortunate few. Where once the beauty centers
of cities were the walled and luxuriant private
gardens that only wealth and fashion might enter,
now the pride of every progressive city is its sys-
tem of great, open, free parks for the enjoyment
of all its people. If you turn to the country you
find a similar development. Instead of hunting
preserves, shooting boxes and great private forests
we find national and state forests, national and
state parks, splendid scenic reservations where na-
ture's beauties are conserved and enhanced. Pri-
vate highways are well-nigh unknown, but splen-
did modern roads, open to everybody, extend their
invitation to the traveler, the seeker for rest, the
lover of out-door recreation.
PRESIDENT COOLIDGE
At the President's Conference on Outdoor
Recreation, October 8, 1924
330
GREENVILLE'S CENTER
Recreation in Smith Centre,
Kansas
BY
SCHUYLER C. STEVENS
Smith Centre and the town of Gaylord joined
forces and a number of private citizens of both
towns formed a partnership and bought fifty acres
of land on the Solomon River where there was
an old mill dam.
We bought the place for five thousand dollars
and have spent twenty thousand dollars rebuilding
the dam, building dressing booths, check stands,
bridges, swimming pool with the natural water-
fall above it, a thousand dollars' worth of walks
and driveways, twenty acres of fine natural tim-
ber and hundreds of square yards of sand beaches,
beautiful shady pools and clear running water
in sand for the small children's playgrounds. We
have free golf, tennis, boating, fishing and a small
charge for bathing if the bather has his own suit.
A thousand tons of good ice is stored for sale
cheap and the whole community has this reserva-
tion for a playground. We employ two men and
a woman there to look after the people.
This big park is never closed. It is open all the
year for every person that wishes to play. We
have a ski path down a five hundred foot bluff
and skating, two miles of it in the winter as well
as all kinds of camping and outing. Boy Scouts
and Camp Fire Girls and women's and girl's and
boys' clubs from all this part of Kansas come there
to play.
The public schools from seven different towns
have their school picnic evenings in the summer
time and skating parties in the winter.
The sale of ice pays all the expenses and the
salary of fifteen hundred dollars we pay the mana-
ger and his assistants.
The children from this town and Gaylord are
taken care of one day in every week by the differ-
ent church societies and the playground is looked
after by them for the very small children one day
in every week throughout the whole summer.
We have not put in any swings or teeter boards
as the natural water, sand and woods tak*: np all
the time for play.
Hundreds of parents take their children there
almost daily for play and picnics and hundreds of
old people play there with all the rest. This is
called the greatest playground in Kansas.
Greenville's Phillis Wheat-
ley Center
On January 1, 1925, the Phillis Wheatley Cen-
ter, established for the use of negro citizens of
Greenville, South Carolina, opened its doors. A
cooperative project promoted jointly by white and
negro citizens, it is meeting a long felt need and
is unique as the only project of its kind in the
South.
The center has three floors. The ground floor,
designed for the men's work, has one office, two
club rooms, a play room, three showers and a bath
with toilet. On the second floor are a front room,
a library, a kitchen, a large club room, an office,
a rest room, a day nursery, three showers and
toilets. The third floor is entirely taken up by
the auditorium, which may also be used as a
gymnasium. It is equipped for moving pictures
and has dressing rooms and a stage with foot-
lights and arc lights.
Sixteen thousand visits were made to the cen-
ter and its classes in the first two months of its
existence. Among its activities are a day nursery,
a rest room for the wives and daughters of Green-
ville County farmers, classes in cooking, sewing,
first aid and nursing, a night school for adults, a
summer school for children, manual training
classes, health examinations, athletic classes and
sports, suppers for teachers and parents, dinners
for parents and children, hikes and parties, bands,
orchestras, sight reading singing, moving pic-
tures, lectures, concerts and storytelling. The
center serves as the meeting place for the Minis-
terial Union, County Teachers' Association and
similar groups. The colored branch of the county
library is housed at the center.
The proposed budget for 1925 is placed at
$10,000. Of this amount the negro citizens plan
to raise $5,000.
Mrs. Hattie Duckett is director of the center,
assisted by three paid workers and fifteen vol-
unteers.
Beauty
The world may be ugly.
Search widely enough, deep enough, high enough
And beauty is revealed.
Man can train himself to see beauty, even to
create beauty.
Havelock Ellis has said, "The number of points
at which one has been able to reveal beauty, to
create beauty is the measure of one's success in
living."
CANADA'S COMMUNITY HALLS
331
Donating Playgrounds as
a Play Activity
Because Nathan D. Bill has formed the habit
of donating playgrounds to the city of Spring-
field, Mass., and because the boys and girls of that
city are now enjoying five playgrounds which Mr.
Bill himself has given to them, Joseph Lee, Presi-
dent of the Playground and Recreation Associa-
tion of America, asked Mr. Bill (who is an Honor-
ary Member of the Association) if he would not
be willing at the Recreation Congress at Ashe-
ville, N. C., to tell just why he has had so much
pleasure in making these gifts. We wish to share
Mr. Bill's letter with the men and women who are
interested in the boys and girls in other cities.
"Dear Mr. Lee:—
"I have returned from Florida, where we spent
the winter, and found your letters and reports
awaiting me.
"You and your Association are doing a splendid
work and I am proud of you and the push you
put into it.
"Regarding going to Asheville next October:
I cannot tell at this writing whether I could at-
tend the Congress, but I am not a public speaker
and even if able to go would not care to deliver an
address.
"When I was a boy there were plenty of
vacant lots and places where we children could
play.
"As the city grew and every lot was taken up
and built upon, there was no place for the chil-
dren to play but the street with all its dangers.
"If they went into someone's back yard, mother
was almost sure to come out and say, 'Now, you
children, get out of here, you will break a window
and are spoiling the grass.'
"Poor things ; nowhere to go to enjoy and exer-
cise that inalienable right that all children possess,
the right to wholesome recreation and play. That
was the inspiration for the first playground gift
and its wonderful utilizations and success was
sufficient inspiration for the additional gifts.
"Pretty big dividends I get when I go to a
playground and see hundreds and thousands of
children and youth, enjoying themselves in a most
wholesome and rational way to the full and know-
ing that it is all theirs so long as they behave them-
selves. "Sincerely yours,
(Signed) "NATHAN D. BILL."
Canada's Community Halls
Assistance to rural communities in establishing
community halls and athletic fields is provided by
the Community Halls Act, 1920, by the terms of
which the Provincial Government will give to any
rural community wishing to establish such facil-
ities a grant amounting to 25% of the cost, no
grant, however, to exceed the sum of $2,000.
It is required by the regulations made in ac-
cordance with the Act that every hall shall include
an assembly room with movable seats, stage and
such other equipment as may be approved by the
Minister of Agriculture. It shall also include
accommodation for a library and reading room
where required by the Minister. It is intended
that these halls shall be available for all gatherings
and meetings of a community nature and for the
use of all the people.
While athletic fields only may be established in
communities under this act, it is intended that
there shall be in connection with every community
hall an athletic field, unless, in the opinion of the
Minister of Agriculture, adequate accommodation
for recreation purposes is otherwise provided.
Every community hall and athletic field estab-
lished under this Act shall be under the direction
and control of the Board of Management ap-
pointed by the Council of the municipality. In
territory without municipal organization a com-
munity hall or athletic field may be established
with the approval of the Minister by a Board of
Public School Trustees. In such case, the prop-
erty shall be vested in the Board of School Trus-
tees and the grant may be payable to the trustees.
The Bulletin— No. 279— published by the On-
tario Department of Agriculture, which contains
the provisions of the Act, also gives suggested
plans for community halls.
A State Recreation Commission has been ap-
pointed by Governor Pierce of the State of Ore-
gon. The members of the Commission are :
John C. Henderson, Portland, Director Com-
munity Service
W. A. Kearns, Athletic Director at Oregon
Agricultural College
John F. Bovard, University of Oregon
O. A. Kratz, City Manager of Astoria
Fred Kiddle, Island City, Past Commander
State Department American Legion
Miss Carin Degermark
Marshall Dana, of Portland
332
Generous Bequest Takes
Tangible Form
A contract of $60,000 has recently been let for
the grading and construction work in connection
with Shedd Playground in Lowell, Mass. There
are several items which will be done under separate
contracts, bringing the total up to approximately
$100,000, the amount included in the Shedd
bequest for this purpose.
The plans and specifications for this work have
been prepared by Robert Washburn Beal, land-
scape architect, Boston, and include a quarter-mile
running track with an interior oval on which two
baseball diamonds and two football gridirons will
be superimposed. There is also included a wad-
ing pool, which has an interior section of a depth
sufficient to allow for swimming instruction for
boys and girls. There will be an outdoor theatre,
which, when finally developed, will have a capacity
of about 2,500 people, but for the present only
about 1,500 seats will be provided. This theatre
is located on a side hill on the cross axis of the
wading pool and athletic field, so that it will over-
look the whole area. A portable moving picture
screen will be erected near the wading pool and
motion pictures will be exhibited at frequent in-
tervals in the summer time. There is also an
ideal area for the production of outdoor plays or
large outdoor athletic or military exhibitions.
There will be a separate field, which will be
especially set apart for the use of girls. It will
be large enough for field hockey or other such
games. Six new tennis courts will be provided
and the two existing ones will be resurfaced and
enclosed with proper fencing, so that they will be
much more suitable for use.
A natural area to the south of the
athletic field will be retained as a
picnic grove and below that at the
Jow point of the area, a natural pond
will be created with an island in the
center and bridges leading from it to
the mainland. To the west of the
athletic field and behind the outdoor
theatre, there is a large area which
will be greatly improved by the ad-
dition of much new planting and one
large section will be developed as a
rock garden. There is a large
amount of rock on the field that
must be taken care of in the grad-
ing work, and the rock garden
seemed an admirable way to take care of it. When
this is finally developed it will be one of the fea-
tures of the parks of Lowell.
There is a small children's playground, which
will have a little pool and shelter of its own,
located near the field house. The field house,
which is the keynote of the scheme, is located
adjacent to the athletic field on the axis of the
wading pool and at right angles to the outdoor
theatre. This will be approached from Rogers
Street and will have a large piazza, and band
porch on the rear, from which concerts can be
given and where people can sit and look over
the entire playground. It is proposed, if possible,
to make this house a community house for that
section of the city which will be used in winter as
well as in summer. The athletic field will be ar-
ranged for flooding for skating and the field house
will serve admirably as shelter to go with it. A
large main room will enable the Park Commission
to arrange a winter program of entertainments
consisting of dances, motion pictures and athletic
contests, if they so desire. Although the construc-
tion of this building is not included in the present
program, it is belived that when the development
of the outdoor areas are finished, funds will be-
come available for this part of the project.
The completed plan for the area, comprising in
all fifty-six acres, will give the city of Lowell an
unusually fine combined park and playground.
Charles H. Hunt, Director of Physical Educa-
tion, Long Beach, California, City Schools, writes
that this year the School Department is taking
over the summer recreation work, using school
funds, equipment and personnel. There will be
sixteen playgrounds and swimming, music and
dramatic centers.
STEPPING LIVELY ON THE PLAYGROUNDS AT LONG BEACH, CALIFORNIA
A CREDIT SCHEDULE
333
Play Day at Cassellton
There are about 900 people in Cassellton, North
Dakota. Six years ago the County Superintend-
ent of Schools introduced the countryside to a
day known as Play Day. At first the local Cas-
sellton schools observed the day, to be followed
little by little until all of the sixteen districts in
the county have come to observe this event as
unfailingly as Christmas.
A stranger alighting from the train at the depot
would notice early in the morning the business
folks decorating their store fronts, boys and girls
hurrying here and there, and the town getting
ready for a holiday. By ten in the morning the
street curbs are well lined with cars of all sizes,
all in from the country districts with their loads
of children. Picnic baskets filled with good things
there are in plenty. The day starts off with the
regular program of track and field events for
boys and girls of all ages. Local townsmen are
wearing badges.
There is no regular athletic field in the town,
but an open field back of the South Side School
serves the purpose. During the morning the
athletic events are run off, with fathers and
mothers, sisters, brothers and friends rooting for
their favorite school entrants.
Then lunch is spread on the grass for little
group parties. Ice cream and soda vendors do a
brisk business. The town's "Main Street" is a
good-natured jam. Everyone knows each other's
first name. As one farmer said when asked how
he felt about leaving his farm work on such a
fine day just to come and play, "This is good.
Work will keep till another day."
Shortly after lunch a band from Fargo comes
on the ground and livens up the already spirited
crowd. Something big seems to be coming.
Children are gathering from all directions wearing
tissue costumes. The answer is — a pageant !
Professor Arvold of the State Agricultural
College and Miss Evingson, County Superintend-
ent of Schools, have everything ready. The
band mounts the stands ; the grounds are cleared
and everyone crowds behind the ropes. There
are 5,000 people behind these ropes, and this in
the open country ! The stage with a large screen
picture representing an old-fashioned cottage is
set against a background of poplars just coming
into full life. On either side of the stage setting
are bleacher seats, row upon row, for the 1300
children who are to be in the pageant.
And the pageant was well worth coming fifty
miles to see! The Kingdom of Flowers, full of
color and beauty and woven through it music,
dances and Maypoles. And at the end the singing
of America, and America the Beautiful by 1300
children.
A Credit Schedule
The following sample of a playground card for
boys over twelve comes from Community Service
of Grand Junction, Colorado, where a similar
card will be provided for smaller children and
another for sjirls over twelve :
Physical Credits
1. Pass Athletic Badge Test
2. Pass one Physical Ability Test
3. Swim two different strokes
4. Play two team games well
5. Show proficiency in paddle tennis
6. Take part in contest between playgrounds
Educational Credits
7. Read a good boy's magazine
8. Read a good book
9. Take Nature Study hike
10. Cook meal on hike
11. Collect thirty nature specimens
12. Take trip through a manufacturing plant
13. Take part in playground entertainment
14. Make an article in handicraft, taking at least
two hours
15. Make two good paintings or drawings
Social Credits
16. Keep clean all week
17. Have good behaviour for week
18. Perfect sportmanship for week
19. Bring two new children to the playground
20. Play in playground orchestra
21. Demonstrate five first aid methods
Sendee Credits
22. Do five good turns on playground
23. Do all home duties for week faithfully and
cheerfully
24. Do ten hours' home work, such as cleaning
yard, house
25. Make your own bed for a week
The request for a recreation specialist familiar
with the problems of small city and rural life to
study the situation in Rushville and make rec-
ommendations as to a possible program came to
the Playground and Recreation Association of
America at the suggestion of Maurice Willows
after consultation with the Rushville Park Board.
The Association assigned the task to John Brad-
ford who spent a week in Rushville in December
and returned from February 16th to March llth,
1925.
The results of this study are given as follows :
1. The place of organized recreation, under
qualified leadership is so well known today that
the detailed reasons are unnecessary to state in
this report.
For many years the larger cities have been giv-
ing an increasing amount of thought, attention
and financial support to the development of year-
round recreation systems planned to meet the
needs of all ages and classes of their population.
More recently the smaller cities and some rural
sections have become interested in this develop-
ment, as the conviction has been growing that or-
ganized recreation and qualified leadership are as
necessary for the smaller city and the open country
as for the larger centers.
The argument that people in the open country
get enough exercise from their work is met with
the recognition not only of the fact that they do
get such exercise but that oftentimes this exercise
being the result of the manual labor performed
brings with it such severe strain that it develops
certain physical defects which make necessary cor-
rective exercises and forms of relaxation in the
nature of games and play.
Again recreation is not only physical but cul-
tural as well and this aspect of the program is
needed by all citizens and everywhere.
The monotony of much of the continuous toil
in the open country together with the lack of suffi-
cient social contacts of a general and cooperative
nature which are needed in the development of
satisfactory conditions of social wellbeing makes
a recreation program important.
In the small city there is the lack of specialized
leadership in the development and direction in the
field of spare time activities with the result that
334
many groups are overlooked and a type of social
organization developed which hinders the normal
development of neighborliness and friendliness so
essential to satisfactory living.
While the average small city high school pro-
gram is designed to provide for the all-round de-
velopment of its students in the fields of music,
dramatics, athletics, as a rule only a part of the
student body is reached and oftentimes the needs
of the girl students in physical education and
active recreation are neglected entirely.
The children of the grade schools both in the
city and open country have, oftentimes, no ade-
quate program, largely because of the lack of any
trained leadership.
The program of work recommended covers the
following groups: —
1. Play of children
2. Recreation for young people and adults
3. A city program
4. A program for the open country
The golf club is admirably administered and in
the hands of an able committee and a competent
professional.
1. Play of Children
A continuous and adequate program of health
education and organized play is greatly needed
for all grade school children to demonstrate what
trained leadership could do in the way of assisting
the teaching staff of the city and county schools
and also the type of free play being adopted today
in all parts of the country. To help start pro-
vision for these needs Saturday Institutes were
held at Scripps Park.
A greater contribution could be made to the
child life through the one moving picture theatre
by the holding in the winter of special children's
performances with suitable pictures on Saturday
mornings. This is being done, under the auspices
of the Women's Clubs in many cities.
Summer supervision on the playground at Web-
ster School as well as at the Scripps Park grounds
would be of great value.
Gardening by children should have a large place
in Rushville. All the conditions lend themselves
to this activity, which is of untold benefit to the
growing child.
RUSHVILLE STUDY
335
2. Recreation for Young People
There is great need of a comprehensive program
of activities of an athletic, cultural and social and
educational nature for the upwards of 250 young
people over high school age in the city and vicinity.
Meetings held with representative young people
and the demonstration evenings have shown the
need and have brought out the fact that the best
of cooperation would be given to a leader by the
young men and young women. The program
could best be developed through a central council
representing the young people's organizations of
the various churches and planned to include all
young people within a seven or eight mile circle
of Rushville.
3. Adult Recreation
The Thursday Institutes for adults have amply
proved that there is a need for wholesome recrea-
tion and play on the part of adults as well as
other groups and that a hearty response would be
given to the development of a program of activi-
ties by this group.
The facilities at Scripps Park can easily be
extended to care for a much wider range of ac-
tivities than at present carried on at this beautiful
spot and would meet a very great need in the
lives of people in the open country as well as of
those living in the city.
If the plan for the proposed new auditorium
and gymnasium at the high school is carried
through this new unit will be a great asset in the
development of a recreation program for adults.
4. A City Program
This should include regular celebrations of such
holidays as Christmas (as at present provided for)
Hallowe'en, Fourth of July, and other holidays
and should include the development of pageantry,
both religious and historical.
There should also be developed an annual
"Rushville Day" when the city would hold open
house for those in its trading area.
A city band, choral society, orchestras are pos-
sibilities while park and street beautification
should be included in a city program together with
the planting of flowering shrubs along all main
highway approaches to the city — good publicity
and good business.
5. Rural Recreation
The finding and training of leadership for a
program of recreation for the rural population
who use Rushville as a trading center would be
the best investment which the city could make.
As good roads increase there will be competition
for the trade of these people, who with automo-
biles and good roads can as easily trade elsewhere.
To cultivate good will through extending the pro-
gram of recreation and through the wider use of
the Virginia and Scripps Park as a center for
meetings of all agencies in the county interested
in rural betterment would seem a reasonable plan,
and again good business.
Recommendations
1. No development of a program to meet the
needs of the city and surrounding country is
possible without the provision of qualified leader-
ship ; the first recommendation is therefore that a
trained leader be secured as soon as possible.
2. That a county recreation bureau be formed
to include the following :
Chairman of the Park Board
County Superintendent of schools and one mem-
ber of Board
City Superintendent of school and one member
of Board
Farm Bureau advisor and one member of Ex-
ecutive Committee of Bureau
Representative of County Sunday School Asso-
ciation
Representative Household Science club of
County
Representative County Health Board
3. That an additional budget be provided
4. Program of health and physical education
for high school girls
5. Program of health and recreation and play
activities for grade schools in city
6. Program of health, recreation and play for
county schools
7. Church recreation program through training
of leadership among young people and adults
8. Holding of annual recreation institutes for
city and rural teachers and leaders
9. Farmers short courses, picnics, field days at
Scripps Park
10. Annual picnics for all city and county
Sunday schools at the Park
11. Half holiday for rural workers weekly in
summer with program of baseball, athletics, at
the field in the Park
12. That the facilities of the Virginia and
Scripps Park be extended without charge for the
following : —
336
SPORTS AND MORALS
Farm Bureau meetings
County Teachers' Institutes
County Sunday School Institutes
Farmers' short courses in winter under Farm
Bureau
Cooperative rural Boys' and Girls' Club activi-
ties under Farm Bureau
Meetings County Household Science organiza-
tion of Farm Bureau
Annual rural school field day and picnic
Annual Sunday school and Farmers' picnics
Annual high school field day
Annual recreation institutes
Community recreation nights of community
wide character
Annual May Day Festival for school children
(Health pageant)
County wide get togethers of a booster nature
Practically all of these are held at times when
no other use is made of the facilities at the Park.
Additional Equipment Needed
1. Bleachers for athletics field
2. Construction of baseball diamond
3. A cabin in one of the groves for Scout ac-
tivities and Boys' club work
4. Eventually a swimming pool which would
be a great asset during the long hot summer
5. Outdoor fire places built in the groves
6. A bowling green which would be greatly
appreciated by men in middle life and beyond
7. Lighting of one tennis court for evening
playing, with additional courts
8. Some horeshoe pitches
9. A croquet lawn
Recommended to Be Discontinued
Sunday morning caddying
The closed days at the Virginia
All of the above would come as a gradual de-
velopment upon the securing of a trained leader
and have been included in some detail as an indi-
cation of the possibilities of the use of Scripps
Park and its facilities.
With such development it is only a question
of time when the major part of the support for
the work can under the State law come from
County and City tax funds and in cooperation
financially with the City and County School
authorities.
Without such leadership and gradual extending
program of service it is the conviction of the
recreation specialist that the maintenance of the
Park will grow exceedingly difficult, this opinion
being based upon a wide experience in community
building projects.
Sports and Morals
The world of sports will save modern civiliza-
tion from the luxury and immorality which swept
the Roman Empire to oblivion, delegates to the
International Council of Women convention pre-
dicted today.
Led by Lady Eve Trustram, British delegate,
women from all countries pointed to the universal
growth of sports as the principal reason why the
world would not go to smash on a wave of post-
war immorality.
"All of the great civilizations of the past were
destroyed because the people broke down their
bodies by dissipation. Ours should endure be-
cause of the universal interest in boxing, swim-
ming, football, baseball, cricket and all of youth's
other forms of recreation," Lady Eve said.
"The great war let down the bars and the world
temporarily lost its morality. Already our civiliza-
tion is menaced by the weakening of religion, but
the growing popularity of sports is the great bul-
wark against a final smash.
"Sports encourage discipline and strengthen
the body. Men and women who excel in sports
don't dissipate, as a rule, and serve as striking
examples of the value of moderation."
Because of the increasing millions who are
swelling the ranks of the sports world each year,
Lady Eve said she thought in time the whole
world would play similar games, and through per-
sonal contacts present racial prejudice would be
minimized.
"World morals are not better now than several
years ago, but they are no worse and that is why
there is hope, because each year countless millions
of children are encouraged to play games by par-
ents who formerly disapproved."
(From the May 9th issue of Washington, D. C.,
Times.)
People do not ask big things of dying individuals or organizations.
— ANNA GARLIN SPENCER.
A Health Clinic That Prescribes
Recreation
BY
WEAVER PANGBURN
A "health client" was being advised by the
recreation specialist of New York's Health
Service Clinic, and he was a much embarrassed
man. Accustomed to feeling that he was a rather
robust specimen, still young at forty, it was
humiliating to be told he had something to learn
about keeping well.
"What's this I see?" said the recreation man,
looking at the "patient's" clinical record. "A
chest expansion of only one inch ! Why, it ought
to be three or four inches You are growing old
before your time. While it is true that your
examination shows no organic difficulty of any
account, it is evident that you have something to
learn about exercise and play."
The recreation consultant, J. H. Melville, then
outlined a program of recreation suited to the
occupation and age of the client. More than that,
he invited him to the next hike on the clinic's
program, for the New York Health Service Clinic
is unique in that it not only prescribes recreation
as a part of its "stay well program" but actually
conducts some of the recreation activities it pre-
scribes.
MEDICINE PLUS PLAY
The Health Service Clinic was organized at the
New York Post-Graduate School and Hospital in
January, 1925, and was described in the press as
a practical application of "prophetic medicine."
The clinic is for well people of moderate circum-
stances who wish to prevent disease and continue
well. In it, Dr. C. Ward Crampton, director of
the clinic, sees a fruition of ideas he has long
advocated as to the essential unity of the work of
the doctor, a specialist in disease, and the work
of the recreation man, a specialist in the life more
abundant. For on the clinic staff, recreation man,
physical educator and a medical doctor have equal
rank and equal importance.
"Physical training, recreation and medicine are
now integrated," says Dr. Crampton. "It is what
physical educators have been talking about for
twenty-five years, but never before have got the
medical profession to accept." Dr. Crampton is
both physical educator and physician, and is thus
on both sides of the fence. He is now engaged
in tearing down the fence.
"There is a great therapeutic value in golf, in
smiling twice a day, and in being kind to your
wife," he. says. "The new emphasis in prophetic
medicine means the handling of human life rather
than giving pills. We want the medical man to
be a specialist not only in disease but also in
health."
THE CLINIC is POPULAR
The clinic has had capacity use, more than four
hundred men and women having already received
a thorough scientific examination, instruction in
exercise and recreation, and the friendly interest
of the staff. Each client brings to the clinic a
health survey covering heredity, a record of
previous illnesses, and habits of living including
diet, exercise, recreation, work, rest and sleep.
The client makes his own survey — "A frank per-
sonal impression of myself" — on a cleverly de-
vised booklet. A sample of the details which the
client is asked to underscore is as follows :
"Customarily I am quite rugged — Very strong
— Fairly strong — A little weak — Tire easily-
Very weak. In my work I am successful — Doing
well — Holding my own — Indifferently well — Un-
successful. I worry about my work, however
— A great deal — Somewhat — Don't give it a
thought at night. My work is administrative-
Professional— Clerical— Specifically."
These facts are considered in conjunction with
the results of urinalysis and intestinal function
tests when the health client reports for his exam-
ination. Various measurements, which reveal
handicaps and deficiencies are taken. Organic
tests are made to discover any failure of service
that will prejudice health or diminish vigor. A
search is made throughout the body to see if there
are present any signs of deterioration or disease
past, present or future. In all, sixty-two records
are taken in the course of the examination.
337
338
PLAY AND HEALTH
The health client is then given a summary of his
examination and his prescription of diet, exercise
(which is taught him at the Health Clinic), and
other matters of importance to him. This is in
the form of a Health Book which is taken home
for reference. In this, he records his progress
and improvement, until he comes again at the end
of a year or six months if necessary. If any
matter requiring medical attention is found, the
health client is put in the way of receiving proper
treatment.
To LENGTHEN AND ENRICH LIFE
The Health Clinic also serves as a training
school for physicians who wish to perfect them-
selves in this department of medicine. It will
serve as a demonstration center to aid other hos-
pitals to initiate a similar service, and will con-
duct research in the field of preclinical medicine
and positive health.
It is the hope of the clinic to increase the length
of life ten years. Steady lengthening of life in
recent decades has been due primarily to pre-
ventive medicine among children. The Health
Service Clinic is taking up the program among
adults on the theory that men are seldom in as
good condition as their heredity and circum-
stances warrant. They are usually capable of
being made much more vigorous, buoyant and
efficient, and may be given a better expectation of
long life by the application of a few of the results
of medical research to their lives.
Recreation interests in life may be gained in
very simple ways, Mr. Melville points out. For
instance, a person walking to work each day can
find new interests by following a different route
each time. One individual was told to change his
route and each time to find something new in the
store windows as he passed by. Worry, the bane
of so many lives, may be banished by play, by
restoration of the family dinner table, by the fam-
ily fireside, and even by family prayers, according
to Dr. Crampton.
This unusual clinic, by linking play prescription
with medical advice, is seeking to prolong and en-
rich life. It seeks to unearth the worry — and
work — encrusted spirit of play, that men and
women may live long and abundantly.
Play and Health
A short time ago, commenting on the annual
report of the P. R. A. A., a worker in one of the
health organizations wrote Joseph Lee suggest-
ing that the P. R. A. A. should perhaps be doing
more to promote health.
This is typical of the questions which have
been raised by a number of friends of the Asso-
ciation. Mr. Lee's reply to the suggestion was
as follows:
"Of course child health is one of the great
things to be sought, but I don't think it ought ever
to be made primary by our Association. Because
for us health is not an end but a by-product. The
end is play, and even that is not quite the end.
The real end is the service of the play spirit.
That is the way the child feels it. He is not seek-
ing health and not seeking self-expression, not
even seeking play. He is seeking something that
comes to him from a spirit bigger than he is, to
which he gives himself. It is like giving yourself
to the river and letting it carry you. It is service
to the elder gods — trus persona, as I believe, of
whatever God there be — the gods of beauty and
discovery and sport, for the latter of which there
is no name. The attitude is one of giving your
life, not of seeking it, and I think that is the atti-
tude which on the whole brings health."
Food for Thought for the Recreation
Worker. — Warden Lewis E. Lawes, of Sing
Sing Prison, gives ten principal reasons why
young men become criminals :
First, heredity; second, improper home train-
ing; third, inadequate schooling; fourth, insuffi-
cient recreation; fifth, gambling; sixth, bad com-
pany; seventh, liquor and drugs; eight, false
pride ; ninth, disrespect for law ; tenth, high cost
of living.
City Judge Charles W. Boote, of Yonkers,
names the reasons why delinquency is on the in-
crease among girls :
First, improper home atmosphere; second, no
religious training ; third, automobile riding ;
fourth, love of luxury; fifth, liquor; sixth, movies
of wrong type ; seventh, sex modesty ; eighth,
boys with too much money ; ninth, immodest danc-
ing; tenth, trashy novels.
The fundamental need in American life is toescaf e the drabness of our civilization.
— HERBERT HOOVER.
SPRINT BALL
339
"Our Platform"
The boys of the Down Town Boys' Club of
Newark, New Jersey, not only held a presidential
election and voted for their favorite nominees, but
also voted on a number of questions of interest to
them. The problems and the platform planks
which the boys adopted relative to them are as
follows :
1. There are seventy thousand boys in Newark
and One Public Swimming Pool for them to exer-
cise in, learn to swim, play and practice life-saving
methods.
Our Platform — A Public Swimming Pool,
open all the year, in each section of the city.
2. There are many boys begging and collecting
money on the streets for causes that do not exist.
Our Platform — That the practice is bad not
alone for the boys but also for the city. We do
not believe that the citizens should give boys
money when asked to do so on the city streets.'
3. The Public Schools belong to the Tax Payers
of Newark. Why should so many of them be
closed to the boys evenings ?
Our Platform — The Public Schools, properly
supervised and open evenings for recreation and
social purposes.
4. Over one thousand boys were before the
Juvenile Court last year because of lack of super-
vision by the citizens of Newark.
Our Platform — A Friend and Counselor for
every boy who needs one.
5. Newark boys who are unfortunate enough to
get into trouble often have their names printed in
the daily newspapers.
Our Platform — Boys like men do make mis-
takes. It is fair play toward the boy not to tell
the city of his mistake by printing his name. We
believe that to omit the name will encourage the
boy to do right.
6. Many boys are injured and several are killed
each year in Newark while "hitching on" moving
vehicles. Hitching is prohibited by law.
Our Platform—Require all drivers to prevent
"hitching" at all times on vehicles in their charge.
Make them personally responsible for all such
accidents.
7. Debating, music, dramatic, radio, socia'
athletic, group, neighborhood and mass boys' clubs
need 500 men.
Our Platform — That if service is the coin in
which humanity's greatest debts are paid there is
a wonderful opportunity for the Men's Clubs of
Newark to organize and delegate Leaders and
Friends for organized clubs of boys.
8. A small per cent, of Newark's boys have the
use of indoor play rooms. There are not enough
playgrounds in Newark.
Our Platform — The use of more space in the
city parks for definite sports and the assignment
of certain streets at specified hours, properly
supervised as play centers.
Sprint Ball
The Game
The game of Sprint Ball is played by two teams
of ten girls. It is a variation of baseball, ar-
ranged so that four innings shall be a game. The
purpose is by sprinting and dodging, one shall
run to base and return.
Ball
The ball shall be an official Volley Ball.
Field
The home base, 12 inches square, is 60 feet from
sprint base (5 feet long and 3 feet wide). Pitch-
er's box is 25 feet from home plate.
Officials
The game shall be in charge of an umpire who
shall appoint a scorer.
Playing regulations
The batter must face the pitcher to hit the
ball forward, for any hit ball is fair. She must
run to sprint-base on third strike not caught or
on four called balls or on a fair hit.
If she reaches sprint-base and returns to home-
base unhit or before ball reaches either base, she
scores one run. Any number of runners may
occupy sprint-base, but a batter must always be
ready to bat in order or three are declared out,
which regularly retires side.
After leaving sprint-base for home base, the
runner cannot return unless a fly ball is caught,
when she must return to sprint base.
A batter is out when:
1. A flyball is caught.
2. The third strike is caught.
3. Runner is touched by ball held by player.
4. Runner is hit by ball thrown by any player.
5. Ball reaches sprint-base and is held before
runner arrives.
6. Ball in hand of baseman touches runner
who may over-run sprint-base.
7. Hits ball after stepping out of box.
From Playground Athletic League, Baltimore,
Md.
340
RACKHAM GOLF COURSE
A Need in Physical
Education
BY
CLARK W. HETHERINGTON
The legislative campaigns for state physical
education are handicapped by the prejudice
against the physical which is a survival of asceti-
cism, scholasticism and Puritanism.
There is no more pressing need in America
than the need for an effective organization of
physical education, especially for elementary
school children. The need is very critical. Few
children have any physical education worth the
name. Playgrounds are not available at most
schools and most playground administration is
woefully inefficient. There is a prejudice against
the word "physical," but the activities on the play-
ground have a profound character training value
and using the word "health education" to cover
these activities literally stabs child welfare in the
back. One of the most critical needs with refer-
ence to the welfare of all children in America
today is a campaign that will do for physical edu-
cation exactly what the playground movement
did for play. In 1906 there was just as great
prejudice against the idea of "play" and those of
us who did the practical promoting were sneered
at constantly. The same situation exists concern-
ing the word "physical." There is no other word
that can take its place. It is traditional. We
must have a campaign that will popularize it. To
my mind there is no bigger task that the Play-
ground Association could undertake at the present
time than a campaign that would popularize
physical education.
The Playground and Recreational Board of
Birmingham, Alabama, recently adopted the policy
of duplicating any amount, up to $5,000, raised
for the purpose of building community centers
in any one neighborhood. One neighborhood
took the initiative and $5,000 was raised almost
immediately. This, example was soon followed
by two other neighborhoods which have raised
similar amounts. In one neighborhood the Presi-
dent of a railway company gave $5,000. The de-
velopment has been aided materially by the forma-
tion of an Association in the neighborhood of
each playground. This fall will see the beginning
of three new community houses in Birmingham.
The Rackham Golf Course
BY
EDWARD G. HECKEL
Commissioner, Department of Parks and Boule-
vards, Detroit, Michigan
On November 7, 1924, Mr. and Mrs. Horace
H. Rackham presented to the City of Detroit 133
acres of land valued, at a conservative estimate,
at $1,500 an acre. In addition to this property,
which was developed by Mr. Rackham as a golf
course, there is being constructed without expense
to the city an up-to-date clubhouse containing
locker rooms and shower baths.
The acquisition of this course, which is consid-
ered one of the best in the country, means that
large numbers of residents of Detroit who have
hitherto been deprived of the opportunity to play
golf will now be able to enjoy this health-giving
game. In the addition of this course a forward
step has been taken in Detroit toward developing
the game, and the public-spirited action of Mr.
and Mrs. Rackham iridicates the popularity of this
sport. Within the next two or three years the
city should have an eighteen-hole course in the
vicinity of Connors Creek Park, two at River
Rouge Park and a nine-hole course at Campau
Woods Park. These, with our present courses at
Palmer Park and Belle Isle, will take care of our
golf needs for some time.
Rules and regulations for the operation of
Rackham course have been formulated. To be
able to play on this course, which is not intended
for the use of beginners, the applicant must hold
a certificate issued by this department to those
giving satisfactory evidence of ability to play
upon a first class course. The rules will be in
accord with those of the United States Golf Asso-
ciation and also with those in force on municipal
courses throughout the country.
Permits for play will be issued between May 15
and August 15 at fifty cents per person for
twilight play only. These will be good from five
o'clock until dark. During the period before
May 15 and after August 15 this time will be
extended from 4.30 p. m. until dark. The
eighteen-hole play permits will be good to start
at any time, either on the hole registration plan
or bag line at $1.00 each per person. Unlimited
play permits may start at any time and are good
for all times at $1.50 per person. Lockers, in-
GETTING THE CHILD'S VIEWPOINT
341
eluding use of toilet and showers, may be secured
at $10 per year or at the rate of fifty cents per
day or portion thereof.
few other trees, beside balsam, may be used, but
not any other will give as much satisfaction. Some
of these trees are hemlock, white cedar and spruce.
A League of Walkers
(Continued from page 316)
the drinking water. It is also wise to carry an
electric torch in your pack.
The whole equipment including your food should
fit into a knapsack. The best knapsack is the kind
worn by the mountaineers of Switzerland. It is
called a "ruck sack" and it is surprising the
amount of baggage that can be stowed into it.
Simple first aid equipment should be included
in your pack. Small bandages, a triangular one,
some iodine, a few toothache drops, should always
be on hand.
Always remember, when on a hike, don't try to
overdo. Don't be afraid to take short rests, but
don't rest over five minutes, as long rests tend to
stiffen the muscles.
Always remember, you are out for a holiday, so
don't drive yourself to do "things you wouldn't
have a horse do.
On long hikes when suffering from thirst, don't
drink excessively. It is best to drink slowly, a
few drops at a time.
Your food and personal things I have left to
your discretion. Don't take anything you can
get along without, because it is surprising how
quickly small articles mount into bulk and
weight.
Bough Beds
Of all the fragrant, healthful, sweet scented
beds, the balsam bed of boughs is supreme.
Woodcrafters always show their woods experience
by the kind of bough bed they make.
A frame of four logs must first be made or the
small branches of balsam will spread from under
you. The fewer thick stems there are on the
branches the easier you will rest.
Start off by placing the larger branches at the
head of the bed against the log, butts down, con-
vex side up to insure springiness. Keep on
thatching in that way till you reach the foot of
the bed. Then take smaller twigs of balsam and
stick them upright with tips pointing slightly to-
ward the head of the bed. Such a bed is luxurious
but, of course, it all depends on the amount of
thatching and the freshness of the material. A
Getting the Child's Point
of View
Miss Josephine Blackstock, Director of Play-
ground Board, Oak Park, Illinois, has written of
some experiments she has been conducting in
order to get the child's point of view on types of
play and his attitude toward the playgrounds and
their conduct. The following projects were un-
dertaken :
(A) A contest in which an award was given
to the boys and girls suggesting the most work-
able and interesting improvements in the day's
program on the playgrounds. The answers were
illuminating. The suggestions covered, among
other points, the following: A special hour in
which the junior leaders (the older children)
should introduce new games; an ingenious new
piece of apparatus ; special flag raising exercises ;
a rotating program in which various groups of
children should occupy a certain play space ac-
cording to age interests ; original stunts days con-
tributed by the children; a campaign among the
children to interest the parents in playground ac-
tivities.
(B) A vote on the most popular game played
on the playgrounds. This included the various
pieces of apparatus. The children were asked as
well to give on the ballots their reasons for liking
the games. These reasons were striking. The
popularity votes will be classified this summer.
(C) A contest in writing an original play and
a story, to ascertain just what were the normal,
unprejudiced age interests of the children in dra-
matics and literature and especially the influence
of the moving picture on their tastes. One play
was suggested by our junior policemen, with some
ideas of the play director. They said they didn't
want "sissy" or "Sunday school bunk." They
did want "detective stuff, a dark stage, burglars,
a crime, some clever brain work in finding out a
mystery." "Accordingly we have what I consider
a most interesting document. It reflects without
any adult tampering the dramatic tastes of an
eleven-twelve year old boy. It is a sort of a Cat
and the Canary theme, and is a thriller."
342
FUNDAMENTALS OF SAFETY
Safety and Recreation Fundamentals as to the
Safety of Play for Children
(Continued from page 321)
passing on of life itself. Safety in the field of
sex is quite as much safety for the good adven-
ture as safety from the bad adventure. And the
fundamental ethical problem of the situation is
this : why accept a sordid substitute instead of the
real adventure itself ?
Perhaps I have given you a hint of why we
feel that safety belongs in the schools. The ethical
approach to life in the case of children has largely
broken down. If it is to be reconstructed it must
be built out of the elements of the problem of liv-
ing together in a purposeful way. Has not safety
exactly the qualities out of which such an ethics
can be built? The principles can be established
in the field of physical safety where there is
already such a rich emotional background of
intuition and carried just as much further as may
be desired. Perhaps you will be interested to
know that this movement is now making such
rapid progress that we can with considerable
assurance say that it will be only a few years
until every progressive school in the country will
be teaching safety.
A VIEW OF LIFE ITSELF
I think perhaps you will say that this view of
safety is not really a view of safety but a view
of life. Why, of course, it is a view of life ! You
may start where you please, if you have dis-
covered a real approach and if you will keep on
the track, and you will always find yourself
finally in the presence of life itself. In fact this
is the test of whether you have found something
worth while. The very most right thing about
safety is that it leads to the more abundant
life.
In closing I want to say explicitly what I am
sure you have sensed. We look at you with ad-
miration and reverence as the modern incarnation
of the joy of living. You are the 20th Century
nymphs and fauns and leprechauns. You are the
leaders of the bands of fairies that still may
be found in the land of heart's desire. You
thought we wanted to stop your play. We don't,
we want to play with you. Admit us, I pray, to
the glorious company of those that are trying to
rediscover the joy of life !
The following suggestions are offered. Are
they adequate?
1. Play in the street only where the street has
been roped off for play, and traffic has been
diverted.
2. When playing on the sidewalk keep as far
from the curb as possible. You may forget and
step off in front of an auto.
3. Stop and look before running into the street
after a ball or stick.
4. Catching rides on automobiles or wagons is
unsafe.
5. Be careful in swinging around corners on
roller skates or with scooter, or wagon. You may
be carried into the street as you dodge some
pedestrian.
6. In coasting with your sled in winter coast
in the fields away from the streets and roads
and automobiles or on streets set aside for coast-
ing and patrolled to prevent accidents.
7. Look before stepping off a street car.
8. You want a good time but you can have
more and better good times with two arms and
two legs than you can with less ; so look before
you walk or leap.
9. If your city has not provided a playground
near you, write to your mayor and tell him you
want a safe place to play — a place safe for play.
Scouts and Colleges. — "The Boy Scouts,""
said James E. West, Chief Scout Executive, in
his address at the Third Biennial Conference of
Scout Executives, "recently concluded a thorough
analysis of the student body at Harvard. A sur-
vey of the 1,265 undergraduates shows that 598,.
or 47 per cent., were former scouts. With the
aid of Provost Graves a similar survey was made
of 1,838 undergraduates at Yale. It was found
that 719, or 39 per cent., were former scouts. A
previously reported analysis of the men at Annap-
olis revealed that 915, or 37.7 per cent, of the men
enrolled, were former scouts ; and an analysis
made of the group at West Point showed 38.8
per cent, were former scouts. Twenty-eight of
the thirty-two honor students last selected for
the Rhodes Scholarship replied to our question-
naire, showing that 46 per cent, of them were-
formerly scouts."
AS TO ATHLETIC TESTS
343
PLAYGROUND THEATER, OAKLAND, CAL. (OPEN AIR)
The American Physical Education Asso-
ciation Meets in Los Angeles. — There was
much discussion of interest at the 32nd annual
convention of the American Physical Educa-
tion Association held in Los Angeles, Cal., June
22-26. One of the high spots in the conference
was a demonstration of physical training activities
arranged by C. L. Glenn, Director of Physical
Education in the Los Angeles Public Schools, in
which 7,000 Los Angeles Junior and Senior High
School students participated. There were tours
of inspection of physical education plants nearby.
The relation between physical education and the
teaching of hygiene, boys' and girls' athletics,
physical examinations, group tests, intramural
athletics and corrective work all received due
attention. The Recreation section brought forth
three interesting addresses on Playground and
Recreation Program Requirements, Budget Re-
quirements and Leadership Requirements as well
as much vigorous discussion. The work of the
National Physical Education Service was gener-
ally discussed and appreciated.
Some Findings Regarding
Athletic Tests
W. T. Reed, Director of Physical Education^
Public Schools and Community Service, Mor-
gantown, West Virginia, gives as his experience
in giving athletic tests to boys from eleven to
seventeen years of age that the average number
of pull-ups (157 boys) was 4.24, the best indi-
vidual record being 19.
Foul Shooting
These tests were given over a period of one
month. Each boy stepped up to the foul line for
two trials, returning to the end of the line to
await his next turn. No more than eight trials
were given on any one day. Each boy was given
a total of fifty free throws. The individual record
made was 38 out of 50, or 76%. The total num-
ber of boys participating was 176. The average
percent of goals made was 22.69.
344
STAMFORD'S WADING POOL
Baskets Per Minute Tests
In this event the contestant is given a basket
ball and allowed to take his place at any desired
position under or near the basket. At a given
signal he begins trying for baskets in an attempt
to get as many as possible in in the time limit of
one minute. The individual high score was 18
per minute ; the average, 7.9. One hundred and
seventy-seven boys competed.
Gripping Tests
In this contest the grip was measured by a
mannometer. Both right and left grip was tested,
and the average taken as the individual score.
The total number of boys was 259. The average
grip was 57.4.
Athletics for Girls
The following activities taken from the pro-
gram of the Illinois High School Athletic Asso-
ciation have been recommended for use in Virginia
by the State Board of Education:
Basketball— Shoot 8 out of 10 goals from 15-
foot line.
Using one hand, throw ball 70 feet.
Using two hands, throw from chest, pushing
ball 50 feet.
In couples, 20 feet apart :
Using one hand, throw 45 passes in one minute.
Using two hands, throw from chest 60 passes in
one minute.
Baseball. — Throw regulation league outdoor
ball 140 feet.
Throw 12-inch indoor ball 100 feet.
Throw up and bat :
Outdoor ball, a distance of 180 feet before strik-
ing the ground.
12-inch indoor ball a distance of 130 feet before
striking the ground.
Field and Track Athletics. — Try to equal or ex-
cell any two of the following:
Basketball throw 80 feet.
Baseball throw 175 feet.
50-yard dash 7 seconds.
Tennis. — As many of Virginia's rural schools
have courts, the following should be attempted
after school instead of in class :
Be able to serve six good balls out of ten. Balls
must pass between the net and a rope three feet
above the net.
Be able to use three different kinds of strokes
(i. e., over, under and backhand).
Stamford's Street Wading
Pool
The picture of water play in Stamford, Conn.,
which appeared in the June PLAYGROUND has
occasioned interested interrogation as to the de-
tails. The portable wading pool and shower noz-
zle were invented by Fire Chief Victor Veit and
S. H. Ezezquelle. There are four particularly
valuable features connected with this shower: 1.
Cheapness. 2. Portableness. 3. Shower nozzle
dispersing water so gently that there is no danger
of injury to the children. 4. Wading pool, which
is very useful for the very little children.
The wading pool is made of waterproof canvas
17 feet square, with brass grommets every 12
inches. The frame is made of three quarter inch
galvanized iron pipe 15 feet square so as to allow
a depth of about 10 inches when set up. The
stanchions with the floor flanges measure 12
inches from the ground. There are four unions,
which make it easy to take apart. The canvas is
hung on hooks made to rings which slide over
the pipe. The cost of the frame work is about
$15.00 and that of the canvas $30.00.
The base of the shower which is of concrete,
was made over an old Fire Department bell. It
somewhat resembles the base of the traffic signs
in use in New York City. It is reinforced by an
old tire rim. It may be any shape but should be
heavy enough to hold the shower with flowing
water. In the concrete base is set a 5 foot length
of two and a half or three inch pipe, with two re-
ducers, one at the base, and one at the tip just
below the nozzle. At the base is set the coupling
for the hose, which must be the size of the Fire
Department of the town which is to use it. To this
is attached the hose to the hydrant.
The tip is of solid brass, about two inches in
height and one half inch across, pierced all around.
Screwed to the top is a small flat hood, which aids
in spreading the water.
Child-Welfare Exposition, Belgium. — An
international child- welfare exposition will be held
in Antwerp next October, under the auspices of
the Belgian Children's Bureau and other public
authorities. Five sections are planned : Mater-
nity and child welfare ; physical education ;
food; clothing; and the mother and child in art,
folklore, and literature.
THE PROBLEM COLUMN
The Problem Column
Ou^bt .local recreation systems to make a wider
use of interviews given out by leading citizens as
to the value of local recreation and the work of
the local recreation commission, association, or
other group responsible for the local program?
Recently in a certain national campaign, hun-
dreds of leading citizens wrote and telegraphed
Senators at Washington and copies of the tele-
grams, letters and statements were also sent to
the campaign headquarters where they were put
together in galley form making a very impressive
exhibit showing how a very large number of the
representative people of the country were thor-
oughly committed to the project favored.
Usually in the local recreation movements the
greatest obstacle to be overcome is indifference.
Word from a very large number of the thoughtful
people of the community as to their feeling about
the importance of recreation could do much to
overcome this indifference.
As to Motion Pictures
My dear Mr. Braucher :
I am in receipt of your letter of June 19th in
which you brought to my attention the question
of the free showing of motion pictures in Recrea-
tion and Community Center buildings.
This is a matter in which the public as well as
the motion picture industry is vitally concerned
and I appreciate your kindness in allowing me to
express my views on the subject.
I am certain that the recreation departments
showing motion pictures in school houses should
make a regular charge for those who see the films.
While it is perfectly true that by securing a splen-
did class of films they are creating a demand for
such pictures, they are, at the same time, uncon-
sciously lowering the estimation and value placed
on those films when they display them free of
charge. This is purely a psychological fact. If
the best films are shown free they are proportion-
ately discouraged as business projections. People
have a habit of judging pictures, in some degree
at least, by the money value that is placed upon
them. There is a feeling of distrust against any-
thing that comes too cheaply.
In addition it is patently unfair for community
centers supported by taxation and relieved from
the necessity of paying taxes themselves, to show
motion pictures free in competition with the regu-
lar theatres in the city. It is unfair competition
to the theatre owner whose livelihood comes from
the showing of pictures, wrho has a large invest-
ment in his property, his building, his music, and
his film rentals, and who pays high taxes, insur-
ance rates and the like from which community
centers are exempt. He is engaged in an essential
business and deserves consideration and support.
The entertainment picture — the sort we have in
our theatres — is a commodity the same as any
other article that is for sale and should not be
used for other purposes than that for which it
was intended. However worthy a purpose may
be, to use an entertainment motion picture to
advance that purpose or idea at the expense of the
motion picture is unfair.
To operate a motion picture theatre requires
money. There are necessary overhead expenses
that must be met. Cashiers, operators, porters,
ushers, managers cost money. The strictest build-
ing regulations must be observed. Taxes must be
paid. Insurance must be carried. And films must
be paid for. If someone else comes in and takes
away the clientele of that picture house and offers
it the same thing for nothing, the theatre is bound
to suffer and, if the practice is carried far enough,
the theatre will be forced sooner or later to close
its doors.
The motion picture theatre is the place for the
entertainment picture just as the drugstore is the
place for drugs and the schoolhouse for education.
If any pictures are shown elsewhere they ought
to be such pictures as are made especially for the
other purpose. That is, a pedagogical picture
should be made especially for the schoolhouse ;
the church picture for the church.
In all communities it is to be supposed there
are times for going to the motion picture theatre,
and times for outdoor recreation and for other
pursuits of life. To take one of these factors
and make it work for the other is permissible only
when it works in its separate \vay to stimulate
interest in the other. Many pictures stimulate in-
terest in outdoor games. The slow motion pic-
ture showing a game of tennis, for instance, cre-
ates a desire to play tennis. And so it goes.
If you and other members of your association
were engaged in the motion picture business, you
would not feel that it was fair for a city depart-
ment, however worthy, to set up in competition
to you and show free pictures while you were
charging for yours. You would probably wel-
come legitimate competition but you would ex-
346
ARE YOU HAPPY IN YOUR PLAY?
pect that competition to be on the same basis as
that on which you operate.
As for raising the standards in motion pictures,
certainly an equal service can be rendered by
charging admission as when the pictures are
shown free. As a matter of fact it occurs to me
that a greater service can be rendered in this re-
gard by charging admission.
In showing special pictures in your recreation
buildings free you will not be raising the stand-
ards of those shown in the theatres. Without a
charge you would have no way of affecting the
production of pictures where the raising of stand-
ards must necessarily lie and probably would not
find available for your uses the best thought in
motion picture production of today.
I can see no special reasons for having free ad-
mission to motion pictures in a community center.
It seems to me that you will find your answer in
close cooperation between the local recreation and
playground leader and the theatre managers. If
they can work together and each find in the other
a complement to his own work, the problem will
be solved. Help the theatre manager to feel that
he has a definite part in the community life and
foster the community interest. This is a great
big question and worthy of your very best thought.
Again with thanks for calling the matter to my
attention and with best personal wishes, I am
Sincerely yours,
Jason S. Joy.
Director, Department of Public Relations, Motion
Picture Producers and Distributors of Amer-
ica, Inc.
"F. P. A." of the N. Y. World Conning Tower
fame writes from Florence, Italy, in The Diary
of Our Own Samuel Pepys, under date of Mon-
day, June 22nd, "Early up and looked from my
window out at the Arno for an hour and watched
the young men rowing in shells, as they do at home
on the Harlem ; and there are many of them here,
handsome and athletic, and many such oarsmen
are passing all day long. It is the only thing ap-
proaching sport I have seen in Italy, save some
lads playing at football in a Jesuit school near
Frascati, and they were but kicking a ball about,
with no notion of any game about it. They are
good enough athletes, the Italians; but for sport
and games, meseems, they do not care. And that
I deem a bad thing for them, for as much as the
playing of games, I am growing to believe, hath
a great effect on life and character."
Are You Happy in Your
Play ?
Robert L. Duffus recently raised the question
in Collier's Magazine whether soon, "Are you
happy in your play ?" will not be a more important
question than, "Are you happy in your job?"
When we ask a man what his life work is, will we
not soon ask him what his life play is?
If you work eight hours a day you will find
that for every hour of work you have more than
two and a half hours of rest and play if you stop
to consider Sundays, holidays, and vacations.
If you live to be 70 years old you probably won't
work much before you are 16 or after you are 60.
That cuts your actual working life measured in
years to 44 but you work less than 2400 hours
in each of these 44 years so that your actual work-
ing life is approximately 12 years. You have
left consequently out of your 70 years, on earth
about 29 for sleep and 29 for play.
"Ours is the first generation that can afford
to give more time to play than to work. Machin-
ery now-a-days enables us to produce more than
2 to 100 times as much, the average is perhaps
15 times as much, as our great-grandfathers."
"So the idea that play is something unsuitable
for grown men or women has vanished along with
whiskers and steel-ribbed corsets."
"In 1920 we actually spent nearly twenty-
eight billion dollars or about one-third of our na-
tional income on luxuries, and about six billion
dollars of this was spent on having a good time."
"Our children will play more than we do be-
cause they will know more about play than we do.
They won't be hampered, as much middle-aged
people are today, with the old notion that work
i? about all that life is for."
"When children learn things that will help them
in their work, they are preparing for their 12
years of working life ; when they learn things that
will help them in their play they are preparing
for their 29 years of recreation. It doesn't take
a mathematician to decide which is the more
important."
"A playing child is learning something he has
to have if he is to lead a happy life later — for ex-
ample, at 55 or 65."
"Being successful at play takes just as much
ability as being successful at work."
"We need play, if for no other reason, to keep
us fit for our jobs, but it is just as sensible to say
THE KNIGHTS OF CANEY
347
that we ought to manage our working hours so as
to keep us fit for play."
"I have seen golf courses on Saturday and
Sunday afternoons when there was less of the
spirit of play than in an old fashioned haymak-
ing. The members of those golf clubs hadn't had
the right sort of education, they hadn't learned
how to play."
"What's to be done about it? The answer is
simple. It is as simple as the New Testament.
The requirements for successful play is the same
as those for entrance to the Kingdom of Heaven.
We must become as little children."
A Modern Community
House
(Continued from page 329)
group using these conveniences at the time may
have exclusive use of them. Each of these de-
partments have their own locker room and shower
bath room as well as their own lobby.
The gymnasium has an outside measurement
of 50 by 70 feet, brick walls in three colors, and
a separate storage room for paraphernalia. The
bowling alley provides three alleys. The swim-
ming pool measures 25 by 60 feet with walk ways
on three sides and varies in depth from 3j^ to
8 feet. Three large class rooms and a kitchen are
arranged so they may be thrown open into one
big room for special occasions such as banquets
or dances, and have direct access to a service
entrance.
In the auditorium quaint old English hand
wrought lanterns and chandeliers have been used.
All lanterns both within and without, have been
specially designed for their distinct localities and
no two alike are to be found.
The Knights of Caney
A thin little paper booklet — a few inches in
length and width, several pages in content — yet it
leaves you with a lump in your throat and a great
faith in your heart. For it is the Caney Creek
(Kentucky) Community Center News Letter,
printed by the boys of the Center. It tells in sim-
ple yet poetic language of a "crusade" of the boys
and girls of Caney through the foothills of the
Cumberlands, "The entire Junior High School
Knights followed the creek-bed, singing as they
marched
We'll
Be
Coming
Through
The Mountains
When We Come!"
"To the dully-waiting teacher
To the stolid youths-of -twenty
To the weary mountaineer-parents
The Message of Equal Opportunity for the
Hills."
Except in the winter season the mountain-en-
closed playground is the meeting place of the
Citizens' Club of one hundred members. At roll-
call each citizen responds with a quotation of
moral or aesthetic value — and he says it so all
can hear. The fundamental idea of this group of
young people in community service — "and," says
their leader, "they really live it."
THE VERY PRACTICAL BANDSTAND ON THE HAMMOND
PLAYGROUND, WAUSAU, WISCONSIN, WHICH FURNISHES
JL STORE ROOM FOR SUPPLIES UNDERNEATH THE
PLATFORM
"Not enough attention is given to the develop-
ment of playgrounds in smaller communities.
There is very little interest in these communities
in organized play and in community playgrounds.
I have in mind particular small industrial com-
munities and small mining communities.
"The difficulty is that for the most part adults
in these communities have not themselves come
into contact with a modern play organization.
"The best approach seems to me through the
various church organizations and school boards.
The owners and officials of mining and industrial
corporations could also help.
"There is a feeling pretty generally held
throughout the country that children already play
too much and ought to work more. Yet it seems
to me the community would benefit from a bet-
ter organization of such play time as is avail-
able."
— From a letter received from a manager of
an industrial organization.
348
AT THE CONFERENCES
At the Conferences
THE ANNUAL BOYS' CLUB
FEDERATION CONVENTION
The pros and cons of work for and with boys
were discussed by a large delegation of boys' club
workers and other interested people at the annual
Boys' Club Federation Convention held in New
York City, May 25-28. It was reported that dur-
ing an 8-year period the number of boys in the
Federation had increased from 61,000 to 190,000
and the clubs from' 105 to 248. A 12% increase
had been made in members during the past year.
Dr. George E. Vincent, President of the Rocke-
feller Foundation, made the address at the opening
session, emphasizing the fact that exposure to
good things, rather than constant advice, would
accomplish most in building boys.
The subject of securing and training volunteer
workers drew forth considerable discussion. Miss
Clare Tousley, Extension Secretary of the Char-
ity Organization Society, presented the method
used in that organization, showing that if the vol-
unteer was treated seriously as a worker, given
a chance for training, real responsibility and lead-
ership, he would be more apt to live up to that
responsibility.
She felt that the problem at hand was not the
securing of volunteers but the holding of them.
There were three things which could be done for
success in this line.
1. Offer the volunteers real responsibility
2. Offer them real leadership
3. Give them a chance for real development in
the thing they were trying to do.
Last month, she said, they had 62 volunteers
giving from 1 to 5 days a week. They had worked
up this number by the trial and error method.
She felt the boys' club work was easier work with
which to Catch the imagination of the people than
C. O. S. work but after you had caught the imag-
ination and brought in volunteers in the white heat
of enthusiasm you must deliver the goods. The
trouble was that usually it hadn't been thought
through. She felt that the volunteer had been
as much sinned against as sinning. Five years
ago they were on the wrong track about volun-
teers. If the volunteers phoned they weren't com-
ing in to do something they were told that "it was
perfectly all right" and in reality they didn't ex-
pect anything of them. The situation was artifi-
cial. We didn't grant that the volunteer really
wanted hard work and so gave them the odd jobs.
One day some of the volunteers came to them and
said, "We have the same interest that the paid
workers have but we don't get the same training
or jobs."
Now, Miss Tousley said, they advertised for
volunteers — saying, for instance, that they had
2400 families and only 100 workers to care for
them — they needed volunteers. When the appli-
cants arrived they found out their motive, what
they wanted to get out of it. They were treated
as the staff. They were asked if they would take
21 hours a week work and a course of training.
If they weren't serious about it, they weren't ac-
cepted. One lady said well, she was glad to find
some social work on that basis — that she had been
carrying a plant to an old lady for a long time
and she didn't know anvthing about the old lady or
why she was carrying the plant and yet when she
left she was told she was invaluable. Volunteers
were asked to fill out an application blank giving
three references. They were taken on a month'-
probation. This was the saving of both them and
you. They might not be fitted for that work but
it might be possible to recommend something else
to them which was right for them. Sometimes
a dilettante had come to them and, if there was a
grain of sincerity, they would take her on — and
oftentimes after a month she would be enthusias-
tic heart and soul in the work. They had been
able to hold two-thirds of their volunteers from
the preceding years. Some people said they had
100% turnover so it didn't pay to train volunteers
but she felt if they started training they might
not have the 100% turnover. Boys' workers, she
said, were as much social workers as anyone.
Enthusiasm was necessary but to arrive anyone
must have solid backbone of method and expe-
rience. You wanted a captain, for instance, who
loved the sea and the salt air, but you also wanted
him to know how to steer the boat. It was like
sending a man out to fight without a gun. Ideas
must be exchanged and the workers must work
together. The C. O. S. had 4500 boys under their
care (over 9000 children). There was a new
emphasis on individualization on the basis of assets
and liabilities in the person.
Need for the training of boys' workers was
emphasized. In addition to scientific and theoreti-
cal knowledge, it was pointed out that common
sense, flexibility and sympathy as well as a period
of apprenticeship were necessary for a good boys'
club worker. Professor Raymond A. Hover, who
is conducting a very successful course in boy
leadership in the University of Notre Dame, told
of their course which trains for bovs' work execu-
AT THE CONFERENCES
349
tives. This lasts two years ; only men of college
| degree are admitted and, upon completion of the
I course, they are entitled to an A. M. degree.
The boys' work plan in Two Rivers, Wis., a
: small town of little over 7000, was described by its
President, Thomas W. Suddard. The ideals back
, of the work are that everyone in the community
shall believe in and have an opportunity to invest
in the work. Every boy in the community is a
member of the club ; there are 3000 contributors ;
over 300 men are helping as volunteers.
Henry A. Higgins, Secretary of the Massachu-
setts Prison Association, spoke of the value of
1 boys' club work in reducing juvenile delinquency.
""Criminologists have not been the real pioneers in
the prevention of delinquency," he said. "These
have been the advocates of playgrounds, recrea-
tion centers, public baths, Boy Scouts and boys'
clubs. . . . The playground movement grew up
because of the crowded conditions of cities.. But
now we realize that public play spaces do more
than give health and happiness to children. They
are of vital importance in crime prevention. Now
playgrounds are training fields where the young
are prepared to take their place on the broad moral
battleground of life." He especially emphasized
the wide appeal of the boys' club to the boy.
The increasing degree of indulgence and under-
standing which the "cop" has toward the boy on
the streets was indicated by Capt. John Ayers,
head of the Bureau of Missing Persons and Social
Welfare, New York City Police Department.
CITY PLANNING CONFERENCE
The New York State Architect, Mr. Sullivan
Jones, said that city planning has been obliged to
concern itself with the past but regional planning
deals with the future. He said, "Man first swats
the fly and when he finds the swatting a futile
attempt, then he screens his doors and windows.
He then attacks the breeding places." The State
started with the house, then the city and they are
now attacking the fundamental cause of the trou-
ble, the region. As the various communities be-
come related they will become a continuous chain
of activities and the State Commission will find
itself. The local planning boards will cooperate
in developing the larger plan. The State Commis-
sion's function has been to stimulate and organize
interest in planning for the future. There has
been started a State Federation of Planning
Boards. This is a voluntary organization of local
planning boards to be used as an agency for closer
cooperation in consideration of local problems.
The organization plan is under way in two great
regions, the first known as the Niagara Frontier
including Niagara and Erie Counties with a popu-
lation of nearly a million people. The second
region, known as the Capitol Region, embraces
three counties, Schenectady, Albany and Rensse-
laer. Interest in this region has been stimulated
recently by the passage by Congress of the Deeper
Hudson Bill, making plans for deepening the chan-
nel to Albany and the creation of a Port of Au-
thority. Movement is under way looking toward
organization in two other regions to be known
as the Hudson Industrial Basin and the region
comprised largely of Westchester County.
The State Commission has been studying the
problem of the plan of the State of New York
and the result is presented in the form of an ex-
hibit. This will effect highway plans in the future.
George B. Ford, President of the National Con-
ference on City Planning, said :
Congress should be useful in clearing up mis-
conceptions and in bringing about understanding
between nations interested in permanent peace for
the United States can afford for study an excep-
tionally large number of plans. City planning is
active in 22 out of 48 states and well launched in
all but six of the remainder. There are now over
300 cities with planning and zoning commissions
and at least 7 State Commissions. One of the most
encouraging facts is that 100 towns of less than
10,000 have planning commissions. Two-thirds
of the towns of over 25,000 inhabitants enjoy the
benefits of zoning. Much interest is being evi-
denced in areas beyond the actual city limits.
Plans for New York have been worked out by the
Russell Sage Foundation. The development of
parks and playgrounds has had special impetus
of late. Chicago, Philadelphia, Birmingham and
the New York Park systems were mentioned
especially.
The President's Recreation Conference was re-
ferred to as evidence of interest in recreation and
the creation of a long needed Park Commission
for Washington and surrounding region. Some
years ago there was a movement organized by the
Federal City Planning Commission but Washing-
ton outgrew this plan.
Cincinnati was mentioned as the first large city
to have a complete city plan and there nothing can
be done contrary to the public plan.
In Canada regional planning is under way for
Hamilton. Mexico is adopting a new city plan.
In South America most of the larger cities and
350
AT THE CONFERENCES
many of the smaller cities were worked out ac-
cording to plan and are most worthy examples.
In Japan great progress is made under the com-
pulsory town planning law. In India plans have
been drawn for seven cities. In Europe the public
became interested in city planning as far back as
30 years ago. Particular stress is laid on main-
taining the personality of the towns.
Plans to take care of growth cannot end at the
end of the city line. In Germany plans have been
made to cover 15,000 square miles. Interest in
the art of planning is growing as shown by the
number of representatives of foreign countries
taking part in the meeting.
A Canadian representative said they were grad-
ually making progress. Their Town Planning
Institute has a membership of 170.
A representative of the British government
said their town planning work had been consid-
erably hindered by the war. Under the British
Town Planning Act the Urban District Council
takes care of the small town and the Rural Dis-
trict Council takes care of the more rural areas.
The French representative spoke particularly
of the Institute conducted by the University of
Paris to educate city officials in order that no
branch of city planning and administration will be
neglected.
Prof. Sverre Pedersen, City Architect, Trondh-
jem, Norway, said that their buildings were mostly
built of wood and their problem is one of not dis-
figuring the landscape. He said that he was almost
alone in his interest in city planning and that the
International movement is a boon to those living
outside. In Norway there are about 12 houses to
the acre. Their sporting interests are not con-
fined to watching sports in stadiums but in the
people having space and places to play around.
Considerable progress has been made toward con-
trolling the painting even of private houses. This
is especially true in the villages and smaller towns.
A certain moderation in color seems to be favor-
able. Dark colors the people do not like, but they
use a rich scale of tan, grey, green and red.
Dr. Steuben, father of city planning in Ger-
many and editor of the City Plan Magazine first
published twenty years ago, was among the
speakers.
Robert Whitten, a City Planner of Cleveland,
Ohio, objected to the haphazard methods by which
city extensions are plotted. He recommended the
control of additions and subdivisions by a regional
planning board or commission. "In America,"
he said, "the character of city growth is largely
directed by the real estate sub divided. They are
usually compelled by rules of the game to devote
their energies to buying and selling building lots
with but little or no consideration for the perma-
nent welfare or attractions of the community."
Among the essentials of properly laying out
plots of ground he mentioned the necessity of the
neighborhood having all the functions and facili-
ties of a complete residential unit. It must have
churches, schools, playgrounds, parks, stadiums,
ball grounds. These should be fitted to the con-
tour of the land and their location given proper
consideration in connection with future growth.
The neighborhood must possess the natural beauty
that comes from private gardens and from careful
preservation of the scenic beauty of its land in-
cluding extended water and sky views. These are
community assets of very real value. He said
"Daily contact with nature in some of its varied
forms is an essential of healthy, normal living. It
has an undoubted energizing, tonic effect, a rest-
ful effort on eye and nerve and aids clarity of
thought. It facilitates a sane, joyous outlook on
life. It stimulates and it inspires."
The control of the subdivision of land in the
plotting of land has not been insisted upon. In
the cities where the zoning principle has been ac-
cepted it is inconceivable that the application of
this principle should be long delayed. Planning
and zoning control will progress more efficiently
when it is understood.
He emphasized the necessity of preparing a
comprehensive plan several years in advance for
unbuilt areas in order that main thoroughfares
might be properly considered, building lines es-
tablished, and the planning of street charts and
small neighborhood parks and playgrounds re-
ceive proper consideration.
Westchester County's Recreational Plan was
discussed by Joy Downer, Consulting Engineer
and Executive, Westchester County Park Com-
mission. He said "We have got a great deal of
money in a very short time. We have done more
in the last 21 months than any other community
on earth. There has been an appropriation of 22
million dollars in 21 months for an area of about
400 square miles with about 400,000 population.
The people are largely those who come to West-
Chester County for a home community. They
come to enjoy living. We have confidence in our
officials and the people are willing to support the
plan they bring forward.
"Twelve years ago we began to build the
Iff'tr'mFHK
MM
LOAD
Like transit companies and power plants,
playgrounds must be prepared to take care
of the "peak-load" — the hours when appara-
tus is jammed — when clamoring youngsters
pile on swings, ladders or Giant Stride.
Heedless of their own safety, these reckless
care-free little-folks must be protected. And
there lies your responsibility as purchaser of
playground apparatus.
PLAYGROUND EQUIPMENT
Over 50 years of experience has enabled
Medart engineers to design playground ap-
paratus which will yield a high margin of
Safety during "peak-hours." It is but natural
that the qualities of Durability and Economy
should follow that of Safety.
Catalog M-33 contains much valuable information
on playgrounds and equipment. May we send it?
Fred Medart Manufacturing Co.
Potomac & DeKalb Streets
ST. LOUIS, MO.
NEW YORK
CHICAGO
SAN FRANCISCO
Please mention THE PLAYGROUND when writing to advertisers
351
352
AT THE CONFERENCES
Spalding
on your playgroun
apparatus proves to
your constituents
that you have had
unfailing devotion to
their interests and
that absolute safety
for their little ones
has been your first
consideration.
Gymnasium and Playground Contract Dept.
Chicopee, Mass.
Stores in All Large Cities
Bronx River Parkway. People saw what it d
and wanted more. In 1922 an enabling act was
secured by the officials and supervisors of the
county and the people have pushed to develop the
plan. It is estimated that eventually this work
will pay for itself. We must have parkways and
playgrounds."
WOMEN'S DIVISION N. A. A. F.
The second annual meeting of the Women's
Division, N. A. A. F., was held in Chicago in
April. Reports were heard from the Work-Shop
Groups established in New York, Pittsburgh an<$
Chicago. Important changes in the by-laws ami
"platform" were suggested and referred to a
committee on by-laws. The following statement
was adopted as the policy of the Women's Divi-
sion for the coming year :
"\o athletics can exist without competition.
"The object of the Women's Division of the
National Amateur Athletic Federation is to pro!
mote wholesome athletic competition for the
greatest number of girls and women.
"The type of organization which fosters extra-*
mural games does not build toward tlu-x.- ideals.
"Therefore, the Women's Division encouraged
a broadly planned intra-mural program, and fo«
the present, stands firmly against the policy of]
c.rtra-mural competition."
The papers given upon the second day of the
conference will be published and available at a
small charge to all who are interested in having
them. They include : The Principles Underlying!
the Evaluation, Selection and Adaptation oH
Athletic Activities for Girls and Women, by Mari-]
anna G. Packer, Head of Department of Physical
Education and Hygiene, State Normal School!
Trenton, N. J.
The Application of These Principles t<>
Children, Ruth Dunbar Girls, Vera G. Gard
iner.
Women
In Educational Institutions, Mabel Lee
In Young Women's Christian Association
Groups, M. Florence Lawson
In Industry, Ruth I. Stone.
"Anybody can be old and happy if he one
learns the secret that happiness is not a matter
age but a state of mind. Enjoy things as tl
are. Remember that you get the respect yoi
earn, no more." — CHAUNCEY M. DEPEW.
Please mention THE PLAYGROUND when writing to advertiser!
Here are four crafts
just suited to Playground Classes
BECAUSE the materials are inexpensive and
children love to do things with their hands.
Literally hundreds of useful articles can be made.
To simplify the teaching of these crafts, Denni-
son has published a series of instruction books.
Each book is a comprehensive text-book. In every
one you will find a wealth of suggestions, instruc-
tions and illustrations. Each book is sold at the
nominal cost of ten cents.
1 Weaving with Paper Rope
The weaving of baskets with paper rope has a
never ending charm. The work is adaptable to all
grades. The possibilities for a variety of weaves
and designs in baskets, vases, lamps and trays lend
fascination to this interesting craft. Wonderfully
attractive articles may be made with the "easy-to-
follow" instructions in the book.
2 Sealing Wax Art
Here the possibilities are limitless. Children of
all ages are interested in some form of sealing wax
craft. Painting with sealing wax is the latest de-
velopment. You'll enjoy the work, too, and be
delighted with the results.
3 How to Make Crepe Paper Flowers
One of the most interesting developments of
crepe paper is making flowers. Many schools offer
it as part of the curriculum. Teachers of art and
handicraft classes find this instruction book a real
help in their work. The book describes step by step
the making of more than twenty-five varieties of
flowers. Patterns of actual size for each flower
are included.
4 How to Make Crepe Paper Costumes
Dennison crepe paper is the ideal material from
which to make costumes for temporary use such
as pageants, plays, flower drills, tableaux and fancy
dances. You will be happily surprised at the
charming and unusual costumes which can be made
quickly and inexpensively with the help of the
illustrations and instructions in the book.
Dennison Instructors and Service Bureaus work
with Playground Supervisors. They can be of
much assistance in organizing classes in the Den-
nison Crafts. Use this coupon and mail today.
DENNISON MANUFACTURING CO., Dept. 12K, Framingham, Mass.
Enclosed find to cover cost of booklets at ten cents each.
Booklets desired are checked.
1. Weaving with Paper Rope
2. Sealing Wax Art
3. How to make Crepe Paper Flowers
4. How to make Crepe Paper Costumes
I should also like to know more about your free service to Playground Supervisors.
Name
Address
Please mention THE PLAYGROUND when writing to advertisers
353
354
MAGAZINES RECEIVED
PLAYING HORSESHOE AT THE NATIONAL CAPITOL
The view shows three of the four very attractive horseshoe courts
in the rear of the east wing of the Agricultural Department building
in Washington, D. C. These courts are often the scene of lively
contests between teams from different sections of the employees
in the Agricultural Department. At the noon hour the courts are
always in demand and workers go back to their tasks refreshed from
the physical exercise of horseshoe pitching. On these courts the
beauty of the surroundings adds to the pleasure of the vigorous
outdoor exercise.
DIAMOND OFFICIAL HORSESHOES
Conform exactly to regulations of the National Horseshoe
Pitchers Association.
Drop forged from tough steel and heat treated so that they
will not chip or break. Cheap shoes which nick and splinter are
dangerous to the hands.
One set consists of four shoes, two painted white aluminum
and two painted gold bronze, each pair packed neatly in a
pasteboard box.
Diamond Official Stake Holder and Stake
For outdoor as well as indoor pitching. Holder drilled at
an angle to hold stake at correct angle of slope toward pitcher.
Best materials, painted with rust-proof paint underground,
white aluminum paint for the ten inches above ground.
Write for Catalog and Rule* of the Game
DIAMOND CALK HORSESHOE CO.
Duluth, Minn.
DIAMOND OFFICIAL.— Made in weights 2%
lh.., 2 Ibs. 5 oz., 2 Ibs. 6 oz.. 2 Ibs. 7 uz.,
2V4 Ibs.
DIAMOND JUNIOR. — For Ladies and Children.
Made in weights. 1 V4 Ibs., 1 Ib. 9 oz.. 1 ib.
10 oz.. 1 Ib. 11 oz., 1% Ibs.
Magazines and Pamphlets
Recently Received
Containing Articles of Interest to Recreation Workers
and Officials
MAGAZINES
The American City. July, 1925
Program Building for Playgrounds
By C. H. English
Recreation Cabins for Boys and Girls
A Regional Plan for San Francisco Bay Counties
Village Planning and Replanning
By Wayne C. Nason
Municipal Forests a Profitable Investment
"Tiny Town" and Its Administration
A Plan for Motion Picture Study Clubs
The Institution Quarterly. March, 1925
The Recreation Program in a Plan for Social
Treatment
By Claudia Wanamaker
The Survey. July 15, 1925
Planning for Play
By Lee F. Hanmer
Child Welfare Magazine. July, 1925
A Church Playground Center
By Agnes B. Holmes
Taking Music Outdoors
A Ten-Point Measuring Stick for the Playground
How Pleasantville Solved Its Summer Play Prob-
lem
By Zilpha Mary Carruthers
The Ole Swimmin' Hole
By S. J. Crumbine, M.D.
Hikes for Health
By Katharine Glover
PAMPHLETS
Suggestions for a Rural Field Day
Published by the Division of Physical and Health
Education, Department of Education, Minnesota
Play and Recreation in Pasadena, California
Published by Playground and Community Service,
Pasadena
Elementary Instruction for Adults
Report of National Illiteracy Conference Committee
Bulletin, 1925, No. 8— Bureau of Education, Dept.
of the Interior
Available from the Government Printing Office,
Washington, D. C. Price, 5c
Twenty Good Books for Parents
Reading Course No. 21 (Revised)
Bureau of Education, Department of the Interior
Playground Handicraft
Published by the Westchester County Recreation
Commission, 617 Court House, White Plains,
N. Y.
Instructions to Playground Directors
Published by the Westchester County Recreation
Commission, 617 Court House, White Plains,
N. Y.
Annual Report of the Women's Municipal League of
Boston
Vacation Activities and the School
Published by the Lincoln School of Teachers Col-
lege, 425 West 123 St., New York City
The Growth of Personality
An Address by Dr. George E. Vincent
Published by the Boys' Club Federation, 3037 Grand
Central Terminal, New York City
Please mention THE PLAYGROUND when writing to advertisers
Children Play Better on
a hard, but resilient,
dust less surface.
Here is a new treatment for surfacing
playgrounds which makes a hard, durable,
dustless, yet resilient footing for the children.
Solvay Flake Calcium Chloride is a clean, white, flaky chemi-
cal which readily dissolves when exposed to air, and quickly
combines with the surface to which it is applied.
S O L VA Y
'The Natural Dust Layer'1
is odorless, harmless, will not track, and does not stain the
children's clothing or playthings.
Its germicidal property is a feature which has the strong
endorsement of physicians and playground directors.
Solvay Flake Calcium Chloride is not only an excellent dust
layer but at the same time positively kills all weeds. It is easy to
handle and comes in convenient size drums or 100 Ib. bags. It
may be applied by ordinary labor with hand shovels or the
special Solvay Spreader, which does the work quickly and
economically.
The new Solvay Illustrated Booklet will be sent free on request.
Ask for Booklet No. 1159
THE SOLVAY PROCESS CO.
Wing & Evans, Inc., Sales Department
40 RECTOR STREET, NEW YORK
Please mention THE PLAYGROUND when writing to advertisers
355
356
BOOK REVIEWS
KELLOGG SCHOOL
OF
PHYSICAL
EDUCATION
r>ROAD field
•*-* for young
women, offering at-
tractive positions.
Qualified directors
of physical training
in big demand.
Three-year diploma
course and four-
year B. S. course,
both including sum-
mer course in camp
activities, with
training in all
forms of physical
exercise, recreation and health education.
School affiliated with famous Battle Creek
Sanitarium — superb equipment and faculty
of specialists. Excellent opportunity for
individual physical development. For illus-
trated catalogue, address Registrar.
KELLOGG SCHOOL OF
PHYSICAL EDUCATION
Battle Creek College
Box 255 Battle Creek, Michigan
Book Reviews
THE CONSTITUTION AT A GLANCE by Hazard and Moore.!
Published by Henry B. Hazard, Lock Box 1919,
Washington, D. C. Price, $.75
This interesting document consists of a large single
sheet on which is presented in colors, in substantially thai
words of the original text, an outline analysis of the]
Constitution of the United States as amended to date*
logically and systematically arranged under five main!
heads, with copious explanatory notes — principally fromj
decisions of the United States Supreme Court, Acts of
Congress and other Governmental sources.
The fact that twenty-eight states have enacted laws
requiring that the Constitution be taught in the schools
will make this chart doubly valuable. It will also be
found helpful for use by national organizations interested
in civic education, for high school students and for the
adult foreign torn who are preparing for citizenship.
THROUGH STORYLAND TO HEALTHLAND. By Esther
Zucker, Lillian Rabell and Gertrude Katz. Pub-
lished by Noble and Noble, New York. Price $.60
Polly's adventures in Healthland, with emphasis on the
happy side of health, will have their appeal for boys and
gins. Cleanliness, Afresh air, healthful foods, proper eat-
ing, exercise, sleeping and other habits essential to good
health, are woven into an attractive story told in simple
language. There is a health playlet and a chapter con-
taining suggestions to teachers in using the book.
SAFETY FIRST FOR CHILDREN. By Benjamin Veit. Pub-
lished by Noble and Noble, New York. Price, $.65
This book has been prepared by Mr. Veit, District
Superintendent of the New York City Public Schools,
for use in connection with the course of study in fire and
accident prevention recently adopted by the New York
schools. In content, through the question method adopted
and through the colored illustrations, the book pictures
the danger of play in the streets and of carelessness in
connection with fire.
GREAT COMPOSERS 1600-1900. By Paul John Weaver.
University Extension Division, University of North
Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Price, $.50
This course of study for music clubs has been issued
by the Women's Club Section of the Bureau of Public
Discussion. Material for sixteen meetings has been ar-
ranged, each one of which is to be devoted to the life
and works of a great master. Topics for papers and
compositions to serve as illustrations are suggested.
SPALDING'S TENNIS ANNUAL 1925. Spalding's Athletic
Library, No. 5x7. Published by American Sports
Publishing Company, New York. Price $.35
The Tennis Annual for 1925, which has just appeared,
contains its full quota of championship records, national,
sectional and state rankings, and information regarding
champions of the past. There are also the schedules of
the 1925 tournaments and rules, cases and decisions. A
page is devoted to paddle tennis.
TOURIST CAMPS. By Rolland S. Wallis Bulletin 56 (Re-
vised) Engineering Extension Department, Iowa
State College, Ames, Iowa
This is a 63-page pamphlet discussing all phases of
tourist camp construction. It contains plans, illustra-
tions and designs. Selection of the camp site, drainage,
water supply, ownership, equipment, pumping systems,
sewage disposal, lighting, cooking facilities, furniture,
buildings, bathing and laundry facilities, refuse disposal,
signboards, camp management, police protection, regis-
tration, service charges, sanitation, camp regulations,
costs and publicity are all discussed. Various rules and
regulations are given in the appendix.
Please mention THE PLAYGROUND when writing to advertisers
Our Playground
Planning Depart-
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service
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Small Lot or Large
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opportunity of showing you why Para-
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ground equipment.
Whether you desire portable equip-
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the Paradise Line the ideal equipment
to meet your needs.
The F. B. Zieg
Mfg. Co.
140 Mt. Vernon Avenue
Fredericktown, Ohio
Write today
for catalog
and price list
Please mention THE PLAYGROUND when writing to advertisers
357
358
BOOK REVIEWS
Circle Travel Rings
A CHILD'S PRINCIPAL
BUSINESS IS PLAY
Let us help to make their play
Profitable
Put something new in your playground.
On the Circle Travel Rings they swing from ring
to ring, pulling, stretching and developing every
muscle of their bodies. Instructors pronounce this
the most healthful device yet offered.
Drop a card today asking for our complete
illustrated catalog.
Patterson-Williams Mfg. Co.
San Jose, California
VACATION ACTIVITIES AND THE SCHOOL. Published by
the Lincoln School of Teachers College, New York
City.
To show how the interest in the summer vacation may
be interwoven with the school curriculum is the theme
of this suggestive pamphlet telling of the experience of
Lincoln School of Teachers College, New York.
"The long summer vacation characteristic of American
schools offers a rich opportunity to extend the work of
the school and to bring back into the school itself much
that adds vital interest to its work. This becomes in-
creasingly true as the subject matter of instruction is
closely related to the real life experiences of children."
Not the least valuable part of the booklet is the bibli-
ography including books which suggest things to do and
how to do them, books on various phases of nature study ;
stories of adventure, travel, history; myths, legends and
tales of chivalry; lives of interesting men and women,
and a suggestive list of books for mothers.
SOCIAL ASPECTS OF FARMERS' CO-OPERATIVE MARKETING.
By Benson Y. Landis. Bulletin No. 4. Published
by University: of Chicago Press, Chicago. Price,
$.25
During the past five or six years many live and power-
ful farmers' marketing associations have been formed
in all parts of the country. And about one-seventh of
the farmers of the nation have joined organizations of
one type alone. To determine to what degree these co-
operatives are developing educational, social and recrea-
tion activities and to what extent there is co-operation
with social, educational and religious organizations a
study has been carried on by the Rural Committee of
the Department of Research and Education. ' The results
have been brought together in this pamphlet which draws
certain conclusions on the basis of the material secured
These are, in general, as follows:
The majority of co-operative marketing associations
among farmers are organizations which are not pursuing
social objectives. Significant social activities and educa
tion in co-operative principles and methods are carried 01
by only a small proportion of local associations. In son*
cases the large regional associations have created in
formal or advisory local groups which engage in variei
social activities. Federations develop with establishes
local associations as foundations and thus in the begin
ning recognize varied social interests of members ; onty
one federation, however, has promoted important socia
activities. Social, educational and religious organization
and their leaders have been on the whole unconcerne<i
about the development of farmers' co-operative market-
ing associations.
It was suggested by those making the study that socia
aspects be emphasized to a far greater degree. "A star
might be made by contributing money for the beautificai
tion of school grounds, for the purchase of new schoo
equipment, for playground apparatus, for bringing ii,
lecturers and entertainers; by giving regular support t<'
public health and welfare work, such as that of a schoo
or community nurse; also by supporting such existing
institutions as meet the approval of a large majority^:
the members. It is recognized that a comprehensive
social program cannot be financed by a local co-oper
ative, but the co-operative may easily stimulate worth
while enterprises."
THE NEGRO AND His SONGS by Odum and Johnson
Published by the University of North Carolins
Press, Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Price, $3.00
This volume, unique as an interpretation of the negrc
as he expresses himself in song, is presented simply a:
a part of the story of the negro. Other volumes wili
follow — another collection of songs brought more nearlji
up to date; a presentation of song and story centerecj
around these studies ; a series of efforts to portray ob-
jectively the story of the race progress in the Uniter
States in the last half dozen decades. ~
In this book will be found the negro's religious songs
Please mention THK PLAYGROUND when writing to advertisers
BOOK REVIEWS
359
his everyday social songs and his work songs, reproduced
exactly as they are sung. Here are songs which should
form a notable contribution to the study of literature,
folk psychology and sociology. Interpretation and theory
have been subordinated to analysis and accuracy of pres-
entation. The result is a work which offers a wealth
of material to the student of race and race relations.
THE COMMON SENSE OF Music. By Sigmund Spaeth.
Published by Boni and Liveright, New York. Price,
$2.00
In this book Mr. Spaeth proposes to dispel the mys-
tery surrounding music and to give the layman the oppor-
tunity to discover for himself the fundamental simplicity
of the art and the enjoyment it has to offer.
The author writes from the average reader's point of
view. His thesis is that there is literally a sense of
music common to everybody. He proves that so-called
classical music is not the awesome thing many people
seem to think it to be and that popular music may be
used as a means to an end. The theme throughout is
the building up through self-education in music of an
appreciation of music which will mean a response to
beauty and spiritual enrichment.
STORIES OF THE WORLD'S HOLIDAYS. By Grace Hum-
phrey. Milton Bradley Company, Springfield, Mass.
Price, $1.75
Here is a book designed to tell children in simple, in-
teresting language why the flags fly on certain days in
many lands. The origin of the holidays and meaning
and methods of observance are fully explained. Each
of the nineteen chapters is devoted to a different holiday.
The subjects include China's Feast of Lanterns, Ireland's
St. Patrick's Day, St. Valentine's Day, Lincoln's Birth-
day, France's Bastille Day, Poland's National Holiday
and many others.
TYNDALE, A Drama, by Parker Hord. Published by
Century Company, New York. Price, $.50
This play, written in honor of the 400th anniversary
of William Tyndale's achievements in presenting to the
world the New Testament in English, is not only histor-
ically correct, in spirit, in fact and in language, but the
dramatic method is admirable. Humor relieves what
might have proven too somber a theme.
Religious leaders will welcome the appearance of this
play especially for use in anniversary services to be held
on December 6th, 1925, which has been set aside as Uni-
versal Bible Sunday.
THE BIRCH BARK ROLL OF WOODCRAFT. By Ernest
Thompson Seton. Woodcraft League of America,
Inc., Northeastern Field Council, 110 West 34th
Street, New York City. Price, $1.25
The Woodcraft League of America, Inc., has recently
combined its two manuals for Boys and Girls in one
book called The Birch Bark Roll of Woodcraft for Boys
and Girls from 4-94, written by Ernest Thompson Seton.
It contains a description of Woodcraft, its aims, points
on organization, tribe activities and games. One section
is given to Things to Know and Do, giving facts on
health, hiking, patriotism, various sign languages, weather
and railway signals, blazes and signs, all phases of camp-
craft, information on wild plants, flowers, trees, birds,
constellations, secrets of the trail and handcraft. Various
degrees to be secured are described in the last chapters.
BOY GUIDANCE, by Father Kilian, O. M. Cap. Published
by Benziger Brothers, New York. Price, $2.00
Around the description of the purpose, program and
activities of the Catholic Boys' Brigade, which forms the
basis of this book, the author has gathered a fund of
information about training for boy leadership, the char-
acteristics of early adolescence, the building of character,
the boy's play as training for life, the educational and
social value of camping, community contacts and many
other considerations which are important in work with
boys.
The volume is designed to serve as a textbook in insti-
tutions and as a source of information for those who
Special Combination Offer
THE PROGRESSIVE TEACHER is now in
its twenty-ninth year. It is printed in two colors —
ten big handsome issues — two dollars the year.
Circulates in every State in the Union, Philippine
Islands, England, Cuba, Porto Rico and Canada.
It contains Primary and Grade Work, Method,
Outline, Community Service, Illustrations, Enter-
tainments, History, Drawing, Language, a course
in Physical Training and many other subjects.
The Progressive Teacher "
One Year $2.00
The Playground
One Year $2.00
Both of these
Magazines for
$ 3.OO if
Total $4.00 j y°u act today
MAIL THIS COUPON TODAY
THE PLAYGROUND
315 FOURTH AVE., NEW YORK CITY
I am sending $3.00, for which please send THE
PROGRESSIVE TEACHER and THE PLAY-
GROUND for one year.
Name •
Town
R. F. D... . State..
MANUAL on ORGANIZED CAMPING
Playground and Recreation Association
of America
Editor, L. H. Weir
The Macmillan Company
A practical handbook on all phases of organized camping
based on an exhaustive study of camping in the United
States.
May be purchased from the
PLAYGROUND AND RECREATION ASSOCIATION
OF AMERICA
315 Fourth Avenue. New York, N. Y.
Postpaid on receipt of price ($2.00)
Chicago Normal School
of Physical Education
Two- Year course preparing Girls to become Directors of
Physical Education, Playground Supervisors, Dancing
Teachers, Swimming Instructors. Graduates from accredited
High Schools admitted. Excellent Faculty. Fine Dor-
mitories.
22d Year Opens Sept. 21, 1925
For catalog and book of views address
BOX 45, 5026 GREENWOOD AV., CHICAGO, ILL.
The School of Play and Recreation
Training courses in all branches of recreational work.
Catalogue or information sent upon request.
MADELINE L. STEVENS, Director
Room 606 1123 Broadway, New York City
Please mention THE PLAYGROUND when writing to advertisers
360
BOOK REVIEWS
\
m THE WOMAN'S PRESS
^ffl 600 Lexington Avenue, New York, N. Y.
fM
m
Worth-
while
• THE PAGEANT OF THE FIF-
TEENTH CENTURY
Bv Vida R Sutton 50
Pageant*
For
Com-
munity
Giving
The splendor and tragedy of this brilliant
age as it showed itself in four different lands.
In four episodes:
An English May Festival.
The Maid of Orleans.
The Studio of Leonardo di Vinci
The Return of Columbus to the Court
of Spain.
More than a Spectacle — an Educational
Force!
No. 125
Other illustrations
and prices sent
upon request
FOLDING CHAIRS
The chair illustrated is a strong,
durable chair, specially designed
for recreation use. Folds per-
fectly flat and will not tip
forward.
Made by
MAHONEY CHAIR CO.
Gardner, Mass.
wish to organize similar courses for the purpose of edu-
cating leaders for boys' work. It is also intended to
serve as a handbook for seminarians and for those, who
are actively engaged in work with boys.
MANUAL OF PHYSICAL EDUCATION FOR THE PUBLIC
SCHOOLS OF WISCONSIN Issued by John Callahan,
State Superintendent, Madison, Wisconsin
An exceedingly comprehensive manual of physical
education has been issued by the State Superintendent
through the co-operative effort of the State Department
of Public Instruction and the Departments of Education,
Physical Education and Music of the University of Wis-
consin.
The manual is issued in five volumes as follows :
Part I — Individual Athletic Activities, including direc-
tions and scoring tables for athletic events to be used in
schools, playgrounds and community centers, ages of
from ten to eighteen years. Individual and group con-
tests are included.
Part II — Gymnastics, including general directions for
teachers in methods of teaching gymnastics, graded les-
sons for grade three through high school, and story
plays for grades one and two.
Part III — Folk and Singing Games, presenting the
rhythmic activities and singing games for the primary
grades and the folk games to music for the elementary
grades and high schools.
Part IV — Plays and Games for Elementary and High
School, containing descriptions of games and play activi-
ties for grade one through high school. Suggestions are
given for presenting the games, and a classification of
the material according to school-room and playground
use adds to its helpfulness.
Part V — Health Education, including plans for em-
phasizing and teaching health in the schools from the
kindergarten through the high school. A special chapter
on posture is included.
Each of the bulletins outlined is complete in itself,
covering a distinct phase in the course of study. Sug-
gestive programs are included, particularly for rural '
schools, and directions are given for the utilization of
pupil leadership, designed not only to conserve the
teacher's time but to develop these much needed qualities
of initiative and good sportsmanship among the pupils
themselves.
THE MAKE-IT-UP STORY BOOK. By Cornelia Adams.
Published by Robert M. McBride & Company,
New York. Price, $1.00
This book provides a delightful channel for stimulating
the child's imagination and projecting him into the "Land
of Make-Believe." Each of the five stories appearing in
the book has been started; at an exciting point it is
broken off, and it is left to the child to finish the tale.
Blank pages are provided for this purpose and for illus-
trations which the child is urged to make.
RELIGIOUS DRAMA, 1924. Published by the Century Com-
pany. Price, $2.00
The "best religious drama, selected by the Committee
on Religious Drama of the Federal Council of the
Churches of Christ in America." Contains ten plays,
classed as Biblical, fellowship and extra-Biblical plays
of the individual spiritual life. Hundreds of manu-
scripts were read in the effort to collect only plays
of genuine dramatic value worthy of church production.
The Committee is a permanent one hoping to make
available each year suitable dramatic material in re-
sponse to the increasing demand from churches and
allied groups. A prize of five hundred dollars has been
offered for the best religious play.
THE HOMEMAKER. By Mabel Louise Keech. Pub-
lished by J. B. Lippincott Company, Philadelphia,
London and Chicago.
A Kitchengarden Course covering two >«ars, with one
lesson a week, is here presented. Details of house-
keeping are given in a play spirit, with songs and games
interspersed.
Playground and Recreation
Association of America
JOSEPH LEE, President
JOHN H. FINLEY, First Vice-President
WILLIAM KENT, Second Vice-President
ROBERT GARRETT, Third Vice-President
GUSTAVUS T. KIRBY, Treasurer
HOWARD S. BRAUCHER, Secretary
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Mrs. Edward W. Biddle, Carlisle, Pa.; William Butterworth,
Moline, 111.; Clarence M. Clark, Philadelphia, Pa.; Mrs. Arthur
G. Cummer, Jacksonville, Fla. ; F. Trubee Davison, Locust Valley,
N. Y.; Mrs. Thomas A. Edison, West Orange, N. J.; John H.
Finley, New York, N. Y. ; Hugh Frayne, New York N. Y. ; Robert
Garrett, Baltimore, Md.; C. M. Goethe, Sacramento, Cal.; Mrs.
Charles A. Goodwin, Hartford, Conn.; Austin E. Griffiths, Seattle,
Wash.; Myron T. Herrick, Cleveland, Ohio; Mrs. Francis deLacy
Hyde, Plainfield, N. J.; Mrs. Howard R. Ives, Portland, Me.;
Gustavus T. Kirby, New York, N. Y.; H. McK. Landon, Indian-
apolis, Ind. ; Robert Eassiter, Charlotte, N. C.; Joseph Lee, Boston,
Mass.; Edward E. Loomis, New York, N. Y.; J. H. McCurdy,
Springfield, Mass.; Otto T. Mallery, Philadelphia, Pa.; Walter A.
May, Pittsburgh, Pa.; Carl E. Milliken, Augusta, Me.; Miss Ellen
Scripps, La Jolla, Cal.; Harold H. Swift, Chicago, 111.; F. S.
Titsworth, New York, N. Y.; Mrs. J. W. Wadsworth, Jr., Wash-
ington, D. C.; J. C. Walsh, New York, N. Y.; Harris Whittemore.
Naugatuck, Conn.
Please mention THE PLAYGROUND when writing to advertisers
Hammock
Swings
Teeter
Boards
Combina-
tion
Outfits
Teeter
Ladders
Parallel
Bars
Lawn
Swings
Greater
Satisfaction
at Less Cost
"More hours of safety and
pleasure per dollar invested" is
one way of expressing the satis-
faction giving qualities of this
high quality line of playground
apparatus. Whether your needs
are large or small, you will profit
in every way by specifying
PARADISE
EQUIPMENT
Every item in the Paradise line
is of improved design, and is
constructed of the best mate-
rials to assure safety to users
and long life of equipment.
Whether you want one swing or
a complete playground installa-
tion, you will find greater satis-
faction in Paradise Playground
Equipment.
Write for our catalog
showing the complete line
of Paradise Equipment
TheF.B.ZiegMfg.Co.
140 Mt. Vernon Ave.
Fredericktown, O.
Horizontal
Ladders
Safety
Chair
Swings
Junior
and
Senior
Swing
Outfits
Vaulting
Standards
Slides
Small
Combina-
tions
Please mention THE PLAYGROUND when writing to advertisers
361
THE SWIMMING LESSON
West Chester County Recreation Camp, 1925
JACKSTONE CONTEST
West Chester County Third Annual Play Day, 1925
362
The Playground
/OL. XIX, No. 7
OCTOBER, 1925
The World at Play
Progress in El Dorado. — It is always en-
"ouraging to communities who are working out
heir recreation problems to know of successful
ampaigns in other cities. The July number of
THE PLAYGROUND told of the campaign which
|vas carried on in El Dorado, Arkansas. Here is
(jhe outcome.
I On May 25th, Charles E. Osborne was asked
to become superintendent of recreation. On June
1.6th, Mr. Osborne started work. Four school
playgrounds were immediately equipped arid ac-
jivities of all types initiated, a playground base-
ball league was organized, free swimming periods
jvere arranged at one of the commercial pools and
Classes in swimming instruction started.
The El Dorado Playground and Recreation As-
iociation is to have the use of the high school
ijymnasium where classes will be held for business
|nen and young men seventeen to twenty-five years
m age. Basketball leagues will be formed. The
Association will help in the physical education
program in the high school and the playground
nctivities of the grade school. It will also assist
,n the organization of musical and dramatic
jroups and will aid in conducting recreation in
piurches, lodges, clubs and other groups. The
poard of Directors has appointed a committee to
•ring about the establishment of two city parks.
A Miniature Village Show. — One of the
uunmer handcraft projects of the Playground
'md Recreation Association at Wyoming Valley,
Pennsylvania, was a miniature village show. In
preparing for this activity the Association issued
.he following suggestions to the playground in-
structors :
"First of all name over to the children the
various kinds of buildings that make up a town,
(dwellings of all kinds, bungalows, cottages,
:hurches, city hall, schools, stores, barns, garages,
[factories, collieries, depots, round houses, office
buildings, chicken houses, and then find out which
bne each child would be most interested in mak-
ing. You will often get better results and sustain
the interest if you assign two children to work
on one structure.
"Next, help the children with concrete ideas of
material, construction, color and form so that
they will see the finished product in imagination.
They can also use as a model some nearby build-
ing which they can see. Make a record of your
assignments. Card board, beaver board, wood,
paper, oilcloth, are favorite and easily procurable
materials. When the work is under way check
up on progress several times a day, helping out
in 'snags.' Do not attempt too elaborate houses
or they will not be completed. Because of time
limitations the work must be simple. We are
trying to reveal to the children their own ability
in working out an idea.
"Each playground should make as complete a
village as possible. Streets may be laid out with
miniature trees, fences, gardens, playgrounds,
swimming pools, street lights and all that goes to
make a complete little town.
"Both boys and girls participate in this activity.
The girls will probably select such subjects as
dwellings, churches, schools and stores and the
boys, garages, collieries, factories, depots, round
houses. Often a boy and girl will work success-
fully together on the same building, the boy doing
the harder work with hammer and tacks and the
girl the decorative part, each helping the other."
Two days of miniature village work were set
aside for inspection visits by local committees and
prominent citizens. After this, the villages were
placed on exhibit in the windows of the local
stores.
Utica Bond Issue. — The Department of
Recreation at Utica, N. Y., reports a bond issue
of $25,000 for permanent improvements on the
playgrounds. Work has been started on two of
the grounds.
An Offer from Paterson.— Dr. L. R. Burnett,
Superintendent of Recreation at Paterson, N. J.,
363
364
THE WORLD AT PLAY
announces that the Board of Recreation Commis-
sioners will be glad to give to communities carry-
ing on campaigns for playgrounds a quantity of
buttons which may be used in arousing interest
in recreation. These buttons, which helped great-
ly in the Paterson campaign, carry the picture of
the playground boy whose smile has become so
well-known and a slogan appropriate for a cam-
paign.
Requests for the buttons may be sent to Dr.
Burnett at his office at City Hall.
Novelties of 1925. — Herkimer, N. Y. has a
new name for its Playground Baseball League.
The youngest league bears the title "The Incubator
League" ; the next stage league is known as "The
Sand Lots," while the older boys bear the proud
title of "The Citizens."
Herkimer has been at work on a new portable
equipment house and the result is a building of
the "knock-down" variety with a floor 7 ft. by 7
ft., sides 7 ft. by 7 ft. by 6l/2 ft. and a roof
7l/2 ft. square. There is a door in the front, but
the building has no windows. The sides and top
are hooked together on the inside with large steel
hooks. The building, which is of matched boards,
is water tight and safe. It can be taken apart and
stored flat in the winter.
In the playground circus given at Johnstown,
N. Y., a band was composed of kazoos, drums, a
trumpet and harmonicas. The parade of wild
animals consisted of cats, dogs, chickens and
other pets carried in crates on toy express wagons.
The sand boxes used in Johnstown this past
summer have covers of matched boards with bolts
fitting into grooves in the box. The cover is
bolted to the box with padlocks on both ends. In
addition to protecting the sand, the cover serves
during the day as a table for handcraft and
games.
Middletown, N. Y., this summer had a home-
constructed shower and wading pool consisting of
a 12 foot basin, a 7 foot pipe and a lawn sprink-
ler top.
Never were dolls more popular on the play-
ground than in 1925. Not dolls just for the sake
of dolls ! What counted was the originality which
went into their making and interesting indeed
were the results of the doll-making craze which
swept the playgrounds of the country.
Of vegetable dolls there were many — some of
them with arms and legs of string beans, possibly
with an onion for a head, peas for eyes and a car-
rot for a trunk, or perhaps the ruddy beet would
figure largely in the body of a doll. One of thl
most original was the doll which appeared in thi
contest in Paterson — a gruesome skeleton of mac-i
aroni dangling fantastically. Boys as well as
girls entered enthusiastically into the doll making
contests and very often it proved to be a boy anJ
not a girl who carried off the honors.
The Achievement Training Camp. — The
Junior Achievement Bureau of the Easterl
States League held its second Achievement Train|
ing Camp July 6th to llth, 1925. One hundred
and twenty-four selected club members and fifty|
two leaders attended the camp, the program ofl
which included instruction in club organization
given in group conferences, general assembly lees]
tures, work programs in various handicrafts andj
education tours through industrial plants.
The camp was held at the recently completed]
Achievement Hall containing a floor space on
10,800 square feet used for workshop purposesJ
rooms for lectures and classes, auditorium andj
sleeping quarters.
Open and Inviting. — The Melrose, Mass-
achusetts Park Commission during the summer of
1925 issued a most attractive eight page leaflet
telling the parents and others interested of thd
facilities offered on the summer playgrounds]
which the Commission advertised as the "safes
healthiest and coolest place for your children dur
ing the summer months."
The playgrounds, their location and the facil
ties offered were fully outlined and twelve illus
trations showed the types of activities. The folde
closed with the following suggestions to parents
"Remember this is your city and you should b
proud of it. The playgrounds are yours. Kee
them and use them."
New Facilities for Sioux City. — Sioux City
Iowa, on July 4th opened to the public its splen
did new municipal swimming pool which is larg
enough to accommodate about 800 swimmers a
one time. The city has also opened a municipa
golf course which is proving a very popular place
Amphibious Baseball. — Where Xerxes en
camped his million on the shores of the Aegear
baseball added a new position. Hence fort!
games played on that coast will have a tent
position, a fifth base, graphically called "Th
Naval Base."
THE WORLD AT PLAY
365
The American Colony of old Thessalonica, in-
cluding representatives of the American Consu-
late, the Standard Oil, the Y. M. C. A., the Near
East Relief, the American Farm and the Ameri-
can Mission, celebrating Independence Day,
brought the day to a climax with a baseball game.
Extreme right field lay in the remarkably blue
waters of the Aegean, where many of the base
hits went for a swim.
It took but a minute for the fertile brain of
Uncle Sam's Consul, Fernald, to invent the tenth
position, a situation midway between third base
and right field. The uniform was a bathing suit,
and Uncle Sam's doughty representative, waist
deep in the Aegean, played the new position of
Naval Base and put a stop to the home runs. —
From The Fortnightly, Bureau of Information.
National Council, Y. M. C. A.
Fall River's Swimming Meet. — On August
28th, the Recreation Commission of Fall River,
Massachusetts, held a swimming meet which
aroused much enthusiasm. Mayor Edmund P.
Talbot, who was one of the most interested spec-
tators, in speaking to the children said :
"I am not going to deliver a speech. But I
will say that I realize and I think all of you
realize, how much the work of the Recreation
Commission will mean to you ten or fifteen years
from today. What it will mean in terms of a
strong, healthy, virile citizenry, and what it will
mean in terms of a fine and noble manhood and
womanhood.
"May I add that if at any time I questioned
the advisability of my alloting the $26,000 in
January and the $2,000 additional this month for
recreation work, what I am seeing this morning
300 or 400 young people getting this splendid
training, makes me feel proud that I have been
able to do this much, and if you will loyally co-
operate with your instructors this sort of work
which is a source of delight to all of you will be
a permanent fixture in Fall River."
A Musical Contest on the Playground.—
On August llth, Chisholm, Minnesota, held its
Second Annual Music Contest under the auspices
of the Department of Physical Education and
Summer Recreation Centers. The classification
consisted of juniors under sixteen years of age
and seniors over sixteen years. No entrant was
permitted to take part in more than two contests.
Each contestant was asked to play two musical
numbers for which two minutes were allowed.
The instruments played were ukulele, accordion,
guitar, harp, banjo and mandolin. The markings
were on tone, pitch and quality. There were
twenty-seven contestants and between 400 and 500
spectators.
No Vacation from Recreation in Mil-
waukee.— The Extension Department of the
Milwaukee Board of School Directors, of which
Dorothy Enderis is director, in sending out cir-
culars announcing the time and place of the final
playground festival on August 28th, adds at the
end the following invitation to the winter cen-
ters:
"Have you planned your Winter Program ?
"Why not join a Club or Class at one of the
Public School Social Centers?
"Activities begin the middle of September.
Watch the daily papers for detailed announce-
ments."
Wilkes-Barre's "Knot Hole" Club.— Great
excitement reigned among the playground boys of
Wilkes-Barre when the announcement was made
by the Playground and Recreation Association of
Wyoming Valley that Laning Harvey, head of the
Wilkes-Barre Baseball Club, had promised a free
ticket each week to the Barons' game to the boy
on every playground who had distinguished him-
self through specially meritorious conduct or ac-
tivity. It resulted in the formation of the Knot
Hole Club of which Mr. Harvey was unanimously
acclaimed president.
Eligibility to the club is based on the following
qualifications :
1. Boys under 15 years of age
2. Regular attendants at the playground
3. Boosters for the playground ball team
4. Boosters for the Barons
5. Recommendation of playground instructor
6. Good deportment on playground
7. Boys who have distinguished themselves in
some way on the playground such as help-
ing the instructor organize teams, helping
the instructor maintain good order, helping
the instructor with younger children, spe-
cial excellence in athletics, sports or in any
of the weekly activities.
Each week instructors select the boy proving
himself eligible for membership and fill out the
regular application form required. As soon as
the application is passed on, the free ticket and
membership button in the Knot Hole Club are
issued the fortunate boy. When a boy becomes
366
THE WORLD AT PLAY
a member of the club, he continues to be a mem-
ber during the entire playground season and is
entitled to participate in special activities arranged
for members only.
The League of Nations Versus the Inter-
nationals.— Thorndike playground, Cambridge,
Massachusetts, was the scene last summer of a
practical demonstration of Americanization and
it was baseball which proved the magic touch-
stone bringing representatives of many nations
into friendly contest and an exhibition of good
sportsmanship that was heart-warming.
Stephen Mahoney, Superintendent of Recrea-
tion, conceived the idea of a baseball game played
between two teams comprised of nine players of
as many nationalities. The League of Nations
nine had on it representatives from Armenia,
Italy, Lithuania, Syria, Germany, Scotland, Pol-
and, Portugal and China. On the Internationals
were a Russian, a Czechoslovakian, a Negro, a
Pole, two Irishmen, a Frenchman, a Jew and a
Canadian. The League of Nations won after a
closely contested game, but the Internationals are
seeking a second contest in the belief that another
game will make them winners.
Junior Baseball in Shreveport, La. — The
Junior Baseball League conducted by the Depart-
ment of Education at Shreveport, scheduled
seventy-five games and gave more than one hun-
dred and fifty boys an opportunity to play. Six
parks entered teams — the Thomas Field Park
winning the highest number of points. The
Merit System of scoring was used — 50% for
sportsmanship, 25% for reliability and 25% for
the winning score.
A Progressive Colored Center. — The Rec-
Teation Center for colored citizens at Winston-
Salem, North Carolina, which is believed by that
community to be the largest of its type in the
country, is planning for additional facilities in-
cluding a 130 ft. swimming pool. B. B. Church
xvho is director of colored activities, reports the
formation of two baseball leagues, senior and
junior, which are now playing for a cup. He has
organized volley ball leagues among the colored
tobacco workers and has put on a city-wide tennis
tournament. One of the most popular events was
a kiddie-car parade, held on July 31st when the
children assembled with kiddie-cars, wagons and
many other kinds of vehicles all decorated with
brilliantly colored crepe paper. The parade was
led by a drum and ukulele band, and following
the parade the children joined in a demonstration
of games and group dances. The event was wit-
nessed by a large number of parents and friends.
In August, a treasure hunt was one of the chief
attractions.
A Picnic without a Mishap. — Community
Service of Carbondale, of which H. M. Bender
is a director, reports a community picnic to which
thirty one hundred children were transported six
miles and given a day's outing without a single
accident.
The owners of ninety-five trucks and approxi-
mately one hundred private cars volunteered their
services, many of the trucks taking two loads.
The children on each truck were put in charge of
two chaperones who took the names of the chil-
dren and saw to it that the same children were
taken back in the truck or car at five thirty. At
10:30 the program of athletics and games began
at the park. A committee of twenty women from
each playground looked after the safety of the
children while a second committee of ten men and
women provided the entertainment.
Local merchants were exceedingly generous in
donating lemonade, skull caps for the boys, fans
for the girls, noise makers of various kinds. Each
child was given a Merry-Go-Round and a swing
ride through the courtesy of the Newton Lake
Amusement Company, which also allowed a IQ%
commission on all amusements. After expenses
were paid, $250 was turned over to Carbondale
Community Service. The city police cooperated
to the fullest extent — the entire force being as-
signed by the Mayor, while State Troopers
patrolled the highways.
For the Leisure Time of the Workers of
Italy. — From Rome comes word of an interest-
ing new official department interested in leisure
time activities.
In May, 1925 the Italian government created
the Opera Nazionale Dopolavoro, the purpose of
which is "to foster the healthful and useful em-
ployment of workers' leisure hours through in-
stitutions intended to develop physical, moral,
intellectual and social aptitudes." The Council
of the Department is composed of representatives
of the Ministries of National Economy, Educa-
tion, the Interior and Finance together with rep-
resentatives appointed by various social and
insurance organizations connected with the de-
partment. The new organization has been taken
THE WORLD AT PLAY
367
under the official wing of the Ministry of National
Economy and in the budget of this Ministry for
the year 1924-25 as well as for successive years,
is written a sum of 400,000 lires for the program.
Golf for Institutions. — Elmira Community
Service has completed a nine hole miniature golf
course at the Home for Crippled Children. The
children, many of them on crutches, enjoy the
activity to the fullest and the game is becoming
very popular with the nurses of the institution.
A Recreation Experiment in Chile. — A. E.
Turner of the Y. M. C. A. in Valparaiso, Chile,
in writing to thank the P. R. A. A. for the bulle-
tins and other material sent by the Association
which, he says, "always carry much that we put
into practice in our work in the development of
play in Valparaiso," tells of the recreational activi-
ties conducted by the Y. M. C. A.
The Association has recently initiated two af-
ternoons of play a week in connection with a
tenement house — the tenement houses in Chile
have an open courtyard known as "patio" inside
of the tenements. In this space a play leader calls
the boys and girls together, gives them a few
minutes of drill in order to facilitate formations
for the games which he then conducts.
Drama in the Program of South Parks
Commission, Chicago. — Twelve drama clubs
have been organized on the playgrounds of the
South Parks, the clubs ranging from 12 to 45
in membership. The children's clubs are com-
posed of school children from the fourth through
the grammar grades. The high school students
make up the junior club while the senior clubs
are designed for the young people who are em-
ployed during the day. Each club has its presi-
dent, vice president, secretary, treasurer, stage
manager, book holder, light man and costume mis-
tress.
Since October, 1924, these twelve groups have
presented to the public forty productions — one-
act plays or full evening plays. One policy which
has been heartily approved by each club is that
after a play or bill of plays has been presented in
the club's own field house the club will take that
program to a home for shut-ins. As soon as the
play has been presented in the home field house,
new plays are brought forward, in most cases pro-
ductions selected by a home reading committee, a
play or plays chosen, cast and put into rehearsal.
A Youthful Appreciation of Community
Music. — A really remarkable essay on community
music written by a thirteen year old boy won first
prize in an essay contest in the Fitchburg, Massa-
chusetts, High School. The boy, Forest Hallet
by name, showed both intelligence in selecting
and power in arranging his material. He dis-
cusses the civic value of music and its special
place in modern industrial society, the community-
wide nature of the effort, the type of leaders and
results to be obtained. "The policy from first to
last should be founded upon the broadest demo-
cratic principles. Everything should be done to
persuade the entire community to express itself
in music." "Everywhere at present community
music has a very fertile field for organization;
and if each and every person interested in these
movements did his or her part, the civic value of
music to the community would be greatly in-
creased. The time is surely coming, although far
off, when community singing will be as common
and enjoyable a thing in every town and city as
moving pictures are today."
Professor Baker at Yale. — Much interest is
felt in amateur dramatic circles, as well as in the
commercial field, in the opening of Professor
George Pierce Baker's department at Yale Uni-
versity. The trail of many outstanding achieve-
ments in pageantry, community drama and little
theatre activities leads directly or indirectly to
"Baker of Harvard"— now of Yale. The "47
Workshop" has written its name in American
dramatic history. This development enters upon
a new phase in its change of scene, with more ade-
quate facilities and a larger place in the University
life. Professor Baker, occupying the chair of
the History and Technique of the Drama, will
serve as Director of the University Theatre and
Chairman of the Department of Drama in the
School of Fine Arts. He will personally conduct
the courses in forms of the drama, playwriting,
producing, advanced producing and technique of
the drama.
It is expected that the new building and theatre
will be ready for use by February, 1926.
A Training School for the Drama. — The
Inter Theatre Arts School of Acting and Produc-
tion, 42 Commerce Street, New York City, an-
nounces its winter school October 12th to May 1st.
In addition to the regular courses in acting and
producing, special courses are offered in pag-
368
THE WORLD AT PLAY
eantry, drawing, stage lighting, dyes and dyeing.
Additional information may be secured from the
Inter Theatre Arts, Inc.
New Haven Gives Park to Saybrook. — The
New York, New Haven and Hartford Railroad
Company has deeded perpetually to eighteen trus-
tees, for park purposes, seventeen acres at Say-
brook Point comprising the site of the old forts
and the first settlement of Saybrook in 1635.
Recreation in the Treatment of Tuber-
culosis.— Dr. Thomas A. Stites, Medical Director
of the Cresson, Pennsylvania, State Sanitarium
for Tuberculosis, commenting on the splendid re-
sults of the work of the Lions Club of Johnstown
in providing fortnightly entertainments for the
patients, said that the events had been of the
greatest value in creating the cheerful attitude of
mind which is so essential in fighting the disease.
The Moral Discipline of Sports. — Comment-
ing upon the difficulties parents find in keeping
up with modern flaming youth, the Chicago Tri-
bune says:
"Yet people have their own codes. When the
code is good it is the best discipline they get. It
imposes itself. A man's college with a code of
athletics has discipline. Preeminence in sports is
obtained by a severe life of discipline. Indulgence
and success on the athletic field do not go together.
"The vitality of youth will get an out and if it
finds this in hard physical competitions it hasn't
much time for wild riding. The physical director
is a sound moralist. The code of sports is a clean
code and when boys accept it they also accept the
discipline which is the most rigorous that can be
imposed on youth."
Honorary Degree. — At a recent dinner in
honor of the twenty-fifth wedding anniversay of
Mr. and Mrs. Lee F. Hanmer, Joseph Lee, Presi-
dent of the Playground and Recreation Associa-
tion of America, conferred upon Lee Hanmer,
the first field secretary of the Playground and
Recreation Association of America and for many
years the Director of the Department of Recrea-
tion of the Russell Sage Foundation, the follow-
ing honorary degree :
Sustainer of new adventures in social
work, just appraiser of imponderables,
possessor of the understanding heart.
The Trend of Physical Education in Cali-
fornia.— From the California State Board ofj
Education comes the following item :
Since adequate outdoor space is the first essen-|
tial for a suitable program in physical education,!
the steady increase in the area of high school
grounds in California indicates the public recog-j
nition of physical education as a necessary part on
the high school curriculum. Progress during thej
last two years is indicated by the following table :
CALIFORNIA HIGH SCHOOLS GROUPED ACCORDING TO j
GROUND AREA
~ o
- t
- -
c "
-•• rt *-• a
1924 Number
Per Cent.
1925 Number
Per Cent.
45
15%
48
14%
54 99 50 27 27
18% 33% 16% 9% 9%
44 111 56 31 37
13% 34% 17% 9% 11%
The figures are significant in showing the in-
creasing recognition of the importance of pro-
viding adequate play spaces.
Recognition for P. R. A. A. Board Mem-
ber.— Otto T. Mallery has been presented with a
piece of Copenhagen China in recognition of the
help which he has given Denmark in the promo-
tion of the playground movement there.
Mr. and Mrs. Mallery also received a tennis
cup.
The Danish papers have had seven newspaper
stories based on Mr. Mallery's visit — three on
front pages, and one of them with a picture of
Mr. Mallery.
Mr. Mallery writes that Captain Tembcke, who
is very active in the Danish play movement, is
such a rare spirit that it is worth while to come
from America to Denmark just to know him.
Earlier in the summer, Mr. Mallery wrote from
Hamburg :
"The children look well and happy but the
grown-ups seem to show those four years of
strain and deprivation. The playgrounds have
fine shade and sand boxes fifteen feet square with
sand three feet deep. The shrubs surround it in
thick clumps with thorn bushes and concealed
barb wire to protect them."
The Playground and Recreation Associa-
tion of America is dependent on the
CONTRIBUTIONS
of Men and Women Who Believe in Train-
ing for the Right Use of Leisure.
315 Fourth Avenue, New York City
Do Play Traits Breed Life Traits?
BY
JOHN M. COOPER, D.D.
While out skating one winter afternoon some
time ago, my attention was arrested by a simple
sight that has etched itself permanently into mem-
ory. The sight was that of a youthful novice at
the sport, a diminutive youngster of about seven
summers. She was heavily swathed from crown
to sole in a thick one-piece sweater, and being
"pony-built" looked at a distance not unlike a
huge animated ball of yarn. Round and round
the pond she circled, half walking, half gliding,
with bent ankles and pygmy strokes. Her circling,
however, was neither an uneventful nor an unin-
terrupted one. In fact, on an average of about
every fifty yards or so, the ball of yarn lost its
equilibrium and tumbled down onto the glistening
wintry vesture of the lake. But each time, un-
abashed and nothing daunted, she would scramble
to her feet, balance cautiously for a moment, and
without waiting even to look around strike out
boldly again.
This periodical shifting from the vertical to the
horizontal and back again, kept up during the
whole hour I was there. How long before my
arrival she had begun and how long after my
departure she continued, I cannot say. She was
evidently out to learn how to skate and she pro-
posed to stick at the task until she did learn. Such
utter absorption, concentration, determination,
doggedness, and stick-at-itness I have seldom wit-
nessed in child or adult.
Now comes a question. Concentration and
tenacity are very desirable traits of character. So,
too, is facility in putting forth maximum and sus-
tained effort. These traits and others this am-
bitious youngster was acquiring or reinforcing
under the impulsion of a strong play interest. She
was learning them by doing, as the saying goes.
Did, however, the persistence and tenacity brought
to this play- task, and exercised therein tend auto-
matically to develop in her character a more gen-
eralized habit of persistence and tenacity, a habit
that would automatically pass over, transfer, irra-
diate, and spread into her non-play activities such
as her home chores and her school lessons ?
Let us broaden our question. Active play is a
school for the training of the child in self-mastery,
'Published by courtesy of The Catholic Charities Review
generosity, loyalty, obedience to law, teamwork,
and a host of other play and gang and club "vir-
tues." The evidence for this seems convincing
enough. But the further question bobs up: Do
such traits developed in leisure-time activities
automatically transfer over into other activities,
those, for instance, of home or school or com-
munity? Do play habits expand into life habits?
Does, for instance, good sportsmanship breed good
citizenship ?
As a rule, our play and club leaders seemingly
assume that such habits do so transfer. Some-
times the assumption is implicit, sometimes ex-
plicit, but in one form or other it is wellnigh uni-
versal in play and club circles. Here, to give just
one recent instance, is a typical explicit statement
of this view. "Sportsmanship ... is the
moral code compressed and expressed in 13 let-
ters, and it applies to all social activities and not
merely to athletics. For this reason its observance
and practice in athletics lead to its observance and
practice in other relationships of life and to the
running of life's race with all earnestness and de-
sire to win, but with an attitude of respeclt for
others, generous recognition of their achievements
when they surpass our own, and sympathy and
kindliness toward them when we, because of
superior heredity or better opportunities for de-
velopment of our powers, have won the game."1
The question we are raising is one of the little
orphan Annies of recreational research and litera-
ture. It is left out in the cold. No one seems to
want to have anything to do with it. Yet it has
quite far-reaching implications. Perhaps it has
been lost sight of in the storm and stress of our
forced and feverish recreational growth. Per-
haps it has been tabled because it is not easy to
answer.
That it is not easy to answer with anything ap-
proaching scientific precision is a point that need
not be labored. No comprehensive and objective
study of it has been made to the writer's knowl-
edge. We have quite a mass of experimental evi-
dence bearing upon the transfer of training in the
intellectual field. We have practically nothing
that relates to transfer of habit in the emotional
^School Life, Nov., 1924, 54.
369
370
DO PLAY TRAITS BREED LIFE TRAITS f
or moral field, nothing at least that is very de-
cisive or illuminating.
WHAT ARE THE LAWS OF MORAL TRANSFER?
For some time past the writer has been gather-
ing what concrete facts he could get hold of, and
recently has been able to augment these with
about seventy-five illustrative cases from actual
life that appear to throw some light up the ques-
tion as to whether and under what conditions
character traits developed in one activity carry
over or transfer into other activities. The evi-
dence, inadequate and fragmentary though it is,
seems to point toward the conclusion that about
the same laws hold good in moral transfer that
appear to hold good in intellectual transfer.
The key laws of automatic transfer may be sim-
ply expressed about as follows: If the conditions
in one line of activity are fairly identical with the
conditions in the second line of activity, the habit
developed in the one will transfer over into the
other. In proportion as the conditions approach
identity, the probability of transfer increases. In
proportion as conditions diverge from identity,
the probability of transfer decreases.
Here, for example, are three illustrative cases
from actual life. A group of basketball players
who keep strict silence and obey implicitly the
referee's whistle, but who are not so exemplary
when the bell sounds for silence in the ranks. A
boy who takes as part of the game anything the
other boys do or say to him, but who cannot
stand teasing and who goes into a tantrum at the
slightest correction given by his homefolks. A
boy of high school age who enters whole-heartedly
and vigorously into playground activities but who
usually complains of some disability when, asked
to do any work at home.
Again, are we not familiar with types like this :
the man who is scrupulously honest in his golf
score but who will outwit and cheat his real estate
competitor or client to the queen's taste the next
morning? Have you not often met 'people who
are tricky at cards yet absolutely horiest in money
matters ?
And who will answer some of the following
questions? Will obedience to the umpire insure
obedience at home to parents? Will generosity
to gang fellows breed generosity to brother and
sister? Have we any real proof that training in
parliamentary procedure in club life will help
toward intelligent and honest voting and toward
proper acceptance of defeat in civic life? Will
sacrifice hits lead to self-sacrifice in domestic and
business relations? Will the sinking of individual
and selfish aims as a member of a baseball or
football team promote unselfishness and disinter-
estedness in civic life? In a word, does good
sportsmanship automatically breed good citizen-
ship?
We wonder. The assumption is commonly
made. But what are the proofs ? That automatic
transfer occurs where conditions are sufficiently
identical seems probable enough from what rough
and meager evidence we command, but this for-
mulation does not help us much to answer the
real question we are asking, namely, are play
conditions sufficiently identical ^vith non-play con-
ditions to insure or at least make probable that
character traits developed upon the playground or
in the club will carry over into non-play activi-
ties? And until we are able to answer this ques-
tion with a certain measure of scientific precision
and confidence, may we not perhaps be building
much of our play plans and club programs upon
a foundation of quicksand?
A WORKING BASIS
So much for the knotty problem of automatic
transfer. But apart from automatic transfer,
does no way lie open to utilize and build upon
desirable play traits ? The writer believes that we
have enough evidence to justify the provisional
conclusion that such a way does exist. The fol-
lowing technique — if it can be dignified with this
name — for so utilizing and building upon play
traits is very imperfect, very tentative, and very
much simplified. It makes no claim to finality.
It is offered for discussion and criticism only.
The process may be summarized along its three
successive phases. The first phase is : Make sure
that the desirable play trait exists. If it is absent,
it obviously cannot be transferred. To train the
boy and girl in such traits is an intricate task.
Some of the keypoints are the following : Encour-
age not abstract virtues but concrete types of de^
sirable conduct. In such encouragement, so far
as is given verbally, use the language of the play-
ground without, however, "talking down." Keep
close to the child in play, for only by so doing
can you help him to play squarely, and even then
the guidance must be given less by preaching or
haranguing or threatening than by incidental sug-
gestion, indirect hint, contagious example, and by
an attitude that takes for granted or takes for
expected that the code of sportsmanship will be
lived up to by the players. So far as possible let
the code be worked out, built up, and accepted
DO PLAY TRAITS BREED LIFE TRAITS f
371
spontaneously by the children themselves. If
necessary to get direct action, buttonhole the juve-
nile leaders among the children, coach each one
individually and apart, and make them your allies
in the project. Make sure that the code be ac-
cepted for its own sake, for unchanging ideal mo-
tives, not out of personal regard for you. Tie it
into the child's inner higher life-motives.
The second phase consists in bringing to clear
consciousness in the child's mind the desirable
trait you are aiming to expand and transfer.
That this has to be done tactfully, indirectly, and
in play language is taken for granted. It would
not usually help much to tell a boy he is practicing
the holy virtue of charity when he makes a sacri-
fice hit, but the same truth can be brought home
explicitly to him in terms redolent of accepted
codes and pleasurable experiences by getting him
to realize that he is not the whole team and that
the laws of the game require him to forget about
himself, to sink his own fortunes in the fortunes of
his team, and to try no grandstand play that would
help him to star at the expense of the team.
The third phase is that of "generalizing" the
ideal already being lived up to and accepted and
consciously realized as a definite part of the play
or club code. The task of "generalizing" is not
easy. But something can be done, a good deal,
in fact, if the adult leader is deft and resourceful
enough. It is not impossible to drive home in
play language and in a manner that insures a sym-
pathetic hearing from the boy, that, for instance,
courage in jumping into a cold river for a swim
or in making a hard tackle is of a stripe with
courage in sticking to the truth regardless of con-
sequences and in taking one's medicine even
though a lie would open an easier way out. It
can help to make clear that sulking in a game and
sulking at home are twin brothers and both are
equally at odds with the laws of the game.
THE ESSENTIAL PROBLEM OF LEADERSHIP
It goes without saying that the carrying out of
such a process as we have just crudely and loosely
outlined demands definite adult leadership and
coaching. There is nothing very new about the
idea of adult leadership and coaching in play ac-
tivities. Children have always been so led and
coached. The only difference is that formerly
, this was done by parents or other relatives,
whereas today, what with the partial breakdown
of the home as the educative center and with the
partial exit of play from the home precincts, some
of this traditional leadership has been shifted on
to the shoulders of teachers and of play and club
leaders. The need of some one who will guide
and engineer the process and technique of transfer
of play traits may be advanced as an added ground
for urging fuller attention, both by parents and
by their surrogates, the school teacher and the
play leader, to tactful adult leadership and coach-
ing of children's play and gang and club activi-
ties. And while we are touching on this topic
may it be meekly urged that we deport back to
its native heath, the unabridged, that very mis-
leading word "supervision."
In the present short paper, I have asked a ques-
tion. I have not pretended to answer it nor to
be able to answer it, except in a vague, tentative,
and halting manner. The purpose in proposing
it has been instead to urge more study and re-
search along this line on the part of play and club
leaders actively engaged in the field. We have
been assuming as proved much that is, to say the
least, obviously open to grave doubt. An ade-
quate scientific answer to the question and an
adequate technique for transfer will come only
as the result of long and patient study and ex-
perimentation on the part of a large number of
workers on the firing line. To date, such study
and experimentation have not been made. But
isn't it time we begin?
Comment
BY
JOSEPH LEE
I have been greatly interested in the article in
the Catholic Charities Review, "Do Play Traits
Breed Life Traits?" by John M. Cooper, D.D.
I have never seen a clearer discussion of the pos-
sible generalization of acquired tendencies and
powers so that those acquired in one field will
operate in another. The concrete illustrations
are apt and are calculated to give us pause. We
all know the man who is scrupulously honest in
his golf score but will cheat at real estate, and the
boy whose obedience to the umpire or generosity
within the gang are not conspicuous as toward his
parents or generally in his home.
The suggested method of promoting the trans-
ference of desired traits is clear and practical,
especially the suggestion, "Encourage not abstract
virtues but concrete types of desirable conduct."
The advice to teach by incidental suggestion, hint,
(Continued on page 389)
372
CAMPAIGN TO BEAUTIFY PLAYGROUNDS
Open National Campaign
to Beautify Playgrounds
HARMON OFFERS AWARDS
The ugly playground must go. It stands in-
dicted as a sinner against the city beautiful and a
stumbling block in the path of recreation progress.
There are 5,006 joy-instilling outdoor play-
grounds in the United States and Canada. Some
of them are beautiful because they are attractively
landscaped and adequately planted with trees,
shrubbery, grass and flowers. Yet how many
others are just places to play, surrounded by an
unaesthetic outlook of lurid billboards, tumble-
down sheds or city dumps !
To encourage the beautification of playgrounds,
the Harmon Foundation, founded by William E.
Harmon, of New York City, has joined with the
Playground and Recreation Association of Amer-
ica in a national campaign of education and pub-
licity. Landscape architects and nursery com-
panies are also cooperating, and other agencies are
expected to join in the movement.
As a stimulus to communities taking part in the
campaign, the Harmon Foundation offers awards
totalling $3,000 to communities whose play-
grounds show the greatest progress in attractive-
ness in a year's period. The sum of $500 will be
awarded to the community having the leading
playground in each of three population groups as
follows: communities under 8,000, communities
8,000 — 25,000, and communities of more than
25,000. Additional awards of $50 each will be
made to the ten other playgrounds which rank
highest in each of these population groups. A
community can enter as many playgrounds as it
wishes, but not more than one award will be made
in a community.
The awards are to be administered by the Play-
ground and Recreation Association of America
and all entries and correspondence concerning the
contest should be addressed to the Association at
315 Fourth Avenue, New York City. Entries
must be filed by December 1, 1925, or be in the
mail on that date. The awards will be made No-
vember 15, 1926.
Applications
Applications for the award should be signed by
the executive of the group maintaining the play-
ground entered and the president or chairman of
this group. The contest is to be open only to play-
grounds administered by noncommercial groups
and organizations.
Photographs
Awards will be made primarily on the basis of
photographs and statements submitted showing
the progress made in the beautificatfon of the
playground. The Playground and Recreation As-
sociation reserves the right, however, of having
its representatives make visits should it so decide.
At least two of the photographs should show the
playgrounds in active use, as it is a condition of
the award that all eligible playgrounds should be
well used.
The first photograph must be sent to the Play-
ground and Recreation Association of America
not later than January 1, 1926, and must have
been taken since October 1, 1925. During the
spring, summer and fall of 1926, progress photo-
graphs are to be submitted, two copies of each
being furnished. They should be in black and
white and unmounted. In size they must not ex-
ceed 8^"xll" and although no minimum size is
to be required, it is suggested that no photograph
smaller than 3"x5" be sent in. The photographs
become the property of the Playground and Rec-
reation Association of America, which will have
full rights for their use.
Judges
The judging committee will be composed of
from five to seven persons qualified to judge the
playgrounds. The judges have the right to make
no awards if, in their opinion, none of the play-
grounds entered shows sufficient improvement to
secure an award.
Aids Available to Contestants
Several layouts of playgrounds showing ho
equipment, trees, shrubbery and flowers can
arranged to secure the maximum use and finest
landscape values are available. Nursery com-
panies have been invited to prepare lists of stock
available to follow the layout suggestions and to
arrange for special prices to the entrants. This
material, with the names of the judges and full
information regarding the competition and entry
blanks, is in printed form for distribution to con-
testants and may be had on request from the
Playground and Recreation Association of Amer-
ica.
Obtaining Lands for Recreation Purposes'
BY
PAUL C. LINDLEY
Pomona, North Carolina
IN THE BEGINNING— I wonder how many
of you have associated those words with park
lands. For it was in the beginning that God gave
to us the first park — The Garden of Eden. Down
through the ages we have come with this vision of
perfect gardens of quiet beauty, the green fields
and those lovely old gardens of England and
park lands reserved and preserved for one form
of recreation — hunting.
Our early Colonial settlers with their love of
outdoor beauty have made their influence felt
even in this present time. Virginia takes great
pride in old English box. The charm of Charles-
ton, S. C., is its old gardens and park land.
Going farther north we find some of the New-
England towns built around a common meeting
place, with a church at one end. This spot of
ground belonged to everyone, where all the town-
folks met to decide their social and religious prob-
lems. While great cities have grown up around
them these commons have been retained because
of their historical value and are being used by
the present generation for recreation purposes.
The Boston Common is a striking example of
the use of marsh land for park purpose. Muddy
Brook is the foundation of the famous Boston
Back Bay section — North Station, South Station
and around the Custom House is made land.
The Charles River for ten miles was a mud flat
subject to rise and fall of the tide. By a system
of dams it is now part of a beautiful parkway,
the home of Boston "Tech" and part of the
beautiful approach to Cambridge. This won-
derful park system has had donated in recent
years, besides land, seven million dollars left by
Francis Parkman and duplicated in the will of
George R. White.
Central Park, New York, is the best example
of a recreation park in the heart of a great city
where land values are out of reason. Philadel-
phia, Buffalo and St. Louis are outstanding cities
that obtained large park areas through world's
fairs and expositions. Philadelphia having been
very short sighted in her park and recreation
'Address given at Cpnference in Winston-Salem, N. C.
policy, later had to spend untold millions in open-
ing up and connecting her parks with the city.
Baltimore had a good citizen with a hobby in
Major Venable who, looking far into the future
quietly purchased all available land that he thought
useful for park purposes, and when that city
was ready to create a Metropolitan Park System
this land was sold to the city at the original cost.
At his death he requested his body be cremated
and the ashes cast to the winds at 12 o'clock at
night over Druid Hill Park. This park, the best
example of a wooded park in the heart of a
large city, has 600 acres of wooded land.
Essex County, New Jersey, has a county sys-
tem of parks taking in the city of Newark and
many other towns and villages. All parks and
playgrounds are financed by the County.
George Washington's vision and Thomas Jeffer-
son's foresight made the city of Washington as
one big park and obtained for a bagatelle what
has cost other cities untold millions.
Chicago's hobby is playgrounds and recreation
parks. The city obtained its North Park system
from "made" land. In the spring of 1886 Cap-
tain Streeter ran an excursion boat on a sand bar
during a storm. He noticed that in a few weeks
sand began to pile up around it and extend
towards the shore. This gave him an idea that
if he could "make" land from the lake bottom
it would be valuable property. He also contracted
with firms who had refuse to dispose of and
dumped this waste material between his boat and
the shore until it became solid ground. In six
years he had made over 186 acres of land, and
for twenty years he attempted to hold title but
the courts ruled against him. Today this district
is one of the richest districts of Chicago.
Kansas City's park and boulevard system has
made that city famous. Beginning in 1893 with
323 acres of parks and 9 miles of boulevards,
thirty years later the city owned 2718 acres of
parks and 63 miles of boulevards costing to date
exclusive of gifts $21,322,205.96. The citizens
of Kansas City at first could not grasp the "big
idea." Thomas H. Swope was one of the chief
373
374
OBTAINING LANDS
objectors but in 1896 he added the crowning
glory to the park plan by giving free of all in-
cumbrances 1332 acres for Swope Park — 85%
of all park land in Kansas City obtained by con-
demnation proceeding under a park plan of spe-
cial districts and assessments. The fame of this
park system is world wide, but the important
consideration is that it was put over before the
building of a big city and in advance of settle-
ment.
The Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, parks were
obtained by mining and selling the coal under
the city ; Harrisburg's by utilizing the river banks
and islands.
In considering the subject Obtaining Lands
for Recreation Purposes, my first thought was an
article entitled The Dirty Dozen by J. Horace
McFarland, President of the American Civic
Society. Passing through New Haven, Connecti-
cut, he noticed a dozen dirty houses at the bottom
of a hill and wrote a story about them which re-
sulted in their being torn down. New Haven
thereby obtained her most beautiful park. I next
thought of the town of Winston-Salem and the
approach from the east, after crossing the Wins-
ton-Salem southbound bridge and arriving at the
top of the hill overlooking Salem College. Both
sides of the road could be utilized in making your
"FRONT DOOR" the envy of any city in the
Carolinas.
Your front door is no worse than any other
American town, but the "dirty front doors" of
our Carolina towns and the "dirty back yards"
of our Carolina homes should be remedied.
I would suggest that some civic leader in your
community go before your city council, tell the
McFarland story and arouse your citizens to the
realization of the need of restoring your eastern
approach to its former natural beauty. You
already have the background and a wonderful
opportunity for the beginning of a most beautiful
park and parkways. Take advantage, too, of
the rugged topography in obtaining many small
parks and recreation centers over your city. Con-
serve the rough contour from being marred by
man and you will have natural beauty like the
deep gorge in your cemetery.
The Greensboro parks might be termed the be-
ginning of a Regional Park system encircling
the entire city and following the meandering of
the streams of North and South Buffalo Creeks
Such a system would act as a "buffer" in pro-
tecting high class residential districts and in
preventing the "dirty dozen" that usually clut-
ter up the landscape just beyond the city limits.
The beginning of this system was a gift of 60
acres of land by the late J. Van Lindley in 1918
and supplemented the past year by his estate of
40 additional acres adjoining the first gift. This
property fronts on the Winston highway and
extends north on both sides of North Buffalo
Creek for three-quarters of a mile. During the
past two years several large real estate develop-
ments were opened up below this park land also
nearer the city, much park land being made avail-
able. Another notable gift was that of 72 acres
by J. E. Latham. Along the pleasant border to
the west of our city another one of our townsmen
quietly purchased several thousand acres and
named it Hamilton Lake, featuring a new town
built around a 250 acre park. The idea occurred
to some of us to connect up all of the North
Buffalo Creek section in one long continuous park.
Tentative surveys were made, a huge map drawn,
and as part of this property was in the County,
the County Commissioners, City Council and all
property owners were invited to a Rotary lunch-
eon where the idea was sold to them. Every
property owner except one gladly donated all land
surveyed and the County passed a resolution
agreeing to grade and sand clay a fifty foot drive
on all land in the County besides paying $2000
cash toward a bridge. The City Council passed
the same resolution on property in the city limits.
The total acreage is a little less than 300 acres,
but it connects with the Hamilton Lake park sys-
tem making a combined park of something like
550 acres, all of which were donated except four
which it will be necessary to condemn. It was
obtained by the wisdom of the broadminded men
owning this property and has resulted in over
$300,000 worth of property being sold. Some of
the land donated was purchased at $1000 to $1500
an acre, the park survey taking what was needed,
with one owner saying, "Don't be too stingy with
my land when you run the correct survey."
This park project has brought about the open-
ing of new streets some of which will be park-
ways 100 feet in width, and of numerous lakes,
one 28 acres in extent. It has also resulted in
the calling by the City Council of a bond election
of $200,000 for parks and playgrounds.
Other lands obtained for recreation are Fisher
Park of 25 acres in the heart of the residential
district ; Battle Ground Reservation, with 100
acres of wooded area; Reedy Fork, nine miles
north of town ; the city water supply. 400 acres
(Continued on page 399)
The Little Country Theatre and Its
Founder
BY
THOMAS E. RIVERS
"The Heart of America beats in the small
town," said Alfred G. Arvold, founder of "The
Little Country Theatre," Fargo, North Dakota,
as we sat one evening in a room to the left of the
stage up one flight. This room, once a dingy
attic, is now transformed into an interior of a
log cabin, and is the hub of the social life that
centers around "The Little Country Theatre."
The logs are from the woods of western Minne-
sota; the decorative bunches of golden corn were
gathered from nearby fields ; the obsolete ox yoke
hanging on the wall was sent by an up-state
farmer; some of the rustic chairs were made by
former students; the andirons, kettle, and the
legend above the fireplace in letters of iron "Let
us have faith that right makes might" were fash-
ioned by the college blacksmith. On one wall a
single picture, that of Lincoln, seems to smile
down his approval of this place where folks gather
to enjoy human contact, and forgetting barriers
taste the joys of self-expression. The whole set-
ting and the ideals behind it answer the question
of why it is constantly used by college groups,
patriotic organizations, fraternal orders, farmers
and business men. Just before we entered, the
local chapter of the D. A. R. had finished a pro-
gram. Remarking upon the orderliness of every-
thing in the room, the kitchen and the stage Mr.
Arvold replied "It is a tradition of the place. No
group ever leaves it until it is in order for its
next users." Incidentally this fact of cleanliness
and orderliness is very much in evidence in the
theatre, behind the stage, in the property room,
costume closet, library and offices connected with
the theatre. One senses in the appearance the
pride of all who have a part in this laboratory of
country life.
"The Little Country Theater" itself, physically
speaking, is a small hall seating 350. Its con-
struction is simple. Its decorations plain. The
stage is thirty feet in width and twenty feet in
depth with a proscenium opening of ten feet by
fifteen feet. The equipment including seats,
scenic effects, and stage properties have been pur-
chased by funds taken in from entertainments and
plays given at the theatre. "Just why did you
plan it this way," I asked. Looking out over the
stage as if his mind were in the remote villages
of the great prairie country, he replied "So that
every citizen in the state who comes here and
looks around can say to himself, 'Well, we can
have one like this — yes, better than this,' and
when they do say .this as they have, I am happy
for I know it has done its work." Not only are
the settings designed to suggest that others may
do likewise but "The Little Country Theatre" pro-
THE LITTLE COUNTRY THEATRE
duces plays, pageants, social programs and exer-
cises that may be easily reproduced in small halls,
church basements, the sitting room of a farm-
house, in a barn, or any place where people gather
for social exchange and self-expression.
Just back of the stage in the tower is a study.
Here in this small room is located a most valuable
collection of books and material of all kinds on
the social side of country life. They have been
gathered from all parts of the world, and their
use is consecrated to the enrichment of country
life in America. On one wall there are four small
pictures. As I looked at these Mr. Arvold in his
simple, genuine manner of stating fundamentals
explained: "Jesus for my religion; Lincoln for
375
376
THE LITTLE COUNTRY THEATRE
statesmanship; Booth for dramatic inspiration,
and my mother for home life."
On the other side of the stage are the office and
seminar rooms. Here are kept files and cases
filled with plays, pageants, readings, dialogues,
copies of festivals, books, pictures of parades, ex-
hibits, costume designs, plans of stages, audi-
toriums, open air theatres, fair grounds, com-
munity buildings, and a well organized assortment
of all kinds of program material useful to people
interested in individual and community expres-
"DAVID HARUM," At THE LITTLE COUNTRY THEATRE
sion. "This library," said Mr. Arvold, "has
grown during the last eighteen years since a coun-
try school teacher wrote and asked me for a play.
I sent one from an old collection I had during
my high school days. That request has been fol-
lowed by thousands from this and other states.
To fill them I have scoured the country for ma-
terial."
While waiting on the corner for a trolley I was
picked up by a man in an automobile who offered
to drive me to town. I said to him "Do vou know
"THE SERVANT IN THE HOUSE"
Mr. Arvold?" Turning from his wheel for a
moment he looked at me somewhat surprised and
then replied "Everybody in the state knows him
and some outside, too."
Apparently there is much truth in this state-
ment for through his classes, tours with plays,
through correspondence, lectures and demonstra-
tions the gospel of expression has been carried to
villages and farms all over the state.
I attended one of his classes in pageantry. It
was not a lecture. It was the second meeting of
the semester of a new class. "You remember,"
said Mr. Arvold to a group of fifteen students,
"at our first meeting we discussed the pageant to
be staged in May" (this was in April), "and
worked out our story. Now today the County
Superintendent of Schools is here, and together
we want to work out and complete the plans for
this pageant in which 130 country schools are to
participate. Now what setting will we have for
our first episode?" From then on to the end of
the hour the class worked together as a creative
committee. When the bell rang, in what seemed
to me an incredibly short time, all but the de-
tails had been completed, and it was agreed that
by the next meeting it would be all typed and
ready for distribution to the schools. Members
of the class would then be given responsibility for
following through parts of the pageant, and the
whole would be produced by them. This prac-
tice work is invaluable and makes each student a
producer.
To a degree this method has been responsible
for players groups springing up in the small towns
throughout the state. In some instances plays
have been produced in barns. "I am not con-
cerned with perfection," said Mr. Arvold, "I want
to start them ; they will polish themselves." That
this theory is true was proved by his reply to my
next question as to the general taste. "Ibsen is
the favorite." Nor has the latent creative talent
been neglected. A number of original plays have
been produced with great success. Most of these
concern phases of rural life.
Several years ago 15,000 crowded on to the
campus of the Agricultural College and witnessed
the pageant "The Pastimes of the Ages." So im-
pressed were some of the leaders of Fargo that
Mr. Arvold was asked to plan for a better place
for such spectacles. As a result El Zagal Park,
a tract of land containing forty acres lying be-
tween the main street and the Red River, has been
acquired. A portion of it facing the street is flat.
Here will be erected a festival hall with stage,
AND ITS FOUNDER
377
auditorium and other facilities. To the rear is
a natural amphitheatre forming almost a perfect
oval. Two hundred thousand people can sit on
its banks. In the center running back to one side
of the bowl is a gradual elevation which forms a
stage. Around the base of this elevation runs a
natural drain. A driveway surrounds the base.
Between the driveway and the seating space on
the rim of the base lilac bushes are interspersed
with trees. This dream now being realized is
financed by the El Zagal Temple but it is to be
for state use.
In the state fair grounds a small plain building
with a simple sign "Community Hall" on the roof
is the center of many social programs during fair
week. Here contestants from the state produce
plays, listen to debates, have social hours, and
what is more important learn games and secure
ideas for programs back home to brighten the long-
winter months on the farm. "The state fairs offer
golden opportunity for demonstration of social
programs for rural groups," says Mr. Arvold.
and be makes it a point to see that this is one of
two attractive features of the fairs at Fargo.
Spending two clays with Alfred G. Arvold is
to renew one's faith in humanity. He is a man
whose seriousness of purpose and friendliness of
spirit are mingled on his genial countenance. His
kindly blue eyes have a constant twinkle which
becomes a flash when he talks of rural life in
America. He is essentially human. Seated in
his home one evening drawing out his experiences
I asked him to tell me how he started and what
was the basis of his work. With ease and con-
viction he poured out his ideas on rural life.
"When I first came to North Dakota, John
Henry Wrost, then President of the Agricultural
College, said to me, 'Arvold, set them on fire for
rural leadership.' This I have tried to do."
Continued Mr. Arvold, "With such a slogan I
began to study the rural problem. I soon began
to feel that it was as much or more a human or
social problem than an economic one. That be-
cause living on the farm was rather barren of
life and laughter, the youth was leaving it as fast
as possible. This constant drain was sapping the
vitality of America. Cities cannot continue to
live unless life is made more vital for the boy
and girl on the farm. The old stigma 'rube' must
be wiped out. Confidence in the city man must
be established. City and country must be made
to feel their common interest. America cannot
live half urban and half rural. Pride in rural
life must be developed. This can come through
happiness and happiness is most often found in
social contact and in individual and community
expression. And this means imagination.
"Through experience I found that art, music,
physical activities and social recreation best serve
the ends in view. On every program I try to
have these five represented. Everyone can find
expression in one or more of these."
As one talks with Mr. Arvold's students and
associates and with the town folks it can be seen
that the fire he started has been fanned until it
has swept the state. And this modest simple man
who caught and has held his vision is seeing the
results in a happier and more progressive life for
his state. As I rode back across the prairies and
thought of the thousands of men, women and
children leading drab and uninteresting lives on
the farms and in the villages of the land where
Arvold says the heart of America beats, I wished
that he might be set free to do for the nation
what has been done for North Dakota.
SCENE FROM "Miss CIVILIZATION"
In all teaching we should begin with the whole
and work down to the parts, and that inclusive
whole to which everything should be related is the
child's own life. There should be no outlying,
abstract knowledge untinged with purpose and
emotion. All life is three-dimensional, feeling,
thought and act. The business of education is the
promotion of life.
Michael Pupin said the best thing on the sub-
ject: "There is no such thing in nature as a cold
fact. Every fact when you understand it is white
hot."
Cold facts are the ashes on that dreary plane
where the pedant and the lowbrow meet.
JOSEPH LEE
Westchester Pitches a Music Tent
BY
MABEL TRAVIS WOOD
"It's goin' to be an awful big circus!" The
youngster gazed in awe at the great brown tent
which sprawled over the Bronx River Parkway
at White Plains, New York.
"That ain't goin' to be a circus" — this in
superior tones from a second youngster. "That's
goin' to be a music festival."
"A music festival? What's that like?"
"Oh, singin' — and a great big orchestra, and a
great big band, maybe."
All Westchester County shared in this curiosity.
Now it knows what a music festival is like and
heartily approves. And it wants its recreation
commission to arrange one every Spring.
Westchester is a wealthy county, the playground
of millionaires. It has a landed gentry. On the
other hand, it has a good-sized foreign element
and a solid bourgeoisie, composed mainly of Mr.
Commuter and his family.
The holders of the big estates have heard the
best the world can offer in music. Mr. Commuter
usually owns a radio or a phonograph and con-
fesses a liking for a little music after dinner,
though he's "not much on these high-brow
things." Pasquale, who owns the little corner
fruit store, takes out his accordion now and then
of an evening and tries some folk songs of the old
country. His smallest girl usually begs him to
try "Bananas." And his biggest boys and girls,
as do Mr. Commuter's teen-age progeny, make
obeisance before the throne of the Great God
Jazz.
Ordinarily, in Westchester, a symphony con-
cert, with solo artists of the Metropolitan and
Chicago Opera Companies, would mean an audi-
ence conforming pretty well to type. "The best
people" would be there — and those who were try-
ing hard to be among "the best people." The
music festival was different. The audience of
more than 5,000, stretching in a many-colored
sea under the tent canvas, was a quite accurate
cross-section of the population of the county.
On Saturday, the last of the three nights of the
festival, Mr. and Mrs. Commuter and the children
were there. The Commuter boys, at the wriggly
age, sat miraculously still, eyes riveted on the
378
platform where the huge chorus and the New
York Symphony Orchestra were massed. Pas-
quale was there, too. When the Rigoletto Quartet
began, Italian words rising in the brilliant tenor
of Paul Althouse, Pasquale leaned forward in his
seat so he would lose none of it.
The choice of selections was happy. Many
numbers were so standard that the concerts were
in the nature of a musical education for the
youngsters — and for plenty of the older people,
too. At the same time there was melody and
rhythm enough to remove for Mr. Commuter
the stigma of the "high-brow." Practically all
the songs were sung in English.
Feet were a better index of audience apprecia-
tion than faces. Especially when the cool cadences
of the Blue Danube Waltz rippled from the
violins, under the direction of Walter Damrosch,
did toes go to tapping the sawdust. For a cer-
tain man in evening clothes, a Rolls Royce no
doubt waited on the parkway. The man's
sophisticated face revealed nothing, but his feet,
shod impeccably in patent leather, announced that
he was enjoying himself hugely.
The old lady a few seats away had come on
the bus, from one of the smaller villages. Her
daughter had brought her, brave in her Sunday
bonnet, for this special treat. She was a digni-
fied old lady, but her common-sense shoes tapped
away frivolously. She probably thought no one
would see — if she thought about it at all.
"Musically speaking," said the Musical Courier,
of the festival, "the tremendous chorus was the
most interesting feature . . . While the artists
appearing were among the very best, it was the
excellent singing of the 1,800 singers gathered
from various points of the county that attracted
first attention."
High praise was given Morris Gabriel Williams,
who fused into a unified whole the new material
in the various choral organizations of twelve cities
and towns. "Of course Mr. Williams is a
thoroughly experienced conductor," the Courier
went on to say, "but his singers showed intelli-
gence and responded to his every wish, singing at
(Continued on page 395)
Recreation Development in Winston
Salem, N. C.
BY
LEROY W. CROWELL
Assistant City Recreation Director
In view of the fact that the 1925 Recreation
Congress is to be held in Asheville, it will be in-
teresting for the delegates from all parts of the
country to know something of the progress along
recreation lines which has been made in the largest
city in North Carolina.
Winston- Salem is a community of about 70,000
of whom approximately 40% are colored. There
are a number of prosperous manufacturing plants
which are contributing to the growth and pros-
perity of the city, and it is estimated that in 1930
the population will be 100,000. With this growth
in mind, the city's fathers have planned well.
Every school in the city built in recent years has
been erected on the most modern plans and is
surrounded by large open spaces for play and
recreation. The plan for every school calls for
a playground and each contains an auditorium
gymnasium.
Eleven playgrounds with a total acreage of 225
acres are operated for white children. For the
colored children there are three grounds with a
total of 40 acres of land. This provides in all
265 acres of play space, more, perhaps, than many
cities five or six times the population of Winston-
Salem have set aside for their children. Two pub-
lic swimming pools are now operated, without
charge to the attendants, and two more are being
completed. To carry on this work the city last
year appropriated over $35,000 for improvements
and salaries alone. Lloyd B. Hathaway, who is
director of the department, has on his staff during
vacation time twenty-five trained workers and
play leaders.
Local organizations are giving remarkable co-
operation. One of the large swimming pools now
in operation was erected and donated by the local
Kiwanis Club, which has another large pool soon
to be turned over to the city. The merchants help
in every possible way. They believe in their city
and their children and are willing to give mate-
rial aid. The two newspapers not only give all
the space desired for stories of recreation activi-
ties, but donate trophy cups. Last year one of
the papers paid for the moving pictures which
were run at one of the grounds.
The fact that the physical education depart-
ment of the schools has taught children to play,
that the adult population is made up of lovers of
amateur sport and that the recreation department
has a clear field for its efforts are factors com-
bining to make the program city-wide. We seek
to attract as many people as possible — children,
men and women — to secure their interest and get
them out on the grounds. Once they come there
is no difficulty involved in keeping them coming
and in organizing them into activities. The
dads play volley ball, baseball and pitch horse-
shoes. The mothers play croquet, paddle tennis
and are sometimes surprised to find themselves
cutting out dolls and painting toys with the chil-
dren. We believe we have now reached the point
where it will be desirable to organize committees
of these fathers and mothers on each playground,
which will serve in the same way as do Parent
Teacher organizations, and will be used to help
in conducting activities and in getting all of the
children of the community on the playgrounds.
With this in view, one of the methods we have
used this year has been that of conducting enter-
tainments each week on the ground. These events
have been simple affairs carried on entirely by
the children and parents with the play leaders
helping merely to organize them into activities
that will demonstrate the weekly program. The
attendance at these entertainments has been splen-
did. The expense and extra time required were
very little and they have served the purpose well.
It is stimulating to see how many children will
always respond to well placed confidence and re-
sponsibility.
Here it may be well to quote a few statistics
to show the extent of our service to the com-
munity. During the past week our records show
that 8,415 white people and 3,432 colored visited
our grounds while 2,390 used our pools. This is
379
380
RECREATION IN WINSTON-SALEM
SKYLAND SWIMMING POOL, WINSTON-SALEM, N. C.
Donated by the local Kiwanis Club
fully 20% of our population and does not include
those using the grounds early in the morning or
after seven in the evening. Another branch of
the work which does not show in these statistics
is our service to picnics. Almost every week on
at least a half dozen occasions the department,
sends equipment and leaders to Sunday School
outings. No charge is made for this work and it
has come to be very much in demand.
A list of other activities carried on by the de-
partment includes bounce ball, volley ball, junior
Olympics, baseball pitching, pogo, a baseball carni-
val, a flower show, playground baseball, hand-
work, jack stones, croquet, o'leary, kick ball,
swimming, tennis, sand modeling, horseshoe pitch-
ing, stilt and pushmobile contests. In addition we
have had a number of treasure hunts and hikes.
As many as 1,000 children have come together at
one time for a treasure hunt and it is always a
popular activity.
Our swimming pool activities this year have
been more successful than ever before. We have
placed special emphasis on instructions for non-
swimmers and nearly 500 boys and girls have
passed the Red Cross contests. A city-wide boys'
and girls' swimming team has been organized for
meets with nearby cities. For water entertain-
ments and exhibitions, we have meet, stunt nights
and Red Cross demonstrations. The utmost care
is used in pool sanitation and cleanliness.
We have here at our Fourteenth Street play-
ground what we believe to be the largest play space
set aside for colored people in the country. This
field contains thirty acres of ground, well equipped
for recreation. It has one of the finest natural
formations possible for a large swimming lake
and this will doubtless be developed in the next
year or so. There are two colored workers on
the ground who have been trained for recreation
and the colored people of the community are re-
sponding in a wonderful way to this, their first
real opportunity for healthful recreation.
We want to invite any delegates to the Recre-
ation Congress who pass through our city to stop
and see our work.
How often is that suburban belt of realty just
beyond the city limits a jumbled mass of property
of varying and conflicting uses, not only largely
destructive to values, but creating great expense
later in providing playgrounds, parks, traffic ways,
schoollands and proper differentiation and segre-
gation of uses of city property?
Have we provided the proper amount and dis-
tribution of parks, schools and public playgrounds,
so essential to city building? A place to play, to
relax, to enjoy good fellowship, to make good
citizens, to enjoy living in this beautiful world,
in which God has placed us ? j C. NICHOLS.
Recreation Week in Nashville
BY
MARY STAHLMAN DOUGLAS
Nashville, Tenn.
"White Linen vs. Blue Denim" or "Knickers
vs. Overalls" might have been the title of the
athletic contests which featured "All Sports for
All Day," the climax to Nashville's first Recrea-
tion Week. Perhaps never before in the history
of Nashville did all groups mingle in so friendly
a spirit as on that day, when thousands of men,
women and children — bankers, preachers, lawyers,
railway engineers and firemen, clay laborers, farm-
ers, men from all walks of life, came from their
work to join in the wholesome play and recreation
which held sway at Shelby Park. There were
men from the railway shops in their "cover-alls" ;
there were two or three men fresh from plowed
fields in their overalls ; there were tired men and
women from office and factory, and there were
white-linened youngsters from the schools and
colleges. They were all there and as soon as
they "caught on," they were participants.
Getting people interested in various forms of
wholesome recreation was the chief purpose of
Recreation Week, and "All Sports for All Day,"
the final event of the week, was proof that the
events of the five preceding days had borne fruit.
Not only had the crowds increased each day but
on the final day the people came not just to see
but to take part.
Those who planned Recreation Week for Nash-
ville hoped that from it would come an increased
interest in Recreation, not just during that week,
but during all the weeks to come.
That the results have taken on permanent form
is indicated by the intense interest manifested
this summer in all forms of recreation at the city
parks and playgrounds. Paddle tennis, croquet
and horse shoe pitching tournaments have been
held recently in each of the fourteen city play-
grounds, attracting the largest number of partic-
ipants as well as spectators ever gathered for
similar activities at the playgrounds. Philip Le-
Boutillier, director of park activities, who also
was the principal factor in the success of Recrea-
tion Week, attributes much of the deepened inter-
est in the playground activities to the publicity
gained during Recreation Week.
How // Was Presented
Just what was Recreation Week? Each day
of the week was set aside for special activities.
On the opening Sunday every pastor in the city
was supplied with facts and asked to make an-
nouncement of the program and to preach a ser-
mon on the value of wholesome recreation in
building good citizens. Practically every preacher
cooperated in the plans, helping Recreation Week
to a good start. Once started, it gathered momen-
tum daily, and by Wednesday was going so strong
that nothing short of an earthquake could have
interrupted it in its march of triumph.
Monday was Tennis, Swimming and Play-
ground Ball Day. These three major activities
held sway on every city playground, every tennis
court, public and private and in each of the seven
pools of the city. Round-robin tennis tourna-
ments were held on every court, and playground
ball was featured at every city playground. After-
jioon and evening programs of swimming, fancy
and high diving, and life-saving were presented at
the Young Men's Christian Association, Young
Women's Christian Association, Young Men's
Hebrew Association, Peabody College, Peabody
Demonstration School, and Ward-Belmont pools,
attracting large crowds at each demonstration.
Every settlement, community center, park and
PADDLE TENNIS IN NASHVILLE
381
382
RECREATION WEEK IN NASHVILLE
CROQUET, NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE PLAY WEEK
playground was the scene of community gather-
ings on Tuesday, which was designated as "Neigh-
borhood Day." Parades, contests, games, com-
munity singing, drama, and story-telling brought
young and old together in friendly rivalry. The
most spectacular phase of Neighborhood Day was
the neighborhood skating races. The mayor had
four streets in the various parts of the city
blocked off from 3 to 4 p. m. and during this
hour from two to seven hundred boys and girls
participated in roller skating races at each loca-
tion. It was estimated that nearly three thousand
children actually participated in these events, for
which prizes were awarded the winners in the
various races.
The little tots held the center of the stage on
Wednesday, "Children's Day." Flower parades
and doll shows were the drawing cards for the
smaller children, while track meets and other
athletic contests attracted the older boys and girls.
It was "Come and See" day at every settlement,
community center and playground and more than
ten thousand children took part in the various
programs.
National Folk Dances Popular
One of the outstanding events of the entire
week was the program of national folk dancing
which was given Wednesday evening at the Ry-
man auditorium. More than 3,500 people wit-
nessed the attractive dances which were given by
physical education classes. The costumes of the
various countries were especially designed, and
thirteen different nations were represented, in-
cluding Russian, Danish, Swedish, French, Car-
pathian, Belgian, Irish, English, Spanish, Scotch,
Dutch and American.
Thursday was Church Social Recreation Day.
Programs carefully worked out and tested by the
physical education department of Peabody College
were sent to each pastor and successful indoor
programs were put on by a number of the
churches and Sunday schools.
The program of indoor recreation activities
which was given Friday evening at the Ryman
auditorium attracted one of the largest crowds
of the week and proved one of the most interest-
ing exhibitions. Ladder pyramids, apparatus
exercises, parallel bars, mat work, wand and In-
dian club drills, marching and folk dancing were
presented by the various schools and colleges and
other physical education classes. The most re-
markable of these were the pyramids built by
boys from the Tennessee School for the Blind.
The Tennessee Physical Education Association
(Continued on page 393)
RECREATION FOR SOCIAL WORKERS
383
Recreation for Social
Workers
BY
BAILEY B. BURRITT
General Director, Association for Improving the
Condition of the Poor, New York City
Personal experience is always a useful check
on community plans and community programs in
spite of the fact that inferences from personal
experience are in great danger of being translated
into generalities when sometimes they have only a
particular basis. Out of personal experience that
has led me at times much closer to the margin
of health and ill health than has been comfortable,
I am more and more coming to the conclusion
that suitable recreation and actual physical exer-
cise is not playing the part that it must play in the
lives of New Yorkers at any rate. This implies,
I am sure, to people of all ages and both sexes
and in particular, to nearly all adults engaged in
so-called sedentary occupations.
This is no new theme but nevertheless one that
is affecting the usefulness of our lives because
of our failure to realize it in practice. With great
difficulty I have worked out a program this year
that has involved actual and rather energetic exer-
cise in playing handball on an outdoor handball
court, followed by a good shower bath, at least
once a week and as often as possible twice a week.
I say I have worked out the program with diffi-
culty because facilities for anything like this are
inadequate and the difficulties of getting suitable
persons to join in such recreation at times when
I can be free presents a very real problem. I
have no doubt whatever of its effectiveness, how-
ever, in my own situation. Work becomes more
pleasurable and therefore more effective since I
have followed this program, my health has been
measurably better, the little things of life that
sometimes seem large and irritating fall back into
their normal proportions and the outlook on life
is immeasurably improved.
I am not writing this letter to advocate that
everyone play handball — indeed, in my own case
I have no doubt that some other forms of recrea-
tion and exercise might prove more beneficial than
this. What I am quite certain of is that recrea-
tion and physical exercise are not taken seriously
as a part of life's business on the part of a very
large percentage of our population. Until it is
looked upon as a necessity as vital as food and
drink, as vital as education, church attendance or
work itself, we shall continue to lose a large part
of life itself and all that it means.
I have been impressed with the fact that there
is not only an inadequate recognition of the place
of recreation and exercise in life and, because of
a lack of a thorough going conviction with regard
to the matter, the facilities are entirely inadequate,
particularly in our busy congested life in New
York, but that there does not seem to be an ade-
quate marriage between the community programs
of those who are devoting themselves to a health
program for our various communities. I have
been sitting for some time in the inner councils
of a group who have been working out three sig-
nificant health demonstrations, for example. I
refer to the three demonstrations being planned
and carried out by the Milbank Memorial Fund.
I do not recall that there has been any discussion
in the working out of these programs of the place
of physical exercise and recreation in health work.
There has been no effort even, I believe, to stimu-
late a study of and promotion of a recreation pro-
gram in the areas in which the health program is
being so carefully planned. I recognize fully
that the financial means available do not make pos-
sible other than very limited intensive efforts to
add to the health facilities as generally understood
of districts in which these demonstrations are
being carried out. Nevertheless, even among this
important group of health planners, the recreation
and physical exercise point of view is either lack-
ing or, at any rate, has not to my knowledge fcund
any expression.
I query also whether in any inner circles of per-
sons devoting themselves to the promotion of
recreation programs, there would not be found a
similar lack of recognition of the necessary rela-
tion between health measures and recrearicnal
measures. Isn't this unfortunate? What can be
done to remedy it? Has any real attempt been
made to find a common denominator of these two
points of view? Do we know enough about the
actual facts of physical exercise and recreation
on the physical, mental and moral efficiency of
individuals to speak with as much authority as we
can with regard to the results of, let us say, tuber-
culosis, or rickets, or some other disease on the
efficiency of life? In any event, cannot something
be done to bring together more closely the two
lines of endeavor which seem to me too detached
from each other to be working for the greatest
(Continued on page 406)
384
YOUR THEORY AND YOUR PRACTICE
Does Your Practice Square
With Your Theory?
BY
JOHN R. SHILLADY
Proverbially, the shoemaker's children are poor-
ly shod, the tailor's family are shabbily clothed,
the bootblack's shoes are never shined.
The social worker's philosophy — for his clients
— includes play as well as work. Social workers
campaign for the shorter work day, either through
direct service in consumer's leagues, associations
for labor legislation and the like or through active
sympathy for the "right to leisure" — for "wage
earners."
What about recreation for themselves? Do
social workers play or are they too intent on
"uplift," in the vernacular of those who sit in the
seat of the scornful, to bend down, a la Walter
Camp and stretch a la the tiger in the zoo?
How many social workers have joined Dr. Fin-
ley's order of "Sainte Terre" with its salutary
three miles walk a day, a thousand miles a year,
as an objective? Case workers, visiting nurses
and visiting teachers will say at once that they
"Sainte Terre" (saunter) a thousand miles a
month and are dog tired when the day's work is
done. Admitted they have taken exercise, but
they have not played.
You desk workers, executives, supervisors,
directors, registrars and staff workers ! Do you
take your play time in watching others at play,
in occasional tennis for a few weeks in summer,
in a hectic rush in vacation time, or mayhap in fan-
tasying, day dreaming of green fields and babbling
brooks, in odd moments between "conferences"
and dictation periods?
I am asking these questions out of no idle
curiosity nor as a research stunt, but in dead earn-
est, to be provocative and to arouse interest among
social workers in play if I can.
T speak now in the first person to point a moral.
I did not play. I took my recreation, for the most
part, intellectually from books. And I loved my
work. With books and work one loves, what
could be better fun, thought I ! And I worked
and read, and read and worked, and was content
so to do, the more zany I.
But, old human nature gave me an "awful wal-
lop" when I wasn't looking and down I went for
the count. Not for ten seconds either ; it was
twelve long months before I "came back."
And yet, I was healthy enough,. I thought. My
yearly "exam" at the Life Extension Institute
showed "heart action, O. K.," "lungs, O. K.,"
"blood pressure, normal," "general health, good,"
and so I patted myself on the back, figuratively
speaking, as a sane liver — and worked and read —
read and worked, ad lib. Being an executive, my
work was intellectual. Loving reading, not wisely
but too well, my play was of a piece with my
work. Fatal unity !
At forty-eight I played my first game of golf,
volleyed in my first game of tennis, bowled for the
first time, danced for almost the first time since
early youth, played my first game of bridge, played
(yes ye athletes) — croquet, and grew fond of them
all. I even did the cross-word puzzle.
When they had taught me to play, the doctors
said I got well. And I mean to keep well and be
gadfly to my friends upon whom may rest "the
burden of the world" — unless and until they play
regularly and joyously, leaving some things for
God to amend without their and my aid.
Play is more than exercise. Exercise is good,
but it is not good enough. I do not use the word
"recreation," but the shorter and more youth-like
word "play."
I am glad that this article is for THE PLAY-
GRorxD, I like the word. And I think of a play-
ground as the one piece of ground we all need.
The more time at the playground the longer post-
ponement of the time we go under the ground for
our finis.
How rare a thing it is for adults to keep play-
ing, daily, weekly, regularly and with abandon,
as all playing should be done, until they are. say,
of retirement age.
A railroad executive told me one of his recipes
for handling an enormous amount of detail. It
was, "I clear my desk every Wednesday at noon,"
he said "for nine months in the year and no
matter how important my work obligations are, I
play golf that afternoon." But then, he is only
a railroad executive — an important job, yes. but
not social work.
For my own case I played baseball, as a boy on
the vacant lots of Detroit, skated and participated
in such other sports as were common to the chil-
dren of wage earners in the eighties and early
nineties. Tennis was reserved, in those days, as
indeed in these times, largely for the well-to-do.
Basket ball, hand ball and football, except soccer
ball, was 'likewise for those who could afford the
gymnasium or the private club. Even the Y. M".
(Continued on page 395)
VISITING TEACHER AND PLAY LEADER
385
Visiting Teacher and
Playground Worker
BY
MARY BUELL SAYLES
Joint Committee on Methods of Preventing
Delinquency, New York City
The visiting teacher assigned to a school in a
certain neighborhood and the recreation worker
in charge of a playground in that neighborhood
have perhaps as many points of contact as any two
types of social workers can have. The ways in
which they can help one another to an under-
standing of common problems, can assist one an-
other to find practical solutions to such problems,
are legion.
Consider the relation of the visiting teacher to
school and home. An experienced teacher with
social case work training, she is an integral part
of the one institution, responding to the requests
of principal and classroom teacher for aid in
difficulties which they find perplexing; while in
the home she is welcomed as the representative of
the school, who can explain its point of view, and
in return can enter into the peculiar difficulties of
parents and children and carry back an under-
standing of their situation to members of the
teaching staff. Her opportunities to gain an in-
sight into the causes which lie back of retardation
or nervousness, of erratic conduct or of begin-
ning delinquency in the school child, are thus
exceptional. And no less exceptional are her
opportunities for service through bringing about
school adjustments that will meet the child's
peculiar needs, and through reinterpreting his
mental traits and behavior trends to his parents
and inducing them, where old methods of manage-
ment have failed, to experiment with new ones.
The child's whole life, however, is not lived in
home and school. From an early age his outside
play life among his fellows usually fills several
hours a day, and these hours are, with many chil-
dren, the most engrossing and the most influential
upon future development of the twenty-four.
The keen observer of a child during his leisure
hours may learn, perhaps, as much about his real
life, about his dominant traits and interests, as
can be learned from observation of him in school,
from reports of teachers, or from home sources.
And it is in opportunities for such observation
that the days of the playground worker are
peculiarly rich. To him, also, come many open-
ings for influencing the character of the play-life,
and through this the entire mental life, of boy
or girl.
Here, for example, is Maggie — a typical, if
imaginary, ten-year-old Maggie, whose painfully
conscientious, serious-minded attitude as a student
is causing her teacher much anxiety — who never
visits the playground because all her after-school
hours are spent in tending her three-year-old
brother Tommie. If the home situation is such
that the visiting teacher can find no way of com-
pletely relieving the child of her afternoon duties,
she may enlist the interest of a play leader who
will see that Tommie is happily occupied in the
sandbox under watchful oversight so that Mag-
gie may be free for play, and who will encourage
the prematurely care-worn little mother to join in
games with children of her age.
Or here is Gerald — an only child, very bright
in his studies, rather slight in physique, who
doesn't know how to hold his own with the other
boys and spends most of his play hours reading
or mooning— a situation for which undue cod-
dling by a fond, indulgent mother seems largely
responsible. If he can be got into the hands of
an interested play leader who will give him
pointers on some of the current games, help him
overcome his timidity, ease his way with the other
boys until he begins to feel at home and to enjoy
himself, his whole attitude toward life may be
changed.
On the other hand, the playground director
may have a serious problem in some young bully-
who continually upsets the games he takes part
in. A visiting teacher might, if called on for
help, look into the boy's record at school, visit his
home, and in an unhurried talk in her office, seek
to get at the underlying causes of his attitude..
Perhaps he is merely passing on the bullying he
receives from a father or elder brother ; perhaps
he is one of those dull youngsters held by force
to an uncongenial academic program, who seeks
to compensate for his growing sense of inferiority
in the classroom by overbearing behavior towards
his mates. Transfer to a class which gives play
to mechanical aptitudes and allows him some
sense of achievement, some small measure of suc-
cess, may relieve this pressure for compensation ;
or a change in attitudes toward him in the home
may be brought about which will lessen his drive
to assert himself at the expense of others.
(Continued on page 387)
386
THE CHILDREN'S FRIEND
The Children's Friend in
Kewanee
BY
V. R. MANNING
It was the hottest day of a torrid July when I
went to Kewanee. The thermometer stood at 96.
As I walked down the railroad tracks with two
Belgian workmen who were directing me to the
Kewanee Boiler Works we met several groups of
boys with bathing suits slung over their shoulders.
My mind went back to the days of the "ole
WADING POOL AND PLAYGROUND EQUIPMENT
Liberty Park, Kewanee, 111.
swimmin' hole" and I wondered who had been the
moving spirit in giving Kewanee boys a modern
substitute for the swimming hole.
I found E. E. Baker, President of the Kewanee
Boiler Works, whom I had come to tell about our
national program, a quiet, modest man who sug-
r
IMMENSE SWIMMING POOL AND BATH HOUSE
Northeast Park, Kewanee, 111.
gested I might enjoy a trip through the parks.
After my tour of Liberty Park, Baker Park,
the Park Board golf links and a stay of half an
hour at the pool, where five hundred boys and
girls were escaping the heat, I was still more
eager to learn who had done so much for recrea-
tion in Kewanee.
The Secretary of the Chamber of Commerce,
G. Robert Galloway, gave me these facts as to
Kewanee's first citizen.
In 1919 through the Chamber of Commerce,
E. E. Baker made a gift of $50,000 to the city
for parks and playgrounds, provided a Park Dis-
trict was formed, a Park Commission elected and
bonds to the same amount issued by the Park
District. This was done and Mr. Baker was
elected President of the Park Commission.
From this total fund of $100,000 North East
Park, an area of 18 acres, was purchased. In
1922 the swimming pool in this park, 300 feet long
by 135 feet wide, was built. It was opened in
1923.
In 1921 from the same fund Chautauqua Park,
another area of 18 acres, was opened. It is a
wooded tract and has facilities for several picnic
grounds and a tourist camp.
In 1923 Liberty Park, a small playground with
wading pool, sand pits and playground equipment,
was opened. Here there are two playground
supervisors during the summer.
In 1924 Mr. Baker gave $35,000 more for ad-
ditional park space. An area of 110 acres was
secured. In this park are two lakes, five miles of
walks, three miles of roads and a nine hole public
golf course. There are four groves for picnics
and here on Sunday gather the Poles, Lithuanians,
E. E. BAKER
President Board of Park Commissioners, Kewanee, 111.,
Park District
LOOP THE LOOP
387
Belgians and other racial groups. This new area
was named Baker Park in deserved recognition
of its donor.
This year, as a final gift to this city, Mr. Baker
has established a Community fund of $400,000
known as Everitt E. Baker, Inc.
The income from this fund is to be used for
all time for the benefit of Kewanee, "particularly
to establish, build, improve and maintain parks,
public buildings, public baths and playgrounds ; to
help crippled children and to render financial aid
to worthy young people seeking an education."
The fund is to be handled by a self perpetuating
Board of Directors. Under present plans at least
$5,000 a year will be available for park and play-
ground purposes. With this fund the next step
in Kewanee ought to be a year-round recreation
system with a trained recreation man in charge.
Mr. Baker has shown the way to other citizens
of the country who want to find means of build-
ing a better America. We need a Baker for our
national movement who will provide a fund so
that the Playground and Recreation Association
of America may reach the 400 cities of 8,000
population or more, still without a single play-
ground.
Visiting Teacher
(Continued from page 385)
Then, too, the playground worker may, if a
good listener, glean much from the spontaneous
talk of boys and girls regarding the true inward-
ness of perplexing school and neighborhood situa-
tions. This is not to suggest the role of eaves-
dropper ; but things surreptitiously whispered in
school may be loudly commented upon in the
open, and the true ringleader may appear in the
place of his more or less innocent dummy. In-
sights thus gained may greatly aid the visiting
teacher to an evaluation of the elements in diffi-
cult situations.
The modern city school is wellnigh as complex
as the community it serves ; at its worst, it seeks
to force all children into uniform moulds, regard-
less of individual differences ; at its best, it en-
deavors to understand its youthful clientele and
to offer each one the opportunities which will
most fully develop his abilities, enrich his inner
life, guide him in the formation of wholesome
interests to occupy leisure time, and aid him in
the selection of a life occupation. The play-
ground is also a highly artificial product of city
conditions. What the child inevitably loses in
freedom and fullness of life amid the hampering
restrictions of a crowded quarter he may in part
be compensated for if his work and play bring
him in contact with wise adults who have not
forgotten their own childhood and who have used
the diverse opportunities and experiences of later
years to build up an ever wider and deeper un-
derstanding of youth — its instinctive drives, its
peculiar idealisms, its often obscure and puzzling
folkways. Such adults, whatever their immediate
objectives, will work most effectively when they
work together, supplementing one another's
knowledge and broadening one another's field of
vision.
Loop the Loop
(A New Game)
F. J. Lipovetz, director of summer recreation
at Chisolm, Minnesota, has evolved a game known
as Loop the Loop, which is designed to develop
in boys and girls a sense of direction and a physio-
logical body balance and equilibrium.
A sixty by sixty foot square forms the playing
field. The upper and lower sides are divided into
one yard intervals, the division points having point
values and being numbered from 0 to 100 from
the center to both the left and right division points
respectively. The other two sides are known as
foul lines.
The player is blindfolded and placed on the
100 upper or AA line. He is turned around six
times to the left and six times to the right and then
faced directly toward the opposite 100 or BB line
mark. On the command "go" the contestant at-
tempts to walk in a straight line toward the oppo-
site one-hundred point mark and continues walk-
ing until he crosses the lower or BB line. Here he
is stopped by the command "halt." A scorer
registers the point value touched by the player.
Following this, player makes an about face, and
proceeds to walk toward the starting one-hundred
point mark. He continues walking until the AA
line is touched. Here he is again halted, the score
is registered, he makes an about face turn and re-
peats the procedure. The individual score is com-
puted by adding the total number of points re-
corded during walks 123 and 4. In computing
team scores, the individual points scored are to-
taled. Any number of players may take part.
To make the game of greatest possible value,
quiet should prevail during the progress of the
contest. Noise, wind and sunshine are aids in de-
tecting direction.
388
A PLAYGROUND IN BROOKLYN
A Playground Established
by Emil Bommer
BY
HELEN SEDGEWICK JONES
Emil Bommer is a very modest man who loves
children. A small but very vivid area of Brook-
lyn, N. Y., testifies to the fact that, not only does
he love children but children love him also. At
the corner of DeKalb and Classon Avenues, there
is a small gateway over which is a large sign saying
CHILDREN'S GARDEN and, in smaller letters,
"Open to Children under 11 years of age — Estab-
lished 1908 by Emil Bommer." Above the sign flies
an American flag and on each side of the flag sits
a wooden soldier in a blue uniform. These soldiers
were cut out by Mr. Bommer himself eighteen
years ago when he started this project and they
have guarded the gateway ever since.
As one enters a radiance of color bursts upon
the view. For Emil Bommer believes that children
PLAY TABLE, EMIL BOMMER PLAYGROUND
Brooklyn, N. Y.
like bright colors and all the equipment of this
playground is painted green with bright red trim-
mings.
The playground is composed of five back yards
thrown together and each type of equipment has
its own proper place, with a little red fence with
a gateway built around it. The swings have a
further protection of wire that none of the chil-
dren may be hurt by the enthusiastic swingers.
There is one section of swings for older girls,
another with swings for older boys and eight
swings especially for the small children. There
are three self-propelled merry-go-rounds, nine
see-saws, seven small slides and one giant stride.
In addition to these two very popular spiral fire
BABY CRIBS, EMIL BOMMER PLAYGROUND
Brooklyn, N. Y.
escapes, used as slides, are continually crowded
to capacity with little boys and girls whose sole
aim in life seems to be to get up to the top of the
steps and have the joy of whizzing down the slide.
Cradles, with washable canvas tops, are provided
for the little sisters and brothers who are brought
to the playground by the older children. Where
there are not shade trees a slat roof is provided,
that there may be ample protection from the sun.
Games and sand tables are another source of
great enjoyment. Parchesi, checkers and lotto
are bought by the dozen each year and varnished
over that they may last through the six months
during which the playgrounds are open.
The sand tables are long, being marked off into
twenty individual sections, and each section has
a hole in one side, into which is set a galvanized
pail filled with 'damp sand. The children sit on
long benches at the side and make mud pies to
their hearts' content, each with a pail of sand and
a moulding board all to himself. The pails may
be taken out at night and the sand washed.
A woman — "Miss May" the children all call her
— has supervised this playground for the past
eighteen years. She appoints monitors from the
children for the different sections of the play-
ground to help her in settling the very few ques-
tions which arise. Thus the children themselves
have a part in their own government — and she says
that never has an accident, above a few scratches,
occurred on the playground, although the attend-
ance varies from 200 to 700 children a day.
Mr. Bommer is a spring hinge manufacturer.
He owns the entire block in the heart of which
this playground is situated. Most of the equip-
DO PLAY TRAITS BREED LIFE TRAITS?
389
ment was made in his factory, by his workmen.
The playground opens at the end of April and
closes the first of November. It is open all day
each day of school vacation excepting Saturday
afternoon and Sunday and during school time
from 3-5 in the afternoon and all day Saturday.
If anyone doubts that the children appreciate
what Emil Bommer has done for them, one visit
to this Children's Paradise on some sunny summer
afternoon will speedily convince him to the con-
trary.
Comment
(Continued from page 371)
example and taking for granted the decent atti-
tude is the essence of good sense and shows a
working knowledge of the boy mind. So also the
invaluable caution that the code should be tied
up to unchanging ideal motives and accepted for
its own sake, not out of personal regard for the
instructor.
The result hoped for is a code rather than a
habit, but a code so generalized and so con-
cretely felt that there is just ground for hoping
it will be spontaneously applied to other situations
from that in which it was acquired, i
The question is left open whether, in addition
to a code — by which I should understand an in-
tellectual conviction fused with moral purpose — a
habit also, which carries automatically over into
the new situations, can be acquired. Upon this
point I would throw out this additional sugges-
tion— that when the generalized code has been
acquired, there will be a reaction back from this
into the playing of the game, so that the game
itself will now vibrate into wider spaces in the
consciousness and will stir the stream of life
within them in a way that will necessarily find
issue in a wider sphere. The game motive itself
will be deeper and more generalized and its \vider
application thus be directly nourished. My own
feeling back of this, unsupported at present by
scientific evidence, is that the flower nourishes
the root as truly as the root the flower, that all
successful discharge of personality springs from
the very center of life and vibrates down to it,
and that the same is true in some degree of the
intermediate centers, the points from which the
branches fork. So that something of a tendency
more generalized than the original action is
formed at each branch of the ways and is at
least capable of being led toward discharge.
But at present this is mere hypothesis.
Of course in this whole matter there is the other
question so soul-satisfyingly raised by Dr. Cooper :
"What if you can secure these by-products? Are
they worth securing, or at least are they so im-
portant that we should greatly occupy ourselves
about them?" I think one thing at least is pretty
clear. These by-products are not the most im-
portant thing. So that, if we do try to widen the
content of the child's consciousness while play-
ing, or otherwise to generalize his play motives,
we must be wholly sure that in so doing we do
not blur or weaken the original impulse nor de-
prive it of that spontaneity, that wildness of pure
and uncontaminated quality, that is its very life.
Personally I think it can be done. Children al-
ready differ much in .the width-of-basis~ of their
acts — in the matter of how deep they buzz. I have
a feeling that such width-of-basis, with resulting
identity of motive in different manifestations, can
be cultivated by discreet suggestion. Here lies,
I suppose, the very turning point of the age-long
quarrel between morality and art, the gods and
the police.
So here are two great questions on which I con-
fess myself capable of giving forth only an un-
certain sound:
( 1 ) Can we do it ?
(2) Should we dare to try?
Comment
BY
J. C. WALSH
You are good enough to invite my comment on
Rev. Dr. Cooper's paper. Do play traits breed
life traits? If you will allow me to leap at the
answer, rather than plod towards it, I don't think
they do. They do something vastly more signifi-
cant. They indicate life traits, already fixed be-
fore play began and due to persist until there is
a job for the sexton.
I do not think it is even the first indication.
The predominant characteristic of a child can be
discerned long before it is big enough to play, and
can be identified again twenty or fifty years later.
Play is merely the first period of a child's inde-
pendent physical self-expression. The boy or girl
who goes skating on a river doesn't regard the
rest of the universe as in the least degree impor-
tant, and the child is a thousand times right. The
only thing that matters at all is that the subliminal
390
AS TO CHARACTER TRAINING
ego, tucked away inside him some place, should
have expression. If he achieves that, the child
is living. If he is not permitted to, the child's
spirit is in thrall. Even so, he is bound to go on
seeking expression of the life impulse, adapting
himself to all the restrictions with which changing
conditions infest him. The nature of the limita-
tions and accessories of play may determine
whether the child's expression of his personality
carries him towards good or towards evil.
You may observe that I regard the small human
as essentially an individual, just as much as he is
when he is seventy. His kingdom is within him.
It is because I am convinced, to the point of dog-
matic assertion, that play is the child's natural
means of self-expression, and therefore his in-
alienable right, that I think of play for the child
as an end, and not at all as a means to something
else. I do not believe that what happens to a
boy in play changes the essence of that boy one
particle. He will soon have to stop playing, but
he will go on finding himself now and again, in
something that he does not suspect is play, but
which really is. (Mr. William Van Home once
told me he hadn't done a day's work since he
stopped cutting wood with a bucksaw for his
father.)
You see, therefore, that I look upon gangs,
teams, playgrounds, athletic associations and all
the rest, as entitled to commendation only in so
far as they conduce to overcome some obstacle
to a boy's playing, so releasing his soul in the way
he yearns to. Numbers and expense are of no
consequence in the matter. Babe Ruth gets ex-
actly the same enjoyment of the sense of power
out of a home run that another man does from a
three hundred yard drive from the tee, though the
former has 50,000 to see him do it and the latter
may have only his playing partner who did not
even notice how far the ball went.
The child has the right to play. Civilization
restricts his enjoyment of that right. We are jus-
tified in demanding that civilization, as exempli-
fied by the cities, atone for this outrage by provid-
ing facilities for play. But when it has done so,
no matter how virtuous it may feel, the child is
not in its debt. Not a bit. Every-day life con-
tinues to buffet him, and he to respond according
to what is in him. If he started life in daily bat-
tles with his best chum, he is very apt to be found,
in middle life, trying to stop a franchise grab,
and to wind up in an organization for putting a
stop to the police third degree. No amount of
drill, discipline or playground supervision could
make that particular boy a bond salesman or a
moving picture magnate, any more than a water-
melon would become a pumpkin through being
grown in the same cornfield. It might, for all I
know, acquire a pumpkinish flavor and still be a
melon — or vice versa. But how much effort would
that result be worth? Life is more or less doing
that to us all the time, and some of us are hardy
enough to resent it.
Play is the child's right. As long as he plays
he does nobody harm by the exercise of his right.
Nobody can justly exact from him a price for
making use of his right. To require of him that
because he has been allowed to play he ought to
be willing to conform to something, or to hood-
wink him into doing so, would be just plain out-
rage. The tendency towards conformity, with
its inevitable suppression of individuality, is al-
ready so marked as to threaten the vitality of the
race. There is much too much of it. We ought
to interest ourselves in the opposite direction.
As to Character Training
The question of character through play is one
that is interesting both psychologists and prac-
tical workers. The P. R. A. A. has recently been
in correspondence with a number of leaders in the
field of psychology who are working upon this
problem. Hugh Hartshorne, who with Dr. May,
is conducting a Character Education Inquiry at
Teachers College, Columbia University, writes :
"We hope to be able to create a battery of tests
which shall be valid, reliable and standardized and
which will be applicable to a sufficiently wide
range of situations to make possible scientific ex-
periment among workers.
"We do feel that it is psychologically practicable
to create such tests and that it will be only a matter
of time before they will be quite as usable as our
present educational and intelligence tests."
Dr. George A. Coe:
These qualities are as a rule abstractions. They
do not yield us insight into causative factors, and
they cannot be cultivated as such — that is, apart
from the specific situations in which conduct takes
place. The educational problem, then — and I
judge the testing problem also — will have to be
stated in terms, not of qualities or of virtues, but
of changes wrought by the pupil's conduct in ob-
jectively determinable situations. I go even far-
ther than this. I do not admit that it is even de-
sirable to develop, say "loyalty" as such. Loyalty
AS TO CHARACTER TRAINING
391
is either evil or good according to the object, the
situation, and the purposes that are involved.
The problem isn't easy or simple. Probably
there are some temperamental differences based
upon the endocrine glands, and these differences
are important for diagnosis of educational need
and educational gain. There are likewise some
types of desirable habit that can be defined in a
fairly objective way, as habits of diet, of prompt-
ness, of courtesy (not at all the same as the qual-
ity of courtesy, however). Beyond this, it seems
to me, we must fix attention upon specific types
of action in specific types of situation, not upon
generalized qualities.
Professor Robert E. Park :
Character, undoubtedly, rests on certain innate
characteristics in the individual, but these char-
acteristics get defined in the relation which the
individual establishes in the different groups of
which he is a member and with which he identi-
fies his own personal interests. These are, first
of all, the family, the playground group, and then
individual persons. Recreation should be a means
for establishing relations in which the moral char-
acter of the individual might get definition. The
boy's character is very largely influenced by the
gang with which he associates, but that is because
this association is intimate and because the gang
is more or less an outlaw organization, in conflict
with the rest of society. The participation in the
same adventures and in the same danger draws
the individuals of the group together and estab-
lishes intimacies which profoundly affect the in-
dividual personality. Anything that appeals to
the imagination of the individual, enlists his loy-
alty and defines his ideal interests, will affect his
character.
I cannot believe, however, that any study that
thinks of character as composed of abstract ele-
ments and factors — like aggressiveness, ambition,
honesty, loyalty, perseverence, self control — is
going to get at the problem.
Mary A. Brownell :
There is nothing inherent in the activity of base-
ball which in itself would make a participant de-
velop along social, physical, mental, or emotional
lines. One can be made a cheat and a poor sport
just as well as one can develop the desirable char-
acter traits. What effect does this have upon the
whole situation? It throws the emphasis upon
the way in which an individual learns and not so
much upon what he learns. In other words any
teaching situation can be made a developer of
desirable traits by whatever activity you want to
use. It cannot be said that track and field games
develop initiative more than natural gymnastics.
Another aspect of the matter which will have to
be more clearly understood before we know just
what traits are developed is that of the transfer
of training. Is it true that majors in physical
education, who have had three times as much ex-
posure to games and other forms of physical edu-
cation as ordinary students, cheat less in propor-
tion to those who are physically unfit to take stren-
uous work? The carry over of traits into life
situations is very little understood and certainly
not proved to any degree of satisfaction. Golfers
are apt to spend a good deal of time playing and
yet the magazines are full of stories about men
who take their defeats well and those who take
them very ill. It is claimed that posture carries
over from the special class to the life situation,
but the debutante slouch is a much more prevalent
posture than we can attribute to lack of posture
training.
The matter of the age of the individual must
also be considered. If a student gets to be 18
years old without much exposure to games, can
you, by introducing even the finest type of exer-
cise affect his control of temper, or his ability
to distinguish rhythms ? I again return to the fact
that the effect of activity varies greatly with con-
ditions and that we must avoid saying "basketball
develops good sportsmanship." It really should
be said, "good teaching develops good sportsman-
ship." Character building begins so far back in
the life of the individual that most of the mental
specialists now say that the first three years lay
the foundations of character so firmly that the
later training is merely a question of the addition
of facts to our general knowledge, and cannot
radically change emotional habits which have been
formed.
The effect of tradition on incoming students
would make an interesting study. In a school
where the usual attitude is one of indifference to
the thrills of basketball, the attitude of a freshman
would be very largely conditioned by the opinion
of the upper classmen. If the student was re-
quired to play basketball even the most excellent
coach could not get the same results as if the
coaching was done in a school where there was
fine spirit and loyalty. This change would not be
due to the sport but to the general teaching situa-
tion.
The foregoing discussion is all on the negative
aspect of the case, but it is a necessary clearing
up which must be made before we really attack the
392
AS TO CHARACTER TRAINING
problem. I believe that conduct values can be
ingrained by the following means :
Rules 1. Discuss with children the reason why
a particular rule has been made ; what the conse-
quences will be if everybody broke them ; en-
courage them to think out reasons for other rules ;
allow them to invent games of their own and make
their own rules ; allow them to referee or umpire
when they can show they know and understand
the rules ; allow them to teach other children how
to play the game.
Praise 2. This incentive should be used spar-
ingly when the children already have a high de-
gree of skill. It is much more valuable in the
case of children who are not so good and who be-
come easily discouraged.
Personal example 3. The tendency of children
to hero worship is well known. The teacher must
live up to the precepts which she tries to teach.
This is especially true of keeping one's temper.
Children are much more sensitive to other peo-
ple's emotional disturbances than is commonly
supposed. They should be taught to laugh at
their own mishaps, but not too much in the way
of altruism should be expected. After all fighting
is one of the natural ways of development. The
proper method of boxing and sparring may be
used to sublimate this instinct, but we should not
seek to eliminate it.
Responsibility 4. Helping others to do what
you already know is one of the best methods of
learning anything. When you begin to try to help
another person to play tennis, you learn much
more about the game than in all your previous
training put together. I do not believe that chil-
dren have been encouraged to do as much for
themselves as they should have been. Everybody
has had the experience of satisfaction in actually
making something for himself, and in showing it
to others. The fact that it belongs to you makes
it vastly more interesting to you than if it were
someone else's. The application which I would
like to make here is in the matter of apparatus.
Too much is bought ready made which children
would be delighted to make. Pride in things
comes with ownership. If decisions are always
made by someone else how can children grow in
their ability to choose wisely? They must some-
how experience success and failure in order to de-
velop a sense of judgment. Grownups must make
safe opportunities for children to make decisions
and see whether they work.
Perhaps these suggestions will suffice to show
that in my opinion the secret of character building
lies in the teaching situation as it is taught and not
in the activity itself. I could name many more
ways in which our graduates in physical education
need help to see the broad aspects of our work.
If the teacher is to be held responsible for the
character of her students, then she should have
more emphasis on the nature of children and less
on the specific techniques of the activities which
she is to use.
You ask for suggestions as to how these charac-
ter traits can be scientifically measured and stud-
ied. I will try to list a number of problems which
might be used as thesis subjects in Universities or
Colleges.
1. Expose a group of men or women who had
made one or more teams in college to a situation
where the easiest solution to the problem asked
is to look in a book, and ask them not to look in a
book. This situation would have to be arranged
so that the experimenter could see the group with-
out being seen by them, and the forbidden book
placed conveniently. This is by no means as sim-
ple as it sounds, but a study along this general
line might yield some interesting information. A
control group would have to be used composed
of people who had had little or no training in
team games. The situation might have to be
varied in a number of ways, but a research stu-
dent would no doubt be able to improve on this
bare outline.
2. In a teaching situation with which I am ac-
quainted, the instructor was much distressed by
the lack of good sportsmanship displayed by her
pupils. A plan was formulated so that the pupils
themselves discussed the various elements by
which one could distinguish good sports from bad.
This list was posted and the instructor kept track
of the number of times her students failed to live
up to the qualifications. The spirit improved
noticeably.
3. Another method of attack might be to make
a list of questions involving moral judgments and
ask for answers from a group of people who had
had a thorough exposure to team games, a group
which specialized in individual sports like golf,
and a group which led a sedentary life.
4. Another type of experiment is to take a
group of people who are admittedly above sus-
picion, as rated by a number of competent judges,
and compare their training along physical lines
with a group of people who are perhaps neutral
in this respect, or if possible, a group which shows
signs of bad quality traits, such as criminals.
5. A close analysis of exactly what activities
AS TO CHARACTER TRAINING
393
occur in a lesson as taught by a successful teacher
and one taught by a poor teacher, might yield some
insight as to what elements are emphasized by
good teachers. Of course there would be disagree-
ment as to the people to be included in such a
group, but it ought to be possible in a large school
system like Detroit to get a unanimous opinion as
to ten successful and ten unsuccessful teachers.
This study would, of course, have to be conducted
for a series of months in order to get away from
the daily variations which occur to even the best
of teachers. The most important factor in an in-
vestigation of this sort is that of determining the
goals or objectives for each teacher to reach in
the given time.
6. A study and analysis of situations in which
moral or ability judgments are required would
help a great deal in focusing an investigation of
any of the above-named problems.
I believe the factor which contributes most to-
ard desirable traits is the full and intelligent par-
ticipation of the children (old and young) in every
aspect and phase of their games ; including appara-
tus, organization, assisting in coaching where pos-
sible, and any other business which may seem
necessary for the group to undertake. The part
which the teacher must play is to direct activity
so that the greatest good is derived from it. She
is a leader and guide who must combine ta~t and
serviceable ideals.
Thomas A. Storey, M.D. :
I hope that you will have some very real suc-
cess in mapping out the relation between recrea-
tion and character. Recreation is a very broad
term and character is a composite conception. All
of the mental, social and somatic experiences of
the individual brought to bear upon his heredity
produce in their composite a something which we
call character or personality. The results may be
good or bad. Our mental, social and somatic
experiences may be recreational experiences ; but
the recreations of a little child, a college student,
a parent, a retired business man, or a retired col-
lege professor vary a greal deal. The recreations
of a member of a car-barn gang, a street walker,
or a flush burglar are very different from the rec-
reations that you and I classify as wholesome.
The play of childhood, the sports of youth and
the recreations of maturity are all names that
mean play. My definition of play is that it is the
expectation, the realization, or memory of satis-
faction. These satisfactions may be somatic, so-
cial or mental. They may be instincts, sentiments
or tastes. It seems to me that p'ay is the most
fruitful source of education — especially in the
earlier periods of life. Character and personality
are expressions of the results of educational influ-
ences and experiences — good, indifferent or bad —
on heredity.
According to my definition our "play-life" is that
portion of our lives that is made up of a search for
a realization of or a memory of satisfaction. Ac-
cording to my definition, our "work-life is the
other part of our lives that is made up of our
efforts to avoid, prevent, escape from, endure or
forget dissatisfactions. Our "work-life" is, there-
fore, a source of education.
The education — personality — character — pro-
duced does not depend on the mere experience
(activity, games, sport or recreation) but rather
on the quality or character of the satisfactions
that satisfy us. There are in the play of children
satisfactions through cruelty, selfishness, jealousy,
sensuous feelings. You have seen the play of
youth that satisfies through dishonesty, unfairness,
discourtesy, treachery, viciousness, vulgarity.
There is a play of maturity that satisfies through
unscrupulous business success, unfair advantage,
dishonesty, viciousness, crime, sexual promiscuity,
sedentary entertainment.
All these satisfactions make character.
The self -same games, sports or recreations may
lead to a wholesome or unwholesome satisfaction
depending upon the nature of the conditioned
stimuli that make the game, sport or recreation
satisfying to the individual concerned. Football
may emphasize honesty or dishonesty, gentleman-
ly conduct or brutishness, the romance of sex or
the grossness of sensuous pleasure.
The self-same sport or recreation may satisfy
one person and dissatisfy another. In the one
case the character product might easily be in direct
antithesis to the other.
It is not the game played but how it is played ;
it is not the sport but the incentive that urges
the sport; it is not the recreation but the senti-
ment that dominates it— that count in the building
and maintenance of character.
Recreation Week in
Nashville
(Continued from page 382)
met in morning and afternoon sessions Friday as
a part of the Recreation Week program. Speakers
from all parts of the South took part in the pro-
gram, and the delegates attended in a body the
indoor program Friday evening and the mammoth
394
RECREATION WEEK IN NASHVILLE
field meet and picnic at Shelby park Saturday,
which brought the week to a close.
A Half Holiday Declared
Saturday's events opened with a parade through
the downtown district, headed by Mayor Howse,
who had declared a half-holiday in honor of the
event, and had requested all employees of the city
to take part in the parade. Hundreds of auto-
ARCHERY
mobiles, a troop of cavalry, a platoon of police and
four bands finally reached Shelby Park, and there
Nashville citizens, young and old, experienced
something new in the life of the city. Bank pres-
idents mingled with un-collared laborers and took
part in croquet matches, horse shoe pitching,
volley ball, cage ball, playground ball and New-
comb ball. Organized teams from the schools
and colleges played match games of hockey, soc-
cer, and speed ball. Boys by the hundreds entered
the stilt contests, the marble tournament and the
kite tournament. Fair maidens, who recalled the
days of Robin Hood and Little John, shot arrows
with remarkable accuracy at distant targets, at-
tracting one of the largest crowds at the park.
A sudden downpour of rain in the midst of the
activities failed to dampen the spirits of the im-
mense crowd, and while some ran to the shelter
of automobiles, many continued their games, so
engrossed were they in the excitement of the
matches.
Everybody in It
Recreation Week was considered the biggest
thing of its kind ever undertaken in Nashville and
perhaps in the South. Who put Nashville's
Recreation Week over and how did they do it ?
The Board of Park Commissioners promoted
the movement, with the active cooperation of every
recreational and physical education agency in the
city. The churches, the settlements, community
centers, civic clubs, schools and colleges and the
mayor and board of public works were enlisted
in the enterprise. An executive committee was
appointed which met from time to time with the
various groups, outlining plans and arousing
enthusiasm.
The publicity opened up three weeks before-
hand. The newspapers were more than generous
with their space, they were almost prodigal. They
CAGE BALL, NASHVILLE, TENN.
WESTCHESTER PITCHES A MUSIC TENT
395
realized the wide appeal to their readers and they
utilized news columns, editorials, cartoons and
photographs to portray the value of the movement
to the people. The two daily papers contained
1,219 inches of copy and photographs dealing with
Recreation Week, exclusive of the entire front
page of a rotogravure section showing scenes at
the big field meet at Shelby Park. That means
63 columns of valuable white paper were used
to acquaint the people of Nashville with the value
of wholesome play and recreation.
One of the most valuable forms of publicity
was the presence in Nashville for the week pre-
ceding Recreation Week of Dr. C. F. Stimson,
Field Secretary of the Playground and Recreation
Association of America, who addressed the vari-
ous civic and luncheon clubs of the city. Each
motion picture theater ran daily slides calling at-
tention to the various features of the week, and
the town was filled with posters in shop windows,
on automobiles and on the front and rear of
street cars.
The tremendous success of Nashville's "first
attempt" assures a continuation of the movement,
and plans are already being made toward perfect-
ing a permanent organization which will stage an
annual Recreation Week.
Practice and Theory
(Continued from page 384)
C. A. was beyond our means, with eight children
to be fed, housed and clothed. Our golf was
"shinny" on a city street, with a wooden block or
tin can and a tree root for a shinny.
The Playground and Recreation Association
was not yet born. Howard Braucher was born
too late to start those of my generation in the right
path. And when he did grow up and in good time
find his place in social work, he spent too many
years for us, in the family welfare and other fields
before the way opened for him to start the country
playing.
Naturally enough, the disadvantaged boy and
girl of stuffy tenement and treeless city streets,
engaged the early attention of the Playground and
Recreation Association. But now, adult recrea-
tion, beg pardon — play may have its day.
Sticking to our knitting, how about it — workers
in the Playground and Recreation Association !
How about a new slogan, "Recreation for Social
Workers," or "Play for Social Workers." We
in New York may play — some — at the Caroline
Country Club. But we need golf courses. Where
are we going to get them at a price we can afford
to pay?
Start us going, H. S. B. and you P. and R. A.
"go-getters." I'll volunteer as a high private in
the rear rank when the bugle call is sounded, if
volunteers are needed. Play ball ! Who wants
to play? Do you and you and yo-u? Does he and
she and we — social workers ? Do we know enough
to play while we can, or are we "dumb-bells," even
as was I yesteryear?
Westchester Pitches a
Music Tent
(Continued from page 378)
all times as a soloist, blending their voices and
coloring their work with a skill that never made
their singing monotonous."
Speaking not musically, but in terms of human
values, what an immense amount of self-
expression and happiness the 1,800 got from being
in the chorus ! The people of one town report
that a human grouch has turned into the proverbial
ray of sunshine as a result of this new interest
in life.
The Eisteddfod idea was introduced on the
second evening of the festival, when there were
final competitions in choral singing between the
various towns. Local voice and instrumental
soloists appeared.
The leading spirits behind the festival were
Mrs. Chester G. Marsh, director of the county
recreation commission, and Mrs. Eugene Meyer,
president-chairman of the commission. Others
working hard for the success of the undertaking
were C. Mortimer Wiske, festival director, and
the special committee consisting of H. H. Flagler,
Kurt Schindler, Clarence M. Woolley, and Felix
M. Warburg. Cooperation throughout the county
was excellent.
An aftermath of appreciation has come from
many who found the festival an inspiration.
Take, for example, one old man who rather shyly
approached Mrs. Marsh. "Thank you for this,"
he said. "In my old country, I \vas organist.
Here, my job is watchman. I have no opportunity
for music, so I grow away from music. But
tonight, I find it again."
What Constitutes Adequate Provision for
Children's Play?
(From Article by Lee F. Hanmer in The Survey,
July 15, 1925)
Through the studies being made by the Social
Division of the Regional Plan of New York and
Its Environs, under the direction of Lee F. Han-
mer, an attempt is being made to answer the
question : How much play space ? Where lo-
cated? How developed and equipped? How
administered ?
Children at play have been counted, the kind
of activity reported, the space in actual use meas-
ured, and it has been found that each child play-
ing in a properly laid out and supervised play-
ground requires an average of 93 square feet of
space. This is for children's playgrounds, not for
athletic and play fields. Little children in the
sand box use less space ; larger ones taking part
in playground games require more. An easily
remembered standard is 100 square feet for each
child using the playground at a given time.
What is the maximum percentage of the child
population that may be expected to be using the
playground at any time? Careful checking within
a radius of one-quarter mile of playgrounds under
a wide range of conditions in many cities shows
that about one-seventh of the population from 5
to 15 years of age may be found on the play-
grounds.
This study and previous studies have shown
that only about one-seventh of the district having
playgrounds use them at any given time. Yet
the inclusion in this study of school playgrounds,
near which practically all of the children are as-
sembled five days in each week for their school
work (thus being much more likely to use the
playground) and the assumption that all play-
grounds can and should be open all the time and
well administered, led to the adoption of a stand-
ard which required play space sufficient to accom-
modate at one time at least one- fourth of the chil-
dren from five to fifteen years of age living in the
play district. Since each child at play needs 100
square feet, there should be on this basis, 25 square
feet of playground per capita for the child popu-
lation from five to fifteen years of age. This
appears to be a fair standard for American cities
in general. In residential districts zoned for
single-family houses with private yards, obviously
396
less public playground space would suffice. The
city planner must take into consideration the local
situation and the future possibilities of each sec-
tion planned, and as far as possible adapt his
planning to both present and future needs.
Space requirements for children's play have
been so much a matter of guess work that it
seemed desirable to spare no pains in making this
study thorough and dependable. During the sum-
mer all the playgrounds in Manhattan were
visited, most of them twice or oftener, and counts
were made of the children attending them. As
a result of the observations two playgrounds were
selected for intensive study. These were Tomp-
kins Square Playground, at Tenth Street and
Avenue A, and St. Gabriel's Playground, at
Thirty-fifth Street and Second Avenue. Twelve
counts were taken at each of these grounds, and
notations were made as to whether the attendance
was "sparse," "minimum," "maximum," or "over-
crowded." The number of children on each piece
of apparatus and the number playing in the
pavilions and on the open spaces of the play-
ground were carefully noted. A measurement was
taken of the area of the two playgrounds, includ-
ing the space occupied by buildings and apparatus.
The attraction of the swings, slides and seesaws
was demonstrated by the fact that on the Tomp-
kins Square Playground about 60 per cent of the
children were usually found on the apparatus,
which occupied only about 16 per cent of the en-
tire playground. It was found that when all the
swings were occupied there were usually an equal
number of children either swinging others or wait-
ing their turns, so the maximum capacity of each
swing was rated at two children. The slides and
junglegym were carefully observed and the num-
ber of children who could use this apparatus com-
fortably was noted. Then the children on the
open play spaces in the playgrounds were counted
and their space requirements noted. The space
necessary for different types of playground games
was also studied and given consideration in reach-
ing the final conclusions. In five out of the
twelve counts at Tompkins Square Playground
the grounds were being used at a comfortable
maximum capacity. From this data the average
space requirement per child was found to be 93
ADEQUATE PROVISION FOR PLAY
397
square feet. That is, the largest number of chil-
dren who can comfortably play on the Tompkins
Square Playground, which is 21,123 square feet
in area, is 227, or one child for each 93 square
feet.
The drawing power of a playground is shown
by the following data from an attendance count
taken at a playground in a densely populated Man-
hattan district :
54 per cent of attendance from 1st block
16
12
5
4
4
5
2nd
3rd
4th
5th
6th
greater distance
The attendance from the first three blocks sur-
rounding the playground usually constitutes about
80 per cent of the total for the usual play district
of five or six blocks radius. Therefore if play-
grounds are placed closer together, as they should
be in an adequate system, and each public school,
which is the normal place of daily assemblage for
the children, has an attractive playground open
for use after school hours, we have concluded
that it is reasonable to expect that at least one-
quarter instead of one-seventh of the child popu-
lation would be most of the time using these play
facilities. Hence, as already indicated, it was
decided that we should plan sufficient playground
space for one-quarter of the child population be-
tween the ages of five and fifteen years. On the
basis of 100 square feet for each child playing,
25 feet of playground space would be required for
each child in the total child population that is to
be served by a given play center.
The situation would be safeguarded to a large
extent if school boards would adopt the policy of
providing in connection with each grammar school
25 square feet of outdoor play space for each
seat in the building. The temptation to locate
additions to the building on the playground must
then be resisted and new space acquired not only
for the addition to the building but also for a
proportionate expansion of the playground.
Sometimes a new site with a complete new school
plant to supplement the old one is the best solution.
Of the 132 districts studied in Greater New
York, only 21 were found to measure up to the
minimum requirement, and 68 fell below 40 per
cent, of play space adequacy. The other districts
showing between 40 per cent and 100 per cent
adequacy were grouped as follows :
17 districts — 41 to 60 per cent of needed play space
15 districts — 61 to 80 per cent of needed play space
11 districts — 81 to 100 per cent of needed play space
The play-district map for Manhattan south of
181st Street shows to what extent this borough
of Greater New York measures up to a very con-
servative standard of play space requirements.
The "recreation piers" as well as the school and
Park playgrounds were included in the inventory.
The actual facts at present are even less favorable
than these figures indicate, as many of the school
playgrounds listed in this study are not open for
use after school hours, because of lack of funds
to provide for supervision and play leadership.
An East Side section of Manhattan that is
greatly in need of playgrounds is Sanitary Dis-
trict No. 36, lying east of the Bowery between
Rivington and Third Streets. It has no public
playgrounds except very limited space in connec-
tion with two school buildings. There is only one
vacant lot in the district, twenty-five feet wide.
The child population five to fifteen years of age
is 5,666. The accompanying map of the district
showing the location of the various educational,
religious and social agencies is typical of many
densely populated areas in American cities where
suitable provision for children's play has not yet
been made. The following are some significant
facts about this district :
Population in 1920 24,135
Families 4,887
Population density per acre 514
(The British Ministry of Health has set
up as the desirable standard for hous-
ing, 60 to 100 persons per acre)
Children five to fifteen years of age 5,666
Children under five years of age 3,853
Public schools within the district
(One other just outside)
Settlements
Y. M. C. A
On a Saturday afternoon late in March a street
census of children's activities was taken in this
district. With the aid of a number of Columbia
University students the count was made on al! the
streets at the same time, thus avoiding duplication.
There were 3,078 children on the streets either
playing or idling about. Of these 2,178 were
apparently between the ages of five and fifteen
years. Such games as are taught in the school
and park playgrounds or improvised activities
were engaging 55 per cent of the children, while
45 per cent were idling about, with the exception
of a few who were tending babies, selling papers,
shining shoes, or going on errands. The list of
miscellaneous activities noted gives an interesting
picture of child life on the streets of a great city :
Playing ball ; jumping rope ; marbles ; handball ;
matching picture cards; bouncing ball; playing
with balloons ; walking ; tag ; sailing boxes in gut-
398
TWENTY -FIVE YEARS AGO
ter ; riding bicycles ; riding velocipedes ; playing
with paper boxes; taking care of baby; running
around ; roller skating ; marking pavement with
chalk ; pavement checkers ; gathering wood ; play-
ing with doll ; building fire ; playing with old tire ;
sweeping street ; stoop ball ; selling papers ; buying
candy at stand ; newspaper fight ; playing cards ;
playing on cellar door; bootblack; watching
motorcycle; hop-scotch; playing with dog; hitch-
ing on to autos ; basketball ; pass ball ; hoop roll-
ing ; fencing with sticks ; tip cat ; riding hobby
horse ; climbing fence.
In this district there is an unused cemetery oc-
cupying a space of 19,671 square feet in the cen-
ter of a block. The grave stones have been re-
moved and tablets set into the surrounding walls.
There is an entrance from Second Avenue barred
by a heavy iron gate. On the streets within two
blocks of this unusued cemetery were counted
1,868 children playing as best they could under
the difficult conditions of New York street traffic.
Within this same area three children were killed
in street accidents during the previous year. If
the average number of accidents to each fatality
throughout the city holds for this district, as it no
doubt does, about seventy-five children in this
small area were injured during the year to such
an extent as to bring them into the records of the
police department. Washington, D. C., has con-
verted one of its abandoned cemeteries into a play-
ground for children.
On the minimum basis adopted for this study,
this district should have 141,660 square feet of
public playground space — about 3.26 acres. Its
two schools now provide 7,300 square feet of in-
door and 6,732 square feet of outdoor play space,
a total of 14,032 square feet. This is not at pres-
ent available after school hours, except for seven
weeks in the summer when it drew an attendance
of 61,500 during the forty-two days of the sum-
mer playground period.
Twenty-Five Years Ago
Miss Ellen Tower, who was Chairman of the
Committee of Playgrounds of the Massachusetts
Emergency and Hygiene Association, responsible
for the organization of the playgrounds of Boston
which are so intimately associated with the be-
ginning of the recreation movement in America,
has kindly given us permission to publish the fol-
lowing instructions to playground workers issued
in 1900.
The Sessions of the Playgrounds are deter-
mined by the falling of the shadows. If a yard
is shaded in the morning it is open from nine to
twelve o'clock; if shaded in the afternoon from
two to five o'clock, six days per week.
Matrons are required to arrive fifteen minutes
before the hour of opening.
They are to admit a certain number of the older
boys and girls who will sweep the yard, gather up
the rubbish and put it in the waste barrels ; open
the sand box, bring out from the basement the
pails and shovels, seats and toys; put the toys in
places where the children can conveniently play
with them, and where they can remain during the
session. These preparations are to be made be-
fore the hour of opening.
The gates are to be unlocked and the children
admitted punctually at the designated time (not
before).
The different toys should be put in the charge of
children who are old enough to act as monitors
and to be responsible for the toys.
This can be done by relays, no child should be
forced to undertake this duty against his will,
nor be kept too long at his post, as children grow
weary and restless in a short time.
A program of occupation and amusement should
be arranged for each day in the week — sewing
cards on one day, "cutting out" on another, march-
ing on another and so on. The routine is left to
the discretion of the matron as the character and
tastes of the children vary in different localities.
The sand is provided for little children ; larger
boys and girls must not play in it unless they have
babies to care for and amuse.
The use of the express wagons should be re-
stricted to a certain time. Larger boys and girls
may run with it and draw it, but they must allow
the little ones to ride.
No large children are permitted to sit or ride
in the wagons.
Sewing cards must not be given to children
under seven years of age, nor to any child who has
dirty hands.
The cards must be worked by the Kindergarten
Method ; only a single thread of worsted showing
on the wrong side.
Matrons must enforce this rule as it economizes
worsted, and they must insist upon clean hands.
The children should gather the toys together
and bring them to the matron before the close of
the session ; but matrons should not take time to
put them in order until after the children have left.
The library books must be carefully guarded
INTERNATIONAL ATHLETICS
399
•and only loaned to children who are trustworthy,
or who can be watched.
The office of librarian should be entrusted to
the most responsible boys and girls, in rotation.
Lists must be kept of books received, loaned
and returned.
No one is allowed to take books or toys from
the yard.
Boys and girls of any age may be admitted ; but
if the older ones prove troublesome, or interfere
with those who are younger they must be sent out
immediately as the Sand Gardens are designed
especially for little children who cannot go far
away from home.
The matron must keep a daily record of attend-
ance and a diary in which she should give a brief
history of each day in the playground.
Obtaining Recreation
Lands
(Continued from page 374)
in one sheet of water surrounded by 100 acres
of park land. Seventy-two acres purchased dur-
ing the past year by the School Board on the
south side will be the beginning of a chain of
parks belting that portion of the city. This pur-
chase was made necessary ten years in advance
on account of a proposed auction sale.
The marvellous growth of the cities on this
triangle — -Winston, High Point and Greensboro —
has demonstrated the fact that miles are not what
they once were, paving having smoothed them.
A County park system can now be obtained in
advance of settlement, consisting of land not
suitable for building or farming purposes, but
which may be used for tourist camps, hikes and
recreation on a broad scale.
Mother Shipton's prophecy made in 1641 that
'carriages without horses shall go" has indeed
been fulfilled. North Carolina now has 302,232
cars, this triangle being used by thousands each
day.
The automobile is too useful, too enjoyable.
Let us slow down this progress on wheels with
recreation centers with proper leadership and
make the territory between our city llimits not
only an industrial center but a center of small
recreation parks that will make our community
not only wealthier, but happier and healthier.
An Experiment in Interna-
tional Athletics
BY
DANIEL CHASE
State Department of Education, New York
The floating college which under the auspices
of New York University will take a party of 400
American college men around the world is plan-
ning through its Department of Physical Educa-
tion to demonstrate American athletics and Ameri-
can sportsmanship in the different countries
visited. A corps of competent athletic instructors
and coaches will be in charge of the men, and
teams will be organized in practically every known
form of athletic competition. These teams will
be trained on board ship in the two gymnasiums
and will practice on shore at the frequent stops.
While competition in baseball, basketball, foot-
ball and similar highly organized sports may not
be possible in many of the foreign countries, the
university is planning to have its students ready
to compete in any of the sports in which the dif-
ferent colleges or institutions of the nations
visited are proficient. There will be instruction in
soccer, association football and cricket. Crews
will be selected for cutter races, swimming teams
will be picked and individuals coached to compete
in wrestling, boxing, fencing, tennis, golf and
similar activities. Naturally track and field sports
will be kept in the foreground as competition in
these events will always be possible, and games
like volley ball, playground baseball, cage ball,
and the various forms of relay races will be used.
The University coaching department is not ex-
pecting to fill its boys with the ambition to leave
a trail of continuous victories around the globe.
It aims rather to inspire them with the ideal that
they are to demonstrate the highest type of Ameri-
can sportsmanship in every land touched. In
cooperation with the International Sportsman-
ship Brotherhood they hope to create better rela-
tions between the sportsmen of the world and to
call attention of all interested in sports to the pos-
sibilities of better friendship and fuller under-
standing between the peoples of the earth through
the medium of athletic contests. The gospel of
"fair play" and "a sporting chance for the under
dog," which is the motto and slogan of the Sports-
manship Brotherhood, will be upheld, and the
Fourteen Points in Sportsmanship adopted by the
department will be practised as far as possible.
How the Community Idea Functions at
Jackson Heights
Jackson Heights, situated within the limits of
Greater New York City, is a unique apartment
house community composed of approximately
fifteen hundred families who own and maintain
their apartments on a cooperative plan and handle
their community affairs likewise. The common
interest of the residents and the element of restric-
tion which the plan of ownership imposes adopts
itself ideally to the working out of community
programs and activities.
The community idea of self control in civic and
recreational matters was begun in Jackson Heights
nine years ago and has functioned so adequately
in meeting the' needs of the locality that its
permanency is an accepted fact, although the new
problems which arise must still be dealt with in
a more or less experimental way.
At the center of the community activity is a
Community Council, membership in which every
resident may hold upon payment of a small fee.
This Council coordinates, supervises and promotes
the various activities and organizations of Jackson
Heights, cooperates with all agencies in improving
residential features, and fosters civic pride and
responsibility. The work of the Council is
directed by a Board of Governors composed of
fifteen men and women elected at large in the
annual community election.
A vital point in this organization is the inter-
relation of the Council and all the clubs and or-
ganizations of the locality. Every one of the latter
must become affiliated with the Central governing
body before it will be recognized and every resi-
dent must first become a member of the Counci
before he is eligible to membership in any of the
clubs. In this way, all community interests vir-
tually lock arms. At present there are twenty
clubs thus affiliated.
Community Club House
Under the immediate supervision of the Boarc
of Governors of the Community Council is the
management of the Community Club House. The
Club House has a dining room, a large auditorium
which may be readily converted into a ball room
or lecture hall, stage equipment for dramatics, club
rooms, pool rooms and bowling alleys. It is the
center of all social and community activities and
its facilities are at the service of the members of
the Community Council.
Tennis Club
Tennis is perhaps the oldest and most popular
form of recreation at Jackson Heights. The rapid
growth of the Tennis Club is evidence of this
fact. Beginning with one court constructed with
the first apartment house building and less than
a score of members, the Club has expanded until
it now has five hundred senior members and about
one hundred junior members. Nineteen well kept
courts in close proximity to the various apartment
groups are now available to the players. The
Jackson Heights Club is the second largest tennis
club in New York.
Playgrounds
The children are divided into three groups, ac-
cording to their ages. The kindergar-
ten group, including children up to six
years of age, has a playground specially
equipped to meet its needs, with a care-
taker always present. Children of the
ages 6-12, constitute another group and
have two separate playgrounds, while
children over 12 form a senior group,
having the use of a large recreation
field with a baseball diamond and vol-
ley ball courts, and an athletic director
to supervise them.
Community Gardens
Opportunity for gardening is afford-
ed at Jackson Heights by the present
400
THE MISSOURI . STATE "M"
401
use of certain portions of the land which are sub-
divided into individual plots. These are assigned
for the season to tenant-owners who are members
of this Garden Association.
The gardens began in 1915 as an outgrowth of
the war. The development has been steady and
there are now about two hundred gardeners en-
gaged in this interesting work. In the Autumn
the gardeners hold a county fair in which they
display samples of their produce. Barn dances
and other features are held in conjunction with the
fair.
The Golf Club
The Jackson Heights Golf Course with nine
holes covering forty-five acres was recently de-
clared to be, by the editor of Spalding's publica-
tion, the first and only community golf club on
record. It has the distinction of being the course
located nearest the center of Manhattan and can
be reached from there in twenty-five minutes.
The Community Church
The community idea has also been applied to
the religious life of the community. In June,
1923, a Community Church was erected and resi-
dents, irrespective of their faiths and denomina-
tions, were invited to affiliate with it. Within a
month twenty-one denominations were repre-
sented in its membership.
The future of the community movement in
Jackson Heights will be an interesting field of
study for many of the problems which it will en-
counter must sooner or later be met elsewhere.
Among these may be mentioned the permanent
acquisition by the tenant-owners of the play-
grounds, tennis courts and other recreational
spaces. The burden of this problem is made espe-
cially heavy because of the high values of land
located in greater New York City and also the
fact that all of the apartments at Jackson Heights
are surrounded by large gardens and lawns, only
thirty-three to forty per cent, of the land being
t)uilt upon. The necessity of parks for play and
recreation is not as urgent as in the sections where
every foot of space is covered by brick or con-
crete.
Another problem of the future will be the in-
crease of the population in the community which
is easily capable of caring for fifty or sixty thou-
sand people. The community plan of local gov-
ernment must expand with the future increase
.in the number of the residents.
The State "M" in Missouri
BY
HENRY S. CURTIS, PH.D.
When E. Lansing Ray, of the Globe Democrat,
asked me to estimate the number of medals we
should need for our standard athletics, I said we
should want 10,000 if St. Louis came in and
5,000 if she did not. As it eventuated, St. Louis
did not come in, but we have now ordered 19,000
medals for this year and the orders are still com-
ing in at the rate of from two to three hundred
every day.
Of these medals, Kansas City has won 2,500.
The requirement is that in order to win, students
must refrain from tobacco, must have their teeth
attended to by a dentist, must overcome obvious
physical defects and come up to weight. Almost
no incentive that has been possible heretofore has
made boys and girls eager to go to a dentist to
have their teeth attended to or to go to a doctor
for a physical examination. But in some cases
as high as thirty-five pupils have gone from a
single school in one day to dentists in order that
they might be eligible to compete for the state
medals.
Last year there were 63 state high school letters
and 66 college letters won. This year, we have
given out something over 600 of these letters and
have applications on hand for three hundred more
which we have not thus far been able to fill be-
cause the factory has been unable to make them
fast enough.
Thus far this year there have been six teachers'
letters, one college letter and three high school
letters won from Kansas City, but we have sent
out 700 examination blanks for students and teach-
ers competing and about 400 applications for state
letters. Many of these will be turned in before
the close of the school year.
lust now in a good many cities, special evenings
are being devoted to the giving out of these letters
and medals in connection with the closing week
of school.
The Department of Physical Education also has
charge of health teaching in the schools. The pro-
gram calls for at least one period a week from the
first grade to the twelfth. In the lower grades
the emphasis is not on principles of hygiene but
on the formation of health habits such as the
avoidance of tea and coffee, sleeping with windows
open , drinking milk, eating fresh vegetables.
When we consider that the span of human life has
402
HOBBIES
been lengthened 23 years in the last century and
that we know well how to lengthen it ten years
more if we can get people to follow well estab-
lished laws of health, it seems reasonable to expect
that this teaching will add at least one year to
the life of each child in the public schools on an
average. According to the reports of the census,
a working year is worth $1,000. The appropria-
tion asked for the department was $7,500 a year
to reach 700,000 children, which is just a trifle
more than one cent per child. If we can spend
a cent and get back $1,000, it looks like good
interest on the money.
Under the department, probably between two
and three hundred thousand children are given
periods of organized play every day. This proba-
bly represents as many hours of organized play as
are provided by all the municipal playgrounds in
the Mississippi Valley. The cost is less than one
per cent, of the cost of the municipal playgrounds
because the ground equipment and supervision is
provided in the regular program of the schools.
There have been not less than 20,000 and proba-
bly not less than 30,000 training for the standard
athletics promoted by the state this year. These
athletics represent an all-around development.
For the passing of each test the student must meet
the requirements in four different athletic events.
He cannot become one-sided through over-devel-
opment of a single set of muscles, but must de-
velop himself symmetrically. From the remark-
able increase in interest during the year it seems
likely that from 30 to 50 thousand students will
pass these tests next year.
In all our large cities and in many of our smaller
ones there are many high school pupils that are
using tobacco and intoxicants. Preaching does
not seem to do any good. However, it is a re-
quirement in practically all colleges and universi-
ties that athletes refrain from drink and tobacco.
This is often the only incentive which proves really
effective. There are dozens of students who have
cut out tobacco over the state this year in order
that they might win the state letter.
The State "M." stands for Missouri. Just as
the college and university letter has proved the
most effective way of creating loyalty to the uni-
versity, and as the uniform has always been one
of the main means of creating loyalty to the
country, so we believe the state "M" is perhaps
the most effective way of creating loyalty to the
state in the students who wear the emblem.
In England, sportsmanship is reckoned as the
main means or at least one of the main means of
cultivating a spirit of fairness, determination and
courtesy. It may become an effective means of
such training anywhere, but where no thought is
given to it, the inter-school contest is often the
means of training in rowdyism instead. In order
to win a state letter every student must furnish a
statement signed by the physical director and prin-
cipal to the effect that he is a good sportsman.
We are living in a social age and social ideals
are being emphasized more and more each year.:
Every candidate for the state "M" is urged to get
at least 100 points in service to the school in much
the same way as the Boy Scout is urged to per-
form public service.
In another year there will be in most of the
larger cities a corps of young people who have
won their state letter during the past year. These
will form a sort of unpaid corps whom the prin-
cipal may call upon as squad leaders or assistant
teachers for various duties where help is needed.
In setting before the student body thus a company
of students who have won the emblem of the
state by excellence in health, posture, sportsman-
ship, scholarship, leadership, service and all-
around athletics, it is giving to the student body
models whom they may well copy to the advantage
of everyone.
Hobbies
"Not only do you find in the hobby of the boy
the big idea of the man, but in a hobby, whether
for child or adult, you find a recreational outlet
for those ideas that are continually springing up
in one yet have not a place for development in
one's regular course of occupation."
Under the direction of the Rotary Club of
London, Ontario, Canada, a hobby fair was held
April 13-18, the exhibitors being boys and girls
who had not passed their 18th birthday. The ex-
hibit was grouped under the following classifi
cations :
School Products
Department I — Art
Free-hand drawing in black and white ; land-
scape paintings in oil colors and water colors,
painting in oil colors — any subject — still life; pic-
torial advertising design to illustrate any business
or any commodity
Department II — Photography
Framed enlargements from one of the ex-
hibitor's own negatives; colored enlargements
(Continued on page 404)
-
HOME DRAMATICS
403
Home Dramatics
BY
MABEL FOOTE HOBBS
The father and the mother constitute the
natural audience for the impromptu plays of the
children. Drama brings imagination and the spirit
of the play into the home. It encourages orig-
inality and artistic ability and brings parents and
their children into closer understanding. Story-
telling has long been one of the popular pastimes
at home and home drama carries storytelling a
step farther.
The other day a friend brought to me several
pictures of his children in costume and told with
evident pride how interested he had been in a
little entertainment the children had given the
week before. He and his wife had been asked
to come to the nursery on a certain date to attend
a dramatic entertainment. The child who arranged
it was nine years old and her little sister four.
The entertainment consisted of a series of Indian
dances, undoubtedly inspired by a lecture which
the elder child had attended a few weeks before
at the museum. At the lecture a real Indian
Princess had told folk tales and performed the
dances of her people. In carrying out the idea,
the young director had made costumes which were
patterned as closely as possible after the garments
of the real princess. She had dressed her doll as
a papoose and strapped it to her back. The touch-
ing note of it all was the great earnestness of the
children especially the little one, who never took
her eyes from her sister as she enacted her part
of the program.
The most successful play of the season could
not have afforded that father and mother the
pleasure they had derived from this little dramatic
offering of their children. How easy it will now
be for these parents to secure from the little
players an invitation to be included in the cast of
their next performance. Before long that chil-
dren's play room may be the home of a real dra-
matic club.
Grown-ups must however guard against a pit-
fall which may easily spoil the whole undertaking.
The development of family dramatics should rest
entirely in the hands of the children. The choice
of the plays, the casting, even the direction, should
be under their leadership, grown-ups offering no
suggestions unless they are earnestly urged to do
so. To play their parts successfully, mother and
father must cast aside the years which separate
them from their children and become a few days
younger than the youngest member of the group.
It will be a privilege for them to see, if only for
a little while, the fundamentals of life through a
child's simple and direct vision. If the family
dramatics by any ill fate should fall into the
hands of the grown-ups, the spontaneity and crea-
tive possibilities of childhood will be lost. The
parents will not be children seeing the characters
as children see them, but grown-ups teaching some
sort of a lesson, and they will lose that wonderful
moment of comradeship which comes only when
they meet on a ground where all are equal.
There has recently appeared on the market one
of the finest school plays for girls ever written.
I asked the author how she managed to make her
characters so very true — they chatter away as
naturally as any group of girls might do in a school
room. The author replied, "I suppose it was due
to long practice. As soon as my children started
to walk and talk I began writing plays for them
and their little friends and continued until they
all went off to college." You can imagine what
a joy it has been for this mother to be able to fill
so successfully her part in the home dramatics.
Home dramatics is not a new idea, as many
families have been enjoying for years this de-
lightful form of home recreation with their chil-
dren. It is however not for these that the
following list of plays has been selected but for
those families with whom home dramatics is an
experiment. The younger the children the more
readily and spontaneously they enter into play-
acting and if dramatics is started in the home
with children from four to ten years of age, it
will be a simple matter to encourage formal drama
when the adolescent age is reached.
Plays especially adapted to the development of
home dramatics :
When Mother Lets Us Act, by Stella G. Perry.
A book full of ideas for planning, costuming and
acting simple home dramas. For children from
4 to 8 years of age. Dodd, Mead & Co., 5th Ave.
and 30th St., New York. Price $1.00.
Book of Plays for Little Actors, by Emma L.
Johnson and Madalene D. Barnum. 18 splendidly
dramatized little plays from 10 to 20 minutes in
length. The collection includes Sleeping Beauty,
Tom, the Piper's Son, Abraham Lincoln and the
Little Bird, The Spider and the Fly and others.
404
MUSIC IN THE HOME
Age 4 to 8. American Book Company, 100 Wash-
ington Square, E., New York. Price 52 cents.
Fairy Plays for Children, by Mabel F. Good-
lander. 9 familiar fairy tales have been put in
dramatic form for children, each play from one
to three acts. Such plays as Mistress Mary gives
a Garden Party, the House in the Woods, Snow
White and the Red Rose, Sleeping Beauty and
others. The book also contains illustrations of
scenes and costumes and music and directions for
the dances. Age 6 to 10. Rand, McNally & Co.,
270 Madison Ave., New York. Price 80 cents.
Little American History Plays for Little
Americans, by Eleanore Hubbard. A delightful
collection of short plays admirably adapted to a
living room performance. Directions for staging
given with each play. The Discovery of America,
The First Thanksgiving Day, Paul Revere's Ride,
Daniel Boone's Snuff Box, and 23 other patriotic
plays included in the book. Age 8 to 13. Ben-
jamin H. Sanborn & Co., 15 West 38th Street.
New York. Price 76 cents.
Bible stories of the Old and New Testament
and all fairy tales are readily adaptable for simple
dramatizations by the children.
(If desired the above mentioned books may be
ordered from the Drama Bookshop, 29 West 47th
Street, New York. Add 10 cents postage per
book.)
Hobbies
(Continued from page 402)
from any negative, all coloring and mounting to
be done by the exhibitor
Department III — Collections
Postage stamps; drug samples mounted; gro-
cery samples mounted ; postcards, Indian relics ;
coins; advertising buttons or souvenirs; prize
cards ; ribbons, medals or cups won by the ex-
hibitor; buttons or badges (military) and miscel-
laneous collections.
Department IV — Natural History (for boys and
girls)
Wild flowers, leaves of trees, woods, seeds,
shells, minerals, birdhouses, butterflies, moths and
insects.
Department V — Pet Stock
Rabbits, guinea pigs, pigeons, cats, dogs and
poultry
(Continued on page 405)
Music in the Home*
BY
THOMAS WHITNEY SURETTE
It is generally agreed that music in a home
helps to unify family life by dispelling differences
in temperament and by bringing the whole family
together. It is not necessary to dwell at length
on the power of music to do this. Everybody who
has ever taken part in it, or who has merely ob-
served it in a family, knows that this is so. Fam-
ily singing, a family orchestra, even one member
of the family who plays the paino ; all these help
to solidify the group. Music in the home does
much more than this ; but before proceeding to
that argument, it will be profitable to discuss the
practical side of the matter.
First of all, it should be pointed out that the
best way to make family music is to sing together.
Nearly everybody can sing if they set about it,
and singing is the most natural and the most inti-
mate way of making music. If you sing familiar
songs in unison, a very simple accompaniment will
suffice. If you try singing in parts — soprano,
alto, tenor and bass — you will probably need some
help from the piano, although if you persist you
can perhaps get along without it. At any rate,
singing does what no other form of family music
can do because it brings you near to each other,
and blends your individualities more closely. Your
voice is more you than is the tone that you make
on any instrument.
The next question is, "What shall we sing?"
First of all our own songs and hymns — the ones
we know best. Then beautiful songs of other
nations, not those from which we are descended,
but songs from everywhere. For it must be re-
membered that music is a universal language, and
that a great many fine tunes are cosmopolitan in
that they are found in many different countries.
Almost any book for home singing contains the
songs of Stephen Foster. The following are good
collections of folk songs: Folk-songs of Many
Nations (2 vols.), The Women's Press, 600 Lex-
ington Avenue, New York City; One Hundred
and Forty Folk Songs and A Book of Songs, the
E. C. Schirmer Music Company, 221 Columbus
Avenue, Boston, Mass. (C. C. Birchard, Colum-
bus Avenue, Boston, publishes inexpensive col-
lections.) If my readers are not familiar with
folk-music and will give it a fair trial, they will
surely be convinced of its beauty and genuineness.
Published by the courtesy of the Child Welfare Magazine
MUSIC IN THE HOME
405
Good hymn tunes provide excellent practice in
part singing, and the oldest of them, particularly
those arranged by Bach, are the best. (The E. C.
Schirmer Company publishes a book of twenty-
five with English words.) There are good part
songs by Sullivan, Purcell, Schumann and Men-
delssohn. Why not have a regular evening for
singing in which your friends could join you?
If there is a piano in the home and two people
able to play simple music, there is an almost end-
less variety of compositions arranged for four
hands.
And I ought to say at once that there is one safe
way of selecting music, and that is to use first
of all and chiefly compositions by the following:
Bach, Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven, Schubert,
Schumann, Mendelssohn, Chopin, Tschaikowsky,
Grieg, Brahms and Dvorak. You would pursue
the same course if you were starting out to read
novels or poetry ; that is, you would choose works
by Scott, Trollope, Dickens, Thackeray and other
great writers ; or you would read the poetry of
Scott, Wordsworth, Keats, Tennyson and Shelley.
Nothing is too good for family use, and nothing
lasts but the best.
If there are children beginning to play the piano,
albums of easy pieces by the great composers are
available, one of the best being the Master Series
for the Young by Edwin Hughes.
If there is a home orchestra, similar pieces may
be found suitably arranged. (G. Schirmer, New
York, publishes a series.)
You may be certain of one thing, and that is that
the forms of activity I have been describing are
infinitely to be preferred to the phonograph or
radio. To develop your taste in music and your
love for it, you should make it yourself. Sitting
down to listen to your friends playing or singing
is better than listening to any kind of machine-
made music.
But where no other music is possible, the phono-
graph and the radio must serve. Since in using
the phonograph you have some choice of what you
hear, you would do well to choose again by com-
posers, and not altogether by performers.
Finally I come to the matter mentioned earlier
in this article and postponed. Does not music in
the home do something more than I have thus far
stated ? What is music ? It is first the expression
of man's aspirations in terms of beauty expressed
in sounds. It is created by men of genius who,
being such, are deeply into the meaning of things
and reveal to us their significance. But, at the
same time it means nothing if it does not portray
or describe. It is a world of its own, intangible
and untranslatable.
Well, then, you who sing or play together, or
you who merely listen, are taking part in a mys-
terious and beautiful life which is being lived for
just a few moments, but which is perfect as your
own actual life can never be. Therefore, when
one says that music in the home unifies a family,
it should not be forgotten that music at the same
time unifies each person, brings him or her up
to a higher level, reconciles each to himself, re-
veals to each a new person in himself, and shows
him how great are his possibilities. For the love
of beauty is an essential quality in the human
being and without it he fails to attain to full
stature. What other means are there for lifting
each individual to his highest, and, at the moment,
raising the group? — (From Child Welfare Maga-
zine. May, 1925.)
Hobbies
(Continued from page 404)
Department VI — Mechanical and Wood Work
Metal work; wood work; model house, garage
or building; model of steam engine or other
mechanical toy; set up of "meccano" or similar
outfit; sample of furniture; sailing model; miscel-
laneous, covering articles of wood or metal not
provided for in any other class
Department VII— Electrical (boys only)
Electric trains, locomotive or street cars; elec-
trically operated "meccano" outfit; miscellaneous
electric models; radio sets — tube or crystal, mis-
cellaneous parts
Department VIII— Technical High School Boys'
Department
Machine shop products; woodworking prod-
ucts; electrical work; machine and architectural
drafting
Department IX— Technical High School Girls'
Department
Sewing and dressmaking, millinery, embroid-
ery, cooking
Department X— Collegiate Institute Products
1. Household science products — mending,
knitting, embroidery, hem-stitching, hand and
machine sewing. 2. Manual training products
—bench work in wood, wood turning, mechanical
(Continued on page 410)
406
IN WEST CHICAGO PARKS
Special Developments in
the West Chicago Parks
BY
WILLIAM SCHULTZ
Superintendent of Recreation Centers
In addition to the program of activities at fif-
teen recreation centers, the West Chicago Park
Commissioners have thrown open to the public
the large parks which cover from 150 to 200 acres,
and the green sward is used for the playing of
indoor baseball and other games which will not
endanger the spectators and can be played in the
meadows where the shrubbery will not be injured.
In each of the large parks are lagoons stocked
with fish, and in the fall the public is allowed to
fish from boats. During the summer of 1925, the
lagoons were thrown open to the boys at West
Park, who have been allowed to fish from the
shore at will. It soon developed that many of the
boys had no way of getting fish poles. Public
spirited citizens have donated one hundred rods
and poles to the boys and any day many of them
may be seen sitting on the banks pulling in blue
gills and an occasional bass.
At three of the large parks, outdoor dancing
has been made possible through the construction
of cement dance floors 100 ft. by 150 ft. built
about eight inches from the ground. To the
smooth top finish, wax is applied and an excellent
dance floor is the result. Around each floor is a
three foot iron fence to control the going and
coming of the dancers, and outside of the fence
is a run-way so that people leaving the dance hall
may go around, buy tickets and reenter. A ten
piece orchestra provides the music. To pay for
this a charge of five cents is made which entitles
a couple to one dance and two encores. The en-
tire dance lasts about three minutes. In one eve-
ning alone, at one of the parks, 5,000 dance tickets
were sold. The platform is made colorful by the
use of a thousand globes interspersed with colored
lights which are strung in festoons across the hall.
The dancing is held every night in the week ex-
cept Sunday and the nights on which a band con-
cert is held in the park. The dances are carefully
supervised and there has been no complaint of the
manner in which they have been conducted.
During the past summer, the Commissioners
provided band concerts at four parks, twenty-
four concerts being given — one every week in each
of the parks for a six weeks' period. The attend-
ance varied from 2,000 to 18,000 people. The
programs on the whole consisted of classical or
better type of music with a few popular airs and
melodies. One or two singing or instrumental
solos were also given to vary the program. The
program has proved much more successful than
programs of purely popular music.
Through the cooperation of the Chicago Public
Library, storytellers have been provided for the
parks on each Wednesday and Friday mornings.
On the first four days the attendance numbered
six hundred. This has been increasing steadily.
In addition to the large parks and recreation
center parks the Commissioners maintain several
smaller parks or squares which serve as beauty
spots in some of the drab portions of the city.
One of the parks which has in the past been a
"hobo's paradise" has recently been transformed
into a children's playground by the installation of
apparatus provided by the business men of the
district.
In the West Parks, a program in cooperation
with the American Red Cross has been inaugur-
ated to make efficient swimmers and life savers
of the many pool attendants. Last year with an
attendance of more than three quarters of a mil-
lion, there was not a single accident. This year
with an attendance which will probably surpass
that of last season, there have thus far been no
drownings.
Recreation for Social
Workers
(Continued from page 383)
efficiency? We are about to inaugurate one of
the three health demonstrations in a definite area
of New York City, known as the Bellevue-York-
ville district. What possibility is there of serious-
ly attempting to find out what the recreation and
exercise habits of the people of this district are?
What are the possibilities of finding out intimately
what facilities are present or could be developed
for improving these habits ? Is there any possibil-
ity of the recreation group attempting in some way
to carry on a recreation demonstration jointly with
the health demonstration with a carefully thought
out and unified program? Isn't the time perhaps
ripe for thinking hard about the possibilities of
moving these two programs nearer together and
may not perhaps a joint demonstration in a given
area be feasible?
THE PROBLEM COLUMN
407
The Problem Column
WHAT ARE THE VALUES OF HANDCRAFT?
Regarding Handcraft, which is becoming more
and more prominent as a play activity, V. K.
Brown writes :
"As to the handcraft work, the more we fol-
low it up in our program here in the city, the
more we are sold on the value of it. There is one
passage in the book of Genesis which really ap-
peals to pie — that in which the Creator is pictured
as stepping aside, after fabricating the orderly
universe, and, in a moment of exultation, saying
that it was good. Nothing about our humanity
seems to me a better proof of the divine source of
the breath of life that is in us than that lingering
trace which makes one of our most exalted moods
that mood in which we view a material product
of our creative genius with approval, in the thrill-
ing consciousness that it never would have had
being, had it not been for us ; and it seems to me
that we approach as close to sacred ground as we
ever get when we afford youth, quivering as it is
with the urge to achieve placement and power, its
opportunity, in response to the inner demand, to
follow in the footsteps of the Creator Himself,
reducing chaos to order, and formlessness to form.
"Charlie English has just dismantled his ex-
hibit of his whittling contest, and sight of the
objects which the boys have laboriously carved —
almost 2,000 of them — revived in me much of the
same sort of thrill I got long ago when, after
clumsy and experimental effort, I could view a
finished thing which stood as a material proof
of my boyish ability to overcome obstacles, solve
problems, and make materials serve my purposes.
I remember the peach-stone baskets, the dug-out
cave, the patchwork play-house, and later, the doll
furniture which I made for my sisters, and the
kick there was in it for me ; and I can only imagine
the exultation which some of our boys, like Bob
White, with his championship sail-boat, and
Johnny Rappold, with his wonderful model planes,
get out of the superiority of their craftsmanship,
and the responsiveness of the mechanism in doing
the things they set out to do. My sail-boats were
crude affairs in comparison, and yet they occa-
sioned me moments when it seemed I walked on
top of the world. I can only picture to myself
what these boys get out of their superior work-
manship.
"Probably the athlete gets the same thrills out
of the moment when he was unconquered and un-
conquerable, but I haven't the same sympathy
with him, never having experienced the same sort
of success at the end of my athletic efforts. That
fact, in itself, seems to me a conclusive argument,
however, for the inclusion in our program of
typical activities, affording opportunity for no end
of skill and achievement, and swinging around the
circle to compass the whole range of youthful
endeavor. If not possible in one activity, the sense
of conquest may be possible in another.
"Roy Wallace wrote me recently a case in point
— the response which one community has made to
Miss Lamkin's effort with the drama. We are
passing through the same experience. Not always
the same individuals who participate in other
things are drawn into the dramatic program, but
those who are find it a medium of art, a channel
for expression, and they have some of the emotion
of explorers going down below the horizon of
their former world in pursuing this art to its ulti-
mate conclusions. He also mentioned music.
We have not done much with it, except in Barn-
hart's great choruses of last summer, and the Chil-
dren's Choruses promoted by the local Civic Music
Association, but when our service reaches the
goals toward which we are pushing, it will include
opportunity for every type of individuality to ex-
press itself, limited only by its own capacity to do
things supremely well.
"Our handcraft program has brought to us a
realization of the spiritual values of some of these
other things, I believe, and perhaps that is why
I feel so interested in it. At all events, I can
assure you that we shall never do less of it than
we are now doing, and you will be interested to
know that this past year we have taken on, as an
initial venture, two specialists, one for boys and
one for girls, to push the handcraft program into
new fields of experimental effort. So far the re-
sponse has been most encouraging, and as we
pioneer along new trails we probably will find
new fields of service."
HANDCRAFT AND CHARACTER
The Board of Recreation of Reading, Pennsyl-
vania, recently issued a bulletin to its workers on
The Value of Handcraft in Character Building.
Because handcraft has become so important a
part of the program, we are passing on extracts
from Mr. Pritchard's bulletin.
Every exercise in handcraft should embody an
educational principle, making sure the training
of the judgment, the eye or the memory, and tend-
ing to develop skill, patience, accuracy, persever-
408
THE PROBLEM COLUMN
ance, dexterity or artistic appreciation. Through
handcraft, skill and ingenuity are brought into
exercise and the joy of expression is given to the
inventive faculties. It is one of the forms of play
education through which the child learns by doing.
The making of an article furnishes a chance to
exercise the mind in an instructive as well as a
satisfying manner. Ambition is stimulated to
reach a desired end; and, in addition, the child
learns to be skillful with his hands. A well made
article shows more than dexterity and skill. It
stands for patience, stick-to-it-ive-ness and has the
value of all good work. . . .
In making an article as a gift for a child or an
adult, thought for others is cultivated and the
frequently needed help of playmates encourages
the spirit of goodwill and kindness. . . .
Constructive effort, especially if creative from
within, is of immense value in the development
of character. Encourage the child to tell a story
by a painting, or a drawing or in sand. . . .
Young children should be led to express their
ideas using the manual arts as their means. . . .
Paper models furnish excellent motives for a be-
ginning. They can be made the medium for the
application of very simple geometrical patterns.
. . . In the sense that order, correct spacing,
repetition and appropriateness are needed. . . .
Naturally at this early stage it is idle to attempt
to instill any very definite ideas concerning prin-
ciples into the child's mind. . . . It is far more
important to get him to give something of his
own, than to attempt to guide him towards definite
forms of decoration. . . . Above all allow him
to be happy in the doing, as well as to know the
fullest satisfaction upon completion of his pro-
ject. Although too much exactness is not to be
required of the young child, yet as fast as he is
able to do good work, draw out the best of which
he is capable. . . . Unless the child has a high
ideal and strives to reach it the time of the lesson
is somewhat wasted. Encourage self-criticism ;
work should be done to one's own satisfaction
whether it is seen by others or not. Herein lies a
principle that will lead to excellent character quali-
ties in later life.
What is known as free hand cutting has been
for some time recognized as a genuine educational
value and is a source of great pleasure to the child.
. . . When he tries by means of paper and scis-
sors to express an idea . . . his notions of form
and color become more precise and he learns to
appreciate beauty of outline. ... The definite-
ness of objects and skill with the hand acquired
in this free cutting serves the child in many
ways. . . .
The child should be led to perceive and have
pleasurable feelings for the beautiful and the ideal
in his crafts. Into each article, even the simplest,
enter the elements of beauty, proportion, harmony
of line and color, and good, true workmanship,
leading surely if unconsciously to an appreciation
of the finest wherever found. . . .
The first thing that would appear to hold in
decoration is that the decorator should know some-
thing of the thing to be decorated. . . . Herein
lies the good that handwork is likely to have on
applied art and on the child mind. The construc-
tion of the object or surface to be decorated gives
a sound idea of the possibilities and appropriate-
ness of the decoration. Most real art springs from
such sources. The humblest results to the child
from his decoration of his own work are truer art
than the pictorial representation or even any pat-
tern or design arbitrarily applied. It will be found,
too, that children take far more intelligent interest
in the formation of a pattern than they do in copy-
ing some sprig of a flower. The fact that it can
be and is of use appeals to them, immature though
their minds are.
The necessary deftness, skill, adaptability and
foresight which the common applied arts require
and engender are surely the best kind of art for
our children, touching as they do the real and the
concrete, and presenting in an attractive form
replicas of the actual problems of life. . . .
The handicrafts on hundreds of American play-
grounds and in numerous community centers not
only help to prevent children from drifting into
lives of irresponsibility and mischief, but also
teach a love of beauty, cultivate dexterity in pro-
ducing attractive and useful articles and reveal
avenues of self-expression.
There is no need to worry about making hand-
craft popular on the playground and making it
productive of results if care is taken not to make
it superficial nor to let it get stereotyped. . . .
May the tribe of playground handicraftsmen in-
crease! As they grow to manhood and woman-
hood the creative interests of these children will
stand them in good stead in this age when the
automatic machine gives so much spare time for
self-development and the enjoyment of satisfac-
tions that arise from the expressions of one's crea-
tive urges.
THE PROBLEM COLUMN
409
WHITTLING A LOST ART*
With the shortage of soft pine, and the conse-
quent use of pasteboard containers for packing
goods sold by the country store, whittling threat-
ens to become a lost art. There was more in whit-
tling than modern city folk suppose. It was not
merely the amusement of idle men with vacant
minds, though doubtless such idlers often whittled.
Thousands of solid citizens, shrewd in their own
affairs and helpful in public concerns, have whit-
tled, and to some purpose. Whittling never inter-
fered with solitary thought or with public debate.
An intelligent auditor at such discussions, reli-
gious, political, what you will, could guess pretty
closely, by the fashion in which a whittler wielded
his knife, the effect upon him of an opponent's
argument. There is a tradition of a wise old corn-
factor who always whittled away from the hand
that held the pine stick when business was going
ill, and toward his hand when things were coming
his way. Some whittlers fashioned nothing in
particular, but saved the shavings to kindle the
fire next morning. Others made articles of orna-
ment or use; but the wise men who whittled as
an undisturbing accompaniment to reflection or
argument often appeared to be unprofitably em-
ployed. Whittling undoubtedly promoted the im-
provement of cutlery, for the habitual whittler was
fastidious as to the quality and condition of his
blade.
Whittling seems to have been a habit inherited
from our British ancestors. The very name goes
back to the Saxon "thwitan," to cut, from which
came "thwitel," a knife. Sheffield was early fa-
mous for cutlery, for Chaucer has the line, "A
Sheffield thwitel baar he in his hose," a phrase
that seems to prefigure the razor in the bootleg.
Falstaff was probably a whittler, as he was surely
a man of no little worldly wisdom. Witness his
expressions, "Like a man made after supper a
cheese paring," "Like a forked radish, with a head
fantastically carved upon it with a knife."
Americans have a distinguished genius for
sculpture, many public monuments to the contrary
notwithstanding, and perhaps the primitive whit-
tler was the forerunner not only of Drown and
his wooden image, but of Ball, French, St. Gau-
dens. The peachstone ring must have been the
invention of a whittler, and perhaps the wooden
nutmeg, according to uncharitable tradition, the
founder of fortunes in a neighboring common-
wealth. Can the higher walks of the sculptural
art afford to let whittling perish ?
•From Boston Herald, June 11, 1925.
"Uncle Dudley," in the Boston Sunday Globe
last spring, writing of the death of Peter Menth,
the Austrian cobbler-philospher, meditated on the
meaning of handicraft to human life. "It was as
an enthusiastic exponent of the handicrafts in an
age when machinery seems almost to have crowded
these and all they mean out of life, that Peter
Menth attracted attention.
"Whence came this idea of the handicrafts as
we know it? What has it to do with you and
me? It is the wise and true idea that the joy of
making things useful and beautiful with one's
hands is a way of growth. It is the idea that crea-
tive activity is inclusive; that it is a matter of
everybody being in the swim who chooses to learn
the strokes. You can express that idea, to some
extent, if you carve toy boats or make dolls'
houses ; if you tinker off hours with intelligent en-
thusiasm, over a home-made radio ; if you trans-
late your pride in an automobile into a desire to
explore all its intricacies and to master them,
seeking with a craftsman's delight to keep them
fit. These are but a few ways. The hankering
born of the handicrafts idea is latent in most of
us. The problem is to turn it to action that
counts."
In the Middle Ages hand and brain were de-
veloped together and with them human self-
respect. The medieval guilds developed pride in
workmanship and solidarity among the workers.
Through all the years of the development of
the machine age the idea behind the handicrafts
did not die at all.
"During the first quarter of the 20th century
the idea has been making headway definitely once
more. The hankering persists and many are
seeking to satisfy it. The pressure has gradually
but discernibly restored and increased the mar-
gins of leisure for all who work productively.
And the use of that leisure in ways which will ex-
press individuality is increasing.
"One man who sits daily at the heart of a huge
railway system makes clock cabinets at home and
achieves an exquisite skill of workmanship. A
blacksmith carves violins which become noted
throughout his State for their beauty and tone.
A statistician turns his spare hours to book bind-
ing. Thousands of machine workers and clerks
drop their routine at the day's end and go home to
build instruments with which they can get in touch
with concerts and lectures and recitals given hun-
dreds of miles away. Illustrations are many.
"Demand for the recapture of individuality in-
410
AT THE CONFERENCES
creases. Our age in all its hustle and rush has
not managed to dehumanize the spirit of man, and
that spirit now surges against the barriers which
frantic exploitation has striven to establish. As
at the dawn of every great era, men are beginning
to hunt once more for the most precious treasure
in life — themselves."
Hobbies
(Continued from page 405)
drawing. 3. Art products — still life, plant and
flower studies, lettering, applied art
Department XI — Elementary Schools (girls only)
Sewing, completely dressed doll, knitting, fancy
work, miscellaneous articles, quilts, mending,
work bags
Department XII — Elementary Schools (boys
only)
Manual training
Department XIII — Auxiliary Classes
Sewing, knitting, fancy work, weaving and
basketry, woodwork
Department XIV — Primary Manual Activities
Art work, clay modelling, outline and free-
cutting
Department XV — Pushmobile
Department XVI—
In this section may be entered any article of
any description that is truly a hobby and made by
exhibitor and not included in departments above
listed
Department XVII — Musical Competition
Under this classification were contests for
church choirs, school choirs, vocal solos, violin
solos, piano solos and duets and solos for any
orchestral wind instrument and string instru-
ment
On April 17 a stunt program was arranged,
with contests in sewing, cooking and woodwork-
ing.
The prizes awarded consisted, for the most
part, of shields and ribbons, a silver trophy being
given the school making the largest number of
points ; a silver cup to the boy and girl having* the
best exhibit
* * * *
IN CHICAGO
Similar in general outline to the London Hobby
Fair was Chicago's first annual Boys' Achieve-
ment Exposition, which was a feature of Boys'
Week sponsored by the Chicago Boys' Week
Federation, May 18-23.
The exhibit, which was held at the Municipal
Pier, included an exhibition of things made and
collected by boys and a demonstration of boys'
activities as promoted by the organizations of
Chicago working in their behalf. Among the
exhibits were the following :
Division I — Handera ft
Woodwork — furniture, fernery, birdhouses, tie
racks, book racks and other useful articles ; models
— airplanes, sail boats, motor boats; radio —
crystal and tube sets; mechanical devices — elec-
trical apparatus, wood and metal apparatus;
whittling and carving; miscellaneous, including
kites, weaving, hammocks, rugs and other hand-
craft.
Division II — Collections
Stamps mounted on cardboard or in books;
coins; natural history specimens — butterflies,
beetles, wood ; war relics ; curios.
Division III — Arts and Crafts
Oil paintings; water color; pen and ink, char-
coal, pencil ; drawings made from life and outdoor
sketches; modelling in soap, clay or plasticene;
cartoons; mechanical drawings; photography, in-
cluding photographs taken, printed and mounted
by the boy; posters; metal, leather or textiles
Division IV — Music
Any boy or groups of boys were permitted to
enter this contest in only one of the following
groups: harmonica, key of C; piano; ukulele;
violin; boy quartette; string instrument, other
than violin, such as banjo, zither and mandolin;
wind instruments, including cornet, saxophone
and trombone
Division V — Drama
A one-act play with a minimum of three char-
acters and maximum of forty minutes, with prop-
erties provided by the group; clog dancing
At the Conferences
The International Town, City and Regional
Planning Conference held in New York in April
reported in the September PLAYGROUND, was a
notable event of much significance for American
cities. The papers presented at the Conference
and the discussions of them are a valuable contri-
AT THE CONFERENCES
411
bution to city planning literature. They will be
published in a volume called The Planning Prob-
lems of Town, City, and Region. It will be dis-
tributed to members of the Conference and to sub-
scribers. Further information may be secured
from Flavel Shurtleff, 130 East 22nd Street, New
York City.
The Thirty-Second Annual Convention of the
International Kindergarten Union was held in
Los Angeles, California, July 8th to llth. Thirty-
four states and eighteen foreign countries sent
delegates, making a gathering of over 1,200 kin-
dergartners. The theme of the Conference was
evidence of the effect of training in early child-
hood. One of the most impressive events was
Delegates Day, when over a thousand kinder-
gartners, dressed in white and carrying state
banners, the foreign delegates in native costume,
paraded on the University campus before enter-
ing the huge auditorium where the exercises of the
day were held.
The International Kindergarten Union is
affiliated with the National Education Association,
The General Federation of Women's Clubs, The
National Congress of Parents and Teachers, and
the National Council of Primary Education.
The Question Box
QUESTION : Is it feasible to provide some sort
of individual achievement cards upon which each
boy or girl might keep his own record on the play-
ground ?
ANSWER: There should be very close super-
vision of any effort of this kind, perhaps closer
supervision than any we are able to give on the
playground. That is, one supervisor has a very
large number of boys and girls to look after. If
cards are given to the boys and girls to mark,
those cards ought to be looked over by the super:
visor. Perhaps this method adapts itself better
to troops of Boy Scouts where one leader has
only 20 or 30 boys, or to Sunday School classes,
clubs, and smaller groups. It is true that there
-are smaller groups on the playgrounds with a
leader and that such groups might make out such
cards. Such marking blanks might also be used
in the school room. Any blanks to be used on a
large playground should be exceedingly simple.
This is a good question. Have any of our
readers experiences to offer?
Please mention THE PLAYGROUND when writing to advertisers
Play Safe !
Why Is It
that a majority of
world's playgrounds are
equipped with Spalding
Apparatus ?
Why Is It
that a demand created many
years back grows greater in
proportion with each new
year's need?
Why Is It
that the Spalding Reputa-
tion for Quality retains its
position of eminence — un-
approached ?
Satisfaction begets confidence
— confidence begets business
Gymnasium and Playground Contract DepL
Chicopee, Mass.
Stores in All Large Cities
412
BOOK REVIEWS
Circle Travel Rings
A CHILD'S PRINCIPAL
BUSINESS IS PLAY
Let us help to make their play
Profitable
Put something new in your playground.
On the Circle Travel Rings they swing from ring
to ring, pulling, stretching and developing every
muscle of their bodies. Instructors pronounce this
the most healthful device yet offered.
Drop a card today asking for our complete
illustrated catalog.
Patterson-Williams Mfg. Co,
San Jose, California
Book Reviews
PAINTINGS OF MANY LANDS AND AGES. — An introduction
to picture study and art appreciation, by Albert W.
Heckman. The Art Extension Society, 415 Madison
Avenue, New York City
Picture study has come to be indispensable in the en-
richment of child life. Increasingly it is being used not
only in the schools but on the playgrounds where hand-
craft, snow modeling from pictures and similar activities
are helping develop in the child an appreciation of art.
This booklet outlines a course of study for which ninety
pictures arranged according to grades have been selected
and described. There are chapters on the child and pic-
ture study, art appreciation, class room practice, picture
analysis and the course of study and lesson plan. An
important section of the booklet is devoted to picture
analysis and biographical notes.
TOWN FORESTS — Their Recreational and Economic Value
and How to Establish and Maintain Them. By
Harris A. Reynolds. Published and distributed with
the compliments of the American Tree Association,
Washington, D. C.
In June, 1924, Congress passed the McNary-Clarke bill
providing for federal cooperation with the states in forest
protection on a fifty-fifty basis. Town Forests is a plea
that this act be made effective in order that each state
may take steps to provide the forests which are an
economic and social necessity and that the citizens of the
state may enjoy the recreational values which such forests
offer.
THE VISITING TEACHER MOVEMENT. By J. J. Oppen-
heimer. Publication No. 5. Joint Committee on
Methods of Preventing Delinquency, 50 East 42nd
Street, New York City. Reprinted for the Public
Education Association of New York
This work, now in its second edition, is an exceedingly
careful and thorough analysis of the field of work of the
visiting teacher, and presents a survey made primarily
from the point of view of the educator. The history of
the movement, underlying principles, administration of
the service and community relationships are among the
subjects discussed.
Visiting teachers demonstrations are now being carried
on in thirty communities through the National Committee
of Visiting Teachers organized by the Public Education
Association to administer one of the four divisions of the
Commonwealth Fund program for the prevention of
delinquency.
ORGANIZATION AND PROGRAMS. 1924-1925. National
Conference on Outdoor Recreation
A complete statement of the objectives and activities of
the National Conference on Outdoor Recreation is to be
found in a pamphlet issued in July, 1925, which may be
secured from the National Conference on Outdoor Rec-
reation at its office, 2034 Navy Building, Washington,
D. C.
Thirty projects and project committees are outlined in-
cluding the study of municipal and county park systems
being carried on by the P R A A, the recreation survey
of state lands conducted by ^ the National Conference on
State Parks, and the recreational survey of federal lands
being undertaken by a Joint Committee representing the
American Forestry Association and the National Parks
Association.
An interesting section of the pamphlet is that devoted
to a list of bills and resolutions relating to recreation
which have become laws. (68th Congress)
SINGING GAMES AND DRILLS FOR RURAL SCHOOLS, PLAY-
GROUND WORKERS AND TEACHERS. Prepared by Ches-
ter Geppert Marsh, Director, Westchester County,
New York Recreation Commission. Published by
A. S. Barnes Company. Price $2.00.
Not merely a new book on games but one with a
Please mention THK PLAYGROUND when writing to advertisers
BOOK REVIEWS
413
special contribution for rural districts is this, volume
prepared by a worker of long experience in the recreation
field. The contents of the book have been compiled with
a view to providing a recreation program of games, action
stories, and calisthenic drills for use in the schools of the
rural districts and small towns having no graded system
of physical education. For the first four grades the pro-
gram provides a new singing game and action story and
a running game each week. For the four upper grades,
a calisthenic drill is given for each week. The running
games may be used for all grades.
In addition to the descriptions of singing games, action
stories and running games, the book contains a May Day
dance with -a diagram for a May pole, drills for grammar
grades, a posture test and an exhibition drill. Music is
given for the singing games and there are many sug-
gestive illustrations.
RECREATION BULLETIN, MUTUAL IMPROVEMENT ASSOCIA-
TION. Published by General Boards of M. A. L, Salt
Lake City, Utah
For the benefit of their recreation committees and lead-
ers, the General Boards of the M. I. A. of the Mormon
Church have compiled in a booklet of 156 pages all the
previously issued bulletins on recreation together with
some new material. There are suggested activities for
all phases of the recreation program — physical, social,
dramatic, musical, linguistic and others, and suggestions
for leadership, home recreation and for general features.
This reference book represents one of the most com-
plete and practical compilations which any recreation
group has yet issued.
GYMNASTICS IN EDUCATION. By William J. Cromie,
Sc. D. Price, $3.75
Realizing the need of teachers for definite instruction
in physical education methods, the author has prepared
this volume for instructors in the high, preparatory,
normal and grammar schools and in schools and colleges.
He has undertaken to bring together in one book a
progression of exercises on the well-established gymnastic
appliances with class formation, tactics and free move-
ments. The chapters deal with gymnastic tactics, free
work, calisthenics, exercises with wands, Indian clubs,
heavy apparatus, and equipment of various types. The
final chapter contains a valuable classification of games
according to ages.
The directions given are clear and definite and the
illustrations, 240 in number, add to the value of the book
as a medium of instruction.
CONTRIBUTIONS OF PHYSICAL EDUCATION TO THE IDEALS
OF MODERN DEMOCRACY. By J. B. Nash, Superin-
tendent of Recreation and Director of Physical
Education, Oakland Public Schools, Oakland, Cali-
fornia
In this address before the Thirty-eighth Annual Con-
vention of the W. E. A., Mr. Nash has elaborated as the
objectives of education with which the physical education
program has to deal, health, proper use of leisure time
and citizenship training. He shows how the physical
education program, in its various aspects, may be made to
serve these ends.
PENNY BUNS & ROSES, A Musical Fantasy, Libretto by
Leisa Graeme Wilson, Music by Charles Repper.
Published by C. C. Birchard & Co., Boston, Massa-
chusetts. Price, music 75c — libretto 50c.
In Penny Buns & Roses is presented a whimsical musical
fantasy in which color, light and dancing combine with
the music to create a delightful atmosphere for the action.
The story has to do with a genial baker and his magical
oven, the little old wife and her little old husband, whom
the oven transforms into the beautiful damsel and the
handsome young man, and the gay gallant, who is the
nearest approach to a villain that the operetta has to offer.
The amusing situations which the magic qualities of the
oven bring about add to the attractiveness of the music
and setting.
KELLOGG SCHOOL
OF
PHYSICAL
EDUCATION
Broad field for young women, offering at-
tractive positions. Qualified directors of
physical training in big demand. Three-
year diploma course and four-year B. S.
course, both including summer course in
camp activities, with training in all forms
of physical exercise, recreation and health
education. School affiliated with famous
Battle Creek Sanitarium — superb equipment
and faculty of specialists. Excellent oppor-
tunity for individual physical development
For illustrated catalogue, address Registrar.
KELLOGG SCHOOL OF
PHYSICAL EDUCATION
Battle Creek College
BOX 255 Battle Creek, Michigan
Please mention THE PLAYGROUND when writing to advertisers
414
BOOK REVIEWS
Where Large
Numbers of
Children
Gather
in open places Solvay Calcium Chloride should be applied to the surface in order
10 prevent discomfort caused by dust.
SOLVAY CALCIUM CHLORIDE
is being used as a surface dressing for Children's playgrounds with
marked satisfaction.
It will not stain the children's clothes or playthings. Its germicidal property is a
feature which has the strong endorsement of physicians and playground directors.
Solvay Calcium Chloride is not only an excellent dust layer but at the same time
kills weeds, and gives a compact play surface. Write for New Booklet 1159 Today!
THE SOLVAY PROCESS COMPANY
WING & EVANS, Inc., Sales Department 40 Rector Street, New York
SPECIAL COMBINATION OFFER
THE ATHLETIC JOURNAL
A magazine for athletic coaches and physical directors
THE PLAYGROUND
A monthly magazine on recreation
$1.50
Per Year
$2.00
Per Year
Total $3.50
Thess magazines taken together $2.60
Send your
Subscription to
THE PLAYGROUND
315 Fourth Avenue
New York City
Magazines and Pamphlets Recently Received
Containing Articles of Interest to Recreation Workers'
and Officials
MAGAZINES
Parks am' Recreation. July-August, 1925
Municipal Park at Johnstown, Pa.
By Charles W. Leavitt
Chicago Boys' Achievement Exposition
By Charles H. English
Problems of the Recreation Executive — Champion-
ships Plus
By V. K. Brown
Playground Training Course — Chicago Normal Col-
lege
Billiards vs. Boys
The Missing Link
By Charles G. Blake
Recreational Drama
Mind and Body. July, 1925
Motor Ability Tests
By Frederick W. Maroney
"Over the Top"
By E. Marion Roberts
The American City. August, 1925
Better Recreation for Scranton
By Weaver Pangburn
Public Recreation in Rhode Island — A Question of
Emphasis
The American City. September, 1925
Where They Sing and Play Together
Eight Greensboro Citizens Have Donated More
Than 300 Acres of Park Lands
The Athletic Journal. August, 1925
The Return of Baseball as an Amateur Came
By J. A. Butler
Organized City Athletics
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OUR FOLKS
415
THE BIG "S" TOURNAMENT AT SAND LAKE, MICHIGAN
The view shows an exciting period of the tournament in which created a tremendous interest among thousands of people in Kent
eight towns were competing for honors. Many columns of news- and Montcalm Counties of Michigan
paper space have been devoted to publicity on this tournament which
DIAMOND OFFICIAL HORSESHOES
Conform exactly to regulations of the National Horseshoe
Pitchers Association.
Drop forged from tough steel and heat treated so that they
will not chip or break. Cheap shoes which nick and splinter are
dangerous to the hands.
One set consists of four shoes, two painted white aluminum
and two painted gold bronze, each pair packed neatly in a
pasteboard box.
Diamond Official Stake Holder and Stake
For outdoor as well as indoor pitching. Holder drilled at
an angle to hold stake at correct angle of slope toward pitcher.
Best materials, painted with rust-proof paint underground,
white aluminum paint for the ten inches above ground.
Write for Catalog and Rales of the Game
DIAMOND CALK HORSESHOE CO.
DIAMOND STAKES AND Alf\ f* J A n 1 ..U K)f
STAKEHOLDERS 410 drand Ave., Duluth, Minn.
DIAMOND OFFICIAL. — Made In weights 2%
Ibs., 2 Ibs. 5 oz., 2 Ibs. 6 oz., 2 Ibs. 7 oz.,
2% Ibs.
DIAMOND JUNIOR. — For Ladies and Children,
Made in weights, 1% Ibs., 1 Ib. 9 oz., 1 Ib.
10 oz., 1 Ib. 11 oz., 1% Ibs.
Survey of Park ,Baseball Methods
By John C. Henderson
Baseball Tournaments for the Little Fellows
By Charles J. Birt
PAMPHLETS
Report of the Board of Recreation Commissioners — Eliza-
beth, N. J. 1924
Report of the Planning Board of Wakefield, Mass. 1925
Report of the Park Department of Salem, Mass. 1924
The City Book of Houston. 1925
Annual Report of the Woman's Education and Industrial
Union — Osborne Memorial — Auburn, N. Y. 1925
Our Folks
F. W. Bacon succeeded Ben Piers as Director
of Recreation in Dayton, Ohio, on August first.
Miss Mary Jo Wise, formerly connected with
the Spartanburg, South Carolina, playground sys-
tem, has recently succeeded Miss Ruth Owens as
Executive Director of the Playground Association
in Orangeburg, S. C.
Galveston, Texas, has recently employed H. J.
Green, formerly of the State Teachers' College at
Warrensburg, Missouri, as Superintendent of
Recreation, beginning September first.
Let the Drama League Help
Solve Your Production Problems
DRAMA LEAGUE OF AMERICA
59 E Van Buren Street, CHICAGO, ILL.
Chicago Normal School
of Physical Education
Two- Year course preparing Girls to become Directors _ of
Physical Education, Playground Supervisors, Dancing
Teachers, Swimming Instructors. Graduates from accredited
High Schools admitted. Excellent Faculty. Fine Dor-
mitories.
For catalog and book of views address
BOX 45, 5026 GREENWOOD AVE., CHICAGO, ILL.
On July 15th William N. Campbell succeeded
Philip Sayles as Director of Recreation in Owosso,
Michigan.
Joe M. Kelly, formerly connected with the staff
as an assistant, has recently succeeded Ray Carter
as Director of the Community Service Associa-
tion of Salem, Ohio.
Thomas W. Lantz, who has been Director of
Please mention THE PLAYGROUND when writing to advertisers
416
OUR FOLKS
RITUAL AND DRAMATIZED FOLKWAYS
By Ethel Reed Jasspon
and
Beatrice Becker
Drama for Young People in School, Camp or
Settlement
Directs dramatization off beaten paths, and
opens up to creative people a vast un-
explored field.
Dramatizations of:
Bible Stories Ceremonies
Rituals Folk lore
Ballads Allegories
Mrs. Edward Ware, writer and director of
the pageant "The Open Door," says of it:
"This book is indeed a source book for cre-
ative people. I care most for its rituals
and the simple use of crowd rhythms. It
should help to bring about an understand-
ing of the customs of other lands, and
create a sympathy which can enrich the too
often provincial Young Person."
Illustrated, Price $2JSO
At all bookstores
THE CENTURY CO.
353 Fourth Avenue New York City
When you begin to plan for your Christmas
celebration, you will want to have on hand the
Christmas Book. It contains suggestions for a
Christmas party, community Christmas Tree cele-
brations, the organization of Christmas caroling
and an outline for a Christmas carnival. You
will also find in it An Old English Christmas Revel,
the St. George Christmas Play, Stories of the
Christmas Carols, and lists of Christmas plays and
Price, 35 Cents
Playground and Recreation Association of America
315 Fourth Avenue, New York City
MANUAL on ORGANIZED CAMPING
Playground and Recreation Association
of America
Editor, L. H. Weir
The Macmillan Company
A practical handbook on all phases of organized camping
based on an exhaustive study of camping in the United
States.
May be purchased from the
PLAYGROUND AND RECREATION ASSOCIATION
OF AMERICA
315 Fourth Avenue, New York, N. Y.
Postpaid on receipt of Price ($2.00)
the Community House in Spring Lake, New Jer-
sey, has recently gone to Orlando, Florida, as
Superintendent of Public Recreation for that city.
B. G. Leighton, who has been connected with
the municipal recreation department in Minneapo-
lis for five years, has recently accepted the position
of Superintendent of Recreation for Hibbing,
Minnesota.
Miss Marjorie Geary, formerly Director of the
Community Recreation Association in Dalton,
Massachusetts, will be connected with the Recrea-
tion Center in South Manchester, Connecticut, this
coming year.
Newton Cox is the new Secretary of Com-
munity Service in Franklin, New Hampshire.
Paul H. Rhode, of Allentown, Pa., has been
employed recently as Director of the Community
House in Branford, Connecticut.
Melville E. Hodge, of Fargo, North Dakota,
will succeed Talbert Jessuppe as Assistant Super-
intendent in charge of Men's and 'Boys' Work in
the municipal recreation system of Evanston,
Illinois.
G. G. Eppley, of Whiting, Indiana, on Septem-
ber first succeeded Russell Ballard as Director of
Community Recreation in East Chicago, Indiana.
Playground and Recreation
Association of America
JOSEPH LEE, President
JOHN H. FINLEY, First Vice-President
WILLIAM KENT, Second Vice-President
ROBERT GARRETT, Third Vice-President
GUSTAVUS T. KIRBY, Treasurer
HOWARD S. BRAUCHEE, Secretary
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Mrs. Edward W. Biddle, Carlisle, Pa.; William Butterworth,
Moline, 111.; Clarence M. Clark, Philadelphia, Pa.; Mrs. Arthur
G. Cummer, Jacksonville, Fla.; F. Trubee Davison, Locust Valley.
N. Y.; Mrs. Thomas A. Edison, West Orange, N. J.; John H.
Finley, New York, N. Y.; Hugh Frayne, New York N. Y.; Robert
Garrett, Baltimore, Md. ; C. M. Goethe, Sacramento, Cal.; Mrs.
Charles A. Goodwin, Hartford, Conn.; Austin E. Griffiths, Seattle,
Wash.; Myron T. Herrick, Cleveland, Ohio; Mrs. Francis deLacy
Hyde, Plainfield, N. J.; Mrs. Howard R. Ives, Portland. Me.;
Gustavus T. Kirby, New York, N. Y.; H. McK. Landon. Indian-
apolis, Ind.; Robert Eassiter, Charlotte, N. C.; Joseph Lee, Boston,
Mass.; Edward E. Loomis, New York, N. Y.; J. H. McCurdy,
Springfield, Mass.; Otto T. Mallery, Philadelphia, Pa.; Walter A.
May, Pittsburgh, Pa.; Carl E. Milliken, Augusta, Me.; Miss Ellen
Scripps, La Jolla, Cal.; Harold H. Swift, Chicago, 111.; F. S.
Titsworth, New York, N. Y.; Mrs. J. W. Wadsworth, Jr., Wash-
ington, D. C.; J. C. Walsh, New York. N. Y.; Harris Whitteraore.
Naugatuck, Conn.
Please mention THE PLAYGROUND when writing to advertisers
The EAR GATE
is the open way
to the child mind,
where early impressions
are received and
indelibly recorded
CAN you forget the songs you learned
childhood? Try it!
Neither will the child of today ever for-
get the beautiful music the Victrola brings!
MUSIC cuts deepest into the plastic
recording substance — begins sooner — lasts
longer than any other art or science —
reaches the spiritual, mental and moral
nature of the' child.
The music of the world is the rightful
inheritance of childhood.
The music of the long ago and all the
beautiful music for children of more re-
cent years is now available for the home
and school through the enduring repro-
ductions on Victor Records.
The Victrola is indispensable in every
modern schoolroom!
"HIS MASTER'5 VOICE"
Educational Department
Victor Talking Machine Company
Camden, New Jersey
Please mention THE PLAYGROUND when writing to advertisers
417
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VOL. XIX, No. 8
NOVEMBER 1925
The World at Play
Announce Date of Third National Music
Week, May 2-8, 1926. — Following a second
celebration remarkable in its extent, the National
Music Week is to be observed again on May 2-8,
1926. The observance each year occurs during
the week beginning on the first Sunday in May.
Some communities extend the celebration to in-
clude Mother's Day, which will next year fall upon
May 9. Those planning the 1926 observance are
heartened by the growth of the movement as ex-
pressed in last May's celebration. The records of
the Committee show 702 community-wide ob-
servances plus 512 partial Music Weeks. This
total of 1,214 cities and towns far surpasses that
of the first National Music Week, which in-
cluded 780 communities.
Recommendations for Music Week features
include not only the usual participation by
churches, schools and clubs, but a development of
music in the home, more good music in the mo-
tion picture houses and greater musical partici-
pation by industrial workers and inmates of in-
stitutions.
American Education Week. — The Bureau of
Education of the United States has fixed Novem-
ber 16-22, 1925, as American Education Week.
The Playground and Recreation Association of
America has been invited by the Bureau to co-
operate in the observance of this week. Play-
ground and recreation leaders in the localities
throughout America have unusual opportunity to
cooperate with the school authorities in making
this week of special value to our country. Many
recreation executives will undoubtedly aid the
school authorities in special demonstrations on the
playground and elsewhere.
Saturday, November 21st, has been designated
as Community and Health Day, and it is sug-
gested that there be a special effort to consider
provision of adequate parks for city, state and
nation on this day.
Heckscher Gift. — August Heckscher of New
York City has given $250,000 to the State of
New York to purchase 1,500 acres of land on the
Great Sound Bay to be used as a park recreation
ground.
Through several other gifts August Heckscher
has previously shown his deep interest in the
children of New York.
Labor Day Celebration in Elkhart, Indiana.
—A large parade, with all the local organized
labor bodies participating, was arranged by the
American Federation of Labor on Labor Day in
Elkhart, Indiana. An elaborate program of ad-
dresses, athletic events, fireworks display and
.other entertainment was held !at McNaughton
Park following the parade. At noon a 900-pound
barbecued beef was served free to all who came
to the park. A band concert, a baseball game, a
tennis tournament, singing by the Elkhart Glee
Club, a free motion picture show, a fireworks dis-
play and a merry-go-round and ferris wheel
added to the afternoons entertainment. Com-
munity Service of Elkhart assisted the American
Federation of Labor in putting on this celebra-.
tion, which was a huge success. The weather was
most auspicious and between 20,000 and 30,000
people were present. Seven thousand seven hun-
dred barbecue sandwiches were served free.
Thre was something doing every minute and no
one lacked entertainment during the entire day.
A Discerning Gift.— In 1906, Charles W.
Garfield, in connection with members of his fam-
ily, gave a playground to Grand Rapids, Michi-
gan, thus starting the playground movement in
that city. The impetus created by this gift has re-
sulted in the establishment of playgrounds, which,
according to city valuation, are today worth
$1,250,000.
"Bees" at Kalamazoo. — Kalamazoo, Michi-
gan, is holding a series of public "bees" which
419
420
THE WORLD AT PLAY
are attended by great crowds of Kalamazoo
people. "Cutting and digging bees" would prob-
ably be the most descriptive name for them. In
its enthusiasm over the acquisition of a strip of
land a mile and a half wide, winding along the
river, Kalamazoo is turning out throngs to help
transform this spot into a park. The land is 750
feet wide, comprises 100 acres and cost $50,000.
At the rate at which Kalamazoo's mayor and citi-
zens are getting the ground cleared, it will doubt-
less be a real park before the season is over. The
work is being done under the supervision of the
city park and engineering departments. The
women are helping along the project by serving
the men workers with large community dinners.
It is planned to equip the park with baseball dia-
monds, tennis courts, athletic fields, swimming-
pools, recreation and playground centers, lagoons
and floral gardens.
New Gift for Scranton, Pa.— C. S. Weston.
who in 1917, with his sister, Mrs. Frank Bird,
gave Weston Field to Scranton, as a tribute to his
parents, has recently made further plans for rec-
reation improvements totaling $15,000. This will
bring the total expenditures on the playground up
to $230,000. The plans include the construction
of a natatorium in addition to the present build-
ing and an auditorium of 7,200 square feet, both to
be built of stucco to match the present architec-
tural scheme. The auditorium when completed will
be suitable for large community meetings and for
the presentation of plays, pageants and other im-
portant civic affairs. It will also contain a regu-
lation basketball court and a gallery seating 150
people. The natatorium will contain a swimming
pool encircled by a tiled concourse and a gallery
which seats 200 people. Mr. Weston has given a
gift to Scranton which will be of lasting value
throughout many generations.
Tourist Lodge Erected in Wayne County.
— A model tourist lodge and camp site has been
erected by Wayne County, Pennsylvania, just off
the Dixie Highway, near the western limits of
Trenton. The lodge is a $40,000 brick and stone
structure. It is the first of its kind in Wayne
County and the most completely equipped in the
state. A canteen, checking facilities, a commodi-
ous lounging room with an open fireplace, writing
tables, shower rooms and rest rooms, a luncheon
room, small gas stoves with coin meters for tour-
ist use, a laundry room, and a compressed air
pump for auto tire air are some of the facilities
provided. The 200 camp sites — plots 30 x 30 feet
— each contain a concrete stove and a bench-table.
Police protection will be afforded at all times.
Playground Gift to Lansing. — Property lying
between the river and the Olds motor works has
been donated to Lansing for use as a playground
by Mr. and Mrs. R. H. Scott of that city.
Out for a Playground. — Begging for a new
playground, 200 children of Somerville, Mass.,
paraded five miles through that city calling at the
homes of three aldermen and at the office of the
Mayor. Their request was that a spot which
once was a playground be cleared of refuse so
that they might use it. The banners carried by
the pleading children, in order, read as follows:
"We want a playground" ; "Joy street and Pop-
lar" ; "Please come to see our dump" ; "Big as a
bandbox, dry as Sahara"; "No shade, no water,
no room" ; "This mob on 90-foot square" ; "As
many more on the street" ; "Last month was one
big hole, now it's filled up with stones like these"
(some children carried large rocks). The last
placard in the line of march read, "Were you ever
a kid ?"
Volunteers in Nashville, Tennessee. — In the
report of the recreation activities conducted by
the Park Department of Nashville, Tennessee,
January 1st to August 1st, 1925, the statement
is made that the Activities Department has had
the valuable assistance of nearly two hundred
volunteers, without whose help the program would
have been greatly curtailed.
Parent Teacher Associations Forward Play.
— One hundred and forty-seven out of 301 Parent
Teacher Associations in Delaware provided play-
ground equipment during the last year ; 107 pro-
vided musical instruments and phonograph rec-
ords; 105 added over 1800 books to the school
libraries, and 80 planted trees, plants and flowers
to beautify school grounds.
Inherited His Rival. — Charles A. Blake,
Honorary President of the Chicago Lawn Bowling
Club, in the Detroit News, speaking of the import-
ance of lawn bowling in the outdoor life of people
as they approach middle age, tells an interesting
incident which recently occurred in Chicago.
Over thirty years ago. two young men — James
Armstrong and Hugh Creran — played in the finals
of the lawn bowling tournament in the land of
THE WORLD AT PLAY
421
Ayr, Scotland, and Armstrong won. This summer
at the Mid- West Lawn Bowling Association's An-
nual Tournament at Chicago, this same James
Armstrong came out from the whirl of the contest
on one side and the son of that same Hugh Creran
on the other. The son determined to wipe out the
defeat of his father but the old campaigner's
steadiness enabled him to get into the game with
the first bowl played and he had accumulated 5
points before young Creran had a chance to find
himself. Then ensued a lively battle. One played
as well as the other until at the finish of the match,
Armstrong still held exactly his original lead of
5 points and so became the 1925 champion of the
Mid-West Lawn Bowling Association.
A Popular Visitor. — Dr. Allen G. Ireland,
Director of Physical Education and Health, Con-
necticut State Board of Education, Hartford,
Conn., in visiting the rural schools of Connecticut
follows the plan of teaching the children a new
game each visit. Needless to say this makes Dr.
Ireland very popular with the children.
Better Product from Cities. — The examina-
tion of 3478 men students in one of the large state
universities in the middle west showed results
definitely favorable to the large cities of over 50,-
000 as compared with the small cities, country side,
and villages. The students from the large cities
show the lowest number in physical defects.
It is clear that the time has come when more
attention ought to be given to well-rounded physi-
cal education and recreation for the boys and girls
living in the villages and the open country.
A Short Course for Workers with Boys.—
Teachers College, in cooperation with the Boys'
Club Federation, announces a short course of in-
struction for workers with boys October 12th to
November 18th, 1925. Each week will be devoted
to a discussion of topics grouped under certain
subjects, as, for example, "Boys' Work a Profes-
sion," "Qualifications and Relationships," "Con-
structive Influence in Boys' Work," "Physical and
Recreational Aspects" and "Boys' Work Pro-
grams.'' In addition to the lectures and discus-
sions there will be demonstrations of storytelling,
of a toy symphony and of handcraft, visits to boys'
clubs in the city, inspection of a modern theatre
and similar special features.
Additional information may be secured from
C. J. Atkinson, Boys' Club Federation, 3037
Grand Central Terminal, New York City.
Training Leadership. — The Boy Scouts of
America announces a series of intensive training
courses of 30 days each to equip scout workers,
of whom it is estimated 300 will be needed during
the next 12 months, to serve as full time paid
executives. The first course, which will be held
in cooperation with Teachers College, Columbia
University, New York City, opened October 24th.
In the scout organization 160,000 men are now
giving volunteer service. Less than 1,000 men
are employed professionally. The aim has been
to keep the boy scout movement, as largely as
possible, on a volunteer basis.
The remarkable growth in membership has
necessitated an increased number of professional
leaders and the series of training schools now be-
ing instituted are for the purpose of preparing
these professional leaders to meet their important
task of giving help to this large group of volun-
teer workers.
Books for the Family. — The General Federa-
tion of Women's Clubs through its Literature
Committee obtained several hundred answers to
the question, "What Two Million Women Want
from the Publishers."
The Division of Literature of the General Fed-
eration of Women's Clubs has prepared a home
library list of 200 volumes for the entire family.
This list may be obtained by writing to the Arnold
Company, 320 Broadway, New York City.
The Dr. J. H. Kellogg Playground.— A
nutrition playground was established this sum-
mer in Battle Creek, Michigan, with an attend-
ance of about 20 children. A wholesome noon
luncheon was served daily and many of the
children spent the entire day there. Dr. J. H.
Kellogg offered $25 in prizes for gain in weight
during the summer and for the best coat of sun
tan. All were urged to drink plenty of milk and
to take sun baths. The playground was divided
into two parts, separated by a high fence. In-
struction in swimming was given and games,
storytelling, paper flower making and apparatus
play was carried on.
At Three Cents a Day.— Three cents a day
for each playground attendant was the cost to the
village of Portchester for conducting its summer
playground over a period of eight weeks.
This year, for the first time, Portchester had
organized tennis with 55 registered members,
422
THE WORLD AT PLAY
more than half of whom had never before played.
Fees were charged as follows :
Season membership $5.00
Teachers (short season) 3.00
Out of town guests 50c per hour
The money received in membership fees paid
for the upkeep of the grounds and supplies.
Combining Forces in San Diego. — The
Board of Education and the Board of Playground
Commissioners have effected a plan of coopera-
tion whereby a superintendent of recreation has
been employed jointly to assume responsibility for
the municipal recreation program and the physical
education and recreation program of the schools.
Spokane Swimming Pool. — The Park De-
partment of Spokane, Washington, maintains a
swimming pool 60' x 150', costing about $10,000.
There is an average daily attendance at the pool
of 1,000. Through special arrangements the pool
is used in the early morning by workmen in near-
by shops and factoies.
Recreation Accomplishments in a Town of
17,000 People. — Three years ago the Richmond,
California, Park and Playground Committee was
established by authorization of the City Council
to assist the Park Committee of the Council in the
expenditure of a bond issue of $158,000 for park
and playground purposes. The committee has
secured six pieces of land, two of which have been
fully developed, two partially, while two remain
untouched. The city has completed a municipal
plunge and bath house costing over $1,000, for
which separate bonds were voted.
In Indianapolis. — Two new playgrounds re-
cently purchased by the city council, one for
$18,000, the other for $8,000, will bring the play-
grounds of Indianapolis to a total of forty-four.
The city is to be congratulated on the fact that it
has in operation four public golf courses of
eighteen holes each with two more nine-hole
courses under way.
The Fairbanks Morse Plant has turned over to
the city Recreation Department the use of its
recreation fields and equipment. The city pays
for the upkeep and leadership and is given the use
of the property on Saturday and Sunday for the
general public.
With an appropriation of $3,000 the city has
conducted bi-weekly band concerts during the sum-
mer. Through the courtesy of the Circle Theatre
the services of Miss Anna Case of the Metropoli-
tan Opera Company have been obtained at small
cost. Miss Case's singing has added tremendously
to the interest of the concerts and the public has
shown a deep appreciation of the privileges it has
enjoyed.
A Pageant of California. — The culmination
of the most largely attended playground season
ever held in Long Beach', California, came with
the presentation in recreation parks of a pageant
depicting the history of California. One thousand
children took part in the performance, music for
which was furnished by the playground orchestra.
Playgrounds Popular in Utica. — The total
attendance at the Utica Playgrounds this year ex-
ceeded all previous years, reaching a total of
274,144. Four grounds were opened in May and
June, sixteen during July and August and eight
through the first part of September.
At the close of the season the following editorial
appeared in the Utica Daily Press :
"The popularity of Utica's playgrounds is indi-
cated by the increase in attendance. It was much
larger this year than last. There are some who
may believe that playgrounds are something to
keep children out of mischief. They do that but
they also do vastly more. They are really edu-
cational centers, where the child's attitude towards
his fellows is determined to a large extent and
where he receives directions that will be valu-
able in the formation of character. Play has come
to be regarded as a vital part of the individual's
life. Its benefit may be lost if its function is not
appreciated. There is a right way to play, as there
is a right way to work and this the playground
teaches. The playgrounds have come to be re-
garded as a part of the educational equipment ot
the city."
Sand Track Pantomimes. — Demonstrated by
J. Lee Calahan, Scout Executive, Boy Scouts of
America, at Carnegie Steel Company Playground
Conference, in New Castle, June 20-2 1st.
Sand tracking is a subject that creates great
interest in camps that use a sand bin. The only
equipment necessary is a spot covered with sand
or a sand bin about ten feet wide and twelve feet
long, and a rake with which to smooth over the
moist sand.
Deduction contests in puzzling out stories that
THE WORLD AT PLAY
423
have been enacted in the sand are usually con-
ducted by patrols. The contestants are assembled
around the bin and given brief instruction and
opportunity to observe simple tracks. Of course,
the leader should give instruction in the kind of
tracking that will be used in the story to be en-
acted. If it were desired to depict for the con-
test the story of a man with a pack on his back
lost in the wood, who finally dropped from ex-
haustion, tracking related to this kind of action
should be given in the preliminary instruction.
This instruction might include tracks of normal
persons either running, walking, carrying a load,
stalking or falling.
After the observation period the patrols retire
and the leader enacts the riddle of the sands. The
patrols are then assembled and allowed to study
the tracks for a few minutes in absolute silence.
Then each patrol retires and assembles the indi-
vidual observations into a story. The patrol that
reports the best story as judged by the entire
group, wins. Detective stories involving tragedy
are most popular.
A Reward of Virtue.— When the boys of
Gardner, Massachusetts, decided they wanted to
play tennis but could find no courts for their use,
they started to build them under the leadership of
their Playground Superintendent, Louis J.
Schmitt.
When the Park and Playground Commission
saw that the boys were in earnest they took over
the work and installed two splendid courts, one on
each of the two playgrounds. The Greenwood
Playground Court cost $175.00, the Bickford
Court, $158.00. These amounts included grading,
rolling, surfacing and posts for the net. Tennis
tournaments for boys and girls were held on both
courts before the close of the playground season.
Home Products for Fitchburg. — Last sum-
mer Fitchburg, Massachusetts, reduced to a
minimum the cost of its handcraft program. The
secret lay in using all home products, most of
which were donated by the manufacturers.
Many colored cotton yarns which came from
the Duck Mills were used to outline sewing cards
and to knit jumping ropes and horse-reins. From
the same source was secured lightweight khaki
for bean bags and canvas for bases which were
made on the playgrounds. The wooden handles
for the jump ropes were turned out by a local
wood turning plant and painted by the children.
A generous gift of cardboard in many colors
and weights from the paper mills was put to good
use. A variety of things were made — posters for
the daily bulletin board, sewing cards, pin- wheels
and doll furniture.
Attractive kiddie bedspreads were made for the
children's ward in the local hospital from un-
bleached cotton contributed by a Fitchburg mill.
From another mill came handkerchiefs which the
children hemmed. Yards of gingham from a well
known gingham mill were turned into bibs,
aprons, sewing bags, doll dresses and sewing
baskets. Oilcloth from a local plant made fas-
cinating bibs for the playground babies. Gifts of
worsted, embroidery material and magazines
which came from many individuals were used for
sewing, embroidering, knitting, scrap-books,
beads, and other articles.
The 1925 exhibition of playground handcraft
work was the largest and most varied in Fitch-
burg's playground history. Coat hangers, flower
jars, napkin rings, skipping ropes, handkerchiefs,
table runners, doilies, napkins, bibs, strings of
beads, hats, baskets and bedspreads were included
in the wide assortment of things made on the
playground.
A Well Deserved Word of Appreciation. —
The 1925 report of the Bureau of Recreation of
Knoxville, Tenn., contains a special word of ap-
preciation of the workmen of the Department of
Maintenance for their faithful and valuable serv-
ices in caring for the facilities and in keeping the
apparatus in such good condition that accidents
were eliminated.
Model Playground in Columbus, Georgia. —
Work is under way on the construction of Ogle-
thorpe Playground in Columbus, which will be
conducted by the Recreation Department. An in-
teresting feature of the plans is a model of the
playground, 5 ft. square, which is being made by
the older boys and girls of the playgrounds and
which will show in colors the various facilities.
The model is of keen interest not only to the chil-
dren who are making it but to all those who will
later take part in the activities of the ground. It
will be complete in all details even to the electric
lights.
An Aid to Harmonica Playing.— A helpful
little book of instructions on playing the harmon-
ica with arrangements for a number of songs
424
*f^t 1 1 2 L^, V
has just been issued' by M. Hohner, Inc., New
York City. Copies of this booklet may be secured
on request.
A Rural Church Catches the Vision. — At
Rocky Ridge, a small village about four miles
from Thermont, Maryland, is a Union-Church —
Reformed and Lutheran- — which believes in com-
munity recreation.
The church owns and operates a park of six-
teen acres, near the church and railroad station,
on which has been erected a large tabernacle
where community services are held every Sun-
day evening from July to September with a large
attendance. There is a community choir and serv-
ices are conducted by ministers from outside the
district.
The play equipment which has been set up in
the park consists of two slides, several dozen
swings, see-saws, whirligigs, sand-boxes, quoits,
and similar equipment. Each year on the second
Saturday in August a mammoth community picnic
is held which attracts people from a distance of
many miles. This year more than six thousand
people attended.
The park is open every day during the season.
On one evening a week it is lighted for the use
of the young people. There are many social
events during the summer, culminating in a clos-
ing outing for all members of the community. A
community supper is held in the evening, followed
by a festival.
"This movement," writes Rev. P. E. Heimer,
"is about seven years old. It has done wonders for
the community in arousing interest in unified ac-
tivities, such as the securing of better roads and
schools, in developing a better understanding and
good will among the people and in breaking clown
religious barriers and prejudices."
A Picnic on a Large Scale. — To provide rec-
reational activities for a picnic attended by ten
thousand people is a large order, but it did not
prove too stupendous an undertaking for the
Playground and Recreation Commission of
Springfield, Illinois.
It was the seventh annual outing of the Sanga-
mon County Old Settlers' Society and the County
Farm Bureau, and it was an old-fashioned picnic
with all the joys of the basket dinner, of tales of
early days, talk of crops and of comradeship re-
newed.
There were speakers of national importance to
THE WORLD AT PLAY
discuss the problems which farmers are facing
and there were musical selections interspersed in
the program. All day long games and athletic
events — horseshoe tournaments, volleyball, dodge-
ball, indoor baseball, races and relays filled the
program with interest for young and old.
A Community Celebration. — On September
5th, East Chicago, Indiana, held a Community
Celebration at John W. Lees Park which lasted
from four o'clock until eight. Six thousand peo-
ple, representing 25 different nationalities, gath-
ered in the park for the program of music, games,
races and contests, wrestling and boxing exhibi-
tions, band concert, motion pictures and the cere-
mony which accompanied the unveiling of a cap-
tured German war gun.
A Playground Pageant at Carlisle, Pa. —
As the closing event of Carlisle's playground sea-
son, several hundred children from the play-
ground, under the leadership of the playground
supervisors, gave a beautiful pageant on the cam-
pus of Dickinson College.
The background of beautiful old gray stone
buildings and gigantic shade trees with the moon
flooding the scene, made the event one of unusual
beauty. The Carlisle band furnished the music.
There is much interest in the city's playgrounds
and a spirit of helpfulness prevails. A little
neighborhood club composed of small boys and
girls gave a play on a neighbor's lawn and with
the receipts bought a baby hammock for one of the
playgrounds. The American Legion, School Board
and City Council this year gave their support to
the efforts of the Civic Club, the Legion especially
giving freely not only of money but of time and
labor. The results were most gratifying and
have meant much to the progress of the program.
Detroit's Eleventh Annual Field Meet. —
At the Eleventh Annual Field Meet, held at Belle
Isle this year, the Detroit public schools gave a
remarkable exhibition ; 200,000 persons, the ma-
jority of whom were school children, and the larg-
est crowd ever assembled at Belle Isle, gathered to-
gether for this wonderful celebration. Fifteen
thousand eight hundred registered contestants
from elementary, intermediate and junior hii;h
schools of Detroit, Highland Park, Hamtramck
and Red ford participated. In the morning 12.000
girls and boys engaged in preliminary contests,
which determined the championships of fifty
THE WORLD AT PLAY
425
leagues into which the four cities were divided. In
the afternoon, more than 4,000 girls and boys of
the junior high schools and the intermediate
schools began their contests. One hundred and
eighty-six schools competed. A silver trophy was
awarded by the Detroit Free Press to each of the
schools winning city championships. Notable sys-
tem and expediency marked the manner in which
the meet was conducted by the 400 workers who
had it in charge.
Bond Issue for Playgrounds in Geneva,
N. Y. — Geneva, N. V. has recently passed a
$12,000 bond issue for additional playground
space in that city.
Mother Goose in Revue. — The close of the
playground season in Auburn, N. Y., was marked
by a fascinating pageant of Mother Goose rhymes
which not only gave pleasure to the audience but
also furnished great amusement to the 800 children
from the city playgrounds who took part. Color-
ful costumes made of Dennison crepe paper gave
joy to the actors and all did their parts with great
eagerness and understanding. The Old Woman
\Yho Lived in a Shos, with all her many, many
children, the Famous Farmer in the Dell, with the
rat and the cat and the child and the cheese, the
Four and Twenty Black Birds Baked in a Pie,
Baa Baa Black Sheep, Mistress Mary, with her
raindrops, the breeze, the sunshine and flowers-
all came to life in that Mother Goose Revue. The
striking spectacle ended with the game of Looby
Loo, and the singing of The Star Spangled Ban-
ner.
A Big Eight Barnyard Golf Associatipn in
Michigan. — Eight towns in western Michigan,
forming the Big Eight Barnyard Golf Associa-
tion, met last June at Sand Lake for their first
"get together" tournament. Each town had eight
pitchers selected as community representatives by
a series of local elimination tournaments. There
were 64 entries with a time allotment of three
hours for the exhibition. Sixteen courts were
constructed. All games were for 21 points and
3 game series were played. As a result, the game
became very popular and other tournaments were
arranged for future dates. The chairman of the
Committee, which is composed of two representa-
tives from each of the eight towns, is J. T. Stans-
field of Sand Lake and F. E. Shattuck of the same
town is Secretary.
A Hiking Club for Girls. — The girls of the
Rochester, X. H., High School have organized a
Hiking Club under the leadership of one of their
teachers. Any high school girl is eligible for
membership providing she has a doctor's certifi-
cate and her parents' consent. During the school
year fifteen five mile hikes are taken. Any girl
who completes twelve of these receives credit and
a hiking "R" when the school letters are given out
on Class Day. In June, 1925, twenty-one girls
received their letters. The hikes for the season
of 1924-25 were all taken in the fall and spring.
On the last hike of the year the girls have a
picnic, to which they invite the girls in the school
who are not members of the club in order to
arouse interest for the coming year.
A Correction. — In the Book Review of "Sing-
Song Social" appearing on page 293 of the August
PLAYGROUND the statement was made that the
pamphlet was published by Noble and Noble. This
is an error. Anyone wishing a copy of the pam-
phlet may secure it by writing Miss Margaretha
Lerch, Gwynn Oak Uplands, Baltimore, Maryland.
Price, 15c.
Recreation News by the Foot! — Cincinnati
Community Service reports that the publicity given
by the local press to the activities of the recreation
program since June 1st, has amounted to over 750
inches, or, if stretched out in a single column, 621/;
feet. A similar amount of advertising space would
cost around $3100.
The publicity centered largely around the nine
play streets conducted by Community Service, the
37 performances of the traveling theatre witnessed
by at least 21,000 people, 80 storytelling periods,
play at institutions and in colored communities,
service to industrial and commercial plants,
churches and fraternal organizations in their pic-
nic program, and the activities of the boys' base-
ball tournament which, this year, numbered 84
teams of boys under fourteen years of age.
Elmira's Inter-Playground Circus.— A most
entertaining parade and circus, given by the play-
ground children, provided a fitting ending to the
playground season this summer in Elmira, N.'Y.
Elephants, black bears, monkeys and clowns did
strange and marvelous feats. The ring master,
who fully looked the part, brandished his whip
and rode a vicious colt around the ring,
tight rope walker walked a flat park bench, giving
the audience as much of a thrill as if she had been
426
THE WORLD AT PLAY
performing on the tiniest wire. A vicious lion did
some remarkable stunts, while two fearless ladies,
undaunted, danced about him. The clowns outdid
themselves with their ever-popular stunts and
jokes. The two strongest boys in the world played
with a 200-pound ball, lifted 1000-pound weights
and even offered to lift any seven men in the audi-
ence who would present themselves. A toe danc-
ing act, a boxing match, clever tumbling and jump-
ing and a ghost act added to the entertainment of
the audience. The children on one playground
gave a thrilling boa constrictor act which was
snaky in the extreme. The whole circus was a
wonderful success. Credit is due largely to Miss
Florence Davis of the Recreation Commission who
originated the plan, and to the boys and girls of
the various playgrounds who took the circus parts
— a task which few boys and girls ever object to
undertaking.
Recreation — Subject of Municipal Record.
— The July number of the San Francisco Munici-
pal Record was devoted to San Francisco's recrea-
tion. The entire fourteen pages were filled with
accounts of San Franciscans at play. The issue
gives a splendid idea of San Francisco's develop-
ment along recreation lines.
Increasing Back Yard Play. — During the
past summer, the Recreation Department in High-
land Park, Michigan, offered to assist any family
in supplying backyard playground equipment.
The Department made seesaws and sandboxes, set-
ting them up in backyards for private use and
hauling the sand to fill the boxes.
Recreation Progress in Menasha, Wis-
consin.— An all-year-round recreation system
with a Department of Recreation to administer it,
has been inaugurated in Menasha, Wisconsin, with
R. C. Miller as director. Recreation started with
class room and recess play at the six schools, ac-
tivities at three playgrounds and at one bathing
beach. The total attendance for April was 5,700;
for May, 10,200; for June (with the addition of
five instructors), 19,544; and for July, 30,000.
Full Dramatic Program in Highland Park,
Michigan. — The past year has seen a full
dramatic program in operation at Highland Park,
Michigan. From March, 1924, to June, 1925, 49
plays and three pageants were presented under the
direction of, or in cooperation with, the drama de-
partment, with a total of 4,037 taking part.
Bombay Provides Playgrounds. — Bombay, I
India, has recently taken a significant step toward I
providing play fields for its youth. Two plots
have been set aside as playgrounds by the Bombay
Municipality, which has agreed to maintain them.
They will be directed by F. Weber, Physical Direc-
tor of the Y. M. C. A., who will organize activi-
ties for all ages and for both sexes. Twelve thou-
sand Rupees (or about $3840) have been si)ent
to purchase modern apparatus which is being made
in the municipal workshops and the municipality
has allotted 100 Rupees (or $32) a month to each
plot as a maintenance grant. It is believed that
other play places will soon be provided.
Davenport's Memorial Music Pavilion. —
W. G. Petersen, of Davenport, Iowa, has pre-
sented to the city in memory of his daughter,
Wilma Hopkins Petersen, a memorial music pa-
MEMORIAL Music PAVILION, DAVENPORT, IA.
vilion which has been placed in La Claire Park.
The building, which cost $60,000 — is constructed
on a concrete pile foundation of terra cotta and
cement. It is equipped with a complete stage
lighting system for the control of colored lighting
effects. The acoustic properties are excellent.
The dedication concert held recently consisted of
a program in which a band, a number of local
choirs, choruses and soloists took part.
A Transportation Company Helps the Play
Movement. — The local transportation company
of Alexandria, Virginia, furnishes free transpor-
tation service to the children of a congested section
of the city too far away from the playground to
enable them to walk to it. The bus takes the chil-
dren to the playground and after two hours re-
turns to take them home.
THE WORLD AT PLAY
427
An Indian Treaty Pageant.— Indian history
' in the Northwest will be revived in the movement
; to reproduce the series of great Indian treaties
! signed during 1825-1855.
A pageant depicting the peace treaty between
the tribes of the Northwest and the United States
Government was given at McGregor, Iowa, on Au-
gust 19th, just one hundred years after the actual
date of signing. Members of five tribes, whose
grandfathers signed the treaty, were present. Na-
tive Indians, wearing their ancient war dress and
weapons, and statesmen who have been active in
Indian affairs, took part in the negotiation of lands
and borders. The text was taken mainly from the
government records which have perpetuated the
sentiment and oratory of the great Indians of the
period.
The pageant was written and directed by Miss
Mari R. Ho'fer and was given in connection with
the yearly Wild Life School which offers courses
in all phases of nature and primitive life.
In view of the new Indian franchise, with its
broader citizenship privileges, the pageant fur-
nished an appropriate occasion for the Indian to
meet with his white brother on the common ground
of their early history.
A Broadcasting Program at Lynn. — Chil-
dren of the Lynn Beach Playground had a "Let's
Pretend Party." when they played the part of
radio artists broadcasting from station LBP
(Lynn Beach Playground). On the stage were
seated the performers together with their play-
ground leader who, after the style of the ever-
popular "Roxy," announced the various members
of his gang who sang or recited into a broadcasting
equipment set up on the platform. The make-
believe audience which was supposed to be "listen-
ing in" was told at regular intervals to "stand by
for a few minutes" and an intermission was neces-
sitated by the loud crying of a baby in the audi-
ence. More than 250 mothers, friends and neigh-
bors enjoyed the program of musical numbers and
entertainment. So popular did the program prove
that it was later repeated for the benefit of the
boys and girls of other playgrounds.
Fathers and Sons Outings. — Each year the
General Board of the Young Men's Mutual Im-
provement Association, of Salt Lake City, Utah,
arranges an outing for fathers and sons which in-
volves a camping trip of a number of days. There
is a day when the fathers are guests, the boys doing
the cooking and providing the program. Then
there is Fathers' Day when the boys are the guests
of honor of the fathers. Throughout the trip there
is a program of camp-fire stunts, Olympics, hikes,
music and dramatics. The invitation issued reads
as follows:
"The Annual Fathers and Sons Outing
will be held (insert date)
In a delightful spot (insert place)
Will you not give that time to your boy ?
Will you join us in the biggest Fathers and Sons
outing in the history of the state?
Think it over. You'll hear from us again."
Developing Taste in Music.— Recently the
following question was asked W. C. Bradford,
formerly associated with the Bureau of Commun-
ity Music of Community Service: "After your
years of experience in community affairs which
deal with the popular taste, what formula would
you suggest for the development of that taste from
ragtime and jazz into higher forms? If you have
a slogan which you might give in one sentence,
please pass it on."
Mr. Bradford's reply was given in the form of
the following slogan : "If you wish to improve the
public taste in music, permit the people to taste."
Mr. Bradford also made the following state-
ment : "Music in the essence is really not a mat-
ter of learning, but it is a matter of striving for
simpler expression and more intimate truth. If
the artist will give from the heart, the public, ever
a mirror, will reflect back what he gives. The
greatest artists have always been those who dared
to prove this salient fact."
Citizenship Ceremonies. — Fifteen hundred
young people received gold medals on June 19th
in Grant Park Stadium, Chicago, for having com-
pleted a course in the responsibilities and duties
of citizenship. Vice-President Dawes presented
the medals and a patriotic program was carried
out. The young people pursued the course under
the direction of the American Citizenship Founda-
tion in sixty-two clubs. Both the "graduates" and
the thousands of spectators got a thrilling glimpse
of the significance of American citizenship in the
culminating ceremony.
Dr. MacCracken Analyzes Leisure. — "What
is leisure? Two kinds of men never see it, the
man who has no work to do and the man who has
nothing but work to do. Leisure is the golden
mean of Horace, and is not, as so many Ameri-
428
THE WORLD AT PLAY
cans think, a vacuum, an empty time and barren
space in which one does nothing.
"If you would find leisure, you must be about it.
The college years are not the dangerous years, in
spite of the alarmists of our day. The dangerous
age, or one of the dangerous ages, is from twenty
to twenty-nine. It is just at the very time that
you are making the crucial adjustment to life that
you must make provision for leisure.
"No matter what family, or club, or city, or pro-
fession may claim you, nothing can take from you
your right to leisure. It is the obligation of your
education.
"Leisure, I have said, is freedom. The word is,
of course, Latin and means "it is permitted." It
implies a positive, constructive, creative life. It is
the response to the free spirit. And, strange as it
may seem, to the college graduate, at least, the an-
swer to the quest for leisure is study."
— Commencement Address at Vassar College.
Russian Youth at Play. — The new freedom
which has come to Russian children and youths in
play is interestingly described by Arthur Ruhl in
the New York Herald Tribune. "In the Moscow
River you may see the Communistic youth rowing
and high diving, having their first adventures in
that novel world of sport into which so many Rus-
sian young people entered for the first time since
the revolution.
THE CITY'S PLAYGROUND
"You must have known something of the acrid
realities of living in overcrowded Moscow of to-
day, or had a steady diet of Soviet journalism or
hung about ill ventilated anterooms of Soviet
offices for a few weeks to understand the "kick"
one gets in strolling absent-mindedly down a street
to the river some sunny afternoon suddenly to
catch sight out there on the water of the thrilling
rhythm of an eight-oared crew. There are singles,
pairs and fours and as many girls' eights as men's.
"I spoke of these girls' crews after returning
from Russia two years ago and may be getting to
be a nuisance on the subject, but there are more
of them now and they row better ; they are so char-
acteristic a product of the revolution that one can-
not forbear mentioning them again. All of them
are working girls of one sort of another, or able
to claim that status. Their faces and husky bodies
show very clearly that if not peasant born, they
at any rate are very close to the soil and combine
the vitality of women accustomed to working in
the fields side by side with men with the enthu-
siasm of those whose social curiosity is not jaded
and who are as wide-eyed about all this exotic
world of sport as any milkmaid on her first visit
to the city.
"These girls who are finding for the first time
that hard physical exercise may be a pleasure are
not only making their bodies more beautiful but
are passing through, along with hundreds of thou-
sands of their brothers and sisters, a psychological
change very similar to that through which the
luckier sort of European immigrants pass during
their first five or ten years in America.
"Typical of the times are the marches and excur-
sions of the younger children. Nearly every day
one passes these quaint little squads of youngsters
marching two by two, with banners of red and
scarfs of tan, miniature trench helmets, or what
resemble them, for the boys, behind two tiny
drummers thumping rather lugubriously on very
small, unresponsive drums, a school teacher march-
ing beside them, and all bound for some museum
or art gallery or a visit to Lenine's tomb, or per-
haps for a swim or a day in the country."
Citizenship Classes Organized. — The Rec-
reation Department of Highland Park, Michigan,
organizes citizenship classes which it turns over
to the Board of Education to conduct. The method
includes calls at homes and possibly a series of
meetings in homes until the group is willing to go
to the school. One man and woman are employed
full time in this work. During one month last
spring 184 calls were made, two teas given and
the class attendance totalled 2301.
The Toledo News-Bee Helps Would-Be
Picnickers. — The Toledo News-Bee has in its
possession two picnic kits which are much in
demand. The Play Page editor is guardian of
the kits and permission must be secured from him
for their use. All he asks in return is the signing
of a receipt which calls for a prompt return of
the kit in good condition. Many local organi-
zations are availing themselves of this service
and some who have used it are already- asking,
"When can we get the picnic kit again?"
The Playground and Recreation Associa-
tion of America is dependent upon the con-
tributions of. men and women who believe
in training for the right use of leisure.
315 Fourth Avenue, New York City.
The Executives' Gathering
Executives of recreation systems gathered for
day of conference upon the day preceding the
>pening of the Recreation Congress at Asheville,
North Carolina. Although all delegates were
cordially invited to attend this session, participa-
tion in the discussions was limited to chief execu-
tives of community wide recreation systems.
SESSION I
H. G. ROGERS, Superintendent, Bureau of Rec-
reation, Knoxville, Tennessee, presided over the
first session at which the topic discussed was
Cooperation in the Recreation Program by City
Departments and Community Organisations.
T. H. FEWLASS, Superintendent, Recreation Com-
mission, Highland Park, Michigan, opening the
discussion on cooperation with city officials, city
councils and park departments, said that the secret
of cooperation lies in the service given other
departments by the Recreation Department. The
executive should have his program so organized
in his own mind that he feels confident he has
something to give and can speak with authority.
Let the recreation executive offer the Welfare De-
partment summer camp opportunities for the boys
under its care, give the boys a good time and then
fit any of them he can into positions. If a mem-
ber of a city council wants to hold a picnic, the
superintendent of recreation can cooperate by
helping him make the picnic a success. "Get ac-
quainted with the politicians," said Mr. Fewlass,
"and handle small details with them."
WALTER CARTIER, Superintendent, Playground
and Recreation Board, Columbus, Georgia, not
only takes children under the care of the Welfare
Department to camp, but asks that department to
report children who ought to be reached by the
playgrounds. The Bureau of Juvenile Delin-
quency officials often parole their children to
play leaders, especially difficult cases to the super-
intendent of recreation. Columbus has also had
unusual cooperation from the Department of Pub-
lic Works in surfacing and caring for the physical
upkeep of the playground.
W. D. CHAMPLIN, Bureau of Recreation,
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, '. suggested thd im-
portance of sending educational matter to school
and city officials throughout the year. "Start
your community service in the City Hall," said
ERNST HERMANN, Superintendent, Playground
Commission, Newton, Massachusetts. "Help city
'Report of meetings of Recreation Executives at Twelfth
Recreation Congress, Asheville, North Carolina, October 5, li^s.
employees in their outings and Christmas cele-
brations. The Recreation Department is the new
baby in the official family, often not understood
nor appreciated. The recreation executive must
find means for educating and interesting the other
departments in the newest member of the
family."
W. L. QUINLAN, Director of Public Recreation,
Community Recreation Association, Tampa, Flor-
ida, opening the discussion of Cooperation with
the Schools and Churches, said that Tampa with
its population of 94,000 had made no provision
for recreation until 1920. The city had no play-
grounds and was obliged to use those belonging
to the schools. Mr. Quinlan has charge of physi-
cal education in the schools and maintains an
active program in the school playgrounds all day.
The city now has six municipal playgrounds with
eight full time play leaders. Mr. Quinlan raised
the question of dividing the cost of the school
recreation work between the schools and the rec-
reation department. The discussion which fol-
lowed brought out the fact that a number of cities
carry the cost on a 50-50 basis. Mr. Cartier
pointed out that a combination of school and rec-
reation department control may have its difficul-
ties if a question as to "who is boss" should arise.
Mr. Fewlass stated that in Highland Park, where
the department of recreation and the Board of
Education worked on a 50-50 basis, there has been
no difficulty, the budget having grown from
$20,000 five years ago to $59,000. The Recrea-
tion Department has absolute charge of school
playgrounds and gymnasiums. Even the janitor
recognizes the right of the Recreation Department
to use the school. The groups using these facili-
ties pay the janitors for extra hours or special
service. C. R. WOOD, Recreation Director, Dur-
ham, North Carolina, raised the question of pro-
cedure when the Recreation Department is munici-
pal and the schools are under township or county
control. W. T. REED, director of Morgantown,
West Virginia Community Service, stated that he
had had this problem to meet. They are now
working in the rural districts to swing the rural
people to the program, using sewing, quilting bees,
box socials and the activities of the Four H
clubs.
HELEN LEARY, Superintendent of the Recrea-
tion Commission, Fall River, Massachusetts, told
of the remarkable success of the Commission in
establishing industrial clubs for the boys in school
429
430
THE EXECUTIVES' GATHERING
basements. The janitor is paid an additional
dollar per hour for his services. The schools and
the Recreation Commission are brought closer to-
gether by the fact that the Superintendent of
Schools is a member of the Recreation Commis-
sion.
"It is easy to get enthusiastic support of one
event," said CORINNE FONDE, Executive Secre-
tary, Recreation Department, Recreation and
Community Service Association, of Houston,
Texas, "but the problem is to get the constant co-
operation which brings intelligent and permanent
results." The solution which Miss Fonde offered
is to keep the allied organizations always in mind ;
to keep them always informed; never to miss an
opportunity to send them invitations for big
events. "There are three secrets," Miss Fonde
stated, "to continual cooperation: 1. The work
and lives of the workers must command respect.
2. The Recreation Department must work through
mutual members. 3. These mutual members
must constantly be educated. Members of board
and council should be selected from the boards of
related groups as thoughtfully as representatives
of Jewish, Protestant and Catholic rights are
chosen." There was much appreciative merriment
among the delegates as Miss Fonde described
Houston's highly organized system of "interlock-
ing directorates." In reply to a question as to
whether Miss Fonde believed in private or munici-
pal administration of recreation, she stated that
the volunteer association had remained in exist-
ence after a municipal recreation commission had
been secured and that this group has had great
influence in standing back of the work and secur-
ing cooperation. As an instance of the coopera-
tion which exists, Miss Fonde said that the Cham-
ber of Commerce of Houston refers to the Rec-
reation Department all social work problems that
the department handles, no matter how far afield
they may be. Cooperation with the Kiwanis has
resulted in the presentation by the Kiwanis Club
of a wading pool. Service is the keynote of co-
operation.
The second section of the session was devoted
to a discussion of athletics. C. E. BREWER, Rec-
reation Commissioner, Detroit, Michigan, pre-
sented the problem of the point of view in con-
ducting athletics and deciding championships,
whether on a basis of sportsmanship or whether
on the basis of "win or lose." Detroit, Mr.
Brewer said, is experimenting. There are many
difficulties in putting the sportsmanship basis in
effect. It is difficult to rate sportsmanship and
one of the objections to this plan is that it may
result in gentle competition, which is not an
American ideal. We want hard fighting with
good sportsmanship. There are many different
ways of rating sportsmanship and many different
conditions to meet. Certain races lose their heads
more easily than others. The Irish will fight more
quickly than Poles. The win or lose basis gives
the real championship because it is based on skill.
The whole team, Mr. Brewer believes, should not
be penalized for the action of one member. Boys
have traditions of sportsmanship. With girls it
is more difficult and a newer problem to develop
sportsmanship ideals, and the sportsmanship plan
is, accordingly, being used in Detroit in girls'
activities. It is possible to promote good sports-
manship even on a win or lose basis, as the offi-
cial in charge can penalize and the board of ref-
erees or committees on protests can be very strict.
It is also possible to keep the two ideals separate
and have two tournaments and two awards.
EARLE A. PRITCHARD, Superintendent, Board
of Recreation, Reading, Pa., refuted vigorously
what he called the "Chicago idea" of sportsman-
ship rather than the ideal of winning the game on
skill as a basis of awarding championships. Read-
ing awards a championship cup to the school
voted by all the teams as the most sportsmanlike.
This is proving tremendously successful. SEY-
MOUR BULLOCK, Commissioner of Recreation De-
partment, South Bend, Indiana, stated that it is
his opinion that the sportsmanship basis is of
vital importance. In South Bend plaques have
been placed where all the boys may read the fol-
lowing inscription :
"For when the One Great Scorer comes
To write against your name
He writes, — not that you won or lost,
But how you played the game."
The contest on a sportsmanship basis is not against
another person but against the boy's own record.
Nurmi runs not against man but against time.
THEODORE A. GROSS, Superintendent, Bureau
of Parks, Playgrounds and Bathing Beaches, Chi-
cago, Illinois, stated that his department had not
adopted the sportsmanship basis, which he feels
tends to weaken the fight. "Character," said Mr.
Gross, "cannot be developed by legislation; the
referee can affect the sportsmanship; the team
should be penalized and of the utmost importance
is the selection of the officials." Mr. Pritchard
declared that human nature loves good sportsman-
ship more than it fears penalties and the aim
THE EXECUTIVES' GATHERING
431
should be to develop good attitudes of mind. The
sportsmanship cup keeps ideals of good sports-
manship ever before the players.
R. WALTER JARVIS, Superintendent, Depart-
ment of Recreation, Indianapolis, Indiana, em-
phasized the importance of discipline in the ath-
letic program. He told of one team which so far
violated all codes of sportsmanship that the only
remedy seemed to be to have the members taken
to court and fined fifty dollars for destruction of
public property. The team pro-rated the fine and
were then by vote of the other teams in the league
permitted to continue in the struggle for the cham-
pionship.
SESSION II
The subject of administration was discussed
under the leadership of P. V. GAHAN, Superin-
tendent, Board of Recreation, St. Petersburg,
Florida. The discussion of the question: What
Are the Most Effective Methods of Training Staff
Workers? was opened by WILBUR C. BECH-
TOLD, Superintendent, Bureau of Recreation,
Evanston, Illinois, who said that the biggest prob-
lem in training is the summer play leader. These
workers are recruited in Evanston from teachers,
physical education students, local neighborhood
leaders and other natural leaders. Through fall
and winter institutes carried on for six months
in twelve sessions of three hours each, a weekly
staff conference, supervisors' conferences and a
bulletin service, these leaders are given training.
All applicants for positions with the Bureau are
required to attend the institute. Last year one
hundred students were enrolled. A number of
church leaders and other volunteers were admitted
to the courses.
FRANK E. SUTCH, Superintendent, Municipal
Bureau of Recreation, Scranton, Pennsylvania,
tried the plan for two years of carrying on a win-
ter institute covering a period of twenty evenings.
He found, however, that only forty per cent, of
the summer leaders took the course, the others
being away from the city or otherwise employed.
He found it a far better plan to hold an institute
for four days before the opening of the summer,
session. This intensive institute is carried on on
the same plan as high school classes and is open
to outsiders. Staff meetings and bulletin service
are continued throughout the summer.
Mr. Cartier told of his plan of conducting three
or four institutes for four or five hours a week,
each institute being devoted to one subject. When
samples of handcraft were needed, he gave a
handcraft party at his own home combining the
activity with a social evening.
The discussion of the question Methods of
Rating Recreation Workers was opened by Mr.
Pritchard, who outlined the purposes of rating as
follows :
To develop better technique.
To recognize ability.
To determine promotions, demotions and trans-
fers.
To stimulate professional growth.
To determine fitness for professional work.
. Such a system of rating also serves as a basis
for recommending workers out of the department
and other cities. It helps a worker to rate his
own abilities. In Reading salaries are fixed and
bonuses determined on the basis of the ratings.
The question of accuracy and fairness in rating
is a serious one, but in Reading the workers them-
selves are of the opinion that if the ratings are
not strictly accurate, they are probably fairer than
other methods. (Note — copies of the rating
sheets used in Reading and outlines of the meth-
ods employed may be secured from Mr. Pritchard,
City Hall, Reading, Pennsylvania.)
In Detroit the supervisors are asked to put
down their impressions of all workers on the basis
of so many points for certain requirements. The
points are added up and if the worker does not
make a certain grade, he is called into conference
with the Recreation Commissioner and is given
the opportunity to correct his mistakes.
Mr. Champlin spoke of the merit system used
by the Bureau of Recreation, Philadelphia, by
which a card is given each worker and he is
marked "A," "B," "C," or "D" on the basis of
cooperation, adaptability, punctuality, personality,
and similar characteristics. The Civil Service
Commission usually requests these marks in ques-
tions of promotion.
Z. NESPOR, Director City Recreation Commis-
sion and Executive Secretary, Community Ser-
vice, Elmira, New York, talked on the subject
How to Administer Volunteer Leadership. Mr.
Nespor said that as a first requirement the point
of view of the recreation executive should be how
to put the city on the map ; how to build the town.
Elmira is an old community, there is not much
money for salaries and it has been a matter of
educating the public slowly. About five hundred
volunteers are now giving service in the com-
munity recreation movement. The keynote of
success in such a plan is for the professional
worker to keep in the background and to play up
432
THE EXECUTIVES' GATHERING
the volunteer worker. A capable and enthusiastic
volunteer should be permitted to select his own
committee and the public should be notified
through the press that he is responsible for a
definite piece of work.
Mr. Pritchard stated he had had success in
giving specific organization responsibility for cer-
tain activities. Volunteer firemen, for example,
run the marble tournament ; moving picture oper-
ators are responsible for moving pictures in insti-
tutions and out of doors ; the Storytellers' League
for storytelling on the playground. The various
organizations have taken these specific tasks in
hand and are proud of their responsibility and
their success.
The importance of getting the child's point of
view on the program was presented by JOSEPHINE
E. BLACKSTOCK, Director of Playgrounds, Oak
Park, Illinois, who told of carrying on a contest
for the best suggestion for improving the play-
grounds. Among the suggestions made by the
children were an apparatus circus, a rotating pro-
gram by which children of various ages have the
use of apparatus at certain hours, the use of
junior leaders, a program of original stunts and
a campaign to interest parents in the playgrounds.
Asked to name their favorite activities, the chil-
dren mentioned baseball and football, skating and
swimming. Eighty per cent, said they liked their
chosen game "because it was fun." A few chose
particular activities because they were "exciting"
or "trained their bodies." A group of boys be-
tween 11 and 12 years of age wrote a play of the
"thriller" type, full of detectives and crimes, with
"no Sunday School stuff." Miss Blackstock
thinks it very valuable to get the reactions of the
children and to encourage initiative in the play
leaders. She has found that girls enjoy sewing,
handcraft, volley-ball, tennis, dramatics and mu-
sic.
K. B. RAYMOND, Superintendent of Recreation
Department, Board of Park Commissioners,
Minneapolis, Minnesota, prefaced, his discussion
of the Progress of Mass Athletics by saying that
mass athletics can be at the same time a most
dangerous and most important activity. It is of
fundamental importance that this type of activity,
drawing into the program as it does large groups
in different parts of the city, must be conducted
strictly and accurately. In Minneapolis the Rec-
reation Department conducts all forms of sport
in big groups, the control and management of
all activities being in the hands of the central
office, though the groups are so organized that the
participants have the feeling they are managing
their own activities. There is a city-wide organi-
zation for each sport, with a director at the cen-
tral office who calls the group together and effects
an organization. Each group pays a fee and ar-
ranges for the trophies. All activities are self
supporting except for the leadership given. Xo
separate leagues are recognized, but there is a big
athletic organization which heads up the whole
activity. The officials secured must be people who
are interested in the sport and not in any parti-
cular group. Last year the Recreation Depart-
ment took in $12,000 in fees from various groups.
Mr. Raymond believes that it is of the utmost
importance for the Recreation Department to
head up the municipal city-wide activities and
to maintain control at the central office. Mr.
Sutch suggested in connection with the securing
of facilities for sports that it is a good plan to
secure leases on private ball diamonds and then
book the diamonds. The Scranton Bureau of
Recreation owns only two diamonds but controls
twenty-seven.
SESSION III
The Balanced Program was the subject of the
third session, at which Ernst Hermann served
as chairman. Methods for securing community-
wide participation in the recreation program were
discussed by STEPHEN MAHOXEY, Superintendent
of Recreation, Board of Park Commissioners,
Cambridge, Massachusetts, who made the follow-
ing statement : "We may have success in our
system of organized playgrounds ; we may be ob-
taining our objective in municipal athletic activi-
ties; we. may be successfully conducting a series
of recreation centers ; we may be in some measure
touching a variety of interests in our recreation
program, yet through it all we are sensitive of
an inability to make our department function to
the extent of getting a large percentage of the
people to participate in our programs."
Mr. Mahoney had the following suggestion to
offer in meeting this problem: "Make the play-
ground serviceable to all classes of people in the
community — adults as well as children. Spread
the program through all parts of the year. Intro-
duce sound organization into athletic sports. Pro-
vide opportunities for winter sports — for skating
and coasting. Make available swimming and
wading facilities. Establish adult activities
through community recreation centers — concerts,
community drama, music, forums, motion pic-
tures and similar activities for adults. Cooperate
THE EXECUTIVES' GATHERING
433
with schools and all other local groups and give
them service. Plan holiday and special day cele-
brations. Give publicity to the work through the
use of the local press, as this is a means of getting
announcements to the community.
"The successful recreation program depends not
so much on the number and variety of objects
undertaken, but rather on the degree of attainment
in each project. Like all other fields of endeavor,
there is danger of spreading our activities too
widely at one time without having either the per-
sonnel or the necessary equipment to maintain
them. The successful recreation system is usu-
ally that which constantly gains favor with its
patrons by doing well in single progression those
projects which from time to time it undertakes."
Cultural Activities as a Part of the Well Bal-
anced Program were discussed by V. K. BROWN,
Superintendent of Playgrounds and Sports, South
Park Commissioners, Chicago, who emphasized
the importance of introducing the competitive ele-
ment into handcraft and similar activities.
Air. Brown said everything alive has something
to strive for — from the comparative to the super-
lative. Even the theological conception of one
God includes the idea of something to struggle
against. Humanity responds to the challenge to
struggle against something that is difficult. The
Creator looked upon His work with exultation
and called it good. We rather reverse the tradi-
tional order when we call upon the man from
Cambridge to discuss competition and the man
from Chicago, to discuss culture ! However,
Johnnie Rappold, maker of aeroplanes, has con-
tributed to the standing of his center as truly as
has any athlete. Whether the cultural can be
organized upon a competitive basis as can the
physical remains to be 'Seen. Certain drama
leaders say not. Yet in Chicago the Federation
of Dramatic Clubs at its first banquet represented
a united attack upon the dramatic ideal — com-
peting with the ideal and not writh one another.
We are forced to rely upon the competitive inter-
est in promoting handcraft. Playground lads
are often ashamed of their creative urge. It must
be dignified for them. Perhaps the best way is
through a competitive basis.
The question was raised as to what proportion
of time should be put into cultural activities as
compared with athletics and similar features, of
the program. One executive stated he believed
that three out of six and one-half hours each day
were not too much. Another gave it as his opin-
ion that thirty per cent, of the day spent on these
activities was adequate. A vote showed that
none of the executives present felt that more than
50 per cent, of the time should be devoted to this
type of activity.
"If the community recreation program is to
meet the needs of the child and adult," said
HELEN PORTERFIELD, Secretary, Community Ser-
vice Council, Knoxville, Tennessee, in introducing
the subject: What to Do for the Child Six to
Ten Years, "it cannot well leave out of its con-
sideration these early formative years that have
such a large bearing on the later development and
enrichment of the individual."
"No age is sharply defined or segregated, and
the bright florescence of the early teens must draw
its growth through the roots that reach down far
into the tenderest baby years.
"To insure the full all-round development of
the individual and the complete manifestation of
his capacity, no line of expression can be allowed
to lapse. Educators and psychologists have sub-
stantiated the fact that those instincts and im-
pulses which show themselves at different mo-
ments in the child's career, appear as forerun-
ners of character and talent and should be early
seized upon, before they fade away, to establish
them as habits of interest and achievement.
"We see a young child, still responding to the
call of the imagination, but with a more vigorous
interest in creative plays, building crude huts and
tents and seeking to turn his constructive activity
into objects that will serve for his own use. He
is full of the joy of running, swimming, skating,
climbing, of chasing, throwing, hunting, fighting.
His games take on more form and rule and
resolve themselves into the simpler competitive
games. He loves trials of bodily strength and
mental powers. Even singing games are not be-
neath his notice. He is enticed with good stories
and music, with painting and drawing stunts. He
is beginning to love pets and flowers and bits of
garden. In fact, he is the potential of that lad in
the golden teen age."
The problem in the playground is to provide the
specific attention that the young child needs. "It
fast becomes an economic question," said Miss
Porterfield, "as to whether the director of the
playground can reserve the time for this special-
ized group, or whether means should be worked
out for encouraging developed home play. The
home is the most vital factor in the life of the
small child and should be the heart and center of
his activity. It is in the home that he belongs.
434
THE EXECUTIVES' GATHERING
Can we assist parents to provide more adequately
for his growing needs and desires? Or should
we reserve more space in our organized centers
for his protection and cultivation?"
Miss LAMKIN uses girls' clubs with a program
of a courtesy done, a service to perform, a health
jingle to dramatize and a game.
The question of classification of age groups in-
terested the meeting greatly. Some felt the group
should be 6-8 and 8-10; others that 12 is a better
break. V. K. BROWN stated that a survey of the
recreational interests of 10,000 children indicated
that in 70% of the girls the doll interest reached
its height in the ninth year. A California study
had indicated the twelfth year. It is possible
children nowadays are three years ahead of what
they were fifteen years ago. MR. SIM thought
the mental measurement, home culture and en-
vironment should be considered. MR. BULLOCK
urged the executives to study and experiment in
this question and report their findings in THE
PLAYGROUND.
C. E. BREWER, of Detroit, presented the report
of the Committee on Inter-City Baseball Tourna-
ments as follows:
In presenting this report on inter-city tourna-
ments, your Committee wishes to state that it is
not convinced that Inter-City Tournaments are
necessary to maintain or increase interest in com-
petitive athletics. Many recreation systems have
been able to maintain and sustain interest and
even increase it year to year without the stimulus
of inter-city tournaments. However, in order to
carry out the resolution passed at the last meeting
of recreation executives in Atlantic City that a
plan of Inter-city Tournaments together with
rules and regulations be presented, we beg to
submit the following report :
Every recreation executive will realize that this
report is not the panacea for all the ills and
troubles of championship series. We are present-
ing one or two suggestions, and the executives
must adapt them to their local conditions.
Before an Inter-city Tournament can be sched-
uled, all cities involved in the tournament should
first determine their own local class championship.
These championships should be determined by
each city, by one of the following methods :
(a) By the percentage system of the number
of games won and lost, on the basis of 1.000.
(b) By taking all teams winning one-half of
their games after playing once or twice around,
and then playing a two game knockout series of
all teams having a percentage of .500 or better.
A two game knockout series is played by each
team which loses two games, dropping out of the
series until the champion team remains. This
gives the good teams which have a little hard luck
at the opening of the schedule a chance to come
through and still win the championship, although
it may at times be unfair to the team which played
good ball all during the season and had the largest
number of games won.
Before the Inter-city Series is to begin, each
city must accept certain identical and inflexible
eligibility rules; and herein lies the chief diffi-
culty of Inter-city series. It is the difficulty of
enforcing these eligibility rules that causes us to
recommend that all arrangements for inter-city
games be made through the local recreation exec-
utive. The following eligibility rules have been
developed after long experience in championship
games and have worked satis factorily in most
cities.
For this reason they are recommended for
adoption by all cities, whether they intend to have
an inter-city tournament or not, in determining
the classifications of their leagues and in playing
the local city championships in the various classes.
ELIGIBILITY RULES
Class A: This class shall consist of leagues, the
players of which receive no monetary remunera-
tion or the promise of such in any form, for
their services as players. A player who has ever
played professional ball before or during the cur-
rent season, shall not be eligible to play on a Class
A Team, except that a player may be released by
the local organization for a try-out with a pro-
fessional club and may be reinstated by the league
provided he is granted an unconditional release
from the team with which he has a try-out and
applies for reinstatement on or before June 1st,
of the current year in which he had his try-out.
Class A A: This class shall consist of those
leagues, the players of which do not receive in
any form whatsoever remuneration or the promise
of such as players on the team they represent.
All players must be bonafide employees for 30
days of the company they represent before being
eligible to play. No player in this class shall have
played, or been under contract with a major or
Class AA Club, after June 1st, of the previous
year, or shall not have played with a Class A, B,
C, or D Club, operating under the National Agree-
ment of Professional Leagues, after June 1st, of
the current year.
(Continued on page 447)
Recreation and the Church
BY
REVEREND ASH BY JONES
Pastor, Ponce de Leon Baptist Church, Atlanta, Ga.
I cannot think of any real justification for my
being upon this platform this evening and chal-
lenging your very busy time other than the fact
that I wanted to be. I wanted a chance to mingle
in the comradeship of a group of such significant
people who all over this land have been doing
things and living things that are making for a
better and brighter world. I cannot say that I
came here in order to get interested. I have been
interested for a long time. Ever since my be-
loved friend, Tom Settle, came down to Georgia
and talked playgrounds I have been at least
rooting on the side lines. My experience is some-
what like a gentleman in a small town in Georgia
several years ago who discovered a most delight-
ful kind of brew. He put all sorts of things in
it and after getting a symphony of many chemi-
cals, he began to drink it. Day after day he en-
joyed it until finally he came to see a beautiful
white monkey with purple wings. As the days
went by, this monkey became a daily companion
of his, and being of a philanthropic spirit, he said,
"Lo, I shall share the joy of this monkey with my
neighbors and at the same time turn an honest
penny." And so he advertised that he was going
to show this wonderful creature in a tent at so
much per. The sheriff, being a very honest and
literal minded man, felt that this ought to be
looked into, and so some little time before the
show he went down to visit the show and to see
whether it was a fake or not, and this hospitable
gentleman, before showing the monkey gave the
sheriff a drink of his brew, and he liked it and
took another and then another, and then he bought
a half interest in the show!
So I want you to feel that I have already been
sold. Settle gave me a half interest in the show.
THE MESSAGE OF JESUS — FEED THEM
I have been asked by your committee to speak
this evening about The Church and the Play-
ground. I am wondering whether I have the
proper audience or not. We preachers are always
preaching to people who do not need it and we
-'Address given at Recreation Congress, Asheville. N. C.,
Oct. 5-9, 1925.
cannot get hold of those wretched sinners who stay
on the outskirts. I am quite sure that I can say
nothing that will make any particular contribution
to your thought on this subject; and yet there is
a value in sympathetic conference together. It
may be of value to you and of some interest to you
simply to see how I appear as a layman, a layman
who views this great enterprise in relation to his
own great enterprise.
As a Christian minister then, you will not be
surprised that when I face this question, there
comes to me a scene in the life of Jesus of Naza-
reth. He was teaching by the sea of Galilee, and
a great multitude was listening in breathless inter-
est. He was talking about the highest ideals that
challenged his own heart and mind — instilling his
conception of that ideal, the Kingdom of Heaven ;
talking about the sacred relationship of man to
man and man to God. So clear were his state-
ments, so winsome was the beauty of his phrasing,
so all-compelling was the attention of his own
heart as he spoke to that promiscuous mob made
up of every possible sort of oriental life who hung
upon his words and reported afterwards that he
spoke as never man spake before, — and yet in the
very midst of what he was saying, suddenly he
stopped and turning to his disciples he had gath-
ered about him there, he said, "These people are
hungry." Oh, what a fine sympathetic sensitiveness
to the condition of an audience ! Would that every
public speaker, including all speakers in all the
world, could have just that sense of the need of
those to whom he speaks. "These people are hun-
gry" ; and then human nature came back as it had
done over and over again in all senses and said,
"Yes, send them away and let them go in the vil-
lages and let them buy bread." And then this mar-
velous Teacher said, "No, don't send them away ;
you feed them," — revealing, it seems to me, an un-
derstanding of a fundamental fact of unity of the
personality of a man, the dependence of his mind
upon the body, the linking of the physical with the
spiritual, and then reflecting his own underlying
principle of life. If you are responsible at all for
the spiritual welfare of a man, then you are equally
435
436
RECREATION AND THE CHURCH
responsible for the physical welfare on which it
is dependent. "You feed them."
STILL THE PEOPLE ARE HUNGRY
As I read that scene just the other day involun-
tarily my own imagination took its flight across
the centuries to a mountain city. It is eventide and
the work of the day is finished. The tall office
buildings and factories are pouring their human
tide of tired workmen into the streets. All day
long they have been under the coercion of a rigid
routine and conscious sense of responsibility and
obligation. Muscle and nerve and mind, stress
and strain, in concentration upon the task they
have been driven by the compulsion of life to do
their work and now when the day is over, now the
relaxation, the unbending of the whole body and
releasing of the mind ; the escape from the sense
of responsibility and fleeing from the coercion
of the driving command. Now, the work day is
over and every nerve and muscle and mind is as
keenly hungry as the body for food or for drink,
for play, for re-creation. It seems to me that I
can hear the Master standing as was his wont in
the very center of the heart throb of life of the
people, touching and teaching the multitude and
saying with an infinite pathos and sympathy,
"These people are hungry." Oh, how long, how
long have those who have called themselves His
disciples been saying, "Send them away, let them
go buy their playfood in the cities and villages of
the land." I am here, my beloved friends, be-
cause I am profoundly convinced that that Master
whose servant I claim to be is saying with an ever
increasing emphasis on His words, "No, you feed
them."
The Church has always believed and I think
rightly believed that men are made perfect through
suffering and I believe myself that it would be a
great loss to the fineness of the fibre of our own
moral nature if we ever lost that consciousness.
Character is developed in deep sorrow; many of
the finest faculties and qualities of the human per-
sonality are brought out in a fight against obstacles
and there is a deepening culture in dangers and in
the difficulties of life. But I have been wondering
for a long time if the Church with its emphasis
upon character that is developed through the
triumph over trials has lost sight of another devel-
oping force in the human character and whether
we are not ready to ask if there is not a purifying
power in laughter, if there is not a richness in play,
if there is not a splendid development in recrea-
tion that should come in the leisure hours of men.
And shall the Church forever stand like some
smoking Sinai, the censor of the people, and spend
its life in warning them against that which is
wrong? The Church is never attractive and the
Church is never effective so long as she stands
with a frown upon her face.
WHAT Is THE GOSPEL OF PLAY ?
I am asking tonight for myself and for those
who are sympathetically inquiring if there is not
a gospel of play. Oh, I in some sort of blundering
way have been searching for the essence of play.
I do not define it because to me play is a spirit ;
it is not a game necessarily, it may play games, but
play itself is a spirit; it is an attitude, a mood, an
impulse. I say that it is the very essence of life
itself. It is life and the impulse is innate and
divine. To my mind, any movement in the world,
be it religious in name or not, that seeks for the
development full and complete of the persona1 ity
does a deadly sin to suppress the play impulse be-
cause it is choking an essential part of the person-
ality.
I said that play is not necessarily a game. Nay,
how some people work at a game ! I have a friend
with whom I play golf when I am not able to help
it. He goes further — it is a religious rite with him
and how he works! No, play is not necessarily
a game and yet that instinct of human life that has
made games from the beginning, it seems to me,
to be true. A game is a dare ; it is a challenge to
the play spirit; it is a call to the childhood and
youth that has survived in us. I love a game be-
cause it calls for a normal expression of nerve
and muscle, for the exercise of all the bodily pow-
ers, for strategy and skill and marvelous coordina-
tion. I want a game of contest, too. I want a
dare to it. I want danger to it. I would hate
a generation that reared its girls or boys so that
they did not feel some response within them to
the very dare in the uncertainty of an enterprise.
I want a contest that has got its rules and a stand-
ard of conduct to play fair.
How A GEORGIA BOY PLAYED
You don't mind my bragging about Georgia
every now and then just to feel at home? There
was another Georgia boy and he was playing for
the National Championship in the Golf Tourna-
ment, all open, last year, and he was playing to
hold his championship, and at the critical time he
lost it by one stroke, and here is the story.
The ball was just caught in the grass on the
side of the bunker and you cannot ground your
club then. If you touch anywhere around there
RECREATION AND THE CHURCH
437
and the ball moves it is a stroke, and Bobby Jones,
by himself, and no one looking on, turned to the
referee and said, "Count me a stroke." He re-
plied, "Did you address the ball ?" He said, "No."
The referee said, "Well, you don't have to call a
stroke." "But," he said, "the ball moved," and he
lost the championship and won the admiration of
every true sportsman in the world !
I believe that games played with a dare to the
coordination of the mind and muscle and challenge
to the highest standards of good sportsmanship,
unselfishness and fair play, are like a deepening
gash of the plow in the upturning and culture of
a fertile soil. And yet when you have said these
things you are instantly conscious there are so
many forms of pleasure that are not olav. I say
that play ought to be spontaneous. We talk about
a child and play as almost synonymous because the
expression of skipping, dancing, laughing and
singing is just all so impulsive and unconscious in
its life, and the reason we like it and the reason
it is beautiful whether it be in the child or in the
grown up who has preserved his youth, is because
it, is natural, and it is wholesome because it is
natural.
No ARTIFICIAL STIMULANT NEEDED
But I stand here to say tonight, men and women,
that any form of game, I do not care what it is,
any form of pleasure whatsoever, where a man or
woman has to be artificially stimulated to be able
to play, has lost its play spirit. A man who has
got to be drugged in order to dance or laugh or
sing has lost the music of youth. There is no ex-
pression to me that has been more offensive be-
cause of its popular falsity than "Boys will be
boys" and when you come to look at the boys they
have not only long past the age of boyhood, but
they have reached that stage in life where body and
mind have to be stimulated in order. to mimic the
antics of their forgotten and departed youth. Play
is not play when you must be urged by artificial
stimulants. At the first dry dinner that was given
in the city of Augusta I was present, and I have
been present at many of them that were not dry.
Someone sent me from the beautiful city of Sa-
vannah once, an invitation to speak at a dinner
and then asked over the phone if I would object
to sitting down at a table where they served intoxi-
cating liquors, and I said, "No, if they were not
serving them on my account. I will sit down and
do more than some of the rest of you; I will be
able to stand up to the table also."
At this first dry dinner that we had a very de-
lightful friend of mine — I don't approve of all my
friends do — no more, than they do of all that I do
and say; somebody called out some cheap humor
and he said, "That is the trouble with your dry
dinner ; somebody tries to get funny and he is not
funny." "Oh," I said, "Tom, you have forgot-
ten. When that occurred before you were drunk
and that is the reason that you thought it was
funny, but I was sober and I knew it was not
funny then." Can't we face the fact that an in-
tellect that cannot be witty without a drug is de-
teriorating and that a dinner that cannot be spon-
taneously funny and rollicking in its laughter with-
out breaking the law is not a play dinner but is a
deadly serious offense against society?
PLAY FINDS ITS SATISFACTION IN THE GAME
ITSELF
I am trying to say that play is a spirit, a spon-
taneous expression of life itself. Here is my in-
dictment against gambling. It is poor sportsman-
ship. A game ought to be a dare for itself alone.
A game ought to be its own joy and its own en-
thusiasm. When you have to be paid to play the
play spirit is taking its flight. I think we ought
to make a clean cut distinction between the word
sport and the word sportsmen. Sports are born
in the grandstand and sportsmen are born in the
athletic field. The sport gains a large part, if not
all of his thrill from his anxiety, his risk whether
he shall win or lose some money. The sports-
man gets his thrill, his anxiety and his enthusiasm
over the uncertainty whether he will win or lose
the game. I do not say for a moment that a sports-
man cannot sit in the grandstand.
I love college athletics. I believe when you come
to quite understand as you people do the real sig-
nificance of games and the play spirit that we are
going to find, to make an Irish remark, that the
college authorities must take play more seriously ;
that it is going to be more significant of the devel-
opment of the minds and hearts of the students
than any class room that they have, and yet I dare
stand here tonight and say that to my mind the
most critical moment in the young life of America
has already come when the American Republic
must choose between the grandstand and the play-
ground. We must choose whether we are going to
have sports or sportsmen — materialists or idealists
in our land.
THE OPPORTUNITY OF THE CHURCH
No matter how crudely what I have said has
been said, if it be true, then here lies the open
438
RECREATION AND THE CHURCH
door of opportunity for the church. Oh, brothers
of mine, I preach a gospel that is an invitation,
the outstretched arms of love, saying to a world,
"Come, come and I will give you, not safety" — I
do not believe that anything has so poisoned and
deteriorated the religion of Christ as that appeal to
cowards, safety first, the cry of flee from wrath to
come, the driving mob spirit of the race from the
burning ship. It never saved a cause; it never
led to an adventure; it never redeemed society.
The invitation of religion is, "Come, and I will
give you life and give it to you abundantly." Oh,
brothers of mine, you who are in sympathy
with me in the church and in play, cannot we de-
mand that the church shall get out of the police
business, cannot we call to them in the name of
Him whose name they take, that they shall become
the leaders, the lure, the dare, the call to men
to follow and no longer stand as the near censor
of men's thoughts and men's conduct? I believe
then instead of that attitude of merely tolerating
the play of the people that the time has come
when the church should eagerly enter into all the
programs and all the plans of a community that
have for an object the using of the leisure hours of
the people for growth and development in charac-
ter. I have sometimes wondered where that
vicious doctrine has come from that play could
desecrate the Lord's day. I sometimes wondered
who first started it; the old Hebrews did not, —
that divine innate expression of life in that which
was wholesome and pure and developing could in
any way soil the day of our Lord. Oh, keep that
day as a marvelous opportunity for thought and
keep it sacredly and yet as we speak the words of
immortal value to men's spiritual life, we must not,
in the Master's name and the Master's spirit, for-
get that people are hungry.
I heard a noble woman on this platform speak-
ing of the danger of commercializing not only the
leisure of the Sabbath, but the leisure time of all
other days. There is that danger. I am not here
to condemn all who make money out of giving play
to the people. I believe there are men and women
who enter into that vocation just as earnestly and
unselfishly as we go into any other vocation, and
yet we have to confess that those who are furnish-
ing play for profit unless there is some secret sense
of responsibility for the characters of the people,
have a temptation to coin characters into profits
for their tills.
But I say, if the church does not come forward
in a splendid comradeship with such a group as
this and make a program for the recreation of all
people, then will not the blood of our people be on
our own heads?
I am in sympathy with every program of the
individual church that makes their play hours. I
love to hear the laughter of the old folks as well
as the young folks within my church building.
The church that cannot touch with the human
touch its people is a failure and yet I am thinking
of something larger than that. Play is spirit and
does not run in denominational lines. Play is
community life. I stand here this evening to salute
you in the splendid enterprise that encircles all the
people of this nation, not one left out; in the
democracy of your spirits, in the wide comprehen-
siveness of your plans, but above all to salute you
as a comrade in that of your spirit and in the
imperishable importance of the supreme task of
saving the leisure of America and turning it into
a spiritual fruitage for our people.
Band Concerts in Fitchburg
The summer band concerts in Fitchburg, Mass..,
were one of the most popular of the season's
features and the attendance for 1925 exceeded all
records for previous years. A portable band-
stand made concerts possible in every section of
the city and the majority of these weekly concerts
were held on the playgrounds.
The first band concert was held in connection
with the opening of the evening recreation pro-
gram. Over two thousand took part in com-
munity singing, which was accompanied by a
band. This concert was given on the playground
of an Italian section and not only was the play-
ground crowded to capacity and parked automo-
biles filled, but nearby porches and balconies held
many interested groups.
The next concert was held near the Old Ladies'
Home and this, formerly the most poorly attended
concert of the season, had a record attendance.
The police officers were besieged with the ques-
tion, "Aren't they going to sing ?" As a result at
the following concerts local volunteers led the
singing. Only four or five songs were included
in the program and the crowd invariably begged
for more. Song sheets were mimeographed at the
Park and Playground offices and distributed at
each concert. After the largest sing at the Low
Playground, the Park Superintendent instructed
the workmen in cleaning up the ground to count
the number of song sheets found. Only two
copies were discovered.
.
The Playground Movement in Uruguay
BY
JESS T. HOPKINS
Continental Physical Director of the Young Men's Christian Association of South America
World fame came to Uruguay, one of the small-
est of South American republics, twice in the
same year ; last June when her Soccer team won
the Olympic Championship, and in July when the
International Olympic Committee in session in
Paris voted the Olympic Cup to the National
Committee of Physical Education of Uruguay.
The National Committee of Physical Education
in Uruguay has been the leader in physical educa-
tion in general, and in playground development
in particular, on this continent for the past decade ;
and it is because of these things that this fitting
recognition of the International Olympic Com-
mittee has been made.
A few weeks ago the Minister of Public In-
struction met in special session with the National
Committee of Physical Education for the purpose
of discussing ways and means of financing the
Committee's big playground and physical educa-
tion projects. The Minister had read the Tech-
nical Director's recently prepared plan of action
for the Committee which called for the expendi-
ture of something over half a million dollars in
initial equipment, and more than three hundred
thousand annually for maintenance and operation.
The Minister stated that he was neither surprised
nor dismayed by these figures, even though they
are huge sums for Uruguay, a country whose
population is scarcely a million and "a half, and
whose national budget does not exceed thirty-five
million dollars annually. That the Committee
officially responsible for the organization and ad-
ministration of physical education and playgrounds
throughout the country can ask for such a sum
and have their request receive consideration by
Congress, is due to the fact that the Committee
by virtue of its playground program up to date
has made good.
The Beginning of the Movement
As history goes, the Uruguayan movement is
still young, for it was only in 1911 that Congress
created the National Committee of Physical Edu-
cation, a progressive piece of legislation which
placed at its disposal an annual appropriation of
fifty thousand dollars gold. In this brief space
of time the Committee has built or projected more .
than seventy-five playgrounds. The first was
TEAM GAMES ARE INCREASINGLY POPULAR IN URUGUAY.
439
440
THE PLAYGROUND MOVEMENT IN URUGUAY
inaugurated in 1913, two more in 1914 and six
additional by the end of the year 1916. During
the next four years playgrounds sprang up all
over the country, increasing the total number to
forty-three. Since then there has been a steady
and healthy growth of several each year — a growth
which promises to continue until each community
of 500 or more inhabitants has its quota of play-
grounds, or "Plazas de Deportes" as they are
called in Spanish.
Today thousands of the children and youth of
Uruguay are growing normally, as is their right,
through the joyful use of modern play equipment,
not only because the members of the National
Committee of Physical Education have been
among the country's most noted educators and
professional men, but because this group has
labored year in and year out, without permitting
politics, graft, or religious prejudices to in any
way influence or threaten the progressive develop-
ment of their program. Furthermore, in the first
years of its existence, the Committee adopted the
Playgrgound Idea as a major activity, thus creat-
ing a policy which has given to the country an
institution of great moral, social and physical
value.
A Strong Group behind the Work
One cannot refer to the past without at least
making mention of several of the prominent mem-
bers of the early Committee. For example much
of the progress of the first few years was due to
men like Ghigliani, member of parliament, physi-
cian, civilian-aviator and sportsman; also Doctors
Miranda, Narancio, Galeano, Aubriot, Engineer
Monteverde, the most loved Professor in the Uni-
versity, General Riveros, present Minister of War.
Mention must be made, too, of Battle-y-Ordonez,
twice president of his country ; it was he who pro-
posed that Congress create the National Com-
mittee of Physical Education. After Battle had
served his second term as Chief Executive, he
asked that he be appointed as a member of the
National Committee of Physical Education, which
he served faithfully for two years. The present
committee, which numbers eleven, is also com-
posed of men occupying position of great promi-
nence and importance in the national life of
Uruguay.
A New Industry Developed
The size of Uruguay has been a real advantage,
facilitating from the start a strong central scheme
of organization, national in scope. This has per-
mitted a closely coordinated technical administra-
tion and the standardization of equipment. Plans
and specifications for the construction of courts
and playfields are drafted in Montevideo. Ex-
perts are sent out from the Central office to install
playgrounds all over the country. There is even;
an official photographer with a well equipped
laboratory in whose archives there now can be
found nearly 5000 photographs of playground ac-
tivities and athletic championships.
The equipment for the first playground con-
structed prior to 1914 was purchased in the United
A REPRESENTATIVE TEAM ix URUGUAY.
States, but the great difficulties and high cost of
transportation brought on by the war made it'
necessary for Uruguay to embark upon local
manufacture. This venture born of necessity, was
so successful that it has continued ; and so
Uruguay has a new national industry. Not only
steel playground apparatus, but balls, athletic
equipment, Indian clubs and dumb bells, are made
here which approach in quality the imported)
article. Furthermore, due to the genius of the
technical department of the National Committee
and the skill of local manufacturers, many me-
chanical improvements have been made in various
standard pieces of playground equipment.
Types of Playgrounds
The most common type of playground is the
standard two section kind arranged for boys and
girls. These are found in Montevideo and in
some of the larger interior towns. As a rule these
playgrounds have a central building in which are
found baths, dressing rooms, and an administra-
tion office. The equipment consists of more or
less the same pieces as used in the best play-
grounds in the States. There may be, if space
THE PLAYGROUND MOVEMENT IN URUGUAY
441
GAMES AND APPARATUS APPEAL IN URUGUAY.
permits, a football field, tennis courts, a track, and
of course, two or more basket-ball and volley ball
courts.
Just at present there are a number of school
playgrounds being built by the Municipality under
the technical direction of the National Committee
of Physical Education. These will begin to func-
tion this year when the National Committee puts
into operation its plan of physical education for
the public schools of the country. In choosing
playground sites in the small towns of the interior
they are usually placed close to the schools in order
that they may serve the dual purpose of school and
community playgrounds. Other national schools,
such as reformatories, aviation school, military
school also have playgrounds.
Even the industrial world has been influenced
by the playground idea and the National Com-
mittee of Physical Education has been called upon
to cooperate, in a technical way, in the construc-
tion of grounds for two or three of the largest
packing plants and one of the woolen factories.
This technical supervision is given by the Com-
mittee free of charge.
In Small Communities and Rural Districts
Perhaps the most noteworthy development has
taken place in the rural districts where the need
for such an institution as the modern playground
can be appreciated only after visiting the small
town or "pueblo" where one senses the deadly
atmosphere of boredom and inertia. These small
towns have few wholesome diversions and most
of the vices common to small towns around the
world. With the advent of playgrgounds there
has been a wholesome change ; there is a new
driving force in the community. A live play-
ground director, promoting a physical and social
program, stimulates the whole community. Visi-
tors report a very noticeable change on the faces
and general bearing of the children and adults of
the town, after a playground had been in opera-
tion two or three years.
Whole families go from miles around to use
the playgrounds on Saturday afternoons and
Sundays. A few weeks ago when a playground
was inaugurated in one of the "pueblos" quite
remote from the capital, the director found it
impossible to turn the people out at night, and
consequently it was used until well after midnight.
In fact an old man with a grey beard was seen
sliding down the toboggan at three a. m. !
A charming example of a model country play-
ground is to be found at Colonia Valdense, one
of the most progressive rural districts of Uruguay.
The Colony covers a whole county. On Sundays
entire families go to Church in the morning and
then spend the afternoon — mother, father and
children on the playground. It is indeed stimulat-
ing to see the patriarchal pastor of this little com-
munity join with his flock in wholesome play
after church service.
The city of Montevideo boasts of several of the
finest bathing beaches of South America to which
come thousands of tourists every summer. To
make more popular these beaches, the municipality
has installed playgrounds, a suitable piece of the
beach has been equipped with various pieces of
apparatus, and at certain specified hours a teacher
(Continued on page 450)
Recreation Life for Girls
BY
NINA B. LAMKIN
Director, Girls' and Women's Activities, Recreation Commission, Highland Park, Illinois
Recreation life for girls — the skilful interpreta-
tion of what this can mean in the life of the girl
has a length, a breadth, ever before for women
who can lead, for women whose personalities and
ideals are of the finest texture, women whose abil-
ity to understand and to guide is a real one.
Leadership is guidance with Vision — a vision
of what the girl wants to do, of the opportunities
which we may open to her and of the fruitage
which later these may bear for her in terms of
life.
Leadership means a study of social and eco-
nomic values, it carries with it a philosophy of
life out of which the girl in the factory and the
girl on the avenue can each find something for her-
self which satisfies.
We want to give her as many opportunities as
we can to respond to situations which are satis-
fying and through good leadership to so guide her
habits in the choice of activities and her
attitudes toward activities that she may be better
able to use her intellect with an intelligent under-
standing of her own needs and desires.
To put this philosophy into a working plan we
as leaders want to do this, do we not?
1. To give every group an opportunity to enjoy
the recreational activities which they want.
2. To guide their choice in the best way through
their own leaders and through an appreciation of
the family groups and the community groups
3. To build up through leaders' classes and
other educational group work, those in each group
who shall be able, with some guidance to plan the
activities of the club to which they belong
4. To make continually, opportunities for indi-
viduals and groups to enrich their backgrounds so
that their appreciations may be broader and their
choices better
5. To develop attitudes toward recreation and
its vital relation to their everyday work to their
homes and to their friends which will enrich per-
sonality and which will be most worthwhile in
carry-over values as the girl becomes the woman
*Address delivered at Twelfth Recreation Congress, Aslieville,
N. C., Oct. 5-9, 1925.
442
6. To study especially the interests of our for-
eign-born girls and their families and to give them
opportunities to respond to educational activities
in the home, in the school and in the community
7. To train and guide as large a number in the
community as we can who will volunteer to direct
and guide a group. These people to be chosen be-
cause of their interests, personalities and ideals
8. To observe special holidays and community
weeks throughout the year, in order that individ-
uals and groups may have opportunities to join in
community expression
9. To have our choices of activities based upon :
a. Interests of the group
b. Age of the group
c. Capacities and abilities
d. Equipment available
e. Leadership
f. Season of the year
g. Objectives in mind
h. Results that you want the individual and the
group to achieve in terms of life
10. To have our objectives along the way—
a. Universal participation
b. Opportunities offered to be based upon the
needs and the growth
c. Leaders who have the ability to get stand-
ards of living over to the group
d. All participants gaining for themselves self-
discipline, moral and social standards of life
and an interest in worth while activities
which shall be enjoyed now and later in
life
11. Our ultimate goal — to build the finest kind
of citizenship that the largest numbers may live
most and serve best
Activities related to instincts soon become habits
good or bad. We are each of us — the sum total
of our habits — of our experiences. We have
builded our personalities not through talking about
what to do, not through looking at what others are
doing, but through living experiences, through
forming habits of living, through learning to con-
trol our emotions and through intelligence and
ideals to better guide our lives. We are still learn-
RECREATION LIFE FOR GIRLS
443
ing every day. We can learn much from our
girls. We can to some degree weigh their social
inheritance thus far, we can learn something about
their original inheritance, we can know something
of inner urges that must find a way for expression.
We gain this general knowledge through the
habits, the visible symptoms of the conditions
within — and as a doctor treats not the symptoms
but the cause of those symptoms, so we can
through making opportunities guide them in habits
and attitudes, through activities that bring joys
and new interests, guide their choices until through
real thinking, through weighing of values and
through the real enjoyment which these bring,
change habits, raise vitality and withal build atti-
tudes, ambitions and desires which open a bit for
them the curtain that they may see through the
vista ahead.
"Attitudes have such special meaning for they
make or break life."
A recreative activity must be known well enough
to enjoy. It must not be boresome. You may
enjoy it but as Dr. Dewey has so well said, "Until
one sees a matter in the light of the other person's
understanding, from the other person's point of
view, until one considers and comprehends the
other person's angle of approach one is in no
condition to pass an opinion." We like to do those
things which we do well. "Do you play tennis?"
"No ! I don't seem to care for it." Why ? Be-
cause she doesn't play a good game, she doesn't
make it interesting enough to herself.
It is the constructive social group that we want.
We want the girl to know — "when to follow and
when to go ahead herself, even if she goes alone.
If she is to follow, then whom to follow." We
want independent thinking, a joy in knowing one's
self better and a joy in the social group.
What are we doing for the expression of the
social mind? What has this individual to con-
tribute to the group ? Are we giving her a chance ?
What are we doing for the health and energy —
vitality without which the girl lacks ambition to
do ? How can we give her the meaning of vitality
in terms of life? It is our responsibility to pro-
vide opportunities which mean minimum health
essentials for the individual.
Lack of vitality and lack of interest in things to
do is a sign that some of the great systems of the
body are not doing their work well because of the
inactivity of the muscles.
Bad posture and its attendant diseases are ex-
plainable through mental states. We have thought
of posture for years as a physical condition — we
all know that a girl might get along splendidly
with posture while standing beside the measuring
rod or wall, but a half hour later on the street her
posture might be abominable. Posture is both
mental and physical but we don't get it for our-
selves as a habit until we have gotten it mentally.
So it is with all habits. The girls who says, "I
wish I did know how to play games, I don't know
any," is an illiterate in bodily activity. No one
has ever got over to her that mind and body are
one in life. We cannot educate one and leave
the other in the kindergarten.
The girl who sits at her desk all day, has a head-
ache and eats aspirin by the box hasn't been told
why she has the headaches and she has never dis-
covered why.
The girl in school who is excused from all
physical activities because of some weakness and
is not told at the same time that a moderate par-
ticipation in activities will strengthen her weak-
ness— grows into a semi-invalid, loses out on real
living because no one guided her at the time when
she needed it. I came across one the other day
who refrained from physical activity on the doc-
tor's orders but during the conversation I learned
that she danced three nights a week. Where ? In
what social group?
We can't make the girls do things that are good
for them, the desire to do must come from within
but we can give interesting information often
through story and illustration, we can make situa^
tions and furnish stimuli and help them set values
one against the other and view them ; the rest is up
to the individual.
It seems to me that the recreation leaders have
these avenues all open to them if they will study
how to best walk, or run or otherwise move for-
ward up the avenue of habit in the girls' world.
A healthy and happy life is to be lived — not
dreamed about. If we take into consideration
facts about instincts, emotions and habit forma-
tion, our guidance will be worthy. The result will
be self-discipline or it is of no value, one in which
the individual controls her own acts and develops
her own life according to her ideals and standards
which we can help to build.
The organization for any activity must have
enough formality in it to fit the nature of the
activity otherwise it should follow natural lines. I
need not at this time name and classify activities
as such — because they are so admirably covered
in Dr. Hetherington's Outlines in Physical Edu-
cation, Dr. Williams' Organization and Admin-
istration of Physical Education and Miss Way-
444
RECREATION LIFE FOR GIRLS
man's Education Through Physical Education as
well as the Normal Course in Play recently revised
by the P. R. A. A. But I do want to talk of the
methods and set-ups used because these differ
quite widely and success or failure depends upon
them. Girls' and Women's activities are organ-
ized under many agencies — schools, as regular or
extra curricular activities, recreation commissions,
Young Women's Christian Associations, churches,
clubs, industries, business interests, state exten-
sion agencies.
METHODS
1. \Ve believe first of all in the economical meth-
od— the greatest service to the greatest number,
with the least duplication and with the largest co-
operation.
2. We believe that every mother, every teacher
and every club organization of women in the city
will be interested if information is brought to them
in an attractive way:
Through paper publicity
Through informal talks
Through what group is really doing
Through the reaction of the girl to this thing
which she is enjoying
3. We believe that through such interest we
find many mothers and other members of the com-
munity who will volunteer to guide a group of
younger or older girls and feel in the end that
she has gained much for herself. Many of our
volunteer leaders fail because the help which we
need to give them through conferences, tentative
outlines, leader's classes and activities have not
been given and their enthusiasm changes to indif-
ference and failure comes because their backing
failed.
4. We believe that all girl's and women's activi-
ties should be directed by women and that contests
for girls and women should be intra-mural — with-
in the school or institution or within the walls of
the city in which they live. One of the best move-
ments in years to help this situation was the form-
ing of the Women's Division of the National Ama-
teur Athletic Federation. I want to repeat here
the four planks in their platform —
1. To promote programs of physical activities
for all members of given social groups rather than
for a limited number chosen for their physical
prowess
2. To protect athletics from exploitation for the
enjoyment of the spectator or for the athletic
reputation or commercial advantage of any institu-
tion or organization
3. To stress enjoyment of the sport and devel-
opment of sportsmanship and to minimize the em-
phasis placed on individual accomplishment and
the winning of championships
4. To eliminate types and systems of competi-
tion which put the emphasis upon the individual
accomplishment rather than upon stressing the en-
joyment of the sport and the development of
sportsmanship among the many
We believe that there should be no failures in
the group, every member busy with the part that
she can do and gaining poise and ability each time
to do more. It is the attempt rather than the suc-
cess that counts for her.
Out of a little poem written by a ten year old
in her club group, grew four poems on the seasons
which with seasonal dances created by the group
and music selected by the group, wove itself into a
"Masque of the Seasons'' presented by a group of
Bluebirds, costumed and directed by them ; along
with this grew the interest of one of the moth-
ers who had musical ability and all the music for
their next expression — a dramatization of a Greek
story was written by this mother and approved by
musical critics and everyone had found some-
thing joyous to do.
Out of the efforts of one mountain girl in a big
cotton mill in the south to make and decorate her
costume for the Indian scene in a community
pageant grew efforts of 500 girls to do the same
thing and out of this community expression grew
many girls' clubs and definite activities to fill their
hours away from the mill.
How MATERIAL Is USED
The club organization seems to be the best for
the feeling of belonging that it gives one, for
social contacts and for group thought, provided
they think of their group as one of the links in
the community chain of recreation.
To the Brownies, the Bluebirds and other clubs
for seven to ten year old girls the hour together
means a message worth while, a health jingle to
live up to, a courtesy to be dramatized and made
our own. Who could ever forget the Goops and
their ways and thereby remember our ways :
"I wonder why it is polite
In shaking hands, to give your right,
I wonder why it is refined
In passing one to go behind?
I wonder why it is well bred,
If you must sneeze to turn your head
Perhaps the reason is because
The Goops, they never had such laws."
RECREATION LIFE FOR GIRLS
445
These courtesies together with a story and a
game, a service planned and honors to be achieved
before next week, make the hour one to be remem-
bered.
To the Camp Fire Girls and the Girl Scouts the
hours are full of meaning, filled with those inter-
esting things which girls like to do and through
the application of the laws to life they have won-
derful pictures and visions to follow all through
life as they achieve in the various crafts.
For the girls in other club groups there are
definite athletic, dramatic and social activities
which fit their needs and which can be made into
most interesting hours.
For the young women in industry, in business
and in the school life, either as teachers or as older
students there are so many journeys to the homes
of the great, to the fine things in music, art, drama
and folk lore as well as the attractive activities in
social recreation and in athletics.
To the woman in the home who has her family,
her club and her church to work for and to plan
for — what is more appealing than the evening of
social recreation for grown up leaders where they
may enjoy material which they can take back to
the home or to their church and club groups and
help in many of the year's plans?
FOR ALL GROUPS
Hiking and all its attendant attractions from
bird lore, tree lore, camp craft, stories and pot
lucks appeal to all ages. The Secret Hike — where
none but the leader knows just where they are
going and what will be unfolded to them as the
journey grows have been very popular. We all
love mystery.
The camp opportunities so important today be-
cause of many social, economic and health reasons
— should be a part of every program, a carry over
from the winter and spring program and a bring-
ing back to the fall program of new vitality, new
joys and new experiences.
There are times when the gymnasiums, the
swimming pools, the hockey, the skating, tennis,
volley ball and basketball fields, may be open to
different ages.
There are times when dramatics seem to be the
thing most desired, Children's Drama, Neighbor-
hood Drama, Church Drama, Community Theatre
groups and Festivals, Pageants.
We all know the value of dramatic expression
under good guidance. It can be a part of every
girls' club program, at a camp or at home, of every
woman's club program. The love which we have
for impersonation, for romance and color makes
this have almost a universal appeal.
Junior and senior athletic associations as a tie-up
of home, club, camp and community work are very
attractive to our girls and the achievement of work
well done is recognized.
WTe are experimenting always and just now we
are trying out such an athletic association for girls
eleven to seventeen. I am including it here just
as a suggestion. We are also working out a plan
for older girls. Fifty girls are already working
on this and many more are thinking about it.
Let us remember that our real problems are our
relationships with others. The girl needs to con-
trol her life and guide it and not let it guide her.
She needs more help in her activities than boys
do because of her early training.
Interest that girls have in athletics sometimes
leads too far, as in using boys' rules for basket-
ball. We must all agree that certain things girls
cannot do and should not do. Girls in speed,
strength and endurance work under mechanical
disadvantage. Girls need to have their own stand-
ards.
To illustrate — soccer for girls may be permitted
but it has so many dangers — catching the ball at
the chest and bodily contacts. Other events may
have dangers.
The events best for girls are well covered in
Miss Wayland's book and in the report of the
Woman's Division of the Amateur Athletic Asso-
ciation. "Keep first things first" in your choice of
activities.
The girl of to-day needs all of our best thought ;
life becomes more complex, there are more prob-
lems, there are always adjustments to make to life.
"Starts are always easy and for a considerable time
a good pace may be kept up. But it's the last lap
that counts for most. The last lap is the extra
dividend that life gives to the one who has trained
well, lived well and who has refused to be beaten."'
Let nothing take from our girls those things in life
which belong to them, the wholesome joy and hap-
piness of understanding their own lives and of
knowing how to satisfy their needs in the best way
that intelligence and ideals can guide them. Let
nothing keep us from taking our responsibility
in this great work — to the end that our girls may
"live most and serve best."
(Continued on page 464)
Dramatics in the Kentucky Mountains
BY
HARRIET L. JONES
Pippapass, Kentucky
On February twelfth in the rough plank
Assembly Hall of the Caney Creek Community
High School at Pippapass, Kentucky, a small
group of mountain boys and one girl, together
with several of their instructors who took sub-
ordinate parts, gave selected scenes from Drink-
water's play "Abraham Lincoln." They were the
Junior College Class, entirely ignorant of stage
business, yet eager to do justice to the play, and it
so happened that by their natural acting and, no
doubt, by virtue of the name "Lincoln,"' they
impressed to a point of keen sympathy and delight
a roomful of lively mountain school children and
their teachers.
A week later the college group gave the play
again, before an audience of people living here
and there along the creek — all of them simple, un-
lettered folk from outside the Center and all of
them claiming "Old Abe," by right of his birth in
Kentucky, as akin to them. There were earth-
grimed fathers, and placid mothers with arms full
of babies. But even the smallest infants were not
so shrill voiced and incessant as they might have
been, and the players were able to put across all
the humorous passages and to get responsive
chuckles. At the close there were many eyes that
looked weepy and more than one of those present
tried sincerely, if inarticulately, to put into words
how much the play had meant to him.
To show how naturally the mountain people
have appropriated Lincoln — one day not long after
the performance, a carpenter-preacher who had
seen the play said to a faculty member, "How
wonderful the English was in Abraham's day!"
Knowing that his thoughts were generally on the
Scriptures, she, supposing him to refer to the
Hebrew pioneer, attempted an explanation, until
the truth suddenly dawned upon her that
"Preacher Bill" had been impressed by the exalted
character and kindly human tenderness of
President Lincoln as expressed by his words in
the play.
For a third time the Caney troupe were called
upon to give "Lincoln." The small mining village
446
of Lackey — a few dingy, crowded habitations
and gas tanks along a two-train-a-day railroad
track — wanted it, and Caney had a branch com-
munity center there. As a crowning inducement
the movie theatre of the place offered its moderate-
sized but well-lit stage after the usual Saturday
night film picture, wherein as in ye olden tyme of
film pictures would appear upon the screen the
legend, PART II. (or whatever the part might
be) WILL APPEAR UPON THE SCREEN
IMMEDIATELY.
So now the players really took the road — a
Kentucky mountain road at the worst season of
the year — and, by jolt-wagon, horseback and
afoot, covered the fourteen terrible miles. Seven
hours it took to go from Pippapass to Lackey!
They were weary, all of them, but each actor — in
Lincoln's name — triumphed over the body, and
never had they taken their parts so naturally and
well. The audience — standing room only — was
profoundly impressed. The only crying baby
was taken out by the mother after vain attempts
to soothe it during the two first scenes, and after
that one could feel the breathless silence whenever
it was Lincoln's turn to speak. From him they
couldn't miss a word.
While the play was going on, a friend of one
of the performers seated in the audience dropped
something. As he stooped to pick it up he saw a
native of the place, sitting next him, glance fur-
tively in his direction and dexterously remove a
bottle of moonshine reposing in the path of his
objective.
In such an atmosphere did the scenes from the
life of Lincoln, as given by the Caney College
pupils, quietly impress themselves.
But "the players deserve the final word, for
under the circumstances their part in the perform-
ance was nothing less than amazing. Here they
were — a little group of young people knowing
nothing of acting — never having seen a first-class
drama— who, nevertheless, without a thought of
posing or reciting or taking a part in the ordinary
sense of the phrase, bent their minds to being
THE EXECUTIVES' GATHERING
447
Lincoln and his friends to the very limit of their
comprehension of what was meant by each printed
word they had to learn.
And they succeeded because they were sincere
in their purpose merely to give a proper setting
among the other characters of the play to Lincoln,
who, in the words of one of the members of the
class, taught us to live true to our ideals, no mat-
ter what the odds, taught us lowliness of heart
and courage to fight our battles to the finish.
The Executives' Gathering
(Continued from page 434)
Class AAA: This class shall consist of those
leagues, the players of which do not receive in
any form whatsoever remuneration or the promise
of such as ball players on the team they represent.
No player in this class shall have played or been
under contract with a major or Class A A Club,
after June 1st, of the previous year or shall not
have played with a Class A, B, C, or D Club,
operating under the National Agreement of Pro-
fessional Leagues, after June 1st of the current
year.
Additional classes according to age or weight
may be added if deemed necessary.
It is our belief that semi-professional athletics
should not be encouraged or promoted, but ex-
professional men should be allowed to compete
without compensation in any form, for their
services.
TOURNAMENT RULES
The Inter-city Tournaments should include only
the cities within a radius of 300 miles of each
other, because the expense involved in bringing
teams at great distances is prohibitive. Any one
of the classes can be eliminated by mutual con-
sent of the cities involved in the tournament, or
they need to enter teams in only the classes^e-
sired.
In addition to the eligibility of the players
according to Class A, AA, AAA; the following
tournament rules are recommended :
1. No team shall have more than 15 eligible
players on their list.
2. No additional players shall be added to the
eligibility list after July 1st, of the current year.
3. Every player must be a bona fide member
of the team, and must have played in at least three
games with that team during the season.
4. The same team shall not represent more
than one class, nor shall a player be permitted to
play on more than one team in any series.
5. The eligibility list of the champion teams
must be submitted at least one week before the
tournament opens.
6. All protests on players should be made at
least 48 hours before the tournament opens.
7. Tournaments should be conducted in strict
accordance with the playing rules of either the
American or National Professional Leagues.
8. The home city should furnish the balls for
the game and pay the umpires' and scorers' ex-
penses.
Inter-city tournaments can be conducted in
accordance with either of the following methods :
(a) Home and home series, — that is, — each
city playing one game at home and the other in
their opponent's city. If the third game is neces-
sary, the series should be completed in the city
where the second game was played.
(b) By selection of a tournament city, — all
teams going to the tournament city and remain-
ing there until the championship is decided. The
series can be either, — a one game knockout with
the finals the best two out of three games, — or the
teams dropping out after two defeats until the
champion team remains.
The arrangements for the Inter-city Tourna-
ment should be made through the local recreation
executives. If there are no local recreation offi-
cials, then only through some responsible local
organization. Arrangements made with indi-
vidual teams are not encouraged, for in many
cases it will be found that the team is "loaded up"
unless some responsible person vouches for the
eligibility of the players.
FINANCES :
The finance necessary to conduct inter-city
tournaments is one of the big draw-backs. Be-
fore the tournament is started the expenses should
be secured or underwritten. The money for the
tournament can be secured in one of the follow-
ing ways : —
1. — By direct appropriation by the City Coun-
cil or other appropriating body for public recrea-
tion purposes
2. — By direct appropriation from some local or-
ganizations, newspapers, individual or mercantile
concerns
3. — By public subscription, or local benefit
games played during the season at which admis-
sion is charged or a collection taken
448
THE EXECUTIVES' GATHERING
4. — Gate receipts of the tournament
Either one of the first two methods is recom-
mended, as the last two methods are uncertain.
The travelling and entertainment expense of the
teams should be mutually arranged between the
cities prior to the opening of the tournament. If
it is a home and home series, then it is advan-
tageous for each city to pay the expenses of its
own team, with the home city paying for the
expense of umpires, scorers, balls, printing and
all miscellaneous expense.
If it is determined that all cities should go to
the tournament city, then the other cities should
pay the travelling expenses of their teams. The
tournament city should bear all expense while the
teams are there for the tournament for enter-
tainment, in addition to the expense of conducting
the tournament.
After determining the championship of the
cities within 300 miles of each other, arrangements
can be made to play off inter-sectional champion-
ships for the National Championship, if it is so
desired, and the finances available.
Your committee wishes to state that it is their
belief that Inter-city Tournaments are too ex-
pensive for the good it does to the few players
of the champion team, and they believe it is more
essential to develop a large number of leagues and
teams within the individual city, and then have
the champion team of each league play for the
City Championship, than it is to spend a large
sum of money and encourage a few star players
on any one champion team.
Respectfully submitted,
C. E. BREWER, Chairman,
Commissioner of Recreation,
Detroit, Michigan.
K. B. RAYMOND,
Director of Recreation,
Minneapolis, Minnesota.
J. F. SUTTNER,
Director of Recreation,
Buffalo, New York.
The reading of the report was followed by a
discussion of what should be the policy regarding
gate collections. Among the cities reporting that
their teams followed the custom of taking gate
collections for themselves were : Bridgeport, Con-
necticut ; Waterbury, Connecticut ; Durham, North
Carolina ; Baltimore, Maryland ; Fall River, Mas-
sachusetts; Lynchburg, Virginia; Reading, Penn-
sylvania; East Orange, New Jersey; Newton,
Massachusetts. No collections are taken in Sac-
ramento, GEORGE SIM, Superintendent of Recre-
ation, reported, the necessary funds being raised
at one big annual ball. In this city ball gloves and
masks are furnished the younger boys, the older
ones supply their own equipment.
On motion, unanimously adopted, the report
of the committee was accepted with thanks.
SESSION IV.
LINCOLN E. ROWLEY, Secretary, Recreation
Commission, East Orange, Xew Jersey, served as
chairman of this meeting at which the first sub-
ject discussed was Municipal Golf Courses and
Methods of Financing and Operating Them. This
discussion, led by W. C. BATCHELOR, Superin-
tendent, Bureau of Recreation, Pittsburgh, Penn-
sylvania, involved such technical questions as to
whether it is wise to have both a manager and
a professional ; whether the grass green is better
than sand ; what to do about concessions and simi-
lar problems. Much emphasis was laid on the
importance of every city's having a golf course,
even though it may be possible at first to have
only a nine hole course. "If the city cannot im-
mediately own the property,'' said Mr. Batchelor,
"lease land for the purpose."
The discussion Stcitnining Pools, Their Value.
Financing and Operation was opened by R. WAL-
TER JARVIS, of Indianapolis, who told of the rapid
development of swimming pools in Indianapolis
and the success of the Bintz pools. The depth
of the Indianapolis pools varies from 2 ft. to 9
ft. One-third of the water is less than 5 ft., two-
thirds more than 5 ft. In the small pools the
basket system is used ; in the large pools, lockers.
People bring their own suits or rent them from
the concessionnaire. The two main problems in
swimming pool administration, it was suggested,
are supervision and cleanliness.
The question of teaching safety on the play-
ground was discussed by CHARLES ENGLISH,
Supervisor, Bureau of Recreation, Board of Edu-
cation, Chicago, who listed as the first requirement
for safety a fence around the playground. An-
other safeguard lies in the teaching of the use of
apparatus as a regular part of the program, and
apparatus contests are helpful in this connection.
Still more effective is the elimination of a consid-
erable part of the apparatus. Other safety
methods include the organization of junior police
and of safety leagues designed to teach children
to be careful.
ADELE MINAHAN. Superintendent of Play-
(Continucd on page 466)
Telling Stories to Three Thousand People
By
CHARLOTTE STEWART
Superintendent, Municipal Recreation, Salt Lake City, Utah
The annual midsummer storytelling festival
conducted by the City Recreation Department in
Salt Lake City assumed large proportions this
summer.
The scene was the large center lawn, a flat
greensward about 900 feet square, backed by a
MIRANDA, CALIBAN AND ALONZO, THE TEMPEST, 1924.
SALT LAKE CITY RECREATION DEPARTMENT.
rose pergola and flanked by large shapely pines
and lombardies. The time was sunset and early
evening of a warm clear midsummer's day. About
the arena were eighteen pup tents mounted on 8
foot poles to make a canopy and mark the place
for each teller of tales. Beneath each canopy
was a storyteller's stool and beside the tent a
decorated banner illustrative of the 18 kinds of
tales. Students recruited from high school made
the striking posters from original designs, using
poster paint on sateen.
From the literary clubs, patriotic organizations,
literary and dramatic fraternities came eighteen
experienced storytellers, forming a group of well
equipped and interesting interpreters of the best
literature for those who would hear the following
types of tales : frontier, pioneer, adventure, Bible,
gypsy, oriental, King Arthur, Indian, Japanese,
animal, Irish, Mother Goose, patriotic, fairy, sea,
nature, Negro and pirate.
At the appointed hour each storyteller took her
place in costume indicative of her type of tale,
and two thousand children went from tent to tent,
from storyteller to storyteller, reveling for over
an hour in the world of "once-upon-a-time."
A costumed page sounded his bugle each third
of an hour so that those who wished to change
might know when new stories would begin. Some
insisted on hearing all of the tales of their chosen
type.
At eight o'clock came the stories for adults. A
band played during the intermission and a song
leader introduced half an hour's prelude of com-
munity singing. The artificial bonfire was lighted,
a striking color effect being produced by the use
of fusees obtained from the railroad lighted under
an immense pile of logs, tepee style. About this
fire assembled in a large circle fully a thousand
adults. Graduate students from the dramatic
reading classes of the State University regaled
the eager listeneres with story after story till the
hour grew late and the fire burned low. Then the
listeners turnd homeward from their adventure in
AT THE ANIMAL TENT.
STORYTELLING FESTIVAL, LIBERTY PARK, SALT LAKE CITY.
a new world. Once more had the minstrel of old
been abroad among the people.
SHAKESPEARE ON A SALT LAKE CITY
PLAYGROUND
The Liberty Park Recreation Center of Salt
Lake City, is proud of the fact that for three
successive years a little band of Thespians from
its membership, ranging in age from two to
eighteen years, have produced a Shakespeare play.
449
450
TELLING STORIES TO THREE THOUSAND PEOPLE
In 1923 it was "Midsummer Night's Dream" ;
1924, "The Tempest" ; 1925, "As You Like It."
All of the productions, forty minutes in dura-
tion, were taken from "Forty Minutes With
Shakespeare" compiled by Fred G. Barker of the
University of Utah. Mr. Barker has preserved
the text of the original and cut the comedies in
such a way as not to injure the plot or destroy
the poetic value of the dialogue.
The three productions have all been given under
the direction of Mrs. Jennetta S. Barker, the
author's wife, and a member of the staff of the
city recreation department.
Salt Lake's most beautiful park has provided the
setting for each play. Here, with lighting and
seating arrangement and a natural background of
shrubbery, trees and flowers, almost any Shakes-
pearian comedy may be presented. In giving the
plays the true spirit of Shakespearian costume has
been preserved as far as possible and the thousand?
of parents and friends who attended the per-
formances were enthusiastic over their forty
minutes with the Bard of Avon.
One of the interesting by-products of the pro-
ductions is the demand for Shakespeare plays
made on the Playground Library for days after
the performances. Such plays for children, pre-
sented at recreation centers, will do much to create
and preserve joy in the lives of the immortals.
One Shakespearian production each year is the
slogan of the Liberty Park Recreation Center.
In Uruguay
Continued from page 441)
is sent by the National Committee of Physical
Education for the purpose of organizing classes
in physical activities and play. Among other ac-
tivities he teaches swimming.
For several years now this Committee has had
in operation in a sheltered corner of the bay a
swimming school. It is little more than a huge
barge which has been covered over and fitted out
with dressing rooms, baths, lockers and diving
boards. Throughout the summer months a staff
of half a dozen instructors teach swimming to
the hundreds who make daily use of this equip-
ment. Literally thousands have thus been taught
to swim during the past few years.
As can be imagined the effect of this great
playground development upon athletic sport and
competitive games has been tremendous. Clubs
have been organized by the dozen for the promo-
(Continued on page 456)
MUNICIPAL OUTDOOR THEATRE, SALEM, MASS.
A Municipal Outdoor Theatre
BY
OLIVER GOODELL PRATT
Superintendent of Parks and Recreation, Salem, Massachusetts
COMFORT AND BEAUTY COMBINE IN THE SEATING ARRANGEMENTS.
Salem, Massachusetts, possesses a municipal
outdoor theatre, delightfully located at the Salem
Willows Park overlooking the ocean and the beau-
tiful shores of Beverly and Manchester -by-the-
Sea. Large willow and maple trees overhang the
auditorium, furnishing shade and at the same
time allowing glimpses of the blue sky overhead.
A happier choice by the Park Commission for an
outdoor theatre would be difficult to imagine.
From a Small Grove of Willows
Formerly the plot of ground called "The Wil-
lows" was used in part for hospital purposes and
in 1801 a number of willow trees were planted to
furnish shade for the patients. It is from these
mammoth willow trees — only two of the original
trees are standing — that the area received its
name. As the old trees die new ones are planted
to take their places.
To a Public Park
In 1883 the fifty-acre area on which the willows
stand was set aside as a public park and it has
been developed to provide healthful recreation for
the people. For the past twenty years band con-
certs have been provided Sundays, holidays and
Wednesdays during the summer. Heretofore the
bands have played on a bandstand sixteen feet
square, and part of the audience has been seated
among the groves of trees while the remainder
stood in the hot sun in the open. As a result of
these unsatisfactory conditions the idea of an out-
door theatre was conceived.
How the Theatre Developed
The history of the theatre is interesting, for al-
though the Park Commission had dreamed of
such a project for many years, it was not until
{Continued on page 457)
451
Wanted: A Place to Play
BY
CLARENCE S. STEIN
The lack of play space and parks in New
York has developed as a result of the individual-
istic method of building houses as separate units,
and not as parts of a community where the un-
built space is utilized for the best advantage of
the whole group. Consequently, when vacant lots
have disappeared, there has been nothing left for
recreation space. Even back yards, too small in
themselves to permit of any real play, have been
built over in the congested tenement districts until
the children are forced out on the street. From
time to time, the city makes attempts to recapture
space for play, as when it bought Chelsea Park
and paid a million or so for an absolutely inade-
quate space, — for most of the youngsters in the
neighborhood are still forced to play in the street
— and their main games are dodging trucks. If
someone had had imagination enough to suggest
putting the land aside at the time that part of the
city grew up, the space now occupied by the Park
could have been had for almost nothing.
The same problem of providing for recreation
space in the future is now presenting itself in
newer sections of the city, and should be faced
while there is still a chance to do it adequately
and without great expense. But in the Borough
of Queens where recent building development is
very great, miles of houses are being built, row
on row, with small back yards almost completely
taken up with garages and other outhouses. In
spite of the fact that land in Queens is still com-
paratively cheap, only about \l/2% has been set
aside for parks, while in Manhattan, where ex-
perience shows we have fallen far short of enough,
10% is devoted to parks and in the Bronx, ap-
proximately 15%.
As an example of what can be accomplished by
planning ahead for a community instead of for
a number of separate individuals and by making
recreational space an integral part of the original
plan, Sunnyside, a recent building development in
Long Island City is extremely interesting. Here
the houses are being built in groups, or units, each
group made up of one and two family houses and
cooperative apartments of four and five rooms,
sufficient to house 128 families. They are built
around a large open area — the houses themselves
occupy less than a third of the land. The re-
mainder is devoted to individual yards and to play-
grounds. Here the children have a space allotted
to them equipped with swings and slides, or laid
out for basket ball and games. This plot will
always be used for this purpose, as it is dedicated
in perpetuity. It gives younger children the
safety from traffic and the nearness to home super-
vision which only an interior playground can pro-
vide. The remainder of the open area, which is
created by means of a 40 year easement from the
owners, has such recreation facilities as a tennis
(Continued on page 458)
452
SUNNYSIDE GARDENS.
PLAYGROUND BEAUTIFICATION CONTEST
453
National Contest for Play-
ground Beautification
Tremendous interest was manifested at Ashe-
ville in the announcement of the William E. Har-
mon Award for Beautified Playgrounds. All who
expressed interest and the intention to compete at
that time, as well as others interested, are urged
to remember that entries close December 1, 1925.
TERMS OF THE AWARD
The sum of $500 will be awarded to the com-
munity having the leading playground in each of
three population groups as follows : Communities
under 8,000; communities 8,000—25,000, and
communities of more than 25,000. Additional
awards of $50 each will be made to the ten other
playgrounds which rank highest in each group.
The nursery companies, in addition, will give $50
in nursery stock to each winning playground.
Counting the gifts of nursery stock, the leading
playground in each group may thus be awarded
$550. The next ten playgrounds in each group
may win $100 each.
A community may enter as many playgrounds
as it wishes, but awards will be made to not more
than one playground in any community.
It should be carefully noted that the purpose
of this contest is to determine which playgrounds
have achieved the greatest progress in beautifica-
tion during the period of the competition, but not
to determine which is the most beautiful. In other
words, what counts is the progress made from now
to November 1, 1926.
The contest is open to any public playground
administered by municipalities or by non-commer-
cial groups or organizations in the United States
and Canada. Playgrounds directly or indirectly
connected with or conducted by commercial enter-
prises are not eligible even though free to the
public. The term playground as used in this con-
test is inclusive to cover such spaces as play-
grounds, athletic fields and other public play places
set aside and used primarily for active outdoor
play and games.
Further information may be secured from the
P. R. A. A., 315 Fourth Avenue, New York City.
"BEAUTIFY AMERICA'S PLAYGROUNDS"
To : Playground and Recreation Association of
America, 315 Fourth Avenue, New York
City.
Application is hereby made for entry in the
contest for more beautiful playgrounds. Please
send us forms for submitting data and other
material useful in the contest. No financial
obligation is involved in entering this contest.
City Pop Date
Name of Playground
*Signed
Title
Address
*To be signed by chairman, secretary, superintendent, direc-
tor, commissioner, or other official responsible for the play-
ground.
Mail on or before December 1, 1925.
WILLIAM E. HARMON
Donor of the Award
Every One Has a Chance
to Play in Dallas
Men and women, boys and girls, white folks and
colored folks ! Recreation in variety is provided
for all in the city of Dallas, Texas.
To Emil Fretz, Vice-President of the Dallas
Park and Playground System, much of the suc-
cess of Dallas' municipal recreation is due. He
has given many years of volunteer service to the
work and has watched it grow from nothing to
a system which spends $200,000 a year for public
recreation.
To show some of the difficulties which have
been overcome, Mr. Fretz has recently cited an in-
teresting report of the City Council of 1876 which
(Continued on page 460)
454
USE OF CANALS
The Use of Canals for
Recreation Purposes
That the use of abandoned canals for recrea-
tion purposes is in many instances practicable and
desirable is the opinion of a number of recreation
executives who have told of their experiences in
helping in such developments.
"Elkhart, Indiana," writes C. F. VanDucen,
Executive Director of Community Service, "is
located on the St. Joseph River, and several years
ago factories found this valley very attractive for
the power the river would furnish paper mills and
band instrument factories. Through what is now
the heart of the city canals and mill races were
cut to furnish water power, and at this time we
find since the power-rights have been bought up
that we have several beautiful spots and much
valuable land in swampy, weedy, abandoned races.
Our plan is to trim out the underbrush from the
sycamores and white maples which grow on the
banks of these races and in them build tennis
courts which can be flooded in the winter time and
provide park benches. There is one spot which
we might make into a swimming pool, but in all
probability these will be used as industrial tennis
courts and skating rinks, as they are located in the
factory district of our city."
Mayor Cosgrove of Cohoes, New York, has
planned to use part of the abandoned Erie Canal
for recreation purposes. Arthur Leland, Super-
intendent of Recreation at Newport, Rhode Island,
was retained to work out plans for the develop-
ment of this space. The city will purchase addi-
tional land on each side of the canal in one section
in order to give sufficient breadth for baseball and
football. Provision will be made for flooding in
the winter for skating, and there will be an im-
mense outdoor swimming pool.
"At Goshen, Indiana," writes Charles W. Clark,
Director of Community Service at Hammond,
Indiana, "a short canal of about three miles in
length was used by hundreds of people for swim-
ming, boating and skating. Many people fished
in this canal, and along the tow path hundreds
walked. It was a pleasure to get away from the
hot, shadeless highway with its thousands of motor
cars to enjoy the beauties of nature undisturbed.
If such a canal were filled in, the very life of that
community would be upset.
"I spent three years at school in England near
Coventry. Running through that old city was the
canal mentioned by Charles Dickens in the story
of Little Nell. This canal was a great blessing to
the middle-class people who used it for recreation
purposes, especially for fishing, swimming and
walking."
From Harry P. Eikhoff, Director of Community
Recreation Association at Traverse City, Michi-
gan, comes the suggestion that abandoned canals
might well be used to provide a highway for
migratory fish, which would in turn provide a
supply of fish in the innermost streams and those
farthest away from the Great Lakes.
"Up here I see men and women come long
distances and from parts through which these
canals flow just to enjoy the sport. If these canals
are kept intact and relieved of the stigma of being
a dumping ground for refuse they would provide
fairly decent fishing for those living close by.
"Along with the natural advantages for develop-
ing of the fishing closer home there is the added
advantage of having a running stream where chil-
dren can go in wading without having to travel
great distances from home or encountering the
dangers of the lakes. Still another advantage
comes in the way of affording a water highway
for the boys of venturesome age to take long canoe
trips. I remember the days when it was great
fun to plan a trip from Detroit to New Orleans
by canoe, and I know of some boys who have
made the trip.
"I sincerely hope that something can be done to
bring to the attention of the officials the necessity
for the preservation of these canals. They are
absolutely necessary in the general program, and
while those located near to the canals may have
lost sight of their value from the national point
of view, it nevertheless remains a very important
factor."
"A very attractive use to which I have seen
canals put in the South," writes Walter J. Cartier,
Director of Department of Recreation, Columbus,
Georgia, "is for dramatics on barges, moving
downstream, and viewed by thousands of people."
A number of recreation executives have sug-
gested the use of canals for swimming and aquatic
sports, and in northern communities for ice skat-
ing.
It has been suggested by some officials that de-
sirable as the project is, the expense involved in
the use of canals might be prohibitive. The cost
of drainage and filling in ; the upkeep of the em-
bankment because of wash-outs ; the expense of
maintenance and of keeping the water in sanitary
condition, are all factors militating against the pro-
posal. Legal difficulties, it was felt by some,
LIFE AND CITY PLANNING
455
might also enter into the question. Riparian rights
demand conditions, compliances and retentions
many times regrettable, but legally they are vested
rights. Further, recreation commissions in many
cities have no legal authority to go outside the city
limits. Many canals, it is pointed out, are unsuit-
able because of the drainage of waste from mills
and other plants.
In spite of these difficulties there is widespread
feeling that in communities where abandoned
canals exist careful consideration should be given
the possibility of using them in connection with
the recreation program.
Life and City Planning
By
JOSEPH LEE
In many of our cities the street is still the most
used playground for the small child — those under
eight or even under ten or twelve. It is not, in-
deed, ideal for the purpose. It is often dangerous
except in the case of side streets without much
through traffic, and in these there remains the
objection that there is no apparatus. Above all,
play in the street, even in the fairly quiet ones —
is subject to frequent interruption, so that con-
secutiveness of purpose, perhaps the most im-
portant lesson of the playground, is discouraged,
while the distraction afforded is often in the form
of sensational episodes in family and social life
not always of an edifying nature. But the street
has the great advantage of being near the home.
The mother can see from her window what goes
on and when necessary have a voice or take a hand
in it with salutary effect. It is a question not of
near but of very near — absolutely adjacent. The
difference between having the children actually in
sight and knowing only that they are out of sight
and may be anywhere is all the difference in the
world — as I can personally testify from long and
happy experience of the former.
What then are we to do? For the present —
the best thing is to accept the street and doorsteps
as a playground and by proper traffic regulation
and supervision — through training of the local
talent — to make the best of it.
But there is something more that we can do
and that every playground worker should have in
mind as a thing of vital consequence, to be in-
corporated in every local program as soon as prac-
ticable— namely, while making the best of the
existing situation, to plan for something better.
And that means city planning, and zoning as an
essential part of it. Playground people should
accordingly know something about these subjects
and where the best expert service can be had.
One principle in particular, as bearing on the home
playground for the smaller children, they should
always have in mind, namely, that every house and
every story in it — like all other stories — have two
sides. If the street comes in front, the back
yard is not far behind. The one, indeed, is just
as near home as the other. The thing to see to
is that, through the proper spacing of the street?
and restrictions on the depth of houses and the
percentage of the lot that they may occupy that the
back yard in residential districts shall be deep
enough to afford play space for the number of
children who will constitute its reasonable quota.
It is essential, further, that provision shall be
made for combining all the back yards in the
block into a single furnished and developed play-
ground. How much may be accomplished in
this direction without much if any sacrifice of land
values is already being demonstrated by several
special experiments.
In order that this thing may be done — that
there may exist residence blocks, unvexed by stores
and factories, which may thus, through the estab-
lishment of a common playground, be adapted
for human habitation as places in which a child
can live and grow — there must be legally estab-
lished and protected residential districts. And
this means a zoning law. Every city in order to
be fit either for habitation or for business must
recognize once for all that children and dry goods
have not the same needs as regards the use of
open spaces and cannot be mixed in the same
block without some detriment to both, — on the
one side perhaps through a high casualty rate for
window panes and on the other through starva-
tion of body, mind and soul. A city block with
factories occupying the whole lot, alternating with
human habitations having back yards — like a
mouth with every other tooth knocked out — is
not an asset to the city whether from an industrial
or a child-cultivating point of view. It is a bit
of plant used for two wholly inconsistent pur-
poses and utterly unfit for either. No city, in a
civilized community, with an appreciation of
engineering principles admissible in a country that
produced the beaver, will hereafter attempt to
combine such incompatible uses in a single place.
I have spoken only of the smaller, short-legged
456
PLAY IN URUGUAY
children who must play near home. There are
also those whose legs have got a little longer, who
need playgrounds within a half mile or so and not
across too many car tracks. And there are the
bigger boys who need the bigger playgrounds, to
say nothing of grown people who also have a
need to breathe and need even to see green leaves
and sometimes to get away from smell and noise
and the city canon for a little while.
For all these reasons — and there must be now
some fifty million of them — every playground
man and woman must be a zoner and a city
planner.
The Dreams of Youth -
Where Are They?
What is your secret ambition ? At a small stag
dinner party uptown recently eight of the guests —
all successful men — confessed there was still
gnawing at their hearts an ambition conceived in
their youth and still far from accomplishment.
None of them, for apparent reasons, ever hoped to
realize his ambition.
One guest, a physician, has always wanted to
play a cornet solo before a vast outdoor audience.
But he has never learned to play that instrument.
An insurance broker has always wanted to lead
a parade, dressed in a uniform with much gold
braid, and twirling a brass-headed baton as small
boys gaze at him in awe and envy. He has not
the full use of his two arms.
A third guest — a hardware merchant — has al-
ways wanted to address some great assemblage
(preferably a patriotic gathering) and bring his
audience to its feet with wild cheers and acclaim.
He confesses he stutters when called on to say
anything in public.
Still another guest — a mechanical engineer —
has always dreamed of leading a grand march
at some magnificent ball with a lovely lady on his
arm. He has not yet learned to dance, although
forty, and is a bachelor who believes there isn't
a woman in the world who can love him.
The host confessed a secret ambition, too. He
has always wanted to lead a company of cavalry
down the street on its way to war. But only once
was he astride a horse. That was when he was
nine. The nag threw him and he never attempted
it again.
(From The Evening World, New York City, Feb-
ruary 18, 1925.)
Play in Uruguay
(Continued from page 450)
tion and practice of various athletic and competi-
tive games. All of them find hospitable quarters,
splendid equipment and friendly technical advice
in the playgrounds, which thus become the scene
of many national championships throughout the
year. Not many years ago the Committee decided
to make Volley Ball a popular game throughout
the country; an intensive campaign of teaching
was put on in the playgrounds and on the beaches.
Two weeks of this effort was enough to make
Volley Ball a national game. It is not surprising
therefore that one finds today boys and girls
assiduously practising athletic events. In time this
should produce in Uruguay some notable perform-
ances.
All this has not come about without difficulty.
There have been troubles and difficulties of all
kinds, the most serious of which has been the lack
of trained teachers. The movement has gone
ahead almost too rapidly and unless the National
Committee adopts immediately some consistent
and efficient plan for the training of leaders, this
splendid movement is liable to come to grief. An
effort has been made to ameliorate this difficulty
by resorting to the same means which other coun-
tries have used where playgrounds have had a
rapid rise — the intensive course. Three such
courses have been organized by the National Com-
mittee: the first in 1920; the second in 1922 and
the third in 1923. This method is only a stop-
gap and it is to be hoped that some other means
for the preparation of teachers will soon be found.
Influencing Other South American Countries
One of the most interesting outgrowths of tht
Uruguayan playground movement has been its in-
fluence upon other Southern American countries.
The Argentine government brought out from the
States several years ago $30,000 worth of steel
equipment, but because of the lack of proper direc-
tion this equipment, sufficient for thirty small
playgrounds, has been scattered over the whole
country, usually placed in parks where it is used
under the direction only of caretakers. There is
at present in Buenos Aires a section of the
Municipality which is endeavoring to organize
physical activities for the young people of that
city, but this plan does not enjoy the stable back-
ing which the movement finds in Uruguay. In
A MUNICIPAL OUTDOOR THEATRE
457
Santiago, Valparaiso and Antofogasta, Chile, and
in the little Chilean town of Iquiqui, a start has
been made, but the playgrounds which have been
established are functioning without leadership.
A fe\v weeks ago word came from Rio de
Janeiro, Brazil, that the Rotary Club had asked
the Physical Director of the Young Men's Chris-
tian Association to speak to them on playgrounds.
As a result, a committee was named to confer with
the municipal authorities in the hope that a piece
of ground would be given the Club for the pur-
pose of establishing a modern demonstration play-
ground. There is in this city a wealthy young
man very much interested in the contribution
which play can make to his people. He is studying
plans and methods which may result in his em-
barking alone upon a great playground program
for the youth of Brazil.
To one who has lived in Uruguay for the past
twelve years and seen this rapid development
from the start to the present, there comes the
conviction that the youth of South America will
in the not too distant future inherit their right to
wholesome character forming play. All that is
needed is a sufficient number of trained teachers
who have high professional ideals.
The Young Men's Christian Association has
contributed modestly to this movement in Uru-
guay, through technical cooperation and games
which, with their character ideals, have been car-
ried over into the playgrounds. Many of the
teachers received their first inspiration in the
Young Men's Christian Association physical de-
partment.
Realizing the need for Christian directors of
physical education all over the continent, the
South American Federation of Young Men's
Christian Associations has established in Monte-
video a Technical Institute providing a four
years' course for students of physical education.
This course is under the competent leadership of
J. S. Summers, M.P.E. of Springfield. Although
the primary purpose of this school is to provide
physical directors and secretaries for its own
movement, it is inevitable that numbers of its
graduates will find their life work in the play-
grounds movements which will develop in South
America.
Today with all Uruguay at play, this little coun-
try stands at the head of playground development
on this continent; and although larger and richer
sister countries may some day surpass her in ex-
tent and numbers of play centers, none can ever
take away from Uruguay the honor of having
been the great pioneer of this new social institution
in South America.
A Municipal Outdoor
Theatre
(Continued from page 451)
May, 1922, that it seemed possible to achieve it.
Professor Frank A. Waugh was consulted and
after a study of the location he planned the general
layout of the theatre. The first draft plans were
in the hands of the superintendent when the city
government made an appropriation to furnish
work for ex-service men in need. The Commis-
sion was able to secure this money for park devel-
opment purposes and the superintendent availed
himself of the opportunity to utilize some of the
labor in removing ledge and grading the area.
Concrete settee standards made by the Depart-
ment were set and the foundation for the stage
was laid. With such a splendid start as this, it
was not difficult to convince the city government
of the practicability of the idea. The necessary
appropriation was made and the theatre completed
in May, 1923.
The Layout of the Theatre
The stage is a concrete structure two feet above
grade and twenty-seven feet deep by forty feet
wide, with columns on back and sides and with
flower boxes on the floor between them. The
stage lighting is so arranged that no shadows can
be cast on the stage by performers. In addition
to the overhead and side lights, arrangements are
provided for portable footlights and lights for
music racks. The auditorium is lighted by neat
ornamental poles with colonial lantern tops.
The seating area radiating from this stage in
the shape of a horseshoe accommodates a thousand
people in its comfortable, permanent, roomy set-
tees. There are pavilions at the side which will
seat 500 people while the large hill in the rear,
planted with maple and Scotch pines, will provide
seating accommodations for approximately 2,000
people. No matter which of the 3,500 seats a visi-
tor chooses, he can hear the concert in comfort.
Or if there is no concert, he may sit in the shade
enjoying the peace and quiet of the seclusion and
looking out beyond to the ocean.
The entire area is inclosed by a heavy mixed
planting and is approached from the higher land
458
EVERY ONE HAS A CHANCE TO PLAY IN DALLAS
surrounding it by rustic masonry steps giving the
theatre a most attractive setting. The shrubbery
was furnished and planted by Harlan P. Kelsey,
who assisted in many ways to make the project a
success.
Some of the Uses of the Theatre
The program of exercises at the dedication of
the theatre was typical perhaps of the general use
to which it is being put. Among the features of
the program were music by an excellent band and
songs by a soloist who has sung with Sousa's band
for six seasons. There were speeches by members
of the Park Board, the Mayor and C. Howard
Walker, chief architect for the St. Louis Exposi-
tion. Following this were band concerts every
Sunday afternoon and evening in the summer, a
community patriotic meeting, a vaudeville show
and a meeting of the Women's Republican Club
of Massachusetts. The dramatic activities of the
playgrounds were held here the first part of
August, and in September the Latin Club of the
local high school gave a performance.
It is the desire of the Commission that the stage
shall be used for all public meetings or discussions
of current questions or politics — provided, of
course, tl*at it can be done legally — also for
dramatics, dancing, performances and exhibitions
of all kinds. It is open free to the public at all
times, and as the park is frequented by non-resi-
dents of Salem the theatre will be very widely
used and enjoyed. A great deal of appreciation
has been expressed for those who have made such
a project possible.
The Board of Park Commissioners have recent-
ly officially adopted the name of Willows Park
Theatre for the new development.
Wanted : A Place to Play
(Continued from page 452)
court, and a quiet garden spot planted with shrubs
and trees for the grown-ups ; a wading pool and
sand piles where the little children can play in
safety and within sight of the kitchen windows of
their own homes.
Each group of houses built at Sunnyside — and
there will be ten to twenty such groups, forming
eventually a colony of approximately 6,000 people
will thus have its own recreation facilities at hand
for the very young children, and for the quieter
pastimes of adults. There will probably be a large
field for community use where baseball, handball,
and field sports of various sorts for older girls
and boys may be concentrated in one place and
SAFELY AT PLAY NEAR HOME
have the supervision such games require. It has
been possible to make such use of the land at
Sunnyside, because garages have been concen-
trated in one place, alley ways eliminated and the
whole place planned as a community.
The builders of Sunnyside are studying the
various problems presented by uniting recreation
with housing as they construct each unit. Since
they have taken building out of the speculative
field by limiting the dividends to investors in the
City Housing Corporation to 6%, they can make
certain experiments impossible to speculative
builders. In some of the units, the recreational
facilities will probably differ considerably from
those used in the first unit. Quoit throwing,
tether ball, bowling, paddle tennis, and other old
fashioned and new fashioned games will be intro-
duced. The chief feature of interest in this new
community is that recreation and housing are not
considered and worked out as two problems, but
are attacked as two phases of the same problem :
that of healthful, pleasant living.
NINTH
ANNUAL RED CROSS
ROLL CALL
November 11-26, 1925
JOIN!
A Thanksgiving Party
By
HELEN SEDGWICK JONES
Receiving the Guests
Upon entering, each guest is given a picture of
a turkey. On the back is written either "John
Alden" or "Miles Standish." (Have an equal
number of each if possible.)
The John Aldens are asked to line up on one
side of the room and the Miles Standishes on the
other.
Pilgrim Spelling Match
Have ready duplicate pieces of cardboard with
a letter of the alphabet on each. Give one set to
each side — one letter to a person. (If only the
words suggested below are used, duplicates of the
following 16 letters will be all that are needed —
a, b, c, d, e, f, h, i, 1, m, o, p, r, s, t, w.) Then an-
nounce the following words, one by one — Priscilla,
Massasoit, Bradford, Brewster, Hiawatha. As
the word is called, those holding the letters in the
word run out into the middle of the room, with
their letters in front of them, and arrange them-
selves so that they spell the word correctly. If a
person's letter occurs twice, he must run from one
space to the next and thus fill both spaces. The
side which spells the word most quickly wins.
Pumpkin-Scoring
Place three or four hollowed-out pumpkins
with big holes cut in the top at uneven intervals
(not in a straight line) along end of room and
paste numbers on each one — 20 on the one
farthest away, 15 on the next, 10 on the next and
5 on the nearest. Have five small bean bags
ready. Alternately a player from each side is
given five chances to throw a bean bag into the
pumpkins. Each must try to score as much as
possible for his side. The side reaching the high-
est total score wins. Some one must act as score-
keeper.
Nut Relay
Ask the guests to line up again on sides. Place
a pile of peanuts or walnuts at one end of the
room and two of the hollowed-out pumpkins used
in the previous game at the other — one at the end
of each line. Start the first man in each line at
a given signal. He runs to the pile of nuts, puts
as many as he thinks he can carry on the back of
his left hand, runs to the other end of the room
on the outside of the line without touching his
left hand with his right, deposits the nuts in the
pumpkin at the end of his line and returns to his
place in line, immediately after which the next
man follows. If one line finishes before the next
the quicker line may start over again and carry
nuts until each man in the slow line has had a
chance to carry some. Then a signal is given for
all to stop and the line which has the most nuts
in its pumpkin is the winner.
Song Contest
Now is a good time for a song contest. Four
people are selected to act as judges. The song
is announced — (it may be Auld Lang Syne or
Comin' Thru' the Rye — one verse.) The Miles
Standishes sing it first and then the John Aldens.
The judges pick the side as winner which sings
best.
After this the guests will probably be ready to
sit down.
Nut Guessing
Seat the John Aldens on one side and the Miles
Standishes on the other. Give all pencils and
paper with the following sentences typed on them
(without the answers, of course). They are to
fill in the blanks with the kinds of nuts indicated
by the sentences.
A part of the human body (Chest-nut).
A vegetable (Pea-nut).
A country in .South America (Brazil nut).
Something built around China (Wai-nut).
Something we like to eat (Butter nut).
What small boys don't like (Hickory nut).
An animal (Pig nut).
Something which makes us rich if we have
enough of it (Dough-nut).
What we all like to play on in the summer
(Beech nut).
What some of us are (Poor nuts).
Read the correct answers aloud and ask the
guests to put an "x" against the ones they have
correct. Collect the papers and count up the total
number of correct answers given on each side to
see which of the two sides wins.
459
460
THE CHRISTMAS BOOK
Thanksgiving Menu
Give each person a piece of paper and allow
one minute to write down a Thanksgiving dinner
menu with all the fixings. The man who writes
the longest one, that is at the same time well-
balanced, causes his side to win.
Pilgrim Meeting
The aim of this game is for one side to make
the other side laugh. Three people on each side
are asked to propose to Priscilla — the Miles
Standishes as they think he would have done it
and the John Aldens as they think he would have
done it. (These six may be chosen beforehand
and warned of what is to happen so that they may
have an opportunity to prepare a witty proposal.)
The aim is to make the proposals as ridiculous as
possible. While a John Alden is proposing, all
the John Aldens may laugh but the Miles Stand-
ishes may not, and vice versa. The procedure
should be alternately from side to side. The side
which succeeds in making the opposite side laugh
most wins.
Refreshments
These are now in order and may consist of cider,
ginger cookies, popcorn balls and apples — or
doughnuts and coffee.
While the guests are eating, the prize is award-
ed to the side which has won the majority of
games — either the John Aldens or the Miles
Standishes. The prize consists of a large home-
made doll, dressed in kerchief and cap, bodice and
full skirt, and labelled in large letters PRISCILLA
MULLINS. Her crepe paper skirt may conceal
a large bag of molasses kisses which may be
shared by the crowd.
The Christmas Book
Recreation workers, Community Christmas Tree
Committees, Sunday School workers, civic and
social organizations and all who are charged with
the responsibility for arranging church celebra-
tions will welcome the announcement that there is
now ready for distribution a ninety-two page
booklet entitled "The Christmas Book."
The booklet contains the following material:
A Christmas Party by Era Betzner, An Old Eng-
lish Christmas Revel, the St. George Play, A
Christmas Carnival, How to Organize Groups of
Christmas Carolers, Stories of the Christmas
Carols by Peter Dykema, Plans for the Commun-
ity Christmas Tree, Lists of Christmas Plays and
Music.
Play in Dallas
(Continued from page 453)
tells how City Park, now one of the most active
recreation centers in the south, was first acquired.
The Council proceedings start with the filing of a
petition by I. J. Eakins, offering to sell ten acres
of land. A committee on Park (singular) was
appointed by the City Council to consider the offer.
The committee reported that Mr. Eakins would
sell the ten acres to the city for $700 and take the
pest house in part payment for $100, making the
amount to be paid $600, and that Dr. Keller, an
officer and stockholder in the street car line run-
ning to this property, would give $200 towards
this amount. The committee in its report recom-
mended that the other $400 should not be paid in
money, but that it would be credited to Mr.
Eakins' annual tax bills at the rate of $100 a year
for four years, on which terms the property was
conveyed to the city.
Mr. Fretz urges every city to plan early for its
recreational life and acquire necessary park sites
while they are still available.
This explains why practically every child in the
city of Dallas today has a playground within
walking distance of its home. There are a total of
56 playgrounds in operation in the city, including
the school playgrounds. The play areas of the
Park Depatrment have been located when possible
opposite the school grounds, that the schools may
use them for their outdoor physical education.
The Department of Recreation owns and operates
30 playgrounds during the summer and 16 the
year round, with neighborhood groups responsible
for their development. Adult volunteer groups
are to be organized for every playground in the
near future.
Each playground is provided with a croquet
court and a volley ball court and practically all
are lighted for playing at night. Free motion pic-
tures are shown three times a week during the
summer at 22 playgrounds with an average at-
tendance of over a million. Seventy-seven band
concerts are given during the year at the various
playgrounds with an average attendance of over
200,000.
Three playgrounds under leadership are oper-
ated for Negroes and two for Mexicans.
On 17 of the playgrounds there are swimming
pools. Each is 30x15x3^ feet and all are fenced
and locked and filled and emptied daily under
(Continued on page 466)
Spreading the Christmas Spirit in 1924
Repeated year after year, some celebrations
lose their zest, but who ever tires of the celebra-
tion of Christmas Day, with its color, its lights
and its beautiful familiar music — all bringing the
wonderful message of peace and good-will for
which the day stands ?
Each year the number of communities which
celebrates Christmas grows, until today there are
few cities and towns in the country which do not
have some community celebration, however simple
it may be.
In many cities and towns on Christmas eve,
organized groups of carolers, often in red cape
and hood, sing from door to door or wherever a
lighted candle is placed in the window to welcome
them, and the Christmas spirit is spread through-
out hundreds of communities by the presence of
a huge community Christmas tree with a bright
star gleaming from its tip.
Christmas pageants, plays and oratorios help
to interpret the meaning of the season to the
throngs of people who come to listen, and every-
where friendliness is evidenced by the giving of
gifts and remembrances. Truly a spirit of love
and charity is in the air, and there is no day to
approach it in real kindness of feeling.
A Christinas Week
In some cities an entire week was given to
Christmas celebrating in 1924. Salt Lake City
held what was called A Christmas Cheer Week
which began the day before Christmas and ended
January 1st. Programs of Christmas music and
Christmas plays by different local organizations
were given each afternoon and evening during
this period.
Christmas Pageants
Among the cities producing plays and pageants,
the celebration of Visalia, California, was interest-
ing. There a pageant was produced by the seven
Protestant churches, each taking one episode.
The pageant — a story woven about the prophecy
and its fulfillment — was written by two women in
the town and supervised by a local school man. A
total of 36 organizations and many individuals
had a part in making the Christmas celebration
in this city possible.
In Cohasset, Mass., a community Christmas
pageant was produced two days before Christ-
mas. There were two presentations, one for the
children and the second for the general public.
The pageant consisted of a series of tableaux rep-
resenting the Annunciation, Nativity, Gathering
of the Wise Men in the East and the Adoration —
the work of Sir Edward Burne-Jones being used
as a model for the Annunciation and Nativity
scenes. An orchestra and a choir invisible ren-
dered traditional Christmas chants, hymns and
carols during and after the tableaux. A Carillon,
playing Christmas hymns and carols before and
after each production, the music of the bells lead-
ing up to and being taken up by the orchestra and
choir, was a very impressive feature.
Christmas Entertaining
In Boston, the Hospital Committee of Commu-
nity Service has for four years directed a cam-
paign for Christmas stockings for all ex-service
men in Massachusetts, and for the Massachusetts
men in hospitals throughout the United States.
Fourteen veterans' organizations have cooper-
ated and in 1924, 3138 ex-service men were re-
membered. A Christmas tree and program of
entertainment were held, last year, for the 300
disabled veterans in Roxbury, Mass., Hospital and
presents were donated for all by Greater Boston
merchants.
Community parties were a feature of the cele-
bration of 1924. In Detroit Christmas parties
were given for children at 25 recreation centers
and for adults at 12. Games and storytelling and
the looked-forward-to presents and ice cream
were the usual ingredients for success with the
children. In Port Chester, N. Y., the Borden Milk
Company provided enough milk so that each of
the 438 children attending the Christmas party
might have a glass, and each child went home
bearing a piece of fruit, a toy and a bag of
candy.
Christmas Decorations
Decorations played a large part in spreading
the Christmas spirit. In one city the entire main
street was lined with Christmas trees. In other
cities evergreen festoons and banners were used
for street decorating. Many of the municipal
Christmas tree decorations in communities were
made by the school children. In New Albany
each school child was asked to string one yard of
popcorn for the tree. The F. W. Woolworth
Company furnished icicles and the Electric Light
Company put two hundred colored lights on it.
In Detroit the tree was erected by the Parks and
461
462
LEISURE— FOR WHAT?
Boulevards Department, the lighting was done by
the Public Lighting Commission and the trim-
ming of the tree by the men directors of the De-
partment of Recreation. The children made
many of the decorations, which consisted of large
sticks of peppermint candy, made of wood and
painted red and white; stockings six feet long,
and pots and pan lids, gilded and hung on the tree.
A Christmas Carol Concert
The Boston Traveler last year conducted a
great Christmas Carol concert on Christmas eve
by means of the radio. Beautifully decorated
rotogravure song books containing eight familiar
Christmas carols were distributed with an early
issue of The Traveler and everyone was urged to
learn them and to "listen in" on the Christmas
eve concert which was broadcast so that everyone
in New England might take part. The eight
carols came in groups of two, scattered through-
out the Christmas program of nineteen numbers.
Everyone was urged to join in the singing as the
carol music came through the air.
Some Practical Evidences of Christmas
Friendliness
In a number of communities a particular effort
was made to show friendliness to strangers dur-
ing the Christmas season. Port Chester, N. Y.,
had signs at the four entrances to the village with
Christmas Greetings painted on them. Boston
erected signs in the North and South stations,
which extended Christmas greetings to travelers.
Christmas greeting cards, bearing the seal of the
city of Boston, and the signature of the Mayor,
were distributed among the hotel guests and mem-
bers of visiting theatrical companies. In one
city a band of carolers sang while trains were
stopped at the railroad station and a group
boarded the train, giving each passenger a Christ-
mas card containing greetings from the commun-
ity. In another city banners which said "Merry
Christmas" in different languages were hung on
the street leading to the Community Christmas
Tree.
In many even more practical ways, the Christ-
mas spirit was evidenced. Arrangement was
made for the care of babies and small children at
temporary nurseries in some cities. A wrapping
and mailing station for packages was maintained
by the Chamber of Commerce of Flint, Michigan,
the postmaster furnishing men to handle the
weighing and selling of stamps. In some cities
neighborhood Christmas trees were set up in a
large number of neighborhoods giving joy to
many who could not get to the big Municipal
Christmas Tree.
A spirit of friendliness, kindness and good will
particularly marked 1924's Christmas celebra-
tion. May it, more than ever, mark the celebra-
tion of 19^5 and that of each vear to come !
Leisure — For What?
The Atlantic Monthly for April, 1925, pub-
lished an article entitled "Leisure — For What?"
by George W. Alger, from which we quote :
"The growing social surplus is not only of
things but of time. . . . It is assumed that
the margin of leisure created will take care of it-
self, will prove beneficial to its recipients ; that
leisure and happiness are practically synonymous."
"We are less fit for leisure than any previous
generation."
"Leisure is potentially more injurious under ex-
isting conditions than at any previous period in
the world's history. . . . One of the current
problems of industrial psychology is that of evolv-
ing new incentives to make men work hard and
effectually at monotonous tasks."
Mr. Alger does not believe that progress is go-
ing to come through making men and women buy
more but rather by making men and women be
more.
"The people who can set before us a long list
of new things to want, in a way to make us want
them irresistibly, are the main contributors to our
current squirrel-cage conception of progress."
"A receptive and passive citizenry cannot make
a democracy which is worth while. . . . Sci-
ence has given us more ways than we ever had
before of frittering away our time. ... If
industrial civilization breaks up it will be largely
because leisure fails of its promise for happiness.
When we learn to classify men as in-
ferior or superior by what they do • with their
leisure we shall obtain among other results a new
angle upon race prejudice and perhaps find a new
solvent for the heretofore insolvent."
"The great problem before us today is to create
a civilization that does not degenerate • under
leisure."
No one can think on these problems and not
realize that almost any sacrifices are worth while
which shall make it possible to give adequate
thought and attention to our great movement
which is trying to train men and women for a
better use of leisure to build citizenship.
A CLOSE HARMONY CONTEST
463
Ava Wins the Prize
BY
MARY EVA DUTHIE
Department of Rural Social Organization
Cornell University
This year, the Boonville (New York) Fair As-
sociation offered three prizes amounting to $600.
for the best pageant to be presented at the Fair
by any community or organization in the county.
One of our little rural communities, Ava, con-
sisting of a country store, a church and the sur-
rounding farms, and located nine miles from the
nearest railroad station, decided to enter the com-
petition. We gave them what assistance we could
from this department but during the summer our
Extension staff is entirely tied up with resident
teaching in the summer school and we could do
very little. The assistant demonstration agent of
the county gave what time she could spare, but on
the whole the people of the commuuity did the
work themselves. They wrote the pageant, which
they called "A Pageant of Homemakers" and
every person in the community, with the excep-
tion of the members of one family, took part.
Other competitors were two groups from Boon-
ville, which is a good-sized town, so we feared
that our little rural community would not have
much chance. Imagine our surprise and joy when
we heard that Ava had taken first prize. Mrs.
H. S. Pohl, who directed the pageant, voiced the
secret of the community's success when she said,
"Well, you know when Ava starts to do anything
it never backs out."
Community Nites in
Knoxville
More than twenty-three thousand people at-
tended the programs provided by Community
Service of Knoxville, Tenn., during its first sea-
son of adult recreation which was brought to a
close late in August with a final community nite
presentation at Alexander Park. The organiza-
tion of Western Heights Community and the con-
ducting of seven weekly community nites with an
average attendance of 3500 was the outstanding
piece of work accomplished during the summer.
Other neighborhoods will be organized as leader-
ship is available.
The people attending the Western Heights Cen-
ter participated whole-heartedly in the programs.
The committee in charge, composed of neighbor-
hood people, worked untiringly in the preparation
of the programs. Every Thursday afternoon a
small army of boys was on hand to put up the
flag-pole, arrange chairs and help in other "ways.
After the closing of the shops the young men of
the neighborhood appeared to do what they could.
The success of the program was due in large part
to the generosity of the musicians of the city who
gave concerts each week and played for com-
munity singing. At the close of each formal pro-
gram an hour of group games was arranged. An
interesting feature was the organization of the
stringed instruments club which made its first
public appearance at the final community nite.
There were twenty-three members in the club,
fifteen of whom had never had any instruction in
the playing of musical instruments.
The Parent Teacher Association of Moses
School had charge of the sale of refreshments at
community nites. Proceeds were divided between
the Association and Community Service which
used its share to defray the expenses of the pro-
grams.
A Close Harmony Contest
The revival of interest in the old time songs of
America has led to the announcement of a contest
to determine a champion quartette in the art of
close harmony. Sweet Adeline and Mandy Lee
are the two songs which must be in the repertoire
of every competing quartette, but unlimited lati-
tude is allowed in the matter of harmonizing and
all contestants will be permitted to sing at least one
song of their own choosing.
The contest will be held under the auspices of
the Keith Theatres and the country will be divided
into zones, each centering about one of the im-
portant Keith Theatres of each district. Prelim-
inary contests may begin at any time with con-
testants reporting to the theatre or to the nearest
broadcasting station. West of the Mississippi the
contest will be conducted entirely by radio. There
will be a gradual elimination of contestants and the
national finals will be held at the Hippodrome,
New York City during the week of December
14th.
Any male quartette may enter the contest. It
may represent a college, a school, a club, a com-
munity, a family, a neighborhood, a drug store or
an actual barbershop. It must be able to sing un-
accompanied, for this is the essence of "barber-
shop" ballads.
464
AT THE CONVENTION
Recreation Life for Girls
(Continued from page 445)
HIGHLAND PARK RECREATION COMMISSION
GIRLS' WORK
Suggestive plan for corelating all activities at
hotne, in school and club groups, leading to a letter
and medal presented by the Recreation Commis-
sion— 700 points give letter, 1000 points a medal.
SUGGESTIVE STANDARD
For girls eleven to seventeen
promptness in meetings, appointments and prac-
tical thought about a project
h. Help to create interest in worthwhile amuse-
ments and activities in school, in club groups and
at home
Numbers 1, 2, 5 and 7 can be earned in your
regular school work. All the rest can be a part
of your club activities.
At the Conventions
THE FIRST INTERNATIONAL CONGRESS ON
Points CHILD WELFARE
1. Good Health (Physician's certificate) and At the first International Congress on Child
good Posture (P. E. Dept.) 100 Welfare, held at Geneva, August, 1925. significant
2. Scholarship (School reports) 100 action was taken in the passage of the following
3. Badge Test (As in Playground tests or resolutions on play :
other athletic tests) 50 1. Play under proper supervision, is essential
Ability to direct 30 good games 50 to normal, physical and moral development. The
4. Hiking — (50 miles in not more than 7 playground together with the school and home,
hikes) 100 and religious institutions, are fundamental forces
5. Learning how to swim and passing first of social progress. It is the duty of the munici-
tests or passing second tests 100 pality to provide playgrounds, a trained personnel
6. Achievement of 20 Camp Fire or Scout of supervisors protected by civil service, and
Honors during year including taking part buildings for indoor exercises, games and recrea-
in one play, helping design and make cos- tion.
tumes and properties and finishing 3 2. We ask for a broader recognition of the
pieces of hand craft 100 value of play and games in providing outlets for
7. Ability to play well 3 of the team games natural instincts and in developing self-reliance to-
and to take part in a group contest 50 gether with a willingness to subordinate self to the
Ability to dance 20 folk dances 50 group. Organized games also offer a substitute
8. Successful leader or assistant leader (De- for military methods of physical training and
pendent on age) of Blue Bird or Young- awake new interests which enrich the leisure
er Group 100 hours of life.
9. Original Play, song or poem adopted by 3. We observe with satisfaction the rapid
girls' work department. Original designs growth of a new profession, that of director of
for honors, play costumes 100 play and recreation, we emphasize the need of
10. Sportsmanship 100 many volunteer leaders and the provision of short
courses of training for them.
1000 4. We demand for the child outdoor life in all
a. Ability to work and play with others its forms as an offset to the stress and strain of
b. A real service every day industrial and urban life and as refreshment for
c. Courtesy and kindness at all times body and mind.
d. Responsibility according to age 5. The Congress recommends the formation
e. Finish a worthwhile thing begun of national and local playground and recreation
f. Regular attendance in groups where you have associations and asks the aid of other welfare or-
registered and a real help in that group ganizations in furthering the aims we have out-
g. Acquire a business sense — beginning with lined.
Senior Swings
Junior Swings
Hammock Swings
Chair Swings
Junior Flying Rings
Senior Flying Rings
Junior Traveling Rings
Senior Traveling Rings
Teeter Boards
Teeter Ladders
Giant Strides
Ocean Waves
Portable Slides
Straight Slides
Wave Slides
Horizontal Ladders
Parallel Bars
Jumping Standards
Merry-Go-Rounds
Combination Outfits
Flexible Ladders
Climbing Poles
Lawn and Porch Swings
You Want 100
Cents for Your
Equipment Dollar
For every dollar invested in play-
ground equipment you expect 1 00
cents' worth of safety, pleasure and
You are assured maximum satisfaction
and the greatest dollar for dollar value
in Paradise Playground Equipment.
The Paradise Line contains items of
known popularity with children and
each item is designed and constructed
to be absolutely safe and exceptionally
durable.
Our low prices on this high quality
equipment will interest you.
Write today for catalog and
price list.
The F. B. ZIEG
MFG. CO.
150 MT. VERNON AVE.
FREDERICKTOWN, 0.
Please mention THE PLAYGROUND when writing to advertisers
465
400
THE EXECUTIVES' GATHERING
Chicago Normal School
of Physical Education
A.vr.Hlitetl two-year course preparing Girls to become
IMrvctors of 1'liysloal Kducntlon, IMaysround Snpcrx isors.
K-uii'iiii: Tonchcrs, Swimming Instructors. K\ccllcnt Faculty.
Fine Itormltories. Stmlonts who <-:in qualify for sccum!
Semester Juuior Class may enter mill-year term starting
February 8.
For catalog and book of views address
BOX 45, 5026 GREENWOOD AVE., CHICAGO, ILL.
Let the Drama League Help
Solve Your Production Problems
DRAMA LEAGUE OF AMERICA
59 E Van Buren St rat. CHICAGO, ILL.
Com.
mmnity
Gating
THE WOMAN'S PRESS
600 Lexington Avenue, New York, N. Y.
THE PAGEANT OF THE FIF-
TEENTH CENTURY
Vid« R. Suit on 50
The splendor and tragedy of this brilliant
*ge as it showed itself in tour different lands.
In four episodes:
An English May Festival.
The Maid of Orleans.
The Studio of Leonardo di Vinci
The Return of Columbus to the Court
of Spain.
Mort than a St*ctaclt — an Educational
When you begin to plan for your Christmas
celebration, you will want to have on hand the
Christmas Book. It contains suggestions for a
Christmas party, community Christmas Tree cele-
brations, the organization of Christmas caroling
and an outline for a Christmas carnival. You
will also find in it An Old English Christmas Revel,
the St George Christmas Play, Stories of the
Christmas Carols, and lists of Christmas plays and
Price, 35 Cents
Playground and Recreation Association of America
315 Fourth Avenue, New York City
REGARDING CHRISTMAS SHOPPING
A number of people have told us that last
year they found the Handcraft Book a most
appreciated Christmas present. Others re-
ported that with the help of the book they
were able to make a number of articles which
served as gifts.
Here is a suggestion you will want to keep
in mind when doing your Christmas shop-
ping!
The Handcraft Book, $1.25
Published by the P. R. A. A.
SIS Fourth Avenue New York. N. V .
The Executives' Gathering
(Continued front page 448)
grounds, Playground Department, Columbia,
South Carolina, speaking on the subject IV hat
Recreation Activities Should Be Made Partly or
Wholly Self -supporting, while conceding the ad-
vantages of having certain features of recreation
self-supporting, emphasized the danger of com
mercializing public recreation and putting the dol-
lar sign on the movement by placing dependence
on admission fees. The danger of such a pro-
cedure, Miss Minahan pointed out, is that it may
have a tendency to defeat the securing of munici-
pal appropriations. She told of the experience
of one city where the director, desirous of mak-
ing a good impression on the committee, charged
an admission fee to amateur football and baseball
games, and was able at the end of the year to
present one thousand dollars to the committee.
The next year when he asked for an appropriation
from the city, he was informed he was such a good
financier that the city did not consider it neces-
sary to make an appropriation.
Tennis, Miss Minahan stated, is an activity free
in the majority of parks; baseball fields may al-
most always be secured without charge. There
are few cities that do not charge for the use of
golf courses and this is for the most part a cost
covering activity. A large number of cities feel
it justifiable to charge a small fee for social danc-
ing that will at least cover the cost of music. A
number of cities charge a small fee for swim-
ming.
"We who are responsible for the advocating of
the levying of taxes for public recreation as well
as the expenditure of money so received should
be very careful and conscientious in the exercise
of our authority and the discharge of our duty."
Play in Dallas
(Continued from page 460)
supervision. The total attendance at these pools
last year was over 175,000.
There are two pools for adults — one for white
and the other for colored people.
The Lake Cliff Park pool, approximately 400
feet long and 150 feet wide, with a graduated
depth of from 3 to 10 feet, is one of the best in
the country and is often used for southern ath-
letic championships. The pool for Negroes is
50x100 feet with a graduated depth of 2 to 7 feet.
Please mention TH* PLAYGKOUHB when writing to advertisers
THE PROBLEM COLUMN
467
Where Large
Numbers of
Children
Gather
in open places Solvay Calcium Chloride should be applied to the surface in order
to prevent discomfort caused by dust.
SOLVAY CALCIUM CHLORIDE
is being used as a surface dressing for Children's playgrounds with
marked satisfaction.
It will not stain the children's clothes or playthings. Its germicidal property i» •
feature which has the strong endorsement of physicians and playground director*.
Solvay Calcium Chloride is not only an excellent dust layer but at the same time
kills weeds, and gives a compact play surface. Write for New Booklet 1159 Today!
THE SOLVAY PROCESS COMPANY
WING & EVANS, Inc., Sales Department 40 Rector Street, New York
The Problem Column
A FULL DAY'S WORK
Many recreation workers find the day too short
for the tasks to be done. How could this writer
save himself and his time?
A Superintendent of Recreation in a southern
city writes :
"From the experience of this past year, I find
that a Superintendent of Recreation needs to have
a working knowledge of carpentry, plumbing,
painting, landscape gardening, horticulture, tree
surgery, athletics, game leadership, employment
and supervision of workmen and instructors, edu-
cational processes and mass psychology. To be of
assistance in the handcrafts he needs to be some-
thing of an artist. To be of service to the story-
teller he must be something of a literary critic.
To be of assistance in any musical developments
in the recreational program he must have an ap-
>reciation of music.
"It has been my daily schedule throughout the
IT to meet the workmen at 6 :45 a. m. to arrange
for the work of the day, and go to whatever
projects are under way, to assist in advancing the
work. It is likewise necessary to visit the city
garden to see that everything there is in good con-
dition. From there, I have been going to the hos-
pital to keep in touch with the gardener. . During
spring and fall planting, I have prepared the
schemes and plans, kept a record of plantings
made. I have endeavored to give two hours to
office work and the remainder of the day to field
work. During playground season I gave from
two to three hours a day to assisting the direc-
tors in recreation activities. At the close of the
day I have checked over work done and arrived at
my house between five and six p. m. With the
exception of ten Sundays during the year, I have
made a canvass of all the properties under our
supervision, to check the Saturday night van-
dalism.
As evidence of the increasing recognition of the
importance of the play life may be cited a letter
sent out by the Chamber of Commerce of the
United States to local secretaries urging that
Chambers of Commerce assume responsibility for
knowing play needs and helping to provide for
them.
"Suitable playgrounds and other recreational
facilities should be provided and every possible
opportunity afforded these young citizens to take
an active part in the affairs of their community."
Please mention THE PIAYGBOUVD when writing to advertisers
468
SOCCER VS. RUGBY
KELLOGG SCHOOL
OF
PHYSICAL
EDUCATION
ROAD field
f{!% ** for young
^•M women, offering at-
4 m ,^f\ tractive positions.
Qualified directors
of physical training
in big demand.
Three-year diploma
course and four-
year B. S. course,
both including sum-
mer course in camp
activities, with
training in all
forms of physical
exercise, recreation and health education.
School affiliated with famous Battle Creek
Sanitarium — superb equipment and faculty
of specialists. Excellent opportunity for
individual physical development. For illus-
trated catalogue, address Registrar.
KELLOGG SCHOOL OF
PHYSICAL EDUCATION
Battle Creek College
Box 255 Battle Creek, Michigan
Soccer versus Rugby
Football
The Department of Physical Education of the
School District of Reading, Pennsylvania, of
which Alexander Harwick is director, recently
sent out the following inquiry to a selected list of
leading physical educators and recreation workers
throughout the country : Should the intcrcol-
Icyiatc type of football be played in junior high
schools! If not, u'hy not?
Nineteen replies were received. The consensus
of opinion was overwhelmingly against the col-
lege type of football in the program. Among the
reasons given for the decision were the follow-
ing:
Boys of junior high school age are not suffi-
ciently grown or well developed to participate in
such a strenuous game, and there are too many
dangers associated with it.
There are so many other activities calling into
play the fundamentals of football without its
dangers that there is no reason why a substitute
program cannot be arranged.
The elaborate equipment necessary for the
safety of football teams tends to make athletics a
business wherever this game is played.
The complex, tactical content of the gamr
makes it essential for instructors to devote the
bulk of their time to training a few boys while the
great majority of the students are neglected.
Football sends too many pupils into the bleachers ;
the need is for games which all boys can play.
On the social and ethical side, the intensive com-
petition in interscholastic football teams for junior
high schools is even more undesirable than it is in
the senior high schools. These boys and girls are
at an age when they are extremely susceptible to
flattery and over-praise, and the publicity and
adulation which the press pours out upon success-
ful candidates is extremely undesirable.
The kind of training and the amount of it, to-
gether with the amount of time spent in travelling
about to meet competitive teams, is too severe a
strain on boys of the age at which we have them
in our junior high schools, to say nothing of the
loss of time and dissipation of interest in the
school work.
It has not been thoroughly proved that in order
to produce a winning college football team it is
necessary or desirable to have football teams in
the preparatory schools. Many coaches prefer to
have flexible material rather than the high school
coached football team.
Please mention THE PLAYGROUND when writing to advertisers
LEISURE— FOR WHAT?
469
Circle Travel Rings
A CHILD'S PRINCIPAL
BUSINESS IS PLAY
Let us help to make their play
Profitable
Put something new in your playground.
On the Circle Travel Rings they swing from ring
to ring, pulling, stretching and developing every
muscle of their bodies. Instructors pronounce this
the most healthful device yet offered.
Drop a card today asking for our complete
illustrated catalog.
Patterson -Williams Mfg. Co.
San Jose, California
Soccer was strongly recommended as a substi-
tute for rugby football. In this connection, Dr.
Burdick of the Playground Athletic League of
Baltimore, has prepared the following material
showing the advantages of soccer over rugby :
vs. RUGBY FOOTBALL
Artificial
Evanescent
Expensive
Armor
Regulation field
Complex
Concussions and joint strain
Dangerous
High organization
For brainy and older only
Different classification be-
cause of needs of game
Uglier
Training required
Wrestling
Hauling
Endurance, hurt heart more
probable
Mass force
Courage
Too few old and heavy in
High School
Weight later
Mass covers up
Yet too early except last
year boys in big schools
Closed
Complex and uninteresting
Now need numbers
Too great a strain
Racially old
Lasts
Cheap
No equipment
Small field
Rural
Simple
Fracture
Danger free
Low organization
All ages
Classify by weight
Less rough
Prior skill unnecessary
Kicking
Running
Organic vigor
Skill
Bravery
Team — any High School
Height before
Easy to detect bad play
True team play but indi-
vidual
Open game
Spectators enjoy
Girls well understand
Adapted to mental age
Leisure - For What? —
In a Small Town
Interested individuals in a small middle western
community with a population of little less than
6,000 have recently taken stock of their recreation
opportunities.
The city has one second rate motion picture
house seating 500, a small library of about 800
volumes supported by municipal funds and located
in a downtown store-room, a privately owned
bowling alley to be closed because unprofitable,
five undesirable pool rooms providing ample op-
portunity for young men to lose their wages, one
baseball field, two tennis courts, two public school
halls, used for meetings and athletics. There is
no swimming pool. There is no program of recre-
ation activities throughout the year. At the pres-
ent time there is no volunteer or citizen group
interested in trying to give leadership for the spare
time of the people in the community. A large
number of the citizens go elsewhere for their en-
tertainment and recreation with the result that a
great opportunity is lost for building up a greater
neighborly feeling and a stronger community
loyalty.
Please mention THE PLAYGROUND when writing to advertiser*
470
BOOK REVIEWS
TRADE
Playground
A pparatus
Gymnasium
A pparatus
i>
Time-Tested Gymnasiums
A gymnasium in constant daily use
for more than thirty years with the
original apparatus still giving serv-
ice! ... a lifetime of service!
Read the following endorsement:
'"Dear Sirs : Thirty years ago A. G.
Spalding & Bros, installed apparatus
in our gymnasium. Today we are
using the very same appliances which
are in excellent condition. This is
especially true of the chest weights.
The ropes of course must be renewed,
but the machinery has withstood the
test of constant service for three dec-
ades." (Name on request.)
When planning your outfit let us
help you. We can give you a life-
time gymnasium, too.
Gymnasium and Playground Contract Dept.
Chicopee, Mass.
Stores in All Large Cities
Book Reviews
STUNTS OF FUN AND FANCY By Elizabeth Hines Hanley.
Published by Samuel French, Ltd., New York City.
Price, 50c
The stunts which appear in this booklet have been
arranged in response to requests by teachers or com-
munity workers for material that shall require little or
no staging, rehearsing or expense, yet shall be dramatic,
affording real entertainment either through fun or fancy.
They have proved how easily the simplest and most
commonplace ideas may be dramatized as the occasion
and mood demand, and in this respect they have been
found particularly helpful for use by groups of adults,
such as church societies, luncheon clubs and women's
clubs who cannot give time to elaborate entertainment but
who wish some kind of stunts in connection with their
meetings.
The contents of the book are as follows : Funny
Flowers — Floral Fancies — A Tribute to Music — A Coun-
selors' Council — An Antique Auction — Buried Booty —
Forest Follies — Solomon Grundy — America, the Beautiful
—The March of the Light Brigade. Amateurs may
produce these stunts without payment of royalty. All
other rights are reserved.
SUPPOSE WE PLAY By Imogen Clark. Published by
Thomas Y. Crowell Co., New York. Price, $2.00
In arranging this compilation of old and new games the
purpose has been to give as great a variety of games and
pastimes as possible with the hope of pleasing everyone —
from the very small player to the grown-up person — each
according to his age and temperament. There are games
for little children, a number of singing games with music,
games from other lands, active outdoor games, active
indoor games, social games, thinking and writing games,
and riddles, puzzles. and charades. While the writer has
not gone into the. field of athletic games, she has given
the seeker of games for many occasions a wide range of
selection.
EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES OF GREATER BOSTON — DAY
AND EVENING COURSES FOR WORKING MEN AND
WOMEN
An unusual contribution to the field of adult education
is offered by the Prospect Union Educational Exchange
of Cambridge, Mass., in the compilation of this catalogue
listing 2300 classes and courses conducted by Educational
Institutions, Settlements and other agencies of Greater
Boston. Information is given in each instance regarding
the nature of the course, the dates and the fees. Sugges-
tions are also offered regarding the recreational oppor-
tunities available in the city.
The Prospect Union Educational Exchange is serving
as a clearing house for educational advice and vocational
guidance for the working men and women of Greater
Boston. It seeks to bring each citizen in touch with the
educational opportunity that he most needs.
CITY PLANNING PROCEDURE FOR IOWA MUNICIPALITIES
By Holland S. Wallis. Bulletin No. 74. Engineer-
ing Extension Department, Iowa State College, Ames,
Iowa
This bulletin contains definite suggestions for city and
town planning, including city-plan legislation, creation of
the City Plan Commission and its Functions, the Working
Funds and Organization, the Survey and its Analysis, the
City-Planning Program and the different steps in the
carrying out of the City Plan. Although it is written
with Iowa cities in mind, many of the suggestions are
applicable to communities of other states.
MUNICIPAL GOVERNMENT AND ACTIVITIES OF THE CITY OF
MILWAUKEE FOR 1924 Compiled and edited by Fred-
erick N. MacMillin. Report of the Common Council
A very careful study of the municipal resources of
Milwaukee is represented in this compilation of informa-
tion regarding the activities of the city departments,
boards and commissions. In it are described the activities
of the social centers and playgrounds and of the amateur
Please mention THE PLAYGROUND when writing to advertisers
BOOK REVIEWS
471
MAYOR FAWCETT OPENS HORSESHOE COURTS AT PT. DEFIANCE, WASH.
A very interesting view of the opening of the Pt. Defiance horseshoe courts. Mayor Fawcett is seen seated in the center of the
courts in front of the officials of the Tacoma Horseshoe Pitchers Association. He is an honorary member of the Club and pitched the
first shoe which formally opened the courts to the public.
The courts are the result of cooperation between the Park Board and the Horseshoe Pitchers Association which did most of the
work in laying out the court, putting in the boxes and setting the stakes. The court shows the true American spirit of cooperation
between public officials and private energy. The spirit which is fittingly represented in the game which combines the good luck of the
horseshoe with the skill of the player.
DIAMOND OFFICIAL HORSESHOES
Conform exactly to regulations of the National Horseshoe
Pitchers Association.
Drop forged from tough steel and heat treated so that they
will not chip or break. Cheap shoes which nick and splinter are
dangerous to the hands.
One set consists of four shoes, two painted white aluminum
and two painted gold bronze, each pair packed neatly in a
pasteboard box.
Diamond Official Stake Holder and Stake
For outdoor as well as indoor pitching. Holder drilled at
an angle to hold stake at correct angle of slope toward pitcher.
Best materials, painted with rust-proof paint underground,
white aluminum paint for the ten inches above ground.
Write for Catalog and Rules of the Game
DIAMOND CALK HORSESHOE CO.
4610 Grand Ave., Duluth, Minn.
DIAMOND STAKES AND
STAKEHOLDERS
DIAMOND OFFICIAL.— Made In weights 2%
Ihs., 2 Ibs. 5 oz., 2 Ibs. 6 oz., 2 Ibs. 1 oz.,
2% Ibs.
DIAMOND JUNIOR. — For Ladies, and Children.
Made in weights, 1% Ibs., 1 Ib. 9 oz., 1 Ib.
10 oz., 1 Ib. 11 oz., 1% Ibs.
athletic associations maintained by the Extension Depart-
ment of the Board of School Directors. Mention is made
of the fact that the twenty-two playgrounds maintained
will be increased to fifty-two, through the extension made
possible by the bond issue of $550,000, passed in 1923.
THE MODERN LIFE PROGRAMS By Anna Steese Richard-
son. Published by The Crowell Publishing Company,
New York City, N. Y.
These programs, twenty-four in number, have been
compiled for the use of women's clubs, mother-circles,
civic leagues, and individual women in the home. They
are arranged in three groups of eight programs each.
Group one is entitled, "The Four Walls of the Home."
Group two, "The Soul of the Home." Group three,
"The Home and the Community." Each subject suggests
a roll call, music, subjects for papers, addresses and dis-
cussions and sources of information. Very practical in-
deed is this study outline of problems in which the
American home-making woman is interested.
JUNGLE RULE OR THE GOLDEN RULE? By Homer Folks.
Printed and distributed by State Committee on Tubercu-
losis and Public Health. State Charities Aid Asso-
ciation, 105 E. 22nd St., New York City.
In this pamphlet Mr. Folks faces frankly the question,
"Does Social Service and Public Health Work keep
alive the unfit and so impair the quality of the human
race?" Is the "stern" law, "The Survival of the Fittest,"
to be preferred ? Social workers will be interested in
this discussion by Mr. Folks of fundamental problems
and of the field of social work.
SOUTHERN PIONEERS Edited by Howard W. Odum,
Ph.D. Published by the University of North Caro-
lina Press, Chapel Hill, N. C. Price, $2.00
Through the pages of this volume full of human in-
terest, the South pays tribute to some of its sons and
daughters who have been leaders in the nation. Among
those whose lives and work are described and whose
achievements have been interpreted in terms of human
values, are : Woodrow Wilson, Walter Hines Page. Joel
Chandler Harris, Madeline McDowell Breckinridge and
Booker T. Washington.
THE REAL BOY AND THE NEW SCHOOL Edited by A. E.
Hamilton, M.A. Published by Boni & Liveright.
Price, $2.50
The experiences of a teacher in a boys' school are
bound to be interesting and illuminating. When inter-
preted in the light of a rare and sympathetic under-
standing of boys, a love for them and a keen insight
into boy character, they become educational material of
a high order.
Mr. Hamilton has not only lived with boys in the
class-room but in the summer camp where they are
"themselves."
Here is a book delightfully written and one which
parents, teachers and all workers with children should
read.
WISCONSIN READING CIRCLE ANNUAL 1925-'26. Issued
by The State Reading Circle Board, Madison, Wis-
consin
The Wisconsin State Reading Circles, conducted under
the auspices of the Wisconsin Teachers' Association, have
just issued a valuable annual booklet containing lists of
books for various grades and age groups, classified under
such headings as : Fiction, Travel, Adventure and similar
subjects. In addition to the lists, information is given
regarding the plan of required reading and the granting
of diplomas.
The Wisconsin plan is one which is reaching thousands
of boys and girls as well as adults and is developing an
appreciation of the best in literature.
Please mention THE PLAYGROUND when writing to advertisers
472
BOOK REVIEWS
Special Combination Offer
THE PROGRESSIVE TEACHER is now in
its twenty-ninth year. It is printed in two colors-
ten big handsome issues — two dollars the year.
Circulates in every State in the Union, Philippine
Islands, England, Cuba, Porto Rico and Canada.
It contains Primary and Grade Work, Method,
Outline, Community Service, Illustrations, Enter-
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in Physical Training and many
other subjects.
The Progressive Teacher "
One Year $2.00
Both of these
The Playground
One Year $2.00
Magazines for
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you act today
MAIL THIS COUPON TODAY
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PROGRESSIVE TEACHER and THE PLAY-
GROUND for one year.
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R F D State
FIELD DAYS Published by the Division of Physical and
Health Education, Department of Education, State
of Alabama
A very practical booklet of suggestions for the organi-
zation and conducting of Field Days is this compilation
of material having to do with programs for Field Days,
methods of scoring, game rules and similar matters,
sportsmanship standards and the proper conduct of the
athletic programs.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION SYLLABUS. Part II. Department
of Education State of Missouri, Jefferson, Mo.
Part II of the Syllabus (Health Measures and the Cor-
rection of Physical Defects) contains a discussion on
health inspection, physical examinations, correcting
physical defects, hygienic conditions, building vitality and
posture.
A HANDBOOK ON ARCHERY Published by California By-
Products Company, San Francisco. Price, $.50
The growing interest in archery and such adaptations
of the sport as are represented in bonarro, described in
the June PLAYGROUND, makes this book especially helpful
at this t,ime. It contains a description of equipment and
how to handle it, information regarding target shooting,
game hunting and bonarro, a suggested constitution for
an archery club and other information of interest.
Donnan R. Smith, Superintendent of the Archery De-
partment of the California By-Products Company, has
suggested that recreation executives will be interested in
knowing something about the wood necessary for the
making of the bows. There is a general impression, he
points out, that lemon, lance and yew wood are the only
woods suitable for the bows. It has been found that the
ash grown in Indiana and environs and in Vermont, when
properly seasoned and treated, makes splendid substitutes
for the other woods and is more economical.
THE SCHOOL AS THE PEOPLE'S CLUBHOUSE by Harokl ( ).
Berg, Director of the Cleveland Recreation Council.
Published by the Department of the Interior, Bu-
reau of Education, 1925
This pamphlet contains many helpful suggestions fur
the use of the school as a recreation center. The loca-
tion of the school plant, plans for the school playground,
suggestions regarding equipment and lighting, and school
community center activities are discussed. A plan is
also included for the arrangement of the school basement
with showers, lockers, club rooms and game rooms.
SMITH'S Two HUNDRED SONGS FOR UKULELE. Arranged
by William J. Smith. Published by Wm. J. Smith
Music Company, Inc., 214-218 East 34th Street, New
York City. Price, 60 cents
This collection contains more than 200 songs including
Comic Songs, College Songs, Love Songs, Children's
Songs, Sacred Songs, Patriotic Songs, Southern Songs,
and many other favorites, with simple diagram accom-
paniment. The songs are for medium voice and keys
most suitable for the instrument. It is the largest col-
lection of songs with ukulele accompaniment yet published.
THE CHURCH'S PROGRAM FOR YOUNG PEOPLE. By Her-
bert Christian Mayer, Head of the Department of
Secondary Education and Young People's \\ork.
Boston University. Published by The Century Com-
pany, 353 Fourth Avenue, New York City. Price,
$2.00
This book, written primarily as a college text-book,
is a thorough educational treatment of the problem of
the church in meeting the needs of adolescents. It dis-
cusses curriculum, worship, expressional activity, Chris-
tian decision, and leadership training. Being the result
of observation and experience, it offers constructive sug-
gestions to guide perplexed leaders in the solution of
their problems.
Playground and Recreation
Association of America
JOSEPH LEE, President
JOHN H. FINLEY, First Vice-President
WILLIAM KENT, Second Vice-President
ROBERT GARRETT, Third Vice-President
GUSTAVUS T. KIRBY, Treasurer
HOWARD S. BRAUCHER, Secretary
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Mrs. Edward W. Biddle, Carlisle, Pa.; William Butterworth,
Moline, 111.; Clarence M. Clark, Philadelphia. Pa.; Mrs. Arthur
G. Cummer, Jacksonville, Fla.; F. Trubee Davison, Locust Valley,
N. Y.; Mrs. Thomas A. Edison, West Orange. N. J.; John H.
Finley, New York, N. Y.; Hugh Frayne, New York N. Y.; Robert
Garrett, Baltimore, Md.; C. M. Goethe, Sacramento, Cal.; Mrs.
Charles A. Goodwin, Hartford, Conn.; Austin E. Griffiths, Seattle.
Wash.; Myron T. Herrick, Cleveland, Ohio; Mrs. Francis deLacy
Hyde, Plainfield, N. J.; Mrs. Howard R. Ives. Portland, Me.:
Gustavus T. Kirby, New York, N. Y.; H. McK. Landon. Indian-
apolis, Ind.; Robert Lassiter, Charlotte, N. C.; Joseph Lee, Boston.
Mass.; Edward E. Loomis, New York, N. Y.; J. H. McCurdy,
Springfield, Mass.; Otto T. Mallery, Philadelphia, Pa.; Walter A.
May, Pittsburgh, Pa.; Carl E. Milliken, Augusta, Me.; Miss Ellen
Scripps, La Jolla, Cal.; Harold H. Swift, Chicago, 111.; F. S.
Titsworth, New York, N. Y.; Mrs. J. W. Wadsworth. Jr.. Wash-
ington, D. C.; J. C. Walsh. New York. N. Y.; Harris Whittemore.
Naugatuck, Conn.
Please mention THE PIAVCBOUND when writing to advertisers
Everwear Dependability
Makes friends and keeps them
Ask the man who has bought.
You'll find an enthusiasm
which will tell you that
Everwear Steel Playground
Apparatus is the kind you
need.
Safety, Durability, Beauty and
Playability are not catch words
with Everwear, but describe
built-in qualities.
WRITE FOR COMPLETE
CATALOG.
The Everwear Manufacturing Co
World's Oldest and Largest Exclusive
Makers of Playground Apparatus
SPRINGFIELD, OHIO
Please mention THE PLAYGROUND when writing to advertisers
473
474
The Playground
VOL. XIX, No. 9
DECEMBER, 1925
The World at Play
To Promote Sportsmanship. — A new organi-
zation has been formed to foster and spread the
spirit of sportsmanship throughout the world.
This organization, called the Sportsmanship
Brotherhood, has its office in Room 2120, 120
Broadway, New York City. Its president is
Mr. Matthew Woll, vice-president of the Amer-
ican Federation of Labor. The secretary is Cap-
tain Percy R. Creed. Its slogan is, "Play Fair."
The code of honor of a sportsman is that he keep
the rules ; keep faith with his comrade ; play the
game for his side ; keep himself fit ; keep his
temper ; keep from hitting a man when he is
down ; keep his pride under in victory ; keep a
stout heart in defeat accepted with good grace;
keep a sound soul and a clean mind in a healthy
body.
A Friendly Word from the Balkans. — Mrs.
Willoughby Rodman, of Los Angeles, California,
recently received the following letter:
"The magazine, THE PLAYGROUND, is fas-
cinating reading. It gives so many valuable sug-
gestions for community activities. I am keeping
the numbers on file, for I am looking forward to
the time when we can enter the community center
which is being built for us
"I remember one of your sentences in the ad-
dress you gave in the Samoker Church, 'O Lord,
give me the understanding heart — is the prayer I
say as I travel from place to place.'
"In reading THE PLAYGROUND I see what
varied, beautiful work is being accomplished by
various community centers. It makes me fairly
ache with desire to accomplish something along
that line and make people happy and give children
a chance to grow up into healthy men and women.
With best wishes and greetings.
• (Signed) A. M. BAIRD"
36 Belcheff Street, Sofia
Hope of Municipal Playground Support
in South Africa. — An American woman mar-
ried to a South African and living at Bloemfon-
tein, South Africa, writes for literature and
advice on the organization of playgrounds. She
says that a playground has recently been opened
in the poorest and most thickly populated part of
the town and that the municipality has stated
that if this is a success it will aid in starting at
least two others and will pay a director.
A Training Course in Bucharest, Rumania.
— Bucharest, Rumania, has a national institute for
physical education controlled by the Department
of Education.
The institute includes three sections — the civic
section, preparing teachers for physical education ;
the military section, training instructors for the
army and navy; and a third section designed to
train coaches in certain sports.
Through the institute training is given in ath-
letics, games, dancing, swimming, camping and
similar activities as well as in subjects of an acad-
emic character.
A New Magazine. — Evans Bros., Arlington
House, Boston, announce the publication of
the "first music magazine for young people
in America." Music and Youth is the name of
this publication, which is designed to meet the
needs of members of junior music clubs and
other young people, and help them to interpret
music in its various phases. The first issue ap-
peared in October, containing an interesting article
telling how the various instruments came to have
their particular names. There is the story of
the strings ; a description of the work of the Chi-
cago Civic Music Association, with special refer-
ence to the children's activities ; discussions on
how to tune up, of good and bad styles in or-
chestras and of sight reading. A number of
musical compositions are given and there are re-
productions of a number of works of great art-
ists, such as Youth by Carpaccio and the Singing
Boys of Luca della Robbia.
475
476
THE WORLD AT PLAY
The magazine, with its interesting methods of
teaching the technique of music, with its appeal
to the imagination and the possibilities it has for
creating a real and abiding love for music should
have a wide field of service.
The price is $2 per year ; 25c per copy.
A Playground in Havana. — Alvin Piza, Presi-
dent, Havana Trust Company, Havana, reports
that as a result of the activities of the Havana
Chapter of the Rotary Club, the city will soon
have a thoroughly modern playground. One of the
park squares centrally located has been turned
over by the city for the purpose and the Rotary
Club will lay it out and maintain it along modern
lines.
Course in Immigrant Backgrounds. — In co-
operation with the State Department of Educa-
tion, Hunter College, New York City, is offering
as one of its courses in adult immigrant education
a course in immigrant backgrounds.
The course will cover such subjects as the fol-
lowing: The immigrant in his native environ-
ment, causes of immigration, types and colonies,
immigrant life in America, reactions to Amer-
ican attitudes and institutions, history of immi-
gration and the present immigrant law.
This course is intended to be of practical assist-
ance to those working with, or whose work brings
them in contact with, the foreign born. It is an
attempt to understand the problems of the immi-
grant and sympathetically aid in his readjust-
ment.
Carol Singing in Chicago. — Chicago will sing
Christmas Carols this year on a scale that will
make it impossible for anyone to be omitted. Un-
der the auspices of a Christmas Carol Committee,
hotel lobbies, schools, churches, theaters, homes,
hospitals, jails and all public institutions will be
visited by groups of carol singers, among whom
will be found opera singers, church singers and
concert soloists. The carols will also be broadcast
by radio.
California Parent-Teacher Associations Re-
port on Recreation. — "The right kind of play,"
says the printed report recently issued by the
Parent-Teacher Associations of California, "is
fundamental to all the other departments of child
welfare work. Basing their work on this prin-
ciple, Parent-Teacher Associations throughout the
State have conducted many activities along recrea-
tion lines. Some of the activities have included
an annual library day, when children and teach-
ers dress to represent books; nature study classes ;
gymnasium classes for women ; baseball game be-
tween fathers and sons, an annual flower show to
which children bring flowers, plants and ferns for
later use in the school yards ; a fathers' night pro-
gram ; use of schools as community centers ; an-
nual field days ; children's matinees at moving
picture theaters ; story hours at the libraries ;
handcraft exhibits and special radio programs.
Stamford's Splash Week. — Splash Week at
Hallowe'en Park, Stamford, represented the joint
activity of every organization in Stamford,
Connecticut, as well as the work of many private
individuals who took part in the planning. The
results far exceeded the hopes of the committee.
Over 500 children were taught on the first day
the elements of taking care of themselves in the
water. About 150 received special Red Cross
training on the second day and on the last day
of all, the contests drew a crowd of 1,500 spec-
tators and participants. Not one accident marred
the program.
Their Day. — Children played an important
part in the opening of the Kern County Fair at
Bakersfield, California. Sixteen thousand school
children paraded through the streets, led by a
number of school bands. On Children's Day,
school children were admitted to the fair free of
charge, and each afternoon during the period,
different groups of children presented demonstra-
tions of school activities.
Planning Ahead. — In the new development
known as Palos Verdes, near Los Angeles Har-
bor, California, being laid out by Olmsted Broth-
ers and Charles H. Cheney, exceptional provision
has been made for parks and recreation.
Every mile across the property about ten acres
has been set aside for an elementary school play-
ground-park unit; every two miles twenty-five
acres for a junior high school and children's ball
fields ; every three miles forty acres for a senior
high school and community playground. A 213-
acre park and golf course, with grass greens, fair-
ways and clubhouse, complete, has been deeded to
the community for permanent recreation use ; to-
gether with four miles of ocean shore park and
about two hundred acres of additional parks and
gulches, linking up with paths, roads and bridle-
trails all parts of the projxrty. — From the Surrcv,
October 15, 1925
THE WORLD AT PLAY
477
Goldsboro's Memorial Building. — The
Wayne County Memorial Building at Goldsboro,
North Carolina, is of red brick and in general
design is modeled on the old Colonial architecture
of the South.
Across the front of the building is a large two-
story portico with six columns. The main en-
trance is in the center of the building and over
the frieze are carved the significant words, "Vic-
tory— brotherhood — Service."
Passing through the doorway, the visitor enters
the spacious lobby, from one side of which opens
the American Legion room with a seating capacity
of 170. From the other side opens the office of
the Community Director and connected with this
room are the rooms of Community Service, the
Red Cross, the Charity Organization Association
and the Boy and Girl Scouts.
The memorial rotunda, with roof and ceiling of
amber colored glass, is directly opposite the lobby
steps. It is lighted from above by a large lan-
tern and the effect is of a golden glow shining
down on the two bronze tablets bearing the names
of the soldiers killed in the Great War.
Passing through the memorial rotunda, one
enters the large, spacious lounge, with its big
inviting fireplace. Beyond the lounge is the gym-
nasium with a seating capacity of 670 and
equipped at one end with a stage so that it may be
used as an auditorium.
On either side of the lounge, there are locker,
shower and toilet rooms for men and women and
directly above them, on the second floor, are
similar facilities for boys and girls. The locker
rooms have direct connection with the gym-
nasium.
The basement contains a boiler room and a
fully equipped kitchen with a dumb waiter to the
first floor, so that the gymnasium may be used as
a banquet hall.
The cost of the building, including equipment,
was approximately $45,000.00.
To Make a Playground of Sand Dunes. —
Judge E. H. Gary, Director of the United States
Steel Corporation, has pledged $250,000, and
Julius Rosenwald $50,000 for making the Indiana
sand dunes a public playground, provided $500,-
000 additional is raised by public subscription.
Gift for Walnut Grove, Kentucky. — U. S.
Williams, a resident of Walnut Grove, Kentucky,
has donated a strip of land on his farm for the
use of the children of the community. A volley
ball court, croquet lawn and tennis court have al-
ready been constructed on the land and other
facilities will be added from time to time. This
gift represents the desire of Mr. Williams to-co-
operate with the work being done by the County
Farm, under whose auspices the country life con-
ference was recently held at Walnut Grove.
For Boys and Girls in Milwaukee. — Boys'
and Girls' Week was celebrated in Milwaukee,
Wis., October 11-17, under the auspices of Boys'
and Girls' Workers' Conferences of the Central
Council of Social Agencies. A Day in Church,
a Day at Home, a Day in Citizenship, a Day in
School, a Day in Industry, a Day in Boys' and
Girls' Organizations, a Day Out of Doors made
up the week which proved to be a most success-
ful one. Each day was under the auspices of
some special local group.
A Tennis Course. — During the past summer
a course in tennis playing, sponsored by Play-
ground Community Service was given in Pasa-
dena, Cal., at the Pasadena High School tennis
courts. The course consisted of a number of
lectures on the game, at the last of which outlines
of the course were passed out to the audience.
These outlines contained a summarized review of
the preceding lectures and some pertinent ques-
tions relating to each particular phase of tennis.
At the end a statement of thirty-four common
errors was made, all of which had been discussed
in the course of the lessons and were thus again
called to the attention of the students. It was a
very worthwhile course for tennis enthusiasts.
What a Small Town Can Do.— In 1904 Wa-
mego, Kansas (with a population of only 1,585),
purchased twelve acres of land for park purposes
at a cost of $2,525. Recently the park board pur-
chased three adjoining acres at a cost of $2,000
for use as a tourist camp ground. An artificial
lake, a wading pool, a women's rest house, band-
stand, dancing pavilion, playground equipment,
three drinking fountains, dining tables, steel
range, ballfields and other facilities have been
constructed. Town funds maintain this play-
ground at an average yearly expense of $1,500.
The only charge made for the park is for enter-
tainments. The revenue comes from licenses for
shows and from the church, school and general
welfare fund.
Folk Dance Society Formed. — In an attempt
to arouse interest in the early American folk
478
THE WORLD AT PLAY
dance among the old and young of the many for-
eign nations represented in the city, a folk dance
society has recently been organized in San Diego,
Cal. The classes, which are taught by members
of this society, under the direction of Community
Service, are of both educational and social in-
terest.
Character Education of Children. — From
the Character Education Institute of Chevy Chase,
Washington, D. C., may be secured the "Chil-
dren's Morality Codes" for elementary schools
and high schools and a character report card and
school record, issued in an effort to further char-
acter education of children.
Physical Education Day in Japan. — Novem-
ber third was Physical Education Day in Japan.
Under the auspices of the Ministry of Education,
more than 100,000 children assembled in the city's
parks and marched through the streets to the
broad plaza, enclosed by walls and moats, which
forms the outer ground of the Imperial Palace.
Here drills and exercises of several kinds took
place.
State Parks and Forests. — The National Con-
ference on Outdoor Recreation, Navy Building,
Washington, D. C., has distributed a pamphlet
on State Parks and Forests, issued by the National
Conference on State Parks, Washington, D. C.
This exceedingly informative booklet tells what
is being done in each State to acquire land for
State parks.
A Girls' Recreation Club. — The Peterson,
New Jersey, Board of Recreation is fostering a
Girls' Recreation Club for young women over
eighteen, many of whom are working during the
day. The girls manage their own evening meet-
ings, attending gymnasium classes from 7:15 to
10:00 p. m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays at
School No. 4, while those interested in athletics
meet on the same nights at the armory from 7:15
to 8 :00 o'clock. Among the activities participated
in by almost 200 girls during the past year were
calisthenic drills, marching tactics, running, jump-
ing, throwing, basketball, volley ball, service ball,
indoor baseball, rifle practice, swimming, gym-
nastic games, bowling, hiking, social and esthetic
dancing.
Any girl living in Paterson or adjoining bor-
oughs may apply for membership and be voted
on by the officers elected by the girls annually.
Club dues, which are 25 cents monthly, are used
for promoting club activities.
A Boat Race for New Bedford's Children.
— From time immemorial babies have floated
matches in the bathtub, and little children have
sailed toy boats in a pond. Now boat races are
becoming an organized sport for boys and girls
in many cities, and the enthusiasm over them is
akin to the Yale, Harvard and Cornell variety.
New Bedford, the city of "iron men and wood-
en ships" this summer staged a series of boat
races at Brooklawn Park. All classes of boats
were entered — home-made and manufactured
sloops, schooners and square riggers. It was
found that in many cases the home-made boats,
although possibly not first in beauty, turned out
to be first in speed. Sometimes the boys made
two or three boats, profiting by their former ex-
perience each time. One girl, fourteen years of
age, entered the contest — her father, once a boat-
builder, having built her a miniature schooner,
thirty inches long, called the Undine. The mer-
chants of New Bedford, realizing the value of the
publicity to be gained from the event, offered
prizes for the best ships.
Kenosha Wins. — First in recreation, library,
government, welfare work, city planning, indus-
try and health — that's Kenosha, Wisconsin, ac-
cording to the Wisconsin Better Cities Contest.
and six of the seven judges had to be unanimous
on each point. The city was chosen as "the best
city in the State in which to live" from fourteen
cities entered in a State-wide Better Cities Con-
test conducted over a year under the auspices of
the Wisconsin Conference of Social Work, and
for a month the judges have been trying to de-
cide which was the best. In seven out of ten tests
Kenosha came out first and as a result the Ken-
osha Civic Council was given a prize of $1,000.
and the city given the honor of being broadcast
throughout the country as the outstanding city
in the State. Oshkosh came second and Chippewa
Falls won the prize of $500 in the contest staged
for cities with a population under 10,000.
Lexington Has a Get-Together. — Saturday,
November 7th, was Community Day in Lexing-
ton, Massachusetts, when all the men in the town
were asked to give time, labor or money for the
purpose of widening the town's quarter-mile cin-
der track. Many volunteered their services and
worked to music supplied by the First Corps Cadet
THE WORLD AT PLAY
479
Band, the High School Girls' Glee Club and the
community chorus. The Home and School Asso-
ciation provided refreshments.
The Junior Drum Corps of Red Oak, Iowa.
—Think of being ten years old — and parading
with thirty-three of your pals in a bright red
sweater and blue trousers in front of the Pres-
ident of the United States and the First Lady
of the Land? And then think of having them
rise and applaud as you marched by? Can you
imagine having a bigger thrill than that? And
it isn't a fairy tale — it's a true story and the
Junior Drum Corps of Red Oak, Iowa, aged
eight to ten, were the "leading men." For at the
National American Legion Convention recently
held in Omaha, the thirty-four boys composing
the Junior Drum Corps of Red Oak were allowed
to march in the big Legion parade and they were
well-nigh the hit of the occasion.
To quote from the Red Oak Express, "Little
Cecil Gleason, drum major, heading the coterie
of drummers and buglers, with eyes fixed upon
the Chief Executive, executed a snappy salute.
He was fairly cakewalking, his cadence was so
snappy and his knees were bounding so far up
under his chin. Cecil was doing his stuff. His
fellows were likewise doing theirs. Their eyes
were fixed straight ahead (for it would not be
etiquette to 'rubber' at the President in such a
line of march) and they strutted like thirty-four
peacocks out on a frosty morning's walk."
A special Pullman coach was provided for the
boys' return home through the courtesy of the
Burlington trainmaster, whose admiration was
completely won. The boys have already estab-
lished a reputation for themselves in southwestern
Iowa and have been called out a number of times
to give exhibitions.
What the Circus Did for Them.— Following
a circus given in Houston, Texas, by the Houston
Recreation and Community Service, a school
teacher of the city telephoned the Department.
She said that for several years in her school, prin-
cipal and teachers had wondered just what would
ever become of one boy who never seemed to fit
in anywhere. She saw him as one of the best
performers in the circus. So expert in fact was
his particular act that she felt he had a future
there if nowhere else, but most valuable of all
was the fact that he had found his place in the
playground group.
She also commented upon the large number of
participants of the "flapper" and "jelly bean" age
as conclusive evidence that somebody in Houston
had been providing something besides joy riding
and petting parties for the young people.
"No onlooker knew," says Miss Corinne Fonde,
Executive Secretary, in her report, "that one of
the little animals that cavorted about on all foi-rs
with the greatest possible glee has great difficulty
even with crutches in getting about upright."
Recreation for Play Leaders. — "To promote
good fellowship among the employees of the
Board of Recreation of Paterson, New Jersey;
to improve the service of the members individ-
ually and collectively; to provide facilities for a
better knowledge of duties of its members and to
promote public recreation in every manner and
that of its members in particular" are the objects
of the Recreation Directors' Club of Paterson.
Membership in the club is open only to di-
rectors of playgrounds or assistants who have
been upon the payroll of the Board of Recreation
for at least thirty days. They must, however,
be voted upon at regular meetings. No regular
dues are charged, but there may be assessments
when necessary upon a two-thirds vote of the or-
ganization members present at the meeting. Offi-
cers are elected annually and these officers consist
of president, vice-president, secretary and treas-
urer.
The following committees are in charge of the
activities at the monthly meetings and at all other
meetings that may be called by the president: 1.
Membership, 2. Dance, 3. Social, 4. Good and
Welfare.
Something New in Handcraft. — Scissor
Painting or Applique Work is the name of the
latest form of handcraft evolved by the Denni-
son Company. The process involves the use of
crepe paper and dissolved sealing wax for lamp
shades, pottery and similar articles.
The two methods used in decorating pottery,
which consist in stippling or painting the articles
produce very beautiful effects. Excellent re-
sults may be secured by pasting designs from crepe
paper on a pottery vase, covering it with one coat
of transparent amber sealing wax and stippling
the article with colored sealing wax on contrast-
ing shades.
Definite information may be secured from
Dennison headquarters in Boston, Chicago, Phila-
delphia or New York.
THE SUNSHINE FAIRY
By JOSEPH LEE
POOR WOMAN lived in a log hut up on a mountain. She had
to work hard from morning till night, cooking and sewing,
keeping house for her husband and her four grown-up sons,
and looking after her little daughter, Jeanie. She never sang
or laughed or read a story, never listened to the birds or watched the
beautiful changes of the woods. Her life seemed one steady, never-
ending grind.
One day her little daughter said to her: "Mother, may I run out
and sit by the spring a little while?" The mother answered: "Why do
you want to sit by the spring?" But her little daughter could not tell
her any reason, so she answered: "No. You wash those dishes and then
sew that sheet I gave you. And don't go sitting by the spring. Life is
for work and not for idleness."
So Jeanie washed the dishes and then took up the sheet and began
her sewing. But the poor mother was so tired she had to lie down a little
while and rest; and as she lay there, she heard her daughter saying:
"Dear Fairy Sunbeam, I am so sorry. I wanted so to come as I
promised, but my mother would not let me, and I could not tell her
about you as she would have punished me for telling lies. And now you
will never come again, and I am so lonely and so tired. I have nobody
to play with any more."
And then the mother saw herself as a little girl, and she was sitting
in the sunlight by the spring. And standing before her was a beautiful
fairy with the sunlight shining through her golden hair and the fairy was
telling her a wonderful story about knights and dragons and a beautiful
princess in a shining palace in a wood. And then she heard her own
mother's voice calling her: "Jeanie, come in. What keeps you dawdling
by the spring? This world is for work and not for idleness." And she
got up and left the spring, and the house door closed on her and she
never saw the fairy any more.
And the mother woke up and found she had been crying in her
sleep, and she called her daughter and said : "Jeanie, you may go out to
the spring."
480
Impressions of the Congress
BY
JOSEPH
My impressions are necessarily confined to the
general meetings because it was only those that I
was able to attend — to my great regret because it
is the section meetings which I as a theorist hun-
gry for hard pan especially enjoy. And even of
the general meetings I missed, to my especial
regret, the one at which Mr. Mallery told of his
experiences in Europe.
I have spoken of the fighting instinct, although
well aware that our up-to-date psychology has
abolished instincts — nous avons change tout cela.
By it I mean that urge toward physical conflict
and its chivalric ideal that until very recent times
has been a dominating force in human life and
that would be the fighting instinct if instincts
had not been thus disqualified. As a distin-
guished lawyer once answered the judge who had
contradicted him upon a point of law — "It was
the law until your Honor spoke."
I.
CHIVALRY EXPRESSED IN PLAY — THE OLD
SOUTH AND THE NEW
There were two things that especially impressed
me at the conference :
First, there were the three papers dealing with
the fighting spirit. There was George E. John-
son's restatement in the terms of up-to-date psy-
chology of the nature of the fighting instinct,
with his convincing reminder of its value and of
the reasons for its application in play and sport
— to the end that the fighting virtues shall be
conserved in a pugnacious peace. There was the
eloquent statement by Rev. Ashby Jones, of
Atlanta, of the spiritual necessity of fighting, of
the value of danger and the spirit of take-a-dare,
and of the need of perpetuating these virtues in
true sportsmanship. And there was Whitehead
Kluttz's picture of the gracious and chivalric so-
ciety of the old South and of its current trans-
lation into play and sport.
It was a good thing for those of us who have
of late years attended so assiduously upon the
muses to be thus led back to the altar of the
sterner gods. It was a specially happy circum-
stance that the restatement of the value of the
chivalric virtues should have been made in a
southern city and that the high water mark of
the whole conference should have been a speech
LEE
upon that theme by a representative of both the
old South and the new — a son of the chaplain
of Robert E. Lee in war and peace, holding thus
an hereditary title to speak with authority upon
good sportsmanship. As I listened to the speak-
er's eloquence I seemed to see St. Michael in
his shining armor standing above our play fields
and smiling at a better incarnation of his spirit
than can be found amid the poison gases of the
field of war.
II.
THE NECESSITY OF A PERSONAL RELATION
The other point that most impressed me was
in the papers emphasizing the necessity of a per-
sonal relation in all good work with boys — in the
speeches of Commander Coote, of Cameron Beck
of the New York Stock Exchange, and of
Brother Barnabas at the Friday luncheon.
Games and play, as we all know, may be de-
moralizing. I suppose most ball teams cheat to
a greater or less extent. The demoralization, in-
deed, is probably not so great as one might sup-
pose on a first consideration of the crude fact.
Every ball team like every army has, in spite of
all, its point of honor, although to the outsider
the line between honor and dishonor may be
somewhat incomprehensible. Few teams, I imag-
ine, would play the kind of trick to which Rome
owed her start when she accepted the surrender
of the Samnites with the promise of letting them
go free and then made slaves of them, or would
emulate the still more dastardly proceeding of
the Crusaders when, contrary to their promise,
they sacked Jerusalem.
Still, there are forms of cheating nearer to the
border line of honest sport, and these I fear are
almost universal and though, in spite of these
transgressions, the earnest fighter of the ball field
who has played the game upon the whole accord-
ing to his lights, may have received a better ethi-
cal training, and may in after life be found more
reliable in social or business relations, than the
softy who has indulged a high ideal that has
never been subjected to the acid test — though
honor in our boys may survive, and even gain in
fibre, from the sort of games we too often find
them playing — it will not be always of the purest
sort. The ethical compromises of the ball field
481
482
IMPRESSIONS OF THE CONGRESS
will have their fruit in the sort of politics by
which too many of our cities, towns and States
are governed and in the shadier kind of business
relations.
Leadership is what is indicated. As Brother
Barnabas put it, every boy in his early teens has
in his heart a hunger for heroic leadership. The
place of his ideal was in old times taken by his
father, whom he followed upon the hunt or in his
more or less heroic occupations upon the farm.
Now father and son are separated by industrial
conditions, leaving in the boy's heart a vacant
niche. When he looks around him for the image
to put in it he too often finds his idol in the tough.
The filling of this ill occupied or vacant place,
the setting up within the shrine of a finer and more
inspiring model, is with most boys a first neces-
sity of spiritual success.
The moral for us playground people is not, I
think, that we as an organization either national or
local should go into the business of organizing
this kind of leadership. There are other organi-
zations, upon the job — Boy Scouts, Big Brothers,
and many more. But we should all of us be more
than ever conscious of this void in the boy's
mind and of the enormous interest at stake, and
should make it a part of our program everywhere
that the organizations fitted to supply this need
shall be operative in connection with our boy's
work. And where this sort of provision has not
been organized, we should get in touch with the
appropriate national headquarters or secure it in
some other way.
Hoboken Playground Exhibit.— To stimulate
interest in the Hoboken playgrounds, Commis-
sioner of Parks and Playgrounds Harry L.
Schmulling and Playground Superintendent J.
Durstewitz prepared an exhibit at Hoboken's In-
dustrial Exposition October 3 to 10. The ex-
hibit contained the models of parks and play-
grounds, charts, activity pictures, athletic equip-
ment and craft work.
Hoboken has at present ten playgrounds in its
mile square area so laid out as to be within two
blocks of every home. The playgrounds are fully
equipped with standard apparatus, are open all
the year round and in charge of custodians. Plans
are now being made for 1926 to promote more
widely the playing of games by the youth of the
city.
With this in mind, a new playground was
leased on Grand Street between Second and Third
Streets. To this playground the equipment from
the playground at Eleventh and Clinton Streets
was transferred, the latter to be used exclusively
for games. In addition the large area adjoining
Hudson Square Park will be in shape by 1926 as
a playing field. Facilities for playing horseshoe,
basketball, volley ball, playground baseball and
football will be provided, with proper leadership.
A running track around the field is also a part of
the plan. A series of contests will be carried
out that should do much to lure the youth from
the streets into the playgrounds.
THE TARANTELLA
Four-year-old Italian Children— Tuckahoe Playground, West Chester County Third Annual Play Day. 192
Some Impressions of the Asheville
Congress
BY
JOSEPHINE BLACKSTQCK
Director, Playground Board of Oak Park, Illinois
I suppose that ideas have horizons of their own,
and both terrestrial and celestial boundaries,
though when it comes to making a chart of one's
findings the process is not so simple a matter.
However, my outstanding impression of the Ashe-
ville Recreation Congress was a feeling of ma-
turity of growth, of the ripening of our whole
attitude towards the play movement. Not only
was there this sensation of a new conception of
recreation, but a definite feeling of growth and
change in the calibre of the recreation worker.
I felt that we are getting away from a purely
physical concept of the term recreation, that we
are enlarging its educational boundaries so that
the esthetic side of the program has been set on
an equal footing with the athletic one.
And it seems as though this attitude were only
a logical one. The spirit of play cannot be inter-
preted merely in the language of games, nor alone
in the syllables of handcraft, music and drama-
tics. It is, after all, more than all these. It is
happiness' "daily dozen" ; it is the setting-up ex-
ercise for a self-expression that does truly express
the whole nature of the child and the adult. It is
the language of the heart as well as of the muscles
and the brain.
"The first question that I'd ask a prospective
play leader," said Professor W. G. Vinal, "would
be this : 'Does a dog follow you?' " That was an
apt and happy way of saying that a play director
should first of all be human — after that a peda-
gogue. Too often during the past we have tried
to reform the play spirit and have only succeeded
in deforming it. And after all it is simply some-
thing to conform to. This spirit of play is the
natural heritage of all children, but the free gift
to only a few of those favored grown-ups who
are forever Peter Pans.
Perhaps the perspective, looking backwards,
gives us as fair a one as any. New slants and
angles have had time to shake down to their
proper niches. Now, after a week's time, certain
high lights in the Congress program still stand
out, sharply limned.
There was Joseph Lee's challenge to the "happy
amateur."
There was Commander B. T. Coote's signifi-
cant contention : "Haven't we made a victory the
test of physical fitness, when in reality it is not
victory, but the proportion of girls and boys who
play regularly that counts ultimately."
And Whitehead Kluttz's crystallization of the
new attitude towards the esthetic value of beau-
tiful playgrounds to the child : "An ugly play-
ground is an unthinkable paradox; an anomaly."
There was the prophecy of Joy E. Morgan : "We
are just beginning to realize the importance of
play in our educational system. Some day, not
so very far off, we shall coordinate the programs
of our churches, our schools, and our playgrounds,
and then we shall know what real education
means."
There was the remark of a playground director
from Illinois : "We haven't thought enough about
the highly developed esthetic sense in the child.
We owe him attractive-looking, happy-hearted,
happy-mannered play leaders."
The prediction of Professor Vinal : "Some day
our whole country will be one great playground."
The profound potentialities that lay behind the
report of a superintendent of recreation in a
Georgia city: "The Juvenile Court paroles its
charges to the superintendent of playgrounds. No
one ever knows just who these boys are except
the play directors."
The thoughtful conclusion of a practical play-
ground worker ran: "We don't sufficiently turn
to account the spirit of zeal for perfection that is
inherent in every child."
Miss Nina B. Lamkin's finding: "We have
discovered that girls get the most good from those
games they -want to play."
And, lastly, President Coolidge's ringing chal-
lenge quoted by a delegate : "Our children need
483
484
IMPRESSIONS OF THE CONGRESS
to be taught how to play just as much as they do
how to work. Play is the greatest democratizer ; the
greatest up-builder of good citizenship."
There was food for thought in the several is-
sues that lined up the delegates on sides that were
sharply opposed. There was C. E. Brewer's con-
tention : "We cannot make our awards on the
sportsmanship principle. Take away the win or
lose idea and you have destroyed the fighting spirit
in the boy, you have killed his aggressiveness.
Children must fight; this 'slap me on the wrist'
stuff doesn't mean a thing." In line with Mr.
Brewer's argument there was Professor George E.
Johnson's premise : "Contests take the ill-will out
of the fighting instinct. To fight fairly in games is
to conserve the heroic qualities of man, to keep
alive in our youth the fighting ideal." Some one
quoted the Finnish athlete, Paavo Nurmi, "When
I run I don't contend with my opponent, I run
against myself" ; and there was the statement from
an Eastern recreation worker: "Sportsmanship
should be voluntary, not legislated. Get the right
director and you have right play." Then on the
other side of the ledger there were the convincing
reports of V. K. Brown and a number of other
superintendents about the success of the sports-
manship rating system on their playgrounds. And
still on this side of the argument the contentions
of Otto T. Mallery, and Commander Coote, both
students of the recreational life in England, a
country given over to the ideal of good sports-
manship, and averse to competition as a dominant
issue.
A second interesting question, warmly debated,
was that of rating play directors. Here senti-
ment for and against seemed fairly evenly di-
vided. Most of the comments against the pro-
posal were made informally after the section
meeting by playground workers who contended
that the grading was inadequate and at times un-
fair. On the other hand, the idea had staunch
enough proponents.
Charles English's discussion on the comparative
ratio of athletics, handcraft and esthetic activities
in the program met with a varied response. The
consensus of opinion appeared to be that in the
case of boys a fifty-fifty basis was a workable
one, while on the girls' program athletics was
relegated to a forty-sixty ratio. Interesting cor-
ollaries were brought out in this discussion ; one
was the project of encouraging a more diversi-
fied handcraft program through a weekly social
meeting at the home of the superintendent when
the play leaders might work out handcraft proj-
ects ; the other the statement, widely supported,
and as widely opposed, that our social system has
resulted in girls showing a lower grade of sports-
manship than boys.
Finally, there was the .question that elicited the
most heated discussion of the entire Congress —
that on the character building values in social
activities. Most of the delegates seemed agreed
on the opinion that a scientific study of the social
value of games, such as has been inaugurated,
would be of definite value, but there was sharply
divided opinion as to the value of the contribution
the playground superintendent could make.
A new and colorful note in the Congress this
year was that lent by the international angle of
the recreation movement. Four people contrib-
uted notably to it : Commander Coote with his
talks on recreation both for boys and for miners
in Great Britain ; Otto T. Mallery in his report
on recreational facilities in various European
countries ; Dr. John Brown in his analysis of for-
eign lands, and Miss Vera Barger in her talk on
recreation in China. The international note ap-
peared to me one of the outstanding accomplish-
ments of the Congress ; it opened up new vistas,
lent new drama and significance to the entire con-
vention. \Vhat more inspiring challenge could
one accept than that thrown out by this quartet of
thoughtful recreation students : "European coun-
tries and China and Japan are looking towards the
United States for a greater understanding, for an
opportunity to develop physically their youth"?
I hope that at next year's Congress we may de-
velop still more this new note. What an incal-
culable contribution it would be to have a half
dozen students of the recreation field come from
as many foreign countries, bearing their gifts to
us, carrying away as great and happy largesse!
And while we are on the subject of suggestions
for future Congresses, would it not lend new
vigor and interest, a fine fillip of novelty, to in-
vite one or two of our outstanding amateur cham-
pions, such as Mallory or Tilden, to give us either
a theoretical or practical demonstration?
To me the Congress was marked with a sense
of harmony, a sturdy joining of hands towards a
common end, a loyalty towards old ideals and a
reaching out towards new ones. I had the feeling
that as recreation directors we are wearing this
play spirit more comfortably, like a garment whose
beauty and use we have tried out and grown ac-
customed to.
A CONVENTION RETROSPECT
485
A Convention Retrospect
BY
ERNST HERMANN
Superintendent of Recreation, Newton, Mass.
I used to resent the predominating amateur
note at the Playground and Recreation conven-
tions and in the pride of my professional atti-
tude I rather thought it a waste of time to attend
them. I believe I have preached, taught and prac-
tised play and recreation, theory and practise,
philosophy, psychology and hygiene, the art of
living, the secret of happiness, the road to success,
the amateur versus the professional, the history
of the decline of nations and other pertinent and
impertinent subjects longer, more vigorously,
more relentlessly and frequently with less tact
than almost any man or woman I have ever met
at these convention. This probably explains my
former attitude towards these "beginners."
I would not give up my hard earned profes-
sional knowledge and the experience which I
have gained in a wide field of professional and
amateur callings, but I thank God for the ama-
teur, for his enthusiasm, his sportsmanship, his
unbiased attitude, his love for his fellows, and
the wonderfully varied fields in which he roams !
In our eagerness to reach the top of our par-
ticular professional or social or sport ladder it is
quite easy to lose the very life-blood of success,
enthusiasm, spontaneous effort and the holy wrath
which overcomes narrowness and selfishness.
We professionals easily lose this glorious force,
this overwhelming enthusiastic attitude of mind
of the amateur, in our bread and butter reflec-
tions and considerations.
If we cannot retain the amateur spirit we had
better take up some exact science, some highly
organized profession, some systematized business
and stop advising others how to make the most
of their physical, mental and social inheritance.
Every worth-while educational movement has
been started by amateurs and has died from pro-
fessional medicine. How in the name of com-
mon sense and divine revelation can play survive
if we manicure it into an exact science !
Every convention I have attended has revived
my spirit, has shortened my conceit, has
strengthened my hope and has stimulated my
emotions.
Again I am filled with the joy of life and with
new ambition for my job. I arrived earlier than
ever and stayed to the last. I sought out the
amateurs and shunned the professionals. I en-
joyed every speaker. I know that I am now an
amateur professional and not any longer a profes-
sional amateur.
Obstacle Golf
Obstacle Golf, while closely allied to the old
game of golf, is a game all its own developed by
Mrs. L. M. Callison while teaching her pupils in
Washington the importance of continual practice.
In order to make the mastery of the Mashie or
Niblick a game, Mrs. Callison would find low logs
of wood, stones, pools of water, grass, twigs and
other obstacles for the pupils to drive over. When
the g-irls found that they could get over a ton of
coal dumped in the road near the space where
they were playing, they were eager for further
obstacles. Finally they began to drive over a good
sized tree and the competition which arose from
trying to surpass one another gave rise to the
idea of calling the game "obstacle golf."
The idea spread to the playground where the
boys and girls would get small rubber balls and
with hockey sticks, old canes or tree branches
would work all over the obstacles in their path.
At some of the playgrounds "Clock Golf" was
developed. As many holes the size of a tomato
can were dug as space would permit — usually
from 9 to 12. Old tomato cans were sunk in these
holes. In order to insure the cans being placed
in the circle, a string was tied on a stick placed
in the center of the place set aside for the game
and a circle outlined with the string along which
the cans were sunk. The distance was gradually
increased, the holes being 3, 4, or 5 ft. away from
each other.
In playing Clock Golf each hole should be num-
bered, a number being written on a piece of mus-
lin tied on sticks and set up by the holes. The
object of the game is to see in how few strokes it
is possible to get the ball into all the holes with
the putter.
On Country Club courses and public links, as
well as playgrounds, individuals may be seen prac-
tising to perfect their strokes and at the same time
getting keen enjoyment out of Clock Golf.
The Opening of the Twelfth Recreation
Congress
The Twelfth Recreation Congress was formally
opened at the Auditorium in the city of Asheville,
N. C., on Monday evening, October 5th, 1925, at
8 :00 o'clock with Otto Mallery in the chair.
Among the local leaders who sat on the plat-
form and who were introduced by the chairman
were : A. Walter Hurt, Head of the Boy Scouts,
Mr. and Mrs. W. L. Brooker, Recreation Com-
mittee, Mrs. O. C. Hamilton, S. Roger Miller,
George Hurt, C. H. Barkett, A. C. Green, Chair-
man of the Park Commission, Norman E. Reed
and Mrs. Curtis Browning.
The audience was led in the singing of a num-
ber of songs by Kenneth S. Clark.
The Chairman : The Twelfth National Recrea-
tion Congress marks another year of organized
recreation. During these years America has not
only acquired great wealth and leisure, but what
is more important, we are learning how to use
our wealth and leisure. We have made tremend-
ous strides in this respect; how we have done it
we shall hear more about in the sessions to follow.
We have representatives here from England,
Italy, Canada, New England, and from every
part of the United States.
We are here to exchange experiences and to
give one another inspiration. We are here not
only because we can lift our eyes to these beauti-
ful hills of Asheville but for two other reasons —
first, as a tribute to the South.
Twenty-five years ago there were only twelve
cities in the whole of the United States that had
directed recreation. Today out of seven hundred
and eleven cities that have it over one-
fourth are in the Southeast. And when we think
of the great progress of recent years in North
Carolina and Texas and Florida, the future looks
even brighter than the past. There are nine
cities in the State of North Carolina that have
year round recreation movements and there are
eleven cities which the representative of the na-
tional association is visiting and in which there
are good prospects of a year round program.
We recall the glorious history of this State, and
especially think of the pioneers, of Dr. Alderman
and Governor Aycock, and of that good citizen
and magnificent statesman, Walter Hines Page.
The second reason that we are in Asheville to-
486
night is because of the beauty and charm and play
spirit of Asheville itself. No one could have
done more than the people of Asheville to get us
here and to treat us right while we are here. I
have heard of Southern hospitality, but now I and
all of you have experienced it and shall experi-
ence more of it. And, of all who have joined in
extending this welcome to us there is one who
has turned the town upside down for us. He has
given us everything we wanted before we asked
for it and if by chance there was some little thing
that we thought of that he did not, the city gov-
ernment has rushed with fire engine speed to
satisfy every desire. That person is one we have
learned to admire and respect — our host and
Mayor, Mr. John H. Cathey.
Mr. Cathey : In connection with the chairman's
remarks about turning the city upside down, I
want to hand it to little Johnnie Martin. I think
he is up yonder tonight getting ready to play
after we get away from here. I had told Mr. Riv-
ers that if there was anything they wanted to let
me know, and after I got back from a drive out
in West Asheville on some business, I got the
word from the Secretary, — "Johnnie Martin wants
a steam roller and two fire trucks as soon as pos-
sible." I have been used to steam rollers in poli-
tics before but I did not know that they were ever
used as recreation. I said, "Where does he want
it?" and he said, "Up at the plaza." I didn't
know what in the world he wanted with it but
anyway in about thirty minutes the steam roller
was up there on the job. Later I found out that he
was preparing to have the old Virginia Reel and
wanted the steam roller to smooth the rocks in
front of the plaza so the ladies would not fall
down. I understand that the two fire trucks were
wanted by Mr. Hurt to accommodate the members
of the band, to serve as a band stand. Instead of
spending about two hundred dollars for lumber
to build a band stand he just wanted to use the
trucks — economy — that's Johnnie Martin again.
Now Ladies and Gentlemen, it has been my
pleasure for the last two years to be Mayor of
Asheville and during that time I have welcomed
many conventions to our city, many of them
national and some international. Among those
that I think that Asheville needed most up to the
OPENING OF THE CONGRESS
487
time of this Congress was the National Federation
of Music Clubs. There are two things that
Americans don't know how to do — one is to sing
and the other is to play. So two years ago the
music people came to try to teach us how to sing.
One of the ladies didn't want to come up here on
the stage tonight because she thought you people
didn't know how to sing. In fact, there is not one
person out of ten who can stand and sing the
the national anthem from memory; and there is
not one person out of ten, outside of children,
who knows how to play, and that is one reason
the national recreation people are trying to teach
us how to play.
I feel a peculiar pleasure in welcoming this
Congress tonight because I went to Atlantic City
to your Eleventh Congress when it met there,
and when I picked up the list of those registered,
I found that outside of myself, Dr. Parker, who
is one of the workers of the national association,
and his wife were the only other representatives.
And yet, North Carolina boasts of nearly three
million people. The question entered my mind —
what is the matter ? I waited for my opportunity,
and when Professor Dykkema asked the question
if anyone present had had any experience with
music and what they hoped to do by music, right
there I took advantage of that little slip. I told
them what Grand Opera had done for us, and al-
though the invitation for this convention was not
to be extended until Monday morning, and this
was Friday, I told them that evidently from the
registration the people didn't know what they
were trying to do, and therefore the logical thing
for the Congress to do was to come south of the
Mason and Dixon line. And I took it upon my-
self then and there to invite the Congress to bury
all sectional notions and obliterate all sectional
lines and come south of the Mason and Dixon
line, a line that never should have been written
in our history. But I made the proviso that if it
did come that there was only one place to come
and that was Asheville. I found that Fort Worth,
Texas, wanted this same convention, and they
sent Tom Rivers down here to pick flaws in my
invitation. He walked in and said he had come
to find fault with my invitation. When he ap-
proached hotel facilities I overcame that, and I
knocked Tom's remarks sky high just as fast as
he could make them. I took care of all his argu-
ments and even promised him the steam roller.
Finally he got down to the last on the list, but
I will leave that to Tom to tell you that, and there-
fore I won out.
I think Fort Worth is all right, and the next
time you come south, please go to Fort Worth.
We need you in the South. We didn't know
what you were trying to put across and that is
why we wanted you here. This Congress is
doubly welcome to Asheville because the present
administration which went into effect two years
ago realized that every municipality owes a duty
to its citizens which they have not given them.
We have been voting bonds for schools and
roads, but it was unheard of to spend the citizens'
tax money for play, and this administration
started out to revolutionize things.
We are glad to have you here for another rea-
son. We have some here that are not converted,
and before we go out in 1927 we hope to have
them all converted.
The first thing we did was in the nature of pro-
viding playgrounds. We had four colored schools
and ten white schools. Some were beautiful
buildings on red hills with no playgrounds at all.
We spent approximately $40,000 to get these
playgrounds in shape, and today I am glad to say
that every school child in Asheville has the allot-
ted space of one hundred feet of elbow room.
We went a little further than this and we did
what no other city in the United States has done.
Now I am talking facts and figures to you and not
hot air. We own, operate and make a profit out
of a baseball team, operated by Roger Miller and
Deacon Green. We spent $250,000 to build an
athletic field within three minutes' walk of the
Square. We put in all modern plumbing and
equipment in that- grand stand and we even
have a maid in the nursery. As a result of that
we have about forty per cent, ladies in our attend-
ance, and last year we did something that no other
city has done. We took in over $100,000 in paid
subsciptions or practically three times the popu-
lation of Asheville. Judge Landis was down here
and said no other city had come near to taking in
three times the population.
We have gone a step further, and just up the
river we have provided a playground which in-
cludes everything that goes on a playground up
to swimming and boating. And up above that, a
little way, we have bought land and just finished
an eighteen-hole golf course. By providing
these two attractions so near together we have
taken care of the entire family because you can
take old John Henry or Pierce Arrow, which ever
it may be, and take your whole family up there
and while the old man is playing golf the children
can take their choice and play anything they want.
488
INTERNATIONAL WEEK IN PORT CHESTER
That represents an expenditure of $250,000, all
of it taken out of the tax payers' money, and
Ladies and Gentlemen, they are beginning to like
it.
International Week in Port
Chester, N. Y0
People of all ages and both sexes had a chance
to participate in Port Chester's Merchants'-Man-
ufacturers' Exposition during the week of Octo-
ber 5-12. This exposition was sponsored by the
Chamber of Commerce with a program of after-
noon and evening entertainment furnished by the
Recreation Commission. No event held in Port
Chester has offered more varied attractions.
There were fine exhibits from many local exhib-
itors. The Chamber of Commerce Booth, dis-
playing among other things the cups to be given
as prizes in the Port Chester National Marathon
on Columbus Day, drew many admiring visitors.
An orchestra played excellent music throughout
each evening. In the afternoon as a part of the
entertainment program a baby show, doll carriage
parade, pet show, "Kookery Kontest,'" Pet Ex-
hibition and Scout and Camp Fire demonstra-
tions were held. And the six evenings were con-
verted into a most interesting series which de-
picted the various folk backgrounds of Port Ches-
ter. Decorations consisted each evening of a dis-
play of national flags of those countries which
were exhibiting, with the addition of lodge ban-
ners and ferns and palms.
Monday night was named "The Land of the
Midnight Sun" and was under the auspices of
Port Chester citizens of Scandinavian descent.
Their booth was filled with articles of Scandina-
vian workmanship and design, all belonging to or
made by Port Chester people. Handiwork, dishes,
laces, tapestries, copper urns, blankets, a set of
Danish Royal porcelain, a Swedish copper tea set
and other beautiful articles drew the attention of
many. A series of Norwegian folk songs, Danish
folk songs and dances, ending in the singing of
the Danish national anthem, made up the entertain-
ment program. At the opening of the evening, a
Czecho-Slovakian demonstration of Sokol gym-
nastics, with the participants dressed in white
shirts, blue trousers, red ties and small hats with
feathers, made a very effective spectacle.
The second night was under the auspices of the
Gaelic League and the Daughters of Scotia and
was termed "The Thistle and the Shamrock."
There was a booth display of Scotch articles,
many of which were from 75 to 100 years old.
Irish and Scotch folk dances and songs by per-
formers dressed in native costume made the eve-
ning particularly entertaining.
On the third evening "America the Beautiful"
was the subject of the evening, and the Girl and
Boy Scouts, and Camp Fire Girls, the night school
chorus and the community players in a one-act
play entertained the large assembly.
"Symbols of Jewish Home Life" on the fourth
evening brought a booth exhibit of beautiful tap-
estries, brass ware, religious symbols and a full
display of cakes and breads connected with the
various festivals. The pupils of the Americani-
zation Classes had this evening in charge and or-
chestra selections, with a Russian dance done by
a girl in costume, added much to the evening's
enjoyment.
The fifth evening gave the people of "Sunny
Italy" a chance to show their many beautiful pos-
sessions. Silks, brocades, weaving, linens, Italian
cut-work and shawls were displayed. A panto-
mime— The Boyhood of Columbus — a minuet and
selections by an Italian trombonist made up the
program of the evening.
On the last night Port Chester Recreation held
sway. Sports equipment, a display of summer
handwork, posters, photographs, and recreation
printed matter and texts filled the booth, and the
local theatre loaned three professional acts.
This evening ended one of the most interesting
weeks which Port Chester has ever experienced.
JUiy Christmas Seals. Buy as man}- as you can.
They are the sturdy little guardians of your Merry
Christmas and Healthy New Year. — The Nation-
al, State, and Local Tuberculosis Associations of
the United States.
Merry Christmas
and Good Health
Special Classes and Demonstrations at the
Recreation Congress
The last day of the Recreation Congress at
Asheville was "Go-to-School" Day. In all the
assembly rooms small groups were to be seen
eagerly exchanging experiences, asking questions
of group leaders and in intimate round-table dis-
cussions getting information which would help
them in their particular problems, and at the same
time giving from their experience to others. The
question and discussion method of this group con-
ference and the "give and take" spirit which
characterized them made the classes and demon-
strations one of the most valuable and helpful
features of the Congress.
The discussion at the rural session led by Dr.
C. B. Smith, Chief, Office of Cooperative Ex-
tension, U. S. Department of Agriculture, brought
out three or four definite suggestions or principles.
The first had to do with leadership and the dis-
tinct need for the training of recreation leaders
for rural communities. There was emphasis, too,
on the need for a central agency to get in touch
with rural leaders in the different counties, states
and sections of the country, supplying them with
suggestions, literature and up-to-date information
through personal visits and correspondence. It
was urged that rural recreation workers keep con-
tinually in mind the importance of securing state
legislation to support the rural programs in all
states, just as cities are securing such financial
assistance from state laws.
How to develop drama in rural districts
was one of the problems discussed with keenest
interest. The contributions made to such organi-
zations as Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts and the Nation-
al Safety Council in making available good plays
suitable for rural groups at inexpensive rates and
with no royalty charge was offered as one means
of helping to meet the problem. The help avail-
able through Extension Divisions of the State Uni-
versities was outlined by Miss Amanda Stolzfus
of the University of Texas, who told of suggested
programs and literature sent by the divisions to
school superintendents, teachers and others inter-
ested, and of demonstrations given in schools in
rural districts of games, social recreation hours
and singing. "There are now few meetings of boys'
and girls' agricultural and home demonstration
clubs organized in South Carolina," said Miss
L. I. Landrum, State Director of the home dem-
onstration work, "which do not have recreation
features. Camps are conducted for boys and
girls, county councils for farm women are being
organized, and increasingly community meetings
consisting of farmers' families are being held."
An interesting development containing much
promise for the recreation life of the rural district
is the organization of the Bureau of Rural Life
as a part of the program of the National Congress
of Parents and Teachers. "Parent-Teacher asso-
ciations in every state of the Union," said Mrs.
John B. Cleaver, in charge of the Bureau, "report
the creation of public sentiment for playgrounds
and the provision of playground equipment for
thousands of country children."
By unanimous vote, the delegates attending the
Rural Recreation sessions urged that this section
be continued another year.
COMMUNITY DRAMA
The attendance at the Drama Section and the
variety of questions asked gave ample evidence
of the growing interest in the community phase of
drama and its application everywhere. Barrett
Clark, in opening the meeting, emphasized the
importance of community drama for all the people
when he said : "The most interesting and pro-
found aspect of drama is the fact that amateur
dramatics, well or badly done, is an essential func-
tion of life. Whether we like it or not, some
sort of dramatic expression is a need as funda-
mental as any other need. It is spontaneous on
the whole and not essentially regarded as an art.
Before drama was art it was a manifestation of
human life, and if it is to mean anything at all it
must continue as such. One thing that has pre-
vented American drama from growing is that
our dramatists have known much about art but
little about life. Only recently have they depicted
life. For some reason we have finally caught up
with life. There is nothing so interesting as peo-
ple and the individual who cannot appreciate his
fellow being cannot appreciate the drama."
Recreation workers are not trying to impose an
art form on people; nor to create an artificial at-
mosphere, but they are attempting to guide dra-
matic instinct. The important thing is to discover
489
490
SPECIAL CLASSES AT THE CONGRESS
the need in the community and try to meet it.
In general, Mr. Clark advised "forget the art of
the theater. If the impulse is genuine, it will con-
tain the outline of something worth while and will
be beautiful."
Following Mr. Clark's address, the meeting
broke up into small, round-table groups, each with
a leader. One group discussed little theater prob-
lems; a second, play rehearsing; a third, problems
of lighting, scenery and costumes; a fourth,' the
selection of plays, and a fifth, pageantry. But in
no instance was it possible for the leader to stick
to the subject, so varied were the questions asked.
A visitor dropping in at the pageanty section was
as likely as not to hear a discussion of lighting for
plays, while the group presumably discussing
plays for various occasions would be deep in the
mystery of pageant set-up. "Do you advise giv-
ing a community group the lowbrow thing they
want or the thing you think they ought to have?
What lighting effects can you secure when you
have nothing to work with? How may inexpen-
sive machinery be constructed? And so it went
from 9 :30 to 4 :30 and only a beginning made !
COMMUNITY Music
In the Community Music Section, of which
Professor Peter Dykema of Columbia University
was Director, interest ran high. Recent develop-
ments in community singing, the organization of
bands, orchestras, ukulele classes and other musical
activities on the playground, the conducting of
music memory contests and music weeks were only
a few of the subjects on which questions were
asked. And the members of the group soon dis-
covered their participation in the program was not
to be limited to the asking of questions ! Before
much time had elapsed, they found themselves
"willy-nilly" in front of .the class, leading songs
or playing games with music.
Not the least interesting feature of the section
was a report of the National Municipal Music
Committee appointed at the Eleventh Recreation
Congress at Atlantic City. Many instances were
quoted in the report showing the tremendous
growth of the movement for municipal music.
HANDCRAFT
The classes in Handcraft were full of practical
suggestions to recreation workers, varying from
the securing of free material from cotton goods
factories, paper companies and manufacturing
plants of different kinds to the organization of
elaborate kite tournaments. Some of the most
interesting and practical suggestions had to do
with the use of material costing nothing, such as
pine needles and wild honeysuckle vines. Empha-
sis was laid on the small expense involved in the
purchase of tools for handcraft activities, many
of which may be secured at the five-and-ten-cent
stores.
If the suggestions that went on in the class
were not a sufficient demonstration of the grow-
ing interest in handcraft the local exhibits could
not fail to convince any "doubting Thomas." The
variety of the articles shown, ranging from the
beautiful hand-made quilts from Scranton, Penn-
sylvania, to the baskets from wild honeysuckle
vines which the children of Salisbury, North Car-
olina, and other Southern cities are making,
showed the originality and beauty that are making
of handcraft a truly creative art for children.
GAMES
Many old games were revived and new ones
taught at the game demonstration conducted by
John Martin of the P. R. A. A. Educational
games, social games, children's games and game
formation for large groups were demonstrated
along with many other types of games and stunts.
It is very difficult to give an adequate idea of
these classes in print, but many of the questions
and answers will appear in our Question Box.
Education through Drama, Minnesota. —
The extension division of the University of
Minnesota has made available a number of plays
which have to do with various aspects of educa-
tion. One form is the "dramatic debate," a novel
idea, which is the simplest kind of drama, requir-
ing only two characters and no scenery. One title
is Does Education Pay? It is described as "a
sure fire success as a means of selling education
to the farmer. Nothing could be more convincing
than this powerful presentation of otherwise dry
information. The characters are the mossback
farmer and the secretary of a cooperative cream-
ery." A now well known pageant in Minnesota
is entitled The Green Knight. Some titles of
plays are : The Crowning Glory, having to do
with hats and of especial interest to women ; Back
to the Farm, which explains the value of intelli-
gent farming ; Partners, which deals with develop-
ing a community church; Kindling the Hearth
Fire, which is a real home economics play. —
(From November, 1925, issue of Rural Ain-cr-
ica.}
Congress Resolutions
The report of the chairman of the Resolutions
Committee was submitted as follows :
First: Be It Resolved, that we, the delegates
to the Twelfth National Recreation Congress of
America deeply appreciate the kind and thoughtful
provisions that have been made for our entertain-
ment and welfare, and hereby cordially express
our thanks (1) to Mayor John H. Cathey, the
Recreation Mayor of Asheville, the Recreation
City, whose helpful participation, willing coopera-
tion, far-sighted vision and kindly acts, have
earned our enduring gratitude and admiration.
(2) to the Committee of Patrons and the Citi-
zens of Asheville for their generous and delight-
ful hospitality; (3) to the Chamber of Commerce
for their material assistance and whole-hearted
help at all stages of the arrangements, without
which the success of the Congress would not have
been possible, and (4) to the several newspapers
of Asheville which have given space generously
to the proceedings of the Congress, and whose edi-
torial comments have given endorsements to our
objectives, and thus brought to thousands of
people throughout the United States and the
world a better understanding of the Recreation
Movement. (5) Then to Miss Kathrine Park,
Superintendent of Recreation of Asheville, and
the entire Recreation Department of the city, for
the substantial contributions they have made to
the Congress ; and we cannot forget the Parent-
Teacher Association for the charming and effec-
tive service which they have given at all times.
It Is Further Resolved: That we warmly thank
the speakers, the chairmen, the consultants, the
leaders, the accompanists, the Carolina Play-
makers, the colored singers and all those who have
helped to make the Congress a success, and that
the Secretary be asked to write expressing our
appreciation to each of these participants. It is
also resolved that a special vote of thanks be given
to those who, at great effort and expense, have
provided the many excellent and instructive ex-
hibits.
The resolution proposed by the American Folk
Dance Society is included in this resolution and
reads as follows :
Whereas, a large portion of the American public
keenly desire opportunities to learn and partici-
pate in dancing which is truly social, recreative
and wholesome in character, and
Whereas, we desire to suggest a recreative, uni-
versally popular and constructive program to meet
the needs of the above situation,
Be It Resolved, that it is the sense of the Con-
gress that all educational and social forces be
urged to join in a movement to encourage vigor-
ously such folk games and dances as those pro-
moted by the American Folk Dance Society.
And Last, Be It Resolved, that the Recreational
Congress send its greetings to the National Recrea-
tion Agencies of other lands, recognizing our com-
mon heritage of the spirit of play.
We gratefully appreciate the assistance of those
who came as delegates from other countries, and
we extend to them our cordial good wishes in
their kindred efforts.
With your permission, the Committee desires
to add that in connection with the announcement
that has come within the last few hours of the un-
timely death of the hero of baseball, Christy
Mathewson, that man who has stood for clean
sportsmanship everywhere, the ideal of the boys,
we express our deep sympathy and our regret
that his life should have been called to an end
at such an untimely age.
With your permission, Mr. Chairman, I move
that we adopt these resolutions.
The motion was seconded and adopted unani-
mously by rising vote.
The life of the world itself calls for -those qualities in us which spring from the holding
together of the team. If we hold together in the nation as we hold together in the team, in the
boat race, in the tug-of-war, we shall give back to the nation a hundredfold the talents entrusted
to us. Thus there grows up in us with our play that part of our life which makes the difference,
as the years go by, between the men who help a nation on and the men who pull it back. If we are
loyal to our team, to our school, we shall be loyal to our town and to our country. The very
beginnings of patriotism lie in our games. Reprinted from Compton's Pictured Encyclopedia.
491
The Government and Community
Recreation
BY
F. R. McNiNCH
Charlotte, North Carolina
Joseph Lee, Chairman : We have received this
telegram : As President of North Carolina Phy-
sical Education Association and as Chief of the
Bureau of Recreation of the University of North
Carolina, I extend to the Congress for those
agencies a royal welcome to the old North State,
with sincere hopes for a session rich in achieve-
ments. Regret I can not be with you. Harold
D. Meyer." (The inspired telegraph clerk wrote
instead of "for a session rich in achievements,"
"secession," trying, I suppose, to put a little ginger
into the proceedings. But I think if the South
continues going at the pace that North Carolina
has set, they will certainly leave the rest of us
far behind, "secession" in that sense !) It is inter-
esting to get this telegram from a man who is
Chief of the Bureau of Recreation of the Uni-
versity of North Carolina. Last year at Atlantic
City we heard from the head of the Drama De-
partment of the University of North Carolina,
and I think we were all tremendously impressed
with the spirit at the University of North Caro-
lina shown through him, and in other ways, as a
real state university. It is a wonderful piece of
work, the course in dramatics at the University
of North Carolina.
The next telegram is from a graduate of
Princeton, of the class of 1913, who is now the
youngest Governor of a state in this country. A
classmate of mine is a member of the Legislature
of New Hampshire. He says that he is so en-
thusiastic about the Governor of New Hamp-
shire that he can hardly speak on the subject —
though he does speak, eloquently. He is a great
governor, and he is going to be one of the great
national figures. The gentleman who sent this
telegram is also one of the large contributors to
this association. Mr. Winant wires as follows :
"In spite of careful planning, illness will not
permit me to keep my appointment to address the
492
convention on Tuesday morning. The work you
are doing is invaluable to the public weal. Sur-
plus energy must find outlet in clean and whole-
some recreation. It is the business oj: our State
governments to assist and cooperate in this work
for which long experience and unselfish effort
have pre-eminently fitted the Playground and
Recreation Association of America. I very
deeply regret my inability to be with you and
wish the Congress every success. I want you to
know that your playground campaign has my
unqualified support." John G. Winant, Governor
of New Hampshire.
Mr. F. R. McNinch: Mr. President. Former
Comrades in the Work, Ladies and Gentlemen :
We were to have had Governor Winant this
morning, as you have heard, to speak to us upon
the Responsibility of the Government for Promot-
ing Community Recreation, and I was to speak
to you upon What Government Is Doing hi thc
Discharge of that Responsibility. I have just
been asked to say a few words upon the topic upon
which Governor Winant was to have spoken, and,
without having given particular thought to the
subject, I will suggest some of the reasons why
it is a responsibility of government to promote
recreation.
Some writers upon political subjects have de-
fined government to be the science of administer-
ing the public affairs of communities and states.
I am not prepared to accept that as a correct defini-
tion of government as we know it, for if it be a
science, it is, at best, an inexact science ; but we
will all agree, will we not, that, at least, govern-
ment is the administration of the public affairs
of communities and states. If this be a substan-
tially correct definition, then it is the function of
government to administer every public interest
of society which may not be adequately adminis-
tered by private agencies. Recreation, as a pub-
THE GOVERNMENT AND RECREATION
493
lie interest, cannot be best administered through
private, or even quasi-public agencies, and, there-
fore, it is the business of government — national,
state, municipal — to provide for and on behalf of
the whole people, and at public expense, that
which so vitally affects the quality of its citizen-
ship.
It is the primary purpose of government to
protect the life, the liberty and the property of
its citizenship. How may a government effec-
tively address itself to these ends by employing
only suppressive measures? We have, from time
immemorial, set up courts, the constabulary and
penal institutions to suppress crime, and un-
doubtedly a great contribution has been made to
the sum of human happiness through these agen-
cies. But have we not been near-sighted when
we have been willing to expend vast sums of
money for the support of the judiciary whose pur-
pose as to crime is suppressive and corrective, but
have not been willing to set in motion preventive
agencies directed toward the lessening of criminal
conduct? If we are with any degree of success
to combat the crime wave, as some have called
it — the tide of crime, as another has more aptly
termed it — that is sweeping over this country and
threatening the very foundations of society, then
government must set in motion constructive mea-
sures such as public recreation which tend toward
prevention of crime and, thereby, supplement the
corrective agencies.
If government — national, state and municipal-
would set up public and supervised recreation
facilities throughout America so that they might
be available to every man, woman and child, it
would add immeasurably to the physical fitness
and mental efficiency, to the common happiness
and solidarity of our people. If this be true, then
it is the business of government to promote rec-
reation in America.
Frank Tannenbaum has stated the case when
he says that "the trouble is that suppression does
not suppress ; it distorts." We have been guilty
of shallow thinking when we have allowed our-
selves to believe that we can suppress crime by
coercion only. We may divert it; may build a
dam across the natural channel of expression ; but
if we dp we may be certain that this dammed up
and mighty power will cut across the strata of
society and find expression in thought and action,
which will leave ugly chasms of vice and crime
in its wake.
Ham Bone said recently, "De trouble wid dis
debilment is dat dere is too much runnin' ob it
down and not enuff headin' it off." That is the
whole philosophy of recreation. It heads off. We
have spent too much time in denouncing the vice
and folly of youth and have given too little time
to anything that is intended to head it off. Whole-
some recreation offers to youth a substitute for
mischief. Government owes to its subjects the
opportunity for clean, constructive expression.
Now, what is government doing to meet the
responsibility of which I have briefly spoken?
I shall treat what it is doing under three general
heads, national, state and municipal.
What is the national government doing ? What
has the national government done to meet this
challenging responsibility to provide recreation
for its people? Again I shall divide that subject
into three heads, executive, legislative and judi-
cial.
First, what is the chief executive of this na-
tional government doing to promote recreation?
President Coolidge called a National Outdoor
Conference to meet in Washington May 22nd to
25th, 1924. It was an epoch-making thing, that
a President should take notice of that which by
many has been regarded as the interest, chiefly, of
half -balanced folks who talk about the necessity
of teaching children to play and of providing play
spots for folks who ought to be at work. There-
fore, an unusual significance attaches to what the
President did, and even more to what he said.
Not only because he is President, but because of
the manner in which he said it; and for the sake
of accuracy I want to read, rather than attempt
to quote, some of the things President Coolidge
did say on that occasion :
"The physical vigor, moral strength and clean
simplicity of mind of the American people," said
President Coolidge, "can be immeasurably fur-
thered by the properly developed opportunities
for the life in the open. Our aim in this country
must be to try to put the chance for out-of-door
pleasure, with all that it means, within the grasp
of the rank and file of our people, the poor man
as well as the rich man. Country recreation for
as many of our people as possible should be our
objective."
And in his splendid opening address to that con-
ference he said :
"We have at hand these great resources and
opportunities. They cannot be utilized to their
fullest extent without careful organization and
methodical purpose. Our youth need instruction
in how to play as much as they do in how to
work." Think, will you, for a moment, of the
494
THE GOVERNMENT AND RECREATION
value to the cause of recreation of this statement
that our children need as much to be taught how
to play as they do how to work.
"Those who are engaged in our industries,"
said the President, "need an opportunity for out-
door life and recreation no less than they need
opportunity of employment. Side by side with
the industrial plant should be the gymnasium and
the athletic field. Along with the learning of a
trade by which a livelihood is to be earned should
go the learning of how to participate in the activi-
ties of recreation, by which life may not only be
more enjoyable but more rounded out and com-
plete. The country needs instruction in order
that we may better secure those results."
Then, said President Coolidge, to point to the
value of recreation as an aid to democracy:
"A special consideration suggests the value of
a development of national interest in recreation
and sports. There is no better common denomin-
ator of a people. In the case of a people which
represents many nations, cultures and races, as
does our own, a unification of interests and ideals
in recreations is bound to wield a telling influ-
ence for solidarity of the entire population. No
more truly democratic force can be set off against
the tendency to class and caste than the democracy
of individual parts and prowess in sport."
And then he said this fine thing in conclusion :
"I want to see all Americans have a reasonable
amount of leisure. Then I want to see them edu-
cated to use such leisure for their own enjoyment
and betterment and the strengthening of the qual-
ity of their citizenship. We can go a long way
in that direction by getting them out of doors and
really interested in nature. We can make still fur-
ther progress by engaging them in games and
sports. Our country is a land of cultured men
and women. It is a land of agriculture, of indus-
tries, of schools, and of places of religious wor-
ship. It is a land of varied climes and scenery,
of mountain and plain, of lake and river. It is
the American heritage. We must make it a land
of vision, a land of work, of sincere striving for
the good, but we must add to. all these, in order
to round out the full stature of the people, an
ample effort to make it a land of wholesome en-
joyment and perennial gladness."
Almost, Mr. President, when I read these utter-
ances, when I contemplate their far-reaching in-
fluence, when I am conscious of the great mo-
mentum they will give to this vital movement,
almost, Mr. President, thou persuadest me, a
Southern Democrat, to be a Republican, at least
a recreation Republican !
In response to the call of the President, 302
delegates representing 128 national organizations
met and formed a permanent organization with
an Advisory Committee of 170 and an Executive
Committee of 10. After three days' intensive
work, this National Outdoor Conference passed
resolutions expressing its judgment as to phases
of outdoor recreation to be promoted. It ap-
pointed permanent committees and provided for
further studies and surveys in various fields of
recreation; it provided for annual meetings and
the employment of a whole-time director, or sec-
retary, who is now actively and every day giving
federal cooperation in a national program of rec-
reation. This conference asked the President, the
governors of states and mayors of cities to pro-
claim a National Recreation Day.
These are some of the things the Chief Exec-
utive of our national government is doing in
fronting what he recognizes to be a governmental
function and a responsibility which must be met.
All of us who have been especially interested in
this problem are grateful for this official action
on the part of our President, this concrete evi-
dence of the government's acknowledgment of its
responsibility, this piece of national machinery set
up to help meet a great problem and a great re-
sponsibility.
Second, what has the national government
done, legislatively, in recognition of its obligation ?
The first national recognition of public recreation
was in 1872, when the Yellowstone National Park
Act was enacted by Congress. Out of that act
has grown the policy of the establishment of
national parks and forests. It was a far-sighted
thing that a man of vision from Montana led the
Federal Government to do, and as a result of it
today there are sixteen national parks, with an
aggregate of nearly five million acres.
Reflect upon the recreation value, upon the
innumerable resources for recreation within five
millions of acres set aside as national parks.
There are also 156 millions of acres of land in
our national forests, much of it, it is true, not at
present fit for recreation purposes, but a great
portion of it susceptible of development. And
there are 34 national monuments with an aggre-
gate estimated acreage of between one and one-
half and two million acres, which comprise within
that area a wealth of scenic grandeur and inter-
esting objects of pre-historic, historic, scientific
and recreation values.
THE GOVERNMENT AND RECREATION
495
So that in all, this government, since 1872, has
set aside something like 175 million acres of land
containing invaluable opportunities and resources
for out-of-door life and recreation. This is a stu-
pendous contribution to the cause of public recre-
ation in America.
Third, the judiciary has made a great contri-
bution to the cause. May I call attention to the
case of Shoemaker vs. The United States, which
had its origin in setting aside a park at Washing-
ton, in the District of Columbia, when Congress,
for the first time in the history of this Govern-
ment, undertook by legislation to appoint a com-
mission to condemn land for park purposes and
to assess against the abutting land the benefits
which might accrue to that land by reason of the
establishment of the park. The constitutionality
of this act was challenged, of course, for it was
a novel thing that Congress had undertaken to do,
which was, in substance, an effort to point out a
way by which you might take private land for
public park purposes and have the abutting prop-
erty owners pay for the land thus taken by assess-
ing the benefits or enhancements in values against
such abutting property.
And yet the Supreme Court of the United
States, in a unanimous opinion which has never
been challenged, said, in substance, this: "In
memory of man now living a proposition to take
private property without the consent of the owner
for a public park and assess a proportional part
of the cost upon real estate benefited thereby,
would have been regarded as an unlawful exer-
cise of legislative power; but land taken for rec-
reation, for health or for business, is taken for
a public use. The cases heretofore cited were
most of them cases in which it was likewise held
that it is competent for the legislature, in pro-
viding for the cost of such parks, to assess a pro-
portionate part of the cost upon the property
benefited."
So that the national judiciary has greatly aided
the cause of recreation by declaring it is con-
stitutional to take private property for a public
park, and then if it is a fact that adjacent prop-
erty has been benefited, as will nearly always
be true, to assess a proportionate part or all of the
cost of the park land against abutting and bene-
fited property. This decision points the way for
state legislatures and municipalities to provide
parks, playgrounds and recreational facilities and
assess a portion of the cost against abutting and
benefited properties.
In brief, these are some of the things the na-
tional government has done to meet its responsi-
bility for recreation.
Next, what have the states done to meet their
responsibility for promoting recreation ? Twenty-
eight states have, by official action, set aside a little
more than seven million acres as state parks:
twenty-one states have recently enacted legisla-
tion permissive of the expenditure of tax money,
and setting up machinery by which such taxes
may be levied, for the support of municipal rec-
reation. By home rule legislation in twelve states,
at least, the people are given the right by initia-
tive or referendum to vote upon the question as
to whether they will or will not specially tax them-
selves for public recreation.
Under such state legislation, in 1924, there
were fourteen towns and cities in Iowa and Illi-
nois which voted in popular elections to tax them-
selves for the support of public recreation, and
the total amount of the annual budgets for rec-
reation in these fourteen cities and towns is over
$100,000.
In Rhode Island, the smallest and most densely
populated State in our nation, within one week
from the date of the ratification of a legislative
act allowing it to be done, seven cities and towns
made appropriations for public recreation pro-
grams, showing that the people of Rhode Island
were hungry for recreation and had only been
held back heretofore by legal prohibition to spend
tax money for this purpose.
In New York State, in the City of Mt. Vernon,
the women got busy immediately after the enact-
ment of such state legislation, circulated a petition
and brought on an election. The special recrea-
tion tax of $20,000, annually, carried by a vote of
substantially four to one. And so I might cite, if
I had time, other towns and cities that have acted
under this referendum law.
What have municipalities done for the cause
of recreation ? In a word, I can tell you that the
municipalities of America last year did more to
meet their responsibility for recreation, expended
more money, and discharged their responsibility
more fully than they have ever done before in
any year in the history of the world. They ex-
pended twenty millions of dollars last year, as
against 14 millions of dollars the year before, and
9 millions of dollars in 1922. In 1907, one year
after the Playground and Recreation Association
was organized, only one million dollars was ex-
pended in America for public recreation. While
we have made steady progress during all of the
years, we have made marvelous progress in the
496
THE GOVERNMENT AND RECREATION
amount of money expended during the past two
years.
Other facts that are equally, if not more indi-
cative of what communities are doing are: in
1923, 12,000 recreation workers were employed
in America, while in 1924 this number was in-
creased to nearly 16,000. In 219 cities reporting,
there were 1,389 school buildings used as eve-
ning recreation centers, or a gain of 262 such
buildings over the previous year — an average of
five additional school buildings per week opening
up as evening recreation centers.
This to me is one of the most substantial ad-
vances we have made, because it represents an
economic as well as recreational gain. We have
for too long permitted the school facilities of
America, representing billions of dollars of the
people's money, to remain as frozen assets, going
to waste during the months of vacation, the week-
ends and in the afternoons from the time school
is out until the next morning. It is an encourag-
ing fact that there is a rapidly increasing num-
ber of school buildings, which are being liqui-
dated and given currency in serving the people
as recreation centers.
God speed the day when the people of America
will realize that it is absolutely indefensible, that
it is inexcusable, to expend vast sums of money
on facilities so easily adaptable as recreation
centers after school hours and leave them unused,
when the people of the community are hungry
for recreation, and when these buildings could
contribute so much to community happiness and
solidarity if used as community centers.
I hate to peddle statistics, but I don't know
how else to tell you the story than by the employ-
ment of more figures. There are 530 cities em-
ploying one or more year-round recreation work-
ers. Of 711 cities reporting sufficient data for
analysis, it appears that 386 reported recreation
interests municipally administered. Of this num-
ber only 302 are entirely supported by municipal
funds, while the other 84, although jointly sup-
ported by private and public funds, are, neverthe-
less, administered by the municipality. This is a
recognition of the city's responsibility and of the
municipality's ability to do a better job than
private agencies in administering public recrea-
tion.
In 1918 only 34 independent municipal recrea-
tion commissions existed. There were many rec-
reation bodies and organizations, but municipal
officers, until within recent years, did not recog-
nize their responsibility, and it was placed upon
school boards and women's organizations and pri-
vate agencies. But in 1924 there were 89 muni-
cipalities that had set up entirely independent
recreation commissions to administer the recrea-
tion interests of their people. This marks a great
advance and indicates that municipalities are more
and more facing and accepting governmental re-
sponsibility for public recreation. As further
illustrating this fact, fifty-five cities have -estab-
lished civil service examinations for the employ-
ment of recreation workers. In 28 cities last year
a new high water mark was established when
more than 11 million dollars were voted in bond
issues for recreation purposes, a gain of more
than a million dollars over the preceding year.
I did hope I might tell you something about the
notable progress in particular cities in North
Carolina and elsewhere, and I jotted down some
data, but I shall not have the time to do so. In
this attractive and beautiful city of Asheville,
where we are meeting, they are setting up a pro-
gram that in another year will challenge the inter-
est and admiration of people everywhere. They
are doing things upon a broad scale and laying a
firm foundation for a municipally administered
recreation system that will minister to the needs
of its whole people. The municipal golf course
and other facilities will soon be available to the
people.
Winston-Salem, N. C., appropriated this year
$55,000 of tax money for recreation and is put-
ting on a very comprehensive program. Greens-
boro is inaugurating an exceptionally good pro-
gram and through cooperation of municipal and
private agencies is setting aside something like
1,000 acres for recreation. But I cannot, within
the limits of my time, even so much as call the
roll of cities and towns in North Carolina, which
are going forward with public recreation ; neither
can I touch upon the municipal participation in
recreation throughout the new South, as well as
in the North, East and West.
But what has been done is only a beginning as
compared with the need. For the advancing
armies of commerce, trade and industry have
made economic battlefields of the open spaces,
which were once vocal with the music and laugh-
ter of children at play. Unless we provide other
playgrounds, other facilities for expression, the
child must either not play and suffer the blight of
idleness, or play in the streets and gamble on the
chance that he may not be numbered among the
1,600 whose eager little lives are annually crushed
beneath the juggernaut wheels of traffic, leaving
IN SPITE OF THE DROUGHT
497
a trail of blood to witness the slaughter of the
innocents at play.
In the march of what we have been pleased to
call progress we have wasted one of our greatest
national resources, namely, the leisure time of our
children. Thought and money have been in-
vested to conserve our natural resources in for-
ests, streams and mines for future generations,
but we have neglected to conserve the great wealth
of our child life for whose material benefits we
have so concerned ourselves. Let us thought-
fully face this arresting problem : What shall
it profit the children of today if tomorrow they
shall gain the wrhole world of material wealth,
yet come into their inheritance with impoverished
physical, moral and spiritual natures?
But the light is breaking, the shadows are lift-
ing and a brighter, happier day is dawning. For
everywhere men and women of vision are rally-
ing to the support of the movement for more and
better playgrounds and recreation facilities. The
Playground and Recreation Association of Amer-
ica, with Colonel Roosevelt as its first president,
and later under the able and devoted leadership
of Joseph Lee as president and Howard S.
Braucher secretary, has made really great prog-
ress in promoting the recreation movement. But
there are still hundreds of towns and cities with
not a playground and no play facilities and hun-
dreds of thousands of children are today suffer-
ing the pangs of unsatisfied play hunger. These
must not perish, their potential happiness and
power must be saved to the nation.
This is the task that challenges our imagina-
tion, our courage, our love, our sense of justice,
our patriotism, and I hope that all present may
rededicate ourselves with high resolve to this pro-
gram for building through recreation the stronger
bodies, cleaner brains and sturdier moral fibre
which are the stuff of which we shall make an
unmatched citizenship after the manner described
by Stevenson :
Happy hearts and happy faces
Happy play in grassy places :
That was how in ancient ages
Children grew to kings and sages.
In Spite of the Drought
During the past summer central Texas suffered
a serious drought which dried up the rivers to
such an extent that swimming was impossible.
The Working Boys' Club of Waco was faced with
the necessity of providing a swimming place for
boys and girls who were unable to pay the fee
asked in the private swimming pools. This is the
way the problem was solved :
Seven years ago the foundation for a large hotel
and office building was dug in the heart of the
city. When the war came on operation on the
building ceased, leaving a large hole in the ground.
Here a swimming pool was constructed by a
private concern which also erected some low stores
on the ground floor. A year ago the building
burned, completely destroying everything but the
swimming pool shell made of concrete. With a
group of boys from the club and some trucks
loaned by the city, the Working Boys' Club, of
(Concluded on page 512)
CHILDREN'S THEATER, OAK PARK, ILL. — CAST FROM "BEAU OF BATH" AND "ASHES OF ROSES"
There are monthly performances throughout the year, and at Christmas time the children appear as well before the
churches, clubs and schools of the community. The demand for the plays is heavy. The children are not only
grounded in an appreciation of dramatic literature and the first principles of dramatics, but are given lessons in
color values and stage settings. Mrs. Joy Crawford is dramatic director and Miss Josephine Blackstock is super-
intendent of playgrounds
Finding God in Beauty
BY
ZONA GALE
At the Mission Inn at Riverside, California,
there is a patio where lunch is served, a place of
light and air, of orange trees and parrots, of a
fountain and, from one of the balconies above,
harp music. Carved in the stone wall above the
heads of the people one reads :
"Where there is no vision the people perish."
On a warm April day of this year, when the
patio was crowded, a man came to the Inn desk
and asked for a table outside. He was brown,
boisterous, heavy, with loose lips and evident eyes.
When he was told that all the outside tables were
engaged for an hour ahead he turned away with
the disappointment of a little boy, sighed, and sat
down in the inside dining-room.
What was it that he had wanted and what was
it that he had missed? Beauty. Dimly and
doubtless without the least idea of what he sought,
he had been groping toward an hour of color and
soft sound. Toward Another Air, almost another
medium from that in which ordinarily he moved.
Toward Beauty.
Picnickers, hikers, campers — it is true that they
seek exercise, company, adventure, freedom. But
more than all these they want that which they
rarely have — another air, another medium from
that of every day. One thing can give it to them :
Beauty. An unpromising wayfarer will take the
trouble to point you to a "view/ This is not
for the appeal to the eye, for he is not an artist
and may not sense what he sees. But a "land-
scape" will give him a momentary new and bet-
ter experience, and about it he will try to tell.
And even if all that he can bring out is "Some
sight-seeing!" you catch his realization of a
magic. Of a change. Of the approach of
Beauty. On a Summer Sunday afternoon the
appalling confusion at the beaches yields the
spectacle of the same quest. When one has
counted out the curious, there remains the major-
ity, glad of the idleness, of the liberty from cloth-
ing, the warm coolness of air and water, but above
all of the Difference. Of a sense of some gracious
otherness, indefinable. Sometimes in a picture
gallery they go down the line inarticulate, empty
of definite impression but besieged by an experi-
•Published by courtesy of The World Tomorrow. May, 1922.
498
ence which they do not know how to admit : the
experience of beauty. A concert hall is starred
with faces which know nothing of the music's
method but are reflecting its mystery— the some-
thing which lies beyond. That is what a park is
for — to remind the people that beautiful things
wait all the time for attention : shy, gentle, tender,
all these faint messengers speak to us of some
state other than our own. In them Beauty pricks
through to hint at her reality.
All these intimations of beauty affect in the
same way those who like them enough. They in-
duce a mood. Camp, beach, gallery, concert, all
alike induce in us a new mood. This mood is our
personal experience of Beauty. And Beauty, save
Love itself, is our closest approach to God.
Recall the sense of it. An autumn sunset of
ochre, a spring sunrise of gray, a summer noon
of clear cobalt. Recall a field of flowers, espe-
cially of strange flowers, and chanced upon
abruptly. Even such a memory is itself an ex-
perience. An experience of outflowing and in-
flowing, a correspondence between spirit within
and a spirit without, which is exquisite, wistful,
vast. No one ever faces beauty (in silence)
without receiving a moment of such correspond-
ence.
The spirit within and the spirit without, speak-
ing. And according to the fineness of the
observer, will this speech be faint or clear. This
is an intense form of happiness. Often in such
a moment one of us will try to become articulate.
To either the memory or the imagination of such
moments we owe much that is beautiful in art.
Shelley's "flush of rose on peaks divine" and
Wordsworth's inner eye and Milton's celestial
light shining inward and countless cries in word
or color or form or chord have been but the need
to give a voice to this beauty and to its corre-
spondence in the spirits of men and women.
Not only these, but every right action of the
most commonplace person alive is an unconscious
attempt to express beauty in his own living.
Now, these expressions are all a high form of
prayer. Of deep within calling unto deep with-
out. Keats and Schubert and Turner put it in
one way. The psalmist put it: "Oh God, how
FINDING GOD IN BEAUTY
499
manifold are thy blessings." The ordinary man
or woman puts it: "Create within me a clean
heart." In every case a cry about beauty. But
conscious or unconscious, a prayer. Prayer at
its highest is precisely that: a flowing out of the
spirit and a flowing in of an essential beauty. Or
call it a touching at the great dynamo of essential
power. Or call it a momentary or sustained con-
tact with God.
Consider, for example, a form of prayer used
by many on first awakening when the night has
washed the spirit clean and even the cells of brain
and body are heightened. First a mere strong
impulse to be briefly free of the body. Then a
stronger impulse to transcend the mind. Then a
desire to inhabit one's own spirit and to rise with
it to one's own highest conception of God. A
definite lift of being, toward God. Then the re-
turn, through spirit, through mind, to body — and
the day begun thus permeated, stamped with the
highest form of beauty that one knows. Through
the day or before sleeping, whenever there is a
moment when solitude can be entered or achieved,
this same touch with the highest form of beauty
that one knows. Hera is a meeting place with
God, not made with hands.
In such ways every activity of the day becomes
transfigured. The task, the friend, the stranger,
all are sublimated — they glow with new light.
This is literally true. It is hard to be critical, to
be irritable, to be false when one has lately been
stirred by the experience of beauty. Here then
is every detail of one's routine to be flooded at
will by a current of light and power, and by a
subtle happiness, a happiness pervading and pos-
sessing.
In other words, there is something to do to
life, to any life, which is different from giving it
bodily or intellectual power or spiritual power as
most of us have known it. There is a level of
living to be reached which gives a joyousness
and lightness and buoyancy experienced by the
mass of mankind only in rare moments.
"Life more abundant."
The words have a familiar ring. We have said
them over glibly in texts and heard them in ser-
mons.
Now, the search for life more abundant, in
this very sense of deeper inner perception, is ex-
actly what religion is.
The whole area of religious controversy may
be lighted today by the understanding that human
life is really a rich and joyous thing which most
human beings never discover it to be. That this
that we turn to as the life of the spirit, which
some controversialists have made into a pale ideal
of asceticism and renouncement, is in reality a
heightening of our usual powers of perception to
include glorious things which life holds and holds
now. The scientists tell us that we know only
the margin of possibilities of color and sound
Jesus told us that we know only the margin of
the possibilities of all our common life.
And he showed us how to begin to learn about
ourselves and about our relation to great and
unsuspected conditions. He gave us the method
of discovery of what we are — for which there is
a technique just as definite as the technique in
learning- any other art.
His direction is simple, summed up as it is in
love. Say first in behaving toward everybody
as we would behave if we did love them. This
is the elementary course. Next actually to love
one's neighbor, and thus the elementary course
will become second nature. Love thus filling the
heart, it begins to flow out and to meet the Silent
Loveliness, in love to God. After that one con-
stantly tries for meeting places with Him in
beauty, beauty of experience, of conduct, of
visualization. Tries to increase the meeting places
with Him for all men.
The idea that one was to do all this simply to
save one's soul from torment was, of course, mere
lack of imagination. One was to do this that one
might have, and give, life more abundant.
The idea that one was to "renounce and go
gloomy" was still greater lack of imagination.
One was to have, and give, life more abundant!
No one who dances beautifully ever really regrets
hopscotch or thinks of himself as having re-
nounced it.
Life more abundant. It is the prize for which
in his own way everybody is seeking or is
wretched because he thinks that he has lost.
There is in every human being that which happily
gravitates toward another air, another medium of
life. It is this, simply, which at its best religion
tries to offer, for here, for now and forever.
A man's religion is his- program for the enrich-
ment of human life by bringing it into relation
with essential beauty, essential love, essential
vision of .God.
Special Activities for the Playground
BY
CHARLES ENGLISH
Supervisor, Bureau of Recreation, Board of Education, Chicago
It is assumed that what is meant by special
activities for the playground are those events on
the program that are more or less unusual, or at
least still in the experimental stage of develop-
ment. In this paper the old time honored, stand-
ard activities will not be presented, but an attempt
will be made to outline briefly some of the newer
phases of the work — either those which are being
tried in Chicago, or those which have been heard
of elsewhere.
The policy of the Board of Education Recrea-
tion Department is to put such activities as fall
under the general heading of "handcraft and edu-
cational" on the basis of 50-50 valuation with
the sports and athletics. The ratio for girls in
favor of handcraft is even greater than 50-50.-
We have found that a goodly number of chil-
dren using the playground desire other than an
athletic program. Even the athletes themselves
want changes. On the whole, a greater general
participation is secured by offering a variety of
activities designed to interest the boys and girls,
no matter how varied these tastes and hungers
may be. There is, of course, a great advantage in
operating a year-round playground system where
the seasons may be recognized by promoting suit-
able events. • It also affords a much greater range
of activities. Some of these activities, very
briefly outlined, are as follows :
SNOW MODELING, PAINTING AND STAINED
WINDOWS
Snow Modeling : In the northern climate where
snow is available, snow modeling is a fascinating
activity. The material is free to all, is easily
handled and the activity may be put on a contest
basis. Snow can be modeled in zero weather by
adding water to snow, forming a slush. To make
it more realistic, paint may be used.
Painting: Prepare a block of snow ice in a
frame and use ordinary house paint.
Stained Glass Windows: This requires an old
window pane and frame. In it outline designs
*Report of Section Meeting on Special Activities held at Rec-
reation Congress, Asheville, North Carolina, October 5-10, 1925.
500
STAINED GLASS WINDOW WORK —
CHICAGO, ILL.
with ridges of putty, fill in the color scheme with
colored water and allow to freeze.
WHITTLING
The revival of the old Yankee Art of Whittling
is a good event for spring or hot weather. (A
distinction should be made between wlii tiling and
carving.} It is desirable in whittling to leave
the wood the natural color and not paint it. A
further distinction is that the whole object shows
whittling work as against an object in which only
a part is whittled. This activity makes splendid
display material.
ORIGINAL DOLL SHOW
There is always room for development in this
event, no matter how many times it is promoted.
Newer ideas in the use of material and in design
are seen each year. This activity also makes a
very fine display for public exhibition.
SPECIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE PLAYGROUND
501
DOLL VILLAGE, CHICAGO, ILL.
SAND CRAFT
Too little attention is given generally to sand
play. In order to generate interest and develop
new ideas, a team of six is chosen from each play-
ground in Chicago to enter a city-wide contest.
A downtown store furnishes tables, sand and
salty water, and gives window space for the teams,
who work out designs on the spot. The judging
is on the basis of (1) pure modeling and (2)
modeling with accessories.
MARDI GRAS
If confined to small "floats" in keeping with a
child's ability in design, this event has one of the
greatest possibilities for the development of the
creative, artistic and manual arts. The paper
flower and paper decoration is in the main the
material used. Each float must have a motive,
and children in costume may augment the picture.
This event is used with very good results as a
climax to a summer's program.
MODEL BOATS AND AEROPLANES
These two events are of the highest order in
the handcraft activities in use on playgrounds to-
day. Especially is this true of aeroplanes which
require skill that only a relatively few acquire.
It is a remarkable activity, and one growing in
popularity. It requires special material, a special
place to do good work, and therefore is classified
in the highly specialized group. V. K. Brown,
of the South Parks, has developed this field to a
remarkable degree,
tailed information.
He can and will furnish de-
TOYS
Even though you are not operating a play-
ground in December, the formation of groups of
children to make new toys and fix up old ones
for distribution through the philanthropic organi-
zations of the city is serving two needs. It helps
the organization and gives joy to the children who
receive the toys. Moreover, the joy experienced
by the children in making something for others
brings much happiness to them.
There are still boys and girls who have not
made "crystal receiving sets." In Chicago we
limit the material costs to $1.50. Three classi-
fications are made: (1) Most novel, (2) Best
constructed, (3) Most unique. It is very unsatis-
factory to try to test for long distance if you have
many in the contest. Radio people will be glad
to assist in instruction, display and prizes.
PLAYGROUND RODEO
For two years the Chicago Board of Education
playgrounds have conducted a "fancy roping con-
test." The events for the first year were: (1)
Roping a moving object, (2) Roping a still ob-
ject 10 feet away, (3) Making a circle and jump-
ing in and out, (4) Optional event.
The events for the second year were harder.
502
SPECIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE PLAYGROUND
ROPE THROWING, CHICAGO, ILL.
Rodeos are becoming more popular and in Chi-
cago we have endeavored to capture the growing
interest. It is a difficult event and a fine
muscular exercise.
BASEBALL PITCHING TOURNAMENT
This is a good event for the end of the baseball
season. For the "pitching" event, erect a board
or mark on side of a vertical surface an opening
17 inches wide, 44 inches long, and 20 inches from
the ground. This is the average shoulder to knee
length of a boy under fifteen years, or is the open-
ing through which a ball should be thrown to
make a perfect strike. Forty feet is pitcher's
distance for juniors and regulation for seniors.
Nine throws allowed. Each speed ball counts
one point, and each curved ball two points.
In the tournament the following events are
held: (1) Fungo batting for distance, (2) Base-
ball throw for distance, (3) Throwing ball
around bases for time, (4) Running around bases
for time, (5) Accuracy throw from second to
home, (6) Accuracy throw from field to home.
O'LEARY
This make a fine contest for girls in the spring.
It lends itself to competition, and the numbers
of events are almost unlimited. After going
through with one hand, change to the other.
DIABOLO
This old English game was revived in Chicago
by the boys themselves. By observation we
learned the common moves and their names. Put-
ting together eight of them, we formed a contest.
Keen rivalry and real skill were developed. This
is a fall activity, at least in Chicago, as is also
top spinning. The boys there have turned the
seasons around from the old days when tops were
prime favorites in the spring. Baseball and
marbles seem to have crowded them out, as spring
activities.
Low ORGANIZATION GAMES CONTEST
In this contest five games are used, such as
Corner Spry, Club Snatch and similar games.
Such a contest has the advantage of familiarizing
instructors with this type of games and of en-
couraging their use. It counteracts over-
emphasis on the highly organized games, builds
up interest and increased attendance when the
children realize that low organization games may
be used in team competition.
FOLK DANCE CONTEST
Such dances as the Virginia Reel, Ace of Dia-
monds, the Czebogar, are used in Chicago, to-
gether with an optional dance which may be
either a May pole dance or a dramatic, singing
game. It was possible to prove through these
contests that such dances can be taught out of
doors, even without music and can be an impor-
tant part of the regular 'program.
APPARATUS CONTEST
This is more of a stunt game on apparatus than
formal gymnastics. Good form, proper approach
and perfect landing are insisted upon. Thirteen
optional exercises are listed. Instructors pick out
the ten best suited for the ground. Each exer-
cise is conducted on the basis of ten.
JUNIOR POLICE
As an aid to the instructor in developing the
program and maintaining discipline, the school
playgrounds of Chicago have organized junior
police in groups of eight boys and a sergeant.
Each member wears a pin somewhat similar to a
police star. The city has been districted with
lieutenants in charge of each group with eight
playgrounds under his control. Two districts are
under the jurisdiction of a captain. A chief of
police is the ranking officer. The chief, captains
and lieutenants are chosen from among the cadet
officers of the R. O. T. C. organization of the high
schools.
KNOT HOLE CLUB
Practically every week during the baseball sea-
son the Chicago National and American League
Baseball Clubs provide the department with 700
SPECIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE PLAYGROUND
503
RUG WEAVING, CHICAGO, ILL.
tickets to the baseball games. These are dis-
tributed among the grounds as awards to boys
and girls who have performed some meritorious
work.
Music MONTH
In the fall we conduct four musical activities,
using the harmonica, the ukelele, whistling and
the barber shop quartette.
The harmonica is being recognized as the most
fascinating of musical instruments for beginners.
At the recent circus over 1,000 children played
three numbers with remarkable effect. The in-
formal playing by youthful harmonica players
with children grouped around them singing and
dancing is one of the excellent features of this
part of music month.
The ukelele has been taken up by girls. In
Chicago we held contests, six girls constituting a
team with at least two instruments in the group.
The songs required in the last contest were Aloha
and Carry Me Back to Old Virginny, an original
song (words not music), and an optional selec-
tion. This activity is exceedingly popular. It
continues throughout the year and the same in-
formal group participation is noticeable as in the
harmonica playing.
Whistling is a new activity. Both boys and
girls enter the contests, whistling any tune they
wish in any manner. Newark, New Jersey, has
developed this in a large way.
To encourage the "near harmony" gang which
frequents the playground in the evening, we have
enticed them into competition in barber shop
quartettes. I've Been Working on the Railroad,
Sweet Adeline and the classics of a generation
ago may be heard. Then the better type of music
is given, including some characteristic national
airs from the foreign born.
SAFETY CAMPAIGN
Falling in step with the general movement for
"Safety" our campaign is running through the
months of September and October. A button is
awarded to each boy and girl from seven to four-
teen years of age who signs a pledge. The text
of the pledge is contained on the cards which are
available for anyone who desires to send for
them.
Following Mr. English's paper, the question
was asked as to whether the special activities
described attracted a new group of children from
the various neighborhoods. Mr. English replied
that inevitably a large number were regular at-
tendants, but special effort is always made to
draw in new people. Moreover, new activities
almost always attract certain new individuals who
have found no particular interest in participating
in other activities. In answer to a question re-
garding equipment, Mr. English stated that prac-
tically all the equipment is furnished by those
participating.
Mr. Sutch, of Scranton, Pennsylvania, reported
a system of awards used in connection with lan-
tern parades in his city. The children are grouped
504
•THE FIRST YEAR" AT MOUNT KISCO
EXHIBIT KITES
by schools and awards are made to the school
having the largest number of boys carrying lan-
terns, and to that having the largest number of
girls participating with lanterns. A third prize
is given to the school with the highest total of
individuals carrying lanterns, while a fourth goes
to the school whose representatives come the
greatest distance to participate in the parade.
One of the most encouraging things in Cana-
dian life today is the way people as a whole are
turning to the outdoor life and to wholesome ama-
teur sport. Last winter in Ottawa thousands of
people of every age took up the sport of skiing
and every night and Saturday afternoon the hills
about the city were covered with gay and laughing
crowds. Every Saturday special trains of ski-ers
left for the Laurentian hills, which are just out-
side Ottawa, where there are long cross-country
trails with clubhouses along the way. So great
was the interest in this form of sport that I am
told both the picture houses and the dance halls
suffered, while hostesses found it difficult to get
enough young people together to give a dance. A
similar . movement towards summer sports has
been noticeable everywhere. Golf clubs have
been springing up on every side and tennis has
had a remarkable revival. The result has been a
very noticeable falling off in attendance at the
professional games, so much so that some clubs
have found it difficult to get enough gate receipts
to pay their expenses. — W. W. Cory, Deputy
Minister, Department of the Interior, Ottaiva,
Canada.
"The First Year" at Mount
Kisco, N. Y.
More tennis courts were wanted on the park
playgrounds at Mount Kisco. Something had to be
done about it, so the group of young folks who
wanted them most decided to put on an amateur
production for money. The result was a splen-
did presentation of The First Year, a lot of fun
for the participants, a big gain in practical knowl-
edge of staging plays, and $200 toward the tennis
courts.
The play itself is admirably suited to amateurs,
being a realistic comedy of married life, packed
with subtle humor and clever dialogue. The
young people made their own scenery and did
practically all the publicity work for the play.
In fact some of them even set their Big Bens for
five o'clock in the morning during the week be-
fore the performance that they might get in two
hours of theatrical work before their regular jobs
began.
An Italian boy, who had had some actual ex-
perience in carpenter work, acted as director. A
working model was made of the set, which was
evolved out of beaver board and shingle laths.
This was constructed in sections four feet wide
and twelve feet high. The sections were joined
in the back by transverse braces and screw hooks
and eyes, in order that the same set might be used
for both scenes. The joinings were covered in
front by lattice painted dark brown to contrast
with the buff walls, thus giving a panelled effect.
This lattice was also carried around the room at
a height of eight feet from the floor. A base
board on the front gave additional support and
finish to the set. Diagonal braces from the top
of the set to "two by eights" about three feet
from the back kept the whole thing rigid. Re-
movable sections were fastened to the cross pieces
and lattice by screws. Muresco was used rather
than paint because it was cheaper and dried more
quickly.
It is difficult to tell whether the most worth-
while receipts from the show were the $200 in
cash, the amount of fun the players and audience
got out of the production or the fund of practical
experience gained by the actors. Anyway Mt.
Kisco is practically assured of another tennis
court.
THE original sin is to make a boy sit still.
Winter Sports
The growing interest in winter sports is mak-
ing the program of winter recreation activities
an exceedingly popular one in sections of the
country where a cold climate prevails. The de-
velopment of novel forms of activities and of the
competitive idea is greatly enriching the program
and enlarging its possibilities.
One of the simplest and most natural forms of
winter play is that of playing in the snow. Snow-
ball fights are an unfailing sort of fun and good
exercise, and are entered into with great enthusi-
asm by both boys and girls. These battles will
make a splendid game if certain fixed rules are
followed. The players should be divided into
sides, with a captain for each side who will really
direct the procedure. There should be rules regu-
lating the kind and number of snow-balls and the
size of the forts.
Snow-men Contests may be held between play-
grounds, the snow-men being judged according
to the height, appearance, proper proportions,
originality of design and difficulties overcome,
such as the accumulation of snow.
A RABBIT MADE OF Sxmv
SHOW Sculpturing
The time honored snow man idea has recently
led to many varied forms of snow sculpturing
which have been developed to an unusual degree
on -the Board of Education Playgrounds in
Chicago. In 1923-24 all the playgrounds com-
peted in modelling snow figures and the results
were judged by the city's distinguished sculptor,
Lorado Taft. The young snow sculptors were
left to their own devices to select subjects and
work them out. Pails were procured and par-
tially filled with water in which snow was mixed
to form a heavy slush. The work of modelling
was done with wooden paddles, the snow first
being packed on a framework of sticks tied to-
gether. Pieces of tin and heavy pocket knives
were used to carve away excess and secure the
lines and contour desired. Some of the figures
and articles produced included an elephant hold-
ing his own against an attack by three wolves,
other animals of various kinds, a set of over-
stuffed furniture with a fireplace, battleships and
castles.
In 1924-25 famous paintings proved to be the
favorite subjects for reproduction. In this project
the snow is banked into a big frame and the
figures of the paintings are carved out and tinted
with calcimine, the tints being mixed in water and
applied to the snow, which quickly takes in the
colors. In Bloomfield, New Jersey, it was dis-
covered that the D.'amond Dyes used for cotton
and wool fabric dyeing can be used with good
effect to color the snow.
Constructive and Dramatic Snow Play
Children between the ages of four and six en-
joy playing horse and sleigh with reins which
have bells on them. Playing reindeer and Santa
Claus and building snowmen also appeal to them.
Older children may play Eskimo, building snow-
men, forts and houses representing villages, dogs
and sleds, polar bears and seals.
TOWSER IN SNOW
505
506
U'LVTER SPORTS
On Snow Shoes
Hare and Hounds is a particularly exciting
game when played in snowshoes, and hikes on
snowshoes have added charm.
Coasting
All children like to coast and increasingly cities
are realizing their responsibility for seeing that as
far as possible they shall coast in safety. More
cities each year are closing streets for coasting
during certain hours of the day and are safeguard-
ing the children during these periods.
Closing Streets for Coasting
The following suggestions for closed streets
have been gathered from the experiences of a
number of cities:
The usual procedure is for an ordinance to be
passed by the City Council, setting aside specific
streets for coasting during certain hours. The
streets are chosen by the Recreation Department,
Park Board, the Board of Public Works or some
similar body. The streets selected are, naturally,
those least used for traffic with few intersecting
streets. They should be distributed as evenly as
possible throughout the city so that children will
not have to walk more than a few blocks to a
coasting place.
"Street Closed" barriers should be placed at
the head and foot of each street with red lanterns
upon the blockades at night, indicating that the
streets are entirely closed to traffic. During this
period cross streets should be barricaded at their
intersection with the play streets. The hours
during which streets are closed vary, according to
local conditions. Some are closed from four to
ten, others from three to eleven. They are usually
closed all day on Saturday and in some instances
on Sunday.
If the closed street crosses the main highway of
traffic, a sand belt fifty feet wide should be placed
at the bottom of the hill where it meets the main
highway to stop the sleds before they reach the
highway.
A policeman or man sworn in as special police-
man should be in charge of each coasting street,
his duties being to put out signs and barricades,
take them in when the streets are open to traffic
and have general oversight of the streets during
coasting hours. This may also be done by Junior
Police, Junior Safety Councils, Boy Scouts and
similar groups which must, however, have the
authority of the police back of them. If there
is a trolley intersection a policeman should be
posted at the intersection. (A series of signals
may be worked out with car conductors for stop-
ping and starting cars at this point.)
Where certain streets are set aside, coasting
' ' o
should be prohibited by the city authorities in other
streets.
It is important that the names and locations of
the streets set aside for coasting, the hours they
are closed and the rules in force shall be well
advertised in the newspapers and parents urged,
through the local press and other channels, to
send their children to these streets.
Coasting Carnivals
In coasting carnivals the rules for closed streets
should hold and in addition the following rules
may be observed :
1. Small sleds should be given the right of
way.
2. Big bob sleds should be given a start of at
least 50 feet.
3. Coasters should go down on the right side
of the street and back on the other side.
4. If the foot of the coasting hill intersects
with a main traffic street, coasters should not be
allowed to cross over the sand into the main
traffic street.
5. These rules should be printed in the news-
papers before the carnival.
At the coasting carnival at Middletown, Con-
necticut, colored glass tumblers lighted by candles
were placed fifteen feet apart on both sides of
the slide, giving the effect of dancing colors on the
sparkling snow. Nearly 500 tumblers were used.
Safety Measures in Portland, Maine
The Recreation Department of Portland has
built slides for sleds similar to toboggan slides,
except that they are smaller. These slides are in-
stalled in vacant lots and other places where there
is danger of going out in cross streets. Where
travel is heavy a belt of sand is used to slow down
the sleds.
TOBOGGANING
The tremendous speed which may be attained
in tobogganing makes it important that every
precaution be taken to safeguard the sport.
Among the dangers to be avoided in the construc-
tion of toboggans and slides are the following:
1. Having the trough too wide — thus making
the toboggan lurch from side to side — and pos-
sibly jump the tracks.
2. Having out-run level — thereby tnlio^an
WINTER SPORTS
507
upsetting. It is' a good plan to build banks
of snow same width as trough or continue sides
of chute on out-run.
3. Using poor wood in construction of tobog-
gan, making great danger of slivers.
4. Having sides of trough too low — making it
possible for toboggan to jump tracks.
5. Not having trestle work strong and solid —
thus causing constant vibrations.
6. Not building entire slide straight. Curves
in a toboggan slide give, a chance for toboggan to
go over sides. This construction is never satis-
factory.
7. Having crossbars too far apart, making
vibration and strain on the bottom boards.
8. Allowing chute to become worn, causing the
toboggan to bump up and down.
Suggestions for Constructing a Toboggan Slide
A satisfactory slide may be built of planed
spruce boards in sections twelve feet long, each
length being in the shape of a trough. The inside
width of the trough should be twenty-two inches
at the lower end and twenty-four inches at the
upper. The sides should be twelve inches high with
a flare of four inches. Four 4x4 crossbars are
used to nail the boards together, each crossbar ex-
tending four inches beyond the bottom boards, to
which is nailed a bracket cut from the same size
of wood to hold the sides in place. The crossbar
on the upper trough is exactly at the end of the
boards ; at the lower end it is four inches from
the end. This allows the trough to lap four inches
into the other. The crossbars should be so placed
as to butt tightly against each other. The distance
between the crossbars is divided to equalize the
strength of the trough. All edges and corners are
planed off to prevent splinters, and a sharp look-
out must be kept on the edges. The troughs are
thoroughly nailed together, but no nailing is done
in putting the lengths together. They are simply
placed in position on the ground, beginning at the
lower end and fitting in each end toward the top,
leveling under the crossbars as the ground may
require. This chute will be found a very con-
venient size. The lengths are easily handled and
packed away, and they will last for several years.
The construction is so simple that it is inexpensive.
In order to have the chute in good running
order, the ice in it must be smooth and keen. It
is best prepared by filling the chute with snow
and beating it down firmly until a layer about two
inches thick is formed in the bottom. If the tem-
perature is favorable, this should be sprinkled
until it forms a keen icy surface. After a few
days' care and cold weather the condition of the
chute will improve. Should holes form in the ice
they may be patched with snow sprinkled until it
forms a slush and beaten smoothly into the holes.
Rules for Use
Cities which have constructed toboggan slides
are finding it necessary to issue rules for the use
of the slides. Manchester, New Hampshire,
which has two slides with three runways each,
built at a cost of about $2,400, uses the following
rules and regulations :
1. Weather permitting, this slide will be open
daily afternoon and evening until 10:30.
2. No person under 16 years of age will be
allowed to use this slide unless accompanied by
his parent.
3. No person will be allowed between the
electric light posts.
4. Only those who slide will be allowed on the
platform.
5. No one but the attendant will be allowed
to start any toboggan.
6. Only two persons will be allowed on a six
foot toboggan; four on an eight foot and only
six on any larger size toboggan.
Rentals
A limited number of 6 and 8 foot toboggans will
be for rental as follows :
1. 50c per hour or $1.00 per afternoon or
evening.
2. A deposit of $2.00 for an afternoon or
evening, or $5.00 for all day will be required in
all cases.
Clothing, bundles and other articles may be
checked at the coat room for lOc.
Private toboggans may be checked at the build-
ings for 75c per week.
SAMPLE TOBOGGAN COUPON
No. 1247
Manchester, N. H 1923
I HAVE THIS DAY received of the
Playground Commission One Toboggan
Number in good condition which
I agree to use carefully and return in
the same condition on the same day.
Name
Residence
A deposit of $ received
Rented at o'clock
Returned at
No. 1247
TOBOGGAN
COUPON
Upon return of
this coupon the
deposit will be
refunded.
SKATING
Many cities are trying to eliminate the dangers
connected with skating on rivers and ponds by
508
WINTER SPORTS
providing for the flooding of park areas, play-
grounds or vacant lots.
The method of constructing skating rinks sug-
gested here is submitted by J. R. Batchelor of the
Playground and Recreation Association of
America, who as former Superintendent of Rec-
reation in Duluth, had long experience in promot-
ing winter sports.
The Ground and Surface
The ground is naturally the first consideration.
The surface should be level, or as level as possible,
for the more the ground slopes, the longer it will
take to flood the area. It is as easy to make a
large rink as a small one. Sometimes, however,
by cutting off a foot or two a slope may be avoided
at the edge. The best surface is of clay, but on
most playgrounds there is a surface of gravel over
clay or some other foundation, and this is not
hard to freeze. Sand is the most difficult surface
to fre'eze as the water invariably soaks through be-
fore it freezes.
Batiks
The making of the bank is usually the process
which causes the most trouble. The best bank is
one which has been plowed up and tamped before
freezing weather comes. One furrow should be
plowed around the rink and the dirt packed down
with a spade or tamper to make it sufficiently
solid or prevent air holes through the bank. If
work is not started in time to do this plowing, a
board bank may be constructed of two-inch planks,
ten or twelve feet long, laid on edge after the
loose surface has been scraped to enable the plank
to rest on a solid foundation. The planks are laid
end to end around the rink ; 2 x 4 stakes about
three feet long are driven into the ground to the
depth of a foot at each intersection and nailed to
the planks. This prevents any moving of the
planks after they are laid. The dirt scraped from
under them should be tamped around the planks
at the bottom.
If a heavy snow storm should come before
these steps are taken it may be necessary to make
a snow bank. The farther north the location, the
easier it is to make a bank, but at the best these
banks are not very satisfactory, and more time
will be consumed in their making as the snow
must be entirely frozen through before any at-
tempt can be made to flood the surface of the
rink.
The Sprinkling and Freezing Process
After these steps have been completed, the rink
is ready for freezing. This process will take a
great deal of time, and it must not be hurried.
People very often make the mistake of forgetting
that water put on a bank or rink is much warmer
than the ice formed by a previous flooding. Rinks
should not be flooded except in extremely cold
weather when an attempt may be made to bring
the surface up to level after it has been thor-
oughly prepared. The best way to do this is to
use a regular garden hose without a nozzle spray,
spraying the bank particularly at its base. This
must be done night after night until the possibility
of leakage is past.
The surface should be frozen in the same man-
ner as the bank — that is, by starting the sprinkling
at the far end and working toward the water sup-
ply. This process should be repeated until the ice
is from two to four inches thick. If the water
then shows no sign of leaking through the bank,
an inner tube may be put on on an especially cold
night. The best method for this is to use a two-
inch hose or one of approximately that size, let-
ting it run at the farthest end of the rink and
drawing it toward the base of supply as the water
comes to you. A good hose to use is the Mill hose,
rubber inside and out, with regular hose coupling.
It is well to have the connection through a build-
ing with a valve on the inside. If the rink is too
large to flood in this way, a special line of pipe
may be laid along the edge of the rink below the
freezing line with two or three flooding valves
coming to the surface in a box about four feet
square, the shut-off cock being down in the
ground. This should be well protected from
freezing by manure.
The Shelter House
Where the weather is very cold it will be neces-
sary to have a warming house. The knock-down
type is very convenient and can be removed at
the end of the season. It should be large enough
to accommodate the attendance but not so large as
to encourage loafing. A house about twenty- four
feet long and twenty feet wide makes a good size.
A round oak stove in the center which will burn
either hard or soft coal makes a satisfactory heat-
ing plant.
The presence of a warming house makes super-
vision necessary. The workers selected to help
clean the rink should be able to care for this
supervision.
WINTER SPORTS
509
The Care of the Rink
If the rink is constantly used almost as much
ice will be shaved off during the day as was put
on the preceding night. This ice must be scraped
off before the rink is used and the process should
be repeated several times during the day. The
best scraper consists of sheet iron about four feet
long and three feet wide and is made like a dust
pan on runners, the edge being about eighteen
inches high at the back. The runners come from
about six inches from the front of the scraper
underneath along the bottom to the back and up
the outside of the back. This forms the handle
which is much like the handle of a wide baby car-
riage. Two men or boys can push it at once. It
is not necessary to sweep the rink as the water
will absorb what is left. Where there are holes
or cracks, a little hot water may be poured into
them. The sprinkling of the rink should be done
at the coldest time of the day. A good schedule of
hours of use is from 12 o'clock at noon to 6, and
from 6 to 10 p. m., when the final scraping is
done, the water sprinkled on and left to freeze all
night.
Lighting
A number of methods of lighting are used.
Many people prefer the flood lights placed where
they will cover the surface. Five hundred watt
lamps are used for this, as many as are needed
for the size of the rink. Good lighting effects
have been secured with a cable strung at inter-
vals of fifty feet across the rink with a string of
incandescent lights fastened to it.
Equipment for Games
In running races on a rink, boxes or barrels
are placed in each corner and a flag tacked above
each. The laps are determined by measuring
fifteen feet out from the boxes ; the distance
around is fixed by measuring around the rink
fifteen feet from the boxes. In conducting a race,
judges • should be placed at each corner to see
that the boxes are not touched.
For hockey a bank of four feet high should
be erected around the playing surface. Wherever
possible, it is well to have a separate rink where
hockey will be played exclusively, with banks
frozen into the ice.
Skating Games, Feature1 Events and Ice Sports
As soon as children and adults can skate, they
will enjoy playing easy games such as Tag, Crack
the Whip, impromptu races and relays, and shinny.
More advanced skaters can enter racing contests
and will enjoy playing hockey, baseball, volley
ball and basketball.
Feature Skating Events
Feature skating events are always popular.
These include feature races — hoops, wheelbarrow,
potato, obstacle, and jumping over two barrels
with running start.
Men and women together — skating in pairs,
judged for speed and form, or fancy skating;
Waltzing if there is a band ; girls' and men's relay
race in which man skates backward one lap, hands
a flag to girl who skates forward one lap to finish ;
snow shovel race in which man drags girl one-
half the distance, girl drags man one-half distance
to the finish ; necktie race in which girl helps man
put on necktie. He skates to a certain point and
back again and girl helps him off with the tie.
Ice Shuffle-Board
Ice shuffle-board is an excellent winter sport,
something like curling, but having some advan-
tages over that game. It requires neither ex-
pensive equipment nor the strength necessary to
wield heavy weights and may be played by women
as well as men. Further, it is a very simple game
to play. On a smooth piece of ice five circles are
marked out, having a common center, the inner-
most circle having a radius of 6 inches, and each
outer one a radius of 6 inches larger than that of
the circle next nearest the center. The spaces be-
tween the lines are numbered from one to five;
the highest number being at the center. From a
line twenty-five feet away round disks are pro-
pelled by long cues toward this target. The cues
are similar to those used in pool, but pointed sticks
may be used for the purpose. Disks may be easily
purchased or made of wood. The object of the
game is for each side to shoot its disks as near the
center of the circles as possible and to knock its
opponent's disks away. The game is generally
played by four people, two on each side, and there
are twelve disks giving each player three shots.
When all the disks have been played, each side is
credited with the number of points indicated by
the spaces in which the disks lie. Additional
rules in scoring may be adopted; for example,
one of the spaces between circles may be marked
"five off." This will add interest, for each side
must try to avoid that space and force its op-
ponents into it.
510
WINTER SPORTS
Skate Sailing, Ice Yachting and Ice Motoring
These sports are most exciting and help to sat-
isfy the popular demand for speed, but can be
enjoyed only where there is a big body of water
to freeze, such as a river, bay or lake. There is
this advantage in this type of sport that while the
equipment is very expensive to buy, the most suc-
cessful boat or sail is very often made by amateurs
and because of this fact more people are able to
indulge in these sports.
Skate sailing is the least expensive of the three
and one need not be an exceptionally expert skater
to enjoy it. The sail is made of duck or un-
bleached sheeting with a bamboo frame and varies
in size and shape according to the locality in
which it is used. It may be made for use of one
person only or for several, and is controlled by
means of ropes attached to the sail and the frame
on the same principle as a sail boat. It is much
less dangerous to carry your sail than to have it
fastened to your person and it is much easier to
"come about so."
Suggestions for Safe Skating
Where flooded park areas and vacant lots are
available it is better to skate on them, as they are
safer than the river.
It is inadvisable to skate on ice less than four
inches thick except on an artificial skating rink.
Salt water ice is always treacherous. No skating
should be attempted when spring melting sets in.
It is suggested that skaters on a river or pond
locate loose fence rails, a ladder, plank or a boat
hauled out for the winter and a rope. They may
be useful in case of accident.
If a skater should fall in, it is important to re-
member that the rescuer's weight-should be evenly
distributed — hence the use of planks. A hockey
stick fastened to a life line may be thrown out to
a person in the water. A life line around the res-
cuer may be paid out by others on the shore.
First aid for frost bite should be applied to the
rescued person. If the patient is unable to breathe,
artificial breathing- should be started by the prone
and pressure method.
SKIING
The following suggestions for the construction
of an amateur ski jump are offered by Fred H.
Harris, organizer of the Dartmouth Outing Club :
1 . Approach
2. Take-off
3. Alighting ground
4. Out-run
Jkppro&ch
Alighting Oroucd
30 Degreee Stoop
Dotted Line Indicates Flight of Jumpar
Select a hill or slope which faces other than
south. North or northeast is an ideal slope.
Approach should give all speed necessary.
Take-off should be level or sloping slightly down
hill, and angle from approach to it should be
gradual. Alighting ground should be 30 degrees
steep. Measure this accurately as it is important
in making successful jumps and safe ones. Take-
off can be made of piles of boughs covered with
snow, or entirely of snow or of planks covered
with snow. Take-off should be located back from
edge of steep slope.
Important ! Jumper should NEVER land from
take-off on LEVEL ground. Jumper must land
on the steep slope for safety.
The alighting ground at the foot of the hill
should gradually grow less steep until it merges
into a safe level out-run where jumper can swing
or stop.
If jumps of 50 feet are to be made the take-off
should be from three to four feet high. The
alighting ground should be about 100 feet long for
a 50 foot jump. The alighting ground should
have the snow packed moderately compactly.
A Program of Events
A program of events for a skiing contest may
include the following:
Hundred yard dash, ski or snow shoes
Two hundred and twenty yard dash, ski or snow
shoes
Four miles cross-country run, ski or snow shoes.
Obstacle race, ski or snow shoes
Relay race, ski or snow shoes
Ski proficiency contest :
(a) Telemark Swing to right and left,
Christiana Swing (to right and left))
(b) Letter S turns, turning first in one direc-
tion and then in the other
(c) Keeping within course marked by flags
(d) Snow ploughing
Ski jumping contest:
(a) For form and distance
(b) For distance only. See rules governing
ski jumping
WINTER SPORTS
511
WINTER FESTIVALS AND CARNIVALS
Skating, ice games and all the other activities
mentioned may be combined into a winter festival
or carnival which will be the culmination of a
season of winter sports.
Lighting
Lights and colors play an important part in
giving an atmosphere of festivity to a festival or
carnival. The following device, known as the
Light of a Thousand Candles, represents a novel
method of lighting:
Stain a number of jelly tumblers with different
colors and place candles inside. Make a bank of
snow around the ice rink, along the ski run, down
a coasting hill or street and spray snow with water
on a. cold day or night. Just before the snow
freezes into glare ice, insert the tumblers and let
the ice stiffen around them. Then light the candles
and the illumination from the glossy surface will
reveal a myriad of wonderful colors, turning the
surroundings into a fairyland.
Events for a One Day Festival
Two or three events may be run at the same
time in order to include all the typical sports.
The following program is suggested which may
be adapted to suit the hours at which adults can
conveniently come.
First Period: (a) Game — Junior hockey,
two twelve minute periods for boys from twelve
to fifteen years of age; (b) one-half mile skat-
ing race for girls from eleven to fourteen years.
Secand Period: (a) Game — Senior hockey,
two twelve minute periods for boys from sixteen to
twenty; (b) one-half mile skating race for girls
fourteen years old and over.
Third Period: (a) Game — Ice shuffle-board
for adult women (not on skates) ; (b) one-quarter
mile skating race for children from seven to ten
years.
Fourth Period: (a) Game — Snow battle with
fixed rules, two ten minute halves for adult men ;
(b) skating race one-half mile, thirteen to fifteen ;
(c) broad jump on skates with running start, best
out of three trials — for men.
Fifth' Period: (a) Snow men (or Eskimo vil-
lage) test for boys and girls under fourteen ; (b)
one mile championship skating race for boys and
girls sixteen years and over.
Sixth Period: (a) Game — Breaking the duck's
neck for boys twelve to fifteen years; (b) ob-
stacle race for men — jumping over a barrel; (c)
skating relay — man skates backward one lap,
hands a flag to girl who skates forward one lap
to finish.
Seventh Period: (a) Fancy skating, singles
for men; (b) for women.
Eighth Period: (a) Skating in pairs, judging
for speed and form; (b) fancy skating in pairs
for men and women.
When more than one event is run at a time
arrangements must be made for additional start-
ers and judges.
Events for an Evening Skating Carnival
An evening program involves an expenditure
for lighting, and a band. Where a winter festival
has become a natural community event business
men will frequently contribute funds and pro-
visions.
Lighting may in part be furnished by huge
bonfires around the skating space. Various groups
may bring the material for these bonfires and
build and tend them under the general super-
vision of a playground worker. For any large
public entertainment special police must be
assigned.
The events for an evening program should be
limited to adults. A proposed order of events
follows :
A parade of skaters in costume, each carrying
a lighted lantern, swing around the skating space.
Leaders wind them in and out of intricate fig-
ures. At a fete held recently in a Michigan city
only masked skaters were allowed on the rink for
an hour.
A three hundred yard dash for men ; a race
around the skating space for women
Skating in pairs judging for form and speed.
Fancy skating in singles for (a) men; (b)
women
Fancy skating in pairs ; waltzing.
Skating open to all
New York's Winter Sports Carnival. — Last
year, for the first time, the winter sports carnival
in New York was held in conjunction with the
Metropolitan outdoor skating championships un-
der the auspices of the Bureau of Recreation of
the Department of Parks. Central Park was the
scene of action ; January 25th the date.
So many entries were received that it was neces-
512
WINTER SPOR'IS
sary to hold all elimination and trial heats in the
morning and the semi-final and final races in the
afternoon. The carnival proper took place in the
afternoon.
Among the events were exhibitions of speed
skating, fancy skating, pair skating, waltzing, bar-
rel jumping, by every leading skater in the Metro-
politan district. There were events for the many
thousands of children who attend the park play-
grounds, and for novices.
The program was as follows :
220-yard Dash — Men and women
440-yard Dash — Men and women
880-yard Dash— Men
1-mile Race — Men
2-mile Race — Men
Juveniles — 220-yard Dash — Boys and girls, 12-
14 years
Juniors — 220-yard Dash — Boys and girls, 14-16
years
Juniors — 440-yard Dash — Boys and girls, 14-16
years
Intermediates — 880-yard Dash — Boys and girls,
16-18 years
Novice — 440-yard Dash — Women
Novice — 880-yard Dash — Men
Gold, silver and bronze medals were given for
each event.
In Spite of the Drought
(Continued from page 497)
which K. S. Ickes is Superintendent, cleaned the
debris out of the hole. There happened to be at
this location an artesian well and some plumbers
volunteered to connect the swimming pool to the
well.
Waco now has, at the very heart of the city, a
swimming pool free to the children of the com-
munity. The police matron takes charge of the
girls' swimming periods while officials from the
Working Boys' Club look after the boys' periods.
In the evolution of human industrial achieve-
ments our success has been so great as to inject
a new problem in our social affairs. While six-
teen hours a day fifty years ago was scarcely ade-
quate to produce the necessities of life, though the
requirements of those clays were meager com-
pared with today's extravagant demands, still
eight hours today threatens the production of
more than our distributive schemes will require.
This difference of time "is our problem, the added
leisure is already hazarding our morals. The so-
ciologist may have his answer, the moralist his :
We who are lovers of flowers should add our
contribution. — Dr. ]]'. 11. Upjohn.
SCOOTER RACE, PARIS, FRANCE
Christmas Plays for Young People
PLAYS FOR CHILDREN 10 TO 14 YEARS OF AGE —
MIXED CAST
(One or two older characters are necessary in
many of the plays.)
The Puppet Princess or The Heart That
Squeaked by Augusta Stevenson. Thirteen
speaking parts and several extras. The scene is
laid in the hall of the palace on Christmas Eve
long ago. Hans and Crete,! bring their puppets
to show to the King and Queen and little Prince.
The King is so entranced with the dance of the
puppet princess that he insists on buying her.
Little Gretel cannot bear to give her up and when
she is alone for a moment, she changes her to a
live princess. • Unfortunately, Gretel forgets to
change her heart, so the princess is terribly handi-
capped by a wooden heart which squeaks and
squeaks when she dances for the court. Through
her acts of kindness and the help of jolly Dr.
Goblin, a real heart is given to her, and joy and
Christmas spirit pervade the palace, when Santa
and his attendants come to distribute the gifts.
Published by Houghton, Mifflin Co., obtained
from the Drama Bookshop, 29 West 47th Street,
New York, price 50c, postage 5c.
On Christmas Eve by Constance D. Mackay.
A play in one act. Eleven characters. The little
girl, a lonely child, is sitting by the hearth on
Christmas Eve., waiting for her mother to come
from work. She is tremendously surprised by a
visit from "Wendy," who comes flying into the
room on her famous broomstick. Wendy plans
a splendid party for the little girl. It is attended
by Robinson Crusoe, the Snow Queen, the Bagdad
Traveler and ever so many other famous char-
acters. She forgets her loneliness and enjoys the
best party ever given to a little girl.
The Christmas Guest by Constance D. Mackay.
Seven characters. Six young people are gathered
around the hearth in the hall of a Sixteenth Cen
tury house. They have listened to the story of
the Christmas Angel, who visits one house each
year and are planning the gifts they will give to
her if she by chance comes to th'eir door. A
knock is heard and an old beggar woman enters.
The children are so sorry for her that they give
her all their gifts and suddenly realize that they
have nothing left to offer the angel should she
come. Then they see a great light and know
that the Christmas Angel has been with them
after all. Both plays are contained in "The House
of the Heart" by Constance Mackay, published
by Henry Holt & Co. Obtained from the Drama
Bookshop, 29 West 47th Street, New York,
$1.25, postage lOc.
Santa Clans Gets His Wish by Blanche Proc-
tor Fisher. A simple little play adapted to chil-
dren from 8 to 12 years of age. Eight characters
which include two imps, Santa Claus, Sand Man,
Wish Bone, Lollypop and Ice Cream Cone. Santa
Claus is sure that every child is dreaming of him
the night before Christmas. He is put to sleep
by the imps with sand stolen from the sandman,
and learns that the children are really dreaming
of lollypops and ice cream cones. Very bright
and easy to produce. An addition to any Christ-
mas program. Walter Baker & Co., 5 Hamilton
Place, Boston, Mass., price 25c.
The Holly Wreath by Emilie Blackmore Stapp
and Eleanor Cameron. About twenty characters,
more if desired. Simple woodland setting, one
act. Two little girls go out to the woods in search
of holly hoping with the bright green to bring a
bit of cheer to their poor home. They do not
find the holly, but through the magic power of
love, Christmas is brought to them in a most beau-
tiful manner. Walter Baker & Co., Hamilton
Place, Boston, Mass., price 30c.
The House Gnomes, by John Farrar. Eight
children and a father and mother. A play writ-
ten around a Christmas tree. The staid old dust
pan, broom, doormat, scissors, etc., come to life
in a most fascinating manner. This is included
in "The Magic Sea Shell," which also contains
six other children's plays. Published by George
H. Doran Co., obtained from the Drama Book-
shop, 29 West 47th Street, New York, price $1.50,
•lOc postage.
Jolly Plays for Holiday, a collection of Christ-
mas plays for children By C. Wells. Contents:
"The Day Before Christmas," 9 males, 8 females.
"A Substitute for Santa Claus," 5 males, 2
females. "Is Santa Claus a Fraud?" 17 males, 9
females and chorus. "The Greatest Day of the
Year," 7 males, 19 females. "Christmas Gifts of
All Nations, 3 males, 3 females and chorus. "The
Greatest Gift," 10 males, 11 females. Ample sug-
gestions for costuming and other details of stage
production are given. These plays are especially
adapted to small schools where the producing
facilities are limited. Walter Baker & Co., Hamil-
ton PI., Boston, Mass., price 75c.
513
514
CHRISTMAS PLAYS
SUITABLE FOR JUNIOR GROUPS
Chrissy in Christmas Land by Carolyn Wells.
18 characters. A simple and charming play tell-
ing in verse of how Chrissy overcame a selfish
notion about Christmas. Walter H. Baker, 41
Winter St., Boston, Mass., 25c.
The Christmas Jest, from A Child's Book of
Holiday Plays by Frances Gillespy Wickes. This
play can be given by twelve or fifteen boys or
girls and is arranged so they can be used inter-
changeably. It has three scenes, but any difficulty
arising in changing these scenes can be met by
staging the play against a background of curtains
or by using screens. It plays half an hour. The
costumes are elaborate and picturesque. The time
is mediaeval. Several ancient Christmas customs
are introduced. This book also contains several
other excellent plays. Macmillan Co., 66 Fifth
Ave., City, price 80c.
Christmas Tree Bluebird, The, by Mary S.
Edgar. Maeterlinck's "Bluebird" is the basis of
this play. The Story-Girl tells the story of it to
a group of girls who adventure forth and find
their Christmas happiness in bringing the "Blue-
bird" to some poor children. Simple to produce.
Does not require long preparation. 9 girls, 3
children, 5 brownies. Three scenes for which one
setting might be used with slight alterations.
Woman's Press, 600 Lexington Avenue, New
York, price 50c.
Mother Goose's Christmas Visit by Edith T.
Langley. This is a Christmas play with a few
songs introduced. The words and music of these
songs are included with the play. The characters
are the familiar Mother Goose characters. There
are five boys and seven girls. The costumes are
simple. The play lasts twenty minutes. Samuel
French, 25 West 45th Street, New York, price
30c.
Trouble in Santa Clous' Land by O. W. Glea-
son. A fantastic play with healthy fun and senti-
ment, a good frolic for school or Sunday school,
Walter Baker, 41 Winter Street, Boston, Mass.,
price 25c.
ADAPTABLE FOR HIGH SCHOOL GROUPS
Fiat Lux, a modern mystery in one act by
Faith Van Valkenburgh Vilas. Three men and
one woman. One interior setting. Azariah, the
unbeliever, regains his faith on Christmas Eve by
a miracle that shows him the purpose of suffering
and the lesson that comes from facing death
bravely. Christmas carols introduced. Samuel
French, 25 West 45th Street, New York City,
price 35c.
Why the Chimes Rang by Elizabeth McFadden.
4 men, 3 women, speaking parts and several
extras. Cast should include about twenty. A
mediaeval Christmas play in two scenes. Tells
the story of how a humble hearted gift out-
weighed all the rich gifts at Christmas time.
Samuel French, 25 West 45th Street, New York
City, price 35c. (Royalty where no admission is
charged $5.00. Where admission is charged
$10.00 for each performance.)
Suggestions for Christmas entertainments such
as Recitations, Pantomimes, Drills and Short
Drama may be found in the following books :
"Christmas Celebrations" — Edgar S. Werner
& Co., HE. 14th Street, City, price 60c paper,
$1.00 cloth.
"Christmas Entertainments" — Walter H. Baker,
price 35c.
"Holiday Entertainments," Perm Publishing
Co., Philadelphia, Pa., price 40c paper, 75c cloth.
COMMUNITY CHRISTMAS PAGEANTS AND
FESTIVALS
Christmasse in Merrie England by Mari Ruef
Hofer. A practical and charming Christmas cele-
bration introducing old English customs and songs
and a short masque in rhyme. From 30 to 80
young people my take part. Elizabethan costumes.
Published by Clayton F. Summy Co., 429 S.
Wabash Avenue, Chicago, 111., price 25c.
A Young People's Community Christmas by
Constance D. Mackay. A delightful entertain-
ment including Frost Fairies, Holly Berries, Snow
Flakes, Evergreen Elves, etc. Arranged for
young people and children only and is designed
so that the children of all faiths may take part.
Christmas songs are used throughout and the
costumes are exceedingly simple. Both of the
above mentioned productions are included in Miss
Mackay 's book "Patriotic Drama in Your Town"
published by Henry Holt & Co., obtained from
Drama Bookshop, 29 West 47th Street, New York
City, price $1.35, postage lOc.
Play space* for children is pay space, according
to Dr. Herman N. Bundesen, health commissioner
of Chicago. We are coming to be flat dwellers,
cooped in so many rooms at so much per. Every
available vacant lot, the normal paradise of the
youngsters, is sacrificed to building and more
building. Play space is necessary to the phys-
ical development of the young.
SNOWBALL CONTEST
515
Paterson Celebrates Christ-
mas
The history of the development of the Com-
munity Christmas Tree Celebrations in Paterson,
New Jersey, shows a growing community partici-
pation throughout the years.
The first community Christmas committee was
formed in December, 1913, when a group of in-
terested citizens met in the office of the mayor.
In December, 1915, a provision for permanent
organization was made by the following resolu-
tion:
Resolved, That in order to provide for per-
manency of organization, the Community Christ-
mas Tree Committee shall consist hereafter of
the following:
(1) The Mayor of Paterson and the City
Superintendent of Recreation,
(2) The president and secretary of the Cham-
ber of Commerce,
(3) Six business men to be appointed yearly
by the Mayor,
(4) A clerical representative from each church
body having three or more congregations ; these
to be selected by the said church bodies; also a
clerical representative-at-large to be appointed by
the President of the Paterson Ministerial Asso-
ciation, to represent church bodies having less than
three congregations.
(5) A women's group, similar to the business
men's group to be appointed yearly by the Mayor.
In December, 1924, the following action was
taken :
Resolved, ( 1 ) That the expenses of the tree be
met by voluntary subscription,
(2) That the Tenth Community Christmas
Tree be set up near the City Hall and that the
tree be lighted with electric lights, with a star
at the top,
(3) That the lighting of the tree take place on
Wednesday, December 24th ,at 4:30 P. M., fol-
lowed by a brief program, and that the tree con-
tinue lighted on Christmas Eve until midnight and
every night thereafter from 5 p. m. until lip. m.,
closing on New Year's night at midnight.
(4) That the following sub-committees be ap-
pointed by the chairman :
1. On Tree — to have charge of erecting, light-
ing and decorating the tree.
2. On Program — to have charge of program,
printing, speakers, music at the tree and publicity.
3. On Caroling — to have charge of singing and
caroling in various parts of the city in cooperation
with other agencies.
4. On Finance — to have charge of all bills, ex-
penses and subscriptions.
Snowball Contest
BY
H. P. BLAIR
Schenley High School, Pittsburgh
During the winter while the classes were out
on hikes it was difficult to curb the desire to throw
snowballs. Rather than to allow the boys to
throw promiscuously, we devised various snow-
ball contests. Care was taken not to choose a
time when the snow was too wet. One of the
most popular contests was throwing at moving
targets, the targets being boys.
A street was selected where there was no traffic.
The class formed in a front line of ranks of
threes (or fours) along the sidewalk, facing the
street. The members of each rank were num-
bered from one to three (or four). Each boy
was permitted to mold one snowball, which he
placed in front of him at his feet. When all
were prepared, the instructor would shout any
member from one to four. If he called number
two, all number twos would run to the opposite
side of the street with their heads down. The re-
maining members of the ranks would then pick up
their ammunition and attempt to hit number twos.
The number of hits made were recorded. After
each number group had been led out an equal
number of times the total number of hits against
each group was taken. The group having the
fewest hits recorded was pronounced the winner.
— (From Mind and Body, November, 1925.)
Civic Music Association. — The Twelfth An-
nual Report of the Chicago Music Association
tells a most interesting story of the development
of a many-sided program taking the form of chil-
dren's choruses, reaching their climax in an an-
nual festival of free artists' concerts held in a
number of the field houses of the city; of com-
munity singing on the municipal pier, and of a
civic orchestra giving concerts in school audi-
toriums and at Orchestra Hall.
These and many other activities of the Asso-
ciation, which are developing an appreciation of
music and an opportunity for participation, are
reaching thousands of people.
Report of the Recreation Committee of
the American Institute of Park !
Executives
A year ago the Recreation Committee of the
American Institute of Park Executives, of which
C. E. Brewer, Recreation Commissioner of De-
troit, is Chairman, made the effective area of the
playground the subject of its study. This year,
municipal athletics as one of the greatest problems
facing the recreation superintendents was given
to the attention of the committee.
"There is no more important department of
our work than this municipal athletic program,"
states the report. "It has in its foundation the
solution for many problems having to do with
character development. Of two of these great
problems facing the country today, the first is
that of scoffing at law. On every hand we find
the newspapers full of the conditions which are
prevalent in cities today. Law is held very
lightly and the problem is so serious that time
and thought must be given to it. The very foun-
dation of obedience to law has its beginning in
the obedience to rules. The first work of the
program of municipal athletics is to give train-
ing to boys and girls and the young people in
obedience to rules. Most of the violators of any
known law are men who do not recognize the
rules of the game and as long as we can bring a
very general training and education in obedience,
we are going to increase obedience to law.
"The second great problem facing our nation
is the question of organizations. America is
organized to death with all sorts of organizations
which have as their unconscious aim the dividing
of the community into groups and cliques. In
one city alone there are seventeen different na-
tional dinner clubs meeting. We are divided into
associations in this country in religion, in politics
and in all forms of civic life. The need today is
not for more organizations, to separate the com-
munity, but for an organization which will bring
the community into action as a unit. This again
has its very foundation in team play, in loyalty
to the team and in unselfishness and all these
characteristic athletics promote.
"At the present time there are various national
associations attempting to set up definitions of
conduct for athletes the country over. In actual
practice a great percentage of athletes are dis-
516
obeying the rules which have been established.
The committee, in an effort to find out from the
athletes themselves their opinion as to the value
of the present rules on amateur standing, sent a
secret ballot to a few cities to be distributed
among the athletes, asking them for an honest
opinion as well as for an honest statement of their
athletic history. The results were interesting.
"Of 3,000 ballots, there were 1,167 violations
of the amateur standing. The most flagrant viola-
tions were in baseball — 340, basket ball — 225, and
football — 183. In every case the supposed ama-
teur played as an amateur after he had profes-
sionalized himself. The ages of the violators
were between 16 and 23. The greatest violations
were for money consideration. Skating, tennis
and soccer seemed to be the cleanest. When
asked whether the athlete would be in favor of a
rule which would permit him to be a professional
in one branch of sport, but be an amateur in all
others, the answer was 184 'yes' and 39 'no.' ;
When asked whether the present amateur rules
had prevented professionalism, the vote was 60
'yes' to 157 'no.' When asked whether the rulei
would result in a more honest statement of
amateur standing, the answers were 192 'yes' and
26 'no.' From these results it was very evident
that the athletes themselves were not satisfied with *
the present amateur ratings and the rules govern-
ing them. It seems to the committee about time I
that these national bodies get together and make j
an attempt to secure a more honest conducting of
athletics.
"The big question which faces the municipal
departments, of course, is the fact that securing
money from tax funds, we cannot rule out any
athlete from participating in our program except
when such rules as we shall make divide the
sport into ages and other groups. It is therefore
necessary that we provide for the whole citizenry,
which includes the professional as well as the
amateur, and that as far as our municipal systems
are concerned they should be permitted to carry
on our program in a city-wide way without the
national association attempting to punish either
the professional or the amateur for so doing.
Having the advantage of trained leadership, we
TWENTY-FIVE YEARS OLD
517
feel that we can be relied upon to see to it that
no damage comes to the amateur athlete in his
competition against the professional."
Christy Matthewson
Crowds, radio fans and the boys have sucked
the honey from another great baseball series.
During these days we have all injected curves
and lusty smashes into our vista of world news,
showing thus how firm a nucleus for our thoughts
and emotions is afforded by the national game.
And yet there came also the sudden, saddening
report that one of the supreme gentlemen of sport
had died, leaving to the world a fine memory and
at least a momentary heartache. Christy Matthew-
son was, of course, a wonderful pitcher — no other
man probably has ever brought a President of the
United States half way across the continent to a
seat at a crucial game; and certainly no other
pitcher ever loomed so majestically in young
minds, quite overshadowing George Washington
and his cherry tree or even that transcendent
model of boyhood, Frank Merriwell. Yet "Big
Six" was very much more than an illustration of
diamond craft.
"\Yith straightforward, manly character he en-
tered the lists of sport a gentleman, and came out
a deserving hero. There was about him no flash,
no scandal, no cheap clamor for notoriety. One
had a securely comfortable feeling that Matthew-
son would not betray the trust of his position and
uncover flaws over which the cheap journals could
grin and sentimentalize. During the years fol-
lowing his war experience, when it became more
and more evident that gas had weakened his con-
stitution beyond recovery, there was no attempt
to capitalize upon his record, but merely a simple
resignation to the circumstances and a brave battle
with death. Such men have a very real value
above and beyond the achievements of brawn and
sporting skill. They realize and typify, in a fash-
ion, the ideal of sport — clean power in the hands
of a clean and vigorous personality, a courage that
has been earned in combat, and a sense of honor
which metes out justice to opponents and spurns
those victories that have not been earned. — Edi-
torial from The Commonweal, October 21, 1925.
Fifty-four baseball teams used the playgrounds
of Springfield, Illinois, during the summer of
1925, the first season after the establishment of
a year-round recreation system in this city.
Twenty- Five Years Old
On October 5th-9th the Philadelphia Public
Schools celebrated the twenty-fifth anniversary
of the establishment of .organized athletics in the
schools.
The occasion was celebrated not only by the
opening of the Leagues but by a city-wide Color
Contest during the week in elementary and
junior high schools. All regular physical educa-
tion periods as well as all organized play periods
before or after school and at recess were devoted
entirely to organized games and athletic contests.
The city colors (blue and gold) were substituted
for the school colors and for each game contested
the winning color was credited with one point.
In order to count in the score, a game had to
be of at least ten minutes' duration. The scores
were totaled daily and announced to the school
each morning during the week. A school score
of Blue 38, Gold 23 indicated that 61 games had
been played on a specific day in a school. Mimeo-
graphed sheets were issued for recording the score
and on the final day, October 10th, the score for
the week was announced.
The following table of elementary school Field
Day records gives team averages for 1910 and
1925 and shows the improvement made in these
events during a fifteen year period :
Standing Broad
Jump
Sr. Boys 1910—6.4 ft.
1925—8.16 "
Jr. Boys 1910—5.95 "
1925—7.36 "
Sr. Girls 1910—5.5 "
1925—7.11 "
Jr. Girls 1910—5.75 "
1925—6.48 "
Ball Throw
(Overload)
29 ft.
46
23
39
24
38
16
34
100 Yard
Dash
13.8 sec.
12.2
14.8
13.3
16.2
14.2
16.5
14.5
Books for Children. — Macmillan Company
announces the appearance of four books for chil-
dren, published in England, each containing many
attractive illustrations. In Tales of Long Ago,
Dick Whittington, King Alfred, Gulliver and
many other well known and beloved characters
are introduced to the children. Tales of Far-
Away is full of facts told most interestingly of life
in different countries. Tales from Animal Land
make fascinating reading for the boy and girl with
special pets, while Tales of the Countryside are
full of interest to both boys and girls. Price of
each book is 50 cents.
518
THE EVOLUTION OF A SWIMMING POOL
Sandow the Strong Man
The death of Eugene Sandow at the compara-
tively early age of 58 is not necessarily to be put
to the discredit of the system of physical training
which his fame as the strongest man in the world
made rather fashionable. Even if in his own case
death, ascribed to the bursting of a blood vessel in
the brain, was the result of excessive exertion, it
does not follow that disciples who followed his
system without trying to duplicate his feats were
incurring any serious risk. Even in his case it is
hard to strike a balance, since he was frail and
sickly in youth, and the exercises which he car-
ried too far were originally undertaken to restore
his health and may have had that effect.
None the less the drift of physical education
has been away from the ideal set by this strong
man and his predecessors in the same field. For
the maintenance of health to an advanced age
medical science is inclined to recommend only
what may be called normal strength, the strength
that goes with a wholesome life, with due atten-
tion to games and athletics, but which is not the
product of systematic and prolonged efforts to
build up huge muscles. Admiration for strength
is so general that it is not surprising that revivals
of physical culture after long neglect are apt to
overstress this feature. It was so with the Turn-
verein movement promoted by the German pa-
triot, Jahn, in the Napoleonic era, and to some
extent it was so with the beginnings of physical
culture in this country after the Civil War.
Such beginnings naturally put great emphasis
on the gymnasium and its ingenious apparatus
for quickly strengthening neglected muscles so
that in a few weeks or months the beginner who
is patient of routine can perform surprising feats.
The gymnasium has even increased in importance
since then, but it is made to serve the needs of a
more rational ideal of training, and the admira-
tion which the amazing exploits of champions like
Sandow used to evoke has declined as the younger
generation took great golfers and tennis players as
their exemplars. It is a familiar fact that ex-
cessive strength, the strength, that is, which is
due to the building of an abnormal muscular tis-
sue, is apt to be a real handicap in most of the
fields of physical competition. When the "strong
man" has shown how much he can lift and has
emulated Samson in manhandling a lion, he has
about come to the end of his box of tricks. Bend-
ing coins with the fingers and twisting horseshoes
with the hands are good parlor tricks, but as com-
pared with a dazzling backhand return at tennis
or par golf, they leave the younger generation
cold.
It is just as well. The natural physical strength
which comes from heredity, good nutrition and
reasonable bodily activity is an enviable gift, and
those who are for any reason deficient do well to
try to bring themselves up to a reasonable stand-
ard and to keep it. For the rest displays of phe-
nomenal strength may well be left to Nature's
strong men, like Jack London's hero in Burning
Daylight, and to an occasional professional strong
man like Sandow. Full credit may be given for
what he made of himself without holding him up
as an example of general imitation. — (From the
Springfield Union, October 15, 1925.)
A Swimming Pool
The section of Pennsylvania in which the town
of Tamaqua is located has practically no streams
of water which are not polluted by the wash from
the mines. Swimming is, therefore, out of the
question and Tamaqua was without a swimming
hole until the American Legion had a vision of the
possibilities which lay in a tiny mountain stream
flowing down a narrow valley at one edge of the
town, widening into a small pool a few feet in
diameter. This little stream, having its source in
a mountain spring, is pure, and by the time it
reaches the end of the valley is fairly warm.
The American Legion saw in this pool and the
surrounding area the beginning of a real play
center for the town. Having little money to invest
they called on volunteers. With the expenditure
of a few hundred dollars and a maximum amount
of volunteer effort the basin of the pool was
greatly enlarged and a cement dam built. The
School Board donated some playground equij
ment, a brick oven and tables for picnickers were
installed, toilet facilities added, tents supplied for
temporary dressing rooms and the result has beer
the most popular spot in Tamaqua. Nearly all oi
the materials used in the erection of the equi]
ment including the seats scattered about the
ground, were donated by business houses or indi-
viduals of the town. The average attendance is
at least 350 a day and on Sundays 500 people come
to the pool. Mute testimony of what this spc
has meant to the citizens of Tamaqua during the
past summer is evidenced by the paths which have
been worn down the hills and up the valley fror
every side.
Mother Nature's Invitation
Professor W. E. Vinal has consented to con-
duct a page dealing with nature activities in THE
PLAYGROUND each month. This first contribution,
from a colleague in Syracuse, will be very timely
for those participating in the Harmon Award
Contest.
ORNAMENTAL PLANTING FOR PLAYGROUNDS
BY
ALAN F. ARNOLD,
Landscape Architect
Xcw York State College of Forestry,
Syracuse University
The sharp distinction there is today in the
minds of many persons between the useful and
the beautiful is largely the product of the nine-
teenth century — a result of the industrial develop-
ment that has given us so many crowded cities.
This industrial development and its consequent
crowding of populations finally forced the adop-
tion of certain measures to counteract some of
the evils they created and are thus, indirectly at
least, responsible for the development of the play-
ground idea. Extreme industrial development is
also the cause of the attempt to make most of
the fine arts play a more important part in our
lives. But there has been little attempt appar-
ently to bring these things together ; in other
words, to make our playgrounds beautiful. It
seems to be taken for granted that inasmuch as
the prime idea of a playground is to be practical
and efficient, there is no place in it for beauty.
Making a playground beautiful is, perhaps, no
easy matter, at least as far as growing plants in
city playgrounds is concerned. In very small
communities or in grounds consisting simply of
apparatus set up in a park, a pleasing appearance
can easily be obtained through the use of grass,
shrubs and trees. An effect of just the same sort,
which is generally informal, cannot often be had
in an organized playground in a large city, but
let us take a hint from places of this character and
attempt to get something of their attractiveness
in playgrounds even in the most crowded sections.
One of the chief troubles lies in not having land
enough and this brings us back to the fact that
there is no thought of planning for beauty from
the start. It may be too late to remedy this in
the cases of already established playgrounds, but
when it is a question of developing new ones it
cannot be too strongly urged upon Park, Play-
ground and School Boards that an extra bit of
land is worth acquiring for the definite purpose of
providing some greenery, bloom and shade.
There is, of course, the possibility of providing
this extra land and then, through pressure for
more play space, of having it turned into a play-
ground. With careful planning for future growth,
however, it should be possible in many instances
where new play spaces are being established, to
preserve this extra land permanently.
The opportunities for planting in a playground
would be, for the most part, at the sides of the
area, in spots adjoining shelters, or other struc-
tures and as dividing lines between different sec-
tions of the playground. A strip of eight feet
around the edge of a playground allows of plant-
ing a border of trees and shrubs that would be
O
very satisfactory in sheltering the playground
and in taking away the bare, unfinished look that
is so common. Even if it were impracticable to
have shrubs, a row of trees would interfere little
with play and a covering of vines on the fences
would largely take the place of shrubs. Vines
can, of course, well be used on shelters and winter
buildings. Trees can be grown in a playground
area even when there is no grass ; they should
thrive better than in city streets. Trees with a
habit that will not interfere with play nor give
such dense shade as to prevent the playground dry-
ing out might well be scattered through a play-
ground or arranged in rows according to the gen-
eral scheme of development. Flowers, being
easily injured and tempting to pick, requiring
some care and being effective for only a short
time, would hardly seem to have a place in play-
ground planting except where actual gardens for
the children are provided.
The idea of beautifying playgrounds is, to most
persons, nothing but the provision of some plant-
ing. It is probably true that plants will be our
main reliance, but we should not overlook the
fact that everything in it tends to make or mar
the appearance of a playground. Beauty will come
not only from planting but also from such things
as fences of a pleasing appearance, concrete work
neatly done, a surface of an attractive color and
similar considerations.
519
520
ORNAMENTAL PLANTING
It would seem as though we in America were in
no danger of paying too little attention to the
health of the younger generation. At the same
time, there are many who believe it very important
that efforts be made to teach children that
beauty is something both essential and altogether
natural. If children are to learn this, it seems
associating beauty with their everyday work and
play. One place in which this might well be done
is our playgrounds.
The following list includes a number of trees,
shrubs and vines that should be satisfactory for
playground planting. The choice of plants must
depend on the soil, surroundings, type of play-
ground, general scheme of its development and
similar factors, and many cases may arise where
some of these plants would not be as suitable as
others not on the list. The list is for the north-
eastern part of the country.
TREES
Ulmus americana — American Elm. Having to
spray it may make this tree less desirable but its
form, rapid growth and long life make it one
of the best trees for the purpose.
Gleditsia triacanthos inermis — Thornless Hone-
locust. A tall tree giving light shade, which grows
quickly and is very free from insect pests.
Celtis occidentalis — Hackberry. A medium
sized tree with a broad top — not long lived but
will thrive in rather dry soil.
Platanus acerifolia — London Planetree. A
large tree of fine appearance and easily grown. It
should not be used in the coldest parts of the
country.
Quercus rubra — Red Oak. Will eventually
make a large, broad tree; grows fairly quickly
and is not particular as to soil or exposure.
Juniperus virginiana — Red Cedar. An ever-
green of narrow form, excellent for planting along
fences or buildings and in with shrubs. Would
be for ornament rather than use.
Thuja occidentalia — American Arborvitse. An
evergreen similar to the preceding but thriving in
wet or heavy soil, whereas the red cedar does
well in dry or gravelly ground.
Koelreutia paniculata — Goldenrain-tree. A
very small tree, short lived, with nice foliage,
quick growing and useful in dry soils. Could be
used in conjunction with shrubs.
Crataegus cordata — Washington Thorn. A
small tree which may be put in the background
of shrubs, near buildings, where some height to
the planting is desired. Very ornamental in
flower and fruit.
SHRUBS
Acanthopanax pentaphyllum. Of medium
height with prickly stems and inconspicuous flow-
ers. Good for its nice habit and foliage.
Berberis amurensis japonica — Hakodate Bar-
berry. A medium sized, dense barberry, very
shapely, with handsome foliage and fruit. Makes
a nice hedge.
Berberis thunbergi — Japanese Barberry. One
of the commonest ornamental shrubs and very
good where a low, hardy shrub is wanted. Its
thorns make it good for protective purposes.
Physocarpus opulifolius — Common Ninebark.
A native shrub growing to eight or ten feet in
height, easily grown and a good all-round plant.
Rhodotypos kerrioides — Jetbead. Grows to be
four or five feet tall and is good where a large
shrub is not wanted ; has nice foliage and flowers.
Cornus mas — Cornelian-cherry. A very large
shrub with excellent foliage ; very desirable where
a screen of foliage is wanted.
Ligustrum ibota — Ibota Privet. A broad, dense
shrub. Its hardiness, ability to grow most any-
where and good foliage make it a valuable plant.
Ligustrum vulgare — European Privet. Will
make a taller plant than the preceding. It has
excellent foliage, which lasts late in the fall and
stands city smoke and dust well.
Caragana arborescens — Siberian Pea-tree. Not
an especially good shrub for foliage, but is very
hardy, will stand some dryness in the soil and is
attractive when in bloom.
VINES
Lonicera japonica — Japanese Honeysuckle. A
twining vine which grows quickly and makes a
fine mass of clean foliage which lasts well in the
fall.
Clematis paniculata — Sweet Autumn Clematis.
Of similar character to the preceding, being fast
growing and with excellent foliage. It is hand-
some when in bloom in the fall.
Ampelopsis tricuspidata — Japanese Creeper.
This is often called Boston Ivy. It clings to
brick, wood and like material, and will spread
over a large surface.
Euonymus radicans vegetus — Bigleaf Winter-
creeper. Will attach itself to walls as will Japa-
nese Creeper preceding. It is an evergreen vine
and desirable on that account ; it is not especially
easy to grow, however, nor does it grow fast.
THE PROBLEM COLUMN
521
The Problem Column
Is RECREATION MORE EFFICIENTLY ADMINIS-
TERED BY SCHOOL BOARDS THAN BY
OTHER BOARDS?
I have read with a great deal of interest the
introductory statement in the pamphlet, The
School as the People's Clubhouse, recently issued
by the Bureau of Education of the United States
Department of the Interior. The broad statement
that the administration of the social center and
play movement should be in the hands of the
school authorities, and that recreation is more effi-
ciently administered by school boards than by
other boards, should be challenged.
That statement does not take into consideration
the broad meaning of public recreation. A pub-
lic recreation system is one involving a program
of activities which under a coordinated adminis-
tration of all available public and private facili-
ties provides clean, wholesome recreation for all
the people of the community under the direction
of competent leadership. A recreation system
must be non-partisan, non-sectarian and non-in-
stitutional.
It is a question whether the school authorities
can combine all public and private facilities un-
der their control. School boards are generally
elected at the polls or appointed by elected pub-
lic officials. Hence, there is at the beginning an
influence of partisanship. Private agencies are
jealous of school authority and there is little like-
lihood of the parochial interests subjecting their
property to the control of a school board. Other
public departments, unless it is mandatory by law,
are extremely jealous of permitting another pub-
lic department to interfere with their property or
work. Inter-departmental jealousies are difficult
to overcome unless there is a central clearing
agency, created by law, with a definite policy re-
garding the use of all public and private recrea-
tional facilities.
The efficiency of a recreation system depends
upon the executive in charge of the work and the
assertion in the pamphlet that recreation is more
efficiently administered by school board than by
other boards is not borne out by facts. Recreation
under school boards is, except in rare instances,
not given any more consideration, and in most
cases less consideration, than the Departments of
Domestic Science or Manual Training. Appro-
priations for recreation work are bitterly fought
by minor department heads in a school system who
want larger appropriations for their own depart-
ments. If the school budget is cut, the recreation
work is the first and most severe sufferer.
School principals and janitors are very much
opposed to recreation in school buildings, for it
means more work for them. School teachers,
steeped in theory, school discipline and strict rou-
tine, rarely make successful recreation workers
because they fail to grasp the real play spirit,
nor are they trained in dealing with adult play.
In the opinion of a noted educator, school teach-
ers are "tired out" at the close of the school day
and are not in a fit condition, either mentally or
physically, to work on a playground or at a com-
munity center. Recreation is more than "mere
fun" with children.
School buildings should be fully used for recre-
ation purposes, and the building of separate rec-
reation buildings when school facilities can be
used, is not advocated. School facilities can be
more efficiently used if the recreation workers
are under a separate department, because the
workers are more apt to be selected for their per-
sonality and experience in recreation work than
for the academic degrees which the applicant may
hold.
The efficient administration of a recreation sys-
tem is dependent upon the executive in charge of
the work and not upon the board of control.
Separate boards of control have been, as a rule,
more successful in getting big successful adminis-
trators than school boards, which generally have
minor department heads in charge of their phy-
sical education and recreation departments. Rou-
tine methods cannot be applied to recreation work,
and the spontaneity of expression of the partici-
pant, or the initiative of the recreation worker,
cannot thrive under the routine form of control
of most school boards.
Some cities which formerly had school board
control of recreation facilities have changed to a
separate board of control. They have worked
much more efficiently. Most of the old established
systems in the East which were formerly under
school board control, are now separate. School
boards of most cities have refused for many years
the use of school buildings to the public, and now,
as separate boards have made recreation work so
successful, some boards have realized their mis-
take and are taking over a work already success-
fully organized. It is a rarity for a school board
to do pioneer work in any city. They generally
take over the work after other boards have made
it successful. The fact that 57 school playgrounds
522
A BIG SUMMER IN BASEBALL
of a recreation organization in Chicago were re-
cently placed under the school board control when
the Chicago Board of Education created a Recre-
ation Department, does not signify that the con-
trol of other boards is unsuccessful. The Chi-
cago Board of Education for a long time persist-
ently refused the people the use of their buildings
as recreation centers.
It is significant that in practically every one
of 1,000 cities in the United States, school boards
have jurisdiction of the school, but in less than
125 cities do they recognize the need of recreation
for all the people of the community, and have
created recreation departments in their system. It
is also significant that in most cities where the law
makes it mandatory for the school boards to let
the people use the school buildings, such a high
fee for the use of the building is charged that it
is almost prohibitive to the majority of the tax-
payers. In only 229 of 711 cities reporting to
the Playground Recreation Association of Amer-
ica on recreation work were school buildings used
for public recreation purposes and only 127 of the
711 cities have school boards in control of recre-
ation.
If the administration of school boards is more
efficient than other boards, why hasn't the number
of cities having school control of recreation in-
creased more rapidly? Statistics given in the
Year Book of the Playground Recreation Asso-
ciation of America show that the percentage of
cities having school board control is decreasing.
In 1923, 20% of the cities reporting had school
board control; in 1924, it had 18%, and in 1925,
only 17% of the cities reporting had school board
control.
The pamphlet states in one place — "School con-
trol of recreational activities means municip«i
economy," and in another paragraph, — "A city to
be thoroughly served should have a playground
within one-quarter mile of every child." Since
the radius of many school districts is more than
one-half mile, it may be necessary to purchase
sites separate from school buildings." It cannot
be shown that it is cheaper for a school board to
buy property than any other city department. If
it is necessary for a school board to buy other
playground sites and erect buildings for toilets,
storage, etc., I can see no economy and still main-
tain that a separate recreation agency created by
law, which gives them the right to use all school,
park and other public or private property for
recreation purposes, is more permanent, efficient
and will keep recreation more constantly before
the public than the school form of control, pro-
vided the proper executive is secured. It is just
as easy for a separate board of control to secure
the proper executive as a school board.
Furthermore, school employees' salaries are
usually higher than recreation workers'; hence, it
is more expensive for school boards to maintain
separate teaching staff of recreation workers than
it is for other forms of control.
Separate boards of control are constantly mak-
ing wider use of the school plant with no detri-
mental effects to the main purpose of the school
education. Their success in efficiently using the
school plant for recreation purposes is resulting in
the appropriation of large sums of money for
many new school buildings with recreation and
community center facilities. — C. E. Brewer. Com-
missioner of Recreation, Detroit. Michigan.
Big Summer in Amateur
Baseball
BY
E. W. JOHNSON
Superintendent of Playgrounds, St. Paul.
Minnesota
One of the most prosperous seasons in the his-
tory of amateur baseball organization has just
closed. There were eighteen teams playing in
the Parochial School League, twelve teams in
the Young Men's Christian Association leagues,
ten teams in the Mercantile and ten teams in the
Commercial Leagues which are representative
of industrial and commercial firms in the city,
eight teams in the City League, eighteen teams
in the Gopher Divisions which is made up of
boys nineteen years of age and under, and eight
teams in the Capitol League which consists of
boys seventeen years of age and under. This is
the baseball story in the City of St. Paul for the
season just closed.
This has been a banner year both in interest
and in quality of games played. Every division
worked up through to its own championship then
into the finals, finishing the season on September
20th. The final game was between the Armour
& Company team, an industrial firm, and the
Arcade Bowling Alleys, champions of the City
or Sunday league. The result was 9 to 3 in
favor of the Armours.
In 1924 the Pioneer Press and Dispatch, one
A BIG SUMMER IN BASEBALL
523
of our large daily papers in St. Paul, started pro-
paganda for a state baseball tournament which
•was to include the champions of all leagues play-
ing in the State of Minnesota. Last year five
leagues were represented and played through a
very successful tournament. This year with thir-
teen leagues in the state, nine were represented in
the tournament which started September 23rd and
finished on September 29th. The tournament
was to have finished on the 27th but rain inter-
fered and the tournament had to be continued
until the finals were played.
This tournament gave promise for the future
of developing into one of the biggest things in
amateur baseball and the progress and continu-
ance of amateur baseball in the country. The
games were close, exciting and well played, and
the players all through displayed the very best
kind of sportsmanship.
The Dispatch-Pioneer Press presented the
champion White Bear team of the Inter-State
League with a magnificent trophy which stands
30 inches in height, properly engraved, and fur-
nished the park for the teams. The umpires were
furnished by the Northwest Umpires' Associa-
tion and showed that they were masters of the
game. The expenses such as balls, umpires and
caretakers of the park were deducted from the
gross receipts of each day and the balance was
divided pro rata among the teams according to
the number of games played in the tournament.
This arrangement was made between the league
presidents themselves and proved to be very
satisfactory.
In two or three years with the continued in-
terest all travelling and housing expenses of visit-
ing teams can be guaranteed in this tournament,
and this undoubtedly will be a boon to bolster up
the fast fading baseball game.
The officials handling the tournament were : Al
Luger, President of the Inter-State League,
Chairman; J..M. Brennan of the Eastern Minne-
sota League, Vice-Chairman ; and E. W. John-
son, Superintendent of Playgrounds, Secretary.
This committee worked in conjunction with the
officials promoting the tournament.
Because Berwyn, Illinois, had no public library
the Recreation Board housed the library for the
community for two years in the Community
House.
Playground
A p par at us
TRACK
MARK
Gymnasium
A p par at us
Half -a- Hundred
Years of Service
In that period of time
Spalding-made goods have
been and still are the choice of
the vast majority of America's
colleges and schools for the
equipment of their various
teams, also of Y. M. C. A.'s,
fraternal and other organiza-
tions.
The gymnasiums of many of
the leading universities, col-
leges, preparatory and high
schools have been Spalding-
equipped.
First in the field of play-
ground equipment, Spalding
superiority in the manufacture
of safe, strong, durable appa-
ratus remains unchallenged.
Quality is embodied in every
article of Spalding make.
Gymnasium and Playground Contract Dept.
Chicopee, Mass.
Stores in All Large Cities
Please mention THE PLAYGROUND when writing to advertisers
524
BOOK REVIEWS
HOW TO USE THE VACANT LOT
Attractively decorated horseshoe courts of the Columbus (Indiana) Horseshoe Club.
DIAMOND OFFICIAL HORSESHOES
Conform exactly to regulations of the National Horseshoe
Pitchers Association.
Drop forged from tough steel and heat treated so that they
will not chip or break. Cheap shoes which nick and splinter are
dangerous to the hands.
One set consists of four shoes, two painted white aluminum
and two painted gold bronze, each pair packed neatly in a
pasteboard box.
Diamond Official Stake Holder and Stake
For outdoor as well as indoor pitching. Holder drilled at
an angle to hold stake at correct angle of slope toward pitcher.
Best materials, painted with rust-proof paint underground,
white aluminum paint for the ten inches above ground.
Write for Catalog and Rule* of the Game
DIAMOND CALK HORSESHOE CO.
4610 Grand Ave., Duluth, Minn.
DIAMOND STAKES AND
STAKEHOLDERS
DIAMOND OFFICIAL — Made In welghU
Ibs.. 2 Ibs. 5 oz., -I Ibs. 6 oz.. 2 Ibs. 7 oz..
2tt Ibs.
!•! \Mo\D JUNIOR.— For Ladles and Children.
Made in weights. 1 's Ibs.. 1 Ib. 9 oz.. 1 Ib.
10 oz.. 1 Ib. 11 oz.. 1% Ibs.
Book Reviews
RURAL PLANNING — THE VILLAGE. Farmers' Bulletin No.
1441. U. S. Department of Agriculture. Govern-
ment Printing Office, Washington, D. C. $.10.
In this the latest bulletin issued by the U. S. Depart-
ment of Agriculture information is given regarding vil-
lage planning in all its phases — the initiating group, the
cooperation necessary, the cost of financing and the
difficulties encountered. Some of these questions are
answered by the descriptions which are given of what
has been done in numerous villages in many states.
Many illustrations add to the value of the pamphlet.
MUNICIPAL PLANNING, PARK AND ART ADMINISTRATION
IN AMERICAN CITIES. Collated from replies to ques-
tionnaire sent out by the American Civic Association.
Published by the American Civic Association, 905-7
Union Trust Building, Washington, D. C. Price,
50 cents
This report is divided into two sections: (1) Cities
Having Population over 30,000 and (2) Cities Having
Population under 30,000. Under each city there is a
brief paragraph giving facts concerning the following
six headings : City Planning Commission, Zoning Com-
mission, Regional Plan Commission, Art Commission,
Park Department, and Playgrounds. Over 200 cities are
listed.
OFFICIAL HANDBOOK ON ATHLETICS FOR GIRLS AND
WOMEN. (Spalding's "Red Cover" Series No. 115R).
Prepared by the Committee on Women's Athletics
of the American Physical Education Association.
American Sports Publishing Company, New York.
Price, 25c
Here is a book which recreation workers, physical
directors, athletic coaches and others are looking for
each year with increasing interest and with a growing
conviction that the standards set up by the Committee
and endo sed by the Women's Division of the National
Amateur Federation will mark a new epoch in athletics
for girls and women.
In this year's edition of the book will be found new
and improved sections of track and field activities, swim-
ming and soccer.
MUNICIPAL AID TO Music IN AMERICA. By Kenneth S.
Clark. Published by National Bureau for the Ad-
vancement of Music, 45 West 45th Street, New
York City.
The National Bureau for the Advancement of Music
in conducting this comprehensive study of community
music has performed a real service in giving the public
a picture of the development of the municipal music
movement and in pointing out the possibility that lies in
this attempt to put good music within the reach of all
the people and to make it possible for them to become
sharers in the making of music.
Our Inheritance from Europe and the Origin of the
Present Movement are first discussed. This is followed
by a chapter giving definite suggestions on how to start
the movement. A section on Permissive Legislation
gives much interesting and little known information re-
garding existing laws making it possible for municipali-
ties to appropriate funds for music.
In the Analysis of the Survey, Some Typical Music
Systems and Extracts from Local Reports is presented
a wealth of information on what cities are actually doing
to provide music.
The price of this publication is $1.50 to readers of THE
PLAYGROUND until January 1st, 1926: after that, $2.00.
Please mention THE PLAYGROUND when writing to advertisers
BOOK REVIEWS
525
THE SECOND BOOK OF THE GRAMOPHONE RECORD. By
Percy A. Scholes. Published by the Oxford Uni-
versity Press, New York City.
Tin's hook, a companion piece to the First Hook of the
Gramophone Record, which treats of the music from
Byrd tu Befethoven, contains notes upon the music of
fifty good records from Schubert to Stravinsky. In it
technical knowledge is given in language that the layman
can understand. There are, in addition to a description
of the music, translations of the words of any songs in-
cluded and a glossary of all necessary technical terms.
THE BOOK OF AMERICAN NEGRO SPIRITUALS. Edited
with an Introduction by James Weldon Johnson,
Musical Arrangements by J. Rosamund Johnson.
Additional Numbers by Lawrence Brown. Published
by The Viking Press, New York. Price $3.50
The growing popularity of Negro spirituals and the
increasing appreciation of their beauty and dignity as a
form of artistic expression, finally found permanent ex-
pression in this book which contains within its covers
some of the most important contributions of the Negro
to the music of America. There are over sixty songs
with words and music arranged for piano and voice. In
addition to the old favorites are a number which have
never before been set down. Not the least interesting
feature of this fascinating book is Mr. Johnson's illumi-
nating introduction, in which he writes a romantic chapter
in the history of Negro development and interprets the
origin, growth and significance of the Negro spiritual.
TUNES AND RUNES for the Schoolroom by Alice C. D.
Riley and Dorothy Riley Brown. Published by the
Clayton F. Summy Co., 429 So. Wabash Avenue,
Chicago, Illinois. Price 75c
A very attractive collection of simple songs for chil-
dren. The words are most appealing and the music
delightful, lacking entirely the monotony of the usual
intervals so often found in children's songs. A number
of the selections have French words as well as English.
The collection would be suitable for many occasions.
HAPPY HOLIDAYS by Frances G. Wickes. Published by
Rand, McNally & Co., Chicago, Illinois. Price, 90c
This book contains a collection of suitable stories and
recitations for use on holidays and in celebrations
throughout the year. Labor Day, Columbus Day, Hal-
loween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's Day,
Lincoln's Birthday, St. Valentine's Day, Washington's
Birthday, Arbor Day, Bird Day, Easter Sunday, May
Day, Mother's Day, Memorial Day, Flag Day, and Inde-
pendence Day are all included. The stories are from
many different sources. '
OSMAN PASHA — A Drama of the New Turkey by Wil-
liam Jourdan Rapp. The Century Company, New
York City, Price $1.25
In this vivid play, Mr. Rapp gives a picture of the
Turkish renaissance. The magic of the words of Jesus
— not theology — it is pointed out, is responsible for the
change in both Moslem and Christian. The heroine, an
American girl, director of a Near East Relief orphanage,
symbolizes the American influence that has brought to
Turkey the vision of a better social, political and moral
life. The play is a thrilling story of love, deep religious
experience and great heroism— a story of exceeding in-
terest and real religious value.
MA. vi TO MASKS by Hartley Alexander. Illustrated by
Anders John Haugseth. Published by E. P. Dutton
& Co., 681 Fifth Avenue, New York. Price, $3.50
These are dramatizations with music of American
Indian Spirit Legends. Nine very dramatic — some very
beautiful — one-act plays based on the ritual of the
American Indian interpret the true spirit of Indian art
and symbolism. The plays call for very little in the
way of properties or sets, and most of them can be
presented by three or four performers.
The names of the plays are as follows:
KELLOGG SCHOOL
OF
PHYSICAL
EDUCATION
Broad field for young women, offering at-
tractive positions. Qualified directors of
physical training in big demand. Three-
year diploma course and four-year B. S.
course, both including summer course in
camp activities, with training in all forms
of physical exercise, recreation and health
education. School affiliated with famous
Battle Creek Sanitarium — superb equipment
and faculty of specialists. Excellent oppor-
tunity for individual physical development
For illustrated catalogue, address Registrar.
KELLOGG SCHOOL OF
PHYSICAL EDUCATION
Battle Creek College
Box 255 Battle Creek, Michigan
Please mention THE PLAYGROUND when writing to advertisers
526
BOOK REVIEWS
Where Large
Numbers of
Children
Gather
in open places Solvay Calcium Chloride should be applied to the surface in order
10 prevent discomfort caused by dust.
SOLVAY CALCIUM CHLORIDE
is being used as a surface dressing: for Children's playgrounds with
marked satisfaction.
It will not stain the children's clothes or playthings. Its germicidal property is a
feature •which has the strong endorsement of physicians and playground directors.
Solvay Calcium Chloride is not only an excellent dust layer but at the same time
kills weeds, and gives a compact play surface. Write for New Booklet 1159 Today!
THE SOLVAY PROCESS COMPANY
WING & EVANS, Inc., Sales Department 40 Rector Street, New York
How Death Came into the World
His- Voice -Js-a- Whisper
Carved Woman
The Scalp
The Man Who Married the Thunder's Daughter
The Weeper
Earth-Trapped
Living Solid Face
Butterfly Girl and Mirage Boy
OLD SQUARE DANCES OF AMERICA. By Tressie M. Dun-
lavy and Neva L. Boyd. Published by the Recrea-
tion Training School, 800 South Halstead Street,
Chicago, Illinois. Price 75c
Shades of the old-fashioned "callers" are invoked in
this delightful collection of dances which will recall to the
minds of many an old-timer happy hours when the fiddler
with his alluring music enticed into the dance young and
old.
"Meet your partner and promenade there,
Lead your honey to a big soft chair."
"Swing on the corners like a-swingin' on a gate,
Then your own if it ain't too late."
The quadrilles which Miss Dunlavy has described were
gathered in southern Iowa from callers who were long
familiar with the old square dances. The dances
described — and there are over forty of them — are divided
into a number of groups, such as "Divide the Ring"
group, "Lady or Gentleman Leading Out Alone" group,
"Right and Left through" group, "Do Si Do" group
and a number of miscellaneous dances. The descrip-
tions are clear and concise and each dance is accompanied
by the call.
The recreation worker will look far for a more delight-
ful program for adults at recreation centers than is
offered in this booklet.
STMMKR CAMP ENTERTAINMENT. How to Get the Most
out of the Country by Mari R. Hofer, Highland
Press, Chicago, Illinois. Price 25c
Many helpful suggestions for the camp director are to
be found in this pamphlet of Miss Hofer's, which dis-
i-u-.-e- a number of phases of camping. There is first
of all a section giving some hints about food. "Start
the boy where he lives — his interest in food and things,"
.-ays Miss Hofer.
Camp Outfitting and Building is the next subject
tersely discussed; then comes a section on Camps and
Camp Routine, Camp Games. Neighborhood Days, Spe-
cial Days, The Evening Hour and Camp Entertainments.
There are suggestions for incorporating local and camp
history in the form of a pageant and some outlines for
such pageants are suggested.
THE WELFARE COUNCIL OF NEW YORK CITY. A report
by W. Frank Persons to the Coordination Committee.
This report of the Coordination Committee, organized
by Better Times at the conclusion of its prize contest
for the best plan for the further coordination of charit-
able and social work in New York, will interest not only
the social workers of New York, but workers throughout
the country who are facing the problems which a vast
population, lack of homogeneity and the multiplication
of organizations present. The report outlines the objec-
tives of the Welfare Council, discusses the possibility of
better team work among social agencies, better standards
of work, better public understanding of the field and
support of the work and describes the plan of organi-
zation.
WHO'S WHO IN Music EDUCATION. By Edwin N. C.
Barnes. The Pioneer Press, Washington, D. C.
Tin's comprehensive book has been prepared to bring to
those outside the immediate circle of music education first
hand knowledge of the musical work in the public schools
Please mention THE PLAYGROUND when writing to advertisers
MAGAZINES RECEIVED
527
SPECIAL COMBINATION OFFER
THE ATHLETIC JOURNAL
A magazine for athletic coaches and physical directors
THE PLAYGROUND
A monthly magazine on recreation
$1.50
Per Year
$2.00
Per Year
Total $3.50
Thes3 magazines taken together $2.60
Send your
Subscription to
THE PLAYGROUND
315 Fourth Avenue
New York City
and of the activities of music educators who arc giving
worth while service to America's children; to give edu-
cators generally a knowledge of the other fellow and
his work and to furnish a brief resume of the growth of
Music Education as exemplified in the addresses of the
presidents of the Music Supervisors' National Confer-
ence and a number of timely special addresses. The
book contains, in addition to the biographical section, a
historical section, a practical help section and a biblio-
graphy of Music Education.
SVSTKMS OF PUBLIC WELFARE. By Howard W. Odum
and D. W. Willard. Published by The University of
North Carolina Press, Chapel Hill, N. C. Price
$2.00
This analysis of the organization and methods of ad-
ministration of public welfare and relief has much help-
ful information to offer the student of public affairs,
city officials and civic bodies eager for information on
the best forms of administration. The history and
development of present state systems, their form, func-
tions, objectives and organization are outlined and a
discussion follows of forms of state, county and city
administrations as they are being worked out.
"WHAT EVERYONE SHOUID KNOW ABOUT CHARITABLE
AND SOCIAL WORK IN NEW YORK CITY." By Ger-
trude Springer. Published by Better Times, Inc.
100 Gold Street, New York. Single copies 25c. 10
copies for $1.00
The fact that New York City spends approximately
seventy million dollars annually for organized charitable
and social work, makes this concise statement of the
beginning of the work, the extent of the problem and the
manner of treatment, particularly valuable. A discus-
sion of the social worker, his qualifications and training
and of the progress made toward the establishment of
social work as a recognized profession is by no means
the least valuable section of the pamphlet.
NATIONAL COLLEGIATE ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION'S FOOTBALL
REVIEW. Spaldings Athletic Library No. 200 X.
American Sports Publishing Company, New York
City. Price 35c
A vast amount of material is to be found in this com-
pilation, including collegiate reviews, scholastic reviews
and the record section. The official playing rules,
separately bound, form the latter part of the book.
Magazines and Pamphlets
Recently Received
Containing Articles of Interest to Recreation Workers
and Officials
MAGAZINES
American Physical Education Review. September, 1925
Chicago Normal School
of Physical Education
Accredited two-year course preparing Girls to become
Directors of Physical Education, Playground Supervisors,
Dancing Teachers, Swimming Instructors. Excellent Faculty.
Fine Dormitories. Students who can qualify for second
.Semester Junior Class may enter mid-year term starting
February 8.
For catalog address
BOX 45, 5026 GREENWOOD AVE., CHICAGO, ILL.
Let the Drama League Help
Solve Your Production Problems
DRAMA LEAGUE OF AMERICA
59 E Van Buren Street, CHICAGO, ILL.
When you begin to plan for your Christmas
celebration, you will want to have on hand the
Christmas Book. It contains suggestions for a
Christmas party, community Christmas Tree cele-
brations, the organization of Christmas caroling
and an outline for a Christmas carnival. You
will also find in it An Old English Christmas Revel,
the St. George Christmas Play, Stories of the
Christmas Carols, and lists of Christmas plays and
music.
Price, 35 Cents
Playground and Recreation Association of America
315 Fourth Avenue, New York City
A Study of Athletic Ability of High Schools.
By R. K. Atkinson
Cornell Rural School Leaflet. September, 1925
Home Made Equipment for the Home and Rural
School
The Progressive Teacher. October, 1925
Play Time in Japan.
By William Thompson
The American City. October, 1925
No City Can Evade This Responsibility
Awards for Playground Improvement
Municipal Swimming Pool without Taxation — Sioux
City
Hallowe'en in Spokane
Poinsettia Festival in Ventura, Calif.
Please mention THE PLAYGROUND when writing to advertisers
528
OUR FOLKS
Circle Travel Rings
A CHILD'S PRINCIPAL
BUSINESS IS PLAY
Let us help to make their play
Profitable
Put something new in your playground.
On the Circle Travel Rings they swing from ring
to ring, pulling, stretching and developing every
muscle of their bodies. Instructors pronounce this
the most healthful device yet offered.
Drop a card today asking for our complete
illustrated catalog.
Patterson-Williams Mfg. Co.
San Jose, California
Mind and Body. September-October, 1925
The Challenge of Leisure to Intelligence.
By Willis Allen Parker, Ph.D.
Physical Education.
By M. L. Townsend, M. D.
Athletics for Women : General Training.
By F. Birchenough
Massachusetts High School Athletic Association —
All Student Meet
Sportsmanship Education.
By Milton Fairchild
Our Folks
Miss Marie Merrill, formerly associated with
the Department of Public Wei ware of Chicago,
who has done much to promote home play and
to arouse interest in the equipping of apartment
houses for recreation, has been appointed Di-
rector of Community Centers in Chicago. Miss
Merrill will organize neighborhood groups for the
use of school buildings.
Miss Erna D. Bunke has recently joined the
Lincoln, Nebraska, recreation staff to be in charge
of women's and girls' work for that city.
Claude Hubbard has recently been employed
as executive director in Turners' Falls, Massa-
chusetts.
Niles, Ohio, has employed N. A. Miller as
Supervisor of Recreation.
STATEMENT OK THK OWNEHSH ! I1. MANAGEMENT. CIIUTI.ATMIN
ETC., REQUIRED BY THE ACT UK CUNGHK —
AI GTST :'4. li:l2.
Of THB PLAYGBOCND, published monthly at New York, N. Y.. for October
1, 1925.
STATE OR NEW YOBK. \
COONTI OF NEW YORK. } •
Before me, a notary public in and for the State and c. unty aforesaid,
personally appeared H. S. Braucher. who, having been duly swjri,
ing to law. deposes and says that he is the editor of THK Pi..\Yi:i:c>rxi>.
and that the following Is, to the best of his knowledge ard belief a true
statement of the ownership, management, etc., of the aforesaid publication
for the date shown in the ab ;ve caption, required by the Art of Augu-t '24.
1912, embodied in section 411. 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. 315
Fourth Avenue. New York City.
Editor: H. S. Braucher, 315 Fourth Avenue. New York City.
Managing Editor: H. S. Braurher. 315 Fourth Avenue. New York City.
Business Manager: Arthur Williams, .715 Fourth Avenue, New York
2. That the owner is: Playground ard Recreation Association of
America. 315 Fourth Avenue, New York City-
Present Directprs: Mrs. Edward W. Kiddle. Carlisle. Pa.: Will'am
Hulterworth, Moline, 111.: Clarence M. Clark. Philad.'h hi;' Pa Mi-.
Arthur G. Cummer, Jacksonville. Fla. ; F. Trubee Davison. IXK-U-I V.illey
N. Y. : Mrs. Thomas A. Kdis, n. West Orange. N. .1. : John H F nley.
New York. N. Y. ; Hugh Frayne. New York. N. Y. ; It herl Garrett. Balti-
more, Md. ; C. M Goethe. Sacramento, Cal.: Mis. Chai It - \ •
Hartford. Conn.; Austin E. Griffiths. Seattle. Wash.: Xly.n., T He rick
Cleveland. Ohio; Mrs. Francis de Lacy Hyde. Plainfleld. N I
Howard R. Ives. Portland, Me.; Gustavtis T. Kirhy. New Itvrfc N >
H. McK. London, Jndianaimlis. Ind. ; J; er, chailoiie. N. c. ;
Ji -seph Lee. Bostnn. Mass.; Edward E. I^mmis. New York. N. Y. : J. H.
McCurdy, Springfield, Mass.; Otto T. Mallery. Philadelphia Pa.: Walter
A. May, Pittsburgh. Pa.; Carl E. Milliken. Augusta. Me.; Miss Ellen
Scripps, La Jolla. Cal.; Harold H. Swift, Chicago. HI.: F S Tit^wo Hi
New York, N. Y. ; Mrs. J. W. Wadsworth. Jr.. Washington, I> C. ; J. C.
Walsh, New York, N. Y. ; Uairis Whittemore. Naiigaluck. Cum.
3. That the known bondholders, mortgagees, and other set-u.ity h >lders
owning or holding 1 per cent, or more of total amount of b in!
gages, or other securities are: None.
4. That the two paragraphs next ahcne. giving the names of the
owners, stockholders, and security h Mers. if any. contain not only tin-
list of stockholders and security holders as they appear up >n the books of
the company but also, in cases where the stockholder or security holder
appears upon the books of the company as trustee or in any other fidu-
ciary relation, the name of the person IT corporation for whom such
trustee is acting, is given; also that the said two paragraphs contain
statements embracing affiant's full knowledge and belief as to the circum-
stances and conditions under which stockholders and security holders win
do not appear upon the books of the company as trustees, hold stock and
securities in a capacity other than that of a bona fide owner; and this
affiant has no reason to believe that any other person, association, or cor-
poration has any interest direct or indirect in the said stock, bonds, or
other securities than as so stated by him.
H. S. BBACTHKI:.
Sworn to and subscribed before me this 16th day of September. Ifl-.T..
C. B. WILSON.
(My commission expires March 30, 1926).
Please mention THE PLAYGROUND when writing to advertisers
Action!!!
Activity!!!
The child demands action — something that moves — something to hold onto — some-
thing to push — something to ride upon. The "Merry-Whirl" Swing provides all of
these for children, and their joy is complete when riding on it or holding onto the
railing and running around the platform, jumping on and off as the swing whirls.
The "Merry-Whirl" Swing is the bright spot in playgrounds. It fills the need of
a long looked for pleasure device that combines all the qualities of a perfect plaything,
by giving exercise to mind, muscle, and imagination, combined with fresh air and sun-
shine.
The "Merry- Whirl" Swing solve a big part of the problem of the child's enter-
tainment and development. Wherever installed, it instantly becomes the favorite of
children who daily enjoy playing various games their imagination inspires.
The "Merry-Whirl" Swing represents an advance in playground equipment that is
as logical as it is needed. Filling the demand for a perfect toy, as it may be termed, it
takes its place as a standard piece of public playground apparatus ; sturdy in construc-
tion, easily installed, and easily dismantled for storage in winter, if desired.
NO PLAYGROUND IS COMPLETE WITHOUT A "MERRY-WHIRL" SWING
Write for Descriptive Booklet
THE MERRY-WHIRL SWING MANUFACTURING CO.
110 So. Dearborn Street, Chicago, Illinois
Please mention THE PLAYGROUND when writing to advertisers
529
530
The Playground
VOL. XIX, No. 10
JANUARY, 1926
The World at Play
Geneva Address in Print. — The address of
Otto T. Mallery before the first Congress on Child
Welfare held in Geneva last summer is now avail-
able in pamphlet form as Document No. 126 of the
Proceedings.
An Active Girls' Club. — A very busy club is
the Community Club for Girls maintained at Mead
Community House, Rutland, Vermont. The Com-
munity Club Bulletin reports classes in Arts and
Crafts, Basketry, Needlecraft, Dressmaking,
Drama, Home and Practical Nursing, Current
Events, Typewriting, Candy Making, Welfare
Sewing and Millinery.
Recreation is an important part of the program
and the schedule for 1925-26 calls for ten Club
Program^ two Dramatic Class Programs, four-
teen Outside or Special Talent Programs and
three dances.
New Publications for the Athletic Library.
A number of Official Guides for the new year
have been issued in Spalding's Athletic Library
(American Sports Publishing Company), among
them the Basketball Guide with official rules (35
cents), the Intercollegiate Soccer Guide with Na-
tional Collegiate Athletic Association Soccer
Rules (25 cents), and the Official Basketball
Guide for Women containing the revised rules as
adopted by the American Physical Education As-
sociation through its committee on Women's
Basketball of the National Committee on Women's
Athletics.
Directory of Psychiatric Clinics for Chil-
dren in the United States. — In connection with
the program and publications of the Joint Com-
mittee on Methods of Preventing Delinquency,
50 East 42nd Street, New York City, it has been
found desirable to assemble information regard-
ing existing facilities for psychiatric service to
children. The result has been the compilation of
a directory which may be secured at 50 cents a
copy.
Constantinople Playground. — In 1924, the
first playground in Constantinople was organized
by a joint committee of the American Junior
Red Cross, the American Mission, and the Young
Women's Christian Association. During 1924
and 1925 girls trained in the Young Women's
Christian Association recreation leaders' course,
have acted as supervisors.
Normal Course in Play Used in Russia. —
An order for five copies of the Normal Course in
Play has been received by A. S. Barnes & Com-
pany from Moscow, Russia. In ordering the
material the writer states that the demand for
books on recreation and physical education is
very extensive in the Union of Soviet Socialist
Republics.
Recreation for Recreation Workers. — Last
summer several socials were held for the staff of
the Recreation Bureau of Scranton, Pennsylvania,
including a dance at Camp Sunshine, a weiner
roast and a dinner party. These affairs helped
greatly in developing an esprit de corps among
staff members.
Playgrounds, Rio de Janeiro. — The mayor of
Rio de Janeiro, announces a recent bulletin from
the Children's Bureau, was authorized last June
to establish ten public playgrounds for children
in open squares in different parts of the city, with
the provision that he might open as many more
as he should consider wise. The playgrounds are
to be adequately equipped for gymnastics and for
tennis and other sports, and the cost will be met
by taxation.
Qualifications for Playground Workers. —
A system of selecting applicants for playground
leadership, founded on a survey made of success-
ful play directors in the past year, has been de-
vised by Floyd Rowe, director of physical educa-
tion of the Cleveland public schools. Common
qualifications for play directors were found to be
531
532
THE WORLD AT PLAY
a score of 150 or more in intelligence tests, two
years of education beyond high school, and par-
ticipation in dramatics, music and similar activi-
ties in college. These plus trained intelligence,
versatility and good judgment, combined with
comradeship with children, constitute, Mr. Rowe
believes, a basis for splendid work among young
people.
N. Y. P. S. A. L. Loses Head.— Dr. A. K.
Aldinger, formerly Secretary of the New York
Public Schools Athletic League, has accepted a
position as a member of the faculty of the Uni-
versity of Vermont.
For Cooperation with Extension Depart-
ments.— A specialist in adult education has re-
cently been appointed in the Interior Department,
Bureau of Education. This office was provided
for by Congress during its last session in response
to a popular demand. Work projected includes
immigrant education, home education through
reading courses, factory education, and prison
education, in cooperation with extension depart-
ments of universities in the various states.
Soap Sculpture. — Eight hundred dollars was
awarded in the second annual competition in soap
sculpture conducted by Procter and Gamble.
The awards were made December first at the Art
Center, New York City. The large number of
contestants, twelve hundred, and the attention
and interest shown throughout the country by
superintendents of schools and art instructors
proves that this new medium of carving has re-
ceived unusual favor at the hands of those who
are striving to increase the general appreciation
of plastic form as a means of artistic expression
in students of all ages. From the schools of Har-
risburg, Pennsylvania, eighty-three pieces were
received in one consignment, while from Kala-
mazoo schools came seventy-eight pieces.
Municipal Golf in Norfolk. — Norfolk, Vir-
ginia, has made a remarkable record in the con-
duct of its nine hole municipal golf course. The
construction of this course involved an expendi-
ture of a little over $12,000. More than 44,000
games were played in the five months' period
from May until September, the income from
them practically paying the cost of constructing
the course.
A new course of nine holes has been given the
city by one of the country clubs for an outlay of
$1.00 per year. In addition, several miles from
the present golf course near the famous Prin-
cess Ann Country Club, a new eighteen hole golf
course has been authorized, to be under the con-
trol of the Recreation Department, Bureau of
Public Welfare.
Harvest Parties. — A series of social events,
called Harvest Parties, was held during Novem-
ber by the Irene Kaufmann Settlement of Pitts-
burgh, of which Sidney A. Teller is director.
Dancing, entertainment and refreshments made
up the program.
Winter Baseball in Sacramento. — Under
the auspices of the Recreation Department of
Sacramento, the city enjoyed, on November 8th,
a Winter Baseball League parade in which thirty-
five teams with their followers took part. Each
team had distinguishing costumes and insignia
which were interesting and amusing. The Grey's
Pharmacy team carried a big bottle of pills with
a sign Pills for the Enemy. The H. S. Crocker
team had a mimeograph winding out the schedules
of the winter leagues. The Fireman's Band, the
Fife and Drum Corps of the Veterans of Foreign
Wars and the Boys' Band furnished the music.
Forty teams have entered the league and it is
estimated that one hundred will have joined be-
fore the season is over.
After Two Years of Work. — In November,
1923, the Port Chester Recreation Commission
and Community Service began the promotion of a
plan whereby a dam might be constructed at
Byram River, making possible a swimming pool
and skating place for Port Chester. As other
communities were involved, it was necessary to
secure a petition with 75 signatures from East
Port Chester and the passing of a bill through
Congress because of the navigable waters of the
Byram River.
At a meeting of the Greenwich Town Board
on November 21st, the project of the dam was
passed and plans for construction with Port
Chester were adopted.
A New Park for Middletown. — Middle-
town, New York, has just accepted from Dr.
Fancher fifty-six acres of land for a park. This
with a smaller park which the city owns makes a
total of fifty-nine acres.
The city has made an appropriation of $3,000 to
start development.
THE WORLD AT PLAY
533
A New Playground for Los Angeles. — Grif-
fith Park, Los Angeles, now chiefly noted for its
golf course, is to be converted into one of the most
beautiful playgrounds in the United States, ac-
cording to Frank Sharer, Superintendent of the
Park Department. Among the plans contem-
plated are the control of the Los Angeles River
by the construction of concrete banks ; two one
hundred feet highways on each side of the river ;
a bird sanctuary, the isolation of certain places
for picnics with benches and fire places and the
construction of a pony nine hole golf course.
Progress in Kenosha, Wisconsin. — Recrea-
tion activities in Kenosha, Wis., have materially
increased during the past year. At the evening
recreation centers, the large number of spectators
of the past two years has changed instead to a
large number of participants. Last year twelve
special activities were presented whereas this year
thirty-six were successfully completed and
planned as an annual occurrence. More than 500
young people learned how to swim and dive at the
municipal pier during the summer.
Some Fort Worth Activities. — One of the
free activities of the Public Recreation Board of
Fort Worth, Texas, was a State Croquet Meet,
to which thirteen towns and cities sent teams.
Four new courts were constructed for the
players. At noon a basket lunch was spread.
During one month 5,166 games were played on
the municipal golf links, an increase of 39 per
cent, over the same month in 1924.
At Santa Monica. — Santa Monica, Califor-
nia, has employed Robert Munsey, who has had
long experience in the recreation field, to serve as
director of physical education and recreation for
the public schools and community service. In
October Mr. Munsey directed six elementary
school playgrounds and two junior high school
playgrounds from 3 :20 to 5 o'clock on school
days. In the near future there will be in opera-
tion two community centers. The city is erecting
a $25,000 recreation center which has been made
possible through a gift to the city by one of its
early pioneers.
A Stadium in Sight for Johnstown, Pa. —
A bond issue amounting to $250,000 for the erec-
tion and construction of a stadium was approved
by the voters of Johnstown, Pa., on last Election
Day, November 3rd. The City Council is plan-
ning to go ahead with the construction so that
the stadium will be ready for baseball next spring.
It will have a seating capacity of from 15,000 to
17,000. The Point upon which the stadium is to
be built was dedicated to the town 125 years ago
by Joseph Johns, founder, to be used for amuse-
ment purposes. The old charter, which was un-
earthed at the City Hall reads "That all that piece
of ground called the Point, lying between the said
town and the junction of the two rivers or
creeks aforesaid, shall be reserved for commons
and public amusements for the use of the said
town and its future inhabitants for ever." A
bond issue of $1,250,000 for schools was also
voted at this election.
Financing Community Celebrations. — The
Boston Herald for Wednesday, November 11,
1925, gives the report of the Boston Finance
Committee's findings with reference to several
local celebrations of special occasions in Boston.
The City of Boston has spent $830,218 on holiday
celebrations since 1912. The question was raised
as to how much gain there has been in placing the
celebrations under the control of local district
committees. The City urges that the City of
Boston adopt, except in cases of exceptional cele-
brations, a fixed amount for each holiday, graded
according to the importance of the day. The fund
set aside for celebrations should be used for
strictly legitimate objects and should be properly
accounted for.
Radio Play Contest. — WLS, the Sears Roe-
buck Agricultural Foundation, Chicago, and the
Drama League of America are conducting a Na-
tional Radio Play Contest, under the leadership of
Stuart Walker. Full information may be obtained
from WLS or the Drama League of America, 59
East Van Buren Street, Chicago, 111.
Drama Conference at Carnegie. — The De-
partment of Drama of the Carnegie Institute of
Technology was recently host to a distinguished
group of drama workers from colleges and little
theaters and patrons of the art. Among the
speakers were: Otto H. Kahn of New York;
President Thomas S. Baker of Carnegie Institute
of Technology; Brook Pemberton, New York
producer; Dr. Rudolf Kommer, who is Max
Reinhardt's assistant in New York; Richard
Boleslavsky, formerly of the Moscow Art The-
ater and now director of the American Laboratory
Theater in New York, and Samuel Harden
THE WORLD AT PLAY
Church, President of the Board of Trustees of
Carnegie Institute; George P. Baker, Chairman
of the Department of Drama in Yale University ;
Thomas Wood Stevens, head of the Drama De-
partment of the Kenneth Sawyer Goodman Mem-
orial Theater, Chicago; Payne, head of the
Department of Drama at Carnegie "Tech,"
and E. C. Mabie, head of the Department of
Speech, Iowa State University.
Drama Tournament in Westchester County.
•• — One of the most recent undertakings of the
Westchester County Commission is the organiza-
tion of a drama tournament. A brief study made
recently of the situation showed more than a
dozen groups of community players in various
communities of the county, and a meeting of rep-
resentatives from these groups held under the
auspices of the Commission resulted in an en-
thusiastic decision to form an executive committee
with one representative from each dramatic or-
ganization to draw up plans for a tournament
which will be held in the early spring.
Municipal Theaters Increasing. — That the
municipal theater idea is becoming increasingly
popular in this country is evident from a recent
item in the New York Times which reports ac-
tivities along this line in a number of our larger
cities. The seventh municipal theater season of
light opera in Forest Park, St. Louis, ended on Au-
gust 15th, last, with a performance of The Merry
Widow, the twelfth production of the summer,
and a season of grand opera opened on August
20th. The city of Cleveland sent its Commis-
sioner of Parks to study the situation in St. Louis,
with a view to erecting a municipal theater in
Cleveland similar to that in Forest Park. Mem-
phis gave its first season of civic opera this last
summer, and Salt Lake City presented its second
annual civic opera in August. In Los Angeles
and San Francisco municipal grand opera season
opened in September, and in Dallas the matter of
organizing a civic opera company is being dis-
cussed.
One of the Congress Telegrams. — On be-
half of the American Federation of Labor, I wish
to express deep appreciation for the constructive
service rendered by the Playground and Recrea-
tion Association of America in the development
of a better citizenry. Recreation is necessary to
intellectual and spiritual vigor as well as physical
health. Organized planning and administration
are needed to make available the necessary oppor-
tunities.
Labor appreciates the achievements of your
Association in this field and confidently hopes the
sessions of your annual congress will mark the
beginning of a period of wider activity and richer
achievements.
Sincerely yours,
(Sd) WM. GREEN, President,
American Federation of Labor.
For Children's Safety. — The Massachusetts
Safety Council sent out a State-wide appeal for
the largest possible use of public playgrounds
during August. Commenting upon the statement
of the registrar of motor vehicles, that of nine-
teen persons killed on the highways last week only
four were children, Lewis E. MacBrayne, gen-
eral manager of the council said today :
"The seven months ending August first records
a reduction in children's fatalities, though there is
an increase in fatal motor vehicle accidents to
adults. One hundred and fifty playgrounds in
twenty cities are now giving safety instruction
in cooperation with our campaign to reduce acci-
dents to children. August is a month of great
danger on the highway. Send your younger chil-
dren to the playgrounds."
Scholarships in Safety Education. — The Na-
tional Bureau of Casualty and Surety Under-
writers, 120 West 42nd Street, New York City,
recently announced that, as the latest constructive
step in the solution of the traffic problem, it would
establish three University Scholarships of $1,000
each for the study of safety education.
The winners of the scholarships have been an-
nounced and the subjects of the three theses are
as follows: "The creation of subject matter for
safety instruction in the elementary schools,"
"The preparation of a course of study in safety
education for the use of normal schools," and "A
study of the relative importance of positive vs.
negative methods of instruction in the field of
safety education."
The Fifth National Safety Campaign. — The
Highway Education Board, Washington, D. C.,
in connection with its fifth annual safety cam-
paign is conducting an essay contest. School
pupils in the fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth
grades, fourteen years old and under may com-
pete. The subject of the 500 word essay required
is My School's Share in Highway Safety. The
THE WORLD AT PLAY
535
contest will close not later than February 24th,
1926. Four hundred and thirty-eight medals and
an equal number of cash prizes are offered.
A second contest is open to elementary school
teachers who are asked to suggest rules for grad-
ing essays and lessons.
Full information may be secured by writing the
Highway Education Board, Willard Building,
Washington, D. C.
Chicago Harmonica Contest. — The sixty
playgrounds of the Chicago Board of Education
manifested the greatest interest in a recent har-
monica contest. Contestants chosen in the finals
of eight divisions of juniors and seniors appeared
at a department store auditorium to compete for
city honors and for prizes furnished by the Hohner
Company of New York. Notable citizens of the
windy city, acting as judges, confessed themselves
put to it to decide. Four leading newspapers ran
pictures and articles on the event.
A Gift to Music Lovers. — The Late Theodore
Presser has left practically all of his $2,000,000
estate to the Theodore Presser Foundation, to
establish scholarships of which there are now
137, aid music students and support the Theodore
Presser Home for Retired Music Teachers. Here
are the specifications of the will:
The income from this trust fund shall be ap-
plied in the discretion of my trustees to provide
scholarships and loans for promising students
whose educational courses include worthy in-
structions in music ; to increase the value of musi-
cal education as given in any present or future
institution or institutions by creating suitable
buildings for musical instruction exclusively, and
to popularize the study of music and to encourage
the choice of music as a profession ; to administer
emergency aid to worthy teachers of music in dis-
tress; to sustain a home for retired teachers of
music in such a way as aforesaid trustees may
determine.
Making the Best Music Available. — The
Board of School Directors of Johnstown, Penn-
sylvania, is performing a real service in sponsor-
ing a series of World Famous Artists' Concerts,
presenting the various concerts at cost prices, so
that they will be within the reach of all. This
winter there will be seven concerts, including the
following features:
Concert by Gitta Gradova.
A presentation of Carmen with orchestra, bal-
let and chorus.
The Russian Symphonic Choir.
Cleveland Symphony Orchestra.
The Flonzaley Quartette.
Sophie Braslau.
Mischa Elman.
Course tickets for the winter series are to be
had at as low a price as $5.00. A subscription
of $10.00 entitles the holder to the best seats in
the house.
Columbus Day in Boston. — On October 12th,
1925, under the auspices of the Citizens' Public
Celebrations Association, Boston celebrated the
433rd anniversary of the landing of Christopher
Columbus.
Following a procession of Pan-American and
International groups came a Get-Together Festi-
val at the Parkman Bandstand, on Boston Com-
mon. This program included a presentation of
the Arrival of Columbus, Reception of the
World's People by Columbus and Columbia, mu-
sic and an address by Mayor Talbot of Fall River,
Massachusetts. As a finale came a pageantry
feature, The Spirits of the Nations arranged for
the city and presented under the supervision of
Miss Joy Higgins, Dramatic Director of Com-
munity Service.
This program was followed by a flag ceremony
on the Athletic Field. Other events of the day
included a Municipal Athletic Meet, the annual
parade of the Boston Police Department and a
parade of the Italian Society of the city.
Teaching Children to Fight
BY
GEORGE E. JOHNSON
Joseph Lee, Chairman : A number of years ago
I remember reading a very interesting account of
a vacation school in the wilds of Northern Massa-
chusetts. I was so much interested that I got the
man who was doing it to carry his work on so as
to reach the country boy. Later this man was
offered a job at running the playgrounds in Pitts-
burgh. I advised him not to accept it, but being
an aspiring person, he accepted it and he made
Pittsburgh one of the best playground centers in
the country. He has since done many things and
has finally degenerated into teaching at Harvard
College. Professor George E. Johnson is now
going to talk to you on Teaching Children to
Fight.
Professor Johnson : When I told a friend what
my topic for this evening was to be, he said : "It
is a great mistake to mislead an audience by the
wording of the subject." I sincerely hope no one
of you will be misled or antagonized or startled, at
least beyond the point of favorable attention, by
the way in which the subject is stated. I meant
to have it suggest precisely what I think should
be regarded as one of the most important of the
aims of education.
I realize, of course, that familiar words, while
they carry somewhat generally accepted mean-
ings, awaken vastly different thoughts and emo-
tions in those who hear them. Not only on deep
and abiding experiences do these differences de-
pend, but also on what psychologists call "fre-
quency" and "recency." "Teaching Children to
Fight" will mean to you something rather differ-
ent, if you have been reading much and lately
about Firpo and Dempsey, from the meaning my
words will have if you have been reading, say,
Paul's Epistles to Timothy. To teach children to
fight, to be willing to fight, to teach them to fight
"in good nature and without extravagance," and
what to fight and what not to fight — this seems to
me to be one of the most important of the specific
aims of education.
If for the present we conceive the general aim
of education to be the "gradual adjustment of the
individual to the spiritual possessions of the race"
*Address given at the Twelfth Recreation Congress held at
Asheville, North Carolina, October 5-10, 1925.
536
we may appropriately take time to examine the
place that the fighting ideal has had among tlit-si-
spiritual possessions and what the nature pf the
ideal has been.
FIGHTING IDEAL EARLY SANCTIONED
Fighting received early sanction in the evolving
moral and social standards of men. Primitive
man survived as he fought. The ideal was good
enough to be put into his religion. The gods were
warriors ; and heroes of the battlefield became the
gods of men of later generations. In the mono-
theistic religion of the Hebrews, Jehovah is con-
ceived as a warrior. He promises to fight for the
children of Israel ; he displays terrible wrath at
the wickedness of men. All the great religious
faiths of the world have been classified by Strat-
ton into irate and martial religions, unangry re-
ligions, and religions of anger-supported love.
The unangry religions by no means abandon
entirely the idea of force and aggression. Vishnu
hurls down and destroys the evil-doer. Buddha
goes forth to battle with the tempter. Punish-
ment is not entirely banished from the divine pur-
poses, even in the most pacific of these religions.
In the place of one hell, Jainism describes fifteen
in which there are most excruciating tortures — an
inconsistency, in compensation, perhaps, for over-
repression of hate and too pacific ideals of con-
duct towards evildoers. The fighting ideal was
certainly well-established in the spiritual posses-
sions of the race bequeathed through religion.
Among the ideals of men not claiming religious
sanction, fighting has a conspicuous place also. If
all the world loves a lover, hardly less truly does
the western world, at least, love a good fighter.
No hero of film or of story could pass on any
other basis. It is not merely a descent to pun-
ning to say that it seems the irony of fate that
"pacifist" should end in "fist" and that advocates of
pacifism are frequently, in a very true sense, most
pugnacious men. "Without the stimulus of fight-
ing, Mr. Dooley tells us one often experiences a
deep depression of spirits, and he bitterly com-
plains of the dark, dull days when he is truly
despondent and feels that he has not an "inimy
in all the worrld." If the next great war does
TEACHING CHILDREN TO FIGHT
537
wipe out civilization there may still be left some-
one, perhaps of Celtic origin, who will exclaim,
"Sure, it was better than no war at all." In
romance, art, and every day ideals, man is shown
as a lover of fighting.
It is not strange that the ideal of righting should
have permeated clan, tribal, and national ideals,
unhappily affected by the worst influences of the
"crowd-mind" yet retaining half-truths of some
of the noblest thinking of mankind. We do not
need to go to Bernhardi or Nietzsche or to the
professional or the sociological militarist to find
a statement of these half-truths. As an illustra-
tion of the whole-hearted acceptance of the ideal
of fighting among the spiritual possessions be-
queathed by history, even by the peace-loving and
benevolent, let us listen for a moment to the cul-
tured gentleman, lover of art, and master of let-
ters, John Ruskin. Ruskin says of war :
"It is the foundation of all the high virtues and
faculties of men It was very strange to
me to discover this; and very dreadful
But I saw it to be quite an undeniable fact. The
common notion that peace and the virtues of civil
life flourish together I found to be wholly un-
tenable. Peace and the vices of civil life only
flourish together. We talk of peace and learning,
and of peace and plenty, and of peace and civili-
zation, but I found that those were not the words
which the Muse of History coupled together ; that
on her lips the words were peace and sensuality,
peace and selfishness, peace and corruption, peace
and death. I found, in brief, that all great nations
learned their truth of word and strength of
thought in war ; that they were nourished in war
and wasted in peace, trained by war and betrayed
by peace ; in a word, that they were born in war
and expired in peace."
William James, who rated himself as "squarely
in the anti-militarist party," stated fairly and ad-
mirably the militarist's position :
"War provides opportunity for the steeps of
life. It saves from flat degeneration. War alone
can stir humanity to its depths. War is alike good
for the victor and the vanquished. It preserves
the ideal of hardihood. We need, therefore, to
keep military character in stock. War, as nothing
else can, searches out and makes trial of fidelity,
cohesiveness, tenacity, physical vigor, conscience,
heroism. War becomes, therefore, in the mind of
the militarist, a biological or sociological necessity,
a permanent human obligation, a measure of the
health of nations, the supreme theatre of human
strenuousness."
Thus we see the fighting ideal found conspicu-
ous place also in relation to the fields of ethics,
politics, sociology, and biology.
It is a bold and startling premise which we must
squarely face, this of the militarist — that war is
the method of nature, an essential in evolution, a
biological and sociological necessity.
But is it impossible to conceive a world without
war in which there can still remain all we have
gained, and more be added, of bone and sinew, of
hardihood and heroism, of strength and sacrifice,
of love and ideals ? When wars are over must the
world become "a sort of vast hutch of harmless,
gentle, highly intellectual and tender-hearted rab-
bits," as the London Spectator once put it ? Even
now, the world, still stunned by the cataclysm of
the Great War, halts between two opinions. To
the pacifist, war is barbarism; to the militarist,
degeneration is worse. And both are right ; war
is barbarism and degeneration is worse. Univer-
sal peace, doubtless, will never be realized until
the ideals of militarist and pacifist alike are sus-
tained in human activity that makes alike for
peace and progress. Perhaps both militarist and
pacifist are also wrong. .Perhaps each has been
entertaining a great fallacy.
NOT WAR BUT FIGHTING BENEFICENT
It is not war, but fighting, so it seems to me,
that has brought about the beneficent '> results
attributed to war; it is not peace, but fightitig—
the hardest kind of fighting— in right ways and
against wrong things that saves from .barbarism
and degeneration, too. The true spiritual posses-
sion of the race to which the individual'showM be
adjusted is not the war ideal, nor the pacifist
ideal, saying, "peace, peace, when there is no
peace," but the fighting ideal. Is there then some
method of education whereby children and youth
may be taught to fight so as to conserve the heroic
qualities of mankind and yet to serve the peace
of the world?
It should be noted that the fighting ideal was
not thought out by man; it was worked out. It
was not invented ; it evolved. Man had it before
he knew he had it. As a conscious ideal it was
an afterthought to the deed, adopted into folk-
ways and folk standards to be re-experienced and
sanctioned anew in each succeeding generation.
The fighting ideal evolved apart from the direc-
tion of science, and just as any ideal divorced
from the guidance is likely to, it encountered the
danger of becoming a blind leader of men. It is
my suggestion that a science-aided education can
538
TEACHING CHILDREN TO FIGHT
seize upon fighting as a conscious, definite aim, and
guide it consistently towards progress and the
peace, if the pugnacious peace, of the world.
A science-aided education is concerned not
alone with the spiritual possessions of the race,
but vitally also with a psycho-physical organism.
What is the relation of fighting to the animal or-
ganism? How did fighting itself begin?
Fighting, at least in the sense of aggression and
resistance, is original in man. Plants and lower
forms of animal life exert force in aggression
and resistance. The human infant is ushered
into the world with its palms itching for posses-
sion, and he will hardly yield the paternal fingers
placed in his tiny fists before he is lifted thereby
bodily from his bed.
Anger also is original in man. It is not known
exactly where in animal life aggression and re-
sistance began to be accompanied by anything
corresponding to rage. Jennings, somewhat in
the manner of a mischievous boy, teased a stentor,
a trumpet-shaped, single-celled protozoan, by put-
ting carmine in the water in which stentor was
complacently suspended. The results would have
delighted any child on mischief bent, they so re-
sembled human behavior under accumulative pro-
vocation. At length stentor, after unsuccessful
attempts to free himself from the annoyances,
actually "blew up," literally "tore the roof off"
his filmy retreat, and flounced away to quarters
more congenial to his mood.
We know that nature seems to have had special
concern about anger and that anger really marks
a step in upward progress in animal life. Grad-
ually there evolved special organs which are
stimulated during emotion and reinforce the ani-
mal in his efforts of aggression and resistance.
Artemus Ward, you may remember, warned
young men against having wishbones where their
backbones ought to be. This was good advice, but
not excellent biology; for nature hit upon the
plan of evolving ductless glands that really make
the spmal vertebrae worthwhile.
Pugnacity, so far as the word is synonymous
with anger, is certainly original in the infant. No
one has yet given us the record of a normal child
who has never shown original rage reaction; and
anyone (who is mean enough) may readily ob-
serve this phenomenon in the best natured of in-
fants by the simple device of hampering its move-
ments, thereby getting results which in propor-
tionate violence in a man of middle age and mod-
erate degree of overweight would probably end
in a fit of apoplexy.
TEACHING TO FIGHT MUST BEGIN IN THE
CRADLE
The first lessons in teaching children to fight
in accord with social standards must, therefore,
be given to the child in the cradle. The infant
who demands attentions and gets them by means
of a fit of anger is in a fair way to become the
older child who rules the household by "tantrums"
and still later in life, if he holds true to his course,
to become the irascible fellow who tried to make
his way in the world by bluster, brow-beating,
and bad temper.
I may not take the time to mention, as would
be fitting here, various ways in which the good
of a child demands protection against himself and
against others in learning these first lessons in
being angry aright ; or to suggest the meaning of
teasing and bullying and scrapping and young-
boy fights, and how they bring to the teacher
opportunities of great social significance and a
challenge to an ingenious and constructive pro-
gram in teaching children to express their pug-
nacity in far more delightful and heroic ways.
We cannot educate anger out of an individual
organism, of course, however much we may pos-
sibly modify its expression. Nor can we breed
anger out of the race, because it goes too far back
in heredity for us ever to get behind it. It is here
to stay. Therefore, we must educate it within
the race; that is, "condition" it to appropriate
stimuli, right situations, and right sentiments.
But we would not breed anger out of the race
if we could, for we recognize that anger has posi-
tive values we could ill do without. Anger is not
always an obsession. It is more often a posses-
sion. Anger, as a possession, is a champion of
virtue. It rises to the support of every virtue in
need of heartening: courage, justice, sense of
honor, loyalty, sympathy, love, even conscience,
for anger may be directed at one's self as well as
at another. Perhaps one can hardly behold the
mote that is in his own eye until he has seen the
beam in his brother's eye. The Golden Rule is
rooted in resentment even more than in kindli-
ness; it took its origin in resentment, which
quickens social conscience by forcing attention to
another's point of view as well as one's own, and
it stimulates the imagination to see how one might
feel himself under similar provocation. We com-
monly speak of heredity and environment, but
heredity in the sense of human nature is part of
the environment, often the most impelling part.
Just resentment, righteous wrath, are often the
TEACHING CHILDREN TO FIGHT
539
determining forces in the environment that makes
for good behavior. Mistaken kindliness may leave
unaroused in the social group the depth of anger
and condemnation needed for the perpetuation of
social standards. This is one of the greatest dan-
gers threatening the full serviceableness of mod-
ern criminal psychology and of gentle measures
in dealing with the young. To subscribe to a
deterministic psychology is by no means to deny
that we ourselves through intelligence and a sci-
ence-aided education in the home and the school
can, to an important degree, determine the forces
that determine the child. On the contrary, a
deterministic psychology rather increases em-
phasis on our opportunity and responsibility in
this determination. We are indeed our brothers'
keepers.
FIGHTING PLAYS MAKE VALUABLE OPPORTUNITY
One of the best opportunities we have of teach-
ing children to fight we find in their play. In a
sense, nearly all the active plays of children
have an element of fighting in them. This is the
conquest of the young over his own body and the
objects and forces of nature until they are sub-
dued and become servants of his will, and until
also his own latent powers be thereby developed
and strengthened. Thus the young child struggles
to his feet and tries to walk in spite of countless
bumps, and, when secure in this, seeks for even
harder places and more difficult ways in which to
exercise his increasing powers ; or climbs in spite
of many falls, or tugs at his cart until he can steer
it clear of the obstacles in the way. This imper-
sonal fighting is found in lower animals, and, just
as some of the best illustrations of behavior, psy-
chologically considered, are taken from animal
life, since they show mind in operation in lower
terms, so here we may draw illustration from
animal behavior. Mills, quoted by Morgan in
Habit and Instinct, kept a diary of a kitten and
describes its persistent efforts through successive
days to get into some partly filled bookcases when
the entrance was barred-up each day by ever
greater obstacles :
"I have never witnessed such perseverance in
the accomplishment of an object in a young animal,
not excepting the child. It seemed that the greater
the obstacles the greater the efforts put forth to
overcome them, behavior that we usually con-
sider especially human and ever an evidence of
unusual strength of character."
This kitten was a good fighter. Just so the
long fight of the child in the ways we have sug-
gested and the fight of man with nature, the con-
quest of animal life, of land, wilderness, sea, and
air had called into action and maintained a capac-
ity fundamentally pugnacious, persistent, and
daring.
As long as human nature remains what it is
and as long as man's attempts to control the great
blind powers of the earth and sky are as bold as
ever, the fear that without war the world will
become a sort of vast hutch of harmless, gentle,
highly intellectual, and tenderhearted rabbits is
perfectly groundless.
Forestry, farming, ranching, the training of
animals, mining, navigation, engineering, archi-
tecture, science, invention, and the continued con-
quest of the elements and forces of nature will
always offer limitless fields of human activity,
hardy, and heroic. Into these fields children enter
in a primitive way in their play and undergo the
educative process that selects, refines, and per-
petuates the heroic qualities of man. The educa-
tional system that isolates the child and youth
from these fundamental fields of human activity
harms the rising generation more than any war
could ever serve it. Life in the open, the exalting
of bodily control, climbing, swimming, jumping,
diving, riding, racing, boating, hunting, fishing,
tramping, woodcraft, constructive plays, nature
collections, animal husbandry, and various other
play activities of children and youth provide a
preliminary training never surpassed in any
militaristic conception of education. And play-
grounds are vastly cheaper than war.
FIGHTING IN SOCIAL RELATIONS
But when young Homo begins to feel his
strength and his powers not simply in terms of
control of body and objects and forces of nature,
but also in terms of his mates, then he matches
his powers with the like powers of his peers in
plays and games. Here we come to fighting in
social relations. Some of the distinctly fighting
plays are scuffling, crowding, pushing, wrestling,
boxing, all manner of group games and contests,
snowball fights, basketball, football, and all plays
and games into which personal encounter enters.
In a sense, also, games of tag, racing stunts, trials
of strength, skill, and daring belong to this class.
In these fighting plays lies a great opportunity, an
opportunity, so far as fighting goes and the manly
qualities possible to be developed from it, that
seems to surpass in educational opportunity war
itself. These plays and games, plus the im-
pressionability and impetus of childhood and
540
TEACHING CHILDREN TO FIGHT
youth, are more effective in determining character
than actual war which, with its maturer soldiers,
must to a large extent use the moral qualities al-
ready available rather than develop them.
The New York Times once said, "if all the
world's a stage, then most of us need more re-
hearsals." Will these play experiences serve as
rehearsals for later life?
There is not time to illustrate how in the fight-
ing play of children and youth every quality that
the militarist claims is developed by war is ex-
hibited in a marked degree in play. Time should
be taken, however, to suggest briefly that, whereas
war tends to let loose the passions of man, play
tends habitually to curb them. In an environment
of good sportsmanship, competitive games tend
to sublimate the pugnacious spirit within the spe-
cial field of activity involved.
In the first place, competition in sport tends to
extract ill-will from fighting. Originally, in the
struggle with rivals, fighting was expressed in
rage, anger, and lust of blood. Animals have
little or no zestful competition except in the spirit
of anger. The play of dogs, as one may readily
•verify by observation, is not really competitive.
•The infant first meets personal opposition with
anger. It takes several years of development be-
fore a child enters into earnest personal competi-
tion in good-nature. The evolution of good sports-
manship has been consistently in the direction of
the elimination of bad temper in fighting games.
In the second place, competition in sport ideal-
izes the aims of endeavor. Many regard the spirit
of a fighting game as sordid and selfish, as though
taking something away from another, or beating
him, or putting him in a hole, was the object fought
for. This seems to miss the true psychology of a
.game. The psychologial attitude in a game is not
sordid and selfish, but rather out-and-out ideal-
' ism. In a true game a player is in pursuit of high
f attainments and ideals of excellence, and not of
'.material gains. Here again the whole trend of
• organized amateur sport has been to eliminate
materialistic aims. A game is one of the most
purely idealistic activities of life. Why do boys
exert themselves to their utmost in a ball game,
straining every nerve and muscle and testing to the
limit every manly quality? To make "runs,"
"goals," "scores," to be sure. But why make
scores? Do they take them home? Do they eat
them? Do they wear them? Do they sell them?
Do they store them away in safety vaults? Don't
you see that there is nothing but ideals in a true
game, anyway ? Good ideals ! Be strong, plucky,
efficient, fair, honest; do your darnedest in the
place where you can serve your group the best.
Winning is just a unit of measure. Without it
there could be no game at all, nor the benefits
derived therefrom. And winning takes nothing
away from the "loser." He grows and profits in
the same way as the winner, perhaps sometimes
even more. In a game played with the true play
psychology there is no loser, but only those who
gain.
Biology and psychology, then, suggest that fight-
ing taps the deeper reservoirs of physical, mental,
and moral and social energy. It makes one care
more; one tries harder and endures longer; all
the faculties become more fit. Fighting play, then,
is a schoolmaster to bring us to a higher state.
It contributes to greater interest, energy, and
efficiency; it offers the richest field for the ex-
pression of the individualistic virtues; it extracts
ill-will from fighting; it idealizes the aims of
endeavor ; it leads to the keenest expression of the
spirit of cooperation and of service to the group
in which the individualistic virtues are socialized ;
finally, it has a root in common with the spirit of
emulation, the form of endeavor that seeks to
attain to the highest ideals, of which we have the
consummate example in "Be ye therefore perfect
even as your Father in Heaven is perfect." Every
earnest boy player on the suburban football teams
is striving towards perfection ; not perfection in
the highest things, but, such as it is, the attitude
is essential in any later effort towards them.
How SHALL WE UTILIZE FIGHTING KM.KI.Y?
How shall we tap this source of energy in edu-
cation in a way to make it serve social ends ? What
the school should be especially interested in is
to see how in the educational use of competition
we can be on safe ground with respect to the
social attitude of the pupils. Will they be made
self-conscious, proud, scornful, selfish, cruel, by
competition? Or can competition be used so as
to induce only good nature, the attitude of give
and take, sympathy, fairness, generosity, mutual
appreciation, cooperation, chivalry? Can com-
petition be made to benefit alike the victor and the
vanquished ?
I believe this will all be possible in the casi of
children when we recognize that child-life is life
itself, and that the rules of the game may also
imply the rules of life. We have too often
wrongly regarded child-play and child-education
as something apart from life itself, and childhood
interests as only passing phases which have little
TEACHING CHILDREN TO FIGHT
541
to do with real life in the work-a-day world. Com-
petition will be safe, not only as a schoolmaster
but as a world-wide principle, when corporations,
classes, societies, and nations "become as little
children" and compete with the same social atti-
tudes which education might inculcate in children
and youth in their righting play. The rules of the
game then, as with children, can become the rules
of competitive life.
H. G. Wells in his Outline of History says :
"There can be no peace now, we realize, but a com-
mon peace, and no prosperity but a common pros-
perity." Wells seeks as a unifying principle of
history (which so baffled Henry Adams) "a com-
mon purpose," towards a conception of which the
world has been advancing through the ages. Com-
petition of the right sort in education emphasizes
the common bases and the common endowments
of children and men for enjoyments. Unfriendly
competition is something quite different and un-
fortunately has been the rule of nations through
the ages in the past. Friendly competition is
manifested in a common field of enjoyment and
brings to participants a dawning consciousness of
"a common purpose" and unifying principle.
This "common purpose" and socially integrating
principle can be realized adequately only in general
happiness which, as an ideal, has been in the back
of the minds of the masses of men whenever there
has been a great world movement. Friendly com-
petition, as a schoolmaster in childhood and youth,
shows the way to zest in life, to mutual apprecia-
tion, to sympathy, to fairness, to generosity, to
good sportsmanship, to the Greek idea of good
sportsmanship, sought for, and for a time attained,
in the competitions of the Greeks, a word un-
translatable, but conveying the idea of "reverence,
modesty, courtesy, scrupulous sense of honor, and
fairness."
The race came upon whatever conception it has
of social qualities, first through some biological
urge, then through their being recognized in in-
telligence, and finally perpetuated in ideals. But
these moral ideals have to be approached by chil-
dren and youth through effective attitudes ac-
companying the activities in which these ideals
find expression ; for there can be little real vitality
or strength in the intellectual conceptions alone.
There can be no deep-rooted and enduring ideals
of life in the work-a-day world that have not
had their beginning and growth in the genuine and
joy-giving life-activities of children and youth.
This may be illustrated my comparing sense of
duty and love of duty. Duty has a biological
basis. There were in mankind predispositions
towards duty which preceded the ideal of duty.
The race had a biological bias toward activity that
was desirable both for the individual and for
society. The sense of "oughtness" came with in-
creased intelligence and with the development of
folkways and mores. First the deed, then the
after-thought, then the ideal ; "first the blade, then
the ear, then the full corn in the ear."
The sense of duty in children must not be
strained ; the sense of duty, that is, intellectual
recognition of duty, alone, without the inner im-
pulsion to duty, exhausts moral energy. When
the attachments of children lie in the direction of
duty, moral energy is greatly strengthened and
conserved. A child may take to duty as a duck
to water. "Blessed are they that hunger and thirst
after righteousness, for they shall be filled," is
a wonderfully beautiful statement of this prin-
ciple. And in the same vein was the testimony,
"My meat is to do the will of Him that sent me
and to finish His work." There is demonstrable,
I am convinced, a straight-away course from
human nature to love duty and of righteousness.
It is when we seize upon some deep-seated ten-
dency of children, such as fighting, and develop
it in the direction of duty that we can secure for
them both sense of duty and love of duty, and
utilize the motive force in human nature for in-
dividual betterment and social good.
Fighting has been approved generally in the
social standards of the race, especially in the ideal
of war, as a biological and sociological necessity.
This ideal and the pacifist ideal involve a fallacy.
These ideals have developed without the guidance
of science and have encountered the danger of
being blind leaders. Science suggests that the
fighting ideal, as distinguished from the war and
pacifist ideals, is the essential need of man. A
science-aided education undertakes to study the
origin and significance of fighting and to direct
this ineradicable and essential tendency toward in-
dividual development and social progress. Anger
and resentment have positive values, and as
elements in the environment help determine good
behavior. The field of both free and organized
play offers some of the best opportunities for
teaching children and youth to fight in ways to
conserve the heroic qualities of man, to develop
some of the noblest social traits, and to make for
peace and progress of the world. Teaching chil-
dren to fight, therefore, is one of the most im-
portant of the specific aims of education.
542
GRANTLAND RICE SPORTLIGHTS
Grantland Rice Sportlights
Swift and exciting action, humor, sentiment, and
instruction mingle in the Grantland Rice Sport-
lights, a series of moving pictures on sports and
recreation edited by Grantland Rice and released
monthly by the Pathe Exchange, Inc. Sport-
lights deserve the attention of all interested in
sportsmanlike play and games.
Each Sportlight takes a particular theme, such
as "Rough-and-Tumbling," "Learning How,"
"Spikes and Bloomers," "The Happy Years," and
develops it by scenes from baseball, water sports,
football, hockey, winter sports, golf, tennis, row-
ing, wrestling, informal games and, in fact, a
large list of athletics, games, and other recrea-
tions. The material has been collected from col-
lege and academy athletic fields, western ranches,
girls' schools, summer camps, on land and water,
and from country and city.
One of the most interesting releases is entitled
Seven Ages of Sport. "Today the world is a
sporting stage, and from cradle to grave there is
some form of play which appeals to the millions,"
runs the introduction.
Different ages are pictured under the following
captions: "At first the infant," "Then comes the
age of imagination," "Next, there is the rough-
and-tumble age of boyhood's unspent energy,"
" — Until discipline takes hold and there comes
the age of organization," "The first sense of
sportsmanship," "This is the age of fame," "Down
the fairway of middle age," "The final age com-
pletes the cycle — into the deepening dusk of sec-
ond childhood." Scenes showing the infant at
play with ball and rattle, boys reproducing
Treasure Island scenes, boys diving, swimming,
frolicking in the water, college track competitions,
football — Colgate vs. Syracuse — the business man
called away from his office by golf, and the diver-
sions of old age, are pictured.
Since these pictures encourage participation in
sports and games and provide excellent entertain-
ment, their showing in a community should en-
courage athletic and games program. Local the-
ater managers usually can tell when the various
Sportlights will appear. If sufficient information
cannot be secured from the theater, it may be se-
cured from the nearest branch office of the Pathe
Exchange. These are located as follows :
Albany, N. Y., 35-37 Orange St.
Atlanta, Ga., 116 Walton St.
Boston, Mass., 39 Church St.
Buffalo, N. Y., 505 Pearl St.
Butte, Montana, 1 16 W. Granite St.
Chicago, 111., 1023-7 So. Wabash Ave. (Pathe
Bldg.)
Cincinnati, O., 124 E. 7th St.
Cleveland, O., 2100 Payne Ave.
Charlotte, N. C., 221 W. 4th St.
Dallas, Tex., 1715 Commerce St.
Denver, Colo., 2165 Broadway.
Detroit, Mich., 159 E. Elizabeth St.
Des Moines, Iowa, 1003*/2 High St.
Indianapolis, Ind., 20 W. Michigan St.
Kansas City, Mo., Ill W. 17th St.
Los Angeles, Calif., 1926 So. Vermont Ave.
Minneapolis, Minn., 72 Western Ave.
Milwaukee, Wis., 102-4 9th St.
Memphis, Tenn., 302 Mulberry St.
New York, N. Y., 1600 Broadway.
New Orleans, La., 221 S. Liberty St.
Newark, N. J., 1600 Broadway (N. Y. C.)
New Haven, Conn., 134 Meadow St.
Oklahoma City, Okla., 508 W. Grand Ave.
Omaha, Neb., 1508 Davenport St.
Pittsburgh, Pa., 1018 Forbes St.
Philadelphia, Pa., 1232 Vine St.
Portland, Ore., 443 Glisen St.
St. Louis, Mo., 3318 Olive St.
San Francisco, Calif., 321 Turk St.
Seattle, Wash., 2025 3rd Ave.
Salt Lake City, Utah, 64 Exchange Place.
Washington, D. C., 916-18 G St., N. W.
Baltimore, Md. (Sub Office), 506 E. Baltimore
St.
Harmonica Bands in St.
Petersburg
Over 1,000 boys and girls in the schools of St.
Petersburg, Florida, have been organized in har-
monica bands, each school having its own group.
The movement was organized by the Recreation
Board of St. Petersburg of which P. V. Gahan is
Superintendent.
The first demonstration was given Armistice
Day, when a group of more than 300 boys and
girls appeared in connection with the public pro-
gram at Williams Park.
But the movement has gone further than the
schools or the playgrounds, for a number of
families have formed small group orchestras for
the pleasure of the home circle and a number of
fathers and mothers have told of the awakening
interest in music on the part of the boys and girls
who are playing in the bands.
Recreation for British Miners
BY
B. T. COOTE
Joseph Lee, chairman : I want to introduce to you Mr.
B. T. Coote and tell you a little about him, because he is
very important. He served for three years as an officer
in the Royal Navy of Britain and all that time he was
very much interested in the recreation of the men. In
1920 he became a member of the staff of the Industrial
Welfare Society, whose interest is the welfare of the
miners of Great Britain. Early this year he was ap-
pointed Advisor of the Miners' Welfare Committee. This
committee is financed by a tax of 2 cents on every ton of
coal raised, and this gives the organization about $5,000,-
000 a year to spend on recreation, in welfare and educa-
tional work of the miners of England. So you see Com-
mander Coote may be called kind of a super-dreadnought.
He has organized hundreds of towns, but he will tell you
about; that later on. He has shown great strength and
courage in carrying out that program. That is the kind of
socialistic government action which we can most heartily
back up and promote. It is, one might say, not tying on
the flowers, but watering the plant.
Commander Coote has come here on invitation of our
organization to study what is going on in America in this
line. We are sorry to see him go home and wish he could
stay with us longer, and I know you all wish the same
thing. I think he owes a duty to himself to stay and
learn as well as to stay and teach us. His coming here
is a sort of instance of the way in which the recreation
movement is developing international good-will. He will
speak on the subject Recreation for British Miners.
Commander Coote : I want to take this public
opportunity of acknowledging my thanks to the
Association for having invited me to this Congress.
1 have been trying to get here for three years
and now that I am here I don't want to go home
yet. The Chairman kindly remarked that he
wished I could stay longer, I assure you that it
is my wish as well, but orders are orders and I
am allowed only one month from the time I left
home until I get back and I will make it by just
about two days.
What struck me more than anything else on
coming to America is that we are all cousins and
I cannot see any difference between us. I have
never seen such a kind people. There may be a
few differences between us and of some of these
I was warned by kind Americans who came over
on the same boat with me. One of them was,
"Don't order more than one club sandwich !" One
Englishman, not realizing the size of American
club sandwiches, asked the waiter to bring him a
half dozen ! The other warning was not to leave
my boots on the outside of the door at night.
You know we always leave our boots outside the
door in England and they are cleaned for us by
*Address given at the Twelfth Recreation Congress, Asheville,
North Carolina, October 5-10, 1925.
the next morning. The third warning was : "Don't
ask for five o'clock tea, because you won't get it."
We do handle a large sum of money in conduct-
ing Welfare work. The total credits up to the
thirty-first of August of this year were 4,663,000
pounds and of that amount the sum distributed to
date is 2,437,000 pounds. It is, however, divided
up into so many different directions we don't have
a very large sum for any one particular program.
Nearly one million pounds of that has been put
into seven convalescent homes. Then we have so
much for Research work, Education, Nursing,
Ambulance, and other purposes, and this does not
leave much for Recreation.
The mining camps that I have visited vary in
sizes from about fifteen hundred to about twenty-
five thousand, the limit of population for a min-
ing camp. So when I came to this vast country
and made my first visit in a town like Scranton
I was amazed. The proposition is entirely, differ-
ent. The mining camps we have are mining camps
and nothing else. And this is what they have to
do in order to get money for developing some wel-
fare schemes. They first of all form a commit-
tee among themselves. Half the committee is
made up of owners and the other half of miners'
representatives. Then they meet and say : "What
shall we do ?" Someone suggests a cricket ground,
someone football.- If you suggest a children's
playground you are suggesting something that
some have never thought of and others never heard
of, and it takes a very great deal to persuade them
to have one. Therefore, what we did first of all
was to try to educate the mining fellows to spend
money for their camps in this way because there
are rules laid down in the Act of Parliament as
to what the money is to be spent for. So, the
first thing we did was to issue a little pamphlet
setting forth what they might spend their money
for. There were about ninety-seven headings to
indicate to them what they might select. That
took them away from football and cricket. This
was followed up a month later by a pamphlet
on outdoor recreation for children. We told them
what could be done to increase the happiness of the
children the year-round, through playgrounds,
evening play centers, the revival of old time May
543
544
RECREATION IN GREAT BRITAIN
day fetes, gardens, the growing of flowers, and
things of that sort for the children. The children
are taught the folk dances and that kind of activity
so we did not include them in the pamphlet.
The next group we came to were those between
ten and sixteen years of age. In England we
found that a boy up to ten years of age was fairly
safe on the playground, but after that age he is a
nuisance. So we discussed something for those
from ten to sixteen.
Then there was a little pamphlet on Adult
Recreation, and next one on outdoor recreation
for specialists — for those who wish to specialize
in cricket and similar sports.
As far as our games are concerned, we play
games and we have Professional Leagues, In-
dustrial Leagues and Amateur Leagues. If these
leagues were just what everybody thinks they are
all would be well, but they aren't. I don't believe,
so far as children and young people are con-
cerned, in having leagues. And if you begin to talk
about educational recreation, it seems to me it has
got to be something far bigger in its ideals and
development than merely organizing leagues and
competition.
I go at it from this point of view. Our public
schools are attending to this. They are supposed
to set the pace for sportsmanship in games — they
are the ones to set it, not the minority. The public
schools are supposed to teach the spirit of play-
ing the game, and if they did there should be
no trouble at all with our labor. If they have
already learned to play the game in their schools
one would think they would attend more seriously
to the requirements of those whom they employ.
In many ways that has been done, but it is by
no means universal. The public school boys can
learn to play the game, but it does not necessarily
follow that they do. There are just as many fine
fellows in the country who have never been to
school who can play the game. What is the game ?
The game of Life! I don't mean playing foot-
ball or cricket, but I mean the game of Life.
There are four rules for this game: (1) Don't
play foul; (2) Go out to win; (3) Don't chuck
the sponge up; (4) Play for others and not for
yourselves.
These are four simple rules and seem to cover
all that should come under the system of recrea-
tion. They are nothing more or less than the
principles of Christianity and I know that all of
us are wanting to realize this spirit of Christianity
in regard to our public recreation ideals.
Don't think that I feel we ought to do away
with competition. We never should. Competition
is for the specialists, but when we are dealing with
the training of children and young people we
ought to deal with them in different stages of
development. You have the control stage, then
the contest stage and finally the competitive stage.
By these four methods we can turn recreation
development into education. Boxing is a simple
example of what one means by a natural develop-
ment.
Introduce boxing in the gymnasium. Give the
boys gloves, as far as you can. Divide them into
four sections, let each section select a leader and
the leaders their sides. Tell them that they have
just one minute to punch each other's noses after
you have lined them up opposite. Tell them you
will blow the whistle in just one minute. You will
see the result. You will find the little fellows
sometimes opposite the tall fellows and the tall
fellows opposite the little fellows. The little fel-
low does not like to have his nose punched, but
he goes at the tall fellow and thinks, "I will get
out of that pretty quickly," and then he goes al
him again ! You blow the whistle and when you
do there will be a half dozen who are still punch-
ing noses. To take it a step further, they have not
played the game. They have played foul. You only
wanted them to give one punch and they went on.
But don't take too much notice of that. You
will have to get them to the control stage. Teach
them to play fair.
Then you will come to the contest stage. Give
them something to work for, for the honor of
the school or whatever you may wish. I have
not the time to go into that except to tell you that
in a certain school of over four hundred, every
boy is entered for some form of athletics. It has
been tested in the camps. I have had cross coun-
try runs where two hundred came from the country
and two hundred from the universities. They are
all entered and they all finish.
In making recreational ideals apply to every-
body so that everybody will enter and by enter-
ing feel happy, we are developing the ideals of
Christianity on the playground. We know people
are not going to Church much these days, so why
can't we introduce these ideals of Christianity
into the game ? I think we can, but it is going to
take a very detailed development of training, but
only for the young children. That is why I don't
consider organized recreation for adults worth
much. You can supply them with bowling alleys,
cricket fields and other facilities — and we are
doing much of this in our Alining Welfare scheme.
RECREATION IN GREAT BRITAIN
545
But as far as the adults are concerned, leave them
alone. Supply them with the activities, but con-
centrate for the future development of ideals on
the adults of the next generation, and center oh
the young people by introducing them to the ideals
of Christianity on the playground.
The educated -ruffian has had an opportunity of
being tested out as well as the uneducated ruffian
with regard to these ideals and they have both
shown that they can play the game under such con-
ditions as I have described.
I feel very deeply for the little fellows who run
about on the streets. What is needed to help
them is to give them a chance to play games where
they can win something — win respect for what
they do. I have seen boys who have been abso-
lutely "duds" in a class — boys who have never
been selected to play games on account of wearing
glasses — I have seen boys of that type, who have
absolutely never had a chance, cheered to the echo
by the section they represent, by reason of their
success in some particular type of game.
More About Recreation in
Great Britain*
BY
COMMANDER B. F. COOTE
London, England
In a little pamphlet on children's playgrounds,
I wrote under the head Wrong Ideas ( following a
paragraph where I ask why so much attention
should be given to those who are born to excel
and not enough to those who are not). "The an-
swer is that this great sporting country of ours is
slowly but surely allowing its sports to be com-
mercialized ; our press finds a readier sale for
news of the latest results today than in 1914 ; we
are out of proportion in our value of recreation;
we reward those who are born to excel, and sel-
dom, if ever, encourage the majority who are not
so gifted. Who will deny that the fellow who
does his best and comes in last in a race is as
worthy of applause as the winner? Does he
get it?
"It always seems to me such an easy matter to
*At the request of a large number of delegates who were anxious
to hear further from Commander Coote, a breakfast meeting was
arranged at the Recreation Congress, Asheville, North Carolina.
recognize merit, or supply activities for the minor-
ity who will always be found ready to use them,
but what does it all lead to in the long run ? Can
you blame people for being lethargic or apathetic
when we cater only for the energetic minority?
"Those who agree with me so far will under-
stand why I refuse to put adult recreation first;
we must reconstruct our lives if we are going to
improve matters. Start at the bottom and lay a
sound foundation with regard to the children.
Give them a happier time, make them realize the
value of organized play and the harm of loafing,
and year by year lead them on to want healthy
leisure occupation in ever increasing numbers
until the time will come when, as adults, recreation
will be something far more real and valuable than
at present, when people are more ready to exer-
cise the turnstiles than themselves."
I wind up that paper, "All will agree that Wel-
fare must include every member of the com-
munity, but as with all things in life, it is better
to start with a sound foundation from the bottom
than to do a patch-work alteration from the top.
Let us by all means cater for adults as a temporary
measure of necessity, but at the same time keep
always in mind the fact that national recreation
has its roots in the playgrounds of the children."
You realize that to the full in your country, —
we do not.
In a little pamphlet on Outdoor Recreation for
Boys and Girls, "The leisure hours of boys and
girls from ten to sixteen are those which must
be considered seriously from every point of view,
moral, physical and mental. Lack of occupation
leads to sex dissipation, gambling, drinking, over
smoking.
"To start with, we must try and provide for
the majority and not merely be satisfied with a
Junior football or cricket ground for the boys,
or a basket ball and hockey ground for the girls,
nor is it of much use to provide for such a game
as tennis when the price of tennis racquets and
balls is too high for any but the well-to-do to be
able to play.
"The first point to consider is the value of giv-
ing boys and girls an opportunity to play together
under healthful conditions, so that they may learn
to be courteous and considerate each to the other,
and have their characters so moulded as to be able
to appreciate fair play.
"Listen to lads playing football, for example,
and you hear one continuous dispute as to whether
or not someone was off-side when a goal was
scored, and in nine cases out of ten the decision
546
RECREATION IN GREAT BRITAIN
of the referee, if there is one, is challenged. This
all comes from a lack of appreciation as to why
we play games. Money is undoubtedly the root
of this evil.
"I want to see organized games provided for
these boys and girls which cannot be ruined by
commercialism, and where only one rule is needed
'Play the Game.' In order that this may be ap-
preciated, I should like to see every boy and girl
who joins the Recreation Club presented with a
membership card on which was printed the fol-
lowing :
One Rule Only
PLAY THE GAME
Which means :
Don't Play Foul.
Don't Give In.
Go all-out to Win.
Don't Play for Yourself, but think of others."
Then in the final paragraph, "I am attempting
to reconstruct recreational activities from the bot-
tom, so as gradually to build up healthier ideals
in regard to games, for we are now seeing the
result of a drifting policy which caters only for
those who are born to excel — a five per cent minor-
ity. My suggestions apply to the ninety-five per
cent majority. Leave existing method (or lack of
method) to work out its own salvation (it won't
help to make this world better, morally or physic-
ally), and build up something which, in virtue of
its own superior moral and physical value to the
community, will eventually not only predominate,
but supersede it throughout the country."
Then in a paper written for specialists — people
who play cricket and athletic sports when organ-
ized, I say, "I am not one of those who consider
that one form of recreation is more necessary or
important than any other, because I am convinced
that the more varied the provision of outdoor rec-
reation, the more chance for those to participate
who are not specialists. But as long as the world
lasts we shall always find a small percentage of
men in every community who will specialize at cer-
tain games such as football or cricket, and by rea-
son of their keenness for these games they will
look after themselves and will always secure space
for play.
"Such national games will never be allowed to
die for another reason — they are paying proposi-
tions when properly run, and money has to be
raised if we are going to develop recreation for
all on a really large scale.
"For the second reason particularly I want their
importance to be realized more, possibly, than it
may have been before. I would like to see these
specialist players in mining districts (you will re-
member I deal only with mining interests) mak-
ing money in order that their profits might provide
an assured income for organizing the leisure occu-
pation, indoors and outdoors, of the children and
young people all the year around.. I look forward
to the time when each mining district can, by
these means, maintain a staff of full time trained
organizers (a man and a woman as a beginning),
because without these there is little hope that the
majority of recreation schemes will be able to pay
their way, especially if, as often happens, football
and cricket clubs are run as separate concerns
controlling their own funds, and do not help the
other less fortunate sections. Money is needed for
such staffs, and I look to the specialists to pro-
vide it."
There is just one paragraph at the end : "It is
possible that the keen player of cricket or football
has never visualized the position of the man to
whom, owing probably to some lack of moral fibre
or physical stamina, these games make no appeal.
Even if there were room for the majority to play
these games, which we know there is not, it would
still be impossible to induce the ninety-five per
cent man to do anything so strenuous in his leisure
time, until he has been led by easier stages to ap-
preciate the value of energy and enjoy physical
effort."
It has been proved at the Duke of York's Camp
by experiment in five consecutive years, that, by
starting with mild forms of recreation and work-
ing up through carefully graded stages of energy
values, the two thousand boys of all types and
conditions — mental — moral — physical, could in one
week, be brought to the point of not only all enter-
ing, but all finishing, "all-out," in a Cross Country
run of one and one-half miles.
Perhaps you are nearer my viewpoint, for con-
ditions are entirely different in this country, hav-
ing got that viewpoint I thing you will understand
when I say that simplicity attracts and that if we
use that work simplicity in regard to introducing
all these ideals and keep that firmly fixed in our
minds, we are absolutely bound to be successful.
Simplicity in its spiritual sense, its moral sense
and its mental and physical sense can be proved
always to produce success. I have tested it out in
curious little ways. There are some of us who
like taking exercises half an hour or so or maybe
ten minutes and we keep going for quite a little
while but gradually drop off. I am not advertising
this, but I thought of a simple idea for taking
RECREATION IN GREAT BRITAIN
547
exercises that lasted one and a half minutes and I
do it every morning and it is simple enough to be
effective. Some people in teaching think they
should make it complicated. I thought out a little
method of teaching swimming and in a few min-
utes taught thirty thousand men who never had
done it before, without my touching or speaking
to them.
In regard to music, I have been fascinated by
your singing but if those methods were tried in
the mining communities where I have been there
would be no response. They are such simple-
minded folk that even when one tries to get at
them by this means, very different methods must
be used. I don't give books because they are too
shy to look at them and if one had a book of
music he would be almost ashamed to look at it be-
cause it would give away the fact that he was
going to sing. When it comes to that you have to
think of simpler ideas, so we try turning out the
lights so that no one will know who is singing,
and if we have lantern screens with well known
choruses, some might think it was worth while
joining in. Always in a mining community before
I start a lecture I find it useful to have singing
on all occasions. I believe enormously in it be-
cause we cannot be unhappy when singing and it
makes us receptive to ideas that are going to be
put over. Sometimes I have had a pianist who can
play only three notes and does not know in which
order to play them, but it doesn't matter ! When
the chorus begins somebody throws the words on
the screen and sometimes they won't sing at all, but
that doesn't matter. In the middle of the ad-
dress, breaking off short I put on the words of
some well known song, Old Folks at Home, for in-
stance, and just suggest that they should sing.
Some of them do, undoubtedly, and then at the
end of the evening one has to make them sing by
going through processes I have not time to tell
you about. It is the simplicity that appeals and I
have never yet failed to have them sing. Simplicity
is the thing that one tries to keep in one's mind.
The problem which interests me more than any
other is the little fellow that comes in last in the
race. He has tried his best and he may go on try-
ing his best and still always come in last, and
yet he never gets a clap or any recognition. What
can we do for that little fellow if we take him
in hand? There are two things. We can train
him ; that is one. The other is that we can make
it possible for him always to continue doing his
best.
Of these two points I prefer the last. I think
the method of training to produce wonderful re-
sults is all right so far as it goes but I think we
have got to go much further than that and make
it possible for everybody to do his best by supply-
ing simple methods and simple forms of recreation
in which all can take part.
We all possess the power to be energetic, even
that little laddie who came in last, so it seems to
me it is a question of skill against energy.
In order to get people either skillful or energetic
we have to reward them and it is just then a ques-
tion of the ratio of that reward, whether 50-50 or
70-30. If we think about energy and try to class-
ify it very, very briefly under some headings, this
is the way I get at it. If you want to get at any-
thing take the extremes, the extremes of energy.
In order to live it is necessary only to lie on your
back, bend your elbow to put food in your mouth.
Of course that is extreme but that is a form of
energy even though it is a very absurd one. The
other extreme is the man who will run in a Mara-
than race twenty-five miles or more and finish done
to a turn. Between those extremes there are a
large number. Energy can be purely physical,
purely mental, or either physical or mental, but
so far as getting at this from the point of view
of games was concerned, I tested it out with some
300 games and found that they all could be classi-
fied under games except foot ball, cricket and
such games because with those their energy is spas-
modic. That gave me another pleasant feeling that
I need not consider games where only specialists
were taking part.
The question of rewarding energy is merely
understanding that it can be measured and
marked. How you get at that is a proposition that
can be argued from all points of view. I am not
fully satisfied with the results at present, but I
have been able to prove certain things; that by
introducing recreation this way you can get
response from the poorest and weakest, from the
richest and strongest, and when you mix them to-
gether equally they equally respond. And so,
having tested that out so far as it has gone, I
have a certain amount of confidence that these
ideas' are working out. The child up to three
years of age has a desire for games uncontrolled.
I say three years of age as a rough estimate.
I will let out the secret that I have five boys of
my own. I am very, very proud of them all —
the oldest is eighteen and the youngest six, so
I have learned a little from experience in these
matters, not that it gives me any great confidence
548
RECREATION IN GREAT BRITAIN
in putting over ideas to you, but I have found
that up to three years they prefer games uncon-
trolled. If you try to put one brick on another
a child of this age will knock it down and will sit
for hours doing it.
Between three and six children like to play
a controlled game, not with more than one person,
for it is too difficult to do that. We have a lovely
game called Snakes and Ladders. It is a board
square with ten squares, numbered 1 to 100, and
there are snakes that run. There are ladders that
run upward and if you land on the bottom you
go up. I know of no better game to play, of
none that teaches the child the value of play
better than that. Every child loves to get a six
on it, for that pushes on fast, but if that six
lands on the head of the snake you will see that
the child will try to avoid the head of the snake
and put the disk on the side. That is where the
father comes along and teaches him to play the
game. It is inborn to play foul ! We all have
the inborn desire to win. Some win by fair means
and some by foul. Those who win by foul are
those unfortunate people who have not had homes
where they were taught to win by fair. The home
is the education for character and the place for
developing moral fibre in all of us. We have
therefore to introduce these home ideas in recera-
tion of those youngsters who have never felt
these ideals and who have not got a home and
whose parents do not take any trouble. We have
got to touch them in that way. That is what I
call the control method.
You get to the next stage where the child will
go out and play with other boys, more or less as
a group or a team, and I like to write that down
as the contest stage in recreation. And then
finally he may get on the competitive stage if he
excels, so we have four stages — uncontrolled, con-
trolled, contests and competitions. I cannot go
further in that for time will not permit this morn-
ing.
I wanted to give you an illustration of how to
start again if you are wrong. The only way, I
find in my experience, is to drop a bomb shell
and let it explode and after the debris is gone
and nothing remains, you have a clear field for
starting again! For illustration, I have had the
physical education of the boys at Eton and Har-
row. When I got to Harrow I found by my
experience in Eton that I wanted to start again.
And at Harrow they are very conservative and
have traditions that nothing can alter except a
bombshell. There I found the old type of ap-
paratus. I didn't like it and wanted to start fresh
and the headmaster allowed me in the holidays to
scrap the whole contents of the gymnasium ! I
got rid of everything, bought new apparatus and
when the boys came back their remarks were not
publishable! There was a contest that came off
every year and what was going to happen to
that ? My plan, however, provided what I wanted
for the majority and everybody was happy as
a result. All the boys came in. I had enormous
classes from the bigger boys, and in the boxing
whereas they had had thirty-three entries, we
had everybody.
In closing I will say that you can get at the
laddie not born to excel and you can make him
enjoy recreation even if he is against the finest
athlete or finest player in the world if you supply
simple forms of recreation that will enable both
of them to play fair — to play for others, not
themselves.
The first year that I tried it out was with the
Duke of York's Camp. With recreation you have
a common ground by which you can bring boys
together and enable each to see the value in others
if you satisfy those four points that I have made.
I just want to read one short little notice that
appeared in one of our papers the other day :
"When one reads about the representatives of
our country being beaten in games I have long
since ceased to worry. If one regards victory as
a test of physical fitness, no doubt a series of
defeats is discouraging, but it is not even a test
of the individual still less of the nation to which
they belong. The test of a nation's physical fit-
ness is not whether it produces more or less
champions, but what proportion of its people play
regularly — whether well or ill, matters little."
And to that I simply add that all should be given
the chance to learn to play the game.
And now my time has come to an end and I
just want to say to you all "God Speed" to the
next milestone.
The discussion which followed Commander
Coote's address brought out the importance of
realizing the value of effort as well as skill. "Take
for example the Duke of York's Camp for that
is the acid test in these ideas and that is why
I have confidence in it. I got boys who had never
run fifty yards in their lives. A boy would arrive
in camp so fat he could hardly get in his clothes —
not his fault. Can you imagine him after a mile
and a half race? You have got to suggest in
FROM WASTE-LAND TO PARK
549
regard to all these ideas that they are not for the
benefit of those born to excel any more than they
are for those not born to excel and the response
is instantaneous. We have been brought up to
think that the fellow who plays in one of these
big teams is the fellow we usually try to emulate.
We will never reach that no matter how we try.
We must realize that it is not cutting out those
people at all, but that it is supplying recreation
for the majority of the boys and girls up to the
age of fifteen or sixteen, and then leaving them
to look after themselves. So that means that if
we can supply them with these ideals while we
have them at the school age, all is well.
"The question of Boy Scout work interests the
boys enormously and I can just tell you this so
far as boys' clubs are concerned: We have made
it possible for the boys in the clubs in the South
of London to enter into everything and enjoy it.
One boys' club will compete against another in
football and cricket, but only the specialists will
do so. That does not mean that other boys are
not allowed to take part, but some will always be
in the uncontrolled state and some in the con-
trolled state; there are always a number who go
quickly in the competitive stage and you can pro-
vide recreation for them.
"I think it is perfectly possible to introduce these
ideas through the schools as part of education and
also to deal with them out in the playground
when it comes to more practical development and
more practical steps are needed to carry them out."
In answer to the inquiry as to what things had
been found most easy with these boys, Commander
Coote said : "When you get a lot of boys together,
realize that they know better than you do, who are
their leaders, who possess those physical qualities
that make them leaders. Leave it to the boys.
When boys come in the gymnasium let them run
wild. They make a great noise, but they must
get rid of a certain amount of superflous energy.
Blow a whistle — the mere shock of the whistle
will stop them for a moment and tell them that
the next time it is blown they must sit down.
Then say, 'I want a leader.' Without a moment's
hesitation, a number of boys' names will be given.
Tell the boys to sit down and choose sides. Don't
let the first leader pick first every time, but change
round. When you get to the end you will find two
wretched little boys looking ashamed of them-
selves; they are the worms and dust who never
get a chance. You quickly pass that over — 'You
go there and you go there.' That's that.
"This is where it comes in. When you put on
anything that requires real energy — I am talk-
ing about competitive games — the first four go.
They go for all they are worth. Mark them and
put them on the board so that all may see. When
it comes to those last four they will do their best
and their side will cheer and the little fellow
that seems the worst may come out first — and he's
a hero for life."
From Waste -Land to Park
The October issue of the Nation's Health con-
tains an article describing the reclamation of an
unsightly hillside tract of land in Binghamton,
New York, and its transformation in a three-year
period into a beautiful recreation park.
The land so arranged consisted of both wooded
and open ground. About one-half of the tract
was originally covered with a splendid stand of
oak trees which were left. In order to make the
open area, a steeply sloping field, more suitable
for a park, it was formed into three terraces. The
wooded section of the park was subdivided into
three small areas by broad asphalt pathways lead-
ing in from entering streets at the sides of the
park. These pathways join in a circular way sur-
rounding the bandstand, the central feature of
the park. One of these small areas is set apart for
a children's playground, another for picnic pur-
poses arid the third for a carousel and service
building. A wading pool was made possible by
funds subscribed by children of the city.
Beyond the pool and located on the longitudinal
axis of the footall field is a service building, sur-
rounded by shrubbery and lawns. In this build-
ing are provided locker and shower rooms for
men and women, a superintendent's office and
storage room. Around the building are croquet
grounds and a putting green.
The steep slope of ground between the upper
terrace and the one below it forms the base of the
seats of a concrete stadium overlooking the foot-
ball gridiron on the second terrace. In the win-
ter the field is flooded for skating and a large
portable three-chute toboggan slide is built on
the slopes of the three terraces. The third and
lowest terrace contains a baseball diamond, eight
tennis courts and a parking space for automo-
biles.
Bread and Play
BY
OTTO T. MALLERY
As THEY WERE
they had hunted around
soldiers' camps searching like
young wolves for scraps of
food. In the Orphanage
weeks after they were fed
they showed little activity.
Starvation and exposure, im-
proper care at times when de-
velopment was greatest gave
them size without stamina.
At school or in the trades at
which everybody was set to
work as soon as able, they
made no effort. They were
stagnant and stupid. If the
boys grew up along these
lines they would hardly be
worth feeding, clothing and
housing ; they would be a bur-
den to themselves and a curse
to the community.
Something had to be done
to overcome the years of neg-
lect and terror which had
brought them to this pass.
550
Fighting famine
with food is not
enough. "M a n
does not live by
bread alone" is
being proved
again in the Near
East. Good Amer-
ican bread in a
Near East Relief
Orphanage was
stuffed inside the
shells of hundreds
of boys gathered
up in Syria in
starved conditions.
They did not
smile. They had
not smiled for a
year. Like stray
and hungry dogs
railroad stations and
As THEY ARE
WHAT P
Sports and games
were unknown to
them. There was
n o money for
physical training
teachers or for
play leaders, so
every available
American on the
staff was appealed
to for help. Early
morning calisthen-
ics and supervised
games and athletic
sports were intro-
duced. A new spirit appeared. Their minds
awoke. Industry and efficiency in the trade
schools increased. A keen spirit of rivalry
urged lazy boys into activity. A self-gov-
ernment plan was introduced and successfully
operated. Good physical habits overcame the bad.
"Then our industries and the whole of my institu-
tion was seventy-five per cent
more efficient," said W. T.
Ganneway, one of the Near
East Relief workers.
In Alexandrople, Armenia,
were gathered 4.800 older
Armenian boys who had been
driven out of Turkey in 1920.
Without any kind of home or
occupation except to obtain
food sufficient for existence,
whether it be by stealing or
begging, naturally they were
a wild lot but the fittest of
those who had survived. It
was Ogden's job to bring
these boys into order. With
them he set at work restoring
old army barracks where the
Near East Relief proposed to
house them and 30.000
younger orphans.
When this was done he
tackled the job of discover-
(Continued on page 572)
DID FOR B
NAZARETH
TWELVE
A Triumph of America's Play Program
DEPORTED WAIFS RESTORED BY FOOD AND PLAY
THE 400 LITTLEST ORPHANS AT
"BIRD'S NEST" SIDON
AMERICAN GAMES GRIP YOUTH OF
THE LEVANT
DIRECTED MASS DRILLS PLAYED A LARGE PART IN
RESTORING STRENGTH AND SPIRIT TO OVER 100,000
STARVED AND DEPRESSED CHILDREN IN THE ORPHAN-
AGES OF THE NEAR EAST RELIEF
THROUGH PLAY THEY GREW
STRONG AND FORGOT HAUNT-
ING HORRORS OF MASSACRES
AND STARVATION
COORDINATED PLAY
HAD BEEN UN-
KNOWN
VOLUNTEER PLAY LEADERS DEVELOPED
FROM THE ARMY OF ONCE UNDER-
NOURISHED CHILDREN OF THE DE-
PORTATIONS IN AMERICA'S CARE
THE PLEDGE OF A
NEW DAY
552
COMMUNITY MUSIC
Community Music — A
Demonstration
On the evening of October 8th, Community
Music evening at the Recreation Congress at
Asheville, there were a number of interesting dem-
onstrations which delighted the audience.
Professor Dykema, of Columbia, in introducing
the subject, mentioned the various types of musi-
cal activities that may be developed on the play-
ground and the recreation center. "Community
singing such as we have just had," he said, "is one
type. Another contribution to community music
lies in utilizing the possibilities of the particulai
section in which you live or work. For instance,
in certain places you will find the foreign groups
and choruses and they can sing their national
songs and use their national instruments. Cer-
tainly one of the finest possibilities we have in the
South lies in utilizing the remarkable talent of the
negro children for singing."
(In illustration of this a chorus of negro boys
and girls sang spirituals under the direction of
Professor Michael of the Asheville Colored High
School.)
"In addition to community singing and such
group singing as that to which we have listened,"
Professor Dykema continued, "there are many
other manifestations. One is the Barber Shop
Quartette — a group of young fellows will get to-
gether and sing the songs they know and sing the
parts in competition. On the Chicago playgrounds
they have done this with great success. At first
the boys will not have much idea what a quartette
is. They think it consists of four boys who all
sing the melody, but with a little guidance they
do better. I want to commend to all a book that
recently came out, by Sigmund Spaeth, called
Barber Shop Ballads. It simply attempts to give
a method by which four men can get together and
make different harmonies from the same song.
"And now I want to start on the instrumental
side. I listened to the address this morning about
a nature guide and learned that every playground
should have one. Every playground should also
have a music leader ! I say this not' because I
want to underestimate what a playground director
can do, but because I think there are certain things
about music that must be done. I speak particu-
larly of having bands and of carrying on the work
permanently. Every single playground should
have, at least at the beginning of the season, a
man who will specifically start out to develop
boys' bands. In three months of summer work,
there is no playground that cannot develop an ex-
cellent band and carry it on with tremendous bene-
fit, giving boys and girls something that they can
take with them through their lives.
"Much the same thing can be done in orchestra
work. Mr. Norton has told me of his work in
Flint, Michigan, where they have reached the
place where they do not have to urge the players
to join ; they have a complete symphony orchestra
and they can pick and choose the players. That
means there is nothing that can stop them from
success.
"These fine complete developments are certainly
possible as part of the recreation system and there
is nothing more significant than the way in which
in the years to come the playground movement
will affect the entire scope of the teaching of music
in this country. The play element as we see it
worked out in play schools will affect all musical
instruction, especially school music. When the
play spirit grips the public school, it will greatly
strengthen public school music."
At this time Professor Dykema demonstrated
with a group of Congress delegates the teaching
of the ukelele, explaining with the use of a chart
how simple chords can be learned and ukelele
playing mastered.
Continuing the program, Mr. Dykema said:
"I do not know of any more precious thing to a
boy or girl than a mouth organ. It is impossible
to get any bad noise out of it. It is one of the
things that will be a constant pleasure to them
and all over the country there are harmonica con-
tests with enormous interest on the part of the
boy. It is surprising what they can do in real
music when they get a start. The harmonica,
like all simple instruments, exhausts its possibili-
ties and the next thing the player wants to do is
to take up an instrument with more possibilities,
and so it leads on."
Mr. Dykema then introduced the harmonica
band consisting of fifty-one boys who had come
from Salisbury to give a demonstration under the
leadership of Mr. Griffin of the Salisbury Public
School. In demonstrating his method of teach-
ing, Mr. Griffin said : "I approach the boys and
girls on their own ground. I did not start slowly
on the scale basis but started to see if they could
play 'pieces.' I wanted to enlist every bit of
interest that I could and to make everybody feel
that he was not being instructed. I think the
secret of success is in keeping young with the
boys and girls and in playing with them."
MUSIC AS RECREATION
553
The boys played a number of selections, includ-
ing Silent Night, Holy Night. Mr. Griffin ex-
plained that the band, which in its entirety num-
bers eighty-five players, is planning to play Christ-
mas Carols on the streets of Salisbury on Christ-
mas Eve.
Music as Recreation
The Federation of British Music Industries,
London, England, has issued an article by Arthur
Mason, who makes the appeal that we regard
music as recreation and less as an improving in-
terest. "It can be that, of course," says Mr.
Mason, "and it is that. It is so eminently an im-
proving interest that in respect of the great music,
claim can be made that no other art compares with
it in that regard. But there is a vast amount of
music our delight in which is not at all likely to be
of that order of delight which springs from seri-
ous thought and high imagining. It is recreation.
It is diversion. Let us enjoy it like that and let
us think of it sometimes less as a serious interest,
as an improving influence, as a subject constantly
entitled to our severer moods.
"There is at present active within the British
musical world a newly-awakened admiration for
the music of the Tudor composers. And attention
has, in consequence, been directed to the condi-
tions surrounding the performance of that music.
We hear, for example, how in that day music was
so widely the possession of the people that in the
ordinary way of social intercourse they would sit
around their tables and sing, often at sight, ex-
amples of it, or play, easily and en joy ably to all
within hearing, its instrumental pieces. It is not
at all likely, however, that even these performers
who seem to have trolled the tunes of the times
as naturally as they breathed were serious musi-
cians, in the sense of having that deep knowledge
of the art which results from assiduous study of
it. The probability, rather, is that while some
developed high skill, the majority remained at
the pleasantly average level suited to pleasantly
informal performances. The majority, in other
words, took their music as recreation.
"They would come to it, of course, in pursuit of
the beauty in it they loved and desired, but they
would come to it also as to a pastime or enter-
tainment. The delightful exercise of singing to-
gether would be free of most of the weight of
artistic anxiety. It would be singing that was
buoyant, volatile, gay. The singers might not be
frivolously trivial in their performance of such
music as this so often was, but they would not be
overborne by it. The keynote of the scheme was
camaraderie, and this singing together would make
for urbanity, diversion, art for companionship's
sake, rather than for any solemnity of result.
"We might do much worse than recapture that
old-time joy of the people in music as recreation.
It can only be the few who will be profound, ex-
pert, serious musicians. A larger number will
pursue the art closely and come to be admirably
skilled. But the vast majority of us will be lovers
of music possessing neither time nor opportunity
to do more than enjoy it. And music in that
sense, music as recreation, has alluring invitation,
offering us almost incomparable refreshment of
mind and heart. Too often it is believed to be a
deeply serious subject, demanding the deeply seri-
ous attention of students who must be alive to the
details of its technique. It is only that, really, in
one of its aspects, the aspect of music as great
art. There is a whole wide world of music which
is of another sort, which is available to anyone
at all who loves music, and which offers many
delights. Entertainment without triviality, gaiety
intermingled with beauty, convivality, comrade-
ship— all are to be had in it. Those sixteenth-
century folk whose musical aptitudes we wonder
at no less than envy, sang music and played music
chiefly for the sake of recreation. So should we.
"There is more than one encouraging sign ob-
servable in present-day musical conditions. A
very great deal of music makes no pretense of
being anything else than entertaining, and large
numbers of people listen to it with the profit that
comes from enjoyment of it. Better still, more
and more of the people who possess but little
musical knowledge are singing music, under the
influence of wise advice that urges everyone not
only to listen to music made by others, but to make
it for themselves. The village sing-song, and the
sing-song of the clubs, and factories, and insti-
tutes, is an advancing activity. The community-
singing scheme which can launch mixed multi-
tudes of people on the wings of song, to their
very great enjoyment, is a growing interest. These
developments and others like them, are of high
promise. They signal a universal music-making
by the people, as the result of a universal appre-
ciation of the possibilities of music as recreation."
Report of National Municipal Music
Committee
At the Eleventh Recreation Congress held in
Atlantic City last October a resolution was
adopted in the music section asking the Play-
ground and Recreation Association of America
to appoint a committee to help bring about more
encouragement of music by the municipal gov-
ernments of our country. There was general
approval of this suggestion at the meeting of the
Board of Directors of the Playground and Rec-
reation Association of America and Joseph Lee
appointed the following committee to be known
as a Municipal Music Committee :
J. C. Walsh, New York, Chairman
V. K. Brown, Superintendent of Recreation,
South Park System, Chicago
J. M. Hankins, Birmingham
Herbert May, New York
Kenneth Clark, National Bureau for the Ad-
vancement of Music, New York
George Braden, District Representative of
P. R. A. A. in California
C. N. Curtis, Director of Rochester Symphony
Orchestra
W. R. Reeves, Director of Community Service
in Cincinnati, Ohio
W. W. Norton, Director Community Music,
Flint, Michigan
William Breach, Former President of the Mu-
sic Supervisors National Conference
John B. Archer, Music Director, Providence,
Rhode Island
Herbert L. Clark, Director of Municipal Mu-
sic, Long Beach, California
George Sim, Superintendent of Recreation
Sacramento, California
Mrs. John F. Lyons, Former President of Na-
tional Federation of Music Clubs, Fort
Worth, Texas
Mrs. E. J. Ottoway, Chairman Music Com-
mittee, National Congress of Parents and
Teachers, New York
Harold S. Buttenheim, President of American
City Bureau, New York
T. E. Rivers, New York, Secretary
Because no special funds for this work have
yet been made available, the work of the com-
554
mittee has been carried on by the regular staff of
the Playground and Recreation Association of
America and through contacts with other organi-
zations, national and local, represented on the
Committee.
Through bulletins and correspondence local
recreation workers have been kept informed of
developments and encouraged to work for fur-
ther musical development under the municipality.
Through the personal contacts of the district
representatives and field workers efforts have been
made to have appropriations for music increased
and in cities where no municipal music was pro-
vided recreation commissions and boards have
been urged to include music as a regular part of
the community recreation program.
Publicity regarding the formation of the com-
mittee and news items describing the splendid
municipal music work which communities are in-
creasingly doing have been circulated about the
country, thus reaching many to whom the inspira-
tion of other work and interest acts as an incentive
to the building up of their own particular musical
accomplishments.
One of the most valuable pieces of educational
work accomplished in connection with the cause
of municipal music was done by Mr. Kenneth
Clark, of the National Bureau for the Advance-
ment of Music, in the form of a survey of muni-
cipal music. The committee will" immediately
help in the distribution of copies of this survey
and will endeavor to make it count most in fur-
thering tax-supported music. We are not deal-
ing with an entirely new subject. Music activities
today form a vigorous part of the city program.
Winston-Salem, N. C., has appropriated $7,500
for its musical program during the past year.
Baltimore appropriates more than $50,000, main-
taining a Music Department and employing a Di-
rector of Music. Birmingham also has a Muni-
cipal Music Department, employing a Director
who works in cooperation with the Park and
Recreation Board. San Francisco has a muni-
cipal chorus director and a number of cities have
municipal organists. Several cities have music
commissions. Through the Municipal Recreation
Departments, community choruses, harmonica
and ukelele tournaments, toy symphonies, music
REPORT OF MUSIC COMMITTEE
555
memory contests and other similar undertakings
are constantly developing.
Municipal Bands
Possibly the Municipal Band has received the
greatest amount of attention in the past, per-
missive acts having been passed in Iowa, Kansas,
West Virginia, Michigan, South Dakota, Cali-
fornia and Minnesota, authorizing a tax levy in
cities and towns for the purpose of creating a fund
to maintain such a body and providing for the sub-
mission of the question to the voter. Long Beach,
California, through a special tax of $.80 on each
$100 of assessed valuation appropriates $128,000
for a municipal band. During the past year 550
free concerts, approximating eleven a week, were
given as well as additional programs on special
occasions.
Through the summer season St. Paul, Minne-
sota, gives a surprisingly large number of free
band concerts in the parks, the band music being
supplemented by the services of other entertainers
and organizations. San Francisco, Buffalo, Birm-
ingham, Lynchburg, Pittsburgh, Denver, Mil-
waukee, Baltimore, Plainfield, N. J., and Clarks-
bury, W. Va., are among other cities furnishing
free band concerts for their people in the sum-
mer. People often come thirty or forty miles
to hear the concerts given by the Municipal Band
of Shreveport and a number of families pride
themselves on having collectively attended every
concert. The city of Houston, Texas, appro-
priated $10,000 for summer band concerts in
1924. Fifty-one concerts were given in ten parks
with an attendance of 83,300.
Municipal Organ Recitals
Portland, Maine, is a leader in municipal organ
recitals. In Atlanta, Georgia, the auditorium is
equipped with a magnificent organ, where free
public concerts are enjoyed. Denver has a munici-
pal organist who gives daily organ recitals during
the summer and Sunday recitals during the win-
ter. Dallas, Texas, has lately been added to the
list, with the installation of its municipal organ
in the new Fair Park auditorium and the employ-
ment of a municipal organist.
Symphony Orchestras and Municipal Opera
Among other forms of music activity are the
symphony concerts which a number of cities have
arranged. San Francisco, Baltimore and Houston
are among the cities which hold such concerts.
During the past summer the Detroit City Coun-
cil arranged a six weeks' series of outdoor sym-
phony concerts in one of the local parks. Rich-
mond, Va., has recently developed a community
orchestra. Chicago has a number of park orches-
tras. Sacramento, California, maintains a sym-
phony orchestra for adults and a junior sym-
phony orchestra as well.
Municipal opera is a feature of the municipal
program of St. Louis and Salt Lake City. Syra-
cuse, N. Y., is following the example of these
cities with outdoor opera under municipal aus-
pices.
Municipal Choruses
Although all of these music activities give an
immense amount of enjoyment, probably none is
more important than the Municipal Chorus which
makes possible the participation of large numbers
of people in a community. Thomas Whitney
Surrette says, "A concert of good music by a
local choral society is to the people of any com-
munity immensely more valuable than a paid
musical demonstration by performers from abroad
— that we are more musical than we get the
chance to be — of this there is no doubt what-
ever."
Sacramento, California, through its Municipal
Recreation Department and the help of Franz
Dicks, director of the Sacramento Municipal
Symphony Orchestra, has organized a large
municipal chorus. The city has been zoned into
six or seven districts with a volunteer chorus di-
rector conducting rehearsals in each. In the
various zones on different nights rehearsals are
held so that those who cannot attend one night
may rehearse another time of the week. Once a
month all assemble for a rehearsal with the Sym-
phony orchestra. San Francisco now has an all-
year-round municipal chorus and a paid chorus
director. This action has developed largely on
account of the success of recent chorus work in
the spring festival.
In Redlands, California, sings were started last
year by a group of local music lovers in the beau-
tiful Bowl in a downtown park. Because of the
interest in the singing and soloists, an Artists'
Concert Series was inaugurated. The city
trustees, realizing how valuable a contribution to
community life these concerts had become, appro-
priated $1,000 to help finance the work.
Denver maintains a municipal chorus under the
leadership of the municipal organist. In Plain-
field, New Jersey, the Recreation Association
sponsors the Coleridge Taylor Recreation Chorus
556
REPORT OF MUSIC COMMITTEE
composed of the many music-loving colored
people. This chorus presents a number of con-
certs during the year.
Simpler Music Activities
Through the Municipal Recreation Depart-
ments over the country, many simpler recreative
forms of musical activity are also conducted.
Though to some these activities may not seem
all-important, when the thousands of boys and
girls who participate are taken into consideration
it will be seen that their influence is far-reaching
and very worth-while in satisfying the musical
desires of the younger generation.
In its endeavor to satisfy this desire for musi-
cal expression, the Johnston, Pa., Municipal Rec-
reation Commission distributed a form through
the schools asking what musical instruments the
children played and what they would like to
play. Upon the results of this survey a num-
ber of junior musical organizations have been
built up.
The harmonica and ukulele have many adher-
ents because of the ease with which one may learn
to play them and because of the inexpensiveness
of the instruments.
The Grand Rapids Department of Recreation
not long ago conducted a harmonica contest,
reaching 4,000 boys and girls. A number of tunes
were adapted, charted and published in the news-
papers and 6,000 instruction sheets were printed
by boys of the school of printing of a local high
school. The city was divided into three sections
and each school was allowed to enter four indi-
vidual players and a quartette. From each divi-
sion, twelve individual and one quartette were
selected for the final contest.
The Playground and Recreation Association of
Wyoming Valley. Pa., organized playground or-
chestras of ten or more harmonicas from among
boys fifteen or under, each ground having its or-
chestra. At the final contest orchestras were
judged on: 1. Expression, 2. Attack, 3. Tempo,
4. Volume, 5. Harmony, 6. Deportment. The
required selections were America, Old Black Joe,
Over There.
Boys under fifteen were permitted to demon-
strate individual skill as soloists, being judged on
expression, attack, tempo and deportment. Chi-
cago has a harmonica band of 1,000 players taken
from the playgrounds of the city. Evanston, 111.,
boys under sixteen recently competed in a city-
wide harmonica tournament under the auspices
of the Bureau of Recreation.
Toy Symphonies
Toy Symphonies are another popular musical
activity among the children, Oak Park, 111., being
an outstanding example. In 1924 at a special
performance at the Children's Theatre, 44 chil-
dren, composing the Toy Symphony Orchestra of
the Oak Park playgrounds, presented Moskow-
ski's La Serenata before a capacity audience.
They played 25 toy instruments. Later they
broadcast La Serenata, being the first group of
boys and girls in a toy symphony orchestra to
be presented over the radio. With the exception
of the pianiste — a girl, thirteen — the children were
all under twelve years of age, the average age be-
ing eight years.
Boys' Singing
A unique but exceedingly interesting activity
was the Barber Shop Quartette contest held not
long ago on the Chicago playgrounds. There
were sixteen competing quartettes, the best of
them receiving a prize. In Houston, a boys'
chorus is conducted as part of the music program.
Special Music Encouragement
A number of activities have been carried on
designed to encourage those who are already some-
what interested in the development of music. The
Music Memory Contests which have been con-
ducted by so many Departments of Recreation
have contributed a general knowledge and appre-
ciation of music. National Music Week has given
a real stimulus to the county music program
through its many activities. The Christinas
Caroling groups which have been formed in
so many cities have helped in developing music
expression. This last year, Baltimore held three
contests with the idea of furthering musical in-
terest— one for the best piano student, one for
the best write-up by a child of a children's con-
cert, and a third for the best design for the medal-
lion given as the piano award. Houston, Texas,
held forty-two music study classes with 180 in
attendance, as a part of its municipal music pro-
gram.
All these many and varied music activities do
their part in filling a real need in the artistic
expression and enjoyment of our people. City
governments are increasingly realizing their great
importance and making it possible for them to
have a place in the regular municipal program.
It is for this kind of activity that the Municipal
Music Committee stands.
ASSOCIATED GLEE CLUBS
557
National Music Week
"The plan for a national music week in Wash-
ington next spring is one that deserves general
support. Now that we have the radio to broad-
cast the music festival to all parts of the country,
it will be possible to have the nation share in the
very special music that only a national center
could provide. As a nation we need opportunities
for all to do the same thing at the same time.
We need these opportunities in order to sense the
reality of national unity. Too long we have let
war have practically a monopoly of such oppor-
tunities. We need to give thought to the delib-
erate development of activities through which we
can appreciate the power of national unity as as-
sociated in expression of the nobler creative qual-
ities of mankind.
"Music is a universal language that helps us
to express the things that lie too deep for words.
It is the medium through which we find unity
with the beauty and the mystery of life. It
reaches down into the depths of man and floats
out into the spaces that escape our reach and
vision and draw us far into the eternal.
"To establish the custom of a nation music week
would constitute real progress. It could be
made a festal week of great beauty and up-
lift spiritually."
From an editorial by William Green, President,
A. F. of L., appearing in the October number of
the American Federationist.
The Third Season of the
Associated Glee Clubs
of America
The Associated Glee Clubs of America have
shown the interest which the male choruses of the
country have in cooperative singing. In two sea-
sons, Carnegie Hall and the Metropolitan Opera
House have been outgrown and the Metropolitan
District Clubs this year have engaged the 71st
Regiment Armory, New York, for the giving of
their concert on February 6th. A massed chorus
of 1200 male voices will sing there to an audience
that is expected to reach 10,000. Dr. Walter
Damrosch, a founder member of the Association,
is to be the music director of the concert and
Theodore Van Yorx, conductor of one of the as-
sociation's member clubs, is visiting each of the
participating clubs for at least one rehearsal and
going over with them the details of Dr. Dam-
rosch's interpretations of the various choral works.
The season's Common-Repertoire List, which
has early been issued to each member club for re-
hearsal, is given below :
"Hymn Before Action" Baldwin
White-Smith Music Publishing Co.
"Songs My Mother Taught Me" Dvorak
Arthur P. Schmidt Co.
"Chorus of Camel-Drivers" Franck
E. C. Schirmer Music Co.
"Sweet and Low" Barnby
Oliver Ditson Company
"Bedouin Song" , Foote
Arthur P. Schmidt Co.
"The Long Day Closes" Sullivan
Novello and Company
"The Hundred Pipers" Whiting
G. Schirmer, Inc.
"Sylvia" Speaks
G. Schirmer, Inc.
The concert will be broadcast and during the
week-end of the date of the concert, the Associa-
tion expects to inaugurate for the first time its
male chorus competitions.
The first executive secretary of this organiza-
tion is Kenneth Clark, an old friend of the recre-
ation movement and one who has been for many
years interested in musical activities. Having for
the last two years held the position of assistant
secretary of the National Music Week Committee
and having been a member of the staff of the
National Bureau for the Advancement of Music,
he is peculiarly well fitted for the position. In-
formation about male glee clubs may be secured
by writing to The Associated Glee Clubs of Amer-
ica at 113 West 57th Street. New York City.
Labor has long been conscious that leisure and
recreation are something more than desirable
luxuries — that they are necessary for conserving
and quickening creative resources and spiritual
vision. — William Green, President American
Federation of Labor.
Nature Study as a Form of Play
BY PROFESSOR W. G. VINAL
New York State College of Forestry
Syracuse, N. Y.
Mr. Joseph Lee, Chairman: Prof. W. O. Vinal is our
next speaker. He is now Extension Professor in Nature
Study at Syracuse University. He was previous to this
year head of the science work at the Rhode Island School
of Education at Providence. He has for a number of
years been the head of Camp Chequesset, a girls' camp on
the seashore of New England built about marine nature
interests. He is known to all of his friends as Captain
Bill. He was for one year at least the President of the
Association of Directors of Girls' Camps and for a year
President of the American Nature Study Society. I have
great pleasure in introducing Prof. W. G. Vinal.
Professor Vinal: Ladies and Gentlemen, I do
not know how the Chairman found out all that
about me, but perhaps my work in connection
with the College of Forestry in Syracuse will
interest you, not because it is the largest college
of forestry or because it has a sawmill and a
thousand acre demonstration forest, but because
of the work of the professor of forest recreation.
He is the only professor of that kind in the whole
world, and the job of Professor Francis is to go
out and examine forest recreation. He makes a
survey of wild life in these recreational areas.
My job, and I have been at it only one month,
is the nature activities in these recreational areas.
I have only time just to mention some of the
contacts with nature in playground areas.
Here are a few incidents to show you the need
of this work. A philanthropist once took some
newsboys up the Hudson River and when they
got to their destination in the country, they began
shooting pennies! They had not been taught
how to enjoy outdoors.
About a year ago Bear Mountain, the greatest
camping park in the world, which draws most of
its campers from New York City, had some boys
from Manhattan out there in camp. When they
arrived one of the older boys looked around and
said, "This is a hell of a place, with no street to
play in !"
I don't think we realize the changes that have
taken place in the two generations. Your grand-
father and mine traveled the same way that Nebu-
chadnezzar and Julius Caesar used, but in the
last generation there have been rapid strides.
'Address given at the 12th Annual Recreation Congress, Ashe-
ville, North Carolina, October 5-10, 1925.
558
People live in rookeries in New York and other
cities, — just a convenient place to stop all night
and possibly take a bath and then away. We are
educating our children in the city away from na-
ture. I claim every boy and girl is born a natura-
list, but we begin to train them away before they
are five or six years old. There is great hope in the
playground movement to get boys and girls out of
doors. I once took a group of prospective teachers
on a trip, making plans for a whole day in the
woods. We had hardly arrived when somebody
said, "How long do we have to stay?" I knew
what they meant, they wanted to get back to the
movies. There is certainly need of training in
nature leadership.
I want to distinguish first of all between the
natural playground and the artificial playground.
The artificial playground has a canopy instead of
shade trees, ladders instead of birches, Italian wad-
ing pools instead of frog ponds. There are play-
grounds of that kind and you might as well be in
a shed or a basement so far as they are concerned.
What is a natural playground ? It has sunshine
and fresh air, birds and trees, flowers and play
apparatus, but if there is too much play apparatus
and there may be such a condition at the expense
of the trees, it is nothing more than an outdoor
gymnasium.
I thought it was a pretty tough thing when I
was born in the country, but I know now that it
was the most fortunate thing that ever happened
to me. Perhaps some of you think it is a pretty
good place to come from. What are some of the
things you used to do on the farm that cannot be
done on the playground? I do not refer to steal-
ing birds' eggs, for that has gone out of fashion.
I do not refer to shooting squirrels, but I want
you to make a list if you have time of the things
that can't be done on the playground — the do's
and don'ts in nature on the playground. I sus-
pect the don'ts would be longer than the do's.
"Don't spit on the walks." "Don't walk on the
grass." "Don't pull the flowers." "Don't break
the trees."
I once persuaded a teacher to take a class into
NATURE STUDY AS A FORM OF PLAY
559
the park. One of the first things she did was to
bend a limb down for the children to observe and
the park superintendent gave her a call-down be-
fore the class.
Just a word in regard to playground leaders.
Someone has told you that I have a summer camp.
What I am going to say about music leaders will
apply to nature leaders. One year we had a leader
from one of the conservatories of music, and the
first day she gave an examination on the chro-
matic scale and had everybody trembling. The
next year, we sent to North Carolina, Alabama
and Georgia and got three students from Ran-
dolph-Macon Woman's College, who sang negro
melodies. They didn't say anything about the
chromatic scale. They brought their guitars and
mandolins and we sang because we loved to sing.
I doubt if they knew anything about the chromatic
scale. I hope they didn't!
Now that is what we need in nature. A neigh-
boring camp secured a nature leader from Yale
University. She was specializing on the mosquito
or something like that. This girl was a fail-
ure. Someone said, "It is 100 miles to Boston."
She said, "Oh, no, it is 98.6"— that's the
sort of girl she was ! She was overspecial-
ized. It is a fact that if you study biology and the
science of trees too long, you are not fit to put
those things over to children. You are beyond
hope. I wish I could tell you of the examinations
I got out for nature leaders. One of the ques-
tions is, "Will a dog follow you?" Some people,
you know, a dog won't follow, and they would
not be any good helping on a playground.
One of the most pathetic things I have ever
seen is a muscle-bound girl trying to teach boys
to play baseball. The most difficult leader to ob-
tain is the nature leader. I am glad to say that
they are now having schools for this sort of thing
and I am sorry I have not time to tell you about
those schools, for we have to be taught how to
lead people in the out-of-doors.
We must bring people up to behave well in
parks and in our playgrounds if we expect them
to behave well in our larger parks and play-
grounds. Our whole country is some day going
to be a playground. We are just hitting the spots
here and there.
A man once wanted to sell me some of his play-
ground apparatus for our camp, but I wouldn't
listen. If I can't find enough in nature I am
not going to put in iron bars. I believe we some-
times put them in because we think the children
won't destroy them ! But that is not the way to
develop good manners. How will the children be-
have in the national and state parks? Will they
love flowers by pulling them up by the roots?
You must teach them good manners at home and
show them that people will judge their commu-
nity by the way they behave out of that com-
munity.
I want to tell you a few ways in which you
can start this nature work in your home play-
ground. First, don't make a list of birds and
have that printed and pass it out. To pass a
dictionary would be just as interesting! One of
the best books on the natural history of the park
is written by Ansell F. Hall. It has a chapter
on folklore of the vicinity, on the Indian, on
geology and the story of the trees. That is the
type of story I would have published, if anything.
Then I would have a field naturalist club, and it
is up to you, as a playground director to start
that. Get your group together at one time and
sort of socialize them so they will behave like nor-
mal people. They will, if you get under their
skin. Plan field trips. Here in Asheville you
could plan a trip through the Biltmore Forest, a
trip up Mount Mitchell, and one to the play-
ground. You will want somebody to explain the
interesting features, but if you get a person who
walks and talks like a dictionary, there will be
nothing interesting about it. Get a champion for
your park, a nature champion who is going to talk
and think and write about your park every pos-
sible opportunity.
And here is something most important — have a
nature guide. I predict that every community will
have a nature guide in the near future. No com-
munity has that yet, but we do have them in the
national parks. I wish I had time to tell you of
the wonderful work of the government. If the
community has a nature guide, he can take our
children out and tell them things in an interesting
way. He can tell stories around the campfire and
get children interested in the woods. And let me
say I shouldn't limit it to children!
I should like you to answer a question. What
is the recreation of the recreation director? It
would make an interesting list to study. Then
my next question would be, do you teach on your
playground the things which you take for recrea-
tion? All of us will reach that stage where the
lower part of the body becomes a shelf to rest the
arms on. What will be your recreation when you
reach that stage? Nature interest in birds, flow-
ers and trees is an interest that carries over into
560
NATURE STUDY AS A FORM OF PLAY
old age and I do not think that your playgrounds
should be limited to children.
Just a word about the museum. Start a mu-
seum in connection with your playground or city
park. I have not much time to speak of that, but
Harold I. Smith of the Canadian Rockies Na-
tional Park has a temporary exhibition of this.
The Museum of Providence has issued some in-
teresting things. Collect the things from the
park, where you are and not from Africa. In
connection with that, I notice that a good many
playgrounds have elephants, and similar animals.
There is so much interest in animals right here,
that you need not go to foreign countries. A
grasshopper is more interesting than an elephant.
Pick him up and he spits tobacco; he has five
eyes, one in the center of his forehead and sings
with his hind legs. There is a wonderful animal !
His music when he sings is instrumental instead
of vocal, and he has an ear on the side ; the katy-
did hears with its elbow and the cricket has a pair
of cymbals that he plays ! Why do we go to the
elephant and not the grasshopper? It is because
we do not have people to point this out to our
boys and girls.
When it comes to the question of material for
your handcraft work, use nature. I wouldn't
buy raffia, I would get cat-o'-nine-tails. I would
get willow twigs and things in the country. One
of the best books that I know of is Burr's Around
the Fireside — wonderful stories. Most of us
think that everybody has always had stoves and
the things that we have now, but that is not so.
This tells how man discovered fire and the uses
he made of it. They read like a dime novel. Just
remember that you have a circus right in ycur
playground.
I was supposed to talk about nature play. You
can't play checkers until you get a checkerboard.
I will take time to illustrate only one game. Think
about this fact — every animal with the exception
of man is trained in nature games. We begin
to get trained away just as soon as we get old
enough. I have been interested in making up
games composed of nature play. I have one I call
Camouflage. If you want to know more about
Camouflage, read Thayer's book published by
Macmillan. Some people thought that during the
war that was a new thing, but animals had been
doing that ever since Adam and Eve, or perhaps
before.
Here is the game of Camouflage : Have every-
one blindfolded. Conceal a stuffed animal or a
person covered with leaves in some conspicuous
place where he will not be entirely out of sight. A
confederate may assist in the camouflage by mak-
ing misleading sounds, such as the breaking of
limbs to suggest climbing a tree. Then let the
group uncover their eyes and see which one spies
the animal first.
Try a game that will determine who is the best
smeller. Blindfold the players and have them
smell such objects as catnip, wintergreen, sarsa-
parilla, turnip, checkerberry. If you use an onion,
do not bring it in until the last for it is a handi-
cap to the more fragrant odors.
Just a word in regard to pantomime plays.
Base those on nature. We have had a wonderful
demonstration at the Congress of how to get
drama out of environment in the plays presented
by the Carolina Play Makers. 1 would carry it
further and get drama from the birds, tree-, etc.
TOBOGGANING, RIVER FALLS, Wis.
This game is called Aggressive Coloration.
Kvery animal has two occupations, either to get
food or to escape being food. It is supposed that
the polar bear is white so he can creep 'up <>n his
food. The polar bear has not many enemies, so
his occupation is to creep up on his food. Post
a lookout and get people to come from the out-
side.
INDOOR BASEBALL THROW, RIVER FALLS, Wis.
NEWARK'S STADIUM
561
The Athletic Program for
Girls at River Falls
Normal School
Girls in the gymnasium classes of the River
Falls, Wisconsin, State Normal School, under the
direction of Miss Catherine Rhoerty, physical
director for women, have added to their regular
program of calisthenics, drills and aesthetic danc-
ing, the series of tests prepared by the Badge
Test Committee of the Playground and Recreation
Association of America. These are proving very
popular.
point system, the Department of Girls Athletics
and Physical Training has gained greatly in popu-
larity.
BALANCING, RIVER FALLS, Wis.
Another activity which challenges the interest
of every girl in the school is the Girls' Athletic
Association, the constitution of which provides
that any girls shall receive the official G. A. A.
sweater with the school "R" upon it when she has
earned 600 points. These points may be obtained
in a number of ways through group activities and
individual accomplishment. One hundred points
are awarded to anyone who is a member of the
first team in volley ball, basket ball or indoor base-
ball. A substitute on any team earns fifty points.
Another fifty points are awarded a girl walking
forty miles in a semester. The winning of places
in track events, tennis tournaments and other ath-
letic activities add points. Activities in the open
air are especially emphasized and points may be
won in tobogganing and skiing for certain periods
of time, as well as for hiking.
The observance of certain laws of personal hy-
giene increase the number of points a girl may
win.
Through the use of the Badge Tests and the
Newark's New Stadium
For a number of years, the erection of a sta-
dium in connection with the athletic field main-
tained by the Board of Education of Newark,
New Jersey, has been under consideration. It
was not, however, until 1923-24 that money was
actually appropriated, when at a meeting of the
Board of School Estimate an item of $150,000
was included in the school budget for this purpose.
Later this sum was increased by $40,000.
On October 17, 1925, the stadium was dedi-
cated. Following the dedicatory address by the
mayor and a musical program by the Newark
Philharmonic Band came a circus in which many
schools took part.
The purpose of the athletic program that New-
ark has developed has been expressed by Dr. Cor-
son, Superintendent of Schools :
"The Newark School Stadium is dedicated to
the practice of sports for the purpose of exercis-
ing a formative influence upon the character of
the young people in the schools. The aim is not
primarily to win games but to play them so that
physical endurance may be increased and bodily
and mental powers may be developed. Winning
the game is incidental even though important.
This is a worthy motive when subordinated to one
more worthy, namely, to develop initiative, a
sense of responsibility, self-control, honor, gener-
osity, loyalty, sportsmanship — the value and per-
manent products of contests of physical prowess
and skill.
"May the games played with this aim and in
this spirit at the Newark School Stadium give
pleasure to all so that the stadium may prove an
effective factor in the life of the city, training her
sons and daughters to play fair and realize that
upright and honorable character are more to be
desired than much fine gold or victory at any cost.
May the games played here contribute not only
to the formation of character but redound to the
reputation of the players and arouse that civic
pride in participants and spectators alike that shall
fully justify the establishment of this new insti-
tution as a part of the educational system."
The Boy Scouts of America
BY
HELEN SEDGWICK JONES
Not long ago I was motoring along the Spring-
field-Holyoke highway in great haste to keep an
appointment, when suddenly we had a blow-out.
Anyone who has had a similar experience at such
a time knows what was the state of my feelings
at the sound of that pistol-like report. None of
us were particularly adept at putting on tires, but
as there was nothing else to do but get to work
we hauled out the jack and started in. Hardly
had we raised the car off the ground before a Boy
Scout troop, led by its Scoutmaster, came into
view around the curve. They stopped, politely
asked if they could help, and set to work. In
what seemed like a jiffy the tire was on and in
place and the delay which had formerly seemed
like a mountain had suddenly shrunk to a mole-
hill.
That deed constituted a Good Turn for the boys
who did it — and it was well-named.
Individual Good Turns
Over 619,000 boys organized under Boy Scouts
leadership are today doing just such daily good
turns as this — constantly helping people out of
their difficulties. The number of adult leaders
has reached a total of over 170,000. Think of
what all that organized friendliness means in
America !
The variety of service which the Individual
Good Turn takes may be seen from the brief list
which follows — a list selected from hundreds of
other deeds that are quite as significant in the
building of boys' character.
Put out forest fire
Took live wire to curb
Let a dog out of a trap
Wheeled a crippled man
Helped a crippled man
Cranked car for one-armed man
Distributed cards for Bible class
Stopped a boy's nose from bleeding
Carried a sick woman to the hospital
Took a small child across three streets
Attended to neighbor's baby while she went
downtown
562
Called fire wagon when saw house on fire
Jerked a little boy out from in front of auto
Put light over dangerous place to prevent
accidents
Helped persuade a boy to give an agate he
found to its owner
Helped a conductor in a crowded car by pick-
ing up some pennies he dropped
Worked and made the money to pay for a
Christmas basket delivered to an aged
couple
Separated two boys fighting and settled their
difference, and all made friends
Community Good Turns
In addition to these individual good turns, there
are also Community Good Turns where a num-
ber of Boy Scouts cooperate with one of the
Community Departments to help on some special
occasion. Assisting the Police Department in
regulating traffic, cooperating with the Board of
Health in anti-fly and mosquito campaigns, re-
porting fire-traps and violation of fire laws for the
fire department, aiding the Forest Service in
planting trees and exterminating insect pests,
maintaining first aid patrols and booths at fairs,
acting as ushers in churches, helping in charity
and relief work and shoveling snow in winter are
a few of the ways in which Boy Scouts help
their communities. It is a Scout law that a
Scout may work for pay, but must not receive
tips for courtesies or good turns. Such efficient
volunteer service as this always finds a demand,
no matter how great the supply.
Scout Laws
But there are other important qualities in addi-
tion to a willingness to serve, which a Boy Scout
must have. These are indicated by the twelve
laws which he promises to obey when he takes
the Boy Scout oath. He must be trustworthy,
loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient,
cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean, reverent. All the
real character qualities are listed in this Code of
Laws.
THE BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA
563
Practical Training
The trained Boy Scout also has an immense
amount of knowledge at his command. In case
of accident, he doesn't immediately run for help
but uses the first aid knowledge he has acquired
to help the sufferer and then seeks further assist-
ance. Swimming and life-saving are accomplish-
ments of his. During last year alone, 14,000
scouts were taught to swim.
If a Boy Scout has no matches, he can make
a fire with two sticks and by means of that fire
he can cook a most appetizing meal. He can sig-
nal with flags or he can use the Morse code. He
can tie a knot which will hold, identify birds and
fish, reef a sail, mend a tear in his trousers, or
find his way by the stars. His great aim is to
"Be Prepared."
Merit Badges
These things any scout can accomplish who has
passed through the regular stages of Tenderfoot,
Second Class Scout, and First Class Scout, and
after this he has an opportunity to learn even
more. For there are 71 Merit Badge subjects
from which he may then choose, and when he
can qualify sufficiently to receive Merit Badges
in 21 subjects, he achieves the highest rank in
Scouting — that of an Eagle Scout.
Patriotic Pilgrimages
An interest in history and in the deeds of our
great Americans is fostered in the Boy Scout
program through Patriotic Pilgrimages made by
the Scouts to spots connected with the lives of
our great men. An instance of this is the trip
made annually to the grave of Theodore Roose-
velt at Oyster Bay in which last year scouts
within a radius of fifty miles of New York City
participated.
Boy Scout Camps
That Boy Scouts may have an opportunity to
receive the benefits of camp life under most favor-
able conditions a number of Boy Scout camps
are maintained at a comparatively small fee to
each camper. During the past year 3,232 sepa-
rate camps were conducted with an enrollment
of 307,000 boys for one week each. These camps
are ideal in supplying that lure of outdoor life
and challenge to vigorous action and wholesome
adventure which every normal boy craves.
Boy Scout Trails
Many states possess trails made entirely by the
Boy Scouts. Thirty-two scouts built two bridges
and five miles of trail, called the Eagle Scout
Trail, in Yellowstone National Park last year,
under supervision of the Park authorities.
Sea-Scouting
To satisfy the love for the sea which is common
to many boys, a program of nautical work de-
signed particularly for the older boy who has
been through the regular land scout program has
been devised and put into effect under the title
of Sea Scouting.
Who Can Be a Boy Scout ?
All boys over twelve are provided for in the
Boy Scout program. Those twelve years of age
or over who pass the tests required for Tender-
foot rank may become regular Boy Scouts upon
taking the Scout Oath. Boys who live in rural
communities where it is impossible to form a
troop may become Pioneer Scouts. Those who
have once been active in scouting may remain
affiliated with the movement as an Associate or
Veteran Scout and may assist the Scoutmaster
when they reach the required age. Sea Scouting,
the Pine Tree Patrol, and the Emergency First
Aid Unit are programs particularly planned to
interest the older boy, who has been through the
regular stages of Scouting.
Anniversary Week
The National Boy Scout organization was
founded sixteen years ago on February 8t|h.
This year, as in a number of years past, from
February 8-14, Boy Scout Anniversary Week is
to be celebrated throughout the country, with
Leadership Training as its theme. The main pur-
pose of the week is to bring more definitely to
the attention of communities the value of the
program of Scouting for building character among
boys. The days of the week are to be something
like this : February 8, Scout Sunday ; February
9, School Day; February 10, Home Day; Feb-
ruary 11, Citizenship Day; February 12, (Lin-
coln's Birthday), Patriot's Day; February 13,
Round-up Day; February 14, Re-Union Day.
One of the great problems before the American
people today is how to escape boredom.
The Wolf's Cubs
BY
L. C. GARDNER
Supervisor of Playgrounds, Homestead, Pa.
Carnegie Steel Company
"Pack! Pack! Pack!" calls the Old Wolf.
"Pack!" a boy replies and instantly the Wolf
Cubs come to attention. "Circles" is the next order
and the boys form two rings, one within the other,
each cub in a squatting position with his hands
resting on the floor in front of him. "A-k-e-e-e-la"
the Cub yell is then given with every boy yelling
at the top of his voice. The Old Wolf says, "Dyb-
dyb-dyb" and the boys reply, "We'll dob-dob-dob."
Translated this means, "Do Your Best" and,
"We'll Do Our Best."
The foregoing is part of the ritual of "The
Wolf's Cubs" an organization for younger boys
founded by Sir Robert Baden Powell, founder of
the Boy Scouts. The Wolf's Cubs is based on a
story of a human baby that was lost in a wilder-
ness and discovered and adopted by a female wolf.
The baby, cut off from all human contacts, grew
up as a Wolf. Naturally he had to learn the law
of the pack and confirm to it. So the boys were
taught this law :
1.— The Cub gives in to the Old Wolf.
2. — The Cub does not give in to himself.
But we will not go into details. Those who are
interested can learn all about them by securing a
copy of the "The Wolf's Cubs Handbook" from
Boy Scouts of America, 200 Fifth Avenue, New
York City.
It is our experience that the idea "takes" with
boys. It appeals to the imagination and provides
something to do.
At Santa Barbara, California, there are more
than 300 Wolf Cubs under the direction of Mrs.
Katherine S. Peabody. At Homestead, Pennsyl-
vania, there are more than 100. Probably many
other communities are using the Wolf Cub Pro-
gram, but the writer is familiar with only these
two. At Santa Barbara, badges are awarded as
provided in the Handbook. At Homestead we
have worked out a system which departs some-
what from the Handbook procedure.
In devising our plan of awards we kept in mind :
564
1. — It should appeal to our boys.
2. — It should be inexpensive.
3. — The boy wants his award immediately.
We adopted a neckerchief. Each pack has its
own distinctive color. On these neckerchiefs we
stencil a design, using oil paint. The stencils are
cut from cardboard.
When a boy passes the Tenderpad tests he is
awarded a neckerchief with this design :
(TENDERPAD)
After becoming a Tenderpad the Cub then
works to pass the First Tooth tests. For this he
has this design stencilled on his neckerchief:
(FIRST TOOTH)
No boy wants a Wolf with only one tooth so he
works to earn his Second Tooth which is put on
the upper jaw and his neckerchief looks like this :
(SECOND TOOTH)
The boy is now a full fledged Wolf and sets to
work to earn as many "Bites" as possible.
After a boy has earned several bites his necker-
chief will look like this:
WOLF CUBS
565
(NECKERCHIEF WITH 8 BITES)
After a boy becomes a Tenderpad we stencil his
award on a neckerchief and present it to him, with
an appropriate ceremony, in the presence of his
Pack. He is then given a card like this :
Wolf Cub
One Tooth Test
Flag
Knots
Dips
Squats
Health Habits
Membership .
Keep this card until you have
passed all the tests.
He keeps this card and has his examiner sign
for each test. The card in his pocket reminds him
that he has not passed all his tests.
After passing all the tests he turns in his card
and has his award stencilled on his neckerchief.
He is then given another card like this :
. Wolf Cub
Second Tooth Test
Recruit
Signalling . .
Compass
Flag History
Message Run
Head Stand .
Cartwheel .
Bandaging .
Good Turn .
Membership
Keep this card until you have
passed all the tests.
As soon as he turns in this card we paint his
second tooth in the Wolf's head. He then begins
to earn his bites.
The bites are so varied in character that we do
not furnish cards. The boys submit models, speci-
mens and collections and satisfy the "Old Wolf"
that they merit an award. The bite is then sten-
cilled on the neckerchief.
At Homestead the Wolf Cubs make up an im-
portant part of our program of playground activi-
ties. Most of our boys like to form clubs. It was
not easy to find a workable program for these
clubs until we introduced the Wolf Cub idea.
Even this program aroused only lukewarm inter-
est until we hit on our system of awards.
The stencilled neckerchief met with whole-
hearted approval from the beginning. The boys
showed their interest by starting right in to earn
awards. As soon as a few of them began wearing
their neckerchiefs then others became interested.
Soon there were five packs. Every pack is deeply
interested and the problem of what to do is solved.
We have been gratified with the way our boys
have responded to the Wolf Cub program. It
has given our playgrounds a new spirit. It has
not only brought the boys in closer touch with the
playgrounds but has given them interesting home
activities and has called forth favorable comment
from parents.
Because the Wolf Cubs have been so satisfac-
tory with us we desire to pass along our expe-
rience, feeling that other boys' clubs and play-
ground workers may be able to make some use of
it. We shall be glad to make further explanations
to anyone who is interested.
I believe that play and recreation have a strong tendency to lessen lawbreaking. At the lowest
a boy is not breaking the law — not any law that ought not to be broken — when he is playing foot-
ball. Further, football and similar dangerous sports give expression to the fighting or knight-
errant instinct in every boy, turning it into the proper channel instead of leaving it to overflow
over the surrounding country. The alternative to a boy in a playless world is break the law or
die, and to his everlasting credit he chooses the former alternative.
I do not believe, however, that the main object of play is prevention of lawlessness or of
anything else. It is the expression of the nature that the Lord put into human beings, and
its function is positive. JOSEPH LEE.
Ninth Annual Report of Detroit
In its Ninth Annual Report, the Recreation De-
partment of Detroit traces its progress for 1916
when a year-round system was organized, follow-
ing field work conducted by the P. R. A. A. to
December 31, 1924.
In 1916, states Commissioner C. E. Brewer in
this report, there were 49 playgrounds, 4 street
playgrounds, 4 playfields and 7 swimming pools.
In 1924 the following centers were operated: 70
playgrounds, 10 playfields, 17 swimming pools, 10
gardens and 24 canning centers. There were 73
tennis courts open to the public and 31 baseball
permit diamonds.
The unit cost of public recreation in the City of
Detroit for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1924,
was 5.76 cents. The maintenance cost for the
year was $417,750.57, and the attendance 7,245,-
768. Of the total number of people attending the
centers 43 % were adults; 57% children.
Cooperation with City Department and Groups
Mr. Brewer has the following to say regarding
cooperation: "Cooperation between the Depart-
ment of Recreation and the Board of Education in
the acquisition of land results in economy for each
department and a saving to the tax-payers. The
Board of Education erects school buildings with
community center facilities, locker rooms, shower
baths and swimming pools, while the Department
of Recreation condemns land adjacent for play-
ground purposes when possible. In this way the
Board of Education uses the playground for chil-
dren during school hours and the Department of
Recreation uses the building after school hours.
"In the same way the Department of Parks and
Boulevards constructs and maintains playgrounds
upon park property with the Department of Rec-
reation providing the supervision and direction of
athletic games. The Department of Recreation
also cooperates with the Police Department in
Safety Campaigns and with the Board of Health
in Health Campaigns.
"The policy of the Commissioner of the Depart-
ment of Recreation is to use all existing facilities
within the community before spending money in
needless building. Consequently activities are con-
ducted in school buildings, community houses, so-
cial settlements, parish houses, churches, branch
libraries and such places."
566
Activities Among activities sponsored by the Depart-
ment of Recreation are the following:
SPORTS
Ice Skating
Track and Field Meets
Indoor Meets
Cross Country Run
Tennis
Boxing
Wrestling
Swimming
Life Saving
Bowling on the Green
Tobogganing
Indoor Bowling
Checkers
Chess
Cricket
Bicycle Contests
Horseshoes
Quoits
Roller Skating
Pushmobiles
Baseball Pitching Contests
Recreation Kick Ball
[ndoor Baseball
Recreation Baseball
Soccer
Speed Ball
Volley Ball
Baseball
Football
Basket Ball
Field Hockey — Ice Hockey
GYMNASIUM CLASS WORK
Marching
Calisthenics
Apparatus Work
Gymnasium-Dancing
Competitive Games
Relays
Folk Dancing
Dramatics
Debating
Art Club
Musical Club
Handcraft
Athletic
Mixed Social Clubs
Intermediate Girls
Mothers' Clubs
Pyramids
Tumbling
Wand Drills
Indian Clubs
Dumbbells
CLUBS
Business Girls
Checker Clubs
Chess Clubs
Literary Qubs
Reading Clubs
Story Hour Clubs
Singing Clubs
Friendly Social Club
(Strangers' Club)
HANDCRAFT
Sealing Wax Work
Tied and Dyed Work
Batik Work
Fancy Work
Bead Work
Basketry
Weaving
Toy Making
Scroll Saw Work
Dolls
Gesso
Clay Modeling
Interior Decorating
Model Yachts
Model Motor Boats
Kites
Costume Making
Paper Flowers
Lanterns
China Painting
Lustre Painting
MISCELLANEOUS
Business Girls' Meets
Intermediate Girls' Meets
Married Women's Meets
Special Days-Parties and
Programs
Hiking
Picnics
Gardening
Canning
Special Dancing
Orchestras
Movies
Lectures
Spring Festivals
Annual Playground
Pageant
Pro-
Collection — Stamps, Butter-
flies, etc.
Sketch Class
Winter Sports Day
Aquatic Day
Pet Shows
Monthly Community
grams
Municipal Christmas Tree
Neighborhood Christmas
Trees
Art Exhibition
Handcraft Exhibition
Summer Camp
Band Concerts
How Can Recreation Contribute to
Safety*
In discussing this problem, Dr. Albert Whitney,
National Bureau of Casualty and Surety Under-
writers, stated that he is interested in safety only
as it leads to the larger life as recreation workers
understand it, and not solely in safety as such.
The problem of safety is fundamentally one of
education because the elements of carelessness and
recklessness are the cause of so much trouble. In
spite of all that has been done along educational
lines the trend in accidents is still upward. There
were 19,000 deaths from automobile accidents last
year and the increase is at the rate of about 1,000
per year.
The problem of safety workers is largely one
of discovering technique in teaching safety. The
successful teaching of safety necessitates making
the subject interesting, positive and thought-pro-
voking. It must carry the point of view that the
safety movement, as in the case of the thrift and
health programs, is a conservation movement.
Safety preserves us from something that is de-
structive and transfers us to something worth-
while.
Playgrounds are an important factor in provid-
ing safe play space for children ; but beyond this,
the safety movement needs the recreation worker
to put the play spirit into the safety propaganda.
The recreation movement can help transfer the
heroic spirit accompanying accidents to the doing
of something to prevent accidents. Our education
today, Dr. Whitney pointed out, is too much one
of technique rather than understanding. A new
education is coming that will endeavor more def-
initely to adapt the individual to the life he is to
live. It will take into consideration such qualities
as courtesy, safety and other important human
associations. The present urge from the traffic
situation will hasten the new form of education.
Dr. Whitney stressed the contribution that
games and sports can make to the safety movement
by giving people an understanding of danger and
showing them how to transfer themselves from the
destructive conditions of danger to a realization
of something that is safe and affords enjoyment
for the individual.
John J. Downing, Supervisor of Recreation,
Park Department, Brooklyn, in opening the dis-
*Report of section meeting at Twelfth Recreation Congress,
Asheville, N. C., Oct. 5-10, 1925.
cussion, pointed out that if recreation is to con-
tribute to safety, the public officials elected to care
for the welfare of their constituents must be edu-
cated by civic and recreation workers to the reali-
zation that playgrounds should be provided for
every child in the community. Most accidents are
caused by children playing in the streets because
they have no other place to play.
Playgrounds, said Mr. Downing, are the great-
est "aisles of safety" that can be provided. He
stated that for the past ten years, with a daily at-
tendance of 60,000 children on the playgrounds of
Brooklyn, there had been only one death, and that
of a young man who tried to skate on a prohibited
section of the lake where a danger sign was dis-
played. In an entire year there are not a half
dozen cases of fractured bones, and when acci-
dents occur they are usually caused by the violation
of the playground rules.
The recreation executive, said Mr. Downing,
has a very important responsibility to his com-
munity in the matter of furnishing recreation that
will contribute to safety. His watchfulness must
begin before the land for the playground is pur-
chased ; he must see that the playground is desir-
ably located where there is no heavy traffic to en-
danger the lives of the children. Playgrounds
must be furnished with a suitable fence to prevent
children from dashing into the street in the ex-
citement of their play. The playground apparatus
should be of the best procurable and of a type that
will withstand the rough usage to which equip-
ment is subject. The layout of the apparatus
should be studied very carefully so that children
using pieces of apparatus will not collide with
other children. Once in use, the apparatus must
be inspected for defects before the playground is
opened each morning.
Other ways in which recreation might contribute
to safety are through promoting activities that will
make the participants observing, and quick of eye
and foot and disseminating through the recreation
buildings safety literature and posters.
Chicago has a Playground Safety League with
the following pledge:
I pledge on my honor to obey and accept the
following rules of the Playground Safety League.
Upon signing this pledge I am made a member
in full standing and will be entitled to wear the
League Official Button.
567
568
PLAYGROUNDS FOR TODDLERS
1. Look to the right and to the left before cross-
ing a street.
2. Not to hang on wagons, automobiles or
trucks.
3. Not to run on the street after a ball without
first seeing that no vehicles are coming along.
4. Not to play too close to swings, giant stride,
or other play apparatus in motion.
5. Not to throw stones or glass on the street or
playground. Prevent breaking of windows.
6. To always be alert to prevent other children
from endangering themselves.
7. To report to the Playground Instructor any
violations of the rules.
I have read the above and understand what I am
pledging to do.
Playgrounds for Toddlers
While health and social workers have been dis-
covering the pre-school child and putting emphasis
on his special needs, apparently little has been done
to provide for the recreation of these small per-
sons. "If it has been found necessary in the in-
terest of care, education or research to form little
children into groups, why not in the interests of
play?" queries the report of the extensive survey
of the health of pre-school children undertaken
for the American Child Health Association by
W. Bertram Ireland, in a section devoted to play-
grounds.
Obviously the tenement houses of big American
cities afford no suitable play place for youngsters
from two to six, who are even less able than their
elder brothers and sisters to cope with the forbid-
den pleasures of the streets, and, without the
diversions of school, have even more time to spend
in the business of childhood — play. They must
trail along while the mother markets, or shops,
or goes to the movies, or stay home while she
does the housework and minds the baby. If there
is a public playground available, too often one
sees a ring of little children sitting or standing
about disconsolately while their older and stronger
companions occupy all the swings and slides and
teeters, the ball field and the giant stride.
Several American cities have made a start to-
ward playground provision for young children.
Where efforts are made to segregate them from
the rest, the line frequently is drawn between
those under and over ten, as in Chicago, by the
South Park Commission, and in Philadelphia, by
the City Department of Public Welfare. In Mil-
waukee and Cleveland an attempt is made to set
apart certain apparatus for the uninterrupted use
of children under eight. In Minneapolis children
under eight are occasionally formed into groups
during the afternoons, since it was found that
"many of the children were left alone all day in
the summer just like little waifs and some of them
seemed to be sewed up and set down." The City
Department of Recreation and Parks of Buffalo
sets apart those between the ages of two and seven
in its seventeen summer playgrounds, though there
is no special group supervision.
In a few places special provision is made for
pre-school children. The Playground Athletic
League of Baltimore organizes several sheltered
corners for the littlest children, and plans to
segregate those below six when appropriate equip-
ment can be furnished. Under the Public Health
Department, the Bureau of Recreation maintains
six playgrounds in Pittsburgh, open all the year
around, in which children under seven play sep-
arately, or at different hours, from those older.
In Washington, D. C, the Municipal Playground
Association conducts four nursery playgrounds
for children under five, and Toddlers' Corners in
about eighteen of the larger playgrounds. The
roof of the Babies' Hospital in Philadelphia is
used by mothers and runabouts "as a refuge from
heat and dust at any hour of the day and night"
and is suitably equipped for rest and play. The
City Park Board of Indianapolis, working on a
very limited budget, has devised the ingenious
scheme of a portable fence enclosure, made out of
scrap-wood, which may be carried about to fence
off portions of the city parks. The trellis doorway
bears the inscription "For Little Mothers and
Babies" and only those under six may enter. The
fence painted white and green, is twenty-four feet
by thirty, and just high enough to come to six-
year-old chins.
Equipment in the public playgrounds consists
mainly of swings, slides, teeter boards and sand-
piles, with, occasionally, wading pools or im-
promptu showers under the hose of the Fire De-
partment. In some of the private playgrounds
there is more varied apparatus, such as building
bricks, jungle gyms, hanging ropes and wooden
boxes. A few of the playgrounds, notably those
of the Playground Athletic League of Baltimore
and the Playground Association of Philadelphia,
make use of their opportunities for health exam-
ination and follow-up of the children, and other
educational work such as health movies, games
and shows. Although none of them require cer-
A THRIVING CENTER
569
tificates to show that the children are not suffer-
ing from communicable diseases, in a number chil-
dren who seem ill are excluded and referred to the
department of health, or, by arrangement, to pri-
vate practitioners.
Probably the best examples of toddlers' play-
grounds, Miss Ireland declares, are those in Edin-
burgh and Glasgow, Scotland, maintained by the
city departments of health for children between
the ages of two and a half and five. These play-
grounds were described in THE PLAYGROUND for
July, 1925.
A Thriving Recreation
Center
In the early part of 1924, the Recreation Com-
mission of Plainfield, New Jersey, of which T. S.
Mathewson is the executive, organized at the
Washington School a recreation center. The
Board of Education provided the building, light,
heat and janitor service; the Recreation Commis-
sion, the leadership. The working budget was
supplied by membership dues of twenty-five cents
a year. A program of activities, including bas-
ketry, artcrafts, millinery, dressmaking, dancing,
quoit pitching and cards attracted seventy-five
people the first year, and the center led a pre-
carious existence.
During the summer of 1924 a questionnaire
was distributed throughout the West End to de-
termine the response that could be expected
should activities be resumed again in the fall. So
encouraging were these returns that a more com-
prehensive program was prepared for the season
1924-1925. Two hundred and twenty-five regular
members and at least an equal number of visitors
participated in the program.
With the closing of the regular schedule, the
enthusiasm of the members demanded the ar-
ranging of some events for the summer. In July
a large lawn party was held — in August a shore
outing, largely patronized.
By this time, the center was on its own feet
and the next step involved incorporation under the
name of "Community Recreation Society." The
officers include a president, vice-president, treas-
urer, secretary and bursar. There is a board of
twelve trustees with terms expiring different
years. The dues have been raised to $2.00 per
year.
The program for 1925-1926, printed in an at-
tractive pamphlet entitled Information Guide,
Community Recreation Society of Plainfield, New
Jersey, is divided into five five-week terms. The
activities include classes in dressmaking, artcraft,
millinery, basketry and public speaking. For
these classes a fee of $1.50 is charged which pays
the salary of the instructor. The same fee is
charged for the class in instrumental music, the
purpose of which is to bring about the formation
of orchestras, quartets or other combinations of
instruments. The class in dramatics will result
in the giving of a number of plays. There are
also groups for quoit pitching, card playing and
similar activities, for which a slightly lower charge
is made. Tournaments are arranged in these
activities.
Socials are conducted every Thursday for mem-
bers and invited guests and municipal dances with
an admission fee of 50c each.
The work of the society is conducted under the
leadership of a number of standing committees.
These include the membership committee, enter-
tainment committee, house committee, finance
committee, press committee, visiting committee,
educational committee and an advisory committee
consisting of one member elected by ballot from
each recreational and educational group. There
are also such committees as hostess committee,
auditing committee, printing committee and
grievance committee.
National Thrift Week. — National Thrift
Week is to be celebrated January 17-23, 1926.
Education of the nation in thrift devices is a
worth-while work in which all community work-
ers will want a share. The National Thrift Com-
mittee of the Young Men's Christian Association
is suggesting a number of ways in which the most
may be made of the week and urges that every-
one cooperate. The days are designated as fol-
lows: National Share with Others Day, Sun-
day, January 17; National Thrift Day, Monday,
January 18; National Budget Day, Tuesday,
January 19; National Life Insurance Day, Wed-
nesday, January 20; National Own Your Home
Day, Thursday, January 21 ; National Safe In-
vestment Day, Friday, January 22 ; National Pay
Your Bills Day, Saturday, January 23.
Ten Rules for a Successful and Happy Life,
called the Ten Point Economic Creed, are sug-
gested below: 1, Work and Earn; 2, Make a
Budget; 3, Record Expenditures; 4, Have a
Bank Account ; 5, Carry Life Insurance ; 6, Own
Your Home; 7, Make a Will; 8, Invest in Safe
Securities ; 9, Pay Bills Promptly ; 10, Share
with Others.
570
GOLF FOR JUNIORS
Golf for Juniors
BY
SAMUEL GILBERT
Chicago, Illinois
Golf for juniors is growing in popularity. The
Board of Athletic Control of the Chicago High
Schools are now investigating the matter of in-
cluding golf with the major sports — football, base-
ball, basket ball and track athletics. If this is
done, it is possible that golf strokes will be taught
in the gymnasium as a gymnastic exercise, as are
wand and Indian club swinging. Golf is a major
sport in many of the universities and high schools.
It will eventually become this in the high schools
of all the large educational centers in the country.
In the Father and Son tournament held in Chi-
cago last August there were ninety-nine fathers
and their boys who played as partners, one four-
some being composed of a man eighty-two years
of age and his son of fifty playing against a father
of forty and a son of twelve.
GOLF FOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS
For the last eight or ten years there has been an
annual team and individual championship tourna-
ment held in Chicago. As golf has been rated
only as a minor sport in these schools, there were
not many pupils who felt it worth while to go in
for a minor letter when they could play in one of
the major sports. The tournaments have been
held on the public park courses, and the tourna-
ment players have rarely had the right of way to
play their game. The result has been that the
management of the tournaments has been unable
to keep in touch with the players and to see that
they all play the game according to rules. Last
June for the first time the championship high
school tournaments were held at the Olympia Field
Country Club, through the courtesy of the man-
agement of the Club. No green fee was charged.
The fact that the game was played on a private
course — one of the best in Chicago — greatly stimu-
lated the interest of the players, and eleven high
schools sent teams and individual players. The
winning team was awarded a high school cham-
pionship shield and each member was presented
with a gold medal.
THE ILLINOIS JUNIOR GOLF ASSOCIATION
This Association has been organized and in-
corporated for the purpose of furnishing the boys
of the State of Illinois with a golf club of their
own. The membership will be limited to 300 boys
who will pledge themselves to play golf according
to golf rules. Any boy who has not caddied for
pay after his sixteenth birthday, and who is at
least fifteen and not more than twenty-one years
of age, will be eligible.
The players will be classified according to their
ages as follows: Boys from their fifteenth birth-
day to their sixteenth birthday — Group C; boys
from their sixteenth birthday to their eighteenth
birthday — Group B; and boys from their
eighteenth birthday to their twenty-first birthday
— Group A.
Each group will hold its own individual
matches, and the tournament committee will ar-
range handicaps in each group. Each group will
have teams to compete with teams of the other
groups, and there will be a championship asso-
ciation tournament, with prizes for the Associa-
tion champion, runner-up and medalist, and with
prizes for the winner of each group. A number
of business men are in accord with the purposes
of this organizing, believing that the Association
will materially assist the coming young players
to improve their game, to enjoy honest competi-
tive matches and to furnish the members with a
club whose standards of sportsmanship will be
of the highest. It is hoped that this, the first of
its kind for boys, will result in the formation of
similar associations in other states, and later of
a national inter-state tournament for bovs.
J
INDOOR GOLF
There are many indoor golf courses operated
during the winter months in the sporting goods
departments of large stores and in other centers.
While this game is not the same as outdoor golf,
it supplies a very interesting activity for boys and
girls to enjoy after their school hours.
Last February permission was secured from the
School Board to hold an indoor golf tournament
for high school students. The result of the public-
ity brought the coming outdoor golf game before
the students and others interested and materially
assisted in rousing interest in the outdoor game.
In the November PLAYGROUND a statement was
made that Richmond, California, had recently
completed a municipal plunge and bath house, cost-
ing over $1,000. This amount should read
$100,000.
RURAL PROJECTS
571
Rural Community Projects
Interesting projects are being conducted by the
Department of Rural Social Organization of the
New York State College of Agriculture, under
the leadership of Ralph A. Felton and Mary E.
Duthie.
Leadership Training in Recreation
One such project has to do with the training
of recreation leaders in rural districts. Each
Home Bureau unit, Farm Bureau group, grange,
church, lodge, Parent-Teacher Association and
other civic agency is asked to send to a training
course two representatives who are chosen with
the understanding that they will put into practice
at meetings in their local organizations the meth-
ods and material from the training conference.
Each conference (one or more is arranged for
every county) will meet three times, with at least
a month intervening between the sessions. It is
ordinarily a day meeting continuing from 10:30
a. m. to 4:00 p. m., and each section consists of
lectures and demonstrations alternating through-
out the day, about two-thirds of the time being
given to demonstrations. Among the subjects
covered are the following: Handling a Crowd at
a Social and Recreation Meeting, How to Get
People to Play, Points in Making Games Inter-
esting, the Value of Play, the Leader's Task, the
Use of Games in Teaching School Subjects,
Things to Do First in a Meeting, Ways to Liven
Up a Meeting, Rhythmic Games and Outdoor
Picnics.
In Community Drama
Similar three-day institutes are planned for
community dramatics, the subject matter pre-
sented including selection of the play, prepara-
tion of the play for rehearsal, stage movement,
reading, scenery, lighting and make-up. As a
part of the course, plays will be cast at the first
meeting, directors appointed for each and arrange-
ments made for rehearsals in the interims between
meetings of the class. Rehearsals at the con-
ferences give opportunity for criticism, instruc-
tion and class discussion.
Pageantry
Community pageantry is the subject for a third
institute, which meets one day each month for
three consecutive months. Through these insti-
tutes training is given for assembling data for
pageants, adapting pageants already written to
local needs and directing simple dramatic celebra-
tions of holidays. The subject presented includes
history of pageantry, types of pageants and their
uses, writing a pageant, organization and produc-
tion of pageants and festivals.
Demonstration and the Planning and Building of
a Playground for a Home, a Village or a
School.
A very practical project is outlined in this
activity designed to demonstrate the laying out of
a playground and the making of the necessary
play apparatus.
In planning for this demonstration the local
organization or teacher or school trustee shall
notify the county agent who makes arrangement
with the specialist at the college for the demon-
stration. Information should be furnished regard-
ing the size of the playground and the amount of
money available from the local group for buying
materials. The specialist will send a complete
list of lumber and other material for the com-
munity to purchase. For a rural school the ma-
terial needed will cost from $20.00 to $50.00,
depending on the amount of apparatus desired.
The teacher or local committee will arrange for
the meeting when the play apparatus is to be
built. It may be organized as a picnic from
10 :00 a. m. to 4 p. m. with a basket dinner, or as
an afternoon meeting from 1 :00 to 5 :00.
Any local group may take the initiative in ar-
ranging for this demonstration.
Community Houses
A fourth project provides for assisting local
groups in the planning and building of a com-
munity house. A specialist visits the locality to
study public needs and uses of a house before
plans are adopted and advises with the local
group regarding plan specifications and programs.
572
THE BEATITUDES
The Beatitudes
JOSEPH LEE
It was an unusual scene that took place last
night on the Common in front of St. Paul's
Cathedral. I came to it along the path where I
have walked a thousand times to school or busi-
ness, past those every day surroundings — the
elms, the Frog Pond, the State House and Park
Street Church upon the left — with which I have
been familiar for so many years. But on reach-
ing Tremont Street Mall I came upon a scene
such as I have never seen before but once — on
the occasion of the rendering of the Beatitudes
last year. There, filling the street, the Mall, and
a large semi-circle of the grass, and stretching
far in amongst the trees, was a crowd of many
thousands standing densely packed, silent, facing
the pillared portico of St. Paul's.
I have witnessed many scenes upon that corner
— school games and snowball fights, arrests, horse
car blockades, revivals, and the daily drama of
city life — but I had never thought to see there a
religious observance that should make a church
of that part of the Common, and fuse its miscel-
laneous human elements into a single and devout
congregation.
Presently upon the silence there came the clear
tone of some small wind instrument and then the
voices of a choir chanting the beatitude : "Blessed
are they that mourn; for they shall be com-
forted," while the words were thrown across the
architrave of the Cathedral, and Mary, St. John
and other mourners passed across the stage in
front of the tomb, from which presently a bright
light shone revealing the figure of an angel.
I will not try to describe in detail the rendering
of each beatitude. The action in each case was
dignified and very simple, and there was through-
out— in the grouping of the figures, the fall and
flow of draperies, the composition of the succes-
sive pictures — something that brought back to
life the great Venetian artists. And the lighting
— our wonderful modern contribution to dramatic
art — fulfilled the glowing prophecy of La Farge.
But the total, peculiar and unique effect depended
upon a quality permeating the whole presenta-
tion not easily reproducible in words. The secret
lay, I think, in a simple innocence — a happy,
childlike, untroubled confidence — such as one
sees in the pictures and the stained glass windows
of the great period of mediaeval art. Certainly I
have seldom seen anything more beautiful or more
religious. And such re-uniting of beauty and re-
ligion on Boston Common is perhaps significant.
Bread and Play
(Continued from /><ir/r 550)
ing leaders of capacity among the boys and
of using them for character training of the young-
er boys. Against official protests that "we were
given money for bread and not for play" he started
a camp and himself took out the boys by fifties
and hundreds for ten days in the open. Although
he could not speak their language he taught them
to play and to play fair. They began to shout and
sing. He had aroused their minds, stirred their
souls and made them sense responsibility and "con-
sider the other fellow." The transformation of
these boys into leaders possessed with the spirit of
service, converted the protesting officials to the
value of play. In less than two years he had pro-
duced fully five hundred leaders from the orphan-
age ranks and thus saved thousands of dollars it
had cost to employ teachers, bakers, cooks, work-
ers. These five hundred leaders trained both to
work and to play, and to play the game to the
finish, on American standards, will be among
their own people always while American leaders
would have been but temporary. If the play spirit
had not been called into being, neither would these
leaders have been born.
But Ogden and Ganneway were only two volun-
teer pinch hitters. A whole team of champion
play leaders are needed. Workers in the Near
East Relief in Greece, Armenia, Syria and Pales-
tine know that such results have been obtained
and realize the need of play as well as of bread
to develop body as well as character in the tens of
thousands of orphans still under their care. The
public in general has to be convinced. Probably
many of those who give most quickly to save a
human being from starvation would be slow to
see the rest of the picture. The gospel of play is
equally good for the West Side, the East Side, or
the Near East. It transforms motives and char-
acter. A team of our most inspired play leaders
is needed to carry the play message to those whose
bodies have already been saved by the older teach-
ing, "Love thy neighbor as thyself."
THE PRESIDENT AT LYNN
573
they rented temporary quarters in a flat, paying
fifteen dollars a month, for a boys' club, and
started to raise funds in the neighborhood for a
community center.
Some of the boys were drawn into the club.
They were given something to do. First a min-
strel show was put on to raise funds, the district
supplying the talent, the Recreation League fur-
nishing the leader. About seven hundred dollars
was cleared. Then the five men arranged a street
fair which netted about one thousand dollars.
People outside the district were not called upon
to contribute, and though a few persons senti-
mentally interested in the neighborhood made
gifts, and the city-\vide organization was behind
the club, it was understood from the first that
the district was to look to itself mainly for the
support of its own enterprise.
A lot was bought for five hundred dollars, and
the money earned by the entertainments went to
pay for it and for building materials. A club-
house was begun by the five men and other vol-
unteers. It isn't a large one, and it has been six
years in building, and it isn't quite finished yet.
But that is a mere detail. The five men have
given — and are still giving — each of them, two
nights a week to the direction of the community
club. The boys came in for play, and so did the
girls and their parents. There are gymnasium
classes for boys and girls, classes in folk dancing,
music. The membership of the community club
has reached 250, of whom 50 are boys.
The members pay dues of twenty-five cents a
month. The Community Service Recreation
League has general supervision and has supplied
a leader and teachers for various classes. Since
the establishment of the San Francisco Commu-
nity Chest, the funds for the extra expenses of
the club have come from it. Increasing use has
been made of the center : among other things, it
has housed a free well-baby clinic maintained by
the San Francisco Board of Health.
But the credit for the success of the center
goes to the five men. They are not politicians ;
they are not high-hats. All are married, but only
one has children. He is the one who gives his
special energies to the Boy Scout Troop of fifty
members in which his own two boys are en-
rolled. It was not all easy to do : the scepticism
of parents in a district where many have newly
come from overseas — the district has a large Mal-
tese colony — had to be overcome. But the men
and their neighbors saw a job, and did it.
Lynn's Playground Exhibi-
tion Attended by the
President
The peak of excitement in the lives of the chil-
dren of Lynn, Mass., was reached in August
when the President of the United States
witnessed a section of their annual playground
exhibition as a part of the program which cele-
brated the raising of "Old Glory" on the Lynn
Common.
Eight weeks of preparation, and then the
thought of the President's coming, materially en-
hanced the interest of the children in the great
event.
At noon on the looked-forward-to day, 2,000
gaily costumed boys and girls, accompanied by a
band, marched by playgrounds, each playground
headed by a banner, through Lynn's downtown
district. Pink and green costumes, yellow and
black costumes, children all in pink carrying bas-
kets of flowers, others in black and white with
black capes and black conical caps, costumes of
black bloomers and white middies topped by a
flag, children emulating rosebuds, a gathering in
witches' costumes, and a section of children
dressed in the costumes of England, Italy, Russia,
Greece, Holland, France, Mexico, and other coun-
tries, made up a part of the procession. Other
features were a princess with her attendants,
Captain Kidd and his crew, a crowd of Brownies,
just playground children and a sports section,
all of which received a great deal of applause
from those on the side lines.
The afternoon's program included a doll car-
riage parade, a performance of The Enclwnted
Garden with its delightful fairy tale, a boys' mass
drill, folk dancing, a mimetic drill done by several
hundred girls in uniform and a ukulele stunt.
But the most exciting moment for the children,
and for many who weren't children, came when
all started for the Lynn Common "to see the
President."
Throngs lined the path of President and Mrs.
Coolidge's entrance and upon their arrival at the
grandstand two tiny playground tots presented
Mrs. Coolidge with a bouquet of American
Beauty roses in a beautiful reed basket. A
Patriotic Ensemble given by 200 playground girls
in costumes of the various countries was a feature
especially appreciated by the presidential party
who applauded the program heartily. After a few
574
IN SACRAMENTO
brief and inspiring speeches, the President him-
self, amid much applause, helped to hoist the nevv
flag to a height of 135 feet on the Lynn Common.
It was an impressive sight to see Old Glory sway-
ing in the breezes, while the sun slowly sank in
the distance and the band played America.
Those who had come out to see the President
in the afternoon remained to see the repetition of
the playground exhibition at night. Full flood
lights cast a glow over the playing children, which
made it a veritable fairyland of beauty and the
seating facilities were only half large enough to
accommodate the immense crowds.
It certainly could be "called a day" for Lynn's
playground children, but it was a stimulating day
— a day not to be forgotten — and if hundreds of
little girls dreamt that night of being First Ladies
of the Land and sturdy little boys of being fu-
ture Presidents, it isn't to be wondered at.
Portland's 1925 Playground
Fete
The annual playground fete at Portland,
Maine, called out many interested spectators,
estimates placing the number at 5,000. The
afternoon's feature was a doll carriage parade in
which 200 tiny girls were entered. Three prizes
were given, though it would have been simpler to
give fifteen times that number, so many elabor-
ately decorated carriages, wheeled by so many
charming little girls, were among the entries.
"Life-size" dolls, the gift of the Portland Lodge
of Elks, constituted the prizes and the three chil-
dren having the most distinctive costume, the
prettiest costume and decorated carriage, and the
most novel decoration were the winners. A Kate
Greenaway costume of lavender crepe paper, a
frock of narrow rows of crepe paper in pastel
shades, with the edges curled to represent petals
and a carriage decorated to match, received the
first two prizes. The other prize went to a child
who had covered her carriage entirely with green
burdock burrs — a unique and ingenious decora-
tion.
The second part of the program consisted of
a very effective and beautiful pageant, The Fairies'
Review, in which 300 girls took part. One of the
most interested spectators was City Manager
Harry A. Brinkerhoff, of Portland, who spoke
enthusiastically of the playground work in the
city and urged that it be extended.
In Sacramento
A municipal chorus and a municipal orchestra
are the latest developments in Sacramento's]
steadily growing recreation program, according
to George Sim, superintendent of recreation in
Sacramento, who recently concluded a month's
trip in the East. Mr. Sim, who visited many
cities and attended the Recreation Congress,
stated that, considering the population of Sacra-
mento, he was much encouraged by the progress
in public play made in his city.
It is only for seven years that Sacramento has
had a trained director at the head of its recreation
department. However, the program there in-
cludes everything "from mountains to marbles,"
to use the term which Mr. Sim employed in indi-
cating the broad sweep and range of the city's
recreation activities. Sacramento's summer camp
near Lake Tahoe is available to the citizens for
periods of one or two weeks. The department last
summer had one hundred amateur baseball teams
playing each week, fifty of them twilight teams
composed of players from factories, stores, banks,
and other business establishments. This fall no
less than forty-eight soccer teams will be seen in
action. The municipality boasts two golf links of
nine holes each, on one of which playing is free,
with charges of 50c per day, $3.00 per month, or
$15.00 per year on the other.
Twelve playgrounds are operated by the de-
partment and on several of them modern club-
houses have been erected in recent years.
Much attention was given to municipal music
methods in eastern cities by Mr. Sim, as he has
great interest in developing his present chorus,
which numbers three hundred members and his
orchestra of sixty-five players. Both musicians
and singers of Sacramento are volunteers. The
recreation department is responsible for the annual
Music Week. The slogan of the city is "Music
by the people, and for the people."
The next step in Sacramento, according to Mr.
Sim, will be the thorough organization of com-
munity drama activities.
"We cannot have too much sport. Sport is one
of the greatest influences for good in this coun-
try today."
— Board of Temperance, Prohibition and Public
Morals, Methodist Episcopal Church, July
20, 1925.
Mother Nature's Invitation
CONDUCTED BY
WILLIAM G. VINAL
Professor of Nature Study, New York State College of Forestry
WINTER NATURE STUDY: WAS AND Is
Some folks think that Nature study retires for
the winter with the ground hog or perhaps that it
goes to Palm Beach along with the bird migra-
tion. This is just as imaginary as the belief that
pussy willows are only here when they pussies.
Many people eat a big turkey dinner and retire
for the winter. They are said to be housed up.
With the fear of pneumonia as an alibi, others take
their last bath of the season. Some neighbors,
southern European we are told, sew up their chil-
dren in several layers of shirts topped off with a
red sweater. These people believe that everyone
else does the same thing. This also is a supposition.
Thanksgiving marks the retiring time of nature
crops. The leaves have fallen, the insects have had
their last medley and the beavers have gone to
their winter cabins to live on aspen bark. Every-
thing, in the style of Moby Dick, is stored down
and cleared up. This again is not so. With the
retiring of the chipping sparrow comes the junco.
Although the American silkworm is hanging in a
cocoon, the woolly bear still roams. It is spawn-
ing time for the codfish. Winter nature-study is
as interesting as summer nature-study. There is
every indication that there are those who are being
aroused to the possibilities of winter interests.
December opens the season of unnatural winter.
When business is poor with editors the old timer
is made to observe squirrels storing an extra large
crop of nuts and their fur is reported as unusually
thick. On the strength of this the prophet predicts
a hard winter. But large crops are due to past
weather rather than future and a thick coat of fur
is the result of good food rather than what is to
come. This annual display of current unnatural
events is being censored by our young naturalists.
The classical Old Farmers' Almanac always pre-
dicts a snow storm along in the first two weeks in
January. The writers assume that if the period
was long enough there would be sure to be a snow
storm. If a winter sport party is going to Jaffrey
in the White Mountains, however, the members
are apt to consult the weather-man as to whether
there will be a snow storm over the week-end.
Ground hog weather is giving away to the weather
bureau.
The almanac has also been found to be a won-
derful advertising medium for patent medicines,
probably to prevent the ill effects of winter. Horse
chestnuts and muskrat furs are still used to keep
away rheumatics and the rabbit's foot is carried
for good luck. The fear of winter has sentenced
more people to close confinement than is commonly
realized. But there is an uprising. Modern youth
is showing an utter disregard for winter ailments.
They are insisting in ever increasing numbers
upon opportunities for winter sport.
Bear Mountain, the largest camping park in the
world, is opening its fourth season of winter camp-
ing. The commission has constructed an outdoor
skating rink, two toboggan slides, and rents skis,
sleds and snowshoes. The old fashioned straw
ride is being revived. The winter hiker is getting
a genuine thrill following snow clad streams and
animal trails. They insist on seeing the tracks
of the fox and the snowshoe rabbit which before
have been limited to book nature.
The Girl Scouts of Rochester are interested in
a plan suggested by the National Plant, Flower,
and Fruit Guild, of distributing to shut-in people
small Christmas trees in pots. If these trees are
kept alive in the winter they are to be transplanted
in the spring. This project is being carried on in
cooperation with the New York State College of
Forestry. This shows not only a fine way of car-
rying out the scout laws, but the broad policy of the
Forestry College in not discouraging the Christ-
mas Tree. It is the Christmas Tree brought up to
date and in harmony with all laws of conservation.
An interesting source of enjoyment with potted
plants from the out-of-doors is with the winter
rosettes of biennials. The mullein plant is sold as
the American Velvet plant in London. Queen
Ann's Lace suggests the beauty of the leaves of
that plant and the cultivated carrot when grown
in flower pots becomes a close rival of our ferns.
Even the dandelion and primrose will blossom
when brought to a warm room. The green colors
of these weeds are as refreshing as that of the
575
576
THE QUESTION BOX
laurel, Prince's Pine, and Christmas fern. While
getting an up-to-date winter view-point why not
get better acquainted with our weeds and stop the
extermination of these rarer plants of the wood-
lands ?
The Massachusetts State Girl Scout Camp at
Cedar Hill, Waltham, is getting ready for winter
scouting parties. Early mornings will find merry
girls hiking through snow flurries to hemlock hill
or the cedar swamp to see the footprints of the
partridge, or to watch the nuthatches and myrtle
warblers. Many a rollicking group has decided
that the lean-to is the favorite shelter in winter.
They build their lean-tos of evergreen boughs and
have a reflector fire built in front with a log or
stone back to reflect the heat into the shelter.
These scouts sleep inside as warm as toast, and
with an absolutely clear conscience, for the snow
eliminates the forest fire menace.
Another sign of a busy time outdoors. this winter
comes from the schools. The observer recently
saw a group at the State School of Agriculture at
Alfred, New York, on a nature trip in a heavy
snow storm. Upon inquiry he learned that they
were prospective teachers learning nature that they
in turn might take their pupils into the open.
The forests and snowfields are our natural play-
grounds in winter. The gap between play in sum-
mer and hibernating in winter is becoming re-
markably narrow. People are going to the woods
in winter in greater numbers. If a half million
participated in winter play last year we may ex-
pect a million this season. Shall we uphold the
American standards for recreation in the winter?
Progressive cities are beginning to point with
pride to their winter playgrounds.
The Question Box
How FAR Do CHILDREN Go TO THE
PLAYGROUND?
A study made by a committee of the American
Institute of Park Executives in the cities of Mil-
waukee, Minneapolis, Washington, Detroit and
St. Paul, indicated that about 46% travel less than
J4 mile; over 70% less than a */2 mile; 7% travel
over one mile ; leaving only 1 1 % who travel more
than a mile. About 66% traveled less than three
blocks. In Minneapolis, St. Paul and Washing-
ton less than 35% traveled ]/$ mile. In Detroit
and Milwaukee 53% and 63% traveled less than
}4 mile. The relation of heavy traffic to play-
ground attendance is indicated by these percents.
Probably in large cities where traffic is heavy
playgrounds must be closer together.
The older children, of course, go farther than
the younger ones to a playground. Five-sixths of
the children under seven years of age travel less
than three blocks; 87% of the children under
twelve travel less than four blocks.
Seventy- four per cent of the children attending
were under fifteen years of age; 16% were under
seven years ; 58% were seven to fifteen ; 26% were
over fifteen years; 11% were over nineteen (not
stated if this included evening use). This proba-
bly indicates lack of special leadership for groups
under seven.
As to frequency of visits:
15.7% came 100% of the time
18.4% " 90% " " "
22.4% " 80% " " "
27.7% " 70% " " "
32.8% " 60% " " "
44.5% " 50% " " "
55.2% " 40% " " "
70% " 30% " " "
99% " 20% " " "
Milwaukee had 23.5% of her children on the
playground all the time : 55.5% two-thirds of the
time, and 83.5% one-third of the time.
A FEW OF THE QUESTIONS ASKED AT THE
CLASSES HELD AT THE RECREATION CONGRESS
Drama
Q. What is the difference between a masque and
a pageant?
A. We are endeavoring today in America to
differentiate between these two forms of dramatic
expression by calling a purely symbolic presenta-
tion a Masque and an historical presentation (in
Your Responsibility
TJI7 HEN you approve a requisition for playground equipment,
you immediately assume grave responsibilities. You are
responsible for the safety of the children who will use the ap-
paratus for years to come. You are responsible to taxpayers,
because they depend upon your judgment, to buy for economy
and durability. This means apparatus that costs less in the long
run — and will still be in daily service after the children who use
it have children of their own.
PLAYGROUND EQUIPMENT
Also manufacturers
of Steel Lockers.
Send for Locker
Catalog "A-10."
is built with three fundamental principles in mind. It must be
SAFE. It must be Durable, and therefore ECONOMICAL.
Fred Medart began making gymnasium and playground appara-
tus in 1873 — it stands to reason that by now it must be as nearly
perfect as it can be made.
But its continuous purchase by wise and careful buyers over a
period of 51 years is definite proof. Why not be sure of making
the proper selection by following the judgment of these experi-
enced and capable men?
Send for Catalog M-33, which illustrates and describes Medart
Apparatus in exhaustive detail, and contains much valuable data
which should be in your files.
FRED MEDART MANUFACTURING CO.
Potomac and DeKalb Streets
New York Chicago
San Francisco
Cleveland
Los Angeles
St. Louis, Mo.
Detroit
Please mention THE PLAYGROUND when writing to advertisers
577
578
THE QUESTION BOX
which symbolism may have a part) a Pageant.
This may be the history of a community, an insti-
tution, a movement, or a series of historical events
in any period or periods of history.
Q. How do you begin to plan a community
pageant ?
A. A pageant is usually initiated by a small
group of community-minded citizens who visual-
ize its worth as a cooperative community expres-
sion through which many civic values are strength-
ened. The second meeting to discuss the pageant
is an open one to which all organizations are asked
to send one or two representatives. The first com-
mittee to plan for as soon as the pageant has the
support of representative groups and the executive
committee is chosen, is the historical committee,
whose business it is to gather material which later
will be dramatized. Other committees which
should be planned for early are Speakers, Cast,
Costume, Music, Publicity, Finance, Grounds,
Properties. Still others to be organized later are
Production, Stage Management, Auto Service,
Ground Service. We need as many committees as
there are actual duties to be carried out.
Q. How do you manage the crowd back stage
at a production?
A. Each group has a leader. Each group has a
number and placards bearing like numbers are
back of scenes. Each leader gathers her group at
their placard. They wait there for a call from
the stage committee.
Q. Who writes the pageant if you are not using
one already written?
A. There are several ways in which to handle
this. It may grow through the English Depart-
ment in a School of College in the city. It may be
written by a Pageant Director. It may be written
by a Pageant Committee, but the final dramatiza-
tion of the pageant should be in the hands of the
pageant director.
Q. How do you manage about pageant cos-
tumes ?
A. The Pageant Committee makes small models
of costumes with the amount of material, price and
other items of information attached and each lead-
er has her model. Groups make their own cos-
tumes unless they wish to hire them made. This
procedure has been used where the cast numbered
4,000 to 5,000 people. Sometimes we have a cos-
tume shop where wigs, boot tops, special costumes,
are made. Cheesecloth can be used for almost
everything. It is not necessary to rent many cos-
tumes for big productions — only those which are
complicated to make, such as the uniforms of gen-
erals and of some soldiers and the costumes of a
few principal characters.
Q. What are the usual expenses ?
A. This depends on many things: music, pub-
licity, programs, properties, rented costumes and
printed pageant directions are the usual items in
the budget plus whatever expense may be involved
in preparing the stage and grounds for seating.
This differs greatly.
Q. Can a Hallowe'en Party be called a Pageant ?
A. We are making a great mistake in calling
everything from a series of tableaux, a circus and
a parade up, a pageant. Let pageant be the term
applied only to something worthy of the name.
Q. I am a director of a Camp Fire group. The
different organizations of the town have joined in
giving an entertainment at the Town Opera
House. The Camp Fire group is allowed twenty
minutes. I have any number of girls at my dis-
posal but as they are inexperienced in acting, will
it be advisable to make our contribution a panto-
mime of some sort, and if so, what pantomime do
you suggest?
A. Rameses' Dreams, by Marion Norris Gleason
and Harold Gleason, is a pantomime which may
meet this need. It is an Egyptian pantomime with
music showing the figures on the frieze of
Rameses' tomb coming to life and performing their
annual ritual in honor of Rameses. It is an excel-
lent comedy and introduces some delightful
dances. The pantomime is not too difficult for a
group of girls and the colorful costumes afford an
excellent opportunity for utilizing the artistic tal-
ents which are found in every group.
A PAINTING ON ICE, CHICAGO, ILL.
579
Where Large
Numbers of
Children
Gather
in open places Solvay Calcium Chloride should be applied to the surface in order
10 prevent discomfort caused by dust.
SOLVAY CALCIUM CHLORIDE
is being used as a surface dressing for Children's playgrounds with
marked satisfaction.
It will not stain the children's clothes or playthings. Its germicidal property is a
feature which has the strong endorsement of physicians and playground directors.
Solvay Calcium Chloride is not only an excellent dust layer but at the same time
kills weeds, and gives a compact play surface. Write for New Booklet 1159 Today!
THE SOLVAY PROCESS COMPANY
WING & EVANS, inc., Sales Department 40 Rector Street, New York
How GOOD Is YOUR TOWN. Measurement Standards
Used by the Wisconsin Conference of Social Work,
University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin.
Price $1.00
The Wisconsin Conference of Social Work during
the past year has conducted a better cities contest for
second and third class cities. The standards of measure-
ments which were applied to communities competing were
based on the following common factors for making a
city a good place in which to live: Town Planning and
Zoning, Industry, Education, Health, Public Adminis-
tration, Social Service, Recreation, The Public Library,
Town-Country Relations, Religion.
All the standards and the material used in the con-
tests will be found in the handbook entitled "How Good
Is Your Town" which may be secured from the Wis-
consin Conference.
THE HOUSE THAT HEALTH BUILT. Published by the East
Harlem Health Center, 345 East, 116th St., New
York City.
This is a report of the first three years' work of the East
Harlem Health Center, situated in the East Harlem dis-
trict of New York City. This experiment, coordinating
health and family welfare work in this district, was un-
dertaken by the Department of Health, City of New York,
and twenty-two cooperating agencies under the auspices
of the Red Cross. Its growth and success are shown in
this report. Under one roof were located the
various health and relief agencies and through
real cooperation more than twice as much at-
tention was given to the health needs of the neighborhood
as when they were located separately. The New York
Times says of the experiment: "Outstanding among the
health centers that are springing up in different towns
and cities throughout the United States is the East
Harlem Health Center, opened three years ago through
the initiative of the American Red Cross and operating
in a district of some 112,000 people on New York's upper
Please mention THE PLAYGROUND
East Side. The experiment is a pioneer in many aspects
of the health center movement, but its greatest distinc-
tion lies in the fact that it is 100 per cent, cooperative . It
is a real community undertaking shared in by every
health and welfare activity of the neighborhood — non-
sectarian, Jewish and Catholic, public and private."
REVIEW OF OFFICIAL VOLLEY BALL RULES, 1925-1926.
Spaldings Athletic Library, Group 12, No. 364.
American Sports Publishing Company, New York.
Price lOc
Official volley ball rules, recent changes in rules, re-
cording sheets, volley ball for girls, hints on playing and
accounts of .the development in various sections of the
country are incorporated with other material in this
booklet.
THE VISITING TEACHER IN ROCHESTER. By Mabel
Brown Ellis. Published by the Joint Committee on
Methods of Preventing Delinquency, 50 East 42nd
Street, New York City. Price, 75c
Another contribution to the list of studies made by
the Committee is represented in this report of a study of
the work of the visiting teacher in Rochester, where the
experience of the Board of Education in developing a
special department of visiting teachers, the case records
available and; the interrelating of school departments with
community agencies have provided a fertile field for
study. How the Visiting Teacher Department origi-
nated and how she does it, the results of her work and
the administrative relationship of the department, are
told in, a way which gives this study value for community
workers in many fields of activities.
PUBLICATIONS AVAILABLE SEPTEMBER, 1925, BUREAU OF
' EDUCATION, Washington, D. C.
This pamphlet represents a listing by the Bureau of
Education of all its publications issued since 1910. The
when writing to advertisers
580
BOOK REVIEWS
KELLOGG SCHOOL
OF
PHYSICAL
EDUCATION
T3 ROAD field
•*-* for young
women, offering at-
tractive positions.
Qualified directors
of physical training
in big demand.
Three-year diploma
course and four-
year B. S. course,
both including sum-
mer course in camp
activities, . with
training in all
forms of physical
exercise, recreation and health education.
School affiliated with famous Battle Creek
Sanitarium — superb equipment and faculty
of specialists. Excellent opportunity for
individual physical development. For illus-
trated catalogue, address Registrar.
KELLOGG SCHOOL OF
PHYSICAL EDUCATION
Battle Creek College
Box 265 Battle Greek, Michigan
pamphlets and other material noted are listed under the
year in which they were published. The document shows
the remarkable growth there has been since 1910, when
the Bureau issued its first pamphlet.
Many publications of help to community workers as
well as teachers will be found in this list.
PROGRESS REPORT, COMMONWEALTH FUND PROGRAM FOR
THE PREVENTION OF DELINQUENCY. Published In-
Joint Committee on Methods of Preventing Delin-
quency, 50 East 42nd Street, New York City
In this report the Joint Committee tells the story of
the development of its program from its organization in
1921. It is the story of the agencies and methods through
which the Committee seeks to promote community ser-
vice for the understanding and guidance of behavior
problem children. Specifically the aims are to demon-
strate the method used by psychiatric clinics for children
and the visiting teachers in schools, and to enlarge the
facilities for training workers in these fields.
1925 HOCKEY GUIDE. Spalding's Athletic Library
(38 R). The Official Publication of the United
States Field Hockey Association and the American
Physical Education Association. Published by the
American Sports Publishing Company, New York
City. Price 25c
This Guide contains a number of very important
changes in t,he rules. It is important, therefore, that
.coaches and umpires shall secure copies of the Guide as
soon as possible. In addition to the changes in rules,
coaches and teachers will welcome the articles on "Inter-
change for the Defense" by Ann Townsend, Captain of
the All-American team for 1924, "Right Wing Play" by
Mary Adams, also an All-American player, and "Analysis
of Hockey Strokes" by Hilda Burr, graduate of the
Chelsea Physical Training College, London.
The Inter-City Hockey Tournament for 1925 was
held on the grounds of Wellesley College, November
25-29. The Tournament was especially interesting be-
cause of the presence of a visiting Irish team.
The editors are hoping to secure for future editions
good action pictures and requests that any group having
such pictures shall forward them. Directions regarding
interpretations of rules may be secured from Mi><
Cynthia Wesson, Cotuit, Massachusetts. Miss Wesson
is Chairman of the Committee on Field Hockey of the
Committee on Women's Athletics, American Physical
Education Association.
SOCIAL PROBLEMS AND AGENCIES Edited by Henry S.
Spalding, S.J. Published by Benziger Brothers, New
York City. Price $2.50
Present day social problems and the agencies and
forces organized to prevent and combat these evils are
the two main subjects of this book of Father Spalding's.
which completes his series of books on social subjects,
the first being Introduction to Social Service, the second,
Chapters in Social History.
Under the title Social Problems such matters are dis-
cussed as — Immigration, Americanization, Housing, Un-
employment, Crime and the Punishment of Criminals,
the Narcotic Peril and similar problems.
The Second section outlines the work of a number of
organizations, Federal Bureaus and Social movements.
At the end of each chapter appears a suggested list of
topics for discussion which is very helpful.
GUIDE BOOK FOR BETTER HOMES CAMPAIGNS. Issued by
Better Homes of America. 1653 Pennsylvania Ave-
nue, Washington, D. C. 15 cents
There are very definite suggestions in this comprehen-
sive booklet for organizing for Better Homes Week,
which in 1926 will be held from April 25 to May 1st.
The work of committees and sub-committee is outlined
and suggestions are offered regarding the participation
of different community groups. Illustrations of houses
that have been built in various communities and definite
information regarding them supply a wealth of material
to any commtinity taking part in the contest.
Please mention THE PLAYGROUND when writing to advertiser!
581
GROWN FOLKS AND CHILDREN ENJOY THE GAME OF HORSESHOE
The photograph above of the Fell Avenue Community Playground at Bloomington, Illinois, illustrates an interesting crowd of horse-
shoe pitching fans. National Lady Champion Pitcher, Mrs. Lanham, is shown in the picture together with many youthful enthusiasts,
who crowd tho playgrounds daily. The three courts are in use nearly all the time.
DIAMOND OFFICIAL HORSESHOES
Conform exactly to regulations of the National Horseshoe
Pitchers Association.
Drop forged from tough steel and heat treated so that they
will not chip or break. Cheap shoes which nick and splinter are
dangerous to the hands.
One set consists of four shoes, two painted white aluminum
and two painted gold bronze, each pair packed neatly in a
pasteboard box.
Diamond Official Stake Holder and Stake
For outdoor as well as indoor pitching. Holder drilled at
an angle to hold stake at correct angle of slope toward pitcher.
Best materials, painted with rust-proof paint underground,
white aluminum paint for the ten inches above ground.
Write for Catalog and Rules of the Game
DIAMOND CALK HORSESHOE CO.
4610 Grand Ave., Duluth, Minn.
DIAMOND STAKES AND
STAKEHOLDERS
DIAMOND OFFICIAL.— Made In weights 2%
Ibs., 2 Ibs. 5 oz., 2 Ibs. 6 oz., 2 Ibs. 7 oz.,
2% Ibs.
DIAMOND JUNIOR. — For Ladies and Children.
Made in weights. 1% Ibs., 1 Ib. 9 oz.. 1 Ib.
10 oz., 1 Ib. 11 oz., 1% Ibs.
NATURE GAMES. In this little 16 page pamphlet Pro-
fessor Vinal of the New York State College of Forestry,
Syracuse, has brought together over 50 nature games.
Many of them have been adapted from the old games that
have been handed down from generation to generation,
and little ingenuity is required in modifying them for new
games. The games are classified under "Rainy Day
Games" (though these may all be played out of doors)
and "Outdoor Games." Copies may be secured from Pro-
fessor Vinal at 15 cents each
WHAT SHALL WE PLAY? By Edna Geister. Published
by George H. Doran Company. Price $1.50
The latest contribution of Edna Geister, whose series
of Fun Books is well known, is a book for children in
which Miss Geister has taken fifty of her best games,
adapted them for young children and explained them in
a way that very little children can understand. _ The table
of contents alone is intriguing with its classification of
games under Not Noisy Games, Very Noisy Games,
Moving around Games, When the Aunts and Uncles
Played Too, Sick-a-Bed Games, Table Games, For Hot
Weather, Sidewalk Games, Running Games, Tag Games,
Races.
Delightful illustrations by Elizabeth MacKinstry add
much to the charm of the book.
OUR PLAYHOUSE. By Ella Victoria Dobbs. Published
by Rand McNally & Company, New York City.
Price, 75 cents
A fascinating book is this industrial reader, practically
each page of which is illustrated by photographs from
life and line drawings. "The building of a house,"
says the writer, "whether it be a playhouse, a^cottage or
a mansion is a project of universal interest." In pre-
paring this book the author has attempted to catch this
keen interest as it appears in children— and she has done
it most successfully— and through suggestion to help them
play their game to greater effect. The photographs show
clearly the steps in the process of building and the pro-
cedure is outlined in a way that will appeal strongly to
children.
CHRISTMAS TIDE. A Merry Christmas Collection of
Songs and Melodies. Published by Pioneer Music
Publishing Company, New York City. Price 75tf.
Christmas Carols and Hymns, including the old fash-
ioned and traditional groups, Children's Carols and
Christmas Songs for Little Folks, a Christmas Solo (O-
Holy Night) and Instrumental Numbers make up this
collection.
A full musical score is given in each case.
FANCY'S HOUR. By Norman Schlichter. Published by
The John C Winston Company, Philadelphia. Price,
$1.50
These delightfully humorous story poems by the author
of Children's Voices and Songs of Mother are dedicated
to All Children, Sure Guides in the Kingdom of Fancy.
Their whimsical humor and charm have a strong appeal
to children.
Recent Children's Books is the title of a new
reading list published by the American Library
Association of Chicago. It describes about 30
books of the past year, giving publishers and
prices. A more basic list called Gifts for Chil-
dren's Book-Shelves has just been issued in a new
edition. It tells of over 100 books grouped ac-
cording to the age of the boys and girls for which
the books are suited.
Please mention THE PLAYGROUND when writing to advertisers
582
MAGAZINES RECEIVED
Playground
A pparatus
TRACK
ILDI
MARK
Gymnasium
Apparatus
Half-a-Hundred
Years of Service
In that period of time
Spalding-made goods have
been and still are the choice of
the vast majority of America's
colleges and schools for the
equipment of their various
teams, also of Y. M. C. A.'s,
fraternal and other organiza-
tions.
The gymnasiums of many of
the leading universities, col-
leges, preparatory and high
schools have been Spalding-
equipped.
First in the field of play-
ground equipment, Spalding
superiority in the manufacture
of safe, strong, durable appa-
ratus remains unchallenged.
Quality is embodied in every
article of Spalding make.
Gymnasium and Playground Contract Dept.
Chicopee, Mass.
Stores in All Large Cities
Magazines and Pamphlets
Recently Received
Containing Articles of Interest to Recreation ll'orkcrs
and Officials
MAGAZINES
The Survey. October 15, 1925
Planned for 1960— and After— Palos Verdes, Cali-
fornia
Boys in Three Towns
Landscape Architecture. October, 1925
The Use of Fair Grounds as Recreational Centers
By R. J. Pearse
Improving Our Playgrounds
By Weaver Pangburn
Mind and Body. November, 1925
The Preliminary Report of a Conference of Insti-
tutions Giving Professional Training in Physical
Education
Snowball Contest
The Land of Nod on Christmas Eve — A Playlet
Mind and Body. December, 1925
A Sociological Study of Physical Education
By J. F. Landis
Athletic Strenuosity
Young America at Christmas Time
By Joseph Weissmuller
American Physical Education Review. October, 1925
Education to Meet the Needs of Modern Life
By William C Wood
What are the Chances for the Survival of Amateur
and Community Recreation in an Age of Profes-
sional and Commercial Recreation?
By E. B. DeGroot
The Work of the National Physical Education Ser-
vice
By George W. Braden
Successful Clown Acts and Stunts
By H. S. DeGroat
American City. November, 1925
Traffic Game for Children
Town and College Join Forces in Recreational Pro-
gram
By Margaret Kressman
Why Country Planning?
By Frank A. Waugh
Summer Civic Opera in Salt Lake City
By Charlotte Stewart
Community Centers Functioning Efficiently
By Seymour Barnard
"Safety Playgrounds" in Residential Blocks
By Herbert D. Mendenhall, C.E., B.S.
Physical Training. November. 1925
Play Traits as Life Traits (editorial)
Physical Efficiency Test and the Busy Physical Di-
rector
By H. H. Bridgman
A History of Football
PAMPHLETS
A 1925 Review of the Department of the Interior
Obtainable from Government Printing Office
Twenty-fifth Annual Report of the Director of Educa-
tion of the Philippine Islands, 1924
Parks and Playgrounds, 1925 — Vancouver, B. C.
Boston Tercentenary — Report of the Preliminary Survey
Committee. 1925
Obtainable from Printing Department, City of
Boston
Commonwealth Fund Program for the Prevention of
Delinquency — Progress Report
Obtainable from the Joint Committee on Methods
of Preventing Delinquency, New York City
Special Report of the Park Department of the City of
Boston, 1925
Please mention THE PLAYGROUND when writing to advertisers
OUR FOLKS
533
Circle Travel Rings
Let us help to make their play
Profitable
Put something new in your playground.
On the Circle Travel Rings they swing from ring
to ring, pulling, stretching and developing every
muscle of their bodies. Instructors pronounce this
the most healthful device yet offered.
Drop a card today asking for our complete
illustrated catalog.
Patterson-Williams Mfg. Co,
San Jose, California
Our Folks
Howard Willett, formerly Supervisor of Play-
grounds in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, has re-
cently succeeded George Bellis as Superintendent
of Recreation in Phoenixville, Pennsylvania.
Miss Mildred Schieber is now in charge of the
year round recreation program in Millburn, New
Jersey.
Miss Barbara Bailey has been appointed Direc-
tor of Recreation for the town of Eastchester,
New York. The town of Eastchester, which in-
cludes the villages of Tuckahoe, Bronxville and
part of Scarsdale, recently secured through a
referendum vote, an appropriation for year round
recreation work.
Miss Thelma Carpenter is now Director of
Recreation for the Playground Association in
Jackson Heights, New York.
N. L. Mallison, formerly Supervisor of Play-
grounds in the Houston Recreation Department,
will begin work as Superintendent of Recreation
in charge of the newly created Department of Rec-
reation in West Palm Beach, Florida, beginning
January first. Miss Dorothy Elderdice of West-
minster, Maryland, will be associated with him
Please mention THE PLAYGROUND
as Director of Dramatics and the Women's and
Girls' Department.
Milton Apperson, formerly Assistant Director
in Lynchburg, Virginia, is now Director of Recre-
ation in Lexington, North Carolina.
On November first, David B. Wright, became
Superintendent of Public Recreation in Sarasota,
Florida, where a new Department of Public Rec-
reation has recently been organized.
Miss Margaret Sparling has succeeded Miss
Alice Channer as the Executive Secretary of Com-
munity Service in Hoquiam, Washington.
Michael Treado is the new Director of the Play-
ground and Recreation Association in North Chi-
cago, Illinois, succeeding Dewey Darling, who is
studying this year at Springfield College, Spring-
field, Massachusetts.
Victor Berthiaum is the new Executive Secre-
tary of Community Service in West Warren, Mas-
sachusetts.
At the Conventions
The twenty-sixth annual convention of the
American Institute of Park Executives was held
at Rockford, Illinois, September 14th to 17th.
when writing to advertisers
584
AT THE CONVENTIONS
Winning
the Child
to Music
Maintain his mu-
sical interest by
giving him a
Hohner Harmonica
— not a toy, but a musical instrument which makes a
universal appeal, and which is now recognized by leading
teachers in America's noted schools and colleges as having
pronounced educational value.
Send today for our new Instruction Book, with complete
directions for the mastery of this fascinating instrument.
It contains standard selections done in regular music
notation, with piano accompaniments.
The use of this book with a Hohner Harmonica stimulates
the child's sense of rhythm, pitch and sight-reading faculties.
Teachers everywhere are organizing Hchner Harmonica
bands to hold the young pupils' interest in their music
study. Correspondence invited.
M. HOHNER, INC.
114 East 16th St., Dept. 209 New York, N. Y.
HOHNER HARMONICA-
"That Musical Pal of Mine"
THE WOMANS PRESS
600 LEXINGTON AVE.
NEW YORK, N. Y.
For Washington's Birthday
AT THE SIGN OF THE BOAR'S HEAD .50
By Vida R. Sutton.
A capital play of Revolutionary days, very dramatic, not
difficult to produce — spies and a ghost add to the excite-
ment.
For Lincoln's Birthday
IN 1864 .50
By Vida U. Sutton.
A simple dramatic bit of the Civil War. Excellent in the
tense feeling of the times which it gives.
A February Play for Children
ST. VALENTINE ENTERTAINS
From Katharine Lee Bates' book of plays. Little Robin
Stay Behind, $1.75. A charming play for children. St.
Valentine entertains St. Agnes, St. Francis, St. Patrick
and St. Elizabeth of Hungary in a dainty delicious bit of
singing and foolery.
Chicago Normal School
of Physical Education
Accredited two-year course preparing Girls to become
Directors of Physical Education, Playground Supervisors,
Dancing Teachers, Swimming Instructors. Excellent Faculty.
Fine Dormitories. Students who can qualify for second
Semester Junior Class may enter mid-year term starting
February 8.
For catalog address
BOX 45, 5026 GREENWOOD AVE., CHICAGO, ILL.
Let the Drama League Help
Solve Your Production Problems
DRAMA LEAGUE OF AMERICA
59 EVan Buren Street, CHICAGO, ILL.
C. E. Chambers, Superintendent of Parks at
Toronto, was elected President.
Among the subjects discussed at the Recreation
Session were athletics, apparatus and accidents,
swimming pools, recreation and legislation, and
golf courses. R. Walter Jarvis. Superintendent
of Parks and Recreation of Indianapolis, Indiana,
presided over the session.
Please mention THE PLAYGROUND
The President's Committee on ( >ut<loor Recrea-
tion in February, 1925, created a commission to
investigate and report to the Committee on all
projects under consideration by the Departments
of the Interior and Agriculture dealing with pro-
posed enlargements or adjustments of National
Parks or National Forests involving the interests
of the two departments.
The Committee has made its report suggesting
a number of changes in boundaries and recom-
mending enlargements representing thousands of
acres and road development.
Copies of the report may be secured from the
President's Committee on Outdoor Recreation,
Washington, D. C.
Playground and Recreation
Association of America
JOSEPH LEE, President
JOHN H. FINLEY, First Vice-President
WILLIAM KENT, Second Vice-Presidcnt
ROBERT GARRETT, Third Vice-Presidcnt
GUSTAVUS T. KIRBY, Treasurer
HOWARD S. BRAUCHER, Secretary
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Mrs. Edward W. Biddle, Carlisle, Pa.; William Butterworth.
Moline, 111.; Clarence M. Clark. Philadelphia, Pa.; Mrs. Arthur
G. Cummer, Jacksonville, Fla.; F. Trubee Davison, Locust Valley,
N. Y.; Mrs. Thomas A. Edison, West Orange. N. J.; John H.
Finley, New York, N. Y.; Hugh Frayne. New York N. Y.; Robert
Garrett, Baltimore, Md.; C. M. Goethe. Sacramento. Cal.; Mrs.
Charles A. Goodwin, Hartford, Conn.; Austin E. Griffiths. Seattle.
Wash.; Myron T. Herrick, Cleveland, Ohio; Mrs. Francis deLacy
Hyde, Plainneld, N. J.; Mrs. Howard R. Ives. Portland. Me.;
Gustavus T. Kirby, New York, N. Y.; H. McK. Landon. Indian-
spolis, Ind.; Robert Lassiter, Charlotte, N. C.; Joseph Lee. Boston,
Mass.; Edward E. Loomis, New York, N. Y.; J. H. McCurdy,
Springfield, Mass.; Otto T. Mallery, Philadelphia, Pa.; Walter A.
May, Pittsburgh, Pa.; Carl E. Millikcn, Augusta, Me.; Miss Ellen
Scripps, La Jolla, Cal.; Harold H. Swift. Chicago, 111.; F. S.
Titsworth, New York, N. Y.; Mrs. J. W. Wadsworth, Jr.. Wash-
ington, D. C.; J. C. Walsh. New York, N. Y.; Harris Whittemorc.
Naugatuck, Conn,
when writing to advertisers
A CHILD'S crying out "Oh, that star!" . . . "Such white, white snow!" is an in-
stinctive response to beauty and its mystery. His wonder opens to the things you can
never teach by words. Yet through pure melody — tones rich and clear from the Vic-
trola — you can put into the child-mind glows, rhythms, soft callings — exquisite pleas-
ure for every listening moment.
For early morning, use such freshness as Schubert's Hark! Hark! the Lark. For
joyous study — lyrics, old hunting songs; Ave Maria as Ellen sang it to the harp of
Allen-Bane; emotional dramatic readings that include the veritable shouts of a Roman
mob. Use folk-songs for phrasing. Beautiful rhythms for child-dances — simple to
teach, yet who knows how far and priceless in result. For imagination — Saint-Saens'
The Swan — lake-music so softly rippling you can tell when the white bird lifts its
head ! These bring the artists and artistry of the world into the silence of classrooms.
Think of Schubert's Allegro Moderate, where the beauty of woodwinds summons the
rustling of invisible forces to the listening minds of the children.
You will want to know how other schools use the Victrola and Victor records to
bring beautiful pure melody to their pupils. Send for information — or at any store sell-
ing Victor products, ask to hear these records. As you listen, your mind will create
abundant uses for them in classwork.
Allegro Moderate Unfinished
Symphony (Schubert)
PHILADELPHIA ORCHESTRA 6459
Ave Maria (Schubert) MARSH 55052
By the Waters of Minnetonka
( Cai'anass — Licurancc)
CHEMET 1015
Devotion (Mascagni)
MORMON TABERNACLE CHOIR 19829
Farewell to Cucullain
(Londonderry Air) FRITZ
KREISLER — HUGO KREISLER 3017
Four Leaf Clover
( i'roivncll) - - WILLIAMS 855
Hark! Hark! the Lark
(Schubert) GLUCK 664
Liebestraum (Liszt) SAMAROFF 6269
Lo, Here the Gentle Lark
(Bishop) GLUCK 654
Minuet in G
(Beethoven) POWELL 804
Morning — "Peer Gynt" (Grieg)
VICTOR CONCERT ORCHESTRA 35470
My Mother Bids Me Bind
My Hair (Haydn) MARSH 45092
Negro Spiritual (Dvorak —
Krcislcr) - FRITZ KREISLER
On Wings of Song
(Mendelssohn) HEIFETZ
Praeludium (Jarnefclt)
VICTOR CONCERT ORCHESTRA
Salut d'Amour
(Elgar) - - - - ZIMBALIST
Serenade
(Titl) • NEAPOLITAN TRIO
Slumber Boat
(Rilcy — Gaynor) - LITTLEFIELD
Solve jg's Cradle Song — "Peer
Gynt" (Grieg) - MARSH
Songs My Mother Taught Me
(Dvorak) - FRITZ KREISLER
Souvenir
(Drdla) - - FRITZ KREISLER
Swan, The
( Saint-Sac ns) - KJNDLER
To a Wild Rose
(MacDozvcll) VENETIAN TRIO
Waltz in E Flat
(Durand) - - - - BAUER
Waltz in G Flat Major
(Chopin) - - MOISEIVITCH
1122
6152
18323
890
16995
18448
45321
727
716
45096
18208
6508
55156
The Educational Department
VICTOR TALKING MACHINE CO.
CAMDEN, NEW JERSEY, IT. S. A.
Please mention THE PLAYGROUND when writing to advertisers
585
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B
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PM
586
The Playground
VOL. XIX, No. 11
FEBRUARY, 1926
The World at Play
Motor Ability Tests. — The Committee on
.Motor Ability Tests of the American Physical
Education Association, after a period of research,
has issued its report in which it recommends a
new method of motivating, and measuring physi-
cal education activities, particularly the games, the
free exercises and the apparatus exercises.
Eight groups of activities are recommended :
1. Free exercises (without use of hand appar-
atus)
2. Calisthenics (with use of hand apparatus)
3. Marching
4. Dancing
5. Track and field athletics
Ct. Team game activities
7. Apparatus exercises and tumbling
8. Swimming
Copies of the tests may be secured from the
American Physical Education Association, Box
( i, Highland Station, Springfield, Massachusetts.
Athletic Badge Tests, a Part of the Christ-
mas Program. — The Athletic Badge Tests of the
P. R. A. A. were recently conducted at the Marie-
mont Military Academy in Tacoma, Washington,
and a number of boys qualified for badges. The
badges were awarded in connection with the
Christmas program when about fifty of the boys'
parents were present. Each boy to be awarded
was called to the stage and the requirements nec-
essary to earn the badges were enumerated.
The Far View in Los Angeles. — The City
Council of Los Angeles recently passed a resolu-
tion pledging to do all in its power to bring about
a bond issue of ten million dollars, the city and
county's share of the hundred million dollars re-
quired to purchase all the recreation areas needed
for the future use of Los Angeles city and county.
The resolution points out that park and recreation
space is not being secured in ratio to the tremen-
dous growth of the city.
The Recreation Department of the City of
Long Beach appropriates $170,000 annually for
municipal music, golf, service to enlisted men and
additional recreation sports for visitors, new-
comers and residents.
Greenville Acquires Recreation Space. —
The cooperation of Furman University, the efforts
of the Junior Chamber of Commerce and the sale
of $12,500 in bonds by the Chamber of Commerce
have resulted in the securing of Graham Athletic
Field, a $50,000 baseball park, for the city of
Greenville, South Carolina. The covered grand-
stand seats 2,102; the bleachers have a capacity
of 1,500.
W. C. Cleveland, a public spirited citizen of
Greenville, has given to the city for park use a
110 acre tract, making available one of the most
beautiful scenic areas in the vicinity. Provision
will be made for playgrounds, tennis courts and
a municipal swimming pool.
Making Milwaukee Play Chess. — Under the
slogan "Let's Make Milwaukee a Chess Playing
City!" the School Board Extension Department
of Milwaukee is conducting a series of district
chess tournaments under two classifications — a
novice class for less experienced players and an
open class open to any players. The tournament
is open to all men and boys no longer attending
the grade schools and no entrance fee is required.
The winners of each class in the district tourna-
ments will receive a medal ; the all-city champion
of each class will be given a silver trophy. A
chess room has been opened at each social center
and on three evenings a week, from 7 :30 to 9 :30,
exciting games take place. "Drop in at the social
center nearest your home," suggests the invita-
tion, "for a friendly game of chess with your
neighbor."
The following extracts from rules of the game
have been issued for the benefit of the players
Right of color determined by lot.
White moves first.
587
588
THE WORLD AT PLAY
Drawn games do not count and must be re-
played.
The hand having once quitted the man, the
move must stand.
A piece touched must be moved.
Abandoning a game is the same as losing it.
Place chess board with white squares at right
hand corner.
Queen is placed on the square of her color.
If an error or illegality is committed, moves
must be retraced. If they cannot be traced,
game is annulled.
The Victrola in Mimetic Play and Com-
munity Gatherings. — Under this title a list of
records available is published by the Victor Talk-
ing Machine Company, Camden, N. J. A number
of useful "mixers," square and longway dances
are given.
Music Holds High Place in Alhambra. —
Alhambra, California, has a community chorus'
with an attendance of from 1,000 to 1,500 every
Saturday evening. This is the fourth year of its
existence. Hugo Kirchhofer is the director and
the chorus is supported by the City Commission
of Alhambra. An all-woman's chorus has also
been formed and a special group of singers or-
ganized which serenades the "Shut-ins" once a
week. There are also four quartettes and a num-
ber of soloists who furnish programs free of
charge and, needless to say, they are much in de-
mand. The organization makes it a point to call
on all newcomers to Alhambra and invite them to
the "Sing."
Harmonica Playing by Blind Children. — In
Johnstown, Pa., a Harmonica Playing class has
been started for the blind children of the public
schools. This class is taught by C. C. Wagner, the
City Sealor of Weights and Measures, who is also
a member of the Municipal Harmonica Band. On
the evening of December thirtieth, this Blind Chil-
dren's Harmonica Band, now numbering thirteen
pieces, played to a large audience as part- of the
three-day Christmas celebration given in Johns-
town. Two little boys not regularly attending the
Blind School because of their physical condition
were particularly anxious to learn how to play.
The recreation secretary made this possible by
sending two boys from the Municipal Harmonica
Band to teach them. Delighted with their assign-
ment, these two small instructors, aged ten and
twelve, pay regular bi-weekly visits to the homes
of the blind boys t<> give them lessons.
Washington Music Dealer Gives $10,000
Toward National Opera School. — Arthur Jor-
dan, President of the Arthur Jordan Piano Com-
pany, of Washington, has made a gift of $10,000
toward the fund for establishment of a national
academy of opera in Washington. The fund,
which now amounts to $60,000, is being raised
under the supervision of Eduard Albion Meek,
general director of the National Opera Associa-
tion. It is planned that a student body of 100
shall be assembled in Washington for work in the
academy. A staff of instructors has already been
engaged by Mr. Meek for training these students.
Miniature Aircraft Fliers. — Beginning Jan-
uary 16th, a series of six articles on How to Mukc
Planes That Will Fly, by Terence Vincent, are
ready for weekly release by the Associated Edi-
tot>. Inc., 440 South Dearborn Street, Chicago.
Three annual miniature aircraft fliers' tourna-
ments have been held in Chicago, arousing enor-
mous interest. Mr. Vincent has evolved a very
ingenious and simple design of flying machine.
Recreation for Working Men in Italy. —
The Gaczctta Vfficiale, the official organ of the
Italian Government, has recently published tin-
text of a law relating to the creation of a central
office for railway welfare work, the purpose of
which is to promote the healthful and useful em-
ployment of leisure time by railway men through
provisions and institutions intended to improve
their physical, moral and intellectual aptitudes.
The Communications' Minister is to appoint a
special commission charged with the task of dic-
tating the policies and directing the activities of
the central office. This will be very much a gov-
ernment venture as the railroads in Italy un-
owned and managed by the State.
Recreation Centers for Italian Nationals.
—Premier Mussolini has instructed all Italian
embassies, legations, consulates and emigration
offices to promote the establishment of recreation
centers for the benefit of Italian nationals living
in their territories. Among the principal aims
outlined are physical training and sports.
The Great Health Exhibition of 1926.— An
extensive health exhibition has been planned for
THE WORLD AT PLAY
589
1926 at Dusseldorf, Germany, which will cover
three sections — social welfare, physical training
and health. The exhibit, known as The Great
Health Exhibition of 1926 will cover 4,200,000
square feet, of which 1,280,000 will contain perma-
nent buildings. The German Federal Govern-
ment, the Federal States and all important scien-
tific and social organizations are cooperating.
Adopt Code of Honor. — The New York City
Public High School Athletic Association has
adopted the Code of Honor of a Sportsman and
has applied for a charter in the national organiza-
tion. Each school will be permitted to select a
given number of pupils each semester as being
outstanding sportsmen entitled to wear a special
recognition badge or button. In granting awards
each local chapter will take into account the fol-
lowing factors : General attitude of the pupil,
whose sportsmanship will be based on daily con-
tact in classroom and on the playground; ability
to repeat the Code of Honor of a Sportsman and
to appreciate its meaning; physical fitness includ-
ing the correction of all remediable defects, satis-
factory knowledge of health rules and regular
practice of health habits, and living up to the Code
of Honor of a Sportsman to the satisfaction of
pupil associates and teachers.
Do Playgrounds Promote Citizenship? —
"To one of our playgrounds, directed by a wide-
awake director," writes a recreation superin-
tendent in a middle western city, "came a sullen,
morose, unsociable 'hobo' whom we will call Bill.
Some eighteen years of age, a typical young bum,
non-productive, a liability to the neighborhood and
community, he was a source of trouble to the
director. The director was wise enough not to
ban him from the activities of the playground, but
gained his confidence and trust, put him to work
in various ways, had him help with small groups
of boys, gave him ever increasing responsibilities
of leadership. Finally he was chosen as one of
four leaders, with supervision of some one hun-
dred boys and young men.
"The director then began suggesting tactfully
the self-respect that comes from holding down a
job in the neighborhood. He got a job, held it,
improved his personal appearance, and in every
way changed his whole outlook in life."
Rural Leaders' Hand Book. — The extension
Service of the South Dakota State College,
Brookings, South Dakota, has issued a rural
leaders' hand book suggesting methods of organ-
ization, programs, community organization pro-
jects and available program material. There is
a bibliography of entertainment books and plays,
and suggestions on sources of information for
discussion.
A section on advantages of local organization
lists the promotion of sociability as the first ad-
vantage made possible through organization.
"People enjoy themselves most when they are
helping to make their own fun. The community
organization gives every one something to do and
those who are backward are finally made at ease.
Sociability tends to create confidence between
neighbors and thus establishes a basis for doing
other things. There is sufficient hidden talent in
every rural community to carry on its needed
social, educational and cooperative business en-
terprises. If farmers can cooperate on a good-
time basis they can do so for other things as well,"
Radio Play Contest. — A nation-wide contest
for the best radio play was recently launched by
the Drama League of America in cooperation with
the radio station WLS of the Sears Roebuck Ag-
ricultural Foundation. Prizes amounting to $500
in cash are offered. As soon as the best play has
been selected rehearsals will begin so that the
play chosen may be broadcast from WLS and
many other stations of the country during national
drama week, February 14th to 20th. All manu-
scripts should be sent to WLS, Hotel Sherman,
Chicago, Illinois.
Leominster Wins Little Theater Award. —
The Leominster, Massachusetts, Community Play-
ers, promoted by Leominster Community Service,
won the loving cup in the Little Theater Tourna-
ment of Massachusetts with their presentation of
The Valiant, by Holworthy Hall and Robert Mid-
dlemass.
In Honor of the State Fiddler. — The twin
villages of South Paris and Norway, Maine, de-
clared a holiday when Mellie Dunham, seventy-
two-year-old champion fiddler of Maine, left with
his wife to be the guests of Henry Ford at Dear-
born, Michigan, where Mr. Dunham played his
old time country dance music. A party escorted
the travellers to the station where Governor
Brewster and other officials were on hand to bid
them Godspeed.
Farm Sports. — There have been more organ-
ized farm sports in Illinois during 1925, according
590
THE WORLD AT PLAY
to the Illinois Argicultural Association's report,
than ever before. Only two of the five sports
which were extensively participated in by the farm
bureaus are common to both city and country
people — baseball and horseshoe pitching. The
other three are distinctly farm sports — hog call-
ing, chicken calling (for women), and corn husk-
ing.
About twenty-five horseshoe pitching contests
were held by the county farm bureaus previous
to the state competition. The winner of the hog
calling contest proved that "whoo--o--oey" is the
most effective way to call hogs, when he was de-
clared by the judges to be the champion swine
yodeler at the contest held at the state farm bureau
picnic — the first state-wide contest ever held.
Corn husking contests have aroused keen inter-
est and nineteen Illinois counties have decided to
include them in their programs next fall.
President Thompson, of the Illinois Agricul-
tural Association, believes farm sports contribute
much to the happiness and contentment of farm
life and have a bearing on keeping boys and girls
on the farm.
Winter Sports in Duluth. — The Duluth win-
ter sport program for 1925-26 is attracting large
numbers of people. Skating, one of the oldest
of winter pastimes, is more generally participated
in than any other. The city maintains spacious
rinks in many convenient stations.
The game of curling brings out new enthusiasts
every season. As none of the old-timers ever quit
as long as they are physically able to handle a
broom or stane, the tribe increases yearly.
Hockey is a winter sport combining skill, speed
and expert skating of high order. Thousands wit-
ness every hockey game played in Duluth.
As soon as a sheet of ice covers St. Louis Bay,
ice-boat enthusiasts spread sail for one of the
most thrilling and fascinating of all winter sports.
The popular ice craft with its generous spread of
canvas is built for speed and meets the require-
ments with something to spare.
Auto speeding on the ice is another form of
winter sport which is increasing in popularity.
The joy rider who may have been held up at street
intersections last summer by the warning right
hand of the law may speed here to his heart's
content. There are no traffic officers on the ice !
On the long schedule of winter attractions in
Duluth nothing surpasses ski-jumping as a thrill
produced both to the ski- jumper and to the spec-
tator.
Among other sports which make Duluthians
happy are toboggan coasting, snow-shoeing, hik-
ing and carry-all riding.
The Westchester County Ice Carnival. —
Under the auspices of the Westchester County
Recreation Commission and the Westchester
County Park Commission, an ice carnival was
held on January 21st. Frank S. Marsh of the
County Park Commission served as Chairman of
the Committee.
In the morning preliminary speed events were
held — 220-yard races for boys under 14 and girls
under 16; 440-yard races for men and women and
one-mile relays for high school boys and girls.
In the afternoon from 12 :30 to 2 :50 finals were
held and there were, in addition to the preliminary
events, one-mile County championship for men,
one-half-mile County championship for women,
and one-mile relays for County firemen and Coun-
ty policemen. At 3:10 came the dress carnival,
when no one was allowed on the ice except those
in costume. The grand entry march of skaters
was followed by the judging of costumes and by
special events and the awarding of trophies. Gen-
eral skating completed the day.
Interesting Winter Sports in Provo, Utah.
—Winter sports are very popular in the recreation
program conducted in Provo, Utah. Nearly 900
pairs of skiis were made last winter under the
direction of the wood-working department of the
Public Schools and Brigham Young University.
The dog sleigh competition over the city streets
and across country with forty participants and
more than 3,000 spectators was a most unusual
and interesting winter sports event.
Recreation is a return to the fountains of life, a partaking of the purposes of which man is
the incarnation. He lives only as the transmitting medium of those purposes. He may, with-
out them, go on making the motions of life and presenting something of a lifelike appearance,
but except as he is a channel of the streams of life he does not in a true sense exist.
JOSEPH LEE.
Leisure Time and the South
BY
WHITEHEAD KLUTTZ
Joseph Lee, Chairman : Whitehead Kluttz, who will
speak to us on the question of Leisure and the South, is '
a native of North Carolina, born in Salisbury. At the
age of twenty-rive he was a member of the JNiorth Caro-
lina State henate, and two years later was elected Presi-
dent pro tem. being the youngest man to hold office.
Within the past few years he has given his entire time
as a held secretary ot the P. R. A. A., to securing recre-
ation legislation in a number of states.
Mr. Kluttz : This gathering is especially a sig-
nificant one because it is the first recreation Con-
gress held in the Southern States since the World
War put sectionalism on the scrap pile forever.
The South will gain much from this convention
and new communities and converts will be made
to the cause of the public recreation movement.
I believe this Congress and our cause will in turn
benefit by coming into closer touch with the liFe
and ideals of the South.
Those who know the life of the wilds tell us
that the songs of birds come down to us un-
changed through centuries and centuries of time.
"The voice I hear this passing night was heard in
ancient days by Emperor and clown." The singer
falls silent, but the song goes on. After all the
inspiring voices of this great convention have
fallen silent, its golden overtone, its one clear call
to the life abundant, the life of work and play
and love and worship, caught up and carried on,
will go sounding down the years, ringing through
the years, a living voice and a lifting power.
\\ e are all of us both heirs and ancestors,
"looking before and after." As we walk the
ways of life today, we carry in ourselves yester-
day and tomorrow. To conserve and enlarge and
pass on those social gains which are the land-
marks of the upward struggle of our race is the
first duty of civilized man. There is no tradition
more ancient, there is no instinct more primal,
there is no impulse so potent to lift as that of
joy and happiness and of foregathering to play.
That instinct stretches back through Eden or Evo-
lution into the mists that shroud the beginning of
man and of years. It reaches forward to a golden
age that is coming * * * of man's brother-
hood and God's benediction. The virile blood of
the old South came streaming down from sires
who triumphed with the Norman or fell with the
*Address given at the Twelfth Recreation Congress, held at
Asheville, North Carolina, October 5-10, 1925.
Saxon at Senlac, who wrung the great Charter
from King John at Runnymede, who bled with
Bruce at Bannockburn. Robert Lee, flower of
Southern chivalry, was a direct descendant of
Robert Bruce. He was the spiritual heir of
Philip Sidney and Walter Raleigh.
A Magnificent Play Inheritance
The founders of the South brought with them
from beyond the sea the habit of an athletic, out-
door race whose feudal power and possessions
gave them the gift of leisure. They spent it in
games and contests of skill and strength, in hunt-
ing, and in the pleasures of a highly organized
social life. Washington's forebears held their
manor on condition of service in that colorful
drama of horse and hound, baron and knight, the
grand hunt. Both Washington and Lee — "Jewels
that on the outstretched forefinger of all time
sparkle forever" — both Washington and Lee as
lads excelled not only in horsemanship but in every
manly sport and athletic competition and en-
deavor.
Not only were those iron frames made fit for
war, but the qualities which made them uniquely
great — mastery of self and never- failing consid-
eration for others — were in large degree the re-
sult of their youthful discipline of play, their in-
telligent investment of leisure. Honor to the great
statesman and sportsman who was greatest at
Valley Forge! Honor to the great soldier and
sportsman whose serene spirit was greater after
Gettysburg and greatest after Appomattox!
The pioneers of the South were born in the
gayest mood of merrie England, were touched by
the spirit of those magnificent days of play and
pageantry we call the age of chivalry, were under
the spell of the time of great Elizabeth. No bitter
cup of persecution was pressed to their lips.
Church and State bade them Godspeed. All the
high gods of youth and adventure called them, the
very gladness of life and its morning stirred them
forth — happy warriors bound on a great adven-
ture, fortunate youth — Knights of the Golden
Horseshoe riding the wilderness trail. Theirs was
the spirit that surges in the heart of every boy in
every time. With such beginnings the old South's
591
592
LEISURE TIME AND THE SOUTH
ample life of play and happiness followed as the
summer follows the spring.
A Great Adventure Ahead
To some the wilderness kept on calling, and in
buckskin and homespun they broke over the wall
of the Appalachians, swept over the dark and
bloody ground to the Mississippi, spread over
prairies and deserts and overleaped forbidding
mountains until the conquest of a continent was
complete and their unwearied feet met the Pacific.
They won the last frontier. But the highest ad-
venture remains. You are pioneers in a wider
wilderness, partners in a greater adventure. You
go forth to save the joyous, the holy spirit of
man. Charles B. Ay cock, the great governor who
led North Carolina's educational advance in re-
cent years, said: "Every child, every race, and
every human being born in this land shall have
equal opportunity to burgeon forth all that is in
him."
Both the wilderness and the Red Man had been
measurably subdued in the South before the Black
Man, transported and sold to the South by our
enterprising Northern neighbors, came to us in
any considerable numbers. As his toil in the
fields relieved his owners of the necessity of phy-
sical labor, a new leisure was born and a remark-
able social and recreational life developed. If
time did not fail me, we would glance at the way
in which this society enjoyed itself. Nimrod and
Izaak Walton met in every barefoot boy. The
woods were full of game and the waters of fish.
Blind Man's Buff, Prisoners' Base, and at least
"57 varieties" of ring games, counting games and
animal games were in common use. In the old
South it is worthy of note that grown people took
part in these games unashamed, a lesson to the
South of today, where long hours are still the
rule with professional men and play is too gener-
ally put away with childhood. Play is pathetically
absent from the new rural life of the South today.
How the Old South Played
One of the most charming pictures I know is
that drawn by Virginia Trist, granddaughter of
Thomas Jefferson, in her memories of Monticello.
She says : "One of our earliest amusements was
in running races on the terrace or around the lawn.
He (i.e., Thomas Jefferson) placed us according
to ages, giving the youngest and smallest the start
of all the others by some yards ; and then he raised
his arm high, with his white handkerchief in his
hand, on which our eyes were fixed, and slowly
counted three."
Lest we forget, and to help keep down the
solemn ass who is dormant in almost all of us and
likes to get the upper hand, I want to hang that
picture on memory's wall. Jefferson, at that mo-
ment of leading the children's happy play at Mon-
ticello, was the most celebrated man in all the
world. He had written the Declaration of Inde-
pendence, he had been twice President of the
United States, he had had all the honors of earth,
and mankind had already crowned him, the author
of liberty, with the bays of immortality.
Courting was a year-round recreation and was
never conducted by proxy on the Plymouth plan.
They liked the job too well themselves. Kissing
games were very popular, and a tutor who
thought dancing very sinful wrote in his diary:
"In redeeming my pawns I had several kisses
from the ladies." Evidently it was a case of "kilh
and kin. A little boy heard his sister's beau ask
her, "Kin I have a kith," and she said, "Yes, you
kin." That's kith and kin.
The tradition of the family mealtime in the old
South was one of lively joy and individual peace,
and it has so far come down to us that but latterly
I heard it said of an especially rampant son that
"he never cussed his pa at the table."
On the old plantations there were many stoiv
tellers like Uncle Remus who have left no suc-
cessors. The old-time fiddlers and banjo pickers
are gone too, and "they sing no more by the glim-
mer of the moon on the bench by the little cabin
door." The old black mammy has crooned her
last lullaby, and the world still waits for a mon-
ument to her devotion. Life is gone from the
old houses where happiness and hospitality reigned
so long. The old order is dead. Pitiless propa-
ganda, inexorable law and the most ironical fate
isolated this kindly and gentle folk, set against
them the temper of the times and the world's
opinion, and broke in battle that which knew not
how to bend.
The Spirit of the Old South Persists
If the Old South needed an epitaph, I would
find it in that of one of her sons, in old St.
Nichoel's churchyard at Charleston : "Unawed by
influence, unseduced by flattery, undismayed by
disaster, he confronted life with antique courage
and death with Christian hope." But the old
South needs no epitaph because it is not dead.
Its physical habitation, its social structure touched
LEISURE TIME AND THE SOUTH
593
with splendor, are indeed gone. Almost the last
of her sons who fought to destroy the republic
sleep with their fathers who established it so
strongly that even their embattled sons could not
overthrow it. But the soul of the old South, puri-
fied by fire, surviving physical death, goes march-
ing on. In its life that was spacious in more
than houses and lands, in its joyous, and in the
main wholesome use of leisure, in its basic kind-
ness, in the art of living and the grace of life
which it achieved — the old South felt a social in-
heritance not only precious but unique. To save
that heritage, to recapture that spirit and project
it vitally into a new and needful nation is the
challenge of service and statesmanship.
Bewildered by strange sights and sounds,
wounded in cities and streets full of vain noise
and motion, but enduring as kindness and courtesy
and old fashioned hospitality, immortal as faith
and love, the spirit of the old South lives and
moves and seeks again her ancient seats.
Realising the Vision
What of the South today? From the chastise-
ment of war and the discipline of defeat, out of
the wilderness of more than forty years of wan-
dering in penury and privation, out of the valley
of the shadow of an unaided grappling with the
darkest and most perilous problem ever faced by
the white race emerges a transfigured South. She
is today reaching and struggling up out of ignor-
ance into knowledge, out of weakness into power.
There is a new and broader basis of political, econ-
omic and social life. Democracy succeeds aris-
tocracy, the stigma is lifted from labor, there is
opportunity for all such as the old South dreamed
but never knew. The old plantations are split up
into small diversified farms, method and machin-
ery has succeeded the one crop system and the
old wasteful ways.
The South has declared war on ignorance, and
the glory of every sunset shines on the windows
of new and better schoolhouses ; it has declared
war on mud and built highways for friendship
as well as for trade. She is minting in innumer-
able mills the white gold of her cotton fields. The
rivers that once idled to the sea have brought forth
life and power, and the old land thrills all over
with electrical energy. In strange ways it has come
to pass that we have the heathen for our inher-
itance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for
our possessions. The child of Buddha meditates
beneath the bay tree, seated in a high point chair
smoking a Winston cigarette and clad in B. V. D.'s
from Lexington ! Vast and luxurious hotels spring
skyward, as we note here, in the demesne of the
old-time Senator who, when approached for a
subscription to stock in a new hotel in his town,
declared with dignity, "If a gentleman comes to
this town, I will entertain him, and if a man who
is not a gentleman comes, he can pass on."
Untiringly planted and watered here, as every-
where, by this National Association, the plant of
play is again taking root in this congenial soil.
In the five years between 1919 and 1924, the num-
ber of Southern cities having year round recrea-
tion programs doubled, increasing from 21 to 44.
Southern cities with directed recreation for a part
of the year increased in the same period from 32
to 77. A great beginning has been made. Coming
years must see this life spirit carried across new
frontiers and deepened in its older homes. So
many of our Southern cities, large and small, are
making such notable progress that it would be in-
vidious in the brief compass of this speech to call
their names or recount their achievements. But
candor and courtesy compel me to say that all over
America we need more Mayors with the common
sense and courage and vision of Mayor John
Cathey of Asheville.
More precious than the products of her fields
and factories are the products of this Southern
renaissance. In one of our Southern cities existed
a lonely soul, his spirit breaking as night after
night he slung hash and washed dishes in an all-
night lunch stand. He found friends and found
himself in a community drama in which he joyously
plays today the leading part. That was in the upper
South. In a city down by the Gulf, 500 parents
pledged themselves to play with their children.
Then one day a little girl called her Daddy on the
'phone and said: "Daddy, come home and play
with me." "His heart were stone could it with-
stand the sweetness of that baby plea." He went
and somewhere in heaven an angel sang of the
holy trinity of father, mother and child, oft pro-
faned and broken, sometimes hallowed and ce-
mented by the blessed bond of play.
The Test of the New Civilization
The South, once separate, is today profoundly
part and parcel of the nation, with all its problems
and possibilities. Through the struggles of years,
increasingly aided by science and by the new slave,
the machine, the South has won a new wealth and
a new leisure.
We recall the old civilizations and cultures o£
594
PLAY IN ALLEYS AND COURTS
the South, each and all of them aristocracies, hier-
archies of cast, in which the leisure and opportu-
nity of the few were bought by the sweated toil
of service. All our spiritual inheritance, our tra-
dition of the fuller life, comes down to us from
those old civilizations, which, "bequeathed like
sunset to the skies, the splendor of their prime."
Recent years have seen this rich and vast de-
mocracy of ours vindicate its often doubted might
in war. Now we are testing in America, and
especially in the South, which had the old social
and economic system and now has the new,
whether a civilization in which leisure is the gift
of liberty, and democracy can rival or surpass
those historic societies in which leisure was the
gift of slavery and aristocracy. Here we are test-
ing, too, whether we can not only achieve such a
life spirit as that of the classic world, but also
whether, having won it, we can guard it against
the ancient error — as old as history and as new
as today — the fevered and foolish faith that the
possession of things will satisfy and save, that
the kingdom of happiness can be bought with
gold.
The acid test of all history is being applied to
these United States today — the test of the use of
surplus time and wealth in the service of beauty
and life or of dissipation and death. By that
issue we shall nobly survive or ignobly perish.
We fight a good fight. In it let us put all the
moral power of the Rock of Plymouth, all the
immortal vigor of the pioneer West, all the warm
and joyous and spacious spirit of the historic
South.
The bearers of the torch of yesterday, heralds
of tomorrow's dawn, I salute you. May you be,
indeed,
"A glorious company, the flower of man
To serve as model for the mighty world,
And be the fair beginning of a time."
The highest tax on America today is the cost of
crime. Training for a better use of leisure re-
duces this cost and is true economy.
That constructive recreation which improves
physical strength, which creates stimulation of
mind and strengthens the moral fiber of our peo-
ple is just as important as their efforts in labor. —
Herbert Hoover.
Play in Alleys and Courts
William H. Corey, of Somerville, Massachu-
setts, in a letter to Joseph Lee, makes the following
suggestion :
There are many blind alleys and courts in our
cities. It would be an excellent plan for the play-
ground idea to be extended to them as they are
safe from teams and automobiles and very often
located more conveniently for younger children
than the playgrounds.
Only a short time ago I passed by a court where
a number of little girls were having a fight over a
five-cent ball. I told them if they would let me
take the ball, I would show them how every little
girl could have a ball to play with. They ^ave
me the ball and I had them stand in a circle. Then
I showed them how to play circle pass ball and
they entered in with great enthusiasm. It amused
many of the adults to see me playing and I think
some of them would have liked to join in.
On another day, while passing through the west
end of Wall Street, I saw a group of older girls,
about fourteen or fifteen years of age. One was
playing hand ball and occasionally she would lift
one foot and throw the ball from under it. I
asked her if she could do the same motion under
both feet. "No," she said, "can you?" "Yes," I
said. She asked me how I did the trick, and before
I left all the girls were eager to try it and were
having a fine time.
Recently, passing through Chambers Street I
missed a very important engagement by stopping
to watch a group of little Jewish girls gambling
with nuts. They were game little tots, good losers
and played a fair game.
What has interested me most in watching street
play has been to see the exercise that the children
get out of the games ; the movements they use in
playing these games bring into action all the ab-
dominal muscles, legs, chest, arms and neck. I
have not seen any of the children play such games
as hill-dill, fox on the wall, snap the whip, prison
bar, I am on your castle, or any of the games that
are all-round developers. Possibly their teachers
have never played with them these games or others
which could be played in courts and alleys.
Parents enjoy seeing their children having so
much fun while they sit on their door-steps and
watch them.
Older girls and boys can go to the public play-
grounds, but let us give the little children a chance
in the neighborhood where they live.
Leisure and Character
BY
CAMERON BECK
Joseph Lee, Chairman : On Wall Street, going down
Broad Street near the Stock Exchange, in New York
City, I recently saw a little boy with a skate on his right
foot and another little boy sitting on the first boy's foot
with his hands against his shin. The play movement had
spread to Wall Street ! And, when you see a great move-
ment taking root in the heart of the financial district of
New York, you will see how far it has gone.
It reminds me of the famous wit of the Church of
England, Sidney Smith, who, speaking of Methodism,
said, "If this sort of thing goes on, you will see religion
invading the home." Our playground movement has in-
vaded the heart of the financial district of New York.
Perhaps you thought that the financial district of New
York didn't have a heart, but it has and its name is
Cameron Beck. You will now hear from him.
Mr. Beck: At the cross roads of America
some nine thousand boys and girls, young
men and young women, step within my
door and ask me the eternal question : "Mr.
Beck, what about a job, what does it pay and
what are the hours?" We have on our own
pay roll about one thousand folks and the average
age is in the teens. A man does not sit in an
office like that constantly interviewing folks with-
out realizing that something is happening here in
America. Nearly all the boys and girls who apply
for these positions are from the high schools.
Several years ago, at the end of a very busy
day, weary with the problems that had confronted
me, I turned to Mr. Billings and said, "Mr. Bill-
ings, I'm going out and talk to a high school pro-
fessor. I want to know if what I see happening
here at my desk is happening in the schools." He
said, "Go right ahead." Since then I have been
behind the closed doors of 129 high schools, talk-
ing to the teachers, and I have invitations from
79 others, just to drop in and give them a few of
the business man's viewpoints.
I was talking to a man who said he had gone
to see a woman and had said to her, "I should
like to talk to you about the absence of your
daughter from high school." She said, "She is
ill in the hospital." He said, "No, I am talking
about the one who is in high school." She said,
"She is the one I am talking about — she is il! in
the hospital." He said, "Oh, no, she is not, be-
cause I have just been talking to her down on the
street corner." What are you going to do? I
'Address given at the Recreation Congress, Asheville, North
Darolina, October 5-10, 1925.
say it is a crime bringing up children in an en-
vironment like that. There are thousands of
women who are bringing up their children in iliat
manner, women who are willing to leave ihe
bringing up of children into the hands of the
teachers and the preachers. And I say to you
honestly that I know I am more concerned about
the morals of our boys and girls than most of
their mothers and fathers are.
Safe Leaders Needed
What we need is safe leaders. As a big man
once said, "Gentlemen, as far as I can see, the
greatest need of the democratic nation is the need
of safe and sound leadership." That is borne out
by the statement of another prominent man who
said, "This country is suffering from the indict-
ment of the youth — the average age of penal in-
mates is nineteen." The crime wave of today
which is sweeping the country is due to the care-
less child training of yesterday. There is the
greatest need for leadership in leisure time activ-
ities for the youth of today. Their guidance in
the right use of leisure is vastly more important
than their vocational guidance, if these forces are
to be eradicated and there is to be a bigger and
better America in the future.
There passed away a few days ago Seymour
Cromwell, a former president of the Stock Ex-
change, the man who was the daddy of three
hundred thousand children of France, a man who
will not be remembered because he was wealthy
or because he was a graduate of two universities,
but who will be remembered as a man of tremen-
dous heart. An Armenian porter in the building
stepped up to me and said, "Mr. Beck, we have
lost a friend." This great man said to me one
day, "Mr. Beck, you have had lots of chance to
watch children, and I wonder if you would speak
to some men who are meeting today." I said,
"Lead me to that bunch of men." I saw him
gather there in our meeting room seventy-eight
of the leading business men of America, among
them fourteen vice-presidents of corporations.
These financial leaders of America who recognize
the truth of this work that you are doing had
gathered there to discuss not the intricacie? of
595
596
LEISURE AND CHARACTER
finance but just one subject and that was the Con-
servation of Youth. I saw in the bunch of men
a little lad, the product of a farm in Lawrence
County who did not have a dollar to his name,
but a kind friend inspired him to get an education
and went down and helped him to get a loan of
a few hundred dollars. He had made good and
there he sat in that bunch of America's leading
men. I saw there the man who had picked up
the Atlantic Ocean and put it into the Pacific
Ocean, who as a little lad had had his life touched
by someone who believed in him and inspired him
to take the examination for West Point, a man
who is known over the world — General Goethals.
Those were the types of men who sat there inter-
ested in the youth of tomorrow. Another man
who sat there was the President of a fifty million
dollar corporation who had been a bareheaded,
barefooted newspaper boy on the streets of
Chicago when he felt the touch of a kind man
on the shoulder.
What testimony you folks could give if you
would just tell how you are putting your life's
blood into your town!
Five days later after that meeting, I was asked
to sit with another crowd of men who wanted to
discuss the problem of the boy. I wish I had the
time to go into those meetings and tell you about
them. Twenty-seven boys out of every hundred
haven't the chance to get an education, and if we
are not willing to give them a little friendship,
who in the name of God is going to do it?
Teaching the Boy to Capitalize Leisure Time
I cannot see everybody who comes into my
office, but the other day I motioned to a little lad
and he dropped down by my desk. I said, "Son,
tell me what I can do for you." He said, "I want
you to get me a job." I said, "Andrew, how far
have you been in school ?" He said, "6 B." And
that is the average boy that we have to deal with
on the Stock Exchange. We try to make a boy
capitalize his leisure time for profit. We will
not keep a boy unless he is regularly attending
some form of evening education. Not a boy can
get on our baseball team who has not proved to
his employer that he is trying to get somewhere.
Some of our schools and colleges are getting big
notice by bringing in "ringers," but they are de-
stroying the morale of our organizations.
I never had a chance to play as a boy myself.
I was at work when I was sixteen from eight to
ten, and I remember the boss, giving me my first
week's pay, said, "Well, here are your wages,"
and threw three bones on the table. I don't know
when he thought I'd ever have the time to spend
it! It is a great thing in the heart of a busy city
to go and put your hands on a young man's
shoulder and help him. One young lad came to
me, and I said, ''What can I do for you?" He
said, "I want a job." I said, "Well, I've already
given you one job." He said, "I want another.
I work for Abraham & Straus from three to
seven, but I must have another job from seven to
three." I said, "What do you want with another
job?" He said, "You see, I'm keeping my kid
sister in high school. The job I have is for eats
and sleep — the other is for her education." And
I say to you again that the heart of Wall Street
is warm. It is interested in the welfare of the
thousands of boys and young men who form a
large part of the nation's great machine. I have
found ready hands willing to help. It is a great
thing to take a little hero like that and put him in
the hands of a man who will stay by him. And,
we do stay by them, not with the club but with
the heart, and we are willing to share his
problems with him. Fifty-one per cent, of the
Wall Street clerks in college night schools are
products of the night high school classes. The
rule that a boy must have a high school education
to secure employment in the Exchange has been
modified to allow employment of boys without
this training who will attend the night schools
and make up this deficiency.
There are numbers of men who have seen fit
to lay aside their busy responsibilities to talk to
these young leaders of tomorrow, and I venture
to say that if we have the faith to challenge some
of these big men they will always respond. Xot
one time out of ten that I have asked a man who
has refused. When our honest-to-God Ameri-
cans get so busy that they haven't the time to
listen to you folks I don't believe they are such
good citizens as they profess.
MUST PAY THE PRICE OF AIDING MANKIND
I want to suggest to you in closing that the
salvation of this land of ours must be worked out
in each generation. It is not possible to capi-
talize it on what people did thirty odd years ago.
I thought of it a while ago as my car rolled
down one of the highways in France. I saw Old
Glory raised and I got out at Belleau Wood. As
I walked around among the thousands of crosses
and as I stood there thinking of the loving service
of these boys my mind traveled quickly back to
my desk and I thought of one of the boys who
LEISURE AND CHARACTER
597
had been in the fight and who had left his right
leg here and had had his arm shot off. I started
to hand him some sob stuff and right there I
learned a lesson that will stay with me until the
evening sunset of my life. He said, "Why, Mr.
Beck, I wouldn't have missed it for anything —
I would not have missed being a small part for
worlds." And my! the expression on the lad's
face. And I say to you, mothers and fathers,
daughters and brothers, you must all pay the
price. Are you willing to pay the price ? Are you
getting discouraged with your job? There is not
a week that some man doesn't say to me, "I think
I have a call to Florida in a business that gives
me twice as much as I get now." You want to be
mighty sure that the compensation will pay as
much as you are getting out of your jobs today.
I think it is fine that you feel the call is being
extended to you. It is an indication that you are
serving well. One man said to me: "Money is
not everything, but it is good for us all to sit
down and check up and see if we have lost any-
thing that money cannot buy."
I look across at the house of Morgan, and the
thing that impresses me most was not that he had
money — that was the least thing that concerned
me — but Morgan had gotten the idea. I was talk-
ing to him and told him that I wanted him to
do me a favor. He said, "You know I am a
busy man." And I said, "I don't go to men who
are not busy. I want you to talk to one of our
boys' meetings." And then that genial smile of
his while he said, "Sure, they are the leaders of
tomorrow." That is the spirit.
I don't know anything we can do that will
make women and girls safer, and the only reason
that I am willing to come down here is that Amer-
ica must wake to the possibilities coming to her,
to build efficient manhood and womanhood and
help them come out clean.
Faith — and the Kindly Word
My time is getting short but I must tell you
people that on the Stock Exchange we don't
allow a boy to be disciplined until he has told
his side of the story and many a time I have
found the provocation to be justifiable. A high
school man said to me once, "The most difficult
thing I have to do is to sustain a teacher some-
times and not the boy." I said, "Send in your
resignation right away if you feel that way about
it. You have no right to stand in front of youth
if you don't believe in them."
He came into my office, one of these little lead-
ers of tomorrow that we are speaking of, wear-
ing a rose in his buttonhole. On chatting with
him, I said, "Otto, that is a beautiful rose you
have. I suppose some little lady gave it to you."
His face flushed and he said, "Yes, she did. You
see, I live on the fifth floor of a tenement house
on Washington Street, and every day there is a
little girl who comes and brings flowers to my
little sister who is sick. This morning she took
one out of the bunch and gave it to me." As we
talked he pulled the rose out and said, "I would
like for you to have this rose." I said, "Why?"
And he said, "You are the only man who has
been kind to me this week."
I know, friends, that we are living in high
speed days, but let's be careful in the days that
are ahead that we do not forget the word of
kindness and the word of cheer to the little
folks that follow on.
I was to talk about Leisure in Relation to Char-
acter but I have rambled. Let me say again, you
folks don't want to aspire to leadership unless you
want to pay the price of leadership. A leader
must stand steady, feel deeply, see further and
then be willing to go on alone. The others will
follow on and the job will be put across.
May I summon you one and all with all your
body, soul and spirit to an unrelenting warfare
against the evil forces of this land of ours — may
I summon you to the road of service for the bene-
fit of mankind?
When our population was small and life was
simple, everybody could get his air and sunshine,
exercise his muscles, and tone up his nerves in
the ordinary course of living, but with the greater
part of our population now that is no longer true.
We can not prevent this condition, but it ought to
be possible to make up for the loss by intelligent
organization and provision by furnishing new oc-
casions and opportunities and creating new habits
of outdoor life. Unless something of that kind
can be done we shall lose our physical health, our
moral stamina, our intellectual power, and become
a decadent people. — Elihu Root.
BY
PAUL C. LINDLEY
Greensboro, North Carolina
Joseph Lee, Chairman: I had to wrestle with
one of the speakers to get this information, for
he thought I was going to eulogize him. I shall
not do any such thing, but will just tell you a
little about him. Mr. Paul C. Lindley is nation-
ally prominent as a nurseryman, forester and fruit
grower. He was associated with his father in
planting the first peach orchards in the famous
Pinehurst section. He is the original advocate of
highway planting and country landscape decora-
tion by trees, flowers and other natural means.
He is a member of the City Council, is Trustee
and Director of various enterprises in his native
city; is Chairman of the Greensboro Park and
Recreation Commission and was recently made a
member of the committee making a national study
of municipal and county parks. — Mr. Lindley.
In 1930, if you will hold your Recreation Con-
gress in Greensboro, N. C., I shall be delighted,
and at that time prepared to talk on the subject
assigned me, "What Has Recreation Done to My
City?" At this time our recreation program is in
its infancy and I could only repeat what any one
can read from a mass of material already pub-
lished. I do, however, want to tell you, "What
My City Is Doing for Recreation."
How the Work Began
In 1910, Greensboro, then a town of 15,000
people, opened its first playground with funds
provided by some of the women's organizations.
It was on a small lot next to the Young Men's
Christian Association, but there was so much ob-
jection by neighbors to the noise of the children
that the work was abandoned. Credit should be
given to Mrs. E. Sternberger and others for the
thought of organized play in our city. The noisy
children roamed the streets until 1918, when the
Parent-Teachers' Association raised around $4,-
000 and purchased equipment which was placed
on the school grounds. They soon found, how-
ever, leadership was a necessity.
For this need the city appropriated $600, the
•Address delivered at the Twelfth Recreation Congress, Asheville
North Carolina, October 5-10, 1925.
598
Chamber of Commerce $250, and from other
sources about $200 was raised for the purpose of
employing a play leader. The first advisory group
was formed from representatives of the Young
Men's Christian Association and Young Women's
Christian Association, City School Board and
Parent-Teachers. A training school for play-
ground workers was conducted by the Young
Men's Christian Association, which also opened its
swimming pool one day a week for public use.
Through the Playground and Recreation Associa-
tion of America a trained play leader was em-
ployed and assistants furnished by the schools. At
the end of one year this was also abandoned on
account of lack of funds.
About this time Greensboro decided to change
from a town to a city. The school board needed
new buildings ; they were going to purchase several
sites including an entire city block, something
marvelous for the new grammar school, but before
acting so rashly they employed George D. Strayer,
of Columbia University, to make a building survey
of our city schools. Since his visit all schools
have been put on an acreage basis and the new
grammar school site, in place of a city block, is
fourteen acres of level land. This evidently put
our city fathers to thinking for about this time
they employed the late Charles Mulford Robin-
son to make a city plan. In his report delivered
to the city in 1918 under the head of Recreation
Problems, he says :
"The park and playground problem is unusually
interesting. There are two reasons for this. One
is that very little has been done, the other is that
natural opportunities are exceptionally fine, this
quality applying both to their merit and prac-
ticability. Barring the ornamental spaces which
may be found at a few street intersections,
Greensboro has two parks. Both have a good
deal of natural attractiveness not yet much im-
proved by man, but not seriously spoiled. The
larger of these, Fisher Park has twenty-five acres
with an acre and a half developed, Douglas at the
other end of town comprises about half a small
block. If Greensboro is to live up to its slogan
RECREATION IN GREENSBORO
599
of 'the progressive' it must initiate some serious
park work."
"Serious park work" is needed in many of our
towns and I now want to suggest if there is any
one in the audience thinking of improving recrea-
tion in their city, by all means get the Playground
and Recreation Association of America to make
a survey. Our city plan, school survey and recrea-
tion survey, the latter by Dr. Willis A. Parker,
which I will take up a little later, has meant thou-
sands of dollars to our city.
Our next step in recreation was in 1920, when
men like Herman Cone, A. B. High, Bob Glenn
and J. D. Wilkins formed the Greensboro Camp
and Playground Association, and a summer camp
"Hicone" was established. This was really our
first success and the organization remained intact
until superseded by the Greensboro Park and
Recreation Commission. This organization was
formed by the active and wide awake secretary of
the Greensboro Community Chest, Victor S.
Woodward. The Chest in 1924 employed its first
full time secretary and the scope of its work
changed from purely financial to the development
of a community-wide program of social and civic
work. Studying the various fields, recreation was
found to be acutely needed.
A Study Proved the Need
May 16, 1924, the Executive Committee of the
Chest authorized the making of a study of Greens-
boro's recreation needs by the Playground and
Recreation Association of America. On May 21,
1924, Dr. Willis A. Parker, district representative,
began a survey of the existing recreational
facilities of the city. On May 22, 1924, the first
large meeting of citizens interested in recreation,
representing seventeen organizations, was held
under the auspices of the Chest and the group
organized into the Park and Recreation division
of the Chest. In June Dr. Parker presented his
report and the organization was completed, and at
once began planning an enlarged program to in-
clude year-round recreation for all of Greens-
boro's citizens and to stimulate the development
of a municipal park and recreation system. This
action was taken as a direct result of Dr. Parker's
report.
On May 11, 1925, another "humdinger," John
Bradford, was sent us from the Playground and
Recreation Association of America for a two
weeks' recreation institute. Many leaders were
trained and Herbert W. Park, our Greensboro
director, was supplied with much needed com-
petent playground workers. During the past sum-
mer playgrounds were opened for both white and
colored; 30,713 children attended from June 15
to August 15, at a cost for paid leaders of $2,029.-
60, about $0.06^ for each child. Instruction was
given in hand work, and many forms of organized
play.
THE PARK SYSTEM
A remarkable park development has been begun
in Greensboro. A continuous park system of
791 acres is connected by twelve miles of beautiful
drives. And every acre except four was donated !
The only land needed to finish the foundation of
a complete system, besides a few scattered breath-
ing spots in the center of the city, is a large area
for colored people on the east. Twelve acres
and a stadium site of eleven acres mark the be-
ginning of this achievement.
Greensboro has in all 1,705 acres of park land.
This does not include any park, school or play
ground of one acre or less, nor lakes, parks and
schools in the mill districts, where the Cone and
Sternberger interests have been very generous,
having set aside 150 acres for this purpose, besides
providing several community houses and two
Young Men's Christian Associations, making three
in our city.
As a memorial to the late Moses Cone, the
Messrs. Cone have again shown their generosity
by leaving 67 acres of wooded area in the heart
of our city for the site of a million dollar memorial
hospital.
Greensboro, in neglecting the park and recrea-
tion phase of its development in one way was
fortunate, for the community failing to meet its
plain obligation to its citizens, many of our larger
industrial leaders seeing the need, provided semi-
public recreation centers for their workers. Delay
is usually dangerous, but in this instance our city
was fortunate as now we have both public and
semi-public recreation on a greater scale than is
usually found in cities much larger than ours.
I would appreciate Mr. Chairman, if on your
return to New York you would stop off in Greens-
boro for a day and bring as many delegates with
you as you can. We want to show you what we
own in the rough. In 1930, I again want to renew
my invitation to you to hold your Recreation Con-
gress in Greensboro, the home base of recreation
in the Carolinas. At that time we promise to
show you a completed park system.
600
ATHLETIC EQUIPMENT
Equipment for General
Athletics and Layout
of an Athletic
Field
For the use of rural schools particularly, the
Physical Education Syllabus of the State Board
of Education of Virginia has suggested the fol-
lowing layout and equipment of an athletic field :
Horizontal Bar
The horizontal bar for chinning and other
stunts should be located so that it will not inter-
fere with the free play space. Sink uprights 4
x 4 inches, about three feet deep, and set in
cement. For a bar use 2-inch plumbing pipe.
Place the bar about 7 feet high so that the pupils'
feet clear the ground when hanging by the hands.
Three uprights will take care of two horizontal
bars, one high and one low. The low horizontal
should be about 4l/2 feet from the ground.
Jumping Pit
The construction of a jumping pit for high and
broad jumping is essential. The pit should have
a minimum dimension of 8 x 20 inches. Excavate
this area to a depth of two feet and fill in with
shavings and sawdust. A mixture of sawdust
and sand might provide a soft enough landing for
boys, but for girls a mixture of sawdust and shav-
ings (no sand) is advisable.
A scratch line or take-off at one end of the pit
for broad jumping is provided by imbedding a
joist 8 inches wide and 2 feet long firmly in and
on the same level as the ground; two stakes of
1x6 inch boards driven into the ground at the
ends of, and nailed to, the imbedded joist, pro-
vide an admirable anchor for the scratch line. If
a pit 8 x 20 inches is used, the joist should be set
about 6 feet from one end of the pit to assure a
landing for a jump of 18 to 20 feet.
Straight-a-way Dirt Track, 50-75 Yards
With a little work, each rural high school can
provide a suitable straight-a-way track of 50-75
yards. The track should be 10 to 12 'feet wide,
located on the most level part of the school ground,
and carefully graded. This track will take care
of all running events of the general athletic pe-
riod and will be long enough for practicing the
running events of interscholastic athletics. Dirt
or clay tracks are quite fast in dry weather. Every
high school is urged to provide a running track-
either of dirt, as suggested above, or of cinders.
Tennis
Tennis, while an excellent game, has the disad-
vantage of permitting but a small number to play.
It is an excellent recreation activity for after
school and should be provided for by adequate
numbers of courts. Each rural high school
should have at least two courts which can be used
for volley ball.
Straight-a-way Cinder Track
The cinder track can be made very easily and
practice may be held on it immediately after a
rain. In its construction use the soft coal ashes
taken from the heating plant of the school.
Screen these ashes, reserving the fine screening
for the top layer and the lumps and clink-
ers for the foundation. Do not mix clay or
sand with soft coal ashes as the dirt will grad-
ually work up through the ashes after the track is
made and this will give sufficient binding. A
straight-a-way can be excavated to a depth of
about four inches, with the larger lumps deposited
on the dirt as a foundation for the finer screen-
ings. The fine ashes are then spread evenly over
the lumps and rolled. It will be possible to make
a straight-a-way without excavating by placing a
layer of fine ashes to a depth of about two inches
on top of the clay. After the top surface has
been rolled, it should be dragged with a heavy
plank having a piece of carpet or canvas nailed to
the underside.
Equipment for Games and General Athletics
Baseballs : Six regulation outdoor baseballs
for boys, six regulation playground balls — 12
inches in circumference — for boys and girls.
Bats: Six regulation baseball bats. Six reg-
ulation playground bats — 32 inches long and 2
inches in diameter.
Catcher's glove, mask and chest protector:
One each for boys.
Tennis Net: At least one which can be used
for volley ball.
Back Board and Baskets: Two pair, one for
boys, one for girls.
Basketballs : At least one for boys and one for
girls.
Volley Balls: At least one for boys and one
for girls.
Uprights for volley ball, jumping standards,
may be home-made.
What Recreation Means to Fort Worth
BY
MARVIN D. EVANS
Chairman: The next speaker is from Fort
Worth, Texas. He is Chairman of the Recreation
Board and Chairman of the Boys' Work Commit-
tee of Rotary Club. He was a charter member
of the committee organized to secure a Recreation
Department and was the prime mover in securing
the City manager form of Government for Forth
Worth. With all the civic responsibilities and in-
terests he has, none ranks higher than recreation.
Mr. Marvin D. Evans.
Mr. Evans: I want to say that it is indeed a
very great pleasure for me to be in Asheville at
this Congress. However, in speaking I am very
much in the position of the old colored woman
who was in court as witness. I have observed very
closely the speakers and those who have talked
on various occasions, and I have never seen people
so enthusiastic about their subjects, so filled with
the spirit of talk, and that spirit has finally gotten
hold of me. This negro woman I started to tell
you about, who was witness in court, would start
every answer with, "I think" and then go on and
give her testimony. Finally the Judge said:
"Annie, we don't care about your thinking — don't
think so much, talk without thinking." And she
answered : "Judge» I ain't never had no education
like a Judge or like these lawyers, I can't talk
without thinking."
What has recreation and companionship done
for Forth Worth?
The first thing we did was to grab up a golf
course, and in less than twelve months we had a
fine eighteen hole course going, with many men
and women who never thought of the idea of play-
ing golf on that course. Before three months had
elapsed we had football teams, tennis courts, and
similar activities on the playgrounds. We now
operate six regular playgrounds during the winter
season and fifteen playgrounds during vacation.
The public schools have their own system of play-
ground work, and their own playgrounds, but they
work in cooperation with us, so I take pride in
mentioning the fact that the Harmon Foundation
donated to us a tract of land a little over five acres
in size immediately adjoining our largest negro
population, which is to be used for a negro play-
ground. It is in a very attractive setting and is
extremely helpful to that particular part of the
population. We are glad that this has been accom-
plished.
We have also been carrying on a very vigorous
and extensive athletic program. We have a large
program in football, baseball, basketball, tennis,
horseshoe, or barnyard gold as it is called.
Through the efforts of our Recreation Depart-
ment, and through the particular effort of our
Superintendent of Recreation, a state organization
has been brought about and some interesting work
done in athletics. It has made possible for us a
community service most helpful in community and
social life. We take a particular interest in
churches, plays that are staged by the Sunday
School classes, clubs, and enterprises of most
every kind. Large industrial enterprises having
picnics have asked us to help them and that has
brought considerable influence among our citizen-
ery and great prestige for the department.
This past year we put on a great number of folk
programs, made up by the citizens of that play-
ground community. These programs developed
some musical talent, some dramatic talent, and
brought the families together, I may say that we
have never had occasion to ask a policeman to
attend these gatherings when the family comes to-
gether, for when mother and father are there,
Willie, and Johnnie, and Tommy and Mary are
perfect, or as nearly perfect as you can expect
from boys and girls who are enthusiastic. Our
program for next year is about the same.
In a word, recreation has brought to Fort
Worth many hours of useful time which other-
wise would have been spent in wasteful and de-
structive activities. We are grateful, indeed, to
the institution that has made our rapid progress
possible, the Playground and Recreation Associa-
tion of America. This organization came to us
many years ago and started the work. When we
had to get an amendment to the charter which
they helped us get, they were right there and had
the amendment properly written so that we had a
department of recreation on the proper basis.
We think we have made rapid progress during the
three years, and for it we are deeply grateful to
the Association. We have 100 per cent coopera-
601
602
ZOOLOGICAL MEMORY CONTEST
tion of our citizenship, of the churches, schools,
civic clubs, and more particularly of the City
Council and of our City Park Commissioners.
We shall be glad to have you look over the
splendid system that we will have in operation
when you come two years from now to attend the
Recreation Congress at Fort Worth!
Dallas Has a Zoological
Memory Contest
BY
ESWALD PETTET
With the cooperation of the Dallas Times Her-
ald and under the supervision of the Dallas Park
Board, W. F. Jacoby, director of Parks and Play-
grounds for Dallas, Texas, has launched a new
style memory contest in the recreation field as one
way of securing the maximum use of public parks.
Thousands of children are visiting each day the
Marsalis Park Zoo in the volunteer study of nat-
ural history. This desire on the part of the school
children to know more about animal life has been
stimulated by a zoological memory contest, cov-
ering three classes, and a selected list of 125 spe-
cies. The object of the contest is to familiarize
the children of Dallas with the specimens of the
Marsalis Park Zoo.
Under the mammalia class are listed six divi-
sions of the highest order of vertebrates, contain-
ing those animals which nourish their young with
milk.
1. Primates — Highest order of mammals, in-
cluding all the monkeys, baboons and apes
2. Marsupialia — Those mammals which carry
their young in an external pouch
3. Proboscidae — All elephants, living and ex-
tinct
4. Carnivora — Those mammals eating and feed-
ing on flesh
5. Rodentia— Rodents or gnawing mammals
(largest order of mammals)
6. Ungulata — Class of mammals most of which
have horns and most of which eat herbs exclusively
Under the aves class are listed the vertebrates
characterized by feathers and wings:
1. Galli — Quail and pheasant species
2. Psittaci — Parrot species, recognized by their
powerful hooked bill and thick tongue
3. Anseres — Web-footed, swimming birds
4. Passers — Chiefly song birds of perching
habits. Largest class of aves
5. Columbae — Doves and pigeons.
6. Miscellaneous aves
Under the reptilia class are listed the animals
which creep and crawl.
There is nothing new in the music memory con-
test, but Mr. Jacoby has hit upon the brilliant idea
of popularizing the Dallas Zoo by applying the
music memory contest features to the zoological
specimens. Each cage is numbered and the name
removed for the period prior and during the con-
test. Any child may give either the common or
the classical name of the species, and the child
may study the specimens for the entire week and
secure his answer either by library reference or
from any other source at his disposal.
Mr. Jacoby plans to extend the same principle
to nature study by later developing a memory con-
test for all the different varieties of trees in the
Dallas Parks and follow this later with another
memory contest on all the variety of shrubs planted
in Dallas Parks.
Drama Contests
Last year the National Tuberculosis Associa-
tion held a play writing contest for high school
students which aroused so much interest that a
similar contest has been announced for 1925-26.
Eight prizes are offered for plays considered by
the judges to be the best from the standpoints of
dramatic effect and expression of a health or hy-
giene idea. These awards will be given the school
or school group responsible for writing and pro-
ducing the play. The contest which is open to
public high schools and to private and parochial
schools of the same grade will close April 1, 1926.
Detailed information may be secured from the
National Tuberculosis Association, 370 Seventh
Avenue, New York City.
Announcement is made by the Committee on
Education and Religious Drama of the Federal
Council of Churches, of the award of its Religious
Drama prize to Marshall N. Goold, of Leicester,
Massachusetts, for his three-act play The Quest
Divine. The prize play will be published by the
Committee in its second anthology of religious
plays, which will appear in the early spring.
BY
EDWINA WOOD
Joseph Lee, Chairman : Our next speaker is
Miss Edwina Wood, who has spent her life time
in service to the community. As the first super-
visor of kindergarten employed by the school
board, as a member of the Board of Education,
as the first president of the City Federation of
Women's Clubs, and now as Chairman of the
Park and Playground Board of Columbus, Miss
Wood has given untiring and devoted service
to the education and recreation life of her com-
munity and state. It is a real pleasure to have
associated with us in the national recreation move-
ment, Miss Edwina Wood, of Columbus, Georgia.
Miss Wood : I had hoped in the few brief mo-
ments I might have with you, to try and induce you
to come to Columbus, Georgia, but after hearing
Mr. Lindley, I know you will all go to Greensboro.
I have no such message to bring you as his.
In order that you may visualize what Columbus
is more trying to do than has done, I think you
should know something of the town from which
I come. We are on the banks of the Chatta-
hoochie River, which furnishes power to turn the
wheels of many factories, and, therefore, we are
an industrial town. We have a population of 50,-
000, and you could divide the population into
thirds — 'One-third negroes, one-third industrial or
middle class, and the so-called upper class. So
you see the problem that has confronted us and
still confronts us. It means that the colored peo-
ple have to be taught to play, and they have no
initiative. Our mill people are not foreigners, they
are not mountain people ; they are our own people
who come in from the country to work in the mills.
They have no ambition ; they have for generations
been in a state of apathy, and to teach them to
play, or to go to school, or do anything beyond
their work in the mill is a problem indeed.
About ten years ago we realized that we needed
very greatly some attention paid to the physical
and recreation side of the child's development.
As we were groping to find how we should pro-
ceed, it was suggested that we write to the play-
ground association, and I want to say right here
to Mr. Lee and all the others that Columbus owes
them a debt of gratitude, for when we first wrote
and asked for suggestions they responded im-
mediately and sent Mr. Settle, who made our first
playground survey. At that time Columbus had
a Mayor and City Council, and if you still have
that form of government you will know what I
am speaking about. We spent weeks of waiting,
the women helped plead the cause and all we
received was the cold sheulder — we were turned
down absolutely, and it looked as if the money
was wasted. The years went by and we found
it had not been wasted. Two years ago Columbus
went through a siege of political jeopardy. We
had five men chosen and they employed a city
manager, without solicitation on the part of any-
body. These five men said: "If we are going to
have a town on this earth, the town is to be run
so that the people are considered." They created
a board of five members without our knowing any-
thing about it, and I happened to be put on it. We
had an appropriation of $8,000. It was a very
small sum, but it was a beginning.
It was then that John Bradford of the
P. R. A. A. came to our help and re-surveyed our
town and secured for us Mr. Cartier, who was
then in Augusta, and he was such a help to us.
We have not a wonderful story to tell. Much
of the space recommended through the survey has
been bought and nine small playgrounds for white
citizens and two for colored have been opened.
Leaders have been trained through an institute.
Out of the $900,000 bonds issued by the city
more than a year ago, $105,000 was given to parks
and playgrounds, $50,000 of this being used to
help build a staduim. Two big areas have been
bought for $10,000 each in the northern and east-
ern sections, and a smaller section is being planned
to operate a playground in the southern part of
the city. We realized that we needed a new high
school and so we have secured a plot of about
twenty-five acres, on which the new building is
being placed. It is beautifully located and is going
to be something of which Columbus will be proud.
What recreation has done for us is not as yet
visible. All through this Congress there has been
603
604
CHESTER COUNTY HISTORY
the idea sounded to me of the spiritual need being
worked out. Through our recreation systems we
can study the child as we play with him, or as we
work with him in the schools, but wherever we
work with him we work with the four sides. As
we think of this thing that we are privileged to
work for in our little town the only verse that
reveals to us the hope of the perfect child was
that said of our Master: "He grew in wisdom,
and in stature, and in favor with God and man."
We want our children to grow physically fit and
to have the service spirit. Our idea is that every
child, however born, needs to have a chance. As
we work out the problem, difficult as it may seem,
we are .trying to give every child an opportunity
to grow intellectually, to grow spiritually, and
physically, in other words, to grow in wisdom and
in stature and in favor with God and man.
It has, indeed, been a great privilege to be in
this, my first Congress, and I shall go back home
properly strengthened to work at the task until
when I meet you again we may have something to
be proud of. I shall be wishing for you the same
thing — that your community may find that we
must realize that every child is made in the image
of his Maker. Then and only then shall we realize
the thing that we are all working toward — to make
this a world where children can be born and reared
with a chance for life.
Ten in One
In several fields of social and civic work where
there are a number of organizations caring for
different phases of a general movement, federa-
tions have been formed to guard against duplica-
tion of effort and to assure cooperative, mutually
helpful efforts.
The service of the Playground and Recreation
Association of America is itself a combination of
services which might ordinarily be rendered by a
number of different organizations.
Ten phases of the general community recrea-
tion field are covered by the Association through
its promotion and guidance of the movements for
children's playgrounds, rural recreation, physical
education, community music, community drama,
recreative athletics, recreation for colored com-
munities, park recreation, recreation legislation,
and community buildings and community centers.
Chester County History
Grinding over a history book or a geography
isn't the way the people of Chester County, Pa.,
are learning the interesting stories of their vari-
ous communities. Instead each makes a picture
of his own local history and then presents it to
the others in living characters — a cooperative un-
dertaking which affords them all much more fun.
Early in June, the Chester County Recreation
Board asked the eight different communities who
wished to take part, to choose something in their
own history and present it in pageant form. Each
wrote up the bit of story chosen, planned the
staging of it, selected local actors and rehearsed
it in their community. And in October all came
together in Coatesville for the big production and
the county superintendent of recreation gave the
final coaching for the entire performance — a beau-
tiful historical pageant in which many had a part.
Phoenixville gave Building the Bridge from
Barbarism to the Present from their Old Home
Week; Wallace Township acted out Henderson's
Treaty ivith the Indians; Whitford gave an au-
thentic scene of Whitford history acted by the
descendants of Richard Thomas who were resid-
ing on the original grant of land ; The Rose
Growing Industry was the subject of West
Grove's production; Valley Forge presented
Washington at Valley Forge; West Chester gave
At Peace Beside the Wassan; The Reminiscences
of Betsy Lavender, taken from the Story of Ken-
net by Bayard Taylor, was acted by three people
from Kennett Square, and the evening ended with
Downington's production, The Flight of the Con-
tinental Congress from Philadelphia to York, Pa,
As a whole, the performances — for two had to
be given to satisfy the crowds — were beautiful
and instructive and the preparations afforded an
immense amount of enjoyment and sociability to
the many participants. Each year a similar pro-
duction is to be given and already next year's is
being anticipated by the people of Chester County.
Miss Mathilde Christman, Superintendent of
Recreation for the Chester County Recreation
Board, says : "We are drawing nearer the time
when all money for welfare work will be raised
through drives for that purpose — this will deprive
us of many social functions that will be greatly
missed unless we teach the holding of the social
functions for their recreational value. It was that
spirit that prevailed in our pageant — it was given
purely for the recreational benefit derived."
What Recreation Means to Charleston,
South Carolina
BY
MRS. JOHN C. TIEDEMAN
Chairman : Our next speaker will be Mrs. John
C. Tiedeman, who is very active in this work and
has for many years been Chairman of Play-
grounds of the Park Board of Charleston, South
Carolina.
Mrs. Tiedeman : Twenty-five years ago a
group of twelve young girls, of whom I was one,
organized a civic club. We rented a vacant lot,
begged sand, lumber, rope, crackers and sweet
cakes, and even lemons to make lemonade in
order to entice the children. We took turns going
by couples with the children. That was before
we had organized training schools, before there
were trained workers.
We have in Charleston a piece of apparatus
that really should be in every playground,
apparatus that I have never seen anywhere else.
I doubt if any of you, except those who have been
in Charleston, would know what I mean when I
speak of a juggling board, but there is nothing
with more fun to it. That is the way our first
playground started in 1900.
In 1910 the City Council, at the request of the
Civic Club, gave a piece of land to be used for
playground. That was our first municipal play-
ground and from that we have grown to four
playgrounds, three for the white children and one
for the colored. We are trying to do our part
in Charleston for the colored citizens. This work
is in its infancy but when the colored playground
is finished it is going to be the best in the city,
for they have given us a whole city block for it.
We shall have a baseball diamond, tennis courts,
basketball as well as the necessary apparatus. We
do not have so much money from our City Coun-
cil as many other places; we have to work on a
very close margin, but we are getting on, and I
say with pride, we are getting wonderful results.
Nine years ago a request came in from the
supervisors for two dozen locks. Things were
being stolen, they never knew where anything
was. Today we never lose anything on the play-
grounds— things are always brought back. It
only goes to show what playground directors and
leaders can do with children, starting them right,
helping to make them better citizens.
Three years ago when our city administration
changed the Playground Commission was abol-
ished. A Board of Parks and Playgrounds was
formed with four men and one woman on the
Board, and I am that unfortunate woman. I
told the Mayor I wanted to stay until we had a
municipal swimming pool, and then I should feel
that my work is done.
Now I can only say that as far as I am con-
cerned I have enjoyed this convention, my first
one, and I am glad I could be here. It is wonder-
ful to see what others are doing and to feel that
the spiritual side is being recognized. I often
think the little poem of Longfellow's beginning.
"I shot an arrow into the air," epitomizes the
spirit of the playground.
"I shot an arrow into the air,
It fell to earth, I knew not where ;
For, so swiftly it flew, the sight
Could not follow it in its flight.
I breathed a song into the air,
It fell to earth, I knew not where ;
For who has sight so keen and strong,
That it can follow the flight of song?
Long, long afterward, in an oak,
I found the arrow, still unbroke;
And the song, from beginning to end,
I found again in the heart of a friend."
A public spirited woman, who has given a very
considerable property to one of our larger cities
for recreation uses, happened the other day to see
a copy of THE PLAYGROUND for the first time.
She was so deeply interested that she at once sent
over to the public library to obtain all of the back
copies so that she might learn more about the great
undertaking and understand what is being done
in the recreation movement throughout the
country.
605
A Year's Work in Mount Vernon
Mount Vernon, New York, has the distinction
of being the first city in the State to take advan-
tage of the Referendum Law on Recreation, and
it is justly proud of the record made in its first
year's work. After a campaign led by the League
of Women Voters, in which social, civic, political
and religious organizations rallied to the support
of the movement, the voters of the city decided by
a referendum vote, November 24, 1924, that a
minimum of $20,000 should be spent by the city
on public recreation. The Board of Aldermen
voted that these funds should be expended by a
commission, and on January 1, 1925, a commis-
sion of five women was appointed by the Mayor.
Later the commission met for organization and
Mrs. Leo Feist was elected Chairman, Mrs. Harry
P. Willcox, Vice Chairman ; Mrs. George Barrow,
Treasurer; Mrs. Herbert L. Baker, Chairman of
Rules and Regulations and Appointments, and
Mrs. Walter F. Goodnough, Secretary.
The First Step
In January, the Commission was urged to close
the hilly streets for coasting. It was agreed that
the Commission would take no responsibility for
accidents, as it had not been organized, and no
directors engaged, but would engage special
policemen to guard the coasters. This was done.
Survey of City's Recreational Facilities
On February 25th, Mrs. Katherine Dabney Ingle
was given a tentative appointment as supervisor,
and began work at once, making a survey of the
city's recreational facilities. This was accom-
plished by a series of interviews with school
authorities who turned over full reports of last
year's playgrounds, and talks with all welfare
workers who were engaged in the recreational
field. Further study. was made in the churches, by
interviewing pastors, priests and rabbis; and in-
formation in regard to commercial recreation was
collected. This survey is now on file. The
Community Welfare Council agreed to act as a
clearing house to prevent duplication of effort,
and formed a committee of all recreation workers
of the city. This group was consulted before
each season's program was launched.
Financial Procedure
A study of a possible budget and financial
mechanism was made with the Mayor's Com-
606
mittee on Recreation, especially appointed from
the Board of Aldermen. After trial of several
systems of special ordinances, the Common
Council permitted the Commission to expend
sums up to $100 without the approval of the
Common Council and the Board of Estimate and
Contract.
Establishment of Evening Recreation Centers
The survey showed that the first need of the
city was recreation centers for boys of sixteen
and over. The Board of Education agreed to
open the school gymnasiums for this purpose, for
the cost of light and janitor service. On March
29th, the first of five centers was opened, the
night centers for boys being uniformly success-
ful. Other centers were opened in April and
May, until there were six for boys and two for
girls, with an approximate attendance for twelve
weeks of 3,100.
First Music Program
A Music Committee was organized which ar-
ranged a free concert in April. The Commission
also paid the expenses of the music week con-
ducted by the Westchester Woman's Club.
Spring After-School Playgrounds
Six after-school playgrounds were opened,
directed by nine part-time workers, and remain-
ing open for ten weeks, with an attendance of
about 18,500 children. A lot loaned by a private
owner was fenced and equipped by the Com-
mission, with special care for mothers and babies.
A daily milk station and educational movies were
organized. Special health instruction was given
by a mature director, and health movies were
shown with the comedies.
Negro Activities
The Negro Spiritual Choral, with forty mem-
bers, was directed by the Commission and formed
into a permanent group, giving a special concert
in June, besides singing in the Westchester County
Music Festival. Two athletic clubs for boys and
girls, which are still active, grew out of the choral.
Training Course
A training course for recreation leaders was
given in the High School from May fourth to
WORK IN MOUNT VERNON
607
sixteenth, with instructors from local schools,
County Recreation Commission and Columbia
University assisting the local directors. Thirty-
two applicants registered, twenty-one completing
the greater part of the work. These students were
given preference in the summer appointments,
some promising leaders being found.
The summer playgrounds were opened on June
twenty-ninth, earlier than other County grounds,
at the request of the schools and the probation
officers. A new ground was rented on Seventh
Avenue, cleared, fenced and equipped, and an old
barn on the property was remodeled into a tool
shed. This playground filled the greatest need in
the city and did especially fine work. A lot oppo-
site was loaned by the St. Anthony Society and
turned into a kindergarten for the neighborhood,
leaving the other playground for the older
children. Special kindergarten work was carried
on throughout the summer at three places. These
kindergarten playgrounds were necessitated by
the large percentage of children under six attend-
ing the grounds. These grounds were especially
successful, as the small children were given activi-
ties in handcraft, games and storytelling. In
this way the little mothers were free to get the
exercise best suited to them, and the babies were
not pushed about by the rougher games of the
older groups. Ten playgrounds were opened in
all. One man was kept busy throughout the
summer making new equipment and installing and
repairing that belonging to the schools.
Other Activities
Besides these ten grounds, two tennis courts
were directed by the Commission at the High
School, as were also two baseball fields. Three
baseball leagues were formed, the Industrial
League with eight teams, the Junior League with
five teams, and the Playground League, playing
a total of seventy-one games. In July, besides
the regular activities, sprinklers, once employed
by the Fire Department, were operated near five
playgrounds, bringing out good crowds on all hot
days. A trained nurse was engaged for part-
time, who examined the children on the grounds
for remediable diseases, and advised as to clean-
liness. Two new milk stations were opened. Two
band concerts were given in July.
July Attendance
In July the attendance on the grounds was
28,914; at games, concerts and movies, 11,700;
making a total of 40,614.
Program
Baseball, dodge ball, field sports, punch ball,
volley ball, newcomb, quoits, jacks, playground
ball and many active games for the small children
were in the daily program. The apparatus on all
grounds was in constant use. Among the special
activities carried on in connection with the play-
grounds, dancing, hiking and swimming were
most popular. The evening centers added sing-
ing, hand ball and basket ball to the list.
August Activities
A Twilight Center, open three evenings weekly,
ran to the large daily attendance of nearly 200.
The band concert on August twentieth was ap-
plauded by 2,000 or more people. Mount Vernon
celebrated its first Play Day in Hartley Park on
August fourteenth, about 600 children attending.
A field meet, covering track events for both girls
and boys, was held. The girls displayed their tal-
ents in competitive dancing. Two prizes were
awarded, a silver loving cup and a large banner.
A pageant closed the program, when the story of
The Selfish Giant was presented. Swimming was
popular throughout the summer, with a special
life-saver in attendance. About 180 children were
sent to witness games at the Yankee Stadium and
the Polo Grounds on free tickets given by the
managements, the Commission furnishing special
trolleys and directors. The Playground and Rec-
reation Association of America awarded forty-
four badges to the playground children for pro-
ficiency in individual athletic work. Milk distri-
bution was carried on in four playgrounds with a
growing sale, 4,000 small bottles being sold to the
children with crackers during August. Only two
accidents were reported for Spring and Summer.
Forty-six children were sent to the Westchester
County Recreation Camp at Croton Point by the
camp committee, going to and from the camp in
the Recreation car. Activities leading in popu-
larity were baseball, jacks, newcomb and field
sports. The Commission assisted in establishing
a Summer Play School, which was conducted by
a committee of women.
County Play Day
Mount Vernon participated in the Westchester
County Play Day on August twenty-second at
Mohansic Park, winning second place. About
608
WORK IN MOUNT VERNON
135 children were driven to the park from Mount
Vernon, sixty-one of them taking part in the
sports and dancing.
Summer Attendance
The total figures for the two-month summer
program are :
Attendance on grounds 52,416
Attendance at special activities 22,500
Total 74,916
Decrease in Delinquency
The Commission is especially grateful for the
decrease in delinquency reported by the Children's
Court. The Probation Officer has given the
Commission permission to quote her in saying
that the number of boys and girls charged with
delinquency fell from seventeen last summer to
eleven this summer. She further states that the
most notorious gangs of small boys have been
broken up, and that no member of any one of
them appeared before the court this summer, and
many of these boys were frequently seen by her
on certain playgrounds.
Leadership and Instruction
The summer playgrounds were carried on by
seventeen directors, six of them leaving the
grounds to conduct hikes, dancing and swimming
trips, ball games and badge tests. The boys'
leader directed the Industrial League and all boys'
work. A special supervisor of handcraft traveled
from playground to playground and put over a
valuable program of sewing, millinery, reed work
for boys and girls, and coping saw work. The
Commission is strengthened in its belief that a
playground without leadership or with poor lead-
ership accomplishes more harm than good. Space
and equipment are nothing but a means to mis-
chief. Constant leadership and direction are
necessary with both a man and woman on each
playground.
Fall Playgrounds
The fall program opened on September twenty-
second, running for five weeks, with nine direc-
tors in charge. One director spent most of his
time refereeing games. The average daily at-
tendance for this season was 370, or a total of
8,508. Street skating was carried on near three
grounds once a week, with the cooperation of the
Police Department. Football, basketball, dodge
ball and soccer were popular activities. The co-
operation with the school athletics was the best
achieved so far.
Evening Recreation Centers, Second Season
The evening recreation centers for boys have
grown from nine to twelve free ones, with ten
private groups supervised by the Commission.
The activities are basketball, games and boxing.
There is now an Industrial Basketball League
with six teams, and three boys' leagues, Senior,
Junior and Midget. These centers had an attend-
ance of about 8,000 for October and about 4,200
for November (sixteen play days). There is one
colored boys' center and one for girls. Another is
composed of foreign-born students from the Night
School.
Music Program, Second Season
Again there are two chorals, the Mount Vernon
Choral Society and the Spiritual Choral Society.
An orchestra to complement these singing societies
started with about forty members. The Commis-
sion is pleased with this enlarged number of adult
activities.
Second Training Course N. Y. U.
A training course for playground directors is
being given by New York University Institute
of Education, at the request of the Commis-
sion, which found it difficult to have its direc-
tors go to New York for training. Sixteen mem-
bers are taking very thorough training in the
teaching of activities for children six to sixteen.
This thirty-hour course will give the Commission
a local staff, trained in both modern theory and
experience, hence able to render more efficient
service.
Cost of Services to City
The services described have been secured for
the city by an additional cost, in 1925, of only
$15,539; as the Board of Education in 1924 spent
$5,461 for recreation. The Recreation Commis-
sion hopes to give greater service in 1926, as a re-
sult of a year's adjustment to the city system, the
experience and training of a local staff, and a
better understanding of Mount Vernon's needs;
and to offer many more opportunities for clean
and constructive recreation to the adults and
children of Mount Vernon.
DEVELOPMENT IN SAN FRANCISCO
609
An Apprentice Project
Last summer the Stamford Board of Public
Recreation tried out an apprentice project which
proved a successful experiment. Several inex-
perienced people who wanted to try themselves
out before deciding to make recreation their life
work were taken on the staff. One was paid a
very small sum, the others nothing at all. They
worked as faithfully as other members of the
staff; they attended all staff and training meet-
ings ; they were given charge of different tasks
and criticized on their results and they were
placed on various playgrounds with more expe-
rienced members of the staff.
"We held one staff meeting," says Miss Mary
Freeland, Executive Secretary, "at which each
member of the staff taught one new stunt to
the others. This material was afterward col-
lected in typewritten form and distributed to the
staff. At the next meeting the manner in which
the game was directed was commented on. In
addition to this particular meeting, much game
material was collected, classified, tried out on
the playgrounds and then discussed at staff
meetings.
"I kept a record of the workers' accomplishment
during the summer and gave them ratings under
three different headings : successful program, gen-
eral spirit (good sportsmanship, playground point
of view) and dependability (records and punctu-
ality). The members of the staff were quite
young and inexperienced but there was a notable
improvement over last season in team spirit."
At a recent social service conference, Dean
Kirchwey stated that he was more interested in
keeping people from becoming criminals than he
was in reforming them afterwards. The best
thing, he said, is to keep our children out of court.
While clinics for body, mind, and soul, are good,
it is more important for wholesome persons to get
hold of the children and give them something worth
living for and turn their steps in the right direc-
tion, rather than in the wrong direction, and do
it in the spirit of understanding and love. The
crime wave of the next generation depends upon
what people are going to do with their lives from
this moment on. We can do something vital if
people of the community set themselves to the
task.
Recreation leaders have an unusual opportunity
in connection with attractive play activities to
bring wholesome influences to bear upon child life
The Development of San
Francisco's Far Flung
Recreation System
The July issue of the San Francisco Municipal
Record is a Recreation Number, telling in the most
interesting way of the growth of San Fran-
cisco's recreation from the construction of Ports-
mouth Square, the city's first plaza, to its present
elaborate system of parks and playgrounds, the
summer camp, its aquatic park, swimming pools,
tennis courts, golf course, baseball grounds and
Civic Center.
The citizens of San Francisco have voted that
ten cents on every hundred dollars of assessed
valuation shall be devoted to park purposes and
that five cents shall be used for playgrounds. It
was estimated that this tax will yield the Play-
ground Commission during the current year
approximately $350,000 and the Park Commis-
sion over $700,000. Much of this money, how-
ever, must be used to meet the heavy additional
expenditures by the Board of Supervisors for the
purchase of the sixty acre Fleischhacker Play-
field and for beach and submerged lands for the
aquatic park.
Since 1907 the playground development in San
Francisco, initiated by the California Club, an
organization of women, has been carried out un-
der the direction of a Playground Commission,
of which Miss M. Philomene Hagan is Executive
Secretary. In 1907-1908 the appropriation was
$10,000; in 1924-1925, 17 times as much money
was placed in the hands of the Commission.
The construction of Kezar Memorial Stadium
in Golden Gate Park made possible first with a
gift of $100,000 from the late Mary A. Kezar,
to which was added a like amount by the Board
of Supervisors, has materially broadened the scope
of recreation and athletic facilities. Constructed
along the most modern lines, the stadium provides
accommodation for the most popular competitive
sports, especially football and track and field
events. The seating capacity is 22,600 and this
number may be increased considerably. Dress-
ing rooms and training quarters have been built in
conjunction with the stadium. The dressing fa-
cilities, which are in the form of the first unit of
the clubhouse to be built later, include individual
steel lockers for 300 people, together with hot and
cold showers. Construction has been started on
the second part of the clubhouse which will in-
clude a basketball court with seating accommoda-
610
WAVERLY'S COMMUNITY HOUSE
tions for 6,000 spectators. The floor space of this
building will be so arranged that indoor tennis can
be featured, while other features will permit of
general community use, including neighborhood
socials and assemblies.
In 1862 the municipal allowance for parks in
San Francisco was $6,000. Since that time the
population has increased six times. The annual
expenditures for parks and playgrounds have in-
creased to practically $1,100,000.
Manchester, N. H., Makes
Its Second Annual Report
The importance of winter sports and the use
which may be made of properly administered fa-
cilities for winter activities is shown in the Sec-
ond Annual Report of the Park Common and
Playground Commission of Manchester, N. H. —
an organization which has been in existence seven
years.
Two toboggan chutes were built in 1922 at a
cost of $1,540 and $760 respectively. These were
used to capacity, one day showing the equivalent
of 10,000 persons using the three chutes on the
large slide between 1 :30 and 10 o'clock. It was
no uncommon sight to see over 100 tobogganists
standing in lines with their toboggans, waiting to
ascend to the starting platform. Because of the
success of these slides, another. was erected in
the fall of 1923— all being lighted with powerful
electric flood lights. The Commission also ex-
tended a helping hand to the Boy Scouts by in-
stalling electric lights at two of the toboggan
slides built entirely by the Scouts and are paying
for the lights during the winter months.
In 1921-22 a small ski jump was built, which
proved so popular that in 1922-23 a more elab-
orate structure was erected. A skating rink and a
Recreation House near it added much to the suc-
cess of the winter carnivals which are held each
year.
Summer activities were not neglected, for hare
and hound races, quoit tournaments, storytelling,
tennis, handcraft, kite-flying, sewing, baseball and
basketball leagues were carried on. The two pub-
lic bath houses were enlarged because of the in-
creased attendance. A water carnival was one of
the popular activities last summer with an at-
tendance of 2,500 persons and the total attend-
ance at the playgrounds for the two summer
months was 110,000.
COMMUNITY BUILDING, WAVERLY, PA.
Waverly's Community
House
The farming village of Waverly, Pennsylvania,
is the possessor through a gift of a community
house and public playground. The building,
which is located in the center of the village on
the main street, occupies a central position on a
two-acre piece of land and its generous propor-
tions are improved and set off by wide, open
lawns. A few well-placed trees trim the
grounds. Tennis courts, a wading pool, and
other recreation features are located with a view
to symmetry and service.
The well-appointed building has in its basement
bowling alleys, a pool room, a barber shop, men's
lavatory, and showers. On the first floor are the
post office, canteen, reading room, sun parlor,
lounge, reception hall, assembly hall with its mov-
ing picture booth, and showers for women.
The second floor contains the public library
with its radio set and the private apartment of
the secretaries. The house supports a trained
nurse for the village and farming community, a
free kindergarten and art, handwork, dramatic,
sewing, basketry and playground classes. It
serves as headquarters for the town supervisors,
the school board, the grange, parent-teachers'
association and the Boy Scouts. It is also the
center for elections and for school commence-
ments and similar exercises.
"He that will make a good use of any part of
his life, must allow a large portion of it to recrea-
tion."— Locke.
Newspaper Publicity
BY CHARLES A. WEBB
Co-publisher of the Asheville Citizen
The task assigned to me this morning is a brief
discussion of the feature article in your publicity
campaigns. The undertaking is both welcome and
formidable : welcome because the feature story is
the royal road to publicity; formidable because of
the difficulty of enumerating all its possibilities
when used in this way.
Let us start with a clear understanding of what
a newspaper feature story is. It is, as 1 conceive
it, an elaboration of the news; or information of
general and constant interest made to look like
news; or facts brought to bear upon an event in
the news in such a way that they are news :
I give you this illustration : the people inter-
ested in a playground which has been established
for a year or more wish to arouse public interest
in it so that money will be contributed to enlarge
it or to buy more equipment for it. The fact
that they need and want this money is news, and
the local paper is glad to publish it. But iteration
and reiteration of that bare announcement in the
paper is obviously impossible, because, after the
first publication, it is no longer news. Neverthe-
less, to make the money campaign a success, the
repetition must be accomplished in a big way;
and it is done through feature stories, all based on
the fact that the effort to raise the money is being
made every day.
This effort has a certain and a great news value
because it is something in which local people are
engaged. What the editor of the newspaper re-
quires is that the daily activities be described so
that the article will look like news.
A small amount of publicity is secured by
straight news items briefly chronicling the amounts
of money contributed from day to day or listing
the names of workers and speakers taking part
in the campaign. But that is not enough. It
neither provokes the curiosity nor stirs the enthu-
siasm of the people, whose opinion and pocket-
books the promoters wish to touch, recourse then
must be had to the feature story.
First may be written an article giving the his-
tory of this local playground, what the ground was
originally used for, how it was purchased, its orig-
inal attendance and its growth of attendance.
'Address given at Recreation Congress at Asheville, N. C.,
October 5 to 10, 1925.
This may be followed with an article describing
its original equipment, and explaining why more
space and more equipment are needed, where and
how it is manufactured, its cost, and how long it
lasts.
Then comes a third sketching the growth of
the playground movement throughout the coun-
try, and comparing your city with others in this
work. If your town suffers by the comparison,
there is all the more reason why the campaign
for money should go over with a bang. If it ex-
cels, local pride demands a continuance of the
fine record.
Elaborating the series, the experienced press
agent, or publicity promoter, will put out further
feature articles covering the following subjects:
The athletic events and forms of recreation of-
fered by the playground, the games most popular
with the children, and the names of the girls and
boys who were winners in the most recent com-
petitions.
The families the playground serves, their num-
ber and condition in life, with interviews from the
fathers and mothers citing their approval of the
campaign.
The greater and better service the playground
will give the children because of its increased
space and improved equipment.
An interview with the superintendent of the
playground: why she likes the work, why she
went into it, and why she is particularly fond of
the children with whom she comes in contact
there.
An interview with the superintendent on why
and how a playground' improves the health and
characters of the children, with instances of '"bad"
children (unnamed, of course) who have been
reformed by the playground environment.
An interview with the superintendent on what
new plans she has for implanting in the children
sportsmanship and the competitive spirit, and
how the new equipment will help her in this.
Interviews with the children themselves on why
they like the playground, how much time they
spend there, and what it has taught them.
Interviews with the mayor of the town and with
other supporters of the project on why they favor
it and why the playground should be enlarged.
611
612
NEWSPAPER PUBLICITY
These eleven topics, which I have so briefly
suggested, can be multiplied practically indefi-
nitely in such a way that they will be readable
and interesting and will have a news value.
In every feature article, as in every straight
news story, the personal element is the most valu-
able and effective. The more names of local
people the article carries, the more definite state-
ments it makes about the doings of local people,
the more widely it is looked for and read by the
subscribers, and the more acceptable it is to the
editor.
And pictures — photographs. They are the life
blood of publicity, particularly local publicity.
With every feature article submitted to a paper,
there should go an abundance — I might even say
a superfluity — of photographs, more than the edi-
tor can possibly use. He likes to have a large
number from which to make his selections in con-
formity with the space he will give the story and
the kind of headlines he will put over it, or for
other technical reasons.
Most effective of all are the photographs of
people. Most effective of those are the pictures
of children and women, handsome children and
beautiful women. And most effective of those
are the picture showing them in action or in un-
usual and striking poses and groups.
Photographs are seventy-five per cent, of the
feature story. This is a picture age. Thousands
of people who will not read the article will look
at the pictures and read the sub-titles describing
them.
However brilliantly the article may be written,
it is not as apt to be published without accom-
panying illustrations as is the mediocre article
with pictures.
Now as to the length of your feature story ; we
have left behind us, never to return, the period in
which editors believed that length ennobled an
article. Space in the modern paper is too pre-
cious for great length in any sort of story. Al-
ways there is more copy which ought to be pub-
lished than the editors can find room for. Today
brevity is the most pleasing thing a publicity pro-
moter can take into an editor's office.
Your article should never run over a column.
As a rule, three-quarters of a column is the maxi-
mum length; and very often half a column is all
the type that can be run, with the large space given
the photographs that illustrate it.
There may be instances when an editor, spe-
cially interested in a subject or perceiving an un-
usual popular interest in it, will say that Tie will
run two or three columns, or even a page, of read-
ing matter ; but such occasions are extremely rare.
They come as the result of conferences between
the editor and the press agent.
And that reminds me: every good publicity
promoter for local projects establishes personal
contact with the editor or editors of the paper.
This thing of trying to run a local publicity cam-
paign by mail or messenger boy from a desk se-
cluded in an office building never under any cir-
cumstances gets the best results.
By contact and personal acquaintance with the
editor, you discover what sort of article he pre-
fers, humorous or serious, statistical or generali-
ties, what length, what special topics and on what
day he will run it. You also have the opportunity
to explain to him just what the objects of your
campaign are, the phases you are most eager to
put before the public, and what progress you are
making. In this way you make an effective bid
for his hearty cooperation.
By establishing contact with an editor, I don't
mean thrusting a circus cigar upon him; I don't
mean offering to feed him the first time you meet
him ; I don't mean trying to tell him that you know
more about your subject than he does, although
you probably do ; and I don't mean trying to brow-
beat him or argue him into publishing something
against his will by telling him that you have all
the influential people in town back of you.
Editors are human, a fact which some people
seem to doubt. Accustomed to being abused and
bawled out by the public, they appreciate the man
who defers to their judgment when discussing
printer's ink, the thing about which by training
and experience they may be assumed to know
more than a layman or even a publicity promoter.
To have the friendship of the editor, to create
an interest on his part in what you are promoting,
is> as valuable as the preparation of the best copy
e-vtr written. When you are a press agent, the
editor of the local paper is, to you, the most im-
portant and influential man in town.
So far, I have used the public playground in
giving examples of what can be accomplished in a
publicity way with the feature story. But what
applies to the playground applies to all the activi-
ties in which you are interested ; community
drama, swimming pools, musical events and pro-
grams, any form of community recreation, since
the publicity about them is invariably intended to
win support in either the public's opinion or the
public's money, or both.
In a sense, you ladies and gentlemen are con-
NEWSPAPER PUBLICITY
613
ducting a continuous, all-year publicity campaign,
since your affairs thrive on public support and
since the oftener they are mentioned in the news-
papers, the more is popular attention called to
them. And there is no time when you cannot put
out a feature article that will find favor with the
newspapers. Make the story timely and readable,
describe the prosperity of youf project, or demand
help for its needs, and fortify it with names of
persons, and you have a piece of copy which is
almost sure to be published.
The complement of the feature article, the thing
that tops it off and gives it all the authority and
backing of the newspaper, is the editorial. In the
editorial, which expresses the policies and aspira-
tions of the paper, the writer says to his reading
public : "This project is good. We commend it
because we, as the mouthpiece of the community
and the guardian of our people's best interests,
have investigated it and guarantee it to be a desir-
able undertaking."
The experienced editorial writer knows how to
strengthen and emphasize the most salient points
of the feature story. He knows how to marshal
the most telling arguments in behalf of the thing
exploited. He knows what most appeals to his
readers, and he has at command the language that
will make them think and arouse their enthusiasm.
You, in your work, need have no doubt or hesi-
tance in seeking the cooperation of the editorial
writer. It is his desire and his business to advo-
cate that which will benefit his city. He is, in a
very real sense, the high priest of service, acquaint-
ing his people with new opportunities, not only to
build up their town materially, but also to enrich
themselves and others spiritually. In his hand al-
ways is the axe of the pioneer, and on his banner
the proud device of "Forward !"
He is, therefore, never so happy as when he is
given the chance to proclaim the advisability and
the profit of the public's supporting a new thing
that is good, or a good thing which needs assist-
ance and recruits. His enthusiasm is in creating
in his readers enthusiasms for progress, for the
right, the high and the beautiful.
And you, whose goal is the happiness and the
help of others, are offering him that for which he
would be glad to pay a price. Your "stuff," so to
speak, is sold to him before you put foot in his
office. It is his pleasure to present it compellingly
to everybody within reach of his paper and his
pen.
Day by day his hope is for something to write
about that will uplift and inspire his people, some-
thing that will entwine itself, a golden thread, in
the warp and woof of the community's life. You
furnish him the realization of that hope. You
approach him with plans for undertakings that
bring advancement and happiness into countless
lives. You propose to show his readers how to
play better, literally how to recreate themselves,
how to strengthen their bodies and fortify their
souls.
You hold out to him the torch that will light the
path to the public's self-expression, to its self-
realization. You say to him: "We ask your aid
in putting new and better things into the city's
life. We want to make drudgery easier and give
ambition the strength to break the bonds of rou-
tine and monotony. Particularly, we want your
help in giving inestimable treasures to the chil-
dren, to the rising generation, to the boys and girls
who in so short years will have to do the world's
work in this part of the world. We ask your aid
in endowing them with the irresistible might of
clean living, right thinking and noble impulses."
There is no editor worthy of his desk who will
not respond with alacrity to this summons. Wher-
ever he is, he will at once put his space and his
gifts at your disposal, and there will remain for
you only the matter of acquainting him with the
details of your proposals.
You will have prepared the way with a feature
story or so, or you may find it of greater strate-
gical advantage for him to inaugurate your cam-
paign with an editorial endorsement of your
methods and objects. In either case, the facts
which have been, or are to be, used in your fea-
ture articles are of use to him. Basing his appeal
or his exhortation on the outstanding items, the
high lights of your publicity material, he will make
his editorial expressions the capstone of your fea-
ture articles.
Thus the two, the feature with its authoritative
endorsement, will go hand-in-hand, elaborating
and "putting across" what you are trying to do as
announced in the news columns. The whole paper
is working for your cause, since you are doing
what every publisher and editor wants to do:
work for the welfare and betterment of all the
people.
Nevertheless and always, in every sort of pub-
licity venture the feature story is indispensable
and its power immense. It affords space and op-
portunities not found in editorial or news item for
repetition, for hammering home important facts
and for keeping a thing continuously and at-
tractively before the public. Straight news of a
614
USE OF PRINTED MATTER
favorable kind is, of course, unbeatable; but the
supply of it in such affairs as yours is limited,
and there is not a publicity promoter living who
can invent or rehash news that will get by the
editor as news. Thus your chief reliance must
be upon the feature article.
Its power is so great because it offers such
varied opportunity to the writer. In producing
feature stories, the press agent may exercise the
gifts of the reporter, the essayist, the wit, the
humorist and even the fictionist. It is, in a sense,
the highest form of literature found in a news-
paper. It is news glorified and elaborated. It is
the largest canvas on which the artist in words
can work in a newspaper office. On it he narrates
events, illustrates argument and portrays human
nature. It is the stuff from which the reader gets
entertainment as well as information.
Every good publicity promoter is a writer or
a planner of good feature articles. He proves that
even when constantly treating one subject, they
have an infinite variety and, in content and man-
ner, never grows stale.
But as I have said — and it is the idea I wish to
leave uppermost in your minds — in the newspaper
feature story of today the picture is the thing.
There are fashions in newspaper material as in
clothing: and the fashion of the present is photo-
graphs— photographs which, at a glance, tell a
good part of the story to man, woman and child,
and tempt them to read the details set forth in
the printed article — photographs of people, of
people laughing, frowning, speaking and listening,
swimming and running, motoring and dancing —
photographs of all this delightful world of action
in which we live, this world of action which you,
with your high ideals and noble consecration to
service of others, are doing so much to bless and
adorn.
A routine task gives opportunity for rumina-
tions and these ruminations may be healthy or un-
healthy according as the experiences of the patient
outside the factory are pleasant or unpleasant.
The memory of healthful recreations and the an-
ticipation of similar pleasure may make a routine
task a quite satisfactory affair, while in the absence
of decent recreational facilities feeling of discour-
agement and depression, of jealousy and resent-
ment, may have time, during a routine operation,
to assume dangerous proportions. — C. Mac fie
Campbell, M. D., President, Massachusetts Soci-
ety for Mental Hygiene.
Helping to Promote Your
Program Through Printed
Matter
The section meeting at the Asheville Congress
which discussed this topic was opened by Jay E.
Morgan, editor of the Journal of the National
Educational Association. Mr. Morgan said that
since the quality of individual thinking is influ-
enced by the impact of other minds, to interest
people in social endeavor it is necessary to pro-
duce both popular curiosity and intelligence. Of
all non-publicly supported agencies for reaching
the public, the newspaper is undoubtedly the most
popular. If we wish the newspapers to give
more space, we have to do more things news-
papers are interested in. There is actual news
value in creative ideas.
Charles A. Webb, publisher of the Asheville
Citizen, spoke on "How to Secure Newspaper
Publicity." Mr. Webb's address appears in this
issue of THE PLAYGROUND. Following the ad-
dress, Mr. Webb answered questions. Asked
what is the courteous procedure in dealing with
two or three local papers, Mr. Webb said it is
best to give news to all simultaneously when pos-
sible. In the case of morning and afternoon pa-
pers one may be given first chance at one time
and one at another. This may be frankly ex-
plained to the papers. Usually papers prefer to
provide their own headlines. Here is where a
publicity agent is valuable. The papers prefer
the agencies to write up their own affairs if
the writing is well done. They are usually will-
ing to send a reporter, if asked. A fixed daily
or weekly place is desirable. Monday is often
an off day, when the editor is particularly glad
for items.
Summarizing the discussion, Mr. Morgan gave
six points :
Study your newspaper.
Know your editor.
Write simply and briefly.
Emphasize the personal element. Get good
leads — tell what, who, when, where, why, how.
Try it on your neighbor.
At another section meeting, Mr. Morgan pre-
siding, the topic discussed was Helping to Pro-
mote Your Program Through Printed Matter.
Mr. Morgan said that there was great interest in
the leisure time movement in educational circles,
that in such a pioneer movement printed matter
SCHOOL BUILDING STANDARDS
615
represents the greatest single means of getting
into people's minds. The point is to get out
printed matter that actually gets over.
Carl J. Balliet, of the Balliet Agency, con-
ducted a "publicity clinic" in which printed matter
and reports from various cities were analyzed for
good and poor characteristics. Mr. Balliet rec-
ommended a book by Robert E. Ramsey, Direct
Advertising, published by D. Appleton at $2.50.
He said all printed matter to be effective should
be good-looking. If the newspapers of the com-
munity, both editorial and art departments, can be
interested in the program, much help will be de-
rived. Often an expert advertising man or firm
will help as a public service. It is well to plan a
program for a year ahead and acquaint the pub-
lic with the activities. All-the-year publicity is
better than publicity only before a campaign.
Sometimes notices can be enclosed with bills.
Often it is helpful to adopt an emblem, a slogan
and a style of printing to* furnish continuity.
As to annual reports, Mr. Balliet said they
were dry at best, voluminous, intended for a board
of directors. A different approach is required for
the general public. Never get out an annual re-
port that looks like an annual report! Take full
advantage of the possibilities of the cover. Every
piece bound in book form should carry a design.
A photograph does not accomplish the same pur-
pose. Color is important — and human interest.
Start off with a statement of purpose and how
accomplished. Describe group activities. Illus-
trate profusely. Keep down statistics — they are
valuable only to prove a point.
School Building Standards
The Bureau of Publications, Teachers College,
Columbia University, have published standards set
by Professors Strayer and Engelhardt of Teachers
College for three types of school buildings and
grounds. These are entitled Score Card for Vil-
lage and Rural School Buildings of Four Teach-
ers or Less, Standards for Elementary School
Buildings and Standards for High School Build-
ings.
In addition to a score card for each type of
building, very detailed information is given on fea-
tures of construction and planning the grounds.
The standards suggested for play space will be of
special interest.
In the case of the village and rural school build-
ing, the report states that the site should contain
"a minimum of four acres, thus providing space
for adequate playgrounds, athletic field, school
garden and pleasing location of building. It
should be rectangular in shape, approximating 550
feet by 300 feet allowing for location of building
on one end or corner with well adapted space for
playground and garden. The grounds should have
modern play apparatus, athletic field and school
garden."
In the case of the elementary school building it
is stated that the position of the school should be
such as to permit of maximum utilization of play-
grounds and future additions should be made pos-
sible in the placing, so that serious inroads shall
not be made into the playground. With the ten-
dency toward the erection of large schools, four to
six acres should be provided. The playground ex-
clusive of lawns and gardens should provide a
minimum of 100 square feet per child. It should
also have adequate playground equipment. The
playground section should be dry and pervious,
and should be constructed to drain very rapidly.
Concrete or brick surfaces should be avoided.
"For the high school building," says the report,
"no site of less than 10 to 12 acres will suffice for
girls' play field, boys' athletic field, tennis courts,
basketball courts, volley ball courts, experimental
gardens, proper placement of buildings and give
desirable landscape setting. In large cities acres
should be secured so as to make possible an athletic
field, separate buildings for. gymnasium, baths,
dressing rooms, shops and the like.
"The area should be contiguous in nature, pre-
ferably rectangular in form. It should be recog-
nized that outdoor fetes, pageantry and other fes-
tivals have become a definite part of the modern
high school program and that the planning of the
site should include provision for this type of activ-
ity.
"The foreground should be landscaped and suffi-
ciently extensive to give the building an aesthetic
setting."
In connection with the discussion of high school
buildings and grounds, definite suggestions are
made for the layout of diamonds for baseball,
American football, field hockey, soccer field, tennis
courts, basketball courts for boys and girls and
volley ball courts. There is also detailed informa-
tion on the construction and equipment of gymna-
siums, auditoriums and other facilities.
Copies of these reports may be secured from
Teachers College, Columbia University, New
York City.
EDITORIAL STAFF — EVANSTON JUNIOR PLAYGROUND INDEX
The youngest newspaper staff in the world
A Voice for the Children
BY
DONALD M. WHITE
Bureau of Recreation, Evanston, Illinois
Hundreds of children, writing freely for the
pure love of writing about their own world of
affairs — that is the Utopia of free expression,
dreamed of by generations of class-room teachers
and attained to a remarkable degree during the
past summer throughout the playground system of
Evanston, Illinois.
The medium for this juvenile Fourth Estate
was developed last spring with the first publica-
tion of the Junior Playground Index, a weekly
newspaper written entirely by the children and
for the children. A large interested public was
part of its regular number of readers. From a
few columns in the regular pages of the Evanston
616
News-Index, the local paper, the publication de-
veloped in three weeks into an eight-page tabloid
insert printed and distributed free through the
regular circulation channels of the News-Index,
with the Monday edition. It was taken up again as
the Junior Evanston Index, under the same plan,
with all schools and juvenile organizations in the
city taking part this winter.
The publication was held strictly to newspaper
requirements : it was not a magazine of essays on
"What I did during vacation" or similar trite
themes. It told the daily happenings on the play-
grounds, in schools and clubs; it contained edi-
torials, feature stories, a poetry column, personal
A VOICE FOR THE CHILDREN
617
items, sport stories and interviews with prominent
children, all written by young reporters and
editors.
Every effort was made to reproduce the actual
conditions of a newspaper office, with all its thrills,
limitations and problems. "Scoops" were matters
of considerable triumph by the "Scoopers"; editor
vied with editor for space ; feature writers labored
hard to get that bright angle to an ordinary story
which would insure publication; editorial writers
plumbed the juvenile problems of the city. More
than once "Hot" stories were rushed in at the
"Deadline" by several reporters, vying upon a
quality basis for publication. The romance of
professional journalism was lived in miniature,
and writing became fun instead of a chore.
A point system to establish the relative stand-
ings of playgrounds on a competitive basis was
inaugurated. It gave recognition on two bases :
the amount of material submitted and printed and
the quality of the stories. It was part of a point
system giving recognition for accomplishment in
all varieties of activities. The double basis en-
couraged the children to write, regardless of ex-
pectation of publication, at the same time putting
a premium on quality, the better stories having
the best chance of getting into print.
The schedule of points given were as follows :
For the best feature story, 50 points ; best editorial
35 points; best news story, sport story and poem,
25 points each; best personal item, 15 points.
Besides this, 5 points were given for each story
submitted and 10 for each one printed. The play-
ground which had the largest amount of space,
in inches, for each two-weeks' period, named the
city editor for the following two weeks. A news
editor, sport editor, society editor and poetry
editor were selected from the playground next in
rank in that order.
The editorial staff was composed of one editor
from each playground. These were appointed by
playground instructors for the first two-week
period, but thereafter appointment was on a com-
petitive basis, the reporter getting most copy into
print winning the position. Assistant editors were
chosen in the same manner. The staff met twice
each week, on Wednesday and Saturday after-
noons, to work on copy, receive instruction and
lay plans for the paper. The Wednesday period
was used as a "copy desk" hour and made as edu-
cational as possible. Here the editors learned
what happened to a story, how to write a heading,
"lead" and a few of the intricacies of editing.
Records for the summer, which did not include
the tenth or Honor Edition, show that 780 stories
were submitted for the nine issues, and 670 were
printed. These include about 80 poems, all orig-
inal, 60 being printed. A total of almost 1,000
inches was printed. In the second half of the
summer, production greatly increased, stories
grew in length and number. More children began
to write. The quality improved considerably. This
rate is being greatly exceeded in the winter issues,
as many as 270 stories being submitted for a
single issue, and extra columns in the regular
pages of the News-Index are used on Fridays to
handle some of this.
The Honor Edition, printed at the close of the
summer, listed winners of editorial honors for the
entire summer. A gold medal was given to the
summer's best all-round writer-editor, with sil-
ver and bronze medals to the next two best. An
honor roll, naming the best editor from each park,
was prepared and type-medal badges awarded to
those listed.
By-lines, giving the name of the writer of a
story, were given only for the best stories in each
issue, although all poems and editorials rated them.
These made a valuable incentive to good work.
Some unusual talent has been discovered and fos-
tered in this activity and it has whetted the inter-
est of scores of children in literary fields. Some
of the sport stories written by boys whom teachers
can hardly force to write conventional essays,
were little short of professional in quality. Fea-
tures of unusual charm often appeared. Poetry
developed in an interesting manner, beginning
with scattered bits and ending in a flood of songs
of praise for the various playgrounds, chants of
loyalty and whimsical snatches from childhood's
fancy. Jokes were avoided as a matter of policy,
as was fiction in the summer, but a literary section
was inaugurated during the school year on which
appeared, usually, an essay, one bit of fiction, a
literary feature, a book review and miscellaneous
bits of a more literary tone.
One of the chief charms of the publication re-
sulted from the policy of printing the stories
"raw." Expurgation was shunned as far as
possible. Although the worst grammatical errors
were corrected, as were spelling and some punc-
tuation, no attempt was made to rewrite the sub-
missions or change their original form. The re-
sult seems to have justified the practice, although
it is, admittedly, deemed a pedagogically dangerous
experiment. Children who sent in uninteresting,
618
A VOICE FOR THE CHILDREN
faulty writing with vital facts missing and full of
bad writing were deeply impressed upon discover-
ing them in print where they became particularly
glaring. Pride in their own workmanship was
the best whip to improvement and brought re-
sults, for a steady improvement in quality
resulted.
DIABLO CONTEST, EVANSTON, ILL.
This has been more difficult to put into practice
during the school year as teachers frequently en-
force much rewriting. This is considered objec-
tionable because it removes spontaneity from the
original effort, makes writing a task and robs the
child of the advantage of an impressive lesson
by seeing the result of an error in print.
Supervision of the work was entirely in the
hands of experienced newspaper people. These
were selected by the Superintendent of the Bu-
reau of Recreation as part of the regular staff
of playground instructors to work out the project
in addition to their regular work as instructors.
Two men and one woman were so employed under
the direct supervision of Superintendent W. C.
Bechtold of the Bureau. Thus no additional ex-
pense was involved since the News-Index cared
for the costs of printing, cuts, paper and other
items as an investment in circulation and adver-
tising value. The eight pages of live news which
would be read in hundreds of homes, together
with the good will which the project won for the
paper, cost nothing.
During the winter, one trained newspaper man,
with the aid of an assistant who is on the regular
staff of the Bureau and works on this project
only part time, has supervised the entire project.
Organization work is handled through the regular
staff. The assistant keeps up the records of pro-
duction by each school playground and organiza-
tion, and the supervisor attends to the handling of
the juvenile editorial staff, promotion and editing
the cQpy not handled by the children. Part of his
time is paid for by the News-Index for editing,
the Bureau carrying only a part-time expense for
his promotional work. During the summer, the
three supervisors handled all typing of stories,
writing of heads and editing. A member of the
News-Index staff cared for details of make-up.
From the newspaper's viewpoint the project
was considered successful. It was widely read,
Monday editions selling out rapidly. Copies were
kept in the homes for a longer period than the
regular sheet, thus increasing the advertising
value. Children who had written stories insisted
on all members of the family and many friends
reading their products. The News-Index reports
that it has made a real difference in circulation.
Parents found it a welcome outlet for their chil-
dren's energies, of a constructive nature. Foster-
ing juvenile activities has been a long observed
and profitable policy of the Evanston News-Index
and has brought it much favor throughout the
community. It is a method of obtaining good will
and wide circulation which no community paper
can afford to overlook.
The publicity value of the project for Bureau
of Recreation activities is a consideration of para-
mount importance. The Junior Evanston Index
gives tremendous publicity for past and future
event, written by the children affected, and gives
this in the best possible way. Each week during
the summer the Bureau was assured of seven
pages of publicity ! During the winter, the schools
have been added, as have the Boy and Girl Scouts,
Y. M. C. A. Boys' Department and parochial
schools. These now benefit by the pages also.
Schools find the paper a literary laboratory of
great value as well as a news source for activities.
A VOICE FOR THE CHILDREN
619
Publicity has proven an important influence in
promoting projects of the Bureau in Evanston,
making possible a remarkable growth since its
establishment less than two years ago. Bonds to
support projects, a definite and generous budget
for support or regular expenses, purchase and im-
provement of parks, initiation of city-wide sports
and community activities have been "sold" through
the friendliness of the newspapers.
No Bureau of Recreation in the United States,
as proved by comparing records at the national
congress, has had so much publicity in the form
of news stories. During the last eight months of
1924, the life of the Bureau in that year following
its inauguration; 291 stories, or a total of 2,413
inches of space, appeared in the News-Index, In
the first eight months of 1925, 440 stories, taking
2,672 inches of space, appeared in the same publi-
cation. The Evanston Review, a weekly publica-
tion, published 101 stories, or 285 inches, during
June, July and August this year, and the North
Shore Page of the Chicago Evening Post added
had 153 stories, taking 573 inches in the same
period. This has been the result of establishing a
close and friendly liaison with local publications,
a condition which should be the first step in pre-
paring the way for promoting such a publication
as the Junior Evanston Index.
Mr. Bechtold reports, in connection with the
Junior Evanston Index, the organization of a
Junior Press Club made up of the past city editors
and assistants who automatically become charter
members as soon as they have served their terms
successfully on the newspaper staff. The Bureau
is looking forward to affiliation with the Medill
School of Journalism of Northwestern University
for social and journalistic activities, with a group
meeting once a month with this organization.
MOST ARTISTIC KITE, EVANSTON, ILL.
Winter Sports in a Town
of Fifteen Hundred
BY
WALTON E. MILLIMAN
Rockford, Michigan, in the heart of Nature's
playground, has demonstrated that a village where
team-work has been tested, may turn snow and ice
into builders of good health and at the same time
disclose the thrill of outdoor life in winter.
Rockford is located in a valley between the
Rogue River hills, an area rich in old Indian lore.
The Indian atmosphere of West Michigan and this
particular locality was deemed of sufficient im-
portance to grace the name of the town's first
cooperative out-door mid-winter event — "The
Rogue River Indian Festival."
Twelve committees, made up of sixty-three men-
and women representing the American Legion,
Community Brotherhood, and the Wolverine Shoe
and Tanning Corporation set about to organize
an event in the unexplored field of out-door activi-
ties in the month of February. Cooperation was
readily secured and a program outlined with coast-
ing and skiing given the major emphasis. Of
course the village band offered their services and
the local schools arranged a pageant depicting
local Indian history and tradition. Other items
on the program were a huge bonfire where $800
worth of discarded factory equipment furnished
the fuel, tableaux, Indian costumes, weenie roast,
free coffee and to add a .final touch of color, a
gross of red railroad flares were used which, re-
flected in the sky, could be seen for miles.
The festival was held on the night of February
fifth, the temperature just below freezing, and
the moon turned on full blast. These features,
aided by effective publicity, brought out a crowd
of 2,500 people— nearly twice the population of the
town. From the surrounding farms, villages and
towns, the people came — farmers, townsfolk, and
urbanites, even Grand Rapids was represented
by more than 200 people.
After the big event Barber Hill was the scene
of unprecedented activity. Coasting and skiing
parties from churches, clubs, schools, and other
organized groups used the hill almost continu-
ously with the result that winter sports which had
been neglected in this territory since the advent
of the movie and automobile, were ruthlessly drag-
ged from obscurity, and placed high in public
favor. And Rockford attracted statewide atten-
620
SELF DETERMINISM
tion for this piece of pioneer work in rural winter
recreation, with a negligible outlay of money. The
small cost of the celebration was met without
"passing the hat" among the business men on
Main Street.
Another result of the festival, which however,
is not generally obvious, is the fact that a good
quantity of the "pioneer spirit," the disposition to
try something "different" in the realm of com-
munity activities, has been discovered. The
Rogue River Indian Festival by common acclaim
has immediately become an institution.
It provided a wholesome topic of conver-
sation for weeks and certainly scores of West
Michigan villages (and cities too) may well pro-
fit by making snow and winter yield its thrills.
Self Determinism
In an article entitled "Self Determinism in
Neighborhood Clubs" which appeared in the
Standard for October, 1925, LeRoy E. Bowman
wrote of some of the principles involved in fos-
tering the more or less spontaneous and indigenous
clubs to be found outside the institutions of char-
itable efforts, which have many values, particu-
larly in the development of leadership and initia-
tive. A few extracts from Mr. Bowman's paper
follow :
"The persons are rare," says Mr. Bowman,
"who can successfully work with such groups.
The job is one of subordinating self to the group
or restraint and sympathy, of minimizing until
they are of use, one's knowledge and perfections.
It is the job of relating the group through per-
sonal association over a long period of time, with
whatever one may think are the better things of
life. It is the job that is most needed and least
attended to in the effort to make of congested
districts better social wholes."
In speaking of the importance of self-determin-
ism in these groups, Mr. Bowman, defining the
term, says: "Of supreme importance in the de-
velopment of social ideals in the citizens of to-
morrow is the inculcation of habits and abilities
to work together. The method of developing abil-
ity by giving the greatest degree of independence
and initiative to clubs of young folks might be
termed self-determinism.
"The problem of club training is to help the
individuals in group fashion to adjust to the
problem in hand. The less rigidity the better.
It matters little how much any one means may
determine a club's methods, ideals or accomplish-
ments ; it matters much that the group itself should
make the decisions.
"The job of the club leader is that of helping
to accomplish the task the club has set for itself,
indicating the relations of the subject matter to
other subjects, insisting on the place of the club
in its social responsibilities, and most important,
applying the interest of the group to as adequate
a completion of the task as possible." This iask,
Mr. Bowman points out, is best accomplished
through the project method which develops the
skill or knowledge that later can be adapted to
life experiences.
"Self-determinism in clubs carries much fur-
ther than merely through the matters or methods
of club conduct and leadership; it carries into
the whole question of determination of club mem-
bership, club organization, club control.
"Spontaneity, where all matters are arranged
by the leader, is reduced to a minimum on the
part of the club members; the values of organ-
ization effort in training for organization partici-
pation are largely sacrificed. It is initiative that
is valuable in training for group activity and
it is most often appropriated by the leader or the
rules of vthe institution. It is in working out a
constitution, in stumbling through weeks of effort
to learn the concensus of purpose that values of
club life or social training are found. And yet
clubs are asked to complete these tasks the first
or second week.
"It is in many instances the too great desire on
the part of the leader that the club be right to
begin with rather than learn how to become right,
that creates the difficulty. Mistakes are looked
at as failures rather than as the inevitable, desir-
able, precious and only way of learning to succeed.
Likewise contention is often feared and disap-
proved, whereas organization is of itself in the
nature of contention, and through the expression
of it, a development of concentrated volition.
"To revert to clubs and self determinism ; the
essence of the matter seems to be a consideration
first of the urge or impulse of the person or of
the club to be taught or helped, and an immediate
and insistent relating of that urge to standards
of accomplishment and intergroup responsibilities.
The method is that of providing a trellis of ways
and means upon which may cling the unforced
growth of the vine."
State Park Survey"
BY
RAYMOND H. TORREY
Field Secretary, National Conference on State Parks
State parks are rapidly coming to have their
rightful place as one of the major recreation re-
sources of this country. City parks, the first rec-
reation areas to be created, have long been estab-
lished in most large cities and are being increased
in number and equipment yearly. National park
and forests, within the past twenty years, have
been established on a magnificent scale surpassing
that of any other country, and the use of them
increases yearly. But between the easily acces-
sible but often formal city parks, and the remote
and splendidly wild national preserves comes the
state park, preserving the best scenic and recrea-
tional features of every commonwealth, which
may be readily reached by the people of the various
states and may attract tourists from other parts
of the country.
State park development began about thirty years
ago with the creation of the Adirondack Park in
New York and with the smaller areas in a few
other northern states. The value of state parks
in the development of the recreational resources
of the United States was slightly appreciated at
first, but understanding of their place slowly grew
until it was given impetus by the creation of the
Palisades Interstate Park in New York through a
combination of philanthropy by private citizens
and enlightened support by public officials. The
instant popularity of this park with the millions
of the New York City metropolitan district, gave
the state park movement a momentum which has
increased ever since. This movement has been
especially pronounced since 1921 when state park
directors and supporters organized, for mutual
help and counsel, the National Conference on
State Parks. Its yearly conference, bringing to-
gether state park and forest leaders from all over
the country, showed the annual growth of the
movement, stimulated emulation by the examples
of the forward looking states and helped to es-
tablish high standards of administration.
This movement has been further fostered dur-
ing the present year by a survey of state parks,
'Address given at Recreation Congress, Asheville, N. C., October
5-10, 1925. i
one of several parallel studies in the outdoor rec-
reation field under the general direction of the
National Conference on Outdoor Recreation. The
cost of these studies was financed by several phil-
anthropic foundations, the survey of state parks
being made possible through a grant by the Laura
Spelman Rockefeller Memorial, following out its
policy of encouraging conservational and recrea-
tional activities.
The work of state park enthusiasts during the
early years of the movement seems to have had
a cumulative effect which has come to a wonder-
ful harvest in the past year in many new state park
and forest projects. The survey of state park de-
velopments shows the following situation :
Thirty-three states which have state parks and
state forests: Arkansas, California, Connecticut,
Florida, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas,
Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri,
Maryland, Montana, New Hampshire, New Jer-
sey, Nebraska, Nevada, New York, North Caro-
lina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania,
South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, Wash-
ington, West Virginia, Wisconsin.
Two states which have parks under city or
metropolitan agencies outside city limits, which
are equivalent to state parks in recreational serv-
ice; Colorado, Rhode Island.
Eight states which are now studying programs
for state parks or forests, which will have recrea-
tion use: Alabama, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine,
Mississippi, Oklahoma, Utah, West Virginia.
Three states where the beginning of interest in
state parks or forests was found by the survey:
Georgia, New Mexico, South Carolina.
In only two states, Arizona and Wyoming, was
no present need for state parks felt and the reason
was the same in both cases, that each has so much
of its area in national parks and forests there is no
reason to establish state parks.
In the number of state park areas some states
stand out conspicuously: New York, with 62
tracts, from one to 1,700,000 acres; Michigan,,
with 53 parks, all but one by gift ; Texas, with 51,
all by gift ; Iowa, with 38, many by gift ; Connec-
621
622
LOCAL MUSEUMS
ticut, with 30 ; Minnesota, 20 ; Ohio, with 23 parks.
In the size of state parks, New York leads with
such tracts as the Adirondack Park, 1,700,000
acres; Catskill Park, 160,000 acres; Allegany
Park, 50,000 acres when complete; Palisades In-
terstate Park, 40,000 acres. Pennsylvania comes
next, with 1,100,000 acres of state forest including
state forest parks, several of these forests exceed-
ing 150,000 acres in solid tracts.
Michigan's 51 parks total 750,000 acres. Texas's
51 parks contain 30,000 acres. South Dakota has
one of the finest state parks in the country, sur-
passing some national preserves, in the Custer
State Park in the Black Hills totalling 100,000
acres and on which this state, of less than 700,000
people, has spent $2,000,000.
Notable new projects in 1925 disclosed by the
survey are the acquisition by Indiana for one of
its state parks of the Lake Michigan Dunes, 45
miles east of Chicago, a recreational area which
will be for Chicago what the Palisades Interstate
Park is for New York; the project of Governor
Brewster of Maine to acquire 50,000 acres includ-
ing Mount Katahdin as a great state park ; the pur-
chase by New Hampshire of the virgin forest in
Franconia Notch, to protect the surroundings of
the famous Profile; the beginning of the Calvin
Coolidge state forest in Vermont; the acquisition
of eight state parks, totalling 20,000 acres in Mis-
souri; the assembling of large state forests by
transfer of school lands with National Forest
areas, in Montana, Washington, Oregon and Cali-
fornia.
An important gift to the state park cause was
made by August Heckscher of New York, who
contributed $250,000 to the Long Island State
Park Commission to aid its efforts to secure a tract
of 2,000 acres at East Islip, L. I., as a state park.
Pledges of $450,000 have been accumulated by a
Chicago committee toward a fund of $800,000 to
meet a like sum raised by taxation in Indiana to
buy the Lake Michigan Dunes park. Sums aggre-
gating $750,000 from Mrs. E. H. Harriman and
others were given through the Save the Redwoods
League to add 2,000 acres to the Humboldt state
redwood park in California.
The greater development of the work of the
Playground and Recreation Association of Amer-
ica will certainly do a great deal to offset delin-
quency. Its good influence in the mental as well
as the physical life of the child cannot be over-
estimated.— Dr. Henry Daspit, Professor of Psy-
chiatry, Tulane University
Focal Museums
BY
CHAUNCEY HAMLIN,
Buffalo, New York
Chairman of the President's Conference on Out-
door Recreation and President of the
American Association of Museums
The American Association of Museums has
been engaged through the Rockefeller Institute
with the problem of providing museums in Na-
tional Parks. Under Ansell Hall, chief natural-
ist of the National Park Service, are nature
guides in the various national parks in the west.
In cooperation with this service we have been
making a study of the erection of museums in
national parks and have completed a beautiful
museum building in the Yosemite. Some people
say, "Why museum in parks?" We agree with
them. We have come to the conclusion that the
park itself should be treated as the museum.
Thousands and tens of thousands go into the
great national parks and the local and state
parks with unseeing eyes, and they come away,
having had a pleasant time with outdoor recrea-
tion and fresh air, but how much more joy they
would have had had they seen with seeing eyes
what was there to be seen !
Just to give you a hint of the kind of thing
that we are hoping to bring about in the Grand
Canyon, there is that great spectacle, — a museum
exhibit itself. Why take that into a building and
show a model of it, when you have it before you ?
A short distance away from the middle we hope
to be able to erect along the rim a sort of gallery
of stone that will not be obtrusive at all, and in
that gallery we hope to have a battery of tele-
scopes. The first telescope, for instance, will be
pointed down and fixed; you can adjust it to
your eyes, but it is fixed at the granite ledge a
mile deep, and beside that will be a label which
will tell you a story of the granite ledge. The
next telescope will point at the next ledge and
will tell the story of that ledge, and so on down
this battery of ten or twelve telescopes. Then
there will be one pointed 1,200 feet higher than
where you are on the north rim, and that will
tell you a story.
Halfway down the Bright Angel trail, we shall
have a focal museum, as we call it. On that
HARMON CONTEST POPULAR
623
trail during an excavation made not long ago, the
diggers found in the solid rock the footprints of
animals, fossil footprints in the rocks, going right
underneath that tremendous wall. When were
they made? They were made, of course, when
that rock was laid underneath the sea. You can
get some conception of the age of the earth.
Perhaps we can have a little model of the ani-
mals. If you go on the rim above you can find
footprints of the great dinosaur which came into
being aeons after the little animal that walked on
the rock. That is what we on this Committee
are trying to do in the national park. We are
trying to do other things of the same character
for other national parks, but this is just in the
Grand Canyon.
Why should not this idea be carried out in every
state park or county park system, or large city
park system, fathered by the local national his-
tory museum that may be located in the com-
munity ? Trees should be labelled — not too much.
I should put up a sign saying: "Within fifty feet
of this locality you will find certain trees," and
then make the intelligence of the visitors do your
park work rather than just put your labels on the
trees themselves. Follow that through with your
nature training trail, a trail a quarter of a mile
long, with questions along the way, with answers
which will act as a nature guide. You are guid-
ing yourselves as you go along that trail through
the forest seeing those questions and answers.
You will get a greater understanding of nature
and greater appreciation of the out-of-doors,
which will lead people out into the open in an in-
telligent fashion.
I suggest that you go to a community where
there is a natural history museum and ask the
director if he will cooperate with you in having
some of these little focal museums located around
the neighborhood. In Buffalo we intend to put
a branch focal museum on the edge of Niagara
Falls. Hundreds of thousands of people go there
to view it. Do they know how it came into exis-
tence? Why not tell it there?
Harmon Playground Beau-
tification Contest Meets
Hearty Response
A whole-hearted response greeted the announce-
ment by the Playground and Recreation Asso-
ciation of America, of the Harmon playground
beautification contest. On December 1st, the clos-
ing date for entries, 179 cities, representing forty-
one states and Canada, had entered 312 play-
grounds and athletic fields in the competition.
Twenty-five Harmon playgrounds and athletic
fields joined the contest, showing their disposition
to beautify their grounds as well as to acquire
play space.
Many groups are represented in the entries, in-
cluding a large percentage of municipal depart-
ments, such as recreation commissions, park de-
partments and schools.
Cities from New York, with its millions, to vil-
lages of one hundred or less are entered. The
largest and smallest do not compete with each
other, however, as the contest is divided into three
population groups. Memphis, Tennessee, in en-
tering seventeen playgrounds, has the largest num-
ber of entries from any single community. With
sixteen of its cities entering twenty-seven play
fields, New York State leads in the number of
entries by states. Illinois is second with twenty-
six playgrounds from fifteen communities, and
Pennsylvania third with twenty-five playgrounds
from ten communities. Ten cities have also entered
from South Carolina and Ohio, but the number of
playgrounds entered by these states are sixteen and
twelve respectively. Because of the contest, a
number of cities are beautifying their playgrounds,
although they are not entered as competitiors.
Many civic and social organizations including
the American Legion, American Civic Association,
Rotary, Kiwanis, Women's Clubs, National Con-
gress of Parents and Teachers, as well as land-
scape architects and state departments of educa-
tion, are lending their cooperation to the contest.
624
MOTHER NATURE'S INVITATION
Mother Nature's Invitation
CONDUCTED BY. PROFESSOR W. E. VINAL
TOWN FORESTS
BY
HARRIS A. REYNOLDS
Secretary, Massachusetts Forestry Association
Play is merely a change of occupation, to what
one like to do. If there is a normal boy or girl
who does not enjoy roaming in the forest I have
yet to meet such a one. The Boy Scout and Girl
Scout organizations have been built up largely on
this love of the woods. Unfortunately only a
small part of the boys and gi-rls of the country
belong to such groups and in fairness to those
who do not become connected with these move-
ments the public should provide facilities for
such enjoyment. One fine thing about the town
forests is the fact that idle forest land is cheap,
and thousands of communities in this country
have land of that type that can be bought now for
a song. Once the land is acquired the school
children can build the forest themselves.
Play must first be made interesting. If at the
same time it can be made instructive, it becomes
doubly valuable. The planting of a tree by a child
is an act that it never forgets. That tree holds a
special interest for that youngster but what is
more important it arouses his interest in all trees.
The lack of knowledge of the things of nature
found in the average city school is deplorable. That
knowledge may not be such that the child can
capitalize for his financial gain in the future, but
the pleasure of knowing the trees and shrubs,
birds, flowers, insects and animals, and what they
mean to the human family, will be a source of pro-
fit in after life which money cannot buy. Such
knowledge constitutes a finer, broader, more inti-
mate culture than can be derived from books alone.
In Massachusetts we have town forests where
the school children are taken each year to plant a
few trees, and each class is shown what the class
before has done. Some of these trees planted by
children are now ten to twenty feet high and the
new forest thus created is approaching its man-
hood. This planting of trees is not work for the
children, it is real play — recreation in the open.
Under proper supervision a plan worked out by
the State or City Forester either for planting or
thinning can be carried out by the school children,
and the new forest growing on lands that were
formerly waste and idle will be a source of pride
to the whole community. I can think of no more
fascinating combination of education and play
than the building of a forest and I believe that the
vast majority of the children will agree with me.
In the European town forests I have seen class
after class with teachers out for play and instruc-
tion in the things of nature. Every town forest
should be a game and bird refuge and soon the
wild life becomes one of the chief sources of en-
joyment and instruction in the forest. When the
idea of town forests and all that they mean to the
community becomes known I believe that every
municipality will consider a town forest as essen-
tial as its parks, and other public institutions.
Unlike almost any other town institution the town
forest is self-supporting after it is established on a
producing basis. We must grow our timber if we
are to have lumber in the future and here is a
chance to get a lot of other benefits from the
forest while it is producing our future houses.
Richmond's Community
Fund Pageant
The Community Recreation Association of
Richmond, Virginia, opened the drive for the
city's Community Fund with a pageant entitled
Mother Richmond's Garden Fete. The pageant
was written and directed by Miss Marie Leahy,
drama consultant of the Association.
The sketch Our Folk which preceded the
pageant depicted in a very striking way the family
welfare work being done by some agencies in the
Community Fund. The pageant rtself was in the
nature of a garden party, to which Mother Rich-
mond had invited representatives of the various
organizations in the Community Fund, and also
groups representing the citizenship of the city. It
was one of the most successful presentations ever
given in Richmond.
A feature of the occasion was music furnished
by the Highland Park Community Orchestra or-
ganized by the Highland Park Community Center
a few years ago and now under the auspices of the
Community Recreation Association.
If any city is interested in presenting a pageant
'for a Community Fund drive, the Community
Recreation Association, 1112 Capitol Street, Rich-
mond, Virginia, will be very glad to cooperate in
any way possible.
NATIONAL DRAMA WEEK
625
The Psychology of the
Drama
BY
JAMES EDWARD ROGERS
Dramatic activity is an expression of the in-
nate dramatic instinct found in everyone. It
is a fundamental of life.
Community drama in its broad sense includes
all the varied forms of dramatic expression —
amateur as well as professional productions ;
little theater and community dramatic groups;
the programs of schools , churches and other
community agencies. It is through community
drama that we have the dramatic expresion of all
the people.
Drama has been an integral part of the life
of the group since time immemorial. The savages
in the jungles of Africa or under the palms of the
South Sea Islands have always used the funda-
mental forms of dramatic expression. It is the
channel through which they tell the story of their
tribal life, of marriage and death, of war and
harvest.
Drama has always been a part of the city and of
state life. All the ancient civilizations dignified
and deified the drama as part of their natural life.
No history of Greek civilization would be com-
plete without chapters on the place of the theater
in Greek life. Drama in the form of miracle
plays, masques and rituals has been a great in-
strument in the hands of the church. Today
in many countries in Europe the theater is a
state institution subsidized by taxation.
Drama in a hundred forms is used every-
where; it is a part of our holidays, our com-
munity celebrations, our festivals, of church
gatherings and fraternal parties. It is a vital
part of the individual's mode of communica-
tion. We are constantly expressing anger, fear,
joy, hate, happiness. Dramatic expressions is
the basis of personality. The successful teacher,
minister, lawyer, statesman, politician all play
on this instinct.
Drama, then, is not, as so many conceive it,
merely a form of entertainment for commercial
profit, but a natural, constant and inevitable
medium of human daily expression. As such
it has inestimable values for good or evil. A
few of these values follow.
Dramatic expresion develops leadership through
personality. A minister, teacher or lawyer who
deals constantly with human emotions must be ex-
pert in the psychology of dramatic expression.
Drama is a part of education. Wisely used,
it is a motivating power in education. So we
see it used in our colleges, schools and play-
grounds as a part of a rounded, well-balanced
educational system. It is the agency of real
education because it touches the emotions, the
well springs of action.
Drama is the socializing agency bringing
people together ' with a great unifying power in
pageants, festivals and community celebrations.
Drama is an entertainment — a thing that is
a joy and pleasure. This is one of its primary
purposes.
Drama in its amateur and professional ex-
pression has been used by public institutions
as a means of ethical instruction. This is par-
ticularly true of the masque and miracle play.
The church is still using drama as a means of
religious instruction.
Drama has great power as a citizenship me-
dium. Through music, color and dramatic
action much information can be given new citi-
zens.
Drama as a great cultural force is a tre-
mendous civic asset. It may be used in all its
varied forms and expression to vitalize com-
munity life.
National Drama Week,
February 14-20
The Drama League of America is sponsoring
Drama Week — "devoted to the coordination of
the work of all associations and individuals in-
terested in educating the public to appreciate
and demand good drama, and to awaken the
public to the importance of the theater as a
social force and as a great educational move-
ment."
It is suggested that Sunday be Religious
Drama Day; Monday, the first day of go-to-the-
theater week, Professional Theater Day; Tues-
day, Club and Organization Day; Wednesday,
Drama Books, Magazine and Library Day;
Thursday, Community, Little Theater and Rural
Drama ; Friday, School and College Day.
626
SUCCESSFUL VENTURE
What recreation director in a town of 8,000
would not feel his work was making progress
if 300 people took part in a baseball league or
100 individuals paid $2 apiece to belong to a
gymnasium class? Wouldn't a director get a
thrill out of seeing representatives of all groups
in the community from high school boys and
girls to professional and business men members
of an athletic club? And, finally, wouldn't his
enthusiasm reach a high point if he should find
the year coming to a close with a surplus in the
treasury ?
The Urbana, Ohio, Players under the leader-
ship of Dr. T. T. Brand did all that last year.
This remarkable dramatic movement began in
1922 as part of a Community Service program,
when Percy Burrell conducted a dramatic insti-
tute and produced a community pageant. It
started with thirty five members; in 1924 there
were 750 and they have recently enrolled a thou-
sand for 1925. Each member pays $2 a year
which admits to all performances except the one
special performance during the Christmas holi-
days. No one except members is allowed to
attend the regular performances, but at the one
special performance the public is admitted, the
charge being $1. The Players have been obliged
to give this performance two nights to meet the
demand.
The plays are given in the auditorium of the
town hall with a capacity of 700, which has been
redecorated by the Players. All costumes, set-
tings and lighting effects, are made by members
of the organization, and the only paid person
connected with the Association for the past two
years has been a director employed to give the
finishing touches to the special performance.
The Property Committee scours the country to
get the right furniture, rugs and other furnish-
ings.
Once a month from October through May a
performance of three one act-plays is given.
Eight directors served last year and there was
an average of thirty-five individuals participat-
ing in a performance, including those in charge of
the business and property and as well as those
in the casts.
There is a play reading group of fifty meeting
twice a month and it is this group which has
succcess fully recommended the plays that are
giving new standards of appreciation to the
community, new subjects for conversation and
plays of clean and entertaining value. This
group maintains its own shelf at the public library
and constantly adds to its collection of plays.
Among those plays most successfully pre-
sented have been The Red Owl, by Gillette, The
Old Lady Shows Her Medals, by Barrie, The
Silly Fool, The Choir Rehearsal, The Clod, The
Florist Shop, The Stepmother, The Ghost Story,
Trifles and one three-act play A Little Journey,
by Rachel Crothers.
All the scenery is made by the Players, who
have for stock purposes two complete cyclora-
mas with doors, windows and mantels to match;
also two interior settings, several drop curtains
and a ceiling.
The affairs of the organization are conducted
by an executive committee of the president,
four vice-presidents, a secretary and a treasurer
who are elected annually by the members. They
say in Urbana that every performance reveals
an unknown star, and that the dramatic acti-
vity in public and parochial schools in the city
and surrounding villages as well as in the frater-
nal orders, has been increasing steadily. A
circuit of the near-by cities is being talked of
for the next season.
The total budget last year was about $2,200,
all of which was raised by membership dues and
through the special performance. And best of
all, there is surplus for this year's work.
A few enthusiastic amateurs and volunteers
given a few week's advice and instruction from
a trained expert have made over the cultural life
of a community and given it a place of leader-
ship in dramatics in the state and country far
beyond anything warranted by size alone.
THE POINT OF VIEW
627
The Point of View*
BY
BARRETT CLARK
I have been asked to guide the discussions
today on the subject of amateur dramatic work
in connection with the activities of the field
workers of your Association. I was invited to
supervise certain aspects of these discussions be-
cause, I imagine, I was an outsider, in spite of, or
perhaps because of the fact that I was not very
closely in touch with the work you are doing.
At all events, when your officials invited me
to attend this Congress, they did so because they
must have realized that an outsider might be
able to add something to the discussion which
you, so deeply involved in your own particular
problems, might have overlooked — to restore the
balance, as it were, which with workers like
yourselves, must necessarily, once in awhile, get
out of plumb, for you are all so deeply involved
in your own interesting work that you may per-
haps be in need of an occasional new point of
view.
I need hardly say that you know far more
about your job than I do. What I have learned
about it, especially of what Mrs. Hobbs and
Mrs. Hanley are doing, seems to me wholly ad-
mirable. My small contribution to this work is
simply a point of view.
To begin with, it seems to me that the chief
aim of community drama is not art, but life.
Our viewpoint here is not esthetic, but sociolo-
gical. The modest amateur performances which
it is your chief business to encourage and direct,
may be based upon scientific methods; they may
at their best be highly artistic affairs, but it is
not your function, as I see it, to compete either
with The Little Theater or with Broadway. It
is the function of the The Little Theater and the
best professional . theaters to provide entertain-
ment for a leisured public, while it is the func-
tion of the playground worker to provide
recreation for a far larger and on the whole less
sophisticated public. Let us therefore forget
whatever professional standards we may have,
and apply ourselves to the development of the
purely human element in every dramatic enter-
tainment we undertake.
This is not so difficult as it sounds, if we re-
call for a moment that the drama is — in its
origin — what I might call the least "artificial"
of the arts. I need hardly tell you that it was
one of the very earliest, and remains one of the
most fascinating. For drama springs from our
love of life : it came into being as a result of the
very deepest emotions in the human soul: from
man's religious ecstasy and the very closely al-
lied love of wine. Tragedy, as we know, sprang
from religious rites, and comedy from the cere-
monies celebrated in connection with the harvest.
The plays of all primitive peoples arise from
ecstasy, out of a superabundance of the joy of
life.
It was only in comparatively recent times that
dramatic entertainments became professional-
ized. The amateur antedated the professional by
some thousands of years. We may therefore
regard the professional as a sort of interloper.
The extraordinary interest manifested of late
years in dramatics in this country is not a fad ;
it is no more than a natural and inevitable de-
velopment of a deeply rooted instinct almost as
old as man himself. It can no more go out of
style than blue eyes or an autumn sunset. This
is worth remembering, I think, especially when
we are tempted to try to bring our work a little
closer to the professional standards that are in
the minds of all of us. The amateur and the
professional follow parallel roads, perhaps, but
we must never forget that parallel lines, even if
infinitely extended, can never meet.
It was Synge who understood best of all mod-
ern dramatists that joy was the true aim of the
dramatic poet. The drama, he said, did not
teach or prove anything.
*Mr. Clark, who served as Director of the one-day School
of Dramatics at the Asheville Congress, prefaced the discussion
with these interesting and stimulating remarks.
Glenn Frank in an address before the University
of North Carolina pointed out the idealism of the
World's War period has been chilled and arrested
by a flood of pessimistic thinking. This literature
of despair is inspired by seven distinct fears — the
deterioration of the race; the domination of the
individual by the crowd; the fear that democracy
is a failure; that machinery has become our mas-
ter; that our institutions are too big and compli-
cated to manage ; that another cycle of civilization
fs closing ; that the younger generation is going to
the dogs.
No more hopeful answer to all of these fears is
found than the creative spirit abroad in the new
play and leisure time movement which would free
the human spirit for its finest creative effort.
Suggestions for a St. Patrick's Day Program
The seventeenth of March is kept in memory
of St. Patrick, the apostle of Ireland. Many
countries claim the birthplace of this famous
Saint, but it is generally conceded that he was
born either in Scotland or in Southwestern Brit-
ain. The exact date of his birth is uncertain,
but it is thought to be about the year 386. At the
age of sixteen he was taken captive and sold into
slavery into Ireland. After six years he escaped
and worked his passage to the Continent. He be-
came a very good man and was eventually or-
dained deacon and priest. About this time a
vision is said to have come to him calling him to
preach the gospel in the land of his captivity, and
in the year 432 he was consecrated Bishop of Ire-
land. There are many legends connected with
St. Patrick. Undoubtedly the most popular is the
one which credits him with driving snakes of all
kinds out of Ireland. It is a popular belief that
the shamrock, Ireland's national emblem, was used
by St. Patrick as a symbol when preaching the
doctrine of the Trinity.
Planning a St. Patrick's Day Party
Because of the cheeriness and wit which is char-
acteristic of the Irish people, this day is naturally
thought of as a day of good humor and a party is
quite in order.
Decorations
The colors of the Irish flag — green, orange and
white — usually predominate in decorations and of
course green is thought of always as the typical
Irish color. Festooning of green is very effective.
Dennison's Gala Book includes many suggestions
for table and room decorations and for a St.
Patrick's party. This may be obtained from Den-
nison's Manufacturing Co., Fifth Avenue and
Twenty-sixth Street, New York City. Price, lOc.
A new green festooning is manufactured by this
company which may be twisted on an ordinary
home sewing machine. This may be secured at the
following prices : One-half inch wide, fifteen feet
long, lOc ; four inches wide, ten feet long, 7c.
The Program
The program may be rather formal, including
a play and some Irish songs and dances by people
in costume, after which dancing and refreshments
-may be enjoyed ; or, if a more informal program is
desired, the party described below may be used.
628
Irish Songs
Irish songs are so numerous and popular that
it is scarcely necessary to offer suggestions.
Songs
"Wearing of the Green"
"Believe Me, If All Those Endearing Young
Charms"
"The Harp that Once Through Tara's Halls"
"Kathleen Mavourneen"
"When You and I Were Young, Maggie"
"The Minstrel Boy"
(All the above mentioned songs may be found
in "The Golden Book of Favorite Songs" obtained
from the Playground and Recreation Association
of America, 315 Fourth Avenue, New York City,
Price, 20c.)
A very complete collection of Irish songs is
"Irish Songs" edited by N. Clifford Page, ob-
tained from Charles H. Ditson, 8 East 34th
Street, New York, Price $1.00.
Recitations with Music
"The Low Backed Car" obtainable from Ditson,
8 East 34th Street, New York City, Price, 30c.
"Tit for Tat" by Lalla Ryckoff, obtainable from
Clayton F. Summy, Chicago, 111., Price, 35c.
Irish Poems
There are very few poems written especially
around the life of St. Patrick but there are a great
many very beautiful Irish poems any of which
would be appropriate for this program. Collec-
tions of Thomas Moore's and William Henry
Drummond's poems may be found in almost any
library. "We're Irish Yet" by the latter is a par-
ticularly good one. "Carmina" by T. A. Daly
contains twenty-three exceptional Irish poems.
This is obtainable from Baker & Taylor Co., 55
Fifth Avenue, New York City. Price $1.75.
Irish Dances
"National Dances of Ireland" by Elizabeth
Bruchenal. A. S. Barnes & Company, 7 West
45th Street, New York City; Price $3.00, con-
tains twenty-five traditional Irish Dances with
full directions for performance.
"Clog and Character Dances" by Helen Frost,
A. S. Barnes & Co., $2.60, and "The Folk Dance
Book" by C. Ward Crampton, published by the
ST. PATRICK'S DAY
629
same company, both contain a number of Irish
dances. $2.40.
Irish Plays
One-Act:
Counsel Retained by Constance D. Mackay
from "The Beau of Bath,", two men and one
woman. A charming one-act play in verse written
around the characters of Peg Woffington and
Edmund Burke. The little play pictures this
popular actress seeking refuge from her over-
enthusiastic admirers in a garret chamber which
turns out to be that of the famous Edmund Burke.
Henry Holt & Co., 19 West 44th Street, New
York, price $1.35. May be produced without roy-
alty. For experienced actors
The Gifts of St. Patrick by Mrs. T. E. Watson.
Two men, four women. A play in one act with a
strong religious appeal. Of especial interest to
Catholic groups. The scene is laid in a plain,
old-fashioned sitting room. Mrs. Kelly, a gray
haired blind woman of sixty who has been mis-
judged by her friend and apparently deserted by
her son, has never wavered in her faith and belief
in her beloved St. Patrick. In the climax of the
play, her son returns to her and lost papers, which
exonerate her in the eyes of her friend, are found
behind the picture of St. Patrick. The play is
not difficult to produce and may be given without
a royalty fee. Samuel French, 25 West 45th
Street, New York, price 30c
Spreading the News by Lady Gregory. Seven
men, three women. Scene — Outskirts of a fair,
with apple stall. It would be difficult to find a
finer contribution to a St. Patricks Day program
than this superb farce comedy which shows how
disastrous may be the result of gossip. Samuel
French, 25 West 45th Street, New York, Price
50^ Royalty $5.00
Mrs. Pat and the Law by Mary Aldis. Two
men, two women, small boy. The heroine — a
beaten-up washlady; the hero — her lovable hus-
band ; a little cripple boy who loves his father's
imaginative stories. Mrs. Pat finally decides to
invoke the arm of the law but weakens at the last
moment, tears up the paper and takes Pat to her
heart once more. A whimsical play containing
both pathos and comedy. Walter Baker & Co.,
41 Winter Street, Boston, Mass., Price 35c.
Royalty $5.00
Rising of the Moon by Lady Gregory. Four
men. Light Irish comedy. A policeman on watch
for an escaped prisoner finds his man but the
eloquent prisoner plays on the policeman's patri-
otism so that he is allowed to escape. Samuel
French, 25 West 45th Street, New York, price
50c. Royalty $5.00
Two-Act:
The Twig of Thorn by M. J. Warren. An
Irish folk lore in the manner of Yeats. Six men,
seven women. Oonah breaks the first blossom
from the thorn tree at the crossroads and puts
herself in the power of "the good people" — the
fairies. The minstrel takes the curse upon him-
self, saving Oonah for her lover. Walter Baker
& Co., 41 Winter Street, Boston, Mass., Price 75c
An Informal St. Patrick's Party
Upon arrival, each guest is presented with a
clay pipe with a green bow tied on the stem. The
word Pat and a number are printed on the outside
of the bowl of one set of pipes and Mike and a
corresponding number on the other set. (The
men may be the Pats and the girls Mikes if de-
sired.) Each guest is requested to look inside the
bowl of his pipe. Here he will find a slip of
paper giving instructions to find Mike or Pat, as
the cast may be, who has the same number as
his. He is also told that to get to Ireland they
must go together down the ROCKY ROAD TO
DUBLIN and there, at the Lakes of Killarney,
they may discover, with the aid of their pipes,
what their fortune will be in this new country.
They are further requested on this slip of paper,
to prepare to tell together, when called upon, the
best Pat and Mike story they ever heard.
The Rocky Road to Dublin is well marked.
This may be a long hall or passageway with
various obstructions such as a pail of water to
step over, things hanging from the ceiling to stoop
under, boxes to fall over, a Blarney stone on the
floor which all are instructed to kiss but which
some hidden person pulls away with a string when
one has bent 'way down to kiss it, a saw horse
to climb, a pile of pillows to stumble over, and
any other obstacles.
All emerge into a room labeled LAKES OF
KILLARNEY. Here are three tubs or pails of
soap suds, with HEALTH, WEALTH and
HAPPINESS written on each respectively. Above
them is suspended a green hoop. Each Pat and
Mike put their clay pipes together and blow a
bubble from each tub, tossing it through the hoop.
If it goes through, they will have the fortune
written on the tub.
630
ST. PATRICK'S DAY
From there they enter the next room where
the following games are being played :
The Wcarin' of the Green Form two lines
(Pats and Mikes, if preferred.) At the end of
each line is a pile of clothing, consisting of a
green apron, a green necktie, a green jacket, and
a green hat. The leader of each line starts on a
given signal, goes to the pile, puts on all the ar-
ticles, runs down the outside of his line and up
through the center, takes off the garments, leaves
them where he found them, and returns to place,
after which the next in line follows. The leader of
the winning side may be given a box of green
mints which he may share with his fellow workers.
Irish Potato Relay This may be carried on like
the usual potato relays, except that each guest is
given two flat wooden sticks covered with green
and the potatoes must be carried to the basket
with these two shillalah-like chopsticks, instead of
by hand.
All may now be requested to sit in a circle next
to their partners. The girls are given scissors and
a piece of cork out of which they are asked to
cut a shamrock, and the men are given a potato
and asked to cut out a pig with their penknives.
A prize is given for the best shamrock and the
best pig.
All are now given a minute or two to think
about their jokes, after which the JOKES are
called for around the circle by couples. The
couple who tell the joke should in word and action
be as funny as possible. However, no one else
can laugh, or even smile. If he does he must pay
the forfeit of making up a rhyme for the crowd
on IRELAND.
The Jaunting Car All are seated in a circle.
Someone at the piano plays familiar Irish airs.
When "The Irish Washerwoman" is played,
everyone must get up and turn around and sit
down again. At "Believe Me, If All Those En-
dearing Young Charms" everyone gets up and
walks around his chair and sits down again. At
"The Wearin' of the Green" each changes place
with the person on his right. If anyone fails to
do any of these, he is out of the game and his
chair is taken from the circle. (The piano may
play samples of the airs at the beginning of the
games in order to bring to mind these old familiar
tunes.)
Rhyming Pat All are seated in a circle. Some-
one in the center tells a story about Pat. Each
time he says the word PAT, he points at someone
in the circle and that person must give a word
rhyming with Pat before the one in the center
counts 10. If he fails to do it, he must take the
place of the one in the center.
Pat — The Versatile Paper and pencil may be
given to each guest and the following list of
"PATS" given out to be filled in. A time limit
should be set.
A model Pat (Pattern)
A Pat of noble lineage (Patrician)
A Pat devoted to his country (Patriotic)
A fatherly Pat (Paternal)
A Pat apparent to all (Patent)
Pat — a venerable man (Patriarch)
Pat — a benefactor (Patron)
A green lollipop doll dressed in green crepe
paper may be given to the one who gets these done
first correctly.
Before refreshments, there may be a PAUL
JONES after which all may exit to the dining
room where sandwiches with green filling, cakes
with green icing, coffee, green ice cream and green
mints may be served. Green vegetable coloring
which is perfectly harmless may be secured at gro-
cery stores. A small amount will color a large
quantity.
During refreshments, it adds greatly to the
entertainment if someone can come in in costume
and do a real Irish Jig.
For February Holidays
Suggestions for source material on the celebra-
tion of Lincoln's Birthday, Washington's Birthday
and Valentine's Day may be secured free of charge
in bulletin form from the P. R. A. A.
VOLLEY BALL
631
Volley Ball
SPECIAL RULES USED IN THE PATERSON, NEW
JERSEY, PUBLIC SCHOOL ATHLETIC LEAGUE
L. R. BURNETT, M.D.
Superintendent
Object
The game consists in batting a special ball over
a net which separates opposing teams, the first
team scoring fifteen points being declared the
winner.
Materials
One net 3'x36' placed so that the top is one
foot higher than any player may reach while
standing flat footed ; one volley ball.
A level space 30'x50' with boundaries marked.
Players
Each team shall consist of twelve players who
shall stand in three rows of four each equally dis-
tant on their half of court.
Serve and Rotation
Players shall be numbered and shall serve in
that order. When No. 4 of row nearest net has
finished serving, the front row shall become the
back row and the second row takes the place of
the first. First serve and choice of sides shall
be awarded by the toss of a coin. No. 1 player
is first server and continues as server until that
side makes an error and loses ball. The server
shall stand behind the serving line which is fifteen
(15) feet from net, and may strike the ball with
open hand or fist. If the served ball goes over net
it must be returned by opponents before it has
bounced twice on ground.
If the served ball goes over net to out of bounds
without being touched by receivers, the serving
side loses ball.
(Side Out) If the served ball strikes net it
must then be batted by other players of serving
side before it touches floor twice in order to be
a fair serve over net. If the served ball touches
any player of the serving side except the server
before touching the net, it is "Side Out."
The server shall be allowed a second trial serve
if the first attempt fails to reach the net or goes
out of bounds on serving side of net.
When a ball touches net it is playable again by
anyone as though returned from opponent's side.
Ball in Play
When the ball is fairly served over net it is in
play until one side fails to return it over net either
by batting it before it bounces or after one bounce
on the ground. The ball must be struck upward
with one or both open hands and a player may
touch it twice in succession. If the ball is then
touched by another player the first player may
again touch it. The ball may not bounce twice on
one side before being returned over net.
The side wins which first scores 15 points.
Fouls
Each counts a point or side out : a. Allowing
ball to bounce twice in succession ; b. Causing ball
to go out of bounds and touch ground ; c. Stepping
into opponent's court ; d. Touching net while ball
is in play; e. Catching ball or striking it by any
method except with open hand or hands ; f . Strik-
ing ball on upper side or intentionally causing it
to bounce in own court.
A. F. of L. Voices Friendship. — At the last
annual convention of the American Federation of
Labor the following recommendation was unani-
mously adopted :
"Your Committee believes that playgrounds are
essential, so that children may have ample space
in all communities, to spend their leisure time in
a way that will help them build up their bodies,
so that we may become a strong and healthy
Nation.
"The Playground and Recreation Association
of America was established for the purpose of
aiding the different municipalities to create proper
recreation facilities for the children and adults.
As this Association is doing much good in pro-
moting such work in this country,
"We recommend that the Forty-fifth Annual
Convention of the A. F. of L. go on record as
endorsing the work that the Playground and Rec-
reation Association is doing, and instruct the
Executive Council to cooperate with said Associa-
tion, and have circular letters mailed to all affili-
ated central and federated bodies, advising them
to cooperate with the Playground and Recreation
Movement to establish proper recreational facili-
ties in their communities."
The report of the Executive Council has the
following to say regarding recreation :
632
COOPERATION FROM A. F. L.
The last two conventions have endorsed the
work of the Playground and Recreation Associa-
tion of America and the Executive Council in its
May meeting endorsed in principle the program
of fundamentals advocated by this association.
This program and the whole problem and oppor-
tunity which leisure presents to wage earners
were referred to the committee on education for
study and future report.
Even first efforts to survey the scope of the
problem and find sources of information and
agencies concerned, reveal the ramifications in-
volved and the fundamental importance of the un-
dertaking. Recreation or more properly, re-crea-
tion, is essential to completeness of life. Play is
something more than a pastime — for the child it
is a creative method of which one learns about
things and people; for older persons it combines
imagination, pleasure and the satisfaction of in-
dividual desires and aspiration. But for all ages
play is necessary to balance and for re-creation,
and play should make it possible for every indi-
vidual to meet the threefold needs of his nature —
physical, mental and spiritual. Constructive use
of leisure is preparation for creative work.
Our modern municipal life through both its
work and its home environment makes necessary
collective planning and endeavor to make available
opportunities for recreation. The obviously pri-
mary steps are to provide school and municipal
playgrounds and recreation centers. These should
be provided both for present needs and with re-
gard to probable future population, growth and
city development. In addition to planning for the
material side, there must be centers through which
recreation activities are organized and directed.
This phase of the problem brings us to considera-
tion of the primary elements of city life. Modern
cities are demonstrations of our mechanical tri-
umphs, material progress and quantity production.
But they have lost unity of living and coherence
of group life. Size forbids a community center
in the real sense. Unless there is some way for
people to do together the same things, think the
same things, or together to consider mutual prob-
lems, there can be no real spirit of community.
The problem divides into two main parts : One
providing recreation opportunities that will coun-
teract the effects of the modern city, and the other
looking to future developments of community life.
With the rapidly increasing production of elec-
tric power and the perfecting of long-distance
transmission technique so that distance is practi-
cally a negligible factor, a revolutionary develop-
ment is initiated. Power and machine tools wi
be as available on the farm as in the town. Tb
farm will apply the practices of a machine shop
and the factory may be located in green meadows.
We are in the beginning of a technical revolution
that will work as far-reaching reorganization of
society as did the industrial revolution of the
eighteenth century.
In order to meet this transition in a constructive
way we must have all of the facts of industrial
and social life upon which to base recreation plans.
For recreation in the largest sense concerns not
only leisure hours, but the spirit and surroundings
under which we live and work. There are groups
and undertakings concerned with city planning,
regional planning, garden cities, that are now de-
veloping policies and plans that will determine
future developments.
Recreation is only one of the uses for which
leisure may be utilized. There are innumeral cul-
tural opportunities which people of all groups
desire and need. To realize our democratic ideals,
we must provide equality for such opportunities
for all. This involves planning the material side
of municipal growth as well as for cultural insti-
tutions. Much of municipal planning has been
left to commercial interests. More recently we
have seen the necessity of planning on a basis
that comprehends the whole life of a region that
possesses a unity of fundamental elements.
With material and industrial development
should go the enrichment of the lives of the hu-
man agents. In addition to planning for efficient
development, Labor is anxious that there should
be thought for beauty of surroundings in living
and industrial environment. We want our com-
munity life to have balance, fitness, purpose and
culture that can grow only out of intelligent con-
trol over the environment and forces of life. We
realize that we need to conserve natural resources
and beauty as the essential environment for
civilized life which comprehends both work and
leisure.
The Executive Council has directed the com-
mittee on education to study this whole problem.
I
PAMPHLETS RECEIVED
Milwaukee County Regional Planning Department — First
Annual Report, 1924
Annual Report of the Department of Recreation of
Detroit— 1924
Report of the Westchester County Park Commission —
1925
Thirteenth Annual Report of the Children's Bureau of
the U. S. Department of Labor for the year end-
ing June 30, 1925
GIANT CHECKER BOARD
633
Winter Activities of the
Recreation Division,
Cambridge, Mass.
Four community recreation centers conducted
for adults
Dancing and dramatic classes for children con-
ducted after-school sessions each day
Eleven areas throughout the city flooded for
skating
Six ice hockey rinks enclosed and illuminated
for the playing of games
Municipal toboggan slide (new)
Children's coasting slides erected on larger play-
grounds
Municipal Christmas tree observance
Entertainments at hospitals and city institutions
given by children of the dancing and dramatic
classes during holiday season.
High Spots in Lynchburg's
1925 Recreation Program
Many interesting recreation activities have been
carried on during the past year in Lynchburg, Va.,
under the Department of Recreation and Play-
grounds. City-wide tournaments in marbles,
horseshoes, croquet, kites and volley ball, tennis
and baseball have been conducted. Activities espe-
cially for girls have included basketball, volley
ball and baseball leagues, a tennis tournament,
story telling and a hiking club. Boys' Week and
National Music Week received particular atten-
tion. Easter brought an Easter Egg Hunt, which
was enjoyed by a large crowd of children, and on
July Fourth, interesting programs were arranged
for both white and colored playgrounds. Radio
concerts, community sings, ukulele and play-
ground orchestras have contributed to the city's
music. In the community buildings, one of which
consists of a nine-room colonial home and the
other of a rustic looking one-room building, many
entertainments as well as a number of classes have
been carried on. The two municipal swimming
pools were crowded daily during the summer with
bathers. A recreation institute was also con-
ducted very successfully this year and voted an
annual event in the recreation program. Besides
these activities the Lynchburg Recreation and
Playground Department helped a number of other
organizations to plan their entertainment pro-
grams.
A Giant Checker Board in
Vancouver
Playing checkers on a huge outdoor checker
board, with people rooting on the side lines, has
become a most popular activity in Vancouver,
B. C. From early morning until evening, the
checker board is in use. The first board was con-
structed by the Vancouver Park Commission in
Stanley Park; a second is being put in at the larg-
est children's playground, and it is possible that a
board will be installed at each supervised play-
ground as funds permit. The checker enthusiasts
advocate this game because it teaches concentra-
tion and develops the power of visualizing.
The board, as described in Parks and Recrea-
tion, September-October, 1925, is constructed as
follows :
"Size of playing area, 10 feet square. Overall
size of board, including 2 ft. walk around, 14 ft.
square. Board formed of sixty- four 15 in. black
and white squares. Board to be constructed on
broken rock or cinder base. The walk to be of
concrete 4 in. thick, with bold bullnose on outer
edge, slightly rounded on inner edge, and centre
finished rough. The base of board proper, 10 ft.
square, to be left 1^4 m- below finished walk to
receive squares. The squares to be previously
cast separately as black and white concrete tiles
1^ in. thick, and laid on base, being bedded and
joined in cement. The top half-inch of black tiles
to be composed of one to two cement mortar and
lamp black, the base of one to three fine concrete.
The top half -inch of white tiles to be composed of
Atlas cement and Monterey sand. The "men" or
"pieces" to be of 4 in. wood pipe collars, 5 in. long
or high by 8 in. external diameter; the "kings"
similar but 8 in. long. All have a ^4 m- bolt
through above the middle height. Pieces to be
painted red and green. Two lifting hooks of ^ in.
round iron, about 2 ft. long, are required, and a
box to contain pieces. A low combined fence and
seat should be constructed around board at least
8 ft. distant from board."
On Dominion Day this year, lightning tourna-
ments were held in Stanley Park which proved of
great interest. A game played with human check-
ers, twelve boys and twelve girls dressed in black
and white respectively, was a very effective feature
of the dav.
The Question Box
Q. I am a Girl Scout leader and my girls are
just at the age when the modern play is the only
type which holds the slightest appeal for them.
They have been playing the fairy plays up to this
time and will undoubtedly play them again a few
years later, but right now they want to "have a play
just like themselves." What plays are best for a
group of this type?
A. I know it is impossible to convince girls from
twelve to fourteen years of age that they are not
the most important people in the world and that the
incidents in their life which afford them such in-
tense amusement do not appear to older people as
being unusually humorous! They cannot under-
stand why innumerable plays are not being written
around them. It is easy to answer this particular
question, because a new boarding school play incor-
porating many of the Scout ideas has been written
recently by Mrs. Edey entitled St. John Comes to
Bcncers School. The conversation is so natural
and easy that every girl of this age will delight in
taking part. It is a four act play and contains
comedy, a little pathos and several dramatic situa-
tions. Unfortunately, this play is confined to Girl
Scouts, but we hope that authors will be so much
interested in this need that additional plays of this
type will follow.
Q. What are some of the important things that
little theater groups must consider ?
A. Four of the chief considerations are type of
play, the scenery, the lighting and the acting. The
play must, of course, be fitted to the intelligence
and capacity of the players. The scenery should
have in it the emotional drive sufficient to give
atmosphere and to support the lines of the play
itself. The lighting, too, should be such as to
convey emotional suggestion. The acting will de-
pend upon the material at hand and the quality of
the direction. All these elements must be properly
united in a well-balanced whole or the effect will
be jumbled and uncouth. Too often in little thea-
ters the error is made of having scenery unrelated
to the period or type of play presented.
Q. How is it possible to meet the difficulty of
getting men to take part in plays ?
A. The reluctance on the part of men to take
part in plays is often due to the fact that at the
end of the day they are too tired to come to rehear-
634
sals. This may be overcome by emphasizing with
them group interests and the fun and mental rec-
reation in acting.
Handera ft
Q. What tools are necessary for use in hand-
craft?
A. Coping saws costing ten cents each which
may be secured from the Five and Ten Cent store,
with a larger saw at forty-five cents for advanced
work; razor blades for jackknife whittling (Gil-
lette blades are satisfactory) ; a large half-round
file for use in smoothing down the rough edges of
wooden toys, which may be secured at the Five
and Ten Cent store ; sand papr ; a heavy rasp file,
helpful in taking paper off cigar boxes ; a hammer
with long narrow blades and nail puller; a gimlet
for drilling holes for hubs and wheels; a ruler;
scissors ; compass, Yankee drill ; tin cutter or tin
snips (Five and Ten Cent store) ; a gasket cutter
for making wooden wheels ($2.50 at hardware
stores) ; a vise to file rough edges on wheels; a
large coping saw with separate handles for big
work; a plane and T square (Five and Ten Cent
store).
Q. We have very little money for supplies.
How can we secure them inexpensively ''.
A. Paper companies usually have a good many
colored scraps that they are willing to give for
playground use. This is also true of men's shirt
factories, which are often glad to give obsolete
sample books. Remnants may be secured from
department stores. In some of the Southern cities
wild honeysuckle vines are used instead of raffia.
Q. How may lamp shades be made?
A. In Minneapolis where each week 400 chil-
dren carry on handcraft activities, the following
method is used to make lamp shades :
Over an ordinary wire frame covered with
enamel from the Five and Ten Cent store, stretch
cheesecloth tightly. Cover this with transparent
shellac and permit it to dry. Place Milkweed silk
and seeds in layers on top of the cheesecloth and
stretch over a second piece of cheesecloth, colored,
if desired. Sew the top and bottom or seal with
wax. Shellac this layer and while wet paste on
sprays of crepe paper napkin flowers and sprinkle
with powdered beads.
BOOK REVIEWS
035
Book Reviews
CHOICE RHYTHMS FOR YOUTHFUL DANCERS. By Caro-
line Crawford, with music by Elizabeth Rose Fogg.
Published by A. S. Barnes and Company, New York.
Price $3.00
Caroline Crawford, who has done so much in the ar-
rangement of dramatic games and rhythmic dances for
children, has made another contribution in bringing to-
gether in this volume a collection of folk melodies adapted
from original sources and harmonized for educational
use.
Elizabeth Rose Fogg has adapted and harmonized the
music. The rhythms include processionals and reces-
sionals, rounds, runs and schottisches, skips and polkas,
leaps, gallops and jigs and whirls and waltzes. There
are chapters on the origin of the dance, the psychological
development of dance music and dance rhythms and
suggestions for teachers.
CHRISTMAS SONGS OF MANY NATIONS. Published by
Clayton F. Summy Co., Chicago. Price, 25c
This delightful little book contains words and music
of twenty-eight songs from various nations with sug-
gestions for costumes and for action by the children in
singing the songs.
SCHOOL Music NUMBER, SIERRA EDUCATIONAL NEWS,
December, 1925. Published by the California Coun-
cil of Education, Phelan Building, San Francisco,
California. Single copies, 20c.
Among the articles in this special music issue are : The
Music SuperzHsor's Program, by Karl W. Gehrkens ;
Vocal Music, by S. Earle Blakeslee ; A City-Wide Music
Program, by Estelle Carpenter; Music in Los Angeles,
by Gertrude B. Parsons; Public School and Community
Music, by C. M. Dennis ; Creative Expression in Music,
by Annie M. C. Ostrander; Music in the Home, by Nora
Archibald Smith.
A BOOK OF ORIGINAL PARTIES. By Ethel Owen. Pub-
lished by The Abingdon Press. Price, 75c. An
addition to literature on social recreation
This book presents plans for twelve social occasions
with specific details worked out for each of these parties
from the preparation of the invit.ations to the serving
of the refreshments. The parties described include An
Artistic Party, Travel Party, A House Party, A Color
Party, Babes in Toyland Party, A Farm Party, A
Timely Party, Through the Seasons, Favorites, An
Educational Party, An Everyday Party, A Suggestion
Party. The illustrations consist of suggestive sketches
which may be used in connection with each party.
ORGANIZING, INSTRUCTING AND EQUIPPING THE SCHOOL
BAND. A Manual for Music Supervisors. Published
by Martin Band Instrument Company, Elkhart, In-
diana. Free
This suggestive pamphlet sets forth the experiences of
a number of school supervisors and bandmasters in or-
ganizing school bands. The suggestions are detailed and
practical and a number of problems are discussed which
are pertinent to any plan for developing bands in schools.
OUTDOOR BOY CRAFTSMEN. By A. Neely Hall. Published
by Lothrop, Lee & Shepard Co. Price, $2.50
This is the eighth volume on handicraft by A. Neely
Hall but his first devoted exclusively to out,door handi-
craft. It will make a tremendous appeal to the outdoor
boy interested in constructing pushmobiles, stilts, bird
houses, hiking kits, ice yachts, radios, surf boards and
all the various articles which add so greatly to the joy
of life. There are over 600 illustrations and working
drawings which add to the usefulness of the book.
The crowing interest in handicraft in connection with
the recreation program with the present day emphasis on
KELLOGG SCHOOL
OF
PHYSICAL
EDUCATION
Broad field for young women, offering at-
tractive positions. Qualified directors of
physical training in big demand. Three-
year diploma course and four-year B. S.
course, both including summer course in
camp activities, with training in all forms
of physical exercise, recreation and health
education. School affiliated with famous
Battle Creek Sanitarium — superb equipment
and faculty of specialists. Excellent oppor-
tunity for individual physical development
For illustrated catalogue, address Registrar.
KELLOGG SCHOOL OF
PHYSICAL EDUCATION
Battle Creek College
Box 255 Battle Creek, Michigan
Please mention THE PLAYGROUND when writing to advertisers
636
BOOK REVIEWS
GROWN FOLKS AND CHILDREN ENJOY THE GAME OF HORSESHOE
The photograph above of the Fell Avenue Community Playground at Bloomington, Illinois, illustrates an interesting crowd of horse-
shoe pitching fans. National Lady Champion Pitcher, Mrs. Lanham, is shown in the picture together with many youthful enthusiasts,
who crowd the playgrounds daily. The three courts are in use nearly all the time.
DIAMOND OFFICIAL HORSESHOES
Conform exactly to regulations of the National Horseshoe
Pitchers Association.
Drop forged from tough steel and heat treated so that they
will not chip or break. Cheap shoes which nick and splinter are
dangerous to the hands.
One set consists of four shoes, two painted white aluminum
and two painted gold bronze, each pair packed neatly in a
pasteboard box.
Diamond Official Stake Holder and Stake
For outdoor as well as indoor pitching. Holder drilled at
an angle to hold stake at correct angle of slope toward pitcher.
Best materials, painted with rust-proof paint underground,
white aluminum paint for the ten inches above ground.
Write for Catalog and Rule* of the Game
DIAMOND CALK HORSESHOE CO.
4610 Grand Ave., Duluth, Minn.
DIAMOND STAKES AND
STAKEHOLDERS
DIAMOND OFFICIAL.— Mid* In weights 2U
Ibs., 2 Ibs. 5 oz.. 3 Ibs. 8 oz.. 2 Ibs. 7 oz..
2% Ibs.
DIAMOND JUNIOR. — For Ladies and Children.
Made in weights. 1ft Ibs.. 1 Ib. 9 oz.. 1 Ib.
10 oz.. 1 Ib. 11 oz.. 1*4 Ibs.
special events and tournaments make this book of great
value to recreation workers.
TEACHING OF INDUSTRIAL ARTS IN THE ELEMENTARY
SCHOOL. By Oscar L. McMurry, George W. Eggers
and Charles A. McMurry. Published by The Mac-
millan Company, New York. Price, $2.40
For the craftsman who is interested in the educational
value of industrial arts, whose purpose it is not only
to help children produce articles but to bring motor ac-
tivity into close relation with thought, this book will
appeal as a contribution of fundamental value. The
chapters on Richness of Thought in This Field and the
Value of the Aesthetic Element are strong pleas for the
enrichment of life through the beauty and expression
which the practice of art supplies. These are followed
by two illuminating chapters on Hotv We Think Out
Designs and How We Think Out Decorations. Next
comes a vast amount; of practical information on the
Unit of Construction, Methods in Class Room Work and
Qualifications of Art Teachers.
Part Two is devoted to Courses in Woodwork and
in Bookmaking in which very definite information is
given on toy making and the construction of many kinds
of articles and in bookmaking. Many line drawings and
illustrations add to the practical value of the book.
A KNIGHT OF THE PINEY WOODS. By Arthur MacLean.
Published by Appleton & Co., 35 West 32nd Street,
New York. Price, 50c
A one-act play including four men and one woman in
which reality and fantasy walk hand in hand. Chris, a
day dreamer, the son of a grizzled old "piney woodser"
is able through the appeal of a book which he has mas-
tered with great difficulty to bring into his commonplace
life visions of another world which he shares with his
little friend, Marty. Every-day life is strongly repre-
sented in the death of Clem Allen, the ne'er do well
moonshiner and the exposing of Deacon Busby, the smug
righteous man with few high principles.
This play, which was first; presented by the Blackfriar
Players of the University of Alabama, is especially
adapted to high school and community groups.
ONE ACT PLAYS FOR STAGE AND STUDY. Preface by
Walter Pritchard Eaton. Published by Samuel
French. Price, $3.15
In this volume will be found a compilation of twenty-
one contemporary plays, never before published in book
form, by American, English, Irish. French and Hun-
garian writers. Among them are The Drums of Oude
by Austin Strong. Young America by Pearl Franklin
and Fred Ballard. The Man Wlw Died at Twelve
O'Clock by Paul Green, Among Thieves by William
Gillette, The Idealist by Oliphant Down, The Host by
Ferenc Molnar.
PLAY EQUIPMENT FOR THE NURSERY. By Neva L. Boyd.
Published by the Barbara Alice Fund, The Chicago
Association of Day Nurseries, Chicago. Price, $.10
postpaid.
What are the playthings and play equipment needed
for babies and little children ? This question is answered
by Miss Boyd in this practical pamphlet which suggests
not only the articles but ways of constructing a number
of toys and nieces of apparatus suggested. The sketches
accompanying the descriptions make them more workable.
For home play activities, the pre-school program and
for little children's corners on the playgrounds, the sug-
gestions will be exceedingly valuable.
Please mention THE PLAYGROUND when writing to advertisers
BOOK REVIEWS
637
THE SCHOOL THEATRE. A Handbook of Theory and
Practice. By Roy Mitchell. Published by Bren-
tano's, New York. Price, $1.75
Not only school groups but every amateur producing
group will find it helpful to have this discussion of Mr.
Mitchell's on the technique of the theater. While cos-
tume and make-up, stage lighting, choice of plays and
adaptation to conditions come in for their share of dis-
cussion, the construction and painting of scenery are
given major attention. The result is a detailed and prac-
tical treatise on the subject of scenery. Twenty illustra-
tions show the various processes. A helpful section is
one giving a list of places where it is possible to purchase
plays and all theatrical appliances and material.
SHORT PLAYS. Selected and Edited by James Plaister
Webber and Hanson Hart Webster. Published by
Houghton Mifflin Company. Price $2.00
Twenty short plays listed as Plays of Fancy, Plays
with (/ Literary Background, and Plays Based on His-
/orv, and Tradition have been brought together in this
book. In addition there are suggestions to students and
teachers on play reading and studying, play writing, act-
ing and producing and notes on plays and authors, all
of them sufficiently definite to be of real help. A section
entitled li'orkiny Lists is also of practical value. Authors
and publishers have permitted the reprinting of copy-
righted material with the stipulation that these plays are
to be used onlv for classroom work.
INSTRUMENTAL Music IN THE SCHOOLS OF ROCHESTER
AND LOUISVILLE. By Jay W. Fay. Published by
National Bureau for the Advancement of Music, 45
West 45th Street, New York.
In this pamphlet Mr. Fay tells the story of the develop-
ment of the instrumental program in the schools of
Rochester where Mr. George A. Eastman, who has con-
tributed so largely to the musical opportunity of the city,
gave to the schools 426 musical instruments. These are
loaned to the players on a bond which makes them re-
sponsible for their care and safe return.
There are in all fifteen grade school orchestras, with
two more in Union Schools. In each of the three Junior
High Schools there is a Junior and a Senior orchestra
and a band, and in each school there is a free activities
period with a band club, an orchestra club and a violin
class. The two Senior High Schools each have a Junior
and Senior orchestra, a large orchestral group made up
of the two combined and a band. Beyond the Senior High
School there are a festival orchestra and a band which
give several public performances.
The instrumental situation in Louisville was entirely
different from that of Rochester, for it was a case of
"making bricks without straw," the problem being to get
the children and the public to want instrumental instruc-
tions in school and to cooperate in financing it.
The beginning was made with violin classes. Chil-
dren were interested by talks and demonstrations of the
violin, parents were interested through the meetings of
the Parent-Teacher Association, dealers were invited
to put violins on sale at fair prices and classes were
formed at once.
The children were grouped in classes of 15, made up
when possible from a single school or from two or more
nearby schools. For the lessons a fee of 20^ was charged,
payable in advance for a term of 18 lessons. From the
money secured in this way teachers were paid. Classes
in all wind instruments and in drums were offered free
on Saturday mornings. Children were encouraged to
hunt up instruments .in the family and use them. For
those who did not have instruments, a scheme of coopera-
tive buying was proposed, which, by pooling a large num-
ber of individual orders, made possible the purchasing
of instruments at a reduced cost. Later grade school
orchestras were formed in the various schools and to
create interest in the program, a demonstration was given
which made many friends for the movement.
JUNGLEGYM
CLIMBING STRUCTURE
with the Spalding Guarantee!
ABSOLUTELY SAFE!
No danger of falling — always several bars
at hand to seize
No interference or quarreling — space for
all
Wonderful Exerciser — all upper body with
arms overhead
Tremendously popular — instinctive with
children to climb about
PLAYGROUND DEPARTMENT
Chicopee, Mass.
Please mention THE PLAYGROUND when writing to advertisers
638
AT THE CONVENTIONS
Where Large
Numbers of
Children
Gather
in open places Solvay Calcium Chloride should be applied to the surface in order
10 prevent discomfort caused by dust.
SOLVAY CALCIUM CHLORIDE
is being used as a surface dressing for Children's playgrounds with
marked satisfaction.
It will not stain the children's clothes or playthings. Its germicidal property is a
feature which has the strong endorsement of physicians and playground directors.
Solvay Calcium Chloride is not only an excellent dust layer but at the same time
kills weeds, and gives a compact play surface. Write for New Booklet 1159 Today!
THE SOLVAY PROCESS COMPANY
WING & EVANS, Inc., Sales Department 40 Rector Street, New York
At the Conventions
At the conference on Modern Parenthood held
in New York, October 26th to 28th, under the
auspices of the Child Study Association of Am-
erica, Inc., one of the many subjects discussed
was the child and his leisure. Dr. Miriam Van
Waters of Los Angeles spoke on the subject of
Youth and Play-time.
"Leisure begins," said Dr. Van Waters, "when
a child for the first time is thrown on his o.wn re-
sources. Wrong-doing is largely due to the fail-
ure of adults to stimulate the child's interest in
proper channels. Social workers now have a new
objective or responsibility. They face the prob-
lem of organizing community life for the adoles-
cent. If they are wise, this is the one time when
through the proper use of leisure they can bring
together everything tending toward the better
development of the community.
Dorothy Canfield Fisher spoke of the important
bearing new knowledge is having on child rearing
and the hope of what knowledge may mean to all
mankind.
A child not only wants activity but must have
it just as the fish must have water. The child
must see some reason for what he is doing. We
know it is bad to feed pickles and coffee to the
child. So work for which the child can under-
stand no reason may kill the child's spirit.
Many business men today feel that the real
thing is to produce more goods. The youngsters
who are growing up today are no longer going
to accept this philosophy. The child cares more
for building, for doing, than he does for posses-
sion, and many of the youngsters are going to
keep this spirit as they grow up.
The knowledge which we are gaining of the
child, we may soon carry over and apply to our
thinking with reference to problems of adult life.
Men not using their faculties, not using parts
of their bodies and parts of their spirits may find
that these parts not used atrophy just as much as
the appendix.
Getting right living conditions for children
may be getting right conditions for all adults too.
We are beginning to try to understand the child
before we try to direct him. We may want finally
to understand men before we govern them.
Being a baby no longer means having colic.
Being a boy no longer means having a daily tan-
trum. Being a man soon may not mean sending
Please mention THE PLAYGROUND when writing to advertisers
MAGAZINES OF INTEREST
639
SPECIAL COMBINATION OFFER
THE ATHLETIC JOURNAL
A magazine for athletic coaches and physical directors
THE PLAYGROUND
A monthly magazine on recreation
$1.50
Per Year
$2.00
Per Year
Total $3.50
Thess magazines taken together $2.60
Send your
Subscription to
THE PLAYGROUND
315 Fourth Avenue
New York City
life working at uninteresting jobs in order to ob-
tain tbe means of having an uninteresting life.
The discussion at the Eighth Annual Country
Life Conference held at Richmond, Virginia, in
( )ctober had to do with Needed Readjustments in
Rural Life Today, the main issue being the inter-
relation of the farmer's income with his standard
of life. Dr. Kenyon L. Butterfield, President of
the Conference, defined standard of life as having
to do largely although not wholly with spiritual
things — brotherhood, community spirit, the spirit
of chivalry in one's attitude toward life including,
of course, religion. "I think," he said, "that we
must emphasize these spiritual standards not only
as an end in themselves but as a spring of action,
even economic action. All our ideals and visions
and dreams in the end are what constitute life,
and while, on the one hand, they will have a pow-
erful influence upon income and standards of liv-
ing, they are also a direct challenge to living vic-
toriously under any standards of income and
living."
Three hundred and fifty people registered at the
Conference. For the second time in its history
the group made use of the discussion method.
Let the Drama League Help
Solve Your Production Problems
DRAMA LEAGUE OF AMERICA
59 EVan Buren Street, CHICAGO, ILL.
The Child's First Books"
By Elsa H. Naumburg
explains the principles which should govern the
choice of books for the pre-school child. It con-
tains over 400 titles, with a foreword
By DR. ARNOLD GESELL
Price 35 cents.
CHILD STUDY ASSOCIATION OF
AMERICA, INC.
509 West 121st Street, New York City
A Twentieth Century Fair
By Margaret Mochrie
An up-to-date comedy prepared especially to
meet the demand for a non-royalty play which can
be given without an experienced director. It is
rich in humour and elastic enough to allow a large
number of participants of varying ages. The action
takes place at a County Fair and plays about an
hour and a half. The principal theme is a story
of young love with a novel situation as the climax.
Price, 50 cents.
Playground and Recreation Association of America
315 Fourth Ave., New York City
Chicago Normal School
of Physical Education
Accredited two-year course preparing Girls to become
Directors of Physical Education, Playground Supervisors,
Dancing Teachers, Swimming Instructors. Excellent Faculty.
Fine Dormitories. Students who can qualify for second
Semester Junior Class may enter mid-year term starting
February 8.
For catalog address
BOX 45, 5026 GREENWOOD AVE., CHICAGO, ILL.
Please mention THE PLAYGROUND when writing to advertisers
640
OUR FOLKS
Circle Travel Rings
A CHILD'S PRINCIPAL
BUSINESS IS PLAY
Let us help to make their play
Profitable
Put something new in your playground.
On the Circle Travel Rings they swing from ring
to ring, pulling, stretching and developing every
muscle of their bodies. Instructors pronounce this
the most healthful device yet offered.
Drop a card today asking for our complete
illustrated catalog.
Patterson-Williams Mfg. Co,
San Jose, California
Our Folks
Jacksonville, Florida, has recently initiated a
music department in the year-round municipal
recreation system. John Townsend of Ander-
son, South Carolina, will be in charge.
Ian Forbes, formerly Director of Community
Service in Huntington, West Virginia, has re-
cently been employed as Director of the new
Community House in Moorestown, New Jersey.
He will begin his work February 1st.
G. S. deSole Neal, formerly Superintendent
of Recreation in Pontiac, Michigan, has been re-
cently employed as Superintendent of Recreation
in Birmingham, Alabama.
Paul Lynch, formerly Director of Community
Service in Barre, Vermont, has recently secured
the appointment of Director of Recreation in the
City of Camden, New Jersey.
Miss Vivian Wills, formerly Director of Com-
munity Service in Leominster, Massachusetts, be-
gan work as Director of Community Service in
Lawrence, Massachusetts, January 1st.
Miss Carolyn E. Hannigan, who has been on
the municipal recreation staff in Worcester, Mas-
sachusetts, has recently been employed to succeed
Vivian Wills as Director of Community Service
in Leominster.
Please mention THE PLAYGROUND
Playground and Recreation
Association of America
JOSEPH LEE, President
JOHN H. FINLEY, First Vice-President
WILLIAM KENT, Second Vice-President
ROBERT GARRETT, Third Vice-President
GUSTAVUS T. KIRBY, Treasurer
HOWARD S. BRAUCHER, Secretary
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Mrs. Edward W. Biddle, Carlisle. Pa.; William Butterworth.
Moline, 111.; Clarence M. Clark, Philadelphia. Pa.; Mrs. Arthur
G. Cummer, Jacksonville, Fla.; F. Trubee Davison, Locust Valley,
N. Y.; Mrs. Thomas A. Edison, West Orange, N. J.; John H.
Finley, New York, N. Y.; Hugh Frayne, New York N. Y.; Robert
Garrett, Baltimore, Md. ; C. M. Goethe, Sacramento, Cal.; Mrs.
Charles A. Goodwin, Hartford, Conn.; Austin E. Griffiths. Seattle,
Wash.; Myron T. Herrick, Cleveland, Ohio; Mrs. Francis deLacy
Hyde, Plainfield, N. J.; Mrs. Howard R. Ives, Portland, Me.;
Gustavus T. Kirby, New York, N. Y.; H. McK. Landon. Indian-
apolis, Ind.; Robert Lassiter, Charlotte, N. C.; Joseph Lee, Boston,
Mass.; Edward E. Loomis, New York, N. Y.; J. H. McCurdy,
Springfield, Mass.; Otto T. Mallery. Philadelphia, Pa.; Walter A.
May, Pittsburgh, Pa.; Carl E. Milliken, Augusta, Me.; Miss Ellen
Scripps, La Jolla, Cal.; Harold H. Swift, Chicago, 111.; F. S.
Titsworth, New York, N. Y.; Mrs. J. W. Wadsworth. Jr., Wash
ington, D. C.; J. C. Walsh, New York. N. Y.; Harris Whittemore,
Naugatuck, Conn.
when writing to advertisers
Henry Ford's Old-Time Orchestra
plays these Old-Time Dance Tunes
in a way to charm Old and Young
alike to the center of the floor
Fun! — with a oneness of mood '
that's intoxicating. The exquisite
novelty of these old-time dances
to the old-time dancing tunes
captures young and old alike!
Country dances with a "Swing
your partners," "Down center
and back!" Colonial dances
with schottische, polka . . . pom-
padours and frilly laces meeting
in that gay, sweeping curtseying
to one another! Henry Ford's
Old-Time Orchestra plays these
Old-Time Dance-tunes in a way
to charm folks into dancing, joy-
oUs life. Victor Records in their
marvelous, faithful recording,
put Henry Ford's Orchestra-
all but the players themselves—
into your playground or com-
munity midst. Tuneful, merry,
rich with rhythmic inducement.
That melodious, laughing fric-
tion of fiddle and bow! Dance-
blood that's been brooding in-
side folks for centuries stirs,
wakes — can't help itself, before
these records. Hear them. They
are unique in being so authenti-
cally of the fragrant long ago.
Use them for social gatherings
that are truly social. Any store
selling Victor products will give
you a generous hearing.
(a) Schottische. ) ^ inftA^ 1A • u
(b) The Ripple. } No' 19907' 10-inch'
(a) Over the Waves. ) T^T mono in :
(b) Old Southern Waltz. } No' l °8' *
(a)
(b)
(a)
(b)
Sea Side Folks | No 19909 10.inch.
Heel and Toe Polka, j
Badger-Gavotte.
Varsovienne.
)
j
10.inch.
If you want to know more about Victor
Records or Victrolas for community recreation,
education, play . . . write,
THE EDUCATIONAL DEPARTMENT
VICTOR TALKING MACHINE CO.
CAMDEN, NEW JERSEY, U. S. A.
Please mention THE PLAYGROUND when writing to advertisers
641
642
The Playground
VOL. XIX, No. 12
MARCH, 1926
The World at Play
Memorial Playgrounds in Anoka, Minne-
sota.— On the death of George H. Goodrich,
President of the Kiwanis Cluh, it was voted hy the
Club to purchase Block Two of the City of Anoka
adjoining a block already owned by the municipal-
ity and to cooperate with the city officials in de-
veloping both blocks for playground purposes. As
soon as plans have been worked out, the ground
owned by the Kiwanis Club will be deeded to the
City.
Greensboro, N. C., Receives Gift. — In
Greensboro, N. C., about 300 acres of land, worth
a quarter of a million dollars, have been donated
by public spirited citizens for park and recreation
purposes. A bond issue will be voted on in the
fall to equip this land properly for the purpose
for which it was given.
Thousands on K. of C. Playgrounds. — Five
thousand (5000) children in Rome, Italy, will find
healthy recreation on the playgrounds of San
Lorenzo alone. The entire expense of the San
Lorenzo playgrounds and the Gelsomino Hill
ground is borne by the Knights of Columbus.
National Playingfields Association Reports
Progress. — The plans of the National Playing-
fields Association of Great Britain for the organi-
zation of county branches are meeting with encour-
aging results. Although this program has been
in operation only a few months, organization has
been completed in one county, organization meet-
ings have been definitely called in six counties,
and eleven others are arranging for such meetings
in the near future. It is expected that by the end
of 1926 all county organizations will have been
established and functioning.
The service of the National Playingfields Asso-
ciation of Great Britain and its county branches
will be devoted primarily to land problems. In ad-
dition to the educational program for the securing
of additional playingfields, the Association will
give service in connection with existing grounds
to improve the layout and equipment, and to adapt
them to more intensive use.
- • i
Our American Forests. — American Forest
Week, under the auspices of the American Tree
Association, will be held in April. To mark 1926,
the semi-centennial of the first step in forestry in
the United States Government, the Forestry
Primer will be published, setting forth important
statistics that show how great a part forest prod-
ucts play in our economic scheme. The Primer
suggests means of utilizing so-called waste acreage
near cities so that the community can set this land
to work, planting trees, using it as a sanctuary for
wild life, making of it a place for rest and recrea-
tion, and finally drawing upon it for a supply of
wood for the common good.
The Association from its headquarters, 1214
Sixteenth Street, Northwest, Washington, will
send a copy of the Primer to any organization and
committee requesting it. A three-cent stamp to
cover the cost of postage should accompany the
request.
A New National Association. — A National
Association for the study of the Platoon or Work-
Study-Play School Organization has been organ-
ized for the purpose of making a scientific study of
the problems of this form of organization and of
gathering and disseminating data. Charles L.
Spain, Deputy Superintendent of the Schools, De-
troit, is president of the new organization ; Miss
Alice Barrows, of the U. S. Bureau of Education,
secretary.
The First National Conference of the Asso-
ciation was held in Washington on February 22-23.
"May Day Is Every Child's Day."— The
American Child Health Association urges the
celebration of May Day as a day of stock-taking
and encouragement to greater activity in the con-
servation of child life. May Day of 1926 is the
643
644
THE WORLD AT PLAY
third of these celebrations. This year attention is
to be focussed upon the perfect child physically.
Every community is urged to examine its chil-
dren, see what is needed to build up the bodies and
set in motion some endeavor looking toward that
goal.
First Annual Report. — The Recreation Com-
mission of Bristol, Virginia, in issuing its first re-
port, gives the figure $.038 as the maintenance cost
per person participating in the program.
Record Keeping at Owosso, Michigan. — An
important piece of equipment at the Owosso Com-
munity Center is a board showing six pyramid
style perpetual records of games. The name at
the top of the pyramid is that of the champion
and any competitor may challenge any other
whose name appears on the row above his. By
this method there is always competition for the
championship without any necessity for all play-
ers being present.
New Facilities for Fort Worth. — The City
of Fort Worth, Texas, recently allotted $170,000
of a $7,500,000 bond issue to be used for recrea-
tion purposes. Out of this it is planned to build
two swimming pools at an approximate cost of
$40,000 each and a community center at a cost of
$50,000. The community center is to be used pri-
marily for winter sports and will have a large
basketball playing area of 70x111 feet, a stage at
one end for concerts and dramatics and at the
other end on one side of the entrance recreation
office room; on the other side concession stands.
Under the bleachers will be dressing rooms, shower
rooms and similar facilities.
Pittsburgh's Appropriation Increased. —
The City Council of Pittsburgh has granted to the
Bureau of Recreation an increase in the appropria-
tion for 1926 of approximately $75,000, creating
thirty-nine new positions, and making possible the
most liberal provision for supplies, equipment and
repairs which the Bureau has had in years.
Attractive Report from Union County Park
Commissioners. — The Union County Park Com-
mission of New Jersey has recently issued a re-
port for 1923-24-25. The parks are notable for
their beauty and the report, with its lovely illus-
trations of park facilities and park views, is most
attractive. Much valuable information is given
regarding the work of the Park Commission,
whose personnel has remained unchanged since its
appointment in 1921, the acquisition of park lands
and the facilities in the various reservations. The
county park system includes the Watchung Reser-
vation, Rahway River Parkway, Warinanco Park,
Elizabeth and Roselle, Cedar Brook Park, Plain-
field, Echo Lake Park, John Russell Wheeler Park,
Linden, and Elizabeth River Park.
An Unusual Annual Report. — The Annual
Report of the Milwaukee Amateur Athletic Asso-
ciation conducted by the Extension Department of
the Milwaukee Public Schools, with the coopera-
tion of the Park Commissioners and the Depart-
ment of Public Works, is an unusually interesting
document. The book is made up entirely of
mimeographed sheets in cardboard covers, the re-
port on each sport being featured by a different
colored cardboard bearing an appropriate design
which is also mimeographed. Aquatics, Baseball,
Basket Ball, Football, Horseshoes, Indoor Base-
ball, Skating, Soccer, and Track and Field are the
sports on which detailed information is given.
Under each sport are classifications, official records
and standings, events, attendance, and informa-
tion of various kinds of great interest to members
of the Association. A "Do You Know That" page
appearing in connection with a number of the
sports is an interesting and intriguing addition to
the report.
Recreation Makes Progress in Santa Mon-
ica.— In January Santa Monica, California, with
a population of 30,000, voted bonds of $75,000 for
the purchase of Clover Field for a recreation park
and air port. This, the friends of recreation in the
city state, is only the beginning and an effort will
be made to acquire a large amount of beach front-
age now privately owned.
During the past year Santa Monica secured a
gift of $25,000 for a recreation building; the City
established three playgrounds and the School
Board operated ten after-school playgrounds and
two evening centers. In addition five year-round
playgrounds are being operated by Community
Service. On January 1st, Robert Munsey became
year-round Superintendent of Recreation.
In One City in Florida. — Though the public
recreation system has been in operation in Sara-
sota, Florida, only since November 6th, 1925, it
THE WORLD AT PLAY
645
has made an important place for itself. One of
the most remarkable developments has been along
the line of tennis tournaments for boys, girls, men
and women. Interest in basketball, checkers and
horseshoe has assumed large proportions and
handcraft, drama and ukulele classes are flourish-
ing. An extensive service is carried on for tour-
ists.
D. B. Wright is Superintendent of Recreation
under the Department of Public Recreation.
Another Year-Round City. — Bartow, Flor-
ida, with a population estimated at 8,500, has been
added to the list of cities conducting year-round
recreation systems. As the County seat, and the
center of rural population and of the phosphate
mines, Bartow occupies a strategic position. A
Board of Public Recreation has been appointed
and Dean K. Gardener employed as Superinten-
dent of Recreation.
A Proposed Plan for Detroit. — A play cen-
ter in every square mile of the city is the objective
of a playground program recently presented to the
Council of the City by C. E. Brewer, Recreation
Commissioner. Each of the forty-three public
playgrounds proposed would be from fifteen to
thirty acres in area and developed with schools,
picnic groves, tennis courts, baseball diamonds,
football fields and playground ball courts. In
winter skating rinks would be provided. Devel-
opment of the entire program of forty-three new
play fields and three or more new parks would fol-
low over a number of years, ten new recreation
centers being in the commissioners' budget for
1926-27. The new program would more than
double the number and area of the present thirty-
five independent playgrounds with an area of 229
acres and sixty school playgrounds.
Captain Henry W. Busch, Commissioner of the
Department of Parks and Boulevards, is planning
for the coming year's budget to request money for
building two new 18-hole golf courses — a mini-
mum of $1500 per hole is the estimated cost of
construction.
Playgrounds and Accidents. — John A. Egan,
President of the Board of Recreation of Pater-
son, New Jersey, in his annual report to the
citizens of Paterson, tells of a study of accidents
in that city for a ten months' period in 1925.
The study shows a total of 616 accidents.
"In spite of the fact," says Mr. Egan, "that
children have more time to themselves during the
summer, because of vacation and of daylight-
saving, we have had fewer accidents during July
and August when our playgrounds are open full
time than in any other months." Another inter-
esting fact is that most of the accidents occur
in clear weather and in the day time. Moral :
Buy playgrounds — Keep children off the streets
—Prevent accidents!"
In 1925 Paterson appropriated $45,750 for the
purchase of three plots of ground for playgrounds.
The purchase of ten other properties has been
recommended by the Board of Recreation.
At Lions' Field, San Antonio. — Lions' Field,
the playground donated to the City of San An-
tonio by the Lions' Club and conducted under
the leadership of R. C. Oliver, Supervisor of
Children's Playgrounds, has made a report for
the period September 14, 1925 to January 1, 1926,
which shows an active program. In addition to
football, regulation baseball and indoor baseball
and volley ball, there have been story hours once
a week, folk dancing, pet shows, ping-pong tour-
naments, coaster contests and similar activities.
Shelves for the library balcony have been donated
by the Lions' Club, and a branch of the Carnegie
library will soon be in operation.
Open House Week at the Irene Kaufman
Settlement. — Open house week at the Irene
Kaufman Settlement in celebration of its thirty-
first anniversary was a notable occasion. A ten-
day program marked the celebration, which opened
with a presentation of two of Stuart Walker's
plays by members of the girls' clubs. At the
same time the young boys held a gymnasium
stunt night. The neighborhood art school exhibit,
which continued during the period of the celebra-
tion, was a revelation of beautiful handcraft.
Athletic trophy and gymnasium stunt night for the
older boys and productions by the Little Theater
of the section were among other special events.
The annual neighborhood reception and tea was
particularly enjoyable this year with its program
of Yiddish folk songs and Russian, Rumanian,
Polish and Hungarian folk dances. The out-
standing event of the week was the presentation
of the Irene Kaufman Settlement Chauve Souris
as the Founder's Day entertainment. In this col-
orful production were introduced drama, dancing
and music.
A Report of Dramatic Work Accomplished.
— The Children's Theater of Greenwich House,
646
THE WORLD AT PLAY
New York, recently presented two plays. The
first, The Real Princess, was based on an old
story which the children themselves had drama-
tized and for which they had worked out the
costumes. The staging was done under the direc-
tion of older leaders. The second play, The
Madonna of Light, was also the work of the
children themselves.
The junior orchestra and other groups from
the music school of the settlement gave a program
and an exhibit of pottery, and other handcraft
was on view. The program was in the nature of
an exhibit of the children's art work at Greenwich
House and enabled the friends of both art and
the children to see the creation of interest and
technical skill in process.
A Contest in Negro Spirituals. — A contest
in the singing of negro spirituals by the colored
children of three playgrounds was one of the
most interesting events in the December recrea-
tion program of Columbus, Georgia. Each play-
ground was represented by fifty children, all under
seventeen years of age. Each group sang four
selections. The singing was unusually beautiful
and gave promise for the future development of
a large chorus.
Flag and Field Day in Columbus, Ohio. —
Once each year the huge Ohio stadium at Colum-
bus is turned over to the Physical Education De-
partments of the schools for Flag and Field Day.
The presence of 15,000 spectators at the 1925
celebration did not lessen the solemnity and beauty
of the children's open salute to the American
Flag nor the joy of their participation in the
games, drills and folk dances.
Following the flag raising ceremonies came a
game of playground cage ball, Mimetic Exercises,
"Forward Pass," Neapolitan Tarantelle, Mass
Pyramids, Gymnastic Dance, Figure Marching
and "Dance of Autumn."
The music was furnished by nineteen school
bands and the American Legion Band. While
the program was under the direction of the Phy-
sical Education Department, a number of the
school departments had a share in it. The posters
were made by the Art Department ; the decorations
by the Manual Training Department, and the
business arrangements by a Committee of Prin-
cipals. Thirty-six hundred pupils took part in
1925.
Champion Fiddler — A Connecticut Yankee.
— Fiddling to determine the champion fiddler is
a new sport which has recently taken up much
interest among a number of men of sixty years
of age and upwards in the New England states.
This fiddlers' contest was sponsored by the Town
Criers, a Providence, R. L, business men's organ-
ization, and old-time fiddlers up to the age of
78 partook in the contest held at the Albee Theater
in Providence. "Joe" Shippee, aged 69, of Plain-
field, Conn., was the winner. He was bashful at
the start but, as he played reel after reel and jig
after jig, his confidence came back and at all times
his music showed merit. James Gaffney, 71 years
old, of Providence, was a close second. Each man
was required to play all four numbers of a quad-
rille and two pieces of his own selection.
A New Children's Theatre.— With the idea
of filling recreation needs, the Board of the Los
Angeles Federation of Parent-Teacher Associa-
tions conceived the idea of having groups of asso-
ciations sponsor whatever recreation was most
needed in their various localities. In the Wilshire
and Hollywood section the associations are spon-
soring a Children's Theatre. The actors are senior
students in the Cumnock School of Expression,
the instructor being Cora Mel Patten. Each school
sends a certain number of pupils to the perform-
ance, and the associations are each contributing
the necessary expense. The opening performances
took place on Friday and Saturday afternoons,
November 6 and 7, with an admission fee of
25c. A few musical numbers and two plays by
Stuart Walker, Six Who Pass While the Lentils
Boil and Sir David Wears a Crmtm, made up the
program. Costumes were made by members of
the Parent-Teacher Federation. The next pro-
duction for the Children's Theatre, scheduled for
December 9 and 12, was an adaptation of Shakes-
peare's As You Like It.
A Marionette Theatre. — Renio Bufano, who
has long dreamed of a permanent marionette
theatre for New York City children, has begun
a series of Saturday matinees at Joseph Law-
ren's Studio Theatre, 51 West Twelfth Street.
Four groups of plays will be given, each group
for three successive Saturdays. The Three Bears,
The Frog Prince, Jack and the Beanstalk and the
Tragedy of Mr. Punch are among the offerings.
A Christmas Treasure Hunt. — During the
Christmas vacation, A. N. Morris. Recreation
Director, Sioux City, Towa, provided for the chil-
THE WORLD AT PLAY
647
dren of the city an interesting activity in the form
of a treasure hunt. Directions for locating the
treasure chest, which contained a number of
articles, were published in code in a local paper.
The treasure hunt started immediately upon the
publication of the code. Armed with the code,
hundreds of children enjoyed a holiday frolic
roaming through the city and over the hills. The
code when deciphered read as follows :
"Begin at the lone poplar tree marked by three
stakes and a rock on the bluff above the skating
rink at Oilman Park. Sight over the top of the
telephone pole near the foot of the hill on Nine-
teenth Street, and on across the valley. Follow
this line until you come to a hedge fence. Now
go southwest about a block to the large cotton-
wood tree. Walk east to a fire hydrant, and on
across the street. Ask at the nearest house for
a new code."
•When the children who had worked out the
code thus far arrived at the home of Mr. Morris,
they were given a new code which when solved
read as follows :
"Go to the back door and follow the winding
path 57 steps to the new house. Go into the
back bedroom and in a closet in the wall you will
find the treasure box."
A Novel Treasure Hunt. — The Lions' Club
of Newburgh, N. Y., raised funds for their play
park through a treasure hunt, which proved to be
an afternoon of play and adventure for the whole
city. To start the fun, there was a rule that no
one could come to the hunt on foot or in a motor
vehicle. So they came on horseback, on kiddie
cars and scooters and propelling bicycles of all
kinds, including tandems and triplets and an old-
fashioned "high wheeler." Long neglected hacks
and carryalls and victorias were unearthed and
enough horses to draw them were somehow found.
More than 400 entered the hunt, lining up in
front of the City Hall for the start. Several
hunting grounds had been selected and were visited
in turn. The first prize, an order for $100 in gold,
was found by a twelve-year-old boy.
Many Demands Made on Community Ward-
robe.— The Community Wardrobe established in
Pasadena, California, by Playground Community
Service, has long since proved its usefulness.
Schools, churches, playgrounds, day nurseries and
other organizations are constant clients. All kinds
of costumes are available — medieval, pilgrim,
Biblical, Indian, Santa Claus, animal, national and
fancy dress — and all are in demand. At present,
in order that it may better serve its growing
needs, the Community Wardrobe is asking through
the local press for more donations of properties
and costumes to increase and replenish its stock.
Taking the Movies to Them. — The Passaic,
New .Jersey, Recreation Department has a mov-
ing picture machine, which during the spring
months is operated for the benefit of the children
of the city in Recreation Hall, formerly the Police
Station, and during the summer in one of the
parks. Several times a year the machine is packed
into a car and taken to the Orphan Home, where
the children, for an hour and a half, enjoy a
program of moving pictures.
Aid to National Music. — A noteworthy ex-
ample of what an individual can do in supplement-
ing a public service, not by establishing an out-
side private agency, but by giving funds directly
to the Government for uses to which appropria-
tions cannot be made, has been furnished by Mrs.
Frederic Shurtleff Coolidge, of Chicago. She
has provided a sum of nearly $100,000 for an
auditorium in connection with the Library of
Congress suitable for chamber music and avail-
able for other purposes. This gift is added to by
a trust fund estimated to yield a net annual in-
come of $28,200, to be paid over to the Librarian
of Congress to aid the Music Division in the devel-
opment of the study, composition and apprecia-
tion of music. The work is to be done through
periodic festivals, the giving of concerts, "defray-
ing all the expenses connected therewith" and the
granting of prizes for original compositions or
those performed for the first time at any festival
or concert given under the auspices of the Library
of Congress.
Congress has created a "Library of Congress
Trust Fund Board" for the receipt and adminis-
tration of such gifts.
Cambridge Is Tobogganing. — Cambridge,
Mass., is experiencing the thrills of its first munic-
ipal toboggan slide. Whole families flock at
night to the place where high-powered flood lights
make it seem like day, in order to go whizzing
down the 328-foot incline. Children are not allowed
on the toboggan slide unless accompanied by
adults. Hundreds of men, women and children
have made use of the slide, which was built in
December, and the Park Department pronounces
it a complete success.
648
THE WORLD AT PLAY
All Ready for the Snow. — A large group of
Provo, Utah, boys, under the leadership of Dell
Webb, Director of Recreation, cleared Giles Hill,
just east of the city, of logs, brush and debris
and smoothed it for several hundred yards. It
made an ideal coasting place for the children of
the city. Beginning high up on the mountain side,
the course extends out in the field far below,
where fences have been removed to allow a wide
gap, giving ample space for several sleighs to pass
along the course at once.
Among the civic organizations of the city giving
the movement their backing is the Kiwanis Club,
which appropriated $50 for the work. The coast-
ing program included huge bonfires built for the
comfort of the coasters.
Reading with a Purpose. — Seventeen new
subjects for reading courses in the Reading With
a Purpose series are approved for publication by
the Editorial Committee of the American Library
Association. The new subjects are: Citizenship,
Recent United States History, Architecture (ap-
preciation), The World's Religions, Contemporary
European History, The Modern Drama, Modern
Trends in Education, Geography, The Human
Body and Its Care, History in Fiction, Mental
Hygiene, Modern Essays, Painting (apprecia-
tion), Recent English and American Poetry,
Sculpture (appreciation), Six Immigrants, Inter-
national Relations.
The Reading With a Purpose series of courses
have been appearing one a month since last June.
Each is by an authority who knows how to pre-
sent his subject attractively; each is a booklet in-
cluding a brief introduction to the subject and
a list of about six or eight books for the average
reader. Many libraries are using the courses in
their adult education service.
The Perambulating Book Bus. — Library
training, general culture and a knowledge of the
internal workings of a car are the qualifications
necessary to the driver of the "perambulating
book bus," according to Francis Collins in an
article, "When Libraries Take to the Open Road,"
in The New York Times of January 10. The
idea of the automobile library is only two years
old, and yet today practically every state owns
one, and hundreds of readers in remote farms,
ranches and mining camps look forward with
great anticipation to its visit. » . .
One naturally wonders what the people demand
in the way of literature, and the answer is amaz-
ing. One librarian tells of a farm woman who,
during one winter, read eighty books aloud to her
husband by the light of a lantern in the barn
where he was milking. These included Huneker's
Steeplejack, Tridon's Psychoanalysis, and Pierce's
Our Unconscious Mind. A mining camp on one
occasion, asked for Bolshevism by Spargo, Whistle
Signals for the Crancman, Tess of the D' Urber-
villes and a Serbian-English primer.
The library itself is most attractive, with its
well-ordered book shelves arranged behind glass
doors, which can be thrown open for the benefit
of the many villagers at the postoffices or cross
roads where the bus stops on schedule.
The driver of such a bus must have physical
endurance as well as all the other qualifications,
for sometimes the library travels one hundred miles
a day, though the average is lower, and all kinds
of weather and bad roads are encountered in tl
trips.
Religion and Art. — From ditTi-rcnt sources
word comes of the increasing extent to which local
churches are making use of the drama in connec-
tion with special services. Church orchestras and
church musical clubs are giving opportunity for
young people who have been trained in public
schools to carry over such training and utilize
it in a way that helps the church and the com-
munity as well as themselves. A recent church
calendar from a midwestern city devotes consider-
able space to an art exhibit in the city and urges
the members of the church to visit the exhibit
as a means of building up their spiritual life.
Forum for Gardner, Mass. — Gardner, Mass.,
has started a Forum which is proving very suc-
cessful. A community committee which has been
appointed by the Chamber of Commerce arranges
the programs and the Ministerial Union, which
has endorsed them, encourages attendance. The
subject of the first meeting was The World Sweep
of Democracy, and of the second Organisation for
World Peace. The program sheet handed out at
the meetings contains the words of a number of
songs and a space at the bottom for questions with
the following instruction: "Write Your Question
and Tear Off," thus making it easier for the listen-
er to enter the discussion. There is much enthu-
siasm over the success of these first meetings of
the Forum.
THE WORLD AT PLAY
649
A Recreation Bureau Conducts Occupa-
tional Therapy. — A beginning has been made by
the Bureau of Recreation in Knoxville for a pro-
gram of occupational therapy for convalescent pa-
tients at Beverly Hills. The first activities con-
sisted of papercraft, such as paper figure cut-outs,
flowers and paper rope basket weaving. This was
followed by the art-fiber-cord sandwich trays, and
later various forms of basketry and furniture
making will be introduced. A very lively interest
has been shown by the patients — an interest which
has outrun the materials available. It is hoped that
the completed products can be placed on sale at a
spring bazaar in order to realize funds for the pur-
chase of materials.
A New Development in Westchester
County. — Organized under the auspices of the
County Recreation Commission, Westchester
County, New York, now has a County Athletic
Association under the leadership of Frank S.
Marsh.
One of the first tasks of the Association has
been the listing and publishing of the best skating
places throughout the County. The Association
has also been instrumental in forming a County
Board of Approved Basketball Officials through
which local groups may secure the services of ex-
perienced officials.
The Basketball Season Opens in Shreve-
port. — A full-page advertisement in the Shreve-
port, La., Journal heralded the opening of the
Third Municipal Basketball Season of that city on
the evening of January 4th in the Coliseum. There
were three opening night games and there will be
three games every night except Sunday hereafter.
Sixteen teams are registered in the three Leagues
in the Municipal Association, six of them being
girls' teams. The very effective advertising, which
brought forth the largest crowd ever assembled in
Shreveport to watch a basketball game and admis-
sion fees amounting to over $100, was made pos-
sible through the cooperation of eleven local firms.
The 1926 Boys' Basketball Tournament. —
From January 25th to March 15th the Boy Coun-
cil of Philadelphia conducts its annual basketball
tournament to determine the city championship.
Any group of boys representing a school, church,
club or the neighborhood gang is permitted to join
a team and enter the tournament. No boy who
has reached the age of 16 years on March 15,
1926, is allowed to play on the team. The groups
are classified as follows :
Juniors — Teams having players whose individ-
ual weight is 105 pounds or under
Intermediates — Teams having players whose in-
dividual weight is over 105 pounds and not over
120 pounds
Seniors — Teams having players whose individ-
ual weight is over 120 pounds
Each team is required to provide an official bas-
ket ball and an efficient adult referee acting alter-
nately as referee and umpire for one half each.
The 1925-26 official basketball rules govern all
games with the exception that games consist of
6-minute quarters, with 2-minute intermissions
between quarters, and 10 minutes between halves.
The Philadelphia Approved Board of Basketball
officials has assigned two of their best officials to
officiate at the championship game on March 15th
and will furnish a new official basketball for each
group in the championship game.
A trophy emblematic of city championship will
be awarded the winning team in each group and
gold basketballs will be given the players in the
teams playing in the final game.
Golfing Indoors. — A nine-hole golf course on
the stage of the auditorium is one of the novel fea-
tures of the Community Center program of
Owosso, Michigan. The length of put shots varies
from six to eighteen feet. An artificial lake has
been placed at the ninth hole so that it is necessary
to loft the ball from the cocoa mat over the lake
on to the fairway which is twelve feet from the
lake to the hole. Bunker mats of green canvas
have been placed at the end of each fairway and
small trees, discarded after a Christmas dance,
have been placed in candy pails costing five cents
each and painted with inexpensive paint. These
trees help give the course a natural appearance. A
heavy nap carpet has been used, which retards the
ball about as much as a good grass green. A driv-
ing tent enables players to practise driving as well
as putting.
A Training Course in Knoxville, Tennes-
see.— The Bureau of Recreation of Knoxville,
in cooperation with the Community Service Coun-
cil, conducted in October, November and Decem-
ber a recreation training school with a faculty
from the University of Tennessee and with teach-
ers and leaders in specialized lines. Meetings were
held once' a week for eight weeks. A -registration
650
AMONG LOCAL LEADERS
fee of $1.00 was charged to cover the cost of bul-
letins, printed matter and* materials used in the
handcraft courses. Arrangements have been per-
fected in the University Department of Sociology
whereby students in that department are given
credit as follows : ten hours for the completion of
work done in the training class and an additional
credit for field service in the ratio of two hours'
credit for three hours' service. Assignments are
made from the office of the Bureau of Recreation,
of which H. G. Rogers is superintendent, and the
record of work and assignments is filed each month
with the head of the Sociology Department.
A Training Course for Girl Leaders. — From
January 14th to February 25th, 1926, the Reading,
Pennsylvania, Municipal Board of Recreation con-
ducted a weekly training course for girl leaders,
with the purpose of providing local team age girl
leaders with up-to-date attractive program mate-
rial for girls' clubs. The membership of the course
was split up into small groups to promote intimate
discussions and to illustrate the value of sub-group
operations and competitions. Each sub-group was
headed by an elected leader and each member was
given at least one period of prepared leadership
responsibility. The activities included games,
stunts, story telling, folk dancing, music, spon-
taneous dramatics, handcraft, campcraft and first
aid, with active participation of leadership by those
taking part in the course.
A Recreation Training Course. — So great
was the success of the Recreation Institute and
Training School conducted last year at the Uni-
versity of Omaha under the Department of So-
ciology that another institute will be held the last
two weeks in June, 1926. Further information
may be secured from T. Earl Sullenger, Head of
Department of Sociology and Director of School
of Social Service, University of Omaha, Omaha,
Nebraska.
A New Day in Apartment Building. — In
connection with the dwellings known as the Har-
lem Group, 211 West 146th and 210 West 147th
Street, New York City, erected in 1917, housing
216 families, there is an equipped park playground
which is a part of the dwelling. More and more
real estate developments are taking into considera-
tion the desire on the part of fathers and mothers
that their children shall have opportunity for active
outdoor play and the sight of free open space.
M. KsTHYR FlTXciKRALD
Mivs Fitzgerald, who has been serving a> Superintend-
ent of the Department of Recreation in Utica. NV\v Y'.rk.
since December 1922, graduated from Dr. Arnold's Nor-
mal School of Gymnastics in New Haven in 1919. She
immediately began work with tin- lu-wly organized De-
partment of Recreation at Utica, serving in turn as
General Assistant and Assistant Superintendent before
becoming head of the Department.
Hand Craft in the St. Paul
Playgrounds
BY
E. W. JOHNSON,
Superintendent of Playgrounds
Last June Mr. J. R. Batchelor, Field Repn-M-n-
tative of the Playground and Recreation Asso-
ciation of America, conducted an institute in St.
Paul at the request of the officials of the Recrea-
tion Department. This institute was for the bene-
fit of the leaders in the summer playgrounds pro-
gram and the entire staff was given a day for
their individual benefit. Through the instruction
of Mr. Batchelor, sand craft, hand craft and vari-
ous other forms of industrial work were taught.
The directors were inspired and benefited and
went back to their individual playgrounds to pro-
duce wonderful exhibits of this handiwork.
Recreation for Colored Citizens
By
THOMAS F. PARKER,
Greenville, South Carolina
Robert Lassiter, Chairman : The problem of recrea-
tion for colored people is no longer sectional, no longer
applies alone to the South and to some of the big cities
in the East and West. It is nation-wide, applying with
equal force to Sacramento, California, Selma, Alabama,
and Saginaw,. Michigan.
The class of colored people going into northern com-
munities is just, as good as those left in our communities.
The North is not getting what some enemies of the
movement seem to want you to believe — the criminal
element of the negro population. It is getting the best
they have — lawyers, doctors, preachers and teachers.
The problem whether they make good citizens in the
new community lies with the community. With proper
attention to recreation facilities, they will make yqu
good citizens. Improper attention to that, and neglect
and abuse of it, will make a criminal population.
Of course, the recreation movement as applied to the
colored citizens, I know is in its infancy in the North.
It is a comparatively new problem. It is an old problem
with us in the South. We are meeting it fairly and
squarely and are succeeding in our efforts towards giv-
ing our negro population what they should have.
I have the pleasure of introducing to you a prominent
citizen of a sister State, President of the Phyllis Wheat-
ley Association, maintaining a recreation center in Green-
ville. Mr. Thomas F. Parker, of Greenville, South
Carolina.
Mr. Parker: First of all, I want to thank the
Playground and Recreation Association of Amer-
ica— because had it not been for their work in the
Camp at Greenville at the time of the war, and
their subsequent worker who came there to or-
ganize the white playgrounds a few years later,
and Professor Attwell, Field Secretary, and a
number of other experts whom they, at their ex-
pense, have sent down to help us, I doubt if we
should have the Phyllis Wheatley organization
today. And I think it is only right that I should
say in that connection that were it not for the
inspiration and the consecrated work of the pres-
ent colored superintendent of that organization,
Mrs. Hattie Duckett, we probably should not have
had that organization.
Since the war, the race question has received
much more attention than before that time.
Among other things, some communities have had
it forcibly drawn to their attention in considering
what they shall do with the colored people who
are arriving, and other communities are wonder-
ing how they shall stop the colored people from
migrating.
*Address given at the Twelfth Recreation Congress, held at
Asheville, October 5-10, 1925.
I am not a preacher, and I am not a teacher,
and I am not an educator, and I am not one of
you elect. I am simply a business man. Now,
in Greenville, the business men took no interest
in this question until the migration began two or
three years ago. Throughout the South at this
time a great deal of interest is being taken in the
race question by colleges and universities, among
the citizens, and also among the women of our
churches. But in Greenville, business men took
no active interest until they commenced .to feel
the pinch of migration. And then the Chamber
of Commerce formed an inter-racial committee
of its prominent citizens. Those citizens very
quickly realized that, as business men, they knew
very little about the conditions under which the
20,000 negroes in Greenville City and county were
living. There have been a great many develop-
ments in the last 20 or 40 or 60 years which
have to be reckoned with. There was no person
and no organization in our community who was
keeping up with these developments. We knew
'very little about the negroes, except that we em-
ployed them.
About the same time, the community fund raised
approximately $85,000 annually for about twelve
organizations. They became interested and de-
cided, for the first time, to make a contribution
toward negro community work on two conditions :
one, that the negroes should raise as much or
more than they gave, and the other that they
should be under the guidance of white leaders.
The reason for that last condition was this: in
our community, the negroes have had very limited
business experience, and the business men who
were ready to assist them felt that they could not
get the moral or financial support of the commu-
nity unless the community realized that the fi-
nances were going to be carefully followed and
that the whole thing was going to be in careful
and competent leadership.
I am trying just to indicate very briefly what
happened there in this community as an indication
of what, in a way, has been happening in a great
many other communities of the South.
651
652
RECREATION FOR COLORED CITIZENS
When things had gone as far as that, certain
business men said : "This is a big question ; this
is an important matter; this is something new.
It involves not only the interest of the negro race,
but the white race as well." Now, the negroes,
in the past, in this community have had no place
where they could meet, even if money were pro-
vided for running expenses. They had only their
churches and fraternal order buildings. Where
could they meet? And so those few men got to-
gether and said, "We will provide that building."
They raised $70,000. They gave $50,000 condition-
ally, and they loaned $20,000 conditionally. That
building was immediately put up and is the center
in which the work is being conducted.
The colored people must raise, in the course
of ten years, $20,000, without interest— $2,000 a
year ; and also at the same time they must raise at
least $2,500 per annum for maintenance. When
things got that far, the community fund increased
the amount they gave, and said they would pay
$2,500 a year on condition that the negroes would
raise as much or more. And then the public li-
brary— we have a public library in Greenville of
which the negroes have had a small branch — came
to the front with an offer of help. Private citi-
zens added to it and they raised a combined sum
of $2,500 for the negro branch library to be lo-
cated at the Center.
So, roughly speaking, there is a building which
cost $70,000, and there is provided, including the .
library, a budget of $7,500 per annum. That
building opened last January, and since then there
have been during the winter months, about 8,000
contacts, and during the summer months, when
the people were away, about 4,000. In other
words, since January there have been 50,000
counted contacts.
They have every kind of class there; about
five or six salaried workers — regular workers,
teachers of schools — and they conduct a great
many classes. We expect this year to have an
enrollment of about 500 women and girls in those
classes, and about the same number of men. The
business men who are back of this have been very
much encouraged by the results. We expected
to have some unfavorable comments. We real-
ized that we had as much work to do with the
white population as we did with the colored
population. We were attempting something new
—we were pioneers — and we expected that there
would be protest. But that has not been our
experience. I am Chairman of the Board, Pres-
ident of the Association. I have had no criticism.
Nobody has come to me and said how much bet-
ter it would be not to do this, or, "You have made
a mistake and will wish you hadn't done it." We
have received nothing but kindness and sympathy
from the white population.
In addition to that, all of the employed work-
ers of the city are giving their whole-hearted
support to the Association. On the part of the
colored people, this was all new to them. You
can't realize how little they have had. It would
be hard for you to realize that they have no or-
ganized bodies at work helping them. They had
had their preachers, their teachers and secret or-
ders, and with the exception possibly of one state
home demonstration, they had had very little else.
This is very different for them. They did not
really know what it was about ; they had to learn.
And yet they were asked to raise this year $5,000
—$2,000 on the debt, $2,500 current expenses,
and $500 on an old debt. They have raised over
$4,000 on that and we have every reason to feel
that they are going to raise their $5,000 the first
year. If they do it the first year, we have every
reason to believe they will continue.
I think that gives you the general idea of what
we are attempting; and as I know many of you
come from other sections of the country, I want
to leave with you the thought that there is a great
deal of this sort of work going on in the South.
It is being done in schools, by churches, and
through playground and recreation centers. The
leaven is working — the old order passing. Great
changes are taking place. These are radical
changes, and I believe they are changes that augur
great good, not only for negro, but for white
citizens; for some of us can not see why the
20,000 negroes in our county, poorly educated,
with no opportunities, could be as valuable to a
community as negroes who have education and
training and opportunity.
A Happy Thought
The beaded bags, toys, dolls and various other
articles made by the children on the Johnstown.
Pa., City playgrounds and exhibited at the Cam-
bria County Fair and later at the National Recrea-
tion Congress at Asheville, N. C, have been
shipped by the Junior American Red Cross to the
Junior European Red Cross that they may be dis-
tributed among needy children in Europe.
Recreation for Colored Citizens as an Aid
in Character Building
BY
DR. G. LAKE IMES
Dean of the Bible Training Scliool of Tuskegee Institute
My friends, I stand here this afternoon as a rep-
resentative of the boys and girls who have just
been singing for you, and to represent that larger
group whom they represent — at least one-tenth of
our American citizenship. I would not be here,
would not dare to stand here myself were it not
for the fact that as qualifications for talking about
recreation I have three dead teeth, a broken nose
and sundry wounds from the top of my head to
the soles of my feet, gathered from successive
efforts to play ; and then a sort of incurable habit
of mixing up in things that most people count
light and silly, so that at Tuskegee Institute they
wonder very much whether I am fit to be Dean of
the Bible Training School! I have just had my
racket restrung. I have just been trying for a
week to organize a trio of piano, cello and violin.
I dabble in theatricals; and lastly I have been
playing the role of impresario at Tuskegee, han-
dling our entertainments and moving pictures. So
that the discussion has become more serious as to
whether I am a fit person to be dean of
the Bible Training School — I do so many things
besides that, and, apparently, do so little at that.
But the conviction I have is that the most serious
part of a man's life is that part of it when he is
free to do what he wants to do.
We have very little trouble with men and women
— almost no trouble with black people — while they
are working. Black people do not strike, ever.
Whether conditions are hard or easy, they go on
and work. The Negro worked in bondage, pa-
tiently, diligently ; and, for all that has been said
about him, this country has never yet been willing
to get rid of him. And when he came to be a free
man, he kept on working. And it is a happy thrill
to me, as well as to all my people in the gallery,
to hear a Southern white man testify that they
want to keep the Negro here in the South, that
he is a valuable adjunct to the South and more
profitable to the South in the degree to which you
give him education and training and make him
capable of leadership.
But back to the recreation business. You don't
have to teach the Negro to play. He played when
he was a slave. He has brought out of slavery
no rancor, no bitterness, no hatreds. There are
between white and black in the South cherished
memories of good times in slavery. Those songs
to which you have just listened came out of slav-
ery. Some of them were made since slavery, but
they don't have the quality they had when they
were born out of bondage. He played as a slave ;
he plays still. If you have ever stood on the banks
of the Mississippi, if you have ever been down
to New Orleans and watched a gang of stevedores
chanting their songs as they swing along, you
know they do a man's work while they are play-
ing.
If you have ever been in Richmond, Virginia,
standing outside the walls of a tobacco factory,
you have heard the Negroes singing while they
work. They transform work into play, and they
enjoy it. Have you ever seen a gang of section
hands on a railroad — black ones — swinging their
picks and singing as their picks swing in rhythm
to the song ? It is fun ! But he doesn't stop there.
Not only in work does the Negro find a chance
to play. That habit of his of playing is not un-
derstood by everybody. Up in Ohio, just after
the war, when they took Negroes up to work in
factories, an incident of this kind occurred.
They had taken Negroes into a mill to replace
foreign labor. They hadn't been there long until
the manager began to have trouble, and one morn-
ing he reported to the president that he came in
to recommend they get rid of all Negroes. They
played, they sang, they cut monkeyshines, and you
couldn't get them down to work. Well, that was
rather serious and it perturbed the president, be-
cause it was their last recourse to get labor. He
said, "Go back and check the thing up for a couple
of weeks and find out where they fall down and
come back and we will see what can be done to
correct it." He did so. At the end of two or
three weeks he came back. What had he found?
653
654
RECREATION FOR COLORED CITIZENS
"Well," he said, "there is something wrong there.
I don't understand it." "What is it ?" "I checked
it up, as you told me, and the fact is they have
produced seventy-five percent more stuff than had
ever been done before." And all the while they
kept up their singing and playing and joking and
cutting monkeyshines !
As a matter of fact, if you stop the Negro from
playing and from singing, he won't be happy. But
it goes beyond his work. The Negro is the one
man in the world, I think, who gets joy out of
his religion. To most folks religion — and par-
ticularly this Christian religion — is a burden and
a weariness. It is really not religion until you
weep — until you mourn. The Negro, he does
weep and he does mourn, when he is getting his
religion, but after that it is all shouting.
I mean to say by all of this just this : that the
play instinct, the impulse to play, is entirely a nor-
mal thing in the Negro — I am tempted to say, the
dominant thing in him. Look at his humor. The
greatest philosopher in the world to-day, in my
mind, is Ham Bone. And this, by the way, is the
distinguishing characteristic. There are some
people whose humor is based upon ignorance — the
wrong point. Another type never sees the point
at all — we laugh at him. Still another type shows
humor based upon tragic misunderstanding. But
only in Negro humor lies a profound philosophy
of life. I have been married nineteen years. Ham
Bone says, "They keep on saying marriage is a
failure. If it is, it is the most successful failure
I ever seen, because everybody keeps on doing it."
The Negro has already made certain definite
contributions toward play and recreational life.
The banjo is the instrument that the Negro created
as a slave. Those who have lived long enough
know of the strumming of the banjo down in the
quarters, in the midst of slavery. He brought it
along and the white man has taken it away from
him, while he has taken over the guitar. And as
you go up and down on the railroads you can hear
riim playing his guitar, entertaining the rest of the
coach with his music.
Then he gave us rag time. Some of you may
prick up your ears, but everybody likes it, just the
same. And when ragtime got frazzled, he put on
the jazz, and carried it overseas, and folks in the
rest of the world have gone crazy about it. And
where he made dollars and cents, Paul Whiteman
and others have made thousands of dollars out of
his jazz, and the last thing he has done to set the
country by the ears is to bring on the "Charles-
ton." To speak seriously, what he has done is to
give to the world rhythmic play, and folks who
could not play before are playing now. Folks too
old to play before are doing the fox trot and the
Charleston. He has produced something that has
made life more cheerful, the burdens of life easier
to bear, and one of the greatest shows that has
been put on in New York recently is a colored
show where they carried all that rhythmic playing
to the quintessence of excellence.
So much for his own instincts and own impulses.
Now let us see what chance the Negro — the rank
and file — has to give expression to his play life.
In cities like Greenville, South Carolina, provision
is made for them, but there are hundreds of other
towns where they haven't such enlightened citizen-
ship as Mr. Parker, where they have not arrived
at the point to see with the eyes of these men.
Let us see what the Negro has. Dr. Moton, the
Principal of Tuskegee, says : "I have been a Negro
for fifty-nine years — all of my life — and this is
what I have seen: that the chances that are open
to the Negro for the expression of his play life
are these: the pool room, dance hall, in a former
day, the saloon, which is gone, the dive and blind
tiger, cheap theatre, — they won't let him in any
other kind — and moving picture houses ; everyone
of them a source of revenue to somebody else."
What he is trying to do is to find an outlet for his
impulses to play.
I was living in a city in a certain State when
the Negroes of the community awoke to a realiza-
tion of the conditions surrounding them, united
their funds and established a park on the edge of
the city, about a mile beyond the end of the car
line, and, as it happened, about a mile beyond the
cemetery, too. It went on so well, and the Negroes
went out in such large numbers to the open spaces
where there were green grass and trees and brooks
and streams, that it began to cut down the revenues
of the dives and saloons in Black Bottom. It be-
came so serious that a group of men introduced a
bill into the legislature of that State that no public
park should be established within one mile of a
cemetery, ostensibly to guard the sacred presence
of the dead, but really to close up this place that
was cutting off the revenues of Black Bottom.
It passed the legislature — would you believe it?
But the same group of black men that established
that park went to the Governor and told their story
and told what they were trying to do, and that
Governor promptly vetoed the bill, and the park
stands there yet.
In the place of that legislature, to-day there are
coming on those who, recognizing that need, are
RECREATION FOR COLORED CITIZENS
655
taking the initial steps to provide what must be
provided, and what was provided under such haz-
ardous circumstances by my own people.
Over against what has been provided in the past,
what the Negro himself has found in the past as
an avenue for his own recreation life, what do we
find on the other side of the color line ? That the
white boy and white man have those parks, play-
grounds, swimming pools, libraries, public audi-
toriums and theatres, and now, gentlemen, in my
State they are beginning to provide public golf
links, from all of which the Negro is excluded.
Here is a man who has told you that the Negro
in the past has not been getting a square deal, and
he and those like him are setting themselves to
the task of seeing that Negro boys and girls and
Negro men and women have avenues for whole-
some expression of their recreational life, as do
other races in our country.
What about boys a'nd girls? I have been talk-
ing about adults. Thus far, Negro boys and girls
are limited to the streets and alleys, the pool rooms,
dance halls, dives and other questionable resorts.
They get into the toils of the chain gangs ; yes,
those boys and girls. But, gentlemen, in my State,
happily, there is a place for boys : a reform school,
about thirty miles away from us. We have to-day
something more than 300 boys in that reform
school. It was my privilege to carry moving pic-
tures down to them. The members of our faculty
provided automobiles to carry them, and the mov-
ing picture exchange house furnished them for
nothing. I have seen there 380 boys ranging from
seven to twenty years of age. And this is the
striking thing about their life: it is out in the
country, they have no bars, no guards, scarcely any
locks ; but in the course of a year's time not three
percent of that number tried to get away. Why?
For the vast majority of them it is the first oppor-
tunity they have ever had in their lives for a whole-
some, normal life. There is a joke about a
preacher who went to a penitentiary to make a
talk, and when he stood up before the men he said,
"I am glad to see so many of you here." When
you go to Mt. Meigs, Alabama, and stand before
that group of boys, you can say that and it is no
joke. You are glad to see them there ; glad to see
them out of the alleys, out of the streets, out of the
dives, out of the saloons — glad to see them given
their first chance for a normal life. They are just
like any other boys — their youth, instincts to play,
are what have led them astray; and when they
get a chance to play, and avenues of play under
conditions which are normal for play, they show
it just like other boys. Yes, like other boys ; be-
cause this is what happens :
If they stop at Mt. Meigs long enough and com-
plete the school course there, we receive them into
Tuskegee Institute. I have had a Negro boy come
to Tuskegee from one of those little towns where
he had no chance, accustomed to run up and down
and do as he pleased. He didn't want to follow
rules and regulations, and six times we had to get
him out of the woods where he had been staying
with a blanket and such food as other boys
brought. He didn't want to stay in school. But
at length he was broken in, and to-day he is &. suc-
cessful dentist in Ensley, Alabama. A normal life
made of him a super-normal man.
In your plans for recreation, don't take it all
away from the homes. Keep it around the house
as much as you can. The home life of many
Negroes is already too unsubstantial. They have
had only about sixty years of opportunity to make
a home, and it is no occasion for surprise if the
home life of many Negroes does not have all the
refinements or all the attractions that you find in
your home life. But you are conserving the cen-
tral organization of society when you conserve the
home. And when you establish recreation centers
in a community, that means that father and mother
and daughter and son must leave home in order to
find wholesome amusement, fellowship with
friends and attractive surroundings, and you are
cutting the foundation from under the home. The
legitimate foundation of public recreation centers
is home life that has wholesome amusement within
its confines.
As a matter of fact, it is the search for recrea-
tion that takes black and white, young and old,
single and married, away from home. That was
the old argument for the saloon. It is a legitimate
argument, if there is no home life. And now
what do we find in these days? First of all, what
you must have commented upon already — the drift
away from the rural sections into the urban sec-
tions. What does it mean? Well, you have read
the story of the prodigal, haven't you? This is
where I go back to being a preacher. The prodigal
son — why did he leave home ? It is written right
in the story. When he found his error, he came
back home and his father had spread the feast, and
the elder brother was sorrowful and morose and
bitter. His father asked him what was wrong, and
he said, "Lo, all these years have I served thee,
nor yet have I transgressed any of thy command-
ments, and yet thou never gavest me a kid that I
might make merry with my friends."
656
CEMETERY USED AS PARK
There is the answer to the question why boys
leave home. That is the answer to the question
why the black man has left the South. It isn't
that the work is too hard on the farm ; it isn't that
toil is too burdensome. But there is the eternal
question: "What are you going to do when the
work is done?" And the answer has been this:
"nothing, nothing, nothing." And I think that is
just as true of white boys that leave the country
and go to the city as of black boys and men. Do
we want to hold folks to the country ? Put some-
thing out there for the hours of leisure.
One of the problems we have is that of juvenile
marriage. Fourteen and fifteen years is the com-
mon thing, and why? Frankly, when two young
people in the country where I live get interested in
each other, there is nothing else in the world to do
but to get married. And in the wake of that comes
this sort of problem : from marriage, divorce. Not
the conventional divorce through the courts. They
just quit. There is no concern about courts. How
many times have I gone into Macon County —
"Where is your husband?" "I don't know." I
have in mind a home I visited — a mother with
three daughters, each of them under twenty years
of age, each with a child in her arms, each mar-
ried, and each with a husband who had left her
and she didn't know where he was.
That is the recreation problem in the country.
One more thing I have observed and I will stop.
One of the things I think the white man of the
South particularly treasures is the negro play-
mates of his youth. It is a tender and precious
recollection to everyone of them. Times without
number have I heard it referred to on the plat-
form— and far, far more in this day than the story
of the black mammy is the story of the black play-
mates of his childhood. I have been thinking this
recently : the fact about that is that the black boy
and white boy can play together in their childhood.
They run, they swim, they wrestle, they box, they
fight. Yes, they fight, and promptly forget it.
Why, why is it necessary, when they get old, that
they should lose that spirit of childhood? \Vhy
should it be necessary that, as adults, black people
and white people can not live side by side with the
same spirit of fairness, that same spirit of good
comradeship that characterizes them when they are
young? Of this much I am sure: that prejudice
is not hereditary. It isn't born in us. The black
man is not born to hate the white man and the
white man is not born to hate the black man.
Something else — ah, I venture to say, somebody
else — steps in between those two and teaches them
something else. Jesus said something like this:
"Except ye become as little children ye shall in no
wise enter into the Kingdom of Heaven," and I
am wondering if, in the depth of His own wisdom,
He did not have something of this very spirit of
the playfulness of childhood in mind. I at least
would venture to say that if you could get back in
the adult life the spirit of fairness, the spirit of
justice, the spirit of good will which each of the
two races know in childhood, you would solve the
race problem, all the frictions, all the problems of
adult life, and leave our Southern life as happy
and sweet as the recollections of childhood in the
mind and heart of each man.
I plead for this : that you approach in the future
the problem of your communities from the angle
of bringing back into adult life the sense of jus-
tice, the sense of fairness, the sense of good will
that each instinctively knows. When a black boy
fights a white boy, one boy fights another; but,
alas, when one black man fights a white man, he
fights the whole community ! You see this after-
noon what is happening in Greenville, South Caro-
lina. Yonder in the hotel you have the exhibit of
what is happening in Durham. In Atlanta we have
made just a beginning.
And this I promise : that with the multiplication
of those spots where boys and girls and men and
women can play, they will forget their rancor, their
bitterness, their hate, forget their prejudice, and
find in the man who lives opposite them nothing
more than another one of God's children.
Braddock Allowed to Use
A park and playground for the borough of Brad-
dock, Pa., is made possible in a court order handed
down by Judge Joseph M. Swearingen in Quarter
Sessions Court. The park will comprise the old
John Robbins Cemetery, which has been aban-
doned for the past thirty-five years.
The property is located along the tracks of the
Pennsylvania Railroad, Frazier Street and Maple
Way. The petition accompanying the court order
sets forth that it is believed that all of the bodies
have been removed from the lot, but if there are
still any in that burial ground they will be removed
at the expense of the borough.
The ground is centrally located and will be
available for all of the inhabitants of the borough.
The petition states that Braddock does not have a
park or playground at the present time.
Recreation in Colored Communities
BY
E. T. ATTWELL
Field Director of the Bureau of Colored Work, Playground and Recreation Association of America
You will find in every community one or more
kindly, sympathetic people who will be willing to
give assistance in the development of a program
for colored people. I wish Mr. Parker could, this
afternoon, have given you the secret of how he
influenced his fellow-citizens in Greenville to do
what they have accomplished, because while we
gave a little assistance in the way of suggestion
and by giving the history of other community cen-
ters, I hold Mr. Parker responsible for the devel-
opment of the Phyllis Wheatley Center and for
the interest of the white people of that community
in this center. There we find an inter-racial group
of colored and white people fostering and guiding
the destinies of this colored recreation center for
the benefit of the colored people.
I have sat in with inter-racial committees in the
Northern States where we discussed the abstract
questions of right and wrong and then adjourned
and went home; but to find a combination of black
and white people sitting together to decide to do
some concrete thing for the betterment and for
upbuilding of colored people is quite a different
matter. Mr. Parker, I hold, is responsible for
leadership in that direction in Greenville, South
Carolina, and I would to God that such men could
be multiplied.
Someone referred the other day to the matter
of the progress of the recreation movement, and I
told him it reminded me of a story Dr. Washington
used to tell : One day, while taking a horseback
ride at five or six o'clock in the morning, he met
an old colored woman in the road. He pulled up
his horse and asked her where she was going. She
looked at him a moment and said, "Why, Dr.
Washington, I done been where I is gwine." I
am glad to say that this recreation movement for
colored people has not been where it is going, but
is merely on its way.
Whatever progress we have made does not mean
that we have adequately developed the recreation
program for colored people in that community.
As Mr. Lassiter has told you, it is not a question
of North, South, East or West, so far as I have
been able to sense it. I have made surveys in
Southern and Northern cities, and the farther
North I have gone, the less recreation, under
proper leadership, have I found among colored
people.
The opportunity for the right sort of recreation
for colored people has been sadly neglected. In
other words, there are inadequate facilities. In
many communities where you will see facilities like
high school auditoriums or. halls of various kinds
that are generally open to the public, when it comes
to activities for colored people, those halls and
those facilities are very difficult to obtain. And
this is true in cities where its buildings are used
by white and colored people alike.
There is a side of recreation for colored people
that goes to my heart, and that is the social recrea-
tion phase which has been sadly neglected among
the masses of colored people in most of the cities.
And in some of the rural districts, where I like
to carry the recreation message, about the only
time the colored people get together for a social
gathering is when they have a big funeral. In the
cities, the alleys and gutters and dives are no more
fit places for the development of the colored peo-
ple than they would be for any man or woman of
the white race.
Many of us have taken it for granted that in
the general recreation city-wide programs colored
citizens would be cared for as well as other citi-
zens, and be given the opportunity to participate
in community recreation. This has not been true,
and it will not be true in cities where you come
from, unless you give it your special attention.
The Playground and Recreation Association of
America realized this, and in order that special
emphasis might be given the problem, organized
the Bureau of Colored Work.
There are approximately ninety cities in which
city-wide recreation activities are conducted that
include opportunities for colored people, and
about fifty-two community centers for colored
citizens. It is difficult in many towns and cities
to discover any special emphasis on activities for
colored people, because a great many communities
don't care to emphasize any division of the work.
657
658
RECREATION IN COLORED COMMUNITIES
I don't know whether they are afraid of develop-
ing a problem or whether they are generous and
don't want to make anybody feel any difference
between people in the community. There is a tre-
mendous interest in education in those communi-
ties, so far as colored people are concerned. They
are pretty liberal, also, regarding religion, and I
am glad to see that because the colored people are
the most religious people in America. But all of
this freedom in the development of religion will be
nullified unless the recreation problem is taken
care of.
Last year there was new interest in the develop-
ing of playgrounds. A few of the smaller com-
munities have been aided by the Harmon founda-
tion, which through their offer cooperated with
committees and cities in which colored people live.
Orangeburg, South Carolina, and Williamsburg,
Virginia, were assisted in securing land in the city
for permanent playgrounds for colored people.
The spaces ran from two and a half to six acres,
and cost from $200 to $3500 apiece. In Lake
Charles, Louisiana, the colored people are now
getting together to raise funds for playground
property.
One can turn from the Greenville project to
Shreveport, Louisiana, where fifteen acres have
just been purchased for the recreation use of its
colored population. It was reported that approxi-
mately $24,000 was expended by the municipality
in buying this property, and the Park Board has
appropriated $2500 as an initial expenditure to
make the ground usable. When you think of cities
in Louisiana spending $24,000 to $30,000 for the
development of play facilities for colored people,
you have struck a new point of view. As I travel
from city to city, visiting Lexington, Kentucky,
with its fourteen acre playground; Winston-
Salem, North Carolina, with a thirty acre play-
ground, I get the challenge: "We have the best
provision for the play of colored people of any
place of the South."
A complete survey of this work has not been
made, so far as workers and development are con-
cerned. I am merely trying to mention a few
of the high spots. One is leadership. Wre recog-
nize the leadership of many colored people them-
selves, and this is a new note. We used to have
to seek young colored people who might come to
our training schools in Chicago ; but this year, with
practically no advertising, we had registered fifty-
two young men and women for the training
school, from twenty-one states. This sort of de-
velopment, as I say, indicates a very encouraging
sign of progress for recreation provision for col-
ored people throughout America — an opportunity
that every citizen will take advantage of as soon as
he realizes the possibilities in it and the values in
this whole movement.
I have not touched the rich development that
has come with the progress of these various rec-
reation centers. I would not attempt to tell
you of the numbers of choral societies developed
out of community centers in various parts of the
country. And as to dramatics — I haven't time to
describe the pageants developed among colored
groups. In presenting pageants in various com-
munities, we thought they would interest merely
the colored people, but we were gratified to find
that many white people attended the exhibitions
in Southern cities.
Athletics are popular with Dallas people
and 43 free tennis courts, 30 baseball diamonds, 4
football and soccer fields, 16 outdoor (and 1 in-
door) basket ball courts are maintained.
With four municipal courses, two for adults and
two for Juniors, there is unusually good provision
for the playing of golf in the city. There is one
18-hole course for adults with sand greens on a
120-acre tract site and one 240-acre tract with
18 holes grass green and 9 holes sand green. The
two Junior courses are 9-hole courses, one grass
green on a 75-acre tract and the other sand green
on a 50-acre tract. All under 21 years of age may
play free on these courses. A course for exclu-
sive use by women is now under construction.
Four indoor field houses, one live stock center
and a municipal zoo are maintained by the Park
Department. The zoo occupies a tract of 36 acres
and contains over 1000 specimens. The main-
tenance is taken care of through the cold drink
and other concessions — the initial cost of the
specimens being the only expense. A zoological
society has been started with memberships rang-
ing from one to ten dollars.
In addition to all the other attractions, Dallas
is the home of the Texas State Fair, said to be
the largest educational and recreational production
in the United States. The Fair ground, which
belongs to the Park Department, has a stadium
seating 15,000 people and a field with 9 ball dia-
monds, all of which are oftentimes in use at the
same time.
Music, dramatics and social recreation play a
large part in the city's program, which reaches in
one way or another practically everybody in
Dallas.
Recreation and the Individual*
By
JOHN BROWN, JR.
Joseph Lee, Chairman: Dr. John Brown, Jr., was
born m Scotland, and began his career in recreation and
physical education work at the age of seventeen in the
Young Men's Christian Association, at Toronto, Canada
u01\-ne past twenty-e.>ght years, Dr. Brown has served
the Young Men's Christian Association in local, national
and international capacities. During the war he was
general supervisor of war work for Canada at home
and abroad. Since 1919 he has been Senior Secretary
ot the physical department of the Young Men's Christian
Association, treasurer of the American Olympic Team in
£^1S ,m i924' President of the National Basketball
hcials Committee, and Secretary of the National
Volley Ball Committee. Dr. Brown has given much
thought to the whole subject of adapting recreation pro-
grams to serve individual needs, and we are glad to
have him here this morning with us. He will speak
on Recreation and the Individual.
Dr. Brown: I am tremendously interested in
this subject, as all of us are. I hesitated when I
was asked to talk on the topic of Recreation and
the Individual. It is so all-inclusive. So far as
man is concerned, of course there would be no
recreation but for the individual, and the study
of the individual is essential to the discovery of
a scientific program that will meet the needs of
the individual.
I believe that the time has come in our recre-
ation work when the recreation director must be a
director of thinking rather than a director of
activities of the people. And so it seems to me
that we must think through the question of recre-
ation in relation to the all round development of
the individual and then think through the pro-
gram and the kind of organization and facilities
requisite to put on the program necessary to make
for the all-round development of the individual
through activities that the individual will be led
to work out as requisite needs in his own daily
regime. And he will do this because of the ad-
vance thinking that we have done, the leadership
that we have given. And, incidentally in pass-
ing may I remark that I believe increasingly the
recreation director must give evidence in his own
life that he has a carefully thought out philosophy
for himself which he is practising, by which his
influence counts for more than what he says.
I am going to read some extracts from corre-
spondence that I have had, thinking that in this
way you will get the point of view of men whose
opinions you regard highly. Through this corre-
*Address given at Recreation Congress, Asheville, North Caro-
lina, October 5-10, 1925.
spondence, you will notice an emphasis upon the
basic place of recreation in the life of the in-
dividual because of its relation to health. Recre-
ation adds years to the life, and life to the years.
In this connection, a few years ago I was tre-
mendously impressed by a statement made by a
man then eighty-two years of age. He is still
living, and had his eighty- fourth birthday last
month. At the age of forty he began to give
attention to this matter of recreation as he had
not heretofore, and in speaking to him I asked
him the question as to the benefits he derived
from exercise and recreation and the amount of
time that he gave to it. He made this very signif-
icant comment. He said, "As I grow older I find
that I do not need as much exercise or recreation
but what little I need, I need more."
One of the striking things that is apparent in
this correspondence and in the deliberations of
all thoughtful people is that more and more recre-
ation is being thought of as a phase of the whole
life, all through the life. We are not thinking
now of playgrounds for children only. There is
need of recreation all through life, and there is
need in this day for emphasis upon recreation
for the adult. "All work and no play makes
Jack a dull boy," but the contrary of that is just
as true, — "all play and no work makes Dad a
bad citizen." And while on the one hand we have
many adults who live recreationless lives, we
have too many adults who make play their work,
and so we are endeavoring, it seems to me, to
inject a new spur into life, a new attitude toward
life, to inject if you will, recreation into work.
I should like to couple with our President's happy
phrase, "The Happy Amateur," that of "The
Happy Worker" — to inject the "vacation" spirit
into "vocation." Just with the idea of impressing
upon us this personal individualistic element in
our whole recreation program, I should like to
pin your thought on just this phrase, that we
personalize our objectives, that we humanize our
tasks; that in thinking of the playground statis-
tics, we think not so much about statistics of ma-
terials, but facts with reference to individuals;
that we fix our attention upon the fact not that
we are teaching activities but teaching individ-
659
660
RECREATION AND THE INDIVIDUAL
uals; that we are working not on playgrounds,
but on living human beings. Our statistics should
play up the fact not that we have so many play-
grounds, but that we have so many children being
served in so many playgrounds.
I think there is a big difference and there is a
reflex influence on our own thinking even in the
way that we think of our statistics. Vital statis-
tics are not some abstract thing, but the records
of organic conditions and living of individuals.
Then let us keep in mind that we would have
no groups, no teams, no mass games but for the
individuals who compose them, and let us remind
ourselves that while we are thinking of recrea-
tion for the mass, for the nation, for the com-
munity, recreation for all the people, it func-
tions and serves humanity only as it touches
this individual life. Sickness means nothing un-
til some person becomes sick; getting well gen-
erally means nothing until some sick person gets
well, and when it strikes home it becomes very
personal. It is in that sort of fashion that this
subject has gripped me in the last few months.
What a transformation in the lives of the people
and in the life of the nation would occur if recre-
ation really came into the lives of more individ-
uals!
As an additional objective that we are striving
for is the effort to bring recreation into the life
of the individual so as to counteract the tendency
to premature old age. That would bring this
thing about, more people, as their families grow
up, 'would grow down. I am sure that you have
in the range of your friendships men and women,
parents who as the children have matured have
so caught their youthful spirit that as they have
grown older in years, in spirit they have reversed
the process and have become younger. That is
what we are after in this recreation for the in-
dividual— the bouyancy begotten of association
with youth and the refusal to take life so seriously
that it is robbed of its rightful joy.
The letters I hold in my hand all emphasize
the necessity for the recreation directors ascer-
taining through some process the physical con-
dition of the individual before attempting to pre-
scribe a program that will meet the recreation
needs of that individual. In addition to dealing
with the matter indicated, there is positive sug-
gestion that through recreation we counteract
functional disorders. I cannot dwell on that at
length.
Dr. Crampton gives some guiding principles
to the director: "Love your fellow man. You
will understand him best with your heart, and
make him understand and trust you."
"Play freely yourself and really like to do it.
Be an honest example."
"Know your man, including his physical con-
dition."
"Select recreation within his capacity but as
far opposite to his ordinary occupation as pos-
sible. Provide companionship, follow up your
man. It usually takes more than one stroke to
drive a nail."
Here is a letter from Dr. Fiske of the Life
Extension Institute:
"I should say that the recreation director
should lead and not drive. It is important for
him to diagnose the recreation need of his sub-
ject and not be too ready to accept him as a fixed
type. While it is unwise to direct a man of a
certain type in recreation for which he is men-
tally or physically unfit, on the other hand, I
think people are fundamentally much more alike
than they are willing to admit. Oftentimes a man
who thinks he is adapted only to solitary recrea-
tion will find on trial that he has reserve stores
of good fellowship and capacity for mingling
with his kind that he has not suspected."
In that connection, I should like to read an ex-
tract from a letter from Professor George E.
Johnson, who writes as follows : "I do not see the
need in general of differentiation of activities
according to vocation. Of course, individual
needs and interest and circumstances will always
enter into the solution of personal recreation prob-
lems, but I do not see why all classes mentioned
might not have the same recreation activities.
To differentiate on the basis of vocation would
be to base one's practice merely on the basis of
surplus energy and this infers that it would in-
volve powers not used in work."
In other words, there are two points of view
in approaching the problem of meeting the recre-
ation needs of the individual. Shall we classify
our groups according to needs and then classify
our program and fit these individuals in care-
fully selected groups so that they will get the sort
of classified work that we have arranged to meet
the particular needs of those groups? It seems
to me that is our big task. The other angle is
this. Are individuals so peculiar that each in-
dividual must be studied as apart from all the
others and then assigned or prescribed specific
work that he must follow through individually?
The overwhelming evidence of this study is that
there is far more in common in all of us than
RECREATION AND THE INDIVIDUAL
661
there is in the way of differentiation; that if we
base our programs upon scientific principles, upon
the great broad needs of the average individual,
whether he is a postman or fireman or clerk or
industrial worker, regardless of his vocation or
manner of life, his essential needs will largely
be met by carefully worked out all-round pro-
grams. The small number of individuals requir-
ing additional personal attention may be cared
for in some specially devised way, but the social
needs of the individual, the needs for general
upbuilding, and the need for recreation, for the
spirit of companionship, for diversion, for big
muscle activity, for the use of heart, lungs and
limbs, for teamwork, provided our program is
complete, demand that we give emphasis to out-
door work under character-building leadership
and character-building processes.
I have not time to pass on the many sugges-
tions that have come as to what is being done in
various playgrounds and recreation centers to meet
the needs of the individual. This will have to be
left to sectional conferences, but may I close with
the thought with which I opened my remarks, that
a new day has come, a new challenge is presented
to the director of recreation who wishes to make
the maximum contribution to humanity and
that is that we must think through the philosophy
for our whole recreation program on the basis
of individual need with a plan of organization, a
form of equipment, a type of program activity
organized and classified, and with men and trained
leadership to meet these individuals. There must,
too, be far more of educational content so that
there will come to those engaged in recreation
through our program an understanding which will
enable them to go on in this work and to have
the satisfaction of achievement in seeing progress
in the working out of their own recreation pro-
gram.
The Chairman : It is not for a chairman to do,
but I really want to emphasize one or two things
the speaker said. His study is a wonderful con-
firmation of the theory this whole organization
is based on, — the study of the individual, what he
wants. He asked the people who know best, and
he says the overwhelming evidence is that there
is underneath all the Man Universal, a type to-
ward which we tend. That is the theory of the
whole play movement. If that were not so, if
certain things were left out that belong to the
human being, the whole thing would not be worth
while. If it is left out, the man dies. That is
the result. There would be no need of educa-
tion or need of play; there would be nothing be-
hind this movement, if there were not something
of a type toward which all tend; yet every blos-
som on the tree differs from every other blossom
and has its particular way of giving the message
of the whole tree. That is at the bottom of
Froebel's philosophy. The tree expresses itself
through the blossom and the blossom is not there
except az it contains the tree. It is all there in
all of us and the job of this organization is to
bring it out.
1 cannot help saying something about statistics,
too. People are always telling us, "You want
first to get the facts." That is a good thing to
start, first get all the facts. When we go into a
town and find what is going on, we find a few
facts, as for example the number of acres in the
playground, and the number of children. Johnny
played baseball this afternoon. What did it mean
in his temper, in his character and his future
citizenship ? A pretty subtle thing ! Johnny does
not know ; his mother does not know. We go
with a pencil and piece of paper and get all the
facts about Johnny. It is only the Lord who
knows the facts. If we find one-tenth, we are
doing well. If you get the facts and add them
in a column, not one of the facts tells one-tenth
of the story and if you think it does, you are
fooling yourself. I think we have got to have
fact men, but don't let us take them too seriously.
Dr. Burdette G. Lewis speaking before the Na-
tional Conference of Juvenile Agencies, cited
among the causes of the present crime conditions :
"The breaking up of the American home. Let
modern science and religious leaders unite to re-
establish the integrity of the American home upon
a more modern basis.
"The great variety of races in our cities. Let
there be an effective educational program, varied
to meet the religious, cultural and economic needs
of the various races.
"Lack of adventure in ordinary living. Let
there be national games and sports of all kinds and
the widest use of the radio in extending physical
and moral training, so that there may be an intelli-
gent response to the craving for romance.
"Lack of a comprehensive moral and social pro-
gram. Let there be a comprehensive moral and
social program to be carried out by the individual,
by the family and by the church, by the public in
private capacity and by the government in its or-
ganized capacity.
A Carnival that Pioneered
BY
JOSEPHINE BLACKSTOCK
Director, Playground Board of Oak Park, Illinois
Up to now, ice carnivals have had little to do
with Rudyard Kipling, possessing few literary
pretensions to speak of ; but if Mr. Kipling had
happened to be in Oak Park, III, at a certain
community ice carnival in December, he might
seriously have considered revamping his theory
about an unbridgable gulf that divides two geo-
graphical boundaries. For on the particular win-
ter days in question, north did indeed meet west in
an alignment that was both vivid and colorful.
There was Quebec with a picturesque cross sec-
tion; Switzerland had lent a glittering measure-
ment, and Alaska had trekked in Hudson Bay
jacket straight across the threshold.
And now for the very practical story.
One day last November the members of the
Playground Board decided that Oak Park ought
to have an ice carnival, and for three reasons.
The first reason was that the adult population
was not availing itself of the skating rinks and
toboggan slides ; the second was that the boys
and girls knew as much about bright and colorful
outing costumes as so many monks in a convent ;
and the third, that the newly erected stadium,
seating 6,000 people and built at a cost of $110,-
000, with its athletic field a square block in extent,
was never used except during the briefest of
football and baseball seasons.
Accordingly, the president of the council of
Oak Park service clubs, five in number, was
asked to recommend to the various organizations
that they each donate $75.00 towards the car-
nival, an appeal that was favorably voted upon.
The Park Board was similarly approached and
responded with a contribution of nearly $300.00.
The Playground Board was responsible for the
remaining cost, the total outlay on the carnival
being $1,200.00. At the first meeting of the
community carnival committee, representatives
from the following organizations were present —
Playground Board,- Park Board, Rotary, Lions,
Optimists, Real Estate Board, Commercial Asso-
ciation, Boy Scouts, Y. M. C. A., Public Service,
662
High School. The director of the playgrounds
was elected general chairman, and the following
sub committees appointed — Program, Grounds,
Lighting, Decorations, Publicity, Prizes, Music.
An embankment twelve inches high was thrown
up about the athletic field. Several weeks before
the carnival the first light flooding was done ;
this was followed by almost daily sprinklings.
A bandstand was erected near the main entrance
of the stadium in a central position so that the
sound of the music would carry well. The play-
ers were protected by a back and two sides to
the bandstand. Incidentally, the bandstand was
constructed from the stage belonging to the chil-
dren's theatre of the playgrounds and a number
of large boxes. A smaller judges' stand (the
platform of the merry whirl) was placed towards
one corner of the field. A space where the
events took place in the center of the rink \vas
roped off, and in order to insure good ice, the
public was prohibited from using it. Lighting
was effected through eight five-hundred watt
floods, placed four at the ends and four in the
center of the stadium. These lights threw a
brilliant spill over the entire field. They were
adjustable, and thus during the special events the
light could be focussed on a particular spot. The
central object of the field was a huge Christmas
tree, and beside this was placed a tall pole to
afford illumination for the tree.
The decoration committee's special job was to
trim the tree, which was beautifully effected with
extra long icicles, colored bulbs (large size) and
an illuminated star, and to decorate the field
with pennants. These were made up of what the
manufacturer called holiday stock, bright greens,
reds and yellows, and the pennants were strung
from the top of the thirty-five foot pole to the
ends of the field. From the top of the stadium
flew the bright colored flags of the various high
schools of Chicago and its suburbs.
An efficient committee visited prominent busi-
ness men of the community and asked for dona-
tions of silver cups for first places. It proved
an easy undertaking to assemble ten handsome
A CARNIVAL THAT PIONEERED
C63
cups. A resident of Oak Park had recently in-
vented an oxidized silver medallion, rather large
in size, and bearing the Oak Park emblem and
a raised figure of a skater. These were purchased
at a dollar each and given as awards for first
place in the individual events. Ribbons were
awarded for second and third places. The cups
were given for the best costumes, best exhibition
of fancy skating, and for the highest point scorers
in the intermediate and senior races. The juniors
were given shields.
Music was furnished by a twelve-piece band,
the Chicago Ex-Service Men's Band, and con-
sisted of lively dance tunes.
A Novel Heating System
One of the unique features of the carnival was
the heating system. This comprised a dozen or
more salamanders, borrowed for the occasion
from contractors. Filled with coke, they afforded
a cheerful appearance and gave out adequate
heat. They were placed on the bandstand and
about the field. Checking rooms and waiting
rooms inside the stadium were heated by large
gas heaters.
Getting Publicity
Publicity was procured in a number of ways.
Posters were placed in windows of the lead-
ing shops, and were distributed by the Boy Scouts.
A large sign was placed over the stadium. One
of the leading dry goods merchants was persuaded
to lend a corner window for an exhibition of
effective outing costumes, of skates, skis and
snow shoes and a display of the cups and carnival
posters. The window became the favorite park-
ing place of every boy's nose in Oak Park ! One
of the banks further lent space for an exhibition
of the cups and other trophies. The street cars
bore large announcements of the event. The
Chicago papers seized on the salamanders for a
feature story, and there were pictures of the cos-
tumes, the three-legged race, and other novelties
daily during the two-day events in all of the city
newspapers. The local papers gave the carnival
excellent space and played up the event both on
their covers and in large inside spreads. On the
day of the carnival, hand bills were distributed
at the stations of the Elevated Railroad. The
various clubs were asked to announce the event
at their regular meetings. When the opening
night arrived there was little to ask for in the
way of crowds, for the attendance was large and
representative.
T he Program
The program covered two days. It opened on
December 29 at 2 :30 p.m. with preliminary races
for the junior and intermediate classes. These
events included 50-yard and 100-yard dashes;
three-legged race; backward skating; one skate
race; relays, and obstacle races. The obstacle
race was an amusing novelty, the boys skating
through barrels. In the evening there were band
music and exhibitions of speed skating by three
of the outstanding skaters in the country, one of
whom was the ex-skating champion of the world,
and another the indoor skating champion of the
west. They appeared in picturesque skating out-
fits, one of them in the all-white costume he had
worn the previous year at the Olympic contests.
The following afternoons the finals of the junior
and intermediate classes and the senior races were
run off. The latter included dashes, quarter mile,
half mile, mile, backward skating and relays.
The final evening brought the gala event of the
two days' program — the mardi gras. The roped
off space presented a glamorous picture, with
many of the implications of a European carnival
scene. The costumes, a number of them brought
over from Norway, Germany, Italy, Scotland and
Holland, were authentic and varied. The silver
cup for men went to a young Hollander wearing
a Dutch peasant costume, complete from a
meerschaum pipe its wearer was smoking to a
pair of clogs thrown over his shoulders ; that for
the boys to a youngster dressed in a Highlander's
costume. There were clowns, a dancing bear,
Pierrot and Pierrette, a cowboy, fairies, peasants
from half a dozen lands, and most of the rest
of the classic fancy dress legendry. Perhaps the
feature that pleased the committee most was the
number of picturesque skating costumes, bright
sweaters, gaily colored scarfs and caps and fur
trimmed skirts.
The contest for the best figure skating brought
out a large group of contestants. The number
was followed by a lantern parade by a group of
Girl Scouts, dressed in bright colored old English
carollers' costumes. The lights were extinguished
and the darting figures moving in a serpentine
dance about the ice, carrying their lighted hand-
made lanterns, made a memorable picture. Then
there followed the high spot of the evening, the
exhibition of fancy skating by two nationally
known ice stars, Edna Blue and Billie Bourke.
The couple appeared in effective all-white cos-
tumes and gave a spectacular performance.
664
A CARNIVAL THAT PIONEERED
The night scenes at the carnival were vivid and
beautiful. The darting, weaving skaters in their
bright colored costumes ; the arabesques of multi-
colored lights from the tree; a high sky lit by
occasional stars and white drifts of clouds; the
glimmer and flaunt of long pennant strings; the
sound of music falling softly over night and snow
and drifting figures — these all were movement
and color from the brush of a great artist.
And so the carnival ended — or the carnival
committee thought it did. They found shortly
afterward that they were mistaken. The event
had brought an overwhelming demand for the
athletic field and stadium to become an arena for
outdoor events for the community. The city
wanted more of it! The general chairman, writ-
ing three weeks after the carnival ended, has
classified the carnival results as follows :
1. A committee of high school board members
waited on carnival committee and asked that the
same group maintain the athletic field throughout
the winter for skating and tobogganing. A winter
sports committee was accordingly organized, a
toboggan slide built reaching almost to the top of
the stadium, the ice kept in excellent condition
for skaters, with checking and waiting rooms.
2. The flood lights were permanently installed
by the high school board and an innovation in
mid-west graduations will in all probability be
out-of-door exercises for next June's 600 grad-
uates, a solution of a long-felt problem of seating
twice as many people as the high school assembly
room will hold.
3. So appreciative of the carnival were resi-
dents that on the final night alone about $600
was voluntarily subscribed toward the mainte-
nance of the field for winter sports. In less than
an hour a member of the Playground Board
raised $1,000 over and above that sum.
4. — The Playground Board is discussing a
great May Day festival at the field, with repre-
sentatives of every grade and high school taking
part; it is laying plans for a summer concert.
5. The carnival will probably be perpetuated
by a painting by one of the outstanding artists of
America, a resident of the district.
6. Tobogganing and skating have received an
impetus in Oak Park of incalculable meaning.
One evening's attendance last week passed the
thousand mark, and a goodly percentage consisted
of adults. Today the rink is the background for
numberless colorful and picturesque costumes.
Applications have been received from twenty
clubs, churches and business organizations asking
for permission to hold toboggan and skating
parties on the rink. We give such groups exclu-
sive use of eight of the toboggans. These parties
in Oak Park have put bridge and Mah Jongg
on the run.
7. A winter sports club has been organized
among the young women of the community that
appears to have a lusty future ahead.
8. Lastly, oh fabulous climax, oh sweet re-
venge, Evanston, Illinois, classic "rival" of Oak
Park, has asked for the details of the carnival
that that city may stage a similar event!
OAK PARK, ILLINOIS, TRIUMPHS OVER WINTER
Neighborhood Recreation Centers*
BY
TAM DEERING
Superintendent of Recreation for Municipality and City Schools, San Diego, California
Self-expression whether in our work or in our
play requires the cooperation of our fellows. The
expression of the family life and the solution of
home problems call for cooperation with other
families in the immediate neighborhood. Citizen-
ship is not a cold and abstract relationship.
People must have the opportunity to participate
in neighborhood affairs. They must be given
some local responsibility of a tangible nature. As
Joseph Lee has said, to become a real member of
the community is to recover the most vital of all
the strands of life.
What we need is to develop a real neighbor-
hood life. The first step toward this develop-
ment is to establish a neighborhood center about
which community life may grow.
A Suggested "Ideal Type"
The neighborhood civic center, combining the
playground with the school, the branch library
and the neighborhood park would seem to be the
ideal type of recreation center. If the school is to
be properly equipped for its educational program
for the children it must have adequate land space,
auditorium, social hall, class rooms, cafeteria,
shop, music facilities, showers, lockers and other
equipment. The branch library should be an ad-
junct to the school as fifty per cent of the use of
the branch library is by the children. The school
children should be surrounded with the beauty of
flowers, trees, grass, landscaping and gardens.
Hence, the neighborhood park should be an ad-
junct of the school.
The neighborhood civic center, including the
school, park, playground, library and other facili-
ties, might well become the heart of the neighbor-
hood life, providing for all the varied educational,
recreational and social functions of the neighbor-
hood. It would be used by everyone from the
little child in the ring games and sand play to the
oldest inhabitant reading in the library or playing
horse shoes in the field. The multiplicity of use
•Extracts from address given at Recreation Conference, Western
Division, P.R.A.A. Del Monte, California, November 16, 1925.
for different purposes would contribute toward
making it the neighborhood capitol.
Financing the Center
Financing of the neighborhood civic center may
be accomplished by the city as a whole through
city, school, library and park bond issues. Or,
it may be accomplished by the neighborhood itself
through the local assessment plan. In San Diego,
we have a number of neighborhood civic center
projects which we are undertaking to procure by
local assessment. In the Emerson neighborhood
we are working for a fifteen acre civic center. To
start with, the Emerson School had only one and
six-tenths acres of land. The Southern View Im-
provement Club in cooperation with Community
Service and the Board of Playground Commis-
sioners worked out a plan for the Emerson Civic
Center at the school. The neighborhood itself has
petitioned the City Council for the creation of an
assessment district in their neighborhood to pur-
chase ten acres of land adjoining the school for a
neighborhood park. Committees from the neigh-
borhood, working with the Community Service
and Board of Playground Commissioners have
got the Board of Education to vote the sum of
$17,500 for the purchase of land for playground
and building purposes, on condition that the
neighborhood carry through the local assessment
for the park. In a similar manner, the City
Council and the City Manager have agreed to in-
clude an item of $12,000 in the municipal budget
for the purchase of a library site and an addi-
tional piece of land adjoining the ten acre tract.
A street running between the school property and
the ten acre park is to be abandoned so that the
entire fifteen acres will be in one piece. The
people intend to procure by local assessment the
funds necessary to improve the ten acres as a
park, as well as to make the original purchase.
The park board has been asked to maintain the
park after it is put in condition.
In the Logan Heights neighborhood the Im-
provement Club, on the recommendation of Com-
665
666
NEIGHBORHOOD RECREATION CENTERS
munity Service and the Board of Playground
Commissioners, has voted unanimously to under-
take to carry through the project for procuring
thirty acres adjoining the present Junior High
School site of nine acres. An option to procure
the land at a cost of $150,000 is now held by the
Improvement Club. The Board of Education has
been asked to provide one-half of this sum. The
Logan Elementary School, which has nearly a
thousand children in attendance, and which has
only one and two-tenths acres of land, is to be
sold and the school given a site on the forty acre
tract.
Similar plans are being worked out in other
neighborhoods and it is the intention of the Board
of Playground Commissioners to assist in the
development of such a civic center in each of the
thirty neighborhoods of San Diego. This will
mean that ultimately there will be a civic center at
each elementary school. Of course, such a scheme
can be carried through only after there has been
brought about cooperation between the various
municipal and school boards. In San Diego the
Board of Playground Commissioners has adopted
a resolution declaring that in the future, all neigh-
borhood playgrounds shall be in conjunction with
elementary schools and all district recreation fields
in conjunction with Junior High Schools. The
Board of Education adopted a similar resolution.
The Library Board has agreed to the location of
its branch libraries in conjunction with the ele-
mentary school and playground. The City Plan-
ning Commission has been drawn in.
NEED OF EDUCATION
The organization of the neighborhood to pro-
cure the civic center by local assessment is not
without its difficulties. The taxpayer has come to
see the value of streets and sidewalks even when
procured by local assessment. It requires a good
deal of educational work to get him to support a
local assessment for a civic center. Such an im-
provement is certain to meet with the opposition
of some of the taxpayers. In one of our neigh-
borhoods, the first to undertake to procure a civic
center by local assessment, a real tempest arose.
"Why should our community be obliged to pay for
its own playground when other neighborhoods are
provided with playgrounds by the city,'' was the
first question. "Taxes are terrible," wrote one
lady to the city council. "Let those whose chil-
dren are going to use the playground pay for it.
I have no children and I don't see why I should
have to pay for the other fellow's children," wrote
another taxpayer. "It will benefit the colored
people most because they have land along one side
of the Civic Center site," objected a number of
people in another neighborhood. "Isn't someone
making a profit off this land deal?'' was another
question. In one neighborhood, the president of
the Improvement Club submitted an article to the
newspaper favoring the civic center in which he
made the statement that if the people of the neigh-
borhood didn't get in and provide the money to
buy the land by local assessment, if they "let
George do it" that it would never be done. Imme-
diately a business man, a prominent member of
the club, whose first name is George, wrote a
strong letter to the newspaper opposing the pro-
ject because he was much offended, believing that
he was the "George" referred to. He had never
heard the expression before. Two laboring men
who sat in the back of the hall where a mass meet-
ing was called to discuss the civic center in one
neighborhood were overheard as follows: The
first said, "Are you for this civic center?" Reply,
"No, I am against it. Let's kill off all the children.
But if we are going to have children let's give ?em
a place to play."
EXPRESSION OF COMMUNITY LIFE A NECESSITY
Just as the family yearns for a home, a place of
its own, an expression of the family life, so it
would seem, the community hungers for some ex-
pression of the community life. The grouping of
public buildings about an open park or promenade
is the rule in European cities, which are famed
for the dignity and beauty of their civic centers.
Paris has its many civic centers such as the
Louvre. Berlin has its Unter den Linden. Mos-
cow its Kremlin. Brussels its Grand Palace.
Vienna its Ringstrasse. Increasingly. American
cities are creating civic centers. The plans of L'-
Enfant for Washington, D. C, are the pride of all
Americans. Cleveland is establishing a $14,000,-
000 civic center. Our own San Francisco has a re-
markably beautiful civic center.
Does the civic center express the common as-
pirations of the community? I remember how in
Aberdeen, Washington, the entire community,
men and women of all groups, turned out to help
in the construction by volunteer labor of their
Civic Auditorium. Other cities have done like-
wise. Just recently one of the neighborhoods of
metropolitan San Diego, Lincoln Acres, con-
structed their auditorium by volunteer labor.
There seems to be a universal desire to express the
oneness of our community life by the creation of
NEIGHBORHOOD RECREATION CENTERS
667
a building or civic center which shall belong to all.
Can the neighborhood civic center provide the
essentials for the creative use of leisure time for
all the people of the community? If it is to do so
this center must be made completely democratic.
It must provide an atmosphere, an attitude, a
motive, conducive to the growth of a broad demo-
cratic spirit. No individual, class or clique, no
particular brand of political or economic opinion
can dominate it. Everyone must be made to feel
at home at this center. There must be real leader-
ship. The task is one of community organization,
not merely directing activities. There can be no
community unless there are leaders in whose minds
and hearts the community exists. There must be
a real program, a significant program. The aim
must be not to put over something, but to help
each person or group to get access to the oppor-
tunity to express creatively what he or they have
to express.
All social, recreational and educational activi-
ties of a community nature might well be cen-
tralized at the neighborhood civic center. There
must be provision for the little children. The
young men and women must have the opportunity
to come together for wholesome good times at
which they may come to know and to select their
life-mates. The older folks must be helped to ar-
range meetings at which they may discuss their
common neighborhood problems, including local
improvements, educational, political, industrial,
health and other matters. Social and recreational
opportunities for all must be provided.
Leisure we have increasingly for all. The six-
teen hour day of long ago has dropped to twelve,
and now to eight hours. Steinmetz and other
scientists predict that with increasing control of
the mechanical and electrical forces there will be
no need for a longer working day than four hours.
What shall the race do with its leisure? Shall it
be the means to the degradation of the race or
will mankind through the creative use of leisure
achieve undreamed-of heights? The ancient
Greeks through the use of leisure traced out the
nearest approach we have had to the spiritual out-
line of a man. As Joseph Lee has said, "What
can we do when leisure is at hand for all?" The
challenge we face is to work out in the neighbor-
hood the way whereby all men and women and
all boys and girls may have a part in that finer
community life for which the race has ever hun-
gered, where each individual may attain his high-
est possibilities as a human being, and where each
may share in a significant community life.
Our country is in the midst of an astonishing
increase in wealth and of its wide diffusion among
the whole people. The application of the many
discoveries in the physical sciences, the increase in
efficiency both in workers and executives, the elim-
ination of industrial waste, and the advent of
prohibition, have raised our standards of living and
material comfort to a height unparalleled in our
history and therefore in the history of the world.
One of its by-products is a decrease of working
hours, an increase in leisure.
I rejoice in all these things, for if they be applied
rightly they mark a new bound forward in civiliza-
tion itself. But there have been by-products which
must give us concern. Forces have arisen with this
great growth of national prosperity, no doubt
helped by the loosening of moral and spiritual
standards by the war, that must give us question
as to the impairment of the reserves of individual
and national character. Evidences of this lie in
instances of weakening moral fibre; in loosening
family and home ties, in youthful criminality, in
the easy breaking of law by adults ; in growing in-
tolerance, in a leaning upon the State without cor-
responding willingness to bear its burden; in a
disposition to disregard or suppress discontent in-
stead of discovering the causes and removing
them ; in the intriguing or open purposes of groups
to profit themselves regardless of the consequences
to others and to the whole of society ; in the com-
placency of millions over the wrongs and suffer-
ings within and beyond our borders ; and in waste
and extravagance. Thus the perils ahead are
moral, not economic.
Such a statement is neither an incitement to
hysteria nor a support for barren pessimism. It
is a call to create and maintain agencies for
strengthening the moral and spiritual fibre parallel
with our material agencies of progress. We have
not lost the dominance of the old-fashioned vir-
tues, of honesty, of neighborly service, of love of
family and home, of faith in God, or the purposes
of our country. There is time to act if enough of
us care, but not feebly or along by-paths.
HERBERT HOOVER
Before the Forty-second International Convention of the
Y. M. C. A.'s of North America, Washington, D. C,
October 26, 1925
668
ADULTS PLAY IN OMAHA
Adults Play in Omaha
BY
EDWIN S. JEWELL
Omaha, Nebraska
In addition to its organized play for children,
Omaha has organized play for grown people.
Omaha's adult play organization is called the
Omaha Walking Club. This club has an active
membership of two hundred and fifty men and
women composed principally ,of teachers and
CLUB HIKES MAKE WEEK-ENDS MEMORABLE
people employed in offices. The club was organ-
ized March 30th, 1919 and is patterned after the
Prairie Club of Chicago.
The Omaha Walking Club has a permanent
camp located in the woods close to the Missouri
river, about seven miles southeast of the city.
At this camp the Club has erected four buildings.
An inside circular fireplace and a large outside
cooking range have been installed. The Club's
equipment cost over two thousand dollars.
Dr. Harold Gifford, who owns the large
wooded point of land on which the camp is
located, has given the Club a twenty-five year
lease on eight acres of ground at a nominal rental.
The enthusiasm of members and the large average
turn-out for every activity in all kinds of weather
has demonstrated conclusively that clubs of this
kind are needed and if properly organized will
live and render valuable service to the community.
The Omaha Walking Club's activities consist
of Saturday afternoon and Sunday outings at the
camp. A host or hostess is always in charge to
serve coffee and collect a ten cent camp fee. It
is necessary for everyone to walk at least four
miles through the woods over hills to reach the
camp and return to automobile or street car.
The activities at the camp consist of volley ball,
tennis, horse-shoe pitching, with canoeing and
swimming in summer and skating in winter.
In addition to the activities at the camp, the
Omaha Walking Club conducts an organized walk
every Sunday from September 15th to June 15th.
Three of the walks each month cover from six to
f eight miles in the afternoon with a camp fire and
hot coffee in the woods. One Sunday each month
the Club takes an all-day outing covering about
fifteen miles.
The special events of the year at the camp
consist of an annual chicken dinner, a hallowe'en
party, a Thanksgiving breakfast, and a Christmas
tree for children who live in the country near the
camp.
Every year the Club promotes a two weeks'
mountain outing and some years a lake outing
also.
The Club charges $2.00 annual dues which pay
the cost of publishing a bi-monthly bulletin, a
vear book, and other necessary printed matter.
The ten cent fee collected on walks and at the
camp buys the coffee, cream and sugar and pays
for equipment and repairs.
The Club's attendance at the camp is more
than forty-eight hundred per year, or an average
of one hundred per week. The attendance on
Sunday walks is one thousand per year or an
average of about twenty for each walk. The
attendance on mountain and lake outings ranges
from fifteen to twenty-five.
No hike or outing is ever postponed on account
of weather.
PERMANENT LODGE OF THE CLUB
FOR THE GIRLS AND WOMEN OF SOUTH CAROLINA
669
For the Girls and Women
of South Carolina
BY
BLANCHE TARRANT
District Home Demonstration Agent, Greenwood,
South Carolina
During the summer of 1925, six hundred and
forty-five Home Demonstration Club girls, of
South Carolina, under the leadership of their
County Home Demonstration Agents, attended
camps of from three to five days duration.
The camps are held in the Piedmont district of
South Carolina at places most centrally located
and best fitted for the girls' pursuits. There is
only one county in the district that has a building
erected for camp purposes. This is Pickens Camp,
for which A. P. Chastine gave twenty-three acres
of mountain property for the use of the 4-H
Club members of his county. By various gifts
buildings costing $5,000 have been erected and
here the boys and girls enjoyed their first days
of camp last summer.
Other counties are using buildings which they
find adequate within their own counties.
Before being admitted to the camp, each club
girl is required to have her work projects com-
pleted to date. To keep the girls busy at work or
play, programs are planned to occupy every mo-
ment of the time from six-thirty in the morning
until ten at night.
A variety of articles have been made by each
girl to carry home, including a reed basket,
dresser scarf, collar and cuff set, towels, hand-
kerchiefs or illustrative booklets of club work.
At each camp an honor contest was held to
simplify camp discipline. Every day each girl
made on her honor the answer yes or no to the
following questions and ribbons were awarded to
the club answering yes to all questions.
Were you quiet after bedtime?
Were you quiet before rising bell?
Did you brush your teeth today?
Did you drink the milk served?
Did you leave off tea and coffee?
Did you eat vegetables served?
Were you kind to others?
Have you joined in all songs and games?
The greatest value of the club camp to the
girls is that it teaches cooperative play. The girls
make great efforts to attend camp. Some few
are so fortunate as to reach camp riding in a
closed car, but many girls will walk several miles
to catch a ride with a neighbor who is taking his
daughter over in the wagon. The most unusual
method was seen, though, when Stella Bowen
rode eight miles on a mule across the mountain
to reach the camp. Her young brother rode the
same mule with her, and took the mule back home.
He returned three days later to take Stella home
from camp.
Does a camp mean much to the club girl ? The
greatest proof is that they will attend again next
year and persuade their friends to come, too, for
each year the enrollment gets larger and larger.
Play Parties for Farm Women
Farm women of Cokesbury, South Carolina,
have realized the value of recreation in their
community life and each Friday evening during
the summer of 1925 they arranged a play party
on the school grounds, inviting the entire com-
munity.
These women caught this inspiration while en-
gaged in Home Demonstration Club work, under
the leadership of their Home Agent, Miss Louise
Fleming. A period of recreation is given by Miss
Fleming at each meeting of her Home Demonstra-
tion Club.
Miss Fleming was present at the first recrea-
tion meeting held at Cokesbury, and had charge
of the games, songs and stunts put on by the people
of Cokesbury Community. Later the work was
assigned to a local committee. The fun was so
great that local people took complete charge, hold-
ing their meetings regularly from June to
September.
All the games of the country were tried out.
Books and magazines were also studied in search
for new ones. The most popular activity was the
Virginia Reel for which music was furnished by
an old-time fiddler. Second in popularity came
the relay races, while singing games were always
gayly entered into.
The average attendance at these play parties
was seventy-five. This group was composed of
men, women and children ; and everybody played !
The spirit of play has gone abroad to other
rural communities of the county and play parties
have also been held at Phoenix, Durst and Kirk-
sey. On Hallowe'en practically every rural com-
munity in Greenwood County celebrated the occa-
sion with a party.
In addition to the enjoyment they give the in-
670
dividual, play parties are enabling the farm women
to find out how much they like their neighbors
and are being of great value in all matters of
cooperation.
Boyology— A New and All-
Important Study
The guiding of boys in the proper direction is
a subject which needs study today. Brother Bar-
nabas, of New Haven, Conn., is one who has given
a great deal of thought to this subject and is
recognized as one of the foremost experts on boy
life. Pittsburgh men, through the Knights of
Columbus, have recently been given a unique op-
portunity to take a course, under the supervision
of this expert, on this all-important work of mould-
ing good upright, honest and God-fearing citizens
out of the boys of the United States. Two hundred
and fifty Pittsburgh men — Catholic, Protestant
and Jewish — took advantage of it. This course on
Boyology, as it is called, lasted ten days and
Brother Barnabas gathered about him for faculty,
some of the most highly trained and successful
men in boy work, including C. J. Atkinson of the
International Boys' Club Federation; Roland
Sheldon of the Big Brothers' Federation; Roger
Motten of the Woodcraft League of America ; A.
T. Benson, Boy Scout Executive; James Lodge
of the Boys' Club Federation; W. C. Batchelor,
Superintendent of the Pittsburgh Bureau of Re-
creation, and Sidney Teller, director of the Irene
Kauffman Settlement, Pittsburgh. The topics
which were discussed in the course included Boys'
Rights and Man's Duty; The Layman's Place in
Boyology; Dividends in Boyology; The Under-
Privileged Boy; Scouting and Its Method of
Training; Character Building and Citizenship
Training; Older Boy Programs; Nature Study
and Its Necessity to Boy Life, and A Healthy
Body and Mind.
This course is a part of the nation-wide move-
ment of the Knights of Columbus toward the wel-
fare of the youth of the nation. The movement
is an important one, having the approval of the
bishops of America, and was instituted by the
Knights of Columbus at their invitation. Brother
Barnabas has been their consultant in entering this
new field of activity. A chair of Boy Guidance
has been founded at Notre Dame University and
a scholarship provided for each archdiocese where
the order exists in the United States, Canada, Cuba
and the Philippines.
Speaking at a luncheon at the close of the Ashe-
ville Recreation Congress, Brother Barnabas said :
"Eight million boys on the streets of America
are drifting — are growing up as spineless, effem-
inate 'cake-eaters'; because of a lack of real lead-
ership.
"There is a certain moment in every boy's life,
by God's own plan, when he seeks out a male to
reproduce within himself, and the normal man is
the father.
"When the industrial age swept fathers out of
boys' lives and into industry, the schoolmaster was
substituted for a time, a male schoolmaster, but
we have since become so commercialized that we
have not placed the proper value upon his serv-
ices, throwing him also into industry, putting a
woman teacher in his place and forcing the boy
of America to seek that masculine model for his
life on the streets and in the alley.
"There the boy finds the wrong model, he does
not deliberately turn criminal, but all that is mas-
culine in his nature revolts at the feminism of the
schoolroom and he seeks out his ideal in the 'tough
guy' not from choice but because of blind instinct.
The result is that one boy in every 14 is arrested
and we are placing 65,000 new laws on the statute
books every year to try to handle them."
The Fourth Agency
Everyone knows the home, the school, the
church. Soon everyone will also know the leisure
time agency which helps train boys and others in
the right use of leisure time.
At one time the school was still a part of the
church. Then the problem of the education of the
child became so insistent that a special institution
came into existence to meet the need and the school
has now become one of the few great institutions
of the world.
Recently the human family has entered a new
epoch. The machine age has come in with its
automobiles, with its great ocean liners, the flying
machines, with our great electric inventions and
our many great modern inventions, doing the work
of the world through machinery. This new revo-
lution in industry and commerce has made neces-
sary for society a fourth great institution, one
that shall train for the use of leisure. Side by
side with the parent, the minister, the teacher, is
now the leisure time leader or director.
RECREATION AND THE LABOR UNIONS
671
Recreation and the Labor
Unions
The Park and Recreation program of West-
chester County, New York, received the solid en-
dorsement of the fifty-two unions comprising the
Westchester County Labor Council, when it was
unanimously decided that the unions would coop-
erate with the County Recreation Commission in
its efforts to bring all possible opportunities for
recreation closer to the wage earner. Each of the
fifty-two unions has appointed its own committee
to further recreational development.
Music the First Development
The first approach will be through music and
a program has been launched by Mrs. Chester
G. Marsh, Director of the Westchester County
Recreation Commission, to invite foreign born
groups to take part in the annual musical festival
which will be held in White Plains next May.
The Commission is also urging that not only labor
unions but the numerous brotherhood organiza-
tions join in developing separate choral groups to
participate in the festival. In this connection, Sec-
retary of Labor Davis, who is keenly interested
in the development of music as a means of self
expression, has written the following letter to Mrs.
Eugene Meyer, Chairman of the Westchester
County Recreation Commission :
"I am glad to know that you are going to follow
up the suggestion of enlisting the various fraternal
orders in the Choral Movement in Westchester
County. As I told you a few days ago, the Choral
Movement will be of great value not only to West-
chester County but to any county.
"Music is the only universal language. Music
should have its place in the calculations of every
business, big and little, in America, for this great
force and factor makes for the happiness and con-
tentment of the workers and for the harmony and
fellow-feeling of the producers, both employers and
employed, and brings into play that very essential
condition which creates rhythm and harmony in
our workaday world. If industrial leaders gener-
ally realized the psychology of music — the Amer-
icanizing, the humanizing, the energizing influence
of it — the music period would have its definite
place in every day's activities. For the real secret
of success in any business is contented, satisfied,
willing workers — and music regularly brought into
the daily life is the greatest and most effective
influence in creating such helpers.
"I would so develop music in the community that
I would have a musical instrument of some kind
in every home, and I would have every child taught
to play, sing and know music. For music makes
for better citizenship. It will drive out envy and
hate which do so much to poison the well-springs-
of our life. Wherever people gather together, I
would have music, for it brings happiness and con-
tentment.
"The thought of these things inspires me to look
forward to the day when America, a mighty host
— a hundred million strong, will face the world
with a song upon its lips, and a vast chorus,
sweeping from the Atlantic to the Pacific will
weld the nation into one great force for world
good and happiness and peace."
Drama Development
The drama movement is of special concern to>
the labor unions because Brookwood, the Labor
College at Katonah, has just begun a demonstra-
tion of stage-craft and acting whereby it is hoped
to show how the recreation life of the industrial
communities may be greatly enriched at small ex-
pense through the efforts of the workers them-
selves and their families. The various dramatic
organizations in the country have called upon the
Recreation Commission to organize a little theater
tournament which will take place in April, and it
is hoped that many new groups will be formed to
compete for honors in playwriting, acting and
staging.
Outdoor Sports
Another means of providing recreation oppor-
tunity for Westchester County wage earners will
come through the Westchester County Athletic
Association recently organized under the leadership
of Frank S. Marsh. This Association will give a
wide and varied opportunity for outdoor sports,
cross country running, basketball, baseball, track
meets and other forms of athletic activity.
The Recreation Commission will also cooperate
with the labor unions in the development of the
summer program for additional playgrounds, chil-
dren's camps, family camps and the greater use
of the parks through walking clubs and camping-
expeditions.
The progressiveness of a city may be measured
largely by its parks and recreational facilities, for
these are the expression of the aspirations of the
community beyond the purely material and obvi-
ously necessary things.
—From City Plan for El Paso, Texas
672
NOTABLE DEVELOPMENT IN ORANGEBURG
What Do Boys and Girls
Like?
Several thousand girls and boys on the play-
grounds of the South Park Commission of Chicago
were recently furnished with ballots listing 150
different sports and leisure time activities, all in
vogue in the south parks, with the request that
they check off those that they like, sign their
names and state their ages.
Some very interesting and surprising results
were secured. The ten- and eleven-year-old girls
agreed that nothing is so much fun as marching ;
with the ten-year-olds the movies came third;
with the eleven-year-olds second and with the
twelve-year-olds first, while in this last instance
marching dropped from the top of the column to
fourteenth place.
The first five choices of the ten-year-olds were
marching, swimming, movies, parties and roller-
skating ; of the eleven-year-olds marching, movies,
gymnasium, dancing, swimming and parties; of
the twelve-year-olds movies, parties, reading, vol-
ley ball and swimming.
The game of checkers is more popular at eleven
than at either ten or twelve. Cooking is ninth at
ten years, just above O'Leary, eighth at eleven
and sixth at twelve, where it came between swim-
ming and roller-skating. The twelve-year-olds
have no place in their first thirty choices for
dressmaking, although the ten-year-olds put it
fifteenth and the eleven-year-olds twenty-fourth.
The ten-year-old boys gave the five honor places
to football, baseball, movies, marbles and tops;
eleven-year-olds to baseball, football, swimming,
marbles and movies ; the twelve-year-olds to swim-
ming, football, movies, baseball and skating.
While swimming went down with advancing
years among the girls, it went up among the boys,
being sixth at ten, third at eleven and first at
twelve.
Reading received its highest vote at eleven, but
was then lower than at any age among the girls
— ninth place. Radio made its appearance as
twenty-eighth at eleven and moved up to twenty-
sixth at twelve.
"Such tabulations as these," says the Chicago
Post of December eighth, "have their significance
for students of child psychology. They indicate
clearly that childhood is in a period of changes
in more than physical growth and that educa-
tional methods to be effective must take note of
the varying accents in child interest."
A Notable Development for
the Colored Citizens of
Orangeburg, S. C.
The playground for colored people at Orange-
burg, provided through the joint efforts of the
local people and a gift of the Harmon Founda-
tion, is an excellent example of the enterprise of
colored citizens. Including the Harmon Founda-
tion gift of $2,000 and free labor on the part of
the colored citizens estimated at $800, total re-
ceipts to date have been $4,619.46. The Commit-
tee has been so enthusiastic over developing the
property that they have incurred a debt of over
$1,300, making a total expense of almost $6,000.
The colored people have transformed this spot
of weed land into a garden. Artesian water sup-
plies the sunken garden and the wading pool. The
State College of Agriculture plants the ground and
the students cultivate it. About half an acre is
given over to the raising of canna, asters and
other flowers. Another half acre, fenced with
barbed wire, contains the home-made playground
equipment of see-saws, ladders, slides and one long
smooth log about two feet above the ground which
the children call the wooden horse. The log is
sustained by two supports near the end and the
long body hanging between has sufficient freedom
to swing from side to side or up and down when-
ever sufficient weight rests upon it. There is also
a "flying Jenny" or old-fashioned merry-go-round
on the playground.
A refreshment booth has been built with mate-
rial donated by merchants in the lumber industry.
A large pavilion sheltering perhaps one-fourth of
an acre has been framed and raftered with native
logs cut from a clump of trees on one corner of
the playground. It is being roofed with cor-
rugated galvanized iron. This pavilion is intended
to shelter the picnics and assemblies of colored
people of the entire county, who are already using
this playground as their social center.
Worcester Reports
The annual report of the Parks and Recreation
Commissioners of Worcester, Massachusetts,
which has just appeared, shows an increase not
only in activities and in attendance, but in phy-
sical facilities. The Parks and Recreation Com-
missioners have made a valuable addition to the
city's recreation facilities in the purchase of eight
RULES FOR PIN BALL
673
acres of land for playground purposes, the first
purchase of this nature since 1912. The cost of
the property was $20,000 and of this amount
$12,831.22 was donated from revenue received by
by the Food Commission. The amount represents
the balance left over from a portion of the Food
Commission receipts following the war, which the
commission voted to use for playground purposes.
A new bath-house at Lake Park has just been
completed and a second bath-house has been con-
structed at Crompton Park which will make
swimming possible both summer and winter. The
building is of brick construction equipped with
sanitaries, shower baths and electric lights and
with a hot water heating system. Eight showers
with slate partitions combined with dressing
rooms have been placed in the women's section
of the building and are so arranged that they are
entirely separate from the general public which
may desire to use the lavatories. The men's sec-
tion contains one large room with seven shower
heads and a large dressing room with eighty steel
lockers. It is planned to charge a small fee for
the use of the towels and soap which will pay for
the cost of these articles, possibly leaving a small
revenue to help pay for the additional labor nec-
essary to maintain the bath houses.
Other recreation facilities include 27 tennis
courts, 20 regulation baseball diamonds, 14 picnic
groves, 5 bathing beaches, 3 community houses,
public golf course, toboggan chutes, skating and
coasting areas.
Rules for Pin Ball
Paddle Tennis
E. W. Johnson, Superintendent of Play-
grounds, St. Paul, Minnesota, writes : "The game
of paddle tennis has been given a very thorough
trial in our year-round recreation centers and we
have found it to be a very popular game, particu-
larly for indoors. It has been in such demand
that a team is limited to one day's play a week
in order to accommodate the number of teams
desiring to play. Leagues have been formed
which are playing off regular schedules.
"The game itself offers great encouragement
for the real game of tennis which is one of our
master sports out-of-doors and we find that the
girls and boys from ten to fifteen years of age
are very desirous of trying their skill in the league
games.
"Next season we expect to purchase many
more sets so as to use them on all of our summer
playgrounds."
As PLAYED BY THE PUBLIC SCHOOLS ATHLETIC
ASSOCIATION, PATERSON, NEW JERSEY
L. R. Burnett, M.D., Superintendent, Board of
Recreation, supplies the following rules:
This game is an adaptation of basketball to a
space where goals are not available or low ceilings
prevent their use. It can be played on short notice
in a school or factory yard.
The official rules for basketball shall apply (men
using men's rules, women using women's rules),
except where differing from the following special
rules :
God Pins
The goals shall consist of two upright bowling
pins or Indian Clubs, placed in the center of each
half of the playing space.
Court Markings
Around each pin shall be two circles chalked
or painted on the floor, one being the "guard
circle," four feet in diameter, the other a strik-
ing circle, twelve feet across. A center line
divides the field in halves.
Teams
A team shall have six players for match games
and must wear a distinctive color such as a rib-
bon sash. There are three forwards and three
guards. The three players of a team who start
in each half of the court may not cross the center
division line during play without penalty of a
foul. To start the game, the referee tosses the
ball at center of court between a guard of each
team.
Scoring
Two points are scored each time a team suc-
ceeds in knocking down the opponents' pin, pro-
vided the thrower is outside the striking circle
until the throw is completed. Stepping or falling
into the outer circle during the throw is not a
foul, but no point can be made on the misplay.
Each foul, according to basketball rules (men's
or women's), counts one point for opponents, as
there are no free throws. The game is stopped
by the referee for each foul called, the point is
awarded and the ball is again brought to the center
of court for a toss. The fouls, in addition to
those of basketball, are: 1. knocking down a pin
by bodily contact ; 2, crossing center division line ;
3, allowing the ball to come in contact with any
674
STATE PROGRAM OF PHYSICAL EDUCATION
part of the person while player is within own
guard circle.
Team Purposes
The objects of the game are 1, to bowl over the
opponents' pin with the ball, thus scoring two
points; 2, to cause an opponent who is touching
ground within the four foot guard circle to touch
a thrown ball, thus scoring one point ; 3, to keep
the ball out of the opponents' possession by pass-
ing the ball rapidly to any unguarded partner and
then ''getting free" by shifting position on the
court.
What is an Adequate State
Physical Education
Program ?*
Dr. John Brown of the Physical Education De-
partment of the National Committee Young
Men's Christian Association, opened the discussion
with a statement that an adequate state physical
education program would conceivably be one that
would cover not only physical education in the
technical sense, but recreation as well ; and that
such a program might be worked out for the
schools by a State Department of Physical Edu-
cation and for community systems by a State De-
partment of Recreation, if such a body exists.
Nearly all the states now have laws making it
either permissive or mandatory for schools to do
something along this line but comparatively few
have set up well organized departments. This is
one of the big fields, in Dr. Brown's estimation,
where promotion work should be vigorously car-
ried on.
Voluntary associations, it was suggested, can
play a great part in the development of state-wide
physical education programs and these groups
should be utilized by state departments and offi-
cials. Voluntary bodies in turn should consider
it a part of their function to stimulate state action
where opportunity offers.
The discussion following Mr. Brown's intro-
ductory remarks brought out the fact that there
is a lack of broadly and thoroughly trained indi-
viduals able to qualify as state directors of physi-
cal education. It should be a function of the
training schools to turn out not merely technicians
'Discussion at Section Meeting, Recreation Congress, Asheville,
N. C., Oct. 5-10, 1925.
but administrators and executives. Pedagogical
qualifications, too, must be fitted into the picture.
It was suggested that here again voluntary agen-
cies sincerely interested in public welfare can play
an important part in the development of public
understanding of the need of our strenuous age
of ample physical education. Only when public
sentiment is informed on the whole question will
the profession of physical director be properly
dignified and salaries made adequate.
The question was brought up of the relation of
state departments of physical education to school
athletics, particularly to the high school program.
High school principals with high ideals for sports-
manship and right ideas regarding the great value
inherent in properly conducted athletics, can do
much by way of adequate control of the program
through the appointment of the best type of ath-
letic director. On the other hand, it was stated,
in this day of leagues it is necessary to apply out-
side control. This can be brought about through
joint agreement on standards, sportsmanship,
ideals and similar considerations within a league
itself. It can also be effected through the influ-
ence of state departments of physical education,
officially or unofficially applied.
It was clearly recognized that the tremendous
and widespread interest in school and college ath-
letics is a great thing for the nation's welfare pro-
vided always that the reins of management are
held in wise hands to keep out the poison of pro-
fessionalism, to lift higher the ideals of good
sportsmanship in order that the greatest benefits,
physical and moral may accrue for the youth of
America.
ONE CF THE EVENTS IN THE BICYCLE PARADE — ELMIRA,
N. Y.
A di.T.cult feat on a 5-inch board
WHERE THE ARTS COMBINE
675
Character Building Values
in Recreation Activities*
The interest that has been growing during the
past few years in the possibility of determining
the values of recreation resulted in the formation
a year ago of a committee to make a study of
the problem. Roy Smith Wallace, of the Play-
ground and Recreation Association of America, is
serving as Chairman of the committee. At the
Recreation Congress the committee reported that
a questionnaire had been sent to many individuals
representing three general groups — practical rec-
reation workers, teachers and psychologists. From
the practical workers the few replies received
showed a high degree of interest. The replies
from the psychologists were most helpful. Nearly
all the answers set forth the difficulty in the way
of making a thorough-going study of the subject.
Scientific methodology, it was pointed out, would
have to be worked out, a clear definition of the
"concept character" set down and it would be nec-
essary to create favorable conditions for study.
Emphasis was laid on the fact that the studies
undertaken would have to extend over a consid-
erable period to bring valid results.
The committee reported that a number of noted
psychologists were ready either to undertake
studies or assist in making them, some of them
stating that here might be a field of work for
graduate students.
In the discussions that followed the report a
number of recreation workers stated that the rea-
son for the apparent lack of enthusiasm on their
part was their busy program which permitted of
no time for such studies and their lack of equip-
ment for doing research work by themselves.
There was also a feeling on the part of the recre-
ation group that such studies required scientific
research for which special scientific training is
necessary.
Those present were generally agreed as to the
real need for such a study, feeling that much might
be derived in the way of determining the real value
of different types of activities and their adapta-
tion to different types of individuals. It was. fur-
ther recognized that in this period of rapidly
changing social and industrial conditions, the val-
ues of various activities may also have changed
and a new psychology have developed. The point
was made that it seems necessary at the present
*Discussion at the Twelfth Recreation Congress held at Asheville,
North Carolina October 5-10, 1925.
time for recreation leaders to be fortified with
new convictions on the subject of values in order
to meet the criticism of devotees of economy. If,
for example, the citizenship-building power of
athletics can be proved beyond a doubt, then it
can be shown that the cry of economy is contrary
to the best interests of public welfare.
The discussion closed with the thought that any
studies that might be undertaken should enlist the
cooperation of scientists and practical recreation
workers, the former to bring into play carefully
worked out methods and students of the subject
to apply them; the latter to furnish the material
and the laboratories.
Where the Arts Combine
In the newest of America's outdoor amphi-
theatres, the Theatre of the Stars, at Fawn skin,
near Big Bear Lake, California, there is going
on, under the auspices of Arthur Farwell, an ex-
periment in the development of the arts of music
and drama and of the growing art of lighting.
The theatre is set among boulders and lofty ever-
greens in a canyon upon the heights of a moun-
tain range. It is lighted below by camp fires and
above not only by the stars but by lights of various
hues, the colors changing in keeping with the
moods of the music. Under these conditions of
combined beauty of nature and art concerts are
given by excellent artists and musical organiza-
tions.
The performances of the Philharmonic Orches-
tra in the Lewisohn Stadium in New York, the
orchestral concerts in Hollywood's famous bowl,
the open air concerts in parks everywhere, from
the Atlantic to the Pacific, are reaching hundreds
of thousands of people, and are increasing Amer-
ica's willingness to listen to good music. Of the
thousands who thus capture a new sensation in
tremendous proportions a large percentage will
later discover the joys of music as experienced in
the recital hall, or at the shrine of chamber music.
As a feature of the Municipal Band Concerts
held in Baltimore during the summer of 1925,
pictorial masterpieces were shown on the screen.
The showing of the art works, made possible by
the Baltimore Museum of Art, was a part of a
general program in which other pictorial features
were introduced.
676
STORY OF ONE SMALL COMMUNITY
The Story of One Small
Community
The town of Millburn, New Jersey, deserves
honorable mention for its interesting and well-
developed recreation program and the zest with
which it is conducted.
The program centers about Taylor Park, a very
beautiful development of fourteen acres given the
town by Mrs. John Taylor as a memorial to her
husband. The town is also fortunate in having
received from Mr. Taylor's three children as a
further memorial to him an attractive little recrea-
tion building and a splendidly equipped play-
ground, both of which are located in the park. In
1924 the assessed valuation of the park, which is
under the jurisdiction of the Shade Tree Commis-
sion, was $20,000; in 1925, $105,000. Among its
many delightful features is a large lake used for
swimming in summer and skating in winter.
General Park Activities
Baseball is one of the major activities of the
park; the whole town is interested in the great
national game and has done far more than many
larger communities to promote it. There are two
active leagues which for some time have been
operating. One is the Lackawanna, including teams
from near-by communities on the Lackawanna
Railroad ; the other is the local Twilight League to
which many business men belong, and night after
night during the summer hotly contested games
are played. So keen has the interest become that
the park authorities are preparing to build bleach-
ers.
During the summer, late afternoon and early
evening hours bring to the park tennis devotees
whose enthusiasm is equalled only by that of the
baseball fans. Through the cooperation of the
business men of the community cups are offered,
adding interest to the games and tournaments.
Another town activity which draws many people
to the park on summer nights is the band concerts
given by the town band. The beautiful back-
ground provided by the park adds much to the
enjoyment of the music.
On the Playground
In May, 1925, the playground opened for the
summer season under the leadership of Miss Mil-
dred Schieber with the assistance of a man to con-
duct athletic activities. Interest in the proposed
program was aroused by short talks given by the
director of recreation in all the township schools.
Games of low and high organization were taught
and soon the program was well under way. In
June leagues and teams were organized in play-
ground ball, baseball, volleyball and other sports,
and track and field events held sway. Folk danc-
ing and singing game groups were formed. In
July and August when the weather was hottest
story hours, sand modeling, wading and handcraft
classes came strongly into favor. The sewing
class soon became so large that it had to be divided
into three classes.
A large sand box allowed a number of children
to model at one time and all ages entered the sand
modeling contest. It was a surprise to some to
discover that the boys were the most interested and
displayed the most artistic ability. Wonderful
things grew under their hands. The "White House
at Washington, the Baltusrol golf links, grand old
castles with high towers, moats and drawbridges, a
scene along the Lackawanna for which the builder
brought his own toy trains, and many other in-
genious projects were developed.
An art class constituted another form of recrea-
tion and the children drew pictures illustrating the
stories which the playground director told. Alice
in Wonderland, Robinson Crusoe, the Round
Table of the Knights of King Arthur, Mother
Goose, Aesop's Fables — all came to life in the pic-
tures, which were gaily colored by the children.
Needless to say, these classes were very popular.
And When Fall Came
With the fall season came hockey and aeroplane
contests and an exhibition of the summer hand-
craft work, the organization of football and bas-
ketball leagues and of winter clubs in folk dancing,
handcraft, dramatics and other activities.
Track and field events, parades and a band con-
cert constituted the exercises planned for the cele-
bration of Labor Day. One of the most intrn-M-
ing events on this occasion was the presentation
to the Shade Commission of the new and much
desired Recreative House. A doll carriage and
express wagon parade was a most spectacular fea-
ture. More than seventy children entered this
procession and much applause greeted their ap-
pearance. A doll was awarded as first prize to a
child whose carriage was decorated to represent
the Old Woman in a Shoe and two boys whose
wagon represented a Pot of Gold received the first
prize in the express wagon competition. At night
there was a beautiful lantern parade, after which
an excellent band concert was given.
Mother's Day, Fourth of July, Hallowe'en and
MAY DAY
677
RECREATION HOUSE, MILLBURN, N. J.
Thanksgiving did not go without their celebrations.
On Mother's Day the children made baskets which
they filled with flowers and carried to their moth-
ers ; a carnival of games with many contests and
track and field events was most successfully con-
ducted on the Fourth of July and games and en-
tertainments made Hallowe'en and Thanksgiving
memorable.
But the crowning event of all came at Christ-
mas! First toy making clubs and special hand-
craft classes were formed to make toys for Christ-
mas. Then came the Christmas caroling, the com-
munity Christmas tree and the presentation of a
Christmas mystery play, TJie Gift of the Children
by the Playground Dramatic Club. A great part
of the lovely background and setting for the play,
the stable, manger and Bethlehem scene were built
by the playground children with the assistance of
their older brothers, fathers and friends. At the
request of parents and friends of the children the
performance was repeated in January. Besides all
this time was found for skating, coasting and other
winter sports.
Making it Year-Round
So great has been the enthusiasm over the sum-
mer playground that the director has been retained
for the remainder of the year and Millburn with
its splendid record of accomplishments has been
added to the list of communities having a year-
round program and worker. Millburn, according
to the census report, numbers not more than 3000
people, but the community wisely believes that the
appropriation of funds for a program of charac-
ter-developing, citizenship-building activities is a
wise expenditure. And the results are more than
justifying this belief!
May Day in the Schools
and Playgrounds
"The year's at the spring
The day's at the morn ;
Morning's at seven;
The hillside's dew-pearled ;
The lark's on the wing;
The snail's on the thorn
God's in his heaven
All's right with the world."
—from Pippa Passes by Robert Browning
The real origin of May Day seems to have been
the Roman Floralia. This celebration was given
in honor of Flora, the goddess of fertility in Rome
in the year 248 B.C. The gay costumes and dra-
matic performances which were a part of the
Floralia are repeated in the masques, pageants and
folk dances and plays which comprise the May
Day celebrations of today.
In the medieval May festival it was the custom
for the young men of the village to go to the
woods early in the morning and fetch the tallest
and straightest tree that could be found. This was
stripped of its boughs, decorated with garlands
and ribbons and planted in the public green where
it became the center of dances and games. In
England, the story of Robin Hood has ever been
connected with May Day festivals. America has
never quite experienced the delights of the old May
Day festivals of England. This perhaps is due
to the horror and displeasure which our Pilgrim
fathers expressed at the first attempt of Morton
and his irresponsible followers to establish at Mer-
rymount an old world May festival. (See Haw-
thorne— Tunce Told Tales.)
The delightful old May Day customs such as
hanging the May basket on the first night of May
are fast dying out but formal May Day celebra-
tions are becoming more popular with schools and
colleges. An out-of-door setting is the ideal one
for a May Day program. However, as the weather
will not always permit of this, less pretentious
programs should be encouraged for class room
presentation. The following simple plays, songs,
dances, recitations and piano selections are sug-
gested as suitable for grade students :
SPRING SONGS
Cornish May Song (Folk-Song)
Maypole Dance (17th Century English Folk-
Song)
678
MAY DAY
Come Again, Beautiful Spring (French Folk-
Song; duet for two sopranos)
Apple Blossoms (Unison Song or Trio for two
sopranos)
Spring Is Here ( Polish Air ; unison or duet for
soprano and alto)
The above mentioned songs have been selected
from the JUNIOR LAUREL SONGS by M. Teresa Ar-
mitage, published by C. C. Birchard & Co., 221
Columbus Avenue, Boston, Massachusetts. Price
$1.00; Teachers' Edition $3.00.
A May Song (M. S. No. 18) — Trio for two so-
pranos and alto. Price $.10
Summer Showers (S. S. No. 157) — Unison
Song; range from C to D. Price $.06
Swinging (S. S. No. 118) — Unison Song; range
from D to F. Price $.06
The above three may be obtained from The
H. W. Gray Company, 159 East 48th Street, New
York City.
POEMS FOR MAY DAY
When Tulips Bloom by Henry Van Dyke
The Idle Shepherd Boys by William Words-
worth
The Green Linnet by William Wordsworth
The Daffodils (I wandered lonely as a cloud)
by William Wordsworth
The Mayflozvers by John Greenleaf Whittier.
The trailing arbutus or may flower was the first
flower that greeted the Pilgrims after their fearful
winter.
PIANO SELECTIONS
In the Spring by Theodor Oesten. Price $.20
(Very elementary.)
Birds in the Orchard by Cadman. Price $.27
In Springtime by Manney. Price $.35
In the Rose Garden by Geibel. Price $.35
(Rather difficult)
The above selections, publications of the Oliver
Ditson Company, 179 Tremont Street, Boston.
Massachusetts, are but a few of many "pieces"
which may be used for a spring program.
VOCAL DANCES
Woodland Voices — Minuet
Hey-Ho-Hey—Po\ka
In Rich Clusters — Waltz
Spring Song — Schottische
The Ferry — Gavotte
Youth— Waltz
The above numbers are contained in Six VOCAL
DANCES by Arthur Richards. These May-time
songs, tuneful and comparatively simple, may be
sung by a selected group or by the school chorus.
They need not be presented in sequence but may
be used separately on a general May-Day program.
Each song is accompanied by its respective dance,
illustrated by one or two couples. Published by
The H. W. Gray Company, 159 East 48th Street,
New York. Price of entire collection $.30; price
of individual songs purchased in octavo form,
$.08 to $.12 per copy.
PLAYS AND OPERETTAS
King of Sherwood by Ivy Bolton. An unusual
Robin Hood dramatization. The important part
played by Balaam, the Tinker's ass, affords a great
deal of comedy. Suitable for seventh and eighth
grade students. 8 boys, 2 girls, extras. Woman's
Press, 600 Lexington Avenue, New York, price
50c
The First May Basket from A Child's Book of
Holiday Plays by Frances Gillespy Wickes. This
is a whimsical and delightful little play in two
short scenes, both of which can be given out-of-
doors, or indoors if desired. There are children
and dryads and fairies and wood creatures in this
play and very pretty dances may be introduced.
The whole play breathes an atmosphere of spring.
25 boys and girls. Plays 30 minutes. The Mac-
Millan Company, 64 Fifth Avenue, New York,
price 80c
Lit-tlc John and the Miller Join Robin Hood's
Band by Perry Boyer Corneau. 1 act, 1 exterior
scene. A Robin Hood play for boys. 7 speaking
parts with any number of extras. Suitable for
fifth and sixth grade students. Old Tower Press,
59 E. Adams Street, Chicago, 111., price 35c
A Pageant of Floivers by Elsie C. Baker and
Richard Kountz. A charming operetta for chil-
dren introducing flowers, rainclouds and sun-
beams. The music is very simple, exceedingly
catchy and particularly suited to young children's
voices. No elaborate scenery is required and the
costuming may consist of simple white dresses or
dresses of delicate tints. Runs about twenty min-
utes. Published by Theodore Presser Company,
1712 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, Pa., price 40c
Cinderella in Flower Land by Marion Loder.
An attractive May Day operetta for children con-
sisting of four short acts — exterior scenes. There
are eight principal characters, all of which are
flowers, and as many extras as desired. Tells the
BOY RANGERS
679
story of Cinderella who in this case is the Daisy ;
the lost slipper is the Lady's Slipper. Music is
simple, tuneful and bright. Published by Oliver
Ditson Company, 179 Tremont Street, Boston,
Mass., price 50c
A list of plays, pageants and festivals suitable
for older groups may be obtained from the Play-
ground and Recreation Association of America,
315 Fourth Avenue, New York City.
FOR APRIL HOLIDAYS
Arbor Day Ceremonial by Nina Lamkin, price
15c
Easter Suggestions, including list of plays and
pageants, free
These may be secured from the P. R. A. A.
Federation of Mothers'
Clubs Glee Club
At the October meeting of the Council of the
Federation of Mothers' Clubs, Will R. Reeves,
Executive Secretary of Cincinnati Community
Service, presented a plan for the organization of
a Federation Glee Club. The Council voted its
unanimous approval and empowered the President,
Mrs. H. E. Caldwell, to appoint a committee of
five to work out with Mr. Reeves a method of
organization and to submit its findings to the in-
dividual mothers' clubs within the Federation.
A letter explaining the plan and a questionnaire
were mailed to every Mothers' Club in Hamilton
County. The members of the committee followed
this up with telephone calls to the president of the
Mothers' Clubs that had failed to respond, and in
late November a follow-up letter was sent out.
The Committee now announces that forty-two
clubs have sent in filled out questionnaires and
elected more than 170 singing delegates to the Glee
Club. From the tabulated report the club will be
an exceedingly well-balanced body consisting of
about 55 first-sopranos, 55 second-sopranos and
60 altos. Rehearsals are held in the auditorium of
the Y. W. C. A. each Monday afternoon at two
o'clock.
The music has been selected and it is planned
to give a public concert sometime in late April.
Mr. Reeves will direct the Club.
Eig-ht-to-Twelve Boys and
the Boy Ranger Idea
BY
EDWARD F. REIMER
National Executive Secretary Boy Rangers of
America
The neglected period of American boyhood is
the strategic point of time between the eighth and
the twelfth years. At a recent national conference
of leaders interested in work with boys a great
deal was said of juvenile delinquency but no con-
sideration was given to the boy under scout age.
Boys become men pretty fast these days and the
general information of the younger boy today is
far in advance of that of his father and his grand-
father of similar age. It would appear a mark
of wisdom, therefore, to keep our eyes on these
younger boys, not wait until they are twelve and
over, and to work with them in the plastic period
before the scout age.
A joyous safeguard for the junior boy has been
found in the Boy Rangers of America. This is
a character building organization, founded on In-
dian lore and dealing with the junior boy from
eight to twelve. The heart of the Ranger idea is
just this, — the boy plays Indian and builds char-
acter as he plays.
If you go back to the day when you were an
eight-to-twelve boy you will remember how the
walls of your picture gallery were jeweled with
the deeds of the early pioneer days, with the In-
dian and the White Man at home in the trackless
forest, blazing fresh trials through untrodden
wilds and uncannily skilled with arrow and with
gun.
The boy of Ranger age does not go back to that
stirring pageantry of the Redman in the woods.
He just naturally is there, — physically and psycho-
logically. A few of the simple trappings of the
Indian, — eagle feathers, beads, tomtoms, — with
fascinating, and equally simple felt insignia cost-
ing a few pennies, — are the properties of the stage
on which he plays. But the striking thing of it all
is that almost mysteriously and magically he copies
the elementally fine things in the Indian's life, and
quietly and surely builds character as he plays.
I am not certain that I can say just how being a
Boy Ranger makes for character, but the possible
680
BOY RANGERS
progression from Papoose to Brave, to Hunter and
then to Warrior, pushes the boy through succes-
sive tests and attainments. The secret initiation
(to which his parents are invited) stirs his fancy.
The Great Laws, hung on the walls of the bed-
rooms of hundreds of boys, challenge him to his
daily good turn. The parades of the boys in uni-
form (the uniform is optional) with the swaying
folds of the Ranger flag before his eyes, carrying
the figure of Daniel Boone with his long rifle and
his coon-skin cap, help to manly bearing ; and with
that manly bearing that boy's soul straightens up,
too. But underneath it all there is the dream of
one man, Emerson Brooks, the founder of the Boy
Rangers of America, who has seen his own Lodge
No. 1, of Montclair, N. J., in continuous and en-
thusiastic existence for the past twelve years, and
has witnessed the Boy Rangers grow in local or-
ganizations in forty-seven states as well as in a
number of foreign countries.
Scores of organizations sponsor Boy Ranger
lodges in churches, public schools, settlements,
men's and boys' clubs, boy scout councils, and
various other groups. The illustration given here-
with is from the cover of a twelve page "Coast to
Coast" folder, which gives a bird's-eye view of
the impression the Boy Ranger movement has
made from the Atlantic to the Pacific, and which
is available on request to the National Headquar-
ters of the movement, 186 Fifth Avenue. New
York City.
The increasing mechanization and urbanization
of life are the great factors which make parks and
playgrounds and other recreational provisions im-
perative. It may be that we shall yet come to be-
lieve that our great cities are only a great mistake
and that the true solution of our problem is to re-
turn to the more simple, rational life of the coun-
tryside, where everyone will have sunlight and
fresh air and room to dig and plant and hew, with
common greens as of old, for communal games
and festivals. I believe this is the view that the
best town planners in this country are coming to
hold and they are, therefore, recommending the
development of the small satellite city and the scat-
tering of population. It may be that this is the
true crux of the question, the direction in which
we should look for permanent relief. We have
been inclined to look upon our huge cities with
pride as an indication of prosperity, but we must
remember that while business prosperity is a ques-
tion of money, true progress is a question of men.
There is only one viewpoint upon which we should
view every question, and this is its relation to life.
"The building up of a civilization," says Geo. W.
Russell, "is at once the noblest and most practical
of all enterprises, but the chief bricks are men."
Without healthy-minded and healthy-bodied men
we shall do nothing.
W. W. CORY,
Deputy Minister, Department of the Interior,
Ottawa, Canada
FROM "BOYS' GAMES AMONG THE NORTH AMERICAN-
INDIANS" (STORY). COURTESY E. P. BUTTON & Co.
Mother Nature's Invitation
CONDUCTED BY
WILLIAM G. VINAL
New York State College of Forestry
THE EVOLUTION OF A PLAYGROUND
Being A True Story
Rock hills, marshes and steep valleys are
avoided by early settlers. They choose the flood
plains and level stretches for tillage. As the settle-
ment grows the clearings become divided into
farms, next homesteads and finally house lots.
Suddenly the populace discovers that it is a city
without breathing space. Then comes the inevit-
"GoD MADE"
Taken late fall 1911 (Rhode Island Arbor Day Booklet,)
able. The rock hill is used for a park, the marsh
reclaimed for a boulevard and the valley filled up
for a playground.
Knowing these steps — and being fully aware
that history repeats itself — it would seem better to
plan ahead and dedicate recreation areas at the
start. This theme has often justified an article on
playground development.
A second reason for this writing is that it may
be suggestive to those competing for the awards
of the Harmon Foundation in the national contest
for playground beautification. The judges have
decided that not only a written record must be
kept but that "Progress" photographs must be sub-
mitted. This story is told by the use of such prog-
ress photographs.
Picture number one was taken in the late fall
of 1911. It shows a valley receiving the tin can
tokens of civilization. The steep valley and marsh
often become the "dump heap" of the city. Ferns
give way to the Jimson Weed, grey squirrels to
rats, mosses to ashes, and a clear, cool brook to a
muddy stream. The perfume of the hemlock is
supplanted by the stench of the "dump". The
clatter of the English starling and the sparrow are
substituted for the tap of the downy woodpecker
and the songs of the warblers. Stop, for a year
and nature will nearly heal the scar on the land-
scape but the waste-stream of a city into a "dump"
never ceases until the "cup is overflowing." And
what bitter dregs are in the cup! The march of
civilization — that is, civilization as we know it
today — with its uncanny can-opener — is bound to
conquer the low places.
"DEVIL MADE"
Taken March 1919
Picture number two shows the site of the old
valley. This photograph was taken in March 1919.
The same Carolina poplars are shown in the
foreground that were there at the opening of the
valley. In the background is the "crooked" pop-
lar and its neighboring elm. It may be a case of
"rescuing the perishing" for trees do not often
stand such decided changes. A few more years
and this open area would have been claimed by
681
682
PLAYGROUNDS GAIN IN BEAUTY
"MAN MADE"
Taken a few years later
house dwellers. The last vestige of the former
landscape would have been removed forever. Pic-
ture number three shows how nearly this happened.
After hearing about the beautification contest as
it was outlined at Asheville, I wrote immediately
to my good friend, Dr. Marion Weston, of the
Rhode Island College of Education, asking her
to get a view of the garden as it appears today.
She has sent us pictures four and five, and writes :
"The shrubbery is so high now that it is impossible
to stand where you stood when you took the first
pictures." In picture four, however, I can identify
''MAN MADE"
Taken Dec. 3, 1925
a tree shown in picture one and a house which
appears in number two. This is a sort of game and
I hope that the readers will enjoy playing it.
These last pictures in the story were taken on
December 3, 1925. I think that you will see why
it is important to date your pictures for when I
took the first one, fourteen years ago, I little
dreamed that it would be the first illustration of
the story I have related.
May I make a plea for a greater use of things
as they are? The original valley was attractive
and would have given more area for play — for are
not the two sides of a triangle greater than the
third? Here was a natural bird retreat which has
now a bird house — a good thing in itself, of course,
but why destroy the natural to gain the artificial ?
This valley was a natural walk and a few years ago
might have been made into a pleasing gateway to
the park. It could have wound by the brookside
where one could enjoy the wild plants. The cost
of filling in and grading would easily have pur-
chased the entire valley instead of allowing a large
part of it to go to building lots. We want valley
parkways; we want distinctive parks. Let us get
AXOTHFR VIEW
Taken Dec. 3, 1925
away from the obsession that we must artificialize
the entire play areas.
Before the onslaught of the "dump" this beauti-
ful valley was the playground of a little girl. She
loved to wade in the clear brook. She would gather
mosses and green ferns and make "fairy houses"
for her dolls. On warm days she was protected by
deep shade. All that she could see or hear in that
valley was hers — the elms and the whispering
hemlocks, the birds and the squirrels at play, and
the first violets of spring. But with the passing
of this beautiful valley this little girl too passed
on. She was called by the God of the Open Air.
The mother of this little girl believed in the
gospel of play. She made it possible for the City
of Providence, Rhode Island, to have the Gladys
Potter Memorial Gardens. And what a memorial
it is ! For all time this space says to the commun-
ity, "Come, and I will give you the green fields,
and give it abundantly."
SUMMER SESSION
683
Accidents on Playgrounds
At the convention of the American Institute of
Park Executives held in September, 1925, O. W.
Douglas presented a report on Accidents on the
Playground, prepared from a study made through-
out the country. This report appeared in the No-
vember-December issue of Parks and Recreation.
While it was impossible to secure information
from all cities in the country, the reports received
represented a total attendance of over 33 ,000,000
for 1924. The following facts were gleaned from
the report :
Total number of accidents reported, 334, or less~
than 1 to 100,000 in attendance. >
Total fatalities, 4, three on apparatus and one
in pool. ,
Accidents on apparatus, 202 ; accidents in games,
56; in pools, 26; miscellaneous, 50; slides, 41;
>\vings, 44; large lawn swings, 13; 'ocean waves,
2 ; giant strides, 4 ; horizontal ladder, 21 ; see-saws,
16; teeter ladders, 21 ; slanting ladders, 14; merry-
go-round, 0; horizontal bar, 5; parallel bars, 2;
miscellaneous, 19.
Of the fatalities two were on the large four-
teen-foot high lawn swing, one on a slide, and the
other in a pool by drowning. The four fatalities
were reported from two cities — -two each.
'The legal phase of accident liability," said Mr.
Douglas, "has been the source of some concern
among school and park authorities. Without going
into detail with reference to a digest of a great
many laws and court decisions in many states we
may sum up the whole matter briefly by saying
that the almost universal trend is toward holding
the authorities not liable for accidents except
where actual unquestionable negligence can be
shown, and then only when defective equipment,
or other dangerous conditions, are shown to have
been reported to the proper officials and a reason-
able time allowed for correcting the condition.
"It is plain that the logical way to reduce acci-
dents to a minimum on the grounds, and be of
great assistance to the community in - general, is
by an intelligent effort along the following lines :
"1. Inspection — All equipment should be in-
spected daily and reports made as to condition. In
case of defects the apparatus in question should be
removed and made unusable at once until re-
pairs can be made. This care should not only
apply to apparatus, but to all other unsafe condi-
tions on the grounds, such as broken glass, stones,
rubbish or debris. Since a very large number of
accidents, ?ome very serious, happen in connection
with ball games, all bats should be taped and also
inspected daily.
"2. Instruction — (a) In use of equipment — The
right use of each piece of equipment may be taught
by means of posters or bulletins and by the in-
structors or attendants in charge. There is a right
and a wrong way to use all kinds of apparatus
just as in the case of any other device for general
use. Even with this care there will be accidents, but
their reduction will indeed be quite evident, (b)
In safety on the streets and in the home — On the
playgrounds children may be taught not only how
to avoid accidents on the grounds but on the streets
and in the home as well. An organization of
Junior police, or safety committee to patrol dan-
gerous crossings at certain busy hours, has proved
successful where given a trial."
Summer Session
Announcement
Dr. I. O. Foster, Director of the Summer Ses-
sion of Battle Creek College, Battle Creek, Michi-
gan, announces as a part of the Summer Session
of the institution for the coming year a plan that
may be of interest to some of our readers. An
opportunity is given to a number of professors
who have attained national reputation or who
have made distinctive contributions to the various
fields of education to spend their summer at Battle
Creek College, vacationing in the "Little Lake
District" of Michigan and to receive all expenses
and free treatment from the Battle Creek Sani-
tarium in return for the teaching of one or two
classes in the College. A few positions still re-
main unfilled.
A second interesting feature is that unusual
opportunity is offered to the teachers, both in
public and private schools, to take advantage of
the great opportunities offered them at the Battle
Creek Sanitarium and to attend college at the
same time at a combined expense practically no
greater than that charged by the average educa-
tional institution. The modern summer camp for
girls situated on an island in beautiful Gull Lake
offers an added attraction for a pleasant and
profitable summer.
Another interesting project relates to school
administration. The College is undertaking to
offer simultaneously both an eight-weeks' term
and a six-weeks' term to its patrons, the former
beginning June 24th, and the latter July 8th, both
closing August 17th.
684
THE QUESTION BOX
The Negro Church and
Recreation
The February issue of the Southern Workman
contains a significant article on the attitude of
the Negro church toward recreation, the facts for
which were secured from a questionnaire sent lead-
ing churchmen of various denominations in differ-
ent parts of the country.
While football, baseball and sports of various
kinds are largely accepted and to some degree pro-
moted by the church, the report shows dancing is
very generally frowned upon in most instances.
One element of the church feels that it is not its
business to amuse people, but the progressive ele-
ment again thinks that "it is a social institution
and believes it should encourage and promote play-
grounds, ball teams, track sports and dramatic
clubs that offer Christian drama, oratorios and
cantatas. It believes that orchestras, bands, and
social literary and debating clubs should also be
organized.
"None of the denominations are adequately
reaching the young people. In the large cities it is
said that boys and girls in their teens are crowd-
ing the doors of places that offer worldly amuse-
ments seeking recreation and relaxation. This con-
dition exists largely because the Church has left
to the world the making of provision for the play
life of our young people.
"The most encouraging thing about the atti-
tude of the Negro Church toward amusements and
recreations is that within the ministry there are
developing men with a social vision. Their num-
ber is small but it is increasing. These men are
developing the institutional church idea among
Negroes."
The Question Box
QUESTION : What song books with music suit-
able for use in rural districts are available at a
price not to exceed twenty-five cents?
ANSWER: In response to your inquiry, please
find below list of song books which give both
words and music and are suitable for use in rural
districts. The cost in no case exceeds twenty-five
cents.
1. TWICE 55 COMMUNITY SONGS No. 1. C. C.
Birchard & Co., 221 Columbus Ave., Boston,
Mass. — 15 cents.
2. TWICE 55 COMMUNITY SONGS Xo. 2. C. C.
Birchard & Co., 221 Columbus Ave., Boston, Mass.
— 25 cents.
3. 101 BEST SONGS. Cable Co., 1100 Cable
Bldg., Chicago, 111.— 10 cents.
4. GOLDEN BOOK OF FAVORITE SONGS. Hall &
McCreary Co., 430 S. \Vabash Ave., Chicago, 111.
— 20 cents.
5. GRAY BOOK OF FAVORITE SONGS. Hall &
McCreary Co., 430 S. Wabash Ave., Chicago, 111.
— 20 cents.
6. STEGER SONG BOOK. Steger & Sons, Steger
Bldg., Chicago, 111.— 10 cents.
QUESTION : During the Christmas season I saw
a very lovely Nativity play. Blue curtains of un-
usual color formed the background of the stage
and added great beauty and dignity to the play.
Could you tell me where I might obtain curtain
material of this kind?
ANSWER: Deep blue curtains such as you de-
scribe lend an especially appropriate atmosphere to
Nativity and all religious plays. Very satisfactory
blue draperies have been made by the following
process :
Material : French blue sateen — quality 25c per
yard.
Dyes used : Victoria blue basic or silk dye and
light blue salt or cotton dye.
Process : First soak material in warm water,
then put in the salt dye bath. Wring, fold length-
wise in sixteenths, twist tightly, fold in half again
and run through the Victoria blue basic dye bath.
Then unfold material and hang it up to dry. When
the curtain is flooded with violet or blue light, an
effect of depth and rich color is obtained.
Q. I have heard that pine needles may be used
in handcraf t. How is this done ?
A. A hanging pine needle vase may easily be
made in an afternoon. Shellac a tall paper drink-
ing cup on the inside and outside (a jelly glass
may be used and in this case no shellac is neces-
If you're going to buy
Playground Equipment
Tf
Get the Paradise
Catalog Today!
BEFORE you do anything else, get our big illus-
trated Catalog just for the asking.
Note how complete the Paradise line is. Study
the Paradise Playground Equipment illustrations; see
how strongly and durably Paradise Playground Equip-
ment is built. Read it and consider how only the best
and most rugged of materials are used.
Turn to the price list. You will find that the best
is not always the most expensive. With Paradise Play-
ground Equipment you obtain the best for less.
There are a few territories open for exclusive agen-
cies. Write for detailed information.
THE F. B. ZIEG MFG. CO.
152 Mount Vernon Ave., Fredericktown, O.
Please mention THE PLAYGROUND when writing to advertisers
685
686
THE QUESTION BOX
Circle Travel Rinps
A CHILD'S PRINCIPAL
BUSINESS IS PLAY
Let us help to make their play
Profitable
Put something new in your playground.
On the Circle Travel Rings they swing from ring
to ring, pulling, stretching and developing every
muscle of their bodies. Instructors pronounce this
the most healthful device yet offered.
Drop a card today asking for our complete
illustrated catalog.
Patterson -Williams Mfg. Co,
San Jose, California
MID-WEST HOCKEY AND SPORTS CAMP
(AT WETOMACHEK. POWERS LAKE. WIS.)
4n ideal vacation for Women Coaches, Directors of Physical Edu-
cation, Playground Instructors and others interested In land and water
sports.
Expert coaching In all games, latest English Hockey methods.
REGISTER NOW. for one week or more. July 26th to September
7th. Address
CHICAGO NORMAL SCHOOL OF PHYSICAL EDUCATION
5026 Greenwood Avenue, Box C45 Chicago, 111.
Let the Drama League Help
Solve Your Production Problems
DRAMA LEAGUE OF AMERICA
59 EVan Buren Street, CHICAGO, ILL.
sary). Bunches of four or five long pine needles
hanging clown are grouped together around the
cup and bound with raffia. Rows of raffia are
stitched in and out until the bottom of the cup is
reached. At this point the pine needles are fast-
ened together with a pine cone. If it is not possi-
ble to secure pine needles in your part of the coun-
try, they may be secured from the George Home
for Feeble Minded at Augusta, Georgia, where
the boys and girls make an income from collecting
and selling needles by the pound.
Q. How are antique picture frame effects se-
cured ?
A. With liquid glue diluted with water, paste
the picture in position with a wooden back or
compo board and around it nail four tiny molding
strips. Over this mold with clay and if desired,
add clay motifs outside. Paint the entire frame
with radiator gilt. With brown or amber oil paint
over the whole surface. Let this remain for a few
seconds and wipe off with a cloth to secure the
antique effect. Add color (oil paint) predominat-
ing in picture. Where it is desired for the gilt to
show through, wipe off the color. To give the
picture a very antique effect, add while wet antique
powder which may be secured from any art shop,
and blow off.
Q. Do you consider that model aeroplanes are
practical as a handcraft activity?
A. This is an age of air and it is important to
interest boys and girls in aeronautics. There are
tremendous educational values in making aero-
planes, for which the best wood to use is balsa
wood from South America. This is so soft that
it can almost be molded with the hands. The con-
struction of model aeroplanes is becoming increas-
ingly popular. In a recent contest in Chicago 350
boys had their self-made models in the air at one
time.
Please mention THE PLAYGROUND when vriting to advertisers
AT THE CONVENTIONS
687
Universal
Playground
Equipment
is built for quality and
safety. Thru quantity
production and heavy
sales attractive prices
are available.
Our factory is
equipped to properly
manufacture all differ-
ent kinds and models
of standard apparatus.
Your request will
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trated catalog. Write
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Universal Equipment Co.,
Box 653, Omaha, Nebraska
"The Gateway to the East and to the West"
At the Conventions
The Twentieth Annual Meeting of the Ameri-
can Sociological Society was held in New York
City December 28-3 1st, 1925.
On the opening day the central topic was The
City and many of the papers were devoted to com-
munity topics. Clarence A. Perry of the Recrea-
tion Department of the Russell Sage Foundation
presented a paper of special interest to community
workers, suggesting ways of determining the needs
of a local neighborhood along the lines of schools,
recreation, marketing and transportation and of
planning for these needs in the devolpment of
housing projects.
The section on Rural Sociology, more than ever
before, was stimulated along the lines of research,
and into the meeting came a great deal more in-
sistence on social work. The section on Sociology
of Religion proved more popular than at its incep-
tion last year in Chicago. Here, as in the Rural
Section, research was urged.
The Community Organization Section opened
with a discussion of the forum, the general im-
pression being that the forum method of discus-
sion is growing rapidly all over the country with
forums in public schools increasing in number.
The term "open forum," it was stated, is not in
favor and experts on forums were agreed that less
provocative ways of announcing topics have been
developed along with more freedom in the discus-
sion of topics.
The discussion on 'Indigenous Community
Groups led to one of the most interesting debates
of the entire Conference, certain workers arguing
against the value of the boys' gang and the nation-
ality grouping, others feeling them to be full of
social value. Another topic of lively discussion
was the question of establishing standards for com-
munities through the efforts of social workers. A
number of the delegates felt that standards could
be worked out by the communities themselves
without their seeming to be super-imposed. Such
standards they point out are tentative in every case
and the biggest value of community analysis is the
process of arriving at a standard rather than ap-
plying a standard. Interesting in this connection
was the discussion of referendum legislation for
recreation by J. W. Faust of the Playground and
Recreation Association of America.
Among the sociologists present was a group
which took the point that the movement of popula-
tion and the placing of business and industry has
a great deal to do with the social conditions of any
Please mention THE PLAYGROUND when writing to advertisers
Make Play-time a Safe-time
far Children
PROTECT the children of
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traffic dangers. Provide that
unfailing safeguard — an An-
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fence stops it.
Joseph Lee, President of The
Playground and Recreation
Association of America, is a
keen advocate of fences for
playgrounds. "Fencing," he
says, "makes the children feel
that the playground is a real
institution, a thing you can be-
long to. Without a fence they
will all run to watch every fire
engine that goes by."
Let us send you complete in-
formation regarding Anchor
Fences and their enduring con-
struction. Just fill out and
mail the coupon on the oppo-
site page.
Be sure to send for a copy of the interesting and helpful booklet.
"Playgrounds — Their Planning, Construction and Operation."
See opposite page for information and coupon.
ANCHOR POST IRON WORKS
9 East 38th Street New York, N. Y.
Boston, Mass.
Chicago, 111.
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Detroit, Mich.
Harrisburg, Pa.
Hartford, Conn.
Los Angeles, Cal.
Mineola, L. I., N. Y.
Sales Agents in Other Cities
Philadelphia, Pa.
Pittsburgh, Pa.
San Francisco, Cal.
St. Louis, Mo.
Please mention THE PLAYGROUND when writing to advertisers
688
Planning. Construct,
A free, helpful booklet of vital interest
to every playground advocate
'"pHE fundamentals that
•A- every playground advo-
cate needs at his finger-tips
are outlined in this 20-page
illustrated booklet, written
with the cooperation of the
Playground and Recreation
Association of America.
Why Organized Play is Nec-
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and Equip a Playground —
How to Conduct a Play-
ground. These are some of
the subjects which this book-
let discusses in an interesting
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We will gladly send you a copy
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terested in child welfare, as
many copies as you may need
for other members. Just fill
out and mail the coupon below.
The booklets are free — send-
ing for them does not entail
the slightest obligation.
ANCHOR POST IRON WORKS, 9 EAST 38TH STREET, NEW YORK, N. Y.
Just Fill Out— Clip— and Mail
ANCHOR POST IRON WORKS, 9 East 38th Street, New York, N. Y.
Check Here
D Please send me copies of your free 20-page booklet, "Playgrounds — Their Planning,
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D Please send me complete information regarding Anchor Playground Fences.
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ame.
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Organization.
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689
690
AT THE CONVENTIONS
Where Large
Numbers of
Children
Gather
in open places Solvay Calcium Chloride should be applied to the surface in order
to prevent discomfort caused by dust.
SOLVAY CALCIUM CHLORIDE
is being used as a surface dressing for Children's playgrounds with
marked satisfaction.
It will not stain the children's clothes or playthings. Its germicidal property is a
feature which has the strong endorsement of physicians and playground directors.
Solvay Calcium Chloride is not only an excellent dust layer but at the same time
kills weeds, and gives a compact play surface. Write for New Booklet 1159 Today!
THE SOLVAY PROCESS COMPANY
WING & EVANS, Inc., Sales Department 40 Rector Street, New York
community within the city. City planning re-
ceived more attention at this conference than at
any previous one. .
National Amateur Athletic Federation
Consideration of the problem of amateurism vs.
professionalism as it affects junior athletes
eighteen years and under, the reading of reports
from constituent organizations and the discussion
of the program for the coming year were among
the matters taken up in the meeting of the N. A.
A. F. (Men's Division), held in New York on
December 29th.
Over fifty directors from normal schools, col-
leges and physical education schools in all parts
of the country attended the Leadership Training
conference held December 31 to January 2 at
Barnard College, New York, under the auspices
of the Women's Division N. A. A. F. and the
Committee on Women's Athletics of the American
Physical Education Association. The purpose of
the meeting was to discuss ways and means of in-
troducing into the curricula of summer schools
courses in the training of women officials for the
administration of athletics for girls and the out-
lining of the content of such courses in accordance
with the ideas promoted by the Women's Division.
A great deal of enthusiasm was aroused by the
discussion and the representatives of a number of
training schools signified their intention of intro-
ducing such courses.
On November 21, 1925, a general conference
was called by Miss Helen L. Coops, Acting Direc-
tor of Physical Education, University of Cincin-
nati, to consider outstanding problems in girls'
athletics. To this conference came a group of
about 200 representative delegates who took im-
portant action looking toward the development of
a system of athletics for the girls of the district
which will develop sportsmanship and fair play
through a policy of "Athletics for All." A com-
mittee was appointed to draw definite plans of
action which will influence athletic ruling and
methods of administration in the State and to give
such publicity to the principles of the Women's
Division of the N. A. A. F. as will make them the
basis of popular sentiment. Plans were directed
for the formation in Ohio as soon as possible of
a State High School Athletic Association.
On November 16th to 18th, 1925, the Third
Annual Recreation Conference of the Western
Please mention THE PLAYGROUND when writing to advertisers
MAGAZINES RECEIVED
691
Division of the P. R. A. A. was held at Del Monte,
California. In addition to the sessions held morn-
ing and afternoon for discussion of all phases of
the recreation movement, there were special lunch-
eon and dinner sessions and fun frolics.
Magazines and Pamphlets
Recently Received
Containing Articles of Interest to Recreation Workers
and Officials
MAGAZINES
The American City. December, 1925
Palos Verdes Executes Town Plan
Harrisburg's Park and River-Front Development
By J. Horace McFarland
Municipal Pageantry as a Means of Civic Education
By Martha B. Reynolds
Playground Development in Fresno by Bond Issues,
Gifts and Bequests
Audubon — Combined Memorial Hall, Municipal
Building and Fire Department; Headquarters
The Municipality at Christmas Time
Old Gold (University of Iowa). December, 1925
The Popular and Historic Game of Hockey.
By Winifred S. Clarke
Speedball for Girls
By Miriam W. Taylor
Educational Value of Swimming
By Margaret Lea
The Need of Swimming in Public Schools
By David A. Armbruster
Parks arrd Recreation. November-December, 1925
The Design of the Larger Municipal Park
By Karl B. Lohmann
Westchester County Park System Shows Rapid
Progress
By Hermann W. Merkel
Park and Playground Design Discussed at Conven-
tion Round-Table
Park and Playground Accidents
By O. W. Douglas
Detroit's Indoor Meet
Winter
Recreational Drama
By Henrietta Fetzer
Report of Recreation Committee of American Insti-
tute of Park Executives on Municipal Athletics
Stadium Design
Kindergarten and First Grade Magazine. January, 1926
The Nursery School and the Mother
Reading and the Spirit of Play
The Progressive Teacher. January, 1926
Constructive Recreation
By Loren C. Rapier
American Physical Education Review. November, 1925
The College Curriculum in Physical Education for
Women
By Elizabeth Halsey
Side Line Opinions on Intercollegiate Athletics
By Elmer Mitchell
Observations Concerning Social and Moral Learn-
ings in Athletics
By W. L. Hughes
December, 1925
Playground and Recreation Leadership Requirements
By Charlotte Stewart
Selected Biblography of Physical Education and
Hygiene
Block Ball
The American City. January, 1926
City Plan Committee Aids Development of Memorial
JUNGLEGYM
The Playground Equipment
without a fault !
Absolutely Safe!
Real physical education — no pas-
sive positions on Junglegym.
Junglegym provides room for all
— no quarreling. Ideal for free
play as well as directed exercise.
Junglegym is on the Job — winter
and summer.
We will be glad to furnish details.
Address
PLAYGROUND DEPARTMENT
Chicopee, Mass.
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692
OUR FOLKS
Horseshoe Court Installation Made Easy
Only the Grading to Do
Recreation directors will now find it very easy to meet the popular demand for horse-
shoe pitching courts in public playgrounds and parks. For their convenience we are putting
out a pitchers box which exactly conforms to the standards of the National Horseshoe
Pitchers Association. These boxes only have to be sunk in the ground so the top is flush
with the surface and filled with clay.
Very strongly constructed of heavy planks belted together and faced with iron. Cast
iron stake holder in the center cannot "work loose. Painted with rust and rot preventative.
Write for complete description and prices with instructions as to exactly how they are to
be installed.
DIAMOND OFFICIAL HORSESHOES
Conform exactly to regulations of the National Horseshoe Pitchers Association.
Drop forged from tough steel and heat treated so that they- will not chip or break.
Cheap shoes which nick and splinter are dangerous to the hands.
One set consists of four shoes, two painted white aluminum and two painted gold bronze,
each pair packed neatly in a pasteboard box.
DIAMOND CALK HORSESHOE CO.
4610 Grand Ave., Duluth, Minn.
DIAMOND STAKES AND
STAKKIiOLDEBS
Park — El Paso, Texas
By W. E. Stockwell
State Parks Are Gaining Ground
160 Acre Tract a Gift to City
The Survey. January 15, 1926
The Books Children Choose
Physical Training, January, 1926.
Health and Recreational Program on the Norfolk
and Western Railroad
By C. H. Habenbuch
Business Men's Swimming Club at Wilmington
A State Championship in Sportmanship
By George O. Draper
The Progressive Teacher. February, 1926
Constructive Recreation: The Use of Games
By Loren C. Rapier
Mind and Body. January, 1926
Education Athletics
By Major John L. Griffith
Physical Activity as an Asset to Mental Activity
By Hubert E. Coyer
Philadelphia's Athletic Ability Test
By William A. Stecher
Model Exercises
Health for the Swimmer
Rules and Regulations for Scout-Pace Race — Logan,
Utah
Athletics and Life
PAMPHLETS
Annual Report of Community Service of Boston, Inc.,
for the Year ending March 31, 1925
Cincinnati Community Service — Annual Report, 1925
State Parks and Forests — Published by the National Con-
ference on State Parks, Washington, D. C.
Year Book of Minneapolis Municipal Hiking Club, 1925
The Forestry Primer — Published by the American Tree
Association, 1214 16th St., NW., Washington, C. S.
Annual Report of the Park and Recreation Board of
Columbus, Ga., 1925
February, 1926
Physical Training in Relation to the
School Curriculum
By Major H. J. Selby
The Passing of the Red Man (Pageant)
Rest of the
Our Folks
Dean K. Gardner has recently been employed as Direc-
tor of Recreation in the newly developed system in Bar-
tow, Florida.
George Hjelte who has been Superintendent of Recrea-
tion in Berkeley, California, since 1921 has recently been
appointed to the position of Superintendent; of Recreation
in Los Angeles, California, succeeding C. B. Raitt.
James McCruddan has succeeded John Cullen as Super-
intendent of Recreation in Yonkers, N. Y.
Miss V'lora Welch, formerly connected with the Duluth
Recreation system has recently been employed as Director
of Women's and Girls' Work in t.he new municipal rec-
reation system in Sarasota, Florida.
Arthur Emmons has been appointed as Superintendent
of Recreation in the new year round recreation system in
Perth Amboy, N. J.
Please mention THE PLAYGROUND when writing to advertisers
BOOK REVIEWS
693
LITTLE MERRY-GO-ROUND COMPANY
St. Cloud, Minn.
Manufacturers of Real Playground Equipment (Exclusively)
Recreation Devices for Schools, Parks or Summer Resorts Must
Be Durable, Safe and Attractive. We Can Satisfy This Demand.
Merry-Go-Rounds, All Steel Slides for water or land, Swings, Giant
Strides, See-Saws, Teeter-Totters, etc. These devices have proved to be
a source of delightful exercise for children of all ages as well as grown-
ups.
Write for complete illustrated catalog and price list.
Book Reviews
SURVEYING YOUR COMMUNITY— A HANDBOOK OF
METHOD FOR THE RURAL CHURCH. By Edmund deS.
Brunner. Published by George H. Doran Company,
New York
Very detailed suggestions are offered and many
schedules provided for reporting the findings of com-
munity studies in rural districts. Recreation is one of
the subjects selected for a possible follow-up study be-
cause, as the writer states, "it is the subject of increas-
inp1 concern to parents and of increasing importance to
all social agencies including the church." It is inter-
esting to note that the study of forty most successful
town and country churches conducted by the Institute
of Social and Religious Research in 1922 showed that
recreational activities constituted a large part of the
service program of these churches.
THE CITY. By Robert E. Park, Ernest W. Burgess
and Roderick D. McKenzie. Published by the Uni-
versity of Chicago Press, Chicago. Price, $2.10
This compilation of addresses on human nature and
social life under modern city conditions represents a
study of urban life, its physical organization, its occu-
pations and its cultures. The following titles are indica-
tive of the sympathetic handling of the subjects by the
authors : The Study of Human Behavior in the Urban
Environment; The Groivth of the City; The Natural
History of the Newspaper; Recreation and Juvenile De-
linquency; The Mind of the Hobo; and Magic, Mentality,
and City Life.
In speaking of Juvenile Delinquency, Professor Park
says :
"What we already know about the intimate relations
between the individual and the community makes it clear
that delinquency is not primarily a problem of the in-
dividual, but of the group. Any effort to re-educate
and reform the delinquent individual will consist very
largely in finding for him an environment, a group in
which he can live, and live not merely in the physical
or biological sense of the word, but live in the social
and the sociological sense. That means finding a place
where he can have not only free expression of his ener-
gies and native impulses, but a place where he can find
a vocation and be free to formulate a plan of life which
will enable him to realize in some adequate way all the
fundamental wishes that, in some form or other, every
individual seeks to realize, and must realize, in order to
have a wholesome and reasonably happy existence.
"This suggests to me that the playground should be
something more than a place for working off steam arid
keeping children out of mischief. It should be a place
where children form permanent associations. The play
group is certainly one of the most important factors in
the defining of the wishes and the forming of the char-
acter of the average individual. Under conditions of
urban life, where the home tends to become little more
Patented
Will not freeze
and burst
MURDOCK
OUTDOOR BUBBLE FONT
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Bronze, Brass, Iron
For ages these three metals have
been used in o'utdoor service.
Their durability is never ques-
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LASTS A LIFETIME
For
PLAYGROUNDS— PARKS
Write for Booklet "What To Know About Out-
door Drinking Fountains"
The Murdock Mfg. & Supply Co,
427 Plum Street, Cincinnati, Ohio
Makers of Outdoor Water Devices Since 1853
than a sleeping place, a dormitory, the play group is
assuming an increasing importance."
OUTLINES OF CHILD STUDY. Edited by Benjamin C. Gruen-
berg for the Federation for Child Study. With an
Introduction by Edward L. Thorndike. Published by
The Macmillan Company, New York. Price, $1.08.
These outlines are based upon the experience of a score
of years in guiding the reading and discussion of groups
of parents and teachers. Dr. Gruenberg says in the pre-
face that the Federation for Child Study takes the posi-
tion "that we must make deliberate and systematic effort
to replace impulse with purpose in all our dealings with
children." The Outlines have been worked out on the
basis of actual problems brought out in study groups. A
brief summary of accepted theory is given under each
heading, followed by references classed as "popular,"
"non-technical" and "technical."
Please mention THE PLAYGROUND when writing to advertisers
INDEX TO VOLUME XIX
THE PLAYGROUND
APPRECIATIONS
Month Year Page
Children's Friend in Kewanee,
The October 1925 386
Christy Mathewson December 1925 517
Henry Kaufman May 1925 84
Recreation Mayor, A September 1925 306
Robert A. Woods June 1925 166
Sandow the Strong Man — Eu-
gene Sandow December 1925 518
Tribute to a Public Spirited Citi-
zen, A, Charles W. Car field .. June 1925 171
William H. Geer May 1925 81
ATHLETICS
Athletics for Girls
Athletic Program for Girls at
River Falls Normal School,
The
Baseball Pitching Contest
Big Summer in Amateur Base-
ball, E. W. Johnson
Detroit's First Annual Men's In-
door Meet
Experiment in International Ath-
letics, An, Daniel Chase ....
High School Athletics
On Athletics for the Largest
Number, Daniel Chase
Some Findings Regarding Ath-
letic Tests
State "M" in -Missouri, The,
Henry S. Curtis, Ph.D
Twenty-Five Years Old
War Without Tears . ,
September 1925 344
January
August . .
December
June
October
August
July
September
October
December
June
BOOK REVIEWS
Americanization Questionnaire,
Catherine A. Bradshaw
Analysis of the Caddie Problem,
Charles A. Gordon
Birch Bark Roll of Woodcraft,
The, Ernest Thompson Seton . .
Book of American Negro Spirit-
uals, The
Book of Original Parties, A,
Ethel Owen
Boy and His Vacation, The
John Irving Sowers
Boy Guidance, Father Kilian .
California Public School Cate-
chism, A. R. Heron
Child of the Frontier, A, Elma E.
Levinger
Choice Rhythms for Youthful
Dancers, Caroline Crawford. . .
Christmas Songs of Many Na-
tions
Christmas Tide, A Merry Christ-
mas Collection of Songs and
Melodies
Church Music and Worship — A
Program for Today, Earl E.
Harper
Church's Program for Young
People, The, Herbert Christian
Mayer
City, The, Robert E. Park ....
City Planning Procedure for Iowa
Municipalities, RollandS. Wal-
lis
694
August
July
September
December
February
August
September
August
July
February
February
January
July
November
March
1926 561
.1925 286
1925 522
1925 153
1925 399
1925 286
1925 217
1925 343
1925 401
1925 517
1925 168
1925 292
1925 239
1925 359
1925 525
1926 635
1925 295
1925 359
1925 288
1925 239
1926 635
1926 635
1926 581
1925 238
1925 472
1926 693
November 1925 470
Month Year Page
Common Sense of Music, The,
Sigmund Spaeth September 1925 359
Community Singing and the
Community Chorus, Kenneth
S. Clark April 1925 69
Constitution at a Glance, The,
Hazard and Moore September 1925 356
Contributions of Physical Educa-
tion to the Ideals of Modern
Democracy, J.B. Nash October 1925 413
County Library Service, Harriet
C. I-ong August 1925 295
Dennison's Gala Book July 1925 237
Devotional Plays and Folk Ways.
Ethel Reed Jasspon and Beatrice
Becker July 1925 238
Dramatizing Chi Id Health, Amer-
ican Child Health Association .. July 1925 239
Educational Opportunities for
Greater Boston, Prospect
Union Educational Exchange .. November 1925 470
Education Through Physical Ed-
ucation, Agnes Wayman .... August 1925 295
Fancy's Hour, Norman Schlichter January 1926 581
Field Days, Department of Educa-
tion, Alabama November 1925 472
Funds and Friends, Tolman Lee .. April 1925 69
Good Times Club of America .. September 1925 310
Great Composers 1600-1 900, Paul
John Weaver September 1925 356
Guide Book for Better Homes
Campaigns, Better Homes of
America January 1926 580
Gymnastics in Education, Wil-
liam J. Cromie October 1925 41 3
Hand Book in Archery, A, Cal-
ifornia By-Products Co November 1925 472
Handbook of Health, Woods
Hutchinson, M.D Au ust 1925 293
' Handy," Prepared by the Social
Recreation Union April 1925 69
Happy Holidays, Frances C>.
Wickes December 1925 525
Health and Good Citizenship,
Andress and Evans August 1925 294
Health and Success, Andress and
Evans July 1925 239
History of National Music Week,
C . M. Tremaine July 1925 238
Hockey Guide January 1926 580
Home Maker, The, Mabel Louise
Keech September 1925 360
House that Health Built, The,
East Harlem Health Center . . . January 1926 579
How Good Is your Town? Wis-
consin Conference of Social
Work January 1926 579
Individual and Mass Athletics,
S.C.Staley May 1925 128
Instrumental Music in the
Schools of Rochester and Louis-
ville. Jay W.Fay February 1926 637
Intra-Mural Athletics, Elmer D.
Mitchell May 1925 128
Jungle Rule or the Golden Rule?
Homer Folks November 1 925 471
Knight of the Piney Woods, A,
Arthur MacLean February 1926 636
Knights of Caney, The September 1925 347
List of Music for Plays and Pag-
eants, A, Roland Holt August 1925 294
INDEX TO VOLUME XIX
Month Year Page
List of References on Education
for Citizenship, Bureau of Edu-
cation August 1925 295
Listening Child, The, Lucy W.
Thacher July 1925 237
Make-It-Up Story Book, The
Cornelia Adams -.September 1925 360
Manito Masks, Hartley Alexander December 1925 525
Manual of Physical Education for
the Public Schools of Wiscon-
sin, State Department of Public
Instruction September 1925 360
Manual of Play, Community Chest
Headquarters, Louisville, Ken-
tucky August 1925 293
May Festival Book, American
Child Health Association April 1925 70
Modern Life Programs, The,
Anna Steese Richardson November . . 1925 471
Municipal Aid to Music in Amer-
ica, KennethS. Clark December 1925 524
Municipal Government and Ac-
tivities of the City of Milwau-
kee for 1924, Frederick TV.
MacMillan November 1925 470
Municipal Planning, Park and
Art Administration in Ameri-
can Cities, American Civic
Association December 1925 524
National Collegiate Athletic As-
sociations'Foot Ball Review. . December 1925 527
National Collegiate Athletic As-
sociation Track Meet and Field
Rules August 1925 293
National Dances of Ireland, Eliz-
abeth Burchenal June 1925 184
Nature Games, William G. Vinal January 1926 581
Negro and His Songs, The, Odum
and Johnson September 1925 358
Official Handbook in Athletics for
Girls and Women, Committee
on Women's Athletics, A.P.E. A. December 1925 524
Official Report of the Third Bi-
ennial Conference of Boy Scout
Executives July 1925 239
Old Square Dances of America,
Dunlavy and Boyd December 1925 526
One-Act Plays for Stage and
Study February 1926 636
Organization and Programs, Na-
tional Conference on Outdoor
Recreation October 1925 412
Organizing, Instructing and
Equipping the School Band,
Martin Band Instrument Com-
pany February 1926 635
Osman Pasha — A Drama of New
Turkey, William Jourdan Rapp December 1925 525
Our Play House, Ella Victoria
Dobbs January 1926 581
Outdoor Boy Craftsmen, A. Neely
Hall February 1926 635
Outlines of Child Study, Ben-
jamin C. Gruenberg March 1926 693
Paintings of Many Lands and
Ages, Albert W. Heckman October 1925 412
Penny Buns and Roses, A Mu-
sical Fantasy, Wilson and
Repper October 1925 413
Physical Education and Hygiene,
C.B. UleryandR.C.Leland... May 1925 128
Physical Education Syllabus, Part
II, Department of Education,
State of Missouri November 1925 472
Piano Edition of Twice 55 Games
with Music July 1925 238
Play Equipment for the Nursery,
Neva L. Boyd February 1926 636
Month
Problem Child in School, The,
MaryB. Sayles and Howard W.
Nudd August
Programs for Holidays and Spe-
cial Occasions, Wilmajeppson. August
Progress Report, Commonwealth
Fund Program for the Preven-
tion of Delinquency January
Publications Available Septem-
ber 192 5, Bureau of Education. . January
Real Boy and the New School,
The, E. A. Hamilton November
Recent Children's Books, Ameri-
can Library Association January
Recreation Bulletin, Mutual Im-
provement Association, General
Boards of M.I. A October
Religious Drama, 1924, Commit-
tee on Religious Drama, Federal
Council of the Churches of
Christ in America September
Report of Committee on School
House Planning, National Edu-
cation Association August
Review of Official Volley Ball
Rules, 1925-26 January
Rural Planning — The Villages.
U.S. Department of Agriculture December
Safety First for Children, Benja-
min Veil September
School as the People's Club
House, The, Harold 0. Berg . . . November
School Music Number, Sierra Ed-
ucational News February
School Theatre,The,/?oy Mitchell February
Second Book of the Gramophone
Record, The, Percy A. Scholes. December
Short Plays, Selected and Edited
by James Plaister Webber and
Hanson Hart Webster February
Singing Games and Drills for Ru-
ral Schools, Playground Num-
bers and Teachers, Chester
Geppert Marsh October
Sing-song Social, MargarethaLerch August
Smith's Two Hundred Songs for
the Ukulele, William J . Smith . November
Social Aspects of Farmers' Co-
operative Marketing, Benson
Y. Landis September
Social Ministry in an American
City, T. Earl Sullenger August
Social Problems and Agencies -
Henry S. Spalding January
Socialized School, The - School
grounds and their Equipment,
Henry S. Curtis, Ph.D August
Some Practical Uses of Audito-
riums in the Rural Schools of
Montgomery County, Alabama,
Lillian Allen July
Song Series - "Made for the
Children," Alys E. Bentley. . . . July
Southern Pioneers, Howard W.
Odum November
Spalding's Tennis Annual 1925 . September
Stories of the World's Holidays,
Grace Humphrey September
Stunts of Fun and Fancy, Eliza-
beth Mines Hanley November
Summer Camp Entertainment,
Mari R. Hofer December
Suppose We Play, Imogen Clark . November
Surveying Your Community, E.
de S. Brunner March
Systems of Public Welfare, How-
ard W. Odum and D. W. Wil-
lard . . December
695
Year Page
1925 292
1925 295
1926 580
1926 579
1925 471
1926 581
1925 413
1925 360
1925 292
1926 579
1925 524
1925 356
1925 472
1926 635
1926 637
1925 524
1926 637
1925 412
1925 295
1925 472
1925 358
1925 293
1926 580
1925 293
1925 237
1925 238
1925 471
1925 356
1925 359
1925 470
1925 526
1925 470
1926 693
1925 527
696
INDEX TO VOLUME XIX
Month Year Page
Teaching of Industrial Arts in the
Elementary School, McMurry,
Eggers and McMurry February 1926 636
Tenth Annual Selected Pictures
Catalog, National Committee
for Better Films July 1925 240
Through Story Land to Health
Land, Esther Zucker September 1925 356
Tou rist Camp, Rolland S. Wallis. September 1925 356
Town Forests - Their Recrea-
tional and Economic Value and
How to Maintain Them, Harris
A. Reynolds October 1925 412
Track and Field Athletics, Albert
Wegener May 1925 128
Tunes and Runes for the School
Room, Alice C. D. Riley and
Dorothy Riley Brown December 1925 525
Tyndale, A Drama, Parker Hard September 1925 359
Under These Trees, Grace Hum-
phrey August 1925 293
Vacation Activities and the
School, Lincoln School Teachers
College September 1925 358
Visiting Teacher in Rochester,
The, Mabel Brown Ellis January 1926 579
Visiting Teacher Movement, The,
J. J. Oppenheimer October 1925 412
Welfare Council of New York
City, The, W. Frank Persons .. December 1925 526
What Everyone Should Know
About Charitable and Social
Work in New York City, Ger-
trude Springer December 1925 527
What Every Teacher Should
Know About the Physical Con-
dition of Her Pupils, James F.
Rogers, M.D May 1925 128
What Shall We Play? Edna
Geister January 1926 581
What Shall We Play ? Estelle Cook August 1 925 294
Who's Who in Music Education,
Edwin N. C. Barnes December 1925 526
Wisconsin Memorial Day An-
nual. 1925, J. F. Shaw August 1925 294
Wisconsin Reading Circle An-
nual, 1925-1926, State Reading
Circle Board November 1925 47 1
Month
CITIZENSHIP
Year Page
CAMPING, HIKING AND NATURE ACTIVITIES
1925
154
279
164
170
Dramatics in Camp June
Evolution of the Tourist Camp,
The August 1925
Finding Outdoors in the City
School Room June 1925
"Flower City" Campaign, A. ... June 1925
For the Girls and Women of
South Carolina, Blanc he Tar rant March 1926 669
How Should Hikers Dress for
Comfort July 1925 218
League of Walkers, A September 1925 315
Mountain Climbing July 1925 218
Nature Activities in Winter. Wil-
liam G. Vinal January 1926 575
Nature Study as a Form of Play,
William G. Vinal January 1926 558
Program MakingforGirls'Camps,
Mrs. Edward Gulick May 1925 85
Program Making in Camps for
Boys, L. L. McDonald May 1925 89
CHURCH AND RECREATION
Recreation for Young People in
the Church, Oscar A. Kirkham August 1925 253
Recreation and the Church, Rev-
erend Ashby Jones November 1925 435
Experiment in Church Coopera-
tion. An August 1925 251
Americanization through thz Art
Museum June 1925 1 59
International Week in Port Chest-
er, N.Y December 1925 488
COMMUNITY BUILDINGS AND NEIGHBORHOOD
RECREATION CENTERS
Canada's Community Halls .... September 1925 331
Greenville's Phyllis Wheatley
Center September 1925 330
Modern Community House Fills
Important Need in Western
Lumber Camp, Max Sommers . September 1925 329
Neighborhood Recreation Cen-
ters, Tarn Deer ing March 1926 665
Thriving Recreation Center, A. . January 1926 569
Waverly's Community House. . . February 1926 610
CONVENTION NOTES
American Institute of Coopera-
tion June 1925 182
American Physical Education As-
sociation Meets in Los Angeles September 1925 343
Annual Convention, American
Institute of Park Executives. . August 1925 290
Annual Convention, Boys' Club
Federation September 1925 348
Annual Meeting.American Olym-
pic Association June 1925 180
Annual Meeting, American So-
ciological Society March 1926 687
Appalachian Trail Conference ... August 1925 290
Better Films Conference June 1925 178
Child Welfare Exposition, Bel-
gium September
City Planning Conference September
Conference of Recreation Execu-
tives of Michigan and Ohio. . . June 1925 180
Conference on Modern Parent-
hood February 1926 638
District Conference, P.R.A.A. at
Houston, Texas July 1925 232
District Conference, P.R.A.A. at
Indianapolis May 1925 124
District Conference, P.R.A.A.,
Southern States May 1925 124
District Conference, P.R.A.A.,
Ypsilanti, Mich May 1925 126
Educators of Physical Educators
Meet July 1925 232
Eighth Annual Country Life
Conference February 1926 639
First International Congress on
Chi'd Welfare November 1925 464
International Kindergarten Union
Convention at Los Angeles .. June 1925 178
Meeting of American Physical
Education Associat ion at Roch-
ester July 1925 234
Music Supervisor's National Con-
vention June 1925 178
National Amateur Athletic Fed-
eration Meets March 1926 690
Nineteenth Annual Meeting of
the P.R.A.A July 1925 197
Notes from the Work-Study-Play
Conference of the N.E.A June 1925 183
Play Hour Program at National
P.T.A. Convention July 1925 219
Report of the Recreation Com-
mittee of the American Insti-
tute of Park Executives December 1925 516
Second Annual Meeting Women's
Division N.A.A.F September
State Park Conference May 1925 126
INDEX TO VOLUME XIX
697
Month
Thirty-Second Annual Conven-
tion International Kindergar-
ten Union October
Twenty-Sixth Annual Conven-
tion of the American Institute
of Park Executives January
United Neighborhood Houses . . June
DONATED PLAYGROUNDS
Donating Playgrounds as a Play
Activity September
Playground Established by Emil
Bommer, A, Helen Sedgewick
Jones October
Generous Bequest Takes Tangi-
ble Form September
Two New Offers from the Har-
mon Foundation June
DRAMA
Art Education and Dramatic Ex-
pression through Children's
Plays, Mrs. Hague Stinchcomb June
Beatitudes, The, Joseph Lee .... January
Chester County History February
Drama Contests February
Dramatics in the Kentucky
Mountains, Harriet L. Jones . . November
Garden Theater, The, Florence
Holmes Cerke May
Little Country Theater and its
Founder, The, Thomas E. Rivers October
Municipal Outdoor Theatre, A,
Oliver Goodell Pratt November
Richmond's Community Fund
Pageant February
Rural Play Contest, A July
Successful Venture into Drama,
A, February
GAMES
Bonarro, Jay B. Nash
Bowling on the Green, Chas. G.
Blake
Canoe Polo, B. E. Wiggins
Giant Checker Board in Vancou-
ver, A
Have you tried Field Ball?
Loop-the-Loop
Official Speed Ball Rules
Paddle Tennis
Rules for Pin Ball
Soccer Versus Rugby Football . .
Sprint Ball
Volley Ball
GOLF
Golf for Juniors, Samuel Gilbert .
M u'n i c i p a 1 Golf in Colorado
Springs
Municipal Golf in Indianapolis.
R. Walter Jarvis
Obstacle Golf
Rackham Golf Course, The, Ed-
ward G. Heckel .
June
May
August
February
May
October
June
March
March
November
September
February
Year Page
1925 411
1926 583
1925 182
1925 331
1925 389
1925 332
1925 162
1925 159
1926 572
1926 604
1926 602
1925 446
1925 100
1925 375
1925 451
1926 624
1925 223
1926 626
1925 146
1925 109
1925 263
1926 633
1925 110
1925 387
1925 176
1926 673
1926 673
1925 468
1925 339
1926 631
1926 570
1925 284
Month
Year Page
January
August
August
December
September 1925 340
HANDCRAFT
Handcraft on the St. Paul Play-
grounds, E. W. Johnson March 1926 650
Hobbies October 1925 402
Successful Kite Tournament, A. . July 1925 230
Tiny Town June 1925 167
Whittling Contests in Chicago .. June 1925 168
HEALTH AND PLAY
Health Clinic That Prescribes
Recreation, A, Weaver Pang-
burn September 1925 337
Play and Health, Joseph Lee September 1925 338
HOLIDAY AND SPECIAL DAY CELEBRATIONS
Christmas Plays for Young People December 1925 513
May Day .n the School and Play-
ground March 1926 677
Paterson Celebrates Christmas .. December 1925 215
Patriot's Day June 1925 160
Portland's Rose Festival August 1925 258
Spreading the Christmas Spirit in
1924 November 1925 461
Suggestions for a St. Patrick's
Day Program February 1926 628
Thanksgiving Party, A, Helen
Sedgwick J ones November 1925 459
HOME RECREATION
Home Play Exhibit, A . July 1925 216
Play Rooms in Chicago's Apart-
ment Buildings, Marie G. Mer-
rill August 1925 255
Wanted : A Place to Play, Clar-
ence S. Stein November 1925 452
LAYOUT AND EQUIPMENT OF PLAY AREAS
Equipment for general Athletics
and Layout of an Athletic Field February 1926 600
Home made Playground Appara-
tus at a Country School,
Charles J Storey May 1925 101
Playground Surfacing July 1925 228
What Constitutes Adequate Pro-
vision for Children's Play? October 1925 396
LEADERSHIP
Apprentice Project, An February 1926 609
Boyology - A New and All Im-
portant Study March 1926 670
Community Recreation Volun-
teers, Mrs. Edwin W. Gearhart. May 1925" 102
Community Recreation School,
The July 1925 221
Junior College Requires Play
Course from Teachers August 1925 257
Leaders in the Recreation Move-
ment:
Clark W. Hetherington June 1925 142
Frank S. Marsh July 1925 195
Frank E. Sutch August 1925 250
M. Esthyr Fitzgerald March 1926 650
Nine Points of Community Rec-
reation Leadership August 1925 264
Social Recreation Union August 1925 280
MISCELLANEOUS
Boy Scouts of America, The,
Helen Sedgewick Jones January 1926 562
Can a Whistle Stop Play? September 1925 307
Credit Schedule, A September 1925 333
Dreams of Youth, The - Where
are They? November 1925 456
Do We Need Time Killers? August 1925 280
Faculty Folk Dance Club, A,
Fannie Freer July 1925 224
Finding God in Beauty , Zona Gale December 1925 498
"Forever Dedicated to the Public
for Parks and Playgrounds" .. August 1925 258
Getting the Child's Point of View September 1925 341
Index to Volume XIX March 1926 694
Kind of a Town We Would Like
to Live in, The May 1925 112
Life and City Planning, Joseph
Lee November 1925 455
Neighborhood Service May 1925 108
"Our Platform" September 1925 339
Play in Alleys and Courts February 1926 594
National Thrift Week January 1926 569
Playgrounds for Toddlers January 1926 568
Recreation Vital to Social Hy-
giene July 1926 217
698
INDEX TO VOLUME XIX
Month Year Page
Rushville and Schuyler County
Study and Recommendations. September 1925 334
Self Determinatism February 1926 620
School Building Standards February 1926 615
Toddlers' Playrooms in Edin-
burgh July 1925 227
Visiting Teacher and Playground
Worker, Mary Buell Sayles ... October 1925 385
Where the Arts Combine March 1926 675
Wolf Cubs, The, L. C. Gardner . . January 1926 564
MOVING PICTURES
"Grass" July 1926 229
Nation Wide Saturday Morning
Movies, Jason S.Joy July 1926 215
Should Children go to the Mov-
ies? June 1925 172
Music
Band Concerts in Fitchburg . . . November 1925 438
Close Harmony Contest, A .... November 1925 463
Community Music - A Demon-
stration January 1926 552
Community Singing Progresses,
Kenneth S. Clark June 1925 149
Harmonica Bands in St. Peters-
burg January 1 926 542
Municipal Support of Music ... June 1925 151
Mothers' Club Song Contest ... June 1925 150
Music as Recreation January 1926 553
Music in the Home, Thomas
Whitney Surette October 1925 404
National Music Week January 1926 557
Report of National Municipal
Music Committee January 1926 554
Salt Lake City has Civic Opera,
Charlotte Stewart May 1925 99
Third Season of the Associated
Glee Clubs of America, The. . . January 1926 557
Westchester Pitches a Music
Tent, Mabel Travis Wood September 1925 378
NEED AND SIGNIFICANCE OF PLAY
Are You Happy in your Play ? .. September 1925 346
As to Character Training October 1925 391
Character Building Values in
Recreation Activities March 1926 675
Do Play Traits Breed Life Traits?
(With comments by Joseph Lee
andJ.C. Walsh)
John M. Cooper, D.D October 1925 369
Leisure and Character, Cameron
Beck February 1926 595
Leisure — For What? November 1925 462
Seeking the Joy of Living June 1925 167
Sports and Morals September 1925 336
What a Community Recreation
Movement Means July 1925 237
NEIGHBORHOOD ORGANIZATION
Neighborhood Organization, C.E.
Brewer September 1925 324
Neighborhood Organization June 1925 145
PARK DEVELOPMENTS
From Waste-Land to Park January 1926 549
Mother Nature's Invitation -
Town Forests, Harris A. Rey-
nolds February 1926 624
Nationwide Park Study, A September 1925 318
Parks and the Leisure Time of the
People, C. E. Chambers September 1926 317
PHYSICAL EDUCATION
Motivation of Interest in Recrea-
tion and Physical Education,
J. H. McCurdy, M.D May 1925 104
Month Year Page
Need in Physical Education, A,
Clark W. Hetherington September 1925 340
Physical Education in Cities,
Allen G. Ireland, M.D May 1925 103
Physical Education - Rural and
City Aspects, Henry S. Curtis,
Ph.D May 1925 106
What is an Adequate Program for
State Physical Education? . . . March 1926 674
PLAYGROUND BEAUTIFICATIOK
Evolution of a Playground, The,
William G. Vinal March 1926 681
Harmon Playground Beaut ifica-
tion Contest Meets Hearty
Response February 1926 623
National Contest for Playground
Beautification November 1925 453
Open National Campaign to
Beautify Playgrounds October 1925 372
Ornamental Planting for Play-
grounds, Alan F. Arnold December 1925 519
PLAY IN INSTITUTIONS
Physical Education at the New
Jersey State Hospital, Edith
Strickland Moodie July
Psychotherapeutic Value of Mu-
sic, Willem Van de Wall July
Recognized Value of Recreation
in the Rehabilitation of the
Disabled, R. E. Arne July
Recreation for the Feeble
Minded, E. R. Johns tone
Recreation Hours of Paroled In-
mates, May Therry Christian. . July
PLAY PROGRAMS
Comprehensive Program for Girls,
A, Dorothea Nelson June
How One Community Takes Care
of its Boys June
On Chicago's School Playgrounds July
Recreation Life for Girls, Nina
B. Lamkin November
Special Activities for the Play-
ground, Charles English December
Suggestions for Spring Activities . May
Twenty-Five Years Ago October
What Do Boys and Girls Like? . . March
PUBLICITY FOR RECREATION
Publicity for Recreation, Charles
A. Webb February 1926 61 1
Helping to Promote your Pro-
gram Through Printed Matter February
Voice for the Children, A, Donald
M. White February
RECREATION FOR SAFETY
Fundamentals as to the Safety of
Play for Children September
How Can Recreation Contribute
to Safety January
Why Safety and Recreation Be-
long Together, Albert W. Whit-
ney September
RECREATION CONGRESS PROCEEDINGS
Art in Rest and Play, Frank Alvan
Parsons May
Community Music - A Demon-
stration January
Congress in the "Land of the
Sky," A July
Congress Resolutions December
Convention Retrospect, A, Ernst
Hermann . . November
INDEX TO VOLUME XIX
699
January 1926 545
Month Year Page
Executives' Gathering, The .... November 1925 429
Eighteen Years' Progress in Com-
munity Recreation August 1925 265
Focal Museums, Chauncey Ham-
lin February 1926 622
Government and Community
Recreation, The, F.R. Me Ninch December 1925 492
How Can Recreation Contribute
to Safety? January 1926 567
Here and There at the Recreation
Congress July 1925 224
Impressions of the Congress,
Joseph Lee December 1925 481
Leisure Time and the South,
Whitehead Kluttz February 1926 590
Michigan Goes by Automobile . September 1925 309
More About Recreation in Great
Britain, B. T. Coote
Motivation of Interest in Recrea-
tion and Physical Education,
J. H. McCurdy, M.D May 1925 104
Nature Study as a Form of Play,
William. G. Vinal January 1926 558
Neighborhood Organization, C.
E. Brewer September 1925 324
Newspaper Publicity, Chas. A.
Webb February 1926 61 1
Obtaining Lands for Recreation
Purposes, Paul C. Lindley October 1925 373
Opening of the Twelfth Recrea-
tion Congress, The December 1925 486
Physical Education at the New
Jersey State Hospital, Edith
Strickland Moodie July 1925 209
Physical Education in Cities,
Allen G. Ireland, M.D May 1925 103
Physical Education - Rural and
City Aspects, Henry S. Curtis,
Ph.D May 1925 106
Point of View, The, Barrett Clark. February 1926 627
Problems of the Community Rec-
reation System, H. G. Rogers .. September 1925 326
Program Making for Girls' Camps,
Mrs. Edward Gulick May 1925 85
Program Making in Camps for
Boys, L. L. McDonald May 1925 89
Psychotherapeutic Value of Mu-
sic, The, Willem Van de Wall. July 1925 200
Recreation and the Individual,
John Brown, Jr March 1926 659
Recreation for British Miners,
B. T. Coote January 1926 543
Recreation for Colored Citizens
as an Aid to Character Build-
ing, G. Lake Imes March 1926 653
Recreation for Colored Citizens
Thomas F. Parker March 1926 65 1
Recreation for the Feeble Minded,
E. R. Johnstone July 1925 203
Recreation Life for Girls, Mna
B. Lamkin November 1925 442
Recreation Problems in Small
Communities August 1925 283
Report of National Municipal
Music Committee January 1926 554
Sand Modeling August 1925 283
Some Impressions of the Ashe-
ville Congress, Josephine Black-
stock
Special Classes and Demonstra-
tions at the Recreation Con-
gress
State Park Survey, Raymond H.
Torrey February 1926 621
Swimming Pools, Wesley Bintz .. August 1925 259
Teaching Children to Fight,
George E. Johnson January 1926 536
What My City is Doing for Rec-
reation, Paul C. Lindley February 1926 598
December 1925 483
December 1925 489
Month Year Page
What Recreation Means
to Charleston, South Carolina,
Mrs. John C. Tiedeman February 1926 605
What Recreation Means in Col-
umbus, Georgia, Edwina Wood February 1926 603
What Recreation Means to Fort
Worth, Marvin D. Evans February 1926 601
RECREATION DEVELOPMENTS IN LOCAL COMMUNITIES
Adults Play in Omaha, Edwin
Jewell March 1926 668
Community Nites in Knoxville. . November 1925 463
Dallas Has a Zoological Memory
Contest, Eswald Pettet February 1926 602
Development of San Francisco's
Far Flung Recreation System,
The February 1926 609
Division of Physical Education of
Philadelphia Makes its Report August 1925 262
El Dorado's Campaign for Rec-
reation July 1925 228
Evanston, Illinois, to the Fore. .. June 1925 163
Everyone Has a Chance to Play
In Dallas November 1925 453
High Spots in Lynchburg's 1925
Recreation Program February 1926 633
How the Community Idea Func-
tions at Jackson Heights October 1925 400
In Sacramento January 1926 574
In Spite of the Drought December 1925 497
Manchester, New Hampshire,
Makes its Second Annual Re-
port February 1926 610
Lynn's Playground Exhibition
Attended by the President .... January 1926 573
Ninth Annual Report of Detroit. January 1926 566
Portland's 1925 Playground Fete January 1926 574
Play Day at Cassellton September 1925 333
Recreation Developments in Dal-
las, Texas May 1925 1 13
Recreation Development in Win-
ston-Salem, North Carolina,
Leroy W. Crowell September 1925 379
Recreation in Smith Cent re, Kan-
sas, Schuyler C. Stevens September 1925 330
Recreation Week in Houston . . . June 1925 162
Recreation Week in Nashville,
Mary Stahlman Douglas October 1925 381
Special Developments in the
West Chicago Parks, William
Schultz October 1925 406
Story of One Small Community,
The March 1926 676
Telling Stories to Three Thou-
sand People, Charlotte Stewart. November 1925 449
The First Year at Mount Kisco,
New York December 1925 504
What Recreation has done for
Durham, Mrs. Fielding Lewis
Walker, Jr March 1926
Worcester Reports March 1926 672
Year Book for 1924 April 1925 5
Community Recreation Lead-
ership in 71 1 Cities 5
Officers of Recreation Commis-
sions Boards and Associa-
tions 24
Playground and Community
Recreation Commissions for
1924 34
Year's Work in Mount Vernon, A February 1926 606
RECREATION FACILITIES
Newark's New Stadium January 1926 561
Swimming Pool, A December 1925 518
Stamford's Street Wading Pool . September 1925 344
Swimming Pools, Wesley Bintz . . August 1925 259
Use of Canals for Recreation Pur-
poses, The November 1925 454
700
INDEX TO VOLUME XIX
Month
Year Page
RECREATION FOR COLORED CITIZENS
Notable Development for the
Colored Citizens of Orange-
burg, South Carolina, A March 1926 672
Progress of Recreation in Colored
Communities, E. T. Attwell . . March 1926 657
Recreation for Colored Citizens,
Thomas F. Parker March 1926 651
Recreation for Colored Citizens
as an Aid in Character Build-
ing, G. Lake Imes March 1926 653
RECREATION FOR INDIVIDUALS AND FOR
COMMUNITY GROUPS
Does Your Practice Square with
Your Theory? John R.Shillady October 1925 384
Eight-to-Twelve Boys and the
Boy Ranger Idea, Edward F.
Reimer March 1926 679
Leisure and Labor, Matthew Wall September 1925 322
Oregon Enlarges Recreation Ser-
vice for Harvesters, Louise F.
Shields May 1925 91
Recreation and the Individual,
John Brown, Jr March 1926 659
Recreation and the Labor Union . March 1 926 67 1
Recreation for Artists July 1925 219
Recreation for Social Workers,
Bailey B. Burritt October 1925 383
Relation of the Individual Prob-
lemChildtoRecreation.C/audia
Wannamaker July 1925 205
Recreation on Shipboard, Helen
Sedgewick Jones August 1925 282
RECREATION IN FOREIGN COUNTRIES
Bread and Play, Otto T. Mallery. . January 1926 550
Letter from Jerusalem, A July 1925 216
More About Recreation in Great
Britain, B. T. Coote
New Games in England
Our Holidays
Playground Movement in Uru-
guay, The, Jess T. Hopkins . .
Recreation as an International
Leaven, Mrs. Willoughby Rod-
man
Recreation for British Miners,
B. T. Coote
To Provide Playing Fields for
Great Britain
Month
January
August
August
Year Page
1926 545
1925 250
1925 284
November 1925 439
May
January
September
1925 111
1926 543
1925 311
RURAL AND SMALL COMMUNITY RECREATION
Ava Wins the Prize, Mary Eva
Duthie November 1925 463
Camp for Farm Girls, A August 1925 278
Camp for Farm Women, A August 1925 278
Leisure - For What? - In a Small
Town November 1925 469
Recreation Problems in Small
Communities August 1925
Rural Community Projects January 1926 571
WINTER SPORTS
Carnival That Pioneered, A,
Josephine Blackstock March 1926 662
Snowball Contest, H. P. Blair . December 1925 515
Winter Activities of the Recrea-
tion Division,Cambridge,Mas-
sachusetts February 1926 633
Winter Sports December 1925 505
Winter Sports in a Town of Fif-
teen Hundred, Walton E. Milli-
man February 1926 619
PLAYGROUND EQUIPMENT
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