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MAC  MURRAY 


COLLEGE 


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NATIONAL  RECREATION  ASSOCIATION  •  APRIL  1952  »  35c 


1952  EDITION 

It's  New! 

It's  Fun! 

It's  Full  of  Good  Ideas! 


Same  size— 12  weekly  issues 

Same  time— Beginning 

April  25,  1952 

Same  Price $  1.50 


SUBSCRIBE     NOW 

For  Every  Playground          For  Every  Playground  Leader 

USEFUL?      Ask  the  subscribers! 
Ask  these  communities  bon  nnttiy  subscriptions  they  used. . . 

Auburn.  Me. 
Pal*  Alto.  C.I. 

( .trrn.  K  h.    (  onn. 

R.hw..     \  I  12  ....I. 

f«*o«.    N   I 
Ai*w».    S -\ 

I  ,mlrn       N   I  13 

Jackson,  Mich.  14 

Davenport,  Iowa  and  Salina,  Kansas  15 

Evanston,   III.  18 

Salisbury,  N.C.  and  Jackson,  Miss  20 

(  I  ..nil  >t  It-.  N.C.  30 


JOIN   THE    PARADE 


control 

quickly  and  effectively 

wiffc  Gulf  Sani-Soil-Set 


GULF  SANI-SOIL-SET  is  the  practical  answer  to 
your  dust  annoyance  problems.  Here  are  a  few  of 
the  many  good  reasons  why  it  will  pay  you  to  in- 
vestigate this  efficient  dust-control  medium  now: 

HIGHLY  EFFECTIVE-Gulf  Sani-Soil-Set  eliminates  dust 
annoyance  completely  immediately  after  application. 
No  long  waiting  periods  are  necessary  before  the  ground 
is  ready  for  use.  The  dust  allaying  effect  is  accomplished 
by  the  action  of  the  compound  in  adhering  to  and  weigh- 
ing down  dust  particles. 

LONG  LASTING— Because  of  its  extremely  low  volatility 
and  insolubility  in  water,  Gulf  Sani-Soil-Set  remains 
effective  for  long  periods.  One  application  per  season  or 
year  is  usually  sufficient. 

Gulf  Oil  Corporation  •  Gulf  Refining  Company 

GULF    BUILDING,   PITTSBURGH,   PA. 


Sales  Offices  -  Warehouses 
Located  in  principal  cities 

and  towns  throughout 
Gulf's  marketing  territory 


APRIL  1952 


EASILY  APPLIED-Gulf  Sani-Soil-Set  is  free-flowing, 
easy  and  pleasant  to  use.  It  can  be  applied  by  hand- 
sprinkling  or  by  sprinkling  truck,  and  spreads  quickly. 

SAVES  MAINTENANCE  EXPENSE-Gulf  Sani-Soil-Set 
prevents  the  growth  of  grass  on  areas  treated,  and  mini- 
mizes dust  annoyance  and  expense  in  near-by  houses, 
stores,  and  laundries. 

Write,  wire  or  phone  your  nearest  Gulf  office 
today  and  ask  for  a  demonstration  of  the  advan- 
tages of  this  modern  proven  dust  allayer.  If  you 
have  not  yet  received  a  copy  of  the  booklet  which 
gives  further  information  on  this  quality  Gulf 
product,  mail  the  coupon  below. 


Gulf  Oil  Corporation     •     Gulf  Refining  Company  R 

719  Gulf  Building,  Pittsburgh  30.  Pa. 

Please  send  me.  without  obligation,  a  copy  of  the  booklet,  "Gulf 
Sani-Soil-Set— the  modern,  proven  agent  for  controlling  dust." 


Name 

Title 
Address 


Time  is  FLYING  .  .  . 


Soon  you  will  start  planning 

your  summer  vacation,  and  if 

you  are  looking  for  new  ideas, 

or 

If  you  want  to  try  something 

"different"  .   .  . 

WATCH   FOR  THE   NEW 


PREPARED    BY    THE    EDITORS   OF 


magazine 


This  special  publication,  planned  to  supplement  our  usual  ten  issues  of  RECREATION,  will 
tell  you,  your  family  and  your  friends  how  you  may  have  BETTER  summer  vacations,  for  LESS 
MONEY— at  home,  in  the  community  and  nearby  recreation  areas,  and  in  the  state  and  na- 
tional parks  throughout  this  country.  Here  is  a  chance  to  become  familiar  with  exciting  and  in- 
teresting information  on  the  subject.  Do  you  know,  for  instance,  that  there  is  an  organization 
which  will  give  you  information  on  farm  vacations;  that  pack  trips  in  the  Eastern  mountains 
can  be  arranged  for  you;  what  "treats"  to  plan  if  you  stay  at  home;  what  to  take  on  a  camp- 
ing trip;  how  to  keep  your  children  amused  on  a  long  drive?  Are  you  an  expert  car  packer? 
Would  you  like  to  know  about  dude  ranch  visits,  wilderness  trail  rides,  or  special  events  in 
different  parts  of  the  country?  Would  you  like  your  trip  to  be  an  adventure  in  leai  ning? 

SPRING     1952    •    mil   with  a   new   mogai>ne   >wb»cripfion   or  a   renewal    •    $.5O    per    Copy 


U.  S.  Fofetl  Service 


FREE  offer  with  new  subscription  or  renew- 
al of  a  subscription  to  RECREATION  mag- 
azine will  be  available  for  a  limited  period 
of  time  only  so  ORDER  NOW.  Magazine 
$3.00-One  Year;  $5.50-Two  Years;  $.35 
per  copy. 

NATIONAL  RECREATION  ASSOCIATION 
315  Fourth  Avenue,  New  York  10,  N.Y. 


RECREATION 


#&***********#**#***#*******#* *************** 

Because  of  narrow  back  margins  this  volume 
has  been  sewed  to  cords      No  covers  or 
advertising  can  be  removed  except  double  page 
cCdvr? -iisements  when  this  type  of  sewing  is  used. 
NEW  METHOD  BOOK  BINDERY,    Inc. 

***********************#####*##*#****#*###*** 


APRIL,  1952 


THE       MAGAZINE       OF      THE       RECREATION        MOVEMENT 


Editor  in  Chief,  JOSEPH  PRENDEHCAST 

Editor,  DOROTHY  DONALDSON 
Business  Manager,  ROSE  JAY  SCHWARTZ 

ASSOCIATE  EDITORS 

Recreation  Administration,  GEOKGE  BUTLER 
Program  Activities,  VIRGINIA  MUSSELMAN 


Vol.  XLV1 


Price  35  Cents 


No.  1 


On  the  Cover 

Two  youngsters  leaping  through  the  spring  sunshine 
—  two  boys  expressing  their  joy  of  life  —  this  is  April, 
and  children,  anywhere.  This  happy  spirit  of  fun 
symbolizes  playground  aims  of  recreation  leaders. 


Next  Month 


Photo  Credits 


CONTENTS 

General  Features 

What  Community  Recreation  Programs  Can  Do  for 

Service  Women  ( Editorial) , 

Oveta  Gulp  Hobby  5 

Declaration  of  Brothers,  Otto  T.  Mallery  11 

Congress  Committees  32 

Hobby  Show  at  Boeing,  Arthur  G.  Scott 33 

Water,  Seattle's  Staff  of  Life.  Lou  Evans 34 

Hot  Dog.  This  is  it!  Bernard  Ballantine 55 

Administration 

Blacktop  for  Apparatus  Areas?  19 


Please,  Mister,  May  I  Have  a  Ball?  Ernest  B.  Ehrke  20 

Filing  Equipment  for  Playgrounds 22 

In  May,  RECREATION  matches  the  season,  with  article^  »,         ,  ,          ,                             ,  ,-,                               i    /-. 

like  Boy  and  Girl  Anglers,  It's   Garden   Time  ano^\.  New  Ideas  for  Playground  Equipment,  A.  J.  Gatawakas        38 

The  Air  Force   Takes  to  the  Farm.  Other  subjects  Training  Playground  Leaders,  W.  C.  Sutherland 42 

range  from  swimming  pool  anil  golf  course  operation                    ^v    c  r>                                                                                                       *n 

ttough  painting  as  a  hobby  to  another  good  article  \Summer   Recreation 

golden    agers.    Look   for    The    Value   of   Play   in  Summer  Items  50 

Children's  Homes  by  Helen  Dauncey  and  the  second  c         ^L-        IVT              m                  j      u  i         D      j  i     i    r 

article  of  the  series  on  photography.  Something  New  in  Playgrounds,  Helena  Braddock  Lamp     53 

A  Safe  Playground  for  Every  Child,  William  F.  Keller         58 

Page  5,  Houston  Post;  13,  Los  Angeles  City  Recrea-  Program 

lion  and   Park   Department;    14,  1950  Graflex   Photo 

Contest;    15.   Department  of  Recreation,  Oak  Ridge,  A  Look  at  Our  Playgrounds 

I Vnne.s,,-  ami  .1.  K    Westcott;  16,  Herald  and  Re-  Weave  in  Some  Singing,  Arthur  Todd    .                                   17 

anil  Playground  and  Recreation  Hoard,  Decatur. 

Illinois:  21.  22,  Los  Angeles  City  Department  of  Rec-  A  Summer  Playground  Production,  John  V.  Smith 

reation   and    Parks;    24,   Carl   Gustafson,   Vancouver.  and  Minna  B.  Reichelt  23 

Washington;  25    Park  and  Recreation  Department.  We  H  d      Baseball  League,  Robert  W.  Ruhe                          25 

t.naneston.   \\esl   Virginia:  26.  Aslieville  Department 

ol  Ill-creation,  courtesy  of  North  Carolina  Recreation  Crafts  in  the  Recreation  Program,  Viva  Whitney 26 

Society.    Incorporated;    29     I'la^ionnd    and    Rec,,-:,-  Young  Anglers,   Frank  W.   Bramhall                                               .     29 
linn   Board,  Decatur.  Illinois;  28,  Manitowoc.  Wiscon- 
sin Recreation  Department:  29.  Miller-Martin  Siudio,                            Special  Events  Improved,  Doreen  0.  Kirkland 30 

Torringlon.  Connecticut;  31.  Metropolitan  Life  Insur-  The  photographic  Group,  Irma  Weber                                           ..    36 

ance   l.unipany;    .vi.    Hoeing   Airplane   Company;    40,      .  D      r 

Recreation  Commission.  Long  Head,.  California:  .">8,  Lets  Have  More  Play  on  Playgrounds, 

Recreation  Commission,  Long  Beach,  California.  Helen  M.  Dauncey  40 

How  To  Do  It!  Make  Sandals  for  Beach  and 

RECREATION  is  published  monthly  except  July  Swimming  Pool,  Frank  A.  Staples  56 

and  August  by  the  National  Recreation  Association, 
a  sriviie  organization  supported  by  voluntary  con- 
tributions,  at    315   Fourth   Avenue,    New   York    10,  Regular  Features 
New    York;    is    on    file    in    public    libraries    and    is 

indexed   in   the  Readers'  Guide.  Subscriptions  $3.00  I  ,  1 1,.,  ^                                                                                                                                              7 
a    year.   Canadian    agency,   G.    H.   Welch    Company, 

Ltd.,   1149  King  Street  West,  Toronto   1,  Ontario;  Frlitnrinllv    Sripakinp 
Canadian    subscription    rate    $3.85.    Re-entered    as 

,',;. i  <'•'«, '"-"t-r  April  25    1950,  at  the  Post  Things  You  Should  Know 10 

Office    in    New    York,    New    York,    under    Act    of 

March  3.   1879.    Acceptance  for  mailing  at  special  Sntro-pstinn   Rnv                                                                                                           ^Q 

rate   of   postage    provided   for   in    Section    1103,   Act 

of  October  3,   1917,  authorized  May  1,   1924.  Personnel 

r£f^Ws£3?j8L^WTSta^  Services  of  the  National  Recreation  Association, 

Spun-     Representatives:     H.     Thayer    Heaton,    415  W.    C.    Sutherland    .    44 

Lexington     Avenue,     New     York     17,     New     York;  n       •           r        T->             /-                      i   T» 

Mark    Minahan,    168    North    Michigan    Avenue,  Recipes  lor  r  un — Games  and  Parties  51 

Chicago,    Illinois;    Keith   H.   Evans,    3757   Wilshire  r»                •          n,r      i         IVT 

Boulevard,  Los  Angeles  5,  California.  Recreation   Market   INeWS    60 

Natioua,    &S±'  AToeiaX'tcorporated             =1  fi  '  >  ?  PI       B°°ks  Received  ..62 

rrinied  in  the  U.S.A.  3  iigii  2     -5v  «J     New_  Publications  64 

*  Trade  mark  registered  in  the  U.  S.  Pl^lKOffice. ,      Pf»    i  f  f  f.  »•  ol     i  L\-Kia  V  11  j        i  •      /^ 

*"  "  "  "V     I  '  ReeiJeStiBft  Leadership  Courses  Inside  Back  Cover 

Mac  IVI.i-  ray    Colleg-e 

»          *  ««i.                                                                                                                                                                                                O 


APRIL  1952 


NATIONAL    RECREATION    ASSOCIATION 

A  Service  Organization  Supported  by  Voluntary  Contributions 
JOSEPH    I'lII  M>I  KGAST,  Executive  Director 


OFFICERS 

Ono  T.   MALI  tar Chairman  of   the  Board 

PAUL    Mooar.    Jt First    Vice-President 

Mtt.    OCOCM    L.    MILM Second    Vicc-Prnidcnt 

SUSAN  M.  LIE.  .Third  Vice-Preiident  and  Secretary  of  the  Board 

AMIAN    M.    MASIU Treasurer 

GUITAVL-S   T.   KtRBT Treaiurer   Emeritui 

jourtt    PKKKDtacAtT Secretary 

BOARD  OF  DIRECTORS 


f.  W.  H.  AOAWS New  York,  N.  Y. 

.    BIMII Boston,    Miss. 

Ma  .   RoaisT   Vooos   Butt Vathiagton,  D.  C. 

Mt  .   AKTHI  a  G.  CLUMII Jacktonville.    Fla. 

Vt  tuu   H.   DAVIS New  York,  N.   Y. 

HA  »T  P.  DAT  ISO K Ntw  York.  N.  Y. 

GA    LOU>   OOMMBLLST Chicago,    111. 

Ma  .    PAUL   GAIIACHIB Omaha.    Ncbr. 

Roaiar    GAUITT Baltimore,    Md. 

ALSTIN   E.    Gairmm Seattle.    V«h. 

Mi  t     NCMMAM    Haaaovta Fitchburg,   Mail. 

Mat.  CHAaitt   V.    HICAOI Michigan  City.   Ind, 


Mm,    JOHN   D.   JAMISON Bcllpon.   N.    Y. 

SUSAN  M.   LK New  York,  N.  Y. 

OTTO  T.    MAI  irar Philadelphia,    Pa. 

CABL    F.    MlLLlKEN Augutla,    Me. 

MRS.   OCDZN    L.    Mm  J Voodbury ,    N.    Y. 

PAUL    Mooat.   Ja Jersey   City,   N.   J. 

JoitrH    PaCNDEaCAST New    York,    N.    Y 

Mas.    Slcwt'ND   STUN Sao    Francitco,   Calif. 

GaANT    TmwoKTH Noroton.   Conn. 

Mai.    WILLIAM    VAN    ALIN Philadelphia.  Pa. 

J.   C.    WALSH Yonker..    N.    Y. 

FREDEBICR  M.  TARVL-H. New  York,  X.   V 


t*e*ulive  Dtrevtor'i  Ofice 

E.   UiLi.it  THOUAS  E.  Rivtas 

tin  D»    rUaaitOM  ARTHUR    VILI  IAUI 

Ai  raco   H.    '* 


VMCINLA  MU»IRLMAN 

GaariUDC   BoacMAio 

R*if«*tion     Mataiint 

DotXOTHT   DONALA>ON 

Social     Public  a  tiom 

Ron   JAT   SCNVARTI  MLRIIL   UcGANM 

P«rv«aB«l   Service 

Viti  »ar>  C.  StrTHiaiAMO  Airaio  B.  jlNttM 
MART  GCRUMAT 


UK \DQUARTERS   STAFF 

Research    Department 

GcoacR  D.  BLTLIR 
ELRAIKTH  CLIFTON  DAVID  J.  DtBoit 

Work  with  Volunteers 

E.  BIATRIU  STEARNS 
MART  QuiaE  MARCARET  OANRVORTH 

Field   Department 

CHARLB*  E.  Ruo  JAUEI  A.  MAOIION 

GroacE  T.  ADAM*  HELENA  G.  Horr 

RiciiAao  S.   VRITCATE 


Srrn 


.\rtti   **J   ftcilititt  —  PUmiimi  **4  Sariryi 

H.  C.   HCTCHINS  ALAN  B.   ButRirr 

LESLIE    LYNCH 


fint   f.   B-f*/r    Mrmurul 
SffTtttry  for   Women  imJ  Girli 

HILKN  M.   DAUHCIV 


Jxitrul   Rfcrrstio* 


C.    E.    BaivtR 


Hfcrfttiom    Lt*4evtki}   Trtimimf   COMTIM 
RUTH  EHLCRS  ANNI  LIVINGSTON 

MIIORED  VANION  FRANK   A.   STAPLJS 

GRACR  WAIRIK 


New  E.|U»J  Diairict 
R-    HAiNtvoeiH  .  . BotroM,    MAIS. 
fewnt  a44r*u  .  .  .  New  York) 

Middle  Atlantic   I>,.ir   .. 

H   V.    FA<  1 1 f  jit    Orange.   N.   J. 

A     Nistm New    York.   N.   Y. 


Cfwal    Leke«    D.itrm 

)e«iM  J.  Couau Toledo.  On,o 

ROMRf    L.    HoaNtT Midiion.   T.I, 


DISIUK  T  UI:I»KI:>I  \  i  \n\i- 

Southern  District 

MISI  MARION  Pauct Aleiandria,  Va. 

R*i  m    VAN    hi  HT Clear witer.    Hi 

VIU.IAM  M.   HAT Nathvillt.  T«nn. 


Midw.n   District 

AITHLR   Tooo Kansas  City.  Mo, 

HAROLD    LATtiaor Denver,  Colo. 


Southwest    District 
HAHOI  n  VAN  AasDAia Dallas,  TCI. 

Paciic  Northwest  District 

VIIIAKD  H.   SHI  MAUD Seattle,   Wash. 

Pacific   Southw.it    District 
I.TNM   S.   ROONRT Los   Angelei,  C  *l.l 


Affiliate  Membership 

Aw,l,ic«  •wmberihip  in  the  National 
Recreatiee)  Aaaociettoo.  it  ofs»  to  all  non- 
•f«4t  feivate  a*d  pmblic  orgsnualiosis 
when  fwactseej  i*  whoJIf  or  prinstnl?  the 
•Meatiosi  oe  oroawMio*  of  mreatton  ttrr* 
KOS  or  which  incloeW  recrtatiosi  ai  a*  ins- 
oorsoat  oert  mf  their  total  oewgras*  and 
•hsisi  CMoirxtoei  U  the  work  of  the  «**o- 
cittHMi  wwottt.  In  the  ofintoo  of  the  M«O- 
<i*t»e«'i  IWaed  ol  Directors,  teriher  the 
ewalf  el  the  •MJowel  rocreacton  Movtusent, 


Active  Associate  Membership 

Active  associate  membership  in  the 
National  Rrcrcxton  Association  is  open  to 
all  individuals  who  are  actively  engaged 
on  a  full-time  or  part-time  employed  bam 
or  a*  volunteers  in  •  nonproAt  private  or 
publ  ic  r*c  r  r  a  i  inn  org  in  1 1  a  t  ion  and  whose 
cooperation  in  the  work  ol  the  association 
would,  in  the  opinion  of  the  associstion'i 
•Ward  ol  Directors,  further  the  ends  of  the 
national  recreation  movement 


Contributors 

The  continuation  of  the  work  of  the 
National  Recreation  Association  tr 
to  rear  is  made  possible  by  the  iplrnJid 
cooperation  of  several  hundred  vol  untwr 
sponsors  throughout  the  country,  and  the 
generous  contributions  of  thouund< 
porters  of  this  movement  to  bring  health, 
happiness  and  creative  living  to  the  boy* 
and  girls  and  the  men  snd  women  «f 
America.  II  you  would  like  to  join  in  the 
lupport  of  this  movement,  you  msy  send 
your  contribution  direct  to  the  association. 


The  National  Recreation  Axorialion  it  •  nation- 
wide, nonprofit,  nonpoliliral  tnd  nonvcltriin  civic 
oriimialion.  r»i«l.!,.hr.|  ,n  1906  mil  *upported  by 
voluntary  roninl.uiionv  and  dedicated  to  the  MTV- 
ice  ol  all  recreation  necativea,  leaden  and  agen- 

further  Information  regarding  the  auocialion'i  xrn-irri  and  mtmbrnhip.  pirate  vritr  ti,  thr 
IHrertor.  \aiional  Recreation  Auocialion.  315  fourth  Avenue.  Netr  )  -r*,  10.  \ew  York. 


ciw.  public  and  private,  to  the  rnd  that  every  child 
in  America  *hall  have  a  place  to  play  in  nafety  anil 
that  every  perton  in  America,  young  and  old,  nhall 
have  an  opportunity  for  ih>  l.r-i  and  nn«»t  Mtisfy- 
ing  u»e  of  Hi  rxpandiiifi  leisure  time. 


Ill  t  Kl  \TION 


What  Community  Recreation  Programs 
Can  Do 
FOR  SERVICE  WOMEN 


A  Guest  Editorial 


by  Oveta  Gulp  Hobby 


DURING  WORLD  WAR  II.  the  whole 
idea  of  women  in  uniform  was  so 
new — and  to  some  still  so  shocking — 
that  the  problem  of  recreation  was 
only  a  part  of  a  greater  problem. 

In  the  early  stages,  therefore,  the 
effort  to  provide  recreation  for  the 
women  was  sometimes  misguided, 
sometimes  well  intentioned,  occasional- 
ly ludicrous. 

The  WAG  remembers  with  some 
amusement  in  its  official  history  the 
post  commander  who  was  so  startled  to 
receive  a  shipment  of  WAGS  that  he  set 
up  what  looked  to  be  emergency  rules 
for  them:  they  were  to  use  the  post 
exchange  and  the  post  movie  on  Tues- 
day and  Thursdays,  and — with  careful 
segregation — the  soldiers  to  use  them 
on  Wednesdays  and  Fridays. 

As  the  army  discovered  that  WAGS 
were  simply  people — the  same  kinds  of 
women  they  had  known  in  civilian  life 
— there  was  a  swing  to  acceptance  of 
women  in  uniform  as  a  normal  thing. 

But  this,  in  turn,  resulted  in  another 
misconception:  that  women  in  uniform 
are  just  like  men  in  uniform,  and  can, 
therefore,  be  given  the  same  enter- 
tainment and  recreation. 

Looking  back  on  papers  of  World 
War  II,  I  find  a  notation:  "One  of  the 
main  distinctions  between  successful 
leadership  of  women  and  similar 
leadership  of  men  is  that  women  need 
to  remain  individuals  to  such  an  extent 
that  group  activity,  outside  of  office 
hours,  can  very  easily  be  overdone  with 
them." 

Now,  with  women  a  permanent  part 

MRS.  HOBBY,  formerly  director  of  the 
If  omen's  Army  Corps,  is  now  executive 
vice-president  of  The  Houston  Post. 

APRIL  1952 


of  the  armed  forces,  the  time  has  come 
to  analyze  their  military  situation,  to 
see  their  needs,  and  to  plan  a  balanced 
recreation  program  and  facility  for 
them. 

Because  women  are  new  to  the 
services,  the  average  military  post  to 
which  a  WAG,  WAF,  Wave  or  Wom- 
en Marines'  Unit  is  assigned  does  not 
have  as  complete  a  recreational  facility 
for  women  as  for  men. 

Though  the  station  may  try  to  in- 
clude women  in  its  baseball,  football, 
and  other  athletic  programs,  these  at- 
tract only  the  younger  women.  Most 
stations  share  their  swimming  pools 
and  bowling  alleys — if  they  have  them 
— with  women,  but  as  women  are  only 
a  small  minority,  only  a  few  hours  a 
month  can  fairly  be  alloted  to  them. 

Even  for  officers,  the  usual  officers' 
athletic  club,  such  as  the  one  in  the 
Pentagon,  finds  that  men  and  women 
cannot  use  the  facilities  at  the  same 
time,  and  that  the  number  of  women 
who  would  attend  is  not  consistent 
enough  to  justify  giving  them  set  hours 
there. 

If  the  armed  forces  cannot  make 
special  provisions  for  the  women,  it 
may  fall  to  the  community  to  help 
make  community  facilities  available  to 
the  service  women- — golf,  tennis,  horse- 
back riding,  swimming,  hiking  and 
other  sports.  Because  enlisted  women 
may  lack  the  funds  to  take  advantage 
of  local  clubs,  or  may  lack  transporta- 
tion, the  community  help  may  be  tre- 
mendously important. 

The  community  has  much  to  offer 
the  service  woman  which  the  defense 
department  either  cannot  or  has  not 
provided. 


While  the  armed  forces  have  made 
all  their  special  study  courses  by  cor- 
respondence and  off-duty  training 
available  to  women,  the  majority  of 
these  courses  are  more  apt  to  appeal 
to  men  only — being  on  such  subjects 
as  electrical  engineering,  welding  and 
other  trades  and  occupations. 

This  lack  could  be  met  by  the  com- 
munity, by  arranging  for  service  wom- 
en to  attend  its  classes  in  sewing, 
cooking,  languages,  as  well  as  arts  and 
social  sciences.  Though  the  armed 
forces  encourages  company  parties, 
skits  and  "blackouts,"  again  the  ma- 
terial is  tailored  for  the  all-male  cast. 

The  service  woman  would  enjoy 
being  included  in  community  theatri- 
cals, and  in  dance,  music  and  drama 
groups. 

Despite  the  magnificent  job  done  by 
the  national  service  agencies  during 
World  War  II,  both  here  and  overseas, 
not  all  of  them  are  equipped  to  pro- 
vide for  service  women  to  the  same 
degree  they  provide  for  men.  Another 
factor  has  been  that  here  and  there,  a 
local  representative  of  the  agency  has 
not  been  indoctrinated  to  the  needs  of 
the  service  woman. 

Though  the  USO  headquarters  made 
vigorous  efforts,  some  USO  local  units 
in  World  War  II  did  not  allow  service 
women  to  attend  the  dances  and  other 
events  planned  for  servicemen. 

In  Italy,  England  and  Australia, 
some  Red  Cross  field  workers  turned 
a  deaf  ear  to  headquarters'  ruling  that 
they  should  provide  equally  for  service 
women.  And  not  until  the  end  of  the 
war  were  the  rest  camps  made  availa- 
ble to  women. 

In   the  actual  planning  of  military 


installations,  the  question  of  recrea- 
tion fur  service  women  de-erve-  -pe- 
rial  -tudv  and  especially  adapted  ar- 
rangements for  them. 

\\  here  the  average  barracks  for  men 
needs  only  one  day  room,  the  women's 
unit-  need  tun  types,  one  for  girl-  re- 
ceiving date-,  anil  the  other  for  those 
M|HI  urr  not  dating  and  need  a  place 
t<>  lounge  and  write  letters,  in  pajamas 
if  lhc\  like. 

The  fir-I  -hould  have  a  record  plavei 
or  juke  box,  and  if  possible  a  snack 
bar.  The  second  should  have  com- 
fortalile  furniture  of  a  home-like  quali- 
ty- 

One  advisor  to  the  air  force  noted 
that  attractively  furnished  dav  rooms 
"go  far  toward  offsetting  the  harmful 
effect  of  regimentation  on  women."  1. 1. 
( ioloiirl  Margaret  Craighill.  a  doctor 
employed  l>\  tin-  >ur<:con  (iencral  (lur- 
ing the  war  as  consultant  on  women's 
health  and  welfare,  wrote  that  "  Ml 
women  [H-r-ontiel  nee<l  a  day  room  in 
which  they  can  lounge  informallv  t»- 
jfether,  as  well  as  a  recreation  or  re- 
i-eption  room  in  which  they  can  enter- 


tain men. 

"If  adequate  facilities  are  not  availa- 
ble, the  incidence  of  pregnancy  and 
venom]  disease  i-  likely  to  increase." 

The  Mriti.h  women's  services  felt 
the  same  need,  saving  "The  gregarious 
are  well  cared  for  \<\  wireless,  games, 
concerts  and  dances,  hut  more  quiet 
loom-  are  needed  for  women  who  wish 
to  relax." 

This  need  of  women  for  reasserting 
their  individuality  is  felt  in  the  mat- 
ter of  social  entertainment  as  well  as 
in  facilities. 

In  WAC  units  all  over  the  world, 
it  was  found  that  the  women  very  soon 
lired  of  large  parties  or  mass  enter- 
tainment, and  would  not  willingly  go 
to  such  entertainment  whether  it  was 
arranged  on  the  post  or  off. 

In-lead.  thev  preferred  social  gather- 
ings in  small  groups  and  where  indi- 
vidual choice  played  a  part.  A  dinner 
in  a  private  home,  or  individual  in 
v  itations  to  social  events  or  concerts 
or  plays,  meant  more  to  them  than 
unit  affairs  to  which  they  were  taken 
in  mass  groups. 


No  one  can  fail  to  reali/e  llie  deep 
need  for  good  recreation  services  for 
women  in  uniform.  Because  their  work 
is  sedentary,  because  thcv  have  little 
outdoor  training  on  their  schedule. 
and  because  they  do  not  have  the  in- 
centive of  keeping  fit  for  combat.  the\ 
can  easily  overlook  their  own  need  for 
exercise. 

In  thi.-  strange  period  of  wailing. 
none  of  the  armed  forces  has  e]uite  the 
\i\id  incentive  and  stimulus  which 
wartime  j;i\e>  to  keep  their  morale 
high. 

This  means  to  me  that  service  wom- 
en   today    need     communitv     help 
coinmiiiiilv  friendship      more  than  thev 
ever  needed  it  before  VJ  Dav. 

Women  of  all  kinds,  mam  of  them 
niilv  eighteen,  far  awav  from  home. 
detached  from  all  the  hometown  pat- 
terns, set  in  a  mililaiv  installation 
which  seem-  remote  from  everything 
thev  have  known,  need  healthful,  in- 
telligent cordial  recreational  help  from 
lii'th  the  armed  forces  and  from  the 
individual  communities  a-  thev  have 
never  needed  them  before. 


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Hoard  Members 

Sirs: 

You  will  be  interested  to  know  that 
a  copy  of  RECREATION  magazine  is 
placed  on  the  magazine  stand  in  the 
lobby  of  the  General  Tire  and  Rubber 
Company  each  month. 

Mr.  Charles  Burke,  Chairman  of  the 
Akron  Park  and  Recreation  Board,  is 
assistant  to  the  president  at  General 
Tire  and  Rubber  Company.  Each 
month,  after  Mr.  Burke  has  completed 
the  reading  of  his  copy,  he  gives  it  to 
the  receptionist  in  the  lobby,  who 
places  it  on  the  magazine  stand.  This 
suggestion  might  prove  of  some  value 
for  other  board  members  who  have 
business  connections. 

A.    E.    CENTER,    Superintendent    of 

Recreation,  Akron,  Ohio. 


Sirs: 

We  saw  an  article,  "Clowns  Un- 
limited," in  the  January  1952  issue  of 
RECREATION  magazine.  Enclosed  is  our 
check  to  cover  cost  and  mailing.  Please 
send  a  copy  to  our  address. 

"K.VKV,  Chief  Clown,  Phoenix,  •///  . 

Playground  Accidents 

Sirs: 

In  reference  to  the  article  by  Dr. 
Hollis  Fait,  "The  Picture  Isn't  Com- 
plete," appearing  in  the  February, 
1952,  issue  of  RECREATION,  I  was  much 
interested  in  the  suggestion  made 
therein  that  studies  of  accidents  be 
made  by  recreation  people  as  a  con- 
tribution to  the  field  of  recreation. 

To  those  who  might  be  interested.  I 
wish  to  point  out  that  such  a  study 
was  published  in  the  RECREATION 
magazine  in  the  April  issue  of  1938, 
or  thereabouts,  entitled  "A  Study  of 
Playground  Accidents  in  Pittsburgh," 
of  which  I  was  the  author.  It  was  and 
still  is,  as  far  as  I  know,  the  only  study 


of  playground  accidents  made  in  the 

past  twenty-five  years. 

MICHAEL    E.    WARGO,    Director   of 
Recreation,   Clairton,   Pennsylvania. 

Menial  Health 

Sirs: 

In  the  January  issue  of  RECREATION 
there  was  a  wonderful  article  by  Dr. 
George  E.  Gardner,  "Recreation's  Part 
in  Mental  Health."  I  have  been  work- 
ing on  a  study  similar  to  his  theories 
for  the  past  seven  years,  "Introducing 
Recreation  as  a  Therapeutic  Instru- 
ment in  Child  Care  Institutions,"  which 
is  almost  finished. 

I  am  very  happy  to  see  that  there 
are  psychiatrists  and  other  profes- 
sionals who  are  recognizing  the  real 
powers  of  recreation  in  relation  to  the 
child's  mental  and  social  growth. 

CHARLES  BAKER,  Athletic  Director, 

Pleasantville  Cottage  School,  Pleas- 

antville,  New  York. 

From  4'anada 

Sirs: 

We  were  greatly  intrigued  with  the 
guest  editorial  by  Kenneth  W.  Kindel- 
sperger,  "The  Relationship  of  Recrea- 
tion, Physical  Education  and  Group 
Work."  This  editorial  was  very  timely 
and  will  be  of  great  assistance  to  the 
combined  physical  education,  recrea- 
tion and  group  work  organizations  in 
the  Montreal  area.  .  . 

We    are    getting    into    our    stride, 
somewhat   slowly   perhaps,   in   our  or- 
ganization for  civil  defense.  We  note  in 
RECREATION    magazine    that    the    Na- 
tional Recreation  Association  will  sup- 
ply twenty-five  copies  of  the  booklet 
entitled  "Emergency  Recreation 
Services  in  Civil  Defense."  This,  also, 
will  be  of  great  help  to  us.    . 
WILLIAM  BOWIE,  Executive  Director, 
The    Man/real    Parks    and    Play- 
grounds Association,  Incorporated.- 


group   work    program.     Skills    and    experience 
necessary.   State  details. 

CAMP  LEHMAN 

1391    Lexington    Avc.,    N.Y.C. 

Phone-ATwater    9-0568 


JUST  OUT 

Proceedings 

of  the 

33rd    National    Recreation    Congress 
Price    $2.25 

NATIONAL   RECREATION   ASSOCIATION 
315  Fourth  Avenue  New  York  10,  N.Y. 


tennis,  badmin- 
ton, squash  and 
paddle  tennis. 

Faster play...longer life.  \ 

For  years  DAYTON  Steel  Rac- 
quets have  been  the  favorite  of 
professionals  and  beginners 
alike.  Thousands  are  now  play- 
ing an  improved  game  —  with 
more  speed  and  accuracy  than 
ever  before. 

Day  tons  are  practically  inde- 
structible— ideal  for 
schools  and  play- 
grounds. Steel  strings 
and  tubular  steel 
frames  are  not  af- 
fected by  climatic 
changes.  No  covers  or 
presses  are  needed  to 
protect  them.  They  won't 
Warp,  splinter,  rot  or  sag. 

It  will  pay  you  to  investigate 
now.  See  them  at  your  local 
dealer's  or  write  direct  to  factory 
for  more  information. 

DAYTON  RACQUET  COMPANY 

742  Albright  St.        Arcanum.  Ohio 


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STEEL  RACQUETS 


Rules  and 
court  layouts 
for  badminton 
or  tennis  are 
yours  for  the 
asking. 


APRIL  1952 


' 


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Dear  Recreation  Reader: 

I  01  the  ronvt'nirnce  of  you  who,  by 
sfiiding  us  information,  articles  and 
photographs,  help  to  make  RECREA- 
TION a  magazine  which  can  be  of 
value  to  recreation  workers  and  to 
people  everywhere,  who  are  interested 
in  recreation,  we  are  publishing  the 
deadline  dates  for  all  i>-m--  still  to 
be  published  in  1952.  Please  consult 
this  schedule  carefully  when  consider- 
ing the  submission  of  material  for 
publication. 

Mthnii^h  issues  are  regularly  made 
up  three  months  in  mliance  of  publi- 
iniiiin  i/iiif.  the  September,  October 
and  November  issues  must  be  made  up 
during  the  spring  and  early  summer  in 
order  to  make  possible  a  summer  va- 
cation schedule  for  our  office  staff. 
/"">:'  Deadline  1952  Istue 

M.in-li  10  June 

May  7  September 

June  7  October 

July  7  November 

~.  -pit  -mluT  8  December 

Please  note  that  Halloween  articles 
-hmild  be  in  our  hands  this  spring, 
and  that  Christmas  material  should 
reach  us  not  later  than  the  eighth  of 
September. 

We  are  particularly  interested  in 
n-ii-iving.  right  now,  articles  and  in- 
formution  on: 

1.  >|«prl-.  iniliMir-  IT  out  .ntuili'--.  lead- 
rr«hi|>.  in-lfii.  lion,  organization,  i.n  ililn  -. 
i-i|ni|iiin-iit  ninii-i  -port-  particularly. 

\.!i\ilir.      for      cliurrh      croup-,     chili 
groups. 

•i  and  painting  in  lit.-  r.  .  i.  .irmn   pro 
gram. 

1        ll.ll.l.l.    -      <  III.  H    to   .  I"    .III 

t.  -allott    in    rollfge*. 
6.  V.i' 

'   r.tfl-     pros- 

R.  Rrrrraiion    program*    or    arluiin-    nil 
li/iri)!   nr    i  rn   .nr.i^iii.-    lit.-   Trading  of   book*. 
'i     \\  nil-  i    liiktiiti   or   1-inni 

\\nii  n-  the  sort  of  thing  that 
M.II.  yourself,  would  fiml  helpful  in 
Ihr  iiiagn/ini-. 

And.  please  don't  forget  our  l<-t 
i.  i-  t..  tin-  i-ilitor  page. 


Kitex  ^v 


I  .iit.tr.  RECREATION 


Tough   Job   Well   Done 

The  following  editorial,  quoted  from 
The  Garden  City  Daily  Telegram,  Gar- 
den City,  Kansas,  points  up  some  of 
the  qualities  and  ways  of  work  which 
go  into  the  making  of  the  effective  rec- 
reation director: 

"Public  servants  suffer  through  in- 
difference to  their  efforts,  until  thr\ 
get  off  base  in  the  opinion  of  one 
or  a  group  of  voters  and  taxpayers. 
Then  they  hear  about  it! 

"That's  why,  today,  The  Telegram 
wants  to  point  to  the  very  good  work 
being  done  by  one  new  division  of 
our  city  government — the  city  recre- 
ation department. 

"City  Recreation  Director  Herman 
Beringer  has  been  doing  a  hangup  job 
for  the  youth  of  the  town  ever  sime 
he  arrived  two  years  ago.  He  started 
from  scratch  without  a  program,  a 
building,  or  without  even  the  full  as- 
surance that  the  adults  and  the  kids 
of  tlie  community  realh  wanted  a  full- 
wale  recreational  program.  He  liuill 
solidly  and  he  put  in  more  hours  than 
most  workers  would  care  to  count. 

"Arriving  at  a  time  when  there  was 
considerable  coimiiiiiiiu  contro\ci-\ 
about  all  the  school  and  non-school 
demands  being  put  upon  the  young- 
-Icr-'  after-school  hour-.  In  '  .ircfullv 
\\nrked  out  a  program  which  didn't 
demand  too  much  of  any  age  group  of 
\oungsters,  but  gave  them  all  an  equal 
opportunity  to  mak<-  f;iir  use  of  the 
.enter's  facilities  each  week. 

"He  has  had  his  problems  and  he 
has  worked  them  out.  quietly  and  ef- 
fectiv.-U.  He  like-  M.imgsters  and  will 
he  tin-  t'u-t  ti>  tell  \ou  that  today's 
yeiicralioiis  nf  ki.l-  are  nothing  for 
,in\  a. lull-  to  w..rr\  al.oul.  thai  tlic\'ll 
do  nk.iv.  He  keep-  'hep'  to  all  the 
neu  ideas  in  hi«  party  and  entertain- 
ment program.  He  tee>  that  people 
know  what  is  going  on.  espocialK  the 
parents,  and  he  like-  to  iiuite  adult-. 
-..  they  will  understand  better  the 
.  it\  -  \iuith  recreation  program  by 
seeing  it  in  operation.  He  hasn't  neg- 
I  the  adults  themselves,  cither. 

Ki  i  HI  \ri<iN 


Some  of  his  adult  education  classes 
have  been  standout  successes.  His  club 
for  old-timers  has  given  the  oldsters 
a  lot  of  enjoyable  hours  together, 
something  they  need  so  much.  He  likes 


the   local   kids,   the   parents,   and   the 
program  he  is  working  with. 

"We  think  Garden  City  likes  him, 
too.  The  Telegram  wants  to  tell  him 
so." 


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Each  record  in  albums  1  to  4  starts  with  simpli- 
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time  to  square  their  sets,  the  music  and  calls  begin.  The  TOP  HANDS,  directed 
by  FRANK  NOVAK,  offer  the  best  in  scintillating  and  foot  tapping  square  dance 
music.  The  calls  are  delivered  by  one  of  the  nation's  most  outstanding  square 
dance  authorities,  ED  DURLACHER. 

The  fifth  album  in  the  series  contains  music  only,  without  calls  or  instructions— 
"The  Square  Dance  Caller's  Delight". 

AN   ENTHUSIASTIC   USER   REPORTS   .   .   . 

"The  square  dance  album  'Honor  Your  Partner'  is  all  that  you  claimed  it  to  be  —  we 
tried  out  the  records  on  a  group  o]  eighth  grade  students  and  they  picked  up  the 
instructions  without  difficulty.  In  the  space  of  thirty  minutes,  this  group,  which  bad 
never  square  danced  be/ore,  were  doing  the  figures  in  an  expert  fashion.  The  records 
were  also  a  hit  at  the  adult  square  dance  which  we  held  last  night." 

Alfred  Elliott 
Recreation  Director 
Greenwood,    Mississippi 


All    records    guaranteed 
against  breakage/ 
in  normal  use. 


HOMORVOUR  PARTNER 


Learn    more   about  the 

HONOR   YOUR   PARTNER   albums. 

Write  for  a  descriptive  folder. 


SQUARE  DANCE  ASSOCIATES 


DEPT.   R-6 


FREEPORT,   NEW  YORK 


/f's 


if  It's 


mm 

GYM  EQUIPMENT 

•  Gymnasium  Equipment 

•  Telescopic  Gym  Seats 

•  Basketball  Scoreboard* 

•  Basketball  Backstops 


•  Steel  Lockers,  Lockerobes 
and  Grade-Robes 


TVntte  fr* 
FRED  MEDART  PRODUCTS,lNC. 

3566  DE  KALB  ST.       ST.  LOUIS  18,  MO. 


For  78  Yean 
The  Standard  Of   Quality 


Easy-to-teach  GAMES 
for  boys  and  girls 
to  play  anywhere . . 


I 


Here's  a  new,  omnibus  collection  of 
popular,  easy-to-teach  group  games  and 
group  entertainment  for  boys  and  girls, 
from  age  7  through  the  teens.  THE  ROOK 
OF  GAMES  makes  more  fun  instantly 
available  in  active  and'  quiet  games,  in- 
door and  outdoor  games,  contests  and 
tournamtnts,  as  well  as  stories,  magic, 
and  puzzles  for  group  entertainment. 

The  Book  of 

GAMES 
by  G.  S.  Ripley 

Author  of  "Games  for  Boys,"  etc. 

"This  book  goes  farther  than  the  average 
gamebook,"  says  Virginia  Musselman  in 
Recreation.  It  includes  sections  on  shows 
and  exhibits  and  neighborhood  contests." 
"Places  a  high  priority  on  fun,"  says  Wes 
H.  Klusmann,  U.S.A.  Nat'l  Camping  Serv- 
ice Director.  "Has  wide  variety  and  a 
host  of  activities."  $3.00 
_-- 

ASSOCIATION    PRESS 

291    Broadway,   New   York   7,   N.   Y. 


Send    me 


OF   GAMES  at   $3.00   each. 

Name    

Address   


copies   of   THE    BOOK 


City,   Zone,   State    

D    Payment   herewith    (postpaid) 
D    Bill  me  (postage  extra) 


APRIL  1952 


sued  a  booklc-t.  I'rfjxirulion  for  Retin-- 
Hit-nl  Years,  which  explains  their  ap- 
proach to  the-  problem. 


»>TIIK     P>.l2    \\TIONVI.    '   \MIMNC    CON- 

\IMIO\  is  being  held  at  the  Hotel 
ii  Chi<ag".  \pril  16  through 
h.  There  will  l>e  a  large  exhibit  of 
camp  newspapers  at  the  meeting.  Blue 
ribbon-  will  !.«•  awarded  to  those  which 
best  r.  -lire  1  the  convention  theme  — 
"letter  Camping  .  -  .  for  All." 

K.NVIIO>\|.  1'XKK.  AMI  RECREATION 
VVHK  falls  on  the  dates  May  21  to 
June  ")  tlii-  vear.  For  promotion  ma- 
terials write  to  Weldon  B.  Wade. 
American  Institute  of  Park  Executives, 
30  North  LaSalle  Street,  Chicago  2. 


»»TIIK  IUVKMK  ACT  OK  1('">I.  Public 
I^w  1K3,  recently  signed  l>\  the  Presi- 
ilent.  removes  the  excise  tax  on  admi*- 
sion  fees  to  "swimming  pools,  bathing 
beaches,  skating  rinks,  or  other  places 
providing  faei  lilies  for  physical  •  \.-i- 
i  i-.-.  o|NT<itcd  bv  any  state  or  political 
subdivision  thereof"  if  the  benefits 

iherefrom  inure  cxclu-lvcU  to  the  IN-IIC- 
til  of  tin-  -tale  or  political  subdivision. 
The  admissons  tax  is  also  referred  to 
in  Public  l.aw  121  bv  providing  that, 
No  tax  shall  IN-  imposed  in  the  case 
of  admission.  free  of  r  -barge,  of  a 
member  of  the  armed  force*  of  the 
Male-  when  iii  uniform." 


on  number  of  social  workers  and  their 
geographic  distribution:  pei-.mal 
cliaracteii-tic  -  such  as  age,  sex  and 
marital  static,  fields  of  specialization. 
employment  in  federal,  state,  local  and 
voluntary  agencies.  educational  prep- 
aration, and  length  and  type  of  em- 
ployment. The  report  is  available  for 
one  dollar  a  copy. 

».  mi  n\\  CAMP  UNIT  of  the  New  York 
City  board  of  health  has  a  special 
advisory  committee  which  is  studying 
conditions  in  day  camp-  and  other  Dim- 
mer programs  for  children.  A  series 
of  seminar-  have  been  held  for  camp 
directors  and  operators,  and  have  been 
concerned  primarily  with  counseling 
and  good  standards. 

For  help  to  parents  in  selecting  a 
day  camp,  the  department  of  health 
published  and  released  last  spring  a 
pamphlet  entitled.  I'ointers  for  Part-nl.i. 
Free  copies  are  available  at  the  de- 
paitinent'-  Divi-ion  of  Day  Care,  125 

\\orlh  Street.    New    V.rk    I.".. 

».  i  in  \  VTIHN  vi.  i  IIII.II|(I:N"S  i  HI  VIKI 
i  i  INK  in  MI.  will  be  held  in  Madison. 
Wisconsin,  in  August  l't'i'2. 


».    Illf     «  IM   M  II.    <A    -<•(   l\l      ttciltK     I  HI 

i  vi  IMS  approved  by-laws  at  a  con-lilti- 
llonal  i  i.nveiiiioii  belli  on  Januars  J.".. 
\'>',2.  The  purpos,-  "f  the  newlv  or- 
/.  d  (...inn  il  i-  to  pn>m»|e  tin-  de- 
velopment of  ...mid  pi.  .gram-  "f 
work  nliiealiofi  in  ibe  I  tilled  xl.il-  •-. 
it-  territories  and  p  .....  —ion.,  and 

Canada. 

HI  Ammcialion  ,,f  •>...  i.il 
\\.-rk.r-.  OKI-  Park    \vemie.  New   V.ik 

ha«  published  a  rep.ul  on.  "  I  In- 
•Mud'.  ..f  Salaries  and  Working  Condi 
I,..,,.  -  vv  -•  In  addition  to 

information  about  the  .  -lalii- 

i.d  worker-,  the  «ludv  givr»  data 

10 


HI  I1HKMKMT  TO  BE  THE  AIM 
(•f  a  three  year  study,  to  be  conducted 
bv  the  New  V.rk  Adult  F.dinalioii 
Council,  which  will  begin  in  September 
l').")2.  One  hundred  men  and  women 
approaching  retirement  age  will  !><•  the 
••gllini-.i  pig-"  in  this  on,-  hundred 
lliou-aiid  ib.llai  ventuie.  f..i  which 
funds  are  now  Iwing  rai-i-d.  I  IM'  pilot 
project  will  Irv  to  determine  how  p.-i 
-on-  in  their  forties  and  fifties  ",  ,m  |.c 
heljied  to  make-  good  and  ieali-ln 
picpaialion"  f..t  the-  Ic-iiglhening  num- 
ber of  vrars  that  follow  ri-lin-menl. 

In  line  with  «teps  U-ing  taken  bv 
industries  |..  help  employee*  adjust  to 
the-  r.  litcmcnl  veat«.  the-  I—.  (  "in 
p.mv  "f  New  Jersey  HM  rec.-nllv  i« 


POSITION  OK  SI  I'l  KIM  I  MM  \  I  nl 
i:i  c  i;i  vi  ION  iii  Oakland.  California. 
will  be  fillc-d  bv  Jav  M.  Ver  Lee.  who 
has  been  appointed  to  succeed  Robert 
W.  Crawford.  Mr.  Ver  Lee  formerly 
held  the'  same1  position  in  Colorado 
Jsprings,  Colorado. 

Marvin  Kife.  coordinator  of  the-  rec- 
reation curriculum  at  the  I  niveisity  of 
Wisconsin,  this  June  will  assume  new 
duties  as  director  of  camping  and  rc- 
-eaic-b  for  the  Herald  Tribune  Fresh 
Air  Fund  of  New  Vnk. 

»•  AS  A  NEW  \  i  M  i  UK.  the  National  Rec- 
reation Association  is  sponsoring  a 
training  institute  for  playground  supcr- 
v  i-ors  in  the  Great  Lakes  District  to  be 
held  in  Toledo,  April  7,  8,  9,  !'»:>_'. 
The  course  will  include  sessions  on: 
Planning  ^  our  Playground  Training: 
Rating  Yourself  as  a  Supervi-oi: 
Leadership  Training  Techniques.  Prac- 
tice workshops  in  arts  and  crafts,  dra- 
ma. music  and  social  recreation,  and 
an  evaluation  of  the  total  program 

w  ill  be'  included. 


'leaching   and    Id-search 

Assistantships  in  Recreation 

Part-time    leaching    and    rc--c-.ii.li 

a-sis|an|ship-   in    iccrcation   will   be 

available-    at    the    I   niveisity     of    HI). 

nois  for  the  school    \.-.u    I1 
\pplicalions  <  lose    \pril  .'<(!.   \'>~i'2. 

\-i-laiil-  leach  -ix  boms  |>er 
ue.k  in  -c-ivic-e  courses,  or  assist 
twelve  hours  per  week  in  roc-mli 
\ppointees  are  eligible  for  a  full 
academic  s,  hedule  without  tuition 
pavmenl.  The-  po-itimi  ..HIM-  .1 
-li|M-nd  of  SfdHI  for  M.  S.  eandidatc-s. 

'         (id. il.--    should     have-    .1     I..K 
calauieate    degree    with    majoi    cm 
pb.i-is   in    rectealion   "I    a  close! v    al- 
lii-il  de-Id,  and  a  "IV  average'  for  tin- 
last     Iw..     v.-ai-    of     undergraduate 

-Inch.    Illtele-led    pel-oil-    -llollld    le 

I  ..mi   111  \1  -H-lfi  from: 
(  li.iil.-s  k.  Hughtbill.  Piofc-— "i. 
>upi-iv  i-orof  Itc-c-rc-ationTraining. 
Ill    HufT  (ivm.  I  niveisjiv   of  llh 
noi-.   I  il.aiia.   llh1 


l!l  c  Id    VII'IN 


Written  as  a  part  of  a 
"declaration  of  interdependence," 
this  poem  carries  an  Easter  message 


Otto  T.  Mallery 


We  speak: 
Sons  of  God: 

Black  and  white,  brown  and  yellow 

men  of  all  nations; 

The  halt  and  the  hale; 

The  filled  and  the  empty;  the 

naked  and  the  clothed; 

The  builders  of  buildings,  the 

dreamers  of  dreams  — 

All  sons  of  God; 

All  brothers  in  our  deep  currents. 


I  said,  Hold  my  hand: 

we  shall  walk  together; 

We  shall  destroy  fear,  you  and  I; 

We  shall  fill  the  empty  ones  and 

ease  those  who  suffer;  we  shall 

strengthen  the  feeble;  the  tyrant 

shall  flinch  from  us;  we  shall 

impart  knowledge; 

And  feeding  them,  be  fed;  and  healing 

them,  be  healed.  So  shall  we  profit, 

the  one  by  the  other; 

For  we  are  the  sons  of  God; 

We  are  brothers  in  the  deep  currents. 


They  told  me,  the  child  unborn  is  a 

sword  to  the  heart  of  the  mother;  and 

man  to  woman  a  sword;  our  footsteps 

are  bloody. 

What  is  man  but  a  sword — a  sword  and 

fodder  for  cannon? 

We  have  felt  the  earth  shake,  we  have 

seen  the  mushroom  swell  over  the  city. 

Let  us  build  no  more  houses. 


II 


_ave  I  shown  you  my  truth?  It  is  a 
small  thing.  I  shall  add  yours  to 
it,  mine  small  and  yours  small;  but 
together  they  compass  the  heavens. 
Spare,  then,  my  truth;  lest  yours,  too, 
be  wounded; 

And   my   tent,   lest  yours,   too,   should 
crumble. 

Your  way  is  your  way;  mine  is  mine; 
to  each  his  own  forebears  and  offspring: 
the  black,  the  white,  the  brown,  the  yellow; 
men  of  all  nations; 
Yet  all  sons  of  God; 
All  brothers  in  the  deep  currents. 

APRIL  1952 


Shall  we  carve  our  meat  with  a  dagger, 

then,  and  make  our  porridge  with  gunpowder? 

Or  go  hungry,  saving  our  substance  to  kill  with? 

I  knew  not  my  brother  in  the  battlesmoke, 

nor  his  voice  in  the  song  of  the  rocket. 

Now  the  tanks  have  clanked 

on  over  the  hill;  my  brother  lies 

bleeding;  I  know  him. 

Can  men  with  clenched  fists  clasp 

hands? 


11 


I  have  looked  on  your  lace.  m\  brother; 

1  know  your  compassion.   Behold  m\ 

heart;  understand  me:  pity  im  tailing. 

Yuii  and  I  moving  forward  united:  so  it 

shall  be.    I  swear  it. 

\\  liu  whispers  evil  ol  \ou.  I  will  not 

hear  him. 

Who  strikes  at  his  neighbor  through 

greed,  wheresoever,  \ou  and  I  will  not 

aild  to  that  striking. 

\\'e  will  not  march  in  the  army  of  the 

a-- lessor. 

Swear  with  me.  for  we  are  brothers  in 

our  deep  currents. 


.  where  one  rests, 
his  brother  may  rest  also;  and  where 
one  eats,  his  brother 
may  break  bread;  there  shall  be 
no  discrimination  between  us. 
Nor  will  I  impede  your  passage  across 
my  count r> .   What  I  have  is  here; 
go  home  and  tell  them: 
"( )re  in  the  mines,  so  much: 
and  factories  and  farms;  yes, 
and  in  that  cmmtiv  such  and  such 
thoughts." 

Send  me  \our  bales.    [  will  buv  them. 
and  send  in  turn: 
we  \\ill  exchange  freely  according 
to  our  needs. 


Sri  k  Ebfthrightly 

\our  p.irtinilar  yxxl;  I  will  help  you. 
I  he  lalxirers  shall  gather  together 
lor  their  good,  and  the  farmers. 
and  those  \\lio  buy;  and  the  children 
shall  gather  in  the  schools;  with  none 
favored,  all  for  their  particular  HOIK!; 
All  brothers      our  children,  too,  broil 
I  or  it  was  said.  "\o  man  lives  to  himself . 
and  no  man  dies  to  himsell;  but  living 
or  dying,  we  are  the  I  ord's 
and  caih  otln 


"The,  forth  yields  its  jullnrs* 
to  all  mm;  alt  are  brothers." 


Therefore  we  speati: 
Sons  of  God: 

Brothers  in  our  deep  currents. 

\\  e  say  to  our  leaders,  Lead  us  in  the 

way  or  love 

and  reconciliation, 

and  we  shall  follow; 

\\  e  shall  toil  up  the  steep  slopes. 

II  Deed  Ix1.  all  our  lives  long:  and 

barefoot  il  need  be; 

I  ill  we  «reet  the  day  of  justice  and 
love,  the  day 
ol  freedom  Irom  fearing. 

I  Ins  is  our  pledge  and  our  contract — 

I  he  black 
anil  the  white, 
the  brown 
and  the  yellow, 
men  of  .ill  nations. 

I  his  is  our  pledge  to  our  Father. 


Mil.    M  \l  I  I  in  .   ii /m  rrlirril  from 

i>l    llir    I'hildilrliihiti    n-i  rrntiiin    n\\u<  inlim, 

in    l'>l."..  M  Chnii  1,1,11,   ,./  Ihr  li.Hinl  of  NRA. 


12 


III  •  Ml    UKiN 


It's  Time  to  Spruce  Up  the  Program! 


of  Owt,  Playgrounds 


Every  summer  more  and  more  communities  are  developing  comprehensive,  crea- 
tive playground  programs.  Many  recreation  departments  set  up  special  projects  to 
be  featured  each  week,  or  summer-long  projects  to  culminate  in  a  concert,  tourna- 
ment or  exhibit.  Examples  of  playground  activities  in  this  article  have  been  chosen 
from  monthly  and  annual  reports,  in  the  hope  of  passing  on  usable  ideas,  all  of 
which  have  been  successful  in  action. 


SCHOOL  IS  OVER.  The  spark 
of  enthusiasm,  should  be  ignited 
by  interesting,  joyous  activities. 
Above:  Los  Angeles  youngsters. 


WN  Lancaster,  South  Carolina  a  surplus  World  War  II 
•••  combat  plane  is  standard  equipment  at  one  of  the 
playgrounds.  The  youngsters  are  encouraged  to  swarm 
over  the  plane  and  to  "get  the  feel"  of  aviation.  Here 
imaginations  are  called  into  play,  and  flights  take  off  for 
far  corners  of  the  world.  The  gift  of  War  I  ace,  Colonel 
Klliott  Springs,  the  plane  wears  out  and  must  be  replaced 
every  six  months — though  in  regular  flying  service  such 
planes  last  ten  years  or  longer. 

Worcester,  Massachusetts,  under  the  direction  of  John 
J.  Nugent,  the  supervisor  of  recreation,  provides  a  loose- 
leaf  notebook  of  mimeographed  instructions  for  summer 
play  leaders.  General  theories  of  play  are  briefly  stated; 
I  In-  playground  program  is  outlined:  and  specific  instruc- 
tions arc  fiiu-ii  for  special  events. 

•        »        *        «        » 

Sometimes  little  extra  treats  are  offered  as  a  surprise 
APRIL  1952 


to  both  leaders  and  youngsters.  Last  year  in  Martinsville, 
Virginia  a  dairy  sent  a  calf  to  the  playgrounds.  The  child 
who  came  nearest  to  guessing  its  weight  won  a  quart  of 
ice  cream. 

In  Flint,  Michigan  the  fire  department  invited  groups  of 
youngsters  to  visit  the  fire  stations.  Firemen  slid  down 
poles,  rang  bells,  blew  sirens  and  showed  television. 

In  International  Falls,  Minnesota,  the  country  club  makes 
its  golf  club  facilities  available,  for  instruction  and  play- 
ing, to  boys  and  girls  under  fourteen  years  of  age.  The 
recreation  department  purchased  twenty-four  sets  of  clubs 
several  years  ago  and  these  are  loaned  to  youngsters  who 
want  to  learn  the  game. 

The  annual  storytelling  festival  held  on  twenty-two  play- 
grounds in  Salt  Lake  City  is  open  to  the  public.  The  leaders 
are  in  costume  and  tell  stories  of  about  ten  minutes  in 

13 


length.  Eager  and  fascinated  children  move  from  one  story- 
teller to  the  next  at  a  signal  from  a  coordinator  dressed 
as  Old  Father  Time. 

In  Elmira,  New  York  the  playground  storytelling  is 
developed  somewhat  differently.  Supervisors  tell  stories  at 
all  seventeen  playgrounds.  Then  the  children  have  an  op- 
portunity tn  retell  their  favorites  at  storytelling  contests. 


Spray  pools  versus  swimming  pools  present  great  problem  in 
warm  weather.  (April  and  May,  1951  issues  of  Recreation.) 

It  sometimes  includes  character  dramatizations  and  pan- 
tomimes. However,  storytelling  is  interesting  enough  in  it- 
self, and  does  not  need  the  added  impetus  of  competition. 

^  oungsters  love  to  undertake  dramatic  productions  on 
their  own.  Miss  Ilcne  N.  Langsam  of  Ventnor,  New  Jersey, 
now  eleven  years  old,  wrote  us  this  letter  several  months 
ago. 

"l,a*l  year  my  friends  and  I  produced  the  play,  'The 
Captain's  Hat.'  We  collected  eight  dollars  through  the  sale 
nf  ticket*,  lemonade  and  popcorn.  \\  ••  gave  this  IIHUH-V  to 
the  B«-l!\  l!.n  lira*  li  lloinr  for  Crippled  Children  in  Long- 
port.  New  Jersey.  .  ." 

l'la\gr<>und  leaders  often  are  the  adult  guidance  behind 
project*  of  this  sort  and  encourage  the  strides  toward  in- 
dependent leader-hip  made  l>\  the  i-hildn-n. 

I  In  rr  is  a  Water  Babies  Club  in  Sylacaupa,  Alalmma. 
Water  games  are  supervised  for  pre-«choo|  children,  in  a 
wading  pool.  There  is  an  adult  night  (adults  only)  when 
i  il.|.  -  are  arranged  around  the  pool  for  bridge,  <-anasta 
nuil  other  table  games,  and  a  record  player  add-  aimo«- 
phere. 

,l/oi «rna.  New  York  boast*  •  dart  baseball  league.  f..t 
group*  sixteen  to  seventy-five  years  of  age.  There  are  seven 
to  nine  on  a  tram.  Contests  are  held  once  a  week  and  have 


proven  very  popular.  The  dartboard  is  six  by  eight  feet  and 
the  darts  are  seven  inches  long.  Throwing  line  is  twenty- 
five  feet  for  men,  twenty  feet  for  women. 

In  Mobile,  Alabama,  to  follow  through  on  one  feature  of 
their  well-planned,  vigorous  program,  the  children  selected 
a  "playground  reporter"  for  the  children's  page  of  the 
Mobile  Press  Register,  and  made  trips  through  the  news- 
paper oilier  and  radio  station  \\  Mil!.  The\  wrote  moiitliK 

reports  and  made  drawings  of  activities. 

•  •        •       *        * 

Omaha,  Nebraska  has  a  Woodland  Pixies  Club  which 
ii-es-  seeds,  cones,  twigs,  and  so  forth,  to  make  miniature 

animals,  birds,  pixies  and  models  of  storybook  character-. 

*  *        «        •        * 

In  Tenafly,  New  Jersey,  a  residential  community,  a  popu- 
lar item  on  the  playgrounds  has  been  the  making  of  num- 
bers for  the  front  lawns  of  houses.  Orange  crates  and  other 
wooden  boxes  can  be  used  to  make  the  placards,  the  num- 
bers burned  or  painted  on  the  wood.  A  stake  nailed  to  tin- 
back  can  be  driven  into  the  ground. 

From  Honolulu  comes  news  of  the  combining  of  adult 
dancing  and  playground  recreation.  A  volunteer  dancing 
teacher  offered  to  give  ten  lessons  to  couples  winning  in  a 
series  of  ballroom  dance  contests,  to  be  held  at  playgrounds 
and  community  centers.  The  recipients  of  this  special 
training  in  turn  were  to  become  teachers  of  the  teen-agers. 

Mobile  Playgrounds 

In  Rillinps,  Montana  a  "new  show  wagon  has  IMVII  a 
real  asset  and  is  used  for  fun  frolics,  talent  show,  and 
square  dancing  in  some  neighborhood  every  night  of  the 
week.  On  nights  of  adult  square  dancing  the  children  also 
attend  and  have  games  and  play.  Sometimes  the  show 
wagon  is  used  on  school  and  park  grounds,  other  times  on 
roped  off  streets.  About  twenty  different  locations  in  the 
city  are  visited  on  schedule.  Talent  shows  are  balanced 
because  all  specialists  from  various  skills  are  consulted 
and  help  contribute." 

In  Lafourche  Parish  in  Thibodaux,  Louisiana,  equip- 
ment for  horseshoes,  croquet.  Milles  ball,  table  temii-. 
archerx.  softball.  children's  games  and  stories,  square 
dancing,  badminton,  box  hockrx.  track,  games  and  con 
te-i«.  checkeis.  darts,  and  special  events  such  as  doll 
-hows,  pet  shows  and  bicycle  days — is  nioxed  to  \arious 
locations,  visiting  each  section  of  the  comtnunitj  six  times 
during  the  summer.  One  feature  i-  \dnll  l>a\  when  C.H  h 
child  must  be  accompanied  by  an  adult  and  pii/c-  are 
given  for  the  youngest  parents,  the  tallest,  and  s,,  forth. 
It  was  found  thai  attend  im  e  increased  on  days  of  social 
•  •vents. 

The  superintendent  of  recreation.  Al  Ix-  Blanc.  Jr..  write* 
that  this  i-  a  stop-gap  program  and  i-  unable  to  provide 
many  of  the  services  of  a  standard  playground.  One  of  iN 
major  purposes  is  to  arouse  publn  mi.-n  -t  in  support  of 
a  regular  program,  with  one  or  two  rolling  playgrounds 
retained  to  serve  rural  areas. 


14 


111  I   Id    MIIlN 


Community  Nights 

From  Meridan,  Mississippi  comes  a  report  describing  .' 
successful  all-family  program. 

"In  an  effort  to  give  parents  more  opportunities  to  play 
with  their  children,  'Community  Night'  was  established 
this  year  on  our  playgrounds. 

"Each  playground  director  formed  a  parent  council  in 
an  effort  to  bring  about  better  understanding  and  coopera- 
tion of  the  parents  with  the  playground  program. 

"Every  two  weeks  each  playground  celebrates  com- 
munity night.  Mother,  dad,  and  all  the  children  gather  to 
participate  in  the  planned  activities,  such  as  picnics,  cook- 
outs,  community  sings,  square  dances,  band  concerts, 
talent  shows,  bingo  parties,  lawn  parties,  treasure  hunts, 
box-suppers,  tack  parties  and  watermelon  cuttings." 

Basketball  School 

The  Los  Angeles,  California  report  announcing  the  last 
week  of  their  annual  basketball  school  demonstrates  the 
type  of  program  which  will  draw  eager  participation. 

"The  casaba  school's  classes,  open  to  all  boys  thirteen 
years  of  age,  are  being  held  at  thirty  Los  Angeles  munici- 
pal playgrounds.  Its  teaching  staff  is  made  up  of  recrea- 
tion directors  well  versed  in  the  intricacies  of  the  court 
game,  and  top-flight  collegiate  players  and  coaches  are 
acting  as  guest  instructors. 

"At  several  of  the  classes,  a  sixteen-millimeter  sound 
film  will  depict  professional  basketball  as  played  by  the 
Minneapolis  Lakers,  Baltimore  Bullets,  Chicago  Staggs, 
Boston  Celtics,  New  York  Knickerbockers,  and  other  high- 
scoring  fives. 

"Pro  stars  George  Mikan.  Jim  Pollard,  Joe  Foulks,  and 
a  host  of  others  wilt  be  seen  in  individual  and  team  action 
shots.  Scenes  of  actual  pro  games  will  enable  members  of 
the  school  classes  to  see  at  close  range  the  play-for-play 
hoopsters'  scoring  plays  and  defense  maneuvers." 

The  Point  System 

In  Watertown,  New  York,  a  point  system  is  used  to 
create  a  competitive  spirit  among  the  playgrounds  of  the 
city.  Points  are  awarded  to  boys  and  girls  for: 

1.  Learning  a  New  Game:  Must  be  able  to  explain  rules 
for  playing  to  the  instructor — 25  points.  A  game  is  con- 
sidered to  be  new  when  first  taught. 

2.  Each  Article  Made  in  Handcrajts:    For  each  project 
completed   and  accepted   by  supervisor  of  handcraft — 50 
points. 

'•'>.  Bringing  New  Children:  Introducing  two  new  chil- 
dren to  the  playground — 25  points. 

4.  Specialty  Events:   The  first  three  places  in  each  spe- 
i-ialty   event,   and    for   participating — 25   points   for   first 
place;  15  for  second;  10  for  third;  10  for  participating. 

5.  Tournaments  and   Interplay  ground   Leagues:    Parti- 
I'ipating — 10    points    for   every    competitor;    3    for    each 
-jiinic:   20  to  anyone  in  the  playoffs. 

6.  Part  in  Music  and  Dramatics:    Taking  part  in  any 
musical  club  or  dramatics  of  any  type — 50  points. 

7.  Improve  Grounds  Weekly:  Picking  up  papers,  stones, 
filling    in    holes,    repairing    baseball    diamond,    sandbox, 


horseshoe    courts,    and    so   forth,    under    supervision — 25 
points  each  week. 

8.  Five  Good  Turns  on  Playground:    Five  good  turns 
during  the  week,  such  as  assisting  smaller  children,  watch- 
ing swings,  slides,  and  so  forth  to  prevent  accidents — 25 
points. 

9.  Good  Behavior  and  Sportsmanship  All  Week:   Being 
in  harmony  with  all  work  done  on  the  playgrounds  during 
the  week — 50  points  each  week. 

10.  Volunteer  Leader:  Helping  with  games,  checking  on 
equipment,  encouraging  the  proper  placement  of  bicycles 
— points  judged  by  leader. 

Weekly  awards  to  individuals  are  made  on  each  play- 
ground, and  an  end-of-summer  banner  is  awarded  to  that 
playground  earning  the  most  points.  Events  used  in  de- 
termining the  winner  include:  interplayground  doll  show, 
Safety  Day.  Indian  Day,  playground  circus,  Joseph  E.  Lee 
Day.  interplayground  boxing  show,  interplayground 
checker  tournament,  interplayground  volleyball  tourney, 
interplayground  softball,  interplayground  tennis,  interplay- 
ground  horseshoe  tourney,  interplayground  Mardi  Gras, 
interplayground  hobby  and  craft  exhibit,  and  Gypsy 
round-up. 


A   group   of  adults,   measuring   ringers  in   game   of  horseshoes, 
attests    to    popularity    of    playgrounds    for    those    of    all    ages. 

The  banner  is  presented  to  the  playground  receiving  the 
highest  number  of  awards  for  the  summer  season.  In  addi- 
tion to  special  events,  each  week,  the  most  interesting 
bulletin  board,  the  appearance  of  the  playground,  and  the 
originality  of  the  programs  that  week  are  judged  on  each 
playground. 

Tots  on  the  Playground 

Pre-kindergarten  playgrounds,  in  fenced-in  areas — with 
grass  and  playthings — take  care  of  the  youngest  children 
in  Manitowoc,  Wisconsin.  As  many  as  thirty  or  more  little 
ones  attend  each  daily.  Through  the  gentle  guidance  of 


APRIL  1952 


15 


trained  attendants  from  the  state  teacher-  colleges,  these 
tots  learn  the  important  and  basic  lesson  of  how  to  get 
along  with  others  and  share  their  toys  and  activities,  which 
will  help  them  in  school  and  throughout  their  lives.  Some 
of  the  children  show  early  preference  for  art.  or  clay  work, 
and  all  of  them  like  to  play  on  the  swings. 

Al  J.  Schara,  Manitowoc's  recreation  director,  works 
with  a  <|uict  BodMHMn  which  -|em-  from  a  natural  lo\e 
for  people  and  for  children  in  particular.  He  reali/.es  the 
deep  importance  of  recreation,  i-ornlui'li'il  in  u  i-i>n.tlriirtin- 
manner,  in  the  shaping  of  woith\  citi/en-.  -u\-  he.  "It  i- 
morc  important  to  have  ten  children  plaxing  together  with 
one  hall,  than  to  have  one  child  playing  with  five  halls  by 
hfawett." 

The  recreation  department  in  Manitowoc  conducts  eight 
pla\ grounds  for  youngsters  from  ages  six  to  eighteen, 
which  are  open  from  9  A.M.  to  11:45;  1  P.M.  to  4:43  and 
6  P.M.  to  eight.  The  program  is  conducted  by  men  and 
women  trained  in  recreation  for  children.  Mr.  Schara  be- 
liexe-  that  the  playground  should  \tc  the  most  interesting 
place  in  the  community  and  that  children  should  come 
because  they  are  attracted  there.  Says  he,  "The  leader  must 
I*-  like  one  of  the  xoungsters  and  pet  into  the  game,  like 
thnn  as  well  as  they  like  him." 

Craft  Exhibit 

In  (ireensboro,  North  Carolina,  part  of  a  very  full  sum- 
mer program  is  an  intensive  Handera f I  schedule.  Last 
-iiinmer  an  nxerage  of  four  hundred  sixteen  children  re- 
•  .-ucd  Hi-inn  lion  each  week  in  one  of  the  following  pro- 
!•••!-:  caning  wood  and  colored  pla-tcr  paii-:  modeling 
sawdust,  clay,  excelsior  and  papier  mache;  making  shell 
earrings  and  pin-;  finger  painting  on  glass,  paper  and 
wood;  weaving  leather  and  plastic  pocketboob  and  bell-: 
weaving  potholders  and  rugs  with  looper  clip-;  textile 
painting  including  stenciling,  potato  prints  and  spatter 
prints;  carving  and  hammering  metal  trays  and  pins;  and 
constructing  marionettes  from  wooden  Mock-. 

Congratulatory  remarks  were  plentiful  when  the  annual 
arts  and  crafts  exhibition  was  placed  on  the  theatre  me/. 
zaninc.  A  five  by  thiitx-ix  font  taMi-  wa-  i.n.-i.-d  with 
samples  of  the  wnk  done  l>x  the  c  hildren. 

In  addition,  those  on  r.n  li  playground  coni|>cled  in  the 
annual  sand' raft  route. t  1>\  Iniilding  a  sandl">\  display. 
e  of  the  -tun  lute-  fc.ituicd  wcic  an  Independence  Day 
•cenr.  the  ideal  eonimiinilx  pla\lnt.  a  drixe-in  thealu-. 
Alcalrax,  and  a  l.oiii- Charles  boxing  hoiit  in  Madi-on 
Square  Garden-  all  con-inn  -led  with  sand,  materials  natixe 
to  the  plaxground.  and  object-  made  in  craft  classes.  The 
i  hildrcn'*  di-plax  of  originality  and  the  degree  of  perfec- 
lion  in  many  of  llic  model*  were  astonishing.  The  winning 
pUx ground  >»a-  honored  at  an  ice  cream  parU. 

More  Good  Ideas 

When  Irndci-  cx>  h.mgc   idi-.i-  .r  'ii  <  ongrene  or 

di«lri't    conference   meetings,   playground    propr.i 
feel  ih»-  lift  of  new  activities.  One  good  idea  is  a  balloon 
Mcetuion  content.  Postcard*  are  attached  to  the  balloons, 
before  their  releaae,  addres*  of  a  playground  on  ih.-m.  and 


a  child's  name.  The  first  card  received  back  is  the  winner. 
And  a  prize  can  be  given  for  the  card  mailed  hack  from 
the  farthest  distance. 

Older  boys  especially  will  be  interested  in  interplay- 
ground  radio  programs  with  ham  radio  operators  in  auto- 
mobiles or  on  the  playgrounds  handling  them.  There  may 


\    pH   parade   is  one  of  the   most  popular  of  "special   events.' 
Both  boy  and  dog  seem  to  be  having  fun  in   Dn.ilur.   Illinois. 

be  broadcasts  from  east  side  to  west  side  playgrounds. 

There  are  sportsmen's  shows  and  fishing  derbies.  In  one 
cilx  they  didn't  catch  any  fish,  and  xxere  ii|>  against  what 
to  do  with  the  prizes.  In  a  case  like  that,  it  is  nece--arx  to 
do  some  (|iiick  thinking  in  determining  wax-  I"  di-p"-c  of 
the  pri/.e-  pci  hap-  to  the  l>o\  with  the  most  freckles,  or 
the  girl  dressed  most  like  a  fishing  lady.  In  one  <il\.  tin- 
fishing  contest  was  constantlx  interrupted  bx  squeals  from 
the  girls  who  wanted  the  box-  I"  bail  their  h"..k-  <n  re- 
move a  fish  that  they  had  caught. 

Fun  for  Everyone 

from  dull  -how-  and  |M-|  -how-  t.>  athletic  tournament-. 
from  indixidu.il  riafl-  to  communilx  sing-  (lie  plaxgmund- 
servc  all  .1-1-  'I  heir  summer  piogiam-.  though  designed 
primal  dx  for  children,  haxe  a  definite  pl.n  ••  fm  adult-,  too. 
Last  summer  in  /iliir.  l<  KM  iwi-ntx -nine  teams.  Imlh  inen'- 
and  women'-,  plaxed  a  -w-rie-  of  -ofiludl  toiirnamenl-.  in- 
.hiding  exhibition  games  with  oul-of-lown  li-am-.  league 
team-  paid  an  enlrx  fee,  and  fifteen  and  lwenl\-iixe  ceni- 
admisiiion  was  charged  sjHictator-.  I  Im-c-  of  school  age  and 
a  guest  for  each  plaxer  wen-  admitted  free.  Income  w.i- 
II-.. I  for  iinproxemenl-.  icpail-.  -llpplie-.  umpne-.  -col 
-.  .111,1  other  expen-e- 


16 


Hi  I  IU   XI!" N 


If  Bing  Crosby  or  a  Venetian  gon- 
dolier were  playground  leaders,  there 
would  be  music  on  their  playgrounds 
because  they  would  sing  and  their 
singing  would  be  contagious.  The  chil- 
dren would  join  in,  and  it  would  be  as 
natural  as  breathing,  which  is  the  way 


the  ways  of  bringing  this  situation  into 
being. 

The  first  step  is  to  win  the  minds 
and  hearts  of  leaders  to  the  idea.  In- 
tellectual acceptance  is  not  enough. 
They  must  be  shown.  They  must  be- 
lieve it  because  they  feel  it.  Therefore, 
the  best  basic  training  for  leaders  in 
music  is  the  pleasant  experience  of 
participating  in  singing.  It  is  a  matter 
of  becoming  accustomed  to  it  in  much 
the  same  informal  manner  that  is  to 
be  followed  on  the  playground.  This 
means  singing  at  staff  meetings,  during 
pre-playground  training  sessions,  at 
staff  picnics  and  social  affairs,  singing 
at  open  and  closed  meetings,  during 


Even  if  this  person  is  engaged  for  only 
part  of  the  time,  it  is  worthwhile.  The 
specialist  should  work  out  the  detailed 
plans,  with  the  help  of  the  music  com- 
mittee, and  endeavor  to  have  them 
carried  out  by  the  staff.  It  is  well  to 
remember  that  the  success  of  any  mu- 
sic program  which  is  comprehensive 
and  significant  depends  upon  the  in- 
dividual leaders.  Therefore,  the  work 
of  the  specialist  that  will  count  for  the 
most  will  be  that  which  is  done  with 
the  leaders.  If  there  is  no  specialist, 
quite  obviously  the  whole  responsibili- 
ty falls  upon  the  leaders. 

We   have   been   concentrating   upon 
the  leaders  and  nothing  has  been  said 


*%fau&Mi 


.;;..-•»"•• 


singing  on  the  playground  should  be. 
There  would  be  interesting  musical 
events  and  programs  because  every- 
body's mind  would  be  attuned  to  music 
and  to  thinking  up  ways  of  having  fun 
with  it. 

Unfortunately,  der  Singles,  gondo- 
liers and  their  ilk  are  the  exception 
among  playground  leaders,  which  is 
not  to  say  that  there  are  not  many  ex- 
cellent and  well  trained  leaders.  There 
just  don't  happen  to  be  many  who 
have  an  irresistible  urge  to  sing  or  who 
seem  to  be  able  to  touch  off  the  musi- 
cal spark  in  children,  most  of  whom 
need  very  little  encouragement  to 
burst  into  song. 

Informal  singing  can  and  should  be 
an  integral  and  very  natural  part  of 
the  day  by  day  playground  program, 
so  let  us  proceed  to  look  into  some  of 

MR.  TODD,  a  musician  himself,  writes 
from  many  years  of  experience  as  the 
NRA  Midwest  District  Representative. 


breaks  a:;d  to  fill  gaps.  This  is  quite 
a  different  thing  from  a  special  music 
period,  although  that  will  be  necessary 
too.  It  means  having,  perhaps,  a  few 
"special"  songs  to  be  used  on  certain 
occasions:  a  song  of  recognition,  of 
welcome — the  sort  of  thing  that  is 
frequently  done  in  camps. 

A  large  part  of  staff  training  should 
consist  of  the  learning  of  many  songs. 
There  should  be  a  sharing  of  favorite 
songs.  There  should  be  someone  to  in- 
troduce good  songs  which  may  not  be 
well  known.  There  is  a  need  for  having 
printed  song  sheets.  This  calls  for  a 
committee  and  a  leader.  The  leader 
may  be  someone  from  the  staff  who  is 
competent,  or  it  may  be  someone  from 
the  outside.  The  committee  is  made  up 
of  playground  leaders.  Together  they 
make  plans  for  the  singing  at  staff 
meetings  and  for  the  playground  pro- 
gram, working  closely  as  a  team. 

If  it  is  possible  to  have  a  music 
supervisor  or  specialist,  that  is  fine. 


Arthur  Todd 

about  what  to  do  on  the  playground. 
The  fact  of  the  matter  is,  if  the  leaders 
do  enough  singing  and  talking  about 
ways  of  using  music  in  their  programs, 
the  job  will  be  done.  There  are  a  few 
suggestions  that  might  be  made. 

Song  sheets  should  be  a  part  of  the 
playground  equipment.  Like  everyone 
else,  children  do  not  remember  the 
words  of  familiar  songs  and  they  need 
to  have  the  words  of  new  songs.  The 
song  sheets  can  be  used  by  groups 
when  a  time  is  set  aside  for  singing, 
and  they  should  be  available  when- 
ever a  few  children  want  to  use  them. 
Different  sets  of  song  sheets  should  be 
prepared  and  issued  from  time  to  time 
throughout  the  season. 

Regular  periods  for  singing  should 
be  scheduled,  with  either  a  weekly 
"sing"  or  some  group  singing  at  sched- 
uled special  events.  The  goal  of  getting 
ready  for  a  weekly  event  is  an  excellent 
incentive  to  learning  new  songs. 

The  choice  of  appropriate  songs  will 


APRIL  1952 


17 


greatly  enhance  playground  themes. 
The  use  of  weekK  or  seasonal  themes 
is  unquestionably  one  of  the  finest 
means  of  motivating  and  sustaining 
mt.  [.--I.  It  i-  impossible  to  think  of  a 
good  playground  theme  that  does  not 
suggest  a  rich  vein  of  songs.  Musical 
acti\it\.  like  no  other,  can  weave  to- 
gether and  tie  up  the  threads  of  the 
theme. 

There  should  be  regular  times  for 
singing,  such  as  at  flag  raising  and 
lowering  ceremonies,  the  opening  of 
special  events  and  to  welcome  guests. 
There  should  be  special  songs  learned 
for  use  on  these  occasions.  Also,  sing- 
ing can  improve  the  story  hour.  The 
possibilities  here  are  almost  too  ob- 
vious to  mention. 

The  making  of  a  song  scrapbook  can 
be  a  rewarding  project.  It  may  be  a 
Scrapbook  of  Favorite  Songs.  Each 
participant  takes  a  page,  writes  or 
pastes  in  his  favorite  song  and  deco- 
rates it  appropriately.  When  the  book 
is  completed,  each  child  tells  why  he 
likes  his  song  and  either  sings  it  or 
leads  the  group  in  singing  it.  This  may 


be  done  as  a  contest,  if  so  desired, 
with  the  group  divided  and  each  sec- 
tion making  a  Krapbook.  M;m\  dif- 
frrcnt  theme-  can  be  used:  occupa- 
tions, ships  and  sailormen,  people  of 
other  land-,  nonsense  and  others. 

There  are  excellent  musical  aeti\i- 
ties  that  require  organization  and 
trained  leadership:  choruses,  instru- 
mental groups  such  as  rhythm  bands, 
harmonica  and  ukulele  groups,  even 
"real"  bands.  These  activities  require 
equipment  and  rehearsal  facilities  not 
available  on  many  playgrounds,  but 
all  are  desirable  and  of  proven  value. 
There  is  ample  instructional  material 
available  which  leaders  can  find  in 
libraries  and  obtain  from  other  sources. 

It  is  suggested  that  every  playground 
leader  who  has  the  skill  and  interest 
develop  special  music  groups,  and  that 
the  necessary  equipment  be  supplied, 
insofar  as  this  is  possible.  Paid  or 
volunteer  leaders  trained  for  this  kind 
of  work  should  be  used  to  the  fullest 
extent.  There  is  no  thought  of  dis- 
paraging the  importance  of  organized 
music  groups.  But  after  years  of  oh- 


-enm;:  pki\  grounds  in  man\  different 
eilio.  the  realization  that  even  a  little, 
>imple.  informal  musii  «o\en  into  the 
life  of  the  playground  is  something 
quite  rare  and  in  need  of  encourage- 
ment leads  me  to  emphasize  this  aspect 
of  playground  music. 

There  is  one  final  suggestion  for 
lho>e  who  \\ould  like  to  do  something 
about  playground  music  but  feel  in- 
capable of  going  ahead.  Call  upon  the 
local  school  music  supervisor  or  a 
mu!-ie  teacher  whose  vocation  indicates 
intcreM  in  music  for  the  sake  of  people. 
Modern  musie  education  stresses  music 
for  everybody,  and  once  the  teacher  or 
supervisor  understands  the  conditions 
prevailing  on  playgrounds,  knows  the 
purposes  of  the  music  program  and  is 
told  something  about  the  leadership, 
the  chances  are  good  that  he  will  have 
some  extremely  practical  suggestions 
and  will  want  to  help.  It  is  a  mistake 
to  pass  up  this  resource. 

Give  music  a  place  in  the  program 
this  summer.  Blend  it  in  easily.  Culti- 
vate it  carefully.  The  children  need  it, 
and  they  love  it.  You  can't  lose. 


Designed  for  the  Playground  — 

—  Priced  for  the  Playground 


Rolla-Hoopl  The  body  builder  and  exerciser.  Sturdily 
constructed  of  V  round  solid  steel.  Hoop  24"  in 
diameter  and  it's  Zincrome  Plated.  The  handle  is 
permanently  attached  which  propels  and  guides 
hoop. 

Price  per  Doz.  $9.60  (F.O.B.   Steelton,  Pa.) 

J.    A.    BRANDT    &    CO. 

P.  O.  Box  30,  Steelton,  Pa. 

D»».gn*d  for  lb«  Playground  —  Priced  for  the  Playground 


The  Pennsylvania  State  College 
Summer  Sessions  — 1952 


l\  [>  II    >!•—  [UN 

Jiinr   JO   to  June  17 

M   UN     M    \I\IHI     Sh  -.-HIV 

Jun?  -ill   l,>   Any,. 


POST  S 
\  iiijn.it   11   to  .\ngust  S9 


nciiili-inif  program  «ith  special- 
i/"l  council  in  health  iilumlion.  physical 
i. lu.  iilnm.  rtiTrnlion.  ami  alhli 

air  living  expenses  an. I   instructional 
Ni>  iiililitioniil  f.f.  charged  to  out-of- 

1 1..    ..K.I.   mountain   environment    <>f   l'< -nn 
Slate   i-   iilral   for   suimnrr   >imly   and   rec- 


to* n  muni   INFORMATION.  ADMUCM: 
DIRECTOR    OF    SUMMER    SESSIONS 

Room    107-1    Burrowrt    Building 

THI     PINNSYIVAN'A     STATI     COUIGI 
Stole     College,     Pcnntylvonio 


18 


IU<  KKATION 


THE  ELEMENTARY  school  principals  in  Portland,  Oregon, 
were  asked  their  opinion  regarding  playground  ap- 
paratus, "hardsurfaced"  areas  and  apparatus  accidents  on 
school  playgrounds  in  a  survey  conducted  in  1951.  Replies 
to  a  questionnaire  sent  out  by  the  supervisor  of  elementary 
education  indicated  that  most  of  the  principals  favor  hard- 
surfacing  on  at  least  a  substantial  area  of  their  playgrounds 
and  the  installation  of  playground  equipment  on  them.  A 
summary  of  the  information  submitted  by  the  principals 
follows: 


Blacktop 

for 

Apparatus 
Areas? 


1.  With  the  exception  of  three  schools,  all  are  equipped 
with  hardsurfaced  areas. 

2.  The    hardsurfaced    areas    vary    considerably.    Most 
schools  are  equipped  with  from  ten  thousand  square  feet 
to  two  hundred  eighty  thousand  square  feet. 

3.  Seventeen   principals    recommended   that   the   entire 
playground  be  hardsurfaced;   forty-seven,  that  a  substan- 
tial area  be  hardsurfaced;    one,   that   no  hardsurface  be 
installed  on  playgrounds;  one  made  no  recommendation. 

4.  Two  hundred  twenty-six  pieces  of  playground  equip- 
ment were  reported  by  all  principals;   one  hundred  fifty- 
one  pieces,  or  sixty-seven  per  cent,  are  installed  on  black- 
top surface ;  seventy-five  pieces,  or  thirty-three  per  cent,  are 
installed  on  playground  areas  not  hardsurfaced. 

5.  Sixty  principals   stated   that   they   would   advise  in- 
stallation of  playground  equipment  on  school  playgrounds; 
three,  that  they  would  advise  against  installation  of  play- 
ground equipment  on  playgrounds;   three  made  no  state- 
ment. 

6.  Forty  principals  stated  that  they  would  recommend 
hardsurfacing    under    playground    equipment     installed; 
twenty-one,  that  they  would  recommend  against  hardsur- 
facing the  area  under  playground  equipment;   five  made 
no  statement. 

7.  Nine  hundred  ninety-four  accidents  from  all  causes 
were  reported  to  the  business  office  between  September, 
1950  and  May  17,  1951.  Ninety-eight,  or  nine  and  nine- 
tenths  per  cent  of  these,  occurred  on  playground  equip- 
ment. Sixty-five,  or  sixty-six  per  cent  of  the  accidents  on 
playground  equipment,  occurred  at  schools  where  equip- 
ment was  not  installed  on  blacktop.  Thirty-three,  or  thirty- 
three  percent  of  the  accidents  on  playground  equipment, 
occurred   at   schools   where   equipment   was    installed   on 
blacktop.  Two  hundred  seventy-five  accidents  attributed  to 
playground  equipment,  were  reported  in  the  questionnaire 
by  all  principals.  (An  explanation  for  the  discrepancy  be- 
tween accidents  reported  to  the  business  office  and  on  the 
questionnaire  could  be  that  less  serious  accidents  were  not 
reported  to  the  business  office,  but  were  listed  on  the  ques- 
tionnaire.)   One  hundred  seventy-two,  or  sixty-three  per 
cent  of  the  two  hundred  seventy-five  accidents  reported  on 


the  questionnaire,  occurred  at  schools  where  playground 
equipment  was  not  installed  on  blacktop.  One  hundred 
three,  or  thirty-seven  per  cent  of  the  two  hundred  seventy- 
five  accidents  reported,  occurred  on  equipment  installed 
on  blacktop. 

8.  Sixty-seven  per  cent  of  playground  equipment  is  in- 
stalled on  blacktop,  yet  reports  indicate  only  thirty-seven 
per  cent  of  all  accidents  can  be  attributed  to  playground 
equipment. 

9.  Accidents  related  to  specific  apparatus: 


Number 

Total 

Number 

Type  of 

of 

Apparatus 

Installed 

Apparatus 

Accidents 

Installed 

on  blacktop 

Jungle  gym 

24 

56 

22 

Slide 

20 

39 

16 

Horizontal  ladder 

8 

44 

17 

Triple  horizontal  bars 

22 

23 

4 

Swings 

13 

15 

3 

Merry-go-round 

6 

12 

1 

Traveling  rings 

3 

3 

0 

See-saw 

2 

18 

6 

Others 

0 

16 

6 

10.  Accidents  on  playground  equipment  reported  by 
principals  to  business  office:  1947-48,  fifty-nine;  1948-49, 
forty -nine;  1949-50,  seventy-four;  1950-51,  ninety -eight. 

Analysis  of  the  principals'  replies  further  revealed 
that  in  relation  to  the  number  of  units  installed,  traveling 
rings  and  horizontal  bars  are  most  dangerous.  More  ac- 
cidents occur  on  jungle  gyms  and  slides,  but  a  much  larger 
number  of  these  units  are  in  use. 

A  further  consideration  would  be  the  number  of  ac- 
cidents that  occur  in  relation  to  the  number  of  youngsters 
who  use  the  various  pieces  of  equipment.  We  have  no 
statistical  information  on  this,  but  from  observation,  the 
jungle  gym,  merry-go-round  and  slides  would  appear  to 
get  more  use  than  other  equipment. 


Number 

Installation  Installed 

Traveling  rings  3 

Triple  horizontal  bars  23 

Swings  15 

Slides  39 

Merry-go-round  12 

Jungle  gym  56 

Horizontal  ladder  44 

See-saw  18 


Accidents     Accidents  per 
Reported         Installation 
1.00 
.95 
.87 
.51 
.50 
.43 


3 

22 

13 

20 

6 

24 

8 

2 


.18 
.11 


APRIL  1952 


19 


\  story  of  the  honor  system  as  applied  to  the 
checking  out  of  playground  supplies. 


i  MMKK  is  HERE!  A  great  tidal  wave 
uf  ini|iatient  young  humanity  heads 
-tr.iif.-hl  fur  the  nearest  playground, 
-w  miming  pool,  sports  field,  beach  or 
park.  "This  is  summer  vacation, — and 
box.  will  we  have  fun!" 

At  the  headquarters  of  a  San  Pedro 

playground,    win-re    Mr.    Keen    is    the 

.ilion    director,    there's    a    noisy 

'  rowd  surging  around  outside  the  open 

window  of  the  office.  What  is  this? 

Three  boys  are  shouting  for  a  li.it 
and  Softball:  that  pretty  blond  girl 
». i  MI-  a  table-tennis  ball:  this  calm  old 
:_-ciit  would  like  to  borrow  a  checker 
board.  A  red-headed  boy  wants  to  re- 
turn a  soccer  ball  and  check  out  a 
football:  that  fine-looking  woman  is 
waiting  impatiently  to  ask  about  the 
Friday  night  square  dances;  and  then 
lln-  telephone  rings! 

Mr.  Keen  is  busily  engaged  in  or- 
ganizing a  boys'  club.  In  fact,  poten- 
tial members  are  now  gathered  in  the 
ne.nhx  i  luhroom  right  where  he  !•  It 
them  txxcntx  minutes  ago.  ie-tlc— 1\ 
wondering  what  they  can  <lo  for  fun 
until  Mi.  Keen  H-II, 

Of    cour-«-    tin-    i-    I  he    woman    di- 

re.  |,,|',  dax   ,.|f:   I. iii  xxh.il  in  the  world 

ran  have  happened  [•>  tin-  xoung  man 

.il  ic.n    ,i--  i  -i  .1  nl .   a   part-ti  me 

Worker.'      He     Mil-     -llppo-ed     to     ll.ixe 
Ix-.-n  on  du|\   ne.uK   an  hour  ago. 

Our  hiira— *-d  Mr.  Keen  dei  ide-  thai 
«.ime  ruliintriT  lirlf,  i-  needed  at  once! 
Mr  glances  over  the  milling  crowd 
and  -pot-  foiiiiii  ii  vi  .11  i. Id  Jimmy 
rraching  in  through  the  open 
window  I.,  ;:el  the  mllalei. 

"Jimm\.    plca-w-   come    in    and    : 
me  ii  hand.'" 

rephe-  Jinmiv. 

"Thank«.  Jim".  Mr.  Keen  i-  -miling 
now.  "pli-.i-e  i  hn  k  ., lit  bit II-  and  pl.iv 
«ilpplie«.  Have  ihe  (tcnplr  «ign  for 

KllM-l    rllKkt    M   ilnrrlHT   of  ihr   hni 
IHII  ilnlrnl  nj  llir  Drftarlmrnl  nl 
rralion  ami  I'nrki  in  IMS  Anfl'  *.  <  nlii. 

n 


!^\  Please,  Mister, 


e\er\  thing  they  borrow,  and  be  MIIC 
that  tlie\  bring  back  everything  when 
they  are  finished." 

With  that,  young  Jimmy  suddenly 
become*  a  very  busy  boy.  He  is  a 
volunteer  worker  now,  and  a  good  one. 
Before  long  things  -imiiier  down.  As 
Mr.  Keen  leaves  the  office,  he  can  l>e 
heard  muttering  something  about  how 
a  recreation  director  really  should 
have  "eight  arm-  like  an  octopus!" 

Summer   vacation    i-.   really    here! 
•          «          • 

l.et">  briefly  aiial\/e  -nine  of  the 
more  important  considerations  con- 
•  erning  that  responsibility  so  agreea- 
bly assumed  by  our  mythical  Jimmy 
Jones,  namely  that  of  tin-  i\.\uin/i  <>/ 
film  <n/i/i/<ej. 

The  exact  manner  in  which  this  is 
ai  i  omplished.  or  iii  fail  x\liether  il  is 
done  at  all.  i-.  of  coiir-c.  a  mallei  of 
IIM  .il  polii  x  a-  determined  \>\  the  de- 

pailmelil      i  olii  erneil.       lloxxi-xi-l.      mo«l 

pul'lii  n  i  re.ilion  departments  an-  inn 
I  lh.it  -IP  h  de-iied  plax  -upplie- 
-hoiilil  be  made  axailahli-  In  eni-ourilge 
maximum  parlii  ip.ilmn.  "MI.  h  a  pnln  \ 
means  moie  fun  for  all.  l>«-au-<-  ex  en 
xi-iling  cili/en  therein  i«  a  — nreil  an 
oppoilunitx  to  pailii  ipale.  ri-g.'irdle— 
of  hi*  or  Ii'  latu?«. 


Certainly  our  patrons  want  this 
service:  they  ex/xv/  to  l>e  able  to  bor- 
nnv  the  ei|iiipineiit  or  play  supplies 
which  will  help  them  to  enjoy  the  use 
of  the  facilities  at  the  playground. 
I  he-e  are  the  taxpayers  and  their  chil- 
dren, the  cili/ens  who  pay  the  bill-, 
and  il  i-  our  job  to  do  our  best  to 
"keep  "cm  happy." 

Then-fore,  if  the  availability  of  some 
play  supplies  is  justified  and  highly 
desirable  and  is  a  vitally  necessary 
part  of  our  service  wlu-rexer  there  are 
urn  patron-  on  public  playgrounds, 
what  then  an-  -ome  of  the  factors  to 
be  i  iin-idcicd.  from  the  practical  stand- 
point';' How  can  we  handle  this  routine 
problem  with  a  minimum  staff,  so  that 
the  -nhilinn  will  be  a  happy  one  for 
all  concerned'.' 

hi'-  lake  a  look  at  the  following 
"held  note-."  which  reflect  my  personal 
idea-  oiilx.  and.  therefore,  are  not 
necessarily  (he  ollnial  opinion-  or  poli- 
•  n  -  of  any  municipal  department. 
U  /,„!  /,.  (.l,,;-k  Out? 

I  In-  -i,,ik  of  pi. ix  Mipphe-  which  arc 

ii. n lied  for  check-nut  plllpo-e-  -Imuld 
represent  a  wide  \aiielx  in  Aim/v  of 
ili'iii-.  for  mam  different  types  of 

.-.inn  -  .'i  in  lix  ilie-.  HOXM-XIT.  the  wi-c 
i'<ieaiioii  dim  tin  will  avoid  trying 

Hi  <  KKATION 


BE  PREPARED.  An  avalanche  may 
descend  upon  you,  as  the  children 
head  for  their  nearest  playground. 


May  I  Have  a  Ball? 


Ernest  B.  Ehrke 


to  compete  with  Santa  Glaus  and  will 
limit  the  "visible"  quantity  of  any  one 
kind  of  item.  Thus,  while  there  are 
occasions  when  it  seems  as  though 
"everybody  wants  a  ball,"  it  is  a  fact 
that  the  patrons  will  be  encouraged  to 
play  together  and  to  socialize  more, 
learning  how  to  get  along  with  one 
another,  if  fewer  balls  are  issued.  Also, 
fewer  checked  out  items  means  fewer 
losses.  For  example,  the  temptation  to 
take  a  ball  home  is  much  less  for  the 
patron  who  is  required  to  play  with  a 
group  than  it  is  for  the  solo  ballplayer. 

AH  "check-out"  supplies  should  be 
clearly  and  expertly  branded  or 
marked,  in  such  a  manner  that  any  em- 
ployee of  the  department,  and  any  pa- 
tron as  well,  can  immediately  identify 
the  items  as  being  departmental  proper- 
ty, at  a  distance  of  ten  feet  or  more. 
Incidentally,  the  manufacturers  of  rub- 
ber balls  are  able  and  glad  to  bake  the 
department  label  into  the  rubber  sur- 
face in  permanent  fashion,  as  an  in- 
tegral part  of  the  manufacturing 
process. 
How  to  Arrange  Checking  Out? 

The  chances  are  that  the  department 
budget  will  not  permit  the  hiring  of 
special  part-time  employees  just  to 
check  out  play  supplies,  although  any 


recreation  employee,  full-time  or  part- 
time,  will  assume  this  responsibility 
when  not  too  busy  elsewhere.  However, 
the  regular  full-time  directors  should 
not  be  interrupted  for  such  routine  at 
times  when  they  are  directing  activities 
or  occupied  with  program  leadership. 

Assign  volunteers?  Maybe!  But  the 
recreation  director  is  not  always  able 
to  find  such  a  dependable  "eager 
beaver"  as  our  gracious  Jimmy  Jones. 
True,  many  directors  do  discover  ex- 
cellent volunteer  personnel  among  the 
membership  of  the  clubs,  classes  and 
groups  which  meet  regularly  on  the 
grounds,  and  which  the  director  him- 
self has  organized.  Some  directors  or- 
ganize service  groups,  similar  to  the 
Safety  Patrol,  whereby  such  volunteer 
duties  are  assumed  on  a  rotation  basis 
among  the  members.  ( Let's  prevent 
"volunteer  fatigue.")  Also,  every  play- 
ground director  knows  a  few  faithful 
individuals  who  enjoy  being  asked  to 
help. 

It  is  interesting  to  note  the  tremen- 
dous success  of  the  honor  system, 
when  properly  encouraged,  in  the 
checking  out  of  play  supplies  on  neigh- 
borhood playgrounds.  In  this  case  the 
director  will  indoctrinate  the  "regular" 
patrons  with  the  idea  that  all  this 


property,  including  land,  community 
building,  apparatus  and  facilities,  plus 
expendable  equipment  and  play  sup- 
plies, really  belongs  to  them,  and  that 
the  department  is  working  for  them. 
Thus  a  neighborhood  attitude  of  loyal- 
ty and  responsibility  may  be  culti- 
vated, and  patrons  will  see  to  it  that 
"their"  equipment  is  returned  after 
use.  Woe  betide  anyone  of  their  group 
who  tries  to  get  away  with  any  item, 
for  the  pressure  of  this  localized  group 
opinion  will  react  upon  the  delinquent 
companion  until  the  missing  item  is 
returned. 

Now,  let's  see  how  the  honor  system 
may  be  applied  to  the  subject  of  our 
discussion.  A  series  of  sixty  day  tests 
were  made  on  several  playgrounds,  to 
see  what  would  happen  if  the  play  sup- 
plies were  left  out-of-doors  all  day  un- 
attended. They  were  placed  in  a  large 
open  cabinet,  so  that  people  could  help 
themselves  freely,  borrowing  and  re- 
turning equipment  as  they  pleased, 
without  clerical  attention  and  without 
even  signing  for  it. 

Each  morning  an  employee  would 
move  the  portable  cabinet,  loaded  with 
play  supplies,  to  its  destination  on  the 
grounds — about  fifty  feet  away  from 
the  building  but  in  plain  view  of  the 


APRIL  1952 


21 


office.  And  each  evening  it  was  re- 
turned to  the  building,  whore  the  cabi- 
net and  its  cargo  were  locked  up  for 
the  night. 

(NOTE:  An  attractive  cabinet  can 
be  made  for  use  as  a  portable  con- 
taiiii-r.  willi  wheels  or  casters  so  that  it 
can  be  rolled  like  a  cart.  Such  a  cabi- 
iifi  -hould  have  a  height  limit  of  about 
two  and  one-half  feet,  to  avoid  top- 
In-.  i\  mess  and  to  accommodate  the 
\ "linger  patrons.) 

Thex-  i-\|»Tiini-tit>  were  deemed  -u< 
'i —fill.  \"t  a  -irif.de  item  was  missing 
until  the  forty-sixth  day,  when  a  new 
fimiliall  di-appeared.  One  bvdgGt-WIM 
director  estimated  that  even  if  the  en- 
lire  supply  of  play  equipment  w  i- 
-t»li-n  and  replaced  each  month,  it 


-till  would  be  far  cheaper  than  the 
salary  of  a  recreation  assistant  for  the 
-.•inn-  length  of  time:  but  as  has  been 
pointed  out.  the  actual  loss  was  quite 
negligible. 

Then-fore,  it  was  derided  that  check- 
out -er\ice  |>\  personnel  is  realh  not 
necessar\.  < -\irpt  in  emergency  situa- 
tions  or  special  cases.  No  longer  is  this 
regarded  as  a  "problem,"  for  the  cafe- 
teria st\li  "-rrve  yourself  plan  proves 
workable.  And  happily,  everyone  seems 
to  benefit.  The  honor  system  is  good 
when  it  is  stimulated  by  skilled  leader- 
ship. 

But  now  if  you  will  excuse  me,  I 
wonder  what  that  small  boy  is  saying? 
It  sounds  like,  "Please,  Mister,  may  I 
have  a  ball?" 


All   will   watch  out  for  the  "littlest 
one"   on   this  Los   Angeles   playground. 


Filing  r<|iii|Mii4'iii   for 


A  BULLETIN      SETTING      FORTH      the 
mnifiidcd  procedure  for  the 
filing  nf  materials  at   individual  play- 
ground-,  has  been   issued  by  the  Los 
la  Department  of  Recreation  and 
I'.uk-.  Hie  information  which  it  con- 
tains will  be  of  interest  to  all  who  are 
with  the  operation  of  play- 

-.  especially  on  a  year-round 
bam. 

I  i'  li  |i|.i\ Around  in  Los  Angeles  was 
pro\idcd  with  a  three-drawer  steel  fil- 
ing cabinet  for  records  and  other  ma- 
l.-n.ik  The  following  directions  were 
unued  to  the  directors  in  order  that 
ili---.  imtrlit  obtain  the  maximum  bene- 
fit fn.iTi  it-  u»e: 

One  drawer  will  be  designated 
for  the  man  rlircc-tor,  one  drawer  for 
the  woman  director,  and  one  drawer 
will  In-  u«cd  l.nih  In  the  man  and  wom- 
an director,  anil  will  be  railed  tin- 
playground  general  file.  Please  note 
the  -ul'i'  •  I  headings  for  each  drawer 
M  desiirnatrd. 

Three  §et»  of  Oxford  Index 
file*  have  been  «-nt  to  the  phi>  ground, 
which  are  alphalwtii  all\  annotated. 
Wr  havr.  therefore,  ordered  gummed 
labels  on  which  the  -iil,|..i  heading* 
will  U-  l\pcd  and  glurd  on  the«r  in 
dexen  'there  will  be  delivered  onr 

22 


hundred  (100 1  manila  folders  to  be 
u-r.l  for  file  folder  headings.  These 
will  lie  made  out  at  the  time  a  piece 
of  subject  matter  is  ready  to  be  filed, 
using  the  standard  headings  as  shown 
on  this  bulletin. 

(c)  The  central  office  will,  in  the 
future,  record  on  the  lower  left-hand 
side  of  the  material  sent  out.  the  file 
reference  for  information  for  filing 
same  when  received. 

"I  i  This  administrative  bulletin 
should  be  placed  in  front  of  the 
"general  file,"  so  that  it  may  act  as  an 
index  to  information  filed  in  the  three 
drawers. 

(e)  All  material  sent  to  the  play- 
ground should  be  filed  as  soon  as  the 
staff  has  had  an  opporluniu  to  exam- 
ine it-  i  onienN  and  place  their  initials 
thrri-on  as  having  seen  the  same. 

i  f  i  Since  each  playground  will  have 
identical  fi|e«.  employees  transferring 
from  on!-  center  to  another  will  not 
take  material  out  of  the  files  to  their 
new  assignment. 

Accompanying  the  directions  for  us- 
ing the  filing  e(|ui|.ni.  nl  w-r«-  lists  of 
-iibjcti  headings  to  be  followed  in 
filing  material  and  also  titles  foi 
•  iti'  tile  f..|dcr«  under  «ome  of  thcae 
hc.idings.  The  general  subject  headings 


suggested  were  as  follows:  Administra- 
tive Bulletins;  Aquatics;  Communitv 
Organizations:  Department  Policy: 
Finances;  In-Service  Training;  Munici- 
pal Sports;  Personnel;  Programming; 
Public  Hclations:  Recreation  Papers 
and  Publications;  Reports;  Requisi- 
tions. 

The  subject  headings  for  the  men 
and  women  director-  wen-  almost 
identical  although  the  file  folder  head- 
ing- differ  widely  because  of  the  nature 
of  their  respective  duties  and  -pecial 
interest-.  The  special  subject  headings 
were  as  follows:  Active  Games  and 
Sports:  Arts  and  Crafts;  Club  Aelivi- 
tic-:  Collecting:  Dancing;  Dramatics. 

I  \pical  of  the  file  folder  headings 
-ted  an-  tin-  following: 

>ulijrct  heading-  \<  ti\c  I  lames  and 
^|H.[|-  i  for  the  woman  director  i 

A  ilr  folilrr  hradinfi — Low-organized 

u-.iiiii--.    Individual    and    Dual    Games, 

Came-.   (»eneral:    Basketball. 

S,,fll..ill.  Yollevlull. 

>'u />/»•!•/  /xW/nc  Arts  and  Crafts 
i  for  the  man  director  i 

AV/e     f»l<lrr     liraiiinf.it  —  Carving 

Wood.  Hone:   Ceramic-,   l.calhej 
Craft.    Metal    Craft.    Model     Aircraft. 
Model    Making.    PbotQfnpbjr,    Pla-iii 
:-.  To\   Making,  Woodworking. 

RECREATION 


How  To  Add  Zip  To 
Your  Program 


A  SUMMER 

PLAYGROUND 

PRODUCTION 


The  actors? 

The  youngsters.  The  grownups. 

The  producers? 
You  and  your  staff. 

The  stage? 
Your  playground. 

The  audience? 

Your  whole  community. 

The  run? 

July  through  August. 


John  V.  Smith  and  Minna  B.  Reichelt 


WILL  YOUR  SHOW  be  a  Broadway  hit  or  a  flop?  It  3!! 
depends  upon  you.   Perhaps  the  following  few  sug- 
gestions may  help  you  produce  a  satisfying  performance. 

The  Rising  of  the  Curtain — Start  the  show  promptly  and 
start  it  right.  Make  a  real  ceremony  of  the  flag-raising 
at  nine  o'clock  each  morning.  Pick  out  a  star  actor  every 
day  to  play  the  leading  role  and  raise  the  flag  briskly 
while  the  rest  of  the  cast  stands  at  attention.  All  recite 
the  "Pledge  of  Allegiance"  and  sing  a  patriotic  song  as 
part  of  the  ceremony. 

At  sunset,  the  flag  is  lowered  slowly,  with  care  being 
taken  that  it  does  not  touch  the  ground.  Never  place  any 
object  or  emblem  on  or  above  our  national  flag. 

The  Chorus — By  this  we  mean  singing;  the  more  the  bet- 
ter! This  is  an  important  part  of  your  daily  production. 
See  that  it  goes  over  with  a  bang,  because  a  flat  sing  is 
as  flat  as  a  deflated  balloon. 

Gather  the  singers  around  you  and  start  with  a  song 
that  everyone  knows.  Announce  the  title  clearly.  Be  sure 
that  the  pitch  or  tone  on  which  the  song  is  to  be  started 
is  heard.  Get  them  all  "set"  for  the  start  of  the  song; 
leave  no  doubt  in  their  minds  that  "now"  is  the  time. 
Give  a  sharp  decisive  movement  which  will  bring  every- 

MR.  SMITH  is  chief  oj  Philadelphia,  Pennsylvania,  Bureau 
of  Recreation;  Miss  REICHELT  serves  as  assistant  chief. 


body  in  on  the  first  note.  A  clean-cut  release  or  ending 
of  a  song  is  no  less  important  than  a  good  attack. 

Always  maintain  variety  in  the  choice  of  songs  to  keep 
up  continued  interest.  Ask  for  requests  from  the  group 
and  select  the  song  that  you  think  will  go  best  at  the 
time.  Keep  your  ears  open  for  special  talent  upon  whom 
you  can  call  to  sing  a  verse  or  chorus  alone. 

The  introduction  of  rounds  or  canons  adds  much  to  the 
fun  and  good-fellowship  of  singing.  Divide  your  chorus 
into  parts  and  sing  such  songs  as: 

"Oh!  How  Lovely  is  the  Evening," — three  parts;  "Three 
Blind  Mice," — four  parts;  "Are  you  Sleeping?" — four 
parts;  "Row,  Row,  Row  Your  Boat," — four  parts. 

Contra  singing  is  fun,  too.  Combine  two  familiar  tunes 
when  musically  possible,  such  as: 

"Long,  Long  Trail"  and  "Keep  the  Home  Fires  Burn- 
ing," "Tipperary"  and  "Pack  Up  Your  Troubles." 

Old  favorites  that  have  been  found  satisfactory  for 
group  singing  include: 

"Abide  With  Me,"  "All  Through  the  Night,"  "Ameri- 
ca, the  Beautiful,"  "Annie  Laurie,"  "Believe  Me,  If  All 
Those  Endearing  Young  Charms,"  "Billy  Boy,"  "Carry 
Me  Back  to  Old  Virginny,"  "Farewell  to  Thee,"  "Good- 
night Ladies,"  "Home  on  the  Range,"  and  so  on. 

Patriotic  songs  and,  of  course,  the  current  hit  tunes 
always  go  over  big.  So,  vary  them  for  best  results.  For 
music  accompaniment  use  a  piano,  banjo,  accordion, 
ukulele,  harmonica,  guitar  or  violin.  The  use  of  the 
microphone  is  a  big  help  outdoors  for  the  director  and 
soloists. 

Big  Sing  Week— Feature  a  "Big  Sing  Week."  Publicize  it 
early,  and  dig  up  talent  for  it!  Make  it  a  gala  week.  Get 
any  number  of  groups,  quartettes  and  solos.  Use  boys, 
girls,  men  and  women  as  performers.  Hold  a  contest 
for  original  playground  songs.  Have  the  song  writers 
sing  their  songs  and  let  audience  applause  decide  the 
winner.  If  you  have  enough  talent,  have  eliminations  and 


APRIL  1952 


23 


-.•I.-.!  the  best  numbers  for  a  star  bill  (or  the  main  per- 
formance. Be  sure  to  use  all  the  local  talent  you  have 
on  hand. 

If  there  is  an  outstanding  song  leader  in  your  com- 
munity, invite  him  to  lead  the  group  singing.  Ask  local 
church  choirs  and  musical  groups  to  sing  on  the  program. 
In\it«-  a  local  band  or  orchestra  to  pla>  for  the  singing. 
>•  ..ut  around  for  someone  in  the  community  to  serve  as 
\K  .  lo  add  local  color  and  interest.  Use  variety  in  your 
|iiogiam  I"  make  it  entertaining. 

Musical  Number  (iood  music  is  tin-  finest  entertainment 
lli.il  can  he  offered  to  |»co|>le  who  |o\e  music.  "Listening 
programs  can  be  the  highlight  of  the  sea-on'-  schedule 
for  many  of  your  patrons.  A  varied  program  of  music 
that  appeals  to  all  can  be  arranged  so  easily,  especially 
where  a  "\'\"  -\stem  is  available. 

Talent  Hour — Is  there  a  youngster  alive  who  doesn't  want 
i<>  !«•  a  part  of  the  show,  to  get  up  before  an  audience 
and  get  into  the  act?  Talent  hours  held  at  regular  speci- 
lie.l  times  all  during  the  season's  run  will  give  the  embryo 
-i.irs  a  chance  to  ''strut  their  stuff"— whether  it's  singing, 
dancing,  reciting,  acrobatics,  comedy,  magician's  tricks. 

(.iris'  Hut  Show—For  a  bit  of  amusing  entertainment, 
I.LIU  a  hat  show.  This  will  bring  out  large  hats,  small 
hats,  old  hats,  new  hats,  pretty  ones,  funny  ones,  original 
ones — such  as  those  trimmed  with  kitchen  utensils,  fruits 
and  \cgetables  a  la  Carmen  Miranda,  turban* — and  many 
other  t\|M-s  that  ingenuity  and  initiative  can  create. 
Judge-  i  an  -elect  the  IK-SI  in  the  various  classifications. 

(..IIMC  Week  A  game  jamboree  should  keep  things  buzz- 
ing for  a  while  and  everyone  busy.  Plan  active  games  for 
the  cool  |>art  of  the  day  and  in  the  evening,  quiet  games 
in  a  cool  place  dining  tin-  heat  of  the  day.  Singing  game- 
fur  the  little  one-  .lie  line.  -Ill  ll  a-  "Oat-.  IV.I-.  BlMII-. 
"The  hirmer  in  the  Dell."  "Looby  Loo,"  "Did  V.u  Ev« 

See  a  Lassie,"  "Hig-a-Jig-Jig,"  and  so  on. 

Holler  Derby  h.r  exhibition  ami  -|M-.  tator  attraction, 
toiler  -kilting  i-  top-..  >o|i-  exhibitions,  double-  with 
mii-i.  .  triple*  with  music,  relay  race*,  one-legged  iacc« 
lone  -k.ile  on  and  •  .it  r  \ing  tin-  olhet  i  .mil  no\ell\  c\enl- 
will  pi.--enl  i|iiile  a  -how. 

Stilt  Kxhihitioii  'I  hi-  i-  ml'-ie-ling.  a  bit  unusual  and 
hound  to  p|.M-c  III--  audience.  M.ike  a  -eric-  of  thirty-six- 
inch  -ink-.  Im  feel  apart.  \  conic-taut  for  each  •  -in  le 
pla«e-  both  -tilt-  m-iil.-  of  tin-  i  in  le  and  takes  a  position 
for  mounting.  A  command  is  gi\en  for  all  contestants 
to  do  as  follows:  Mount  and  turn  around  to  right,  turn 
around  In  left,  hop  on  Mill*.  rai»c  one  Milt  while  Manding 
on  .mother,  walk  an.iind  rim  of  circle. 

--tie  doing  ihn-w  thing*  without  gelling  out  .-f 
the  ring  or  dismounting.  win«.  In  <  .IM-  of  tie*,  repeat  until 
..in-  remain-  ilemrnt.  hm«h  ill--  d.-rb\  with  .1  di- 

tanrr  race. 

Doll  Parade  <  on-i.l'-r  «mgle  and  group  cnlrn-v  pi-.\idc 
table*  for  group  nitric*.  Singi  •  will  !•«• 

•1 


Friendly  policemen  of  Vancouver  "arrest"  most  convimlim 
"hobos"  at  an  all-city  "Hobo  Day,"  for  tour  of  City  Hall, 
including  jail.  Adults  are  (I.  to  r.)  Captain  Crowli-v.  Po- 
lice Chief  Diamond,  Mayor  Anderson  and  Officer  Spin-line. 


in  the  parade.  Judge  the  following:  Smallest  doll,  largest. 
oldest,  best-dressed,  prettiest,  most  original,  novelty  doll- 
made  up  of  yarn,  raffia,  taffy,  gumdrops.  clothespins.  wlii-k 
brooms,  fruit,  and  so  on.  Additional  classifications  can 
be  judged  for  street  costume,  sports  costume,  evening 
dress  or  colonial  dress.  Group  judging  can  be  for  tin- 
largest  collection,  authentic  foreign  collection,  complete 
foreign  family,  bridal  party,  Indian  family,  and  so  on. 
Red,  white  and  blue  ribbons  for  those  judged  the  best 
or  other  inexpensive  prizes  will  pleas*  •  tin-  winners.  PlenU 
of  advance  publicity  in  local  new-papers,  on  bulletin 
boards  and  by  individual  contact  will  increase  the  number 
of  entries. 


Sand  and  Water  Carnival—  For  real  carnival 

decorate  the  sandbox  with  flags  and  bunting.  Place  flags 

around  wading  pool.    Have  -and  well  dampened   before  tin- 

sand  modeling  project  Ix-gins.  and  set  a  time  limit  for  the 

contest.    Allow  twenty    minutes  to  a  half  hour  to  complete 

projects.    No  molds  should  be  permitted.    Make  \oiir  own 

rules    co\i-ring    the    use    of    small    flags,    artificial    trees, 

picket  fences,  and  so  forth  for  decotati\e  purposes.    Mod 

eling    a   castle,    farm    house,    church    or    boat    make    g  .....  1 

projects. 

Murcli  Grus  -This  should  be  along  the  genual  line-  of  the 

lelehratcd  Mardi  l.ia-  in  New  Oilcan-,  ll  -hould  be  a 
highly  colorful  and  jolly  affair,  with  local  band-  supplxing 
the  niu-ii  . 

\d\erli-e  the  cNetil  well  ill  advance  and  decoiatc  the 
plavground  with  Hags  and  bunting,  \wanl  iibb..n-  or  in- 
expen-ive  prizes  for  the  following  divisions:  de<i.ialed 
L.il.v  i.  -a.  he-  and  -liollei-.  bioclcs.  doll  carnages  and 
doll-,  cxpic—  wagon-,  toy  automobile-  diivcn  or  pulled 
|.\  .1  i  hild.  llo.it-  with  patlii  ipant-  in  .  .-tunic. 

Krom  the  m.i-.|ii.  i.idc  i  o-lumc  dixi-ion  -elecl  winncr- 
aml  .iw.inl  ribbons  for  the  f-.llowing:  nn>-t  elabotale.  fun- 
nir»l.  tnoM  origimd.  IN-M  <  -.uple.  ..iil-l.inding  group,  \\ind 
up  the  atfair  with  nn  outdoor  jand.oiee  including  music. 
dancing  and  singing. 

Ill  i  HI    VM"N 


Circus — The  possibilities  of  a  playground  circus  are  nu- 
merous— with  clowns,  acrobats,  elephants,  freaks,  balloons, 
pennants,  the  circus  barker.  What  fun!  Rope  off  a  large 
area  for  the  performers'  ring.  Erect  a  booth  at  the  en- 
trance of  the  grounds  with  a  "barker"  who  announces 
the  wonderful  features  of  the  circus — "stupendous,"  "co- 
lossal," and  so  on.  A  snake  charmer  and  fat  lady  or  any 
other  freak  can  be  on  the  platform  beside  him. 

Begin  with  a  parade  of  all  performers  around  the  inside 
of  the  rope.    The  "ring  master"  introduces  them  as  they 


pass  in  review.  Have  as  many  freaks  as  possible — tall 
man  I  on  stilts),  bearded  lady,  fat  lady,  (stuff  with  pil- 
lows), sword  swallower,  snake  charmer  (use  papier-mache 
snake),  tight  rope  walker  (stretch  white  tape  on  ground). 
Also  include  cannibals,  clowns,  Indians,  cowboys,  ballet 
dancers. 

Make  up  an  interesting  program  of  acrobatics,  dances, 
Wild  West  activities. 

What  a  show  will  have  been  produced  when  the  curtain 
rings  down  on  the  final  number! 


We  Had  a  Baseball  League 


LAST  SUMMER  we  operated  baseball  leagues  for  boys  be- 
tween the  ages  of  twelve  and  fifteen  years  as  a  part 
of  the  La  Porte,  Indiana  recreation  program.  Any  boy  in 
the  community  desiring  to  play  was  given  the  opportunity, 
and  all  groups  were  encouraged  to  choose  their  own 
players  on  the  basis  of  friendship  rather  than  solely  on 
ability — to  obtain  a  more  natural  grouping.  We  attempted, 
insofar  as  possible,  to  organize  this  program  on  an  intra- 
mural basis.  The  boys  themselves,  at  an  organizational 
meeting,  decided  that  they  should  pay  a  small  registration 
fee,  so  that  they  might  have  some  feeling  of  responsibility. 

At  the  outset  of  the  season  we  anticipated  having  four 
teams  of  boys  in  the  specified  age  groups.  However,  on  the 
day  that  rosters  were  filed,  we  were  astonished  to  find  that 
ten  teams  of  boys,  one  hundred  and  fifty  in  all,  had  entered. 
It  was  quite  heart  warming  to  see  these  youngsters  bring- 
ing pennies,  nickels,  dimes,  and  so  on,  to  the  office  and 
feeling  that  this  was  their  program. 

At  the  organizational  meeting,  the  policies  of  the  recrea- 
tion commission  pertaining  to  athletics  for  the  group  were 
discussed  with  the  boys.  They  were: 

1.  Teams  would  not  be  allowed  a  financial  sponsor  to 
buy  uniforms  or  equipment. 

2.  Our  program  was  to  be  geared  to  the  masses,  and  we 
would  attempt  to  enroll  the  largest  number  that  we  could 
handle  adequately. 

3.  There  would  be  no  all-star  teams. 

4.  There  would  be  no  trophies  or  awards  given. 

It  is  interesting  to  note  that  there  was  not  one  forfeited 
game  throughout  the  ten  game  season. 

The  participants  recruited  their  own  coaches.  The 
coaches'  major  responsibility  was  to  teach  the  boys  in 
practice  sessions  the  fundamentals  of  baseball.  I  do  not 
believe  that  this  was  overemphasized. 

The  boys  furnished  their  own  gloves  (spikes,  too,  if  they 
wanted  them).  The  recreation  commission  furnished  leader- 
ship, facilities,  balls,  bats  and  catching  equipment.  The 
operation  of  these  leagues  cost  the  recreation  department 

MR.  RUHE,  with  a  M.A.  in  recreation  from  Indiana  Universi- 
ty, became  La  Porte' 's  director  of  recreation  in  July  1950. 


Robert  W.  Ruhe 


Park  and  recreation  department  con- 
ducts    baseball     school,     Charleston. 

a  total  of  $231.35  for  leadership  and  supplies  for  a  ten- 
week  period. 

Volunteer  umpires  were  recruited  and  during  the  sea- 
son there  was  no  expenditure  for  umpiring.  The  leader 
was  a  part-time  person  who  served  as  the  athletic  adviser. 

At  the  conclusion  of  the  season  the  boys  decided  that 
they  would  like  some  celebration,  so  a  banquet  was  ar- 
ranged. Each  boy  paid  fifty  cents  for  his  meal,  and  the 
twenty-five  cents  which  each  boy  paid  at  the  beginning  of 
the  season  helped  to  defray  the  cost. 

At  the  banquet  the  only  recognition  for  accomplish- 
ments during  the  season  was  the  asking  of  the  teams,  who 
won  the  championship,  to  stand  and  receive  applause  from 
those  present.  This  was  also  done  for  leading  batters. 

The  values  of  this  recreational  athletic  program  are 
threefold:  first,  the  most  important  factor  is  the  end 
result  of  the  activity  upon  the  boy.  Opportunities  must  be 
present  for  youngsters  to  participate  at  their  own  level  of 
efficiency.  There  is  so  much  to  be  accomplished  in  addition 
to  determining  a  "winner."  Secondly,  this  department,  like 
most  other  departments,  does  not  have  an  abundance  of 
funds.  We  feel,  however,  that — regardless  of  how  much 
money  is  available — this  type  of  program  is  still  advan- 
tageous in  that  volunteers  can  more  readily  interpret  it 
to  the  community;  the  participants  have  a  share  of  re- 
sponsibility in  the  planning  and  feel  that  it  is  "their"  pro- 
gram. Third,  it  releases  the  constant  dependence  on  local 
merchants  for  trophies  and  awards. 

As  a  result  of  this  experience,  last  fall  found  us  besieged 
with  constant  requests  to  organize  basketball  leagues  on 
the  same  basis. 


APRIL  1952 


25 


Children  should  experiment  with  variety  of  materials.  Arts  and 
crafts  are  a  daily  part  of  Asheville,  N.  C.,  recreation  program. 


"Why  will  the  child  desert  his  play 
The  craftsman's  work  to  see? 
Something   uilhin   him    latent  still 
Whispers,  'Work  waits  for  ni>-.'' 

Tm:-t:   MUHIIS  were  copied  in   my   first  craft  notebook. 
although  1  know   not  who  wrote  them.  Nearly  e\.i\ 
craft  teacher  frequently  hears  the  equivalent  of  the  follow- 
ing n-iii.irk:  "No.  I  don't  want  to  play  a  game,  1  am  going 
In  nurk."  Crafts  often  mean  work  to  children,  not  in  the 
-••  of  laborious  toil.  but  in  its  fuller  meaning. 

Our  hr«l  venture  in  crafts  found  our  youngsters  hys- 
Icricallv  land  I  use  the  word  advisedly)  eager  to  make 
something  quick!)  and  run  home  with  it.  No  conception 
of  (  rafiMiian-hip.  no  idea  of  patience,  no  notion  of  one 
process  following  another  to  create  form  and  l>eauty  was 
present.  Indiv  idii.il  development  i-  expected,  hut  there  is 
a  group  development,  a  craft  consciousness  that  come-  only 
over  a  |>criod  of  vears. 

\fler  six  years  of  ups  and  downs   in  a  ,  itv    of  eighteen 
thousand.  He  e.|ahli«hfd  a  craft  renter,  where  three  hun- 
<lre.l    ,111,1    fiflv     register. -.1    for    summer    classes,    and    had 
facilities  for  preparing  five  hundred  and  liflv    p[<.je,  is  p.-r 
wrek    for    us«-    .in    id,-    cilv's    s.-v.-n    plavgr»und>.    >atmd.iv 
classes  for  -event* -live  and  vacation  classes  for  an  aver 
of  right*    were  held,   leadership  training  sessions  Iwi,. 
>rar  were  atlernleil   l.v    eighlv    p  -,,,-,  M|  classes  for 

,t-     III  and  many  small  leader  training  meclr 
I'.irl  of  the  program,    \dult  interest  showed  «lc.nlv    growth. 
and  seven  to  ten  adult  classe.  wen-  held   werklv.   In  addi- 
lion,   five  local  organizations  added  craft  classes  to  il 
program,  utilizing  as  Ira- -her-,  ih..»c  »),.,  had  l«-en  .lud.-ni- 
in  the  craft  classes  at  the  renter. 

Mio.  \\  MI  r  SKY,  formerly  artt  and  i-m/n  nn,l  ,,-,  r.;,i,,>n  ,li- 
•r  i/i  Rutland,  is  with  thr  Kuilun,!  f,irl  .s,  „„,  ,  „„„,,/. 

26 


Our  basement  has  a  shop  equipped  for  woodworking,  a 
paint  corner,  and  in  the  assemhlv  hall,  tables  where  many 
activities  may  be  carried  on  simultaneously.  Our  attic 
holds  a  wealth  of  scrap  material  supplies  as  well  as  pur- 
chased ones. 

Our  summer  program  includes  classes  in:  woodworking, 
finishing  wood  and  plaster,  decorating  and  design,  sketch- 
ing, kindergarten,  primarv  crafts,  flower  arrangement, 
met-.'.lcrafl.  leathercrafl.  individual  project  time.  At  all 
times,  there  are  self-directing  projects  available,  such  as 
(he  making  of  woven  pot  holders.  Hon  Ami  painting,  pine 
dolls,  and  so  on.  Each  season  the  emphasis  i>  different. 
With  all  of  these  classes  available,  however,  the  children 
on  the  playgrounds  still  need  crafts  brought  I.,  them.  It  was 
nece-sarv.  therefore,  to  plan  a  program  of  playground 
crafts  which  would  not  overburden  the  playground  in- 
structor, which  would  not  require  a  shop  setup  and  which 
would  cost  very  little  money. 

Equipment 

I  ii-t  of  all.  for  each  playground,  we  constructed  a  craft 
cupboard  made  of  inch  pine,  four  and  one-half  feet  tall. 
three  feet  wide,  twentv  inches  deep,  with  three  shelves — 
eight,  twelve  and  sixteen  inches  wide.  The  front  is  remova- 
ble, fitting  across  the  lop  to  act  ,i>  .1  i.d.lc.  \  ha-p  and  pad- 
lock hold  il  at  the  top.  The  conslrucii.ui  ,,,st.  including 

finishing    with   w Islain.   was   >T>.o(>   per   cupboard,    while 

the  equipment  and   materials  for  each  averaged   jl.2n. 

r'urclu-ed  materials  for  crafts  proje.  t-  averaged  nine 
dollars  per  plavground.  or  Sc>.S.<U  for  the  seven  ground-. 
\lo-t  of  this  was  spent  for  sponge  and  lanvard  material. 
\\.ilfi  i  o|oi  paints.  pa|M-r.  and  felt  for  banners. 

On  the  lop  shelf  of  each  cupboard  we  placed  a  knife 
b..\  the-  Ivpe  s,,|,|  in  the  dime  •tOTM.  Clinch  |..,xe«  held 


I'M'-.   I'u-li  lack* 

!»•  ami   niii-kini;   lipr 
MBMf    runrnl.    lilir»rv    | 


'!'»•  Kf    -•  iuon 
1I..HI.  in.i.l.-   ruler* 
~iv    IKHP.  of  rrayoiu 
l'<  n<  iN    ,-incl    rriMTt 

null  hammer  and  can 

i--«irti-i|    mil. 
Saw  and  blade* 


Ul 

I'aprr  pun.  h 

Slaplrr 


. 

Hour  for  paste.  Iwrlvp  pa«ir 
•MM 

I'i>     tnii|H-ra     painl*.     t«,l\. 
•mall    hru-li,  -.    -i\    .,n.  -in.  -li 

bnakM 

'    -MM,,    -l.rlbr  and  alco- 
hol 

III  till  VI  ICIN 


Viva  Whitney 


Sandpaper,  steel  wool 
Paper  cups  and  plates 
Needles  and  threads 


Cloths  and  newspapers 

Paper 

Assorted    ribbons    and   yarns 


The  place  for  each  tool  or  container  was  marked,  by  draw- 
ing the  shape  of  the  object  and  printing  the  word  under  it. 

If  the  budget  had  permitted,  we  would  have  added  to 
each  outfit  the  following:  a  paper  cutter,  pinking  shears,  a 
few  leather  tools,  tin  snips,  small  vises,  mallets  and  molds 
for  metal  work. 

The  next  step  was  to  make  a  list  of  projects  for  the 
playgrounds.  Materials  had  to  be  inexpensive,  something 
a  teacher  with  no  special  crafts  training  could  teach  suc- 
cessfully and,  for  the  most  part,  one-session  projects. 

Things  We  Made 

This  was  our  list  for  the  year,  varied,  of  course,  by  the 
instructor  on  each  ground  according  to  the  age  of  the 
children,  their  natural  interests,  and  the  instructor's  own 
ability  and  experience: 


Indian  bead  rings 
(beads  from  donated 
materials) 

Textile   painted   T-shirts 
(stencil    with    playground 
name — each  child  furnish- 
ing a  T-shirt) 

Twisted   copper   wire  brace- 
lets 

Sponge  rubber  objects  of  all 
sorts,  including  model 
playground  layouts 


Sachets 

Leather  bookmarks 
Leather  wallets 
Braided  leather  belts 

(leather  scrap  from  glove 

factory) 

Playground    banners   of    felt 
Lanyards  and  bracelets  from 

guimpe 
Blueprinting 
Wooden  napkin  rings 
Wooden   games — checkers 

and  boards 


Paper  objects: 


"Woven  mats 

Double  woven  baskets 

Three  kinds  paper  chains 

Catstairs  flowers 

Baskets 

Lanterns 

Pinwheels 

Pine  dolls 


Airplanes 
Drinking  cups 
Stuffed  animals 
Easel-type  pictures 
Can  rubber  pictures 
Lace  paper  doily  designs 
Sunbonnet  walking  dolls 
Mother  Goose  dolls 


Each  of  these  projects  was  processed  at  the  craft  center 
and  distributed  at  the  weekly  staff  meetings.  By  processed. 
I  mean  that  all  materials  for  a  project  were  collected  in 
units  of  ten  ready  for  presentation  to  the  class. 

Taking  the  woven  mats,  for  example,  this  involves:  ten 
shirt  cardboards  for  foundations;  ten  pieces  of  wallpaper, 


cut  the  size  of  the  shirt  cardboard  with  the  slits  cut; 
weaving  strips  cut  for  the  weavers.  To  these  the  instructor 
adds  from  her  cupboard:  newspapers,  paste,  brushes,  shel- 
lac— and  she  is  ready  to  proceed. 

We  divided  our  materials  in  packets  of  ten  for  a  reason. 


Nine-year    old    Billy   Wond,    Decatur   local    playground   young- 
ster,   weaving    belt    in    crafts    demonstrations    at    State    Fair. 


The  leader  with  a  small  playground  would  take  perhaps 
two  units,  while  a  large  playground  could  take  seven.  De- 
pending on  large  or  small  attendance  on  a  particular  day, 
the  units  could  be  sent  to  the  playground  needing  them. 

Children  under  twelve  do  not  want  to  spend  eight  or  ten 
weeks  becoming  proficient  in  any  specific  craft.  They  want 
and  need  to  experiment  with  all  sorts  of  materials,  learning 
their  possibilities  and  limitations.  We  try  to  provide  the 
following  selection  of  materials.  All  of  these  cannot  be  used 
on  the  open  playground,  but  all  are  available  at  the  craft 
center:  paper;  leather;  wood;  plaster;  oil  and  water  color 
paints;  good  pictures;  plastic;  metal;  shells;  stains,  var- 
nishes and  enamels. 

Both  the  instructors  at  the  center  and  the  ones  on  the 
playgrounds  must  have  clear  objectives  before  they  present 


APRIL  1952 


27 


.my  project  ti>  a  group  of  children,  In-  il  rvrr  so  .w/i />/<•. 
If  the  leader  doe-  nut  have  objectives  dearl]  in  mind,  it  is 
l-ctter  I"  -uhMilule  some  other  acti\  itv . 

\\  hat  \Ve  Set  Out  to  Do 
I  here  are  two  sets  of  objectives—  tin-  child'-  and  the 

Ir.lilrl '-: 

Child's:    ill    He  needs  the  article  in  his  play  or  work: 
'  _'  •  v*  ishe*  l<>  make  a  gift  for  someone;  (3)  enjoys  the  crea- 


"\Vrite  in  your  niincl 
and  heart  the  fact 
that  the  material 
molds  the  child." 


nr  the  thrill  of  c\|>ci -imenting  with  a  new  media. 
Teacher's:  Vary  with  each  project,  but  fall  under  the 
following   general  headings:    (1)    To  develop  originalitv  : 
(2)    to   encourage  careful   workmanship;    (3)    to   ensure 
-ucce—    |,y    careful,    wise    guidance,    without    destroying 
originality.   N>mc  of  the  aims  in  specific  projects  are  as 
follow-:    ill   design  and  application.   i2)   color  harmon\. 
cutting.   (4i    folding,   i  ~>  i    mounting,   (6)    use  of  ad- 
hesive-.  iTl   shape  and  form.  (Ill    limitation-  cif  materials, 
harmony  cif  form,  design  and  material. 

OnK  a  -in. ill  part  of  the  total  handcrafl  project-  at- 
tempted  in  a  c  itv  are  i-arricd  on  by  the  recreation  depart- 
nii  nt  or  an  organi/ed  craft  center.  Scouts,  4-11.  Junior 
Catholic  Daughters,  adult  women's  group-.  Sunda\  schools 
.md  ..ili.  i-  have  many  such  projects  during  the  year. 
'lln-11-foir.  we  have  found  that  the  greate-l  -cr\  ice  that  ean 
IM-  rendered  in  our  community  i-  to  provide: 
I.  l-cader  training  fc.r  iln--e  groups. 

•  line   c,f   -uppK    fur   coiisiihation-   and    information 
on  «nv  «(•«••  ilic   project. 

'•     Cooling  of   orders  to  ohtain    necessary    -upplics  that 
..flii!  1. 111  !«•  ..I. I. lined  onK   in  large  <|uantit\. 

•|.   depot    where   -i  i  a  p  -iipplie-   may   be  Mmed. 
--••d  and  re  di-tril.iilcd. 

I  \hil.iiioiit.  movies  and  material-  cm  the-  ever  in 
rrra«mg  niiriil«-r  cif  new  project,  .ind  materials  available. 
teaching,  at  the  tamr  time,  the  fundamental  values  in 

Volvi  d 

6.   An    awarrnrw    and    desire    I"    i-  n  h    the    ncgl 
groii|M>     ihr  agn-l,   the   i  rippleil.   the   homelioimd   child   or 
.idiill 

The  <  lulil  Is  the  Material 
Take  all  of  the**1  f«<l-.r«  inl"  <  on»ideratiiin:   then,  write 


on  your  mind  and  heart  these  words:  "It  is  not  what  the 
child  does  to  the  material  that  is  important,  lint  what  the 
material  does  to  the  child."  I'sually  the  child  or  adult  who 
take-  an  inten-c  interest  in  craft-  i-  more  of  an  introvert 
than  an  extrovert.  All  well  and  good,  you  -ay.  \\e'll  help 
him.  with  craft-,  to  become  Ix-tter  liulain  cd.  ^  e..  \ou  will 
if  you  consciously  rccogni/c  the  fact  that  you  imi-t  not. 
dare  not.  work  for  i|iiality  and  piodiiction  alone,  hut  onl\ 
for  cjuality  and  production  as  it  develop-  the  individual. 

Craft  projects  can.  with  thought,  he  related  to  social  n I- 

and  responses:  craft  clas.-e-  al-o  can  provide  -oc  ial  con- 
t.ic  i-  and  hroadening  social  inlere-t-. 

What  do  I  mean?  1-cl's  lake  our  little  folks  on  a  plav- 

ground.  \\  e  plan  to  color  paper  doilies  and  napkin-  • 

of  the  simplest  things  we  do.  The  children  who  want  to  do 
il  are  the  small  ones,  the  sh\  ones.  ,md  often  the-  hackward 
ones.  If  they  color  the  napkins  and  doilies  and  take  them 
home — that  is  that.  They  have  learned  a  bit  about  color, 
design  and  careful  handwork.  Hut  if  iln-v  use  tho.-c  -ami' 
doilies  and  napkins  to  entertain  their  mothers  at  tea.  they 
have  had  a  social  experience.  If  they  send  a  package  of 
the  doilies  to  a  sick  child,  or  show  a  sick  child  how  to  make 
them,  they  have  shared  their  interest  with  othci-. 

l.cl  us  consider  an  adult  metalcraft  class.  In  a  .  l.i—  of 
thirty,  many  will  have  taken  up  this  work  to  satisfy  some 
need,  perhaps  to  find  release  from  strains  or  tensions  in 
their  personal  lives.  It  is  well  to  become  an  exjx-rt  silver- 
-inith.  hut  most  of  these  people  do  not  de-ire  tin-.  If.  in 
addition  to  cla-s  instruction,  the  class  puts  on  exhihit-. 
meets  socially  with  other  group-  with  similar  inlere-t-.  if 
the  members  feel  lliem-cKc-  re-jionsible  for  helping  their 
c.»n  group  and  other  group-,  he-ides  working  as  indi- 
v.diial-.  then  the  project  is  worthwhile. 

Creative  experience  is  one  of  our  basic  need-.  More  and 
more-,  specialization  lakes  away  from  us  the  opportunity 
for  cicalivene-s  in  our  exerydav  liv  ing.  Organi/ed  group 
aclhils  i-  the  an-wer  to  tlii-  need. 

If  we  needed  proof  of  inlcre-t  in  llie  field  of  ciafl-.  the 
hook-tore-  would  supply  il.  Six  veai-  ago.  one  had  to 
-eaidi  for  a  book  on  handcrafls.  Todav.  the'  hook-lore 
-helve  -  display  many  fine  one-.  Library  record-  -how  crafl 
hocik-  called  for  frequently,  and  often  then-  aie  waiting 
h-l-  for  new  ones.  This  is  a  trend  of  the  limes  -old  as 
lime  il-clf  hut  with  new  approachc-.  new  iea-.ni-  and  new 

application!, 

One  of  the  grc.ite-l  service-  ,i  i..  n.ilion  department  can 
render  a  community  i-  to  furnish  leader. -hip.  ,  .In.  alum  .md 
I. nice  -o  thai  the  expcricnc  cs  of  l.oth  children  and  adults 
in  thi-  field  mav  he  full,  rich  and  inlegr  alcd.  Tin-  fo<i||i.ill 
h<.y-.  mc-inliers  of  the  aic  hc-ry  class,  the  dancing  class,  the 
hiker-,  the  hicyc  I,  c  Ink  tec  n  lowner-  to  goldec  ips. 

all  h.ivc-  in-ill-  lh.it  the  i  -raft  piogiam  can  (ill  for  them. 
I  ten  the  boys  who  Morn  anything  but  boxing  like  to 
make  their  own  I  -hut-  with  appropriate  Idler-  and 
niimii.il-.  ii-ing  textile  p. mil 

liu    .Hhvilic-   yn-ld   -inh   direct   .md   immediate  -lali-f.ii 
lion-,  vet   h.ive.  at  the  -.inn-  time,  -inh  potential  value  for 
building  happier  people  and  a  better   -..IM-IV. 


28 


III  i   III    VI  Hl\ 


Boys  in  every  state  like  fishing.  Above,  prize  winner  for  the  best 
Becky  Thatcher  outfit,  Torrington  recreation  department  fish  derby. 


17  OR  A  NUMBER  OF  YEARS  the  San  Jose  recreation  de- 
3-  partment  was  concerned  about  the  fact  that  it  had  con- 
ducted very  little  in  the  way  of  such  out-of-door  activities 
as  conservation,  hiking,  camping,  fishing,  and  so  on. 

In  1949,  therefore,  the  department  opened  "Rustic 
Lands"  day  camp  for  youngsters  and  the  response  from 
the  community  in  the  way  of  registration  for  camp  at- 
tendance was  excellent.  Many  individual  playgrounds 
also  initiated  hiking  programs,  with  outdoor  cooking  and 
nature  study  features;  but  even  so,  little  or  nothing  was 
done  about  conservation  activities — and  fishing  programs 
were  non-existent. 

Then,  early  in  1950  the  department  received  a  communi- 
cation from  Better  Fishing,  Incorporated,  Chicago,  Illi- 
nois. (See  September  1950  issue  of  RECREATION. — Ed.) 
It  learned  for  the  first  time,  that  the  main  purpose  of  that 
organization  is  to  assist  communities  in  introducing  to 
youngsters  the  joys  and  highly  satisfactory  recreational 
benefits  of  fishing.  Better  Fishing,  Incorporated,  was 
prepared  to  give,  without  cost,  to  every  city  that  would 
sponsor  a  youth  fishing  program,  four  complete  fishing 
outfits,  consisting  of  a  casting  rod,  line,  reel,  hooks,  arti- 
ficial bait  in  the  way  of  plugs  and  other  lures.  These, 
of  course,  were  to  be  used  by  the  sponsoring  city  for 
awards  in  the  juvenile  fishing  rodeo  which  would  be  held 
in  connection  with  the  program. 

A  date  for  a  juvenile  fishing  rodeo  was  immediately 
set,  for  a  Saturday  in  May,  at  the  Stevens  Creek  Reservoir 
about  fifteen  miles  from  San  Jose.  The  superintendent  of 
recreation,  an  avid  fisherman,  and  Wilbur  Knudtson,  "Fish 
and  Game"  writer  of  the  San  Jose  Mercury  Herald,  got 
in  touch  with  representatives  of  the  San  Jose  Sportsmen, 
the  San  Jose  Nimrods,  the  San  Jose  Rod  and  Gun  Club 
and  the  president  of  the  Willow  Glen  Lions  Club.  The  four 
organizations  agreed  to  contribute  one  hundred  fifty  dol- 
lars in  cash  to  be  used  in  defraying  expenses  for  trans- 
portation to  the  reservoir,  bait  and  other  necessities,  and 

MR.  BRAMHALL,  who  is  the  "avid  fisherman'  of  the  article, 
is  superintendent  of  recreation  in  San  Jose,  California. 


Young  Anglers 


Frank  W.  Bramhall 


to  supply  fifteen  to  twenty  volunteers  each,  to  assist  in 
supervising  the  program  and  to  act  in  the  capacity  of 
fishing  instructors. 

The  program  was  set  up  according  to  Better  Fishing, 
Incorporated,  regulations;  registration  blanks  were  run 
in  the  columns  of  the  San  Jose  Mercury  and  the  San 
Jose  News;  and  the  big  event  officially  got  under  way. 

On  the  great  day,  the  boys  were  met  by  the  committee 
in  charge  of  the  program,  and  one  adult  volunteer  leader 
was  placed  in  charge  of  every  four  boys.  Fishing  tackle 
was  provided  for  those  who  did  not  have  it.  Bait,  includ- 
ing fishing  worms  and  salmon  eggs,  was  distributed;  sites 
along  the  face  of  Stevens  Creek  Dam  were  assigned  to  each 
fishing  group;  two  first  aid  stations  with  two  qualified 
attendants  were  set  up  by  the  recreation  department;  five 
life  guards,  one  of  whom  worked  from  a  boat  off  shore 
and  four  from  positions  across  the  face  of  the  dam,  were 
assigned  to  their  stations;  the  wily  trout  all  scurried  for 
cover;  and  the  young  anglers  were  off. 

Long  before  noon  the  gigantic  lunch  which  each  boy 
had  brought  to  assuage  the  pangs  of  a  typical  American 
boy  appetite,  had  disappeared,  along  with  the  two  hundred 
half-pints  of  milk  that  were  provided  by  the  program 
sponsors. 

At  three  o'clock,  the  persevering  anglers  reluctantly 
stopped  fishing  and  assembled  at  the  fishing  rodeo  head- 
quarters on  top  of  the  reservoir  for  the  judging  of  the 
catches.  Well,  would  you  believe  it?  With  two  hundred 
boys  fishing  under  the  expert  guidance  of  the  volunteer 
sportsmen  leaders,  how  many  trout  were  caught?  Exactly 
four!  Boy,  those  local  trout  are  plenty  smart. 

The  San  Jose  recreation  department  feels  that  the  Bet- 
ter Fishing  rodeo  was  one  of  the  best  recreational  activi- 
ties that  has  ever  been  conducted  in  this  area.  Forget- 
ting the  number  of  fish  caught,  two  hundred  boys  were 
taught  how  to  assemble  their  tackle,  had  a  whole  day  in 
the  out-of-doors,  received  expert  instruction  from  local 
sportsmen,  went  home  with  terrific  appetites.  They  were 
taught  something  about,  and  really  practiced,  conserva- 
tion— because  they  wanted  to  catch  only  enough  trout  to 
make  it  possible  to  award  the  prizes  legally.  They  are 
now  bitten  by  the  fishing  bug  and  will  probably  be  the 
best  storytellers  in  Santa  Clara  Valley. 

Since  then,  one  trip  each  month  has  become  a  regular 
part  of  the  recreation  program  in  San  Jose  during  the 
summer  season. 


APRIL  1952 


29 


Special 


Events 


Improved 


Doreen  O.  Kirkland 

EVENTS  conducted  during  the  summer  play- 
ground  season  at  Oak  Ridge,  Tennessee,  were  indeed 
"special." 

In  the  past,  special  events  were  held  according  to  the 
"ni'.rr  tin-  merrier"  theory,  but  in  recent  years  stress  has 
licen  pla<  cd  DII  i  •Pinlucting  fewer  events  hut  of  tin-  "bigger 
and  In-Hcr"  variet-.. 

U.  .ill  know  that  man)  activities  are  "tagged"  special 
event.  when  thcv  ar<-  mercK  loutme  and  should  !><•  part 
of  a  well  balanced  daily  or  weekly  program.  Storytelling, 
drain.  ill'  -.  inu«ic,  crafts,  even  routine  activities  ;in-  oftrn 
lost  in  the  shuffle  of  tin-  <  <>iiiinn»ii-  |ir<-|>.ir.itinii  for  the 
next  «|*f  ial  a<  tiv  ilv. 

In  1949  a  curtailment  of  tin-  number  of  event*.  •  -.n  li 
local  plat  ground  conducted  wa-  imli.il.-il.  \l  llir  close  of 
that  season,  these  were  evaluated,  showing  that  the  organi- 
Ution  of  I  he  events  had  improved  over  ihe  prev  iou*>  \e.ii. 
hut  that  tho-w  whirh  had  U-en  <  ondui  led  were  "-hop 


At   ihr    beginning   of   the   next   Mirniner   season,   a*   a 
further    Mcp    t'iH.ird    improved    «|>e.  j.il    activities.    an    ap- 

\l  TIIOR   11   tn;»/vi  nor  of  recrealinn  irnlrn  m  Oak  Ridff. 

30 


Oak  Ridge,  Tennessee,  locale  of  United  States  Atomic 
Energy  Commission,  takes  steps  to  raise  the  level  of 
playground  special  events. 


proved  list  of  fourteen  events  was  given  to  the  playground 
leaders  at  our  annual  five  day  workshop,  with  instruc- 
tions that  three  events  should  be  conducted.  The  approved 
list  consisted  of:  All  Wheels  Day,  Fashion  Show.  Frog 
Jumping  Contest,  Joseph  Lee  Day,  Horse  Show.  Indian 
Pow-Wow,  Kiddie  Karnival,  Little  Brother  and  Sister 
Show.  Mother  Goose  Party,  One-Act  Plays,  Dressed  up 
Pet  Show,  Quizz  Show,  Tagged  Fish  Rodeo  and  Turtle 
Derby.  This  list  was  compiled  as  a  means  of  getting  play- 
ground directors  to  plan  events  requiring  organization 
and  forethought.  New  ideas  were  readily  accepted  if  thev 
appeared  to  have  general  appeal  to  several  age  group-: 
therefore,  originality  was  not  curtailed-  among  playground 
leaders.  In  addition  lo  these  activities,  there  were  three 
annual  citv-wide  events:  the  Junior  Olvmpics.  the  Art- 
and  Crafts  Exhibit,  and  the  Playground  Circus,  held  in 
mid-summer,  the  ninth  and  last  week  respectively. 

The  approved  list  was  accompanied  by  a  special  event 
form  containing  fifteen  pertinent  questions  which  had  to 
be  completed  and  turned  in  to  the  central  office  one  week 
in  advance  of  any  scheduled  activity.  This  gave  the  super- 
visory staff  time  to  go  over  the  completed  form,  ask  ques- 
tions and  make  suggestions.  The  purpose  of  this  form 
was  to  aid  the  playground  staff  in  planning  for  their 
event:  t<>  help  them  determine  in  their  own  minds  the 
problems  and  steps  necessarv  in  planning  a  successful  spe- 
cial activ  il\ . 

Holding  fewer  special  events  resulted  in  more  cntlm-i- 
asm  on  the  part  of  the  \oungsters  in  preparing  for  the 
1-xenN.  increased  participation  and  improved  parental 
interest. 

Many  playgrounds,  with  DOticeable  -IK  < -e— . .  held  c\ent> 
in  addition  to  those  specified,  among  them  scavenger 
hunt-,  slunt  nights,  hat  shows,  and  so  on. 

Seven  playgrounds  conducted  dressed  up  pet  -lio\s-i 
llirce.  little  brother  and  -i-ter  -hows;  three,  kiddie  kar- 
ni\aU:  three,  all  wheels  n>deo>:  two.  Indian  |>"\\  w<iw-: 
one  each,  Joseph  Lee  celebration,  musical  extravaganza, 
button  contest,  and  kraz\  kolxmpics.  The  latter  three 
wen-  n»i  i>n  the  specified  li-t  but  wen-  j;i\en  the  "go- 
ahead"  In  the  supeiM-.M  -laff. 

As  an  added  attraction,  movie*  wen-  -howii  at  dark 
evcrv  other  week  at  each  of  the  pLiv  ground-. 

A  more  enriched  dailv  piogram  developed  from  this 
planning,  with  creative  .iclivitir-  -haling  honors  in  popu- 
larilv  with  the  leagues  and  tournament*'.  *-perial  evcnl- 
ceawd  being  unpleasant  chore-  to  both  leaders  and 
•  hililten  and  Ix-came  fun  and  exciting  to  pirp.ire  for  and 
!•.  p.niicipale  in  w holc-hcart'-dl*. 

Handbill!)  advertising  their  own  -pecial  event-  were 
prepaid!  bv  thr  due.  t.. i-  .,f  all  plavgrounds.  F.ach  play- 

Hi  i  HI  vil<>\ 


YOUR  SPECIAL   EVENT 
Form  Filled  Out  by 
Playground     Directors 
Recreation    Department                                                    1950 

1.     What    arp    von    Cdllina    vftiir    Snprinl     Fvpnt? 

2. 

3. 

Onto                                                               Hour 

Arp    you    using    adult   volunteers? 

In  what  capacity? 

4. 

5. 
6. 

What   are  their   names? 
Full   Name                  Address 
1. 
2. 
3. 

Telephone 

What    propprt'ps    arp    you    using?    (list) 

7. 

8. 

2 
9. 

10. 
11. 

12. 

13. 
14. 

Is    your    event    scheduled    at    a    good    hour    for    parents 

tn    nttpnrl? 

Are   you    using   any  of   the   following    mediums 
tise? 
Handbills                                             3      PlararrU 

to   adver- 

Are    you    having    a    Community    Sing    before 

the    event 

What   duties    do   you   have  for   your   Junior   Leaders?  

15. 

Does  the  event  answer  these   questions?     New- 

DIRECTOR                     CO-DIRECTOR 

ground  contributed  an  act  to  the  annual  city-wide  events. 

Among  Events  Chosen 

Kiddie  Karnival — This  presented  unlimited  possibilities 
and  was  a  real  playground  project.  All  age  groups  were 
interested.  The  older  boys  constructed  booths,  which  were 
gaily  decorated  by  girls  and  younger  children.  Games  of 
skill  were  set  up  to  form  a  large  circle  similar  to  a  midway. 
Paper  hats  and  Hawaiian  leis  were  made  by  the  children 
to  be  given  as  prizes  at  the  bingo  booth.  Leg  toss,  spear- 
ing corks,  bean  bag  toss,  weight  lifting,  hit  the  pins,  bounc- 
ing ball,  nail  driving  and  weight  guessing  (on  bathroom 
scales)  and  other  guessing  games  were  conducted.  Bark- 
ers kept  the  crowd  moving  from  one  booth  to  another. 
Score  cards  were  given  each  participant  and  attendants 
at  the  booths  tallied  their  scores  as  they  played.  Small 
prizes  were  awarded  to  high  scores  in  the  various  age 
classifications.  Participation  of  both  children  and  parents 
was  very  good. 

Indian  I'ow-Wow — A  village  of  decorated  teepees,  made 
from  brown  wrapping  paper  and  small  trees,  was  placed 
in  a  circle.  Indian  music,  as  a  background,  was  played 
on  a  record  player.  Several  !><>\s  beating  on  tom-toms 
which  were  constructed  in  craft  class  opened  the  event. 
A  medicine  man  had  the  place  of  honor  in  front  of  the 
largest  teepee.  Indian  dances,  selection  of  an  Indian  chief 
and  princess,  pony  race,  tug-of-war.  judging  of  best 
dressed,  most  savage,  best  squaw  and  smallest  Indian  were 
conducted.  The  event  was  an  ideal  activity  for  boys  and 


girls  twelve  years  and  under.  It  was  also  an  excellent 
spectator  activity  for  parents. 

All  Wheels  Day  or  All  Wheels'  Rodeo —  A  large  crepe 
paper  wagon  wheel  was  constructed,  with  contestants  in 
each  classification  circling  inside  of  the  rim  of  the  wheel. 
Judging  of  the  various  classes  of  decorated  wheels  in- 
cluded: bicycles,  tricycles,  wagons,  scooters,  doll  buggies, 
even  a  wheelbarrow  and  a  lawn  mower.  Tricycle  and  doll 
carriage  races  climaxed  the  program.  The  event  appealed 
to  all  age  groups  and  was  both  colorful  and  a  good  specta- 
tor activity. 

Krazy  Kolympics — The  Krazy  Kolympics  followed  a 
"track-meet"  theme,  and  was  a  good  activity  for  a  crowd 
wanting  lots  of  action.  Children  were  divided  into  equal 
numbers  of  teams,  and  each  team  was  given  a  color. 
Scores  were  recorded  on  a  large  score  board,  and  the 
winning  team  was  presented  with  a  watermelon.  This 
activity  appealed  to  boys  and  girls  under  twelve  years 
of  age.  A  few  of  the  events  were:  discus  throwing,  using 
paper  plates:  shotput,  using  blown  up  paper  bags;  stand- 
ing broad  grin,  measuring  the  biggest  smile;  javelin 
throw,  using  toothpicks:  Softball  throw,  with  small  balls 
of  cotton;  fifty-yard  dash,  with  strings  fastened  to  wall, 
other  end  in  contestants  mouth,  hands  behind  back,  chewed 
until  nose  touched  wall;  two  hundred  twenty-hurdle,  eating 
cracker  and  whistling;  one  hundred  yard  dash — suitcase 
relay. 

Little  Brother  and  Sister  Show — This  activity  had  less 
appeal  to  all  age  groups,  but  twelve  and  under  youngsters 
were  proud  to  show  baby  brothers  and  sisters.  Babies  were 
divided  into  three  age  groups:  up  to  nine  months,  ten  to 
eighteen  months,  and  nineteen  months  to  four  years  of  age. 

Babies  were  judged  on  the  following:  brightest  eyes, 
happiest,  most  tears,  most  dimples,  fattest,  daintiest,  most 
personality,  most  rugged  boy,  daintiest  girl.  Certificates 
were  awarded  to  winners  in  each  age  classification. 

Dressed  Up  Pet  Show — Rings  were  set  up  for  each  clas- 
sification and  novel  ways  of  decorating  brightened  and 
gave  color  to  the  event.  Prior  advertising  of  the  classes 
increased  originality  among  the  children  in  dressing  their 
pets.  Birds,  dogs,  cats,  rabbits,  white  mice,  turtles,  gold- 
fish, alligators,  hamsters  came  dressed  as  cowboys,  cow- 
girls, babies,  football  players,  and  so  on.  A  splendid 
turnout  of  children  and  adults  appeared  at  every  show. 


Tents  made  and  dec- 
orated by  children, 
part  of  crafts  pro- 
gram in  Alexandria, 
would  be  just  right 
for  a  "pow-wow." 


31 


•  The  cooperative  machinery,  which  each  \r;ir  produces  tin-  National 
Recreation  Congi.---.  i-  now  being  assembled  so  work  may  begin  on 
the  I'>."i2  model  which  will  be  displaxe.l  in  Seattle.  Washington,  Sep- 
tember 29  to  October  3. 

I 'iinil. iinrni.il  in  all  congress  planning  are  the  committees,  which 
llii-  \i-ar  will  include  a  national  advisory  committee,  district  advisory 
committee,  a  local  arrangements  committee,  an  executive's  advisory- 
committee  and  a  rural  advisory  committee.  Other  committees  may  be 
appointed,  if  needed.  1»  a— ist  with  problems  of  special  meetings. 

The  National  Advisory  Committee  includes  representatives  from  the 
main  social  interests  which  find  a  home  at  the  congresses.  Those  who 
have  thus  far  agreed  to  serve  on  this  year's  committee  are: 


H.  T.  Abbott,  Superintendent  of  Parks, 
Spokane. 

Paul  V.  Brown.  Superintendent  of  Paik-. 
Seattle. 

Mu*   Theresa    Chicsa,    Recreation    Super- 
lleparlinent    nf    Rei  reation,    I  Inn  IT. 
•ae  Hjelte,  General  Manager,  Depart- 
ini-nl   nf   lli-<  realioii  ;iinl    Parks,  lx>s  Angele-. 

Dr.  John  I  .  llulchin-on,  \--oeiale  Pmfe-- 
>••!.  I  >.  |.  iitni.nl  nf  Health  Education  and 
Ph\-i.al  Kdiii-alinii.  T.a.li.T-  College,  Co- 
liimlii.i  I'nitci.iix.  N.w  "iork. 

David  M.  I-angkamin,  r,  >uperintendent  of 
MliHina,    I'. mi-*  Kania. 

Martin    \l.   Nailing,  .li-.   Dii.Tlm  n[   K 
lion   and    Secretary    to   the    Board    of    Park 
I  iiMiiiii—inii'T-,   Kurt    Wayne.   Indiana. 

I  I  I'.irkiT.  \ilinini-li. itixc  Supervisor, 
In. lii-ni. il  It.  I. iii. .n-  li.paiim.nl,  Callaway 
Mill-  Conipanx.  I.a<. range.  C-corgia. 

Mi-    hi. mi,-   M.   Parri-h.  DhrUaa  "I    !.'•• 

.IM-lllle.     KiTlllli  kv 

Mi-    li'ntli  I     !'•••  I,  i  n. in.  Mai.- 

l'»rk«    and    I!.  .T..IIIOII    Coniim--ioii.    M.a|||e. 

ik'ton. 

Ur    Durii  W.   Plewe-.    \--i-l.ini   hm.Ior  <d 
1 1.  |,.iilnn TII     MJ     National 
ll..ilili  ami   Welfare.  Ottawa,  Ontario.  Cana- 
da. 

\    Hewiol.l-.  llm  i  im  -i(   Ite.rcalion 
ami    I'.irk-.    Kirliiiinnd.    \  H 

"M      KlMIIIH-v.   Chi.  f.  <    iHllllllimlX    5< 

Kramli.    *>p.  ii.il     •-.MI,.,     Dni-n.n.     I 
.1   tin     \iiin.  Wj-hmglon.   I'    ' 

i      Sarni»Min.    Ix-.iilm     Ihn,  ii.i. 
••erratum   Pnimnlinn  .n«l    S  '    Imini: 

Inn.   Dclawarr. 

('     I.  Soprrinlendrnl    nml 

I    nf    I'nrk    '  \  HI 

iii-h   <  ..liiinl.i  i.   Canada. 
II     I  •  ..r, •).-.. i,    I  In- 1    I: 

ning   I1  •  iiional  Park  ""im. .     \\.i-li 

n,k-i.         I  i    i 

Mil',  till    I.I 

••r  and 
Mli«-H   Dn»-a~-«.   Ni-«    ^i>rk 

Mr.      Pr»r|     Wanamakrr.    Stal'     ••n. 
irnd'ni      of      I'nlilii       ln«lrin  ii..n.      I  >' 
Wa»hin(toa. 

32 


The  District  Advisory  Committee. 
which  will  give  special  attention  to 
matters  relating  to  the  general  area  in 
which  the  Congress  will  he  held,  con- 
of: 


The  Committee  of  Executives  to  plan 
the  special  sessions  for  exe<  uli\es: 

R.     B.     McClintock,     Omaha,     N.l.ia-ka 
Chairman. 

Homer  D.  Abbott,  Grand  Forks,  North 
Dakota. 

R.   K.     \ndcr-on.   Richland.   Washington. 

Eugene  I_  Karnviell.   Alexandria.  Virginia. 

Mi--   \irginia   Carinicliacl,   Atlanta. 

Pat   (.minor-.    \na<on.la.   Montana. 

John  II.  Grain,  Jr..  Portland.  Maim-. 

Chail.-   \V.   llaM-.   l!,ik,-lrv. 

John    Downing.   New    *1  ork. 

Alvin  Kggeling.  Ilklahonia  <!ily. 

John   Karina.  Edmonton,  Alberta,  Canada. 

K.   P.   Hartl,  I-a  Crosw.  Wisconsin. 

Kran.T-  Hail/. -II.  I  Iliamlier-lmrg.  Pnin->l- 
vania. 

Vini-cnl  J.  Hi-lii-rt.  Pitt-field.  Ma-a.  hu 
>ell-. 

Mi-.  Marjorie  Milne.  Yanioin.-r.  l!riti-h 
i  ..I inn liia.  Canada. 

K.  S.  Richler.  Pontiac.  Michigan. 

Paul  S.  Ro«c,  Salt  Lake  County,  I'tah. 

lii-MTK     S.    Sheffield.    All-till,     I  . 

The  Rural  Advisory  Committee  in- 
cludes the  following  rural  leadei-: 

Mi--    Jessalee    Mallalieu.    Idcri-alioi 
ciali-t.  Oregon  State  College,  Corvallift,  Ore- 
gon. 

Miss    Lucille    H.    Moore,   Recreation 

riali-t.    Agricultural    Exten-ion    Serxii 
lege  Station.    Texas. 

Hi.  K.  J.  Nii-dcrfrank.  Kxlen-ion  Rural 
>ocitdoL;i-t.  I  nited  Male-  1  lepart inent  of  Ag- 
riculture. Washington.  1 1.  ('.. 

Mi-.  Ruth  Radir,  Exten-ion  Ml  Cluli  Sp.-. 
ciali-t.  State  College  of  Washington.  Pull 
man.  Washington. 


I'.ni  K\an-.  Director  of  Rrcrralion,  Seattle, 

\\  .l-lllll^loll. 

k,  •iinrtli    Fowell,   Superintendent   of   Rec- 

I..IIHHI.  i.n-ai    !•.  ill-.   Montana. 

TUMI  I  .ml/.  •MipiTiiilrndiTit  of  Public  Rcr- 
i.  ilion.  Taconia.  \\  u-liiii|:tiin. 

Mi--  li.in.ilii  a  I  in-ili.  Din-cior  of  Recrea- 
tion. Portland.  (Ir.-^iin. 

(!arl  >.   Mun-iiii.  Cil\    Rrcrration  Ilin-rinr. 

Mn-ro».     Idaho. 

>.  (..  \\illrr.  Rrcrration  SuprrintiTidiTil. 
"•p'ikaii.  •.  \\a-hiiiKlon. 

The  Local  Arrangement!  Committee 

which  will  help  \\ork  out  details  of  the 
Ci>njire>>  which  pailii  iiLiiU  loiicern 
Seattle,  ha-  .1-  memliei-: 

Ull—fll  (illtlrr.    Kxrcilln.    (Itln.  r.  >cllool  of 

Pli\-i.al  and  Health  K.lu.  aln.n.  1  1.  partincnt 
Im  Mm.  I  ni\iT-il\  "I  \\a-lliiiKl.ni.  v'.i"l' 

I'.,  i,  Ivan-.  Hiri'i-loi  of  Rci  iralion.  >callli- 
I  liairinani. 

William  J.  (.oldi-n.  Manayii.  |..iin»t  and 
(  OHM  nil.  Hi  llrp.irtim  nl.  Si-alllr  Miami..!  ..i 
(  IIIIIIT 

Ur.    \oriiian    K     kiiml.  .     \--...iii.     I 

i  .....  I     ,.!     Pin  -i.  al     nil.  I     II.  allli      ! 

lion.  DfparliniTil  for  Mm.  I  IHMT-IU  of 
\\  a-liiii;-l..ii.  "oalllr. 

\\  llll.lin     It.     POII.  I.    >upiTi  !-•>!.     R 

miuion.  Srattlr. 

\     1  1     -•  ..n     I  >ii..  I..  i    of    H.  ,  i.  an.  n. 

attlr. 

\\  illi.iMi  -|..  i.l.  I  .i.linini-iialivr  a»i«lanl 
lo  ih<  niiiMir  of  Sralllr. 

Koli'it     I       •MrplnTi*.    SuprrinletideiH    of 

Kinu   <  >iiinl\. 
Wai'  T   Seattle.   In.or 

...,| 

I.  .lin  H.  Vandi-r/i.  III.  I'm.  l..i.  »latr  Park* 
mid  Rn  rraiinn  (  'ommi«ion.  >«-attlr. 


Have  \oii  sent  ill  your  suggestions 
for  the  Congress?  Please  help  the 
-e\eial  committee-.  h\  sharing  with 
them  \our  own  idea-,  \ildre—  MUM 
suggestions  concerning  topic-  fm 
ili-ru— ion.  program  participants, 
special  features  to  T.  K.  |{i\ei-.  •»••. 
retan.  liecieation  Congfes-  Coin- 
mill. «.  .?!.">  Fourth  Avenue,  New 
V.rk  In. 


Special  Trip? 

The  Kockies.  both  Ameiican  and 
Canadian,  and  other  mountain  ranges; 
Yellowstone,  Glacier  and  "ttiei  nation- 
al park-:  the  wheat  country:  the  "Bad 
I  .ami-:"  Unimex  illc  and  Grand  Colllei- 
.lam-  the  latter  the  large-l  man-made 
attraction  in  the  world:  tli.-e  ,ir.  -nine 
of  the  wonders  of  nature  and  of  man 
that  delegates  can  see  on  their  w.ix  in 
the  CnniMe— . 

I  In-  <  "tigress  Comtnittee  wnul.l  like 
In  |«-  a-  helpful  as  p.i— il.le  to  |ii..-pe. 
live  deli-gal.--.  I-  then-  am   iiil.Te-l  in  a 
-pe.  i.illx   ananged  train  trip  l««  Seattle, 
originating  al  -<>me  .enli.il  point,  -in  li 
.1-  (  In.  .ig..'.'    Would  -nine  nlher  Mart- 
ing   point    be   beller  .'    \\  milil   ,|.  I. 
like  to  meet  and  ttaxel  logell).         \V  •      : 
\  ..:i  |dea««-  write  |.>  u«  ami  let  n-  kn.,w  .' 

in  Ml. IN 


This  year's  show  will  be  held  during  the  week  of  the  National 
Recreation  Congress  in  Seattle.  Delegates  will  be  invited  to  attend. 


HOBBY 

SHOW 
at 


Arthur  G.  Scott 


Part   of  fine  arts  section  of  show.  Boeing  em- 
ployees later  staged  full-scale  fine  arts  exhibit. 


"I 


T  WAS  A  FINE  SHOW,  and  I've  seen  a  lot  of  them,"  stated  A.  F. 
Logan,  vice  president — industrial  relations  of  Boeing  Airplane 
Company,  after  viewing  the  employee-initiated  hobby  show  held  late 
last  winter  in  the  company's  huge  sixteen  hundred  seat  cafeteria. 
The  largest  show  of  its  kind  in  Boeing  history,  it  was  witnessed  by 
27,652  employees,  their  families  and  friends  during  its  fire-day  run. 

Larry  Popp,  chairman  of  the  employee  committee  which  organized 
and  presented  the  show,  explained  that  one  of  the  principal  jobs 
entailed  in  planning  the  exhibit  was  the  classifying  of  entries. 

"We  decided  early  in  the  game  to  limit  the  entries  to  thirteen  dif- 
ferent divisions,"  Popp  said.  "It  was  a  good  thing  we  did  because  our 
entries  ranged  from  a  forty-eight-foot  wingspread  sailplane,  that  an 
employee  flew  as  a  hobby,  to  a  crocheted  tablecloth  entirely  made  by 
an  employee  while  riding  to  and  from  work  on  a  bus. 

"If  we  hadn't  set  the  tight  classification  rule,  none  of  us  doubts  that 
each  of  the  one  hundred  six  employees  who  registered  a  total  of  one 
hundred  twenty-nine  exhibits  would  have  considered  his  entry  in  a 
class  by  itself." 

Other  exhibits  included  a  Ming  tree   (the  committee  classed  this  as 
handcraft  rather  than  horticulture  on  the  tenth  ballot),  a 
twenty-four-foot  sail  boat,  a  ninety-eight-year  old  marine 
chart  of  a  portion  of  Puget  Sound  and  a  wide  range  of 
scale  and  operating  model  airplanes,  boats  and  trains. 

The  committee  awarded  attractive  gold  cups  in  addition 
to  ribbons  for  first,  second  and  third  place  division  win- 
ners. They  also  presented  a  gold  cup  to  the  sweepstakes 
winner — Norm  Hood,  whose  ten  wheeler  Pennsylvania 
G-5  steam  locomotive  was  adjudged  the  finest  exhibit  in 
the  show.  His  locomotive  is  thirty  inches  long,  is  oper- 
able at  one  hundred  pounds  steam  pressure,  and  weighs 
one  hundred  eighteen  pounds.  Hood  said  that  the  minia- 
ture represented  6,735  hours  of  spare  time  labor. 

Not  a  single  exhibit  was  lost  or  damaged  during  the 
entire  run  of  the  show.  This,  despite  the  fact  that  many 
rnl lies  were  displayed  on  open  tables  and  not  behind 
sliour;ises.  Popp  attributed  this  success  largely  to  the 
elloils  of  the  exhibitors  themselves  who  acted  as  hosts 
and  hostesses  during  every  moment  that  the  show  was 
open. 

MK.  SCOTT  is  the  company's  capable  recreation  coordinator. 


Radio  controlled  sailboats,  yachts  and  a 
fireboat  drew  best  attention  of  the  show. 


Above   typical   crowd  shows  popularity  of  this 
event.  Largest  crowds  visited  it  at  lunchtime. 


Exhibit  laid  out  in  shape  of  a  "U"  in  blocked 
off    portion    of    Boeing's    1600-seat    cafeteria. 


•\i-iiii. 


33 


Lou  Evans 


SEATTLE'S  STAFF  OF  LIFE 


Seattle  is  a  city  girdled  by  water.  To  the  east  then- 
are  ihr  cold.  clni|i|i\  -t  retches  of  Puget  Sound,  the  deep- 
water  harbor  that  put?  the  city  high  on  tin-  list  of  import 
and  export  tonnages.  To  the  west  there  is  the  vast  ex- 
panne  of  take  Washington,  fifty  miles  in  circumference. 

•-mack  in  the  middle  of  the  city,  like  a  dropped  emerald, 
i-  (irecn  l^ike.  \rouild  it.-  three-mile  i  In •iimfereiiee  are 

two    bathing    beaches,    the    (|uarter-million    dollar    Aqua 
I  hratrc,   a    bicycle    path    and    iniiumeral>le    pienir 


An        ill  mil       training    program     of     park     department     ensures 
a    high    degree    of    safety    on    tin-    miini(i|>al    bathing    benches. 

I  In-  lake  is  a  -iimnn-r  mecea  for  youngsters  and  their  par- 
ent*. 

II  i-.    then,    little   VM.nder   lh.it    >eallli-    i-    (  i-l    IM-I irninp 
the  w.iter --purl-  i  apil.il  of  tin-  nation.      The  ariniiul  Seufair 

ten    d.iv-   of   i  i\  ic    whoopee        center-   on    aipialn-      The 
I'l'il    (told  (.up    lr"|ih\    -pei-dl>ii.i|   i.i  >H-|I|  on   Lake 

\\.i-liinglon.    The  world-champion   I  niver-ilx    of  \\a-hing- 
Imi    crew-    work    out    on    the    lake.     The    .hori-line-    of    the 
lake   and    I'up-t    >..uml    ,ir<-    dotted    with    l>oal    n 
When  (he  wind  i»  in  the  right  ipi.iilei   tin-  <  iU    i-  -urroiind- 
ill  l>\  I'.illooiiing  -.til-  and  lo.iiin^-  |>oat  engine-.    \nd  I-M-M 

one    goc.    to    the    IM-.II  ll. 

III  virn    of    (he    marine    life    of    -eallli  ile-.    the    eili/en- 
ill. ink   ihr  rigid   -li|>er\  i.«ioli  of   niunn  ip.il    l-.illnni!    l.c.n  In  -. 

Mil     I  \  xx-.   Inr  ntnn\  'tlllr'\  imi\lnnt  ilirnlnr  of 

•  nlinn.    M    m/Mino/ili-    Inr    ihr   .^i-iilti.  -nut. 


and  the  all-out  training  program  of  the  Seattle  park  de- 
partment,  for   the   fact   that   there  are  so   few  drowning*. 

For  more  than  thirty  years,  the  recreation  dm-ion 
of  the  department  has  worked  to  make  -un-  that  e\er\ 
youngster  in  the  cily  \\ill  know  the  l>a-ie-  of  water  -afi-t\. 
I  nder  the  coaching  of  men  like  di-liict  reeication  super- 
\i-or  Tom  Sedfiwick.  recenlK  nominuted  one  of  >eatlle- 
"Men  of  the  Year."  more  than  fift\  thousand  hu\s  and 
girls  have  learned  what  to  do  when  faced  with  an  emer- 
gency in  the  water. 

The  city's  newspapers,  the  Times  anil  the  I'osl-litti'lli- 
^i-nciT.  work  in  close  cooperation  with  tile  department  on 
the  program.  So  does  the  Seattle-King  C.ounty  chapter  of 
the  \meriean  Hed  dross.  Among  them,  these  four  agem-ie- 
sponsor  summer-long  swim  classes  for  youngsters  under 
fifteen,  and  lifesa\ing  classes  for  those  o\er  twelve. 

In  addition,  one  or  another  of  the  four  agencies  spun- 
-oi-  -wim  tournaments.  In  a  space  of  about  eight  week- 
there  will  lie  eight  ran--  one  a  week,  with  an  average 
entry  li-l  of  two  hundred  and  hft\  Ministers. 

l!i  winning  shortly  after  school  i-  di-mi-scil  for  the 
summer,  and  continuing  for  eight  week-,  the  I'o^t-lnlflli- 
^I'lii-tT  and  the  park  hoard  -pon-m  .1  -cue-  .il  swimming 
i  I.i— c-.  In-tiuclioM  is  su|KT\ised  l>\  two  roxiiifi  te.iihci- 
\\lio  \i-il  each  of  the  ritv  hi-ache-  at  lea-l  on.  c  ,i  week. 
Park  department  lifeguard*  augment  the  teaching.  \n\ 
\oiingster.  from  li\e  to  liftecii.  may  enroll  in  the  classes, 
which  an  giadcd  acconling  I"  al'ilils  and  previous  train- 
ing. \  trenicndoii-  suimmiiig  caini\.d.  with  inoie  than  -i\ 
hlindied  swimmer-  entered  in  the  twcnl\--i\  event-, 
winds  up  the  season. 

I  hi-  junior  and  -cnior  Ited  <  i  •'--  life- i\  ing  i  la— e-  fm 
tin-  more  advamcd  -\iiiiiinii-  .in  inn  otT  at  almut  the 
-.inn-  lime  a-  tin-  -w  miming  ill— e-.  |Yi-,,n-  »h..  lini-h 
the  eight  week  imii-e  go  llnoiigh  a  liiuil  te-t  invoKing 
-wiinming  with  clolhing  on.  re-<  in  pioiedme-  and  arlifi- 

i   l.ll     le-pil.llion.       !ll«.-e     who     p.l—     .lie    .IW.Ilded     lied     <    |o  — 

life«a\  ing   i  eililn   ile- 

I  he    f.imoii.    l.n-eii    Lake    Mile   >wim.    -pon-meil    \>\    the 

ille    /  itnr<   and    the   p.nk    do. ml.    i-   In  Id    in   i  ..n|un<  lion 

with  the   I'.ieiln     \oilhwe-l   Jimioi     \.\.\  .   open  ih.impion- 

-hip-.   <  onle-i.iiil-   fiom  all  of  the   l',i.  ih.    \oiihwe-t   -l.ih - 


.1 


III  I   lil.XlllIX 


journey  to  Seattle  for  the  two-day  event.  To  provide  the 
best  possible  conditions  for  the  tourney,  new  concrete 
piers  and  cement  turning  bulkheads  have  been  constructed 
at  the  site.  Standard  steel  A.A.U.  diving  equipment  is 
used. 

The  city's  high  schools  come  in  for  a  special  event  of 
their  own.  Before  school  begins  in  the  fall  each  of  the 
high  schools  enters  teams  of  swimmers  for  an  annual 
championship  meet,  co-sponsored  by  the  park  board, 
school  board  and  the  PTA.  Upwards  of  four  hundred 
boys  and  girls  compete  in  the  tournament.  The  winning 
team  carries  off  the  Seattle  park  board  trophy  for  the 
year. 

Two  community  districts.  West  Seattle  and  Rainier, 
hold  swim  meets  during  the  annual  Seafair.  These  are 
open  events,  with  awards  presented  by  the  district  com- 
mercial clubs. 

Swimming  and  diving  training  is  only  the  base  for  an 
elaborate  program  of  water-safety.  Sailing  is  an  important 
recreation  activity  in  Seattle.  There  are  probably  more 
sail  and  power  boats  per  capita  in  Seattle  than  in  any 
other  American  city.  With  available  water  space  cluttered 
by  hundreds  of  ships,  an  extensive  knowledge  of  sailing 
is.  a  requisite  for  safety.  Last  year  (1951),  the  park  de- 
partment started  two  sailing  clubs,  one  with  meeting 
headquarters  in  Rainier  fieldhouse,  the  other  at  Green 
Lake.  Instruction  is  given  at  the  department's  Leschi 
Boat  Moorage.  Youngsters  who  want  to  join  the  clubs 
must  first  know  how  to  swim.  From  then  on,  experienced 
sailors  teach  them  the  intricacies  of  handling  small  boats 
under  sail  in  all  types  of  weather. 

Those  with  a  deep  interest  in  yachting,  but  without  the 
means  to  acquire  boats,  can  join  one  of  the  model  yacht 
clubs  around  town.  There  is  a  fine  deep-water  model 
yacht  basin  at  Golden  Gardens  beach,  and  the  races  be- 


tween the  sleek  homemade  models  are  often  as  exciting  as 
those  between  expensive  sloops  and  yawls  on  Lake  Wash- 
ington. 

Seattle  is  sometimes  called  the  crew  race  capital  of  the 
world.  The  University  of  Washington  crews — 1936  Olym- 
pic and  world  champions — train  on  Lake  Washington. 
During  crew  season,  the  lake  surface  is  dotted  with  the 
slim  shells,  skittering  atop  the  water  like  giant  beetles. 

To  maintain  the  city's  high  standing  in  this  arduous 
sport,  junior  crew  clubs  have  sprung  up.  One  of  these, 
co-sponsored  by  the  park  department,  has  a  neat  little 
shellhouse  on  the  shores  of  Green  Lake.  Each  day,  scores 
of  bronzed  youngsters  dip  their  oars  into  the  water  under 
the  watchful  eyes  of  former  university  crew  members. 

Any  discussion  of  aquatic  events  in  Seattle  would  be 
incomplete  without  mention  of  fishing.  The  area  is  laced 
with  swift  mountain  streams,  ideal  breeding  grounds  for 
speckled  trout.  Puget  Sound  teems  with  steelhead  and 
king  salmon.  The  Alki  Fishing  Derby,  with  prizes  for 
the  largest  salmon  hooked,  is  a  nationally  famous  event. 
So  is  the  Alki  Kids'  Fishing  Derby,  co-sponsored  by  the 
park  department.  Children  of  ten  and  eleven  often  come  in 
off  the  water  toting  salmon  as  big  as  themselves. 

For  those  who  prefer  the  delicate  art  of  casting,  the 
department,  in  cooperation  with  the  Seattle  Times,  holds 
a  skish  bait  and  fly  casting  tournament  during  the  An- 
nual Sports  Show  in  the  civic  auditorium.  Men,  women 
and  children  cast  their  bait  or  flies  at  targets,  much  as  in 
a  rifle  competition.  Winners  of  the  various  events  are 
awarded  trophy  cups. 

Water  has  given  to  Seattle  more  than  a  booming  inter- 
national trade.  It  has  also  given  it  year-round  recreation. 
No  one  is  so  poor,  and  no  one  so  rich,  that  he  cannot 
find  release  from  daily  tensions  on  the  lake,  seawaters 
and  rivers  of  the  city. 


Swimming  instruction  is  under 
the  supervision  of  two  roving 
teachers,  who  visit  each  city 
beach  at  least  once  every  week. 


APRIL  1952 


35 


The  Photographic 
Group 


t»i»O"IMU     i  VMNC"    has    universal 
•*•     appeal.  Il's  as  common  as  rocks 

..ii  .1  hill-id. -.  ami  anvonc  can  -u>  <  <•--. 
full)  parlii  ipat.  IT-  .1-  fa-,  -mating  as 
.1  -pid.-r  -pinning  a  web.  whether  pur- 
-ued  h>  individuals  or  groups  of  any 

<  »|.|  anil  \oung  alike  ran  have  fun 
anil    n-lax      with    tin-   hobby.    \\li.-lh.-r 
VOIH    group  centers  almut    the   school, 
church,  small  neighborhood  i  luh.  s,  mil 
in.op.  id.-  "V.  -mimi.-i  .  .iiii|>.  i>r  any 

..ill. -i  .ill     •  eiit.-i.      v..ii      •  .111 

I. uilil  a  iUCCClwful  program  which  i  an 
I..  ..f  J.TI-.II  -.-ivi.  i-  I..  Miur  organi/  i 
linn  in  mnnv  v 

in  .in.-  ..f  l».-lnnl'- 
.  i.inmiin  it  v  (  eiil.-i«.  pholngiapliN 
-I. ill.-. I  when  Iwo  voting  l.'.v-  !•!.. tight 
llu  it  let  f»r  tin-  fun 

king  a  picture  <>(  a  fm-n.l  I  .ii. -i. 
.1  few  nn>rr  .  .'line  in  will)  iam.-t.i-. 
ami  tin-  informal  gel-logrther  r.-«ullril 
in  «omc  »..rk«hop  ,nli\il\.  \n  inti-lli- 
grill  .lit.-.  t»r  -polled  ihi«  anil  wa* 
.piiik  l>>  ulili/.-  ii  Hi •  propovd  thai 

Mi--  \\  I  nut  K  M  i>hi>l"i.rni>ln  in\lrn<li>r 
al  th  Hi  Ji    s.  /i.././   in    !)••!, ml. 

36 


Imilfl  a  permanent  visual  record 
of  their  work,  games  and  parlies,  lie 
equipped  a  darkroom,  asked  for  a 
\olunteer  photo  leader,  anil  the\  were 
.ill  willi  fun  and  (iliulography. 

Today,    the     \»<\*    and     ^irls     IKIU- 

eoxereil    not   only  all  acli\ilie-   \\illiin 

llie    main    n-i n-alinnal  center,   hut   are 

going    into     branch     centers    as    well. 

They  >li.">t  I. -en-age  parties,  woriuhop 

groups,  and  "gnnsnu|)"  functions,  too. 

I  lin-.    llii-    pennancnt    record      wlmli 

i-    n-cful    in    man>    ways — is   the    out- 

gioulh  of  l»o  camcia  I'liu-  coining  in 

to  take  a  simple  picture  of  tlicir  friends. 

\nd  right  (here  \<>u  have  the  secret 

of    -larting    a    -in  .  <•— fill    photo   group 

in    any    clul>    or    organization.     (  .ipi- 

lali/e     on     e\i-lenl     in|en-l.     Ix-t     the 

gioiip    ilexelop    naturalK    li\    choosing 

it-  own  olijccliM--.  (.i\e  it  a  u-eful  joh 

lo  perform.  -»  llial  people  .an  -ee  how 

iiiiportant   their  pictures  are  In  tin-  or- 

g.mi/alion.    I'loxide  onlv    the  direction 

n... ---.us    to  keep   eiillm-ia-m   and   ac- 

eoiiipli-hment  high,  and  wateh  it  grow  ! 

Main    of    llie-c    hohlix    gioup-    -I. irl 

with  a  eoiiiiiion   inlet. --t   in   ju-t   taking 

pn  lures     and     enji>\  menl     in     -haling 

-in. ill    -n.ip-linl-.   > i   -in  h    people  IK-- 

i  nine  intcrc«|ed  in  i  aniera-.  nol  ju-l 
•-ni\  .  aiin-1.1. "  lull  "MH  inn  le'-  '  aineia" 
or  "m\  I'lldiK'-  i-ameia."  Tin-  .  in  I"- 
the  -larl  of  eager  learning,  without 
..|>\i..ii-  leaching,  \\hen  .1  gang  IM-- 
gin«  I"  nolle.-  the  ditf.-i.-n.  <•-  in  <  .1111 
era«.  len««"«.  nhultrrs  and  film,  thai  is 
\.uir  '.p.-ning  \<  I ' 

I. [..lip       p. Illl.    Ip. ill. 'II       sllllllll.lt.--        in 


Irma  Webber 


terest,  but  give  the  spotlight  to 
individual.  Let  him  talk  about  his 
camera,  and  show  his  pietures.  H\  com- 
bining  tact  with  enthusiasm  at  this 
point.  \ou  can  really  start  the  ball 
rolling.  Also,  you  can  often  "-park" 
activities  li\  asking  ordinarv  ipieslions 
to  \Nhi(li  main  alrcad)  know  the-  an 
-\M-I-.  This  will  lead  to  olhcr  i)iii'-tions 
which  the  \oungsters  would  lik.  I.. 
have  answered,  but  are  often  loo  shy 
I.,  a-k.  It  put-  .-\.-rybody  on  an  equal 
plane.  The  iee  i-  broken  and  uniU  i- 
.--laMi-hed. 

One  -nee  . — fill  photo  group  leader 
uses  a  pin  hole  camera  as  a  starting 
point.  She  gives  a  demonstration  of 
how  I.,  i  on-tiuc  t  one  from  a  <  ardl'oard 
l...\.  The  excitement  in  the  group  is 
worth  watching,  espe,  iallv  after  a  pi< 
tine  i-  taken,  developed  and  printed. 

Another  leader  —  a  summer  camp 
i  oun-elor  alw.iv-  -tail-  the  fun  with 
a  bo\  lamcia.  knowing  that  most  of 
the  clan  own  one.  I  sing  a  familiar  tool 
give-  them  .1  feeling  of  sivurilv  and 
"onene—  with  their  leader.  It  helps 
di— ..lv.  anv  dividing  line  at  the  time 
of  shooting  a  picture,  loiter,  when 
print-  an-  made,  the  .  "iniselor  hopes 
ih  it  some  will  be  out  of  f...  u-.  .n  -how 
i.mieia  movement.  This  will  give  hei 
an  opporlunitv  to  illustrate  the  point 
thai  it's  the  pel-.. n  lirhiiiil  I  he  e.imeia 

wl in.   01    i  annol.   control    the   tool. 

-in.  ••    all    »f    the    camera-    u-ed    bv     the 
group  are  similar. 

I  he     e\peneines    of    this     iomi-e|..i 
pn.ve   thai    a    g....d    lead. -I    should    v\.nl 

KM  111  MIIIN 


7'A/s,  the  first  in  a  series  of  three 
articles  dealing  with  photography  as 
a  hobby,  emphasizes  its  value  as  a 
leaching  tool.  The  second  will  deal 
with  getting  an  active  photographic 
program  started,  while  the  last  will 
outline  the  "do's"  and  "don't's"  of 
photography  JOT  the  recreation  pro- 
gram leader. 


until  she  has  gained  the  confidence  and 
respect  of  the  group,  by  proving  that 
she  can  produce  with  a  simple  tool, 
before  a  more  complicated  camera  is 
introduced.  She  has  learned  that  it 
definitely  pays — up  to  and  including 
the  introduction  of  new  cameras — to 
Id  the  group  explore  the  subject  "as  a 
group."  And  it  is  best  not  to  give  the 
advanced  members  more  attention  than 
is  bestowed  upon  the  beginners. 

If  this  is  your  first  photo  group, 
you'll  find  that  different  youngsters 
will  learn  at  various  rates  of  speed. 
Some  will  be  contented  for  many  weeks 
with  just  taking  pictures.  Who  can 
deny  there  isn't  great  joy  and  satis- 
faction in  that?  Others  will  want  to 
learn,  in  a  very  short  time,  all  the 
"know-hows"  of  the  skills  involved. 

In  view  of  these  varying  interests  it 
is  important  for  the  leader  to  have  a 
definite  purpose  in  mind — in  addition 
to  having  fun.  In  small  groups  one  can 
know  the  individuals,  their  wants  or 
needs,  and  carry  them  along  at  their 
own  rate  of  speed.  When  their  interest 
in  "know  how"  becomes  apparent,  be 
ready. 

Again,  there  are  no  upper  or  lower 
levels.  Many  boys  aspire  to  be  big 
leaguers,  but  have  fun  for  years  pitch- 
ing a  ball  around,  as  they  know  they 
must  grow  up  to  accomplish  this.  A 
good  leader  will  not  expect  profes- 
sional skill  with  a  camera  in  a  few 
short  weeks.  Growth  in  skill  comes 
with  both  mental  and  physical  develop- 
ment. Good  guidance  and  sympathetic 
understanding,  plus  an  abundance  of 
enthusiasm,  can  bring  this  about.  One 
excellent  way  to  show  them  their 
growth  is  to  keep  on  file  a  record  of 
their  pictures.  On  the  back  of  each 
picture,  give  date,  title,  kind  of  camera, 
when,  where  and  why  it  was  taken. 


These  files  should  be  available  at  all 
times  for  individual  study  and  com- 
parison with  the  latest  pictures  they 
are  making. 

This  means  of  instruction  varies  a 
bit  from  some  of  the  organized  pro- 
grams planned  in  the  recreational  cen- 
ters. In  some  of  the  Scout  groups  it 
occurs  on  a  more  or  less  individual 
basis.  However,  there  are  definite 
standards  set  up.  Each  Scout  progresses 
at  his  own  rate  of  speed.  The  Scout 
who  works  for  a  merit  badge  is  given 
a  set  of  questions.  On  his  own,  he  will 
look  up  the  answers  and  must  be  able 
to  explain  and  demonstrate  what  they 
mean.  Guidance  is  given,  however,  in 
where  and  what  to  explore  for  picture 
subjects. 

One  Scout  troop  in  the  Detroit  area 
has  done  surprisingly  well  in  the  short 
time  they  have  been  working  with  a 
camera.  A  large  scrapbook  has  been 
made  and  filled  with  record  shots  of 
all  trips.  Other  snapshots  include  se- 


An  amazing  thing  you're  likely  to 
find  as  a  result  of  photo  activity  is 
how  frequently  this  hobby  will  pop  up, 
perhaps  to  overpower  another.  For 
example,  in  a  nearby  small  community 
several  families  recently  started  vying 
with  one  another  in  raising  and  dis- 
playing garden  flowers.  They  formed 
a  garden  club,  studied  flower  arrange- 
ments, even  qualified  as  judges  in  local 
and  regional  exhibits.  One  day  a 
camera  bug  sneaked  into  all  these  gar- 
dens, and  later  a  big  surprise  came 
during  a  monthly  club  meeting.  Repli- 
cas, in  color,  of  all  members'  gardens 
were  flashed  on  the  screen.  Now,  they 
have  many  black-and-white  camera  en- 
thusiasts, and  all  experiment,  working 
in  color.  Slides  are  always  a  part  of 
their  club  program.  Members  of  this 
club  never  travel  without  cameras. 
They  are  also  reaching  out  for  help 
from  professional  teachers  and  lec- 
turers, and  often  the  guest  speaker  is 
a  photographer. 


Cameras  help  make  field  trips  more  effective  and  more  memorable. 


\ 


lected  phases  of  their  home  and  social 
life.  Some  very  interesting  pictures 
show  activities  at  their  monthly  meet- 
ings when  guest  speakers  have  ap- 
peared. It  is  always  a  source  of  pride 
to  parents  when  they  attend  these 
meetings  and  see  the  book  on  display. 
The  picture,  taken  by  their  John,  is 
enjoyed  again.  Guest  speakers,  too,  are 
always  pleased  to  be  remembered  later 
with  pictures  they  receive  from  the 
Scouts. 


Another  wonderful  outgrowth  of 
photography's  application  to  a  specific 
problem  came  about  in  an  art  class. 
The  boys  and  girls  in  this  class  were 
doing  memory  sketches  of  their 
parents.  The  teacher  asked  for  snap- 
shots of  Mother  and  Dad.  The  idea 
swept  through  the  class  in  no  time.  A 
new  bulletin  board  was  set  up  for  the 
snapshot  display.  It  gave  the  teacher 
a  yardstick  for  judging  the  sketches, 
plus  some  first-hand  information  con- 


APKII.  1952 


37 


'  .-mini:  thr  parents  and  the  homes. 

But  tin-  portraits  were  only  the  be- 
ginning! "Our  house-."  "nur  neigh- 
borhood." "our  car."  and  "our  pets" 
appeared  in  HMCeeding  exhibits  on  the 
(..•aril.  The  shelter  theme  was  tackled 
iii-\i.  Tin-  led  ^indents  into  other  sec- 
tion- of  llu-  •  ilv.  to  neighborhood:-  far 
different  from  their  owit.  It  helped  de- 
velop an  awareness  of  the  many  st\le- 
in  architecture. 

I  In-  subject  of  food,  too,  was  worked 
out.  A  shot  of  Mom  shopping,  pre- 
paring the  dinner  and  sister  arranging 
the  table  were  "talking"  pictures.  l.ven 
a  trip  ti>  tin-  product-  terminals  and 
markets  was  made  and  recorded. 
Both  the  students  and  teacher  know 
now  that  it"-  a  wonderfully  alive  thing 
to  be  working  with  a  camera  instead 
•  •f  ii-ing  standard  pictures  from  a  file. 

Another  situation  where  the  camera 
was  put  to  practical  use  paid  big  divi- 
dends. One  teen-age  girl  in  an  art 
class  became  interested  in  display  ar- 
rangement. She  collected  the  art  and 
<  i.i ft  work  and  arranged  it  each  week. 
>he  often  u-ed  the  bulletin  board  as  a 
background.  Her  added  materials  were 
-i  r,i|i  p.iper.  \arn-.  -Irings.  bits  of  dis- 
carded i  lolli.  and  so  on.  She  felt  a 
sense  of  pride  over  each  finished  pro- 


duction, but  anno\anee  when  she  had 
to  dismantle  it  for  a  new  replacement. 
\\  hen  the  rest  of  the  class  took  their 
work  home  from  tin-  di-plav.  Joan  had 
nothing  left  to  show  for  her  creative 
ellorts.  The  teacher,  in  this  case,  sug- 
gested that  she  use  her  camera  to  keep 
a  record  of  her  assembled  displav.  In 
this  way  she,  too,  could  take  some- 
thing home  to  her  parents.  One  eve- 
ning on  her  way  home  she  showed  her 
pictures  in  a  gift  shop.  Recognition  of 
her  talent  was  instantaneous  on  the 
part  of  the  shopkeeper.  Here  was  a 
small  genius,  who  could  be  put  to  work 
creating  window  displays.  Joan  was 
hired  on  the  strength  of  her  snapshots. 
Again,  the  box  camera  had  come 
through. 

Getting  down  to  the  organization  of 
group  camera  work  in  adult  recreation 
centers,  some  workers  feel  that  a  com- 
pletely formal  program  is  necessary. 
In  some  instances,  such  an  approach 
woik-  MTV  well,  although  in  other 
cases  it  is  not  as  successful  as  a  more 
spontaneous  course  which  is  more 
adaptable  to  the  desires  and  objectives 
of  the  participants.  However.  since 
most  of  the  folk  who  join  a  group  will 
come  in  because  they  are  already  en- 
joying photography  as  a  hobby,  they 


can  usually  get  more  from  a  formal 
program  because  lhc\  wi-h  technical 
help  in  order  to  progress  a  hit  more 
rapidl).  Stumbling  along  alone  can  \>c 
might)  d  i -roii  raging,  and  a  good 
leader  who  has  varied  experience  can 
help  Ix'ginners  materially. 

Most  successful  VWCA  and  YMCA 
leaders  give  weekh  demonstration  les- 
-oris.  including  lessons  on  types  of 
camera-,  lenses,  shutters,  films,  de- 
velopers, papers,  contact  printing  and 
enlarging.  Some  have  a  course  on 
fillers  alone.  Others  may  devote  an  en- 
lire  term  to  Hash  photography.  As  tin- 
individual  leaders  var\.  >c>  do  the  les- 
sons and  demonstrations.  There  is  al- 
ways something  new  for  the  amateur 
to  learn. 

But  no  matter  what  your  group  or 
how  vou  start,  remember  that  one  of 
the  vital  things  about  a  hohl>\  is  it- 
fun.  Learning  is  fun.  Fun  lies  in  shar- 
ing with  others  and  in  companionship. 
\  real.  live  hohl>\.  such  a-  phologra- 
ph\.  will  account  delightfully  for  a 
surprising  amount  of  well  s|KMit  leisure 
time.  Bv  encouraging  your  group  to 
have  fun  photographically — and 
through  photograph)  to  fulfill  some 
useful  ini--iiin — the  success  of  \our 
activity  certain!)  will  lie  assured. 


Idea* 


A.  J.  Gatawakas 


5NriH».n  NKW  PLAYGROUND  ideas 
h.ive  grown  verv  rare.  Kxcepl  for 
adaptation-  .if  i  \i-ling  games  and 
.ulile.l  -,if.-|\  me, mures  applied  to 
-lid.--,  -wing.,  leet.-r-ho.ird-.  jungle 
gvrn-.  borinatal  ladders  and  bars. 
traveling  ring-,  and  no  forth,  (he  «nlv 
I  innovation  has  b.-.-n  the  .ip 
prarancr  of  a  few  modcrni-lu  .  mn  n-le 
•true  tur.--  .  ontiMing  of  strp».  ramps 
and  tunnel-. 

ll.-rr  are  a  few  idra.«  for  po««il.|r 
furlhrr  appraisal  anil  exploration: 

It  ha»  al»nv«  required  two  plaver- 
lo  nprratr  a  teeter-totter.  A  »illglr 
lx>ard  mounted  on  a  fulcrum  involving 

\i  nnm  «  mm  inihV SO  in  California. 


a  tension  principle  would  permit  a  sin- 
gle person  to  teeter  up  and  down.  In- 
clusion of  a  swivel  base  would  .ill<>\\ 
not  onlv  vertical  movement  but  also 
u  circular  motion,  and  could  prohahlv 
v.-iv  aptly  be  called  a  "teeter  round." 

I'-v.  ho|ogi-l-  often  u -e  a  .lev  ii  e 
known  as  a  "maze"  in  their  -limuln-- 
re-pun-e  .mil  learning  te-t-  with  -m.ill 
animal-.  A  durable  plnv  ground 
four  or  live  feel  in  height,  would  pro 
vide  the  elemenl-  of  -uspcnse.  adven- 
ture, -urpri-e  and  molor-arliv  ilv .  and 
stimulate  (he  imagination  of  the -mailer 
children,  \n  obtcrvittiofl  platform 
could  IK-  ere.  ted  t.,  ..in-  -id.  ,,f  -uch  a 
-Inn  lure  to  |M-rtnil  plav  lenders  to 
-u|»-rvi-e  .niivitv  within  the  maze. 


Often  grassy  play  areas  are  too  hard 
and  solid  to  permit  children  to  indulge 
fully  their  natural  inclination  to  r»ll 
and  tumble  around.  Why  not  have  an 
.in-. i  -et  a-ide  as  a  "natural  tumbling 
mat."  built  up  and  -ceded  like  the 
gie.-ns  on  a  golf  courw?  This  could 
in.  hide  an  incline  or  hill,  to  allow 
them  to  roll  lo  (heir  hearts  content 
without  fear  of  a<  cumulating  luimp- 
.ind  bi nines. 

(  liildren  h.ive  aluav-  loved  to  *wing 
— whether  on  a  standard  seat  swing 
or  »n  a  garden  gale.  I  he  .  .•n-triirlion 
of  a  !>w  ing-gale  device,  patter  ned  after 
an  ordinarv  gale,  i  mild  .illmd  small 
i -bildren  a-  rniii  h  plea-lire  a-  -winging 
on  an  old-fa-hioned  gale. 


;.; 


l(l  i  I1KATION 


SUGGESTION 
BOX 


NOTICE! 

We  strongly  urge  all  recreation 
departments  to  establish  a  new  poli- 
cy, if  they  are  not  already  practicing 
this  suggestion.  On  all  reports  and 
bulletins,  include  the  name  of  your 
state,  as  well  as  the  name  oj  your 
city  or  county.  As  many  as  six  or 
eight  states  may  have  a  city  or 
county  with  the  same  name.  It  is 
sometimes  impossible  to  determine 
from  what  locality  a  report  comes, 
unless  the  name  of  the  state  also  is 
clearly  printed — preferably  on  the 
first  or  second  page. 


Prizes  Can  Be  Fun 

From  Harry  D.  Edgren,  professor  of 
recreation  at  George  Williams  College 
in  Chicago.  Illinois,  we  have  received 
sonic  original  ideas  for  making  your 
own  prizes.  They  are  the  kind  which 
can  be  fashioned  from  the  cast  off 
materials  usually  found  around  the 
home  or  the  office.  You  can  think  of 
any  number  of  other  ideas  to  fit  the 
mood  of  the  occasion  or  the  personali- 
ties of  your  guests. 

1.  Loving  Cups 

a.  Miniature  cup  made  from  thimble, 
man's  collar  button,  ami  safety  pins. 

h.  Milk  bottle,  coffee  cup,  pipe  cleaner 
covered  witb  tin  foil. 

2.  Ribbons 

Ribbons  with  medallion  made  from  coke 
bottle  cap.  one-half  egg  shell,  a  prune,  or 
a  kernel  of  popcorn. 

3.  Cream  of  the  Crop 

Milk  bottle  top,  with  match  box  for  rib- 
bon. 

4.  l.ucky   Strike 

Top  of  can.  Lucky  Strike  cigarette  wrap- 
per, and  colored  paper. 

5.  Volleyball  Champ  Spiker 

Wooden  plank  with  colored  railroad  spike. 

APRIL  1952 


6.  Screwball 

A  colored  steel  screw  with  wooden  bail. 

7.  Golf  King 

Golf  ball  with  painted  face  and  golf  lees 

for  crown. 
3.  Dead  Eye  Willie 

Ping   pong    ball    for   head,    pipe   cleaners 

for  body  and  rubber  ball  in  hands. 
9.  Booby  and  Grand  Prize 

Smiling  and  sorrowing  faces  on  acorns. 

Inspiring  Publication 

Under  the  sponsorship  of  the  Evans- 
ton,  Illinois  recreation  department  the 
Smi>hine  Club  publishes  the  Arm 
Chair  Sentinel.  We  are  reprinting  an 
item  from  their  January  -  February 
1951  issue  because  other  cities  with 
similar  needs  may  feel  encouraged  to 
start,  or  start  again,  a  creative  pro- 
pram  for  shut-ins. 

Why  an  Arm  Chair  Sentinel? 

We  of  the  Sentinel  would  like  to 
point  out  that  this  issue  marks  the 
beginning  of  this  magazine's  fifteenth 
year.  We  think  this  is  quite  a  credita- 
ble, record  for  a  magazine  of  this  type, 
as  many  of  them  have  a  tendency  to 
"blink  out"  with  discouraging  fre- 
quency. 

The  Sentinel  has  three  main  reasons 
for  being:  1.  To  bring  a  bit  of  cheer 
and  entertainment  into  the  dull  and 
lonesome  lives  of  its  readers.  2.  To  dis- 
seminate information  about  the  'do- 
ings' of  the  Sunshine  Club  and  its 
members.  3.  To  serve  as  an  outlet  for 
the  literary  efforts  of  its  readers,  to 
give  them  that  feeling  of  successful  ac- 
complishment which  shut-ins,  more 
than  others,  need  so  much. 


We    suggest    that    an    acquaintance 
with   this  little   publication   might   be 


helpful,  even  to  the  hale  and  hearty. 
It  has  a  quality  of  light-heartedness 
and  inspiration  which  could  serve  as 
a  pattern  for  others. 

Citizenship  Dramatized 

Do  you  need  a  one-act  play  that  is 
fun  to  do,  but  still  carries  a  message 
about  the  importance  of  taking  part  in 
civic  affairs?  Then  order  a  copy  of 
Our  Way,  Leaflet  6,  Series  17,  issued 
by  The  Country  Gentlewoman  League, 
Curtis  Publishing  Company,  Inde- 
pendence Square,  Philadelphia  5,  Penn- 
sylvania. No  royalty  required  if  credit 
is  given.  Copies  five  cents  each.  It's 
good,  particularly  for  small  and  rural 
communities! 

Knee  Pads 

For  around  three  dollars  rubber 
knee  pads  can  be  purchased  by  gar- 
deners and  others  doing  "kneeling" 
work.  However,  Charles  Dorian  of 
Sudbury,  Ontario,  Canada  suggests  a 
way  to  make  your  own  from  cast-off 
galoshes.  Trim  the  cloth  down  to  the 
rubber  toe  and  heel,  leaving  cloth  flaps 
to  be  fastened  at  the  back  with  the 
dome  fasteners.  Or,  the  dome  fasteners 
can  be  replaced  by  hooks  and  eyes, 
and  thick  felt  pads  can  be  glued  to  the 
insoles  for  greater  comfort.  They  are 
worn  with  the  knee  in  the  heel  of  the 
galosh  and  the  rest  of  the  sole  fitting 
over  the  shin. 

May  Baskets 

Wouldn't  it  be  fun  to 
hang  a  little  umbrella 
full  of  flowers  on  your 
friend's  door  knob? 

To  make  the  um- 
brella, begin  with  a  cir- 
cle of  paper,  six  inches  across,  and  a 
pipe  cleaner  for  the  handle.  Fold  the 
circle  across  once,  then  once  again. 
Now  fold  it  diagonally,  making  a  pa- 
per triangle  with  a  rounded  top.  Cut 
the  top  into  a  hollowed  line,  like  the 
above  illustration.  Punch  a  hole  at 
each  side  for  a  ribbon  or  cord,  which 
should  be  laced  through  all  the  holes 
and  tied.  This  holds  the  umbrella 
closed.  Poke  the  handle  down  through 
the  center  and  bend  its  lower  end  up  a 
bit  to  keep  the  paper  from  slipping  off. 
Other  types  of  May  baskets  can  easily 
be  designed,  also. — From  a  News  Bul- 
letin. 


39 


Let's  Have 


A  s  \m  I.T-  I.IHIK  li\<  K  In  their  child- 
•*"*•  hood  and  x.nith.  there  arr  ecitain 
high  occasions  which  stand  out  in 

memorx .  Some  teacher-  .mil   leaden 
an-  well  remembered,  while  Mores  of 

olhcrs  haxe  long  -imc   II.-.-M   forgotten. 
Mthough  we  (lid  nol  know  it  at  tin- 
nine,    thi-    "in--    wr    rememln-i     IH--I 
li-.iili.t-.   i. imp   .  oiiii-«-|or-   .mil    re.  ica- 
lion     worker-      were    all    examples    of 

u I  leadership.   Ih.-x   max  ha\i-  IM-CH 

re*pon>il>lc  for  snme  nf  the  high 

..r  ihc\  may  have  been  people 
We  rnj.ixi-d  I..-IMU  with  and  didn't 
P. ill/.-  until  later  how  much  \M-  li.ul 
Icarnrd  fn.ni  lli.-in.  Without  I-M  .-|ili<.n. 
ll|r\  Wetc  ill.-  I. lit",  who  alwax-  It'.llr.l 
ii-  with  coiirl<--\.  liniiiiil  .mil  inid.-i 
Mantling. 

l/radi-r«  on  |..d.i\  -  pl.ixginund-  will 
•  mruilMTril    lix     \  niing«tcr«    main 


MlSS    |!\IMM'»    iriiiniinrniliilintu    rr- 
»ult  from  hrr  tnnn\ 

Mf  I    Kalhrrinr    f.    llnrkrr    Mrmnriiil 
t'lflii  U  ninrn  anil  (,irlt. 

40 


years  hence  or  they  will  have  joined 
(In-  parade  of  the  forgotten  ones. 
\\  liii-li  »ill  it  be? 

Are  lh«->  planning  MUIH-  of  tin-  good 
linn--  which  will  always  stand  mil? 
Will  tlli-v  lie  lememliered  ln-can-i-  .if 
their  per.woiKilitie-  and  he.  an-.-  lh.-\ 
rri-aled  thai  lirsl  interest  in  something 
whieh  carried  over  nian\  \.-ar-  into 
the  future? 

I  lu-sc  are  a  few  .|iie-lions  which 
make  llie  juli  of  a  |)la\  ground  leader 
an  imp.. it, ml  mi..  Much  ha-  |.een  writ- 
I.  -n  .iliiuit  (In-  i|  ii.i  I  i  f  jcal  ion-  fm  a 
worker  on  a  |ila\giound.  All  of  them 
in  1 1  in  and  all  of  them  are  good. 

Much  has  IM-CII  written  al-o  ahoul 
jilayground  programs  and  the  i  in 

pf.ll.inie  "f  -p.-i  l.ll  .-\cnl-.  I'd  like  lo 
make  a  plea  for  the  da\  !••  d.n  pi..- 

V'ain-.  i I  of  whi.h  -Imiild   )„•  much 

n.  her  than  ihry  are.  I'd  like  lo  make 
a  plea,  ton,  fur  llu-  I\|M-  of  |M-r«on  who 
M  a  real  leader  not  a  -.pml-  per 
former  or  an  allracli\.  M.ung  man  or 
WHIM. in  iiii-r.-U  looking  for  Mimtner 
emplo)  in. ni. 


On  a  typical  playground  there  are 
l>o\s  and  girls  of  many  age  groups 
and  from  many  I\|M-S  of  homes  and 
l>aekgrounds.  They  are  all  there  be- 
cause they  have  chosen  to  come  and 
l>i-caii-e  lhe\  are  hoping  there  will  IK- 
lomeming  interesting  going  on.  Their 
need-,  their  abilities  and  their  inlci.--t- 
show  tremendous  dillerences.  It  is  m> 
small  task  for  leaders  to  meet  this 
situation  successfully. 

It  rei|iiire-  a  knowledge  of  child  de- 
\c|opmenl  and  a  recognition  of  child 
differences  In-fore  program  aclivilic- 
ean  he  planned.  Working  with  cliililn-n 
in  a  group  rather  than  with  a  grou\>  of 
children  is  nol  onl\  dc-italile.  Iml  im- 
peralixe.  There'-  a  l>ig  dilference  he 
I  ween  the  two! 

When  this  method  i-  used,  ihr  Ic.nlci 

lie. •-  aware   of   the  child    who   does 

not  participate  or  who  is  u,,\  success- 
ful in  attaining  acceptance  l>\  the 
group,  and  take-  >t.-p»  to  reined \  it. 
If  lie  do.--  Mol.  that  child  stop,  coming 
to  the  pla\ground.  or  if  he  conlinnes 

I me.    he    pin|>alil\     lie.  oinc-    a    IH-- 

li.ivim    juolilcm. 

Mlhoiigh  games  are  an  important 
I'. ill  of  tin-  playground  da\.  nianv  chil- 
dren who  attend  do  not  have  the  l..i-i. 
-kill-  which  are  essential  to  the  enjox- 
ni. -lit  of  anx  game.  The  child  who  can- 
not throw,  jump,  dodge  or  -lop  a  hall 
with  some  degne  of  -kill  will  no)  haxc 
a  xcix  jolh  time  plaxing  dodgclull. 

If    the    rules    of    xolle\|,all    are    iml 

undeistooil.  and  i ne  has  taught  the 

xoungsler  how  to  *<  i  \  c  ,.r   h»w   lo  con- 

I!)  i  IH  xin IN 


Helen  M.  Dauncey 


More  Play  On  Playgrounds 


trol  the  ball,  why  should  he  lose  face 
with  his  friends  by  being  the  dub  on 
the  team?  It  is  easier  in  either  case 
to  say,  "I  don't  want  to  play,"  or  "I 
don't  like  games." 

Although  it  is  most  desirable  to 
have  plenty  of  play  equipment  on  a 
playground  —  balls,  bats,  bean  bags, 
jackstones,  checkers,  deck  tennis  rings, 
paddles,  quoits,  box  hockey,  croquet, 
craft  material,  and  so  on — it  becomes 
a  tool  for  effective  learning  only  if  it  is 
identified  with  a  good  teaching  situa- 
tion and  associated  with  a  feeling  of 
success  and  achievement  for  the  in- 
dividual. It  is  too  easy  to  pass  out 
equipment  to  children  day  after  day 
with  the  result  that  at  the  end  of  the 
summer,  they  know  no  more  about 
how  to  use  it  than  they  did  on  opening 
day. 

It  is  not  surprising  that  many  chil- 
dren come  to  a  playground,  use  a  few 
pieces  of  play  apparatus,  perhaps  make 
a  craft  article  and  then  disappear  for 
the  rest  of  the  day,  unless  a  special 
event  is  being  planned  to  lure  them. 
Special  events  are  fun.  but  they  are 
not  substitutes  for  good,  day-by-day 
programs.  Too  much  cake  spoils  the 
appetite  for  bread! 

"Choice"  is  the  key  word  in  recrea- 
tion, but  it  presupposes  a  nodding  ac- 
quaintance with  several  types  of  ac- 
tivities before  selection  is  made.  A 
playground  must  never  be  regimented, 
but,  with  skilled  direction,  much  of 
the  dailv  program  can  be  changed 
from  aimless  activity  to  one  of  pur- 

\PKII.   1052 


pose,  progression  and  pleasure  for  all 
concerned. 

Any  child  who,  at  the  end  of  the 
playground  season,  has  not  learned 
many  new  games  (quiet,  active,  group, 
individual  or  team)  which  he  has  en- 
joyed at  his  own  level  of  performance, 
has  been  cheated. 

If  a  child  has  not  been  given  the 
opportunity  to  experiment  with  some 
new  things  in  crafts,  drama,  music, 
storytelling,  being  in  a  tournament, 
serving  on  a  committee,  helping  to  plan 
events  and  feeling  responsibility  for 
the  success  of  his  playground — then 
the  summer  program  has  failed  him. 

If  the  leaders  have  not  learned  to 
know  which  children  need  help  in 
making  an  individual,  as  well  as  a 
group,  success — they  have  failed  in 
their  most  important  responsibility. 

It  is  essential  that  a  playground 
leader,  like  any  good  workman,  have 
lots  of  good  activity  materials  at  his 
fingertips,  for  those  are  his 
tools.  In  the  brief  span  of  time 
available  for  training,  just  ^ 
prior  to  the  opening  of  the  pro- 
gram, too  much  time  often  has 
to  be  spent  on  giving  material 
which  a  leader  should  know  be-  -? 
fore  he  makes  application  for 
the  job.  More  time  is  needed 
for  methods  and  techniques  of 
using  what  he  may  know  and 
more  time  for  discussion  of  ways  in 
which  the  child  may  be  helped  to 
grow. 

In   this  day  of  gun-toting  and  cow- 


boy jargon  perhaps  it  is  too  much  to 
expect,  but  it  does  seem  unfortunate 
that  youngsters  are  not  familiar  with 
many  of  the  games  that  are  part  of 
their  heritage.  The  traditional  singing 
games  for  little  children  should  al- 
ways be  part  of  the  summer  program, 
and  the  time-honored  Prisoners'  Base, 
Run  Sheep  Run,  Duck  on  the  Rock, 
Blind  Man's  Buff  and  Still  Pond  and 
No  More  Moving  should  be  passed 
along  to  this  generation  of  boys  and 
girls. 

By  all  means,  have  surprises,  special 
events,  community  nights  and  all  the 
other  wonderful  things  which  go  into 
the  making  of  a  good  playground  pro- 
gram, but  meanwhile,  be  sure  that  the 
day-to-day  activities  are  interesting, 
appealing  and  meaningful  to  the  boys 
and  girls. 

Be  very  sure  that  no  children  leave 
the  playground  because  they  just  don't 
have  a  good  time  there! 


"The  more  good  things  we  are  interested  in, 
the  more  ardently  we  live." — Francis  Bacon. 

41 


Training 

Playground 
Leaders 


W.  C.  Sutherland 


TIMIMM.  pla\ ground  leaders  is  not  a  minor  problem  or 
a    fund  ion    Io    be    taken    lightly.    The    playgrounds    of 
\merica  provide  the  major  centers  for  the  play  life  of  a 
large   portion   of   the   tuition"-   child   and   udult   population. 
and  play  an  important  part   in  tin-  -Imping  of  our  future 

i  ili/en-. 

The  -i/e  .mil  importance  of  the  training  prohlem  be- 
Ot  clearer  when  .me  i  oti-iders  th.il  la-t  -mniner  nearly 
four  million  visits  were  made  each  day  to  the  playgrounds. 
'I  he  m.ijorilv  of  nearlv  fifteen  thousand  playgrounds  were 
under  leadership.  Training  institutes  for  lenders  prior 
to  the  o|>emiii:  of  (he  play ground  season  are  considered 
essential  for  a  successful  program. 

'(here  i-  n<>  -i.o  .In. I  training  program  that  nan  meet 
adei|ualel\  the  requirements  of  all  conmmnilii-.  Not  only 
do  roininiiiiilie-  \.it\  iii  -i/i-.  f.icililie-.  te-oiirers  and 
char. I-  lei  i-hi  -.  Iml  the  I\JM-  of  leadership  availaMc  for 
-iimmer  |.l.u  fioimd  work  nun  \,u\  «  on-ideralil\  among 

Ihi-ie  .ire.  h'.wever.  a  mimiHT  of  publications  which 
havr  Iwrn  found  helpful  h\  those  intrrmled  in  training 

\\  .  I   .  »i   r  III  III  \Mi  M  in  i  IIIHL:'-  <>l   N  /•'  ••nnrlSn- 


their  playground  leaders.  Probably  the  best  known,  and 
most  widely  used,  are  prepared  by  the  National  Recre- 
ation Association  and  include  those  suggested  below: 

Training  Your  Playground  Leaders.  An  institute  syllabus  for  the 
training  of  playground  leaders,  which  contains  suggestions  for 
organizing  and  conducting  an  institute,  with  comprehensive  bibli- 
ography. 1.35. 

Playgrounds  -Their  Administration  and  Operation.  A  compre- 
hensive guide  for  the  use  of  the  playground  executive  and  the 
worker  on  the  individual  playground,  this  is  used  widely  as  a 
text  (revised  edition  1950).  $4.00. 

I'luy  ground  Summer  .\Htrhi>tik  t«.-K.  w.,-kl\  i— in-,  during  the 
summer.  $1.50. 

Conduct  on  Playgrounds.  Practical  suggestions  for  leader-hip, 
activities,  program  planning,  administration,  equipment  and  sup- 
plies. $.50. 

Many  cities  use  the  association's  specialists  in  the  train- 
ing of  playground  leaders.  These  specialists  have  suggested 
the  following  outline  for  a  playground  training  course, 
presented  in  two-and-one-half-hour  naskuM,  which  has 
been  acceptable  in  many  places: 

Session  I — Discussion:  Playground  Goals  and  Objec- 
tives; The  Job  of  a  Play  Leader.  Activities:  Low-organized 
games — group,  line,  circle. 

Session  II — Discussion:  Planning  a  Well-Rounded  Pro- 
gram for  All  Age  Groups:  Leadership  Methods:  Play- 
ground Problems. 

Session  III — Discussion:  Special  Events  on  the  Play- 
ground; Using  Volunteers;  Publicity  Aciirities:  Rhyth- 
mic Games  for  Children;  Quiet  Games  for  Hot  Days  or 
Rainy  Days;  Active  Group  Gann-. 

Session  IV — Dixfiissiiin:  Neighborhood  Relations;  Com- 
munity Nights;  Question  Box.  Activities:  Team  Games. 
Games  for  the  Whole  Family;  Square  Dances  and  Couple 
Mixers. 

The  following  three-day  and  five-day  institute  programs 
were  conducted  last  season  in  Westi  lic-ter  Counly.  New 
York,  and  in  Hutchinson,  Kansas. 

Thn-i'-i/in  institute  under  the  auspices  of  the  \\ V-ldi, -t, -r 
('minty,  New  York  Recreation  Commission  and  Recreation 

I.  \eculi\e-    \— 111  -iulion: 


Tue-da>.  June  2fi.    1'<.~,I 

'i:L'n    'I;. Ml    \.M.  Fun   willi    \1ii-n    and    Dancing  on   the   Play- 
ground. 
.      9:30-10:00  A.M.   Playground    Goals    Age   Characteristic*   and 

A.tmtir-   for   each  age   group. 
10:00-10:30  A.M.   Playground   Activilie.  an. I   H.-inc.n.lration  for 

the  Pr<-.«chool  group. 
HI:.TI»  III:  III    \.\I.    liilennii'inn 

10:40- 12:00  Noon    Plavground      \i-li\ili.-.     and     I  leinmi-lralion* 
for    the    following    age    groups:    6-8   years; 
''  II   year«:    11-14  yearn. 
12:00-12:*i   I'M     Management     «.(    thr     Playground.    <"m- 

KI|III|>IMI  in.  I  JHiperalicm  with  Mainienance 
Staff. 

\Vedne-d.l\.    Jin: 

9:20    ''Hi    \M     Kim    willi    Mu-n    an. I    Dam-ing  on   the   Play- 
ground 

in    ,n    \  \|     \,i.    ,,n. I    «  ia(l-    f«-r    the    I'layground 

in   Wl  II   INI    \.\|.   Inieriiii— inn 

H.fHIII    to    \M    -af.-n   ..n  the  PUycround 

II  M.I  '..i  oilier  Pla\grnund  \rimtir-  in 

i-liidmi:  Naini.  i  i  ill-,  (rail  Nunt«.  Imlian 
Crad-.  l'np|..lv  Making  Mu-ical  ln«lrmnrnl«. 

I  liur-.l.n.   lune  28 

9:20-  9:30  A.M.  Kun  with  Mu«ic  and   Dancing  on  thr   Play- 
ground. 

Hi  (  HI   MHiN 


9:30-10:30  A.M.  Planning  the  Playground  Program  (daily, 
weekly,  seasonal)  ;  Leadership  Methods  and 
Techniques,  Schedule  Making,  Playground 
Problems. 

10:30-11:20  A.M.  Special  Events  for  the  Playground;  Use  of 
Volunteers. 

11:20-11:30  A.M.  Intermission 

11:30-12:30  A.M.  Public  Relations  in  the  Neighborhood  of  the 
Playground  —  Community  Nights,  Question 
Box. 

Five-day  institute  conducted  by  the  Recreation  Commis- 
sion, Hutchinson,  Kansas: 

Monday.  June  4.  1951 

8:30-  8:45  A.M.  Registration 
8:45-  9:00  A.M.  Opening  Proceedings 
9:00-  9:45  A.M.  Playground  Programs 
9:50-10:35  A.M.  Musical  Games  and  Mixers 
10:40-11:30  A.M.  Group  Contests 
1 :00-  1 :45  P.M.  Womens   and   Girls   Programs 
1:50-  2:35  P.M.  Active  Games  for  Young  and  Old 
2:40-  2:55  P.M.  Playground  Crafts 
3:00-  5:00  P.M.  "Craft  Work  Shop" 

Tuesday,  June  5 

9:00-  9:35  A.M.  Playground  Manual 

9:30-10:10  A.M.  Musical  Games  and  Mixers 
10:15-10:40  A.M.  Storytelling 
10:45-11:30  A.M.  Group  Contests 

1 :00-  1 :45  P.M.  Quiet  Games  for  Young  and  Old 

1:50-  2:50  P.M.  Stunts  and  Fun  Songs 

3:00-  5:00  P.M.  "Craft  Work  Shop" 

Wednesday,  June  6 

9:00-  9:25  A.M.  Program  Content 
9:30-10:10  A.M.  Circle  Games  and  Relays 
10:15-11:30  A.M.  Athletic  Games  and  Sports 
1:00-  1:45  P.M.  Games  for  Hot  Weather  and  Rainy  Days 
1:50-  2:50  P.M.  Co-Recreation  and  Family  Recreation 
3:00-  5:00  P.M.  "Craft  Work  Shop" 

Thursday,  June  7 

9:00-  9:25  A.M.  Reports  and  Questions 

9:30-10:10  A.M.  Games  for  Individuals  and   Small   Groups 
10:15-11:00  A.M.  Folk  Games  and  Folk  Dances 
11:00-11:30  A.M.  Planning  for  All  Ages 

1:00-  1:30  P.M.  Special  Event  Planning 

1:30-  2:10  P.M.  Active  Games 

2:15-  2:55  P.M.  Leadership  Advice 

3:00-  5:00  P.M.  "Craft  Work  Shop" 

Friday,  June  8 

9:00-  9:30  A.M.  Registration  and  Reports 

9:30-10:00  A.M.  Athletic  Game  Schedules 
10:00-10.30  A.M.  Equipment  and  Supplies 
10:30-11:00  A.M.  Arts  and  Crafts  Program 
11:00-11:30  A.M.  Administrative  Papers  and  Payroll 

1 :00-  1 :30  P.M.  Special  Event  Days 

1:30-  2:00  P.M.  Final    Instructions 

2:00-  3:00  P.M.  Games  and  Sports 

3:00-  5:00  P.M.  "Craft  Work  Shop" 

It  is  not  possible  to  prepare  a  person  adequately  for 
playground  leadership  in  a  single  institute  lasting  for  only 
a  few  days.  It  is  hoped,  however,  that  most  of  those  at- 
tending will  have  had  some  previous  playground  ex- 
perience and  special  training  in  high  school  or  college. 
Also,  those  selected  for  positions  should  have  acceptable 
social  attitudes-  and  be  personally  desirable  and  profes- 
sionally promising.  Many  of  our  future  full-time  profes- 
sional leaders  should  be  recruited  from  among  these  sum- 
mer workers. 

Because  the  institute  training  is  all  too  short,  it  should 
be  followed  by  in-service  training  throughout  the  sum- 
mer in  the  form  of  staff  meetings,  interviews,  leaders'  con- 
ferences, close  supervision,  directed  reading. 

Milwaukee,  Wisconsin,  in  addition  to  the  institute,  con- 
ducted before  the  playgrounds  open,  holds  Saturday  morn- 
ing classes  of  three  hours  each  week  throughout  the  season. 
Many  cities  hold  staff  meetings  on  Saturday  mornings,  or 


on  Monday  evenings. 

In  addition  to  the  wise  selection  of  the  right  people, 
another  matter  which  is  closely  related  and  should  receive 
careful  consideration,  has  to  do  with  establishing  condi- 
tions that  will  tend  to  hold  good  workers  after  they  are 
trained.  There  is  little  gain  in  training  leaders  only  to  lose 
them  to  more  lucrative  positions  in  business,  industry  and 
other  professional  fields.  Turnover  is  costly  and  it  is 
doubtful  if  private  concerns  could  stay  in  business  with 
the  rate  of  turnover  that  takes  place  in  some  of  our  public 
recreation  departments. 

Summer  positions  should  be  paid  fairly  and  adequately 
if  we  expect  to  attract  and  hold  the  type  of  leadership 
children  deserve.  Not  only  fair  salaries  but  other  factors 
are  important  and  make  for  satisfied  workers  with  good 
attitudes  and  high  morale.  Workers  want  good  supervision, ' 
reasonable  hours,  recognition  as  individuals,  a  feeling  of 
acceptance  as  professional  members  of  the  recreation 
team;  workers  want  to  feel  that  they  are  doing  something 
important  and  socially  useful;  they  want  to  have  respect 
for  the  executive  and  the  department  for  which  they  work. 
Securing,  developing  and  holding  the  best  leadership  pos- 
sible is  second  to  no  other  consideration.  Unless  a  city 


LAI 


wishes  to  accept  a  standard  of  leadership  and  service  much 
less  than  the  best,  it  must: 

1.  Select  wisely  and  only  those  who  are  professionally 
apt  and  personally  desirable. 

2.  Provide  the  best  training  possible. 

3.  Establish  personnel  policies  and  practices  that  make 
for  desirable  and  acceptable  conditions  of  work. 


A  Challenging  Career 

To  college  trained  women  who  believe  that  work  with  the 
youth  of  our  country  is  a  challenging  responsibility,  the 
Camp  Fire  Girls  organization  offers  opportunities  for  an 
interesting  and  satisfying  career. 

Throughout  the  United  States  there  are  more  than  three 
hundred  sixty  thousand  Camp  Fire  Girls  between  the  ages 
of  seven  and  eighteen.  To  the  administration  of  this  pro- 
gram the  professional  worker  must  bring  a  sincere  interest 
in  people.  She  helps  to  obtain,  train  and  supervise  volun- 
teer leaders.  She  works  with  local  board  members,  coun- 
cil committees  and  community  leaders.  The  direction  of  a 
summer  camp  is  often  her  responsibility.  In  every  aspect 
of  the  job  there  is  opportunity  for  creative  thinking,  origi- 
nality and  initiative,  a  challenge  to  be  met. 


APRIL  1952 


43 


Thf  Recreation  Personnel  Scrv  ice  of 
National  Recreation  Association  i-  the 
national  central  clearinghouse  fur 
prospective  employers  in  need  of  rec- 
reation personnel  ami  for  professional- 
ly prepared  candidates  seeking  re<  rea- 
timi  portions.  Its  purpose  is  to  serve 
ition  agencies.  pro-|H'clive  em- 
ployers, and  professional  leaders  in  the 
interest  of  extending  and  enriching  the 
recreation  movement. 

How  It  Functions 

Its  statT  of  three,  together  with  steno- 
graphic and  clerical  assistance,  works 
throughout    the    year    recruiting 
Iccting.  classifying  and  placing  recrea- 
tion  workers.   It   provides   specialized 


cumulative  record  up  to  date  and  ac- 
curate. 

Guidance,  counseling,  and  response 
to  inquiries  regarding  professional  op- 
portunities, sources  of  training.  t\  pr- 
of positions,  joli  requirements  and 
worker  qualifications,  salaries  and 
working  conditions  are  supplementary 
scrvi' 

For  Communilii's-  Park  and  recrea- 
tion departments,  hospitals.  in-tilu- 
tions,  voluntary  agencies.  ci\il  service 
commissions,  industries  and  the  armed 
services  turn  to  Recreation  Personnel 
Service  for  consultation  and  advice  on 
personnel  standards,  policies  and  prac- 
tices, procedures  in  recruiting,  selec- 
tion and  placement  of  recreation  per- 


wide  publicity  is  desirable  and  requests 
are  submitted  in  advance.  Jo|>  notices 
are  then  publicized  through  our  various 
mailing  channel-. 

For  Colleges.  Thea— ociation  j«  keep- 
ing in  touch  with  colleges  and  uni- 
versities and  continues  to  provide  op- 
portunities for  their  graduate-  to  regi- 
ler  for  |MTsom>el  ser\  ice.  I'ei-onal 
\i-il-  are  made  to  schools  for  the  pur- 
pose of  interviewing  -indents  and  ad- 
vising them  with  reference  to  the  field. 
I  diversities  are  assisted  with  prob- 
lems related  to  their  recreation  cur- 
rii  nlurns  and  the  National  Recreation 
Congress  programs  include  college 
training  sessions.  The  schools  are  kept 
informed  regarding  the  demand  for 


fVf •tMHinct  Services  of  the  NATIONAL 


-Mie-    to   the   prof.-— ional    |H-op|e    in 
the  held  and  to  the  communities,  agen- 
,ind  executives  who  employ  them. 

For  Career  Workers — An  opportuni- 
Iv  i-  o  Me  red  to  the  individual  to  regis- 
ter as  a  professional  worker  in  the 
ition  field.  This  registration  as- 
-iire,  e.if  h  person  that  if  he  wi-ln--. 
hi-  profe— ional  rerord  uill  1K;  main- 
tained at  National  l!ci  realion  .\s-oi  ra- 
tion h«-.i«li|iiaili-r-.  I  In-  origiii.il  r< -gi- 
tration  i-  il.me  on  a  standard  pcr-onrn-l 
form  which  i-  ,rl-o  adapted  for  use  in 
•unit  serv  n  c. 

A»  each  person  regi-ler-.  he  is  clas- 
-ihc.l  .iiiordmg  lo  edne.iliori.  cxpcri- 
i-nie.  -kill-,  and  position-  de-ired. 
I'efci. me.  ,IM-  .11 1  umiilaled  with  the 
•  .indiilali  •'.  |MTiiii-sion  and  filed  for 
iimi.idi.il.-  or  future  u-f.  I  In-  iii-inc- 
thal  a  •  omplele  -el  of  credential-  with 
in  e.  can  I..-  riiiide  available  to 
cmplovcr.  without  delav  when  the  ap 
pin  .ml  de»ne.  a  new  p.. -id. .11  >in  h 
Information  i-  rnadr  avail. idle  with  the 
i  .indnl.ile  -  per  mi-- ion  arid  in  ac- 

•ii  e      with       Ili-      Wi-«he«.       I'.llodi. 

check-up  questionnaire*    in. ike    it   easy 

for    worker-    in    (he    held    |..    k.-.-p    llie 

rmm.VM>  it  Ihr  ,lirr,l,,i   ,>l  ill. 
Hi, m   r>-tM>nn,-l  >.v,  i. .-  ,./    \  A1  | 


-oiinel.  \dditional  information  is 
available  on  salary  schedules,  qualifi- 
'cations  for  workers,  job  specification-, 
working  conditions  in  the  field,  and 
in-service  training  opportunities  for 
paid  and  volunteer  \\orker-. 

The  central  |H-rsonnel  service  main- 
tains a  con-iarillv  changing  pool  of 
people  qualified  for  and  intercsled  in 
recreation  positions  of  many  tv|»es  in 
all  geographical  areas  of  the  countrv. 
Employer*  may  draw  from  this  group 
and  l!ei  ic.iiion  I'er-onnel  Service  will 
.mil  -elect  indiv  iduals  in  one  of 
four  wav-: 

1.  \   carefulK    x-lecleil   group   mav    \><- 
<•lio.cn    and    their   confidentinl   creden- 
tials silbrnilteil   to   the   einploving  agCII- 

iv     <  Candidates    may    or    mav    not    l«- 

in. tilled,  depending  upon  (he  ieipie-1 
of  the  ageni  \  . 

2.  Candid. lie-   MI. iv    In-  iiolihcil   .iml   re 
i|tic-led    lo    ,ippl\     direcllv     to    the    em- 
ploving   ag<  ricie-   with   tin-  nnder-land 
ing    that    complete    -cl-    of    credential- 
will     IM-    -Illilllilled     |iV      Recle.ltioll     I'er- 

Minncl  "-i-rvue  .1-  it  I...., me-  ,idvi-.ili|e 
'.  \  li-l  of  pi. ..pe.  Is.  with  then  .i.l 

,li.--.-     ...I,    I.,     -ill. milled   ilini-llv    to 

ihe  einplover  -o  lh.it   he  mav    appro. i-  li 

randid.ile-  pci-on,illv. 
!       \.l.|ili..n.il   -eivi.  e   i-   nndcreil  when 


leaders    and    the    tvpc-    of     positions 
available.   Other    information   relative 

to  training  and  emplov  merit  condi- 
tion- is  available  upon  rcipic-t.  I  p- 
to-date  lists  of  colleges  offering  rn.ijoi 
itiiin  curriculum-  an-  rnainlaincd 
and  made  available,  and  their  train- 
ing programs  are  interpreted  to  pro- 
spective -Indent-,  employers  and  to  the 
n-creation  profession.  These  services 
•n  being  maintained  and  increased. 

Membership     and     participation     in 
professional  groups  and   related  agen- 

cie-  help  to  make  the  overall  per-oli- 
ncl  -ervice  more  elfeitivc.  \lso.  the 
general  resources  of  the  a— ocialion 
the  rc-carch.  consultation  nnd  field 
-erv  ices  contribute  gn-allv  lo  the  de- 
velopment and  maintenance  of  ile-ira 
ble  -landards  and  conditions  for  work- 
er- and  emplover-.  Ilirough  our  |MT- 
sonnel  and  held  -I. ill-  we  .ire  able  lo 
make  pcr-on.il  follow-up-  and  main- 
tain i  iiiieul  report-  .m  the  develop 
menl  .mil  growth  of  pr  o  f  e-.j  on  a  I 
leadci- 

Hcs|)onsil)ililics 

r.i-omiel    -civile    i-    no)    .1    one-wav 

-Ireel         Ml     the     t.-| -ibllllV      doe-     II.. I 

re-l      with     the     a— IH  lalion.      K.flcilive 
•M-iviee    de|M-nd-    upon     teamwork     an. I 


li 


III  •  Id    VIHIN 


full  cooperation  involving  candidates, 
employers,  college  training  centers  and 
the  association. 

The  Employer's  responsibility  in- 
cludes the  provision  of  a  statement 
covering  the  following  items:  (1)  the 
name  and  location  of  the  employing 
agency;  (2)  the  full  name  and  address 
of  the  person  to  receive  communica- 
tions; (3)  a  statement  about  the  spe- 
cial conditions  and  characteristics  of 
the  agency,  neighborhood  or  city;  (4) 
a  description  of  the  position  listing  its 
major  duties  and  responsibilities;  (5) 
qualifications  desired  of  the  candidate, 
such  as  personality  traits,  training,  ex- 
perience, age,  sex  and  marital  status: 
(6)  salary  schedule;  (7)  date  employ- 


This  article  is  based  on  address  given  at  the  third  annual 
meeting  of  the  "College  Recreation  Association."  It  is  pub- 
lished here  because  of  many  inquiries,  upon  request  of  those 
present  and  of  others  who  were  not  able  to  attend. 


for  recruiting  and  selecting  competent 
students.  The  selection  process  is,  ac- 
cording to  some  authorities,  an  aca- 
demic exercise  unless  the  number  of 
would-be  students  exceeds  by  fifty  per 
cent  the  number  who  can  be  admitted. 
Under  less  favorable  conditions,  only 
the  obviously  unfit  are  eliminated.  It  is 
not  fair  to  the  student,  the  college,  or 
the  profession  to  allow  a  person  who 
lacks  desirable  qualifications  to  enter 


RECREATION  ASSOCIATION 


ment  begins;  (8)  statement  of  person- 
nel policies  and  practices. 

Tin;  employer  has  the  further  re- 
sponsibility of  keeping  us  informed 
of  his  progress  and  advising  of  any 
major  change  in  the  situation.  He  is 
obligated  to  respect  the  confidential 
nature  of  personnel  credentials  and  to 
return  all  records  promptly  after  they 
have  served  their  purpose.  He  is  ex- 
pected to  acknowledge  correspondence 
from  candidates  and  treat  them  all  in  a 
fair  and  courteous  manner. 

The  Candidates  are  responsible  for 
filling  out  application  forms  adequate- 
ly and  accurately.  Additional  informa- 
tion required  should  lie  submitted  as 
requested.  They  are  expected  to  be 
prompt  in  answering  all  communica- 
tions and  in  reporting  changes  in  their 
employment  status.  New  information 
should  be  reported  promptly,  such  as: 
change  of  address,  additional  train- 
ing, new  assignments,  change  in  mari- 
tal status  or  number  of  children.  Agree- 
ments and  appointments  should  be  kept 
and  a  high  standard  of  behavior,  per- 
sonally and  professionally,  is  assumed. 

Professors  also  have  responsibility 
in  this  personnel  business.  In  many 
respects,  theirs  is  the  greatest  of  all. 
hi  the  first  place,  they  are  responsible 


W.  C.  Sutherland 

and  remain  in  the  professional  cur- 
riculum. The  number  of  years  of 
schooling  is  not  an  accurate  measure 
of  the  quality  and  ability  of  the  per- 
son. Qualities  of  the  mind  and  hqart 
are  primary  requisites  to  good  leader- 
ship. Devices,  techniques  and  methods 
are  adjuncts  to,  but  cannot  be  sub- 
stituted for,  these  qualities. 

Professors  should  make  sure  that 
students  know  how  to  apply  for  jobs, 
how  to  present  themselves  in  written 
communication  and  how  to  conduct 
themselves  in  personal  interviews.  Lack 
of  preparation  in  these  matters  may 
nullify  much  of  the  professional  and 
formal  training.  They  are  responsible 
for  assisting  directly  or  indirectly  in 
the  placement  of  those  trained.  They 
are  obligated  to  follow  up  graduates, 
to  help  assure  success  in  the  early 
years  of  their  careers  and  to  determine 
the  effectiveness  of  the  professional 
training.  They  are  expected  to  submit 
honest  and  adequate  appraisals  regard- 
ing their  students,  as  a  guide  to  us 
who  are  trying  to  place  them. 

Factors  Influencing  Employment 

Factors  that  influence  and  determine 
employment  according  to  employers, 
candidates  and  personnel  specialists, 


whether  good  or  bad,  can  be  summed 
up  as  follows:  (1)  education  and  prep- 
aration, (2)  experience,  (3)  person- 
ality and  character,  (4)  intelligence, 
(5)  health,  (6)  luck  and  chance,  (7) 
prejudice  and  favoritism,  (8)  supply 
and  demand. 

Whether  these  factors  should  deter- 
mine employment  in  all  cases  is  not 
the  point;  whether  we  like  it  or  not, 
they  very  often  do  determine  it.  The 
first  five  factors  have  to  do  with  the 
individual.  He  can  do  something  about 
them,  and  they  are  more  or  less  within 
his  control.  The  other  factors,  how- 
ever, are  for  the  most  part  beyond  his 
control,  as,  for  instance,  the  forces  of 
emotion  unfortunately  expressed  in 
prejudice  and  favoritism.  In  spite  of 
proved  fitness,  the  candidate  can  do 
little  in  the  face  of  prejudices  when 
they  exist  for  and  against  persons  on 
the  basis  of  age,  sex,  race,  marital 
status,  religion,  political  affiliation,  eco- 
nomic views,  or  place  of  residence. 

The  factors  of  supply  and  demand 
set  aside  or  nullify  much  or  all  that 
the  individual  can  do.  This  factor  is 
influenced  by  economic  conditions  and 
by  political,  financial  and  educational 
policies;  and  from  the  standpoint  of 
the  candidate,  it  makes  little  difference 
whether  these  conditions  are  real  or 
fancied,  wise  or  unwise.  An  oversup- 
ply  of  workers  in  the  recreation  field 
means  persons  out  of  work.  Also,  it 
means  stationary  or  falling  salaries  for 
those  who  have  jobs.  In  general,  this 
situation  is  a  dangerous  hazard  to  all 
personnel  standards  and  a  threat  to 
the  recreation  movement,  as  well  as 
to  the  profession  as  a  career  field. 

New  Services 

The  personnel  staff  of  the  National 
Recreation  Association  has  been  aug- 
mented to  meet  the  new  and  increased 
demands  growing  out  of  the  national 
defense  situation.  A  national  roster  for 
the  registration  of  park  and  recrea- 


APKII.  1952 


45 


tion  personnel  has  been  e-tabli-hed  as 
a  defense  measure.  Speei.il  attention 
has  been  anil  will  continue  to  be  given 
to  tin-  need-  cif  the  \arioii-  branches 
of  tin-  armed  for<  n. 

It  is  hoped  that,  as  soon  a-  -nine  of 
the  emergency  needs  are  met,  more 
can  be  done  to  channel  additional  posi- 
tions into  tlif  personnel  service  and 
into  the  college  recreation  training  cen- 
ters. We  need  a  more  complete  listing 
of  the  staff  positions  in  the  classifica- 
tion* appropriate  for  beginners  with 
professional  training  but  with  little  or 
no  experience.  In  the  highly  populated 
and  urbanized  Kast  more  of  these  posi- 
tions are  received.  Consequently,  we 
are  able  to  place  more  graduates  with 
\ur\ing  degrees  of  qualifications.  On 
the  other  hand,  we  are  not — at  the 
moment — able  to  place  younger  leaders 
as  rapidly  in  the  less  industrialized 
and  more  rural  sections.  This  means 
that  we  are  more  helpful  to  graduates 
of  some  schools  after  they  have  been  in 
tin-  fit-Id  for  three  to  five  years  and  are 
i.  aih  for  larger  responsibility  in  top  su- 
pi-r\i-or\  and  administrative  positions. 

I  here  are  many  agencies,  public  and 
private,  that  are  not  adequately  in- 
formed regarding  the  association's 
personnel  services  and  the  improved 
rei  n-ation  training  programs  at  many 
of  the  colleges  and  universities. 

We  are  hoping  to  be  able  to  keep 
I  IK-  '  olleges  better  informed  regarding 
d,  xelopments  in  the  field  as  it  relates 
to  tin  ilrinand  for  leaders.  We  want  to 
plan-  in. ili-rial  on  standards  in  the 
hands  of  more  employing  groups  and 
to  adxi-e  ihi-m  of  the  high  calibre  of 
|M-o|i|c  who  arc  lieing  trained  in  our 
well-balanced  n  <  n -.ilimi  i -urricuhims. 
Tln-rr  is  need  for  more  and  letter  vo- 
•  ilion.il  mall-rial  lo  ilrarnali/r  tin-  i"l< 
of  the  recreation  leader  in  our  i-lforl 
to  recruit  better  students  for  profes- 
sional training. 

Job  Situation 

'I  hi-  number  of  exeiiitixe  pi-itn.ns 
tilli-il  m  l''~>l  -honed  a  slight  increase 

| 'IV  I.         |  he       i-M-l    Illixe       pldilillllS 

filled  by  thr  association  during  I''M 
were  in  a  Mlar\  range  of  three  ili-u 
»and  In  -ix  thousand  dollar*.  The  me- 
dian salary  was  four  thousand  two  hun- 
dred dollars.  Thr  di-rnand  for  women 
has  been  especially  heavy,  primarily 

M 


because  of  the  large  number  needed  in 
the  arrnx  special  service  club  program 

•  >M  -r-eas.  For  the  most  part,  these  posi- 
tions have  been  for  club  directors  and 
program  people.  Tin-  \  arious  army  area 
headquarters  in  the  continental  United 
"Mates  have  absorbed  quite  a  few.  Re- 
cruiting   for    this    emergency    defense 
service  will  continue  to  he  systematic. 

The  usual  staff  positions,  mostly  for 
well-balanced  program  people,  will 
probably  show  an  increase.  The  num- 
ber of  requests  from  institutions,  es- 
pecially hospitals,  should  show  a  de- 
cided increase. 

The  number  of  vacancies  occurring 
annually  for  recreation  leaders  in  pub- 
lic and  private  agencies  is  estimated 
conservatively  at  fifteen  hundred.  This 
does  not  include  the  war  emergency 
jobs  with  the  military. 

The  7950  Yearbook  reports  a  total 
of  6,784  full-time,  year-round  workers 
in  public  recreation  systems.  This  is 
a  gain  of  885  positions  since  1948. 
This  two-year  annual  average  of  442 
new  positions  looks  very  good  com- 
pared with  the  twelve-year  average 
gain  of  only  140  per  year  from  1935 
to  1946.  The  annual  average  increase 
from  1946  to  1948  was  376  positions. 
This  new  rate  of  increase  is  most  en- 
coifraging.  Since  full-time  positions  oc- 
casionally develop  from  part-time  as- 
signments, it  is  interesting  to  note 
that  the  latter  increased  from  42,649  in 
1948  to  51,245  in  1950— a  net  gain  of 
,"..")')(>  part-time  and  seasonal  positions. 
The  number  of  volunteers  increased 
from  8'>.2.'U  in  \<>U\  to  104,589  in 
1950  for  a  gain  of  15,355  volunteers 
in  the  same  two-year  period. 

Leadership  All  Important 

There  are  still  too  many  employing 
agencies  willing  to  accept  unxonc  who 
shows  up  with  a  letter  of  Introduction 
from  the  "right  party."  There  are  -I ill 
loo  many  professional  training  schools 
admitting  all  eomers  without  enough 

•  oin  ern    for   their   qualities   of   leader- 
ship  or    promise    fn[    -in  .  .  —     \\  i     need 
to  get    more    "-learned    up"    about    this 
l>i]>-me«<.  of  |M-r-»nin-l  and   radiate  our 
enthusiasm  and  •  •••n\  i'  tum-  to  others. 

!'•  r-onili-|     I-    the    eerill.ll    powellli.ll-e 

of  the  n-i  !•  ih. .n  moM-menl.  It  i-  tin- 
I"  nl  and  soul  of  our  profession,  the 
"k.-\"  to  the  future  and  !••  the  fulfill- 


ment of  our  purpose.  The  colleges  and 
universities  are  carrying  too  large  a 
part  of  the  responsibility  for  the  re- 
cruiting ami  -election  of  our  future 
leader-.  This  is  so  because  the  pro- 
fc-sion  it-elf  lias  not  yet  awakened  to 
it-  ii -(Minsibilitx .  This  is  a  serious 
matter  U-eaij.-e  the  profession  that  does 
not  recruit  its  own  membership  is 
. loo. ned.  It  is  good  that  the  college 
i  -creation  educators  realize  the  -erimi- 
ind  magnitude  of  this  ta-L  for 
recruiting  and  selection  are  important 
foundation  stones  upon  which  rest  the 
extent  and  quality  of  recreation  service 
now  and  in  the  years  to  come. 

The  college  recreation  educators  are 
important  members  of  the  recreation 
team  lhe\  are  the  first  line  of  attaek. 
Their  training  programs  are  irnpro\  ing 
rapidly,  and  they  deserve  the  respect 
and  support  of  the  recreation  profe- 


Volunteer  Leader 

Last  year,  as  an  outgrowth  of  their 

rla— es  in  marionette  making  and  han- 
dling. I'ulterson  Park  recreation  center 
in  Baltimore.  Maryland,  developed  a 
teen-age  volunteer  leader.  Fifteen-year- 
old  Robert  Petza  became  so  intere-ted 
in  tlie  projeet  that  together  with  his 
father  he  built  and  wired  a  marionette 
stage.  Soon  he  lie-ran  writing  and  pro- 
duciiif!  show-,  and  he  and  his  friends 
-pent  hours  making  scenery,  recon- 
structing and  redie— ing  marionettes, 
selecting  records  and  making  plan-. 
Shows  were  given  at  the  center  on  spe- 
cial holida\s.  In  the  spring.  Robert 
a-ki  il  lo  lie  a  \olunlecr  leader,  and 
eai  li  day  during  the  summer  he  as- 
-i-teil  with  tin-  general  playground  pro- 
gram, while  onee  a  week  he  i  otidurted 
a  s|H-eial  marionette  •  la—. 

•s.i  -mi  e— fill  weie  the  marionette 
-how-  thai  hi-  father  helped  him  build 
.1  poiiable  -la^e.  and  "Hob's  Mario- 
nelie-"  inured  liallimiire.  staging  show- 
lor  i  hildien  of  other  playgrounds  and 

ilimi     i  enter-. 

Fall  and  u  inter  classes  and  slmw- 
followed  llii-  successful  beginning.  Nut 
nnlv  did  one  iiirealion  i  enter  gain 
an  arlm-  piogi.im  and  the  entile  .  il\ 
of  Halliinon  benefit  from  it.  but  a 
i  may  have  INTII  laurx -lied,  a- 

Koberl   and   hi-  group  are   -elledllled   to 

appear  lix-alK  on  telex  i-i.m. 

Ill  •  HI    \IHiN 


Summer  Recreation 


LONG  EXPERIENCE  has  proved  that 
an  efficient  recreation  director 
usually  becomes  a  community  leader, 
and  he  soon  has  many  voluntary  as- 
sistants in  every  part  of  his  program. 
He  must  be  a  diplomat,  whose  ideas 
and  guidance  come  to  the  surface  in 
other  persons'  performances,  expres- 
sions of  their  desires  and  their  coopera- 
tion. Lack  of  interest,  lack  of  personali- 
ty and  laziness  on  the  part  of  the 
recreation  director  result  in  poor  pro- 
grams, small  attendance  and  no  in- 
terest by  the  adults  in  the  community. 

Leadership  Qualifications:  The  need 
of  playground  equipment  pales  into 
insignificance  beside  the  need  for  spe- 
cial "equipment"  on  the  part  of  the 
playground  director.  The  following  are 
some  of  the  personal  qualities  neces- 
sary: personality,  to  attract  others; 
executive  ability,  to  make  orders  carry 
weight;  common  sense,  plus  a  good 
sense  of  humor;  courtesy  and  tactful- 
ness,  combined  with  patience;  robust 
health;  alertness;  enthusiasm. 

Personal  hints:  Develop  confidence 
through  preparedness.  Confidence  is 
acquired  through  experience,  but  even 
the  experienced  leader  enjoys  such 


From  Summer  Recreation,  The  Organization 
of  a  Community-Wide  Program.  Prepared  by 
The  Youth  Conservation  Commission,  117 
University  Place,  St.  Paul,  Minnesota.  Avail- 
able free. 


confidence  only  when  he  is  thoroughly 
prepared  to  do  the  particular  work  at 
hand.  Be  enthusiastic.  The  successful 
game  leader  must  spontaneously  enjoy 
his  work  of  leading  quite  as  much  as 
the  players  enjoy  playing.  Leadership 
must  be  carried  out  in  the  spirit  of 
play.  The  avenue  of  least  resistance  is 
not  the  way  to  real  recreation  leader- 
ship. 

Helps  for  Program  Planning:  The 
following  suggested  schedules,  weekly 
and  daily,  are  samples  of  the  type  of 
preliminary  planning  which  will  be 
helpful  in  organizing  the  summer  rec- 
reation program. 

The  summer  schedule  lists  a  featured 
activity  for  each  week  and  one  or  more 
special  events,  with  some  suggestions 
to  guide  the  director  in  advance 
preparation.  For  example,  the  fourth 
week  might  have  an  "On  Wheels"  con- 
test, including  tricycle,  bicycle,  scooter, 
pushmobile  and  roller  skate  races,  doll 
buggy  parade,  novelty  events  and  con- 
tests for  construction  of  best  pushmo- 
biles.  Construction  work  should  start 
during  the  second  week.  Practicing  for 
the  various  events  will  be  done  for  one 
or  two  weeks  in  advance.  Publicity 
and  other  necessary  arrangements 
should  be  made  during  the  third  week. 

The  weekly  and  daily  schedules  sug- 
gested assume  that  there  would  be  one 


man  and  one  woman  leader  on  each 
playground.  In  case  only  one  leader  is 
available  for  the  playground,  use  must 
be  made  of  volunteer  leadership,  or 
the  schedules  be  substantially  reduced. 
In  the  weekly  schedule,  while  one  per- 
son is  conducting  instruction  in  golf 
or  tennis,  the  other  leader  would  be 
at  the  playground  getting  out  the 
equipment  and  taking  care  of  pre- 
liminaries as  indicated  on  the  daily 
schedule.  Definite  activities  are  sche- 
duled for  each  day  of  the  week  at  spe- 
cified times.  This  is  important  in  order 
that  participants  and  volunteer  leaders 
may  know  exactly  when  the  activities 
in  which  they  are  interested  will  be 
scheduled. 

For  example,  a  leader  may  be  availa- 
ble for  storytelling  on  Monday  morn- 
ing for  younger  children,  and  on  Tues- 
day and  Thursday  afternoon  for  upper 
elementary  children,  or  league  games 
in  Softball  may  be  scheduled  for  Mon- 
day and  Wednesday  afternoons.  The 
weekly  and  daily  schedules  should 
clearly  show  these  points.  The  daily 
schedule  indicates  the  types  of  activi- 
ties which  would  be  provided  for  each 
age  group  at  specified  times  during  the 
day.  Posting  of  such  schedules  on  the 
playground  bulletin  boards  and  pub- 
lishing the  information  in  the  news- 
papers will  enable  children  and  parents 
to  know  how  to  plan  their  time. 


APRIL  1952 


47 


FIHS  I 

\\I:KK- 

Organization 


I  i'-.i-me  Hunt  and   Hike. 


SECOND- 

Learn  to 

s»  in i  Week 


TIIIRD- 
Know  Your 
Community 
Week 

IOURTH- 
(>n 

\\  Ili-fls" 

Week 

FIFTH- 

Nature 
Week 


slYIH- 
Canu-i.i 
and  Movie 
Week 

SEVENTH- 

Artsand 

(    ,.,fts 

Week 

EIGHTH- 

AthU-tu 
Week 


MM  II 
Hobbj 

Week 

1 1  \  i  ii- 

(  iiiniiiimity 
Week 


lii-lrui -timi     Swimming.  Life  saving, 
Water  Carnival.   Bicvcle  Club.   Hike. 


Trips  to  parks,  zoo,  industrial  con- 
Cents,  hi-torical  plan-*.  Moulin-  sings. 
Nature  study.  Field  trips.  Picnics. 

"On  Wheels"  contests.  Doll  buggy 
parade.  Races  for  scooters,  tricycles, 
l.ic\cle*.  pushmobiles,  wagons,  roller 
skates;  novelty  e\i-nl-.  I'usbmobile 
i  iin-liuction.  Music  Festival. 
Trip  to  park,  picnic  grounds  or  area 
Miilable  for  nature  stud\.  Fourth  of 
Jul\  celebration.  One  -  day  camp. 
Overnight  carnp.  Camera  hike. 

Camera  and  Movie  F.\hibit 


Arts  and  Crafts  Exhibit:  woodwork, 
coloring,  pastel*,  metal  tapping,  weav- 
ing, knitting,  clay  modeling,  and  so 
on.  Soap  carving  conic*!*.  Sanderaft 
contest. 

li.i<k  and  Field  Meet.  Horseshoe 
Conle-t*.  \idici\  Conic*!*.  Tourna- 
ment* in  tennis,  golf,  \oll.-\l.all,  ta- 
ble tennis,  paddle  tennis,  and  so  on. 
-u  iiiiming  meet. 

||,,bb\  l-Ahil.il.  Flower  Show.  I'd 
>bow.  Drama  Festival.  Kile  l>a\. 
Model  Boat  Kcgatta.  Model  \irplane 
>how. 

l'la\gr»iind  I  )emonstrati«ii  «i  "know 
'loin  I'lav^roirnd"  Da\.  \chie\einent 
1-Ahibil.  Square  Ham.  I  -.  -tival.  Pro- 
gressive (faun  I'.irlv. 


Suggest  linns  .for   I'refMinttittii 

Take  inventory  of  supplies  and  equipment.  See  that 
facilities  are  in  good  condition.  Hold  general  practices; 
-ct  up  organizational  meetings,  practice  schedule*  for 
athletic  leagues-  -midgets,  juniors,  intermediates,  sen- 
iors, "old-timers"  -low  ball.  Start  to  organi/e  clubs 
garden,  drama,  bicycle,  camera.  Select,  work  with 
••oinmittce  to  plan  treasure  hunt  hike,  (iet  acquainted 
with  children:  try  to  discover  junior  leaders.  Teach 
proper  use  of  playground  facilities  \naiii:c  for 
*econd  week  swimming  instruction:  publici/c  "I .earn 
to  Swim"  week,  post  schedules,  rules  and  regulation*. 
Begin  work  on  swimming  badge  tot*.  Make  pre- 
liminary arrangements  for  trip  for  third  week.  Begin 
construction  of  pushmobile*  for  "On  Wheels"  contot. 
Organize  committees  for  Fourth  of  July  celebration. 
\|.|.oint  junior  leaders  to  assist  in  dailv  acti\itie*. 
Special  events  (community  sings,  stunts,  quiz  pro- 
grams) for  intermission  at  band  concerts.  Make  nec- 
essary arrangements  for  "On  Wheels"  contest — use 
oT  *t  reels,  police  protection,  publicity,  registration. 
Make  final  plans  for  Fourth  of  JiiK  celebration.  Pub- 
lish week  to  week  results  of  all  league  competition. 
Work  on  swimming  and  athletic  badge  tests.  Develop 
projects  for  arts  and  crafts  groups. 

\nange  with  library  for  display  of  books  on  natme. 
Identification  of  trees  and  shrubs  on  playground.  F.n- 
courage  nature  collections.  Begin  teaching  folk  dances 
for  square  dance  festival.  Prepare  for  camera  club 
exhibit. 

I  .ncourage  commercial  concerns  to  exhibit  camera  and 
movie  supplies  and  materials.  Prepare  for  arts  and 
crafts  exhibits,  arrange  for  demonstration. 

Make  preliminary  plans  for  Hobby  Week.  Prepare  for 
Athletic  Week — publicity  entries  for  all  events,  ar- 
range for  simple  awards,  post  schedules  for  week  and 
tournament  drawings  on  bulletin  board. 

Prepare  for  Hobby  Week — publicilv.  contact  people 
with  special  hobl.ie*.  arrange  for  flower  show,  pet 

*l|ow. 


Piepaic  publicity  to  encourage  communilx  -w  ide  par- 
In  ip.ilion  in  recreation  activities  during  "(lommilnitv 
\\eek."  Complete  league  schedules. 

\iian<;e  for  final  play-off  game*  in  league  competition. 
C|o*e  plavground*  in\cntor\ .  n-paii  equipment.  *loie 
siipplie*.  prepare  reports. 


\\  Ml.  Mill. I  \\       Cbei  k    il.i\    of   w.-ek   or    month,   and  hoin*.  \on  .  .in  N  ,,,  (,.  dm-.  I  ..i  Mi|K-i\i*.-  an  ai  lixilv. 
|l  \1  ll(l\\    ill-  IKN  IIMI 

Once  a  week Morning 

M.     T.     W.     'Hi.      K     Sat.      Mm.        Once  a  month \ft.-rnoon 

•  Other  Fvening 


\\  ith  what  age  group 


Maximum  number  >»u  prefer  in  vour  group  or  adi\il\ 
and  MX —  —do  you  pief.-r   t"  work'/ 

I   indicate  nam«  of  other*   who  might   IN-   inter.-. led   m  *er\ing  their  .  ..mmimilv . 
NAMI          \DltHI—  _PHONE_ 


Pll  \-l    III  II  UN    Nil-   loliM    Mi 


H 


Fil  <   XI    \lli.N 


NOON  HOUR 


SAMPLE  DAILY  SCHEDULE  (Two  leaders  with  volunteer  assistance) 


TIME             CHILDREN  UNDER  8                 CHILDREN  8  -  M               CHILDREN  12  and  over 

M 
0 
R 
N 

1 
N 
G 

Get  out  equipment,  Inspect  apparatus  and  play  areas,  mark  courts  and  fields,  distribute  game  supplies,  post 
announcements,  organize  groups* 

Group  games  ) 
Singing  games)*4  nour  each 
Apparatus  play  # 

Low  organized  games** 
Apparatus  play  # 
Team  and  group  games  ** 

Informal  team  &  groups  games* 
Table  games  # 
Stunts  and  tests  * 

ATTENDANCE  TAKEN                             AREAS 

CLEANED 

Sand  box  play  # 
Block  building  | 
Handcraft  • 
Story  telling  •« 

League  games  *« 
Handcraft,  quiet  games  * 
Nature  activities  « 
Badge  tests  and  stunts  ** 

Handcraft  * 
Nature  activities  *« 
Quiet  games  a 
Badge  tests  and  stunts  ** 

CHECK   IN  MATERIALS 


PREPARE  FOR  AFTERNOON  PROGRAM 

A 
F 

T 
E 

Sand  box  | 
Apparatus  # 

Group  games  * 
Music,  dramatics,  story  telling  ** 
Apparatus  play  # 

Individual  games  # 
Athletic  events  ** 
Organized  team  games  * 

R 
N 

ATTENDANCE  TAKEN 

0 
0 

N 

Low  organized  games  * 
Sandbox  &  apparatus  play  # 
Watching  other  events  a 

Contests,  Tournaments  * 
Handcraft  «« 
Special  features  -  preparations  it 

Organized  team  games  ** 
Preparation  for  coming  events  # 
Handcraft  *« 

DINNER  HOUR 


CHECK  IN  MATERIALS 


CHECK  PLAYGROUND 


PLAYGROUND  USED  INFORMALLY 


E 

V 

E 

Self-organized  games 

League  games  in  Softball, 

N 

Free  play, 

Watching  other     . 

volleyball,   archery, 

1 

N 

Quiet  games 

activities  # 

horseshoes,   etc.    * 

G 

*  indicates  leader  directed 

"     volunteer  leader  (junior  or  adult) 

*  indicates  free  play  -  nay  have  leadership,  if  available. 


SAMPLE    WEEKLY    SCHEDULE 


TIME 

MONDAY 

TUESDAY 

WEDNESDAY 

THURSDAY 

FRIDAY 

SATURDAY 

H 

Golf 

Golf  Instruction 

Golf 

Tennis    Instruction 

Golf 

0 

Group  Games 

Low  Organized 

Music   Activities 

Group  &  Singing 

Free  Play 

Tests 

N 

Apparatus  Play 

Tests   Ic  Stunts 

Tests  &  Stunts 

Softball   League 

for 

Stunts 

1 

Softball   League 

Handcraft 

Music  Activities 

Games 

Special 

N 

Games 

(band) 

Handcraft 

Weekly 

Group 

G 

Story  Telling 

Handcraft 

Feature 

Games 

An  Occasional    Picnic 


A 

F 

Apparatus  Play 

Story  Telling 

Group  Games 

Music 

Preparation 

T 

Table  Games 

Dramatics 

Instrumental 

Dramatics 

for  Special 

E 

Sandbox 

Music 

Group  Practice 

Story  Telling 

Features 

R 

League  Contests 

Handcraft 

Hiking 

Special 

N 

Sandbox 

Preparation  for 

League  Contests 

Swimming 

Weekly 

0 

Apparatus  Play 

Tournaments  It, 

Club  meetings 

Feature 

0 

Speclaf  Contests 

N 

An  Occasional    Weiner   Koast   and   bonfire  Sing 


E 

Volleyball 

I«ague  Contests 

Preparation 

League  Contests 

Volleyball 

V 

Archery 

For  High  School 

for 

For  High  School 

Archery 

E 

Horseshoe 

Boys  &  Girls 

Special 

Boys  &  Girls 

Horseshoe 

N 

Deck  Tennis 

Features 

Aerial  Dart's 

1 

Aerial  Darts,  etc. 

league  Games 

C  nnttiun  1  ty  N  1  gh  t 

League  Games 

Deck  Tennis 

N 

I  *•  »I<M  if  Games 

for  Women 

Band  Concerts 

for  Men 

Quoits,  etc. 

G 

for  Men 

Spe  c  1  a  1  Fe  a  tures 

League  Games 

for  Women 

Children  not  in  formal  activity  may  utilize  equipment  and  space  not  required  for  the  directed  program. 

Arrangements  may  be  made  for  free  use  of  local  golf  course  by  high  school  students  during  early  morning  hours  tohen  it  is  not 
in  great  demand  by  regular  club  members. 

Requests  for  instruction  in  golf  and  tennis  might  be  satisfied  by  scheduling  an  hour  per  week  for  mass  instruction  in  each 
of  these  activities. 


APRIL  1952 


49 


COMMIMTY  VOLUNTEER  FORM-Among  the  many  types  of  record  forms  that  are  suggested  for 
IIM-  in  connection  with  the  summer  recreation  program  is  one  relating  to  volunteers.  A  form  of  this  type 
is  helpful  in  recruiting  volunteers  and  in  using  them  effectively. 

\\MF                                                                                                                                                                       SPY                                   AHE 

Mililll-'sN                                                                                                                                               flat*  nf  ihU  report 

I'HUNK     lRu«..t                                                                      lR»«l                                                                                    Do  ynii  h»v»  ,   r?r» 

^  on  nrnl  mil  !»•  highly  skilled  in  an  arlivity  in  order  to  serve  as  a  volunteer.    Thr  essential   requirements  are  an  interest 
in  the  arlivity  or  program.    Please  check  any  of  the  following  wliirli  you  would  like  to  teach  or  supervise. 

ATHLETICS 

1  1  K- 

CRAFTS 

DANCING 

HOBBIES 

)l  TIHHili- 

SOCIAL 

icnvmEs 

rn    Archery 
rj    Baseball 
rj    Ha«krtball 
Q    Rowling 
rn  Ti-nni. 
rn    Swimming 
rj    K<«n  ball 
rj   Golf 
rj    Hockey 
Q   Skating 
[J    Skiing 
[J    Sofihall 
rj    Volleyball 

f"~l     |lm  -Non!, 

Q   Cubs 
rn   (.irl  Scout- 
rn    Brownies 
PI   Camp  Fire 
Girls 
[J    VMCA 

D  *•" 

Q   F.F.A. 
D   F.H.A. 
Q    School 

dote} 

rj    i'a|i.-r 
rj    \V,x>d 
Q    Metal 
Q    Oil  Fainting 
rn    Water  Colors 
rn    Drawings 
Q    Mcnrilling 

rj   Block 
Printing 

rn    leather 
Work 
Q    ---winR 
Q   Others 

Q   Folk 
Q    S.|uare 

D  TaP 

Q    Ballet 
rn    Modern 

r~]    Photography 
ri    Stamp 
Colleclin}; 

rn  ("oins 

rn    Flowers 
Q    Insects 
[J   Others 

Q   Camping 
rn    Omking 
Q    Bii-ycling 
Q    Bait  Castinj; 
rn    Fly  (lasting 
rn    Huntinp 
Q    Hiking 
rn    Naluri'  I.ori- 

rn    Danci1- 
Q    I'arti.'- 

rn  1'irnii- 
rn  Tours 
rn   Conimunil\ 
meetings 
Q   Storytelling 
rn    Cards 

DRAMATICS 

rn    Slajiecraft 

rn  Direction 

r~]  Acting 
Q    I'uppnrv 
rn    Marionette^ 

HOME  ARTS 

MUSIC 

WELFARE 

r~\  Cookiim 

rn    DiM-oratin;; 

Q     Ulhrr- 

rn  (iroup  -iiiiiin' 
rn    Choral  group- 
PJ    Band 
Q    Orchestra 
rn    In-lriiincnt- 
i  kinds) 

rn   Pre-school 
rn   Nursery 
rn  Home  \i-ii- 
Q   Service  to 
Handicapped 

rn  Church 

Cl,,l,-' 

rn   Garden 

Clol,,' 

fj   Others  

L? 


FREE 


THIS  BIG  ILLUSTRATED 

LEATHERCRAFT 

CATALOG  AND  GUIDE 


LARSON    LEATHERCRAFT 
FOR   CRAFTS   CLASSES 


Complete    Stock 


Prompt    Shipment 


Lrallwri  rjlt  it  our  nnl>  htitinrit,  and  our  itock  it  Ihr 
largr«t  and  moil  complrlr  in  Amriica.  That  i>  why  MHI 
CM  alwayt  Hrprnd  upon  immnliafr  anct  complete  inlp- 
n.rnt  ol  orrirn  trnl  to  at.  Whrthrr  >nnr  n-i|iiir>-nirnl« 
arr  lor  brfinncn'  tilt  nrr.linj  no  looU  r,r  i-t|M-rirncr.  lor 
vrr»  youni  hor»  anil  urU,  nV  loolin(  lull,.,,  >,,,,;,!,,. 
ami  lu«iU  for  olflrr.  inurr  advjii.rrl  ttndrnlt  or  hnhhti'ti. 
br  tun  lo  rkrt \  Ihr  I  ARSIIN  II  \  I  HI  IK  II  U  I  <  \  I  \ 
1  IK.  hr.l.  U  ,,ir  today  lor  your  FREE  cep»  of  our  hit  i|. 
InMralrd  Catalog  •»  Uirtt  I  .ralhrrrmlt  projrrtv 

J.   C.   LARSON   COMPANY 

rh*   for.moif    Namu    in    Ltalhrrcratt 
•  20  S.  Tripp  Ave..  0«pl.  1507.  Chicago  24,  III. 


1.  C.  LARSON  CO..  D.pl.   1507 

•  30  5.   Tripp   A»...   Chicago   24,   III. 

PWaw    MW!    m*    a    FREE    cvpr    •>    roar    lain) 
llluilr.lrd    Calalof    and    (.«id»    to 


NAME 


M 'DRESS. 


ITAH 


,u 


Item* 


Playground  Hours 

Adaptation  of  the  hours  of  summer  phygroaad  ii|»-ia- 
tion  to  meet  local  conditions  is  ir|>ort<-<l  in  IVoria.  Illinciis. 
For  a  number  of  \rai>  the  Peoria  playgrounds  \\i-rt-  O|H-M 
aflrrnoons  and  evenings.  A  chrck  of  the  attendance  rec.ml- 
showed  the  eienin^  participation  to  IK-  approximalelv  twice 
that  of  the  afternoon.  Several  of  the  pla\".r"iiiid-  li,i\e  little 
or  no  shade,  and  the  reerealimi  atilhurilie-  Ix-liexe  that  the 
heat  during  the  afternoon  hom>  <  lit  down  on  the  |iarli(  i- 
palioit.  l..i-t  M-ai.  th«-ref<ire.  the  plaxfiround-  w.-n-  "pen 
during  the  morning  and  evening  hours,  with  the  ir-ult 
that  the  morning  attendance  nearK  equalled  that  duriiij: 
ihe  evening.  Thus,  the  total  attendance  wa-  increased  ap- 
pro\imalcl\  iwetit\  -ti\i-  |MT  cent.  The  plan  cif  closing  the 
pl.i\^iiiumls  during  the  afleinoon  «a-.  then-fore,  continued 
in  I'eniia  during  the  I  Til  «i-.i-on.  (!hiltln-ii  .n<  I-IH  cittraged 
to  \i-il  tin-  -untuning  pools  during  the  afternoon.  The  new 
schedule  ha-  hei-n  a.  i  epled  with  enlliil-i.i-Mi  li\  hold  .idilll- 
and  chihlren. 


Golf 

In  rincinriali.  Ohio,  high  «choo|  -ludcnl-  .in-  »\\\-< 
cial   golf    I. --mi    tales   of   lucnl\-tl\e   i  i  nl-    |»i    |e»-,«n.     Illi5 
appli'-s  Ihn.iith  the  -iimmei   U-fon-  ten  in  ihe  morning  two 
i|.i\«  a  week  at  earh   IMIII-I.    ,ind   after    luo-lhirl\    in   the 
afternoon  on  thr«e  iln\«  during  the  -'I I  xear. 

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Helena  Braddock  Lamp 


i*t  PLAYGROUNDS 


T, 


HE  PARKSIDE  ELEMENTARY  SCHOOL 
in  Silver  Springs,  Maryland,  last  week 
completed,  with  father-labor,  an  imagi- 
native new  playground  which  should 
help  to  revise  present-day  concepts  of 
equipment  for  public  play  areas  for 
children.  The  playground  was  con- 
ceived and  designed  by  Samuel  Sn\- 
der,  young  electronics  engineer  with 
the  navy  department,  when  he  was 
chairman  of  the  Parent-Teacher  Asso- 
ciation Playground  Committee. 

The  design  of  the  playground  is  di- 
rectly related  to  the  school's  philoso- 
phy of  "learning  through  doing,"  and 
to  the  desire  of  the  staff  for  play 
equipment  on  which  the  children  may 
use  I  heir  imaginations  as  well  as  their 
muscles.  It  also  provides  continuous 
activity  for  large  numbers  of  children, 
thus  circumventing  the  age-old  play- 
ground problem  of  the  more  aggres- 
sive children  taking  over,  while  the 
shyer  and  smaller  children  spend  most 
of  their  time  waiting  their  turn. 

The  playground  is  a  concrete  and 


Hun,   jump,   climb,  crawl,   hide!   Fun  on  concrete   and  cinder-block   structures. 


Reprinted     through    the    courtesy    of     The 
Amvncan  City,  New  York. 

APRIL  1952 


cinder-block  structure,  sixty  by  sixty 
feet,  embracing  ramps  and  steps  for 
running  and  jumping,  three  culverts 
for  crawling  through,  a  fireman's  pole 
for  sliding  and  shinnying,  an  "inching 
ledge"  along  which  the  children  can 
creep  by  clinging  to  the  bare  wall, 
and  even  a  "secret"  passage.  The  only 
items  that  are  subject  to  weather  and 
wear  are  movable  dowel  sticks  that 
can  be  placed  into  apertures  in  the 
walls  to  form  ladders  and  shinnying 
bars.  There  is  an  amphitheatre,  suita- 
ble for  outdoor  classes,  seating  seventy- 
five  children.  There  are  also  a  number 


of  auxiliary  structures  surrounding 
the  central  one.  They  include  a  small 
house  for  playing  "dolls"  or  "store"  or 
"pirate's  lair,"  a  foxhole,  an  airplane, 
a  ship,  a  spiral  staircase,  a  hop-scotch 
court,  jump-off  ledges,  hurdles,  and  a 
corral.  So  sturdy  is  the  construction 
that  there  will  be  little  if  any  cost  for 
deterioration  and  replacement. 

Careful  attention  was  given  to  the 
safety  features  of  the  structure,  which 
rises  in  one  place  to  a  height  of  eight 
feet.  The  children  are  protected  on  the 
higher  ramps  by  an  iron  railing  with 
openings  too  small  for  them  to  be 

53 


pushed  through.  In  the  spring,  a  mix- 
ture of  sand  and  suwilu-t  will  soften 
the  ground  around  jumping  ledges.  In 
the  three  months  of  the  playground's 
operation,  there  have  been  fewer  cuta 
anil  hruises  than  on  the  conventional 
u-f. iv. -It-il  placing  field  according  to  a 
rcpnrt  by  the  principal. 

\\  hole  Community  Helps  Out 
To  make  tin-  playground  financially 
fe.i-ible  for  the  FTA  treasury,  Mr. 
>nyi|i-r  hit  upon  the  novel  idea  of  hav- 
ing the  fathers  of  the  school's  four 
hundred  children  act  as  volunteer  con- 
-tni.  ii,,n  men.  Except  for  land-clearing 
by  a  board  of  education  bulldozer,  all 
work  of  excavating  for  foundations, 
brick  -laying,  form  -  building,  and  so 
forth,  was  done  by  crews  of  fifteen  or 
(unity  volunteers,  working  two  or 
tlirt-t-  evenings  a  week  and  all  day 
Saturdays  and  Sundays,  over  a  two- 
month  period.  The  PTA  was  thus  able 
lo  provide  a  ten  thousand  dollar  struc- 
ture for  a  cost  of  two  thousand  six 
hundred  dollars,  all  of  which  has  been 
raised  during  two  school  years  by  an 
annual  Christmas  Book  Fair  and  an 
annual  Spring  Fair. 


The  playground  project  had  a  uni- 
fying effect  upon  l>oth  the  school  and 
the  community.  With  ninety  per  cent 
of  the  fathers  participating  on  con- 
struction, and  the  mothers  cooperating 
on  fund  raising  (they  also  served  cof- 
fee and  doughnuts  at  mo-t  work,  ses- 
MOII-I.  tin-  I'TA  was  welded  solidly 
together.  In  the  community  widespread 
interest  was  aroused.  The  volunteer 
fire  department  supplied  searchlights 
for  night  work,  the  park  commission 
jraxc  log  railing,  a  local  factor)  do- 
nated lumber  for  concrete  forms,  and 
radio  stations  and  newspapers  in  the 
\icinily  took  the  initiative  in  publi- 
cizing the  project. 

I. \cn  the  children  had  a  hand  in 
building  their  playground.  Many  older 
boys  helped  their  fathers  lay  bricks, 
and  the  sixth  graders  who  were  study- 
ing conservation  used  an  eroded  hill 
behind  the  structure  as  an  object-les- 
son. They  constructed  drains,  a  retain- 
ing wall,  steps  down  the  hillside,  and 
covered  the  slopes  with  planting  to 
stop  the  erosion  and  beautify  the  area. 
They  carried  the  project  into  art  and 
mathematics  classes  by  running  a 


school  bazaar  of  children-made  objects 
to  finance  the  shrubbrr\ . 

Children  Enthusiastic- 

The  real  test  of  the  playground  came 
when  it  was  turned  over  lo  the  chil- 
dren, who  greeted  it  with  wild  en- 
thusiasm and  use  it  at  every  oppor- 
tunity. As  one  small  boy  put  it.  "Gee, 
you  can  pla\  some  real  games  on  this! 
It's  .better  than  some  old  swing  where 
you  wait  all  the  time,  and  then  \<>n 
just  sit  there,  anyway."  As  many  a- 
two  hundred  children  have  used  the 
playground  simultaneously  with  acti\  i- 
ty  for  all. 

A  number  of  schools  and  communi- 
ties across  the  nation  have  inquired  n» 
to  how  to  build  and  how  to  finance 
similar  structures.  The  Parkside  chil- 
dren, the  school  staff  and  the  I'TA  are 
all  so  enthusiastic  about  their  challeng- 
ing new  play  area  that  they  hope  to 
make  the  ideas  accessible  to  main 
other  groups.  The  playground  is  stimu- 
lating and  satisfying  to  the  children. 
It  is  durable  and  inexpensive  to  keep 
up;  and  through  volunteer  labor,  it 
can  be  feasible  financially  even  for  the 
relatively  small  school  or  community. 


Made  Right 
to  Perform  Right! 


OUISVILLE    SLUGGER 

Choke  of  the  Champions  in  every  league 


54 


HH  HI  MIIIN 


by  Bernard  Ballantine 


HOT  DOG.  Tills  Is  it! 


EVERYONE  IS  MAKING  a  survey  of  one  kind  or 
another  these  days,  I  might  as  well  get  into  the  swim 
and  tell  the  many  readers  of  RECREATION  magazine  about 
the  results  of  the  survey  I  took  one  warm  afternoon  last 
summer  at  Briggs  Stadium,  home  of  the  Detroit  Tigers. 
This  survey  was  made  with  the  thought  of  trying  to  find 
out  whether  baseball  is  still  our  national  pastime.  ( Some- 
where I  had  heard  that  television  was  pressing  baseball 
for  the  number  one  rating.) 

Without  mincing  any  words  or  using  a  lot  of  boring 
statistics,  let's  take  the  survey,  proceeding  from  character 
to  character.  The  first  person  talked  to  was  usher  number 
eleven. 

"Mr.  Usher,"  I  opened  up,  "do  you  think  baseball  is 
still  our  national  pastime,  or  do  you  prefer  television  or 
maybe  even  checkers?" 

"I  dunno,  sir,"  he  replied.  "All  I  know  is  that  my  pet 
corn  is  kicking  up  quite  a  fuss  today,  and  I  would  like 
to  go  home.  If  I  could  leave  now,  I'd  make  it  home  in 
time  to  see  and  hear  Hopalong  round  up  those  culprits  he 
was  after  yesterday." 

Realizing  I  wasn't  making  much  headway  with  my  sur- 
vey, I  shunted  usher  number  eleven  aside  and  grabbed  a 
peanut  vendor  by  the  arm. 

"Say,"  I  addressed  the  goober  merchant,  "what  do  you 

MR.    BALLANTINE'S   "surveys"   in    no   way   interfere   with 
his  duties  as  director  of  recreation  in  Roseville,  Michigan. 


think  of  baseball  as  compared  with  the  other  sports?" 

"Man,  it's  the  greatest  game  on  earth.  Why,  there's  more 
peanuts  sold  at  baseball  parks  than  at  all  other  sporting 
events  combined.  Without  baseball  the  peanut  business 
would  be  just  a  shell  of  its  present  self." 

Encouraged  by  the  peanut  hawker's  claim,  I  made  my 
way  to  another  part  of  the  park  so  as  to  obtain  a  cross- 
section  view.  My  next  subject  was  a  hot  dog  dispenser. 

"My  good  man,"  I  said  to  the  puppy  merchant,  "would 
you  mind  telling  me  why  you  like  baseball?" 

"Likka  da  baseball?  Likka  da  baseball?"  he  shouted. 
"Meester,  I  likka  da  hot  dogs.  I  sella  da  hot  dogs.  You 
take  uppa  my  time.  I  gotta  no  time  to  talk  da  baseball.  1 
sella  da  hot  dogs.  You  likka  one,  maybe,  with  mustard?'' 

"No,"  I  blurted,  and  down  the  aisle  he  went  to  dispense 
his  dogs  and  mustard,  leaving  me  somewhat  discouraged 
and  with  a  large  gob  of  French's  special  on  my  sport 
shirt  sleeve.  I  went  to  my  seat  and  sat  down,  forgetting 
about  my  survey  until  the  seventh  inning,  when  the  Tigers 
started  a  rally.  In  the  midst  of  the  rally,  I  recalled  my 
purpose  for  being  at  the  stadium  and  arose  to  interview  a 
fan  behind  me. 

"Mister,"  I  spoke  to  the  fan  politely,  "what  do  you  like 
or  dislike  about  baseball?" 

"I  can  tell  you  what  I  dislike,"  he  answered  quickly, 
"and  that's  guys  like  you  who  stand  up  and  block  my 
view,  especially  at  a  time  like  this.  Sit  down,  you  jerk." 

I  responded  hurriedly,  sensing  that  I  had  had  enough  for 
the  day  on  the  subject  of  baseball  surveys — and  hot  dogs. 
Some  day  maybe  I'll  disclose  the  results  of  another  vital 
survey  I  made,  but  right  now  the  butcher  boy  is  knocking 
at  my  door  with  the  frankfurters  my  wife  ordered.  Did 
I  say  frankfurters?  I  mean  hamburger. 


Ai-Hii. 


55 


how  To  Do  IT  0 


r 

Make  Sandals  for  Beach  and  Su/imming  Pool. 


MATERIALS 

Sole    leather. 
Heavij  felt. 
Canvas  or    leather. 
Cement   and  ."tacks. 
Heavu    paper. 

METHOD/ 

1.  Trace  foot  shape  on  heavtj  paper  ~  bofh  r iqhf  and  left. 

2.  Cut  out    paper  foot  shapes  and  cement  to  sole  leather. 

3.  Cut  sole  leather  correct  foot  shape  sne. 

ii  -^ 

4.  Cut  felt  lininq  ^  smaller  all  around 

"than  leather  sole  si 36. 


-Paper 

^5=S>'       -V  f~         ,        <—., 

\^^roor  Shape 
So/e  Leather  3 


Felt'  Lininq 
Leather  Sole 


. Cement  felt  lining 
to  leather  sole. 


6.  Make  upper  form  to  fit  foot . 
Use  canvas  or  feather 

Fell 


in  leather 


Tack 


7 -Split  leather  sole  at  five  poinls  where  upper  "form  is  10  be 
attached.  Cement  upper  form  ends  in  splits  and  1-ack. 


56 


lil  (  I1KATION 


no  playground  is  complete  without  a 


Reg.  U.  S.  Pot.  Off. 

climbing  structure 


Safety,  no  maintenance,  biggest  play  capacity  per 
square  foot  of  ground  area  and  per  dollar  of 
cost— these  are  just  a  few  of  the  reasons  why 
JUNGLEGYM  is  admittedly  the  world's  most  famous 
playground  device.  Thousands  are  in  daily  use 
from  coast  to  coast.  Why  not  give  the  children  of 
your  playground  the  advantages  of  a  JUNGLEGYM 
.  .  .  now? 

Write  for  Illustrated  Bulletin  On  Porter's 

1952  Streamlined  Line   That  Will  Save 

You  Money  .  .  .  Time. 


PORTER  can  supply  you  with  these  fundamental  playground  units,  too! 


No.   240  Merry-Go-Round 

Will  safely  accommodate  30  children  at 
one  time.  Noiseless,  no-wobble,  no- 
sway  operation.  An  engineering  mar- 
vel, and  precision -made.  Guaranteed. 


No.    136   Stratosphere   See- Saw 

Sensationally  new.  Gives  " up s -a -daisy" 
ride  33-1/3%  higher  than  conventional 
tee-saw,  yet  safer  because  of  hoop 
handles,  saddle  seats  and  level  -  seat 
feature. 


No.    58-F    Playground 
Basketball    Backstop 

All  -  Steel  fan  -  shaped  bank 
rigidly  mounted  on  steel 
matt  and  braced  for  perma- 
nent service.  Finished  to  with- 
stand  the  weather.  Official. 


No.   38    Combination   Set 


Offers  six  different  kinds  of  funful, 
healthful  playground  activity.  A  com- 
pact, economical  unit  that's  ideal  for 
limited  ground  areas.  Ruggedly  con- 
structed. 


No.    109   Six-Swing   Set 

Built  for  tafe,  permanent  service.  Sturdy 
1 0  ft.  frame  held  rigidly  together  by 
Tested  Malleable  Iron  fitting  of  exclu- 
sive Porter  "bolt-through"  design. 


THE    J.    E. 


PORTER 


CORPORATION 


OTTAWA,     ILLINOIS 


MANUFACTURERS    OF    PLAYGROUND,    GYMNASIUM    AND    SWIMMING    POOL    EQUIPMENT 


Exclusive  MAKERS  OF  THE  WORLD-FAMOUS 


JUNGLEGYM* 

Reg.  U.  S.  Pol.  Off. 


CLIMBING 
STRUCTURE 


Ai-Kii.  1952 


57 


The  rlcment  of  danger  is  continuous- 
1\  present  on  ever)  playground,  and 
all  possible  precautionary  measures 
must  be  employed.  Safety  always 
should  be  the  primary  consideration  of 
the  recreation  leader. 

Although  it  is  estimated  that  in- 
telligent planning  and  operation  will 
rliminatc  at  least  fifty  percent  of  play- 
ground  accidents,  the  fact  remains  that 
accident-  can  and  do  occur. 

A  playground  should  be  clean. 
I  linughtless  persons  sometimes  leave 
broken  bottles,  sharp  edged  empty 
cans  and  similar  trash  where  it  can 
IK-  picked  up  or  stepped  on  by  playing 
children.  F.\en  an  unbroken  bottle  can 
soon  become  a  jagged  piece  of  glass 
if  it  is  left  where  a  child  can  get  his 
hand-  on  it. 

>ince  no  playground  leader,  no  mat- 
ter how  well  trained,  can  possibly  be 
in  all  placo  and  see  in  all  directions  at 


A  Safe 


Playground 
for  Every  Child 


William  F.  Keller 


Time    not    twinginc    thould    \tand    back. 

il     bdlOOVei     l»i|)i     p.m-nl-     .mil 
children  ti.  lii  tin-  fulle-t 

I'-ni   111  order  to  maintain  a  safe  pl.n 
ground 

<.hildrrn'«    cooperation    i,    ol.l.iined 
at  thr  playground*   in   Hurl. .ink.   (  .ill 

furili.l.    b\     llle    ,i|. p.. iMlin.nl     iif    »nfelv 

MR.    K>:  '   Hurlnink,  (,'a/i/or- 

nut.  <n  thr  tuprrintendent  of  rrrrralntn. 


patrol-  maile  up  of  Miuii-i-ter.-  ranging 
in  age  from  nine  to  fifteen.  Members 
of  the  patrols  are  given  arm  bands 
designating  their  authority.  Adults  also 
render  valuable  assistance  by  acting 
as  volunteer  supervisors  of  wading 
pools,  assisting  with  tiny  tot  programs, 
and  by  calling  any  hazardous  condi- 
tion to  tlie  attention  of  the  leader. 

Safety  is  the  purpose  of  at  lea-t 
ninet)  percent  of  all  playground  rules. 
If  the  leader  says,  "Don't  ride  your 
hike  on  the  playground."  he  is  merely 
tr\  ing  In  prevent  some  tot  from  being 
run  down.  If  he  says.  "Don't  park  it 
in  front  of  the  building."  his  objective 

18  to    keep    someone    from    falling    »\' T 

it. 

Few.  if  any.  recreation  leaders  like 
to  keep  saying,  "No.  You  can't  do  this 

Mm  can't  do  that."  People  come  to 
playground-  for  on|\  one  purpose,  and 
that  i«  to  have  a  pood  time.  The  leader 
knows  lliin  and  tries  to  go  along — but 
there  ••till  exist*  the  problem  nf  -af.t\. 

For  thai  rea-on  rule-  an-  -el  up  and 
inu-t  In-  followed.  If  children  and  their 
parents  are  familiar  with  them1  simple 
regulations  and  willinglx  inopcrnte 
with  the  din-ilor.  il  will  make  for  bet- 
ter leadership  ami  a  happier,  -.if.-r 
playground. 

In  iHillfinnii-*  I'l.u  ntil>  in  de«ig- 
tinted  areas  awa\  from  other  .1.  li\ihe« 


and  where  there  is  little  likelihood  of 
the  ball  rolling  into  the  street:  never 
throw  the  bat;  spectators  stand  hack: 
no  baseball  spikes  in  the  lower  age 
groups:  no  hard  soled  shoes  in  basket 
ball. 

In  sitings:  Those  not  swinging  keep 
back;  do  not  climb  framework:  no 
jumping  off  while  -win::  is  in  motion; 
no  landing  or  other  acrobatic-:  never 
run  across  the  swing  area. 

On  slides:  Slide  feet  first:  no  run- 
ning up  slide:  climb  the  ladder  only: 
keep  hands  away  from  sides  when 
coining  down;  be  sure  front  of  slide 
is  clear  before  coming  down. 

Teeterboards:  Warn  other  |>erson  be- 
fore getting  off:  no  standing;  do  not 
t'otince. 

General:  No  throwing  of  rocks  or 
sand;  keep  out  of  play  areas  of  other 
game-:  wrc-lling  or  rough  house  only 
on  mats  or  lawn;  stay  off  walls.  I 
high  places:  do  not  bring  danger.. u- 
t..\-  -ii.  h  as  air  rifles,  sling  shot-,  and 

so  on.  to  tin-  playground;  do  not  at- 
tempt to  lift  hi  i  i-  l-cMiiid  M'lit 
strength. 

*«.if.  l\  regulations  \.\r\  ;il  each  play- 
ground, but  I  he  general  pattern  rr- 
main»  ihe  same.  If  we  all  empl.iv  i  our- 
•  illinium  sense  and  i  mi-idi  i.iti..n 
for  oilier-,  there  will  |.e  \,r\  f.  u  .1. 
cidente. 


lil  i  IU.MHIN 


RECREATION 


is  one  of  the  fields  in  which 
SCHOOL    ACTIVITIES 

has  been  serving  the  schools  of  America 
for  twenty  years.  Under  the  editorship  of 
Dr.  Harry  C.  McKown,  well-known  au- 
thority on  extracurricular  activities,  this 
monthly  magazine  promotes  the  following 
interests: 


ACTIVITY  PROGRAMS  -  Current  thought  of  leaders  in  the  field  of  democratic  group  activities. 

SCHOOL  ASSEMBLIES  —  An  assembly  program  for  each  week  of  the  school  year. 

CLASS  PLAYS  —  Help  in  selecting  and  staging  dramatic  productions. 

CLASS  ORGANIZATIONS  —  Directions  for  the  successful  guidance  of  school  groups. 

FINANCING  ACTIVITIES  -  Suggestions  for  financing  student  functions. 

ATHLETICS  —  News  and  ideas  on  late  developments  in  intra-mural  and  interscholastic  sports. 

DEBATE  —  Both  sides  of  the  current  high  school  debate  question. 

DEPARTMENT  CLUBS  —  Instructions  and  aids  in  the  directing  of  school  clubs  of  all  types. 

HOME  ROOMS  —  Ideas  and  plans  for  educative  home  room  projects. 

PEP  ORGANIZATIONS  -  Devices  for  stimulating  loyalty  and  school  spirit. 

STUDENT  PUBLICATIONS  -  Guidance  in  the  production  of  school  newspaper  and  yearbook. 

PARTIES  AND  BANQUETS  —  Suggestions  for  educative  and  wholesome  social  activities. 

STUDENT  GOVERNMENT  -  Sound  direction  in  development  of  student  sense  of  responsibility. 

MISCELLANEOUS    ACTIVITIES  -  Music,    commencement,  point  systems,  etc. 

Subscription  Price   0.3(1  Subscribe  Now 


School  Activities  Publishing  Co* 


1515  LANE  STREET 


TOPEKA,  KANSAS 


APRIL  1952 


59 


MARKET   NEWS 


Bleachers 

In  San  Francisco  the  recreation  and 
park  commission  has  installed  gal- 
vanized stcrl  portable  bleachers  in 
s«-\rii  iif  its  sixlx-fixe  |>hi\  grounds  and 
plans  to  provide  bleachers  in  all  the 
pl.ix  (it-Ids  as  the  budget  permits.  \|. 
tendance  at  both  youngsters'  games 
and  tin-  industrial  leagues'  games  has 
increased  noticeably.  The  product  of 
Ki.ittx  >af\\a\  Sc;itl"ld.  Incorporated 
>if  >an  Francisco,  these  bleachers  in 
-ections  six  rows  high  accommodate 
two  hiindii-d  fiftx-lxxo  persons.  \  -ec- 
lion  this  size  can  l>e  erected  and  takm 
down  bx  two  men  in  half  a  day.  Gal- 
vanized -teel  icquires  mi  painting, 
milking  maintenance  economical.  A 
-  if--t\  feature  of  tin-  engineering  design 
In-  in  llu-  exen  dislribuliiiii  of  -t; 
and  strains. 


Sxx  ininiini;  I'ool  Manual 
A    new    lxx.-|\e-p,ij_'c    .Himiniii"    pool 
manual    tilled.    ">••    Vm re    <,oing    li, 

Muild    a    I'ool."    max     I blamed    hx 

writing     to     Koxi-n     ~li  •  I     **wimining 
I'ool-.    Itn  orpot.iled.    I'll   Opleii    Ave- 
nue.   I  '    ix    7.    \i  »    Ji-i-i-x.    I  In- 
manual  di»rume»  the  advantages  of  a 
-I.-. -I    «toiiiiining    pool    and    t-ixe-    full 
•i-ltin  lion    ami    en-i  IKHI    dc- 
tails  of  tin    Kox.-n  Ijirp.    and  standard 
l.arli    d-  i'if     i-    <  li-.irlx 
illn-lral'-'l  In   drawing,  oi    •  ki-|ehe«. 

Baseball  Bats 
Manna  Katrilr  Bal*  for  Itavl.nll  and 


Softball  recently  celebrated  their  txven- 
ty-fifth  year  of  manufacturing.  Their 
bats  range  in  price  from  thirtx-fixc 
cents  for  a  miniature  model  fifteen 
to  eighteen  inches  in  length  and  a 
natural  as  a  novelty  souvenir  or  party- 
favor,  to  the  professional  quality  and 
weight  models  at  $3.85.  A  detailed 
price  list  and  catalog  may  be  obtained 
l>\  xx  riling  lo  The  Manna  Manufactur- 
ing Company.  Athens,  Georgia. 

1952  Catalog 

W.  J.  Voit  Rubber  Corporation  has 
announced  the  publication  of  its  new 
athletic  equipment  catalog.  Illustrated 
in  color,  this  thirty-two  page  booklet 
carries  an  Olxmpir  Games  motif 
through  its  layout  and  artwork.  Over 
eightx  ill-ins  arc  described,  including 
-nine  new  ones,  such  as  safety  month 
protectors,  adjustable  s\xim-tin-.  de- 
luxe i  iistom  >•  xx  i m-mask,  and  other-. 
\\  lite  to  a  Voit  office  in  Los  Angeles, 
Chicago  or  \exx  >,  ork. 

Biddy  Basketball 

Minified  after  Little  league  Base- 
ball is  a  piojeit  knoxxn  as  Hiddx  l!.i- 
k.il.all.  i  See  Ht:i:KK.\TioN  Magazine, 
October  I  Till,  page  270.1  \-  ii  cater- 
to  ages  eight  to  thirteen,  plaxinj;  -it.-- 
aiid  ei|iii|iini-nl  an-  tailored  to  measure. 
li.i-ki-l-  are  plaied  ci^-lit  and  one-half 
feel  fioin  the  floor,  which  i-  reduced 
III  -l/e  lo  hflx  IPX  tlllllx  feet.  The  ball 

i-  onlx    luenlx  -eight    inches  in  ciri  inn- 

feri-IH  '• 

I  In     ^i-anile—    linbher    (  in  in  pn  n  \  . 
Nen     Haxen    .'{.    Conneetieiit.    iiianiifai 
lute-    their    Kohl,-    ball    in    this   -| 
-!/••  for   linldx    ll.i-ketliall.   lnfotinali..n 
ahoul  the  fsjime  it«e|f  may  IK-  obtained 
bx    nrilini;    to    it-    originator.   Jay 
\nher.    (H)|     |t|o.,k-    liiiildiiij:.    Scran- 
Ion.  IVmnx  Ixnnia. 


Bat  Bak 

Endorsed  by  army  and  navy  sports 
and  recreation  officers,  Bat  Bak  com- 
bines features  of  paddle  handball  and 
table  tennis.  A  portable  backboard, 
which  may  be  set  up  on  its  own  table 
or  on  a  table  tennis  regulation  table, 
the  game  may  be  played  solo  or  with 
two  players.  No.  T-5.  packed  xxith  two 
sets  per  carton,  S.H7.:>(i  retail.  S.mOO 
institutional  price.  No.  B-20.  one  set, 
S43.75  retail,  $35.00  institutions.  Bat 
Bak.  Box  1133,  G.P.O.,  N.Y.  1,  N.Y. 

Garden  Sprayers 

With  garden  club  season  under  way 
there  will  be  much  experimenting  to 
combat  insect-  cITcctixelx.  Hax  Sanders 
and  Company,  National  Distributor, 
220  Security  Building,  Pasadena  1, 
California  handles  the  new  Hayes  Jr. 
IV  garden  sprayer.  It  weighs  three 
pound-  fully  loaded  with  liquid  or 
powder  insecticide.  It  attaches  to  the 
garden  hose  and  chemicals  are 
thoroughly  mixed  with  running  water 
in  internal  jets.  Water  pn---ure  does 
the  work  of  mixing  and  sprax  ing.  A 
bock-flow  breaker  \al\e  pn-xenl-  in- 
-ecticide  from  beiiif;  drawn  hack  into 
the  xxalet  -lieam.  Thi-  four-gallon 
model  retail-  at  S'l.  l.~>.  The  txx  o-^ 
llaxes-Ltte  II  retails  for  s.Y  I".. 


Bar-B-Ouc  Grill 

\lioiit  iln-  -i/e  of  a  serving  plallci 
llii-  Table-Top  Hat-HOile  (irill  lend- 
it-elf  In  picnic  atmosphere  when  xmi 
can  I  pi  farther  than  xour  dining  room 
ot  kite  hen.  \  jif:p-r  of  denatured  .il 
cohol  poured  oxer  the  gla—  xx  ick  in  the 
central  potterx  OM-II  luirns  with  a 
-leadx.  od. nlc—  llanie  liol  enough  to 
b.itbei  in-  \xeenie-.  kalnih-  oi  -qiiab. 

Made  by  Nahdger.  Incorporated,  6472 

\\     North    \xeiuic.  Chicago  .'?.">.  Illinois, 
this  grill  retail*  for  >1  V">  prepaid. 


Hn  HI  Miu\ 


AAHPER   YEARBOOK 

DEVELOPING 

DEMOCRATIC 

HUMAN 

RELATIONS 

through 

HEALTH  EDUCATION, 

PHYSICAL  EDUCATION, 

RECREATION 


Considers  the  progressive  ac- 
quiring of  democratic  con- 
cepts and  attitudes  from 
childhood  through  early  and 
late  adolescence,  and  adult- 
hood. Applies  to  the  fields  of 
health  education,  physical  ed- 
ucation, and  recreation,  re- 
cent research  on  methods  and 
techniques  in  group  dynam- 
ics, sociometry,  social  group 
work,  and  general  education. 


562   pp. 


$4.25 


ORDER    TODAY 


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Health,  Physical  Education 
and  Recreation 

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OVER  100  RECREATION 
DEPARTMENTS  USING 
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clean,  colorless,  odorless  material  completely  eliminates 
dust  on  practically  all  types  of  unpaved  surfaces.  It's  in- 
expensive and  is  easily  applied,  even  by  inexperienced 
help.  Requires  no  expensive  equipment.  Makes  play  areas 
better,  safer,  healthier  places  to  play  in.  Used  by  school 
boards,  park  departments  and  tennis  clubs  for  over  thirty 
years.  Solve  YOUR  dust  problem  with  SOLVAY  CAL- 
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well  as  helpful  in- 
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SOLVAY     SALES     DIVISION 

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40  Rector  Street,  New  York  6,  N.Y. 

Please    send    me,    without    obligation,    your    free    book    "END    DUST 
with   Solvay  Calcium   Chloride." 

Name 

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Address 

City Zone 


State 


2-2r,2 


APRIL  1952 


61 


II I  Mil  11(1 1  111! 

lexis  .  . 


Introduction  to 
Community  H«k<*iMksitioii 

My  (iroi-iic  I).  Miitlrr,  National  Recreation    \- 
M.ciation.    Second    Edition.    558    pages,    $5.50 

A  popular  book  dealing  with  the  methods  and 
problems  of  organizing  and  administering  a  com- 
munity recreation  program.  This  text  will  give 
the  reader  a  comprehensive  picture  of  community 
recreation  in  the  United  States.  It  includes  sec- 
tions covering  the  nature,  extent,  significance,  and 
history  of  community  recreation;  recreation  lead- 
ership personnel— its  functions,  training  and  se- 
lect ion;  the  planning  of  recreation  areas  and 
facilities;  recreation  activities  and  program  plan- 
ning. 


Tin*  I'amn  t  oinix«-lor 


Hy  U.  A.  H.iiMM,.  M.I)..  NVu  York  Medical 
C..II.-U.-;  and  .1.  A.  (...Idberg.  N.  Y.  Tnl.rreulo^ 
and  Health  AsMieiat  ion.  Mi-Cmir-IIHI  Scric.i  in 
llriiltli  Kilni-ution.  riiyxii-nl  Ki/iirnfiini,  and 
Iti-i-n-nlion  I  ~<~> 

(  «.\cis  all  phases  of  the  child  and  child  develop- 
ment and  problems  that  arise  in  camps  in  ion 
net  lion  with  the  pli\  -ie.il.  mental,  emotional,  .md 
social  conduct  of  the  individual.  An  exceptionally 
i  omprehcnsive  study,  this  tevt.  well  supplemented 
with  class-room  aids,  u  ill  be  invaluable  to  anyone 
connected  with  camp  administration. 

Send  for  your  t  opics  on  approval 
Mi-4.ll  \\\-llll.l. 

HOOK  ro.>n»A.\v.  i\4  . 

330  West    12..,!  sired  Nw  York  36,  N.Y. 


BOOKS    RECEIVED 


BIKTHIMY  PARTIES  FOR  Bov-.  \M>  (liui.s.  Mary  Grosvenor 
I .ll-worth.  \\oinan'>  I'ress.  New  ^  ork.  S_>. .">(>. 

C.v  MI-KIRK  ADVENTLKK  STORIES.  Mian  A.  Macfarlan.  Asso- 
ciation Press,  New  York.  $2.95. 

CHILDREN'S  GAMES  FROM  MAM  I.VM>~.  edited  \<\  Nina 
Milieu.  The  Friendship  Press,  156  Fifth  Avenue,  New 
York.  $2.00. 

(!<iM\iiMT\  SERVICES  FOR  OLDER  PEOPLE.  Community 
Project  for  the  Aged  of  the  Welfare  Council  of  Metro- 
politan Chicago.  \\  ilcox  and  Follett  Company,  Chicago. 
83.00. 

COWBOY  JAMBOREE:  WESTERN  SONGS  AND  LORE.  Harold  W. 
Filtnn.  Alfred  A.  Knopf.  \e\%  'l  ork.  $3.00. 

CREATIVE  DRAMATICS  IN  HOME,  SCHOOL  AND  COM  MI  MM. 
Ruth  Gonser  Lease  and  Geraldine  Hiain  Siks.  Harper 
and  Brothers,  New  York.  S4.00. 

F \MOIS  NATURALISTS.  Lorus  J.  and  Margery  J.  Milne. 
Dodd,  Mead  and  Company,  New  York.  $2.50. 

Gvn  WAYS  TO  READABLE  BOOKS.  Ruth  Stranp.  Christine  B. 
Gilbert.  Margaret  C.  Sc-oggin.  The  H.  W.  Wilson  Com- 
pany, New  York.  Second  edition.  $2.7.~>. 

HO\II-:>IM  N  CRAFTS.  K.  Kenneth  Baillie.  The  Bruce  I'nhli-li- 
ing  Compain.  Milwaukee  1.  \\i-ronsin.  s.'?.IM). 

HORSEMASTERSHIP.  Margaret  Cal)ell  Self.  A.  S.  Barne-  ami 
Company,  New  York.  $5.00. 

MAKING  A  START  IN  ART.  Anna  Airy.  The  Studio  Publica- 
tions, 432  Fourth  Avenue.  New  York  16.  $5.00. 


DIAMOND 


OFFERS   A   WIDE   CHOICE 
OF   PITCHING    HORSESHOES 


the  Diamond 
SUPER  RINGER 

Drop  forged  from 
carbon  steel.  Heat 
treated.  Perfectly  bal- 
anced. Pocked  in 
pairs  or  sets  of  four 
with  stakes. 


the  Diamond 
EAGLE   RINGER 

Drop  forged  from  spe- 
cial Diamond  Horse- 
shoe steel.  Furnished 
either  hardened  or  toft, 
dead  falling  type. 


the  Diamond  JUNIOR 

For  ladies  and  children. 
Made  in  one  pattern  only. 
Furnished  in  bronze  and 
silver. 

DIAMOND   CALK    HORSESHOE   CO. 

4614  GRAND  AVENUE  DULUTH,  MINN 


62 


HH  10  ATIO.N 


NATIONAL  EDUCATION  ASSOCIATION 
PROCEEDINGS,  Volume  Eighty-nine. 
National  Education  Association, 
Washington.  D.  C. 

NEITHER  HAY  NOR  GRASS.  John  Gould. 
William  Morrow  and  Company,  In- 
corporated. 425  Fourth  Avenue, 
New  York  16.  $2.75. 

NEW  ZEALAND  BECKONS.  Margaret  L. 
Macpherson.  Dodd,  Mead  and  Com- 
pany, 432  Fourth  Avenue,  New 
York.  $2.50. 

PRINCIPLES  OF  RADIO.  Keith  Henney 
and  Glen  A.  Richardson.  John  Wiley 
and  Sons,  Incorporated,  440  Fourth 


traditional 

on 

American 

Playgrounds 


Avenue,  New  York.  $5.50. 

PHYSICAL  EDUCATION  HANDBOOK,  Don 
Cash  Seaton.  Irene  A.  Clayton,  How- 
ard C.  Leibee,  Lloyd  Messersmith. 
Prentice-Hall,  Incorporated.  New 
York.  Paper,  $2.65. 

RHYTHMS  AND  DANCES  FOR  ELEMENTA- 
RY SCHOOLS,  Dorothy  LaSalle.  A.  S. 


Barnes  and  Company,  New  York. 
$4.00. 

ROBERT  AND  His  NEW  FRIENDS,  Nina 
Schneider.  Simon  and  Schuster,  New 
York.  $.25. 

SEEDS  OF  ITALIAN  NATIONALISM,  1700- 
1815,  Emiliana  Pasca  Noether.  Co- 
lumbia University  Press.  $3.00. 


BURKfJUILT 

PLAYGROUND  EQUIPMENT 


UNSURPASSED  in  SAFETY 
and  DURABILITY 

In  a  feature  by  feature  comparison,  BURKE-Built 
Equipment  definitely  offers  outstanding  value. 
Approval  by  park  and  playground  officials  from 
coast  to  coast  is  an  authoritative  support  for  its 
superiority.  Special  fittings  and  scientific  design 
offer  functional  advantages  that  really  contribute 
to  safety,  durability  and  economy  in  the  highest 
degree. 

Equipment  by  BURKE  is  built  on  constant  research 
and  is  unconditionally  guaranteed  against  de- 
fects in  workmanship  and  materials.  Choose 
BURKE — the  choice  of  men  who  know  outstanding 
value. 

THE  J.  E.  BURKE  CO.,  Fond  du  Lac,  Wis. 
Factory  Branch,  Box  986,  New  Brunswick,  N.J. 


WRITE   TODAY 
Free   Planning   Assistance 

by    Burke    engineers. 

Complete    catalog    and    price    list. 

Address  Dept.  A 


You  Can  Be  More  Successful 

In  Camping! 


The  secret  lies  in  always  keeping  up  to 

date  with  the  latest  ideas  in 

organized  camping. 

Alert  camp  directors  and  their  staffs  read 
about  tried  and  proved  ideas  in  the  monthly 
CAMPING  MAGAZINE  and  the  annual  REF- 
ERENCE AND  BUYING  GUIDE  issues.  They 
know  the  danger  of  static  thinking  and  obso- 
lete ideas.  You,  too,  will  find  these  publications 
a  never-ending  source  of  new,  usable  ideas. 
Membership  includes  your  subscription  to 
these  publications  and  many  more  valuable 
benefits,  costs  $3.00  to  $25.00  per  year,  de- 
pending on  classification.  For  full  information, 
write  American  Camping  Assn.,  343  S.  Dear- 
born St.,  Chicago  4.  Or  you  may  subscribe 
to  the  publications  alone  for  $3.00  per  year 
(Canada  $3.25,  Foreign  $3.50.)  Fill  in  and 
mail  the  handy  coupon  NOW,  so  we  can  send 
you  your  first,  fact-packed  issue  right  away. 


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Chicago  4,  Illinois 


CAMPING   MAGAZINE 
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Plainfield,  N.  J. 


Please  send   me  full   information  on   member-        Please    enter    my    subscription    to    Camping 

ship  in  American  Camping  Association.  Magazine.  Payment  of  $ is  enclosed. 

Name 

Street   and    No 

City    . 


Zone    State    

Use  separate  sheet  to  enter  additional  orders  for  your  staff. 


RM-52 


APRIL  1952 


63 


new  Publications 


Covering  the  Leisure-time  Field 


The  Book  of  Games 

G.  S.  Ripley.  Association  Press,  New 

York.  $3.00. 

Almost  all  of  us  in  the  recreation 
profession  have  at  one  time  or  another 
had  the  task  of  conducting  games 
•OBMwfacn — on  the  playground,  in  the 
i  i-nii-r.  at  camp,  at  meetings.  We  all 
have  our  own  ideas  about  the  best 
methods  of  classifying  games,  and 
some  of  us  would  not  always  agree 
with  Mr.  Kipley's  classifications. 

We  would  not,  however,  quarrel 
with  him  on  his  careful  selection  of 
j_Miii'--.  and  we  would  praise  him  for 
including  a  section  on  balloon  games, 
and  a  -cetion  of  small-group  game-  in 
which  he  includes  many  good  magic 
game-,  -hint-  and  puzzles. 

Those  of  us  who  conduct  summer  or 
day  camps  would  also  praise  him  for 
his  sections  on  -talking  and  hiking 
i/r:,.-.  i  amp  stunts  and  water  sports. 

This  book  goes  farther  than  the 
average  game  book,  in  that  it  includes 
-eiiimi-  nn  -Imw-  and  exhibits  and 
in-irlil."ili..'.r|  contests.  Its  diversified 
i  t.nieni-  thus  make  it  helpful  to  play- 
j.-r..>ind  leaders,  camp  counselors,  club 
leaders  and  teachers. 

Dance  and  Play  Activities  for 
the  Elementary  Grades 

Lois  M.  Bauer  and  Barbara  A.  Heed. 
Charlwi-ll  Hoii-r.   Ini  nrpor.iterl,  280 
Madi-nn   \\rmie.Ni-w  V>rk.  Volume 
I       Grades    One    L.    11,,,-e,   $3.00; 
\nliimc    II       Grades    Four   to 
$3.50. 
The  material  in  these  books  has  been 

wr||    organized,    according    t<>    grades, 
contains  a  nice  balance  of  game*, 


rh\  thins,  self-testing  activities  and  dra- 
matic play. 

\-  each  grade  is  discussed,  the  au- 
ihors  give  a  brief  picture  of  the  child's 
plu-ical  and  emotional  needs  at  this 
I"  rind  in  his  development.  These,  plus 
the  emphasis  on  safety,  should  be  most 
helpful  to  the  teacher  or  recreation 
leader. 

Playground  and  recreation  leaders 
should  find  Volume  I  particularly  use- 
ful, because  so  many  game  books  do 
not  contain  very  much  material  for 
children  of  grades  one,  two  and  three. 
Many  of  the  self-testing  activities  in 
both  volumes  would  be  useful  for  hot 
days  when  strenuous  play  is  not  ad- 
\  isable. 

The  authors  have  also  been  very 
u  i  -r  in  giving  the  tune  to  each  singing 
game,  and  also  the  number  of  a  phono- 
graph record  with  the  song  whenever 
po— ible. 

The  volumes  are  attractively  printed 
with  blue  covers  and  red  spiral  bind- 
ing.— Helen  \l.  Dauncey,  Katherine  F. 
Barker  Memorial  Secretan  for  \\oinen 
and  Girls,  National  Recreation  Asso- 
ciation. 

How  to  Use  Hand  Puppets  in 
Croup  Discussion 

Jean   Sehick   Grossman.    Play   Sclm.il- 
Association,    119  West   57th   Street, 
New  ^1  ork.  8.60  paper. 
III'.-.-    familiar   with   other   publica- 
tions l>\    this  author  will  not  be  sur- 
prised at  the  clarity  and  sincerity  of 

llli-    I IJe|. 

New  iinili, ,d-  fnr  stimulating  group 

di-i  ll  — inn-  are  lllllell  lleeileil.  One  of 
the  l>e-t  cif  the-e  mellmil-  i-  through 
drnmatie  .iket'-hc*,  and  in  thc-e.  pup 
pets  allow  a  wider  freedom  of  per- 
-••ii. il  rxprin-in  .  .  -inn-  ihe  players  can 
•  •flfii  -av  and  •!..  through  puppet.-  what 
lhe\  would  be  too  self-' "ii-'  ions  to 
say  or  do  as  acton. 

I  In-  I kl'-t  discusses  in  detail  tin- 
use  of  pupp.-t-  in  fostering  group  dis- 


cussion among  children,  parents  and 
professional  leaders.  In  recreation  and 
social  group  work  there  is  a  great  need 
for  material  dealing  with  tcrhiii<|iic- 
aiul  methods,  and  we  hope  the  author 
will  follow  up  this  booklet  with  others 
of  the  same  type,  discussing  other 
methods  and  techniques.- — -Virginia 
Musselnian,  Correspondence  and  Con- 
sultation Service,  NBA. 

A  History  of  Popular  Music 
in  America 

Sigrnund  Spaeth.  Random  House,  New 

York.   (New  Edition)   $5.00. 

Groups  planning  to  include  numbers 
by  American  composers  on  their  pro- 
grams for  Music  Week  and  other  oc- 
casions will  find  helpful  material  in 
this  book.  First  published  in  1948,  it 
includes  data  on  all  songs,  written  be- 
tween the  founding  of  the  Republic 
and  the  middle  of  the  pre-ent  century, 
of  interest  to  people  in  general. 

It  is  the  kind  of  material  a  leader 
would  want  to  have  conveniently  at 
hand  if  he  were  planning  to  present 
ballads  celebrating  incidents  in  the 
country's  historx.  sentimental  tunes  of 
the  Gay  Nineties,  songs  of  the  first 
World  War.  or  familiar  melodies  about 
the  writers  of  which  little  i-  known. 

I  here  are  useful  observations  on 
the  official  state  songs,  and  light  is 
thrown  nn  the  obscure  backgrounds  of 
m.inv  in. .ilrin  and  former  favorites. 
There  are  |i\el\  note-  on  the  better 
•  I. line  and  musical  comedx  hits  and 
lirec/\  anecdotes  concerning  their  com- 
po-er-  and  inteipietei-.  Ining  Berlin. 
ll.iiiimri-trm  II.  |{ing  l.anlner. 
the  team  of  (.allaghcr  and  Shean. 
George  Ger-hwin.  Gertrude  Lawrence 
and  Damn  K.ne  are  a  few  of  the 
ni.iiu  inii-n.il  and  theatrical  figures 
who  pa»s  in  exciting  procession  across 
the  pages  nf  this  book.  —  Gertrude 
I:. Hi  luinl.  Correspondence  and  Con- 
sultation >cr\ii..  N.iii,.n.il  IJ. -i  [ration 
Association. 


H 


I!  I  '  IIKATION 


Recreation  Leadership  Courses 

Sponsored  jointly  by  the  National  Recreation  Association  and  Local  Recreation  Agencies 

April  and  May,  1952 


HELEN  DAUNCEY 

Social  Recreation 


ANNE  LIVINGSTON 

Social  Recreation 


MILDRED  SCANLON 

Social  Recreation 


GRACE  WALKER 
Creative  Recreation 


FRANK  STAPLES 

Arts  and  Crafts 


Inglewood,  California 
April  14-17 

Santa  Rosa,  California 
April  21-24 

Berkeley,  California 
April  28-May  1 

Petaluma,  California 
May  5-8 

Palo  Alto,  California 
May  12-15 

Whittier,  California 
May  19-22 

Toledo,  Ohio* 
April  7,  8  and  9 

New  York,  New  York 
April  14-17 

District  Conference 

Bear  Mountain,  New  York 

April  23-26 

District  Conference 
Wheeling,  West  Virginia 
April  27-29 

Huntington,  West  Virginia 
May  5-8 

Atlanta,  Georgia 
May  12-15 

District  Conference 
Eugene,  Oregon 
April  2-4 

Vancouver,  British  Columbia 
April  7-10 

Albuquerque,  New  Mexico 
April  21-24 

University  City,  Missouri 
April  28-May  1 

Hattiesburg,  Mississippi 
May  5-8 

West  Point,  Georgia 
May  12-15 

Toledo,  Ohio* 
April  7,  8  and  9 

District  Conference 

Madison,  Wisconsin    April  16-18 

Lafayette,  Indiana 
May  9-10 

Merom.  Indiana 
May  12-17 

Toledo,  Ohio* 
April  7,  8  and  9 

Annapolis,  Maryland 
April  21-24 

Columbus,  Ohio 
May  19-22 


R.   K.   Goates,   Director,   Park-Recreation   Department,  621   North 
La  Brea  Avenue 

Hans  A.  Thompson,  Recreation  Director,  Recreation  Department, 
500  King  Street 

Charles  W.  Davis,  Director  of  Recreation  and  Parks,  2180  Milvia 
Street 

Steven  A.  Mezzera,  Director,  Recreation,  Parks  and  Music 

Edward  E.  Bignell,  Superintendent  of  Recreation,  Community  Cen- 
ter, 1305  Middlefield  Road 

R.  Walter  Cammack,  Superintendent  of  Recreation 

John  J.  Collier,  949  North  Prospect,  Ypsilanti,  Michigan 

Miss  Florence  Kennedy,  Department  of  Child  Care,  The  Catholic 
Charities  of  the  Archdiocese  of  N.Y.,  122  East  22  Street 

G.  A.  Nesbitt,  National  Recreation  Association,  315  Fourth  Ave- 
nue, New  York,  New  York 

Miss  Marion  Preece,  814  Bashford  Lane,  Alexandria,  Virginia 


Marvin  A.   Lewis,   Managing   Director,   Cabell   County   Recreation 
Board,  Administration  Office,  Field  House 

Miss  Virginia  Carmichael,  Director  of  Recreation  Department  of 
Parks,  City  Hall 

Willard  H.  Shumard,  1627  Tenth  Ave.  West,  Seattle,  Washington 


Miss    Marjorie    Milne,    Supervisor,    Playgrounds    and    Community 
Centers,  Stanley  Park 

Charles  F.  Renfro,  Director  of  Recreation,  221  West  Lead  Avenue 

Melvin  Oppliger,  Chief  Recreation  Supervisor,  6801  Delmar  Boule- 
vard 

Dr.    Pete    Davis,    Professor    of    Recreation,    Mississippi    Southern 
College,  Station  A 

Robert  A.  Turner,   Coordinator,  Department   of   Community  Rec- 
reation, West  Point  Manufacturing  Company 

John  J.  Collier,  949  North  Prospect,  Ypsilanti,  Michigan 
Robert  L.  Horney,  100  Shepard  Terrace,  Madison,  Wisconsin 

Jackson  M.  Anderson,  Assistant  Professor  of  Recreation,  Purdue 
University 

John   L.   Marks,  Assistant   in   Rural   Youth   Work,   Indiana   Farm 
Bureau,  Inc.,  130  East  Washington  Street,  Indianapolis,  Indiana 

John  J.  Collier,  949  North  Prospect,  Ypsilanti,  Michigan 

E.  R.  Seeders,  Director,  Community  Service  Building,  9  St.  Mary's 
Street 

N.  J.   Barack.  Superintendent,   Department  of   Public   Recreation, 
Room  124,  City  Hall 


*This  course  open  to  supervisors  only. 

Attendance  at  training  courses  conducted  by  National  Recreation  Association  leaders  is  usually  open  to  all  who  wish  to  attend. 
For  details  as  to  location  of  the  institute,  contents  of  course,  registration  procedure,  and  the  like,  communicate  with  the  sponsors 
of  the  courses  as  listed  above. 


sr>i>n:ic 


M»  si;  \so\  / 


With  school  vacation  only  a  few  weeks  away,  it  is  time  to  begin 
planning  the  busy  days  and  evenings  ahead. 

Often  the  ideas  and  instructions  in  a  good  book  or  pamphlet  can 
turn  a  hard  task  into  a  happy  venture.  The  following  may  be  obtained 
by  writing  to  the  National  Recreation  Association,  315  Fourth  Avenue, 
New  York  10,  New  York. 


ADMINISTRATION   AND   OPERATION 

Playgrounds— Their   administration   and   operation $4.00 

Community   Sports   and    Athletics— Organization,   administration   and 
program  5.00 

Conduct    of    Playgrounds    .50 

Summer  Playground   Evaluation— A  check  list 23 

LEADERSHIP 

Personnel  Standards  in  Recreation  Leadership JO 

Training   Your    Playground   leaders .35 

Training   Volunteers   for   Recreation   Service 50 


PUBLIC   RELATIONS 

A   B  C  i  of   Public  Relations  for  Recreation,  The 
Publicity  for  Recreation   (MP   424) 


.85 
.25 


PROGRAM 


Arts  and  Crafts 


Art!  and  Crafts  for  the  Recreation  Leaden 

by  Frank  A.  Staples  

Finger  Puppets  (MP  322)  

Make  Your  Own  Games  (MP  332)    

Make  Your  Own  Puizles  (MP  333) 

Manufacturers  and   Distributors  of  Croft  Supplies 
and  Equipment   (MP  238)  


Outline  Guide  in  Arts  and  Crofts  Activities  at 
Different   Age   levels   (MP   258) 


1.50 
.35 
.15 
.15 

.15 
.10 


Plostic  for  the   Beginner  by  Frank  A.  Staples  .1.50 


Dancing   and   Musk 
Action  Songs  (MP  325) 
Born    Dance    Return,    The 
Dances  end  Their  Management   (MP  313) 
Forty    Approaches   to    Informal    Singing 
"Good  Morning"  by  Mr.  and  Mrs    Henry  Ford 
Mu«icol  Miiers  and   Simple  Square  Dance* 
Storing   and    Developing    a    Rhythm    Band 


J5 

.75 
.15 
.35 
1.25 
JO 
.35 


Dramatics 

"Children  of  the  Americas"   (MP  338)— a   pageant 
Entertainment   Stunts   (MP    170) 


"Festival  of  Freedom,  A"  (MP  16)— A  program  of 
songs,    tableaux    and    story 


Inexpensive  Costumes  for  Ploys,  Festivals  and  Pageants  (MP  41) 

Music   Unites  the   Nation   (MP  350)— Music  and  dances,  of  the 
United    Nations 

Playground   Fair,   A   (MP  304)— Script   and   directions 

for  a    playground    pageant 


Pussy  Cat,  Pussy  Cot  (P  6)— A  ploy  for  children 

Silver   Bells  and  Cockle   Shells  and   Seven   Other   Plays 


Games  and  Special  Activities 

88  Successful  Ploy  Activities 

For    the    Storyteller 

Games  for   Boys  and   Men    

Games   for   Children 

Games  for  Quiet   Hours  and   Small   Spaces    

Picnic  Programs  (MP  251) 

So   You're   Planning   a    Parade   (F    14)    


Twice  55   Games  with   Music— Singing  games  and   rounds 
for    all    age-groups    .... 

Water  Games  and   Stunts  (MP   158) 


Nature  and  Camping 

Adventuring    in    Nature    

Day    Camping 

Enjoying    Nature  

leader's  Nature  Guide  by  Marie  Goudette 


Special 
Playground   Summer   Notebook,  The— Twelve  weekly  issues 


Recreation   Magazin 
Per   Year 


-Ten  issues  annually 


Foreign 


.10 
.15 

.15 
.25 

.10 

.13 
.15 
.35 


.75 
JO 
JO 
JO 
.50 
.15 
.10 

.40 
.20 


.75 
JO 
.65 
.35 


1.30 

3.00 
3.50 


r*±biilbr  XJbra.r\ 
Murray  OolJe 


NOW   IS   THE   TIME  . 


To  start   planning   your  summer 
vacation! 

•  Tired  of  going   to  the   same 
place? 

•  Want  to  get  MORE-for  LESS? 

•  Whether  you  plan  to  travel,  or 
stay  at  home— 

CONSULT  THE  NEW 


PREPARED   BY   THE   EDITORS   OF 


magazine 


IMPORTANT  ANNOUNCEMENT— According  to  a  new  agreement,  this  special  publication  is 
being  distributed  by  Rand  McNally  &  Company,  publishers,  through  their  bookstore  outlets. 
Format  and  content  have  undergone  considerable  change.  Sixteen  new  pages  of  text,  ac- 
cented with  color,  have  been  added,  and  the  book  will  have  a  cover  in  color.  Because  of 
these  improvements,  it  must  now  retail  for  $1.00. 

ADVANCE  ORDERS  for  Su*tMtVl  1/aeaUtHtA  -  It.  S.  ;4..  which  were  postmarked 
before  April  15,  will  be  filled  at  the  50-cent  price,  as  originally  announced.  The  offer  of 
a  free  copy  with  a  new  subscription,  or  renewal  of  a  subscription  to  RECREATION  magazine, 
terminates  May  first. 


Spring   1952 


JUST   OUT.' 


$1.00 


U.  S.  Foreil  Service 


Delegates  traveling  to  the  National 
Recreation  Congress  in  Seattle,  per- 
haps planning  their  vacations  along 
the  way,  will  find  this  book  particu- 
larly helpful  in  determining  how  to 
go,  things  to  do  and  see. 

ORDER    NOW 

NATIONAL  RECREATION  ASSOCIATION 
315  Fourth  Avenue,  New  York  10,  N.Y. 


-U&A.  • 


Control  PUST  quickly  and  effectively 
with  GULF  SANI-SOIL-SET 


Gulf  Sani-Soil-Set  is  the  practical  answer  to  your 
dust  annoyance  problems.  Here  are  a  few  of  the 
many  good  reasons  why  it  will  pay  you  to  investi- 
gate this  efficient  dust-control  medium  now: 
Highly  Effective— Gulf  Sani-Soil-Set  eliminates 
dust  annoyance  completely,  immediately  after  ap- 
plication. No  long  waiting  periods  are  necessary 
before  the  ground  is  ready  for  use.  The  dust  allay- 
ing effect  is  accomplished  by  the  action  of  the  com- 
pound in  adhering  to  and  -weighing  down  dust 
particles. 

Long  Lasting— Because  it  has  extremely  low  vola- 
tility and  is  insoluble  in  water,  Gulf  Sani-Soil-Set 
remains  effective  for  long  periods.  One  applica- 
tion per  season  or  year  is  usually  sufficient. 
Easily  Applied— Gulf  Sani-Soil-Set  is  free-flowing, 
easy  and  pleasant  to  use.  It  can  be  applied  by  hand 
or  by  sprinkling  truck,  and  spreads  quickly. 
Saves   Maintenance    Expense— Gulf   Sani-Soil-Set 
minimizes  dust  annoyance  and  cleaning  expense 
in  near-by  houses,  stores,  and  laundries. 

MAY  1952 


Write,  wire,  or  phone  your  nearest  Gulf  office 
today  and  ask  for  a  demonstration  of  the  advan- 
tages of  this  modern  proven  dust  allayer.  If  you 
have  not  yet  received  a  copy  of  the  booklet  which 
gives  further  information  on  this  quality  Gulf 
product,  mail  the  coupon  below. 


Gulf  Oil  Corporation  •  Gulf  Refining  Company  R 

719  Gulf  Building,  Pittsburgh  30,  Pa. 

Please  send  me,  without  obligation,  a  copy  of  the  booklet,  "Gulf 
Sani-Soil-Set— the  modern,  proven  agent  for  controlling  dust." 


Name 

Title 

Company 

Address 


65 


no  playground  is  complete  without  a 


Rtg.  U.  S.  Pot.  Off. 

climbing  structure 


Safety,  no  maintenance,  biggest  play  capacity  per 
square  foot  of  ground  area  and  per  dollar  of 
coit— these  are  just  a  few  of  the  reasons  why 
JUNGLEGYM  is  admittedly  the  world's  most  famous 
playground  device.  Thousands  are  in  daily  use 
from  coast  to  coast.  Why  not  give  the  children  of 
your  playground  the  advantages  of  a  JUNGLEGYM 
.  .  .  now? 

Write  for  Illustrated  Bulletin  On  Porter's 

Streamlined  Line  That  Will  Save 

You    Money    .    .    .    Time. 


PORTER  can  supply  you  with  these  fundamental  playground  units,  too! 


No.   240   Merry-Go-Round 


Will  iof*ly  accommodote  30  children  at 
on*  time.  Noitoleii,  no  wobble,  no- 
•  way  operation.  An  engineering  mar. 
vel,  and  pretiiion  made  Guaranteed. 


No.    58  F   Playground 
Basketball   Backstop 
All.Steel    fan.  shaped    bank 
rigidly      mounted      on      tteel 
matt  and  braced  for  periwo 
nent»er»ne    Finithed  to  with- 
stand  the   weather     Official. 


No.    1 36   Stratosphere   See- Saw 

Seniationolly  new.  Givel  "upi-a-dailv" 
rid*  33  1/3%  higher  than  conventional 
lee  tow,  yet  safer  became  of  hoop 
handlei.  taddle  seats  and  level  •  «eol 
feature. 


No.    38   Combination   Set 

Offeri  ti.  different  kinds  of  funful. 
healthful  playground  activity.  A  com. 
pact,  economical  unit  that'*  Ideal  for 
limited  ground  areas.  Ruggedly  con- 
structed. 


No.    109    S,,. Swing    Set 
Built  for  safe,    permanent  lervic*.   Sturdy 
10  ft.    frame    held    rigidly    together    by 
Tetled    Malleable    Iron    fitting    of    e»clu 
live   Porter    "boll  through"    deiign 


PORTER 


CORPORATION 

OTTAWA.    ILLINOIS 


MANUFACTURERS    OF    PLAYGROUND.    GYMNASIUM    AND    SWIMMING    POOL    EQUIPMENT 


Exclusive  MAKERS  OF  THE  WORLD-FAMOUS 


JUNGLEGYM 

leg   U.  S    Pet   Off 


CLIMBING 
STRUCTURE 


66 


H  \  i  HKATION 


MAY,  1952 


THE       MAGAZINE       OF       THE 


Editor  in  Chief,  JOSEPH  PRENDERGAST 

Editor,  DOROTHY  DONALDSON 
Business  Manager,  ROSE  JAY  SCHWARTZ 

ASSOCIATE   EDITORS 

Recreation  Administration,  GEORGE  BUTLER 
Program  Activities,  VIRGINIA  MUSSELMAN 


Vol.  XLV1 


Price  35  Cents 


No.  2 


On  the  Cover 

Proof  that  fishing  is  good  in  Missouri  is  this  catch 
of  trout  taken  from  Pigeon  Creek,  a  minor  tribu- 
tary to  Current  River's  headwaters.  Many  Ozark 
streams  are  stocked  from  the  hatchery  in  Montauk 
State  Park. 

Next  Month 

June  RECREATION,  the  summer  issue,  is  packed  with 
ideas  for  summer  programs,  camping  and  play- 
ground leadership,  besides  good  articles  on  adminis- 
tration, parks,  community  centers  and  sports.  A 
random  sampling  of  titles  reveals  "A  Part  of  My 
Life"  (camping  seen  through  a  blind  boy's  eyes), 
"The  Authority  to  Hire  and  Fire  Recreation  Work- 
ers," "Lantern  and  Float  Parade,"  "Tournament 
Tips,"  and  the  third  in  the  series  of  photography 
articles.  "How  a  Recreation  Executive  Appraises  His 
Own  Performance"  pulls  no  punches.  "Nature  Trails 
in  State  Parks"  tells  how  to  make  vandal-proof  signs. 

Photo  Credits 

Cover,  Massie — Missouri  Resources  Division;  Pages 
77,  78,  Elemore  Morgan,  Baton  Rouge,  Louisiana; 
79,  Louisiana  Art  Commission;  80,  81,  82,  Dow 
Chemical  Company;  87  (top),  Seattle  Times,  (bot- 
tom) King  County  Park  Department;  89,  Martin 
Kleinman,  Brooklyn;  91,  Robert  Nickles  and  James 
Hetherington,  (right)  Clyde  Hare;  92%93,  "Official 
photo  UJiAF,  by  AF  Training  Command";  84,  Black- 
stone;  98,  Long  Beach,  California,  Recreation  De- 
partment; 100,  The  Milwaukee  Journal:  102,  Harry 
Berger,  Boston;  103,  Boston  Board  of  Recreation; 
104,  Hickory  Community  Center,  North  Carolina; 
105  (left),  Inglewood  News  photo,  (right)  Ben 
Schiff;  106,  Dayton,  Ohio,  Department  of  Public 
Welfare;  112,  The  New  York  Times;  115,  Pennsyl- 
vania State  Department  of  Commerce,  Harrisburg. 


RECREATION  is  published  monthly  except  July 
and  August  by  the  National  Recreation  Association, 
a  service  organization  supported  by  voluntary  con- 
tributions, at  315  Fourth  Avenue,  New  York  10, 
New  York;  is  on  file  in  public  libraries  and  is 
indexed  in  the  Readers'  Guide.  Subscriptions  $3.00 
a  year.  Canadian  agency,  G.  R.  Welch  Company, 
Ltd.,  1149  King  Street  West,  Toronto  1,  Ontario; 
Canadian  subscription  rate  $3.85.  Re-entered  as 
sr,-.md-dass  matter  April  25,  1950,  at  the  Post 
Office  in  New  York,  New  York,  under  Act  of 
March  3,  1879.  Acceptance  for  mailing  at  special 
rah-  of  postage  provided  for  in  Section  1103,  Act 
of  October  3,  1917,  authorized  May  1,  1924. 
Advertising  and  Production  Office:  Tones  Press, 
Fifth  and  Fifth  South,  Minneapolis  15,  Minnesota. 
Space  Representatives:  H.  Thayer  Ileaton,  415 
Lexington  Avenue,  New  York  17,  New  York; 
Mark  Minahan,  168  North  Michigan  Avenue, 
Chicago,  Illinois;  Keith  H.  Evans,  3757  Wilshire 
Boulevard,  Los  Angeles  5,  California. 
Copyright,  1952,  by  the 

National   Recreation   Association,   Incorporated 
Printed  in  the  U.S.A.  3«^j«.  2 

•  Trade  mark  registered  in  the  U.  S.  Patent  Office. 


RECREATION        MOVEMENT 
CONTENTS 


MAY  1952 


General  Features 

Recreation — The  Fulfillment  of  Human  Needs  (Editorial), 

Dr.  S.  R.  Laycock  69 

Recreation  Personnel  Changes  79 

Richard  Montgomery  Tobin  84 

Walk  With  Nature,  James  H.  Hamilton,  Jr 85 

Cooperation  is  King  in  King  County, 

Robert  C.  Stephens  86 

Sunday  Painters  

America  Alerts  Her  Senior  Citizens,  Charles  E.  Reed 97 

Heading  for  Seattle  io'l 

Campus  Grass  Gets  Chance  108 

Administration 

Cooperation  in  Aquatics  

Swimming  Pool  Operation,  Martin  Nading  and 

Sam  Basan  83 

Maryland  to  Develop  River  Valley  Park  88 

Let  Folks  Know  96 

Golf  Administration   109 

A  Study  of  Public  Golf  Course  Operation  115 

Program  Activities 

Recreation  Through  Art,  Edward  Kerr  77 

We  Make  Our  Own  Music,  Bob  McKellar  80 

It's  Garden  Time!  Barbara  Shaluca , 90 

The  Airforce  Takes  to  the  Farm, 

Corporal  Connie  Alexander  92 

The  Photographic  Group  (Second  in  Series), 

Irma  Webber  94 

Honoring  Joseph  Lee 102 

Boy  and  Girl  Anglers — by  the  Million  104 

"The  Dearest  Wish,"  Daniel  E.  Wagner 106 

Baseball — Softball  Skill  Contests,  Sterling  Geesman  110 

Recipes  for  Fun — Skits  and  Stunts  113 

Regular  Features 

Letters -. 70 

Things  You  Should  Know 72 

Editorially  Speaking  74 

A  Reporter's  Notebook  112 

Recreation  Market  News 117 

Personnel — Why  Do  Recreation  Executives  Fail?  118 

Books  Received  119 

New  Publications   :  120 

Recreation  Leadership  Courses  Inside  Back  Cover 

67 


NATIONAL    RECREATION    ASSOCIATION 

A  Service  Organization  Supported  by  Ko/un/ary  Contributions 
JOSEPH  PRENUERGAST,  Executive  Director 


OFFICERS 

C>TTO  T.    MAI  i  t  BY  ..................  Chairtnm   of    the  Board 

PALI     Mooif.    JR  ......................  Fine    Vice-Preiident 

Mi*.    OcDCN    1  .    MM  1  1  ...............  Second    Vice-Pretidrnt 

SUSAN  M.  Lie.  .Third  Vice-I'reiident  jnd  Secretary  of  the  Board 
ADRIAN    M.    MASIII  ............................  Treuurer 

GUITAVUI  T.   KIRIY  ....................  Trciiurer  Emcritui 

JotiPH    PRENDERGAiT  ...........................  Secretary 


BOARD  OF  DIRECTORS 


F.  V.  H.  AfMni New  York,  N.  Y. 

F.   GREGG   BEMIS Boaton.    Mm 

Mas.   ROBERT   w*ooo*   Bi  in Vaihington,  D.  C. 

MRS.   ARTHUR  G.  CLMMIX Jacksonville.    Fla. 

VILLIAM  H.  DAVIJ New  York,  N.  Y. 

HAtRT  P.  DAVIION New  York,  N.  Y. 

GATLMO  DONNEILET Chicago,  HI. 

Mil.    PAUL   GAI  IAOHII Omaha,    Nebr. 

RORIRT    GAMUT Baltimore,    Md. 

AUSTIN    E.   Giirrtrm Seattle,    Va*h. 

Mai.    XCMMAM    HARROWIR Fitchburg.   Man. 

Mat.  CHARHI    V.    Hicsox Michigan   City.    Ind. 


Mas.   JOHN   D.  JAMESON Bellpori,   N.    Y. 

SUIAH  M.  LEE New  York,  N.  Y. 

OTTO  T.   MAIUEY Philadelphia.   Pa. 

CAUL   F.    MiiiiKrs Auguita,    Me. 

Ml*.   OCOEN    L.    MILLS Voodbury.    N.    Y. 

PAUL  MOORE,  Ji J«rwy  City,  N.  J. 

JOJEFH  PUNDUCAIT New   York,  N.   Y. 

Mil.   SICMUND  STERN San   Franciico.  Calif. 

GRANT   TITSWORTH N'oroton.  Conn. 

MRS.   VILLIAU   VAN  ALSN Philadelphia.  Pa. 

J.    C.    VALSH Yonkcri.   N.    Y. 

FRIOERICE  M.  VARBURC New  York,  N.  Y. 


Executive  Director's  Omce 
E.  Dictu  THOUAS  E.  RIVERI 

HIIOA    HARRISON  ARTHUR    WILLIAMS 

AirmiD  H.  WILSON 
Correspondence   »nd   Contultatio* 

S*rvic« 

VUGINU  MUIIIIMAN 

GUTBUM   BoRCHAtb 

Retrcatioa    Maf*iin* 

DoaoTMT  DONALDSON 

Special     Publication! 

Roti   JAT   SCHVAITI          MutilL  McGANN 

P«r*o«a«l   S«rvic« 

Vu  i  ARO  C.  SUTHERLAND  ALTVED  B.  JENSEN 
MART  GUBUNAT 


HEADQUARTERS   STAFF 

R«t««rcb    Department 

GEOROE  D.  BUTLER 
ELITAEETH  CLIFTON  DAT  to  J.  DiRcm 

Work  wick  Voluate«rt 

E.  BEATRICE  STEARNS 
MART  QUIRK  MARGARET  DANKWORTH 

Field   Dep*riBent 

CHARLES  E.  RJUD  JAMES  A.  MADISON 

GEORGE  T.  ADAMI  HELENA  G.  Horr 

HKMARO  S.  VBITCATE 


Srriitv  to  S/^/rt ROBERT  R.  GAMBLE 

Artfi  imJ   Fifititiri — Hemming  tml  S*rtc>i 

H.  C.  HUTCHINI  ALAN   B.    iii  ••in 

1  i  M  it    LYNCH 

Ktlbfrimt   F.    RurkfT   Mtmorttl 
Sfctfttry  for  Vomtm  **4  Girh 

HEIEN   M.   I 

I*J*ttrt*I    RnrttHom C.    E.    BtEWER 

RtfTutio*   LttJenbip    Ttumtmi   Conrui 
RUTH  EHLBAS  ANNE  LIVINCSTON 

MlLORtO  SCANLON  FRANE  A.  STAPLE! 

GEACE  WAI  KI  » 


New  E«gU«d  DUtrict 
OO   R.    HAINSVOETH.  .BOSTON.   MAIS. 
(PnetM  add  r  «•  .  .  .  New  York) 

Middle  AtUalic    Dittr.ct 
JOHN  V.  FAUST  ......  Eaat  Orange.  N.  J. 

A.  NEIBITT  ----  New  York.  N.  Y. 


DISTRICT   REPRESENTATIVES 

Souther*   Dutriit 

Misi  MARION  PREECE Alexandria,  Va. 

RALPH  VAN   FLEET CIcarwater,  Ha, 

VrLLUM   M.   HAT Nashville.  Tenn. 


GrMC    L«ke«   Diitrict 
JOHN  J.  COLLIER  ..........  Toledo.  Ohio 

RoeiRT   L.    HoeNET  .......  Midiwn  .   Vii. 


MidwMi   Diatricl 

ARTHUR   TOPO Kaaiai  City.   Mo. 

HAIOI  o    LATHIO* Denver,  Colo. 


Soulkw.it    Diitnct 
HAROLD  VAN  ARIOALE Dallai,  Tei. 

Pacific   N«rthwe*t   Dtatm  t 
VIIIABD  H.  SHUMABD Seattle.   Vaak. 

Pacific   Soutkweit    DiiCrict 
LTNN  5.  ROONET l-oi   Angelet.  Calif 


Affiliate  Membership 

AmJiate     membership     in     ike     National 
Recreation    Aaeociation   is  open   to   all   non- 

wheee  f*a>cii*«  it  wholly  or  primarily  the 
provinon  or  promotion  of  recreat  oo  Kr»- 
icee  or  which  include  recreation 
port  MI  peri  of  their  total  prof 
•  koee  cooperation  in  the  work  of 
cittion  wweJd,  In  ike  opinion  of 
nation's  Board  of  Directors,  fur  her  the 
recreation  movement. 


Active  Associate  Membership 

Active  aiKKiate  memberakip  ia  the 
National  Recreation  Atiociation  it  open  to 
alt  individuals  who  art  actively  engaged 
on  a  full-time  or  part-time  employed  bant 
or  ai  volunteer*  in  a  nonprofit  private  or 
pnblic  recreatio*  organisation  and  wbo*e 
cooperation  in  the  work  of  the  aa*ociation 
would,  in  the  opinion  of  the  association'* 
Board  of  Directors,  further  the  endi  of  the 


i  untributors 

The  continuation  of  the  work  of  the 
National  Recreation  Association  from  year 
to  year  is  made  poetible  by  the  iplendid 
cooperation  of  several  hundred  volunteer 
tpooKKi  throughout  the  country,  and  the 
njMrwM  contributions  of  (hnuitndi  of  sup- 
porters of  this  movement  to  bring  health, 
hapfiineii  and  creative  living  to  the  boyi 
and  girli  and  the  men  and  wnmiei  of 
America.  If  you  would  like  to  iom  in  eke 
tupport  of  ihii  movement,  you  mar  **nd 
your  contribution  direct  to  the  ueociatiofi 


The  National  Rrcrralion  An*oriation  ia  a  nation- 
wnlr,  nonprofit,  nonpolitiral  and  nonsrctarian  rivir 
orcanization.  mtabli*hrd  in  1906  and  aupportnt  by 
voluntary  rontrihiilidn*.  and  tlrdiratrd  to  the  «TV 
ice  of  all  recreation  rxrrtiti\r«.  leaden  and  agen- 


.!«lir  and  private,  to  tbr  end  that  rvrry  child 
in  Amrrira  nhall  have  a  place  to  play  in  ufrty  and 
that  rv  in  Amrrira.  young  and  old,  shall 

have  an  opportunity  for  the  be»t  and  mn«i  *ati»fy- 
ing  ute  of  hi«  rxpanding  lri«urr  titnr. 


For  further  information  reforming  lh*  association'*  srrvicts  and  membership,  please  urite  to  the 
OtVertor.  National  Rfrrtttion  Auoriation.  315  Fourth  Avenue,  New  York  10,  New  York. 


i  \i  i*'\ 


TODAY  WE  KNOW  that  play  and  rec- 
reation are  vital  elements  in  hu- 
man growth  and  adjustment.  We 
haven't,  however,  been  doing  a  very 
good  job  in  meeting  children's  needs 
in  a  healthful  way.  The  National  Com- 
mittee for  Mental  Hygiene  says  if  the 
present  trend  continues,  four  or  five 
of  every  hundred  children  in  our 
schools  will  sometime  in  their  lives  be 
patients  in  mental  hospitals;  others 
will  suffer  from  mental  illness,  but  be 
treated  at  home  or  in  a  general  hospi- 
tal; from  thirty  to  fifty  will  suffer  from 
crippling  mental  traits,  such  as  bad 
tempers,  sullenness,  sulkiness.  shyness, 
self-pity,  oversensitiveness,  and  the 
tendency  to  rely  on  minor  ailments  like 
sick  headaches  as  a  way  out  of  difficul- 
ties. 

Let  us  take  a  look  at  the  personality 
needs  of  boys  and  girls,  and  adults, 
which  must  find  adequate  channels  of 
expression  if  human  beings  are  to  lead 
mentally  healthy  lives: 

The  Need  for  Affection 

Psychologists  these  days  are  very 
fussy  about  the  fulfillment  of  the  need 
to  be  loved  and  to  matter.  They  think 
that,  next  to  a  reasonable  amount  of 
food,  it  is  the  most  important  human 
need,  from  the  cradle  to  the  grave. 
Certainly  this  is  true  of  infants  and  the 
pre-school  child,  but  it  is  also  true  of 
the  older  folks.  Small  children  need 
to  be  talked  with — a  form  of  play  with 
their  parents — as  an  important  part  of 
their  development  and  as  a  fulfillment 
of  their  need  for  affection.  Indeed,  one 
of  the  chief  contributions  of  our  own 
adult  friends  is  that  of  companionship, 
of  sharing  our  interests  and  recreation. 
When  we  turn  our  attention  to  our 
senior  citizens,  they  greatly  need  the 
sense  of  mattering  which  comes  from 
shared  recreation — not  only  with  those 
of  their  own  age  but  with  those  of 
other  ages  as  well. 

Even  adolescents,  who  seem  so 
anxious  to  break  away  from  their 
parents,  need  to  feel  secure  in  their 
affection.  This  security  often  results 
from  the  comradeship  of  doing  things 
together — so  long  as  this  does  not 

*  From  an  address  delivered  by  Dr.  S.  R. 
Laycock,  Dean  of  Education,  University  of 
Saskatchewan,  at  Waterloo,  Ontario,  Canada. 

MAY  1952 


Recreation 


The  Fulfillment  of  Human  Needs* 


A  Guest  Editorial 


hinder   them   from   comradeship   with 
their  own  age-mates. 

The  Need  for  Belonging 

Closely  allied  to  the  human  hunger 
for  affection  is  the  need  for  belonging, 
to  feel  that  one  is  a  desired  and  de- 
sirable member  of  a  group.  The  fami- 
ly is  the  first  and  most  important  of 
these  groups.  Few  things  give  a  child 
such  a  sense  of  belonging  as  participa- 
tion in  family  recreation  —  family 
games,  picnics,  music,  auto  trips,  and 
even  the  occasional  family  visit  to  the 
movies. 

Next  to  feeling  that  they  really  be- 
long in  the  family  circle,  children  need 
to  feel  accepted  by  their  play  group. 
To  feel  rejected  is  a  tremendous  blow 
to  them.  For  adolescents,  it  is  nothing 
short  of  catastrophe,  for  they  have  an 
especially  strong  social  hunger. 

The  Need  for  Independence 

In  our  industrial  society,  many  jobs 
are  of  a  routine  nature.  Only  a  limited 
number  of  persons  have  jobs  which 
are  synonymous  with  play — something 
which  they  prefer  doing  to  anything 
else.  Play  and  recreation  provide  that 
sense  of  freedom  which  finds  satisfac- 
tion in  doing  what  one  wants  to  do. 

The  Need  for  Achievement 

As  our  life  becomes  more  complex 
and  specialized,  fewer  and  fewer  hu- 
man beings  can  find  the  thrill  of 
achievement  through  their  work.  Rec- 
reation is  one  of  the  chief  ways  in 
which  adults  can  find  creative  satisfac- 
tion and  a  sense  of  achievement.  So 
far  as  children  are  concerned,  play  and 
recreation  often  have  to  supply  the 
achievement  which  in  pioneer  days 
would  have  come  from  participation  in 
family  work  and  chores. 


by  Dr.  S.  R.  Laycock 


The  Need  for  Recognition 

In  pre-school  days,  play  is  the  child's 
chief  legitimate  source  of  winning 
recognition.  Even  after,  he  goes  to 
school  it  may  still  be  his  chief  method 
of  gaining  approval. 

Adults  during  their  active  work-life, 
receive  a  great  deal  of  their  recogni- 
tion from  their  work.  This  is  apt  to  be 
cut  off  by  their  retirement,  however, 
and  as  a  result,  they  must  lean  heavily 
on  recreation  in  order  to  find  the 
recognition  which  will  keep  them  men- 
tally healthy. 

The  Need  for  Self-Esteem 

Feelings  of  inadequacy  or  inferiori- 
ty, real  or  fancied,  are  apt  to  result  in 
all  sorts  of  defense  mechanisms  — 
boasting,  bullying,  bossiness,  lying  and 
stealing,  or  else  in  withdrawing  me- 
chanisms like  shyness,  seclusiveness, 
daydreaming  and  phantasy.  Success  in 
recreational  activities  brings  to  many 
a  youngster  and  adolescent  the  antidote 
to  such  feelings. 

Many  psychiatrists  today  feel  that 
if  we  want  to  get  anywhere  in  improv- 
ing community,  national  and  interna- 
tional life,  we  are  going  to  have  to  do 
a  better  job  in  the  mental  hygiene  of 
early  life. 

It  is  the  business  of  all  good  citizens 
through  their  homes,  their  schools  and 
community  facilities  to  see  that  chil- 
dren and  adults  find  satisfying  outlets 
— -in  work,  recreation,  human  relation- 
ships and  community  service.  If  this 
doesn't  happen,  be  assured,  then,  they 
will  find  outlets  in  other  ways  which 
are  anti-social  or  which  lead  to  much 
unhappiness  and  suffering.  No  com- 
munity can  neglect  the  provision  of 
abundant  recreational  facilities  and  ex- 
pect not  to  suffer  for  it. 

69 


I  h<     Sth    Annual 

ROCKY    MOUNTAIN    FOLK    DANCE    CAMP 

at     Lookout     Mountain,     war     Denver.     Colo. 

June    29- Aug.    2 

Kiumls.      folk     <1  mg,     etc. 

for    (It-t.iiK    wntr     r.uil     K«  i 
Rt.    3,    Golden.    Colo. 


Ill  '!« 


•      ,ICM 
TOOll    lU»mif 


||CCA  *     AH 

U93U  for  ALL 

LEATHER&CRAFT 
SUPPLIES!      £? 


CHANCE  OF  ADDRESS:  Send  your 
new  address  at  least  thirty  days  before 
the  date  of  the  issue  with  which  it  is 
to  take  effect.  Address:  Recreation  Mag- 
azine, Circulation  Department,  421  Fifth 
Awnur  South,  Minneapolis  15,  Minn. 
Send  old  address  with  the  new,  enclos- 
ing if  possible  your  address  label.  The 
post  office  will  not  forward  copies  un- 
less you  provide  extra  postage.  Dupli- 
cate copies  cannot  be  sent. 


or  a 


Gi/mnasium.. 


•   Gymnasium  Equipment 
•   Teletcopic  Gym  Seot» 
•   Basketball  Scoreboard* 
•  Basketball  Backstop* 

•   Steel  Locker*,  Locke/robe* 
and  Grade-Rob** 


f  RED  MED  ART  PRODUCTS,  INC 

IS66  01  K  All  ST.        ST.  LOUIS  II,  MO. 

for   78    r**ori 
The  Standard  Of   Quality 


70 


Sirs: 

The  February  issue  of  RECREATION 
ill--*  ribed  the  new  leaflet  entitled  "Rec- 
reation, a  New  Profession  in  a  Chang- 
ing World."  I  was  especially  pleased 
to  receive  this  leaflet  recently,  and  be- 
lieve that  this  type  of  thing  will  do 
much  to  enhance  the  recruiting  and 
interpretive  phases  of  hospital  rec- 
i  ration — as  well  as  the  various  other 
specialties  within  the  field  of  recrea- 
tion. I  would  like  very  much  to  uti- 
li/e  this  leaflet  in  some  of  our  local 
high  schools  as  well  as  at  our  forth- 
coming conference-  ami  f;,ir-. 

I!  M.IMI  ROSSEN,  Acting  Commission- 
er, Mental  Health:   Superintendent 

of  Hinting  Sinlf  Honfiiltil:  Si.  I'nul. 

I  ililoi  i.il 

Sirs: 

We  appreciate  very  much  Mr. 
Faust's  editorial  in  the  February  i— m- 
of  HK<  KKVTION.  Somehow  or  other  that 
-reins  to  put  into  words  what  I  have 
felt  for  ijuite  some  time.  I  would  like 
\n\  iiiiii-li  to  mimeograph  that  article 
f..i  i  .11  li  one  of  m\  workers  and  for 
.  MI  h  one  who  makes  application  for 
work  .-it  our  iei  ri-alion  eenter. 

I  ha\e  discussed  the  article  with  Mi. 
Jo-c|i|i  Mailman.  Su|>crmtenilent  of 

>i  I I-.    .mil     al-o    with     Jai  k     Stoeher 

of  Thiel  College.  Coach  Stoel.er  has 
ili-i  ii-scd  it  with  hi-  I.ei-nie  (''duration 
i  l.i--  and  feel*  that  it  i-  the 
that  v»e  iii-i-d  to  li.ne  if  wr  .tie  to 

I     -III  i  e--flll     re<  n-.ltion     (itof  ' 

|)l  MUM  V.  Itf.lNH..  l>n,;  In,.  (.,,;•„ 
iillf.   1'rnna.   l\'i,i,;ili,in     I \.\n. 
Sir-: 

Mr.  I  au-i'«  eiiiiorial  present*  a  n-.d 
i  luillenue  to  .ill  |>eo|i|e  .1— -ociated  with 
llie  recreation  movement.  The  article 
is  reallv  inspiring  and  -li-nM  l-e  read 
|i\  I-M  r\  ti-i  te.ilioii  lender.  I  in. nlc  it 
coni|iiil-or\  reading  for  nil  of  our  de- 
partment employee*.  l.oMll^-kil 


is  something  we  need  today  and  it  is 
the  simple  answer  to  all  the  v.-orld's 
troubles. 

After  reading  your  editorial  every 
recreation  worker  should  re-dedicate 
himself  to  seek,  from  time  to  time, 
a  classification  of  purpose;  and  a  sim- 
plification of  means  becomes  a  prime 
need  of  the  individual  and  of  the 
group. 

GEORGE   H.   BAUER,   Supervisor   of 
Recreation,  Milburn,  New  Jersey. 

Hook  (lull 

Sirs: 

I  have  been  in  the  field  of  recrea- 
tion for  only  three  years  and  my  per- 
sonal library  of  good  recreation  ma- 
terial is  rather  meager.  Since  others 
m.t\  have  the  same  problem,  I  have  a 
suggestion  that  I  thought  I  would  pass 
mi  for  what  it  is  worth. 

1     would     like     to     -ee     ,l     liei  leatioll 

Book  of  the  Month  Chili  -tarted.  Ex- 
I"  it-  in  the  profession  could  select 
books  or  pamphlets  and  make  them 
available  to  c-lub  members  each  month. 
In  thi-  wa\  metnliers  could  build  a 
well-roiin<lcil  library  without  having 
to  -|>end  a  large  amount  at  an\  one 
time.  The  selection  period  could  be 
In-monthly  or  quarterly. 
J.  C.  CARTK.K.  /..IH/.M  /'//••.  k<-nin<-l.\. 


Sirs: 

I   have  for  quite  some  time  been  a 
regular  reader  of  your  magazine  ami  I 

alw.n-  find  it  contain-  much  valuable 
information.  I  espe<  iali\  enjoxed  Mr. 
HI  .\\sct'-  article  on  "(lame-  for  Hotiph- 
•:..k-"  in  the  JatiuaiN  i--nc.  Some- 
thing like  tbi-  can  onl\  In-  a|i|.ie«  i.itcd 
when  it  i-  |iul  into  pr:ulne.  I  am  con- 
nected with  the  local  IION-"  c  lull  win-re 
we  IKIM-  .1  few  roiighnei  k-.  I  read  Mr. 
|low-et'»  .itliilc  inn-  il.iv  anil  tried  mil 
In-  -upge-tion-.  Helie\e  me.  thc\ 

Wolk. 

(   lltliilin    \.    KlN«..  (.Hini-M  illr.  HII. 
Kl  i  lUMIiiv 


>$>»     BATS    V3 

HIUERICH&BRAOSBYC 


IN  BASEBALLamTSOFTBALL 


MAY  1952 


*  THK  COMMITTEE  ON  CITATIONS  \M> 
vvv  VKI>S.  of  the  American  Hecreation 
u.  in\ilcs  nominations  fur  the 
1952  presentation*.  These  should  be 
submitted  before  June  first,  and  may 
be  sent  to  am  one  of  the  following 
i-oiiiniittif  members:  Robert  W.  Craw- 
ford. lleputv  Coinniissioner  of  Recrea- 
tion. (.in  Hall  Annex,  Room  432,  Phil- 
adelphia. Pemi«v  Ivania:  Milo  F.  Chris- 
tiansen. Superintendent  of  Recreation, 
'-I  \'>-  Kith  Street.  Y\\..  \\a-hinglon 
10,  D.C.  :  George  Hjelte.  General  Man- 
ager. Department  of  Recreation  and 
('.irk-.  :«»:,  Cilv  Hall.  !...>  Angeles. 
('.alifornia:  Harold  I).  Meyer.  Rei  HM- 
tion  Consultant.  North  Carolina  Recrc- 
alion  Commission.  Box  II.'!1).  Chapel 
Hill.  North  Carolina:  Charles  H.  Eng- 
li-h.  R.K.I).  1.  Wakeman.  Ohio:  I 
1  .mlkins.  Chairman.  Superintend 
cut  of  Recreation.  \Vc-lche-tcr  Coun- 
ts l!c<  ri-ation  (  '.mimis-ion.  Itooin  212. 
Coiintv  OHirc  Building.  White  Plain-. 
New  ^ork.  Candidates  mav  l>e  nomi- 
nated for  a  special  citation  in  recogni- 
tion of  some  outstanding  professional 
achievement  or  for  election  a-  "fcl- 
IVWR"  of  the  American  l!ci  realion  So- 

\ll  pertinent  fad-  regarding  the 

I  of  the  candidate  -honld  |>c  sub- 
mitted in  duphi  ale  with  the  nomina- 
tion. 


>  Tllf    HH.I.MVMM.   MlvM.hs  are  l»eing 

made  in   thr   pei-..mie|  of  the  special 

•  p.irlmi-nl  of  tin-  anm  :  Brig- 

iiilii-r   (>eneral   Chn-lenl.er  rv  .   Chief  ,if 

1  1  >ervi(cs.  has  been  named   Dep- 

ul\   Chief  of  SlalT  of  (he  I  ighlh    \rinv 

in    Kore.i.    l.ii-iitciianl    I  o|..Mel    Hndolf 

Hcgdahl  succeeded  Colonel   Davenport. 

April      I'..      IT.  2.      C"lon,.|     Ravmond 

Monr.  Jr..  Micceeded  Crn--i.il  (  hn-i.-i, 
l»-rrv    on   the   «ainr  d.i' 

*    u-iii  i.«.ifs.     \uihor    of     'Declaration 
of  Hrother«."  on   pagr  eleven  of  RM  • 


UK  vi  ION.  April  1952,  is  Willard  Ksp\  . 
Board  of  Editors,  Reader's  Digest-  — 
and  not  Otto  T.  Mallery,  as  announced. 
The  poem  was  written  by  Mr.  Espy 
after  reading  a  declaration  of  inter- 
dependence by  Mr.  Mallery. 

>  A    STUDY    OF    RECREATION    SALARIES. 

conducted  by  National  Recreation  As- 
sociation. is  scheduled  to  appear  in  the 
September  1952  issue  of  RECREATION. 
However,  pre-prints  of  the  material 
will  l>e  available  from  the  association 
by  June  first. 


*•  A  yi  i  siiuNwiKK.  to  obtain  informa- 
tion about  camp  programs  of  public 
ni  ication  departments,  was  recent!) 
to  recreation  directors  of  fifty- 
\\isi,  insin  communities,  foils  - 
one  of  which  have  directors  who  are 
memliers  of  the  Wisconsin  Recreation 
Association.  Of  the  thirt\-four  reports 
ir.fiM-d.  Iwents  -si-\en  were  returned 
lis  \\  RA  members  and  seven  by  non- 
memlK-rs.  Many  directors  indicated 
that  a  camp  program  is  desirable  and 
expressed  .1  desire  to  develop  one;  -i\ 
reported  that  programs  under  direc- 
tion of  Bo\  Si  outs,  (iirl  Scouts.  ^  .\V. 
C.A.,  Salvation  Anm.  and  so  on,  serve 
rc«pecti\c  communities  adequately; 
-e\en  departments  ho|H-  to 
in  I'1 


>  THK  sU  ,  ,u  12.Mi<  ).')•>:!  Ill  MINI. 
1.  1<  i  NSI  -  ilnring  the  fiscal  year  ending 
June  .Hd.  |')",1.  has  lirmight.  nceorfling 
to  Sports  Age  for  March  1952,  thr 
forts  ciirlil  stales  to  an  all  time  high 
grow  revenue,  from  lhi«  s'.m, 

9L 

*•    IN      MllKt       <  IIHs      I   Mini       Hit       r  m 

M\N\«.H<  KIIKM  m  I.OUHNMIM  uiih 
Near-round  rr<-rration  departmenls.  the 
d'-p.itlmrnt  i»  ailminislrreil  li\  a  policv- 
making  board  or  coinnnv-ion  rather 


than  by  an  executive  without  such  a 
board.  Two  out  of  three  of  these  cities 
without  a  policy  -making  board  have  the 
benefit  of  an  advisors  citi/en  recreation 
group.  Although  city  managers,  gen- 
erally, look  with  disfavor  upon  the  ad- 
ministration of  recreation  departments 
li\  policy-making  citizen  boards,  and 
favor  an  executive  appointed  by  the 
city  manager  and  responsible  to  him. 
several  instances  have  come  to  the  at- 
tention of  tbe  association  recently  where 
a  city  manager  supported  a  proposal 
before  the  city  council  for  the  appoint- 
ment of  a  board  to  administer  the 
recreation  department. 

*A    SERIOUS    PROBLEM     FACING     M  VM 

CROWING  CITIES  is  a  procedure  for  con- 
trolling the  development  of  land  ad- 
jacent to  the  city  limits.  Grand  Rapids. 
Michigan,  has  entered  into  an  agree- 
ment with  the  four  townships  which 
completely  surround  it,  to  assure  such 
control.  The  city  will  supply  water, 
sewer  and  fire  protection  service  on 
the  condition  that  the  governing  bod- 
ies of  the  townships  adopt  the  same 
land  use  policy  as  that  adopted  bv  the 
city. 


Jobs  in  Korea 

There  is  immediate  need  for  rec- 
reation penooad  in  Korea,  although 
vacancies  also  exist  in  Japan.  Oki- 
nawa. Guam  and  the  Philippines. 
A  new  request  just  received  from 
Headquarters.  Kar  Kast  Air  Forces. 
advises  ,,f  unparalleled  opportuni- 
ties f,>r  recieation  personnel  wish- 
ing  to  serve  with  the  I  niled  Male- 
Air  Koree  in  Korea.  The  indent 
need  is  for  special  service  pei-mi 
net  in  manual  arts,  library  and  serv- 
ice (lull  piograius.  i  Men  arc  pre- 
ferred for  the  manual  arts  posi- 
tions, i 

(  .ollege  giaduales  between  twcnlv 
four  and    forlv    vears   of  age.   with 
training  and   expencnic   in    r 
lion,  arc  picfciied.    \pplii  .ilnui-  on 
f-oim     <7.   available   at    am    post    of- 
fice, should  l>e  sent  to  the  Ovei-e.i- 
Kinplov  men!    (  ooidmalion    (Mine. 
l>iic«tor    of    Civilian    Personnel. 
lldi|l-     I    5,  VI    .   \\righl-Pall.i-.n 
Vir    l-'orci-   Ba-e.    Davlon.   Ohio. 


72 


b'l  (  KEVTION 


AAHPER  YEARBOOK 

DEVELOPING 

DEMOCRATIC 

HUMAN 

RELATIONS 

through 

HEALTH  EDUCATION, 

PHYSICAL  EDUCATION, 

RECREATION 


Considers  the  progressive  ac- 
quiring of  democratic  con- 
cepts and  attitudes  from 
childhood  through  early  and 
late  adolescence,  and  adult- 
hood. Applies  to  the  fields  of 
health  education,  physical  ed- 
ucation, and  recreation,  re- 
cent research  on  methods  and 
techniques  in  group  dynam- 
ics, sociometry,  social  group 
work,  and  general  education. 


562   pp. 


$4.25 


ORDER    TODAY 


R-l 

American  Association  for 
Health,  Physical  Education 
and  Recreation 

1201    16)h  St.  N.W.,  Wash.,  D.C. 

Please   send    me copies   of   the 

AAHPER   Yearbook. 


d]    Check    enclosed 


D    Bill    me 


Name 
Street. 
City_ 


Zone         State 


BURKiyWILT 

PLAYGROUND  EQUIPMENT 


UNSURPASSED  in  SAFETY 
and  DURABILITY 

In  a  feature  by  feature  comparison,  BURKE- Bui  It 
Equipment  definitely  offers  outstanding  value. 
Approval  by  park  and  playground  officials  from 
coast  to  coast  is  an  authoritative  support  for  its 
superiority.  Special  fittings  and  scientific  design 
offer  functional  advantages  that  really  contribute 
to  safety,  durability  and  economy  in  the  highest 
degree. 

Equipment  by  BURKE  is  built  on  constant  research 
and  is  unconditionally  guaranteed  against  de- 
fects in  workmanship  and  materials.  Choose 
BURKE — the  choice  of  men  who  know  outstanding 
value. 

THE  J.  E.  BURKE  CO.,    Fond  du  lac,  wu. 

Factory    Branch,   Box   986,    New    Brunswick,    N.J. 


••485 


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Free   Planning  Assistance 

by   Burke   engineers. 

Complete   catalog   and    price   list. 

Address  Dept.  A 


Here's  Help  You  Need 

for  Successful  Recreation 

Become  a  monthly  reader  of  PARK  MAINTENANCE.  Its  articles  will  give 
you  expert  aid  for  more  efficient  and  economical  operation  of  your  fa- 
cilities. Each  October  you  receive  a  complete  Buyer's  Guide,  listing  more 
than  500  sources  of  equipment  and  supplies. 

$3.00  Per  Year 

PARK  MAINTENANCE 

P.O.  BOX  409  APPLETON,   WISCONSIN 


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704    N.    MARIPOSA 
BURBANK,     CALIF. 


MAY  1952 


73 


POSITIONS  OPEN 

For  Professional  Workers 

with 
CAMP   FIRE  GIRLS,  INC. 

In    varinii-    ->-i  eimi-    I  >.  \.    Tnlli  p-    nV- 
liiin-il.  l.rmip  or  camp  Ica.l'-r-liip 
r\|irrirnrr      il>-iral>l<-.      Ii.  •-)...  n-ilik-      for 
working    with    adult    volunteers    in    pro- 


\iilinc    Camp    Fire    program     for 
In-i-niee    training. 

Opportunity  for  Ad\rancement 

\\riir:    I'l-i-oiiiii-l   anil  Training   llrpt. 

Camp   Kir.-   (iirl-.    Inr. 
•    IKih   >li.-ei.   V»    Wk   17,  N.Y. 


traditional 


American 
Playgrounds 


swings 


Rubber  Isn't 

\kron.    the    Hulilx-r    (lit\.    is 
some  important  pioneering  in  the  field 
of  rubberized  surfaces  for  school  pla\- 

grouadt. 

With  attention  focused  national!)  on 
lia/ards  of  the  playgrounds,  this  (  i|\ 
can  be  proud  that  it  is  a  step  or  two 
iihead  of  the  rest  of  the  country  in  pro- 
filing a  softer  and  safer  surface  for 
children  to  play  on. 

We  hope  that  the  technical  details 
may  be  ironed  out  rapidly  so  that  play- 
grounds all  over  Akron  and  in  other 
cities  may  be  rubberized. 

However,  we  hasten  to  point  out 
that  even  latex  cushions  a  foot  deep 
wouldn't  be  enough  to  keep  some 
youngsters  from  getting  hurt.  They'll 
continue  to  bump  into  each  other  and 
into  fixed  objects  like  walls  and  they'll 
go  on  beaning  each  other  with  balls 


.in<l    kit-. 

l-'ur  iiiori-  iinjiinlnnl  llnin  nn\  .\iulm-f 
ii/iic/i  run  In'  put  on  a  playground  is 
llic  suiMTi-isiun  uhich  the  area  acts. 

\Uo  indispensable  is  preparation  to 
;ji\e  lirsl  aid  promptly  and  to  call  for 
professional  medical  help  when  it  is 
needed. 

Considerable  help  can  and  should 
l>e  given  by  parent-teacher  organi/.a- 
tions  in  checking  on  playground  con- 
ditions and  in  giving  financial  as-i^l- 
ance  where  iiece~-ar\. 

But  the  prinian  responsibililv  lies 
in  the  hands  of  the  principals  who 
iniisl  sec  to  it  that  proper  super\  ision 
is  assigned  when  children  are  on  the 
playgrounds. 

Accidents  to  youngsters  probably 
can  never  be  stopped,  but  they  can  be 
lr--ened  in  frequency  and  in  intciiMU 
by  alert  supervisors.  —  Akron  Beacon 


SQUARE  DANCING 


CAN 
BE 


to  teat*  .  .  .  S 


to 


With  these  Square  Dance  Records  with  Progressive 
Oral   Instructions    and   Calls   by    ID   D'JRLACHfK. 

Mere  is  the  easy  and  economical  way  to  meet  tlic 
ever-growing  demand  for  square  dancing  in  your 
community  ...  the  HONOR  YOUR  PARTNER 
scries  of  square  dance  records. 

6         *         <r 

K.uh  record  in  albums  1  to  4  starts  with  simpli- 
fied progressive  oral  instructions  by  Ed  Durlacni'r 
—  init!uetn>ii>  easily  understood  by  dancers  of  all 
ages.  Following  a  brief  pause,  giving  the  dancers 
time  to  square  tlieir  sets,  the  music  and  calls  ocgin.  The  TOP  HANDS,  directed 
by  FRANK  NOVAK,  otfcr  the  best  in  scintillating  and  foot  tapping  square  dance 
music.  The  calls  are  delivered  by  one  of  the  nation's  most  outstanding  square 
d.uiee  authorities.  ED  DURLACHER. 

The  lilili  album  in  the  scries  contains  music  only,  without  calls  or  instructions— 

Squ.irc  D.uiee  C.  liter's  Delight". 

A         A         * 
AN    ENTHUSIASTIC    USER    REPORTS   .   .   . 

"The  .ii/uarr  ilnni  r  ullntni  'llnnur  )  mir  I'nrlnrr'  ii  all  thai  you  rlnimtd  il  lo  be  —  we 
lnr,l  mil  ihr  rrriinlt  nn  a  group  of  eighth  grade  ttuitrnlt  and  they  picked  up  the 
in\tru<iti»n\  uilhniil  iliffirult*.  In  thr  V""  r  "'  thirty  minutes,  thn  group.  U'hica  bad 
never  tquare  danced  be/ore,  were  doing  the  figures  in  an  expert  fashion.  The  record} 
urtr  al.w  a  hit  at  the  ailnlt  square  danir  uhirh  ue  held  last  night." 

\lhc.l    I  II,  ..ii 

Ki  i  re  .Hi.  .11    Dm  i  I.  .1 

(.1.1  IH\IK.,|. 


All    records    guaranteed 
againtl   breakage, 
in   normal   use. 


HOMOKVOuRPARTNtR 


Irarn     more    about    the 

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Writ*    for    a    deieriptive    folder. 


SQUARE  DANCE  ASSOCIATES 


DIPT.    •-• 


FREIPORT,    NEW    YORK 


:\ 


lit  (  KKATION 


ROCKY   MOUNTAIN    HOBBY   ART    CAMP 

Lookout   Mountain    near   Denver,    Colo. 

August   3-9,   1952 

Recreative    workshop    with    fellow    artists    in 

a  relaxed  sociable  setting. 

For   details    write    Paul    Kermiet, 

Rt.  3,  Golden,  Colo. 


Second    Annual 

FOLK  CENTER 

Central    Michigan    College    of 
Education 

August  18-23 

FEATURING  AMERICAN 
COUNTRY   DANCING 
AND  FOLK  SINGING 

with   College  Staff 

Instruction  in:  Elementary  and  Advanced 
Dancing:  Folk  Singing  &  Balladry,-  and 
Square  Dance  Calling. 

Miss  Grace  Ryan,  author  of  "Dances  of 
Our  Pioneers",  will  be  the  Director. 

For  information,  write  to  the  Director 
of  Field  Services,  Central  Michigan 
College  of  Education,  Mt.  Pleasant, 
Michigan. 


For  a  trairdoad  of  thrills 
iritli  the  — 

"BOYS'  RAILROAD 
CLUB" 

.1   lieu-  J-reel  Ifimm  sound  movie 

for 
FREE  LOAN! 

SEE— a  fabulous  model  railroad  system, 
complete  to  the  last  spike! 

MEET— a  real  railroader  who  gives  the 
lowdown  on  the  "big  ones"! 

THRIll— to  "riding  the  cab"  through 
tunnels,  'round  bends,  along  the 
straightaway! 

SEND  FOR-Our  new  FREE  folder, 
"Free  Films  for  Recreation  Pro- 
grams", and  start  your  Summer  Movie 
Programming! 


Recreation    Division 

Association  Films,  Inc. 

347  Madison  Avenue 
New  York    17,  N.Y. 

Branches   in:    Chicago,   San   Francisco. 
Dallas 


The  magazine  of 
Social  Exploration 

Carries  news  of: 

.  .  .  the  Family  .  .  .  Community 
Life  .  .  .  Social  Work  .  .  .  Educa- 
tion .  .  .  Health  .  .  .  Recreation 
.  .  .  Housing  .  .  .  Race  and  In- 
dustrial Relations  .  .  .  Crime 
Prevention  .  .  .  International 
Affairs 

Brings  you: 

The  substance  of  social  devel- 
opment in  one  monthly  publi- 
cation 

High  Points 
She  Acts  It  Out, 

Marion  Robinson 

A  profile  of  Grace  Walker,  an 
actress  who  became  a  Recrea- 
tion Leader;  new  techniques 
she  has  developed  and  the  ex- 
citing results  obtained. 

April 

Social  Welfare  In  India— a  spe- 
cial section 

The  Villages  Dorothy  Moses 
Health  Dr.  K.C.K.E.  Raja 

Child  Welfare      Dr.  K.H.  Cama 

May 

Far  East  Series  on  Social  Wel- 
fare will  move  on  to  Indonesia, 
Ceylon  and  other  eastern  ports 
in  coming  issues. 

Special  Introductory 
Subscriptions  to 
new  subscribers 

T 

Single  copies  50c 
Send  orders  to 

SURVEY  ASSOCIATES,  Inc. 

112  East  19th  Street 
New  York  3,  N.Y. 


Congress  Day 
at  Yellowstone 

September  26,  1952  will  be  Na- 
tional Recreation  Congress  Day  in 
Yellowstone  National  Park.  Its  a 
very  special  and  exciting  day,  when 
Yellowstone's  historic  Gardiner  Gate 
swings  wide  to  welcome  officers  and 
delegates  traveling  to  the  Seattle 
Congress. 

For  more  than  eighty  years,  Yel- 
lowstone has  closed  officially  for  rail 
visitors  about  September  10.  This 
will  happen  again  in  1952,  when  the 
"Savage"  Co-eds,  who  make  the  beds 
and  feed  the  people,  and  the  "Gear 
Jammers",  who  drive  the  buses,  will 
hurry  back  home  to  their  colleges 
and  other  duties. 

Yellowstone  Park  then  becomes  a 
quiet,  magnificent  wonderland.  No 
"Savages".  No  "Dudes".  No  nice  ho- 
tel rooms.  But  wild  animals  galore. 
They  come  out  of  the  woods  in 
great  numbers:  elk,  antelope,  buf- 
falo, moose,  deer,  bighorn  sheep. 
Scenes  and  thrills  to  be  remembered! 

"Can  we  see  Yellowstone  in  Au- 
tumn, on  the  way  to  the  Seattle  Con- 
gress?" the  National  Recreation  As- 
sociation representatives  asked  Na- 
tional Park  Service.  The  answer  is 
"yes"  so  here  we  go! 


The  Northern  Pacific  Railway  is 

arranging  the  trip,  with  official  bless- 
ing of  the  Congress.  Leave  Chicago 
September  24.  Conferences,  good 
fellowship  and  Yellowstone  enroute. 
Square  and  folk  dancing  in  a  Mon- 
tana barn  one  evening.  Arrive  Se- 
attle 7:30  A.M.  September  28.  Con- 
vention until  October  3— then  home- 
ward bound  as  you  please,  or  con- 
tinue with  the  Congress  Tour  to 
California  and  Grand  Canyon. 

An  illustrated  Congress  trip  folder 
has  been  printed.  Write  for  it  to  the 

National  Recreation  Association 
315  Fourth  Avenue, 
New  York   10,  N.Y. 


MAY  1952 


75 


RECREATION 


is  one  of  the  fields  in  which 
SCHOOL    ACTIVITIES 

has  been  serving  the  schools  of  America 
for  twenty  years.  Under  the  editorship  of 
Dr.  Harry  C.  McKown,  well-known  au- 
thority on  extracurricular  activities,  this 
monthly  magazine  promotes  the  following 
interests: 


ACTIVITY  PROGRAMS  -  Current  thought  of  leaders  iu  the  field  of  democratic  group  activities. 

SCHOOL  ASSEMBLIES  —  An  assembly  program  for  each  week  of  the  school  year. 

CLASS  PLAYS  —  Help  in  selecting  and  staging  dramatic  productions. 

CLASS  ORGANIZATIONS  -  Directions  for  the  successful  guidance  of  school  groups. 

FINANCING  ACTIVITIES  -  Suggestions  for  financing  student  functions. 

ATHLETICS  —  News  and  ideas  on  late  developments  in  intra-mural  and  interscholastic  sports. 

DEBATE  —  Both  sides  of  the  current  high  school  debate  question. 

DEPARTMENT  CLUBS  -  Instructions  and  aids  in  the  directing  of  school  clubs  of  all  types. 

HOME  ROOMS  —  Ideas  and  plans  for  educative  home  room  projects. 

PEP  ORGANIZATIONS  -  Devices  for  stimulating  loyalty  and  school  spirit. 

STUDENT  PUBLICATIONS  —  Guidance  in  the  production  of  school  newspaper  and  yearbook. 

PARTIES  AND  BANQUETS  -  Suggestions  for  educative  and  wholesome  social  aitivitus 

STUDENT  GOVERNMENT  -  Sound  direction  in  development  of  student  sense  of  responsibility. 

MISCELLANEOUS   ACTIVITIES  -  Music,   commencement,  point  systems,  etc. 

Subscription  Price   O.?)l)  Subscribe  Now 


School  Activities  Publishing  Co* 


1515  LANE  STREET 


TOPEKA,  KANSAS 


RECRKATION 


The  Louisiana  Art  Commission  Leads  the  Way 


RECREATION 


Mrs.  Hal  Porter's  "The  Circus,"  on  exhibition  in  the  Old  State  Capitol  gal- 
leries, Baton  Rouge,  during  show.  She  is  77  years  old,  has  been  painting  a  year. 


by  Edward  Kerr 


rendered  an  invalid  several  years  ago 
by  arthritis,  is  one  of  the  hundreds 
of  Louisiana  citizens  who  have  found 
the  advantages  of  using  art  as  a  source 
of  recreation  and  relaxation  in  their 
daily  lives,  through  the  efforts  of  the 
Louisiana  art  commission.  The  only 
state-sponsored  organization  of  this 
nature  in  the  United  States,  it  en- 
deavors to  bring  art's  manifold  thera- 
peutic and  stimulating  offerings  to 
every  citizen  of  the  state. 

Helmrich  is  a  member  of  the  Tan- 
gipahoa  Parish  art  association,  which 
is  one  of  twenty-one  active  art  groups 
in  the  state,  all  but  three  of  which  are 
located  in  rural  communities.  Most  of 
the  groups  meet  once  a  week  to  paint 
together  and  offer  criticism  of  each 


The  painting  might 
not  have  looked  like 
much  to  an  average 
art  connoisseur.  It  was  done  in  ama- 
teurish fashion  on  a  piece  of  meat 
wrapping  paper,  using  simple  auto 
lacquers  as  the  medium.  But  this 
painting,  the  first  offering  in  Harry 
Helmrich 's  art  life,  was  chosen  by  the 
lecturer  one  night  at  a  rural  Louisiana 
art  meeting  as  one  of  the  best  exam- 
ples of  primitive  painting  yet  seen  in 
the  state. 

Helmrich,  a  former  auto  mechanic 

MR.  KERR  has  a  distinguished  combat 
record,  is  a  former  newspaper  editor, 
now  press  representative  for  the  Louis- 
iana forestry  Commission. 

MAY  1952 


THROUGH 


ART 


other's  work.  Six  of  the  groups  have 
regular  instructors  who  come  from 
nearby  state  colleges  each  meeting  date 
and  teach  elementary  principles.  The 
objective  with  each  group,  as  it  is 
with  the  entire  state  organization,  is  to 
paint  for  the  simple  enjoyment  of  it, 
not  necessarily  to  win  prizes. 

Membership  of  the  groups  ranges 
from  twenty-three  to  six  hundred  fifty- 
five  at  the  present  time  but  is  steadily 
increasing  as  the  members  actively 
work  to  encourage  individual  artists  in 
their  areas.  Each  year  these  groups 
are  given  shows  in  the  art  commis- 
sion's galleries  in  the  Old  State  Capi- 
tol building  in  Baton  Rouge  and  they 
also  exchange  shows  among  them- 
selves. 

An  art  group  member  might  be  a 
practicing  woman  lawyer,  a  retired 
businessman,  or  a  housewife.  He  or 
she  might  be  a  seventeen-year-old 
freshman  at  college  or  an  eighty-three- 
year-old  mother  like  Mrs.  Hal  Porter 
of  Amite.  Mrs.  Porter  completes  an 
average  of  at  least  one  painting  a 
month.  Another  example  of  an  older 
lady  who  has  just  started  painting  for 
the  fun  of  it  is  Mrs.  Georgia  Starkey 
of  Hammond,  who  painted  her  first 
picture  when  she  was  well  past  sev- 

77 


entv  !  Shi-  (muni  that  it  is  never  too 
late  in  life  to  start  painting,  as  she 
has  captured  several  honorable  men- 
tions  in  state  -li..w-.  inrluding  tin- 
New  Orleans  Delgado  Museum's  .">nth 
Anniversary  Show,  which  was  a  na- 
tional exhibition.  Miss  Frances  Folse 
of  Haceland.  an  invalid,  organized  an 
art  group  herself  in  Lafourche  Parish. 
It  now  has  seven!)  -four  member-. 

The  Louisiana  art  commission  was 
formed  in  1938  by  an  act  of  the 
Louisiana  legislature  after  many  v.-.n- 
of  insistence  hy  a  group  of  women  in 
Baton  Rouge's  art  league.  Its  work 
wa-  limited  at  the  start  by  the  lack  of 
funds  for  a  full-time  director  and  be- 
cause of  the  ensuing  war  years.  How- 
e\er  in  March  of  1947  the  artists' 
ilriMins  began  to  materiali/c.  Thev 
managed  to  serun-  six  thousand  dol- 
lars from  the  legislature  for  the  nr\l 
year's  operations  and  selected  a  young, 
energetic,  self-made  artist  by  the  name 
of  Jay  Broussard  to  lead  the  way  as 
director.  Broussard,  who  had  been 
working  in  back-hn-aking  jobs  at  tin- 
salt  mines  around  his  native  New 
Iberia,  -incc  hi-  discharge  from  the 
•••IN  ice  as  a  master  sergeant,  lost  no 
time  in  swinging  the  waltz-timed  art 
|'i'>:_'iam  into  ja//  tempo.  Hi-  yearly 
appropriation,  now  close  to  eleven 
tli"ii-.ind  dollars,  is  always  two  steps 
U-hind  what  is  needed  to  keep  pace 
with  hi-  expanding  *chcdulc. 

PoMeniOg     an     energy     which    can 

piob.ihlv    be  lie-.  lilieil   be-l   .1-  llienuo- 

dvnamic.  he  ha-   -iii  i-i-eiled   in   lighting 

the  wa\    for  hiindieds  of  average  cili- 

n   finding  a  rewarding  recreation 

through     art.     Alwav-    operating     with 

iiigenuilv    than   cash,   hi-   "-l.ilf." 

even   now    with  a  greallv   expanded  art 

program,  ion-i-1-    onlv    of   a    -ciielaiv. 

nler    .mil    lavoul    work    for    i-xlu- 

bilious,   mimeograph   work,   unpacking 

and     packing    hundred-    of    exhibited 

p.iinling*       all   .lie   done    b\     Id  011— aid. 

nio-llv     into    the    night. 

One  of  In-  i  i  lir. iin-l. . i in- 

wan  to  olb-r  the  Im-al  merchants'  wel- 
come organization  the  -ervne.  of  tin- 
•  omnii««ioii  to  help  newcomer-  in 
hanging  their  painting-.  "The  com- 
••II  will  -end  a  man  out  whenever 
it  i«  rri|  nested."  the  ..ITer  read.  A-k.-d 
by  an  ama/ed  cili/.-n  who  in  the 
world  the  .oinmi««ioii  could  send. 


W-> 


\  junior  member  is  Neil 
Jackson,  painting  in  one 
of  the  Saturday  morning 
classes.  None  are  too 
young  or  too  old  to  take 
part  in  the  art  programs. 


Kelovv.  one  of  Louisiana's 
l>ml(liim  amateur  artists. 
Harry  Hi-lmrich.  works  in 
liis  "studio  '  at  his  home. 
He  recrutlv  sold  a  paint- 
ing, his  first,  to  a  church. 


Broussard  said,  "Whv.  me.  of  coui-e!" 

In  addition  to  hi-  regular  work  ami 

painting     on     a     self-imposed,      rigid 

-.  hedllle.   the  all   dire.  t..|    ic-eivi  -   -olllc 

of  hi-  lime  foi  experimenting  with  art 
llieiapv  nmiing  members  of  an  "ex- 
ceptional <  hildicn"  .  la—  in  ltal«n 
Itouge.  lie  even  has  IHVH  successful  in 
getting  spa-lii  children  to  do  finger 

|Mllll: 

line  of  Itrou— ard'-   i  MHI  gel   in  (In- 
habit  »f   -.i\mg   Broussard   when    MHI 


mean  art  coimni  —  ion  main  project- 
i-  tin-  traveling  cxhibilion-.  which 
now  numlxT  Iwcntv -eight.  These 
-how-,  which  include  original  drawing* 
from  the  \--..i  i. iled  \mcrican  \ili-l- 
•  ialletie.  in  New  Viik  and  document- 
ed  panel  -how-  fiom  the  Mii-eum  of 
Modem  \il.  i.1"  I"  ."iv  school,  gimip 
or  lihriirv  which  i-  en::a^cd  in  an  .11! 
nn.  for  onlv  n  small  charge  i,, 
,  .,vi  r  co*l  of  Iran-poilahoii. 

\nolhcr  fealuie  of  the  conimi«ion'- 


n 


l!t  i  lit  VTION 


"Old  Man  of  the  Delta,"  by  H.  C.  Fultz 
of  New  Orleans.  "Best  print  in  the  show." 


program  to  stimulate  interest  in  art 
among  amateurs  is  the  annual  amateur 
artists'  exhibition,  in  which  the  com- 
mission offers  prizes  of  $100,  $75  and 
$25  out  of  its  pinched  resources  for 
the  first,  second  and  third  place  win- 
ners. Last  April,  the  ninth  annual  ex- 
hibition was  held.  Amateur  photog- 


raphers of  the  state  vie  each  year  for 
honors  in  its  annual  amateur  photog- 
raphers' exhibition,  the  third  of  which 
will  be  held  this  February.  Another 
big  event  is  the  annual  art  students' 
exhibition,  entries  for  which  are  di- 
vided into  four  categories:  adult 
amateur  part-time  students,  college 
art  students,  high  school  art  students, 
and  children  in  the  elementary  schools. 
No  prizes  are  given,  but  the  show  is 
documented  and  filed  with  the  state 
library  for  future  reference  on  art 
progress  in  Louisana. 

Broussard's  latest  precedent-setting 
project  is  the  First  Louisiana  Forestry 
Art  Exhibition,  which  was  hung  in  the 
commission's  galleries  during  Novem- 
ber. It  was  sponsored  jointly  by  the 
Louisiana  forestry  commission  and  the 
art  commission.  The  exhibition,  which 


drew  two  hundred  fifty  entries  from 
throughout  the  state,  was  open  to  adult 
amateurs,  professionals,  college  art 
students,  high  school  students,  and 
elementary  children  for  the  purpose 
of  stimulating  interest  in  forestry 
through  art.  The  project  has  been  so 
successful  in  demonstrating  the  use 
of  art  to  further  interest  in  other 
fields  that  other  agencies  of  the  state 
now  want  an  exhibition,  too! 

Louisiana  definitely  has  led  the  way 
in  proving  that  art  should  not  be 
forgotten  in  any  recreational  program 
of  a  city,  state  or  nation.  Its  proof 
lies  within  the  cities  and  on  the  bayous 
of  this  southern  state,  where  countless 
hundreds  of  everyday  folks  have  found 
the  recreational,  and  sometimes  life- 
saving  qualities  available  in  the  world 
of  amateur  art. 


"Emphasis  in  the  encouragement  of  local  art  courses 
is  upon  the  recreational  value  of  art.  The  art  groups 
appeal  to  all  ages,  and  include  many  older  people, 
and  people  who  are  incapacitated,  in  addition  to  the 
young.  This  program  is  outstanding!"-- BILL  HAY, 
\at!o»al  Recreation  Association  Field  Department. 


Recreation  Personnel  Changes 


Joseph  Owens,  Superintendent  of 
Recreation  in  Caldwell,  New  Jersey, 
has  resigned  to  accept  the  position  of 
National  Director  of  Athletics  and 
Recreation  for  the  Veterans  of  For- 
eign Wars,  with  headquarters  in  Kan- 
sas City,  Missouri. 

Frank  Evans,  Assistant  Superin- 
tendent of  Recreation  in  East  Orange, 
New  Jersey,  succeeds  Mr.  Owens  as  the 
newly  appointed  executive  in  Cald- 
well, New  Jersey. 

Warren  Pfost,  Superintendent  of 
Recreation  in  Webster  City.  Iowa,  has 
been  succeeded  by  Robert  Eld  ridge. 
Mr.  Pfost  returns  east  for  community 
center  work  in  Trenton.  New  Jersey. 

Syl  Fulwiler  is  the  new  superin- 
tendent in  Puyallup.  Washington,  and 
Leo  Fondacaro  succeeds  Jack  Hans 


as   the   executive   in    Amarillo,   Texas. 

Pennell  Eustis  has  reported  to  Lewis- 
ton,  Maine,  as  the  new  executive. 

Nice  things  continue  to  happen  to 
recreation  executives.  This  time  it  is 
Carl  Soden,  superintendent  of  recrea- 
tion in  Great  Bend,  Kansas,  who  has 
been  selected  for  contributing  most 
to  the  community  in  the  preceding 
year.  He  received  the  Distinguished 
Service  Award  from  the  Junior  Cham- 
ber of  Commerce  as  the  "Young  Man 
of  the  Year." 

William  P.  Witt,  Superintendent  of 
Recreation  in  Corpus  Christi.  Texas, 
has  been  promoted  to  the  combined 
responsibility  for  parks  and  recreation. 
His  assistant.  Robert  Moorman,  has 
been  advanced  to  the  position  of  su- 
perintendent of  recreation,  and  other 


members  of  the  staff  have  moved  up 
the  ladder.  Promotion  from  within  has 
made  for  a  career  service  for  the  rec- 
reation staff  in  Corpus  Christi. 

John  M.  Stephens,  Jr.,  Director  of 
Parks  and  Recreation,  Salem,  Virginia, 
has  transferred  to  a  similar  position 
in  Coral  Gables,  Florida. 

Edwin  ].  Moses,  Director  of  Parks 
and  Recreation,  Urbana,  Illinois,  has 
been  called  back  to  service  in  Korea. 

Don  T.  Neer,  formerly  superintend- 
ent of  recreation  in  Zanesville,  Ohio, 
has  accepted  a  position  with  the  United 
States  Junior  Chamber  of  Commerce 
as  sports  director. 

Gus  H.  Haycock,  Superintendent  of 
Parks  in  Corpus  Christi,  Texas,  is  now 
Superintendent  of  Parks  and  Recrea- 
tion in  San  Antonio. 


MAY  1952 


79 


Sunday  recital   group,   Midland   String  Quartet,   all   symphony   orchestra   members. 


We  Make  Our  Own 


in  sir 


Bob  McKellar 


IF  IT   I-    mi  K,  as  some  say,  that  the 
American    people    are    a    nation    of 

-!>••.  l.ilnr-.  then  those  who  deplore  the 
iendeii<\  In  -it  and  u.it'  h  someone 
.-!•*•  (H-rform  would  no  doiilit  find  sol- 
.!•  ••  iri  ihi-  arlivilie-  of  tin-  people  df 
Midland,  Michigan,  in  tin  !>.,»  Cherni- 
cal  Company  music  organizations. 

Midland   in  a   rclali\c|\    -mall  i  ilv 
about     M.IMXI    inhabitant*     ««.IIH-    ill- 
from    tin-    .  enter-    of   population 
atnl    indu«tr\     ii-ualK    a—"  -iali-d    with 
,i  i '.m|i. m\    a*  large  as   how.   IVrhap* 
that's  one  reason  win    tin-  i-iiiniiiunil\ 
such   an   active  part    in    ii- 
MHL 

Not    that    goo.l     profe--i,.nal    enter 
l.iinriiriil   i-  unattainable;   in  the.e  .1  i\- 
.111  ixi.i-ion.d  trip  lo   Dclt'.it.  .-ne  linn 


KrprinlrH     from     Mitur     Journal.     January 


dred    twentv     miles    away,    to    attend 
a   concert   or  a   play  certainly   is  not 

cult    of    the    iple-lioll.    Hut.    -"inell.iw.    we 

find   il   much   more  satisfying  to  make 
our    own    mu-ic. 

\rnl  make  our  own  we  do.  I  .1-1 
\t-ar  the  Dow  inii-ic  organizations  gave 
-exenlcen  i  omerl-.  thirli-en  in  Midland 
anil  four  out  of  town,  Concerts  during 
the  la-l  -even  vear-  hil\e  ineluileil  -ml] 

major  works  as  Elijah.  The    M,--\inli. 

I  In-  (.rrnliiili.  I  III'  (hili-lin:;  i'i  l//i»e\ 
*  ff'nlilinp  ti-n\l.  (  nrnn-n. 
from  Mnillin  and  Tnlr.i  i>f  Hoff- 
man. 1  In-  Wil.iiiln.  I'nlf-rii  f.  \nii/ihl\ 
Marii-ltn.  Iteelhoven'-  >'w;i/i/iri»i'rt  \.i. 
I  and  N"  ::.  M>. /art's  Haffncr  >,m- 

i>hi>m.  MendriMoba'i  I  mlm  <mi.i-ii,> 

111       I      \lllliil.     Iteelholen'-     Tlijlli 

Inr    I  ;„//').  (.rlli,  nnil  I'innn.   and 

mam    other    major  ami   -ni.ill.  i    w..ik- 

^oii   might   -a\    that   llu-   Dow    IMII-H 


program  wa-  tlie  result  of  spontaneous 
combustion.  The  first  (lames  were 
kindled  back  in  1936,  when  a  group  of 
men  at  the  plant  organized  a  male 
chorus  and  petitioned  the  company  for 
a  little  assistance  in  the  form  of  some 
music,  programs,  a  piano,  and  the  -al- 
ary for  a  part-time  director. 

This  arrangement  «a»  faiilv  -m- 
cc.--.ful:  the  chorus  provided  the  out- 
lei  for  self-expression  which  music  of- 
fers, hut  the  musical  standards  of  the 
finnip  were  probably  no  better  than 
those  of  any  comparable  unit  from 
Maine  to  California.  And  part-time  di- 
rectors came  and  went,  although  the 
(horns  had  grown  to  a  membership 
of  seventy-six  men  by  the  beginning 
of  the  war. 

The  memlwrs  of  the  chorus  were 
just  people  who  loved  to  sing.  It  was 
a  fairly  good  cros-  -ection  of  tin- 
plant — a  scattering  of  white  collar 
workers  mixed  with  some  in  overall-. 
But  in  addition  to  their  lo\c  of  sing- 
ing they  posses-ed  the  understandable 
desire  for  professional  competence. 
I'drtunateh  .  the\  were  able  to  do  some- 
thing about  it.  In  I'H.'!  the  group 
asked  the  company  for  a  full-time 
mu-ic  director.  Thus  it  was  that  the 
employees  them-el\e-.  through  their 
great  enthusiasm  for  music  and  with 
the  cooperation  of  the  Dow  Chemical 
Company,  created  their  own  musii  de- 
partment. Dr.  Theodore  Vosburgh, 

former  associate  profe— f  music  at 

Albion  College,  \lbion.  Michigan,  wa- 
i  hi.-err  1>\  the  chorus  a-  director  of 
the  new  project  in  the  summer  of  I'M  '. 

The  purpose  of  the  Dow  ('heroin] 
t'ompam  in  setting  up  and  financing 
a  musii  department  wa-  not  publicity. 
The  i  ompanv  had  long  pm-iicd  a  poll- 
iv  of  a— i-tamc  in  impioxing  the  cul- 
tural and  recreational  facilities  of  the 
entire  commuiiiu.  and  il  Iwlieved  that 
mu-ic  i  oiild  IN;  a  vital  factor  in  em- 
ploye morale,  would  provide  an  .Mill.  I 
for  mn-ii  al  inlcie-l.  and  would  he  a 
medium  for  |H"\iding  whole-nine  en- 
tcitainmenl  holh  for  ernp|o\ees  and 
for  the  general  public. 

I  li, -i  \n  »-  n-itainh  ha\c  been  jus- 
tilled  In  ihe  -in  i  e—  ,.f  the  program. 
I  nder  the  diiection  of  Dr.  \osbingh. 
the  rnii-ii  al  pio|e,  I  ha-  gained  Ire 
mendou-  rmpelir-  until  l".l.i\  we  have 
.1  well  l.alani  eil  program  ihe  !• 


Hi  I  III    VIIMN 


industrial  music  organization  in  the 
world. 

The  backbone  of  the  Dow  program 
is  a  trio  of  musical  groups;  the  male 
chorus,  the  girls'  chorus,  and  the  Dow 
symphony  orchestra.  The  pattern  for 
each  season  has  been  fairly  well  es- 
tablished. From  November  to  May  the 
public  may  hear,  free  of  charge,  a 
concert  every  four  weeks,  a  schedule 
culminating  each  spring  in  a  two-  or 
llim'-day  festival.  The  vocal  organi- 
zations give  their  own  memorized  con- 
certs, then  combine  for  one  oratorio 
in  December.  One  mixed  choral  and 
instrumental  concert  is  produced  dur- 
ing each  season,  and  a  major  choral 
work  is  included  in  the  festival.  For 
those  who  hanker  for  a  little  grease 
paint  and  the  glamor  of  the  footlights, 
either  an  operetta  or  operatic  acts  are 
given  each  season. 

The  orchestra  presents  two  concerts 
a  year  and  joins  the  vocal  groups  in 
the  concerts  already  mentioned.  On 
an  occasional  Sunday  afternoon  the 
public  may  enjoy  a  chamber  music 
program :  small  ensembles,  such  as  girl 
sextets,  male  quartets,  trios,  woodwind 
and  brass  groups,  and  string  quartets 
organized  mostly  from  the  large 
groups. 

On  three  occasions  each  season  the 
church  choirs  and  many  others  join 
the  Dow  music  groups:  for  the  ora- 
torio in  December,  the  choral  program 
of  the  festival  and  the  annual  operetta. 

To  those  with  creative  talents  every 


encouragement  is  given,  with  the  idea 
always  in  mind  of  producing  original 
works.  One  of  the  most  popular  per- 
formances of  the  program's  history 
was  an  original  variety  show  in  six 
acts  called,  appropriately,  "Chemic 
Capers."  It  was  written,  directed  and 
produced  by  the  cooperative  efforts  of 
a  great  number  of  Dow  and  other 
Midland  people.  Included  was  a  ballet 
with  original  music  and  dances. 

To  avoid  giving  the  impression  that 
the  Dow  music  groups  are  composed 
entirely  of  Dow  people,  we  should  like 
to  point  out  that,  with  one  exception, 
the  community  at  large  is  welcome 
to  participate.  Because  of  the  excep- 
tional popularity  of  the  male  chorus, 
a  limit  of  one  hundred  Dow  employees 
has  reluctantly  been  set,  and  there  is 
usually  a  waiting  list.  The  girls'  chorus 
of  one  hunderd  ten  voices  and  the  or- 
chestra of  sixty  members  are  open  to 
everyone  in  the  community.  Inciden- 
tally, our  symphony  orchestra  is  com- 
posed entirely  of  local  persons,  none 
coming  from  outside  the  Midland  area. 

All  productions  of  the  Dow  music 
organizations  are  open  and  free  to  the 
public.  Freewill  offerings  are  taken 
at  all  main  concerts  and,  since  1945, 
the  Midland  Music  Foundation  has 
been  the  beneficiary  of  funds  accruing 
from  this  source. 

The  Midland  Music  Foundation  was 
conceived  to  stimulate  interest  in  music 
and  to  assist  in  the  musical  education 
of  the  children  of  Midland  County. 


Once  each  year  the  foundation  spon- 
sors a  contest.  The  winners  receive 
music  scholarships  and  private  les- 
sons. Last  spring  one  hundred  twenty- 
five  students  competed;  four  students 
were  awarded  eight  weeks  each  at  In- 
terlochen,  and  two  students  were  giv- 
en two  weeks  at  that  well-known  music 
camp.  Twelve  more  winning  contest- 
ants received  cash  awards  to  be  used 
for  private  lessons  with  local  teachers. 
The  foundation  also  has  a  scholarship 
fund  which  is  used  to  provide  needy 
talented  students  with  means  to  con- 
tinue their  lessons. 

The  children  benefiting  from  the 
foundation  range  from  eight  years  old 
through  high  school  age.  They  are  di- 
vided into  three  groups  for  purposes 
of  competition.  This  year  the  founda- 
tion is  helping  to  pay  the  salary  of  a 
full-time  music  instructor  for  the  Mid- 
land County  schools. 

The  board  which  administers  the 
funds  of  the  foundation  is  composed 
of  two  representatives  of  each  major 
Dow  group,  Dr.  Vosburgh,  and  one 
other  member  of  his  staff.  For  the 
contest,  impartial  judges,  usually  from 
college  music  departments,  choose  the 
best  performances. 

Since  one  of  the  main  purposes  of 
the  Dow  music  program  is  to  provide 
self-expression  for  the  individual,  local 
talent  is  given  every  opportunity  to  do 
solo  work.  Such  a  policy  has  been  jus- 
tified by  the  many  excellent  perform- 
ances which  have  been  given.  How- 


One  of  combined  Dow  groups'  first  major  productions  is  usual- 
ly oratorio  in  December.  "The  Messiah"  was  presented  in  1944. 


Members  of  choruses  and  symphony  orchestra  join  forces  to  pre- 
sent "The  Red  Mill"  as  one  of  the  major  productions  of  1950. 


MAY  1952 


81 


f\rr.  one  or  more  nationally  known 
aiti-S  .i|i|>e-,ir  mi  aheuit  two-thirds  of 
our  ce.ne-ert-..  The-..-  .nli-ls  arc  not 
hreiughl  in  to  in.  ira-i-  atle-nelancc: 
rather.  thev  supph  an  eviting  -liniii- 
lu-  tn  tin-  pe-rfm  .ning  group  from  both 
a  musical  and  a  personal  point  of 
\i<-w.  The  artist  usuallx  performs  a 
work  of  some  length  xxilh  the  group 
and  then  oilers  some  shorter  pieres. 
Informal  get-teige-the-rs  are  he-Id  after 
lomrrls.  vii  that  the  loeal  people  have 
an  opportunity  to  meet  and  chat  with 
the  artist. 

Among  the  well-known  vocalists  who 
have  appeared  with  our  groups  are 
Winifried  Heidt,  contralto;  Conrad 
III  il'. mil.  baritone:  Donald  Dame, 
tenor:  and  Josephine  Antoine,  so- 
prano. Instrumentalists  include  Whitte- 
more  and  Lowe,  pianists:  Percy 
Grainger,  pianist;  Yella  Pessl,  harpsi- 
chordist; and  Lois  Bannerman,  harp- 
ist. 

I  ntil  last  year,  rehearsals  of  the 
music  groups  were  held  more  or  less 
whe-re-veT  space  could  l>c  found.  I  sual- 
K  the  |)«.w  auditorium  or  the  plant 
cafeteria  was  available.  When  thr-.- 
two  places  were  in  use,  space  was  Imr- 
mwe-el  from  local  churches. 

Last  year  the  department,  with  all 
its  activities,  settled  into  its  own 
building,  contributed  by  the  Dow 
Company- -with  no  strings 


attached.  It  has  an  auditorium  large 
enough  to  accommodate  re-he-ar-als  nf 
the  largest  groups,  practie-c  rooms,  ami 
eillices  for  Dr.  \nslniigli  ami  his  thre-c 
a»islanl~.  I'erforinance-s  arc  gi\en.  as 
before-,  in  tin-  community'!  largest  au- 
ditorium, that  of  Midland  High 
School. 

Dr.  Vosburgh  is  a  graduate  of  the' 
l.astman  School  of  Musie  .  anil  wa- 
granted  a  Ph.D.  in  music  from  the 
Detroit  Institute  of  Musical  Art  in 
1941.  In  adelition.  he  studied  conduct- 
ing with  F.  Melius  Christiansen.  John 
Finley  Williamson,  and  Fred  Waring, 
and  coached  with  Edward  Harris.  He- 
has  appeared  in  main  recitals,  radio 
programs,  oratorios  and  opera  per- 
formances. Before  coming  to  Midland 
he  headed  the  voice  department  of 
Newberry  College  in  South  Carolina 
and  for  six  years  was  associate  pro- 
fessor of  music  and  director  of  vocal 
organizations  at  Albion  College,  Al- 
bion, Michigan. 

One  of  his  assistants  is  his  wife-, 
a  musician  in  her  own  right.  She,  also, 
is  a  graduate  of  the  Eastman  School 
of  Music,  having  specialized  in  \nio- 
and  piano.  She  became  an  official 
member  of  the  Dow  staff  this  year, 
having  served  in  one  capacity  or 
another  in  practically  every  produc- 
tion of  the  project. 

Kohcrt    Moss,    pianist,    joined    the 


Cooperation  in  Aquatics 


^rrviK  Hole-  of  Survival  Aquatics  in 
-I-  the  National  Emergency"  was 
•he  nubjcr  t  under  <\i-i  u— -inn  at  a  Hirel- 
ing held  at  Yale  I  nm-r-iu.  November 
26  and  27.  under  the  au*pie-e*  of  the 
I  •.nf.-r.-rn  i-  for  National  I  •...(..-ration 
in  Aquatics.  This  (..iif.-i.-nir  include* 
in  it*  iiii-inU-rship  n-prcx-nlativr*  from 
national  organizations  and  individuals 
win.  have  particular  abiliti.-  or  inter- 
e  -I  in  aquatics.  The  National  Kccrra- 
tion  Association  is  onr  of  the  e  ..operat- 
ing groups. 


The  purpose  of  the-  November  im-e-1 
ing  was  to  devise-  effective  mctlmds  and 
ti-i  Imnpji  -  to  stimulate  and  guide   |.. 
cal  groups  to  work  togelhe-r  in  imti.it 
ing.  developing  and  conducting  aquat- 
ic   programs    designed    t..    i.-ae-h    the 

aqiiali.  -kilK.  a-  de-ve-|n(ied  b\  the- 
department  of  ele-fen«c.  ami  ..llier  ap- 
preiprinte  a-).<  .  I-  •  -(  -urxn.il  a.pi.ih.- 
I  In-  eonfi-riM'r  ^  urging  the-  nn-.l  (••! 
greater  awareness  among  rommunilx 
,-ige-ne  if*  of  the-  need  for  expanding 


Dow  inusie  department  in  l()-U>.  afte -r 
lhre-e-  \e-ar-  in  the-  navv  and  teaching 
at  the-  I  nixcrsitx  of  Te-\as.  He-,  also, 
is  an  East  man  graduate-. 

I'eirtia  The-eli-  is  the-  foiirlli  ine-nihe-r 
eif  the-  stall.  She-  received  a  Bachelor 
of  Science  degree  in  physics  anil  a 
Mae  -he-leu-  of  \Iu-ii  ill  izn-t-  at  Michigan 

Stale-  (!o||e-ge.  where-  she-  studied  unele-r 
.\le-\ander  Schuste-r.  I  In  ~|>e-cialt\  is 
tilt-  ( -e-llei.  \\lliell  she-  |ila\e-el  in  \arieilis 

symphonies  throughout  the-  state-  !«•- 
foil-  i-oniing  to  Midland  in  I'M:'.. 

It  is  hard  te>  evaluate  the  true  worth 
e)f  a  program  such  a<  the-  eme-  at  Dow. 
altheiugh  there-  is  no  doiilit  in  the-  mind 
eif  anyone  whe>  lias  attended  e-ve-n  eme 
pe-rfetrmane-e-  that  il  i-  of  i  le-stiinable- 
value-.  I'l-iliap-  (be-  figure's  tell  the  real 
stein.  Ill  the  last  -e-xe-n  seasons  the- 
thre-e-  major  organisations  have  give-n 
ninetv-six  full  cemcerts  in  Midland  be- 
fore about  one  hunelre-el  twenty  thou- 
sand people-  in  a  hall  seating  onlx  e  mi- 
thousand  two  hundre-d  liftx.  Free  tick- 
ets are  distributed  for  each  perform- 
ance  in  an  effeirt  lei  control  the  size  of 
the-  e-rowel-.  'I  IH--I-  tirki-ts  are  given  out 
at  three  distrihutie>n  [loinls.  and  even 
xxhi-ii  lliirr  thousand  scxe-n  hundred 
liflx  tie-kets  are  given  exit  for  thre-e- 
nights  lhe-x  an-  e.ften  gone  in  an  hour. 
Can  the-ri-  be-  anx  doubt  that  Midland 
is  getting  her  share-  of  the-  salisfae-timi 
that  music  can  bring? 


-w  miming  and  survival  preigi.im- 
Creat  e-mphasis  is  he-ing  placed  upon 
l>ii-|i.ii.ilinn  of  the-  eixilian  population 
.1-  «r||  a-  nf  xoiini;  pe-ise>n«.  faring  inili- 
I.IM  -e-rxie-.-.  sine  e-  moil-  than  half  of 
the-  total  populatiem  e.f  tin-  I'nite-d 
•M.itr-  |..niii  i|i.ii>--  in  swimming  and 
either  ae|UHlie-  ailixiln-. 

I  In-    i  onfe-te-ne  r    is    Urging    the-    ele-vel 
opine-nt     eif    .....(..  i  .it  u .-    artion     in    lo- 

calilie-s.  to  the-  .  ml  that  aquatics  may 
eoniribiile   te.   the-   national   ele-fe-n-e-  ef- 

foll    lei  the-   flllle»l   e-\lrn|. 


Bfl 


SWIMMING  POOL 
OPERATION 


1     I 


I     I 


THE  ACCOMPANYING  statement  is  a 
summary  of  the  discussion  and 
recommendations  of  the  Swimming 
Pool  Section  at  a  midwest  recreation 
executive  conference  held  in  Spring- 
field, Illinois.  Chauncey  Hyatt,  swim- 
ming pool  consultant,  contributed  much 
to  its  development. 

It  seems  fairly  clear  that  the  prob- 
lem of  swimming  pool  operation  is 
sanitation.  This  problem  involves  the 
preparation  of  the  bathers  before  they 
enter  the  pool,  housekeeping  in  the 
pool  and  around  the  pool  area,  and 
prevention  of  the  transmission  of  di- 
sease during  epidemics. 

Preparation  of  Bathers  before 
Swimming 

All  bathers,  in  all  walks  of  life, 
all  ages  and  both  sexes,  should  be  re- 
quired to  take  a  bath  prior  to  entering 
a  pool.  The  pool  management  should 
provide  for  adequate  and  proper  in- 
spection of  all  bathers  to  make  sure 
they  have  bathed  before  entering  the 
pool.  This  inspection  should  be  cour- 
teous, and  done  by  personnel  who  will 
not  embarrass  the  bathers. 

Facilities  should  be  provided  which 
will  permit  all  bathers  to  take  a  nude 
warm  water  shower  with  liquid  soap 
before  entering  the  pool.  Liquid  soap 
is  preferred  to  bar  soap  for  various 
reasons.  In  progressive  communities 
the  tendency  is  toward  open-type 
showers  for  both  sexes.  Where  there 
is  a  demand  for  privacy,  some  man- 
agers resort  to  the  device  of  a  canvas 
wall  hung  from  a  cable  stretched 
across  the  room.  The  most  recommend- 
ed footbath  was  the  shallow  floor  de- 
pression, supplied  with  a  flow  of  clean 
water.  If  the  footbath  is  of  the  chemi- 
cal type,  it  is  recommended  that  the 

MAY  1952 


Martin  Nading  and  Sam  Basan 


chemicals  be  renewed  every  hour.  It 
was  pointed  out  that  the  use  of  some 
footbath  chemicals  caused  excessive 
irritation,  and  that  the  problem  of 
foot  infections  is  diminishing. 

It  was  recommended  that  wherever 
possible  a  nurse  be  employed  to  in- 
spect patrons  for  skin  troubles,  nose, 
throat  and  ear  infections.  Patrons 
should  be  required  to  have  dry  suits 
and  towels  before  entering  the  pool 
area. 

The  problem  of  pool  sanitation  is, 
in  the  main,  essentially  a  matter  of 
good  housekeeping.  The  public  should 
be  well  informed  through  advance  pub- 
licity of  those  rules  and  regulations 
aimed  toward  better  housekeeping  and 
more  sanitary  pool  conditions. 

Transmission  of  Diseases 

It  was  pointed  out  that  the  human 
being  is  not  essentially  an  amphi- 
bious animal,  and  thus  not  accus- 
tomed to  living  in  a  water  environment. 
His  nose  is  not  protected  to  shut  out 
the  water  as  in  a  seal  or  other  aquatic 
animal.  In  swimming  and  diving,  the 
person  is  subjected  to  pressures  which 
flush  the  protective  coatings  in  the 
nasal  passages  into  the  sinuses,  carry- 
ing up  potentially  infected  organisms, 
thereby  causing  sinus  infections.  Also, 
sneezing  or  coughing  by  the  swimmer 
causes  droplets  of  possible  infectious 
material  to  adhere  to  the  water  briefly 
and  other  swimmers  nearby  may  take 
in  this  material  which  may  result  in 
a  respiratory  infection. 

Regarding  the  transmission  of  polio, 
advice  was  sought  from  Alex  J.  Steig- 


man,  M.D.,  consultant  in  clinical  epi- 
demiology, National  Foundation  for 
Infantile  Paralysis,  who  wrote  as  fol- 
lows: 

"Present  day  information  would  sug- 
gest that  swimming  pools  which  are 
well  managed  from  the  sanitary  point 
of  view,  do  not  directly  constitute  a 
hazard  from  the  standpoint  of  polio- 
myelitis. Two  outstanding  features  of 
poliomyelitis  are :  ( 1 )  that  it  is  spread 
by  personal  contact,  and  (2)  that  ex- 
haustion and  fatigue,  as  well  as  chill- 
ing, render  individuals  more  suscepti- 
ble to  the  severe  effects  of  the  disease. 
It  is  probably  for  these  two  reasons 
that  swimming  pools  have  for  a  long 
time  been  held  under  suspicion,  not 
because  of  the  water,  but  because  a 
swimming  pool  is  a  place  of  assembly. 

"At  the  national  conference  on  Rec- 
ommended Practices  for  the  Control 
of  Poliomyelitis,  held  in  Ann  Arbor, 
Michigan,  in  June  1949,  it  was  rec- 
ommended that  health  officers  do  not 
take  action  to  close  or  prevent  opera- 
tion of  places  of  recreation  or  amuse- 
ment, since  such  measures  were  inef- 
fective, as  a  rule,  in  controlling  polio- 
myelitis epidemics. 

"I  think  you  are  quite  right  in  in- 
dicating that  when  you  do  not  have 
control  over  the  length  of  time  the 
children  spend  in  the  water,  such  a 
situation  is  not  good.  The  chief  things 
in  operating  a  swimming  pool  of  the 
type  you  referred  to  in  your  letter 
are:  (1)  to  see  that  the  children  are 
not  permitted  to  remain  in  until  they 
are  exhausted  and  chilled,  and  (2)  to 
see  that  crowding,  either  in  the  water 

83 


or  on  the  adjacent  beach  or  platform-. 
i-  not  |>frniitti-(l." 

I!. i.  lei  ial  h-l  -ample*  should  !><•  tak- 
in  daring  period-  \\li.-n  llii-  swimming 
IMIO!  i-  in  use.  in  order  thai  a  true 
picture  of  tin-  water  i  oiiilitiini  can  be 
n|. I, mini,  lii  the  state  of  Illinois.  both 
chlorine  and  bromine  are  approved  as 
pool  disinfectants.  It  w  .is  pointed  out 
that  in  chlorinating  pools  free  chlorine 
i-  much  more  effective  than  combined 

chlorine. 

In    consideration     of    the     hygienic 

aspect  of  wading  | I.-,  it  was  pointed 

out    that   spray    pools   are    to    be    rec- 
ommended  over  wading  pools. 

Some  Management  Problems 
Recommended     compensation     for 
pn.,1    personnel    is   as   follows: 

M.inagers          $2.">H.IM)   |>rr   month 
Lifeguards  .T."i  per  hour 

In-lrui  im-  1.00  per  hour 

Lifeguard?.  Head  50.IM)   per   week 
Maximum   work   day  7   hours 

Maximum  work  week  6  days 


It  is  recommended  that  lifeguanU 
have  qualification!  which  are  e.|uiv- 
alent  of  ill:-  senior  Keel  (iins-  cerlifi- 
i  ale.  lii  enforce  good  discipline,  the 
guard-  -houlil  lie  assigned  to  their 
po-l-  mi  .1  rotating  hasi-. 

To  reduce  the  number  of  public  be- 
havior problems  it  is  recommended 
that  the  rules  and  regulations  of  the 
pool  be  clearlv  posted  in  conspicuous 
place-  around  the  pool  area.  In  the 
light  of  good  citizenship,  pools  should 
adopt  a  policy  of  non-discrimination 
as  far  as  the  racial  question  is  con- 
ceriied.  although  it  should  be  left 
to  the  local  community  to  work  this 
problem  out  thoughtfully  through  a 
program  of  public  education. 

Every  community  should  offer  free 
swimming  instructions  to  all  age 
groups.  When  local  conditions  permit, 
such  as  the  size  of  the  pool,  operating 
hours,  and  so  forth,  swimming  classes 
should  be  separated  from  "open"  or 


ii  -i  i'  -alional  -w  immiiig.  The  swimming 
classes  or  other  leader-led  [tool  uetivi- 
lie-  might  be  climaxed  with  such 
events  a-  -wimming  meets,  pageant-, 
waler  carnivals  and  other  events  wliieli 
will  serve  to  create  -Dimming  intcic-t 
and  confidence  in  the  swimming  pro- 
gram. Some  pools  capitalize  on  the 
-peetator  interest  in  swimming  by 
providing  a  spectators'  area,  which 
should  be  in  the  shade  and  should  he 
provided  \\iih  -eating  facilitic-. 

Pools  should  be  open  -even  days  a 
week,  opening  at  one  p.m.  on  Sunday. 
While  it  is  most  desirable  to  operate 
the  poo]  free  of  charges,  or  to  pro- 
vide certain  free  swim  period:-,  all 
aspects  of  this  decision  should  be  left 
to  the  local  community.  The  pi  ii  < •- 
of  tickets  or  issuance  of  season  tick- 
el-,  arc  -trictly  local  piohlem-.  Tool- 
designed  and  planned  to  operate  on 
a  self-supporting  basis  should  draw 
sufficient  revenue  to  meet  operating 
and  maintenance  costs. 


Milliard  llmiipiiirn  inliiii 


|  In  the  death  early  this  year  of  the 
Hon.  Milliard  \Iontgomerv  Tobin.  the 
National  l!ei  te.iliini  Association  lo-l 
one  of  it-  moot  valued  sponsors. 

Hichard  M.  Tobin  passed  on  in  tii- 
nalive  citv  of  San  Francisco  on  Jan- 
uary 23,  iy.">2.  at  the  age  of  eighty- 
five.  For  more  than  si\tv  vcar-.  be 
ai  lively  nupporicd  tin-  cultural  and 
i  iv  ii  organizations  of  hi-  •  itv.  Known 
mtcrnalionallv  for  hi-  -i\  v.-ars  as 
I  nil.-d  Slate-  Mini-Id  to  the  Nelb.-r 
lands  from  l')2'>  to  ]')_").  |,,-  ,-,,.! 
himself  in  counlle—  w.i\-  In  hi-  fel- 
low citi/.-no  nt  home. 

He  Ix-licvcd  oir.inglv  in  vouth  guid- 
.line  and  was.  for  rnanv  vear-.  the 
v.m  I  -ponoor  of  the  National 

llloll         \-O.H    I. III.  .11. 

I  be  ]i..pe  of  the  human  race."  hr 
said,  "lie-  in  -t.irling  our  children 
right."  To  him  thai  meant  lining  -..me 
thing  about  pmviding  the  bent  po»- 
oiblc  recreational  ami  edm  .ilmna!  fa- 
i  ihlie«  for  the  i  ommiinitv . 


His  was  not  a  philosophy  of  merelv 
"talking  about"  recreation,  for  he 
gained  a  reputation  as  a  sportsman. 
along  with  his  manv  other  activilie-. 
playing  competitive  polo  until  he  wa- 
ncarlv  fiflv. 

In  his  business  life  Mr.  Tobin  was 
pre-ident  of  the  Hibernia  Bank,  of 
which  he  first  became  a  director  at 
the  age  of  twenty  -three. 

He  supported  manv  art  and  rnu-H 
enterprises  and  was  a  sponsor  of  the 


During  hi-  wars  in  The  Nelher- 
l.i-id-  In-  -Imbed  ihe  art  of  thai  coun- 
Irv  and  later  wrote  a  wideU  ,M  .  cpted 
book  on  the  l>iileh  -,  li,...|.  He  was 
the  first  American  ever  granted  mem- 
ber-hip in  the  I  Irechl  Provincial  As- 
-•:  i.iiinii  for  Arts  and  -.  one 

of  the  highest  hiirmr-  in  l.urope. 

survived  bv  hi-  widow,  hio  brother 
and  two  -i-iei-.  Mr.  'fobin  ha->  left 
behind  loving  uii-mories  in  many 
I...  HI-  Hi-  w.i-  lli.-  kind  of 


lluli. ml   M.  Tobin 

iiim/>/r    in    which   good    will    w.i- 
fortified   bv    good    work-. 

This  resolution  was  passed  at  a 
Februarv  meeting: 

"That  ill.  lioard  of  Hue.  |.,r-  of  the 
Nation. il  l!ci  ic. ill. .11  \--.«  i.ilmn  le 
<<ird-  with  di-ep  -miow  the  death  "f 
Huliard  M.  'fobin.  who  fm  neailv 
tMentv  vear-  -civi-d  i.ilinn 

-ponoor  in  San  ri.imi-io.  and  for 
five  vear-  a-  lioiim.irv  mi-mlH-r  of  the 
a— 01  ialion. 

"lli-  I  e.nler-liip.  his  gem-rosilv.  his 
willingne—  i,,  rai-e  monev  for  the 
association,  have  all  helped  -trenglhen 
the  rei  rcalion  movemenl  in  Arneriia." 


M 


l!«  HKATION 


Above:  A  picnic  area 
beckons  beneath  cool 
trees  of  a  wooded  glen. 


Children  see  live,  but 
a  bit  sleepy,  screech 
owls  for  the  first  time. 


Racky,  the  raccoon 
great  show-off,  al- 
ways draws  a  mob 


Baby  red  foxes,  to 
be  trusted  now,  but 
probably  not  later. 


Left:  a  boy,  a  girl, 
»,    -   a  brook,  a  bridge— 
)  i  ^^  happy  spring  scene. 


James  H.  Hamilton,  Jr. 


ON  SUNDAY  AFTERNOONS  almost  a  thousand  people  visit 
Athens,  Georgia's  Trailside  Museum.  Its  ten  enclosures 
containing  foxes,  raccoons,  opossums,  screech  owls,  squir- 
rels, rabbits  and  a  skunk  are  fascinating  to  adults  as 
well  as  children.  Its  snake  pit,  surrounded  by  a  moat, 
enclosing  a  variety  of  snakes,  alligators  and  turtles  is 
always  encircled  by  a  crowd  of  wide-eyed  visitors. 

The  enclosures  are  large.  The  frames  have  been  built 
of  small  trees  and  covered  with  wire  that  is  almost  in- 
visible from  a  short  distance.  The  animals  are  content 
and  unafraid.  Once  the  door  of  the  opossums'  pen  was 
left  open  for  several  days,  but  the  animals,  captured  only 
three  weeks  before,  remained  inside. 

Along  the  many  trails,  the  different  varieties  of  trees 
and  shrubs  are  identified  by  small  name  plates,  which  in- 
clude their  common  names  and  other  information  con- 
cerning their  origin  and  peculiarities.  Bird-feeding  stations 
have  been  placed  beside  the  trails,  and  already  the  birds 
have  begun  to  make  the  park  their  permanent  home. 

The  Trailside  Museum  was  begun  early  in  1950  by  the 
Athens  parks  and  recreation  department,  and  was  first 
opened  to  the  public  last  spring.  A  wide  well-worn  path 
through  the  woods  was  chosen  and  the  undergrowth  was 
cleared  a  few  feet  back  from  each  side.  The  enclosures 
were  placed  wherever  the  trail  proved  level  enough.  Ani- 
mals have  been  contributed  by  interested  amateur  natural- 
ists and  the  Georgia  wildlife  commission. 

New  animals  are  added  almost  weekly.  For  these  more 
enclosures  must  be  built.  The  museum's  expansion  is  a 
continuous  process,  yet  all  this  costs  the  public  nothing. 
The  only  expense  has  been  for  a  few  yards  of  concrete  and 
wire. 

There  are  no  guides  or  time  limits,  and  the  people  may 
feed  the  animals.  Parents  have  no  cause  to  worry  about 
their  children.  They  may  wander  safely  where  they  please. 

Only  in  idea  is  the  museum  modern.  Trails  worn  long 
ago  have  been  left  unchanged.  An  informal  theme  is  car- 
ried throughout  the  park,  even  to  the  unfinished  signs 
which  mark  the  many  trails. 

These  wonders  of  nature  may  be  small  and  simple.  The 
woods  hold  countless  numbers  of  the  very  animals  in  the 
museum  now,  but  few  people  have  the  opportunity  to 
watch  them  work  and  play  in  their  own  enviroment  as  they 
do  in  the  Trailside  Museum. 

AUTHOR   1*05   Publicity  Director,   Recreation  and   Parks. 

85 


COOPERATION  is  KING 


Every  park  and  recreation  system  begins  with  a  recog- 
nition of  a  basic  human  need  —  the  need  for  relaxation, 
for  play  and  for  a  satisfacory  social  life.  The  King  County 
park  and  recreation  system  was  no  exception.  Community 
leaders  knew  that  there  is  true  community  living  only 
when  people  come  together  as  neighbors.  This  spirit  of 
cooperation  between  the  people  and  King  County  officials 
in  the  late  1930's  was  the  beginning  of  the  first  county 
park  system  in  the  state  of  Washington. 

Twelve  counties  have  acquired  areas  for  parks,  all  of 
which  gained  a  needed  stimulus  from  the  1937  state  legis- 
lature, which  authorized  counties  to  acquire  by  purchase, 
donation,  gift  or  dedication,  camping,  scenic  views,  recrea- 
tion sites  and  parks  for  public  use  and  enjoyment.  Follow- 
ing the  passing  of  the  state  law,  the  1938  King  Count  \ 
Board  of  Commissioners  passed  a  resolution  setting  up 
the  department  of  public  works,  parks  and  playground*. 
The  resolution  authorized  the  acquisition  of  appropriate 
sites,  the  construction  of  community  buildings  and  rec- 
reational facilities,  and  the  maintenance  and  operation  of 
an  adequate  system  of  community  recreational  areas 
throughout  the  county,  within  the  limits  of  the  money 
prn\  ided. 

In  contrast  to  most  county  park  systems  in  other  states, 
thr  areas  selected  were  not  be  to  scenic  parks,  but 
rather,  areas  for  development  a-  community  centers  and 
as  aids  in  a  rhar.H  l>-i  building  program,  designed  |>  i 
ticularly  for  the  younger  and  unemployed  members  of 
tin-  .  ominunitx.  \t  thi-  time,  coimminitx  i-lub  acti\ilie* 
nere  highly  developed  and  this  development  has  iml 
leMened.  At  present  there  are  more  than  one  hundred 
ten  aclixe  .  .umnmiil\  i  lull-  in  rural  King  (.minlx. 

Light      mapil      lielillinll-e.     ami     commiinilx      lenl.-l-     We|c 

built  in  I'J.'W-.'W.  Approximatelx  tw.-nu  l>\.  per  eeni  uf 
the  coM  wa*  borne  by  King  <  mmlx.  while  the  kilan.  «•  was 
|irn\i«|r<l  h\  |ln  NV.I'.A.  as  labor  on  the  project*.  Material* 
and  -iipphc*  wen-  fiirni'he.l  i-iih.-i  |i\  King  Coimlx.  emu- 
iminilx  <lul«  or  other  inlcrc-ied  gr»up*.  Uf  the  land 
acquire').  ..nix  ivto  a.  re-  mil  of  a  total  of  about  two 


il 


hundred  fifty  acres  were  purchased.  Most  of  the  county 
appropriations  since  have  gone  for  park  development. 

I  ntil  1943,  it  was  possible  for  the  department  to  meet 
the  needs  intended  with  an  annual  budget  of  sixty-six 
thousand  dollars.  From  1943  to  1947,  the  budget  climbed 
to  one  hundred  forty-five  thousand  dollars.  Further 
progress  was  made  in  park  legislation  in  the  state  when 
a  bill  was  passed  in  the  1949  legislature  which  enabled 
county  commissioners  to  appoint  a  county  park  board. 
King  County's  first  park  board  was  appointed  in  February, 
1950.  Under  its  leadership,  and  the  increased  intere-t 
in  park  facilities  and  leadership,  the  park-minded  counlv 
commissioners  recently  approved  the  1952  budget  of 
$270,700.95,  with  fifty  thousand  dollars  allocated  for  land 
acquisition. 

Recreation  Councils 

The  cooperative  effort  between  the  people  and  the  King 
County  park  and  recreation  department  has  persisted  in 
the  provision  of  recreation  leadership.  Oxer  lifl\  per  cent 
of  the  total  budget  is  for  salaries  and  wages,  with  a 


Recreation  councils,  cmniminit>  clubs.  i;»xcriitm-iit  of- 
ficials, private  and  public  rrrrealion  agencies  '""k  for- 
ward eagerly  to  the  opening  day  of  the  1952  Congress 
in  Seattle.  A  t\pical  western  xxelc.nne  will  be  offered 
to  all  who  attend.  During  the  short,  liusv  week.  ex  CM  .me 
will  have  a  chance  to  see  the  recreation  opportunities  in 
King  County. 


vrt  i-m  N-  hm  l>rrn  lltr  ^iifn'rinli-nilfnl  <>/ 
rrcrratinn,  Kinf,  (.<>unl\.  Washington,  tinct  March  I, 

M 


major   portion   of  this   for   playground    personnel,    swim- 
ing    in-truetors.    *pe<  iali-ls    and    full-time    direetors.    The 
latter  are   assigned    to    the   oiillxinf;    area-.    These   profe- 
-nuial    ie,  leation   leader-   w,,rk   t  lonely   with   the  local    ; 
reation    council    to    pnnide    H.  M.ilion    progiiims    in    tin- 
available    facilities.     At     present,     llli-ie     .lie     -iUecn     .icli\e 
i.  •,  r,  -at!.  m    •  oiin.il-.    in    King    <<HJM|\.    and    all    ilepaitmenl 
pei-onncl    are    alerted     to    the    need*     of    the    eommiinitx 
through  recreation   council   meet. 

\  rn'-nt  -tii.K  nf  all  such  ioiin.il>.  <  ondii.  led  bx  the 
>  oiineil  of  ><M-ial  agencies  and  the  King  Onmlx  park  and 
i.-.  leation  department,  i.-x.-al.-.l  tin  need  fm  .1 


l.'i  .  id  XII.IN 


IN  KING  COUNTY 


Robert  C.  Stephens        •* 


Enumclaw  Park.  Reservoir  pool,  typical  King  County  fieldhouse. 


wide  recreation  council,  to  coordinate  the  efforts  of  all 
recreation  agencies;  and  members  of  local  councils  have 
recently  organized  one,  so  that  problems  of  one  council  are 
shared  and  discussed  by  the  entire  group.  Private  and 
public  agencies  also  attend  these  meetings.  From  them, 
representatives  take  information — which  they  could  obtain 
in  no  other  way — to  their  local  community  councils. 
Monthly  meetings  are  democracy  in  action,  and  the  "seed" 
must  be  planted  here  if  it  is  to  play  a  successful  role 
in  the  community. 

Program 

King  County  is  blessed  with  many  natural  swimming 
beaches  and  lakes,  and  without  exception  the  best  and 
most  outstanding  summer  activity  is  swimming.  The 
King  County  chapter  of  the  American  Red  Cross  and  the 
King  County  park  and  recreation  department  annually 
hire  a  staff  of  roving  water  safety  instructors  who  move 
into  the  communities  for  concentrated  programs  of  swim- 
ming instruction.  County  school  districts  provide  bus 
transportation  to  county  beaches  or  private  resorts,  and 
beach  supervision  is  provided  by  local  recreation  coun- 
cils and  P.T.A.  groups. 

During  the  summer  of  1951,  seventy-two  thousand  chil- 
dren and  adults  took  part  in  the  swimming  instruction 
program.  Local  Red  Cross  authorities  report  that  this 
program  is  one  of  the  best  attended  in  the  country. 

All  sports  activities  are  organized  in  the  many  sports- 
minded  suburban  and  rural  communities  and  coordinated 
into  leagues  by  a  full-time  county  athletic  supervisor. 
Jamborees  and  county-wide  tournaments  and  play-offs  pro- 
vide the  incentive  necessary  for  the  novice  recreation 
sports  participant.  Plays,  field  days,  dance  festivals  and 
square  dance  groups  are  organized  in  a  similar  manner. 

Specialists  in  camping  and  arts  and  crafts  are  sent  into 
the  various  communities  upon  request  for  in-service 
training  to  local  groups. 

Realizing  that  full-time  year-round  recreation  leadership 
is  critically  needed  in  the  more  populated  rural  areas, 
the  King  County  park  and  recreation  department  has  em- 
barked on  a  joint  program  with  the  local  community  and 
its  recreation  council  to  hire  a  full-time  community  rec- 
reation director.  This  cooperation  has  operated  success- 


Des    Moines    baseball    field,    grandstand    is    a    popular    facility. 


fully  in  two  communities  during  the  last  two  years,  and 
a  new  program  is  beginning  this  year.  The  director  is  re- 
sponsible directly  to  the  two  agencies,  each  paying  one- 
half  of  the  director's  salary,  and  to  the  school  adminis- 
trators who  are  in  charge  of  the  facilities  which  are  used 
for  after  school  and  evening  activities.  All  parties  con- 
cerned in  the  three  programs  agree  wholeheartedly  that 
the  recreation  dollar  is  well  spent  in  this  program  of 
joint  participation. 

King  County  park  and  recreation  department  services 
and  activities  are  made  known  to  the  agencies,  volunteers, 
and  participants  through  the  local  weekly  newspapers  and 
a  mimeographed  monthly  Recreation  Bulletin  edited  by 
King  County  park  and  recreation  department  personnel. 
Facilities 

The  present  King  County  park  facilities  were  planned 
and  developed  by  men  who  had  active  recreation  pro- 
grams in  mind.  They  were  designed  so  that  t'hey  might 
serve  a  wide  variety  of  recreational  purposes  for  people 
of  all  ages  and  still  be  operated  economically.  Enumclaw 
Park,  the  largest  of  King  County  parks,  with  more  than 
ninety  acres,  is  an  active  recreation  facility,  with  a  nine 
hole  golf  course,  fieldhouse.  rifle  range,  baseball  and 
football  fields  with  grandstand  and  an  outdoor  swimming 
pool. 

Seven  other  fieldhouses.  all  constructed  by  W.P.A. 
labor,  are  staffed  the  year-round  by  trained  recreation 
directors  and  leaders.  In  addition,  five  county  beaches 


MAY  1952 


87 


are  staffed  seven  days  a  week  during  the  summer  months. 
All  county  parks  and  c -MINTS  are  maintained  jointly 
by  a  permanent  custodian  and  a  roving  maintenance 
crew.  Community  clubs  and  recreation  councils  also  assist 
the  departniMit  in  work  projects  supervised  by  park 
department  personnel. 

Planning  for  the  Future 

I  In-  past  fifteen  years  hu\r  ><-MI  little  or  no  progress  in 
planning  bevond  tin-  <-it\  limits  of  Seattle.  Iti  Mav.  \'>~->l,  a 
group  of  men  and  women  interested  in  the  preservation  of 
public  waterfront  and  park  sites  in  King  Count)  met  to 
see  what  could  be  done  before  all  the  opportunities  had 
vanished.  This  group  called  itself  the  Puget  Sound  Park 
Study  Group  and  bi-weekly  meetings  throughout  the  sum- 
mer gained  momentum  and  support  from  every  community 
organization  in  King  County. 

\\i-.-kly  reconnaissance  tours  by  study  group  committees 
revealed  that  the  people  were  fast  losing  public  access  to 
brach  and  park  sites. 

A  preliminary  brochure  entitled  "Too  Little — Too  Late" 
was  published  and  distributed  to  public  officials,  community 
clubs  and  civic  organizations  in  Seattle  and  rural  King 
County.  To  continue  the  study  further,  the  board  of  county 


commissioners  allocated  three  thousand  dollars  toward  a 
park  -Hid)  which  is  to  be  completed  in  \'>'i'2  h\  the  King 
County  Planning  Commission  and  the  Puget  Sound  Park 
Study  Group. 

King  Count),  with  more  than  seven  hundred  fifty 
thousand  people,  will  continue  to  "spill  over"  in  the  areas 
surrounding  the  Queen  City,  Seattle.  Increased  demand* 
for  the  acquisition  and  development  of  recreational  facili- 
ties and  the  establishment  of  recreation  programs  in  the 
suburban  and  rural  areas  are  inevitable. 

The  King  County  park  and  recreation  department  will 
continue  to  share  with  other  public  agencies  the  responsi- 
bility of  furnishing  recreation  facilities  and  leadership  to 
all  the  people,  so  that  the  greatest  possible  opportunity  for 
beneficial  and  satisfying  recreation  may  be  extended  to 
all  where  it  is  most  needed — right  in  their  own  home 
community. 

Recreation  services  from  the  King  County  park  and 
recreation  department  to  the  citizens  of  King  Countv  will 
be  increased,  as  long  as  the  public  recreation  dollar  is  used 
efficiently.  Community  cooperation  will  insure  this  growth. 
as  it  has  since  the  inception  of  county  responsibility  for 
parks  and  recreaton  in  King  County,  Washington. 


Maryland  In  Develop  River  Valley  Park 


Dr- \KI.III-\II.M  of  I'atapsco  River  Valley  as  a  Maryland 
state  park  became  assured  through  the  approval  by  the 
legislature  of  a  S'XX),000  bond  issue  for  this  pmpo-c.  I  .,i 
six  years  a  committee  has  IK-MI  studying  the  possibilities 
of  this  great  recreation  project,  and  its  report  issued  in 
I '.Tin  bv  tin-  Maryland  Stale  Planning  Commission  provides 
the  basis  for  carrying  forward  the  project.  The  following 
description  of  the  proposed  park  i-  ba-ed  upon  or  quoted 
from  the  development  plan.* 

"l^rnd  proposed  for  acquisition  and  development  com- 
prises principally  well-wooded  slopes,  but  it  also  include- 
river  bottom  land,  swamps,  and  a  limited  acreage  in  farm-. 
'I  he  vallev  i-  rich  in  hi-lorv.  varied  in  mineral  deposit-. 
and  replete  with  animal  life.  The  river  and  its  Iributarie- 
will  serve  as  good  fishing  streams,  once  pollution  is  re- 
moved 

!li.  t..i.i|  area  [•commended  will  add  6,071  acres  to 
the  piesenl  \.~<<>\  KIM  m  I'atap-...  ->late  I'aik.  This  land 
he-  within  \rine  \ruridel.  Mallimore,  Carroll,  and  llowai.l 

-.lies  and  loin  he-  all  the  urban  •  enters  f|,,m  Maltir 
<   itv    t..  >vke,villc.   The   Park   will   he  2<>.\~>  mile-   long   and 
have   an   average   width    of   one-half    mile.    On    the    Norlli 
Brarn  h  of  the  Palaps. .,  it  will  •  omiei  I  with  lire  new   l.rberlv 

•rvoir  proper!)   and  on  lln-  South  Mraneh  it  will  termi- 
nate at  the   ilugg-Thom.i-    \\ildlife    I  lemonstralion    A' 
which  is  adrniniiN  ied  bv   tin-  Mnlr  (.nine  and  Inland  Ki«h 

ion. 

i'-r  the  I)fve|opmenl   Plan,  about  d.nxi  a.  re-  ,,(   tin- 
park  will  br  of  forest  charai  let   and  will   U-  given  lo  ion 

"Oftflopmrnl  flan  fnr  Patap>rn  Hnrr  1'nrl     MiryUnd  Sutr  Plan- 
nine  C«mmi.»k>n.  October   I1'  •"    lllii>lratr.l.  phornnr.ph.  mil  pUnv 

..: 


servation  practices,  hiking,  fishing,  horseback  riding,  pic- 
nicking in  -mall  groups,  and  nature  -ttnlv.  The  remaining 
L'.'ilK)  odd  acres  are  recommended  for  large-scale  picnick- 
ing, camping,  and  urban  and  semi-urban-type  park  unit-. 

"The  facilities  proposed  for  the  urban  and  semi-urban 
centers  include  baseball,  Softball  and  soccer  field:-,  swim- 
ming pool-,  \aried  game  court-,  picnic  centers,  shelter 
buildings,  day  camps,  fishing,,  canoeing  and  boating  cen- 
Icis.  food  concessions,  and  .-uch  revenue-producing  fa- 
cilities as  bicM-lc  path-,  golf-driving  range-,  archer  \. 
(lancing  pavilions,  and  outdoor  howling  alle\«.  The  mud 
Hals  are  to  be  transformed  into  a  large  lagoon  MM  Mutinied 
I'v  a  par  k  ami  pla)  field. 

"When  fully  developed,  the  park  will  include  fixe  .amp 
ing  i  enter-,  eight  swimming  pools  and  pond-.  seventy  -five 
miles  of  bridle  path-,  and  -i\t\  mile-  of  hiking  trails,  taing 

sections  of  eighteen  sliearn  vallev-  an-  IIH  o|  poi  aled  ill  the 
proposed  development.  Moating  and  canoeing  are  recom- 
mended in  the  slack  waN-i  aho\c  tin-  -cvcral  dams. 

"The  estimated  co»l  of  the  land  required  for  a<  (pti-ition 
with  existing  improvement-  is  >,'i(MI.(HH)  or  >-ll">  an  aiie. 
<  o.|  of  tin-  development  and  con-li  in  lion  program,  to  be 
-pre.id  over  a  Ivvelve-v  e.u  per  mil.  i-  e-hmaled  al  approxi- 
mate! v  Mi.IMMI.IMMI.  \\lieri  fnllv  developed  the  park  iseX- 
pei  led  lo  attract  an  estimated  annual  patronage  of  more 
than  l.KH).(HX)  persons  ex.  lii-ive  ,.f  m..l..ri-|s  driving 
through  it.  \nniial  operating  i  o-l-.  after  dedin  ting  income 
from  revenue-producing  unit-,  an-  e-limaled  al  >(><l.,".n<  i. 

\-  -lale.l  m  tin-  foreword.  'I  In-  i-  rmt  a  timid  plan,  ll 
ii«  ambition-  but  in  keeping  wild  tin-  need-  and  interest,  of 
the  area  surrounding  greater  Miillirin.re  and  of  the  -I .,- 

Ill  i  in  vims 


THE  RECENT  announcement  that  the  Amateur  Artists  As- 
sociation is  being  organized  under  the  aegis  of  the  very 
professional  "American  Artist"  magazine  serves  to  focus 
attention  on  the  burgeoning  interest  in  art,  evident  from 
increased  museum  attendance,  sales  of  paintings  and  enroll- 
ment in  art  schools.  Both  rural  and  urban  residents  have 
been  experiencing  what  Winston  Churchill  once  called 
"a  joy-ride  in  a  paint-box,"  and  have  become  "Sunday 
painters"  with  boundless  enthusiasm.  These  countless  ama- 
teurs who  pursue  "art  for  art's  sake"  on  their  day  off  make 
their  living  as  dentists,  machinists,  truck  drivers,  carpen- 
ters, housewives  and  in  a  wide  variety  of  other  occupations. 
Many  of  these  novices  paint  purely  for  diversion  and 
have  no  ambition  to  become  professional  artists.  Others 
have  been  advised  by  their  physicians  to  take  up  some  kind 
of  a  hobby  to  obtain  a  release  from  the  tensions  and 
anxieties  of  this  atomic  age.  Some  have  forsaken  the 
psychiatrist's  couch  for  the  artist's  easel  and  stool.  Others 
hope  to  become  professionals  when  they  have  had  sufficient 
training  and  experience.  A  few  have  been  inspired  to  daub 
paint  on  canvas  because  celebrities  of  the  stage  and  screen 
have  turned  out  creditable  pictures. 

Can  Anybody  Paint? 

The  professional  artists  who  watch  the  ever-growing 
number  of  enthusiastic  amateurs  must  have  mixed  feelings 
of  apprehension  and  delight — apprehension  lest  the  public 
purchase  technically  inferior  paintings  by  tyros,  and  de- 
light that  so  many  of  that  public  are  becoming  "art  con- 
scious." The  understanding  of  the  professional  painter  ap- 
pears to  be  greater  than  his  antagonism,  and  many  of  them 
encourage  amateurs  and  also  supplement  their  own  incomes 
by  teaching.  With  awareness  and  knowledge,  they  believe 
that  the  public  will  ultimately  purchase  judiciously. 

A  recent  radio  interview  with  five  charter  members  of 
the  newly  formed  Amateur  Artists  Association  revealed 
that  three  of  the  five  had  been  painting  for  ten  years,  and 
two  had  been  at  it  for  thirty  years.  A  dentist  and  a  clergy- 
man were  the  seniors,  or  "advanced  amateurs."  while  an 
advertising  copy  writer,  a  housewife  and  a  restaurant 
owner  were  the  comparative  newcomers.  All  of  them,  when 
they  spoke  over  the  municipal  radio  station,  admitted  that 
their  appreciation  of  art  had  developed  over  the  years  and 
that  now,  instead  of  merely  admiring  a  painting,  they 
purchased  it  whenever  the  price  was  within  their  means. 
The  great  satisfaction  in  being  an  amateur  painter,  most  of 
them  agreed,  is  that  a  dauber  can  paint  any  subject  he 
pleases,  and  with  no  obligation. 

The  Carefree  Dabbler 

IVrhaps  -once  in  a  blue  moon — his  work  is  so  good 
that  hi-  sells  it — but  that  eventuality  is  "somewhere  over 
I  lie  rainbow."  Yet  he  paints  on.  Sunday  after  Sunday,  and 
on  Saturdays,  too,  if  he  has  the  day  off,  content  to  paint 
for  pleasure.  Not  so  the  professional,  who  must  paint  to 

MAY  1952 


"Sunday  Artist,"  snapped  by  a  fourteen-year  old  in  the   park. 


Sunday  Painters 


eat,  to  pay  his  rent,  to  educate  his  children  and,  of  course, 
because  of  his  stronger  inner  compulsion. 

To  the  new  association  of  carefree  amateurs  we  wish 
happiness  rather  than  prosperity,  and  sunlight  rather  than 
success.  If  no  Rembrandt  or  Titian,  Matisse  or  Picasso 
emerges  from  the  membership,  at  least  these  diligent  dilet- 
tantes are  doubtless  better  dentists,  machinists,  truck  driv- 
ers, carpenters,  housewives,  et  al  because  they  are  "Sunday 
painters." 

But  if  these  happy  amateurs  would  stay  happy  and 
would  continue  to  enjoy  a  sense  of  personal  gratification 
through  projecting  their  inner  disturbances  and  frustra- 
tions onto  paper,  canvas,  copper  plates,  clay  or  wood 
blocks,  they  would  do  well  to  read  Rudyard  Kipling's  poem, 
"When  Earth's  Last  Picture  Is  Painted,"  which  ends  with 
this  happy  thought: 
"And  no  one  shall  work  for  money, 

And  no  one  shall  work  for  fame, 

But  each  for  the  joy  of  the  working,. 

And  each  in  his  separate  star 

Shall  draw  the  thing  as  he  sees  it 

For  the  God  of  things  as  they  are!" 

Commenting  on  the  therapeutic  aspect  of  the  art  boom 
among  amateurs,  officials  of  the  Museum  of  Modern  Art 
pointed  out  that  "ordinarily  one  judges  the  value  of  art 
by  the  quality  of  the  product,  but  here  the  condition  is 
reversed.  One  evaluates  the  product  by  its  effect  upon  the 
creator.  It  is  what  happens  to  the  painter  that  counts,  not 
the  quality  of  the  result." 


Reprinted  from  "Topics  of  The  Times,"  January  1952,  through  the 
courtesy  of  The  New  York  Times. 

89 


It's 

Garden 
Time! 


Barbara  Shuluca 


l-  I-  I(K\I.M  Bill'-  -lorx.  for  our  "big  gaiden"  l..-gan 
when  he  told  of  his  adventures  as  a  city  farmer  rais- 
ing crops  on  a  pile  of  ashes  and  about  the  pumpkin  har- 
\i--t.il  in  the  fall,  which  helped  make  one  Thanksgiving 
l).i\  >-\lra  special.  When  the  de— eit  wa-  -ervcd.  his  mother, 
looking  straight  at  Bill,  said  to  the  guest-.  "Thi-  pi  •  w  i- 
inade  from  a  pumpkin  Bill  grew  this  surnmci  ! 

Today,  boys  and  girls  of  Bloomington  know  that  then-  i- 
a  plot  of  good  earth  for  them  in  the  "big  garden,"  which 
stands  on  a  hill  ju-l  l>e\ond  tin-  Im-llc l.u-lle  of  the  side- 
walks  .  .  .  one  which  -pdl-  green  magic  for  them  and  for 
their  annual  crop  of  garden  teat  her-.  It  grew  from  a  Held 
of  alfalfa  into  an  mildoor  da--r....iii  known  a-  the  Junior 
I. -n  Uork-hop.  ,111  integral  unit  of  the  course  in  hor- 
ticulture, offered  l>\  the  botany  department  of  Indiana 
I  m\cr-il\  l. >  it-  -Indent-,  demonstrating  that  (here  is  a 
i.  I. ill.-..  |..iu,,i,  li-aiiiing  and  lixini.-. 

I  ..i    ih.     p.i-i    f.,iir     V..IT-     lln-    lei-ni.    lime    -<  ienci-    pro 
gmm  hi-  "Ifei.-d  our    -Indent-   main    enriching  i  \pciienCCS. 
\.ti\.    p. iiln  ipntion   in   it   ha«  ilc\,-|..|M-d  an   awarene—  of 
the   fail   that   thinking  <  ili/en-   of  communities,   large  and 

Dli.    MIMM\.    /(<•//!«>     lli-iMirlmrnt.    Collfff    of    Arl.l    anil 

Intlinnn  I  nnrrMi\.  M  thr  author  of  "A  (iartirn 

n,:,,r,l."     IIM-I!     //>     llir     \tinlrnt*     in     thr    ftinior    C,nt,l,-n 

Wttrk*h<>i>.    (  ";»••<    nr>-    in  nilnlilr    li"»i    lirr    /nr    Ci 

90 


small,  are  seeking  ways  to  provide  their  children  with 
experiences  which  will  lead  to  useful  living.  In  his  garden, 
no  matter  how  small,  Bill  is  "king  of  a  green  kingdom." 
line  In-  MKI\  begin  to  understand,  for  the  first  time.  how 
all  the  things  around  him  work  in  helping  him  to  produce 
a  bumper  crop. 

This  community  project,  jointly  sponsored  by  the  city 
department  of  recreation,  Indiana  University  and  the 
Bloomington  Garden  Club,  provides  a  leisure-time  pro- 
gram for  the  city's  children  and  a  working  laboratmx 
for  the  university  students  who  may  assume  similar  re- 
sponsibilities in  their  vocations.  Some  may  be  training 
for  recreation  leadership  and  others  for  the  teaching  pro- 
fession or  social  work.  All  are  keenly  aware  of  the  chil- 
dren of  the  sidewalks  and  the  need  for  programs  to  keep 
their  minds  and  bodies  busy  in  pleasant  and  construct  i\c 
occupations  when  out  of  school. 

Our  present  pattern  is  simple  and  flexible,  affording 
the  student  a  chance  to  see  how  it  can  be  readily  tailored 
to  a  community's  needs.  Every  activity  in  the  garden  pro- 
vides boys  and  girls  with  opportunities  for  the  development 
of  responsibility  and  an  appreciation  of  work.  The  leader 
must  know  his  subject  and  must  enjoy  working  with  young 
people.  To  assume  major  leadership  in  a  community 
project  of  this  kind,  who  is  more  eminently  qualified  than 
the  gardener?  Hasn't  he  discovered  a  way  of  life  .  .  .  one 
worth  living,  as  it  is  shaped  by  the  hours  spent  at  work 
with  fingers  reaching  deep  into  the  good  earth,  drawing 
harmony  and  refreshment  for  tomorrow'*  decision-.' 
Wherever  there  are  children'-  j-ardeii*.  tin-re  he  knows 
he  will  find  boys  and  girls  in  a  program  with  a  purpose, 
providing  for  the  building  of  sound  hodie-  and  healths 
minds. 

The  gardening  season  is  announced  l.\  the  recreation 
director  in  late  March.  Boys  and  girls  between  nine  and 
iwd\c  years  of  age  who  enjoy  the  out-of-doors  are  eligible 
for  membership.  Radio  and  lclc\i-ion  programs  s|»-ciall\ 
designed  for  young  people  offer  rich  channels  for  publiciu  . 
But.  it  is  Saturday's  junior  citizen  who  is  the  most  influ- 
ential salesman  for  our  program.  Scores  of  veterans  have 
sold  it  to  a  buddy  in  numerou-  wa\-  throughout  the  sum- 
mer. 

The  student  garden  teachei  reeem-  in-cnice  training. 
Once  a  week  we  meet  a-  »  group  to  di-.  it--  wax-  and 
means  of  instructing  young  pople  in  an  outdoor  cdm  .1 
lional  program.  OIK-  Saturday  morning  i-  enough  to  show 
lliex-  young  leaders  that  without  a  well-thought-out  met  I 
ing  there  is  little  inti-ic-t  -h..wn  |.\  tin-  \omig-tci-. 

In  laic  April,  tin-  \oiinj;  gardener-  arc  readx  I"  lian-fci 
llieir  plan-  on  paper  to  their  garden  plot-,  no  bigger  than 
ten  feet  square.  I'l.inting  day  ha-  I.e.  ..me  11-day  for  the 
1 1  immunity. 

I  here  is  pleasant  work  at  all  time-  f..r  exerxhodx  in 
the  "big  garden."  Thus,  di-  iphne  i-  x-ldom  a  problem. 
Outdoor  learning,  e-pe.  lallx  dining  lln-  i  luld'-  pl.iv  time. 
demands  careful  examination  of  teaching  way*,  and  one 
liniN  that  the  \oung  gardener  respond-  happdx  and  pleas- 
.inllx  t..  -implc.  well-planned  le--on-  niid  has  time  to 
share  in  the  pood  fun  excrxone  i-  c\|M-r iencing. 

l!i  i  HI  \nu\ 


The  sun  does  not  always  shine  on  Saturdays  once  the 
outdoor  program  has  begun,  but  the  indoor  lessons  are 
continued  and  are  just  as  interesting  as  those  on  the  hill, 
for  the  leaders  are  taught  to  show  the  young  gardeners 
how  important  it  is  to  gain  "know-how,"  to  help  produce 
a  bumper  crop  for  the  family. 

When  school  is  out,  the  program  swings  into  action  with 
gardening  twice  a  week  and  nature  exploration  trips  every 
Saturday  morning.  Under  the  able  direction  of  four  stu- 
dent supervisors,  guided  by  those  responsible  for  the 
workshop,  our  garden  assumes  a  significant  role  in  the 
child's  life.  The  garden  periods  are  devoted  to  the  care 
of  their  vegetable  plots  or  to  the  fulfillment  of  require- 
ments in  the  honor  work  plan.  At  the  end  of  the  season  the 
flower  garden  is  a  special  spot,  for  it  represents  many 
things  beautiful  to  him,  now  and  in  years  to  come.  In  the 
herb  garden  he  has  discovered  plants  which  have  helped 
flavor  his  mother's  cooking,  and  he  has  found  that  it 
is  fun  to  help  weed  other  people's  gardens,  and  that  there 
are  many  such  jobs  available  when  his  friends  go  on 
vacations. 

Saturday  mornings  are  spent  exploring,  in  and  out  of 
town.  It  is  at  this  time  that  the  young  people  begin  to 
understand  how  their  community  is  related  to  the  world 
outside  .  .  .  here  they  discover  for  themselves  the  large 
variety  of  trees,  the  wildflowers  and  where  they  grow  in 
the  fields  and  woods,  insects  of  all  kinds  and  sizes,  and 
the  animals  about  which  they  have  talked  in  school  but 
have  never  seen  in  their  natural  habitats.  All  this  they 
carefully  record  in  a  garden  book,  which  is  later  studied 
with  their  teacher  and  classmates  in  the  classroom.  The 
garden  season  is  concluded  with  the  awarding  of  honors 
at  a  special  program  planned  by  the  garden  club  women. 

With  the  garden  gate  closed  for  the  summer,  our  boys 
and  girls  leave  with  sun  tanned  faces,  new  friendships 
and  new  skills  to  use  next  year  when  word  goes  around 
that  "It's  garden  time!"  But  more  important  are  the 
seeds  of  healthy  attitudes  which  Bill  sowed  for  himself 


in  the  garden,  as  he  worked  and  played  with  other  boys 
and  girls. 

The  older  students  have  had  a  summer  full  of  hard  work 
in  a  classroom  where  they  were  the  teachers  .  .  .  here, 
lessons  in  horticulture,  in  group  action  and  human  be- 
havior were  relearned.  They  have  had  a  chance  to  draw 
their  own  conclusions  as  to  the  effectiveness  of  such  a  tool 
when  on  the  job.  They  leave  prepared  to  strengthen  existing 
gardening  frontiers,  with  much-needed  trained  leadership, 
or  to  introduce  new  ones  wherever  there  are  boys  and 
girls. 

Children,  filled  with  boundless  energy  during  their  play 
time,  are  also  human  beings  who  seek  activities  rich  in 
work  as  well  as  in  fun.  Gardening  promises  fulfillment 
of  both  work  and  fun  in  the  open  air  and  sunshine.  Just 
listen  to  Bill  as  his  crop  is  weighed  and  carefully  recorded. 
"I  worked  hard  on  that  head  of  cabbage  .  .  worth  it!  Look 
at  the  size!" 

Today  one  finds  many  crowded  classrooms  and  many 
teachers  with  little  time  and  energy  to  bring  the  living 
world  into  the  classroom.  Communities  might  well  as- 
sume the  role  of  providing  trained  leadership  to  continue 
these  lessons  during  play  time.  This  leisure-time  program 
opens  up  infinite  possibilities  for  unlocking  latent  interests 
in  science  which  would  otherwise  remain  undiscovered.  It 
provides  everyone  with  a  chance  to  express  his  natural 
curiosity  to  explore  things  for  himself.  One  discovery, 
competently  explained,  leads  to  another,  and  in  time,  per- 
haps a  life  work  opens  up  for  a  boy  or  girl.  Children  have 
a  deep  desire  to  work  with  living  things. 

Communities,  wake  up!  Harness  your  local  talent  and 
offer  gardening  to  all  juniors,  tomorrow's  citizens.  Watch 
them  share  in  this  unique  life  experience  and  develop 
into  happy  people  for  their  tomorrow. 


ON  PAPER,  Junior  gardeners  eagerly  plan  their  vegetable  gardens  well 
ahead  of  planting  time,  with  aid  of  a  pencil  and  their  garden  teacher. 

MAY  1952 


FROM  A  SINGLE   SEED:   Abundance  and  a  sense 
of    achievement    in    providing    food    for    the    family. 

91 


I10MHS  AWAY!"  Baled 
li.iv  from  the  loft!  Farm 
i  linn  .  .in-  a  part  »f  the 
fun,  at  well  a<  helpful. 


J 


SQUARE  I>\M  I  '  Apcl 
family    and    (he    xueiti 


family 

..firn    tlaxr    their    own. 

Informality   i*  the   rule. 


"SHADES  OF  THANKS(.I\  I\{.!  HM  Don  I'it-ree  of  Harlingei 
Texas,  as  Mrs.  Apvl  displays  the  (.'liristmas  turkey.  Me  K  mr 
the  Apels'  son-in-law,  and  may  be  allowed  to  help  stuff  the  bin 


\.\.  \  WANT  to  do  is  milk  a  cow  and  cat  a  <jood  'fai  in' 
meal."  These  words,  spoken  h\    Kcilli  Kenngott  of 
New  York  three  years  ago,  slartrd  a  chain  of  happy  tiim-s 

for  many  airmen  from  the  Vanee    \u    I •  l!a-e.  I  nid, 

Oklahoma,  one  of  the  air  force's  advanced   multi-engine 
pilot  training  centers. 

Corporal  Kenngott  had  been  suffering  ficnn  llial  \ieiou* 
enemy  of  the  services,  loneliness,  when  he  presented  him- 
self at  the  one  hundred  sixty  acre  farm  of  Mr.  ami  Mi-. 
Henry  Apel,  two  miles  cast  of  Vance  and  five  miles 
southeast  nf  I'.nid.  and  asked  In  help  out  with  the  ilime-. 
\D  hired  help  was  m-i-ded.  l.iil  when  Keith  asked  fur  just 
enough  Woik  to  .-am  a  good  farm  meal.  Mr.  \\><-\  -aid, 
'•\ii\liine  \..n  uaul  a  Imme-i -imketi  meal,  jn-l  i  nine  on 
in.  \nd  if  \»n  u.mt  In.  \oii  i  an  milk  the  in\\-.  I...,." 

Keith  -|M-nl  mam  luuir^  at  the  \pel  home,  and  llie\  in 
jnvid  hi-  \i-it-  so  mill  li  the\  dei  ided  In  invite  olhei  air 
men  (..  then  faun  The  Apels  allow  the  lad-  to  do  a-  the 
wi-h.  a-  if  llie\  wi-re  ill  llieil  own  liome-.  I  he\  m.i\  him 
i.ihliil-.  diiM-  the  li.nliii.  help  milk  the  iow>.  feed  the 
(tin  k«-n-.  and  -"  ••!!.  I  ew  mealtime-  |ia—  at  tin-  \]«-\  farrt 
w  ithoiit  -..m.-  \  am  e  \  oini|>-(er  Mowing  away  a  hoine-cookw 
meal. 

111.    lio\-  aren't   the  onK    om--  who   ha\e  (-njo\ed    il      -< 
have  the  nine  ApcU   (father,  mother  and  »e\en   daughter 


TIME  OUT!  Cpls.  Leal  and  Mallow  accept  a  "smoke"  from  Mr. 
\pel  as  they  take  a  break  during  one  of  the  many  hunting  trips 
iround  the  Apel  farm.  Life  on  a  farm  is  not  all  work  and  no  play. 


THE  "LOW-DOWN"  is  given  to  Sgt.  Joe  Locke  (down  low)  or 
how  to  apply  oil  to  the  return  elevator  of  a  combine.  Mr.  Ape 
points  to  vital  spot  as  Sgt.  Pierce  (background)  greases  sprocket 


fo  t&e 


Corporal  Connie  Alexander 


aged  eleven  to  twenty-three).  One  airman  who  has  been 
an  Apel  guest  often,  Sergeant  Don  Pierce  of  Harlingen, 
Texas,  became  a  son-in-law  in  the  family  last  June,  mar- 
rying daughter  Bernice. 

The  Apels  have  received  many  gifts  from  former  Vance 
lirrnen  who  have  been  sent  overseas  and  to  other  stations. 
^Typical  is  the  Japanese  fishing  rod  and  kit  given  to  Mr. 
Lpel  by  Corporal  Don  Talecki  of  Bridgeport,  Pennsylvania, 
•on  has  also  sent  paintings  and  other  presents  from  Japan. 

Shortly  after  Don  received  orders  to  report  to  the  Far 

ist,  he  learned  that  his  brother,  Ed,  also  in  the  air  force, 
was  in  Oklahoma  City  on  a  routine  flight  and  would  be 
there  overnight.  After  several  vain  attempts  to  reach  Ed 
by  telephone,  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Apel  took  Don  to  Oklahoma 
City  in  their  car.  Since  the  two  boys  had  no  favorable 
place  to  be  together  there,  the  Apels  invited  them  to  stay 
overnight  at  their  farm,  giving  them  a  few  happy  hours 
with  each  other  before  Don  went  overseas. 

The  Apels  have  also  given  farewell  parties  and  receptions 
for  boys  from  the  air  base. 

Whether  they  know  it  or  not,  they  are  doing  a  great 
service  to  their  country  by  entertaining  these  youths — per- 
haps your  son,  or  brother,  or  the  boy  from  around  the 
block — who  are  in  the  air  force,  giving  time,  effort,  and 
risking  their  lives,  to  help  defend  our  freedom. 


SUNDAY  DINNER  at  the  Apels'  means  stowing  away  a  heart; 
home-cooked  farm  meal  with  "only"  sixteen  at  the  table.  Below 
Mrs.  Apel  gets  an  able  assist  from  the  air  force. 


The 


Photographic 

4»roii|» 


The  second  in  a  series  of  three  articles 
on  photography  in  the  recreation  program. 

Irma  Webber 


<  mnrru  club*  gft  *  frrling  ol  IK 

riven  an  opportune 

Drtroit  U.grd  a  "fair."  camera 

'•I 


club 


MI. I  IIMIII:  iirrtlril  «  lien  llicv  af* 
.  \\li.-n  Drill"  Illliti  SctliHil  ill 
led  ami  had  i\\  own  booth,  loo. 


T  AST  MONTH,  ill  discussing  tin'  role 
*-*  of  photography  in  the  recreation 
program,  it  was  stated  tlmt  mam 
highly  -ucce— ful  photographic  proj- 
ects get  their  start  by  capitalizing  on 
existing  interest.  It  seems,  in  fact,  that 
most  photographic  group-  u-iialK  de- 
velop as  the  result  of  such  mutual 
objectives  and  interests.  But  what  if 
you  have  the  kernel  of  such  a  photo- 
graphic group  in  your  own  organiza- 
tion? What  if  the  "interest"  is  already 
there?  What  do  you  do  next:'  Where 
do  you  go  from  there? 

Well,   by   any   standard,   the    leader 
is  the  vital  factor.  That  indi\  idual  may 
or  may  not  be  an  accomplished  pho- 
tographer, for,  actually,  photographic 
ability  is  not  as  important  as  the  fact 
that  the  leader  should  be  creative  and 
enthusiastic.    Choose    as    your    leader 
a   person   who  can  express  ideas  and 
thoughts  to  others  in  term*  that  they 
will    understand.    Furthermore,     since 
photography  is  a  means  of  communi- 
cation, select  as  your  group  manager, 
the  kind  of  person  who  is  -••M-iti\e  to 
the  interests  and  needs  of  others.  Re- 
gardless  of  his   photographic   "know- 
how."  if  that  person  possesses  a  high 
-ensc  of  values  in  group  and  eommu- 
iiit\    living,  he  will  always  get  along. 
How    much    organization    is    neces- 
sary?   Sometimes    very    little,    some- 
times  a   great  deal.   Tlii-   depends   to 
some  degree  on  the  si/e  of  the  group. 
If  the  group  is  small,  little  formal  or- 
ganization  may   be   required.   On   the 
other  hand,  if  the  group  is  large,  for- 
mal organization  can   !><•  used  to  hold 
and    hind    its   member-    together.   Tlii- 
ma\    inxoUe  a  president,  tiea-urcr.  - 
retary.    and    main     coininitlee-.    Such 
label*  often  pa\    big  dividend-  !•.••  aii-c 
lhi-\     make    gloiip    membi-is    feel    mote 
important   and   "needed."   As  a   result. 
the«e     mcmliei-     ate     m.m-     likclx      I" 
want   to  see  the  group  -in  '  e—  fill,  and 
thu-  put  f"illi  elfotl. 

Committees  are  a  fine  de\  ire  for 
group  work.  Therefore,  get  as  many 
started  as  po— ihlc.  >ome  of  tlie  p.— 
-ibilitie-  are:  a  rommillei-  f..r  Jilan- 
nitig  field  trip-,  iiicliiiling  plai  e.  time, 
and  transpfirtalinn:  another  f..t 

KM  in  \ii<>\ 


print  collecting  and  hanging  exhibits 
in  the  recreation  center;  still  another 
for  judging  prints;  one  for  exchanging 
with  and  circulating  prints  among 
other  photographic  groups;  a  commit- 
tee for  the  display  of  work  in  neigh- 
borhood stores  and  theatres;  one  for 
new  membership;  one  for  color  slides: 
and  definitely  one  to  help  new  mem- 
bers in  their  struggles. 

One  recreational  camera  group  with 
which  we're  well  acquainted  solves  the 
"instruction"  problem  with  the  help 
of  two  boys  who  consider  themselves 
advanced  amateurs.  These  boys  offer 
their  time  and  darkroom  twice  a 
month  to  anyone  in  the  club.  This 


Curlicues  of  paper  and  glass  beads  were 
used  for  this  "photogram"  by  Denny  club. 

gives  the  beginners  a  lot  of  fun,  since 
they  can  explore  and  experiment  with 
equipment  different  from  their  own, 
while  it  is  of  equal  value  to  the  two 
boys,  because  it  gives  them  the  ex- 
perience of  leadership  and  recognition 
for  their  ability. 

Speaking  of  equipment — plan  on 
having  a  committee  for  that,  too. 
Equipment  in  itself  isn't  so  important, 
but  a  committee  will  look  for  things 
to  do  and  supply  your  needs  a  bit 
faster. 

In  my  own  situation,  we  have  the 
bare  essentials.  Until  a  few  weeks  ago. 
we  owned  one  safe  light  with  two 
filters,  which  we  changed  constantly. 
The  yellow-green  one  was  cracked. 
We  had  patched  it  together  in  many 
places  with  tape,  and  put  wire  around 
the  glass,  light  and  stand  to  keep  it 
intact.  Then,  one  young  boy  who  had 
been  around  for  weeks,  but  had  never 
come  up  with  a  picture,  recognized 


our  need.  He  picked  up  discarded 
wooden  crates  from  a  grocery  store 
for  the  frame,  begged  some  scrap 
metal  from  a  shop  for  wall  brackets, 
and  where  he  got  the  rest  of  ma- 
terial I'll  never  know,  but  bless  his 
heart,  his  safe  light  is  wonderful.  So 
you  see,  every  individual  is  needed  and 
can  be  important. 

Last  month,  I  suggested  many 
places,  in  this  recreational  program, 
where  groups  could  get  together  for 
regular  meetings.  But  "just  where" 
really  doesn't  matter  as  long  as  space 
for  a  darkroom  is  available.  One  group 
uses  a  church  basement.  Another 
group — which  is  fairly  large — has  a 
darkroom  in  one  corner  of  a  fruit 
cellar,  and  turns  out  some  very  fine 
work,  notwithstanding  the  fact  that 
to  wash  prints  they  have  to  run  from 
the  fruit  cellar  to  the  laundry  tubs 
and  back  again. 

When  you're  organizing  your  photo 
group  keep  an  eye  out  for  a  friendly 
photographic  store  in  your  neighbor- 
hood. Photo  stores  are  often  more  than 
happy  to  open  their  doors  to  you  and 
your  group  and  to  provide  regular 
headquarters.  If  you  have  such  an 
opportunity,  make  the  most  of  it.  Both 
your  group  and  the  store  will  profit. 

Our  darkroom  was  at  one  time  a 
janitor's  broom  closet.  Even  now  our 
equipment  consists  of  only  a  small 
sink,  a  table  for  three  eight  by  ten 
trays,  one  contact  printer,  two  safe 
lights,  one  thermometer,  and  one  very 
old  enlarger.  The  bellows  of  this  en- 
larger  have  patches  on  top  of  patches, 
and  when  we  have  to  make  prints  be- 
yond the  usual  eight  by  ten  inches, 
we  have  to  borrow  trays  and  an  extra 
timer  unless  one  of  the  clan  pops  up 
with  an  illuminated  watch  having  a 
sweep  hand.  But  no  matter  what  the 
problem,  we  always  seem  to  have 
friends  who  are  glad  to  help.  Of  all 
the  hobbies  in  which  I  have  partici- 
pated, photography  has  undoubtedly 
been  outstanding,  as  one  in  which  peo- 
ple really  enjoy  sharing. 

But  let's  become  practical  and  start 
a  successful  program.  Let's  assume 
that  we  have  a  group  with  the  same 


Surrealist  art?  No,  just  a  photo  from  but- 
tons, a  pull  chain,  and  few  odds  and  ends. 


interests  and  needs.  The  leader  enjoys 
people,  and  has  something  of  himself 
to  give,  and  we  have  decided  on  a 
meeting  place.  Various  members  of 
the  group  have  brought  equipment  to 
help  us  get  started.  Now,  the  job  is 
to  make  this  first  exploration  a  suc- 
cess for  everyone. 

For  a  feeling  of  immediate  accom- 
plishment and  satisfaction  there  is  no 
better  way  of  starting  than  to  make  a 
shadow  print  or  "photogram."  This 
can  be  done  by  placing  a  few  objects 
on  a  sheet  of  enlarging  paper,  exposing 
the  paper  and  objects  to  light  from  a 
flashlight,  and  developing  the  paper 
to  produce  a  shadow  print.  Paper  and 
flashlight  can,  of  course,  be  any  size. 
However,  the  objects  placed  on  the 
paper  should  be  rather  small,  if  the 
paper  is  not  at  least  eight  by  ten 
inches.  My  experience  suggests  that  for 
interest  and  creative  reasons,  the  se- 
lection of  material  to  be  used  in  this 
work  should  vary  in  size,  shape,  and 
density.  Some  of  the  objects  should  be 
transparent,  others  translucent  and 
a  few  opaque.  Bits  of  cellophane,  cut 
and  twisted  into  spirals,  and  old  plastic 
perfume  containers  are  excellent,  since 
some  light  is  blocked  by  the  objects 
while  some  passes  through  and  still 
other  light  rays  bounce  off  in  another 
direction.  This  produces  patterns  in 
various  tones  and  values.  Opaque  ob- 
jects should  be  used,  also,  but  it  is 
best  if  they  are  small  and  interesting 
in  shape,  since  opaque  objects  leave 
the  paper  pure  white  and  tend  to  over- 
balance the  gray  and  black  tones  in 
the  composition. 

"Composition"  as  such  is,  of  course. 

Miss  WEBBER  is  photography  instruc- 
tor at  Denby  High  School  in  Detroit. 


MAY  1952 


95 


too  involved  a  subject  to  get  into  im- 
mediately with  any  beginning  group, 
but  without  talking  composition  you 
can  often  suggest  and  employ  the 
principle?  involved  by  approaching  the 
problem  in  the  following  manner — 
especially  if  the  group  is  a  young  one. 

Say  something  like  this:  "Look, 
fellow-.  I  have  an  old  piece  of  plastic 
from  my  purse  handle;  its  shape  is 
oblong  with  a  few  curves  on  one  side 
for  variations.  What  have  you  got 
in  your  pockets  that  looks  different 
and  interesting? 

"All  right.  Now,  let's  pretend  we 
have  characters  in  a  show,  and  this 
object  which  is  large  and  important 
will  be  the  leading  lady.  Since  the 
leading  lady  is  the  star  of  the  pro- 
duction, we'll  place  her  in  a  very 
prominent  place  on  the  paper.  Now, 
most  good  shows  have  a  leading  man 
who  is  near  the  star,  but  not  quite 
so  important,  so  we'll  select  this 
portion  of  an  old  tooth  brush  and  put 
it  in  here,  not  too  far  from  the  lead- 
ing lady.  Next,  we  need  some  strong 
"character"  players.  For  those  let's  use 
a  few  glass  buttons,  or  cut  paper  de- 
signs. That  pretty  well  takes  care  of 


things,  but  remember — in  any  play 
even  the  ''bit"  players  must  lake  their 
places,  too.  So  let's  scatter  some  very- 
small  objects  in  and  around  the  whole 
scene,  to  round  out  our  production  and 
complete  our  composition." 

Among  other  objects  which  can  be 
n- •.!  advantageously  in  making  photo- 
grains,  chains  are  good  because  you 
can  use  them  to  demonstrate  the  use 
of  a  curved  line  running  through  the 
pattern.  Such  lines  can  be  shown  com- 
ing o\rr  tin-  top  of  some  objects  and 
running  underneath  or  around  other*. 
These  lines  help  "tie  up"  the  whole 
design  or  pattern.  However,  any  small 
objects  will  be  usable  for  the  first 
demonstration. 

After  members  of  your  group  have 
made  their  arrangements  on  the  paper, 
let  them  beam  the  flashlight  at  the 
paper.  Hold  it  low,  hold  it  high, 
move  in  close,  step  back  at  a  dis- 
tance, shoot  it  in  at  an  angle  from 
the  sides  and  from  directly  above. 
Then  you  can  let  the  fun  start!  As 
you  dunk  each  print  in  the  developer, 
voii'll  see  all  the  eyes  peer  down  into 
the  tray,  as  this  strange  and  fasci- 
nating abstract  picture  begins  to  pop 


up  at  them.  And  when  it'-  there,  give 
it  a  quick  wash  in  water  or  ''short 
stop,"  then  pop  it  into  the  hvpo  tray. 

No  one  can  or  should  be  permitted 
to  fail  with  this  first  en-alive  effort, 
because  with  it  you  can  gain  ihe 
group's  interest  and  prove  that  each 
individual  can  produce  a  successful 
picture.  This  is  a  much  more  satisfv  ing 
and  effective  approach  to  photography 
than  1>\  <tarting  with  "theor\ "  or  ihe 
development  of  film!  Remember,  such 
an  experiment  is  personal — real.  In  it, 
each  individual  is  creating,  with  the 
odds  and  ends  boys  and  girls  earn  in 
iheir  pockets.  Such  objects,  as  you 
know,  have  little  value,  but  they  are 
cherished  by  their  owners,  and  thus 
the  pictures  made  from  them  will  have 
value,  too. 

I  like  to  consider  such  an  approach 
the  same  as  playing  a  game  with  the 
young  fry.  In  this  fasl-moving  world 
of  ours  such  simplicilies  all  too  often 
seem  to  have  become  extinct. 

As  a  reminder,  I'd  like  to  refer 
again  to  how  important  it  is  that  a 
group  as  a  whole  be  given  something 
to  do.  If  all  share  in  responsibility 
it  is  true  democracy  at  work. 


Let    Fol 

Several  media  of  publicizing  the  public  recreation  fa- 
cilities, and  recommended  improvements,  are  being  used 
effr<  tivelv  in  Houston,  Texas.  A  sixty-page,  attractively 
printed  brochure  titled,  "Recreation  for  Everyone,"  pub- 
li»hed  last  year,"  outlines  the  importance  of  recreation  and 
informal  education,  and  set-  forth  detailed  recommenda- 
tion- for  the  improvement  of  facilities  and  services  for 
every  age  and  interest  group  in  the  community.  Also  availa- 
!»)'•.  is  a  short  movie"  with  the  same  title,  dramatizing  the 
need  for  and  po— il>lc  fulfillment  of  a  recreation  program. 

Ihe  brochure  presents  a  very  thorough  analysis  of  the 
.  iiv'-  -p.-.  id*  i  in  um-i.inc  ••-.  stressing  throughout  that 
II. Mi-ton  i-  at  Ihe  bottom  of  the  list  of  cities  in  the  -ame 
class  as  to  per  capita  expenditure  for  recreation.  <•'  neral 
recommendation*  for  publi.  i.  •  j.  .cli..n  development,  eon- 
den-ed  from  the  bro<  luue  are:  tli.it  appropriate  local 
rnmcntal  units  acquire  land  for  park  ami  plav  ground 
development,  aiming  for  .1  five  to  -even  .11  re  park  within 
a  half  mile  radius  of  every  home,  pro|K-rly  Mailed  and 
offering  the  following:  la  I  recreation  building.  ibl 
lighted  multiple-use  athletic  field,  (e)  lighted  plavground 
apparatuv  <di  pirnic  area  with  table?,  benches  and  grills: 
a  large  pi. iv  held  of  fifteen  t,,  tuetilv  ,nre.  within  a  mile 
radius  <>f  evcrv  borne,  offering:  lai  large  building  with 


•  \tiiUhk  from  CM 

120-' 

formation  on  morie. 


<  of  Hou'ton  and  fhrrit  County, 
2.  Text*.   11.00  pit  ropy.   Wril<-   for    in- 


ks    Know 

gymnasium-auditorium,  club  and  craft  rooms,  kitchen 
and  rest  rooms,  (b)  outdoor  swimming  pool  with  lockers 
and  showers,  (c)  lighted  hard  surface  play  areas  for 
tennis,  basketball  and  volleyball,  idi  lighted  baseball  and 
Softball  fields  with  bleachers,  (e)  automobile  parking 
areas;  the  preparation  of  a  detailed  plan  of  public  recrea- 
tion development;  an  increase  in  ihe  operating  budget: 
full  departmental  status  of  the  parks  and  recreation  de- 
partment; reactivation  of  the  parks  and  recreation  board; 
(he  hiring  of  full-time  personnel  to  staff  centers  and  plav- 
grounds;  giving  due  regard  to  cultural  pursuits  within  the 
recreation  program:  the  development  of  facilities  to  • 
equally  the  needs  of  Negro,  I-atin  \meiican  and  Anglo 
i.--ident-:  maximum  use  of  existing  school  f.n  ihiie-:  tin- 
acquiring  of  new  playgrounds  adj.ic  cut  to  new  school  sites; 

the  development  of  scenic  p.irkw.iv-:  the  development  of 
park  anil  p.nkway  acreage  around  the  proposed  -MM  Ja- 
i  into  Ifiver  dam  and  ic-ervoir:  cooperation  with  othei 
govciiiinciit.il  unil-  to  develop  a  metropolitan  park  s\-lem 
within  a  radius  of  ten  to  tvvenlv -five  mile-  of  Houston  to 
provide  large  reservations  for  camping,  hiking,  n.itm. 
-ludv.  pniiio.  hoating  and  fishing. 

This  report  if  the  work  of  four  hundred  ,  ih/.-n-.  bring- 
ing to  more  than  n  half  million  fellow  resident-  ihe  facts 
about  thrir  nwn  c«mmimit\.  Thi-  comimmitv  council  be- 
lieve, when  Voii  let  folk-  know  vvh;il  i-  needed.  ihev  will 

'•l.lt     It     I-    done 


III.)    HI    Ml. IN 


An  Address* 


America  Alerts 
i  (er  Senior  Citizens 


Charles  E.  Reed 


THE  EXTENT  TO  which  the  public 
concern  is  now  centered  on  our 
senior  citizens,  and  the  rapidity  with 
which  it  has  spread  within  the  past 
half  decade,  is  little  short  of  phenome- 
nal. Probably  no  age  group  has  aroused 
as  much  nationwide  attention  within  so 
brief  a  period.  Some  of  the  manifesta- 
tions of  this  interest  and  the  basic 
factors  that  prompt  them  have  real 
significance  for  professional  recreation 
people. 

First,  the  rapid  increase  of  older 
population  in  relation  to  our  national 
problem  of  leisure  time  arrests  atten- 
tion immediately.  The  recent  report 
of  the  Bureau  of  the  Census  for  the  past 
decade  showed  that  the  nation's  popu- 
lation of  citizens  sixty-five  years  of 
age  and  over  in  1940  was  nine  million. 
By  July  1950,  the  number  within  this 
group  had  increased  to  eleven  million 
six  hundred  thousand.  Some  authori- 
ties estimate  that  by  1960  it  will  be 
fifteen  million  and  by  1976  possibly 
twenty  million.  Actuarial  calculations 
show  the  average  length  of  life  in  1850 
was  forty  years;  in  1900  forty-nine 
years;  and  in  1950,  sixty-seven  years. 
It  is  expected  by  1960  there  will  be 
thirty-five  million  people  in  the  United 
States  who  have  passed  the  forty-five 
year  mark.  For  recreation  planners 
and  administrators  this  means  that  by 
another  decade  approximately  one- 


Hi'lurn-cl  li\  Mr.  Reed  at  Southern  Con- 
frrriin-  on  (HTontoIogy.  University  of  Flori- 
'U.  <;aini--\illr.  January  1952. 

MAY  1952 


fourth  of  the  potential  participants  in 
their  community  programs  will  be 
older  adults.  In  his  thought-provoking 
book  entitled,  "The  Best  Years," 
Walter  B.  Pitkin,  earlier  known  as 
the  author  of  "Life  Begins  at  Forty," 
recounts  the  phenomenal  scientific 
achievements  which  are  contributing 
to  prolonged  life,  and  more  important, 
the  new  opportunities  that  can  make 
these  added  years  more  fruitful  and 
satisfying. 

Another  factor  of  real  significance 
and  promise  for  the  future  is  the 
change  in  the  public  attitude  toward 
the  aging  and  their  problems.  No 
longer  do  we  hold  that  people  get 
only  what  they  deserve  and  that  it  is 
their  own  fault  if  they  cannot  care 
for  themselves.  We  now  know  that 
economic  security  will  not  enable  older 
people  to  solve  all  their  problems.  Our 
present  day  social  consciousness  rec- 
ognizes that  older  persons  are  more 
frustrated  and  more  discouraged  than 
they  have  ever  been  before,  because 
they  are  without  enough  interesting 
things  to  do  and  lack  status  in  their 
families  and  in  their  communities. 

At  the  National  Recreation  Congress 
in  1948,  Dr.  William  C.  Menninger, 
the  well  known  psychiatrist,  stated, 
"In  civilian  life  every  physician,  both 
knowingly  and  unknowingly,  treats  pa- 
tients who  are  emotionally  ill.  It  is 
estimated  that  fifty  per  cent  of  all 
patients  who  consult  all  physicians, 
general  practitioners  and  specialists, 
become  ill  from  the  stress  and  strain 


of  life  on  their  personalities  rather 
than  from  invasion  of  bacteria,  injury 
or  cancer. 

"Recreation  has  not  only  played  an 
important  part  in  the  treatment  pro- 
gram of  many  mental  illnesses,  but 
it  has  been  a  considerable  factor  in 
enabling  former  patients  to  remain 
well. 

"It  is  my  firm  conviction  that  if 
we  could  encourage  and  watch  and 
guide  more  people  to  more  effective 
recreative  activity,  we  could  and  would 
make  a  major  contribution  to  our  na- 
tional and  international  peace  of 
mind." 

In  his  book,  "The  Second  Forty 
Years,"  Dr.  Edward  J.  Steiglitz  says 
"Success  or  failure  in  the  second  forty 
years,  measured  in  terms  of  happiness, 
is  determined  more  by  how  we  use 
our  leisure  time  than  by  any  other 
factor." 

The  National  Conference  on  Aging 
held  at  the  request  of  the  President 
in  Washington  during  1950,  gave 
prominent  recognition  nationally  to  the 
various  problems  of  this  age  group. 
Health,  education,  recreation,  hous- 
ing, employment  and  community  or- 
ganization were  important  considera- 
tions. A  special  section  on  recreation 
brought  together  about  eighty  indi- 
viduals representing  rural  and  urban 
areas,  local,  state  and  federal  govern- 
ment agencies,  well  known  private 
agencies,  churches,  labor,  industry  and 
a  number  of  other  community  groups. 

Prior    to    this    national    gathering, 

97 


there  had  been  a  number  of  commis- 
sions and  committees,  sonic  federal, 
some  state,  which  dealt  with  segment* 
of  the  overall  problem.  such  .1-  mental 
hygiene  rad  employment.  M»re  recent 
steps  by  a  number  of  states  have  spe- 
cial significance  just  now.  In  I'M,. 
New  York  State  set  up  a  Joint  Legis- 
l.iti\e  Committee  on  Problems  of  the 
Aging,  to  study  and  develop  a  com- 
prehensive plan  for  attacking  these 
problems,  including  recreation.  North 
Carolina  soon  established  a  legisla- 
tive committee  to  work  along  similar 
inn-,.  Illinois  and  Michigan  created 
governors'  committees  on  the  aging, 
the  latter  in  19.il.  Florida  launched 
a  program  through  the  Stale  Improve- 
ment Commission.  By  unanimous  vote 
of  both  houses,  Wisconsin  last  \.-.H 
directed  a  joint  legislative  council 
l<>  -imlv  all  problems  of  the  aging, 
including  recreation,  and  voted  an 
appropriation  In  meet  tin-  co,|.  Rhode 
Island  established  in  1950  a  legisla- 
tive committee  l<>  -I  Hi  I  \  discrimination 
against  older  workers  in  imluslry,  and 
Connecticut  created  a  stale  commission 
on  care  of  the  chronicallv  ill.  aged 
and  infirm,  which  is  oriented  mainly 
though  not  CM  lusivelv  on  the  medical 
mid  rehabilitation  aspects  of  the  aged. 
The  special  governors'  conferences  on 
problems  of  the  aging  held  in  Califor- 
nia and  in  North  Carolina,  both  in 
I ''.I  I.  gave  prominent  attention  to  n-( 

n.  In  I  Tin.  the  Ohio  Citi/en- 
Council  for  Health  and  Welfare,  in 
cooperation  with  the  Mate  department 
of  public  welfare,  issued  its  report 
of  a  study  of  recreation  for  Ohio's  old 
people. 

•N.ile  .mil  local  departments  of  pub- 
lic welfare  are  im  r.-.i,mgl\  active  in 
promoting  re.  i.  .il  i.,n  a-  ,i  in. -.in-  ..f 
i>-li.iliililating  and  keeping  .,-m..|  .  iti 
ten*  out  of  mental  hospitals.  \  full- 
lime  coriMillanl  mi  older  age  recrea- 
tion group,  ha-  |.i-.-ii  working  out  of 
the  department  of  -...  i.il  ..-.  urilv  in 
the  Male  of  Washington  foi  the  |MH| 
Iwo  vcarv  Hi-  re.pon.ibihlv  is  to 
cm  mir.ige  the-  establishment  of  older 

ulis  under  lh>  -hip  of  |o- 

r»\  recreation  department,  ..ml  <  ..in 
iniiiiilv  ««-rvicc  group,.  lhi«  sei\iie 

Was     inilinted     I'V      the     department      "f 

«o<  inl   -.-,  univ    partialK   an  an  •• 

niv    IITI«I,  ..«(  of  iiieiln  .1 


which    the   state    was   subsidizing   for 

many  older  age  persons  was  extremelv 
high.  There  was  ample  evidence  to  in- 
dicate that  some  of  this  illness  »,i,  M,,t 
phvsical  but  the  result  of  feelings  of 
loneliness  and  rejection.  A  sound  rec- 
reation program  for  this  age  group 
wa»  found  to  be  a  positive  factor  in 
reducing  the  need  for  medical  care. 
The  state  division  of  social  welfare 
of  Minnesota  has  employed  an  occu- 
pationalist  to  introduce  leisure  time 
activities  in  homes  for  the  aged.  State 
park,  conservation  and  recreation  bod- 
ies, responsible  for  planning  state 
parks  and  forest  areas  for  public  use, 
are  giving  more  consideration  to  dis- 
tances between  parking  sites  and  rec- 
reation attractions  to  accommodate  the 
phvsical  limitations  of  senior  citizens. 
I'lanners  of  local  school  structures 
should  include  suitable  indoor  rccn-.i- 
lion  facilities  for  this  group,  especially 
hohhv  and  quiet  game  rooms. 

Doling  the  past  three  or  four  \>MI- 
in  particular,  the  recreation  needs  ..f 
ihis  group  have  had  a  prominent  place 
in  the  programs  of  many  state  recrea- 
tion conferences,  the  vearlv  district 
conferences  of  the  National  Recreation 
Association  and  in  the  annual  meetings 
of  the  National  Recreation  C.mui.---. 
In  the  last  decade  a  considerable  num- 
ber of  articles  on  recreation  for  the 
aging  appealed  ill  the  maga/.ine  l!l'- 
REATIOV 

Much  of  tin-  interest  and  initiative 
ami  planning  for  the  recreation  need, 
of  the  nation's  senior  citizens  have 
also  come  from  private  agencies  and 
groups.  In  November  P'.~>U.  Communi- 
tv  Ch.-,|,  and  Councils  of  \mcin.i 
--•ill  a  i|iiestjonnaire.  on  local  conimu- 
nilv  planning  to  meet  the  needs  of  the 
aging,  to  each  of  it,  four  hundred  and 
(iflv  member  council,.  Of  the  one  hull- 
died  and  «i\tv-foiir  replies,  eightv- 
tine.-  i  "HIM  i|,  reported  local  commit- 
"••iking  on  some  .i-|...  I  ..f  the 
problem.  Uv  far  the  largest  number 
>.f  conimunilie,  u.i.  ionicme.1  wilh 

I',   le.lliiiu. 

Forward  looking  ediical"i-  have  also 
•  I    loncern.    Formal    i  on«idei.ilion 
of    the    ,|||.|ci  I    w,i«    In, I    given    bv     the 
National      Idmalioii       \-«o,ialion      in 
I1'  l'>    when    il«    Commit  dm  a 

lion  foi  \n  \ging  Population  met  and 
urged  all  adult  education  agcm  ic«  !.. 


work  toward  the  following  objectives: 

1.  Revision    of   the   attitudes   of   all 
communitv  groups  in  order  to  achieve 
recognition     of    the     usefulness,     the 
dignitv  and  the  needs  of  older  people. 

2.  Creation  of  educational  activitic, 
that    will    prepare    all    people    for    the 
second  half  of  life  and  that  will  meet 
their  needs  as  alert,  functioning  mem- 
bers  of   socielv. 

3.  Re-training    older    workers    for 
employment    in    occupations   suited   to 
their    changing     capacities     and     for 
eventual  retirement. 

4.  Giving    professional    workers    in 
all  fields  the  new  knowledge  they  need 
for  successful  work  with  older  people. 

A  noteworthy  recreational-educa- 
tional experiment  in  the  form  of  a 
course  for  older  |x-op|e.  designed  to 
a,-i,|  them  in  making  adjustment,  to 
old  age,  was  conducted  in  1948  by 
the  t'niversitv  of  Michigan  Fxtension 
Service  and  the  Institute  for  Human 
Adjustment.  From  il  grew  the  Ann 


^••••IB^^^B^^^^^BBBBiBHBH^^^H 
Kumilv  croup  tout'llicr.  weaving  reccK  in 
recreation  priiurain  of  I. OUR  Brach.  Calif. 


\rboi  |>i"L!i.iin  of  activities  for  old- 
,|.-i>  of  the  communilv.  Participation 
in  the  coiii>e  and  in  the  communilv 
program  thai  ic,nllcd  wa«.  and  still 
i,.  bv  the  senior  cili/cn-  themselves. 

The  stake  of  the  church   in   lhi«   na 
tional    problem    i,    high    becaii-e    those 
of  older    age  have  an   increased  sen..- 
of   the    importance   of   spiritual    values. 

Tin-  National  Council  of  Churches  of 
t  hiisi  in  \mcriia  carries  on  a  train- 
ing program  for  pastors  and  pan,|i 
workets  |o  help  them  wilh  the  health. 
.lion  and  spiritual  needs  of 
church  mcndx-rs.  racihli.-,  and  pro- 
giam-  in  i  him •li-spon-Mied  ,ocial  and 

.1 il    i  enter,   aie    Ix-ing   prov  id- 

ed  in.  rcasinglv  bv  all  of  the  leading 
religion,  faiths. 

'I  In-  pn-sciil  leni) f  icliiemcnl  and 

00    -v.lein.    involving    ihnus.ind- 


... 


Kl  .  Ill   \  I  IIIN 


of  employees  has  stimulated  a  number 
of  business  and  industrial  companies 
to  formulate  plans  designed  to  help 
workers  to  make  their  "graduation" 
from  active  employment  a  satisfying 
experience.  These  concerns  see  the 
great  importance  of  their  recreation 
programs. 

The  prevailing  method  is  a  counsel- 
ing or  interviewing  plan  with  guidance 
on  how  the  employee  can  best  serve 
himself,  his  family  and  his  community. 
The  Esso  Standard  Oil  Company  pro- 
vides an  excellent  plan  of  counseling 
and  help  by  conducting  a  seminar  or 
discussion  group  for  its  employees 
to  be  retired.  The  group  discussions, 
carried  on  by  small  groups  of  people 
(ten  to  fifteen),  last  about  one  hour 
each,  and  are  held  at  various  times. 
A  series  of  five  meetings  is  held  for 
the  group,  whose  retirement  is  about 
one  year  off. 

The  objectives  of  the  program  are: 

1.  To  give  each  person  in  the  group 
an  understanding  of  the  problems  he 
is  apt  to  face  when  he  retires. 

2.  To  stimulate  organized  thinking 
toward   suitable  post-retirement  inter- 
ests and  activities. 

3.  To  generate  some  action  on  plans 
before  actual  retirement. 

The  General  Electric  Company, 
Bridgeport,  Connecticut,  starts  its  pro- 
gram for  persons  to  be  retired  five 
years  in  advance  of  the  retirement 
date.  The  personnel  manager  discusses 
with  the  employee  what  he  plans  to  do 
when  he  retires.  If  he  plans  an  ac- 
tive retirement,  a  physical  examina- 
tion is  given.  If  the  worker  plans  to 
set  up  a  business,  the  employee  is 
given  advice  on  the  many  problems 
connected  with  the  conduct  of  a  busi- 
ness. Following  his  retirement,  com- 
pany representatives  visit  the  retired 
employee  periodically  to  see  how  he 
is  progressing.  Similar  counseling  and 
guidance  plans  are  functioning  in 
the  Ford  Company,  General  Motors 
Corporation.  Bell  Telephone  Company 
and  probably  some  others. 

In  other  concerns,  the  employee 
about  to  be  retired  is  encouraged  to 
join  one  of  the  hobby  groups  of  the 
company's  employee  recreation  pro- 
gram or  to  acquire  a  hobby  having 
a  carry-over  value. 

Generally    recognized,    too,    is    the 

MAY  1952 


active  interest  of  the  major  labor 
groups  of  the  country,  not  only  in 
the  extension  of  pension  and  retire- 
ment privileges  for  employees  but, 
also,  in  the  provision  of  recreation 
and  other  community  services  that 
will  help  working  people  to  face  the 
older  years  with  confidence  and  antici- 
pation. 

It  was  the  original  intention  to 
enumerate  in  this  review  the  commu- 
nities over  the  country  which  now 
have  functioning  clubs,  daytime  cen- 
ters and  other  types  of  noteworthy  pro- 
grams of  recreation  for  senior  citizens. 
So  great  is  the  number,  however,  it 
has  seemed  better,  within  the  limita- 
tions imposed,  to  highlight  some  of  the 
varieties  of  sponsorship  and  organiza- 
tion which  may  suggest  present  trends 
and  the  prospects  of  further  progress. 
According  to  the  Recreation  and  Park 
Yearbook,  issued  this  year  by  the  Na- 
tional Recreation  Association,  three 
hundred  and  ninety-two  cities  of  the 
total  of  two  thousand  two  hundred  re- 
porting, indicated  they  were  providing 
recreation  activities  for  older  persons. 
One  hundred  ninety-one  of  these  re- 
ported ninety-four  thousand  seven 
hundred  and  three  participants  of  this 
age  group.  These  represent  public 
agency  sponsors  of  large  cities,  me- 
dium sized  and  small  communities  and 
counties.  This  number  does  not  in- 
clude the  many  similar  programs  op- 
erated by  private  organizations.  The 
annual  reports  of  the  field  staff  of  the 
National  Recreation  Association  for 
the  year  just  closed,  uniformly  testify 
to  the  popularity  and  success  of  these 
programs  and  to  the  considerable  num- 
ber of  new  programs  started  during 
the  year  by  municipal  recreation  au- 
thorities throughout  the  country.  Most 
of  these  are  club  programs.  Some 
were  started  among  older  pensioners, 
and  these  have  not  seemed  to  attract 
many  outside  of  this  group,  although 
membership  is  open.  This  has  raised 
the  question  of  the  advisability  of 
starting  in  this  way.  As  with  other 
age  ranges,  grouping  by  ages  is  not 
considered  by  many  to  be  the  sole  and 
complete  solution  to  recreation  needs. 
Oldsters,  they  say,  like  to  be  among 
younger  persons,  to  watch  children 
play,  and  to  participate  in  activities 
that  they  enjoy  purely  on  the  basis 


Purposeful    activity   gives    oldsters   feeling 
of    usefulness,   and    fly-tying   is    just   that. 


of  personal  interest  or  skill.  In  Mem- 
phis and  elsewhere,  older  citizens 
square  dance  with  other  age  groups 
and  participate  in  the  community  sings 
and  family  night  programs  of  the  pub- 
lic recreation  department.  There  is 
an  obvious  tendency,  as  with  teen 
centers  which  started  as  separate  units, 
for  more  older  age  club  activities  to 
become  a  part  of  the  public  recreation 
department's  regular  programs,  con- 
ducted at  regular  neighborhood  cen- 
ters. 

Since  1941,  when  the  public  recrea- 
tion department  of  Milwaukee  organ- 
ized its  first  club  for  oldsters,  the 
number  has  grown  to  thirty-three.  The 
membership  is  now  more  than  fifteen 
hundred  men  and  women.  All  but  four 
of  the  clubs  meet  weekly  in  the  social 
centers  of  the  recreation  department. 
One  full-time  recreation  director  and 
two  full-time  instructors  devote  them- 
selves to  the  promotion,  organization 
and  supervision  of  these  programs. 
Much  of  the  original  interest  and  ini- 
tiative came  from  local  welfare 
agencies  and  civic  groups.  Other  lead- 
ers point  to  the  desire  of  this  age 
group,  also,  to  want  and  need  associa- 
tion with  those  of  like  age  who  under- 
stand their  problems  and  can  give 
them  the  kind  of  social  recognition  and 
satisfaction  that  they  crave.  The  unor- 
ganized active  and  passive  recreation 
opportunities  afforded  by  public  parks, 
playgrounds  and  school  facilities  con- 
stitute a  substantial  contribution  to 
the  recreation  and  enjoyment  of  senior 

99 


citizens. 

Not  to  be  overlooked,  too,  are  the 
important  contributions  of  pioneering 
private  agencies,  such  as  the  clubs 
for  oldsters  in  Philadelphia,  the  day 
.enter-  f"i  aged  in  New  iork.  home 
v  i-itation  services  or  others,  all  of 
which  gave  national  impetus  to  the 
urtit.  Si-lf  initiated  and  operated 
-orial  and  recreational  organizations 
li\  old-ter-  themselves  have  arisen  and 
prospered.  One  of  interest,  for  men. 
is  the  Old  Guard,  which  was  estab- 
lished in  Summit.  New  Jersey  in  1930 
and  now  has  twenty-three  chapters  in 
eight  states. 

Beginnings  have  been  made  by  a 
limited  number  of  public  and  private 
agencies  to  provide  visitation  and  rec- 
reation services  to  shut-ins  and  the 
home-bound.  It  is  reported  that  nearly 
eighty  percent  of  our  senior  citizens 
live  in  their  own  establishments  and 
that  one  fourth  of  the  persons  re- 
reiving  old  age  assistance  in  Cook 
<  I'linty,  Chicago,  cannot  get  out  of 
llirir  homes.  This  needy  group  oilers 
I.,  recreation  agencies  unlimited  op- 
portunities for  servirc. 

It  has  been  well  said  that  "to  know 
how  to  grow  old  is  the  master  work 
of  wisdom,  and  one  of  the  most  diffi- 
cult chapters  in  the  great  art  of  liv- 
ing." Much  work  lies  ahead  to  bring 
about  tlie  u-eful  and  important  chang- 
es that  will  give  older  people  the  vital 
place  in  modern  life  which  they  de- 
serve and  of  which  they  are  capable. 
1 1  will  take  research  in  a  number  of 
areas,  not  the  least  essential  aspect 
of  which  i-  in  the  field  of  recreation. 
What  can  older  people  d..'  \\hat  do 
thcv  want  to  do?  What  opportunilie- 
for  recreation  are  available  to  them.' 
!••  what  kind-  of  recreational  arlivi- 
ties  and  interests  do  the\  m»-t  . .,-.  iK 
•,d?  What  l\|K-5  of  comnmnitv 
participation  will  give  them  -tain- 
.inil  new  i  oiifidcm -I-'.'  Limited  but  sig- 
nificant ,in-»'  •  .in.-  of  these 
•  M.  -ii'.n-  arc  already  at  hand  in  the 
remarkable  annual  hol>b\  «how«  f..i 
older  people  in  Washington.  lU  . 
Chicai: ...  V  \%  'l  ..rk  and  Cleveland, 
which  has  had  its  fifth:  camping  pro 
grams  for  senior  citizen*  which  have 
been  provided  bv  thr  public  and  pri- 
vate agencies  cooperating  in  Durham. 
North  Carolina.  Chicago  and  |*-rhap« 


a  few  other  cities:  and  the  Confer- 
ence of  Older  People  sponsored  by 
the  Chicago  Recreation  Commission  in 
which  (ifl\  per  cent  of  the  planning 
committee  rcprescnteil  older  age 
group-.  Nowhere  have  we  tapped  the 
great  resources  for  leadership  among 
-enior  adult-  themsclve-. 

The  high  level  objective  of  the  rec- 
reation program  for  America's  senior 
cili/cn-  was  voiced  at  the  recent  meet- 
ing of  the  National  Recreation  Con- 
gress. It  held  that  the  recreation  move- 
ment can  do  much  to  emphasize  the 
idea  of  older  people  continuing  to  con- 
tribute to  society  rather  than  society 
taking  care  of  them:  and  that  recre- 
ation for  older  people  should  convince 
them  they  are  needed  and  ir-perted 
by  the  members  of  the  community,  in 
the  help  they  give  to  make  the  com- 
munity a  better  place  in  which  to 

live. 

The  way  Richmond,  Virginia,  ap- 
proached the  recreation  problem  of  its 
aged  citizens,  to  cite  one  city  of  moder- 
ate -ize.  suggests  a  constructive  pro- 
cedure which  the  responsible  public 
and  private  recreation  agencies  of  any 
community  may  well  follow.  Last  year 
this  city  made  a  study  of  recreation 
for  people  sixty  years  of  age  and  over. 
The  report  on  home  visits  made  as 
u  part  of  the  study  shows  "that  about 
half  of  the  older  persons  interviewed 
say  that  they  generally  have  nothing 
to  do  all  day."  Of  nineteen  general 
medical  practitioners  who  replied  to  a 
questionnaire,  fifteen  said  the  men 
and  women  over  sixty  in  their  practii  .- 
U  •  lonelv  and  have  too  much  leisure. 
Kightecn  c>f  them  said  a  handbook  of 

ition    and    leisure    time    scrv  n  c- 
»"iild  be  helpful  to  them  in  their  pi.i' 
tiic.     \ccordingly.    the    committee    on 

iti. .n   which   made  the  -tii.lv    r.  • 
ommended    "that    the    department    of 

ilion    and    park-    a  — ign    a    staff 
worker,    not    onlv    to    develop    depart- 
ment   program-    for    tin-    aged    in    both 
and     white     coinmiinitic-.     but 

al-o    I"    .I--1-I    tin-    chnrclie-.    the    home- 

f..r    the    aged    and    other    cominuiiilv 

gionp.  111  the  development  of  the-c  lei- 

iime  activities."   It    ie<  onimcinlr.l 
,il«o  that  the  lit.  Inn. .ml  area  communi- 

l\   i  oiiiii  d  provide  a  hnndl k  01 

on-     and     faciliti. 
Hi.  Imioiid     available     to     lho«e     -i\l\ 


Milwaukee   Cnlclon   AKITI   meet   weekly  in 
local  centers  and  take  their  c-liesx 


veai-  of  age  and  over,  for  use  by 
doctor-,  nurses,  ministers,  social  work- 
ers and  others  who  work  with  this 
age  group:  also,  that  all  local  organ- 
i/.iiions  which  use  volunteers  give 
Consideration  to  fuller  use  of  retired 
people  as  volunteers.  Too.  students  of 

ich  in  recreation,  as  well  as  ad- 
ministrators and  other  recreation 
workers  will  profit  bv  the  result-  of 
current  -Indies  of  -lull  problem-  as 
housing,  health,  education  and  cm- 
|)lo\  nii-iil  of  the  aged.  Many  valuable1 
nil  project-  in  thc-c  field-  have 
been  made  and  others  will  be  undei 
taken  bv  well-known  foundation-,  edu- 
cational in-titiitions.  governmental  and 
private  agencies  and  other  profe— ional 
group-,  -in  li  .1-  the  \nierican  I'-vchi- 
atric  Association,  the  \meriean  I'-v- 
chological  \-ociation.  tin-  ( ieriatric 
>o<  ietv  arid  the  ( terontologieal  Societv 
organized  in  1944. 

It  is  recognized  that  no  substantial 
improvement  of  -civ  ice-  for  older  peo- 
ple can  be  achieved  if  the  i  ommunitv 
doc-  not  miiler-land  their  needs  and 
\\i-li  to  meet  them.  The  obligation 
of  lav  -iippoiled  ie.  iration  ag-iu  ic- 

•vc  all  age  groups  in  the  com- 
munilv  ha-  long  -ince  l«ccn  accepted, 
al  lea-l  in  principle.  Recreation  -hoiild 
l«c  one  of  the  vcrv  vital  fmce-  to  alert 

..III     -Clllol     i  Ill/en-    t|iein-e|ve«.    8«    Well 

immiiiilv      leader-     generallv.     to 

a    realization    of    their    abilitic-.    their 

capacitv     for    ...nimuing    growth    and 

i- fulness  as  well  as   |>ers<»nal 

nicnl. 


100 


111  •   III    VIH'N 


Seattte? 


National  Recreation  Congress 
September  29  -  October  3 


By  the  time  this  issue  of  RECREATION  appears,  the  out- 
line of  the  program  for  the  1952  National  Recreation 
Congress  will  have  been  published.  If  your  copy  has  not 
yet  reached  you,  be  sure  to  let  the  Congress  Committee 
know,  and  it  will  be  sent  to  you  immediately.  Address  the 
committee  at  315  Fourth  Avenue,  New  York  10,  New  York. 

The  Congress  will  open  in  Seattle  on  Monday  morning, 
September  29,  with  sessions  for  chief  executives  of  recrea- 
tion programs,  for  recreation  supervisors,  for  those  in- 
terested in  recreation  in  rural  areas,  recreation  for  indus- 
trial and  business  employees,  and  recreation  for  those 
in  hospitals.  New  this  year  will  be  a  session  for  playground 
directors,  in  answer  to  popular  demand  for  a  special  meet- 
ing for  this  important  group,  more  and  more  of  whom 
are  attending  the  Congress  each  year. 

Another  innovation  this  year  will  be  a  special  meeting 
on  Monday  for  the  wives  of  recreation  workers.  The  1951 
Congress  at  Boston  gave  special  recognition  to  wives  by 
means  of  the  "Certificate  for  Wives,"  which  proved  so 
popular  that  the  limited  supply  went  very  quickly.  This 
year  plans  are  being  made  for  the  wives  to  have  a  meeting 
of  their  own  to  get  acquainted  and  to  discuss  the  possi- 
bilities of  their  week  in  Seattle  and  to  make  plans.  Results 
of  this  meeting  will  be  watched  by  the  Congress  Committee, 
and  by  husbands,  with  a  great  deal  of  interest. 

Preparations  for  the  Congress  are  always  two-way — the 
Congress  committees  work  hard  to  develop  the  best  possi- 
ble program,  and  the  delegates  have  to  do  their  planning 
for  getting  to  the  Congress.  This  year  the  recreation  leaders 
in  the  Pacific  Northwest,  who  have  so  loyally  attended 
congresses  in  every  other  section  of  the  country  for  many- 
years,  are  having  somewhat  the  better  of  the  planning. 
Leaders  in  other  sections  of  the  country  must  make  an 
extra  effort  in  order  to  attend. 

MAY  1952 


But  the  additional  planning  will  be  well  worth  the  effort. 
The  trip  itself  is  one  which  many  people  dream  of  taking 
some  day.  Many  a  delegate  is  making  it  this  year  as  part 
of  his  vacation  and  in  the  company  of  his  family.  Inci- 
dentally, valuable  help  in  planning  this  trip  can  be  obtained 
from. the  new  Summer  Vacations — U.S.A.*  which  carries 
information  on  the  various  interesting  routes  into  Seattle, 
maps,  a  listing  of  special  events  throughout  the  country, 
travel  tips  and  facts  not  generally  known  about  visiting 
state  and  national  parks. 

The  surpassing  beauties  of  the  Seattle  environs  cannot 
be  exaggerated.  And  the  recreation  programs  of  Seattle, 
King  County  and  the  state  of  Washington  are  well  worth 
a  visit  and  study.  The  extra  effort  made  in  getting  to  the 
Seattle  Congress,  on  the  part  of  those  some  distance  away, 
will  be  repaid  many  times  over  in  experiences  which  will 
be  remembered  for  years. 

The  program  is  being  planned  this  year  to  be  of  the 
most  possible  help  to  all  kinds  of  recreation  leaders — from 
board  and  commission  members  to  playground  workers, 
from  executives  to  volunteers,  from  veterans  to  students. 

Special  attention  is  being  given  to  such  subjects  as  the 
problems  of  smaller  cities,  particularly  appropriate  this 
year;  finances,  always  appropriate;  problems  of  parks; 
resources  for  water  recreation;  regional  recreation  plan- 
ning; family  recreation;  community  centers.  In  addition 
there  will  be  meetings  on  public  relations,  pet  ideas,  ath- 
letics, camping,  church  recreation,  volunteers,  research, 
surfacing,  national  defense  implications  and  many  other 
subjects.  (For  the  full  list  see  the  program  outline.)  Several 
general  addresses  already  have  been  scheduled,  and  next 
month's  RECREATION  will  carry  a  fuller  statement  about 
this  aspect  of  the  Congress  program. 

An  important  function  of  the  Congress  is  annual  re- 
newal of  inspiration  for  the  important  work  for  which  rec- 
reation leaders  are  responsible.  The  messages  of  the  general 
speakers  bring  a  lift,  an  increased  enthusiasm  to  take  home 
and  use  in  making  our  work  more  effective.  More  and 
more  recreation  leaders  'are  seeing  the  importance  of  at- 
tending the  Congress  each  year.  New  trends  and  develop- 
ments, which  occur  during  each  twelve  months,  are  re- 
viewed. Young — and  old — recreation  workers  periodically 
need  renewal  of  spirit  and  of  dedication.  Board  and  staff 
members  have  a  chance  to  rotate  from  year  to  year,  so 
that  eventually  all  will  have  had  the  opportunity  to  attend 
the  Congress. 

It  will  assist  the  Congress  Committee  considerably  if 
you  will  let  them  know  whether  or  not  you  will  be  able 
to  attend  the  Seattle  meeting.  A  post  card  will  suffice,  and 
it  will  be  sincerely  appreciated. 

Next  Month 

RECREATION  will  carry  next  month  a  complete  outline  of 
the  Congress  program  and  pictures  of  many  of  the  Seattle, 
King  County  and  state  of  Washington  recreation  leaders 
who  are  doing  so  much  to  make  the  1952  Congress  one 
of  the  finest  ever  held. 


*  Published   by   the  National   Recreation  Association,   April   1952. 
Order  through   your  local   hook  store.  One  dollar. 

101 


games 


stunts 


pageants 
stories 

just  having  jun  .  .  .  In  memory  of  a  man 
who  believed  in  play  for  everyone. 


HONORING  JOSEPH  LEE 


•  THE  ANNUAL  CELEBRATION  OF  JOSEPH  LEE    DAY,  On  the  last   Friday  of  July,  on   mam    o[ 

America's  playgrounds  ranks  second  only  to  the  Fourth  of  July.  Remembered  as  "  I  he 
(••"(father  of  Play,"  Mr.  Lee  began  in  1894  his  lifetime  work  of  establishing  playground?* 
and  fostering  play,  for  children  and  adults,  when,  as  a  young  lawyer  in  Boston,  he  was 
shocked  to  witness  the  arrest  of  some  boys  for  playing  in  the  streets.  In  order  to  do 
justice  to  this  day,  start  planning  now. 

In  Readers  Digest  for  December,  1937,  Susan  Lee  wrote:  "Don't  let  my  father  prow 
into  a  department  store  Santa  Glaus,  with  nothing  but  a  white  beard  and  a  reputation 
fin  U-nevolence  to  recommend  him,  or  yet  into  a  cherry  tree  type  of  childish  hero.  He 
liked  people  who  were  'fierce'  or  'sassy,'  pictures  and  dances  that  had  'zip'  and  joke-  that 
caught  you  under  the  fifth  rib  and  woke  you  up  laughing  in  the  middle  of  the  night. 
I  have  never  known  anybody  farther  from  the  traditional  stereotype  of  the  'dear  old 
pcntleman.'  One  of  my  father's  favorite  e\pic— ion>  about  a  speech,  conversation  and 
ilu  likr,  was  'a  song  and  dance.'  It  seems  to  me  somehow  symbolic  of  his  altitude 
toward  life." 


IN    l''.)l.   MVM    <  INKS  carried  out  ef- 
feihve  memorial  celebrations    -aoine 
f..i   mil-  bin  ''ilx-  ""i"1'  through  week- 
l»ng      programs.      Tin-      "I'lavpround 
Founder  mill   Donor's  Week"  program 
r  minion.  <  iimiri  li<  lit.  was  one  of 
tin-    oio. t    incccuful,    receiving    *%nli- 
recognition   in  the  new«papcr«   in  that 
•-  mi  Imlcd  a  junior  Olympic 
track  inert   for  bov*  and  girls,  carni- 
n    wheel.*    parade     with    awards, 
-t»n  telling.  iil\    I.IIM!  roneert,  •  Ilink 
h«li   derbv.   wdd   wr»t   play  day 
and    an   amateur    hour    '»nlrM.    l,ocal 

102 


donors  of  recreation  areas  and  other 
gifts  in  support  of  playgrounds  re- 
ceived special  honors.  Recreation  Di- 
re, lor  (iarl  Koxenski  was  esjM-i  iallv 
proud  of  an  unsolicited  editorial  which 
appeared  in  the  August  '>.  l'»."il.  Wa- 
Irrliitri  Snntlin  Rrjuililii-iin.  which 
-.ii.l  in  part:  "Torringtoii's  .  .  .  pro- 
grams have  IM-I-II  vti-ll  )il.iniii-il  and 
well  carried  out  .  .  .  several  special 
rwnt*  have  lirrn  arranged  in  a  man- 
ner which  has  attrached  national  rec- 
ognition." 

The  Joseph  Lee  Day  celebration   in 


(Charleston.  \Vcsl  Virginia,  a  citywide 
program  on  all  playgrotin<l-.  developed 
into  an  elaborate  and  gala  affair. 
I  .i'  li  playground  chose  u  llicine  »i 
plan  of  action  to  be  carried  through 
the  Fiidav  i  clrlnation.  \l  one  plav- 
groiinil  a  life-like  figure  of  Jo-epli  l.ee. 
rim-lriiclrd  li\  the  <-)iildren  and  lead- 
ers, greeted  visitor?-  at  the  pate.  I'.nli 
i  ip.inl-  v\nii-  (,.i\  '»n'»  i  n>,|iiiiii-.  cvi-n 
-|H«ilinp  bustles  or  handle  bar  nnis- 
I. it  tir-s.  Aiintlier  adopted  tin-  "Spirit 
of  I'l.iv"  theme,  and  included  an  "Old 
Folks  Corner"  to  extend  a  welcome 

RECREATION 


to  visitors  from  eight  to  eighty.  Other 
playground  themes  were  "Alice  in 
Wonderland;"  "Carnival  Spirit;" 
"Progressive  Party,"  featuring  relay- 
races  and  competitive  contests;  a  fairy- 
land, decorated  with  bright  balloons 
and  crepe  paper;  a  circus,  with  side 
shows,  dancers  and  barkers;  and  in 
many  places  one  found  peep  shows, 
folk  games,  dances,  contests  and  com- 
munity singing.  Several  picnics  we-re 
planned. 

It  is  not  easy  to  plan  special  events 
which  are  different,  and  though  the 
following  activities  are  not  new,  they 
may  give  leaders  a  few  ideas  for  which 
they  can  develop  a  new  twist. 

Joseph  Lee  Mask  Contest 

Use  the  old  paper  bag  mask  stunt,1 
and  hold  a  "portrait"  contest  to  see 
who  can  most  nearly  reproduce  a 
Joseph  Lee  likeness. 

Stilts 

There  are  many  ways  in  which  stilts 
can  add  to  the  fun — with  stilt  races 
for  experts,  beginners'  contests  for 
those  who  have  never  before  been  on 
stilts,  for  circus  "giants."  A  lorog- 
range  project  might  combine  arts  and 
crafts  with  playground  stunts  by  giv- 
ing awards  for  the  best  looking  and/or 
best  constructed  pair  of  stilts  made  in 
the  workshop.- 

Parade 

Although  it  might  grow  into  too 
elaborate  an  affair,  one  way  to  bring 
parents  into  the  spirit  of  Joseph  Lee 
Day  would  be  to  enlist  their  aid  and 
participation  in  a  full-fledged  parade, 
from  a  chosen  starting  point,  through 
the  streets  to  the  playground.  This 
would  make  the  whole  town  part  of 
the  celebration,  as  such  an  undertaking 
would  entail  police  permission  and 
supervision,  and  merchants  might  con- 
tribute toward  floats  developed  on  cars 


Boston's  Mayor  John  B.  Hynes  holding  a  copy  of  the  late  Joseph  Lee's  monumental 
work,  "Play  in  Education."  In  the  fall  of  1950,  he  accepted,  on  behalf  of  the  city's 
recreation  board,  what  was  probably  the  first  library  on  recreation  in  America,  ac- 
cumulated by  Mr.  Lee,  NRA  founder,  "Father  of  American  Playground."  Presentation 
was  made  by  President  Mayo  Adams  Shattuck  (r.),  Massachusetts  Civic  League,  also 
founded  by  Mr.  Lee.  Books  are  authoritative,  by  pioneers  of  recreation  movement. 


and  small  trucks,  not  to  mention  the 
crowds  who  always  "love  a  parade." 
Story  book  or  sports  themes  can  pro- 
vide endless  ideas  for  floats/' 

Friendly  Nations  Picnic 

Come  in  costumes  of  other  lands, 
and  plan  picnic  food  of  native  delica- 
cies of  the  land  chosen.  It  could  be 
arranged  to  have  different  groups 
choose  certain  countries  and  give 
prizes  for  the  cleverest  costumes  and 
most  authentic  foods.  This  lends  it- 
self to  whole-family  participation.  Aft- 
er the  picnic  there  might  be  a  series  of 
"acts"  in  which  each  group  would 
demonstrate,  for  the  others  to  watch, 


l'..|)cr  Bag  Masks,  M.B.  510. 
2  Stills   (building  instructions),  M.B.  1138. 

MAY  1952 


"So   You're   Planning   a   Parade    (float   con- 
struction on  cars),  F  14. 
Other  Provocative  Bulletins: 

Novelty  Games  for  Your  Track  Meet,  F  16. 

A  Chinese  Picnic,  M.B.  1993. 

A  Model  Parachute  Contest,  M.B.  1591. 

Order  from  Bulletin  Service,  National  Rec- 
reation Association,  315  Fourth  Avenue,  New 
York  10.  All  bulletins  ten  cents  each. 


games  and  dances  of  "their"  country. 

Any  number  of  variations  could  be 
developed  on  this  idea — a  historical 
periods  picnic,  fairy  tales  picnic,  oc- 
cupations picnic  (farmers,  fishermen, 
woodsmen,  ranchers,  and  so  forth). 
In  many  cases  costumes  could  be  in- 
dicated simply,  such  as  overalls  and 
bandana  for  a  farmer,  and  thus  entail 
no  extra  cost  or  effort  for  mothers. 

Once  you  begin  to  explore  ideas 
already  used  by  others,  original  stunts 
begin  to  form  in  your  own  mind.  By 
trying  to  celebrate  Joseph  Lee  Day 
in  a  "more  fun  than  usual"  manner, 
you'll  find  yourself  and  your  groups 
doing  some  creative  thinking.  That  is 
the  kind  of  living  memorial  with  which 
Mr.  Lee  himself  would  be  most  pleased. 


"Play  is  synonymous  with  growth.  The 
child  .  .  .  follows  the  ball  each  day  into 
the  unexplored  regions  of  potential 
character,  and  comes  back  each  evening 
a  larger  moral  being."  —  Joseph  Lee 

103 


llov  ami  4pirl  Anglers 


I  Islll  I!\M)MI  N  I  islnni:  inlni;iir«  Ihrrr  wrimis 
l>.iiln  i|i.mi-  in  rixlm  ni  spoils. mil  t>\  in  ii  .ilinn 
.. .mini, M.. ii  in. I  wildlife  (liiti  in  llnL..i*  N  < 


101 


YOUNGSTERS,  fishing  poles,  lures,  bait,  excited  cries  of 
"I  pot  a  hite!",  sudden  dunkings,  proud  fathers,  sun- 
liurncd   noses  and   ravenous  appetites — mix   all  this  with 
fresh   air  and   fun   and   you  ha\e   tin-    ingredients   for    the 
growing  following  of  small  fry  fishing  derhies. 

Tin-  nuinlier  of  i  hildren  olliciully  participating  in  super- 
vised fishing  reached  the  four  million  mark  in  I').T!.  All 
over  the  United  States,  more  and  more  reereation  depart- 
ments ;ire  spon-oi  ing  fishing  derliies.  Tom  >aw\ei  and 
Becky  Thatcher  costume  contests,  and  dad  anil  son  (or 
(laughter  l  nuting-. 

In  Milwaukee  l.i-i  \ear  the  department  of  municipal 
in  reation  conducted  its  fust  fishing  trip  for  l>o\s  and  theii 
fathers.  "The  expedition  went  fifl\-!i\e  miles  to  Kettle 
Motaiin-  Slate  Kme-i.  at  a  round  trip  cost  of  sl.lo  per 
per-on.  The  n-i  ii-alion  chili  leader-  hail  dc\ eloped  ihis 
projei  I  at  i  lull  nir.-linr-  »illi  di-  u--ii'ii  on  li-hing  pai.i- 
pln  i  n.di.i.  the  kind-  of  h-li  and  distin^iiislmg  marks  and 
-liapi--.  fei-ilini;  lialiit-  of  fi-h.  lm\\  to  hail  a  hook.  ln.« 
lo  pi, -p. HI-  .1  li-li.  -,ifel\  fail.'is  and  :j..,.d  -pmt-man-llip. 
"llo\-  wi-ie  in-lnii  led  In  hring  a  jointed  cane  pole  <n 
li-liin^-  i. nl.  li-h  line  and  curk.  -nellcd  j:ul  hook-,  garden 
worm-  in  night  <ia\\li-i-.  a  fi-h  -Iringer.  old  i  loth 
and  III|I|M-I«.  The  li-li  that  were  hiting  at  ihi-  lime  wiir 
lilmgill-.  i  lappies  and  luillhead-.  l.aih  l"i\  wa-  ti-.|iiin-d 
to  -iilniiil  a  -ignrd  parental  peimi  — ion  -lip  for  ihe  liip. 
Tin-  l.ii-  in. nli  pi.  kup-  al  eight  in  tin-  mornng  and  relumed 
all  IMIV-  lo  thi-ir  homr-  li\  -i\  in  the  evening. 

"III.  i,  ».i-  .1  ^,.,,il  n-pii--i-nl.ilioii  of  fathers  on  the  trip, 
hilt  llir  award-  fm  ihc  hra\  n-«l  li-li  and  the  |onge-l  li-li 
wi-lr  Won  |i\  ihi-  l»'\«.  \lllong  llir  i-\pelieliri'-  -ll.ind 

were    I'Uldoi.r    king,    tangled    fish    line-,    wet    fret    and    a 

d.i\   ..f  h.ipp\  i  iiiiip.inionslnp  with  ihi-ir  dad-. 

HECREATION 


GOOD  CATCH.  Two  proud  Alondra  Park  fisher- 
men display  fish  on  Huck  Finn  Day,  Los  Angeles. 


BIG   CITY   FISHERMEN.   Believe   it   or  not,   this   is   scene   in   Brooklyn's 
Prospect    Park,    where    youthful    anglers    gathered    for    a    fishing    contest. 


One  recreation  leader  received  proof  of  the  success  of 
the  venture  when  he  later  encountered  a  father  who  asked. 
"When  do  we  go  on  the  next  fishing  trip?  My  son  and 
I  had  a  wonderful  time  and  he  still  talks  about  it."1 

Out  in  Los  Angeles,  California,  the  idea  of  a  vacation 
fishing  project  for  children,  last  summer,  "originated  with 
the  sportsman  fathers  who  belonged  to  rod  and  reel  clubs; 
and,  tri-sponsored  by  the  Los  Angeles  recreation  and 
park  commission,  the  California  state  fish  and  game  com- 
mission, and  the  Los  Angeles  Junior  Chamber  of  Com- 
merce, thousands  of  boys  and  girls  had  the  opportunity 
of  whipping  the  waters  of  three  city  park  lakes.  Echo, 
Reseda  and  Lincoln  Park  city  lakes  were  chosen  because 
all  have  shallow  water  near  the  shore.  There  were  various 
rules:  no  bathing  suits,  thus  removing  the  temptation  to 
slip  into  the  water  for  a  swim,  no  fishing  from  docks  or 
boats,  and  no  overhead  casting  because  of  the  danger 
from  flying  hooks.  Conspicuously  posted  signs  on  the 
trunks  of  palm  trees  gave  the  rules. 

"On  opening  day,  approximately  fifteen  hundred  chil- 
dren packed  themselves  along  the  shore  of  Echo  Park 
Lake  to  catch  the  bluegill,  catfish  and  carp  with  which 
the  water  had  been  previously  stocked.  They  were  equipped 
with  gear  ranging  from  mop  handles  which  dangled  bent 
pins  from  a  length  of  cordstring,  to  dad's  super-fancy 
fly  rod.  double-tapered  line  and  automatic  reel.  And  to 
say  that  the  fish  were  surprised  would  be  the  under-state- 
ment  of  the  year.  Never  in  all  their  citified  existence  had 
they  beheld  such  a  bewildering  choice  of  bait:  dough,  sal- 
mon eggs,  bugs,  worms,  grasshoppers,  bits  of  salami, 
chunks  of  raw  liver — and  they  turned  up  their  noses  at  all 
of  them.  But  bread?  What  city  park  fish  hasn't  snapped  at 


bread  cast  upon  the  waters  by  picnickers?  And,  with  no 
competition  from  the  skeptical  ducks,  the  fish  swallowed 
the  bread,  and  alas!  also  the  hook  ..." 

Regular  police  and  lifeguard  patrols  kept  a  watchful 
eye  on  the  youngsters,  to  pull  a  few  from  the  water  when 
a  careless  step  too  near  the  edge  resulted  in  a  wet  tumble, 
or  to  bandage  the  minor  scratches  and  bruises  which  were 
the  day's  only  casualties.  The  catches  ranged  from  strings 
of  carp  to  a  tiny  goldfish,  and  rewards  came  mainly  in 
the  fun  of  the  fishing  and  praise  from  mothers  who 
brought  picnic  lunches. 

Sponsored  by  service  clubs  and  civic  groups,  city  fish- 
ing for  youngsters  has  become  the  top  junior  sports- 
participation  event  of  the  country.  Since  holding  the  first 
of  the  Boy  and  Girl  National  Better  Fishing  programs  in 
1948.  the  officials  of  Better  Fishing.  Incorporated — a  not- 
for-profit  Illinois  membership  corporation  with  national 
headquarters  in  Chicago  (See  RECREATION,  September 
1950,  page  214.) — report  that  at  least  ten  million  boys 
and  girls  have  enjoyed  guided  fishing  fun.  Annual  muni- 
cipal champion  boy  and  girl  anglers  are  chosen  to  be 
junior  national  Better  Fishing  kings  and  queens  by  reason 
of  having  hooked  and  landed,  without  physical  assistance 
from  an  adult,  the  heaviest  game  fish  from  representative 
sport  fish  families. 

One  purpose  of  this  program  is  to  raise  a  whole  genera- 
tion of  wildlife  conservationists,  who,  as  adults,  will 
desire  and  demand  preservation  of  our  wildlife  resources. 
But  the  immediate  purpose  being  served  is  that  millions 
of  boys  and  girls  are  getting  a  chance  to  understand  and 
practice  an  outdoor  sport  which  offers  inherent  qualities 
of  challenge,  peace  and  patience,  amid  beautiful  natural 
surroundings. 


'  Excerpts  from  article  by  1).  li.  Dyer,  Assistant  Superintendent,  Ki  < 
reation  and  AHult  Education,  Milwaukee  Public  Schools. 

MAY  1952 


~  Excerpts  from   article  by  Charlotte  B.  Norris,  Los  Angeles,  Cali- 
fornia. 

105 


Pageantry 
Public  Re  la  tic  us 


The  fancy  castle,  where  the  little  girl's  wish  was  granted,  was  centered  in  a  hedge  of  flowers. 


TMK  ABOVE  THREE  CON)  Kli\-  formed 
a  simple  statement  of  recreation  ob- 
!••'  iiu;s  in  Dayton.  Ohio,  in  the  spring 
<>f  I  Til.  First  of  all.  we  wanted  to 
produce  a  pageant  with  little  or  no 
funds.  Seciind.  we  wished  to  get  good 
puhliciu  for  tin-  recreation  program 
ami  r-l.il.li-h  Letter  public  relations 
in  the  community.  Third,  we  wiilied  to 
1-iiilil  participation  in  certain  age 
l>rai  kct-i  and  encourage  volunteer  as- 
-i-l.mir.  Tlic  \chicle  chosen  to  ac- 
complish these  nhji-clives  is  described 
below  \<\  ihr  three  specialists  em- 
plnM-il  on  the  dni-ion  -taff.  The  re- 
sult- achieied  i-\i  ceded  l.\  far  our 

fond)  -I     r\|n-i  l.lti.,11-. 

As  a  climax  lo  tin-  \'>~>l  |.|.i\  jji..iiinl 
D,  .1  •  ilv-widr  -lorxlelling  pageant 

"Tin-  |l.-ati--l  \\i-li"  was  presented 
-t  If),  at  the  I.csli>-  Diehl 
Meniori.il  Hand  ^}\<-\\  in  |-|aml  Park. 
Many  of  the  playground  .1-  ti\  itir-  v\.  M 
i  omhincd  into  this  one  biu-  production 
in  order  lo  di-nion«lr.ili-  to  the  public 
the  \.iri.-iv  .Hid  l\|ie  of  rccriMlioti.il 
o|»fiorliiiiilic«  which  h.nl  Keen  olfen-d 
•  luring  tin-  sinnincr. 

At  the  lirgiiining  of  the  pla\xri>und 
WHOIi.  '|M>  -IIOMII.II  h-lr  ilnilcil 


Mil.    U  M.NMI.     ^iifH-nnlrnilrnl    <>< 

"i.    Dmliin.   Ohio,    n  ill   !•>•   /i'1/i/M 
<//j»-<M    jur    infnrniatinii. 

106 


to  our  forty  playgrounds  and  the  di- 
rectors held  try-outs  for  the  best  talent. 
After  a  two-week  cit\-wide  search,  the 
leading  characters  and  special  groups 
were  chosen  for  the  production. 

A  nine-week  period  for  classes  was 
scheduled  by  the  three  specialists 
in  dramatics,  dance  and  crafts.  De- 
spite vacations,  day  camps  and  sum- 
mer schools,  attendance  was  remark- 
ably good.  Because  the  children  were 
enthusiastic  and  the  playground  di- 
rectors cooperative,  a  great  deal  was 
accomplished  in  a  relative!)  short 
period  of  time.  The  director-  of  the 
various  playground-  assisted  the  spe- 
cialists with  costumes,  and  taking 
charge  of  their  groups  backstage  at 
ili)-  dress  rehearsal  and  the  final  per- 

foi  iii. nice. 

'||D-  llirinr  was  1'iiill  around  the 
-l"i\  of  a  little  girl  who  wandered  into 
fair\l.uid.  I  hep-  -he  was  panted  three 
wi-hrs  h\  lli)-  fairs  queen.  The  wi-hr- 
were  lho-c  "dearest  lo  IDT  heart":  lo 

ll-|rn  lo  .lolirs.  |o  h.l\r  lot-  of  ),md\ 
.llnl  lo  |>l.l\. 

\lllsil     .111(1    DillKfS 

I  In-  h.iUmi  Junior  Philharmonic 
'  >D  he-li.1.  nii)l)-i  lh)-  ilir)-i  lion  of  Mar- 

j-.ii)-    Kline,    a npaiiird    the    ilam  >•- 

ami  main  of  the  panloinini) •«  with  a 
\.r\  l»-.nilifiil  nni-i'.il  IOOre>  I  he  n- 
)if  g)»p)l  iiin-M  wa«  a  definite  awet  to 


the  entire  performance.  Among  the 
works  presented  were:  "The  Four 
Swans"  from  the  Sunn  /.<;/,<•  llnllct 
and  "Serenade  for  Strings."  both  1>> 
Tschaikovsk\  :  "Children'-  Man  h"  l>\ 
l'nik)ifi)-(f :  "(iavotte"  from  the  opera 
Mi/tnon  by  Amboise  Thomas:  "Morn- 
ing Song"  from  Peer  Gynl  Snitr  h\ 
Grieg,  and  man\  otln-rs.  Variet\  in 
I  \|D-S  of  music  and  in  the  manner  of 
presentation  helped  give  color  to  the 
|M-rfni  in.inr  >  .  The  drama  and  susprnse. 
in  return.  hel|n-il  effe<-li\)-l\  to  popu- 
larize good  music.  For  the  childn  :i  i! 
il)-\i-lo|M-<l  rlnllmi.  created  the  mood 
for  In-tter  interpretali»n.  em miraged 
iR'tler  concentration,  taught  leanm»rk. 
)l)-\)-|)>ped  grace,  and  li>-l|»-d  stimulate 
lh)-ir  a|i|ir)-i  ialion  of  good  music. 

In  creating  the  dam  >•-.  it  w.i-  no 
I--.IM  In  k)-)-|>  in  mind  the  fact  that 
most  of  tin-  children  were  untrained. 
ise  of  this.  an>!  l»-i.iu-r  it  was  a 
•  n.iliM-  t\|M'  of  production  uilli 
fairies,  butterflies,  -iinheani-.  and  so 
on.  )reali\e  inlcrpii-liic  dam  )•-  W)-|i- 
iis)-)|.  H»W)-\)-I.  a  few  children  had 
had  pri-M..ii-  li. lining  in  ballet.  For 
example,  ih)-  fnirv  >|iiccn'«  dance, 
which  was  tin-  onl\  -"I",  "a*  a  lieau- 
tiflll  loc  dame,  and  wa-  |»-i  formed  b\ 
one  of  these  children.  Ml  other  •' 
done  in  groups. 

On     those     p|a\groiin)l-     when-     no 
l<l  i  iii  Minx 


"The  Dearest  Wish" 


Daniel  E.  Wagner 


piano  or  phonograph  was  available, 
the  dances  had  to  be  rehearsed  to 
counts  and  handclaps.  On  others,  we 
were  fortunate  to  be  located  near 
a  school  or  community  center  where 
facilities  for  accompaniment  could  be 
found.  All  dances  were  choreographed 
according  to  the  age  and  ability  of 
the  children  and  to  the  types  of  char- 
acters they  were  portraying.  For  ex- 
ample, the  elves'  and  gnomes'  dance 
was  sprightly  with  many  jumps  and 
hops,  while  the  sunbeams'  dance  was 
quiet  and  smooth,  with  a  stealthy  feel- 
ing like  the  morning  light  as  it  creeps 
over  the  land. 

The  dance  groups,  in  order  of  their 
appearance,  were  as  follows:  butter 
flies  and  young  fairies,  five-  and  six- 
year-olds;  older  fairies,  six-  to  ten- 
year-olds;  elves  and  gnomes,  fairy 
queen's  court  (pages,  trumpeters,  jest- 
ers, and  ladies-in-waiting).  King 
Sweetmeat  and  candy  subjects,  older 
square  dance  group,  twelve-  to  four- 
teen-year-olds; younger  square  dance 
group,  five-year-olds;  folk  dance  and 
sunbeams. 

Dramatics 

In  presenting  the  dramatic  side  of 
the  pageant,  the  action  was  kept  as 
natural  and  creative  as  possible.  The 
formal  type  of  drama,  with  memorized 
speeches,  was,  of  course,  necessary  to 
tie  the  whole  program  together  and 
present  the  plot.  The  lines  were  taken 
from  the  original  pageant,  by  Pauline 
Oak,  which  may  be  found  in  Silver 
Bells  and  Cockle  Shells  published  by 
the  National  Recreation  Association. 

MAY  1952 


Creative  dramatics  and  pantomime 
were  used  primarily  in  the  storytelling 
episode.  Mother  Goose  rhymes  and 
stories  were  narrated  by  the  story  lady, 
while  the  children  created  the  appro- 
priate pantomime.  The  action  and 
characterizations  were  created  entirely 
by  the  children  through  their  own 
ideas,  feelings  and  imaginations,  with 
the  exception  of  a  few  stage  directions 
to  give  the  best  effect.  It  was  a  delight- 
ful experience  to  see  the  freedom  and 
enjoyment  displayed  in  rehearsals  and 
in  the  performance,  as  a  result  of 
using  informal  drama  created  by  the 
players  themselves.  Instead  of  the 
frightened  five-year-old  trying  to  re- 
call the  action  she  had  been  drilled  to 
remember,  it  was  Little  Miss  Muffet, 
herself,  remembering  all  the  panto- 
mime which  was  her  creation  from  the 
very  beginning. 

Throughout  the  summer,  the  play- 
ground leaders  were  instructed  and  en- 
couraged to  use  this  enviable  oppor- 
tunity to  share  the  world's  greatest 
treasure  of  stories  with  the  children. 
In  the  final  project,  the  importance  of 
storytelling — the  oldest  of  all  arts — 
was  again  pointed  up  as  a  must  in  the 
recreation  program.  The  main  theme 
of  the  whole  pageant  was  summed  up 
in  the  story  lady's  final  speech,  "It  is 
over — all  but  the  stories,  which  shall 
go  on  as  long  as  there  are  children  in 
the  world."  The  story  book  episode 
was  indeed  the  highlight  of  the  pageant 
and  the  little  girl's  dearest  wish  come 
true. 

Adaptations  of  games  enjoyed  on  the 
playgrounds  were  used  to  illustrate 


the  little  girl's  third  wish,  which  was 
to  play.  Creative  dramatics  were  again 
used  in  the  singing  game.  ''Fair  Rosa." 
Other  singing  games  used  were  "Looby 
Loo"  and  "Swinging  in  the  Lane." 
A  speaking  jester  introduced  each  new 
game  group,  with  a  short  poem  clev- 
erly accompanied  by  pantomime. 

Puppetry  is  increasing  more  and 
more  in  popularity,  as  a  recreation 
activity,  and  therefore  should  not  be 
overlooked  on  the  playgrounds.  How- 
ever, since  puppetry  is  best  given  for 
a  small  audience,  it  was  not  presented 
in  the  pageant,  but  was  used  in  con- 
nection with  the  publicity.  As  an  ex- 
ample of  one  of  the  stories  to  be  re- 
vealed in  the  pageant,  "Hansel  and 
Gretel,"  a  marionette  play,  was  done 
on  television  by  a  group  of  children. 

Two  weeks  before  the  pageant  an  ex- 
tensive program  of  publicity  began. 
Three  hundred  and  fifty  posters  were 
distributed  about  the  city.  Some  of 
these  were  made  by  the  children  on  the 
playgrounds,  for  a  city-wide  poster 
contest.  The  rest  were  contributed  by 
a  printing  press  in  exchange  for  a 
small  advertisement  of  their  service 
in  the  corner  of  the  poster.  Other 
private  concerns  contributed  gener- 
ously. Four  television  shows  were  giv- 
en, to  interview  the  specialists  and 
leading  players  and  to  present  the 
marionette  play  and  special  groups 
who  would  appear  in  the  pageant.  Day- 
ton's two  newspapers  carried  a  fea- 
ture story  and  announcements.  All  four 
radio  stations  made  spot  announce- 
ments, and  one  did  a  fifteen-minute 
broadcast.  Dayton's  leading  depart- 

107 


...  the  universal  comment  of  the 
Recreation  Directors  at  the  Nat'l 
Recreation  Association  Conven- 
tion in  Boston . . .  when  they  taw 
and  heard ... 


Rek-O-Kut's  All-Speed,  Portable, 
Indoor-Outdoor  Phonograph 


!   because: 


•  The  RHYTHMASTER.  In  addition  to  playinj  all 
your  33Vi,  45  and  78  R.P.M.  record!  at  their 
normal  speeds,  Is  the  enl»  phenoiraph  avail- 
able  that  illewi  you  te  play  ANY  record  at 
ANT  speed  which  best  meeti  the  eiact  re- 
quirements of  teacher  and  pupil! 

•  By  pluuini  a  microphone  Into  Input  pro- 
vided   the   recreation   director   can   super- 
lupoil  his  voice  over  the  selection  belnf 
ptayed  and  accent  the  record  with  personal 

•  \  and  instructions. 


•  INDOORS:   Powerful   amplifier  and  speaker 
accommodates   1000  people  In  auditorium, 
lymnaslum,  ballroom,  etc. 

•  OUTDOORS:  Simply  plu|  your  trumpet  speak- 
ers directly  Into  the  RHYTHMASTER  for  use 
on  athletic  fields,  etc. 

3  EDUCATIONAL  TOOLS  IN  ONE: 


1—  A  lull  ranf*  M-fl 
a—  *    r.  A.    lyifcm    (•» 


(•••    mlcro^fcon*    If 


J_«  III-*  nM»  re««l»»r   (w»»n  vi«t  wll* 
r*«r  AM  or  IM  lontr) 

ir  COJH  if  ss  ro  iur  KIK-O-KUU 

QUALITY  is  the  wofd  for  REKO  KUT  .  .  .Your 
RCK-0-KUT  RNTTNMMTM  will  serve  you  faith- 
fully. without  maintenance  or  breakdown  day- 
Hi  and  day-out.  It  will  pay  you  well  to  invest 
ta  Me)  incomparably  versatile  Rhythntister  .  .  . 
.I  CMts  less  am  efftrs  Mere  in  ne  lent  rn. 

Write  fer  new  IISI  tatalef  ef  MK-O-KUT 

mttrgmenti  fer  the  eeacit.onal  MM. 


REK-O-KUT  CO. 

3.1-19  OurrntlUd.,longl»londCity,N.Y. 


LO 


nil-lit  store  featured  a  huge  story  book 
and  storx  lunik  character-  in  a  \er\ 
effective  window  display. 

Scenery  and  Costumes 

The  bandshell  was  a  natural  setting 
for  the  -cenerx  a  castle  upstage  cen- 
li-r  with  a  high  hedge  at  the  sides. 
In  front  of  the  hedge,  clumps  of 
sunflowers  and  hollyhocks,  flowering 
vini-s.  tulips  and  jonquils,  logs  and 
groups  of  toadstools  were  arranged  to 
give  the  effect  of  a  fairy  ring  for  our 
fantasy. 

The  color  scheme  was,  of  course, 
worked  out  first  and  carried  out  in 
both  scenery  and  costumes.  The  lat- 
ter were  made  for  the  most  part  by 
tin-  iiKitlu-rs.  and  in  some  cases  by 
older  sisters.  Some  of  the  scenerx . 
-inh  as  thf  castle,  tin-  slor\  liook. 
toadstools  and  the  fain  wings-,  were 
made  at  playgrounds  where  a  work- 
shop was  available.  All  playground- 
made  paper  How  IT-. 

Realizing    that    there    had    been    im 
provision  made  in  the  budget  for  an 
elaborate  production,  every  effort  was 
made  to  economize.  Some  of  the  fram- 
ing for  the  castle  and  the  garden  gates 
was  made  from  scrap  lumln-r  destined 
to    become    kindling.    Some    old    cos- 
tume- left  from  past  pageants  were  re- 
modeled,  bleached   and   dyed   the   de- 
-ired   colors,   or   used   as   foundations 
for  crepe  paper  creations.  The   hedge 
was  made  of  artificial  gra--.  borrowed 
from  the  cemeteries  and  hung  over  a 
chicken     wire     fence.    The    entire    bill 
for  the  Ham. --proof  crepe  pa|x-r.  paint, 
wallhoard.    chicken    wire    and    miscel- 
laneoii-    item-    came   to    alioiit    -exenlx- 
hxe  doll. ii-.    Additional   personal  scrv- 
ii-e-     co-l     another     -i\l\-li\e     dollai-. 
making  a   totnl  of  one  hundred    fort\ 
dollar-    in    expenditures. 

The  final  rehearsal  w.i-  held  at 
the  h.ind-licll  the  da\  bef,.n-  the  pi-i - 
forniaiice.  Din-.  Im-  with  their  grmip- 

i|\»enl\    yiollp.   altogelherl     lepnrled.il 

the  wr-i  -I. in-  of  lli'-  -hell  when-  tlie\ 
HI-II-  ii—igned  dre— ing  room  -|u.  •• 
\pprn\imatel\  Iwo  hundred  children 
(i.irtic  ip.iied  in  the  -.how.  It  was  im- 
po— ible  |o  |.l.i.  ••  them  .ill  111  the  di.  -- 
ing  room-  in  the  |ia-enienl.  «"  «pace 
\s.l-  mped  nil  III  the  rear  nf  the  -hell 

fnr   half  of  them.  Chair-   were  placed 
in    circle;,    and    each    group    wa»    •»- 


signed  to  a  definite  section,  where  cos- 
tumes and  lunches  were  deposited. 
The  groups,  with  their  park  director-, 
took  seats  in  the  audience  and  waited 
until  called  upon  to  perform.  Imme- 
diately following  the  run-through,  tin- 
entire  cast  ate  a  picnic  lunch  in  the 
park.  \t  -even,  everyuie  returned  to 
his  assigned  place  and  the  make-up 
crew,  which  con.-isted  of  twenty  park 
directors,  went  to  work.  After  make-up 
was  applied  and  the  children  were  co-- 
tumed.  the  directors  told  stories  and 
conducted  quiet  games.  This  kept  the 
children  entertained  and  together  while 
they  waited  for  the  cue  girl  to  lake 
them  backstage  for  their  entrance. 
This  procedure,  u-ed  for  dre-s  reheai-- 
al.  was  followed  for  the  final  produc- 
tion and  resulted  in  a  smooth  and 
well-organized  performance. 

O\rr  four  thousand  people  packed 
the  grounds  at  Island  Park  to  see  tin- 
first  city  pageant  presented  in  ten 
\ears.  A  thrilling  "Ohhhhhh"  arose 
from  the  audience  as  the  lights  came 
up  full  upon  the  setting.  The  audience 
was  an  appreciative  one,  which  en- 
couraged the  players  immensely.  The 
use  of  dancing  and  dramatics  ga\e  the 
players  a  sense  of  freedom  whirli 
helped  them  to  thorough  enj,.\  the 
whole  production.  It  also  gave  them 
a  feeling  of  accomplishment  and  sati- 
faction  to  have  been  part  of  a  projci  t 
from  beginning  to  end. 

Campus  Grass  Gets  Chance 

\\hen  il  wa-  nere— ar\  to  obtain  the 
cooperation  of  the  students  to  preserve 
the  landscaping  improvement-  on  the 
I  imi -i-il\  of  Cincinnati  campu-.  tlie 
authorilie-  held  a  slogan  cmitc-t.  gi\ 
ing  prizes  to  winners,  to  elicit  from  the 
-Indent-  ihcm-clxc-  the  l>c-l  "keep  off 
the  gra— "  pi-r-uadei-. 

Winner-,  which  pi.m-d  \.-n  .-Hi-cti\i- 
when  put  In  actual  u-e.  wen-   : 

Hetour.  weds  at  work! 

N,,|,!    I   am  not  lawn   fm    llii-  wild. 

Don't  IK-  a  schmo.  let  it  grow. 

I   .  t   -    h.ive  the   'new    |..ok."   the    laWII- 
er  the  IH-HI-I." 

Don't  tread  on  me  or  nix   name  will 
!«•  mud. 

(iixe  the  gax   xoiing  blade-  a  i  li.in.  e 
Don't  gel  li"-ex    xxilh  that  loe-x 

,e   the   blade-   and   keep   the   cam- 

pu«  sharp! 

i  ,,,,,|rn"  .1  (mm  I'ark   Maintenance. 

Ill  •  Ml  xrniN 


Golf  Administration 


Golj  Reservations 

In  an  administrative  bulletin,  the  department  of  rec- 
reation and  parks  in  Los  Angeles  has  set  up  the  following 
regulations  covering  the  department's  golfing  activities: 

1.  On    Tuesday,    Wednesday,    Thursday,    and    Friday, 
reservations  will  be  taken  between  the  hours  of  9:00  a.m. 
and  4:00  p.m.  On  Mondays,  reservations  will  be  taken  be- 
tween the  hours  of  6:00  a.m.  and  4:00  p.m.  When  a  legal 
holiday  occurs  on  Monday,  reservations  will  be  taken  on 
Tuesday  from  6:00  a.m.  to  4:00  p.m.  When  a  legal  holiday 
occurs  on  Friday,  the  latest  time  a  cancellation  will  be 
received  is  4:00  p.m.  on  Thursday. 

2.  AH  reservations  for  starting  times  for  any   day   of 
the  week  on  the  Rancho  18-hole  course  and  on  the  Griffith 
Park's   Wilson,   Harding,   and   Roosevelt   courses   will   be 
made  by  telephone  only. 

3.  Reservations  will  be  taken  only  on  the  department 
switchboard,  except  on  the  day  of  play,  when  a  telephoned 
reservation  may  be  made  direct  to  the  golf  course. 

4.  Reservations  may  be  made  for  only  one  week  in  ad- 
vance, that  is  on  Monday,  for  days  through  the  following 
Monday;    on   Tuesday,    for    days   through    the   following 
Tuesday;  and  so  on.  The  reservation  office  will  be  open 
only   on   Monday,   Tuesday,    Wednesday,   Thursday     and 
Friday  of  each  week,  except  when  a  legal  holiday  occurs 
on  one  of  these  days,  in  which  event  reservations  may  be 
made  for  an  extra  day  in  advance. 

5.  A  reservation  may  be  cancelled  by  calling  the  same 
number  up  to  4:00  p.m.  of  the  last  day,  excluding  Sat- 
urdays, Sundays  and  holidays,  prior  to  the  day  of  play. 
Reservations  for  Sunday  may  be  cancelled  by  calling  the 
golf  course  direct  on  Saturday.  Reservations  may  be  made 
for    singles,    twosomes,    threesomes,    or    foursomes.    It   is 
not  necessary  to  give  the  names  of  all  members  of  the 
party  at  that  time.  The  department  reserves  the  right  to 
complete  all  foursomes  where  a  reservation  is  made  for  less 
than  four  players,  either  by  reservation  or  from  the  daily 
call   sheet.   Only   one  starting   time   may   be   secured   for 
any  weekend. 

6.  The  registered  player  who  made  the  advance  reserva- 
tion will  pick  up  the  tickets  on  the  day  of  play,  at  least 
fifteen  minutes  prior  to  the  starting  time,  by  identifying 
himself   and   by   payment   of   the   greens   fees   and   regis- 
tration fees  for  the  entire  party,  giving  their  names.   In 
the  event  that  the  person  who   made   the  reservation   is 
incapacitated  or  delayed,  he  may  call  the  golf  course  at 
least  fifteen  minutes  before  his  starting  time  and  authorize 

MAY  1952 


any   other   member  of   his   party  to   pick   up   the   tickets 
by  paying  the   reservation   fee  for  the  entire   party  and 
giving  the  original  reservee's  registration  number. 
Registration  of  Golfers 

1.  All   golfers   desiring   to    make   advance   reservations 
for  starting  times  must  be  registered  with  the  department 
of  recreation  and  parks. 

2.  A   numbered   registration   card  will   be   issued   free 
upon  application. 

3.  Applications    are   available   at   all   golf   courses,   or 
may  be  secured  in  person,  or  by  writing  to  the  Los  An- 
geles  Department   of  Recreation   and   Parks,   Room   305, 
City  Hall. 

4.  It  is  not  necessary  for  other  members  of  a  party  to 
be  registered  players,  but  reservations  may  be  made  only 
by  a  registered  player. 

5.  The  player  who  makes  an  advance  reservation  for  a 
starting  time  must  appear  in  person  at  least  fifteen  min- 
utes prior  to  the  reserved  time  on  the  day  of  play  to  pick 
up  the  tickets  and  identify  himself,  show  his  registration 
card,  and  give  the  names  of  all  members  of  his  party. 

6.  A  registered  player  who  fails  to  take  up  his  tickets 
after  having  made  a  reservation  will  forfeit  the  privilege 
of  making  further  reservations  until  he  has  paid  the  entire 
reservation  fees  for  his  party,  if  he  has  not  given  proper 
notice  of  cancellation. 

7.  This  payment  may  be  made  at  any  of  the  municipal 
golf  courses  or  to  the  office  of  the  department  of  recreation 
and  parks,  Room  305,  City  Hall. 

8.  Monthly  ticket  holders  may  make  advance  reserva- 
tions on  weekdays  only,  but  must  pay  the  regular  reser- 
vation fees. 

9.  Registration  cards  are  not  transferable.  The  person 
having   a    number    should    treat   it   confidentially.    When 
reservations  are  taken  on  the  phone,  the  registered  player 
must  give  the  number  of  his  card. 

10.  In  the  event  that  bad  weather  causes  the  closing 
of  any  course,  making  the  use  of  said  course  hazardous 
and   detrimental   to   the   course,   all   reservations   will   be 
automatically   cancelled   and   no   penalty   shall   attach   to 
anyone  having  made  a  reservation. 

11.  It    will    be    the    golfer's   responsibility    in   case   of 
bad  weather  to  call  the  course  in  order  to  determine  if 
the  course  has  been  officially  closed. 

12.  Rain  checks  or  refund  will  not  be  granted  to  any 
player  if  his  ticket  has  been  punched  or  play  has  been 
started. 

109 


ev.sKIIXI.I.    \M)    silMIIVI.I.    are    -poll-    of 
moderate  activity  that  arc  perfectly 
;iilii|>ii-d  in  tin-  physical  education  or 
alhlclii-     program    during    the    spring 


I  ..  nicitivatc  learning  and  pn>\  iilr  op- 
portunities for  practicing  and  develop- 
ing tin-  l>a.-ic  tcchniipie-.  the  instructor, 
leader  or  coach  may  resort  to  any 
numhei  "f  excellent  skill  c  -onte-t-  re- 
\ol\ing  around  throwing.  ratehing. 
lieliliiig.  hatting  and  base  running. 

The  instructor  may  organize  these 
cnnte-t-  in  the  form  of  a  field  day,  or 
he  max  use  them  in  his  classwork  to 
mea-nie  individual  ability.  In  both 
cases.  ihe\  will  piomote  interest  in 
the  sport  and  furnish  an  incentive  for 
impro\emcnt. 

'I  he  coach  may  employ  them  as  prac- 
tice media,  since  competition  in  game 
skills  is  much  more  exciting  than 
"ju-i  practicing." 

I  he  conlc-t-  may  be  conducted  be- 
tween  indix  iduals  or  between  teams. 
\Vhcn  conductfd  on  a  team  basis,  they 
may  l>e  scored  by  totaling  the  distances 
of  throws  or  hits,  or  by  totaling  the 
numlHT  «>f  points,  with  the  team  scor- 
ing the  greatest  total  being  declared 
tin-  winner. 

Standards  may  \>e  worked  out  to  in- 
,  i.  a-.-  the  interest  and  incentive,  and 
the  re-nils  can  easily  be  measured  by 
the  participant-  tln-m-elx  e-. 

A  good  program  of  skill  conte-t- 
may  IM-  worked  out  as  follow-: 

I'itc-h  for  Accuracy.  Draw  on  a 
wall  a  rectangular  target  eighteen 
in-  he-  w  ii  l>  •  an<  I  lhirt\-i\  inches  high, 
-o  that  the  bottom  edge  is  twenty 
ini  he-  al...\e  the  ground.  The  target 
rcprrscnl-  the  -Irik.-  ana  ..\ci  home 

plale, 

Mlow  each  plaxer  ten  pitches  from 
the  regular  pitching  di»tame.  One 
fun)  inii-t  IH-  on  or  ill  contact  with  the 
pili  lung  line  when  the  ball  is  re- 
leaned.  Balls*  striking  in  or  on  the 
outer  edge  i.f  the  target  -core  one 
point.  The  player'«  M-I.P-  i-  tin-  -nm 
of  the  (Kiinl-i  made  on  tin-  ten  pili  he-. 

Throw  for  Accuracy,    Draw    on    a 

wall  a  target  ion«i>lmg  of  three  i  "ii 
crnlrii  iinle-  eighteen.  ihirlx  -«ix  and 
hft\-foiir  ini  he-  in  dinnn-ter.  «o  that 
the  bnllnrii  line  of  tin-  oiil-iil.-  •  m  le  i- 
-i\  mchrj*  altoxe  the  ground.  Draw  a 
throwing  line  on  (lie  ground,  at  a 


Baseball-Softball 

Skill  Contests 


distance  from  the  target  commensurate 
with  the  age  and  skill  of  the  players. 

Allow  each  player  ten  throws  from 
the  throwing  line.  One  foot  must  be 
In-hind  or  in  contact  with  the  line 
when  the  ball  is  released.  The  circles 
score  three,  two  and  one  points  from 
the  center  out.  Throws  hitting  a  divid- 
ing line  are  given  the  higher  value 
of  the  two.  The  player's  score  is  the 
sum  of  the  points  made  on  the  ten 
throws. 

Variation : 

1.  Using  the  target  as  a  pivot,  draw 
a  semicircle  on  the  ground.  Mark  five 
point-   on   this  semicircle,  equidistant 
from  each  other.  Allow  each  player  to 
attempt  two  throws  from  each  of  these 
points.    Score    the    same    as     in    tin- 
original  test. 

2.  Draw     throwing     lines     on     the 
Around    thitty.   forty,   fifty,   sixty   and 
seventy  feel  from  the  target.  Allow  each 
player  two  throws  from  back  of  eai  h 
line.  The  play  ei'-  score  \s  the  sum  of 
Ihe  point-  made  on  the  ten  throws. 

H.  Draw  on  a  wall  a  target  scventy- 
twn  inches  wide  and  forty -eight  IIM  In-- 
high, so  that  the  bottom  edge  is 
lwenl\-fiiur  ini  he-  alio\i-  the  ground. 
l>i\ide  the  target  ml..  -i\  eijual  parts, 
ns  shown  in  Diagram  1.  Draw  a 
throwing  line  on  the  ground,  the  di-- 
l.inic  from  the  target  \ar\ing  an-ord 
ing  to  the  age  and  skill  of  tin-  plaxer-. 
Allow  each  player  ten  throw-  from 
the  throwing  line,  with  fi\e  throw* 
Ix-ing  of  Ihe  player'-  ihoo-ing.  and 
li\<-  U-ing  pre-i  rilied  |i\  the  teacher. 

Throws*  have  the  following  values: 
lal  A  ball  hilling  -ei  lion-  \.  I!  ,,. 
1  ihrce  point*:  i  h  i  a  ball  hit- 


by  Sterling  Geesman 


ting  sections  D,  E  or  F  scores  four 
points;  (c)  a  ball  hitting  the  section 
called  by  the  teacher  scores  a  bonus 
of  two  extra  points.  The  player's 
score  is  the  sum  of  the  points  made 
on  the  ten  throws. 


A 

B 

C 

D 

E 

F 

Distance  Throw  for  Accuracy.  The 

play  ei-  -land  hi-him!  a  restraining 
line  in  center  field  and  attempt  to 
throw  the  ball  so  that  it  will  strike  tin- 
ground  as  near  home  plate  as  possible. 

Draw  a  line  from  home  plale.  bi- 
secting the  base  line  between  fir-l  and 
-einiid.  and  another  which  bisects  the 
base  line  between  second  and  third. 
I  -ing  home  plate  as  a  pivot,  draw  an 
arc  ten  feet  from  home  plale.  inter - 
-ecting  the  (ir-t  and  third  base  lines: 
draw  another  arc.  twenlx  feet  from 
home  plale.  C.i\<-  a  point  value  to 
these  -ci  II..M-  .1-  indicated  in  Diagram 
2. 

Mlow  each  player  five  throws.  The 
pla\er'-  -ion-  i-  the  -nm  of  the  poinl- 
niade  on  the  fixe  throw-. 

Ihe  diagram  -how-  the  -coring 
\.iluc-  for  throw-  from  center  held.  If 
the  throws  are  from  left  or  right  held, 
the  lane-  to  that  field  woidd  yield  the 
live  and  three  point  \alues  and  the 
adjacent  lanes  would  yield  tin-  I..WM 

Initiation:  I  -ing  home  plate  as  a 
pivot,  draw  live  ii.inenlric  circles  of 
three.  -i\.  nine.  Iwelw-  and  fifteen 


110 


I! H  IIKATION 


feet  in  diameter.  The  circles  score 
five,  four,  three,  two  and  one  points 
frrwii  the  center  out.  Allow  each  player 
five  throws.  The  player's  score  is 
the  sum  of  the  points  made  on  the 
five  throws. 

Throw  for  Distance.  The  player 
stands  behind  a  restraining  line  and 
throws  the  ball  as  far  as  he  can.  The 
distance  is  measured  from  the  restrain- 
ing line  to  the  spot  where  the  ball 
first  hits  the  ground.  Stepping  on  or 
over  the  restraining  line  counts  as  a 
foul.  Each  player  is  allowed  three 
trials  and  is  credited  with  his  best 
distance. 

Variation:  Mark  the  field  with  elev- 
en lines  creating  ten  zones,  each  five 


yards  wide.  In  this  skill  test  the 
player  stands  behind  a  restraining  line 
fifty  yards  from  the  first  line  and 
throws  five  balls  as  far  as  he  can. 

Points  are  scored  according  to  the 
zone  in  which  the  ball  falls:  one  point 
for  zone  one,  two  points  for  zone  two, 
three  points  for  zone  three,  and  so  on. 
The  player's  score  is  the  sum  of  the 
points  made  on  the  five  throws. 

Catcher's  Throw  to  Second  Base 
for  Accuracy.  A  barrel,  open  at  one 
end,  or  a  bushel  basket,  is  placed  on 
its  side  on  second  base,  with  the  open 
end  toward  home  plate.  Blocks  of 
wood  should  be  placed  under  the  bar 
rel  or  basket  to  prevent  it  from  rolling 
and  to  elevate  the  open  end  three  or 
four  inches. 

Allow  each  player  five  throws  from 
home  plate.  One  foot  must  be  on  the 
plate  at  the  moment  the  ball  is  re- 
leased. Each  ball  that  goes  into  the 
barrel  or  basket  on  the  fly  scores  three 
points;  on  the  first  bounce,  two  points; 
and  on  the  second  bounce,  one  point. 
The  player's  score  is  the  sum  of  the 
points  made  on  the  five  throws. 


Bat  for  Distance.  Mark  the  dia- 
mond with  lines  into  three  zones.  Ex- 
tend the  first  line  from  the  midway 
point  between  home  plate  and  first  base 
to  the  pitcher's  plate,  and  from  there, 
to  the  midway  point  between  home 
plate  and  third  base;  the  second  line 
connects  first,  second  and  third  base. 
(See  Diagram  3.) 

Allow  each  player  ten  trials  to  hit 
a  pitched  ball.  Only  pitches  that  would 
be  counted  as  strikes  should  be  in- 
cludel  in  the  ten  trials.  Batted  balls 
that  first  hit  the  ground  in  zone 
one  score  one  point;  in  zone  two,  two 
points;  and  in  zone  three,  three  points. 
Missed  strikes  and  foul  balls  score 
no  points.  The  player's  score  is  the 
sum  of  the  points  made  on  the  ten 
trials. 

Throw  and  Catch.  A  player  stand- 
ing at  home  plate  catches  the  ball 
thrown  to  him  by  the  pitcher,  then 
throws  the  ball  to  first  baseman,  re- 
ceives it  back  from  him,  and  in  order 
throws  to  and  receives  a  throw  from 
the  second  baseman  and  the  third 
baseman.  The  player  is  thus  required 
to  catch  four  throws  and  make  three 
throws  for  a  total  of  seven  chances. 

A  throw  is  considered  good  if  the 
player  catching  it  can  place  both  hands 
on  the  ball  by  stretching,  still  keeping 
one  foot  on  the  base.  If  the  throw 
to  the  player  at  home  is  bad,  the 


po 

M 


throw  is  repeated.  The  player's  score 
is  seven  minus  the  number  of  errors. 

Fungo  Hit  for  Distance.  The  play- 
er stands  behind  a  restraining  line, 
tosses  the  ball  into  the  air,  and  bats 
it  as  far  as  possible.  The  distance  is 
measured  as  in  the  Throw  for  Dis- 
tance. 

Fungo  Hit  for  Accuracy.  The  play- 
er stands  behind  a  restraining  line  in 
center  field,  tosses  the  ball  into  the 


air,  and  bats  it  so  that  it  will  strike 
the  ground  as  near  home  plate  as  pos- 
sible. 

Using  home  plate  as  a  pivot,  draw 
five  concentric  circles  of  five,  ten,  fif- 
teen, twenty  and  twenty-five  yards 
in  diameter.  The  circles  score  five, 
four,  three,  two  and  one  points  from 
the  center  out.  Allow  each  player  five 
hits.  The  player's  score  is  the  sum  of 
the  points  made  on  the  five  hits. 

Catching  Fly  Balls.  Draw  a  throw- 
ing line  on  the  ground  twenty  feet 
from  a  brick  wall  or  other  smooth 
surface.  Place  a  mark  on  the  wall  at 
a  height  of  fifteen  feet.  Place  the 
player  behind  the  throwing  line,  and 
at  the  starting  signal,  allow  him  to 
throw  the  ball  against  the  wall  and 
catch  the  rebound  as  rapidly  as  he  can 
for  a  period  of  thirty  seconds. 

The  player's  score  is  the  number  of 
times  the  ball  is  successfully  caught 
on  the  rebound  from  above  the  fifteen- 
foot  mark. 

Fielding  Ground  Balls.  Draw  two 
parallel  lines,  one  six  feet  and  the 
other  twenty  feet  from  a  brick  wall  or 
other  smooth  surface  from  which  the 
ball  will  rebound.  Place  the  player 
between  these  two  lines  and  allow  him 
to  throw  the  ball  as  rapidly  as  he 
can  against  the  wall  for  a  period  of 
thirty  seconds,  so  that  the  ball  will  re- 
bound as  a  ground  ball.  Each  ball 
that  is  successfully  fielded  scores  one 
point. 

Base  Running  for  Speed.  The  run- 
ner takes  a  crouching  position  with  one 
foot  against  home  plate.  At  the  start- 
ing signal,  he  runs  the  circuit  of  the 
bases,  touching  each  base  in  order. 
The  stopwatch  is  started  on  the  start- 
ing signal  and  stopped  when  the  run- 
ner touches  home  plate. 

Variation:  The  runner  stands  in  the 
batter's  box  and  hits  a  pitched  ball, 
then  makes  a  circuit  of  the  bases, 
touching  each.  He  is  required  to  hit 
only  pitched  balls  that  would  be 
counted  as  strikes  and  run  on  any 
ball  hit,  fair  or  foul.  The  stopwatch 
is  started  with  the  crack  of  the  bat 
and  stopped  when  the  runner  touches 
home. 


Reprinted    from   Scholastic   Coach. 


AY  1952 


111 


('.iniiinuiition  of  "Here,  and  There"  section  of  former  MRA 

Playground  and  Recreation  liiillelin  Serricf. 


TENNIS 

The  free  tennis  clinic  for  boys  and 
girl-  iindci  -i\teen.  held  last  summer 
at  the  Boulevard  Gardens  Tennis 
Court-.  Woodside,  Long  Island,  drew 
participants  from  all  areas  of  New 
V.ik  City.  Free  weekly  lessons  will  be 
given  again  thi-  \ear,  and  youngsters 
who  fail  I"  rrgi-tcr  at  tin-  first  ses- 
-ion  will  l>e  welcome  to  attend  the  re- 
maining lessons. 

BASEBALL 

The  boys  sixteen.  -.-\rntrcn  and 
eighteen  years  old  are  often  referred 
to  as  the  "forgotten  age"  in  baseball. 

a-  thev  art-  I •!«!  for  the  local  leagues 

and  too  voung  for  the  semi-pros.  In 
Oakland.  California.  ihe\  hu\r  been 
doing  -..riii-lliin-  alxuit  it.  organizing 
a  >undav  morning  hard  ball  league 
fur  tlii-  group. 

SwncmNG 

Twentv-ninr     Amrrii  an     lied     Cross 

national    ai|uali>      -•  I I-     have     been 

•<  heduled  for  ibis  -umnier,  |o  provide 
le.idrr-hip  .iinl  ni-liin  I'M  training  in 

•  winmnng.     lifeMiving.     first     .11. 1     ami 
••mall  craft.  Applicant-  an-  eligible  fur 
enrollment    if   they   are  eighteen 

of  age  or  older,  in  »ound  pin  -i'  .il  i  ><\\- 

•  liii.in.    plan    I"    ii->-    tlieir    training   to 
leach    «itber«,    and    «hould    \u     r 

iibK   -Irong  *Hiriiincr-.  >mall  .  r.i(l  -In 
dent-   IMII-I   Imld   a   current    Bed    ' 
.  rrtili-.iie  an  a  water  safdv   in-ii  u.  t..t. 
i     lifeojiver    or    iwimrner.    or    the 
equivalent.    \ilililionnl  inforinnlion  and 
application*     may     U-    obtained     from 

1        --    i  hapl'-r-    IT    ap 
Been.  ClMM*  begin  in  June 

112 


DRA  M  \ 

The  Town  Park  Players  of  Char- 
lotte,  North  Carolina,  have  been  pro- 
vided with  a  new  workshop  by  tin- 
park  and  recreation  commission.  In 
I  hi-  setting,  gay  with  new  paint  and 
bright  curtains  and  a  fine  new  re- 
hearsal room,  several  excellent  plays 
have  been  produced  this  year.  The 
majority  of  players  have  been  from 
six  to  seventeen  years  old,  with  a 
mama,  papa,  uncle  or  aunt  stepping 
into  the  mature  adult  roles.  There  i~ 
no  fee  of  any  sort  for  the  budding 
actor  or  crew  member.  The  shop  and 
plays  are  open  to  all  who  wish  to  par- 
ticipate. 

IDENTITY 

We  are  slipping  in  this  suggestion. 
from  now  on,  as  often  as  we  find  a 
little  space — to  ask  all  recreation  lead- 
ei-  throughout  the  rmintn  to  please 
put  the  name  of  the  city  and  the  state 
on  all  reports,  bulletins,  programs  or 
other  printed  material  concerning  com- 
munity recreation  activities.  Everyone 
in  Columhii-  or  Watcrtown  or  Pine 
Junction  ma\  know  where  they  are, 
but  it  i-  -nun-times  hard  for  an  eilil..i 
to  gin-—  within  a  thousand  miles, 
-nine  i  il\  n. inn--  occurring  in  many 
-I. ilc-. 

>\llli\lll    VI. 

In  June  Miss  Itillh  Mclnlire.  e\- 
ten-ion  -]M-I  iali-l  in  lecrcation.  on  sab- 
batical leave  from  tin-  I  imn-iu  of 
Ma*sacliu-rii-.  will  travel  abroad  to 
-linl\  facilities  and  organi/ed  m  i-  i 
lion  program-  of  home  anil  communiU 
l_-t"ii|i-  in  the  >i  ainlin.iv  ian  and  low 
loiinlur-  of  \"i».i\.  Sweden.  Finland, 
Denmark.  Holland  and  Belgium.  This 

-link      will     be     imaged     il pera- 

lion  with  the  Sweili-h  In-lilule  .in. I 
the  \inern.in  "-wnli-li  New-  l.xchange 
anil  tin-  l».iiii-h  ami  Norwegian  Infor- 
m.iliiin  >n\  ii 

IN-I  K\M  i 

In  r^M  Baton  Kougc  Pan-li.  Louisi- 
ana, tin-  »oflball  pl.ixrr-  are  organic- 
ink-  mi"  a  <  itv  aMociation  to  provide 


softball  insurance  for  all  players.  This 
will  cover  everyone,  not  just  those  for 
whom  sponsors  might  carry  insurance. 

FoRKsun 

This  past  winter  a  junior  fonMr\ 
program  \vas  carried  on  in  twelve  pub- 
lic schools  in  Omaha,  Nebraska.  Ten 
fort\ -minute  discussions  were  conduct- 
ed even  IVMI  \M-rk-  in  each  of  the 
schools  by  a  circulating  teacher  of  the 
subject. 

PHOTOC&APHI 

Cincinnati,  Ohio  is  fortunate  in  hav- 
ing the  local  service-  of  a  natural- 
i-t.  Mr.  Herbert  Heger.  who  ha-  also 
had  many  years  of  experience  as  chief 
photographer  for  the  National  Park 
Serv  ice.  Camera  fans  in  the  Hamilton 
County  Park  District,  with  Mr.  Heger 
leading  the  field  trips.  enjo\  the  ad- 
vantage of  his  knowledge  of  both  wild- 
life and  photography.  Trips  were  made 
everv  Saturday  right  through  this  past 
winter. 

MEMORIAL 

A  memorial  gate  and  ornamental 
fence  for  the  new  children's  play- 
ground in  New  York  City's  Central 


Park  i-  linn;:  dedicated  in  honor  of 
William  Church  Osborn.  Lawyer  and 
ioipoialii.il  director,  the  laic  Mi.  O- 
born  w.i-  president  of  the  MetTOpoli- 
tan  Mil-rum  of  Art  for  mam  vcar-. 
and  was  a  benefactor  of  the  New  'l.'ik 
Nicietv  for  the  Belief  of  the  Ruptured 
anil  Crippled  and  the  Children's  Aid 
>"iietv.  It  i-  parlii  ulaiU  lilting  that 
llu-  memorial  -hoiild  be  an  archwax  I" 
a  plavgroimd.  a-  Mi.  <  Miorn  U-li.vnl 
thai  the  mo -I  important  thing  in  the 
world  i-  helping  children. 

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Vacation  Valley  golf,  near  Stroudsburg,  Pa. 


The  department  of  recreation  in  Bridgeport,  Connecticut, 
submitted  a  questionnaire  to  authorities  operating  public 
golf  courses  in  1951,  requesting  information  as  to  re- 
ceipts, operating  costs,  fees  and  other  items  relating  to  the 
operation  of  the  courses.  The  purpose  of  the  study  was  to 
determine  whether  or  not  the  fees  charged  in  Bridgeport 
should  be  changed  in  view  of  rising  operation  and  main- 
tenance costs.  Replies  to  the  questionnaire  were  submitted 
by  56  authorities.  On  the  basis  of  the  information  sub- 
mitted Bridgeport  increased  its  golf  course  rates  for  the 
1952  season  to  the  following: 

Season  Tickets — Area  residents  only  $20.00 

Season  Tickets — Women,  weekdays  only       10.00 

18  Holes  1.00 

9  Holes — weekdays  only 50 

Lockers  (season)    6.00 

The  golf  course  data  were  summarized  as  follows: 
1.  Of  the  56  cities   reporting,   33   operated   their   golf 
courses  on  a  self-supporting  basis;   23  did  not.  In  some 
cases  the  profits  from  concessions  and  refectories  are  in- 


A  Study 

Of  Public  Golf  Course 

Operation 


eluded  in  the  course  income;  in  others  it  is  not. 

2.  The  cost  of  operation  per  player  varies  from  $.31  to 
$1.81,  the  average  being  around  65  cents.  Many  factors 
must  be  considered,  mainly  the  type  of  maintenance  and 
condition  of  the  course.  A  properly  maintained  course  will 
attract  all  golf  enthusiasts. 

3.  Season  ticket  policy  and  charges  vary  quite  a  bit, 
with  several  attractive  reductions  for  women  and  juniors. 
The  cost  of  daily  tickets  for  9  or  18  holes  also  varies.  The 
average  greens  fee  for  18  holes  is  $1.00  and  for  9  holes, 
$.60.  Many  courses  have  discontinued  a  9  hole  ticket,  but 
others  have  substituted  a  twilight  reduced  rate  after  5:00 
p.m.  About  half  the  courses  increase  the  daily  ticket  rate 
on  Saturday,  Sunday  and  holidays. 

4.  Where  concessions  or  refectories  are  in  operation,  31 
are  let  out  on  contract;  16  are  operated  by  the  city  itself; 
eight  are  run  by  the  pro,  usually  as  a  part  of  his  com- 
pensation;   one   by   a   caretaker   and   one   by   a   steward. 
Seventeen  serve  complete  meals;   twenty  serve  beer,  and 
only  three  serve  liquor.  The  income  to  the  city  from  this 
source  varies  greatly. 

6.  Most  of  the  cities  listed  are  in  the  northern  half  of 
the  United  States,  but  even  in  this  territory,  weather  condi- 
tions vary  quite  a  bit.  Of  the  56  cities,  21  keep  their 
courses  open  during  the  winter,  although  a  few  make  no 
charge  during  this  period. 


CITY  AND 
DEPARTMENT 

SIZE  AND  NO. 
OF  COURSES 

SELF 
SUPPORTING 

OPERATION 
1930 

COST  PER 
PLAYER 

SEASON 
TICKETS 

9  HOLE 
TICKETS 

18  HOLE 
TICKETS 

ANNUAL 
ATTENDANCE 
NO.  OF  ROUNDS 

CONCESSION   AND 
REFECTORIES 

SEASON  LOCKER 
FEE 

WINTER 
GOLF 

EXPLANATORY 
NOTES 

3 

Income 

« 

On 

|1 

la 

Alcoholic 
Bev. 

Income 

e 
o. 
O 

I 

BRIDGEPORT,  CONN. 
Rec.  Commission 

2-18 

No 

50,723 

43,371 

.537 

17.00     I    .40 

.65 

94,382 

City 

No 

Beer 

2000 

5.00 

Yes 

.65 

HARTFORD.  CONN 
Park  Department 

1-9 
2-18 

No 

49,000 

44,653 

.310 

35.00 
2S.-R 

.25       I      .60 

155.095 

City 

No      !      No 

3.00 

No 

1 

MERIDEN,  CONN. 
Rec.  Board 

1-18 

No 

18,000 

13,000 

30.00 

.50 

1.00 

Cat.    I    Yes 

Beer 

350 

No 

2 

NEW  BRITAIN.  CONN. 

1-18 

Yes 

33,722 

33,949 

.512 

30.00 

.55 

1.00 

65,848 

Cnt. 

Yes 

No 

850 

5.00 

No 

3 

NEW    HAVEN,  CONN. 

I    18 

Yes 

20.00 

.45        |      .90 

City 

No 

Beer 

I  10.00 

Yes 

.90 

4 

WATERBURY.  CONN 
Park  Commission 

1-18 

Yes 

45,739 

48.836 

.891 

30.00     |  .50 
25.-R    1 

.00 

51.314 

City 

No 

Beer 

6.00 

No 

5 

PORTLAND,  MAINE 
Department  of  Parks  and 
Recreation 

1-18 

Yes 

21.000 

23,996 

1.09 

40.00 
35.-R 

N 

1.25 
l.OOR 
1.25X 
1.50X 

20,264 

Cnt. 

No 

No 

3.00 

No 

BOSTON.  MASS. 
I'wrk  Department 

2    18 

No 

105.000    I     48.500 

1.50 

40.00 
30.-R 

N 

1.00 
2.00X 

68.000 

Cnt. 

No 

Beer 

250 

3.00 

No 

6 

BROCKTON,  MASS. 
1'itrk  Commission 

1-18 

Yes 

24.643 

27,681 

30.00 
20.-W 

W 

.75 
1.50X 

25,631 

Stew. 

No 

No 

5.00 

No 

7 

BROOKI.INE,  MASS. 
Park  Department 

1    18 

Yes 

38,541 

42,239 

.856 

35.00 
30.-R 

N 

1.25 
l.OOR 

45.000 

Cnt. 

No 

No 

300 

3.00 

No 

8 

MELROSE.  MASS 
Park  Department 

1    18 

Yes 

42.50 
37.50R 

.85 
l.OOX 

1.50            25.453 
1.75X 
2.00X 

Pro. 

No     |     No 

5.00 

No 

9 

MAY  1952 


115 


CITY  AND 
DEPARTMENT 

*NII  NO 

•iM  1  MO.I.I.I-, 

(U'KKAIKIN 
1950 

COST  PER 
PLAYER 

"  „ 

j 

IB  HOLE 

IK  KETS 

56 

M 
IS 

CONCESSION   AND 
REFECTORll-^ 

X 

^ 
kl 

1 

WINTER 
GOLF 

kl 
\ 

ll 

3 

Operated 

Br 

Scrvr 
Meala 

Alcoholic 

IM 

1 

1 

j 

WORCl- 

P«rk  .nil  k 

1    11         Ho 

21.402 

17.700 

181 

.-  Vi 
22.50R 

H 

1   ,KI 
1   5(1  X 

15.000       Cat. 

No 

No 

500 

J.OO        No     ' 

10 

ALBANY.  NEW    YORK 

Bjaat.  of  Public  Works 

1   11        Ho 

23X100 

17.961 

492       10.00 

N 

75X 

36.153       Cat, 

To* 

Too 

600 

340        Ho 

BUFFALO    NFW    YORK                   29            No         100.000         67.000 

irk.                                 2    18 

423 

25.00 
IO.-A 

R 

JOA 

160400       Cat. 

Ho 

Boor 

10.000 

340        No 

11 

>'EW    YORK 
Division  <>f  Parks 

3   11 

No          44.645 

40.000 

.411 

7.50 
5.-H 

R 

1.00 
.SOR 

101,471       Cat. 

Ho 

Ho 

Ho 

SYRACUSE.  NIW    YdKK 
Department  of  Parks 

l-» 

Ho 

7.739 

3.443 

Jll 

10.00 

.'TSX 

25.035       Cat. 

Ho 

Ho 

100 

H* 

12 

W.  f^l   HI--.1  KK    ,  ,.  .  N.  Y. 
Park   (      it-mi 

4-11 

To.       175.200      323400 

903 

2S.-A 

N 

1  .'5          194.000 
2.23X 

Cnt. 

To* 

To. 

13.200 

•40        Ho 

13 

hssKX        ..      N.    1. 
Park  Commission 

1    9 
1    18 

To* 

70.947 

79.391 

.732 

A 

.73         1.23 

2SR          .SOR 
1.25X        2.50X 
.7SX        I.25X 

95.900 

Park 
Comm. 

Ho 

No 

H 

H 

To* 

8 

14 

UNION   CO.  N     1 
Park  Commission 

Too 

75.720 

76.25S 

1.24 

4040 

.uo 
I.SOX 

1.50 
3  SOX 

.50 
.75 

60.934 

Park  1    Ho         Ho 

L'omm 

1000 

To* 

W     |     .3 

BALTIMORE.  MI) 
Bureau  of  Parka 

3    18 

Ho 

138.S58 

115.949 

»]Y 

R 

.40 
.751 

109.449 

I>ro. 

on  one 
course 

No 

400 

To* 

8 

16 

PITTSBURGH,  PA. 
Depaitmenl  Parks  snd  Rec 

1    18 

Ho 

.'0.404 

25.320 

10.-  R 

R 

1.00 
1  MX 

Ho     1     Ho 

L75 

Too 

R 

17 

CINCINNATTI.  OHIO 
Rec.  Committee 

2  11 

Yes 

90.723 

92.903 

IJ4 

g°g 

N 

.75 
1  2SX 

10.000 

CKj    1    Ha       Boor 

500 

To* 

R 

18 

\NII.  OHIO 
Division  of  Rec. 

2  36 

N., 

170400 

149.940 

1.01 

N 

.03 

.75 
1  25X 

IS0.174 

Cat. 

Vr. 

Ho 

9.000 

Ho 

DAYTON.  OHIO 
Division  of  Parks 

1   36 

Ho 

145.400 

97.000 

HXI 

10.10 

H 

'.75X 

,'oox 

105.000 

(.n, 

Ho 

.'.000 

300 

To. 

8 

If 

mi  mo.  OHIO 

Division  of  Park. 

i?. 

Ho 

05.799 

45.594 

980 

H 

JS 

illx 

66.700 

Cat. 

Ho 

Ho 

H* 

M 

WHEELING.  W    VA. 
Park  Commission 

1  11 

To. 

19.306 

26.702 

.42* 

35.00 

.30 

1.00 

45.000 

CUT 

Ho 

Boor 

11.131 

3.00 

Too 

8 

FORT   WAYNE.  INDIANA 
Park  Commission 

l-U 

To*    !    10.180        2I.OJ6        .401       2040    1   JO 

Wl 

47.704 

Pro.        No 

No 

R 

Ho 

21 

l.ARY.  INDIANA 
Park  Board 

1  11 

Re 

41.342 

10.038 

1  (» 

H' 

.50 
.25R 

1.00 
.SOR 

44.240 

Cnt. 

N,, 

Ho 

ISO 

100 

Ho 

22 

<   lllfAl.o.  ILLINOIS 
Par. 
!•'!  IH.  ILLINOIS 
Park  II,.' 

,Y. 

R 

.50 

1.00 

240.000 

Cnt. 

Ho 

Ho 

2.00 

No 

2    11 

Yea 

26.275 

30.790 

.507 

H 

H 

A 

.75X 

51.741 

Cit, 

Ho 

Ho 

6.701 

Ho 

23 

I'rOKIA.  ILLINOIS 
Park  Diauict 

3    11 

Yea 

48.500 

49.500 

.443 

10.00 

.75 

109.384        Cat.        To* 

Ho 

159 

N             Yr. 

H 

24 

ROI-KKORD.  ILLINOIS 
P.rk    II,,- 

1  9          Yea 

40,091 

49.074 

.475 

!OR° 

JO 

1.00 

OB,  110        Cnt.         To* 

Ho        2400 

ISO         No 

25 

ANN    ARBOR.  MK  H 
Park  Department 
IiMROIT.   MK  III).  AH 
Depl.  Parks  and  Rec. 

1  9 
1    11 

Yea 

11.565 

20.100 

.562 

R 

50 

.75 

ijoox 

33.001           N 

H            Ye. 

H 

26 

1  9 
5  11 

Ye. 

151.000 

194.000 

579 

H 

JO 

1.00 
1.50X 

272.940        Cite         Ml 

Boor 

1000         Ha 

FLIHT.  Ml.  MILAN 
Park  Board 

JACKSON.  Mlrllll.AN 
Park  Board 

2  9 
2   II 

Ho 

55.319         41.004 

571 

R 

.43 

90        I     96.451        Otf          HO 

Ho 

5.000 

..'5           N., 
da, 

28 

1    11 

To* 

12.000         10,000 

R 

45 

.79 

In,            N., 

Ho 

500 

H 

No 

2» 

LAHSINI..  Mil   HK.AN 
Park  Board 

tt. 

To* 

31.000 

34.000 

.400 

H 

JO 
.35 

5(1 

.73 

7SJ13 

(  ni 

No 

Ho 

3.000 

R 

Ho 

M 

WICHITA.  KANSAS 
Park  Conmiaatoa 

2    II 

To* 

",•:?* 

22.957 

(a) 

.504 

88 

R 

1  00 

.50 

43.124 

(  nt 

Ho 

Ho 

1.000 

5,, 

To* 

8 

31 

ST    JOSEPH.  MISSOURI 
Park  Department 

arFTISinm.  MISSOURI 

n  of  Parka  and  Rec 

1    II 

H* 

13.0*4 

11.303 

832        18  00 

R 

M      |    1S.7U 

Pro. 

Ho 

Ho 

.'50 

To* 

N 

M 

,' 

1 

Ho 

J7.2I9 

40.9*7 

57K 

-"  '"' 

3SX 

99,000 

CM. 

Ho 

Beef 

1.200 

,o!X 

To* 

8 

1* 

Park  Board 

1    9 

To* 

12.626 

10.560 

557 

41.00 

N 

22.662 

Pro 

Ho 

Ho 

5.00 

To* 

8 

M 

Park  Board 

1    II 

To* 

15490 

16.5*4 

JO 

20.00 

40 

*5X 

30.000 

CM. 

No 

B", 

50^° 

400 

Ho 

1-18 

R* 

14400 

10.900 

air 

17,., 
1200 

£ 

loox 

29.500 

Pro 

Ho 

R* 

R 

N,. 

M 

Park 

» 

fiT 

L-   Kll 

IM.6M 

505 

N 

5,1 

75 

170.717 

~T*a~ 

Boor    2S..4I 

JOO 

Yr. 

H 

J7 

1 

Ho 

51030 

.7.041 

JOI 

1 
1 

i 
i 
I 

45 

~m~ 

90 

91.291 

Pro. 

To* 

Boar 

N* 

1   II 

N.. 

1  1  .,-.: 

.• 

•5 

(  „, 

To* 

Brrr 

100 

Ho 

30 

2   II 

N. 

32.171 

14  ;M 

JT2- 

as  •- 

40.00          60 
3400          75 
25.00          30 

H 

i.oox 

57.990 

CM. 

'Ma 

irr 

,.,  in"' 

100 

~RV 

M!*r/(*'  "'  '  vi** 

5   la 

Tea 

2*MU 

125401 
11,633 

1  11 
442 

90 
1  00 
1.00 

203.174 

Ye. 

50.1 

Ho 

M.  MINN 

1   II 

Ra 

20.100 

23.412 

H. 

No 

100 

500 

Ho 

** 

VINN 
'ltd  Pteede 
'.•AND  FORKS.  N    n 

i    la 

To* 

S7.7W 

'"•«" 

3000     I      • 

Hi 

Boor 

.-00 

No 

** 

1    II 

To* 

.:.-.., 

16.500 

•  17 

MOO 

* 

15.000 

<*» 

V,. 

Ho 

H* 

44 

"|     IOWA                          1 

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Yea 

21400 

AM 

• 

N 

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CM. 

No 

Ho 

1.000 

140 

Ra 

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1     1* 
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i    la 
1    9 
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.-    la 

Y..      MJM 

>-.       34.000 

Y..          17.000 
Y-.          09.015 

12.310          W4 
29.669 
13,000       1  14 
96.000           M4 
HA.97H           4;  1 
12.0*1 

N 

14471 

n. 

H. 

2.413 

4.00 

Ho 

4* 

N 
13.00 
23.00 
1000 
3730 

75 

~R~ 

N 
,   1  nox 
1  20 
70X       1  *nx 

40 

oa.573 

Ho' 

Ho 
Too 

BOM 

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1.00 
6.0O 

300 

N.. 

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20.417 

CM.    I    To* 

Yr. 

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1  onx 

47 

131.0011 

IO4.99;        I  ni 

M., 
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1      B 

!  Tw 

B 

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6j,»i       M     4040"    M       m     i  tsm     «•*     »•     to.     i4«*     4.00      TO.       • 

116 


liM  HKATION 


MARKET  NEWS 


Wrenhaven 

Bird  nesting  time  is  here,  and  the 
W.  R.  Vermillion  Company,  2205 
Grand  Avenue,  Kansas  City  8,  Mis- 
souri, is  offering  a  wren  house  which 
can  be  assembled  easily  by  anyone. 
Designed  on  dimensions  recommended 
by  the  United  States  Department  of 


Interior,  it  consists  of  seven  pieces  of 
Masonite  tempered  Duolux,  cut  to  in- 
terlock without  the  use  of  glue,  nails 
or  screws.  Each  house  is  packaged  flat 
in  an  envelope  on  which  are  printed 
pictorial  directions  for  assembling. 
Retail  price,  $1.50. 

Projection  Chart 

Want  to  quit  "guessing"  where  to 
set  your  movie  or  slide  projector  to 
get  the  right  size  and  focus  on  your 
screen?  This  chart,  in  simple,  easy- 
to-read  tables  and  diagrams,  supplies 
information  on  correct  screen  sizes 
and  models,  lens  focal  lengths  and 
projection  distances  for  all  types  of 
projectors.  If  you  know  the  projector 
and  projection  distances,  the  chart 
tells  the  proper  screen  size.  If  the 
screen  size  is  established,  the  chart 
shows  the  proper  projection  distance. 
Diagrams  on  seating  arrangements  and 
audience  size  are  also  included.  For  a 


free  chart,  write  to  Radiant  Manufac- 
turing Corporation,  1221  South  Tal- 
man  Avenue,  Chicago,  Illinois. 

Phonograph-P.A.  System 

A  phonograph  combined  with  a  pub- 
lic address  system,  and  radio  receiver, 
can  be  your  best  buy  if  you  need  an 
instrument  to  use  on  the  playground 
this  summer,  and  then  want  to  take  it 
indoors  in  the  fall  to  use  for  dances 
and  other  community  center  activities. 
The  Rek-0-Kut  Company,  38-03A 
Queens  Boulevard.  Long  Island  City  1. 
New  York,  makes  a  variety  of  models 
and  combination  models  for  profes- 
sional and  educational  use.  In  several 
of  their  phonographs,  a  combination 
public  address  system  makes  it  possible 
for  the  recreation  leader  to  make  an- 
nouncements or  give  instructions  at 
the  same  time  a  record  is  playing,  the 
machine  amplifying  both  at  the  de- 
sired volume.  For  detailed  catalog  and 
prices,  write  to  the  manufacturer. 

Portable  Proscenium 

A  portable  stage  front,  Pla-ade, 
large  enough  for  children  to  use,  is  not 
merely  a  miniature  theatre  for  pup- 
pets. When  set  up,  it  requires  a  space 
ten  feet  wide,  six  feet  high  and  at 
least  four  or  five  feet  deep.  It  has 
draw  curtains,  and  lends  itself  to 
modest  dramatic  productions,  as  a 
frame  for  movies  or  to  display  exhibits. 
Address  inquiries  to  Walter  L.  Lukens, 
301  New  Jersey  Avenue,  S.  E.,  Wash- 
ington 3,  D.C. 

Fluorescent  Accessories 

Especially  adaptable  for  use  in  ex- 
hibits, displays,  lectures  and  charts, 
these  new  fluorescent  accessories  in- 
clude marking  pens  and  stamp  pads 
for  use  with  invisible  inks,  yarn,  rib- 
bon, crayons,  invisible  tracer  pastes 
and  powders,  fabrics,  papers,  card- 
boards and  assorted  colored  sands  that 


are  intensely  brilliant  under  the  Blak- 
Ray  light.  Also  available  are  water 
color  and  bulletin  paints — the  "visi- 
ble" daylight  colors  which  grow  more 
brilliant  in  Blak-Ray  light,  and  the 
"invisible"  paints  which  appear  white 
until  under  this  special  light.  Another 
paint  may  be  used  on  window  glass, 
mirrors  and  other  glossy  surfaces  and 
can  be  wiped  off  when  desired.  For 
complete  catalog  listings  and  price  data 
write  Ultra-Violet  Products,  Incor- 
porated, 145  Pasadena  Avenue,  South 
Pasadena,  California. 

ChUdplay 

Childplay,  203  West  14th  Street; 
New  York  11,  New  York,  is  offering 
a  price  list  for  a  complete  line  of 
games  and  creative  crafts  for  nursery 
schools,  community  centers,  camps  and 
kindergartens. 

Leathercraft 

Leathercraft  kits,  in  which  preci- 
sion die  cut  leather  for  specified  ar- 
ticles, all  hardware  and  accessories 
needed  for  assembling  are  included, 
can  be  obtained  from  Wilder  and  Com- 
pany, Leathercraft  Hobby  Headquar- 
ters, 1038  North  Crosby  Street,  Chi- 
cago 10,  Illinois.  This  company  also 
handles  all  tools  for  leather  work. 

Permamix 

A  brand  new  floor  patching  material 
called  Permamix,  claimed  to  incorpo- 
rate many  features  not  included  in 
other  similar  products,  is  now  on  the 
market.  Laboratory  tested  for  three 
years,  it  can  be  used  on  any  present 
type  flooring,  indoors  or  out.  There 
is  nothing  to  add,  nothing  to  mix, 
and  it  will  not  freeze.  It  sets  instantly, 
and  traffic  can  be  resumed  immediate- 
ly. It  comes  in  fifty-pound  net  weight 
drums.  Address  inquiries  to  Permamix 
Corporation,  228  North  LaSalle  Street, 
Chicago. 

Shuttlecock 

A  very  durable  shuttlecock  made  of 
plastic,  which  stands  up  much  better 
than  the  feather  type,  has  been  tested 
by  some  of  the  directors  of  the  Los 
Angeles  recreation  and  parks  depart- 
ment and  has  been  found  to  be  highly 
satisfactory.  Known  as  the  Penn  Carl- 
ton  plastic  badminton  shuttlecock,  it 
is  made  by  Pennsylvania  Rubber  Com- 
pany, Jeanette,  Pennsylvania. 


MAV  1Q59 


117 


P    E 


s    o    \    \    i :    L 


Why  Do  Recreation  Executives  Fail? 


This  question  was  asked  Charles  K. 
Brightbill,  director  of  the  professional 
recreation  educational  curriculum  at 
Illinois  University.  Based  on  his  ex- 
tensive recreation  experience,  includ- 
ing service  with  the  National  Recrea- 
tion Association  and  with  the  Presi- 
dent's Committee  on  Recreation,  it  is 
his  opinion  that  recreation  executives 
fail  hecause  they— 

1.  Don't  understand  the  fundamen- 
tal principles  of  community  organiza- 
tion  for  recreation. 

2.  Haven't  learned  that  what  is  done 
by  people  is  more  important  than  what 
is  done  for  them. 

3.  Try  to  sell  activities  rather  than 
the  objectives  at  which  those  activities 
are  aimed   and  the  values  which   re- 
sult. 

4.  Forget  that  recreation  is  a  team 
jcil)  among  tin'  policy  maker,  the  exec- 
utive, the  leader  and  the  public. 

5.  Overlook  the  fact  that  even  the 
smallest  of  details  must  he  handled  ac- 
curately, because  the  sum  total  of  how 
well  thr  detail-  .in-  taki-n  can-  of  adds 
mi  In   MifH-rinrity. 

6.  Delegate    responsibility    to    sub- 
ordinate* but  do  not  delegate  the  nec- 
essary authority  to  go  with  it. 

7.  Do  not  take  enough  time  to  eval- 
uate  their    programs,   to    refine    llu-m 
and  belter  them. 

8.  Do  not  keep  in  mind  that  recrea- 
tion   i*   not   a   philosophy   of   govern- 
inrnl,  but  rnthrr  a  way  of  life. 

9.  Ncglei  I    to    recognize   the    inter- 
lelation-hip    of    recreation,    housing, 
lii-allh.   welfaic,   safely   nnil   education. 

I".  Do  not  appreciate  thi-  impor- 
tanrr  of  functional  design  and  tin- 
part  i"  !•  ih" n  piny*  in  total,  com- 
prchciiMvr  coiiiuiunity  planning. 

1 1.  >CI-IM   in   IK-  allergic   !••   ih.-  .-f 
tii  i. -lit  administration  of  finance*  and 
tin-  budgetary  aspect*  of  tin-  j»b. 

12.  Lack  understanding  of  the  legis- 
lative processes  in  a  democracy  and 
..f  pr..prr,  dependable  strategy   in  »e- 
Miring  pa«Mge  ol  needed   legislation. 

118 


13.  Dismiss  the  importance  of  being 
the    perpetual    student,    neglecting    to 
read  and  keep  abreast  of  fast-moving 
developments  in  the  field. 

14.  Are  found  wanting  in  the  tech- 
niques of  creating  and  sustaining  the 
interest   of  the   people — getting   them 
to  work  for  themselves. 

15.  Pass  over  lightly  the  essential- 
ity of  being  good  administrators  and 
multiplying  their  efforts  through  mak- 
ing the  best  use  of  subordinates. 

16.  Refuse  to  adjust  themselves  to 
existing  traditions,  customs  and  ways. 

17.  Lack  the  qualities  of  good  teach- 
ers and  successful  salesmen. 

18.  Won't  look  ahead  and  build  for 
ihi-   future  as  well  as  meet  the  needs 
of  the  immediate  present. 

I').  >iile-step  tin-  need  for  building 
a  solid  foundation  of  lay  support  and 
won't  linger  long  enough  to  educate 
their  boards  and  committees,  give 
them  problems  which  are  within  reach 
of  solving  and  "take  time"  to  under- 
stand and  appreciate  the  other  fel- 
low's  point  of  view. 

20.  Think    they   can    make  a   large 
part  of  community    recreation  self-sup- 
porting. 

21.  Helicxc  ill. 1 1  MII  "I  C-- ilcpcmls  11)  loll 

the  quantit\  of  areas  and  facilities 
they  have  at  their  disposal,  and  acquire 
more  in  the  way  of  physical  plant 
than  tlieir  community  ran  ever  nope 
to  maintain. 

22.  Criticize  other  professionals  and 
•  K  n     leaders    whose    ambitions    and 
abilities     lln-\      fear     will     make    them 
change  from  lln-  status  quo. 

Pill  their  sales  story  eggs  in 
the  basket  of  juvenile  delinquency  and 
then  cannot  make  it  slick. 

Don't  know  the  i  'immunity  in 
which  they  work,  much  less  the  think- 
ing and  desires  of  the  people  llic\ 
nerve. 

n't  acquainted  with  the  con- 
tent of  ilieir  own  enabling  legislation 
and  similar  laws  related  to  their  work. 


26.  Get  all  mixed  up  in  professional 
terminology,  semantics  and  gobbledy- 
gook  so  that  the  average  man  on  the 

sireel   doesn't   know  what  they're  talk- 
ing about. 

27.  Won't  stand  firm  on  basic  prin- 
ciples   when    politics    interfere    with 
them. 

28.  Lack  imagination. 

Investigations  by  the  National  Rec- 
reation Association,  through  its  field 
workers  and  personnel  services,  and 
reports  from  employing  agencies  over 
a  period  of  many  years  confirm  the 
truth  of  Mr.  Brightbill's  observations. 
I  siially  it  is  a  combination  of  several 
of  the  factors  listed  which  causes  a 
condition  serious  enough  to  bring 
about  a  dismissal. 

The  weaknesses  in  present  day  pro- 
fessional education,  as  pointed  out 
recentlv  by  a  group  of  prominent  rec- 
reation executives,  has  considerable 
lelationship  to  the  above  list  of  items. 
I  In  \  include  the  following: 

lai  Had  si-|,-i  ii,,n  of  students;  (b) 
students  misjudge  conditions  as  thev 
a.-tually  exist,  and  arc  disappointed 
and  confused;  (c)  ineffective  field 
experience  and  supcrv  isimi :  id  I  lack 
of  training  in  business  administra- 
tion.  budgeting  and  finances;  (e)  lack 
nf  UM. In -t. Hilling  in  maintenance  of 

iiioii  properties  and  facilities; 
if)  lack  of  ability  in  public  relations, 
communication*,  public  ipecking  ami 
writing;  igt  lack  of  understanding  of 

ition  legislation,  political  struc- 
ture, community  organization  and 
-iiin  tun-  of  municipal  government. 

1  he  association  has  been  reasonablv 
i  |.i«e  1. 1  mo-l  executive  placements 

through   the    M.H-.   and    bell   that    lln 
situation     is     improving     in     part,     be 
..in-     ill'-    pi»f'---i"tial   education   pro- 
-    f..i    in  n-.iti'Hi    leadership    are 

Ming  iiion-  adequate.  College  rec- 
ie. iimn  •  -din  .ii"is  and  professional 
leader*  in  the  field  are  cooperating 
mi  leasingly  in  an  effort  to  relate, 
MIMIC  realistn  ,ill\ .  professional  prep- 
aration to  leai|c|s||ip  ||i  .  ,U. 

Hi  i  III  VTION 


BOOKS    RECEIVED 


DRAMA:  ITS  COSTUME  AND  DECOR,  James  Laver.  Studio 
Crowell,  New  York.  $5.75. 

HOMESPUN  CRAFTS,  E.  Kenneth  Baillie.  The  Bruce  Publish- 
ing Company,  Milwaukee.  $3.00. 

PLAY  IDEAS  AND  THINGS-TO-DO,  THE  BOY'S  HANDBOOK  OF, 
THE  GIRL'S  HANDBOOK  OF,  THE  YOUNG  BOY'S  BUSYBOOK 
OF,  Caroline  Horowitz.  Hart  Publishing  Company,  New 
York.  $1.50  each. 

PROFESSIONAL  PERSPECTIVE,  Report  of  Triennial  Confer- 
ence of  the  Association  of  Secretaries  of  YMCA's.  Asso- 
ciation Press,  New  York.  $4.00. 

RADIO  LICENSE  EXAMINATIONS,  How  TO  PASS,  Charles  E. 
Drew.  John  Wiley  and  Sons,  Incorporated,  New  York. 
Paper,  $4.50. 

SCRATCHBOARD  DRAWING,  C.  W.  Bacon.  The  Studio  Publi- 
cations, 432  Fourth  Avenue,  New  York  16.  $5.00. 

SIMPLE  BRACELETS,  J.  W.  Bellinger.  The  Bruce  Publishing 
Company,  Milwaukee.  $2.50. 

SECRET  OF  BARNEGAT  LIGHT,  THE,  Frances  McGuire. 
E.  P.  Dutton  and  Company,  Incorporated,  New  York. 
$2.50. 

STARS,  Herbert  S.  Zim  and  Robert  H.  Baker.  Simon  and 
Schuster,  New  York.  $1.00. 

WHOLE  WORLD  SINGING,  THE,  Edith  Lovell  Thomas.  The 
Friendship  Press,  156  Fifth  Avenue,  New  York.  $2.75. 

WORLD'S  GREAT  HEROINES,  A  TREASURY  OF,  Joanna  Strong 
and  Tom  B.  Leonard.  Hart  Publishing  Company,  114 
East  32nd  Street,  New  York  16.  $2.50. 


ATHLETIC  EQUIPMENT 


linen  In  th.  World 
For  The  World'l 
Greafeir  Athltlrs 


Designed  for  the  Playground  — 

—  Priced  for  the  Playground 


Hollo-Hoop 

Educators 
recommended 
tool  of  play 

on 

Playgrounds 
Coast 

to 
Coast 


Rolla-Hoop!  The  body  builder  and  exerciser.  Sturdily 
constructed  of  %"  round  solid  steel.  Hoop  24"  in 
diameter  and  it's  Zincrome  Plated.  The  handle  is 
permanently  attached  which  propels  and  guides 
hoop. 

Price  per  Doz.  $9.60  (F.O.B.   Steelton,  Pa.) 

J.    A.    BRANDT    &    CO. 

P.  O.  Box  30,  Steelton,  Pa. 

Designed  for  the  Playground  —  Priced  for  the  Playground 


FREE 


THIS  BIG  ILLUSTRATED 

LEATHERCRAFT 

CATALOG  AND  GUIDE 


LARSON    LEATHERCRAFT 
FOR  CRAFTS  CLASSES 


Complete    Stock 


Prompt   Shipment 


Leathercraft  is  our  only  business,  and  our  stock  is  the 
largest  and  most  complete  in  America.  That  is  why  you 
can  always  depend  upon  immediate  and  complete  ship- 
ment of  orders  sent  to  us.  Whether  your  requirements 
are  for  beginners'  kits  needing  no  tools  or  experience,  for 
very  young  boys  and  girls,  or  tooling  leathers,  supplies 
and  tools  for  older,  more  advanced  students  or  hobbyists, 
be  sure  to  check  the  LARSON  LEATHERCRAFT  CATA- 
LOG first.  Write  today  for  your  FREE  copy  of  our  big  il- 
lustrated Catalog  and  Guide  to  latest  Leathercraft  projects. 

J.  C.   LARSON   COMPANY 

The   Foremost  Name  in  Leathercraft 
820  S.  Tripp  Ave.,  Dept.  1607,  Chicago  24,  III. 


J.   C.   LARSON    CO.,   Dept.    1607 
820  5.  Tripp  Ave.,  Chicago   24,  III. 

Please    send    me    a   FREE    copy    of    your    latest 
Illustrated   Catalog    and   Guide   to   Leathercraft. 

NAME 


ADDUESS- 
CITY 


-STATE- 


1952 


119 


now 


Covering  the  Leisure-time   Field 


School  Camping 

George    W.    Donaldson,    Associated 

Press,    New    York.    1952.    $2.25. 

Mr.    l)onald-on    is    the    director    of 

outdoor     education     for     the     public 

M  (mills   of   Tyler.   Texas,   and    former 

director    of    the    Kellogg    Foundation 

•  .iin|i-.    His  analysis  of  the   needs  of 
children  in  the  present-day  world,  and 
his  plea  for  authentic  outdoor,  out-of- 
citv    experiences    for   children    is   one 
with  which  we  would  all  concur.  Some 
of  us  might  feel  that  he  occasionally 
assumes  too  much  carry-over  value  in 
i  .imp    acti\  itii-s.    Certain    general    as- 
-uinption-.  also,  might  l>e  argued,  such 
.1-  ihr  statement,  "The  view   that  there 
.in-   certain   areas   of  the   growing   up 
process    to    which    camps    can    make 
definite  contributions  implies  that   (lie 
-chool    i-    the    best    overall    organiza- 
tion  to  select  the   things  to   be  done 
in    camp.       lli.ii    -iii.rn.nl    might    be 
advanced  1,\   man\   other  organizations 
equally    as    interested    in    the    welfare 
i>f    •  liililrm.    and    equal!)     willing    to 
meet    the     \<-i\     highest     -landards    of 

•  inn, 

We  believe  tirnilx  that  -<  liool  i  ,mi|> 
ing  i-  an  iin|iorlanl  part  of  edit'  ation. 
but  He  would  tiol  a—ign  i  .iiii|iing 
I'M  k  -i...  k  and  barrel  to  an\  one 
.ig'-niv.  |.ik<-  religion,  il  i  an  live  under 
man)  different  roof*  and  main  differ- 
ent name*  and  Mill  function. 

The   chapter    on    recreation    i«    vcrs 
-liorl     and     lomlen-id.     'Hie     g. 
philoiophv    i-   -oimd.   lnil    »e   wi«h   ilu. 
i  h.ipler   li nl   Ix't-ii  more  del.iileil. 

We  are  not  «urc  we  would  agree  thai 

craft*  'Mould  Ix-  hunted  to  thing* 
to  use.  wlm  li  can  )H>  made  with  a  jack- 
knife,  nxe  or  -HH.  using  native  materi- 
nl«.  C.jin't  thr\  .oinrtmiro  |x-  jii.t  for 


fun?   Or  just  for  beauty? 

The  last  half  of  the  book,  dealing 
in  detail  with  Camp  Tyler,  will  be 
valuable  to  any  school  s\slem  con- 
sidering •  school  camping.  Its  factual 
information  is  detailed,  well  organized 
and  very  complete. — Virginia  Mus- 
sel-nan. Correspondence  and  Consul- 
tation Service.  National  Recreation 
\--oeialion. 

Selected  Papers  in  Group  Work 
and  Community  Organization 

Selected  Paper  in  Case  Work 

National   Conference  of  Social   Work. 
Health  Publications  Institute,  Incor- 
porated.   Raleigh.    North    Carolina. 
SI. 7.">  each,   i  |ia|>er) 
In  addition   to   publishing  the  Pro- 
<-i-i'ilinii.\  of  their    I^.">1   conference,  the 
officers  and  stufT  of  the  National  Con- 
ference of  Social  Work,  have  brought 
out  the  two  above  volumes  of  paper-, 
which    were    carefully    selected    l>\    a 
committee,    for    this    purpose,    on    the 
of    agencies    especially    looking 
foi     material    for     in-service    training 
programs,  staff  discussion  and  -indent 
li      l!c<  icalioii     leaders     will     IM- 
pailicularlx    inlcie-ted    in    the   Selected 
I'.iper-  in  l.roup  Work  and  Communi- 
/>    (htinni:nli»n   which   covers,  among 
"llier-.   -iii  li   lopii  -  a-  "I  tilizing   New 
Knowledge   About   Individual  Beliaxi..r 
in    Work   with   (.n.iip.    in   the   Ix-i-uri 
Time  Selling."   \<\     Mcxandcr  H.   Mar- 
tin.    "Special      Vcd-     of     ' 
Communilic.."  bx    (Jiarle.  Oilell. 
cial   Tension    in    V  "    \<\     l>r 

\\.irren  Maiinei.  I  \> ..  IV.ngcd  Ap- 
1  •uminil\  I'lnnning."  b\ 
Kdward  I).  I.Mide.  "KalKing  Commu- 
nilv  Forces  in  Planning  for  the  \ging." 
l>\  I, in  1.1  King. 


Travel  Games 

Kdmund    Heaver.    Order    from   author. 

Clifton.  Te\a».  2.">i-. 

Traveling  with  the  small  fr\  this 
•iimmcr;'  Tin-  Beaxers  did  and 
worked  out  a  little  booklet  of  conte-t- 
and  games  to  keep  the  children  hap- 
px .  Its  attractixe  in  it-  hriglit  xellow 
pages,  and  is  pocket-sized.  It  worked 
MI  well  with  their  four  children  that 
lliex'xe  printed  it,  so  other  parents 
can  use  il  with  restless  xoung  travelers. 
Very  clever,  Mr.  Beaver!  Can't  we 
giown-ups  use  it,  too? 

Dances,  Games  and  Songs 
Looking  for  new,  authentic  folk 
songs,  games  and  dances?  The  Coop- 
erative Recreation  Sen-ice,  Delaware. 
Ohio,  has  just  issued  two  new  book- 
lets: 

1.  Let's  Be  Merry   vLinksmi  Bukimi. 
I'\    Vytautas    F.    Beliajus,   one   of   the 
great  folk  leaders  and  authorities.  Mr. 
Beliajus    is    in    a    sanitarium    at    the 
present  time,  and  the  Cooperative  Rec- 
reation   Service    has    donated    several 
thousand    copies    of    his    booklet    of 
Lithuanian    folk   material   to   be   sold, 
the  money  going  to  cover  his  hospital 
•  •..-!-. 

2.  Kit/ut-    Ran.    games   and  songs    of 
South     American    children,  collected 
and    tran-laled    In    Marx     I..  Goodwin 
and  Ldith  L.  Powell. 

Order   from   publisher.   25c  each. 

Prisoners  are  People 

Kcnxon  |.  Scudder.  Doubleday  and 
Company,  Incorporated,  New  York, 
l''.->2.  $3.00. 

I  In-  author  of  tin-  account  of  the 
.  imaging  California  Institution  for 
Men  at  (hum.  has  been  superintend 
cut  of  that  institution  for  the  past 
eleven  xear-  and  is  parllx  responsible 
for  a  revolution. in  experiment  in 

IIM-OII  reform.  He  relates  the  trials 
and  eii.'i-  from  it-  beginnings  and 
Iii-  dilliciillie-  in  selecting  the  first 
members  of  hi-  -I. ill.  gives  fascinat- 
ing anecdotes  and  case  historic-. 

\i  (  hino.  inmates  may  decorate 
llicir  living  quarter-,  picnic  with  their 
families  ,,n  Sundaxs.  These  men  run 
the  twcntx  six  hundred  acre  ranch  of 
the  institution,  organize  and  run  the 
•ilertainnient  program,  share 
in  il*  educational  and  vocational 
training. 


I!)  i  HI   UlilN 


Recreation  Leadership  Courses 

Sponsored  jointly  by   the   National   Recreation   Association 

and 
Local  Recreation  Agencies 


HELEN  DAUNCEY 
Social  Recreation 


ANNE  LIVINGSTON 
Social  Recreation 


MILDRED  SCANLON 
Social  Recreation 


GRACE  WALKER 

Creative  Recreation 


FRANK  STAPLES 

Arts  and  Crafts 


Petaluma,  California 
May  5-8 

Palo  Alto,  California 
May  12-15 

Whittier,  California 
May  19-22 

Huntington  Beach,  California 
June  2-5 

Provo,  Utah 
June  16-20 

Flint,  Michigan 
June  23-26 

Huntington,  West  Virginia 
May  5-8 

Atlanta,  Georgia 
May  12-15 

Lancaster,  South  Carolina 
June  3-6 

Reading,  Pennsylvania 
June  10,  11  and  12 

White  Plains,  New  York 
June  25-26 

Hattiesburg,  Mississippi 
May  5-8 

West  Point,  Georgia 
May  12-15 

Austin,  Minnesota 
June  2  and  3 

Faribault,  Minnesota 
June  4 

Faribault,  Minnesota 
June  5 

Mankato,  Minnesota 
June  6 

Toledo,  Ohio 
June  9-12 

Youngstown,  Ohio 
June  13 

Sheboygan,  Wisconsin 
June  16-19 

Pittsfield,  Massachusetts 
June  23-26 

Lafayette,  Indiana 
May  9-10 

Merom,  Indiana 
May  12-17 

Columbus,  Ohio 
May  19-22 

Reading,  Pennsylvania 
June  10  and  11 

Allentown,  Pennsylvania 
June  12  and  13 

Wilmington,  Delaware 
June  16,  17  and  18 

Durham,  New  Hampshire 
June  23  and  24 

Glens  Falls,  New  York 
June  26 


May  and  June,  1952 

Steven  A.  Mezzera,  Director,  Recreation,  Parks  and  Music 


Edward    E.    Bignell,    Superintendent    of    Recreation,    Community 
Center,  1305  Middlefield  Road 

R.  Walter  Cammack,  Superintendent  of  Recreation 

William  Proctor,  Director  of  Recreation,  17th  and  Orange  Streets 

Harold  Glen  Clark,  Director  Extension  Division,  Brigham  Young 
University 

Miss  Lina  W.  Tyler,  Director,  Recreation  and  Park  Board,  3300 
North  Saginaw  Street 

Marvin  A.  Lewis,  Managing  Director,  Cabell  County  Recreation 
Board,  Administration  Office,  Field  House 

Miss   Virginia   Carmichael,   Director   of   Recreation,    Department 
of  Parks,  City  Hall 

Tom  McConnell,  The  Buford  Consolidated  Schools,  Route  5 

Lloyd   H.   Miller,   Director,   Recreation   Board   of   Berks   County, 
Court  House 

Miss  Vivian  O.  Wills,  Westchester  County  Recreation  Commission, 
County  Office  Building 

Dr.  Pete  Davis,  Professor  of  Recreation,  Mississippi  Southern  Col- 
lege, Station  A 

Robert  A.  Turner,  Coordinator,  Department  of  Community  Rec- 
reation, West  Point  Manufacturing  Company 

Harry   Strong,   Director,   Department   of   Recreation,   Post   Office 
Box  246 

Milton  Hustad,  Director,  State  School  and  Colony 

Joe  Grunz,  Director,  Recreation  Department 

Edward  Johnson,  Director  of  Recreation 

Arthur  G.  Morse,  Supervisor  of  Recreation,  214  Safety  Building 

Oliver  S.  Ellis,  Director-Treasurer,  The  Youngstown   Playground 
Association,  318  Dollar  Bank  Building 

Howard   R.   Rich,   Director  of   Public   Recreation,   837   Jefferson 
Avenue 

Vincent  Hebert,  Superintendent,  Parks  and  Recreation,  52  School 
Street 

Jackson  M.  Anderson,  Assistant  Professor  of  Recreation,  Purdue 
University 

John  L.  Marks,  Assistant  in  Rural  Youth  Work,  Indiana  Farm 
Bureau,  Inc.,  130  East  Washington  Street,  Indianapolis,  Indiana 

N.  J.  Barack,  Superintendent,  Department  of   Public   Recreation, 
Room  124,  City  Hall 

Stewart  L.  Moyer,  Superintendent  of  Recreation,  City  Hall 

Alfred  L.  Geschel,  Superintendent  of  Recreation,  City  Hall,  Room 
305 

W.  Frank  Newlin,  Recreation  Director,  Room  377,  City  Hall 

C.  B.  Wadleigh,  State  4-H  Club  Leader,  University  of  New  Hamp- 
shire 

Daniel  L.  Reardon,  Recreation  Superintendent 


Attendance  at  training  courses  conducted  by  National  Recreation  Association  leaders  is  usually  open  to  all  who  wish  to  attend. 
For  details  as  to  location  of  the  institute,  contents  of  course,  registration  procedure,  and  the  like,  communicate  with  the  sponsors 
of  the  course  as  listed  above. 


1952  EDITION 

It's  New! 

It's  Fun! 

It's  Full  of  Good  Ideas! 


Same  size— 12  weekly  issues 

Same  time— Beginning 

April  25,  1952 

Same  Price  .  .  $  1.50 


JTJ 


SUBSCRIBE     NOW 

For  Every  Playground     -     For  Every  Playground  Leader 

USEFUL?      Ask  the  subscribers! 
Ask  these  communities  how  many  subscriptions  they  used. . . 

Auburn.  Me. 
Palo  Allo,  (  ..I. 
Greenwich,   Conn. 

R.hw.y,   N.J 12  e.ch 

I  nion.    N.J. 
Auburn.    N.V. 

Linden.    N.J.  13 

Jackson,  Mich. 14 

Davenport,  Iowa  and  Salina,  Kansas     15 

Evanston,  111.  IS 

Salisbury,  N.C.  and  Jackson,  Miss.  20 

Charlotte,  N.C.  30 


JOIN   THE    PARADE 


00  80RKEI 


oer 


unmatched  safety     •     unequa/ed  durability 
unrivaled  low  cost  maintenance 


EXCLUSIVE 
FRAME   FITTINGS 

make  Burke  Equipment  the  best 


The  youngsters  depend  on 
you  for  the  exercise  and  fun 
of  their  childhood.  Meet  this 
obligation  with  the  finest  and 
safest  .  .  .  Burke  Built  equip- 
ment. 

Before  you  buy  let  us  furnish  you 
with  all  the  facts  on  Burke  Equip- 
ment: complete  specifications, 
special  literature,  free  planning 
assistance,  catalog.  Let  us  show 
you  WHY  Burke  gives  you  and 
youngsters  more  for  the  money. 
Write  Dept.  H. 


Rely  on  Burke's  reputation . . .  built  on 
service  and  dependability:  25  years  of 
constant  improvement  in  building 
playground  equipment;  first  to  intro- 
duce new  safety  features  (unmatched 
for  safety);  quality  materials  plus 
distinguished  craftsmanship  and  de- 
sign tailored  to  meet  all  require- 
ments; trouble-free  equipment  for 
decades  of  most  economical  service; 
fine  business  relations  and  conscien- 
tious attention  to  detail  to  make 
America's  playgrounds  more  enjoy- 
able, more  economical  and  safer! 


Examine  the   inter-locking  construction 

Exclusive  Burke  designed  fittings  prevent 
sagging,  twisting,  and  misalignment  .  .  . 
the  positive  method  of  accomplishing  com- 
plete inflexibility. 


THE  J.  E.  BURKE  CO.,  Fond  du  Lac,  Wis. 

Factory  Branch  Box  986,  New  Brunswick,  N.J. 

25th  year  equipping  and  servicing  America's  playgrounds 
Approved  by  Park  and  Recreation  Officials  Everywhere 


Note  the  superior  strength 

Compare  Burke  fittings  —  hot  dipped  gal- 
vanized iron,  massive,  heavily  ribbed  great- 
er length  and  weight  —  with  any  other. 
Burke  fittings  are  designed  to  carry  the 
load! 

LOOK   TO   THE   FITTINGS  -  BUY   BURKE 
BETTER  BUILT  and  you  GET  THE  BEST 


PLAYGROUND 
EQUIPMENT 

KINDERGARTEN  &  NURSERY  SCHOOL  PLAY  DEVICES 

"Watt  csMttete  lbte  in  t&e  tvottd, 


for  play  capacity  and  SAFETY . . .  choose 


Reg.  U.  S.  Pol.  Off. 


Climbing  structure 


•  No  other  playground  device  provides  so 
much  play  capacity  per  square  foot  of  ground 
area  and  per  dollar  of  cost  as  JUNGLEGYM! 
That  plus  JUNGLEGYM'S  safety  record 
of  more  than  one  hundred  million  child-play- 
hours  without  one  single  serious  accident 
are  two  reasons  why  you  should  give 
the  children  of  your  playground  the  advantage 
of  JUNGLEGYM. 


Write  for  Illustrated  Bulletin  on  PORTER'S  Streamlined  Line  that  will  Save  You  Money . . .  Time 

You  can  rely  on  PORTER  for  the  basic  units  you  need 
for  your  playground ... 


No.    136  Stratosphere    See-Saw 

Sensationally  new.  Gives  "ups-a-daisy" 

ride    33V3%  higher    than    conventional 

see-saw,    but  with    greater    safety. 


No.    38    Combination    Set 
Compact,    economical    unit    that's    ideal 
for    limited    ground    areas.    Six    varieties 
of  funful,   healthful  activity. 


No.   105   Six-Swing  Set 
Sturdy    12-ft.   frame   held   rigidly   togeth- 
er   with    exclusive    Porter    fittings    make 
this    a    permanent,    safe    unit. 


No.  S8-F  Playground  Basketball  Backstop 
All-steel  fan-shaped  bank  rigidly  mount- 
ed on  steel  mast  and  braced  for  per- 
manent service. 


No.    240    Merry-Go-Round 

Will  safely  accommodate  30  children  at 
one  time.  Noiseless,  no-wobble,  no- 
sway  operation.  An 
gineering  marvel. 


PORTER 


CORPORATION 

OTTAWA,     ILLINOIS 


MANUFACTURERS    OF    PLAYGROUND,    GYMNASIUM    AND    SWIMMING    POOL    EQUIPMENT 


Exclusive  MAKERS  OF  THE  WORLD-FAMOUS 


JUNGLEGYM 

Reg.  U.  S.  Pot.  Off. 


CLIMBING 
STRUCTURE 


JUNE  1952 


121 


NOW   IS    THE   TIME  . 


To  start   planning    your   summer 
vacation! 

•  Tired  of  going   to  the   same 
place? 

•  Want  to  get  MORE-for  LESS? 

•  Whether  you  plan  to  travel,  or 
stay  at  home— 

CONSULT  THE   NEW 


New  Mexico  Slate  Tourist  Bureau 


PREPARED   BY   THE   EDITORS   OF 


magazine 


IMPORTANT  ANNOUNCEMENT—  According  to  a  new  agreement,  this  special  publication  is 
being  distributed  by  Rand  McNally  &  Company,  publishers,  through  their  bookstore  outlets. 
Format  and  content  have  undergone  considerable  change.  Sixteen  new  pages  of  text,  ac- 
cented with  color,  have  been  added,  and  the  book  will  have  a  cover  in  color.  Because  of 
these  improvements,  it  must  now  retail  for  $1.00. 


ADVANCE  ORDERS  for  Summe*  1/4<M&0«A  -  It  S.  /4..  which  were  postmarked 
before  April  15,  will  be  filled  at  the  50-cent  price,  as  originally  announced.  The  offer  of 
a  free  copy  with  a  new  subscription,  or  renewal  of  a  subscription  to  RECREATION  magazine, 
terminates  May  first. 


Spring   1952 


JUST   OUTf 


$1.00 


U.  S.  Fornt  Service 


Delegates  traveling  to  the  National 
Recreation  Congress  in  Seattle,  per- 
haps planning  their  vacations  along 
the  way,  will  find  this  book  particu- 
larly helpful  in  determining  how  to 
go,  things  to  do  and  see. 

ORDER    NOW 

NATIONAL  RECREATION  ASSOCIATION 
315  Fourth  Avenue,  New  York  10,  N.Y. 


JUNE,  1952 


THE       MAGAZINE 


Editor  in  Chief,  JOSEPH  PRENDERGAST 

Editor,  DOROTHY  DONALDSON 
Business  Manager,  ROSE  JAY  SCHWARTZ 

ASSOCIATE   EDITORS 

Recreation  Administration,  GEORGE  BUTLER 
Program  Activities,  VIRGINIA  MUSSELMAN 


Vol.  XLV1 


Price  35  Cents 


No.  3 


On  the  Cover 

This  canoeist  finds  placid  water  for  his  favorite  rec- 
reation in  idyllic  setting  in  Missouri's  central  Ozarks 
region.  Photo  by  Massie,  Missouri  Resources  Divi- 


In  September 

Look  for  new  ideas  and  plenty  of  enthusiasm,  to 
match  the  back-to-school  and  harvest-tang-  vigor  of 
fall.  There  will  be  some  "How  to"  articles  on  Hallo- 
ween parties;  pre-vues  on  the  Congress,  being  held 
in  Seattle,  September  29  through  October  3;  admin- 
istration articles  full  of  facts  and  concrete  help; 
the  salary  study  which  is  available  after  June  15, 
as  a  special  preprint;  personalities  in  recreation; 
an  article  on  an  extensive  industrial  recreation  pro- 
gram; ideas  for  enlarging  the  scope  of  activities 
in  your  community  center,  variations  on  basketball 
and  accounts  of  "shot  in  the  arm"  methods  of  in- 
creasing participation. 

Photo  Credits 

Page  132,  (center  right)  Kemmell  Ellis,  Seattle, 
(lower  rijiliM  James  Lee.  Seattle;  135,  136,  Herald 
and  Review  and  Playground  and  Recreation  Board, 
Decatur;  143,  144,  Board  of  Park  Commissioners, 
Minneapolis;  148,  Stockton  Record,  California: 
152,  153,  (top)  C.  G.  Rosenberg,  Stockholm,  Swed.-n. 
(bottom)  Maynard  L.  Parker,  Los  Angeles;  155, 
156,  157,  Palisades  Interstate  Park— Boland;  171, 
Municipal  Recreation  Commission,  Syracuse;  172, 
Windy  Drum,  courtesy  of  News-Tribune,  Waco;  173, 
lioh  Ponden,  Waco. 


RECREATION  is  published  monthly  except  July 
and  August  by  the  National  Recreation  Association, 
;i  srt\Kc  organization  supported  by  voluntary  con- 
trihuticms,  at  315  Fourth  Avenue,  New  Yorlc  10, 
New  York;  is  oil  file  in  public  libraries  and  is 
indexed  in  the  Readers'  Guide.  Subscriptions  $3.00 
a  year.  Canadian  agency,  G.  R.  Welch  Company, 
Ltd.,  1149  King  Street  West,  Toronto  1,  Ontario; 
Canadian  subscription  rate  $3.85.  Re-entered  as 
srcoinl-rlass  matter  April  25,  1950,  at  the  Post 
Office  in  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. 
Advertising  and  Production  Office:  Jones  Press, 
Fifth  and  Fifth  South,  Minneapolis  15,  Minnesota. 
Space  Representatives:  H.  Thayer  Heaton,  415 
Lexington  Avenue,  New  York  17,  New  York; 
Mark  Minaban.  168  North  Michigan  Avenue, 
Chicago.  Illinois;  Keith  H.  Evans,  3757  Wilshire 
Boulevard,  Los  Angeles  5,  California. 
Copyright,  1952,  by  the 

N.itinnul  Recreation  Association,  Incorporated 
Printed  in  the  U.S.A.  3<r.@Jl-  2 

•  Trade  mark  registered  in  the  U.  S.  Patent  Office. 


OF       THE       RECREATION        MOVEMENT 

CONTENTS 

General  Features 

The  Place  of  Supervision  in  a  Recreation  Program 

(Editorial),  Gertrude  Wilson  129 

Seattle  Plans   132 

A  Part  of  My  Life,  Jacob  Twersky  137 

Organized   Camping   138 

The  Act  Nobody  Can  Buy,  Herbert  Dalmas  140 

Thinking  of  Sending  Junior  to  Camp?  142 

Leisure  Leaders  Leisure  Lodge,  Marion  C.  Sparrow  145 

Holly  woodland  Camp  for  Girls,  Minnette  B.  Spector  ....  146 

Swenson  Park  148 

How  to  Keep  Children  in  Their  Own  Back  Yard, 

Dr.  Joseph  E.  Howland  152 

A  Tree,  Ernest  V.  Blohm  157 

Paddle  Volleyball 179 

On  the  Campus  181 

Administration 

National  Recreation  Association  Services — 1951   124 

District  Advisory  Committees   125 

Relationship  of  Parks  and  Recreation, 

Charles  E.  Doell  143 

Nature  Trails  in  State  Parks,  John  C.  Orth  154 

Surfacing  Under  Fixed  Apparatus  164 

Rubber  Bases  165 

The  Authority  to  Hire  and  Fire  Recreation  Workers  ....  169 

Their  Own  Center,  Margaret  R.  Conger  172 

Program 

Lantern  and  Float  Parade,  Freda  Combs  135 

On  the  Trail,  Therese  Myers  139 

Objectives  for  the  Photo  Group,  Irma  Webber  149 

Sailing  the  "Sailfish,"  Harold  S.  DeGroat  and 

Robert  G.  DeGroat  158 

Seven  Steps  to  Easy  Camp  Cookery,  John  A.  MacPhee  ....  162 
How  To  Do  It!  Nut  Cup  from  a  Tin  Can  Top, 

Frank  A.  Staples  166 

Uncle  Elmer's  Star  Ball,  Elmer  E.  Heft  167 

Tournament  Tips,  Morty  Morris  177 

Regular  Features 

Letters    ' 127 

Things  You  Should  Know  131 

Personnel — The  National  Advisory  Committee 126 

Recreation  Training  Leadership  Programs — 1952 170 

A  Reporter's  Notebook  171 

Recipes  for  Fun — Sports,  Swimming  Meet  175 

Recreation  Market  News  180 

Books  Received  182 

Pamphlets  182 

Magazines  - 183 

New   Publications   184 

Recreation  Leadership  Courses  ..  Inside  Back  Cover 


JUNE  1952 


123 


min\  ii,  \\mmm  INMIII  uin\ 


A  Service  Organization  Supported  by  Voluntary  Contributions 


2,174  cities  were  registered  with  the  Association  for  field  service  and  1,776  field  visits  \\cn 

made  by  District  Representatives  during  the  year. 

10  appraisals  of  recreation  administration,  personnel  and  facilities  of  coimnunit\   recrea- 

tion agencies  in  7  states  were  made. 

28  cities   in    13   states   received  the  personal  assistance   of  the   Association's   Planning 

Specialists  on  Recreation  Areas  and  Facilities  and  Recreation  Buildings. 

39  cities  in  10  states  were  visited  in  connection  with  the  development  of  adequate  recrea- 

tion programs  for  minority  groups. 

59  cities  in  12  states  and  Canada  were  assisted  through  personal  visits  by  the  Katherine 

F.  Barker  Memorial  Field  Secretary  for  Women  and  Girls. 

65  cities  in  20  states  and  Canada  received  special  service  with  reference  to  their  arts 

and  crafts  programs. 

14,532  employed  and  volunteer   recreation   leaders   in    151   cities   in  34  states   were  given 

special  training  in  recreation  skills,  methods  and  programs. 

1,319  recreation  positions  were  handled:  920  personal  interviews  were  held;  and  1,018  sets 

of  personnel  credentials  weie  submitted  at  the  request  of  employing  recreation  agen- 
cies and  candidates  in  44  states. 

2,500  recreation  leaders  from  all  48  states  and  Canada  attended  one  or  more  of  the  11  dis- 

trict conferences  held  during  1951. 

1,250  recreation  leaders  from   H  states  and  7  foreign  countries  attended  the  33rd  National 

l!ci  reation  Congress  in  Boston,  Massachusetts. 

170  state  agencies  concerned  with  recreation   in  36  states  .mil    l(>  federal  agencies  were 

assisted  with  their  recreation  problems  and  s<-i\i.,-~. 

1,200  companies  recci\cd  (.criodical  bulletins  on  indu-liial  recreation  problems  and  develop- 

ment: 1<H>  industrial  plants  in  <>U  cities  in  Id  slates  were  \isited  h\  a  special  worker  to 
help  industries  and  municipal  recreation  departments  meet  the  recreation  needs  of 
workers. 

2,500  plax^round   Iradei.   iin-m-il   llir   Bummer   Playground   Notebook. 

3,200  lilies    pa  1 1  n  ipalcd    in    lln     J.'ltli    annual    .•!•-.  i  \  .in.  .•    ..f    National   and    Inter-American 

MM-L    \\.-ck. 

9,022  recreation    lender*    received    Hi  c  in  \  i  m\.    tin-    m«ntlil\     magazine    of   the    recreation 

iiioxriiirnt. 

7.016  cities  m  all  I  including    |(l|    i  ilics  in   I  .5,    I  cr  r  ilm  ies  and  22.">  cities  in   fm 

cipn   counlric- >    M..I\CC|   help  and   .nlvin-   mi   their   recreation   problems   through   the 
liol         <  ..irespoiidcnic    and    (  c.iiMjIt.ilimi    -SCMIII       l!i  .pic-l-    for    help    (dialed 

21.. 
124  RECREATION 


District  Advisory  Committees 


DISTRICT  ADVISORY  committees  are  being  set  up  by  the 
National  Recreation  Association  to  strengthen  the  joint 

cooperation  of  the  association  and  local  recreation  execu- 
tives. Already  there  is  evidence  that  this  step  is  creating 

more  alertness  to  the  problems  within  each  district  and  to 

the  most  effective  uses  of  the  association's  resources  in 

meeting  them.  Committee  membership  has  been  accepted 

by  the  following: 

Pacific  Northwest  District 

Ben  Evans,  Director  of  Recreation,  Seattle.  Washington. 

Kenneth  Fowell,  Director  of  Recreation,  Great   Falls.  Montana. 

Thomas  W.  Lantz,  Superintendent  of  Public  Recreation,  Tacoma, 
Washington. 

Miss  Dorothea  Lensch,  Director  of  Recreation,  Portland.  Oregon. 

Carl  S.  Munson,  Director  of  Recreation.  Moscow.  Idaho. 

Mrs.   Irene  Squires,   Superintendent,  Williamalane    Park   and   Rec- 
reation District,  Springfield.  Oregon. 

S.  G.  Witter,  Recreation  Director,  Spokane.  Washington. 
Pacific  Southwest  District 

Cedric   Austin,   Superintendent   of  Recreation.   Phoenix,   Arizona. 

C.   C.   Christiansen,   Director   of   Recreation,    Santa    Barbara,   Cali- 
fornia. 

Loveless  N.  Gardner,  Director  of  Recreation,  Tucson,  Arizona. 

W.    C.    Higgins,    Superintendent    of    Parks    and    Recreation,    Reno, 
Nevada. 

George   Hjelte,   General    Manager,    Department    of   Recreation    and 
Parks.  Los  Angeles,  California. 

Paul   S.  Rose,  Superintendent,  Salt  Lake  County   Recreation   Com- 
mission, Murray,  Utah. 

Walter    L.    Scott,    Director    of    School    and    Municipal    Recreation, 
Long  Beach,  California. 

Glen    Worthington,   Superintendent   of   Recreation.    Logan.   Utah. 

Southwest  District 

William  K.  Amo,  Superintendent  of  Parks  and  Recreation,  Little 
Rock,  Arkansas. 

Vernon  Chambers,  Director  of  Colored  Recreation.  Houston,  Texas. 

Albert   A.   Dominque,    Superintendent    of    Playgrounds   and    Parks, 
Lafayette,  Louisiana. 

Alvin   R.   Eggeling,  Superintendent   of  Recreation.   Oklahoma  City, 
Oklahoma. 

Miss  Margaret  Ford,  Director  of  Recreation,  Roswell,  New  Mexico. 

A.  C.  Hamilton,  Superintendent  of  Recreation,  Lubhock,  Texas. 

Morris  X.  F.  Jeff,  Shakespeare  Center,  New  Orleans,  Louisiana. 

O.  D.  Johnson,  Superintendent  of  Recreation,  Lake  Charles,  Louisi- 
ana. 

Beverly  S.  Sheffield,  Director  of  Recreation,  Austin,  Texas. 

William    P.   Witt,    Superintendent    of    Recreation,    Corpus    Christi, 
Texas. 

0.  A.  Ziegler,  General  Superintendent,  Board  of  Park  Commission- 
ers, Tulsa,  Oklahoma. 

Midwest  District 

Edmun  A.  Ash,  Superintendent  of  Recreation,  Kansas  City,  Kansas. 

Lawrence  J.  Heeb,  Superintendent  of  Recreation.  Lawrence,  Kansas. 

Miss  Kathryn  E.  Krieg,  Superintendent  of  Recreation,  Des  Moines, 
Iowa. 

Kenneth  M.  Kurtz,  director  of  Recreation,  Casper,  Wyoming. 

James  C.  Lewis,  Director  of  Recreation,  Lincoln,  Nebraska. 

John  N.  Nichols,  Superintendent  of  Recreation,  Cedar  Rapids,  Iowa. 

Ben   C.   Porter,   Director  of   Parks  and   Recreation,   Jefferson   City, 
Missouri. 

Mrs.  Verna  Rensvold,  Superintendent  of  Public  Recreation,  Kansas 
City,  Missouri. 

liranch  Russell,  Recreation  Department,  St.  Louis,  Missouri. 

J.  Earl  Schlupp,  Director  of  Recreation,  Denver,  Colorado. 

Duane  Shefte,  Director  of  Recreation.  Huron,  South  Dakota. 
Great  Lakes  District 

Charles  T.  Byrnes,  Superintendent  of  Recreation.  Evanston,  Illinois. 

Donald   B.  Dyer,   Director  of  Recreation,   Milwaukee.   Wisconsin. 

Jerome  T.  Femal,  Director  of  Recreation.  Bloomington.  Indiana. 

A.  R.  Flannery,  Director  of  Recreation,  Parks  and  Buildings,  Battle 
Creek,  Michigan. 

E.  P.  Hartl,  Superintendent.  Division  of  Municipal  Recreation  and 
School  Extension,  La  Crosse,  Wisconsin. 

John  N.  Higgins,  Director  of  Recreation.  Board  of  Parks  and  Rec- 
reation, Hammond,  Indiana. 

Ernest  W.  Johnson,  Superintendent  of  Playgrounds,  St.  Paul,  Min- 
nesota. 

JUNE  1952 


Arthur  G.  Morse,  Supervisor  of  Recreation,  Toledo,  Ohio. 
Harold  G.  Myron,  Director  of  Recreation.  Highland  Park,  Michigan. 
John  Niles,  Director  of  Recreation,  South  St.  Paul,  Minnesota. 
C.  W.  Schnake,  Recreation  Director,  Recreation  Department,  Can- 
ton, Ohio. 

William  A.  Smith,  Director,  Frederick  Douglass  Community  Associ- 
ation, Toledo,  Ohio. 

Francis  Shuster,  Superintendent,  Playgrounds  and  Recreation  Com- 
mission, Springfield.  Illinois. 

Southern  District 

Joseph  Austin,  Director,  Nineteenth  Street  Community  Center,  Gulf- 
port,  Mississippi. 

T.  A.  Belser,  Superintendent  of  Recreation,  Montgomery,  Alabama. 
R.  Foster  Blaisdell,  Superintendent  of  Recreation,  Charlotte,  North 

Carolina. 

Miss  Nan  B.  Crow,  Director  of  Recreation,  Charlottesville,  Virginia. 
Marian  Hale,  Director  of  Recreation,  Memphis,  Tennessee. 
W.  H.  Harth,  Director,  Park  and  Recreation  Department,  Columbia, 

South   Carolina. 
Mrs.   C.   Paul  Heavener,   Director  of  Recreation.   Charleston,  West 

Virginia. 

Cliff  Kerby,  Recreation  Supervisor,  Callaway  Mills  Company,  La- 
Grange,  Georgia. 

George  T.  Kurts,  Director  of  Recreation,  Jackson.  Mississippi. 
T.    B.    McPherson,    Supervisor.    Church    Street    Recreation    Center, 

Gainesville,   Florida. 
Julian  O.  Olsen,  Superintendent.  Recreation  Department.  Pensacola, 

Florida. 
Miss   Anna   S.   Pherigo,   Superintendent   of   Parks  and   Recreation, 

Lexington,  Kentucky. 

D.  C.  Wingo.  Superintendent,  Smith  Street  Community  Center,  Nor- 
folk. Virginia. 

Middle  Atlantic  District 
Myron   N.   Hendrick.   Director   of   Recreation.   Niagara    Falls.   New 

York. 
David    M.    Langkammer,    Superintendent    of    Recreation.    Altoona, 

Pennsylvania. 
Philip   LeBoutillier,   Superintendent   of   Recreation,   Irvington,   New 

Jersey. 
Peter   J.    Mayers.    Superintendent    of   Recreation,    New    Rocnelle, 

New  York. 
Mrs.  Ruby  M.  Payne,  Director,  Crispus  Attucks  Center,  Lancaster, 

Pennsylvania. 
Lome   Rickert,   Superintendent   of   Recreation,   Wicomico   County, 

Maryland. 

Frank  M.  Sabino,  Superintendent  of  Recreation,  Leonia,  New  Jer- 
sey. 

George  T.  Sargisson,  Executive  Director,  Recreation  Executive  Di- 
rector, Recreation  Promotion  and  Service,  Inc.,  Wilmington, 
Delaware. 

Hubert  I.  Snyder,  Director,  Baltimore  County  Recreation  Depart- 
ment, Towson,  Maryland. 

Miss  Ruth  Swezey,  Executive  Director,  Playground  Recreation  As- 
sociation, Wilkes-Barre,  Pennsylvania. 

Frank  Wood,  Dunbar  Association.  Incorporated.  Syracuse,  New 
York. 

New  England  District 

Britton  F.  Boughner,  Superintendent,   Park  and   Recreation   Com- 
mission, Wellesley,  Massachusetts. 
John   P.  Cronin,  Director,  Department  of  Recreation,   Providence, 

Rhode  Island. 
James  H.  Grooms,  Superintendent  of  Recreation  and  Parks,  Auburn, 

Maine. 
William    V.   Haskell,    Director,    Community   Center,    Presque   Isle, 

Maine. 

James  F.  Herdic,  Jr.,  Superintendent  of  Recreation,  Rutland,  Ver- 
mont. 

Edward  J.  Hunt,  Director  of  Recreation.  Stamford.  Connecticut. 
Francis  Malloy,  Director  of  Recreation,   Portsmouth.   New   Hamp- 

Edward  N.  Powell,  Executive  Director.  West  Main  Street  Com- 
munity Center,  Incorporated,  Stamford,  Connecticut. 

Paul  H.  Rhodes,  Director,  Community  Recreation  Association,  Dai- 
ton,  Massachusetts. 

Robert  M.  Schultz,  Superintendent  of  Recreation,  Bridgeport,  Con- 
necticut. 

Richard   A.  Tapply,   Director  of  Recreation,   Bristol,   New   Hamp- 

W.  Norman  Watts,  Director,  Dixwell  Community  House,  New 
Haven,  Connecticut. 

125 


RECRUITMENT 

TRAINING 

PLACES)  1  \l 


ilii1  \iiliiiiiiil  liliisnn  I'niiiiiiillrr 


Si  \  HIM.  MONTHS  AGO  the  National 
Recreation  Association's  National 
Advisory  Committee  on  Defense  Re- 
lated Services  reported  that  one  of 
the  most  serious  problems  facing  the 
country's  recreation  movement  during 
the  present  emergency  and  for  the 
years  ahead  is  the  recruitment,  train- 
ing and  placement  of  recreation  work- 
ers. 

The  association's  board  of  directors 
had  also  been  concerned  with  this 
problem  for  some  time  and  certain 
-tep..  including  the  appointment  of  an 
a—  i-lant  dim  tor  of  the  a»o<  iation"> 
recreation  personnel  service,  had  been 
taken  to  improve  and  increase  the 
association's  work  in  the  personnel 

Meld. 

Last  summer  a  number  of  the  out- 
standing leader-  in  (lie  area  of  under- 
graduate and  graduate  re<  rcalion  cdu- 
i.ili"ii  were  eon-ulleil  b\  llie  a--m  ia- 

tinn.   through   oormpondmce,  as  to 

ill*-  iiil\  i-ahilitx  of  the  association  - 
a|i|>oinlnient  of  a  nationwide  ad\i-oi\ 
i  ominittee  to  survey  and  rex  iew  ilii- 
entire  |>rol>|eni  and  make  appropriate 
fei-oinnicndalioii-  "i  -iigge«lion«.  I  lie 
replies  so  favored  such  a  procedure 
that  an  informal  meeting  was  held  .11 
ihe  I  ''."»!  Congress  in  I5o«ton  to  dis- 
cus* the  scope  of  Mich  a  eommillee'- 
work. 

I  inlli.  i    eon-nlei.illoii    of    (lie    m.ik. 
HP  of  the   National  Advisor)   Commit- 
I-  •     !•  d   to  a   plan   of   ninnlx-r-liip   for 
•  MOII     ami     |>.irk     e\ei  nli\e,    and 
Iradrr*.    traeher-    i  if    professional    if 
(ration    leadership  al    both    iln     under 
graduate   and   graduate   eollrge    IrxcU. 
dent*  and  deun-  ••(  i  o||rge»  and 
universities.    and    other    pcr«on«    who 
wi>uM  have  genet.  d  inlere-i  in  ..i  .  .,n 


with  the  professional  preparation 
and  development  of  recreation  person- 
nel. 

Dr.  Paul  F.  Douglass,  president 
of  American  University.  Washington. 
D.C.,  has  accepted  the  chairmanship 
of  the  National  Advisory  Committee, 
as  announced  in  the  March  issue  of 
RECREATION  (page  479).  Dr.  Douglass 
is  well  known  to  the  recreation  move- 
ment. During  his  administration, 
American  University's  enrollment  has 
ri-en  from  less  than  two  thousand 
student-  to  mure  than  six  thousand,  it- 
annual  budget  has  increased  four  and 
a  half  times,  and  there  has  been  a 
.tjic.it  deal  of  expansion  in  other  ways. 

Dr.  John  I..  Hutchinson,  who  is  as- 
sociate professor  of  education  and 
chief  advisor  of  the  interdivisional 
program  of  recreation  at  Teacher's 
(College,  Columbia  I  ni\ci-ii\.  has  ac- 
cepted the  \  i(  e-clia  i  rmarish  ip.  Dr. 
Hutchinson  is  pte-ident  of  the  College 
Recreation  Association  and  author  of 
a  recently  published  hook.  "Pi  in< iple- 
of  Recreation."  W.  C.  Sutherland,  di- 
leci.ir  of  the  recreation  |>ersoiinel  -erx  - 
ice  of  the  National  Rei  reation  Asso- 
ciation, will  serve  as  «•<•!. -tar\  to  the 
coinmilli -i  . 

I  IK-    association.     wh>.-c     headipiar- 
ters   and    field    staff    will    provide   as- 
sistance   I"    the    coitmiillc.      li.i-    been 
acli\e  in  tin-  recruitment,  training  and 
j.l.K  .  inenl  of  rcc  realion  |M-rsonnel  -ince 
I'XKi.    Die    groiinduork    foi     lat.-i    d( 
\elopmenls   was   laid   by   a   committee 
.ippointed   at    tin     fu-1    national    i 
lion  con^n-oi  in    I'XlT.    \   program  for 
the   re<  ruilment    of    ici  ic.itimi    [M-I-CHI 
nel  and  a  placement   -<r\i>e  to  asuist 
the  growing  number   of  i  ilie.  in-iitui 
ing  eommunit  >i  -\«tem<>  wa- 


c-tahlished  by  the  association  shortly 
thereafter. 

With  the  present  rapid  expansion  of 
recreation  programs  and  facilities,  the 
increased  recognition  of  the  need  for 
recreation  in  modern  high-tension  liv- 
ing, the  increased  responsibilit)  »f 
recreation  executives  for  larger  budg- 
ets and  more  comprehensive  pro- 
grams, the  trend  toward  specializa- 
tion of  recreation  leadership  in  new 
as  well  as  traditional  areas,  and  the 
increased  demand  for  professionally 
qualified  workers,  it  is  now  imperative 
that  the  whole  area  of  recruiting,  train- 
ing and  placing  recreation  per-onnel 
be  rc--tudied.  Thi-  will  lie  the  function 
of  the  National  Advisor)  Committee. 

Outstanding  rcprc-cnt.ilixes  of  all 
the  broad  areas  of  recreation  -ci\i.c 
have  lieen  invited  to  sene  on  ihe  ad- 
\i-"i\  committee,  and  have  re-ponded 
to  the  imitation  \\liolchcailcdK.  The 
pcr-nniicl  of  the  committee  will  IK- 
announced  in  the  near  future.  \lrcad\. 
it  ha>  receited  historical  information 
and  is  considering  appropriate  .H.  .1- 
and  priorilie*  of  iiiNc-ligalon  l>\  -nli 
i  innmittei's.  The  n-soi  i.itimi '-  profo- 
-i. .nal  slat!  is  preparing  additional 
dm  umentai\  material  and  making  b.i- 
-i-  -Indie-  fnr  n-c  b\  the  i  oinmit- 
i  lire  -in  li  -ui\c\  loM-iing  (  ur 
rent  (  ompeii-.ilion  and  ( ondition-  of 
emploN  inent  will  be  reported  in  the 

->cplemlHT    i— lie    of    l!l  I   111    M  \»\.'    Oth- 
er   ipie-lion-  .ind   stiggc-tiiins    from    the 
profe««ion  will  be  welcome,  and  -hoiild 
ldre--cd    to    the    -<••  i.-t.iM    of    the 

committee. 


l'f|.rinl-    atllUlilr    aflrr    Junr     l.'i.     1'*."^'. 
National    Rrcrration     \--oriation.    Pri' 


UM 


RH  Ht  \ii(i\ 


ii in.-  <  lull* 

Sirs: 

I  have  noticed  some  recent  corre- 
spondence in  RECREATION  in  regard  to 
Rifle  Clubs  for  boys.  We  have  spon- 
sored a  Junior  Rifle  Club,  affiliated 
with  the  National  Rifle  Association, 
for  two  years. 

Our  own  club  is  composed  of  fifty 
hoys,  ages  twelve  to  eighteen.  We  use 
the  police  range  in  the  City  Hall  and 
have  obtained  some  excellent  instruc- 
tors among  men  who  have  fired  in 
state  and  national  competitions.  Most 
of  the  boys  use  their  own  guns,  but 
guns  are  made  available  for  those  who 
have  none. 

Our  instructors,  who  are  with  the 
boys  on  the  firing  line  at  all  times, 
continually  stress  safety  in  the  use  of 
firearms.  Each  boy's  target  is  scored 
and  recorded.  When  he  has  qualified 
for  a  certain  medal,  it  is  ordered 
through  the  National  Rifle  Association. 
The  police  have  helped  with  the  pro- 
gram and  in  so  doing  have  gained  the 
respect  and  confidence  of  the  boys. 

We  have  stressed  individual  accom- 
plishment to  date  rather  than  compe- 
tition and  have  found  that  this  has 
been  especially  helpful  to  those  who 
were  not  well  adjusted  socially.  They 
have  learned  self-reliance  and  have  im- 
proved in  their  attitude  toward  the 
group.  When  we  feel  that  they  have 
just  about  reached  the  maximum  of 
their  ability,  they  will  be  divided  into 
teams  for  competitive  shooting  in  order 
that  there  will  be  no  Interest  lag. 

The  restlessness  which  comes  from 
wailing  turns  to  shoot  has  been  over- 
come by  inaugurating  checker  tourna- 
ments and  domino  games,  and  the  ten- 
dency toward  boisterousness  and 
roughhouse  has  disappeared. 

The  majority  of  the  members  of  our 
dub  are  boys  who  have  shown  very 
little  interest  in  competitive  sports  and 

Ji  \i   1952 


we  feel  that  it  gives  this  group  an  ex- 
cellent hobby. 

WAYNE  BLY,  Superintendent  of  Rec- 

reation, Atchison,  Kansas. 


s  of  Maiorial 

Sirs: 

I  have  just  read  Mr.  Prendergast's 
article  "Sources  of  Material  for  Cul- 
tural Recreation  Programs",  in  the 
February  number  of  RECREATION. 

There  are  many  parts  in  this  article 
that  I  could  quote,  to  which  I  would 
shout  Amen,  but  it  is  all  good.  His 
reference  to  some  of  our  giants  of  the 
past  was  the  tenor  of  the  plea  I  tried 
to  make  in  the  Literature  Division  of 
the  Boston  Congress.  Our  youth  do  not 
know  the  past,  therefore,  how  can  they 
re-live  it,  recreationally  speaking? 

I  don't  think  any  of  our  leaders  in 
the  field  should  be  representing  our 
great  movement  who  have  not  read 
L.  P.  Jacks  or  Joseph  Lee,  and  the 
many  others  referred  to  in  the  article. 
No  other  leading  profession  would 
place  their  stamp  of  approval  on  such 
ignorance  of  their  background.  I'll 
grant  you,  we  are  a  leadership  of 
doers,  but  we  must  have  some  dreamers 
and  thinkers  to  give  reason  for  our 
many  activities. 

A  quotation  from  article,  seems  to 
sum  up  the  whole  matter,  "Feeding  the 
spirit  is  much  more  important  than 
training  the  body." 

(in  ANT  D.  BRANDON,  Director  of  Rec- 

nmlion,  Lancaster,  Pennsylvania. 

t.  it  lit-   I  «-;iuii<- 

Sirs: 

I  have  read  your  report  of  the  sur- 
vey, on  "Competitive  Athletics  for  Boys 
Under  Twelve"  in  the  February  issue 
of  the  magazine  RECREATION,  with  in- 
terest. As  a  strong  advocate  of  Little 
League  baseball,  I  wish  to  compliment 
the  association's  fair  presentation  of 


the  problem  on  competitive  sports  for 
this  age  group.  I  might  suggest,  how- 
ever, that  many  of  the  objections  raised 
against  such  a  program  are  very  nicely 
covered  in  the  booklet  issued  by  Lit- 
tle League  headquarters,  entitled,  "This 
Is  Little  League."* 

DANIEL  J.  MCFADDEN,  Superinten- 
dent of  Parks  and  Recreation,  Ar- 
lington, Massachusetts. 

*Available  from  Little  League  Baseball,  In- 
corporated, 348  William  Street,  Williamsport, 
Pennsylvania. 

Tin-  Magazine 

Sirs: 

I  have  served  in  recreation  work 
from  community  recreation  through 
university  campus  recreation,  the  Army 
Special  Service  program  to  the  Veterans 
Administration,  and  I  am  truly  sur- 
prised with  the  excellent  coverage  of 
every  phase  of  recreation  that  appears 
monthly  in  RECREATION. 

This  magazine  serves  as  a  tool  to 
keep  me  alert — with  material  and  ideas 
which  keep  me  alive  in  my  profession. 
Particularly  in  my  work  with  domi- 
ciled veterans  there  is  a  great  chal- 
lenge in  meeting  the  recreation  needs 
of  the  older  age  groups. 

By  constantly  receiving  "fuel  for 
thought"  I  experience  a  greater  reward 
of  growth  and  happiness  in  my  work. 
The  article,  "Sources  of  Material  For 
Cultural  and  Recreational  Programs" 
by  Joseph  Prendergast,  in  the  February- 
issue,  was  excellent. 

ALYCE  E.  HUSA,  Recreation  Director 
For   the    Veterans   Administration 
Special  Service  Division,  Iowa  City, 
Iowa. 
Sirs: 

The  April  issue  of  RECREATION  is 
the  best  issue  ever  published  for  use 
by  general  staff  members  and  we  want 
to  furnish  a  copy  to  each  of  our  sum- 
mer supervisors. 

W.  A.  MOORE,  Superintendent,  De- 
partment of  Public  Parks  and  Rec- 
reation, Louisville,  Kentucky. 


FLEXI   SWING  SEAT 

"A  Safe  Swing   Seat" 
Order  Today-$3.95  F.O.B.  Factory 


CHAMPION 
RECREATION   EQUIPMENT 

P.O.   474-Highland   Park,   III. 


127 


NATIONAL    RECREATION    ASSOCIATION 

A  Service  Organization  Supported  by  Voluntary  Contributions 
JOSEPH  PRENDERGAST,  Executive  Director 


OFFICERS 

Ono  T.  MALLEI  Y  ..................  Chairman  of   the  Board 

PAUL    MOORE,   Jm  ......................  Fine    Vice-Prcsident 

Mis.    OCDIN    L.    MILLS  ...............  Second    Vice-President 

SUSAN  M.  LIE.  .Third  Vice-President  and  Secretary  of  the  Hoard 
AMIAN    M.    MASIIE  ............................  Trcaturer 

GUSTATUS  T.  KIIRY  ....................  Treasurer  Emeritut 

JOSEPH      PRENDERGAIT 


BOARD  OF  DIRECTORS 


F.  W.  H.  ADAMI New  York.  N    Y 

B  hi  MI% Boston,  Mass. 

MB*.  ROBERT  WOOD*  BLISS Washington,  D.  C. 

MR*.  ARIIIIR  G.  CUMMER Jacksonville,  Hi 

W u  HAM  H.  DATM New  York,  N     1 

HARRT  P.  DAVISON New  York.  N.  Y 

GAYLOKO  DONNELLEY Chicago.  III. 

MRS.  PAL-L  GAII  A<.HIR Omaha,  Nehr, 

RI-BI  •  i  (.ARRITT Baltimore,  Md. 

AL*TI*  E.  GRIFFITH* Seattle.  Wash. 

MRV  NORMAN  HARROWI* Fitchburg,  Man 

Mil.  CHARLES  V.  HICKOX Michigan  City,  Ind. 


MR*.  JOHN  D.  JAMESON Bcllport.  N.  Y. 

SUSAN  M,  Ur New  York,  N.  Y. 

OTTO  T.  MALLUT Philadelphia,  Pa. 

CARI  F.  Mn  i  nr  N Augutta,  Me. 

MR*.  OCDEN  L.  MUM New  York,  N.  Y. 

PAUI  MOORE,  J» J*r*ey  Ci: 

JOSEPH  PRCNDERC.AST New  York,  N.  Y. 

MRS.  SK.MUND  STERN San  Francitco.  Calif. 

GRANT  I  i r  s *  OUT n Noroion,  Conn. 

MRS.  WILLIAM  VAN  AIEN Philadelphia.  Pa. 

J.  C.  WAMH Yonkeri.  N.  Y. 

PUBwaUCI  M.  *  ARILRC New  York.  N     V 


Executive  Director's  Offict 
GtoacR  E.  DICKIE  THOMAS  E.  RIVERS 

tin  DA    HARRISOK  ARTHUR    WILLIAMS 

ALFRED  H.  WILSON 
Correipontlence   and    Consultation 

Service 
VIRGINIA  MuisiLMAN 

GlRTRUDC    BotCHARD 

Recreation    Magazine 

DOROTHY  DONALDSON 

Special     Publications 

Rose  JAT  SCHWARTI  MURIEL    MC.GANN 

Personnel    Service 

WILIABO  C.  SUTHERLAND  ALFRED  B.  JENSEN 
MARY  GUKERNAY 


HEADQUARTERS   STAFF 

Research   Department 

GEORGE  D.  Bt  TI  i  R 
LM/AIIIH  CLIPTON  DAVID  J.  DtBois 

Work  with  Volunteers 

E.  BEATRICE  STEAKS* 
MART  QUIRK  MARGARET  DANE  WORTH 

Field    Department 

CHARLES  E.  REED  JAMES  A.  MADISON 

GCORCE  T.  ADAMS  HELENA  G.  Horr 

Ri*  HARD  S.  WBITCATE 


Servict  to  Stttrt ROBERT  R.  GAMBLB 

Are  tt  **J  Facilities — Fltnminn  *mJ  Swnoi 

H.  C.  HUTCHINS  ALAN  B.   BIRRITI 

LISLIE  LYNCH 

Kitbrrtme   F,   Barker   Mrmorifl 
Sfcrtitry  for  Womrm  **J  Cirlt 

HELEN  M.  DAUNCCT 

ImJmitntl   Rscrfitiom C.    E.    BREWER 

Kremlin*    LriJrnbip    Tnimtmi   Comrttt 
KITH  F.tit  ERS  ANNE  LIVINGSTON 

MILDRED  SCANLON  FRANK  A. 

GRACE  WALB.ES 


N*w  EaigUad  District 

WALDO   R.    HAINSWQRTH  .  .BOSTON,    MA** 

(Present  address  .  .  .  New  York) 

Middle  Atlantic    District 

JOHN  W.  FAUST East  Orange,  N.   J. 

GIMCE  A.  Nisarrr New  York.  N.   Y 

(.real    Lakes    District 

JOHN  J.  COLLIU Toledo,  Ohio 

RoetRT    L.    HOCNIT Madison,    Wis. 


DISTRICT   REPRESENTATIVES 

Southern  District 

Miss  MARION  Purer Alexandria,  Va. 

RALPH   VAN    FLEET Clearwater,   Fla. 

WILLIAM  M.  HAT Nashville.  Tenn. 


M.dwe«t  District 


ARTHVR   Tooo Kansas  City,  Mo. 

MAROID    LATHROF Denver,   Colo. 


Southwest    District 
HAROLD  VAN  ARSDALE Dallas,  Tet. 

Pacific  Northwest  District 
WUXARD  H.  SMI  MARD Seattle.  Wash. 

Pacific   Southwest    District 
LYNN   S.   RODNBT Los   Angelci,  Calif. 


Affiliate  Membership 

AaUiste  cnembership  in  the  National 
Recreation  Aitociatioo  is  open  to  all  non- 
profit private  and  public  org  snitittoni 
whoee  fvnctioM  U  wholly  or  primanlv  the 
pewvisiw*  or  prosssotioa  of  recreation  scr*- 
tcea  or  which  isscUde  recreation  as  an  im- 
poetaat  part  of  their  total  program  and 
whose  cooperation  in  th«  work  of  the  s**»- 
cution  would,  la  the  opinion  of  the  ****• 
ciation's  Board  of  Directors,  further  the 
end.  of  the  national  recreation  movement 


Active  Associate  Membership 

Active  associate  membership  in  the 
National  Recreation  Atsociation  is  open  to 
all  individuals  who  art  active!?  engaged 
on  s  full-time  or  part-time  employed  basil 
or  ai  volunteers  in  a  nonprofit  private  or 
public  recreation  organiiation  and  whose 
cooperation  in  the  work  of  the  association 
would,  in  the  opinion  of  the  association** 
Bosrd  of  Directors,  further  the  ends  of  the 
national  recreation  movement 


Contributors 

Toe  continuation  of  the  work  of  the 
National  Recreation  Association  from  year 
to  fear  is  made  possible  bv  the  splendid 
cooperation  of  several  hundred  volunteer 
sponsors  throughout  the  country,  and  thr 
attributions  of  thousands  of  sup 


itaWOM  contributions  of  thousands  of  tup- 
porters  of  this  movement  to  bring  health. 
hippinot  and  creative  living  to  the  bovi 
and  girls  and  the  men  and  women  of 
America  If  you  would  tike  to  run  in  the 
support  of  this  movement.  vo«  may  send 
your  contribution  direct  to  tne  astociatmn 


Thr  National  Krcmtion  Asftociatton  i»  a  nation- 
whir,  nonprofit,  nnnpnlitical  and  nontcctarian  civic 
nrgani/aimn.  r*uhh-h*-.|  in  1906  and  tupported  by 
voluntary  contribution^,  and  dediralrd  to  the  terv* 
irr  of  all  rrcrraiton  *-\r<-uti\ra.  Irader*  and  agen- 


cies, public  and  private,  to  the  end  that  every  child 
in  America  shall  have  a  place  to  play  in  *afeiy  and 
that  every  person  in  America,  young  and  old,  shall 
have  an  opportunity  for  the  best  and  nm-i  satisfy- 
ing use  of  his  expanding  lri*urr  time. 


For  further  information  regarding  the  tutociation't  service?*  and  membership,  p/rosr  u-nie  to  the 
Executive  Director.  Nation**  Recreation  Atsociation,  3IS  Fourth  Avenue.  New  York  10.  New  York, 


RECREATION 


Tin1  Plan1  of  Supervision 
in  a  l!iii  iTiiiinii  Program 


A  Guest  Editorial 

Supervision  is  a  process  through 
which  the  work  of  an  organization 
"gets  done."  In  a  recreation  bureau  or 
department  the  responsibility  for  su- 
pervision is  delegated  to  the  superin- 
tendent by  the  recreation  commission 
and  in  turn  is  further  delegated  to 
some  members  of  the  staff,  in  accord- 
ance with  the  functional  distribution 
of  the  work  of  the  organization.  The 
supervisors  are  the  "middle  men"  in 
the  organizational  structure.  It  is  the 
supervisors  who  help  the  superintend- 
ent and,  through  him,  the  commis- 
sioners to  adjust  the  structure  of  the 
organization  to  the  changing  needs  of 
the  community.  It  is  the  supervisors 
who  help  the  superintendents  to  es- 
tablish channels  of  communication 
through  which  recreation  workers  par- 
ticipate in  the  planning  and  policy 
making  aspects  of  the  program.  It  is 
the  supervisors  who  help  the  workers 
to  understand  the  organizational  struc- 
ture through  which  the  program 
achieves  unity.  The  supervisors,  work- 
ing with  the  superintendent  on  one 
hand  and  with  the  workers  on  the 
other,  are  the  key  people  in  the  de- 
velopment of  a  social  climate  in  which 
not  only  each  worker,  but  also  the 
participating  public,  find  satisfying  so- 
cial experience. 

Supervision  is  a  relationship  be- 
tween employees  of  an  organization 
through  which  those  staff  members 
designated  as  supervisors  have  the  ob- 
ligation to  help  the  workers  respon- 
sible to  them  to  perform  their  func- 
tions effectively.  In  recreation,  these 
workers  may  be  paid  or  volunteer, 
part-time  or  full-time.  They  may  be 
recreation  workers  or  workers  with  as- 


AUTIIOR,  professor  of  social  welfare, 
University  of  California,  is  a  well- 
known  leader  in  group  work  field. 

JUNE  1952 


signments  in  clerical  or  maintenance 
work.  They  may  be  specialists,  such 
as  umpires  or  referees,  engineers  or 
carpenters. 

It  is  the  responsibility  of  the  staff 
of  a  recreation  bureau  to  develop  the 
organizational  structure,  under  the 
leadership  of  the  superintendent  and 
the  supervisors,  in  which  each  worker 
participates  in  the  process  through 
which  policies  and  procedures  are 
determined  and  overall  program  plan- 
ning is  achieved. 

Workers  are  able  to  participate  ef- 
fectively in  planning  and  administer- 
ing a  recreation  bureau  when:  (1) 
they  have  knowledge,  aptitude  and 
temperament  to  do  the  work  assigned; 
(2)  they  are  introduced  to  their  jobs 
through  a  well-planned  and  skillfully 
taught  orientation  course;  (3)  they 
clearly  understand  their  duties  and 
responsibilities  and  how  their  work 
is  related  to  that  of  other  members 
of  the  staff;  (4)  they  know  to  whom 
they  are  responsible  and  to  whom 
they  can  go  for  help  (wherever  pos- 
sililr.  no  worker  should  be  responsible 
to  more  than  one  supervisor)  ;  (5) 
they  feel  appreciated,  receive  recogni- 
tion for  work  well  done  and  construc- 
tive criticism  for  their  failures,  trust 
their  supervisors  and  identify  their 
work  with  that  of  the  whole  organiza- 
tion in  which  they  have  a  reasonable 
degree  of  pride.* 

The  above  description  of  the  condi- 
tions which  enable  workers  to  partici- 
pate effectively  on  the  staff  of  a  rec- 
reation bureau  clearly  indicates  the 
skill  and  functions  of  a  recreation 
supervisor.  He  must  have: 

1.  Ability  to  recruit  and  select  work- 
ers with  knowledge,  skill  and  person- 


*  Adapted  from  George  D.  Halsey,  Hand- 
book of  Personnel  Management.  New  York: 
Harper  &  Brothers,  1947. 


by  Gertrude  Wilson 

ality  for  performing  work  to  be  done. 

2.  Skill   in   planning   and   teaching 
orientation  courses. 

3.  Skill  in  development  of  organiza- 
tional structure  based  on  specific  job 
descriptions  and  clear  cut  lines  of  re- 
sponsibility. 

4.  Skill  in  helping   (teaching,  guid- 
ing   and    directing)     workers    to    in- 
crease their  quality  of  performance. 

5.  Skill  in  helping  workers  to  eval- 
uate   their   own   work,    enjoy    success 
and  profit  from  failure. 

6.  Capacity  to  establish  relationships 
from  which   workers  develop  a  sense 
of  trust. 

7.  Ability  to  share  his  own   pride 
in  and  identification  with  the  recrea- 
tion bureau  with  other  workers. 

Discussion  of  the  above  functions 
and  skills  of  a  supervisor  with  a  group 
of  recreation  workers,  consisting  of 
twenty-five  supervisors,  nine  superin- 
tendents, one  member  of  a  state  rec- 
reation commission  and  one  staff  mem- 
ber of  the  commission,  brought  out 
the  following  questions  which  may  be 
typical  of  questions  in  the  minds  of 
many  recreation  workers: 

1.  What    support   should    a    super- 
visor expect  from  a  superintendent  in 
carrying   out   these  functions? 

2.  Should    a    supervisor    expect    to 
receive  this  type  of  supervision  from 
the  superintendent? 

3.  Does  a  worker  ever  achieve  suf- 
ficient   competence    to    function    with- 
out supervision?  If  so,  by  what  criteria 
may  such  competence  be  achieved? 

4.  To   what   extent   do   supervisors 
recruit  and  select  workers  in  a  civil 
service  system? 

5.  How  can  multiple  supervision  be 
avoided  in  a  department  where  super- 
visory positions  are  defined  in  terms 
of  program  specializations? 

6.  How   can    a   supervisor   help   to 
develop    a    democratic    administrative 

129 


(lose  Vour  Train  Room 
linn r  and  Say  Tnrlrr. 
II  nk r  mi1  n |i  in  Seal  llr" 

Congress  City—  Seattle.  Washington 
Dates  -  September  28  to  October  3 
Official  Train  —  Northern  Pacific 


There's  nothing  like  a  transcon- 
tinental train  for  rest,  and  good 
fellowship  during  any  hours  you 
want  to  be  awake.  There  may  even 
be  conferences,  arguments,  talk. 
noise,  fun  as  the  official  NBA  con- 
vention train  rolls  along.  Delegates 
can  be  busy  when  not  sleeping.  But 
sleep  everybody  who's  tired  will. 
The  N.P.  roadbed  puts  you  to  sleep. 

OhPThwe'l  one  wild  night  on  this 

trip!  It's  a  Barn  Dancr  in  Montana, 

.it    (.hico    Springs      the   folk-dance- 

s<|nare-dance  capital  of  Paradise  Val- 

v.vmg  your  partners"! 

And  there's  an  extra-special  stop 
to  see  Yellowstone  1'ark.  Yellow- 
stone is  officially  closed  hut  \l;\ 
|)rie«l  the  place  o|>en-jiist  for  us. 

There's  .i  Coii\ention  Trip  folder 
printed,  with  pictures.  Send  for  it. 
if  there's  the  slightest  chance  that 
von  can  »o  to  Seattle  next  Septem- 
her  I'lease  address 


National  Recreation  Association 
315  Fourth  Avenue, 
New  York  K>   \  1 


structure   in   a    department    to    whiih 
-in-li  a  concept  is  foreign? 

7.  What  t\|M-  of  content  should  be 
included     in    an     orientation    coni-e.' 
How    does   a   supervisor   evaluate   his 
trarhing  methods?  How  improve  them? 

8.  How   can    a   supervisor   teach    a 
worker  to  carry  out  his  work  respon- 
sibly? 

9.  How  can  a  supervisor  maintain 
hi-  position  as  a  "supervisor"  and  at 
the  same  time  have  friendly  relation- 
ships with  his  fellow  workers? 

10.  How    much   time   should   a   su- 
pervisor spend  with  each  supervisee? 
Can  o'ne  supervisor  be  responsible  for 
as  many  as  forty-five  or  fifty  workers? 

These  questions  reflect  the  serious 
thinking  of  a  group  of  recreation  lead- 
ers struggling  to  emerge  as  competent 
professional  workers.  The  questions 
raised  are  those  which  are  perplexing 
many  workers  in  all  of  the  professions. 
They  indicate  areas  for  study  and  re- 
search. The  questions  also  clearly  in- 
dicate what  supervision,  in  many  rec- 
reation departments  (and  in  other 
areas  of  work)  actually  is  in  <  »n- 
trast  to  the  previous  statement  of  what 
supervision  should  be  when  considered 
in  the  light  of  personnel  management 
principles  based  on  understanding  hu- 
man relationships. 

During  recent  years  the  attention 
of  socially  minded  scholars  in  many 
fields  has  been  directed  to  studies  in 
human  relations  with  the  result  that 
it  is  now  recognized  that  one  of  the 
great  needs  of  human  beings  is  to  be- 
long to  a  group  in  which  there  is 
an  opportunity  to  participate  in  il- 
management  and  program.  The  public 
awareness  of  (In-  value  of  self-govern- 
ing  groups  has  created  a  demand  f»i 
.1  different  type  of  service  from  rec- 
n-.ilion  worker-  a-  well  as  from  other 
-01  i.il  worker-,  teaeher-.  pin  -i'  ian-. 
clerfiv.  and  those  in  all  other  profes- 
-ioii-  who  work  with  |H-o|)le.  Th. 

re, ill. .n     Woiki'I      who    i 'ii.li  lie-.     Irarhe-. 

leads  or  advises  a  team.  da—,  ii  < 
group    or    i-luli    need-    two     Ivjie*    of 
•kill:     I  1  I    skill    in    under-landing    the 
d\  n. mm,    of    hum, in    l.cli. i\  lot    anil    in 
il-inp    lh.it    under-lending    a«   he   deter 
mine,  hi-  own   l>eliii\ior  Us  lie  e...u  he-. 

••«.  lead*  or  advim-n.  and  <2i   -kill 
iti  the  program  content   he  II«M-«  when 

he     .  ...II  hi-.,     li-.li  ||i-v      I,  .id-     "1      .!•' 


One  type  of  skill  without  the  other 
is  a  job  half  done. 

Recreation  worker-  need  help  from 
their  -uper\  i.-or-  in  n  n  ile  r-ta  ml  i  n  }• 
themselves  and  their  relation-hip*  to 
the  groups  and  individuals  with  whom 
thcv  work.  They  need  help  in  learning 
how  to  work  with  one  another  as  -tall 
members.  They  need  help  in  learning 
how  to  think  about  and  participate 
in  the  recreation  bureau  as  a  whole. 
They  need  help  in  relating  the  pro- 
gram of  the  recreation  bureau  to  the 
community  as  a  whole.  These  are  the 
elements  of  professional  growth  which 
the  supervisor  seeks  to  stimulate. 

While  a  great  deal  of  the  success 
which  a  supervisor  achieves  in  this 
large  responsibility  is  dependent  upon 
his  own  understanding  of  himself,  and 
of  the  behavior  of  others,  individually 
and  in  groups,  as  well  as  upon  his 
knowledge  and  skill  in  recreational 
activities — the  skill  he  may  possess 
will  be  negated  in  an  organization 
where  administrative  structure  and 
procedures  are  not  in  harmony  with 
the  nature  of  the  relationships  which 
the  supervisor  is  trying  to  help  the 
workers  to  e-tabli-h  with  their  groups. 
Recreation  is  not  a  commodity,  it  is 
a  powerful  force  through  which  peo- 
ple relate  to  one  another  to  achieve  a 
variety  of  purposes.  Public  support  of 
recreational  programs  is  predic  ated 
upon  a  belief  that  it  enhance-  po-itivc 
human  relations  and  provides  oppor- 
tunity for  mam  people  to  experiem  e 
deinocrnc)  through  participation  on 
manv  levels.  The  aehie\ement  of  this 
goal  is  determined  as  much  hv  the 
i|ualit\  of  the  relationship  l>etween 
eommi  — ioneis.  -iiperinlendent-.  super- 
si-.. i-  and  workei-.  .1-  \<\  the  knowl- 
edge and  skill  of  the  worker-  who 
work  direct U  with  the  participating 
public. 

(Jelling  the  work  of  an  agem  v  done 
is  a  large  cooperative  undertaking  in 

which  commis-ionei-.  raperinteodmti 

-upervi-ors  and  worker-  p.irlii  ip.ile. 
Ih.  .  hallenge  to  achieve  a  real  -o.  i.il 
experiem  e  through  thi-  endeavor  is 
one  which  niii-t  be  .u  <  epled  in  -piril. 
and  fortified  In  -tudv  .unl  ri--e.mli. 
to  identifv  the  nature  of  .in  ideal  situa- 
tion Ion. ml  whii  h  to  -Irive  and  to  de- 
ve|op  method-  of  work  through  which 
to  reach  it. 

Ill  i  1:1   MliiN 


*•  DELEGATES  TO  THE  NATIONAL  REC- 
REATION CONGRESS  in  Seattle  will  be 
interested  to  know  that  the  "official 
route"  for  transcontinental  travel  is 
being  sponsored  by  the  Northern  Paci- 
fic Railway.  (See  pages  130  and  133  in 
this  issue  of  RECREATION.)  September 
26,  1952  will  be  National  Recreation 
Congress  Day  in  Yellowstone  National 
Park. 

*•  CONTRACTS  HAVE  JUST  BEEN  SIGNED 
li\  (lie  National  Recreation  Association 
with  the  National  Park  Service  to 
make :  ( 1 )  a  survey  to  determine  the 
extra-urban  recreation  needs,  interests, 
preferences  and  opportunities  of  typi- 
cal urban  areas  within  the  New  Eng- 
land-New York  region,  and  (2)  a  sur- 
vey of  Alaska  to  (a)  determine  the 
adequacy  of  community  park  and 
recreation  programs  and  formulate 
general  recommendations  for  expand- 
ing and  improving  such  programs,  and 
(b  I  determine  for  Alaska,  as  a  whole, 
both  urban  and  extra-urban  recreation 
needs,  interests  and  preferences  and 
the  need  for  expanding  existing  pro- 
grams and  initiating  new  ones. 
*•  A  NEWS  RELEASE  ON  LOCAL  RECREA- 
TION EXPENDITURES,  which  has  recently 
appeared  in  newspapers  throughout 
tin-  country,  has  carried  a  statement 
relating  to,  in  each  instance,  the  local 
expenditures  for  community  recrea- 
tion. Figures  quoted  have  obviously 
been  drawn  from  the  1950  Recreation 
and  Park  Yearbook.  The  news  release, 
however,  was  not  issued  by  the  Na- 
tional Recreation  Association,  nor  did 
the  association  have  any  knowledge 
that  such  a  story  was  being  circulated. 
It  is  unfortunate  that  some  of  the  state- 
ments were  based  upon  incomplete  re- 
turns, as  submitted  by  the  agencies  re- 
porting for  the  Yearbook,  and  were 
therefore  misleading  as  to  the  total 
picture  in  each  locality. 

This  experience  illustrates  the  im- 
portance of  submitting  accurate  and 
complete  reports  for  the  Yearbook. 

If  you  are  interested  in  comparing 
the  1950  non-capital  recreation  and 
park  expenditures  of  your  city  with 
ilio-c  of  other  cities  of  similar  size, 
you  will  find  in  the  March  1952  issue 
of  UECREATION  tables  analyzing  these 
expenditures  in  terms  of  per  capita 
amounts  spent  by  cities  in  various 
population  groups. 


*•  HIGHLY  COMPETITIVE  SPORTS  were 
described  by  experts  as  being  bad  for 
children  below  the  ninth  grade  —  both 
physically  and  mentally  —  at  the  an- 
nual convention  of  the  American  Asso- 
ciation for  Health.  Physical  Education 
and  Recreation,  in  Los  Angeles  in 
April  1952.  The  opinions  of  the  two 
hundred  twenty  physicians,  including 
specialists  in  pediatrics,  cardiology  and 
orthopedics,  were  presented,  and  the 
overwhelming  views  expressed  were 
against  ''little  bowl"  contests  and  pub- 
licity or  "peP  talks"  which  induce 
superhuman  efforts  by  the  youngsters. 
It  was  agreed  that  all  youngsters  need 
sports  for  moral  as  well  as  physical 
development.  Broader  athletic  pro- 
grams were  stressed  which  would  in- 
clude all  youngsters  with  concern  for 
health  coming  before  interests  in  a 
winning  team. 

^  A  NEW  NATIONAL  PRODUCTION  AU- 
THORITY ORDER,  to  be  in  affect  as  of 
July  first,  permits  construction  of 
swimming  pools  and  other  Table  I  fa- 
cilities; and  major  community  recrea- 
tion buildings  can  be  constructed  after 
October  5,  1952.  Commercial  construc- 
tion and  community  recreation  build- 
ings are  permitted  to  use  up  to  five 
tons  of  carbon  steel  including  not 
more  than  two  tons  of  structural  steel 
and  two  hundred  pounds  of  copper 
and  two  hundred  and  fifty  pounds  of 
aluminum  per  quarter.  This  material 
may  be  self-authorized  by  the  agency 
undertaking  the  construction.  Larger 
facilities  may  be  constructed  by  com- 
bining the  self-authorized  allotments 
for  two  quarters. 

*•  A    LONG-RANGE    PROGRAM    SURVEY    to 

determine  the  needs  of  service  men 
and  women  stationed  at  camps  through- 
out the  country,  was  announced  by  the 
USO  in  March.  The  survey  will  be 
conducted  by  USO's  Program  Advisory 
Committee,  under  the  chairmanship  of 
Dean  Kenneth  Johnson  of  the  New 
York  School  of  Social  Work,  Colum- 
bia University.  Executive  administra- 
tor for  the  study  will  be  Dr.  David 
DeMarche,  director  of  group  work  and 
community  organization  at  Springfield 
College,  Springfield,  Massachusetts. 
*•  THE  PEOPLE  OF  OMAHA,  NEBRASKA. 
(population  247,408),  on  April  first, 
voted  to  retain  their  public  recreation 
commission.  This  was  the  third  suc- 


cessful result  from  similar  attempts  to 
abolish  all  local  administering  boards 
or  commissions  in  that  city.  The  vote 
was  42,496  to  29,007. 
*•  TACOMA,  WASHINGTON  (population 
142,975)  — On  March  11  the  voters 
approved  two  recreation  bond  issues 
by  a  three  to  one  majority.  This  in- 
cludes four  and  one-half  mills  for 
operation  and  five  mills  for  new  im- 
provements. 

*•  WlLLAMALANE  PARK  AND  RECREA- 
TION DISTRICT,  Springfield,  Oregon 
(population  10,771) — At  the  same  time 
and  by  a  large  majority,  a  $72,000 
bond  issue  passed  for  recreation  build- 
ing and  operation. 

^  CARLINVILLE,  ILLINOIS  (population 
4.965)  —  On  April  8  the  voters  of  this 
community  were  successful  in  their 
efforts,  through  a  referendum,  in  es- 
tablishing a  park  district. 
*•  THE  LIGHTED  SCHOOL  REFERENDUM 
FOR  CHICAGO,  ILLINOIS,  was  success- 
fully passed  on  April  8.  This  means 
that  the  school  board  will  have  an  op- 
portunity to  offer  community  center 
recreation  programs  in  many  new  sec- 
tions. 

^  ENTRANCE  REQUIREMENTS  for  the 
California  civil  service  class  of  recrea- 
tion therapist  have  been  liberalized  to 
allow  additional  men  and  women  to 
enter  state  service,  according  to  the 
California  State  Personnel  Board.  Now 
college  graduates  who  have  majored  in 
recreation  or  recreation  therapy  are 
eligible,  providing  their  major  has  in- 
cluded supervised  field  work.  Gradu- 
ates with  minors  in  recreation  or  rec- 
reation therapy,  certain  types  of  ma- 
jors and  a  year  of  group  recreation 
work  experience  may  also  apply,  as 
may  applicants  who  have  completed 
graduate  work  in  a  school  of  social 
work.  Detailed  information  and  appli- 
cation forms  may  be  obtained  from 
State  Personnel  Board  offices  in  Sacra- 
mento, San  Francisco  and  Los  Ange- 
les, or  any  local  department  of  em- 
ployment. 


CHAMPION 
TRAVEL   CLIMB 

Custom   Built 


A    body    building  —  fun  —  device 

Unequalled    in    the   c'imber   field. 

Write   for  catalog. 

CHAMPION 
RECREATION    EQUIPMENT 

P.O.    474 -Highland    Park,   III. 


131 


r 
A 


3.  1952 


SEATTLE  PLANS 


x> 


Paul   V.   Brown 


Ben   Evans 


John  R.  Vanderiicht 


BUI    Pond 


Robert   C.   S«*ph*nt 


/ ntlQClUC.ltiy     .,    (,.»    among   tin-    iiiiinx 
v.ho    in-  looking   forward  !<•  HC|.  inning   n-i  t.-.ihon   leaders 
I"  the  grral  Norlln\'-l  lhi«  fnll.  ami  who  will  act  a*  hosts 

ittle! 

F'«ul    V.    Hrown.    sii|.'Tinlrn<lrnt    nf    Sf«ltlr    l'«rk«:    Brn    Kvan*. 

Dirrrior   <il    R.,  rnliiin,    Srilllr    Park    l»r|>«rtmrnl :    John    R.    V»n- 

-hi.    |)ir><i>.[     Niitr    I'irk*   mi'-  '  "ill 

'ni. Km.  •'Ulr  l'«rk«  «ml  Rrrrr«iion 

I.  i       -•.  pdri         -  i p.  rintrnilrnl      K  •  .     '  MBt] 

l'«rk  mil  ReuBBtbu  Detriment. 

132 


Discussion  Will  Flourish 

With  the  helpful  cooperation  of  the  several  Congress 
committees  for  particular  aspects  of  this  year's  Congress 
in  Seattle,  the  Recreation  Congress  Committee  has  now  ilr- 
trrmined  the  topir>  which  will  be  covered  in  the  group 
discussions  of  the  meeting.  Discussion  always  has  heen 
the  very  heart  of  the  Congress,  and  this  war  will  see  im 
exception.  Thirty-five  different  meetings  are  planned,  at 
present,  not  including  those  especially  scheduled  on  the 
opening  day  of  the  Congress.  At  that  time,  recreation 
executives,  recreation  supervisors  and  worker*,  town  and 


Seated.  I.  to  '..  Nita  Upmeyer.  Fieldhouie  Supervitor  and 
George  D  Wyie,  Athletic  Supervitor,  King  County  Parkt  and 
Playfleldi;  Ruth  I.  Pike,  Recreation  Specialitt,  State  Pork,  and 
Recreation  Commiuion;  Pearl  Powell,  Recreation  Supervitor, 
Seattle  Park  Department.  Standing,  I.  to  r.,  Ralph  Wilton,  Rec- 
reation Specialitt,  State  Parkt  and  Recreation  Committion;  Lou 
Evant,  Attittant  Director  of  Recreation,  Seattle  Park  Depart- 
ment; Rutted  Porter,  Community  Recreation  Supervisor,  King 
County  Porki  and  Playfleldt. 


Kl  •  10  UlnN 


country  recreation  workers  (formerly  called  "rural"),  hos- 
pital recreation  workers  and  industrial  recreation  leaders 
will  hold  their  special  sessions.  Still  another  special  group 
of  guests  will  meet  on  Monday,  but  members  are  not  plan- 
ning to  waste  the  whole  day  in  meeting.  They  are  the 
wives  of  Congress  delegates.  Once  they  have  decided  on 
an  interesting  program  for  the  day  and  the  week,  the 
chances  are  that  they  will  promptly  go  about  executing 
a  course  of  action. 

The  Recreation  Congress  Committee  is  busily  engaged 
now  at  finding  the  best  possible  people  to  assist  with  the 
development  of  the  discussion  topics.  Suggestions,  if  they 
can  be  sent  in  very  soon,  will  be  gratefully  received.  Study 
the  topics  listed  and  begin  to  collect  your  own  questions  to 
throw  into  the  hopper  for  those  meetings  in  which  you 
are  especially  interested. 

The  Congress  Preliminary  Pamphlet  has  been  published 
and  mailed  to  several  thousand  recreation  leaders.  If  for 
any  reason  your  copy  has  not  reached  you,  please  write 
for  one  and  it  will  be  sent  promptly. 

In  the  following  list  of  topics,  key  words  are  italicized. 
They  cover  an  unusually  wide  range  of  problems  this  year. 
As  much  care  as  possible  is  being  taken  to  schedule  these 
meetings  so  that  a  minimum  of  conflicts  will  result. 


Discussion  Topics 

Building  the  Recreation  Program — Arts  and  Crafts  For  Board 
Members  Only 

How  Arc  Municipalities  Providing  Camping  Opportunities? 

Building   a   Well-Rounded    Program   in   Indoor   Recreation   Centers 

Organizing  and  Leading  Church  Recreation  Programs 

Why  Civil  Defense  Needs  Recreation 

The  Role  of  County  Government  in  Recreation 

Employee  Recreation   in  a  Defense  Setting 

Building  the  Recreation  Program — Dramatics 

Strengthening  the  Family  through  Recreation 

Developing  Programs  for  Girls  and  Women 

Highly  Organized  Midget  Athletics  Are  Harmful — Fact  or  Fancy? 

Where  to  Get  More  Money  for  More  Service 

Doing  Our  Best  with  What  Money  We  Get 

Building  the  Recreation  Program — Music 

Idea."  That  Work  for  Off-Post  Recreation 

\<  ii\ily  Programs  for  Oldsters 

Doubling  in  Brass — The  One-Man  Department 

Recreation  in  I'ai/.s  and  Forests — National.  Stale  and  Local 

Recreation  Personnel  Problems 

I'rl  Ideas 

Do  Others  See  You  as  You  See  Yourself? — Are  Your  Public  Rela- 
tions Showing? 

Recreation  and  Park  Department  Relationships 

Appraising  1952's  Recreation  Research  Development. - 

Ki-ginnal  Recreation  Planning  At  Work — Puget  Sound   Park  Study 

Regional  Recreation  Planning  At  Work — Alaska,  River  Basin  Stud- 
ir •-,  New  York-New  England,  Southern  Regional  Study 

Getting  in  on  the  Recreation  Planning  of  New  Schools 

De-ign  and  Construction  of  Special  Recreation  Facilities 

Principles  of  State  Recreation  Services  to  Communities 

Major  Current  Surfacing  Problems 

College  and  Graduate  Training  for  Recreation 

In-Ser\ice  Training  Programs  That  Work 

How  Creative  Are  You  in  Using  Volunteers? 

Developing  and  Conserving  Water  Recreation  Resource^ 

What  I  Want  to  Know  Is 


Getting  to  Seattle 

.  How  would  you  like  to  combine  a  trip  to  the  Congress 
with  a  visit  to  Yellowstone  National  Park?  This  question 
so  challenged  the  Congress  Committee  that  after  careful 
investigation  arrangements  were  finally  concluded  with  the 
Northern  Pacific  Railway  Company  for  such  a  special  trip, 
for  all  interested  Congress  delegates.  Beginning  in  Chicago 
on  September  24  the  trip  will  include  a  whole  day,  Septem- 
ber 26.  in  Yellowstone,  and  then  continue  to  Seattle,  arriv- 
ing on  Sunday,  September  28. 

Traveling  to  the  Congress  this  year  may  be  almost  as 
much  of  a  special  event  for  some  of  the  delegates  as  the 
actual  Congress  itself.  Westerners  are  old  hands  at  showing 
the  thousands  of  natural  wonders  that  fill  their  section  of 
our  country.  Easterners,  however  they  travel  west,  are 
sure  to  be  moved  by  what  there  is  to  see — if  they  keep 
their  eyes  open. 

The  majesties  of  nature  are  all  the  more  interesting  to 


For  Seattle  Routes  Consult 

Summer  Vacations -U.  S.  A. 

•  In   this   publication,   travelers   to   the   Congress  will  find 
travel   tips,    information    on    routes,    scenic   wonders,   what 
to  see  in  the  state  of  Washington,  special  events  to  con- 
sider   when    planning    the    trip,    and    vacation    ideas    for 
every  section  of  the  country. 

•  Inform     yourself    about     the     important     or     enjoyable 
things  to  be  seen   between  your  home  and   Seattle.   Don't 
miss    that    wonderful    place    a    few    miles    off    your    main 
route,    just    because    you    didn't    know    it    was    there.    Let 
SUMMER    VACATIONS-U.S.A.    help    you    plan.    See    de- 
tailed  announcement,   page    122. 

JUST   OUT 

Order  from  your  local   book  store  or 
National    Recreation    Association. 

Price  $1.00 


recreation  leaders.  Many  of  the  finest  western  sights  have 
been  saved  for  all  the  people  to  enjoy  through  the  action  of 
state  and  federal  governments  in  establishing  state  and  na- 
tional parks. 

This  natural  interest  of  recreation  leaders  is  what  led 
the  Congress  Committee  to  give  such  careful  consideration 
to  the  opportunity  to  include  a  visit  to  Yellowstone  in  the 
Congress  program  for  those  who  wish  to  take  it.  There 
are  many  ways  to  get  to  Seattle.  Many  will  want  to  fly, 
because  of  special  preferences  or  to  save  time.  Many  will 
want  to  go  by  train  but  will  not  have  time  to  include  a 
whole  day  in  Yellowstone  enroute.  Many  are  already  plan- 
ning family  trips  by  car  to  Seattle  and  will  combine  some 
vacation  with  the  important  business  of  attending  the 
Congress.  There  is  talk  in  one  southern  city  of  chartering 
a  bus  to  take  a  load  of  delegates  to  the  Pacific  Northwest. 
Whatever  the  mode  of  travel,  whatever  the  route,  some  of 
the  finest  scenery  in  the  world  lies  between  Seattle  and 
every  prospective  delegate  to  the  1952  National  Recreation 
Congress. 

For  those  to  whom  there  is  appeal  in  the  idea  of  travel- 


JUNE  1952 


133 


ing  to  the  Congress — and  home  again  with  other  Con- 
gress delegates,  and  for  those  who  are  desirous  of  seeing 
Yellowstone,  the  "official"  tour  may  have  a  great  deal  of 
intere-l.  The  trip  originates  in  Chicago,  but  delegates  can 
join  it  eriroute  where  the  itinerary  comes  within  reach. 

Tlii-  particular  Congress  delegation  will  leave  Chicago 
"ti  the  Burlington  at  1  I  :IMI  p.m..  \\  ednesday.  September 
_'l.  Tin-  next  morning  at  St.  Paul  the  Northern  Pacific  will 
take  over  and  head  west  to  Livingston,  Montana,  arriving 
there  at  7:4.5  a.m.  on  Friday,  September  26.  All  day  Fri- 
dax  will  he  spent  in  a  tour  by  special  bus  of  the  wonders 
of  Yellowstone,  including  lovely  Paradise  Valley,  Mam- 
moth Hot  Springs,  Golden  Gate.  Klrrtrii-  Peak.  Firehole 
Canyon,  Yellowstone  Rixer.  Kagle's  Nest  Rock.  Gibbon 
Falls,  the  Paint  Pots,  Old  Faithful  Geyser,  of  course,  and 
H  ore-  of  miglilx.  arlixe  springs  and  erupting  geysers. 

Knowing  that  Congress  delegates  enjoy  square  dancing, 
the  planners  of  this  itinerary  have  ended  this  day  with  a 
row  box  -how  and  dinner  dance  at  Chico  Hot  Springs,  a 
hotbed  of  Montana  square  dancing. 

After  National  Recreation  Congress  Day  in  Yellowstone, 
and  a  mighty  full  dax  at  thai,  our  weary  delegates  will 
board  the  sleepers  again  at  Livingston,  and  early  the  next 
morning  another  Northern  Pacific  train  will  stop  just  long 
enough  to  pick  up  the  special  cars  and  start  them  mi  the 
last  lap  of  the  trip  to  Seattle. 

Knd  of  the  line,  going  west,  is  reached  at  Seattle,  Sunday 
morning.  September  2!!.  7:.'?0  a.m. 

h.r  tho-c  x\ho  want  to  return  home  in  a  group,  several 
alternate  itinerarie-  liaxe  hern  worked  out.  The  most  ex- 
ten-ixe  one  includes  xi-ils  to  Portland,  San  Francisco, 
^oscmite.  I.o-  \ngeles.  Grand  Canyon,  and  arrives  in 
Chicago  the  afternoon  of  October  16.  Other  mules  return 
via  Portland,  Salt  Lake  City  and  Denver,  or  via  Victoria, 
Vancouver  and  the  Canadian  Rockies,  or  direct. 


Lassen  Volcanic  National  Park.  Mineral.  California 
Olxmpie  National  Park.  Port  Angeles.  Washington 
Sequoia  and  Kings  Canyon  National  Park-.  Three  llixei-. 

California 

Yellowstone  National  1'aik.  V-llnu-tone  Park.  \\xoming 
No-emite  National  Park,  Cot  eminent  Outer,  i  osemite 

National  Park.  California 

>perial  attention  is  called  to  National  Recreation  Connie- 
Day  in  Yellowstone  National  Park  on  Friday,  Septeml>er 
26,  when  a  tour  of  Yellowstone  will  be  made  by  all  Con- 
gress delegate-  who  wish  to  take  the  "oHicial"  mule  to 
Seattle. 

Recreation  Facilities 

In  addition,  delegates  will  want  to  visit  at  least  one  of 
the  fifty  state  parks  in  Washington,  where  fi-hing  and 
ramping  are  especially  good. 

In  the  cities  enroute  to  Seattle,  and  in  Seattle  itself,  the 
municipal  parks  and  other  recreation  facilities  are  out- 
standing. Spokane  has  one  of  the  oldest  recreation  pro- 
grams in  the  state,  with  an  activities  program  developed 
through  its  park  system.  At  Knumrlaw,  there  are  camping 
facilitir-.  and  xoii  ran  \i-it  the  King  County  park  and  field 
house  which  serves  that  communilx.  Also  distineli\e  for 
its  park  and  recreation  facilities  i-  Longview,  a  modern 
ril\  planned  by  the  Long  Bell  Lumber  Companx.  Between 
Tacoma  and  Seattle,  on  I'.  S.  Highway  'W.  xou  pass  the 
Boeing  Airplane  Companx.  xxhirh  operate-  -nrli  an  out- 
-landing  industrial  recreation  program.  And,  of  rom-e. 
\ou  will  want  to  visit  both  the  King  Countx  and  city  of 
>eallle  in-lallation-  to  -ce  their  programs  in  action. 


Seattlc-Via  National  Parks 

l)e|cgates  lo  tin-  National  Recreation  Congre--  .n  --e 
lie  may  want  to  ron-ider  \i-iting  one  or  more  of  the  na- 
tional parks  in  connection  with  the  trip  to  ihc  Pacific 
Northwe-l  thi-  -ummer.  Some  of  the  larger  national  park-. 
which  may  be  vi-lte.l  enroute  to  that  city  depending 
upon  whether  xou  are  traveling  a  northern  or  southern 
mule  .tie  li-led  below.  The  season,  in  some  of  tin-  nm-t 
norlherlx  of  thc-e.  end-  a-  earlx  ,1-  tin-  middle  of  Seplem- 
U-r.  but  the  roadg  may  lie  used  until  blinked  by  snow, 
which  u-uallx  i-  not  until  the  middle  of  October.  The 
other  national  parks,  CM  ept  (hone  in  the  extreme  north. 
•  re  open  all  xear.  For  »|M-<  id.  information  about  any  "f 
thi-M-  park-,  nddrrss  inquiries  to  the  local  -uperinlendent 
at  the  addrt-—  given  here. 
Rig  Brnd  National  Park.  Marathon.  Texas 

:    Lake  Nntional  Park.  Crater  Ijike.  Oregon 
I  <    niton  National  Park,  '.rand  Canyon.  Arizona 
Mount   II. i    •!•  i    National  I'.uk.  l.ongmire.  Wa-hinglon 


HOTEL   RESERVATIONS 

Congress  hcadquartcrt  will  be  at  the  Olympic  Hotel  in 
Seattle,  where  matt  of  the  meeting!  will  be  held.  A  number 
of  other  hotels  in  the  city  are  cooperating,  and  a  liit  of  theie, 
with  the  range  of  prices  for  rooms  and  suites,  follows.  Delegates 
ore  reminded  that  always  there  ore  only  a  very  few  rooms 
available  at  the  minimum  rates.  So,  please  make  your  reser- 
vations early  and  correspond  directly  with  the  hotel  of  your 
choice.  The  Congress  Committee  is  not  handling  hotel  reserva- 
tions. 

SINGLES 


HOTEL 

Olympic   Hotel 
Benjamin    Franklin    Hotel 
Earl    Hotel 
Hungerford    Hotel 
Moore    Hotel 
Mayflower    Hotel 
New   Washington    Hotel 
Roosevelt    Hotel 
Stratford    Hotel 
Stewart  Hotel 
Vance   Hotel 


$600  $1050 
So  00  $  800 
$400 
$500 
$375 

$s  oa$  7.00 

$6.00 
$6.00 
$4.00 
$3.00 
$500$  6.00 


DOUBLES 
(and    Twins) 
$7.50$13.50 
$B.OO$U.OO< 
$500$  6.00 
$7.00$10.00 
$5.50$  7.00 
$6.50  $  8.50 
$800$10.00* 
$8  00$  9.00 
$5.00 

$7.00$  9.00' 
$6.75$   8.00 


•  Suites  also  available. 


lor    further    information    on    gelling    to    Seattle  plea-e 
mittee  at     fl">    r"iirlli     Vxrniic.    Nex\    Vnk    I'1.    New    ^..I^,. 


\|- 


to  ll-  •  lie.  lealion  (  (ingress  Com- 
.   -e.     .Si/r/i'mv    I  <«  (//lorn      I  .>.   /. 


134 


III  I  III    Xl|o\ 


Floats  on  lake  present  beautiful  spectacle.  Greatest  number  of 
points  are  awarded  to  craft  producing  most  striking  reflection. 


A  Unique 
Summer 
Program 


Freda  Combs 


PARADE 


A  HILL  and  across  a  bridge,  the  lanterns  sway  gent- 
ly back  and  forth  with  the  motion  of  the  marchers.  Over 
nine  hundred  children  are  carrying  these  in  the  annual 
parade  which  weaves  over  a  large  unwooded  area  of  Fair- 
view  Park,  in  Decatur,  Illinois.  The  route  is  lined  with 
thousands  of  spectators.  This  event — a  lantern  and  float 
parade — has  been  one  of  the  highlights  of  the  local  recre- 
ation department  summer  program  for  the  last  seventeen 
years,  and  closely  ties  in  with  the  local  playground  pro- 
gram. 

The  children  finish  their  parade  at  the  lake,  where  space 
has  been  reserved  for  them  to  sit  on  the  banks,  or  to  stand 
on  the  bridge,  with  their  lighted  lanterns  reflecting  in  the 
water.  As  soon  as  the  last  child  has  settled  into  place,  the 
launching  of  the  floats  begins.  A  microphone,  manned  by 
a  master  of  ceremonies,  is  used  to  announce  the  events; 
and  as  each  float  is  launched,  the  name  of  the  playground 
responsible  for  it  is  given. 

The  park  police,  as  well  as  those  of  the  city,  cooperate 
with  the  recreation  department  in  making  this  big  event  a 
successful  one.  Park  police  handle  the  traffic  and  parking 
of  cars.  One  of  the  city  police  squad  cars,  with  two  officers, 
is  stationed  nearby  to  help  if  needed  and  to  be  the  spot 
where  lost  children  and  parents  can  be  re-united. 

Children  of  all  ages,  from  four  or  five  years  old  and  up, 
take  part  in  the  lantern  parade,  and  make  and  decorate  the 
lanterns  which  they  proudly  carry. 

These  are  constructed  on  the  city  playgrounds  from 
cardboard  and  boxes  of  all  sizes,  including  ice  cream 
containers  and  hatboxes,  which  neighborhood  merchants 
save  for  the  children.  Designs  are  either  traced  or  drawn 
on  them,  and  cut  out  with  scissors  and  one-edged  razor 
blades.  (No  small  child  is  allowed  to  use  the  razor  blades.) 
A  local  kite  factory  donates  large  quantities  of  red.  blue, 
green  and  white  paper,  which  is  used  to  back  the  cut  out 
designs.  Some  of  the  more  ambitious  and  artistic  of  the 
children  color  the  white  paper  with  water  colors,  produc- 

AITHOR,     recreation    supervisor    and    director    oj    play- 
grounds for   Decatur,   is   in  charge   of  special  activities. 


ing  rich  and  beautiful  effects. 

Special  precaution  is  taken  to  make  handles  for  the 
lanterns,  which  will  eliminate  the  danger  of  a  child  being 
burned;  and  careful  spacing  of  participants  in  the  parade 
is  rigidly  enforced  to  avoid  injury.  If  a  lantern  should 
catch  fire,  the  child  is  instructed  to  drop  it  and  leave  it. 
Never,  never  should  he  attempt  to  blow  out  a  burning 
lantern.  Each  playground  group  must  have  at  least  one 
leader  in  charge,  assisted  by  several  parents^  With  careful 
planning,  this  activity  can  be  a  very  beautiful  spectacle, 
devoid  of  any  hazards. 

The  children  are  assembled  in  a  large,  open  area,  where 
placards  bearing  the  names  of  the  playgrounds  have  been 
firmly  staked  in  the  ground.  No  lanterns  are  lighted  until 
a  signal  is  given  by  the  leader  in  charge  of  the  parade.  As 
soon  as  all  are  glowing,  it  starts  moving.  A  leader  with  a 
red  flashlight  torch  sets  the  pace  and  acts  as  guide  over  a 
winding  course  previously  decided  upon,  while  the  munici- 
pal band  of  Decatur  furnishes  a  musical  accompaniment. 

The  floats  also  are  made  on  the  playgrounds  by  the  chil- 
dren, with  some  assistance  from  their  parents.  Each  sum- 
mer the  department  selects  a  theme  for  the  summer  play- 
ground program,  and  the  floats  depict  this  theme  as  much 
as  is  possible.  The  children  participate  in  the  planning  and 
construction  of  their  floats  with  much  zest.  A  great  deal  of 
secrecy  surrounds  the  actual  operation,  for  each  play- 
ground attempts  to  keep  its  design  a  surprise  until  the  big 
night  arrives.  It  becomes  quite  a  game  when  the  children 
try  to  get  information  about  the  kind  of  float  being  con- 
structed on  another  playground. 

Discarded  or  inexpensive  materials  are  used  for  the 
most  part.  Some  of  the  floats  are  very  elaborate  while 
others  are  very  simple.  The  twenty-four  by  thirty-six  inch 
bases,  made  by  the  recreation  department,  are  delivered 
about  three  weeks  before  the  event.  They  are  uniform  in 
size  and  weight,  and  are  salvaged  after  the  parade  and 
stored  for  the  next  year.  For  the  top  construction,  kite 
sticks  (from  the  kite  factory),  cardboard,  wire,  paint,  glue, 
string,  wood,  and  so  forth,  are  used. 

A  minimum  of  solid  construction  is  most  desirable,  since 


Jl  NE    l<r>2 


135 


l.auiuliiim  Hunt  requires  serviees  of  several  men.   Hope  attached 
to   llu-   front    is   pulled   at   signal   by   man  on   other   side   of   lake. 


the  more  transparency  there  is  the  more  reflection  there 
will  In-  on  the  water.  Lighting  is  either  by  candies  or  bat- 
teries and  small  bulbs.  Of  course,  the  battery  type  of  light- 
ing is  preferred,  since  there  is  less  danger  of  fire. 

Each  playground  is  requested  to  take  its  float  to  some 
body  of  water,  before  the  final  event,  to  test  its  balance. 
Top-heavy  construction  or  uneven  distribution  of  weight 
will  make  a  float  capsize. 

Ml  floats  are  assembled  at  least  one  hour  before  the 
time  set  for  the  parade.  The  area  is  barricaded  and  a 
leader  placed  in  charge  to  assure  safekeeping. 

Three  judges  from  the  community  are  selected  to  rate 
the  floats  on  construction,  theme  and  reflection.  They  are 
(M-rsons  not  directly  connected  with  the  playgrounds,  and 
therefore  are  impartial.  The  first  judging  is  done  on  land, 
f«>r  construction  and  theme.  The  greatest  number  of  poinl- 


rill.  II\\I)H()()K  OF  1'KIYATK  SCHOOLS 

33rd  edition.    997   pp.,    $8.00 

A  coni|il<-t«-l>    ir\i-i-il   ..lit inn   nf   ihr   -taiularil   annual   Di- 
r.i  Inn.   CiiiiialK    .l.-i  ril.r-  anil   rla  —  ilii-    I'muti    N-hool-. 
l'rimar\.   s,.,  ,,,,,|,,,v     sp,.,  j^lj/,.,1     I'manlinc  anil   Day  Srhool-. 
anil  Junior  <  !ollri:i-.   Mam    m-w   fi-alui<->  liav   In  i-n  aililnl. 
"Thr  .t.'fnl   lliinilhiKil.    i\   ihi-   lirit   unr   juit  mil    !••/."    "/  find 
ilinl   \i>mr  nl  ihr  iii-u    triiinrrt.  in   thr   tun    ul  li\lin/i  schools 
unit  \ihitnl  mrml>rnhit>\.  iirr  imrliiiiliirl\  helpful."  "H 
frnliilnlr   MIU  fur   \nitr   finr  nlilnrinl  1,11    \unr   Inlhrr  anil  ihr 
i  in  ma  \    inifirmrmrn/.t." 

I  1)1  (    \IIO\\I.   IHHKCTIONS 

A    Report-  1951 
132    pp..    red    ii/fc    cloth,    $2.00 

f  ll.ll     II..I-      III     llirnu      lll'lll      Mil      I  illlll   IM|>I>I.II\      ll'llil-      .Hill      ,\ 

li  ml    our    pi  r-|»  i  tin-      \    nn -mortal    \iilmm     In    I'urti-r    I 
lii-ni.    »lio    for    lliiit\  nliiril    ami    pulili-lu-il    thr 

Mainllxuik.      I -In.  .ilinri.il    Dm  i  lion-"    ii,.  luili--    in  HIV    tnliiiii- 
in   In-   lon([   anil    rornlrm  ii\<    i  iirrrr. 

(.1  IDI    TO  rim  \TI:  ii'Mon  <  01. i  EGES 

AM'  MT(  I  M  I/I  I)  s<  llnol  s    \\n 

(  oi  LEGES 

224  po9.t.  red  tilk,  (loth  $2.20;  paper  $1.10 
Writ*    lor   firtulort  ol  above   and   other  publication!. 


I  1)1  i   \llu\\l    <  ill  \>H  |\(.   HiH    IMHKM- 
MiimlrnU  of    l.imili'--   ar«-   |II'||M-I|   in   fimlinii   ihr   riiil'l 
imp-    fnt    tin  if    i  liililn  n     (!atilo|i«  ami    n 
UN. -!..|    information    -ii|>|iliii|    U  nl>  «latinn  p.irlii  ular*. 


1-oiili.i;  s  \iu.i  M 

Beocen    Street  teilon    I,    Mo»i 


ati1  giM'ti  for  rt-llerlioii.  IIOWCMT.  MI  the  judge-  inu-t 
wait  until  the  last  float  is  in  the  \\;iter  to  eomplete  their 
work. 

I1  or  ihr  launi  hiiifj.  a  length  of  rope  i-  .inchoreil  on  both 
>iilr-  of  the  lake  with  a  surplus  equal  to  that  needed  to 
-I  i  etch  across  the  lake.  On  each  end  of  the  float  base  is 
a  hook.  The  rope  is  attached  to  the  front,  pulled  under 
the  float  and  honked  on  the  IMC  k  end.  At  a  signal,  given 
h\  flashlight,  an  operator  on  the  other  side  of  the  lake 
pulls  tin-  rope  until  ngnaied  to  stop.  Three  or  four  floats 
are  attached  in  like  manner  to  one  rope,  placed  about  ten 
or  twel\e  feet  apart.  Five  such  ropes  are  used,  -o  that 
the  floats  an-  placed  far  enough  apart  to  make  a  distinct 
pattern  with  their  reflections.  The  launching  requires  the 
services  of  one  man  on  the  opposite  side  of  the  lake,  and 
three  or  four  men  handling  the  float  itself. 

The  children  on  the  pla\ grounds  have  been  asked  to  find 
as  many  old  candles  as  possible  and  to  make  floating  can- 
dles. These  are  placed  around  the  edge  of  the  lake,  except 
on  the  launching  side,  where  they  make  a  beautiful  border. 

Winners  are  announced  over  the  loud  speaker,  and  rib- 
bons awarded.  Local  merchants  donate  window  -pace  to 
display  the  first,  second  and  third  place  winning  floats. 
This  not  only  publicizes  the  playground  program  but  gives 
the  public  a  better  chance  to  stud\  the  construction. 

Maybe  we  are  tempting  the  weather  man  when  we  an- 
nounce the  date  for  this  event  in  advance,  but  we  are 
willing  to  take  that  risk,  trusting  he  will  forget  this  mo- 
mentous August  night.  Actually,  we  haven't  been  rained 
out  oi  a  single  lantern  parade  since  it  was  stalled. 


ATHLETIC  EQUIPMENT 


&tA&&c  Equipment 


136 


\TION 


Memories  of  camping  experiences,  showing  how 
much  they  can  mean  to  a  blind  boy,  or  any  boy. 


A  Part  of  My  Life 


JL  ERHAPS  it's  because  I  was  a  city 
boy,  tired  of  the  smells  of  coal  and 
human  crowds,  despising  the  city's 
endless  pavements  and  noisy  loneli- 
ness; but  whatever  the  reason,  each 
time  I  think  back  to  the  summers  that 
I  spent  at  camp,  the  sweeter  the 
breezes  smell,  the  warmer  the  sun  feels, 
the  friendlier  and  gayer  seem  my  fel- 
low campers,  and  the  more  buoyant 
and  exuberant  the  freedom  that  I  ex- 
perienced in  those  days. 

For  ten  summers  I  had  this  freedom. 
Most  of  these  I  spent  at  Camp  Light- 
house on  Barnegat  Bay,  New  Jersey. 
This  camp  for  blind  children,  run  by 
the  New  York  Association  for  the 
Blind,  was  reserved  for  the  girls  in 
July  and  boys  in  August,  and  was  like 
any  other  camp,  with  its  playgrounds, 
lawns,  recreation  hall,  mess  hall  and 
cabins. 

It  had  an  excellent  staff,  headed  by 
Clyde  Lytle,  professor  of  English  at 
Kutztown,  Pennsylvania  State  Teach- 
ers College.  "Chief  Prof,"  as  he  was 
affectionately  called,  was  a  jovial,  un- 
derstanding, efficient  man.  He  always 
had  a  ready  anecdote  or  riddle,  and 
often  in  the  evenings  he  would  present 
Hamlet,  The  Merchant  of  Venice,  or 
other  Shakespearean  plays — all  one- 
man  performances.  He  took  every  part, 
changing  his  voice  to  fit  the  melan- 
choly Hamlet  or  the  distraught  Shy- 
lock.  He  also  sang  selections  from  Gil- 
bert and  Sullivan  and  folk  ballads.  Be- 
fore taps,  when  we  were  getting  into 

MR.  TWERSKY,  now  an  instructor  in 
history  at  City  College  in  New  York 
City,  has  been  blind  since  childhood. 

JUNE  1952 


Jacob   Twersky 


bed,  he  would  make  the  rounds  of  all 
the  cabins,  joking  with  us  or  consol- 
ing a  homesick  boy.  He  maintained 
discipline,  but  he  did  not  drive  us.  He 
led  us. 

To  me  Chief  Prof  was  wonderful. 
There  seemed  to  be  no  limit  to  his 
fund  of  interesting  information.  It  was 
he  who  encouraged  me  to  recite  poetry 
before  the  assembled  camp  and  to  be  a 
good  athlete. 

Students  from  Kutztown  Teachers 
College,  whom  Chief  Prof  brought 
with  him,  made  up  most  of  the  corps 
of  the  counselors.  Some  of  them,  com- 
ing from  the  Pennsylvania  Dutch  sec- 
tion, impressed  us  with  their  German 
accents,  and  by  their  quaint  use  of 
German  idiomatic  expressions  trans- 
lated into  English. 

Much  of  our  activity  centered  around 
the  bay.  We  swam — poor  swimmers 
near  the  dock  and  the  better  swimmers 
around  a  raft  in  deep  water — and  we 
rowed.  In  both  cases  we  guided  our- 
selves by  sounds:  vocal  directions  from 
partially  sighted  campers  or  fully 
sighted  counselors,  and  the  general 
sounds  from  the  raft,  dock  or  shore. 
Fishing  from  the  dock  or  a  boat,  we 
caught  crabs,  sea  bass  and  eels.  The 
crabs  we  scooped  out  of  the  water  with 
a  net,  after  they  had  grabbed  the  bait 
at  the  end  of  a  line.  On  some  evenings 
we  would  huddle  around  a  driftwood 
fire  crackling  on  the  beach,  listening 
to  the  lapping  of  the  bay,  the  rustling 
of  the  grass  in  the  swamp,  and  smell- 
ing the  wood  smoke  and  salt  air  while 
we  told  stories  and  sang. 

I  can  easily  understand  why  primi- 
tive man  considered  inanimate  matter, 


especially  water,  as  having  spirits. 
When  I  was  a  boy,  I  did  the  same.  I 
could  see,  for  instance,  that  Barnegat 
Bay  had  a  personality,  that  it  was 
definitely  alive.  The  evidence  was  suf- 
ficient, for  it  had  motion,  a  voice  and 
many  moods.  At  night  it  often  slept 
quietly,  or  crooned  peacefully  to  itself. 
Sometimes  it  would  sigh,  and  the  rus- 
tling grass  on  the  shore  would  answer. 
In  the  morning,  it  often  felt  young  and 
frisky  and  would  run  playfully  back 
and  forth  at  the  edge  of  the  beach. 
Sometimes  it  was  depressed  and  beat 
itself  sorrowfully  against  the  sand. 
Surely,  it  had  a  great  spirit. 

We  had  our  own  ways  of  studying 
plant  and  animal  life.  A  tree  was  identi- 
fied by  touching  its  leaf  or  bark.  We 
knew  well  the  glove-shaped  elm  leaf 
and  the  cork-like  oak  bark.  Flowers 
were  recognized  by  their  smells:  the 
Indian  paint  brush  smelling  like  a 
piece  of  perfumed  soap  wrapped  in 
hay,  the  sweet  pea's  discreet  scent  like 
that  of  a  woman  who  knows  how  to 
use  good  perfume  in  moderation.  We 
became  familiar  with  the  fishing-rod- 
smooth  gartersnake,  the  pimply  toad, 
the  gulping  frog  and  the  hairy  squirm- 
ing bat.  With  our  jackknives  we  opened 
clams,  crabs  and  tortoises  to  touch 
their  muscles.  We  knew  the  flat,  mo- 
notonous call  of  the  catbird,  the  shrew- 
ish bawling  of  the  crow,  the  flute-like 
solos  of  the  thrush.  With  life  bubbling 
around  us,  there  could  be  no  loneli- 
ness. 

My  closest  friend  was  Al  Caracciolo, 
a  totally  blind  boy  like  myself.  On  Sun- 
days, his  family  and  relatives,  a  size- 
able Italian  clan,  would  descend  upon 
the  camp.  They  liked  clams;  so  Al  and 
I  would  wade  out  into  the  bay,  feel  for 
a  clam  with  our  toes  and  then  duck 
under  the  water  to  retrieve  it.  Encour- 
aged by  the  clan,  we  frequently  came 
up  with  seven  or  eight  dozen.  These 
would  go  back  with  Al's  folks,  while  in 
exchange  we  would  be  given  spiced 
sandwiches  and  other  delicacies  on 
which  to  feast  during  the  week. 

In   my   last   two   seasons   at   Camp 

137 


Lighthouse,  when  physical  exercise  was 
my  great  interest.  I  would  rise  an  hour 
beforr  tin-  ri-l  of  the  camp  even  morn- 
ing, get  into  a  pair  of  sneakers  anil 
shorts,  and  walk  to  the  quarter-mile 
long  boardwalk.  There.  I  would  run 
its  length  sixteen  times,  occasionally 
touching  one  of  tin-  handrails  to  make 
sure  I  was  moving  along  the  center. 
Intruding  upon  the  general  silence  of 
the  morning  would  be  the  sounds  of 
my  sneakers  on  the  wood  as  1  ran,  the 
croaking  of  a  bullfrog  in  the  swamp, 
or  the  crowing  of  a  rooster  on  the 
nearby  farm.  As  I  approached  the  bay, 
the  breeze  would  refresh  me,  and  I 
would  hear  the  water  as  it  broke 
against  the  shore  and  the  weird  cries 
of  the  seabirds.  As  I  ran  in  the  other 
direction,  toward  camp,  I  would  smell 
the  woodsmoke  from  Anna's  and  John's 
breakfast  fire.  Finally,  when  the  four 
miles  had  been  completed  religiously, 
I  would  head  for  the  washroom  and 
shower;  and  when  passing  the  cabins, 
would  hear  the  first  faint  stirrings  of 
the  waking  camp. 

Although  memories  of  Camp  Light- 
house dominate  my  recollections  of 
summer  camping,  I  did  spend  several 
seasons,  as  a  camper  and  then  as  an 
assistant  counselor,  at  Camp  Wapa- 
nacki  in  I  lard  wick,  Vermont.  Wapa- 
nacki  was  run  by  the  New  York  Insti- 
tute for  the  Education  of  the  Blind, 
and  was  located  beside  a  lake  in  the 


Vermont  hills. 

\t  Wapanacki.  1  enjoyed  overnight 
hiking.  Small  groups  of  boys,  each 
with  a  counselor,  would  set  off  for  a 
point  Mime  fifteen  milrs  away,  carry- 
ing pup  tents,  poncho-,  blankets,  mess 
kits,  and  food  to  be  cooked.  Cooking 
w  a-  fun.  even  though  it  was  messy  and 
unpalatable  at  times.  Somehow,  the 
concoction  which  I  tried  in  my  pan,  of 
potatoes,  bread,  bacon  and  sliced  ap- 
ples, lacked  a  pleasing  flavor.  At  the 
time,  however,  I  dared  not  admit  it, 
for  all  of  us  had  been  boasting  about 
our  prowess  as  cooks.  Sleeping  in  a 
pup  tent  in  a  cow  pasture  had  its  dis- 
advantages, including  a  restless  night 
upon  the  lumpy  ground,  tussling  with 
a  tentmate  for  possession  of  the  blan- 
ket, and  being  startled  awake  in  the 
early  morning  by  the  loud  moo  of 
cows  that  had  decided  to  have  an  early- 
breakfast. 

I  shall  never  forget  the  last  time  I 
went  down  to  the  lake.  I  walked  along 
the  path  that  was  strewn  with  pine 
needles.  The  springy  feeling  of  the 
ground  underfoot  had  always  appealed 
to  me.  In  the  pine  and  spruce  forest 
along  the  lake,  the  last  sounds  of  day- 
were  dwindling  away.  The  lingering 
notes  of  a  woodthrush  mingled  with 
the  muted  and  monotonous  song  of  the 
crickets.  Chirrupy  katydids  carried  on 
their  gossip  at  cither  side  of  my  feet. 

I  stopped  at  the  edge  of  the  lake. 


listening  to  the  coarse  croaking  of 
frogs  above  the  soft,  washing  sound  of 
the  water  as  it  gentK  -lid  up  and  down 
the  bank.  In  tin-  distance  tinkled  the 
bells  of  stra\  row.-  returning  home 
late.  Just  then  a  breeze  sprang  up  and 
stirred  the  ancient  spruce-  until  the 
twisted  limbs  moaned  with  subdued 
sorrow,  voicing  m\  mood.  From  across 
the  water  came  the  strange  hooting  of 
a  lonely  owl,  and  near  at  hand  another 
owl  answered. 

I  breathed  in  deeply.  I  knew  it 
would  be  a  long  time  before  I  had  a 
chance  to  return,  and  I  wanted  to  re- 
member it  all.  A  lilac  bush  in  full 
bloom  poured  its  perfume  into  the  air; 
and  so  strong  was  the  smell  of  the 
forest's  evergreens  that  it  was  like 
background  music. 

I  do  not  know  how  long  I  sat  there. 
1  know  that  hours  must  have  passed 
and  night  must  have  closed  in,  because 
dew  descended  upon  grass  and  plants: 
and  the  smooth  surface  of  the  granite 
diunk  on  which  1  sat  became  colder 
and  seemingly  harder.  The  breeze  had 
grown  into  a  brisk  wind,  penetrating 
and  chilly,  and  I  shivered. 

It  seemed  to  me  then  that  the  woods 
anticipated  something,  as  though  the 
air  carried  with  it  a  premonition  of 
rain.  I  started  back  along  the  path, 
for  the  last  time.  I  had  outgrown  it,  I 
knew.  A  part  of  my  life  had  come  to 
an  end. 


•  Statement  prepared  by  Committee  on  Camping, 
Education-Recreation  Division,  National  Social 
Welfare  Assembly. 

Organized  camping  is  a  creative,  educational  HE- 
pcrience  in  coopcrati\r  group  living  in  the  out-of- 
doors.  It  ulili/r-  the  resources  of  the  natural  sur- 
roundings to  '  onirilniii-  xipnifirnntly  to  physical. 
menial,  spiritual  and  social  growth.  It  is  a  sustained 
experience  iiniler  the  supervision  of  trained  leader 
-hip  When  -|..,ii-,,r.-,l  by  a  national  youth  organ- 
ization, it  is  an  integral  part  of  its  program. 

Camping  contribute*  to  good  health  through 
-u|icrviicd  ucti\ii\.  Miflicient  real,  good  food  and 
healthful  companionship. 

Camping  aid*  in  -piritual  development  by  In  Ip 


ing  campers  to  recognize  and  appreciate  the  handi- 
work  of  God  in  nature. 

Camping  contributes  to  social  development  by 
providing  experience  in  which  campers  learn  how- 
to  deal  practically  and  effect  i\  el  \  with  living  situa- 
tion*. 

Camping  i-  an  experience  in  i  ili/en-hip  training. 
providing  through  its  community  of  campers  the 
medium  for  democratic  participation  in  decision 
making,  planning  and  carrying  out  of  activity  at 
their  own  level. 

Camping  contributes  to  the  dr\elo|>mcnt  of  self- 
rrliatu  c  nml  resourcefulness  l'\  providing  experi- 
and  instruction  in  which  camper-  ai  quite 
knowledge  mid  skill*  essential  to  their  wrll-hHng. 


138 


111  i  III  ATION 


Therese  Myers 


d  VERY  SUNDAY  morning,  in  spring, 
summer,  autumn  and  winter,  while 
most  city  dwellers  are  still  asleep,  in- 
dividuals and  groups  can  be  spotted 
hurrying  to  catch  an  eight  o'clock 
ferry  or  a  nine  o'clock  train.  Who  are 
these  people  and  where  are  they  go- 
ing? 

They  are  of  every  age  and  of  every 
occupation — businessmen,  housewives, 
office  workers,  sales  people,  doctors, 
lawyers,  teachers,  school  boys  and 
girls.  And  they  are  bound  for  the  open 
road. 

In  spite  of  automobiles,  radio,  mov- 
ies and  television,  there  are  still  many 
people  who  have  not  forgotten — and 
some  who  are  just  discovering — the 
thrill  of  taking  to  the  road  afoot.  Clad 
in  garments  appropriate  to  the  weath- 
er, knapsacks  over  their  shoulders,  they 
travel  independently,  in  groups,  or  as 
members  of  organized  hiking  clubs. 

What  are  they  seeking?  They  want 
to  see  more  of  the  sky,  more  of  the 
trees,  more  of  nature's  colors.  They 
want  to  breathe  clean  air  and  the 
odors  of  pine,  clover,  burning  wood 
and  new-cut  hay.  They  want  to  experi- 
ence the  joy  of  walking,  not  on  pave- 
ments but  on  country  roads,  across 
bridges,  through  meadows  and  over 
mountains;  of  walking  with  people 
who  like  to  walk;  of  walking  at  a 
steady  pace  and  feeling  every  muscle 
tingle  as  it  is  set  into  motion. 

They  enjoy  the  element  of  surprise 
in  these  walks.  A  little  wooden  bridge 
will  pop  up  around  the  bend;  a  path 
will  lead  them  up  or  down  steps  carved 
out  of  rocks  long  ago  loosened  from 
a  mountain  slope;  a  row  of  scalloped 
hills  will  be  revealed  against  the  sky; 
or  a  sudden,  thick  carpet  of  orange- 
colored  leaves  will  make  them  stop 
and  gasp. 

And  the  roads — where  will  the  roads 


take  them?  Away  from  books  and  pa- 
pers and  the  noise  of  city  streets,  it 
will  lead  to  the  Palisades  and  the 
Alpine  Circular  along  the  Hudson 
River;  to  the  Ramapos;  to  Silver  Lake, 
Byram  River  Gorge  or  Algonquin 
Woods  in  Westchester.  It  will  take 
them  to  the  rusty,  grass  covered  Cro- 
ton  Aqueduct;  to  the  stream  in  Pine 
Meadow  Woods,  where  one  listens  to 
the  sound  of  the  water  dancing  over 
rocks,  and  can  hear  the  splashing  of 
the  falls  farther  on. 

These  people  like  to  walk  under  a 
shower  of  autumn  leaves,  and  listen  to 
their  crackle  underfoot;  to  hear  the 
thud  of  falling  apples  as  they  are 
loosened  from  their  branches  by  the 
rain;  to  walk  in  the  cold,  crisp  air  of 
a  winter  day.  through  a  snow  white 
landscape. 

Sometimes  there  are  unpleasant  sur- 
prises, particularly  for  new  hikers — 
such  as  having  to  pass  through  slush 
and  mud  to  reach  a  destination,  get- 
ting caught  in  the  rain,  crossing  a 
meadow  full  of  briars.  But  all  of  this, 
with  the  proper  clothes  and  the  right 
frame  of  mind,  can  be  laughed  at.  Ex- 
perienced hikers  usually  prepare  for 
all  kinds  of  weather  and  often  deliber- 
ately go  out  in  the  rain  and  snow. 

Among  hiking  clubs  there  are  dif- 
ferent grades  of  hikes,  which  vary  in 
the  different  groups.  A  "C"  hike  may 
be  three  miles  to  some  people,  in  an- 
other group  it  is  five  miles,  and  in 
still  another  ten  miles  might  be  con- 
sidered easy.  "A"  hikes  usually  include 
some  climbing.  In  such  cases  it  is  not 
only  the  distance  which  matters,  but 
the  height  and  steepness  of  the  moun- 
tain or  of  the  hills  to  be  crossed. 

Very  often,  hiking  groups  spend 
their  vacations  walking  and  mountain 
climbing.  There  are  many  shelters 
along  the  Adirondack  Trail  for  stop- 


overs. The  Appalachian  Mountain  Club 
in  New  Hampshire  has  sixteen  shelters 
and  eight  huts  throughout  the  White 
Mountains,  which  are  a  hiker's  para- 
dise. The  American  Youth  Hostel 
maintains  hostels  in  various  sections 
of  the  country  fo,r  hikers  and  bicyclers. 
(See  Summer  Vacations — U.S.A.,  for 
specific  hosteling  trails. — Ed.) 

Many  people  travel  to  the  top  of  a 
mountain  by  ca"r  or  railway,  and  think 
they  have  seen  everything  because  they 
enjoy  the  view  from  the  summit.  But 
they  miss  the  thrill  of  climbing 
through  the  forest  of  birch,  balsam  or 
spruce,  of  having  the  landscape  slowly 
unfold  before  them,  of  stopping  to 
drink  from  a  cool  spring  and  perhaps 
letting  the  water  trickle  over  their  feet. 
They  do  not  know  what  a  wonderful 
moment  it  is  to  stand  before  the  moun- 
tain about  to  be  ascended.  Mount 
Washington  in  New  Hampshire  is  high- 
est in  the  Presidential  Range — sixty- 
two  hundred  feet  above  sea  level.  How 
quiet,  dignified  and  majestic  it  is.  Oh, 
to  learn  the  secret  of  its  imperturbabili- 
ty! And  then  to  climb,  slowly  and 
steadfastly,  through  the  forest,  past 
the  timber  line  and  gaze  down  at  deep 
ravines,  revealed  through  mist;  to 
climb  higher  and  higher,  until  you 
reach  the  top  and  walk  through  the 
clouds  to  see  the  earth  and  heavens  for 
miles  in  every  direction!  Here  is  the 
prize  which  lures  the  hiker  to .  such 
great  effort — the  sense  of  achievement, 
of  having  won  the  right  to  this  beauty. 


Condensed  from  Newark  News,  June  1950. 


JUNE  1952 


139 


THE  ACT  NOBODY 


NK  OF  THE  unfriendlicst  audiences 
in  the  history  of  show  business 
assembled  on  the  evening  of  July  17, 
l')")l.  in  the  tent  cit>  of  Finthen,  near 
Mainz,  in  the  American  Zone  of  occu- 
pied Germany.  It  was  also  small — less 
than  fiflv  of  the  three  hundred  fifty  GI 
population.  I- inthen  had  just  tiecu  bv- 
passed  by  tin-  most  spectacular  act  on 
the  circuit:  Boyd  Bachmairs  Band,  a 
superior  organization  boasting  the  four 
O'keefe  -i-ier-.  I  intlien  was  in  no 
mood  for  the  Buffalo  Bills — a  male 
quartet, 

Surprisingly,  the  applause  for  the 
Mill-'  lii -I  iiumlirr  was  audible.  A  phe- 
nomenon even  more  astonishing,  how- 
excr.  was  that  the  final  chord  of  tln-ii 
•  I  song  merged  into  a  high  shout, 
unmistakahlx  from  llir  audience.  When 
tin-  was  repeated  a  couple  of  minule- 
i. iii  i  uilh  cxen  iin.ir  cniliu-iasiii.  Gl's 

H     I"    drift    along     the    rompany 
street*  to  see  what  was  going  on. 

I  hex  saw  four  men  in  grav  slacks 
ami  blue  coals  mi  .in  improvised  stage 
of  planks  aet  between  the  tail  gate*  of 
two  truck-  from  left  lo  right,  a  sin. it. 
-lighlU  professori-h-looking  guv  in 
glasses;  a  somewhat  taller  <li.ii,i>i<i 
with  dark,  curly  hair  and  a  map  nf 
Id-land  fur  a  face;  a  still  taller  kid 
will)  light  i  urlx  b.iii  who  looki-il  ratlin 
like  a  Imhx-faicd  pn/i-  fighter:  and 
kjT,  medium -i/ed  jr. -MI  with  thin- 
ning hair  and  an  incrasahlc  grin.  'I  IH-S 

MK.  DAI.MA-.  formn  ninn-mit  Eng- 
lish Inn  In- r.  ntafazinr  Hrilrr.  nun  u 
jiroilurrr  of  inilinlrial  anil  \ilnxil  nut- 
turn  fiirlutfi,  .»l'nfl«  anil  in  <i  \l\un  <•>. 

140 


stood  with  their  heads  together,  ex- 
incisions  of  pure  bliss  on  their  faces. 
harmonizing.  Every  kid  watching  had 
probably  tried  the  same  thing  back 
home,  but  the  audience  knew  they  had 
never  achieved  harmony  like  that:  it 
was  genuine,  one  hundred  proof,  bond- 
ed barbershop,  and  until  the  Buffalo 
Bills  became  the  International  Cham- 
pion Barbershop  Quartet  in  1950  noth- 
ing like  it  had  been  heard  in  this 
world. 

Two  hours  later  the  Bills  were  still 
singing  encores.  They  had  done  two 
shows  that  day  and  had  another  that 
night,  but  were  apparently  having 
such  a  good  time  thex  couldn't  bear  to 
leave.  They  finally  organized  an  im- 
promptu quartet  of  officer-,  instructing 
them  in  barbershop  harmony — and  en- 
couraging the  men  to  make  whatever 
irreverent  comments  which  came  to 
their  minds.  When  this  was  going  well, 
lliex  -limited  piodhvc  ami  ducked  out. 

'I  lie  Bills  averaged  ilnee  -hows  a 
day  for  the  thirty-five  davs  of  their 
EnrOpMfl  lour,  and  ibex  ncxer  failed 
to  have  their  audience-  cheering  by 
the  end  of  the  second  numlier.  In  thi- 
respect  the  Gl's  were  evidlx  lik.  .  i 
vilian  audiences  at  home. 

Counting  the  I  uio|ie.m  ( 'mnma.ld 
trip,  the  quartet  traveled  7.">.("MI  mile- 
in  I'>5I  and  sang  licfore  audience* 
lol.ilmg  .HlHl.tKH).  This  does  not  include 
a  fifteen  »w  ••  k  i.idm  -hclch  and  llnee 

.i|ijiearances  on  telex  i«ion. 

These    figures   are    made    mme    im 
ie    bx    the    fact    lhal    the    Hullalo 

Hills    rei  i -ixe   c\|ien-.  -  but    no 

member   m.ike.  In-  living  at  a  regular 


job.  Vern  Reed,  first  tenor,  is  an  in- 
surance salesman;  Al  Shea,  lead,  i-  .1 
cop:  Dick  Grapes,  baritone,  represents 
a  paper-products  companv  :  and  Bill 
Spangenburg,  bass,  is  a  truck  driver. 
They  are  members  of  the  Buffalo  chap- 
ter of  the  Societv  for  the  Preservation 
and  Encouragement  of  BarlM-rslio|i 
Quartet  Singing  in  America.  Incorpor- 
ated. The  Society  was  founded  in  1938 
by  Owen  C.  Cash,  a  Tulsa,  Oklahoma 
oilman,  and  its  slogan  is  "Keep  Ameri- 
ca Singing." 

It  has  six  hundred  chapters  in  the 
I  niled  Stales.  Alaska.  Hawaii,  the 
Philippines  and  Canada,  with  a  total 
of  more  than  30,000  members.  Once 
a  vear  it  holds  a  contest  in  which  a 
board  of  fifteen  tough  judges  picks  a 
champion  from  fortv  i|uartel-  who  have 
won  regional  contest-. 

The  Buffalo  Bills  won  in  !<>.-,( I.  after 
Ixxo  unsuccessful  trie-,  -ii.ijng  a  rec- 
ord T.I !.">(!  points  out  of  a  po««ible 
KUKK).  Quartets  are  judged  on  har- 
mony nccuracv.  balance  and  blend  of 
voices,  voiie  expression,  arrangements 
and  -lage  prc-rncc.  Once  a  quartet  ha- 
i. ..11  .1  championship  it  can  never  com- 
pete  again.  Ever  MM..-  winning  the 
1950  nigh  honor,  the  Hills  have  been 
in  mipr<veH<  nted  demand  to  -in;/  for 
philanthropic  and  civic  causes. 

I    first   heard    them   -in^:   on   a   "pa- 

I.I.I,  -l.iyed      bv       till'      \\e-llleld.      New 

ler-.-v.  ,  hapter  of  the  M'l  H>l,l->  A.  A 
parade  is  a  yearly  function  at  e\erv 
chapter  a  -how  in  which  thcv  pre-cnl 
the  Iw-st  cjuartel-  from  other  chapter-. 

The    Hill-    were   to  spectacularly    g I 

ili. it     I    a-keil    an    old    epic-lion.    \\  b\ 

lit!    Ill    VI  I"N 


Herbert  Dalmas 


CAN  BUY 


don't  they  turn  professional? 

The  Bills  have  had  plenty  of  chances. 
Last  year,  for  example,  they  turned 
down  six  night  club  offers  and  a  con- 
tract to  tour  the  cocktail  lounges  and 
supper  rooms  in  a  national  chain  of 
hotels.  Even  the  hottest  attractions  in 
show  business  cool  off,  and  hardly  any 
last  as  long  as  the  Bills  plan  to  be 
around. 

They  enjoy  being  amateurs.  Dick 
Grapes  told  me,  "If  we  turned  pro 
we'd  have  to  sing  at  certain  times  and 
certain  places,  and  at  no  others.  We 
wouldn't  be  able  to  sing  whenever 
and  wherever  we  want  to." 

In  Buffalo,  the  Bills  are  a  city  in- 
stitution. In  June  1950  the  city  council 
passed  a  resolution  commending  them 
for  the  credit  they  reflected  on  the  city. 
Three  hundred  and  fifty  admirers  gave 
them  a  banquet  before  they  took  off 
on  their  European  tour.  They  are  on 
first-name  terms  with  more  high-eche- 
lon business  and  professional  people 
than  any  other  four  men  in  Buffalo. 

How  the  wives  feel  as  quartet  widows 
is  an  interesting  point.  Probably  there 
is  no  greater  strain  on  marital  felicity 
than  the  male  tendency  to  withdraw  to 
the  kitchen,  about  the  time  the  party 
is  drawing  to  a  close,  to  assay  barber- 
shop harmony.  To  wives  who  have  hi:d 
to  wait,  while  their  spouses  were  hav- 
ing one  more  try  at  "You  Tell  Me  Your 
Dream."  it  may  seem  incredible  that 
four  wives  exist  who  make  a  positive 
effort  to  get  together  three  times  a 
week  to  hear  their  husbands  do  rvirl- 
l\  Unit. 

When  the  original  Buffalo  Bills  lost 


Secret  of  Buffalo   Bills'   popularity  is   unmistakable  enjoyment  of  own   singing.   Audi- 
ence can't  resist  them.  L.  to  r.  Vernon  Reed,  Al  Shea,  Bill  Spangenburg,  Dick  Grapes. 


their  baritone  in  1950,  and  Dick 
Grapes  was  chosen  after  a  considera- 
tion of  some  forty  possibilities,  Jerry 
Shea.  Peg  Spangenburg  and  Mary 
Reed  invited  his  wife  to  a  little  party 
and  gave  her  a  vivid  picture  of  what 
she  had  to  expect.  Not  until  she  was 
sure  she  could  take  it  was  Dick  formal- 
ly accepted. 

On  the  other  hand,  the  Bills  are 
feted  wherever  they  go.  Their  wives, 
who  are  always  invited,  too,  share  in 
the  enthusiastic  attention  which  they 
receive.  This  makes  for  an  exciting 
social  life. 

They  are  always  on  hand  for  com- 
munity chest  dinners,  defense  bond 
rallies,  and  other  occasions  where 
crowds  have  to  be  put  into  a  relaxed 
and  generous  mood.  In  their  home 
town  and  towns  nearby,  they  sing 
about  twenty-five  times  a  year  in  hos- 
pitals, orphanges  and  other  institu- 
tions. When  they  arrive  in  a  city  for 
an  engagement,  they  are  invariably 
asked  to  sing  at  one  or  more  local  hos- 
pitals. They  never  refuse.  They  sing 
for  as  many  ambulatory  patients  as 
can  get  into  the  assembly  hall,  then 
make  the  rounds  of  the  wards  and  the 
single  rooms.  Hospital  directors  say 
there  is  no  morale  builder  to  compare 
with  barbershop  harmony. 


Like  most  spectacular  successes,  the 
Buffalo  Bills  are  a  happy  combination 
of  factors  and  circumstances.  They  all 
have  superb  voices.  Each  has  studied 
music;  they  all  grew  up  singing  in 
church  choirs,  and  they  are  relentless 
critics  of  themselves.  Also,  they  look 
well  together;  they  aren't  handsome, 
but  they  radiate  vitality  without  hav- 
ing to  turn  it  on.  Besides,  they  are  all 
instinctive  showmen.  They  have  never 
had  professional  advice;  they  operate 
by  reflex  and  their  reflexes  seem  to 
be  flawless. 

Their  slogan  is  "Pitch  'em  high  and 
hit  'em  hard";  and  whether  they  are 
singing — in  a  hospital  room  or,  as 
they  did  once,  for  78,000  people  in  the 
Cleveland  stadium — they  hit  'em  hard. 
Audiences  love  it. 

They  have  sung  in  just  about  every 
place  a  quartet  can  sing — in  theaters, 
opera  houses,  churches,  hotel  lobbies, 
school  auditoriums  and  airplanes. 
They  have  sung  on  top  of  a  peak  in 
the  Bavarian  Alps,  on  a  San  Francisco 
cable  car,  in  a  1908  Oldsmobile  under 
police  escort  on  their  way  from  the 
Milwaukee  airport  to  their  hotel,  and 
in  a  Pennsylvania  coal  mine. 

When  they  arrive  for  a  parade,  they 
are  met  at  the  airport  by  a  welcoming 
committee,  whose  first  request  is  that 


Ji  NK  1952 


141 


the  Bills  "bust  one."  This  often  results 
in  a  slight  disruption  of  air  schedules, 
because  when  the  Bills  really  bust  one, 
nothing  coming  over  a  p.a.  system  can 
be  heard.  At  El  Paso  last  winter  one 
plane's  departure  was  delayed  because 
the  pilot  had  disappeared.  He  was  lo- 
cated in  a  state  of  hypnosis,  his  ear 
cocked  at  Bill  Spangenburg's  shoulder, 
absorbed  in  what  Bill  was  doing  with 
his  part  of  "I  Want  a  Girl."  Seems  he 
was  a  bass  himself. 

Another  reason  for  the  Bills'  popu- 
larity is  their  uninhibited  and  un- 
mistakable enjoyment  of  their  own 
singing.  The  expressions  of  sheer  rap- 
ture on  their  faces  when  they  hit  a 
particularly  satisfying  chord  are  not 
the  prop  smiles  of  professional  enter- 
tainers. And  when  they  finally  punch 


home  the  last  chord,  their  half-aston- 
ished delight  is  so  genuine  that  audi- 
ences can't  resist  them. 

They  are  famous  for  their  song  ar- 
rangements. They  start  out  by  buying 
them,  but  no  arrangement  ever  reaches 
their  repertoire  as  they  bought  it.  They 
tear  it  to  pieces  and  put  it  back  to- 
gether again  as  they  rehearse  it,  put- 
ting in  the  "swipes"  so  dear  to  the 
hearts  of  barbershoppers.  A  swipe  is  a 
chord  change  and  can  be  anything 
from  corn  to  an  inspiring  display  of 
musical  virtuosity. 

Barbershop  harmony  is  distin- 
guished from  straight  harmony  on  one 
hand  and  from  modern  harmony  on 
the  other.  Straight  harmony  uses  three 
notes  to  a  chord  with  the  fourth  voice 
"doubling"  one  of  the  others — that  is. 


repeating  the  same  note  an  octave 
higher  or  lower.  Sometimes  straight 
harmony  doubles  two  notes  in  a  chord, 
and  sometimes  all  four  voices  sing  the 
same  note.  Barbershop  never  has  all 
four  voices  on  one  note.  It  uses  a  chord 
on  every  note,  and  whenever  possible 
adds  a  fourth  note  to  the  chord. 

The  Buffalo  Bills  don't  have  time 
to  analyze  their  effect  on  people,  but 
Peg  Spangenburg  has  a  theory.  She 
says  that  every  man  who  sees  the  Bills 
pictures  himself  up  there  participating, 
that  every  man  in  the  world  has  a 
longing  to  sing — not  merely  in  the 
bath  but  with  three  other  men.  And 
she  thinks  that  if  all  the  men  were  di- 
vided up  into  barbershop  quartets  a 
lot  of  the  world's  troubles  would  cease 
to  exist. 


Thinking 

of  Sending 

Junior 

to  Camp? 


D  According  to  an  article  by  Kate  Thompson  in  the  Toledo,  Ohio  Blade,  parents 
who  plan  to  send  their  children  to  summer  camp  should  visit  several  to  determine 
what  best  suits  their  youngster's  needs.  Officials  of  the  American  Camping  Associa- 
tion warn  not  to  send  Junior  away  for  the  summer,  unless  he  really  wants  to  go  to 
camp.  There  are  many  types  of  camps,  and  it  is  up  to  the  parent  to  determine  in  what 
kind  his  child  will  be  happic-t. 

Diverse  Camps 

Camps  stress  handcrafts,  outdoor  living,  sports,  competitive  games,  education,  and 
so  forth.  Some  follow  rigid  schedules  to  which  the  child  niii.-t  conform;  while  others 
|i'-nuit  a  free  choice  of  activity  by  the  caui|M-r.  Sonic  put  tin-  emphasis  on  group 
activity  and  living  together  »lemo<  ratii  allv .  while  -.me  -lre*s  the  individual  and 
his  needs.  Some  do  both. 

The  article  goes  on  to  say.  "Parents  should  talk  with  the  camp  director  and  find 
out  if  he  is  emotionally  mature,  really  enj<>\»  working  with  children  and  seem-  to 
display  the  traits  of  patience.  understanding  and  kindne--  needed  to  lead  them,  in  a 
friendly  atmosphere. 

Grounds 

"'I  he  camp  ground*  should  l>e  examined  l>\  the  parents  to  check  -anitary  facilities. 
the  National  Recreation  Association  ad\Uc-.  Id  -me  that  there  are  adequate  screens* 
throughout  the  camp,  that  -Icepinj.-  ipiailei*  .ire  well  ventilated  and  lighted,  that  gas 
for  cooking  or  heating  is  not  used  in  the  children'*  rooms,  that  drinking  water  is  safe 
and  approved  l>\  health  authorities,  that  swimming  i-  propcrlx  »upcr\  i»cd.  that  there 
i-  one  set  of  liathing  and  washing  facilities  for  e\er\  twrnt\-li\c  children  and  one 
I'.d.t  for  every  fiftrrn  children.  Food  should  \»-  nutrition-  and  fresh.  |,ut  not  neces- 
sarily elaborate.  Proper  r.  ft  i;-.  i.ilion  and  a  good  garbage  <li-|i..-al  -\Mcrn  are  im- 
portant. 

Id.    -IIMIIM.-I  .  .Hop  need  ti. i|  IM-  luxurious  lull  il  -li.'iilil  havr  all  luiildinps  in  pood 
repair,  comfortable  lx-d«.  rlrnn.  atit.utne  ..tii,'  and  large,  airv  indoor  areas 

for  plav  in  had  weather." 


IIJ 


111  i  Kt   MH>N 


RELATIONSHIP  OF 


Charles  E.  Doell 


E  ART  of  encouraging  people  to 
engage  in  various  forms  of  recre- 
ation is  relatively  new.  Only  recently 
has  it  aspired  to  the  status  of  a  pro- 
fession. For  the  most  part,  it  is  still 
unnamed,  although  its  administrators 
and  advocates  are  variously  referred  to 
as  "recreation  leaders,"  "recreation- 
ists,"  or  simply  "recreation  people"- 
but  a  precise  acceptable  term  is  still  to 
be  found. 

The  nebulous  beginnings  of  this  art 
appear  to  come  mainly  from  two 
sources  —  social  welfare  and  physical 
education.  The  carry-over  from  the  an- 
cient art  of  gardening  to  present  day 
recreation  has  been  lost  sight  of 
through  the  years.  This  constitutes  a 
third  possible  source,  and,  at  least  in 
public  administration,  is  the  thread  we 
need  to  recapture,  if  the  administra- 
tion of  combined  park  and  recreation 
systems  is  to  be  wise. 

"Social  welfare"  is  probably  the 
most  descriptive  term  to  be  used  for 
that  motivation  which  prompted  the 
establishment  of  our  first  playgrounds. 
Recognition  of  the  right  of  the  child 
to  an  opportunity  to  play,  where,  in 
the  crowded  portions  of  our  large 
cities,  there  was  no  such  opportunity, 

MR.  DOELL  has  been  engaged  in  park 
work  for  mart;  than  forty  years,  is  a 
past  president  of  the  American  Insti- 
tute of  Park  Executives  and  has  been 
superintendent  of  parks  in  Minneapo- 
lis, Minnesota,  since  August  of  7945. 


Golf  has  gone  a  long  way  toward  satisfying  the  appetite  for  the  rural  landscape.  Spec- 
tators as  well  as  players  enjoy  it.  Above,  scene  on  Columbia  Golf  Course,  Minneapolis. 


gradually  led  to  the  acceptance  of  this 
general  idea. 

The  teaching  of  skills  or  the  playing 
of  games  was  a  natural  process  for  the 
physical  education  people.  To  those  of 
us  who  were  the  street  urchins  and 
alley  kids  of  fifty  years  ago,  it  seemed 
ridiculous  to  have  to  be  taught  how  to 
play.  Nevertheless,  our  introduction  in- 
to the  newfangled  gymnasiums,  and 
later  the  first  playgrounds,  disclosed  to 
us  how  meager  were  the  skills  we  pos- 
sessed. The  ordinary  ball  games,  ice 
skating,  shinny,  can  can,  and  rough 
and  tumble  fighting  were  well-known. 
Boxing  and  wrestling,  according  to 
rules,  were  something  else  again. 
Tumbling  and  gymnastic  work  and 
many  of  the  field  sports  were  known 
only  to  the  few.  To  have  instructors 


for  such  things  as  foot-racing  was  in- 
deed the  height  of  luxury.  The  teach- 
ing of  these  skills  came  within  the 
province  of  the  graduates  of  colleges 
of  physical  education.  They  were  our 
first  playground  instructors. 

For  the  most  part,  recreation  courses 
at  the  universities  and  colleges  have 
been  part  and  parcel  of  the  physical 
education  department.  Only  in  recent 
years  has  there  been  an  inclination  to 
distinguish  between  recreation  and 
physical  education.  In  many  universi- 
ties the  division  of  recreation  is  still 
a  part  of  the  physical  education  de- 
partment, but  today's  recreation  em- 
bodies a  great  many  things  in  addition 
to  the  teaching  of  physical  skills  and 
the  guidance  of  play.  It  is  considered 
to  include  all  activities,  sensations  and 


Ji  M:  1952 


143 


II    possible,   neighborhood   parks   should  be   larur   eiiniiuli   to   provide   green   grass,   trees 
and  shrubbcrv,  as  well  as  the  paved  or  well-worn  areas  for  active  play.  Loring  Park. 


impulses  which  tend  to  renew  the  en- 
thusiasm of  the  mind  and  body  to  per- 
form its  daily  functions. 

In  this  enlarged  concept,  we  have 
discovered  that  environment  is  an  im- 
portant stimulus  to  the  process  of  re- 
juvenation— or  recreation.  Green  grass, 
trees,  shrubbery,  those  things  called 
"verduousness"  by  the  senior  Olm- 
sied.  i-ciiipli-d  with  pleasing  patterns, 
-wcet  mii-ic.  pleasant  conversation  and 
-i»  lal  intercourse,  beautiful  scenery, 
fine  pieces  of  architecture,  sculptures, 
paintings,  cilhcr  alone  or  skillfully 
bli-ndcil  and  placi-d  in  projier  environ- 
mi-ill,  are  of  fundamental  importance 
in  keeping  minds  and  bodies  healthy. 
We  have  included  as  admirable  forms 
of  recreation  a  li-il  to  tin-  /no.  camp- 
ing, and  eating  out-of-doors. 

\\  lii-n   son 11-  <>f  these  activities  and 
settings  are  noogni/ed  ami  .i.K."  ,H.  .1 
In    recreation    leaders  as  part  of   the 
tools    which    the\     inii-l    u-c    in    their 
profe-siiui.   we   linn-   iiiili-cd   mine   full 
cirrle.  >ome  of  our  earlie«t  parks  an<l 
gardens    included    hunting,    places    of 
it.     beautiful     -icncri      i  that      i-. 
•  ,i|M-d   -ccnerii.   hiking,   f.r.mliful 
p.illcrn-    I. till    -lit    in    g.irdcns    .mil    in 
nll.is.  palaces  ami  (inr  n  -idem  . 
dia.   hippodronm,    i. n-.-.   me- 
nageries,   theaters       all     fnund    tin  ir 
in   nual  ganlcn-  .il   oni-  linn-  or 
another    in    our    p.isi    liisimi.    During 

the    seicnl  'luri.    there    li- 

fe*  (raidcri-  lli.il   m  i.    made  pinpi-cK 
to  proiide  fiif-i|iiir«  f.,i  leil.iin  ailiii 
including     -..me     of     ..in      oliln 


games,  such  as  bowling  on  the  green 
and  a  form  of  croquet  which  preceded 
our  present  version  of  that  game.  Fa- 
cilities for  playing  tennis  are  of  an- 
cient vintage.  However,  it  would  be 
improper  to  say  these  were  the  main 
features  of  those  gardens.  They  were 
simply  adjuncts,  and  we  cite  them  here 
only  to  point  out  that  they  were  a  part 
of  the  gardening  art. 

While  the  roots  of  both  parks  and 
recreation  are  to  be  found  in  foreign 
countries,  parks  and  recreation,  as  we 
know  them  today,  are  strictly  Ameri- 
can. There  were  European  and  espe- 
cially F.nglish  influences,  to  lie  -(n<-. 
but  the  development  occurred  in  this 
country  and.  since,  has  spread  its  in- 
fluence to  others.  Recalling  these  inllii- 
ences  may  help  us  to  understand  the 
close  relationship  between  parks  and 
iei  icalion  which  is  needed  today. 

It    was   during   the   nineleenlh    <en- 
lm\    in    Kngland   that   a   distinct    I.M. 
lion    against    the    formali/cd    type    of 
garden  in  Kurnpc  uci  lined.  The  Kng- 
li-h    developed    the    informal    or    land 
garden  at  the  time  thai  the  com- 
mon   (M-ople   all   over    the    world    were 
beginning   to  assert   and   assume   their 
right-  ih/ens.  ||  w.iidd  appeal 

thai  llie  lAlicinc  change  of  the  garden- 
ing art  in  Kngland  was  a  part  of  this 
-••i  ial  reioliilion.  and  inhercnlli  it 
found  a  fertile  held  in  that  imintti. 
where  hiking  was  much  more  popular 
than  on  the  mainland. 

Tile    pMlk-    ill    the     I     lilted    Male-     Were 

conceived  ami  rofutnwtod  mi  ihr  pat- 


tern of  the  Knglish  landscape-iipe  gar- 
den. Central  Park  in  New  ^  oil  ua- 
the  first  large  park  in  the  I'nitcd 
States,  and  it  was  designed  to  provide 
a  rural  landscape  in  the  heart  of  a 
glowing  city.  It  was  a  form  of  escape 
from  citi  to  countri.  and  proi  idcd  the 
elements  of  recreation  which  one  gets 
from  such  a  transition.  Facilities  for 
some  forms  of  recreation  including. 
of  course,  hiking,  carriage-ways,  bri- 
dle trails,  a  parade  ground.  Like-  for 
boating  land  on  these,  ice  skating  fir-t 
took  its  real  hold  in  the  I  nitcd  Stall  - 
a  small  playground,  and  settings  for 
one  or  two  important  buildings  wen- 
created.  Anything  that  would  interfere 
with  the  effect  of  a  rural  landscape, 
the  designers  fought  off  with  zeal  and 
vigor. 

The  designers  of  Central  Park  influ- 
enced the  layout  of  a  high  percentage 
of  the  large  park  areas  and  si-tcm- 
established  in  this  country  between 
1860  and  1900.  If  they  did  not  do  the 
designing  themselves,  their  contempo- 
raries and  students  followed  the  same 
general  pattern  and  philosophv.  The\ 
passed  on  to  their  successors  this  con- 
ccpt.  so  thoroughly,  thai  when  the  de- 
mand for  facilities  for  actiie  recrea- 
tion arose  in  the  cities,  park  men  ie- 
sishd  the  encroachment  with  the  same 
vigor  as  their  predecessors  had  resiste, I 
encroachments  in  Central  Park.  Ves- 
tiges of  this  conflict  are  still  apparent 
in  certain  localities  toda\. 

llowcicr.  even  the  designers  of  Cen- 
tral Park  recognized  the  desirabilil\ 
of  many  of  these  facilities — ball 
grounds,  tennis  courts,  and  so  on — for 
public  use.  In  their  minds  Central 
I '.irk  w.is  not  to  be  the  only  park  in 
the  citi  of  New  ^  ork.  but  one  of  main . 
Tliev  CM-II  had  in  mind  a  system  of 
parkwais.  which  was  neiei  i.inied 
out.  They  full\  agreed  that  ball  fields, 
outdoor  gimnasiums.  running  track-, 
lemii-  court-,  anil  the  like,  were  de-ir- 
able  but  insisted  that  lhe\  should  be  mi 
scpaiale  plot-  of  ground,  or  di-ii-ed  «o 
a-  n. it  |o  interfere  with  the  opportuni- 
ties for  recreation  which  one  nun  gel 
through  enjoiing  the  rural  scene  as  an 
antidote  for  dailv  life  in  a  crowded 
rfty. 

Hut.. i-  piMioii-li  -aid.  we  ha\e  now 
i  nine  full  '  iri  Ic.  The  well-informed  rec- 
te.itii.n  leader  understands  the  great 


I  VI 


HH  HKAflON 


therapeutic  value  of  attractive,  park- 
like  settings.  Nature  study  has  become 
an  important  part  of  the  recreation 
program.  Day-camping  as  well  as  over- 
night camping  constitute  opportunities 
for  municipal  recreation.  At  the  same 
time,  the  well-informed  park  planner 
recognizes  the  difficulty  of  now  acquir- 
ing, in  most  municipalities  of  the  coun- 
try, the  large  park  areas  that  are  neces- 
sary for  establishing  the  rural  scene. 
For  the  most  part,  these  are  the  res- 
ervations which  are  established  in  the 
proximity  of  metropolitan  areas,  rath- 
er than  in  the  center  of  them.  How- 
ever, where  these  park  areas  have  been 
provided  in  the  cities,  their  value  is 
well  enough  established  so  that  only  in 
a  few  cases  are  there  still  attempts 
made  to  convert  them  into  play  areas. 


Park  and  recreation  people  alike  advo- 
cate the  establishment  of  numerous 
play  areas  throughout  a  municipality, 
to  give  ample  opportunity  for  recrea- 
tion for  all  people.  Even  in  the  park- 
like  reservations  of  state  and  regional 
systems,  the  occasional  small  area  is 
developed  for  active  recreation. 

What  is  needed  today  in  the  public 
park  and  recreation  field  is  a  full  ap- 
preciation of  the  basic  purposes  of 
park  and  recreation  service  and  the 
historical  background  of  each.  The 
unity  of  purpose  of  the  two  then  be- 
comes apparent.  Unfortunately,  the 
study  of  landscape  architecture  and 
college  courses  leading  to  degrees  in 
recreation  each  cover  broad  fields,  so 
that  the  application  of  public  service 
is  seldom  sufficiently  emphasized.  Per- 


haps within  the  space  of  four  years 
there  isn't  time  to  teach  all  these 
things.  Nevertheless,  this  mutual  un- 
derstanding of  the  other's  immediate 
objective  in  providing  recreational  op- 
portunities for  the  people  must  be  well 
established  if  we  are  to  have  wise  ad- 
ministration. Fortunately,  there  seems 
to  be  a  trend  towards  the  consolida- 
tion of  the  functions  of  parks  and  rec- 
reation in  municipal  government,  and 
whenever  and  wherever  that  occurs, 
certainly  those  who  have  this  sort  of 
knowledge  will  prove  to  be  the  more 
capable  administrators,  assuming  that 
the  other  qualities  of  executive  ability 
are  present. 


Leisure  Leaders  Leisure  Lodge 


THE  RECREATION  DIRECTORS  of  the  San  Fernando  Valley 
district  of  the  Los  Angeles  recreation  and  park  de- 
partment believe  they  have  the  most  unique  professional 
recreation  organization  in  the  country.  It  all  started  eleven 
years  ago,  when  a  group  of  valley  directors  were  planning 
a  Christmas  party  for  themselves.  The  suggestion  was  made 
that  a  Christmas  breakfast  be  held  each  year  and  that  a 
fun  club  be  organized.  Result?  The  Leisure  Leaders 
Leisure  Lodge. 

Committees  were  formed  to  work  on  a  constitution  and 
a  general  plan  of  organization.  They  functioned  well,  keep- 
ing the  rules  and  regulations  very  simple,  in  order  to 
derive  the  maximum  amount  of  pleasure  from  the  club. 
At  that  time,  the  San  Fernando  Valley  had  many  wide 
open  spaces,  so  the  full  title  of  the  lodge  was  known  as  the 
Leisure  Leaders  Leisure  Lodge  of  Prairie  Dog  Valley. 
Capitulo  Numero  Lino  (Chapter  Number  One).  Everything 
about  the  organization  is  in  keeping  with  the  title.  The  pre- 
amble to  the  (-(institution  is  as  follows: 

"We  are  leaders,  and  try  with  our  might. 
The  finest  of  all  leaders  to  be — 
But  there  are  no  leaders  on  this  earth, 
That  enjoy  a  siesta  like  we." 

Their  motto  is  "Take  It  Easy"  and  their  aim  is  a  "Daily- 
Siesta."  Section  one  of  the  constitution  reads:  "The  ob- 
jectives of  this  lodge  are  to  develop  a  spirit  of  fellowship 
and  fun  among  professional  recreation  directors  of  the 
valley  district  of  the  Los  Angeles  recreation  park  depart- 
ment." Section  number  two:  "Honorary  memberships  are 
presented  by  the  lodge  to  lay  citizens  of  San  Fernando 
Valley  for  outstanding  contributions  in  the  field  of  rec- 
reation." 

MAKION  C.  SPARROW  is  the  district  director  of  Los  Angeles 
lifi  rcalion  and  I'ark  Department  in  San  Fernando  Valley. 


Mrs.  Prudence  Harding  is  receiving 
a   certificate   from    George    Hjelte. 


Marion  C.  Sparrow 


In  all  communities 
there  are  many  people 
who  give  a  great 
amount  of  time  to  pub- 
lic recreation.  Recog- 
nizing their  efforts  cer- 
tainly is  in  line  with 
good  planning  and  co- 
operation for  better 
community  programming. 

The  officers  of  the  lodge  are  as  follows:  the  president 
is  known  as  "Lost  Motion,"  the  vice-president  as  "Losing 
Motion."  the  secretary  as  "Slow  Motion,"  the  treasurer 
as  "Frozen  Motion,"  the  sergeant  at  arms  as  "Commotion" 
and  the  general  membership  as  "Locomotion." 

Two  very  outstanding  figures  in  recreation  have  never 
missed  a  meeting  in  the  eleven  years  the  lodge  has  been 
organized.  They  are  Mrs.  Rollin  Brown,  president  of  the 
California  recreation  commission  and  a  member  of  the 
Los  Angeles  recreation  and  park  commission  for  the  past 
twelve  years,  and  Mr.  George  Hjelte,  general  manager  of 
the  Los  Angeles  recreation  and  park  department. 

Capitulo  Numero  Dos  (Chapter  Number  Two)  was  re- 
cently organized  in  the  Glendale  recreation  department, 
known  as  the  "Casa  Vedugo"  chapter.  Their  officers  Were 
installed  and  a  charter  presented  to  them  by  Lost  Motion 
of  Prairie  Dog  Valley  Chapter. 

The  lodge  has  been  an  inspiring  organization  for  the 
recreation  directors  of  the  valley  district,  and  they  have 
lots  of  fun  with  their  Leisure  Leaders  Leisure  Lodge. 


JUNE  1952 


145 


Lawn  adjacent  to  beautiful  administration  building,  housing  din- 
ing room  and  other  facilities,  is  used  fur  games  and  dramatics. 


Two   inlrrrMing   features   of    the    attractive   dining   room 
are  the  hanging  fireplace  and  UMIM  im-ni     l.i/\ 


The  modern  functional  cabins  of  iln   camp  provide  the  utinci\l 
for    healthful,    outdmir    living;    nettle    against    canxmi    «.i!K 


146 


Kl<  HKATION 


Minnette  B.  Spector 


Located  deep  in  the  quiet  canyons  of  Griffith  Park,  the 
new  Hollywoodland  Girls  Camp  is  breathtakingly  beauti- 
ful. Although  it  is  but  a  short  distance  from  any  part 
of  Los  Angeles,  rising  hills  isolate  it  completely  from 
the  everyday  world.  Expansive  use  of  glass  blends  the 
indoors  with  the  out-of-doors.  Traditionally,  though  lo- 
cated in  scenic  outdoor  areas,  camp  buildings  have  had 
too  few  and  too  small  windows,  thus  denying  to  campers 
full  appreciation  of  the  scenery. 

Operated  by  the  recreation  and  park  department  of 
Los  Angeles,  Hollywoodland  Camp,  with  its  modern  archi- 
tecture, is  functional  in  every  detail.  The  recreation  lodge 
contains  a  large  lobby  with  floor-to-ceiling  windows  on 
three  sides,  shelves  of  books,  and  a  hanging  fireplace. 
Adjoining  this  is  the  dining  room  which  seats  two  hun- 
dred and  fifty  at  round  tables,  each  equipped  with  a  lazy 
Susan  to  hold  the  serving  dishes.  The  stainless  steel  kitch- 
en is  completely  modern  and  electrically  equipped.  The 
camp  has  its  own  large  swimming  pool,  an  arts  and  crafts 
workshop,  an  outdoor  cooking  area,  sports  and  play  fa- 
cilities, and  a  special  campfire  area  backed  by  a  rock  hill. 
The  sleeping  cabins  are  nestled  against  upjutting  canyon 


CAMP  FOR  GIRLS 


walls,  and  large  picture  windows  in  each  cabin  give  an 
excellent  view  of  nearby  hills. 

The  cabin  arrangement  lends  itself  to  the  unit  system 
of  operation.  The  camp  is  divided  into  three  units:  one 
for  the  younger  girls,  another  for  the  intermediates,  and 
one  for  the  older  girls.  Each  unit  has  a  supervising  coun- 
selor, and  each  cabin  is  staffed  with  a  senior  and  junior 
counselor.  This  gives  "around-the-clock"  leadership.  In 
charge  of  the  entire  camp  is  the  camp  director,  who  car- 
ries twenty-four-hour-a-day  responsibility  for  every  girl. 

Great  attention  is  given  to  safety,  and  hazards  are  elimi- 
nated wherever  possible.  The  recreation  and  park  depart- 
ment has  taken  full  advantage  of  the  cooperation,  coun- 
sel and  services  provided  by  the  municipal  fire  and  health 
departments.  The  health  department  inspects  all  sanitary 
facilities,  and  provides  the  services  of  a  registered  nurse, 
who  checks  the  physical  condition  of  the  girls  as  they 
enter  camp.  In  addition  to  this,  last  summer  two  regis- 
tered nurses  were  so  interested  in  the  camp  that  they 

MRS.  SPECTOR  is  Supervisor  of  Recreation,  Department  of 
Recreation  and  Parks,  City  of  Los  Angeles,  California. 


took  up  residence  there  and  volunteered  their  services  for 
the  whole  summer.  The  health  of  the  entire  camp  staff, 
including  counselors  and  cooks,  is  carefully  checked.  A 
special  health  feature  is  the  modern  first  aid  room  to  care 
for  emergencies.  The  fire  department  frequently  inspects 
the  facilities  and  surroundings  to  eliminate  possible  fire 
hazards. 

The  new  girls'  camp  has  experienced  one  full  summer 
of  operation  with  extraordinary  success.  During  the  three 
vacation  months,  twenty-one  hundred  girls  spent  one  or 
two  weeks  there.  The  camp's  success  is,  in  large  measure, 
the  result  of  the  consideration  given  to  each  camper.  Each 
girl  is  treated  as  an  individual.  The  boast  that  every  girl 
in  camp  is  personally  known  to  the  director  from  the  mo- 
ment she  registers  is  not  an  idle  one.  No  single  camper  is 
lost  in  the  large  number  who  attend  each  week.  This  is 
one  reason  for  the  vast  number  of  repeat  campers.  From 
these  repeaters  stems  a  fine  camp  tradition,  which  es- 
tablishes a  valuable  long-term  relationship  with  each  girl. 

The  camp  is  organized  as  a  laboratory  for  living  and 
supplies  rich  experiences  in  the  life  of  a  growing  girl. 
It  provides  opportunity  for  emotional  as  well  as  physical 
growth,  for  learning  and  acquiring  skills  in  camp  activi- 
ties and  for  the  experience  of  sharing  with  other  girls. 
Through  these  opportunities,  girls  develop  poise  and  se- 
renity. At  camp,  girls  find  room  to  be  quiet  and  room  to 
shout.  Good  morale  and  camp  tradition  are  substituted 
for  the  "don't"  type  of  rule.  Cultural,  economic  and  ra- 
cial differences  are  submerged  in  the  common  enjoyment 
of  activities  and  comradeship,  and  lasting  friendships  have 
their  beginnings  here. 

Leadership  based  upon  consideration  for  others  mani- 
fests itself  even  among  the  very  young  campers.  They  are 
given  responsibilities  as  kitchen  aides,  table  hostesses, 
leaders  of  games,  librarians,  custodians  of  play  equipment 
and  program  aides.  This  opportunity  to  serve  and  receive 
recognition  challenges  each  girl's  ability. 

A  further  challenge  exists  in  the  special  leadership  train- 
ing given  teen-agers.  For  a  period  of  two  weeks,  thirty 
girls  live  in  the  pioneer  area.  Pioneers-in-training  are 
apprenticed  to  counselors  to  receive  guidance  and  inten- 
sive experience  in  many  -phases  of  camping,  including 
sleeping  outdoors.  As  these  girls  mature,  they  become 
junior  counselors,  and  many  of  them  eventually  become 
senior  counselors. 

Good  citizenship  is  fostered  by  opportunity  for  all  to 
participate  fully  in  camp  affairs.  Everyone  has  a  part  in 
patriotic  ceremonies,  in  making  decisions,  in  using  the  sug- 
gestion box,  and  in  selecting  representatives  to  determine 
camp  procedures. 

The  democratic  process  is  implicit  in  the  choosing  of 
activities  by  each  camper.  The  program  includes  nature 
activities;  swimming;  arts  and  camp  crafts:  hiking;  sports; 
archery;  dramatics;  creative,  modern,  folk  and  square 
dancing;  sketching;  outdoor  cooking:  singing;  nightly 
campfire  entertainment;  and  horseback  riding.  Special 


JUNE  1952 


147 


event-  include  iwimming,  play-days, 
carnivals,  dame  recital-,  masquerade 
|>;ulic-.  festival*,  publishing  the  raiii|> 
new-pa|>ei.  trip-  lo  the  (iriflilh  I'ark 
/'"•  .UK!  Planetarium,  ramp  craft  ex- 
hibits and  special  field  outings.  The-e 
activities  arc  so  conducted  that  girls 
engaged  in  tlicm  arc  free  from  worn. 
.-train,  hum  and  envv.  Satisfaction 
come-  from  a  worlhw  hile  activity  well 
dmie.  rather  than  from  a  desire  to  excel 
at  the  expense  of  another.  No  girl  feels 
that  she  is  in  the  "dull"  class.  Life-long 
hobble-  result  from  interests  aroused 
in  camp. 

Hollywoodland  is  a  singing  ramp. 
Nothing  is  more  effective  than  singing 
in  making  the  new  as  well  as  the  re- 
peat camper-  feel  a  oneness  with  their 
fellow  campers.  Not  only  do  girls  sing 
.it  meal-  ami  around  the  campfire  but 
lhe\  -inj;  ;l-  thcv  hike  on  the  trails, 
during  the  (raft  activities,  at  outdoor 
cooking,  .ii  just  a-  ihcv  -it  on  the  grass 
relaxing.  The  fine  quality  of  singing 

acquired  in  so  short  a  time  will  never  cease  to  be  a  won- 
der. 

\n  air  of  high,  jovoii-  -eriousni  s-  |>ervades  the  camp. 
Campers  are  free  from  self-consciousness,  which  often 
find,  i-xpression  in  "smart-alecky"  or  sophisticated  con- 
duct. In  even  thing  about  the  camp  there  i-  adventure  iu 
the  line  art.  and  fun.  of  living. 

I  In-  oiit-tanding  "rightncss"  of  the  buildings  in  this 
i  amp  wa-  n-i  iiu'iii/ed  recently  when  Hollv  woodland  wa- 
awardcd  the  top  Distinguished  \'>>\  llonoi  \ward  from 
the  \mericaii  Institute  of  Architects.  Snithern  California 
chapter.  The  report  of  the  jurv  of  architects  said,  in  part: 

"Tin-  light  in  the  main  building  has  a  fine  qualilv   which 
l.ei.iii-.-  of  tin-  manv   -< mrces.  and  there  i«  no  glare. 


Expansive   use   of   uhiss,   unique   sliiliim  doors,  provide   fresh   air   and   sunshine.   Kach 
cabin,    stuffed    with    senior    and    junior    counselor,    tins    round-the-clock    leadership. 

The  simple  light  fixture-  an-  beautiful  in  themselvc-.  a- 
their  shape  echoes  the  structure  and.  with  their  floating 
quality,  add  to  the  gaietv  of  the  building. 

"The  craft  building,  the  bathroom  buildings,  ami  the 
.-mall  dormitorv  buildings  all  einpha-i/e  human  scale  and 
dwell  on  the  individual.  A  reallv  great  triumph  for  the 
use  of  many  children." 

Camping  i-  a  "must"  in  a  good  recreation  program.  The 
summer  camp  i-  .1-  American  a-  -quare  dancing.  The  idea 
originated  ami  grew  in  the  I  nitcil  Slate-.  Ldmatoi-.  so- 
cial wmkei-.  psychologists.  psv<  -tnati  i-t-.  and  iei  icalion- 
isls  advocale  th.it  ju-t  a-  eveiv  child  ha-  opporlimilv  to 
learn  to  lead  and  write  -o  should  he  have  fir-lhand  e\ 
perieni-r'  with  trees.  in-.-c|.  .mil  binl-.  and  the  open  -k\. 


mm  rtitk 


In   I  chin.  in    of  tbi-  ie.  ii.  the  i  ii\   i  OIIIK  il  of  Stockton.  California, 
\o|ed   unanimou-lv    to  name  the  new    municipal  golf  ionise  and   il-  -m 
rouniling    ieiicalion.il    .in-.i    >i/erM»»    I'nik.    hoiioiing    Bert    and    N.-ll.i 
for   thirlv    vi-.ir-   of  -er. 


I  In-  onlv  iibjei-liiin  lame  from  the  chairman  of  the  iccie.ilion  com 
mi  —  ion.  who  i  onlended  il  -honld  In-  the  li^ht  of  the  conimi—  ion  In 
'i.-nd  the  honor.  The  mavor  declared.  "\\e  have  ju-l  honoied 
the  inn-t  «iinere.  ha  rd  •  w  ork  ing  husband  and  wife  learn  in  Mm  klon. 
(whoi  .  .  .  hnve  devoted  their  whole  live,  |,,  the  children  of  (hi-  com- 
miinilv  .  .  v  h.ivi-  |x-rfoiniei|  .in  act  which  will  pie-erve  their  pl.u  e 

folf-ver     III    ill.  'ill    .   lli/eni  \  . 

'I  heir    w..ik  li.t«  in<  luilcd  ('.amp  Fire  (Jirlv   Bov    --,.,111-.  <  ..mmunitv 
->dver  Lake  Camp  founded  b\    Mi-    "swen-on.  and   Mr    >weM.oii'. 
v    year*  as  •<>••    reirenlion   din-it.  .1 

I  u; 


liill  .mil  Slrll.i  Sunisiiii  h.lM-  impressive 
mi-id  \s  11  lenm.  Ihcv  h.ive  unrked  lo- 
grllHT  (or  iiimr  Ih. HI  Ihirlv  five  M-.HS. 
I  MiiMiiil  husband-wife  honor  paid  h)  lilv. 

Ill  '  IU  \-\\n\ 


Third  and  last  in  the  series  on  photography  as  recreation 


Irma  Webber 


IN  ANY  SUCCESSFUL  photographic 
program  the  direction  in  which 
you  and  your  group  are  heading — and 
what  you  hope  to  accomplish  when 
you  get  there — are  far  more  impor- 
tant to  that  success  than  most  people 
realize. 

Having  an  objective  gives  you  a 
"reason  for  being."  It  presents  a  con- 
crete goal  toward  which  individual 
and  group  efforts  may  be  directed,  and 


Objectives  for  the 

Photo   Group 


that  there  is  no  objective  or  definite 
program.  But  this  is  not  necessarily 
so.  What  may  appear  to  be  an  aimless 
and  disorganized  effort  may  be  only 
the  instructor's  method  of  reaching  a 
desired  goal. 

In    my   own  classes,   for  instance,  I 


Experiment!  How  would  the  lowly  dandelion  look  to  a  worm?  Your  camera  can  find  out! 


against  which  accomplishments  may  be 
measured;  and  it  ties  a  group  together 
in  a  way  that  nothing  else  will  do. 

Siiniclimcs.  however,  the  activities 
of  a  photographic  group  may  be  de- 
eepiive  to  outsiders.  To  these  il  may 
appear, after  a  superficial  examination. 

IUMA  WKHHKK  is  photography  instruc- 
tor nl  Di-nliy  Ili'^li  School  in  Detroit. 

Ji  M,  1952 


have  heard  via  the  grapevine  that 
several  of  my  beginners  have  said  to 
their  friends.  "Get  into  the  photogra- 
phy class,  it's  fun.  no  work  at  all;  we 
just  wander  around  taking  pictures." 
Getting  that  kind  of  a  reputation  for 
leaching,  or  the  lack  of  it,  would  wor- 
i\  some:  but  I  like  it.  It's  proof,  to 
m\  \\a\  of  thinking,  that  the  students 
are  absorbing  the  instruction  without 


being  particularly  conscious  of  the  fact 
that  they  are  very  definitely  being 
taught  something.  Such  teaching,  as 
you  know,  is  often  more  beneficial  and 
lasting  than  a  more  formal  and  appar- 
ent approach. 

In  my  class,  we  wander  over  the 
school  grounds  looking  at  the  way 
mud  has  dried  and  broken  into  pat- 
terns of  lines  and  textures.  I  point  to 
a  lowly  dandelion  and  wonder  how  it 
would  look  to  a  worm.  We  become 
worms — stretch  out  flat  and  snap  a 
picture.  We  wonder  how  it  would  look 
to  a  bird — climb  a  tree  and  snap  a 
picture.  We  wander  near  the  tennis 
courts,  hockey  field  and  football  prac- 
tice groups,  taking  pictures — and  more 
pictures. 

All  such  activity  may  seem  aimless, 
and  yet  from  this  so-called  fun  and 
obvious  wandering,  some  photogra- 
phers will  develop.  They  will  learn 
to  use  the  camera,  become  aware  of 
things  around  them  and  someday  learn 
to  tell  a  photographic  story  that  will 
be  both  real  and  artistic.  I,  also, 
hope  that  some  will  become  interested 
enough  in  our  sports  program  to  ask 
for  an  assignment  to  cover  our  swim 
and  track  meets,  the  football  games, 
school  dances  or  auditorium  programs. 
Such  student  photographers — through 
their  cameras — can  make  a  real  con- 
tribution to  the  school  paper. 

Notice  that  I  said  I  hope  some 
would  ask  to  be  permitted  to  cover 
such  activities.  That's  a  very  impor- 
tant point,  because  I've  discovered  that 
you  can  block  progress  by  doing  too 
much  yourself.  Let  the  youngsters  hold 
the  reins  and  you'll  get  quite  an  emo- 

149 


tional  jolt.  In  fact  it  will  become  a 
'|ue.-tion  of  who's  entertaining  whom. 
They  can  do  a  bang-up  job  of  it. 

It's  an  artful  device,  in  that  connec- 
tion, to  appear  to  be  helpless  in  lots  of 
ways,  because  that  gets  people  to 
thinking  and  puts  them  to  work. 

For  example,  I  often  pretend  I  can't 
see  a  thing  in  focusing  on  the  ground 
glass  of  <>ur  old  camera  without  a 
hood.  I  whip  <>ut  a  magnifying  glass. 
peer  doubtfully  at  tin-  image,  and  have 
always  hoped  that  someone  would  make 
a  black  viewing  box.  But  I  wanted  it 
to  be  their  idea.  I'd  almost  given  up 
hope  of  getting  one  when  last  week  the 
chap  who  made  our  safelighl  ambled 
over  and  said,  "You  remind  me  of 
>herlock  Holme..  \\  hv  don't  we  make 
a  tube  of  sorts  to  put  over  the  gla— •'.'" 
The  next  day  he  came  in  with  one  that 
fitted  to  a  "t".  That's  what  I  call  get- 
ting "third  dimension"  from  a  group. 

In  our  class  we  try  to  keep  the  pro- 
gram planning  flexible  enough  so  that 
we  can  drop  what  we  are  doing  if  we 
hear  a  cry  for  help.  We  heard  one  re- 
cently from  the  library,  and  learned 
a  lot  from  it.  The  librarian  needed  a 
new  set  of  slides  to  orient  all  new 
pupil-  on  the  uses  and  procedures  of 
l!l>rar\  work. 

In  tlii-  in-lance  the  entire  class  went 
In  the  library.  Some  acted  a.  nmdi-l-: 
other-  arranged  floodlight.:  .excial 
look  I'i'Im.-.  .o  that  the  librarian 
would  have  a  -election  from  which  to 
ehoo-e.  All  gained  through  ihe  ex- 
perience. 

\-    i    f  -nil    ..)'   lln-.   .111    I   n-li-li    I. MI  h- 

er  raw  the  |>hoto«  and  bought  a  set  of 
the  -lide-  for  ii-c  in  an  illustrated  lei-- 
lure. The  .iudi»-\  i-ii.il  ami  eon-  teach- 
er* heard  of  this  and  arranged  for  pie- 
lure- taking  to  ilhi-lralr  their  i  la-. loom 
•i<-li\  itie-t  anil  xaiioii-  field  trips.  These 
piilute-.  in  turn,  were  Iran-ferred  to 
film  -tup-  .mil  bi-i  .inn-  a  permanent 
•I  in  their  file.,  ,'rom  thi-  work, 
one  box  m  particular,  learned  In  ii-e 
hi«  -mall  camera  •  r>-.ili\el\  and  made 
.1  fin.inrial  gain  an  well. 

I   imi-l     il-o.  ineiition   another  young- 

«ler     in     Ix  ginning    photograph*     who 

want.*   i"    I- -•  oine   a    photo    journaliM. 

\lr.i   I-\|M  i  inn  e  and  good  down- 

•th  training.  I  n  — igned  Jor  to  at- 

|i-?id     mother  -    i  lul>    meeting-     in    our 


school  and  take  candid  shots  of  their 
activities.  Thi.  give-  him  good  practice 
in  .hooting  pictures  in  a  hurry  and  in 
working  with  large  group:-.  It',  teach- 
ing him  to  be  a  good  businessman. 
too,  because  the  club  is  buying  his 
pictures  for  their  record  book,  and 
he's  watching  his  e\|icn-c.  carefully. 
There's  more  than  one  way  to  teach  a 
math  lesson,  isn't  there? 

Lypwood  is  another  hoy  in  our 
group  who  has  put  his  camera  to  work 
for  the  school  and  community.  His 
pictures  became  so  popular  he  was 
made  picture  editor  of  our  school  pa- 
per and  recently  editor-in-chief  of  the 
vcarhook.  \ou  lie  .  being,  called  to  tin- 
grade  schools  in  the  neighborhood  to 
record  special  activities.  I  Such  a  mem- 
ber of  a  recreation  department  group 
can  take  the  pictures  of  your  program 
that  will  intrigue  the  local  newspapers 
into  running  a  story  about  it.— Kd.  t 
The  bug,  in  Lyn'«  ea-e.  bit  so  deeply 
and  thoroughly  that  he  gave  up  a  won- 
derful summer  vacation  to  do  summer 
school  work,  so  that  during  the  school 
year  he  could  devote  more  time  to  his 
\earbook  duties.  In  addition  he  work. 
for  a  community  newspaper.  Thi. 
work,  for  both  the  school  and  new-- 
paper,  has  taught  him  to  meet  dead- 
lines and  has  made  him  more  depend- 
able and  alert  in  main  wax-. 

O f  Ihe  mo. I  interesting  thing. 

to  come  out  of  I.MIW I',  wink  ha. 

l>een  his  SCUM-  of  values  in  good  com- 
munity living,  lor  .ome  while  MOW 
he's  given  his  lime  without  pax  to  the 
Home  Owner's  \..ociation.  anil  the 
picture,  he  ha.  taken  of  muddv. 
poorly  paved  alley  wav-.  unkempt  lawn. 
and  niglcctcd  garbage  i  .in-  are  di-- 

pl.m-il  downtown  in  our  city   hall. 

To    tin    wav    of   thinking,    l.vnwood 
is  a   box    who   is   u-inj.-    In.  camera  to 
help  create  bellei   eveivdax    liv  ing.  and 
-ince    he    ha«    leached    llii-    |»  i  .pc.  tix  e 
at  an  earlv    age.    I   feel  .mite  pioiiil   !•> 
call  him  one  of  our  clan.   Ib   -  an  c\ 
i  client    i  \arnple    of    what    max     I 
i  oinpli'lii-d  in  tin    <  .).<•  of  an  indix  nlu.il 
who   i-   working   toward   a   definile   oh- 
!•••  lixe. 

M...I  of  tin.  article  ha- been  dire.  I,, I 

toward     the     .1  I I     i.ilher     than     the 

i  amp.  d.ix  i  la.-  or  lomnnmilx  renter 
or  plavground  •  (hat  is  win  i. 


most  of  my  experience  lies.  However. 
I  can  see  no  difference  between  a  plm- 
tographic  program  in  these  and  one 
in  a  school. 

Ix>t  your  camera  radiate  in  evcrx 
direction — from  the  arts  and  craft  ac- 
tivities to  music,  swimming  meet. .dra- 
matics, nature  lore,  sport.,  trips,  and 
even  the  work  of  the  camp  dm  tor. 
nurse  and  dietician.  What  you  do  with 
your  beginner...  and  the  amount  of 
planning  you  do.  will  coordinate  fun 
and  real  camera  achievement. 

The  pinhole  camera  is  an  excellent 
means  of  beginning  a  program  related 
to  picture  takitig  when  fcx\  have  cam- 
era, of  their  own.  Have  a  sample 
leadv  to  show  the  group  before  you 
begin  the  making  of  one.  There  will 
be  a  few  skeptics  who  will  think  thi. 
cardboard  box.  with  a  pinhole  in  the 
front  and  film  at  the  back,  cannot  take 
a  picture.  Keep  a  few  pictures  on  hand, 
too.  that  you  have  taken  with  this 
camera  and  pass  them  around  for  in- 
.pection. 

Supply  yourself  with  a  lot  of  .till 
cardboard  (railroad  board  i-  excel 
lent),  some  number  ten  -ewing  needles. 
metal  brad-  or  round  headed  paper 
fasteners,  thin  black  paper,  gummed 
tape.  glue,  cutting  tools,  ruler..  'I  hen 
go  to  work.  C..n. hud  three  .eparale 
pail-  for  llii.  camera:  an  inner  .eclion 
open  al  both  end.  and  txxo  oulci  ... 
lion-,  both  o|M-n  at  one  end  and  cln-ed 
al  till'  other.  The.e  two  sections  be- 
come the  front  and  the  back  of  the 
camera.  The  inner  section  slips  into 
the  front  of  the  camera  and  is  glued 
in  place.  The  back  of  the  camera  is 
not  attached,  but  will  be  removable 
from  the  innci  -eclion  each  time  film 
i.  in-cited  or  removed. 

l-rl'x    make    the    innei     -eclion     III. I 
With  a  ruler  MUM-IIIC  a  -tiip  of  card- 
bo.ird     fifteen     inches     long     and     .">'  . 
inches    wide:    divide    into    four    parts. 
the    fir. I    and    third    being    I1  |    inche- 
.iml   the  -ecoml   anil   fourth   Ix-ing   .'{'  i 
nielli--,    \\lien    llie-e   -ei  lions  have   U-eil 
foldi-d  and  brought  together,  gin. 
n-infoiie     with     bl.uk     gummed     tape. 
Ibex   now   form  an  oblong  or  O|M-M  n-i 
tangle.   ( it"    end    i-   later   glued   to   tin 
flout    .eclion   of   the  i  ami  i.i  :    the   olhei 
end  left   |n  in-i-tl   into  the   |,,i,  k   of  the 
i.imeia.     Tin-    end     of    tin-    -hell    will 


l<i  i  in  uiiix 


also  carry  the  film,  which  will  be 
3%  by  41/4-inch  cut  film. 

For  a  ledge  or  resting  place  to  hold 
the  film,  cut  several  pieces  of  card- 
board about  %  inch  wide  and  glue 
them  together,  one  on  top  of  the  other. 
Glue  these  into  the  shell  about  ^/§  inch 
from  the  end. 

Now,  for  the  front  of  your  camera 


measures  4Vi>  by  3^/4  inches,  as  do  the 
two  corresponding  slides.  These  two 
41/-;  and  two  S^-inch  sides  are  folded 
in  toward  the  oblong,  glued  and  re- 
inforced with  tape. 

On  the  front  of  this  section,  draw 
diago'nals  or  bisect  from  corner  to 
corner  to  find  the  exact  center.  Now, 
cut  out  a  small  square  opening  about 


15" 


44" 

3it" 

4*" 

3«r 

INNER,  SECTION 
fold  on   lines   and  glu 


Black  Paper 

Pin  hole 
where  lints 
in-tersecT 


Ifc- 

3V 

2% 

r 

2* 

3  H" 

2% 

FRONT- 
SECTION 


cut"  2w 

outside 


Seal  off  all  \i§M 


h       - 


corners  fold-gloa  wjth  ^^  ^mm^  tape 


— using  cardboard  9%  inches  by  8% 
inches,  measure  off  the  four  sides  that 
will  be  cut  away.  Each  of  these  will 
be  2-9/16  inches.  The  center  oblong 


one-half  inch  or  so.  Over  this,  paste 
a  thin  sheet  of  black  paper.  When 
this  is  done,  draw  the  diagonal  lines 
on  through  or  over  this  black  paper. 


and  where  they  intersect,  you  have  the 
center.  This  is  where  you  make  the 
lens  opening  or  pinhole.  Use  care  if 
you  do  not  want  uneven,  ragged  edges, 
which  will  give  excessive  diffusion  if 
you  are  not  exact  with  this  operation 
of  the  needle. 

The  placing  of  the  shutter  on  the 
front  of  the  camera  finishes  this  sec- 
tion, and  this  can  be  made  with  an 
inch  strip  of  cardboard  held  in  place 
with  a  brad.  Keep  it  loose  enough  to 
move  over  the  pinhole  without  jarring 
the  camera. 

The  back  of  the  camera  is  construct- 
ed in  the  same  manner  as  the  front  of 
the  camera,  and  the  interior  of  the 
whole  should  be  painted  black  with 
India  ink  or  dull  poster  paint.  You 
have  sealed  off  all  possible  light  leaks 
with  tape,  your  film  is  in  the  camera — 
now  for  a  picture. 

Make  sure  the  camera  is  placed  on 
a  solid  support  and  not  hand-held  dur- 
ing exposure,  since  even  very  fast  film 
on  a  bright,  sunny  day  requires  from 
six  to  ten  seconds  to  take  a  picture. 
If  a  model  is  used  in  the  set  up,  place 
her  seated  and  leaning  against  some 
back  support. 


SPRING   FUN  .  .  . 


~ 


HORSESHOE    PITCHING 
COURTS 

Amateurs  and  Professionals  alike  agree  that  Pitching  Horse- 
shoes is  great  sport.  Another  thing  they  agree  on  is  that 
pitching  courts  by  "DIAMOND"  are  the  best.  Diamond 
pitching  courts  are  ready  to  install,  built  to  conform  exactly 
to  official  requirements.  Sturdily  constructed  of  2"xlO" 
planks  to  give  you  many  years  of  enjoyment. 

"There's  Nothing  Finer  Than  A  Diamond" 


DIAMOND  CALK  HORSESHOE  CO. 


4616   Grand  Avenue 


Duluth,  Minnesota 


JUNE  1952 


151 


How  lii  keep  children  in  iliei 


''nKil  i  liililirn  like  lii  c  linili  unde-r. 
over  unil  tliroiiKli  tiling.  •""'  •>  I'.u  k  »•<"' 
is  imlliiiiL.ililr  liir  Minim  ctiiliU-rn  u  ilium! 
•  tandpilr;  but  llir  older  t  Inlilrrn  ijuic  k 
\\  lire  nl  tiich  actmlicx.  *>"  invest  in 
li.im-ls  .mil  IHIM  v  nr  »uw  up  tree-trunks 
.is  lln-y  do  in  park*  in  Slncklinliii.  Sweden. 
K.vcn  simple  play  r(|iiipmcnt  i  .in  In-  K<HK! 
in  farm  and  drtixn  ««  oiili-mril  In  tin- 

Itii    trunk      |iini;lr     ,ili<i\r     anil     >. Ilio*     at 

n.;lil     VulliKxIi-ls    n.itlit.illi    line    lii  .ii'1 

•      'In  1,1    lii    il       I  In  v     i I     In     i  v|ii  i  li-il 

lo  krrp  limits  tidied  up  ,d\s.i\s.  so  insl.ill 
ttranx  eroiiml  pattern  that  kn  ps  tin-  rye 
tmni  unlit-ing  mattered  tins  I'l.is  \.inU 
mutt  hr  ra»y  lo  convert  lo  adult  tat.  the 
Mndrxix  I.. ,  inning  flower  hrd.  for  narnplr 


CIIIIUKIN  VKK  iiMM'iK>l  wlim  tlii-v  an- 
-nini-tliing.  They  like  to  run.  jump.  -win}:. 
slide,  climb,  balance  or  hang.  But  tlic\  tin-  <|iii. IK 
of  repeating  the  saim-  ai-tion.  'l'hi>  i>  wh>  filling  llu- 
yard  \\ith  mci  lianiral  pla\  i-i|iiipmi-iit  i>  nn  f-iiai.in- 
tee  they'll  be  happy.  Better  to  stimulate  x-lf-aeti\  il\ . 
So  gi\e  them  things  their  imagination  can  \\mk 
mi.  Sand  and  water  and  stuff  eas\  to  IIIUM-.  -urli  -i~ 
hoards,  boxes,  barrels,  ladders  and  saw-hoi >•••.  an- 
suggestive  and  easily  adapted  to  am  ima^inai  \ 
situation  by  am  ajzc.  Thr\  make  the  bark  \anl  .1 
wonderful  land  of  maki--lielii-\e  and  children  nexcr 
run  out  of  "something  new  to  do." 

|AI-I\  pla\  \anl  neeiU  ~nnie  kind  of  pla\  IIOIIM-. 
The  !-imple»t  are  best.  Imagination  conxcil*  tin-in 
into  just  what  the  child  wunl-  nn»t  at  the  iimment. 


Mn  HI  xin>\ 


back  yard 


Dr.  Joseph  E.  Rowland 

This  may  be  a  house,  store,  robber's  den  or  fairy- 
land. 

Boys  also  want  pirate  ships.  A  simple  affair  of 
old  boards,  bright  paint  and  a  bedsheet  sail  will 
do.  They  would  also  be  excited  to  get  a  discarded 
automobile  or  airplane.  You  can  screen  either  off 
in  a  corner,  and  count  on  years  of  fun.  Girls  want 
a  place — maybe  just  a  secluded  spot  in  the  shade, 
under  a  tree,  where  they  can  talk  to  fairies,  stable 
imaginary  horses  or  just  dream.  They  find  some- 
thing new  to  do  here  each  day. 

Both  boys  and  girls  like  adult  things.  These  let 
them  imagine  themselves  doing  grown-up  work. 
Give  them  a  bucket  of  water  and  a  paint  brush 
and  they  will  "paint"  for  hours — fence,  garage  or 
a  favorite  toy. 


Children,  in  the  world  of  make-believe,  forget  safety 
rules.  Fence  the  play  yard  from  automobile  movement. 


Mother  should  be  able  to  view  the  entire  play  yard 
without  leaving  household  duties.  Seat-wall  serves 
dual  purpose  —  extra  seating  and  protection  for  flow- 
ers. A  small  slide  (about  $100)  is  good  investment. 


YOU  NEED  TO   PROVIDE: 

1.  A  paved  bike  run. 

2.  Something  to  climb  on,  preferably  trees. 

3.  Lawn  space  for  tumbling  and  wrestling. 

4.  A  place  to  dig. 

5.  Water  to  play  in. 

fi.  Convenient  toilet  and  wash  facilities. 

7.  Sturdy  seating  that  doesn't  have  to  be  pampered 
or  brought  indoors  when  it  rains. 

8.  Dining  facilities,  preferably  including  a  portable 
barbecue  for  easy  cooking  outdoors. 

9.  Covered,  weatherproofed  rainy-day  play  space. 

Ji  M: 


10.  An  outdoor  dance  floor. 

11.  Raised  plant  beds  so  plants  are  up  out  of  the  way. 

12.  Resilient  plants  that  can  withstand  accidents. 

13.  Fences  rather  than  hedges. 

14.  Scuff-proof  paths. 

15.  An  easy  way  to  store  play  equipment. 

16.  Complete   isolation  of  play  area  from  automo- 
biles. 

17.  Sun  and  shade,  cooling  breezes,  and  protection 
against  insects  and  dust. 


From   House  Beautiful's   I'rariirttl  Gardener,   1951. 


153 


John  C:.  Orth 


A  \\nilM.  I  hat  ten. I-  In  rcfre-h  man'-  mind  from  the 
•  Acrwla)  pursuit  nf  a  living.  un> thing  that  encourages 
people  i,,  oli-erve  with  uniler-landing  and  to  enjov  their 
perio i|-  of  leisure  anil  recreation  inlclligcntl).  is  of  im- 
measurable value.  On  nature  trails,  much  can  be  learned 
In  make  the  out-of-doors  more  enjoyable  and  understand- 
able to  the  xi.itor.  With  the  increased  interest  in  the 
preservation  of  our  natural  resources,  as  shown  by  con- 
servation socielie-.  \iiilulion  .ocietie.  and  other  wildlife 
group-,  it  •••em.  oiiK  riphl  that  a  part  of  a  state  park 
budget  «hould  l-e  set  aside  to  build  and  maintain  nature 
trails  and  trailsidc  mii-cum  unit-. 

ll  .boiild  !»•  the  purpose  of  these  "live  institutions"  to 
call  !••  the  vi.iior'.  alienlion  the  animal,  plant  and  geo- 
logical Morv  of  the  park  and  its  relationship  to  everyday 
living.  Thi>  mean.  going  '"  nature  hei..-lf  rather  than 
in  book..  i-lii..inoiii.  i,r  inanimate  mu.eum  exhibit.,  i 

ilion.   a    inn.  )i    di.<  u-. ••<!    national   problem,   cannot    be 
pi.mled  out  l»  belter  advantage  than  on  a  nature  trail. 

In  planning  and  building  -in  b  an  area,  man)  fa.  |..r- 
rini.l  IK-  taken  inli.  .  on.ideralion.  \n  elaborate  and  well 
planned  (mil  onl\  cheat.*  a  large  \»-t< -enlace  of  lite  public 
from  mini)  enjovincnl  and  knowledge  of  the  ..ill  of -il...  i - 

Hide..      j|      in     i-.i-ilv      .1.  ..  .-il.le.      \\|n|e     the     .1.  <epled      defllll 

IIIIIN   (      Olirn    /<   I'nrk    \nliiinlnl  ••/  ihr   /'n/rn/./»-«    Inlri- 
ilalr  I'ark  (  t<niinit<inn  ill  lirni    \lnnnliiin.    \.-n    ),tik    \lnh-. 


tion  of  a  nature  trail  is  "an  informal  path  through  field 
and  wood,  nature  providing  the  illustration-,  man  the 
slor\."  this  path  should  be  -n  ile.jgned  that  young  and 
old.  and  e\en  the  |ih\sicall\  han<lica|)|K-(l.  ean  use  it.  In 
other  words,  a  nature  trail  in  a  public  park  should  be 
ili--igned  for  all  the  \isilm-  .md  not  jii-l  a  -elerl  few  with 
the  agilit)  of  mountain  goats  or  the  endurance  of  -ea-oneil 
hikers.  Nor  should  it  be  too  long  for  the  average  visitor, 
who  is  not  accii-lomed  in  e\|en-j\e  walking. 

By  far.  the  be-l  situation  for  a  nature  trail  area  is  one 
that  is  separated  from  the  swimming,  picnicking  and 
athletic  areas,  either  In  natural  or  man-made  harrier - 
such  as  streams,  lake-,  rock  formation,  m  mail-.  »ilb  -uf 
ficierit  plant  growth  to  -•  i.-.-n  other  lene.ilional  area-  it 
lln-\  are  nearbv.  >m  li  In-almenl  will  pre.erxe  the  proper 
almo.pliere.  \n\  area  of  lwenl\-h\e  to  one  hundrc<l  .n-ie. 
that  meet,  llie-e  reijiiir emenl-  ami  i-  adjacent  to  parking 
areas,  bu-  -lop-,  and  .o  on.  i.  ideal. 

l!<-fori-  lavinp  out  the  trail-,  planner,  -liould  careful!) 
map  the  area,  not  <mK  for  topography,  but  al-o  for  in 
i'  n  -imp  trailside  material,  (iomnion  -i-n-e  ,li.  i,it.  -  dial 
inlere.tinp  n.ilural  fc-aliirc--  cannot  Ix-  brought  to  the  trail. 
H  the  trail  must  be  made  to  pass  them.  Perhaps  an  ev  cl- 
ient -land  of  fern.,  a  line  old  tree,  an  orili -topping  of  r"'k 
or  a  \i'-w  will  put  main  i  urve-  in  a  trail,  but  curves  arc 
dehnileh  an  advantage,  ll  -h..iild  ne\c-i  be  a  straight  line- 
between  two  point-,  but  should  miMnder  through  an  ana 


154 


l!i  c  1:1  \nc.\ 


and  never  be  unadventurously  in  view  too  far  ahead.  The 
points  where  these  curves  occur  should  be  carefully  se- 
lected. In  this  day  and  age  of  rush  and  hurry,  the  visitor 
will  soon  try  to  make  a  trail  of  his  own,  constantly  striv- 
ing to  create  that  straight  line  between  two  points.  Heavy 
undergrowth,  blackberry,  catbrier,  rock  formations  or 
even  boulders  placed  at  these  points,  will  tend  to  keep  him 
on  the  trail,  since  that  will  be  the  path  of  least  resistance. 
In  the  overall  planning,  erosion  should  be  kept  constantly 
in  mind.  Whenever  possible,  trails  should  follow  the  con- 
tour of  the  hills.  Occasionally,  existing  trails  can  be  used, 
but  the  foliage  and  general  natural  features  are  often  so 
worn  by  use  that  new  trails  prove  more  practical  in  the 
long  run. 

A  trail  usually  goes  through  two  stages.  (1)  Construc- 
tion— consisting  of  clearing  it  to  a  width  of  two  to  three 
feet,  with  all  grass  clumps,  stumps,  rocks  and  other  ob- 
structions removed  to  make  walking  easy,  and  the  placing 
(if  posts  and  labels  where  advisable.  (2)  The  initial  period 
of  use  and  study  of  its  popularity.  Depending  upon  popu- 
larity, it  will  have  to  be  widened  and  improved  to  handle 
the  increased  traffic,  or  it  may  need  only  occasional  main- 
tenance. 

It  is  fallacy  to  assume  that  maintenance  is  not  necessary 
on  this  type  of  trail,  that  everything  should  be  left  to 
nature.  Experience  has  shown  that  if  a  nature  trail  cannot 
be  properly  maintained,  it  is  far  better  to  abandon  the 
idea.  Bridges  or  wooden  walk-ways  over  streams  or  marshy 
areas  are  not  objectionable,  but  the  use  of  blacktop  or 
other  surfacing  material  on  a  trail  is.  When  and  where 
necessary,  the  application  of  an  inch  or  two  of  sandy 
soil  on  the  surface  takes  little  away  from  the  naturalness  of 
the  trail,  and  often  helps  to  level  rough  spots.  The  purist 
would  undoubtedly  frown  on  such  practices,  but  a  nature 
trail  in  a  state  park  is  for  the  public,  and  one  aim  should 
be  to  make  the  trails  as  usable  as  possible. 

It  has  been  said  that  people  should  be  able  to  feel  and 
hear  the  rustle  of  dead  leaves  under  their  feet  in  the  fall  of 
the  year.  Undoubtedly,  this  adds  naturalness  to  the  trail, 
but  it  creates  a  fire  hazard  which  can  be  very  much  les- 
sened by  the  thorough  raking  of  all  trails  to  create  fire 
breaks  in  the  event  of  public  carelessness  with  cigarettes, 
cigars  and  matches. 

Nature  trails  relating  to  plants,  animals  and  geology 
can  be  planned  for  any  state  park,  for  regardless  of  where 
or  how  they  are  situated,  interesting  facts  regarding  these 
phases  of  natural  history  can  be  called  to  the  attention  of 
the  visitor. 

Ecology,  a  thought  provoking  subject,  cannot  be  pre- 
sented to  better  advantage  than  on  a  nature  trail.  Here  are 
the  settings,  and  the  actors  are  going  through  their  parts. 
Where  better  could  relationships  between  the  soil,  water, 
plant  life  and  animal  life  be  shown?  Directly  coupled  with 
this  subject  is  that  of  conservation,  showing  how  the  de- 
struction or  depletion  of  any  one  of  these  basic  factors  can 
be  the  weak  link  which  will  eventually  break  the  chain. 

A  nature  trail  is  as  good  as  its  labels,  for  it  is  along  the 
trail  that  nature  provides  the  illustrations,  man  the  story, 
the  latter  being  told  by  means  of  the  labels.  The  purpose 


of  a  label  should  be  not  only  to  tell  the  names  of  things, 
but  to  furnish  an  additional  story  of  interest  to  the  visitor. 
This  should  be  told  in  as  few  words  as  possible,  as  it  has 
been  found  through  experience  that  long,  dry  statements 
will  not  be  read.  If  a  story  cannot  be  told  in  a  few  words, 
it  is  best  to  continue  it  on  several  labels.  The  one  im- 
portant fact,  to  be  kept  in  mind  at  all  times,  is  that  each 
label  must  be  understandable. 

In  the  overall  planning  of  trails  and  labels,  the  neces- 
sity for  protecting  the  property  against  the  minority  of 
vandals  requires:  (1)  Constructing  labels  so  tough  that 
they  are  practically  vandalproof:  (2)  Where  this  is  not 
practical,  building  cheaply  and  with  a  minimum  of  effort 
so  that  duplicate  labels  can  be  kept  on  hand  to  immedi- 
ately replace  defaced  or  stolen  ones;  and,  (3)  Posting 
warning  signs. 

School  groups,  without  proper  supervision,  are  probably 
the  worst  offenders.  The  labels  have  a  definite  fascination, 
for  thoughtless  boys  habitually  remove  all  signs,  from 
"Full  Stop"  to  "Ladies."  These  are  hung  on  the  walls  of 


Under  new   system,  two  colored  leaf  outlines,  squares,  circles, 
or  other  designs   are   repeated  on   trees   and   shrubs   of   species. 


their  rooms,  much  as  a  big  game  hunter  would  hang  his 
trophies. 

Apart  from  this  deliberate  vandalism,  there  is  the 
thoughtless  variety.  It  is  here  that  much  good,  regarding 
proper  park  use,  can  be  accomplished.  To  educate  the 
public  in  the  preservation  of  all  native  animal  and  plant 
life  should  be  one  of  the  aims  of  a  nature  trail.  This  policy 
will  tend  to  correct  many  types  of  injurious  park  behavior 
and  will  teach  people  to  think  along  lines  of  conservation. 

Labels,  if  thoughtlessly  written,  can  encourage  vandal- 
ism. An  example  might  be,  "The  spice  bush  is  also  known 
as  fever  bush  and  wild  allspice.  It  can  be  identified  by  the 
odor  of  the  leaves  when  crushed."  This  type  of  label  is 
virtually  an  invitation  to  people  to  tear  off  leaves,  crush 
and  smell  them. 

Three  simple  and  inexpensive  types  of  labels  have  been 


Ji  M:  1952 


155 


found  In  In-  -ali-fai  lory  on  nature  trails  in  Rear  Mountain 
Male  I'ark  near  New  V>tk  Cil\.  Ml  label-  .in-  kept  -mall. 
I- or  out-of-lhc.wa\  place-,  where  \andali-m  is  hard  to 
(ifl. -ci.  -beet  in>n  plate-,  one-eighth  inrh  thick  or  thicker. 
are  lai:-cicwi-d  to  I.MII-I  po-t-  .mil  i  oncn-leil  into  the 
ground.  The-e  are  painted  with  a  metal  primer  and  then 
ri  ,i  <  n, il  or  two  of  outside  [Mint  of  whatever  culm  i- 
mo-t  suitable,  onto  which  the  letleriii<;  is  painted,  and  then 
fini-hed  with  several  coats  of  spar  varnish.  To  date,  not 
one  of  tin  -e  -iMn-  ha-  IM-I-II  liroken  or  stolen,  and  e\cn 
the  weather  has  had  little  or  no  elTect  upon  them. 

I  he  labels  are  fastened  by  means  of  either  two-inch  No. 


Mm 


- 


my. 


Above,  view  of  the  aiiini.il 
building,  I  i.iiKidr  MIIM-IMH. 
Palisades  Inter  tin  to  Park. 
Bear  Mciinilaiii.  New  York. 


l.elt.  UK-  Snake  I'll.  In  .111 
area  where  snakes  are  lairK 
i  .-11111111111.  tin's  ran  lie  made 
an  outslaiulinu  aflrai  linn. 


Snake  Pit 


.'I  I'.iinil  head  bra--  -crew-  or  three-eighth  inch  carriage 
holt-  to  the  lhrei--iiicli  face  of  two-  l.\  three-inch  roiifzli 
cut  lo<  ii-l  po>ts.  which  are  concreted  into  tin-  j-round. 
I  lu-e  pi, -|.  .in-  .1  peinianenl  pail  of  the  trail  and  are  <>n|\ 
used  to  mark  specimens  or  area-,  which  do  not  eh  HIM,. 
from  \ear  In  w.u  '-hruh-.  lice-,  roik  formations,  and 

n  > .  I  In-  la  I  >i-l-  .in  f.n  i-d  u  ith  01  ie- foil  rtli  in,  1 1  tempered 

pi,  -»cd  wood  reinforced  on  the  top  and  hollom  of  the  hack 
In  ihree-fniiilli*.  inrh  |.\  two-inch  fir  01  pine  -trip-.  The 

pi,-—  ed  w I  i»  nailed  to  llie  w»o,|  -Inp-  with  one  and 

one-half  imli  ",iK.mi/,rl  iron  nail>.  which  are  \ti\\)-  enough 

lo  !>,-  ,  Imi  hcd  into  the  wood  -Inp-.  I  w iN  of  light  grav 

dei  k  enamel  are  applied,  and  after  dr\ni".  llie  lahel  i- 
Mllded.  One  or  lw<>  ,o.il-  of  Hat  paint  are  then  applied, 
on  which  the  let  I.  done  with  |M-n  and  \\.llelproof 
Imli. i  ink.  Tin-  hni-lied  lalx-l  i-  then  p\en  Iw .il-  ,,f 

a  \arni-h.  \-  the-e  lal.el-  an-  eight  inehe-  Imij: 
.mil  -iv  mehe-  hl"h.  M-|  \  little  lexeragc  ran  \><-  excited  |o 
up  them  i  ,-,-.  although  a  -h.np  m-lriimrnl  could  m.ii  the 

••il  with  llii-  -Inn  lion,  one  i-  ...,.,-,.. n.ilK 

•toli-n.  ••:  r»en  .1  fi-w  po-i-  npi  mnl,  m.l  all.  \ 
I,  ItenuM  liru-h  and  hl.uk  paint  i«  CM  ellenl  but  lake-  n,..i, 
lime  than  the  |M-II  .mil  ink.  Il  ha-  l>ren  found  a  " I  i 


lice  alwav-  to  ha\e  a  f<-w  do/en  blank  label-  on  hand 
ready  to  be  lettered  in  case  one  m  more  are  destroyed  "i 
ilef.iced. 

The  le\l  of  each  label  i-  l\ped  on  a  tll<-  caul,  -o  lh.lt  if 
a  label  i-  -lolen.  it  will  not  ha\e  to  \«-  icwiitlen.  I  ,n  li 
label  po-|.  label  and  llie  i.ud  beai-  llie  -.line  number. 

For  temporary  label-,  small  unifm  m  -i/ed  piei  ,--  ,.| 
hanlboaid  are  kepi  on  hand,  with  a  coat  or  two  of  Hal 
paint  on  the  face-  'I  he-,-  an-  f.i-lened  to  wooden  -lake- 
and  can  be  lettered  and  placed  when-  necessan  .  'llii-  t\  pi- 
is  ii-ed  mo-ll\  to  point  out  annual  downing  plant-,  mii-h- 
loom-.  and  so  forth. 

I  In  color  of  (he  label  -hollld  al  all  lime-  be  in  keeping 
uilb  the  -m  loimdings  and  shoulil  be  b-bi  -..  lb.it  lli, 
l.lleiinr  will  stand  mil.  but  at  no  lime  -hoiild  il  i.-iv.  tin 
appearance  of  an  ad\  erli-emenl. 

llie  pi. i<  ni);  of  the  label  po-l-  i-  of  impoil. -.  for  if 

lhe\  are  pl.n  rd  -o me  di-lame  .,H  the  trail,  tin  \i-ilm  will 
ue.ir  .in  indixidunl  path  leading  from  (he  nature  trail  lo 
them.  \l  lie. n  M.. nut. mi.  pi. i,  iriM  the  po-l  .  i"lit<-,  n  un  In  - 
flom  the  trail  make-  tin  label  lianl  !••  n.nl  if  appioaelied 
an\  i  |o-er  and  lend-  In  keep  the  public  ,,n  the  tiail. 

Ill  n   new    -\-lem   al    Me.u    Mount. tin.  each    label   ha-   two. 


Ill  i  lit  \llnN 


n«  *ooo  *  vjrr  He  mut 
IT  a  ust« 

w  IKItGI   OUAHTITWS   rott   TIM 

HAIWACTUM  OF 

WM   PUU> 


colored  leaf  outlines,  colored  squares,  circles  or  other  de- 
signs flanking  the  label  heading.  These  same  colored 
designs  are  printed  on  small  labels  ihree  inches  by  five 
inches  in  size  and  loosely  wired  lo  trees  and  shrubs  of 
ihe  same  species.  All  of  ihese  are  wilhin  easy  sight  of  the 
lettered  trail  label.  Thus,  interesting  material  not  formerly 
pointed  out  is  now  called  to  the  attention  of  ihe  visilor. 
The  firsl  year  this  system  was  tried,  the  markers  were 
wired  to  small  posts  driven  into  the  ground,  but  the  loss 
lo  souvenir  hunters  was  so  great,  lhal  last  year  only  those 
thai  could  nol  be  loosely  wired  lo  ihe  specimens  were 
fastened  to  stakes.  The  loose  wiring  of  ihese  markers  lo 
the  trees  and  shrubs  does  no  damage,  as  each  fall  the 
markers  are  removed,  the  Iree  and  shrub  growlh  not  be- 
ing sufficient  lo  be  affected  by  ihe  wire.  The  loss  ihrough 
thefl  was  negligible. 

Kvery  several  hundred  feel  along  the  trail,  signs  painted 
on  flat  rocks  weighing  about  sixty  pounds  read,  "PLEASE 
STAY  ON  mi:  TUMLS."  Coupled  with  these  are  trail  labels 
telling  why  it  is  important  for  ihe  public  to  stay  on  the 
trail.  The  various  reasons  given  include  poison  ivy,  com- 
pacting of  the  soil,  danger  to  life  and  limb,  trampling. 

A  trailsidc  museum  is  an  indispensable  parl  of  a  nature 
trail  and  might  well  be  referred  lo  as  a  covered  Irail.  It  is 
here  that  material  needing  protection  can  be  exhibited, 
and  where  the  story  of  widely  dispersed  trail  specimens 
can  be  brought  lo  a  definite  and  permanent  conclusion.  It 
is  here,  too,  that  specimens  of  the  small  animal  life  found 
along  the  trail  can  be  exhibited  and  properly  cared  for. 
Only  local  material  should  be  used.  This  building  should 
he  ihe  focal  point  of  the  area  bul,  al  ihe  same  time,  should 
he  of  such  construction  as  16  fit  into  a  natural  selling.  Il 
should  contain  an  office  for  the  naturalisl  and  possibly  a 
small  auditorium  where  groups  can  galher  for  classes, 
lectures  and  other  programs  during  inclement  weather, 
('lose  li\.  but  carefully  screened,  should  be  the  rest  rooms. 

Near  this  building  can  be  placed  rustic  cages  of  suitable 
si/es  In  house  some  of  ihe  larger  local  mammals,  birds  and 
reptiles.  In  placing  cages,  it  must  be  remembered  that  no 
animal  can  stand  a  full  day  in  the  summer  sun  or  a  loca- 
tion that  is  dark  and  damp  without  some  sunlight.  If  cages 


Nature  provides  the  illustrations,  man  the  story.  The  nature 
trail  is  as  good  as  its  labels.  These  must  be  understandable. 

are  to  be  constructed,  they  should  be  planned  with  ample 
room  and  good  waler  supply.  In  an  area  where  snakes  are 
fairly  common,  a  snake  pit  is  an  outstanding  attraction.  If 
poisonous  snakes  are  found  in  ihe  region,  ihis  should  be 
pointed  out,  and.  if  possible,  some  exhibited  in  the  mu- 
seum so  that  all  may  learn  to  recognize  them.  An  effort 
should,  of  course,  be  made  to  exterminate  them  from  the 
park  for  the  safety  of  the  public. 

Poisonous  species  of  plants,  such  as  poison  ivy,  and 
poison  sumac,  should  never  be  left  on  the  edges  of  the 
trail.  However,  efforls  should  be  made  to  have  such  planls 
in  sight  of  the  trail  with  appropriate  labels  pointing  them 
out,  so  that  people  can  learn  their  characteristics. 

To  operate  a  good  nature  trail,  there  should  be  a  nalu- 
ralisl  in  charge  al  all  times,  and  a  large  staff  to  care  prop- 
erly for  the  area  and  the  public.  A  program  of  lectures, 
guided  Irips  and  wildlife  demonslralions  adds  much  lo 
ihe  interesl  in  ihe  area,  and  in  natural  history  in  general. 

\  TREE 

Ernest  V.  Blohm 

Consider  a  tree.  Standing  obedient  to  nature's  code  it 
portrays  images,  too,  of  people's  recreation  .  .  .  spirilual 
strength  in  its  graceful  posture  ...  in  silence  imbuing  a 
deep  reverence  .  .  .  living  harmoniously  in  a  quiet  glory 
with  olhers  of  ils  own  of  olher  kinds  .  .  .  relaxation  is 
expressed  in  ihe  sofl,  cool  green  of  ils  color.  .  .  . 

In  ihe  shade  of  Irees  is  found  recreation  in  meditation 
.  .  .  solitude,  dreams  .  .  .  and  inspired  enjoyment  in  simple 
beauty  .  .  .  wildflowers,  sunrises  and  sunsels,  ihe  evening 
and  ihe  morning  slars  .  .  .  finger-painted  cloud  formations 
.  .  .  awe  in  the  thunderheads,  cleanness  in  ihe  rains  .  .  . 

Trees  respond  in  a  whisper  to  the  wind,  echoing  the 
\oices  of  birds,  ihe  hunter's  baying  hound  .  .  .  ihe  rasp  of 
swifl  skis  and  vigorous  crunch  of  snow  shoes,  tinkling 
Chrislmas  bells,  ihe  nation's  lighthearted  singing  .  .  .  pack- 
saddles  creaking.  .  .  . 

The  coals  of  many  campfires  are  visionary  in  the  lacy 
patterns  of  a  tree's  shadow,  the  glowing  of  warm  hospilali- 
ty  and  camaraderie  ...  of  busy  adventure,  pioneering  and 
trail  blazing  .  .  .  exploralion  .  .  .  boyhood,  willow  whislles, 
fun  .  .  .  manhood  .  .  .  peace.  .  .  . 

Intimately  allied  wilh  trees  are  sunny  days  out-of-doors 
.  .  .  family  oulings  .  .  .  lunch  baskels  and  picnics  .  .  .  sun- 
lans  .  .  .  swimming  and  bathing  .  .  .  clean,  ruslling  waters 
.  .  .  boating  .  .  .  bent  pin  hooks  and  sunfish  .  .  .  tight  lines 
and  splashing  fish.  .  .  . 

Trees  symbolically  express  the  complex  responsibility  of 
administrators  and  superintendent  of  forest  preserves, 
parks,  refuges,  and  similar  areas.  Their  undertaking  is  to 
perpetuate  and  preserve  the  nalural  fealures  of  ihese  areas 
and  to  make  them  available  for  the  enjoymenl  of  people. 
Their  work  is  noteworthy  as  they  keep  sacred  the  public 
Irusl  beslowed  upon  them,  by  thwarting  repealed  altempts 
of  encroachment  resulling  from  commercial,  private  or 
unsound  economic  molives. 

ERNEST  BLOHM  is  Group  Camp  Supervisor  oj  the  Parks 
and  Recreation  Division,  Michigan  Department  of  Con- 
servation. Above  poem  is  excerpt  from  Mr.  Blohnis  longer 
work,  "Of  a  Ball  and  a  Tree,  An  Ode  to  Recreation." 


JIM:  1952 


157 


A  Fast  Developing  Sport  for  Camps  and  Summer  Resorts. 


"Iliilf  the  lure  of  sailing  is  adventure.  Divide  the  rest 
between  two  other  universal  human  qualities — the  desirr 
for  freedom,  and  the  urge  to  create — and  you  have  the 
unshakable  architecture  that  is  sometimes  puzzling  to  lay- 
men: a  sailor's  love  of  sailing. 

"Freedom — it  begins  the  minute  you  cast  loose  from 
the  dock  or  mooring.  It  is  freedom  not  only  in  the  sense 
that  the  visible  world  is  >oiir-.  ll  is  escape  from  the  dust. 
noix-.  worr\  and  confinement  of  the  city:  freedom  from 
the  continual  complexity  and  pressure  of  our  life  oti  shore, 
ll  puts  to  rights  a  great  man\  things  that  seem  ><>  often 
wrong  with  us  by  restoring  peace,  perspective  and  di- 
rectness to  our  occupation."* 

There  are  many  rewards  gained  from  this  sport  of  sail- 
ing, such  .1-  self-discipline,  resourcefulness  and  confidence. 
They  develop  as  natural  complements  to  the  adventure  of 
sailing  and  not  from  arduous  <  ullivation. 

The  nrwly  projected  sailfish  is  a  bathing  suit  craft  be- 
•  it  i-  lon-lniiled  like  a  surf  board,  with  no  cockpit. 
Vtu.ilK.  it  is  a  surfboard  outfitted  with  a  "dip-up"  rud- 
der, a  center-board,  called  a  "daggarboard."  .ind  a  de- 
mountable in, l-l.  \\li.-ri  sailing  it  there  i-  little  likelihood 
of  remaining  dr\.  The  hull,  weighing  but  scvenl\  -eight 
pounds  ran  readily  !»•  tran-poried  on  a  ear-top  earner: 
and  it  <an  !«•  rigged  and  launched  at  am  beach  «i  dm  k. 
In  thi«  last  feature  it  -ur  passes  any  other  t\|«-  of  sailing 
'i.ifl  in  its  usefulness  and  adaptahililv  to  ihi-  need-  and 
wi«he«  of  the  owner.  It  <  .in  e.ur\  two  pei-on-. 

The  »ailfi«h  \-  plaeing  the  fun  of  sailing  within  the 
gra«p  of  thousand-  of  viiiiiigsler-  in  •  amps  .in. I  -iiinmer 
resorts  Ix-caune  of  it-  IOH  ei.-t.  I  I,.-  UK  leaned  cost  of  sueh 
rraft  an  the  "«ni|x-."  the  "eomrl"  and  others,  has  placed 
a  limit  on  the  «prrad  of  the  -port  in  te.  cut  \ear-.  The  new 

•  From  //  In    s>iimii>-l   (  ;iri,.r   HI.    ]<m,    I  .  i-iirr 

of  Amrrira,  30  Rockrirllrr  PU/a.   V  »    ^  nrk   liiiv 

138 


SAILFISH" 


Harold  S.  DeGroat  and  Robert  G.  DeGroat 


sailfish.  therefore,  costing  well  under  two  hundred  dollars. 
and  even  less  than  that  if  the  would-be  sailor  w  i-he-  to 
purchase  the  read\  -to-pul-together  boxed  materials,  is  fast 
catching  the  attention  of  camp  and  resort  owners  and 
directors. 

Techniques  Applicable  to  Sailfish  Sailing 


Main  Slu-i-i  Kixifing  —  After  tr\ing  out  the  new  craft  on 
New  York  state's  Moss  Lake,  which  is  nearly  oval  in 
shape,  three  quarters  of  a  mile  long  and  one  half  mill- 
wide.  with  gentle  winds  prevailing  but  often  coming  in 
very  changeable  gusts,  the  main  sheet  rigging  was  changed 
from  the  anchor  end  at  the  aft  end  of  the  tiller  and  up 
through  the  t\\o  pulle\s  on  the  boom.  Thi>  ie\ei-ed  the 
rourse  of  the  sheet-ro|>c  by  changing  the  anchor  end  l» 
(lie  outer  end  of  the  boom  and  running  it  diieitK  iloun- 
ward  to  a  swivel  pulley  on  the  top  of  the  ruddei  end  of 
the  tiller,  thus  making  a  direct  pull  downward,  or  inward 
and  doVBWard,  .1'  'oiding  to  the  position  of  the  -ail.  I  In- 
gave  a  chance  to  datten  the  sail  more  readiK  and  also  al- 
lowed more  maneim-rahilit).  It  al-o  required  a  special 
tci  Imique  of  holding  the  sheet-rope  along  the  tiller  uilh 
one  hand,  with  tin-  thumb  pressing  the  sheet-rope  against 
the  end  of  the  tiller,  thus  lea\  ing  the  olhei  hand  free  to 
grasp  the  guard  rail  <-r  to  pull  in  on  the  -beet  when 
necessary. 

Strrrini:  l'<niiiii>n  -As  our  campers  became  nci  ii-lomed  to 
-ailing  tin  -ailli-h  lhe\  tended  to  .1—  lime  two  natural 


Oii.imvT.  former  director  of  alhletir\  <•/ 

r.  M   tin-  diici-ttir  nj   I,  inn   nrnl  S,-hintl  Hrnllh. 

rilin  (limn  nnil  Hfin-iilinn.  \,-itl<nin.(.iinnrfli<iil. 
nnil  ln\  w>«.  HiuilKr.  former  tir  r'tirrr  pilot,  n  nthlelir 
ilirrclor  ami  Inifhcr  ill  Titncr  Hill  Xi'lionl  in  If  iltnirtftlon. 
l),-liiii,:ir.  Until  in,-  ,-\iirrirm-i;l  in  in/iiiitn  i  nml 


lln  KKMIdN 


RUNNING   FREE.   Boat  is   almost  ready   to   go   "on  the  step." 


positions  aboard  the  hull  of  the  craft.  One,  when  light 
breezes  prevailed,  was  that  of  sitting  on  the  outboard  hip 
with  the  knees  bent  and  feet  toward  the  stern,  thus  forming 
a  triangle  made  by  the  hip,  under  knee  and  ankle.  This 
position  seemed  to  be  comfortable  and  allowed  easy  body 
shifting  when  "coming  about." 

However,  when  the  wind  was  fresh  we  found  that  the 
sailor  should  sit  as  far  to  the  windward  as  possible,  with 
the  knees  bent  slightly  and  the  legs  extended  diagonally 
forward.  This  position  allowed  the  greatest  use  of  body 
leverage  while  still  keeping  the  feet  inboard  so  as  not  to 
create  drag.  On  gusty  days  the  same  seat  on  the  extreme 
windward  edge  was  retained,  and  the  weight  changes 
necessary  owing  to  puffs  and  lulls  in  the  wind  were  made 
entirely  with  the  upper  part  of  the  body.  The  sensitive 
sailfish  requires,  under  such  conditions,  a  change  from  a 
position  with  the  chin  tucked  between  the  knees  as  the 
wind  dies  to  a  full  hard  lean  in  the  next  gust,  all  in  the 
space  of  a  second  or  two. 

Adjustment  of  weight  fore  and  aft  is  also  important. 
We  found  that  a  clearance  of  about  six  inches  between 
the  windward  handrail  and  the  forward  hip  kept  the  hull 
in  good  planing  trim. 

Care  of  Craft  and  Launching — The  manufacturers  of  this 
new  craft  advise  that  the  sailfish  be  taken  from  the  water 
and  not  left  exposed  to  the  direct  rays  of  the  sun.  How- 


ever, dragging  it  upon  the  beach  or  onto  a  dock  can 
quickly  scar  the  under  surface.  Many  canvas  covered 
canoes  are  ruined  by  the  sandpaper  effect  of  beaching 
them  on  sandy  beaches.  It  is  true  of  this  craft,  also. 

At  Moss  Lake  Camp  we  devised  two  racks  that  took  care 
of  four  sailfish  each  and  solved  the  problem  of  being  out 
of  the  water  but  not  exposed  to  the  sun.  The  rack  that 
proved  to  be  the  best  was  placed  in  shallow  water  near 
the  canoe  or  main  camp  dock.  During  the  day  the  sailfish 
could  be  taken  from  the  rack,  floated  to  the  dock  and  tied 
while  the  mast  was  stepped  and  the  sail  prepared  for 
raising.  The  sail  was  left  on  the  deck  of  the  hull  when  not 
in  use.  The  mast  and  sails  with  booms  were  stored  on  top 
of  each  hull  as  it  was  lifted  into  place  on  the  extended 
arms  of  the  rack.  To  keep  the  sails  from  mildewing,  they 
were  dried  before  being  stowed  away. 

The  rack  was  placed  out  of  the  way  of  canoe  and  dock 
activities.  The  craft  were  tied  in  the  lee  of  the  dock, 
shielded  from  the  prevailing  wind.  The  spaces  between 
each  were  set  to  prevent  their  bumping  into  one  another. 
Mounting  or  Starting  Off — We  found  that  the  following 
way  of  mounting  the  sailfish  preparatory  to  sailing  is  the 
best.  First,  raise  the  sail  and  arrange  the  sheet  and  rudder. 
Second,  untie  the  craft.  Third,  walk  out  with  the  craft 
headed  into  the  wind  to  knee-depth,  or  better  yet,  to  where 
the  daggarboard  can  be  pushed  down.  Fourth,  hold  the 
hull  so  that  it  is  pointed  directly  into  the  wind  by  grasping 
one  guard  rail  with  one  hand  and  the  tiller  plus  the  sheet 
in  the  other  hand.  Fifth,  when  ready  to  mount,  turn  the 


WIND 


The  diagrams,  Nos.  1,  2 
and  3,  show  relationship 
of  tiller  to  sail  in  the 
turning  maneuvers. 

Diagram  No.  1 


RxidtUr 
t  Tiller 


bow  of  the  boat  a  degree  or  so  down-wind  so  that  the 
sail  moves  slightly  away  from  you  and  leaves  the  deck 
of  the  craft  clear  for  placing  your  knee  upon  it.  Now, 
shove  off  with  your  rear  foot;  assume  your  sailing  posi- 
tion and  gradually  pull  in  your  sail  and  you  are  under- 
way. (See  Diagram  No.  1.) 

Dismounting — When  returning  to  the  area  for  dismount- 
ing, we  advise  the  following  procedure.  As  you  approach 
the  area  of  knee-depth  water,  be  prepared  to  turn  the  craft 
directly  into  the  wind  and  then  slide  off,  keeping  the  craft 
pointed  toward  the  wind,  so  that  the  sail  settles  over  the 
center  of  the  hull.  Now,  back  or  guide  the  boat  into  an- 
choring position  but  keep  it  headed  so  that  the  sail  main- 
tains its  center  position.  If  the  water  becomes  too  shallow, 
pull  up  the  daggarboard  or  remove  it  and  place  it  diago- 
nally between  the  guardrails,  where  it  will  wedge  itself. 

Teaching  Sailboat  Techniques 

Safety  Element — Every  prospective  sailor  must  be  a  capa- 
ble swimmer.  Experience  in  righting  canoes  and  paddling 
them  ashore  and  other  safety  instruction  is  advisable.  It 


JUNE  1952 


159 


-      oii-idercd  a  good   procedure   I"   haxe   life-hell-   worn   h\ 
lho-e  .if  ipie-limiahle  water  ahilitx. 

Coming-Aboul — Alwax-  f.n •>•  the  -ail  when  -ailing,  \\lii-n 
read\  In  come-about,  do  ihe-e  thing-:  fir-l.  push  the  tiller 
toward  tin-  -ail:  second,  mine  xmn  lin<l\  aim--  In  the 
ntln  i  -ide  of  llic  craft,  ami  a-  xmi  dn  it  third,  change 
xmir  hands  mi  the  tiller  and  sheet,  hut  !><•  -ure  not  to 
change  the  tiller  position,  (-'mirth,  let  the  sail  and  doom 
pa  —  mi  r  xour  head  and  /;//  un  I  lie  <>i>i>osilf  .•.;</<•.  Fifth. 
IIOM.  and  onlx  now.  MIOU-  ill.  tiller  .mil  -leer  on  xmir  new 
course.  Caution,  do  not  move  the  tiller  liefore  this  time 
"i  x»u  an-  likelx  to  fail  and  get  into  liouMe.  Sixth,  pull 
in  on  the  -heel  and  il  will  .-tart  xmj  oil  i|uiekl\  on  the 
new  tack. 

Manx  new  sailor-  make  a  mi-take  of  Iti/jiiii;  n/i  or  turn- 
ing |(MI  close  to  the  wind  as  the\  approach  the  shore,  and 
then  wlidi  thex  wish  to  come  ulxnit.  tliex  do  not  haxe  the 
hcadw.ix  to  execute  it.  Thex  seem  to  think  tliat  hecailse 
the  -liorc  i-iiixe-.  llicx  a l«o  mu.-t  dine  their  course  to 


WIND 


2. 


WIND 


I  )|. 1141. UN   No.  2 

match  il.  The>  mii-l  lie  laughl  to  fin  direcllx  toward  ihe 
-lime  withdiil  dining  and  come  ahoiil  when  danger  of 
running  aground  iM-cmne-  likelx. 

lid    in-i-teiice    that    the    tiller    he    moxed    toward    the 

-ail     not  away  from  it     pi..i..  i-  tin-  beginner  ag.iin-i  tin- 

d.ingerou-  maneuxer  called  "jibbing."  lie  inu-l  learn  to 
"jili"  and  know  the  dilference  helween  lh.it  maneiixer  and 
the  u-iial  lacking  or  coiiiing-ahout  maneiixer. 

•am   No.  J  .how-  the  Iwn  maneiixei-. 

lililimi:      Wr    teach     hnlh     ihe    "controlled    jili"    .in. I     lli. 

-ig   jih"  vi  that   the  beginner   krmw-  the  dilfeieme  and 

|ililj.'iiielll    .1-    I"    which    In    ll-e.     Ihe    controlled    Jill 

I-    ll-cd    III    heaxiei     dree/e-    while    the    hailg    jili    I  .III    he    ll-ed 

in  light  hrrr/e-.  when  the  "train  on  the  rigging  i«  not 
likelx  to  IM-  oxerlninlcM-ome. 

'r,,ll,;l  Jil,    Mnnriiiii        II iilrnlleil   |il.  reipine-  that 

the  -ail  !•<  pulled  in  gradunllx  ax  the  luin  i-  in.ule  with 
lh<  -lern  pointed  upwind,  while  (lie  lacking  maneuver  is 
made  with  the  IMIW  toward  the  Hind.  In  jihhing.  the 
idler  i«  mmrd  nway  from  thr  »ail.  \»  the  ..nl  i-  pulled 
in  wlol.  the  •  i.ifl  i-  liirning.  it  Mill  i  oinr  hack  oxer  the 


stern  of  the  hoat  until  it  reache-  a  -pot  where  the  wind 
coining  oxer  the  -lern  will  shift  lo  the  oppo-ite  side  of  the 
-ail  and  -larl  to  moxe  it  forward  mi  the  other  side  of  the 
craft.  If  the  sail  i>  let  mil  giaduall).  the  hoat  will  continue 
turning  to  it-  new  course  without  danger  of  heing  knocked 
clown,  \fter  the  turn  IKI-  heen  made,  the  sailor  should 
moxe  to  the  other  side  of  the  craft,  change  hand-  on  the 
tiller  and  dress  the  sail  and  tiller  to  fit  the  cour-e  de-in-ii. 
I/if  llnrifi  Ji/>  \\  e  leach  this  in  a  lifiht  hrce/e  with  em- 
phasis lii'ing  centered  upon  //«•  m-linn  oj  I/if  tiller,  the  kex 
In  -uccess  or  failure.  Failure  in  thi-  i-a-e  max  lie  one  of 
-exeial  things,  such  as  oxerturning.  or  loss  of  control  of 


WIND 


Course  of  boom 
Swinging  from  A.lo  B 

3. 


2. 
Diagram  No.  3 


a. 

i. 


the  lioai.  with  either  (hi-  tiller  llop|>ing  ahoiit  or  cxi-n 
circling  the  craft  conipldcK  around  one  or  more  tiinc- 
at  high  speed. 

Diagram  No.  3  shows  that  as  the   hang  jilt   is  started 


held  there  until  I/if  iiitunl  MVOHI/  when  the  wind  will 
can-e  the  sail  to  flulter  ju-t  hefore  it  will  swiii"  sharplx 
acio—  oxerhead  from  "V  to  "M".  This  is  the  dangerous 
-ccond.  when  the  lioom  lifts  and  swings  ai-io—  with  a  IHIIII;. 

If  (tie  tiller  i-  moxcd  (piicklx  to  "li"  or  the  center  of 
the  craft,  as  the  sail  xxhips  aero—.  the  "hang  jil>"  will  he 
-in  i  e--fiill\  executed  and  the  power  of  the  wind  and  tin- 
sail  will  be  eX|M-nded  upon  the  ligging  and  cause  onlx  the 
how  of  the  Itoat  to  dip  forward.  Now  the  tiller  is  inoxcd 
hack  to  "a"  and  the  turn  completed.  The  sailor  can  MOW 
moxc  aim—  and  face  the  sail  as  he  dre—  es  the  sail  and 
tiller  on  the  new  cmuse.  (  fii/f/in^  <>/  ill,-  lillft  is  the  kex 
to  -Hi  i  ess. 

If.  howexer.  the  tiller  i-  left  .it  ".i"  .1-  the  -ail  whips 
.uio--.  the  power  of  the  wind  and  sail  will  !«•  expended 
upon  ihe  -ide.  in  long  axi-.  of  the  daft  and  IK-  likelx  to 
i  .ip-i/e  it  01  lluow  il  out  of  control. 

f/i/iMirii  -liinii  It,  >,  I..  MIIIIIIII^  <n  ItiMiiinitiliiifi  >'/'"'  Tlii- 
inanelixei  i-  xeix  nei  essary  if  the  licgiimci  i-  to  lie  tin-led 
to  handle  a  craft. 

I'.iiipli.i-i/e  (In    following  xxhcn  teaching   .i|>pi».i<  h 

1.  \lw.i\-  I,  mil  on   Ihe  In-   *«/c      linn   up  into  the  wind. 

2.  If  pii—  il-le.  approach  mi  tin    -ide  of  the  iiiooiing.  dm  k 
1.  1    -put    ..(    di-in.  .iinlin^     .11  i  milin^    In    ihe    pn-ilion    of   (he 
-.id.    If  the  -ail   i-  on   the   right,  appmaih   mi   the   right:    if 
mi   the   left,  i  .....  e   in   on   thai   side. 

V'  ••nling  In  the  -lienglh  of  xmii  (me/.  -lax  uiir 
unit  i>'ii--hnlj  to  Inn  Icniitln  of  MUM  iiafl  aw.ix  fimn  the 
-ide  of  the  dock  or  mooring  a-  xmi  appi  .....  h  for  a  hind- 
ing.  lln-  i-  imp..  1  1.  ml  in  .illnwm^  -afelx  inai^iii  in  m.iiicii 


If-. 


III  I  III    MH.N 


4.  To  save  damage  to  your  craft,  dock  or  yourselves,  go 
the  same  distance  behind  the  dock  or  mooring  (lee  side) 
before  turning  upwind,  and  drift  into  place.  No  matter 
how  stiff  or  light  the  breeze  the  craft  will  slow  down  and 
reach  the  desired  spot.  Turn  the  tiller  until  the  sail  flutters 
over  the  center  of  the  boat  and  then  center  it  and  steer  to 
your  point  of  approach. 

5.  If  there  is  a  choice,  the  corner  of  the  dock  is  pre- 
ferred, so  if  the  craft  comes  in  too  fast,  a  slight  moving 
nf  the  tiller  can  guide  it  alongside  the  dock  or  mooring 
with  no  harm  to  the  craft. 

Notes  for  the  Advanced  Sailfish  Sailor — As  a  position  of 
running  free  is  approached  and  the  wind  begins  to  come 
more  over  the  stern,  the  sailor  should  move  his  weight 
farther  to  the  rear  to  counteract  the  leverage  exerted  for- 
ward on  the  mast,  which  tends  to  dig  the  bow  in.  However, 
too  much  weight  to  the  rear  sinks  the  stern  too  low, 
destroying  the  planing  properties  and  causing  a  greatly  in- 
creased suction  drag  at  the  stern.  We  found  that  a  constant 
heel  to  the  sailfish.  sufficient  to  raise  the  windward  corner 
of  the  stern  free  of  the  water  even  in  the  lightest  breeze, 
paid  dividends  by  breaking  the  suction  caused  by  the  flat 
stern  design. 

The  usual  procedure  of  completely  raising  the  center- 
board  when  running  free  should  be  modified  when  sailing 
the  sailfish,  as  the  lack  of  draft  to  the  hull  will  allow  a 
strong  breeze  to  cause  a  crabbing  action.  For  this  reason 
and  for  generally  greater  stability,  the  daggarboard  should 
be  left  down  about  six  inches. 

The  sailfish  will  get  "on  the  step"  in  a  good  breeze. 
That  is,  the  'fish  will  actually  plane  on  top  of  the  water 
when  the  conditions  are  right.  Once  up,  the  heel  may  be 
reduced  and  a  true  down-wind  course  taken  if  desired,  but 
this  is  a  very  delicate  situation  and  all  moves  must  be 
sensitive  and  gentle,  or  the  sailfish  will  drop  back  off  the 
step. 

Teaching  Suggestions 

Position  of  Instructor — The  preferred  position  of  the 
instructor  in  teaching  sailing  is  always  upwind.  From  here 
the  voice  carries  readily  by  megaphone.  From  here,  wheth- 
er on  the  dock,  in  a  canoe  or  boat  or  another  sailing  craft, 
it  is  easy  to  reach  the  down-windward  craft  quickly  if  it 
is  in  need  of  help.  Choose  the  area  or  course  that  gives 
the  very  best  safety  factor  during  the  teaching  sessions. 
Order  of  hems  To  Be  Taught — The  following  is  the  sug- 
gested order  of  instruction  to  be  given  to  sailfish  sailors. 

1.  Terms  of  sailing,  parts  of  the  craft,  and  a  short  his- 
tory of  sailing,  including  the  theory  of  sailing. 

2.  Launching  and  rigging  the  sailfish. 

3.  Mounting  and  the  take-off — what  to  do  if  capsized. 

4.  Short  run  across  wind,  "come-about"  and  return — 
over  shallow  water  if  possible. 

5.  Proper  return  to  dismount  area  and  dismount,  sail 
lowering,  and  anchoring  properly  and  storing  upon  rack. 
The  dismounting  or  making  dock  approaches  can  be  com- 
bined with  item  number  four. 

6.  Tacking   Lesson — After   learning   to  steer   a   straight 
crosswind   course   and    return    over   the   shallow   water,    a 


SAILFISH   TRIPPING.    New   sport   rivals   winter   ski   trips. 

course  should  be  set  that  will  require  tacking  upwind  two 
or  three  times  to  a  buoy  and  return  down-wind  or  on-a- 
reach.  This  lesson  should  cover  the  proper  dressing  of  the 
sail  at  close-haul  and  the  pointing  of  the  craft  into  the 
wind  for  the  best  speed  attainable,  how  to  make  the  turn 
at  the  buoy,  and  the  proper  dressing  of  the  sail  and  use  of 
the  daggarboard  when  running  down-wind. 

7.  Triangular  Course — After  sufficient  practice  in  tack- 
ing and  steering,  the  more  advanced  beginner  may  be  sent 
on  a  triangular  course  with  the  usual  legs,  requiring  sail- 
ing on  a  reach,  tacking  and  corning  in  on  the  wind. 

8.  Practice  Racing  Starts — Teaching  of  the  hitting  of 
the  starting  line  at  the  end  of  three  or  five  minute  periods 
is   required  next.   More  advanced   sailors   can    race   to   a 
crosswind  buoy  and'  back  as  part  of  the  lesson.  The  racing 
rules  need  to  be  explained  here. 

9.  Racing  over  a  Triangular  Course — This   begins   to 
give  the  sailor  the  real  fun  of  sailing  and  also  stimulates 
the  desire  to  learn. 

Common  sense  is  the  way  to  interpret  the  theory  of  sail- 
ing; the  rules  and  theory  are  quite  simple.  There  will  be 
features  about  your  sailing  area  that  will  be  peculiar  to  it 
alone.  Varying  types  of  breezes  will  allow  different  tactics 
on  different  days.  Breezes  coming  down  the  lake  one  day 
will  allow  good  sailing  of  certain  courses.  Breezes  coming 
out  of  notches  made  by  nearby  hills  or  mountain  peaks  may 
alter  things  entirely  on  another  day.  Breezes  bouncing  off  a 
woody  side  hill  or  a  huge  rock  will  set  up  rules  of  proce- 
dure that  must  be  taught  when  sailing  near  them.  The 
bounce-back  of  such  breezes  will  cause  changes  in  the 
dressing  of  the  sails.  These  must  be  understood  by  the  sail- 
ors, as  well  as  the  fault  of  sailing  too  close  in  the  lee  of 
an  inland  and  being  becalmed. 

This  sport  of  sailing  is  now  within  the  reach  of  many 
more  young  people.  Its  thrills  and  opportunities  for  ''free- 
dom" are  there  to  be  tasted. 


Ji  M.  1952 


161 


Seven 
fo 


John  A.  MacPhee 


CAMP  COOKERY 


Camp    cookery    can    be    fun. 
yne   novelty   0{   a   newly   ac- 

quired skill,  the  satisfaction  of  having 
created  something  yourself,  and  the 
"provin'  in  the  eatin'  "  all  combine 
to  make  camp  cookery  an  enjoyable 
experience. 

None  of  these  cooking  procedures 
are  difficult  if  they  are  taught  in 
proper  sequence.  Why  not  try  them 
yourself,  and  be  at  least  a  few  steps 
ahead  of  the  campers?  Confer  with 
the  home  economics  teacher  at  school, 
or  the  camp  cook,  for  ideas  on  mixing 
ingredients,  greasing  pans,  testing  to 
see  if  food  is  cooked,  fast  cooking  or 
slow  cooking,  and  so  on.  You  can  even 
practice  some  of  the  steps  in  the 
kitchen.  Be  careful  with  the  flapjacks, 
though,  many  an  enthusiastic  flip  has 
flapjacked  right  onto  the  ceiling! 
When  the  actual  instruction  is  going 
on,  you  will  not  have  time  to  do  any 
""iking.  Remember  the  following 
points  in  teaching  camp  cookery: 

It  is  most  fun  (o  cook  without  uten- 
sils. One  gets  the  self-sufficient,  pio- 
neer feeling. 

And,  of  course,  part  of  the  fun  is 
in  the  eatin'.  Hither  do  not  have  the 
sessions  too  close  to  regular  meal 
time,  or  have  them  a/  meal  time. 

^••me  of  ihe  mutts  in  teaching 
young  campers  to  cook: 

a.  First  and  tail  a  projter  fire  / 
tenlial.  Skill  must  be  developed  in  firr- 

\irmiH.  in  n;  mil  inn  ilnmon  ,if 
l'nin-r.Mi\  <>f  \.-i,  )  ,,rk  Trach- 
•  lli-s:f.  Cnrlland.  has  been  rnm/i- 

•niil   ,lir,;l,n.   Cninjt    K'innrlmi;,,.    \l,. 


making.  This  includes  selection  of 
proper  tinder,  finger-thick  kindling, 
and  hard  or  softwoods,  according  to 
what  is  being  cooked.  And  never  for- 
get what  the  wise  old  Indian  said. 
"White  man  keep  warm  by  running 
out  and  getting  heap  much  wood  for 
big  fire.  Indian  make  small  fire  and 
sit  close."  The  same  rule  applie.-  to 
cooking. 

b.  Every   camper   cooks.   Keep   the 
number  of  campers,  per  fire,  down  to 
two  or  three.  Four  is  the  maximum. 

c.  Have  cooking  fires   in   a    rough 
circle,  in  a  pasture,  or  grassy  area  to 
minimize   fire   hazard.   Supervision   is 
pimplified  if  you,  the  instructor,  stay 
in  the  middle  with  all  the  supplie-. 

d.  Never  cook   without   eating.   Do 
this  at  the  very  first  session,  even  if  it 
is  only  toast  and  margarine. 

e.  Cook  close  to  camp.  There  is  no 
need  to  make   drudgery  of  the   food 
transportation.  Also,  if  you  are  cook- 
ing a  meal,  and  something  goe-  wronj:. 
the  camp  kit< -hen   is  handy  for  extra 
vittles  to  make  up  for  the  stew   that 
dumped    inlii    the    (ire.    or    tin-    -leak- 
that  were  squashed  in  the  du-t  when  a 
beginner  was  looking  for  the  salt.  or 
the  dough  (hat  was  dropped. 

f.  Make  a  fame  of  it.   \  little  in- 
formal   coinjK-tition     -omelime-     adds 

/r-t    ami    now-|t\    a-    Well    a-   -periling    ll|l 

the    learning    proees*    and    also 
-uperinr   ramprrs   recognition.    At   ap- 
propriate   lime«.    ii/irr    the    ha-ir    fire 

anil    cooking   skill-    .in     .1 npli-heil. 

•  oiniM-iiiinii  might  I M  i  ondiii  led.  -iii  h 
i-  \\ho.an  Imilil  ihe  tir-l  (in  • .'  \\  ho 
i  an  I'i'il  water  lit-l  .'  \\lio  <  leaned  up 


the  fire  place  best?  Pop  this  now  and 
then  unannounced  and  observe  the  im- 
proved tidiness.  Did  each  put  some 
green  leaves,  fern,  or  long  grass  over 
the  site  of  the  fire  to  prove  the  com- 
plete absence  of  embers  or  any  fire? 
Who  cooked  with  the  least  amount  of 
materials? 

g.  Rainy  days  are  not  lazy  days. 
I  H  em!  Here  are  some  rainy  day 
sugpe-lion-: 

Wet-day  fire  building  —  practice  and 
i  ompetition. 

Reflector  baking  at  the  indoor  fire- 
place. 

"Rev"  Carlson  cooks,  indoors,  with 
a  No.  10  tin  can,  by  using  a  "buddy 
Imnicr."  Hull  old  elolh  about  three  to 
four  inches  wide,  like  a  gauze  bandage. 
Place  the  roll  with  the  edge  up  in  a 
•  an.  and  fill  the  can  with  waste  fat. 
\\hen  tin-  i  loth  i-  -alurated.  \ou  have 
the  equivalent  of  a  small  burner.  Now, 
\oiir  tin  can  cookery  may  go  on  re- 
f-ardle—  of  weather,  indoor-  or  out. 

Preparation  of  trip  menus,  empha- 
sizing proper  quantities.  Every  ounce 
heroine-  a  pound  after  the  lir-t  few 
mile-. 

hi-i  ii—  \aiiou-  wa\-  of  food  preser- 
\alioii.  i  are  of  peri-hahles  when  there 
i-  MI.  ne.  ami  do  not  o\erlook  teadx  • 
mixes  and  dehydrated  fond-. 

|)i-euss  and  analyze  a  balanced 
menu.  On  the  trail.  e\er\  meal  can- 
no!  l>r  balanced,  hut  the  daily  food 
intake  -hoirld  lx*  balanced. 

Listlx.     whv     not     make    the    whole 

c  oiir-e  part  of  a   build-up  lo  the  first 

overnight   Inkr.   I  n<"inar_'e  eamper-  !•• 

and    prarlire    rnni|M  raft    skill", 


K.J 


in  \riuN 


such  as  tent  pitching  and  ditching  or 
bough-bed  construction,  so  that  the 
first  overnight  experience  becomes  a 
happy  climax,  composed  of  the  inte- 
gration of  the  numerous  campcraft 
skills  which  have  been  learned  previ- 
ously. How  many  times  is  this  first 
overnight  experience  an  ordeal  of  na- 
ture against  living  instead  of  living 
with  nature.  Improperly  cooked  food, 
uncomfortable  sleeping,  burned  fin- 
gers, knife  or  axe  cuts,  insect  bites, 
and  many  other  things  that  happen  to 
the  poorly  prepared  youngster,  put  a 
damper  on  the  novice  camper.  There 
is  no  need  for  this  to  happen! 

So  much  for  the  philosophizin'. 
Here  are  the  seven  steps  to  easy  camp 
cookery. 

1.  Kabobs.    Cook,   and   eat  from   a 
stick,  kabobs  made  of  meat,  onion  and 
bacon.    Cut    a    green    stick    (thick-as- 
your-finger)    and  sharpen  the  thinner 
end.  Cut  your  meat  (lamb,  ham  steak 
or  round  steak)    into   pieces   roughly 
one  inch  square  and  one-fourth  inch 
thick.  Slice  the  onion  about  one-eighth 
inch   thick   so   the   rings   look   like   a 
cross-section  of  a  tree.  Cut  the  bacon 
in  pieces  about  one  inch  long.   Is  the 
fire  ready?  Any  fire  will  do  for  this, 
as  long  as  you  can  get  close  to  it.  Put 
a  piece  of  meat  on  the  pointed  end  of 
the  stick,  and  push  it  down  about  eight 
inches.  Add  a  piece  of  bacon  the  same 
way,   and   a   piece  of  onion,   pushing 
them  toward  the  meat.  Leave  a  slight 
space  (about  one-fourth  inch)  between 
all    pieces,    to    permit    even    cooking. 
Continue    adding    meat,    bacon,    and 
onion  until  the  stick  has  about  six  or 
seven     inches    of    meat,    bacon    and 
onion.   Now,   hold   over   the   fire   and 
cook.  To  eat,  merely  place  two  pieces 
of   bread   edge   to    edge,    flat   on    the 
palm  like  the  covers  of  an  open  book, 
sandwich  the  bread  around  the  meat 
by  closing  it  over  the  kabob,  compress 
securely,  and  while  rotating  the  stick, 
pull  it  out.  Salt  to  taste.  Finish  with 
some  local  fruit  or  berries,  picked,  if 
possible,  by  the  campers. 

2.  Flapjacks.  Now  for  some  culinary 
acrobatics.  Encourage  the  campers  to 
flip  'em.  The  main  trick  in  the  flip,  as- 
suming you  have  a  light  frying  pan,  is 
to  keep  the  wrist  flexible.   Emphasize 
the  downward  dip  of  the  pan,  which  is 
the    essential    preparatory    movement 


for  the  upward  flip.  Make  the  first  pan- 
cakes small,  so  that  the  loss  of  a  few 
flopped  flapjacks  will  not  detract  from 
the  fun  of  flipping.  Try  greasing  the 
pan  with  a  strip  of  bacon  doubled  and 
slipped  between  the  split  ends  of  a 
green  finger-thick  stick  about  fifteen 
inches  long.  The  pan  is  hot  enough 
when  drops  of  water  jump  around  on 
it.  The  ready-mix  batter  should  have 
the  consistency  of  heavy  cream.  When 
you  see  bubbles  appearing  on  the  bat- 
ter in  the  frying  pan,  "Let  'er  flip." 

3.  One-Pot   Meal.    There    are    Irish 
stews,  Mulligan  stews,  and  so  on,  ad 
infinitum.    We    will    not    suggest    any 
particular  one.  You  cannot  go  wrong 
if  you  fry  the  meat  in  fat  with  season- 
ing first,  and  then  add  cold  water  and 
bring  to  a  boil,  simmer  for  an  hour  or 
more  until  tender,  then  add  diced  po- 
tatoes,   onions  and   vegetables.   While 
waiting,  why  not  add  some  pan  biscuit 
bread?   Use  a   ready-mix,   spread  the 
dough  on  a  greased  pan,  bake  by  put- 
ting the  pan  close  to  the  fire  at  an 
angle  to  the  ground  to   bake  by  the 
reflected  heat. 

4.  Hobo  Stove.  Much  has  been  writ- 
ten  about  using  the  big   No.    10  tin 
can.  After  the  door  has  been  cut  (with 
tin   snips)    in   your  little  stove,  addi- 
tional holes  must  be  made  opposite  it 
and  near  the  top  for  a  draft.  Try  mak- 
ing the  holes  with  a  beer  can  opener, 
the  kind  that  punches  triangular  open- 
ings.  A  nail   may   also   be   used.   Try 
fried   bacon   and   eggs   on   this  stove, 
bacon  first  to  grease  the  pan.  For  a  real 
novelty,  cut  out  the  center  of  a  slice 
of  bread,  making  a  two-inch  opening. 
Place  the  bread  on  the  greased  heating 
surface,  and  drop  a  raw  egg  into  the 
opening  in  the   bread.   Fry   as   usual, 
turning  when  one  side  is  cooked. 

5.  Plank  Steak  or  Fish.  The  food  is 
nailed  or  pegged   (hardwood  peg  into 
softwood  plank)    flat  on  a  plank.  The 
fire  must  be  hot  and  high.  Use  soft- 
woods. Reflect  the  heat,  from  a  stone 
or  bank  of  green  logs  opposite,  onto 
the   planked   meat   or   fish.   Place   the 
plank  at  a  forty-five  degree  angle  to 
the  ground,  close  to  the  fire,  opposite 
the  reflector.  The  reflected  heat  does 
the  cooking.  A  pot  of  tea,  or  a  kettle 
of    vegetables    above    the    fire    direct 
more   heat  toward   the  planked   food, 
and  will  supplement  the  main  course. 


6.  Reflector  Baking.  Now,  we  are  out 
of   the    tenderfoot    and    burned-finger 
class.  What  type  of  reflector  shall  we 
use?    That   depends   on    your   pocket- 
book,  your  skill  with  tools,  or  both. 
Kinds  you  can  make  range  from  alu- 
minum foil  on  a  light  wire  frame  for 
lightness  on  pack  trips,  to  a  gallon  tin 
can,  cut  to  expose  two  adjacent  sides 
to  the  fire.  You  can  also  purchase  one 
from  a  sporting  goods  company.  The 
proper  distance  to  place  the  reflector 
baker  is  under  the  spot  where  the  fire 
starts  to  "cook"  the  back  of  your  hand 
in  three  to  four  seconds.  Blacken  the 
baking  pan  (black  absorbs  heat),  but 
keep  the  inside  of  the  reflector  bright 
and  shiny  (shiny  surfaces  reflect  heat). 
Adjust   the    reflector,   close    or    away, 
according  to  the  heat  of  the  fire  and 
the    progress    of    the    cooking.    What 
should  we  cook?  Why  most  anything, 
from   toast   to   T-bone.    Why   not   try 
berry  muffins?  Pick  the  berries  (blue- 
berries, blackberries,  raspberries,  and 
so  on)    and  toss  'em  in  the  batter  as 
you  finish  stirring  it.  If  you  want  to 
get  real  fancy,  use  two  reflectors;  cook 
the  muffins  on  one  side  of  the  hot,  high 
softwood  fire,  and  reflect  the  heat  over 
to  a  second  reflector  baker  on  the  op- 
posite side.  Both  will  cook  at  once. 

7.  Roast.  The  roast,  of  three  to  eight 
pounds,  is  the  last  step.  If  you  are  in 
doubt   about  the   cut   of   meat,   get   a 
cheap  cut  for  the  first  attempt.  Skewer 
the  meat  with  a  wire  that  extends  for 
about  two  and  one-half  feet  above  the 
meat.  Secure  a  stout,  wet  string  about 
three  or  four  feet  long  to  the  top  end 
of  the  wire.  Sear  the  meat  to  keep  in 
the  juices,  by  holding  it  close  to  the 
hardwood     fire.     Skewer     some     fat 
through  the  wire  at  the  top,  and  hang 
the  roast  close  to  the  fire,  using  the 
full  length  of  wire  and  string  to  sus- 
pend it.  Turn  the  roast  frequently,  or 
wind  up  the  string  and  the  roast  will 
rotate  by  itself.  Catch  the  drippings  in 
a   green    bark  trough   or   a   pan   and 
baste  occasionally  with  the  drippings. 
Start  the  roast  early.   It  takes   about 
an  hour  of  cooking  time  per  pound. 

Vary  the  time  of  the  meals:  the 
kabobs  at  lunch,  flapjacks  at  breakfast, 
one-pot  meal  for  supper,  and  keep  the 
reflector  meal  to  use  in  case  of  rain. 
What  better  motivation  is  there  to 
good  cookery,  than  eating  the  results. 


JUNE  1952 


163 


I\  \  i.i i  i  -IIONNAIRK  sent  tn  recreation  and  park  author!- 
tie-  l>)  the  Committee  on  Surfacing  Recreation  Areas, 
a  portion  was  devoted  to  surfacing  under  fixed  apparatus. 
It  included  several  questions  relating  to  the  playground 
apparatus  area,  special  types  of  surfaces  under  fixed  ap- 
paratus and  opinions  as  to  surfaces  that  have  proved  ex- 
ceptionally good  or  quite  unsatisfactory. 

A  large  majority  of  the  executives  reporting  have  ap- 
paratus concentrated  in  one  section  of  their  playgrounds. 
One  hundred  sixty-six  indicated  such  an  arrangement; 
twenty-eight  did  not.  One-third,  on  the  other  hand,  have 
set  off  the  apparatus  section  from  the  rest  of  the  play- 
ground by  a  fence,  hedge  or  curb.  Sixty-four  reported  such 
an  arrangement;  one  hundred  twenU-two  did  not.  Two- 
thirds  of  the  cases  reported  the  same  surfacing  under  the 
apparatus  as  on  other  sections  of  the  playground.  Onl\ 
seventy-three  out  of  one  hundred  eighty-four  executives  re- 
porting on  this  item  have  a  different  type  of  surfacing 
under  the  apparatus. 

Types  of  Surfacing  in  Use 

The  information  submitted  with  reference  to  the  t\pes 
of  surfaces  under  the  various  kinds  of  apparatus  affords 
no  i  oN-i-teiit  pattern  of  use.  Many  different  materials. 
either  alone  or  in  combination,  are  used  under  apparatus, 
\aryinp  from  concrete  to  sand  and  sawdust.  Most  of  tin- 
apparatus  types  have  been  erected  on  all  kinds  of  surfaces. 
Man\  cities  report  the  same  type  of  surface  under  all  their 
apparatus,  as  might  l>c  expected  from  the  fact  that  the 
-urfticing  is  the  same  as  that  on  the  rest  of  the  playground. 
Several  cities  have  made  special  provision  for  surfacing 
under  specific  apparatus  types.  For  example,  one  with  as- 
phalt under  its  swings  and  merry-go-round  may  have  sand 
or  tanbark  under  its  slide  or  horizontal  bar.  Taken  as  a 
whole,  the  information  submitted  does  not  afford  the 
basis  for  recommended  procedure. 

TABLE  I 

Number   of   Recreation    anil    I'ark   .Ifrnrirs    Reporlinp 
mi  Specific  Surfaces 

Type  of  Surfacing 


TXJ-                    S  1  i  1  1 

App.r.lu.              SJJg     ;    . 

\  pi 

f- 

^ 

i 

m 

i  (..in    Swing* 

17 

.39 

:u 

31 

22 

9 

11 

4 

3 

21X1 

1  liniliiiiK  Slrui  lurr 

48 

34 

27 

29 

21 

8 

10 

6 

2 

IK.'. 

(I  nulling  Tree* 

2.', 

21 

13 

'. 

12 

1 

4 

2 

84 

(iiant  Slrnl. 

36 

I1' 

13 

8 

1ft 

t 

2 

1 

1 

1112 

High  Sli.l. 

It 

49 

2.-. 

17 

20 

- 

', 

t 

3 

171 

Il>.ii/Miital   liar 

41 

22 

14 

20 

8 

ft 

5 

1 

r.i 

Kin.lrrKart.-ii  >lnl> 

40 

44 

M 

1C 

21 

6 

11 

6 

1 

171 

M.  IM  I...  K.nin.l 

54 

27 

24 

21 

16 

7 

:. 

4 

4 

162 

See)  Sew* 

61 

29 

29 

27 

17 

10 

6 

3 

2 

1KI 

Siamlar.l   >WIIIK- 

M 

41 

31 

.Vi 

2.i 

13 

11 

6 

221 

Travrling   Ring« 

32 

a 

13 

13 

u 

2 

3 

3 

106 

(>thrr. 

3 

5 

3 

1 

2 

2 

1ft 

ToUl  484  370  2S7  219  209     77     76     47     2.1  176-.' 

'  Inrlmlr.  our  rork  ««|>h«ll   anil   mi'-   rnlilwr  a>phall    imxinf 

'  Inrlu.lr.  inixlurr.    of    -jn.l    »iili    loam,    •having-,    ilirt.    gra\rl. 

-awilu.l.  lanliark.  •    tt.mii.  .  rtr. 

1  Inrlurlr*  rru«h""l   -!•••  ing«.  *lag.   «lon>-  'lu«i 

'  lnrluHr«  «ha«ing>  rrporlnl  in  two  rilir. 

UM 


Surfacing  I 


Table  I  is  a  summary  of  the  replies,  indicating  the  fre 
queue)  with  which  various  types  of  surfaces  were  reported 
under  several  popular  apparatus  types.  It  shows  a  wide 
variation  in  practice.  The  see  saw  is  more  often  reported 
on  dirt,  loam  or  cla\  than  an\  other  t\pe  of  apparatus; 
the  high  slide  on  sand:  chair  swings  on  turf:  standard 
swings  on  asphalt,  sand  mixtures  or  stone  surfaces.  Rela- 
tivel)  few  cities  report  the  merry-go-round  ami  Me  -aw  on 
a  sand  surface  or  the  giant  stride  or  slides  on  asphalt. 
Standard  swings  more  than  any  other  piece  of  apparatu- 
are  consistent!)  reported  on  all  t\|»>  of  surfaces. 

Other  conclusions  with  reference  to  surfaces  now  in  use 
are: 

1.  Natural  surfaces — dirt.  loam,  clay  with  no  special 
type  of  surfacing  are  reported  most  fre«picnll\ . 

'2.  Sand,  or  sand  in  combination  with  other  materials 
Mich  a.-  loam,  shavings,  gravel,  sawdust,  tanbark.  is  the 
special  type  of  surface  most  frequently  reported. 

3.  Turf  or  grass  ranks  third  and  is  reported  more  fre- 
quently  under  chair  swings,  slides  and  climbing  structure 
than  under  other  apparatus  t\pe-. 

4.  Asphalt  is  used  more  frequently  under  standard  and 
chair    swings    and    climbing    structure    than    under    other 
t\pes. 

TABLE  II 

Ruling  Hi  Snrlmr*   I  n,lrr  Fixed  Awiaratu* 

\>  i..  A»  to  \-  i" 

Safety  Mainlonano-         Suitalnlil* 


i I        K.i.l      < I 


< I        li.i.l 


tr       

Ilirt.    Clay 

L'l! 

4 

12 

14 

17 

1 

Sand 

4 

17 

17 

20 

5 

Turf 

l.l 

2 

9 

1 

U 

1 

Axphall 

i  ; 

21 

36' 

2 

2V 

2 

Sanil   MiM 

II 

U 

3 

11 

1.  -ion.  .  .  i. 

6 

1 

4 

1 

I 

2 

l,,,l..rk 

P. 

12 

1 

11 

2 

•-.iw.ln-t   \    ^li.i\ing- 

6 

1 

1 

1 

(  rlllrnr 

2 

13 

15 

8 

: 

H'l  M 


45 


43        111 


16 


In.  In.l--    I   .  "ik  an.l    1   nilil"!   .i-pliall   ;iinl  .mr  .oiiim.nl   L-III.  l"l 

,iw«. 

In.  In. I.-    1    ."ik    a»phall    an. I    mir    .«'inni.-iu    i.-ln.  l.-.l    I"    -»int!- 
.in.l  »rr  MW». 
'Inrlu.lr.    I    rnl,l»-r 
and  w  »aw«. 

Ill  .  Ill    MM'N 


Fixed  Apparatus 


5.  Tanhark,   infrequently   used,  is  reported  most  often 
under  chair  swings  and  the  kindergarten  slide,  suggesting 
it  is  used  most  frequently  in  areas  for  young  children. 

6.  Concrete,  seldom  used,  is  most  often  reported  under 
standard  swings  and  merry-go-round,  but  also  under  climb- 
ing apparatus. 

Appraisal   of   Surfaces 

Many  comments  were  received  as  to  the  merits  of  various 
types  of  surfacing  under  apparatus  from  the  point  of  view 
of  safety,  maintenance  and  suitability  for  play.  It  was  clear 
that  in  commenting  on  such  suitability,  a  number  of 
executives  did  not  restrict  their  comments  to  areas  under 
fixed  apparatus. 

Table  II  rates  the  various  major  types  of  surfacing  ma- 
terials from  the  point  of  view  of  safety,  maintenance  and 
suitability  for  play.  It  indicates  that  in  general  the  sur- 
faces, ranked  according  to  safety,  are  as  follows:  sand,  dirt, 
sand  mixtures,  tanbark,  turf,  sawdust,  gravel,  asphalt, 
cement.  The  rank  order  changes  appreciably  when  sur- 
faces are  rated  according  to  ease  of  maintenance,  as  fol- 
lows: asphalt,  concrete,  tanbark,  sand  mixtures,  turf, 
gravel,  sawdust,  sand,  dirt. 

The  following  observations  are  based  upon  the  figures 
in  Table  II: 

1.  More  than  three  times  as  many  good  as  bad  surfaces 
were  indicated,  which  implies  reasonable  satisfaction  with 
existing  surfaces. 

2.  The  only  two  types  of  surface  not  generally  approved. 
;is  to  safety,  are  asphalt  and  cement. 

3.  The  two  types  most  highly   rated   for  safety — sand 
and  dirt,  are  most  frequently  rated  as  bad  from  the  point 
of  view  of  maintenance. 

4.  The  two  types  given  the  lowest  rating  for  safety — 
asphalt  and  concrete,  are  considered  most  satisfactory  as 
to  maintenance. 

5.  In  spite  of  the  bad  safety  rating  given  asphalt  and 
concrete,  very  few  cities  consider  them  not  suitable  for 
play.  In  fact,  more  cities  rated  asphalt  "good"  than  gave 
this  rating  to  any  other  surfacing  material. 

Comments 

Many  valuable  comments  with  reference  to  experience  in 

JUNK  1952 


the  use  of  specific  surfaces  were  made  by  the  executives 
reporting.  As  Table  II  indicates,  there  is  considerable 
agreement  with  reference  to  certain  types  of  surfaces.  For 
example,  many  workers  felt  that  a  sand,  clay,  loam  mixture 
i.s  best.  Opinions  differ  widely,  however,  with  respect  to 
other  materials. 

A  number  of-  replies  stressed  the  importance  of  leader- 
ship as  a  factor  in  reducing  apparatus  accidents.  Others 
pointed  out  that  instruction  in  the  proper  use  of  apparatus 
is  more  important  than  the  surfacing  under  it.  Still  others 
believe  that  the  types  and  heights  of  apparatus  are  of 
primary  importance.  Several  recommend  the  installation 
of  curbs  around  individual  pieces  of  apparatus,  or  of 
groups  of  apparatus,  especially  where  a  material  such  as 
sand,  tanbark,  or  sand  and  sawdust  is  used.  A  few,  on  the 
other  hand,  believe  curbing  is  unsatisfactory  and  hazardous. 
One  or  more  cities  are  anchoring  their  apparatus  below 
the  ground  level  to  eliminate  danger  of  accidents  caused  by 
the  footing. 

The  preceding  article  records  in  summary  form  in- 
formation in  questionnaire  replies  submitted  by  recreation 
and  park  departments  to  the  Committee  on  Surfacing  Rec- 
reation Areas.  Information  relating  to  the  surfacing  of 
multiple-use  areas  and  dust  elimination,  also  secured 
through  the  questionnaire  inquiry,  will  be  summarized  and 
published  in  a  later  issue  of  RECREATION.  This  article  is 
published  as  a  preliminary  statement  of  findings  and  not 
as  a  committee  report. 


JUST  OUT 

Surfacing  Playground  Areas 

Newly  Revised!     $.35 

In  view  of  the  current  interest  in  surfacing,  a  revision 
of  this  supplement  is  now  being  made  available.  New 
bibliography  included. 

NATIONAL  RECREATION  ASSOCIATION 
315  Fourth  Avenue  New  York  10,  New  York 


IK u liber 

From  James  A.  Sharp,  director  of  recreation  in  James- 
town, New  York,  has  come  a  recommendation,  based  on 
his  department's  experience  with  blacktop  areas  on  play- 
grounds. They  are  successfully  using  a  set  of  all-white 
baseball  bases,  consisting  of  a  home  plate,  three  bases  and 
a  pitching  rubber.  Heavy,  and  made  just  a  little  under  the 
regulation  size,  these  were  designed  especially  for  play- 
ground and  gymnasium  use.  They  are  easy  to  move,  and 
if  left  outside,  do  not  seem  to  suffer  from  rain.  The  rec- 
reation department  has  ordered  another  ten  sets,  and  the 
school  physical  education  administrators  are  considering 
sets  for  indoor  winter  baseball  games. 

This  solution  to  the  problem  of  finding  a  suitable  base 
for  blacktop  surfacing  was  worked  out  with  the  aid  of  the 
Mohawk  Rubber  Company  of  Akron,  Ohio. 

165 


how  To  Do  IT  ! 


Nut  Cup  —  from  a  fin  can 


All  you  need  is  — 

I.  Tin  can  fop 
£.  Tin  snips 
3.  Pencil  and  ruler 
4:  Steel  u/ool 
5.  Hammer 


1.  Mark  off  tin  can  top  as  shown  in  the  diaqrarn. 

2.  Cut  tin  on  dotted  lines. 

3.  Bend  up  "the  four  strips. 

4-.  Rub  all  cuf  edges  with  steel  wool.  / 


77/?  Can  Top 


Cut  here 


Strip- 
&ent^ 


foiled 
Sfrip 


5.  Roll  the  four  strips  to  make  the  feet . 
6.Cut  outside  edqes  of  tin  can  top  into  desired  shape  and  sleelwool 
all  cut  edqes.  5ome  suggested  cuts  shown  below 

r^~\ 


Th/s  cuf" is  about" 


7.  Bend  and   roll  the  four  sides  into  position 
Nofe:  If  hammered  or  lined  or  scratched 
surface  desired  do  fhis  before  cutting  ftn . 


Side  benf 
into  place 


Ltf 


111  '  UKATION 


Baseball  Ballet— It's  new.  It's  colorful.  It's  exciting! 


/  T  WOULD  BE  impossible  to  estimate 
the  total  number  of  man  hours  spent 
in  playing  "catch"  since  the  turn  of 
the  century.  What  makes  this  pastime 
so  interesting  and  popular?  The  light 
exercise  is  beneficial,  and  there  is  a 
thrill  in  developing  accuracy  in  throw- 
ing and  effortless  ease  in  catching. 
Sometimes  ball  passing  is  done  con- 
sistently with  a  definite  purpose  in 
mind,  as  in  the  case  of  the  late  Mr. 
Feller  who  coached  his  son  Robert  to 
become  one  of  baseball's  greats.  Many 
times  it  is  done  to  escape  boredom  or 
to  while  away  an  hour  or  so.  Whatever 
the  reasons,  the  benefits  and  pleasure 
derived  are  immeasurable. 

Even  with  its  widespread  and  last- 
ing popularity,  however,  merely  pass- 
ing a  ball  back  and  forth  does  not  hold 
interest  very  long.  In  summer  camps, 
playgrounds,  rehabilitation  centers, 
isolated  military  bases  and  on  board 
navy  ships,  there  is  a  great  need  for  a 
ball  game  that  is  adjustable  to  the 
space  available  and  which  accommo- 
dates varying  numbers  of  players.  Star 
ball  fills  that  need  and  is  a  game  both 
children  and  grown-ups  find  fascinat- 
ing. Five  players  form  a  circle  and 
throw  five  balls  simultaneously,  each 
player  throwing  to  the  second  player 
on  his  left.  Since  a  player  throws 
to  the  same  catcher  each  time,  the 
routine  is  very  easy  to  perform  though 
it  looks  complicated.  "It's  a  very  fasci- 
nating game!  Why,  it  can  even  be 
played  in  wheelchairs  at  rehabilitation 
hospitals,"  was  the  comment  of  Mr. 
Harvey  Holmes,  sports  specialist  of  a 
New  York  daily  newspaper. 

Deviations  of  star  ball  routines  from 
the  very  amusing  close  range  juggling 
act  to  the  seemingly  impossible  feat 
of  twenty-seven,  thirty-six  or  forty-five 
men  throwing  as  many  balls  over  the 

ELMER  E.  HEFT,  in  engineering  work 
since  1926,  is  active  in  many  sports, 
and  hopes  that  star  ball — which  he  has 
originated  --  may  benefit  organized 
recreation.  At  present  he  is  the  owner 
of  a  restaurant  in  Daytona  Beach,  Fla. 


STAR  BALL 


same  area  at  the  same  time,  provide  a 
new  source  of  entertainment  for  spec- 
tators and  participants.  The  colorful 
spectacle  of  a  baseball  ballet  can  be 
produced  with  the  use  of  painted  base- 
balls or  colored  tennis  balls  for  pre- 
game  exhibitions.  If  you  want  to  have 
more  fun  than  a  barrel  of  monkeys 
in  a  banana  patch,  get  five  people  to 
toss  a  tennis  ball,  a  volley  ball,  a  soft 
ball,  a  golf  ball  and  a  football  across 
a  circle  to  five  points  of  a  star. 

Star  ball  requires  any  odd  number 
of  players,  five  or  more,  positioned  as 
shown  in  Figures  1  and  2.  The  arrows 
indicate  the  flight  course  of  each  ball. 
When  five  play,  each  player  throws  to 
the  second  on  his  left.  When  seven 
play,  each  player  throws  to  the  third 
on  his  left.  When  nine  play,  each 
player  throws  to  the  fourth  on  his  left, 
and  so  on.  Positions  can  be  set  at 
random  for  any  throwing  distance.  A 
blueprint  showing  methods  of  easily 
locating  players  in  relation  to  bases  on 
baseball  and  Softball  fields  can  be  ob- 
tained by  writing  to  Uncle  Elmer's. 


Elmer  E.  Heft 


The  blueprint  also  gives  directions  for 
laying  out  playgrounds  and  gymnasi- 
ums and  a  table  of  dimensions  for 
locating  positions  for  varying  num- 
bers of  players  at  different  throwing 
distances,  to  suit  different  age  groups. 
For  playgrounds,  gymnasiums,  service 
camps  and  on  board  ship,  discarded 
tennis  balls  can  be  used.  Some  of  the 
star  ball  routines  can  be  performed 
by  twenty-seven  players  grouped  in 
three  circles,  as  shown  in  Figure  3. 

The  Warm  Up.  A  simple  routine, 
and  excellent  for  slow  warm  up  for 
baseball  players,  is  for  nine  players  to 
start  with  three  baseballs.  Players  No. 
1,  No.  4  and  No.  7  each  have  a  ball 
to  start.  Each  ball  not  only  will  cross 
to  the  points  of  the  star  but  will  also 
move  around  the  circle.  As  the  arms 
limber  up,  more  baseballs  are  added 
by  the  coach,  who  can  thus  control 
the  throwing  pace.  Any  number  of 
balls  from  one  up  to  the  limit  of  the 
ability  of  the  group  can  be  used.  By 
lofting  the  throws  and  increasing  the 
distance,  nine  players  can  keep  eight- 


FIG.  3 


JUNE  1952 


167 


i-i-n  l>a-f|i.ill»  crossing  and  carding 
the  star.  <'..nir-i-  can  he  staged  and 

ir.  ..liU  r-lahlNheil  of  llir  j:riill|i  (IT 
i  lull  which  ran  keep  tllr  in. .-I  halls  in 
|ila\  for  a  jjivcn  nuinlMT  of  tlin.u-. 
H.IM-  our  I '.ill  iKed  or  painted  n-cl. 
I'l.ui-i  N<>.  I  -i. ill-  uilh  this  hall  and 
when  it  is  returned  to  him  \  ia  player 
No.  6  the  routine  is  eornpleted. 

Tlif  Kniinil  ('IL  Nine  men  ron\ri^f 
from  all  around  the  outer  limits  of  the 
field.  At  a  dNtunce  of  two  hundred 
fret  "i  more  thrs  start  throwing  hut 
keep  closing  up  the  size  of  the  circle 
until  the  players  are  only  a  few  feet 
apart.  \-  llir\  get  closer,  they  loft  the 
throws  for  a  super  juggling  act.  The 
players  can  then  back  away,  as  they 
throw.  -i\t\  to  ninelx  feet  apart,  throw 
the  halls  hriskly  for  a  few  throws,  and 
at  a  given  signal  reach  into  their 
pockets  for  red  hasehalls,  and  on  the 
nr\t  throw  all  red  halls  suddenly  ap- 
pear. Switch  back  to  the  white.  Slow 
tin-  throwing  pace  slightly  and  nine 
plaxrr-  <-an  easily  use  the  eighteen 
hall-,  alternating  the  color  on  every 


throw.  'I  hi-  differ-  from  the  above 
routine  in  that  the  alternate  ball  is 
held  in  the  throwing  hand  until  the 
cptlici  i-  caught.  Fifteen  plaxn-  can 
he  u-ril  for  llii-  routine,  or  a<  -laird 
hef ore,  any  odd  number. 

The  Spiral.  A  few  amusing  twists 
will  add  to  the  entertainment  aspect. 
Have  a  tenth  man  with  a  supply  of 
ha-rhalls  crouch  hr-idr  plaxer  No.  1 
and  hand  the  balk  to  him  as  fast  as 
In-  can  throw  to  player  No.  .">.  or  as 
fast  as  No.  5  can  catch  and  throxv  to 
player  No.  9.  Start  with  one  red  ball 
and  when  the  tenth  man  sees  this  ball 
coming  back  to  No.  1,  he  stops  sup- 
plying the  balls  and  heads  for  cover. 
When  the  red  ball  is  returned  to  player 
No.  I  the  second  lime,  the  routine  is 
complete,  or,  at  this  point,  player 
No.  1  can  "unload"  the  star  by  de- 
flecting the  balls  off  his  glove  into  a 
receptacle  on  the  ground  or  held  by 
the  tenth  man.  who  wears  a  mask  and 
chest  protector.  For  comic  relief,  put 
two  masks  and  two  chest  protectors 
on  him.  Protected  in  this  manner,  the 


tenth   man   can  stay   alongside 

No.    1    for   the   spiral   technicolor   rou- 

linr. 

Spiral  Technicolor  Kiniline.  I'laxri 
No.  1  loads  the  star  with  red  baseballs. 
When  these  are  returned  to  him  he 
drops  them  in  a  container  and  im- 
mediately replaces  each  red  ball  with 
a  white  one  which  he  grabs  from  the 
tenth  man.  Follow  llir  -amr  procedure 
with  blue  ba-rhall-.  hack  to  the  white, 
and  then  use  the  red  ones  again.  I'se 
nine  baseballs  of  each  color  for  this 
routine,  and  all  players  throw  simulta- 
neously. Most  accurate  thrower  should 
be  player  No.  6  who  throws  to  player 
No.  1.  To  avoid  collision  of  balls  in 
the  air,  players  No.  1,  No.  4  and  No. 
7  throw  to  waist  level  or  lower,  play- 
ers No.  2,  No.  5,  and  No.  8  throw  to 
chest  level,  and  players  No.  3,  No.  6 
and  No.  9  throw  to  top  of  head  or  a 
bit  higher. 

For  further  information,  write  to 
Mr.  Heft,  t'ncle  Klmer's  Restaurant, 
South  Atlantic  on  Ocean  Front,  Day- 
toiia  Hrach.  Florida. 


OSBORN     OFFERS   YOU   .  .  . 
•10  ILLUSTRATED  SUPPLY  FOLDER 

Showi      many      caiy  to  make      camp      project! 
ready    to    put    together,    luch    at    beautiful 
1  belli,     bagi,     punei,     cigarette     coiei     and 
hundredi    of    other    items. 


"CAMP   SPECIAL"   MOCCASIN 

Genuine  leather  with  competi- 
tion tolev  All  tizet  for  oil  oget. 
Ideal  for  the  beach,  in  the 
woodi,  along  palhi  and  for 
lounging. 

Per    Pair  -  $3.9} 
($333   in    12    pair    loll) 

*68-PAGI    LSATHERCRAFT    SUPPLY    CATALOG  -  ONLY    2S< 

Hl.iitr.tr.  M  typei  of  HMXiTMtot  and  leether  Itenu  of  In- 
trrrtt  el  iiimmrr  campt,  mod*Ua|  tool*.  l*cte(>,  (nilnirtion 
book*  far  iMadknft  purpoeei.  etc.  No  n|ni>ee)i<  needed. 


CLIP  AND  MAIL  NOW! 


OSBORN     BBOS.     SUPPLY    CO., 

31)    W.    Jotbton    II. d       Chicago    6      III. 


Cel*lo«  lot  which  I  endow  Me  to  calm. 
NAME  _ 


APPMtf 

MM 


STATE 


54TH     ANNUAL     CONFERENCE 

AMERICAN    INSTITUTE   OF 
PARK   EXECUTIVES 

Windsor  Hotel 

MONTREAL,    QUE.     CANADA 

September    15   to    18,    inc.,    1952 

Annual  meeting  of  Outstanding  anil 
Park  and  lirrrr.ition  Kxccutives  of  the  Tinted 
States  and  Canada.  Impmt.mt  discussions  and 
pa|x-rs  mi  all  phases  <>!  public-  park  work. 

Special   Tours  —  Exhibits 

Includes  annual  meeting  of  Ami-Mean    \ssiu-iation 
nt   /iH.|nui(  al    Parks   and    \i|uariimis. 

information  write  the  K\e(iiti\e  S.cnt.nv 
30  North  La  Salle  Street  Chu-auo  2.  Illinois  m 
i -insiilt  Parks  &  Recreation,  the  Institute's  month- 
Is  m.ii;a/ine 


KM  HI  \iniN 


Summary  of  the  findings  of  a  questionnaire  study  made 
at  the  request  of  recreation  executives  attending  an 
NRA  district  recreation  conference. 


The  Authority 

to  Hire  and  Fire  Recreation  Workers 


TN  1951  the  National  Recreation  As- 
*•  sociation  conducted  a  questionnaire 
study  of  the  authority  to  hire  and  fire 
full-time,  year-round  workers  in  pub- 
lic recreation  departments.  The  pur- 
poses of  the  study  were  to  determine 
who  has  the  authority  to  hire  and  fire 
workers,  the  restrictions  on  their  pow- 
ers and  the  legal  basis  upon  which 
the  authority  rests;  also,  to  reveal  any 
local  attempts  to  circumvent  the  con- 
stituted authority. 

Of  the  303  replies,  264  came  from 
agencies  which  administer  recreation, 
either  as  a  separate  function  or  in 
connection  with  park  services.  These 
are  the  agencies  that  represent  ap- 
proximately ninety  per  cent  of  all  the 
year-round  recreation  departments,  ac- 
cording to  the  Recreation  and  Park 
Yearbook  for  1950.  The  other  reports 
came  from  school  departments  and 
other  types  of  recreation  authorities. 
One  hundred  ninety  of  the  264  recrea- 
lion  and/or  park  departments  that  re- 
sponded are  operated  by  boards;  sev- 
enty-four are  not. 

The  information  submitted  by  the 
264  departments  indicates  that: 

1.  In    a    great    majority    of    cases, 
hoards   have   unqualified   authority   to 
hire  recreation  executives. 

2.  Most  boards  have  unqualified  au- 
thority  to   hire   all   full-time   workers, 
but  many  reported  that  their  superin- 
tendents have  such  authority. 

3.  The  superintendent   is  more  fre- 
quently  granted   the  authority  to  hire 
and    fire   other    recreation    workers   in 
non-board  departments  than  in  depart- 
ments managed  by  a  board. 

4.  A  city  ordinance  most  frequently 
provides   the   authority    for   boards   to 
hire  or  fire;  a  city  charter  commonly 
;J\c>  such  authority  to  other  officials. 

5.  In    most   cities    the   authority    to 
fire    is   vested    with    the    individual    or 
group  having  the  right  to  hire. 

JUNE  1952 


6.  Residence   restrictions    in   hiring 
workers  are  reported  by  a  greater  per- 
centage of  departments  without  boards 
than    of    departments    operated    by 
boards.    Only   fifteen   per  cent   report 
such  restrictions  on  hiring  the  execu- 
tive; eighteen  per  cent,  as  applied  to 
other  full-time  workers. 

7.  Few  attempts  have  been  made  by 
an   individual   or  group,   in   violation 
of  the  constituted  authority,  to  inter- 
fere with  the  hiring  or  firing  of  the 
executive  or  other  full-time  workers. 

Who  Has  the  Authority? 

Separate  questions  were  asked  con- 
cerning the  authority  to  hire  and  fire 
the  executive  and  other  full-time  work- 
ers. Analyses  were  also  made  for  de- 
partments under  a  policy-making  board 
and  for  those  without  a  board,  as  well 
as  of  the  allocation  of  power  to  ap- 
point and  to  dismiss  workers. 

The  Executive.  Among  the  depart- 
ments administered  by  official  policy- 
making  boards,  143,  or  seventy-five 
per  cent  of  these  boards,  appoint  their 
executives  without  approval  of  any 
other  individual  or  group.  Forty-eight 
of  these  departments  report  that  un- 
qualified authority  to  appoint  the  rec- 
reation executive  rests  with  another 
individual  or  group,  such  as  the  city 
manager,  mayor,  city  council  or  de- 
partment executive  (in  the  case  of 
recreation  and  park  departments).  In 
the  others,  the  authority  to  hire  is  con- 
tingent upon  the  approval  of  another 
individual  or  group.  For  instance,  the 
mayor,  the  mayor  and  city  council 
or  the  city  manager  must  approve  the 
action  of  the  board  or  commission, 
or  these  appointing  officials  act  on  the 
recommendation  of  the •  recreation 
board. 

In  more  than  one-third  of  the  de- 
partments not  administered  by  an  of- 
ficial policy-making  board,  the  city 


manager  has  unqualified  authority  to 
hire  the  recreation  executive.  The  city 
council  has  similar  authority  in  about 
fifteen  per  cent  of  the  departments; 
other  officials  in  about  ten  per  cent. 
In  the  other  forty-seven  per  cent  of 
the  departments,  the  concurrence  of 
another  group  or  individual  is  re- 
quired; a  common  pattern  calls  for 
approval  of  the  appointment  by  the 
city  council.  The  many  variations  re- 
ported include  one  instance  where 
four  parties  are  involved  in  the  ap- 
pointment. 

Other  Full-Time  Workers.  Eighty  of 
the  one  hundred  ninety  boards  have 
the  unqualified  authority  to  employ 
full-time  workers  other  than  the  rec- 
reation executive.  In  one-fourth  of  the 
departments  administered  by  boards, 
the  superintendent  has  the  authority 
to  hire,  subject  to  the  approval  of  the 
board.  In  recreation  departments  with- 
out boards,  three  out  of  four  super- 
intendents are  authorized  to  hire  other 
workers,  either  with  or  without  the 
approval  of  the  managing  authority. 
The  recreation  executive  has  unquali- 
fied authority  to  hire  full-time  work- 
,ers  in  about  one-fourth  of  all  depart- 
ments reporting. 

In  only  a  few  instances  the  indi- 
vidual or  group  having  the  right  to 
hire  does  not  have  the  right  to  fire, 
and  the  authority  for  both  actions  is 
usually  vested  in  the  same  individual 
or  group.  All  of  the  variations  occur 
in  cases  where  appointments  are  sub- 
ject to  the  approval  of  another  indi- 
vidual or  group.  For  instance,  an  ex- 
ecutive might  be  hired  by  a  board  or 
city  council,  subject  to  the  approval 
of  the  mayor,  but  might  be  fired  with- 
out reference  to  the  ma\oi. 

In  some  instances,  the  hiring  and 
firing  authority  holds  informal  conver- 
sations concerning  appointments  \\illi 
key  municipal  and  civic  leaders,  even 

169 


though  concurrence  is  not  required  by 
law. 

Legal   Basis  for  this   Authority 

The  wide  variety  of  answers  ghen 
to  this  question,  and  the  failure  of 
many  recreation  executives  to  make 
am  comment,  indicates  a  lack  of  clear 
understanding  as  to  the  legal  basis 
for  the  appointing  power.  Some  an- 
-u.red  "none,"  others  referred  to  civil 
service  regulations  and  department 
regulations.  Authority  to  hire  and  fire 
is  usually  assigned  in  a  city  ordinance 
or  in  the  local  charter. 

I  he  legal  lia-i-i  for  hiring  and  firing 
full-time  workers,  in  board  and  non- 
board  departments,  was  reported  as 
follows: 

Legal  Basis  \umli<-r  nf 

Di-partim-nt-  Reporting 

\\  n!!  I'.  tardi  \\  nil.. in  l!..ai.l- 
City  Ordinance        130  (68%)     13  UK-;  i 


City  Charter 


23  H2%>     22  (30%) 


Others 


32  (17%)       7  (10%) 


No  Reply 


5  (  3%) 


i  u-  ;  i 


Restrictions 

I  In-    local    ie>idence    ici|iiirement   is 


the  only  major  restriction  on  the  hir- 
ing of  applicants  qualified  by  reason 
of  education  and  experience.  About 
fifteen  per  cent  of  the  departments  re- 
port residence  requirements  for  the 
hiring  of  the  executive,  and  eighteen 
per  cent  report  similar  requirements 
in  the  hiring  of  other  full-time  work- 
ers. Time  of  residence  necessary  varies 
from  six  months  to  three  years. 

The  above  figures  include  depart- 
ments where  these  restrictions  are 
either  ignored  or  waived  if  no  quali- 
fied candidates  are  available  in  the 
community.  Other  departments,  not  in- 
cluded above,  indicated  that  although 
there  were  no  legal  restrictions,  the 
informal  policy  was  to  give  first  con- 
sideration to  local  candidate-. 

The  only  other  instance  reported  as 
a  restriction  in  the  hiring  of  the  rec- 
reation executive  was  in  a  large  park 
and  recreation  system,  which  permits 
only  recreation  supervisors  within  the 
department  to  take  the  civil  -er\ice  ex- 
amination for  the  position  of  director 
of  recreation. 

Attempts  to  Interfere 
Mthough  several  instances  were  cited 


where  pressures  were  exerted  in  the 
the  interest  of  the  hiring  or  firing  of 
individuals,  only  three  cases  were  re- 
ported of  definite  attempts  to  circum- 
vent legal  procedure. 

In  one  case,  a  mayor  attempted  to 
fire  the  executive,  when  the  authority 
to  do  so  rested  with  the  board.  When 
he  discovered  this  was  not  possible, 
he  tried  to  force  the  executive  to  re- 
sign by  persuading  the  city  council  to 
cut  the  executive's  salary. 

In  another  instance,  the  mayor  as- 
sumed he  had  the  power  to  hire  and 
fire  employees  of  the  recreation  board. 
I  (mil  taking  office  he  attempted  to 
"clean  house."  but  abandoned  his  plan 
when  he  learned  that  he  lacked  the  au- 
thority to  carry  it  out. 

A  city  manager,  in  the  third  case, 
tried  without  sin cc—  to  hire  subordi- 
nate full-time  workers,  although  the 
cil\  charter  specifically  granted  this 
authority  to  the  department  head. 

Freedom  to  make  appointments  and 
to  dismiss  workers  for  cause,  under 
I  lowers  granted  by  law  and  without  in- 
terference from  unauthorized  officials, 
generally  prevails,  according  l<>  the  in- 
formation submitted  in  the  stmK. 


RECREATION  TRAINING  LEADERSHIP  PROGRAMS— 1952 


Continued  from  M\n<ir  KM  KKATION,  page  578. 


half 
June  20-24 

July  27- 
August  9 
August  3-9 

AuguM  9-23 
Augu-e  10-30 
August  11-21 

\lliMI-l    I  .">- 
>«-|.lrmbi-r   11 

Augu.l  17-23 
AURIUI  17-30 


\llgll.l 
Hrnlalm-> 
\ut[il«t  26- 
,bef  1 

!-ibrr  21-27 
October  8  I  , 

Mlel 

'• 

Kill 


Location 
Annual  Two-State  YMCA  Aquatic  School, 

Springfield  College 
Annual  Institute  of  Folk  and  Square  Dancing, 

Association  Camp,  Colorado 
Wisconsin  Recreation  I-eadcrs  Laboratory, 

Kinharrass,  Wiscon*in 

Ilium  Major  ami  (.li.-.-rl.-a.l.-i-  ('.amp,  Oglebay 

Park,  Wheeling,  West  Virginia 
Opera  Workshop,  Oglebay  Park,  Wheeling, 

Wi-t  Virginia 
l!.-lii!i..ii-  Drama  Workshop, 

i  .!••>  n    I  .ik.-.    \\  1-1  i.ii-in 

National  Camp   i  I'roii-tanl) . 

Port  Ji-ni-,   N.  «    H  ork 
Iowa   MfihiHli.i   li. -creation  laboratory  School. 

(  I.  .n   I  ak. .  Inwa 
Eastern  Cooperative  Recreation  School 

New  York  Stair  In-iitui.    nf  Agriculture  and 

Hi. in.-    K.i. mi. inn  -.   I  ..I. hi.-- kill 
•  •n«l  r'lilk  (lamp.  Cm-.  -late  Park, 

Mi--.. mi 
Folk    Danre   Camp.  Oglebay   Park. 

Win  i  linn.  W  r-t   \  irninia 
(ireal   !.*•  ..n   W..ik-lm|i. 

Trai.  i       (  in .  Mn  liigan 
Illark    Hill.   Rrrrration   I.ea.1. 

II.. \   f  M.  r  (.amp.  N.-IIIM.  ^..ulli  Dakota 
Ki>lk  Dan. .    \Vi.ik-hop, 

I  .  xitiiclim,   Krntin  k> 
ln.lii-tii.il   It.-.realion  Conference. 

I'ur.lii-    t  nn.-r-iu 
r  ..r  tl.r  h-e  n(  training  course*  conducted  by  NRA 


For  Further  In/ormaliun 
Ray  Corbin.  (.'hairnian.  >  \!C  \. 

32  City  Square,  Charleslown  29,  Massachusetts 
D.  V,l   I  inegar.  .1012  Maple  Avenue, 

I'all.i-.    I'A.i- 
liiiii-i-   \\     C.nti.r.   K.vi-i-iilive  Secretary, 

-,l  I    \^n.  ultiire   Hall,  College  of   Agrirultun . 


Mi-.  Kli/alii-ili  S.  Faris, 

Oglebay  Institute.  WhediB| 
Mi-.  Kli/.ili.tli  S.  Faris, 

Oglebay  Institute,  Wheeling 
Amy  Ixxniii-, 

Route  2,  I  ..».ll.  Michigan 
Di  nominational   Headquarters 

Kn.r.-u.l   C.  Omlle  Slrnhl.  hl.">  T.-nlti   9b 

!><•-  Moinrs  14,  Iowa 
Miss  Marcia  Dippel.  488  Flint  9B 

Rochester,  New  York 


James  F.  Cam).!'-.  Dip-rtnr,  608  Cratii.i  xi 

-:      I  ..in-    J.    Ml— mill 

MI-   i:ii/ai..iii  -    i 

Ovli-bav   In.litiil'-.  \\li.<  lin^.  \\.--t   \  ir^mi.i 
\I.|.-M    1'.  I.  i-iin.    Mat.-   (  i. lit  K,  . 

I ..iii-ini:.   Michigan 
M.u>    hi.in. .-   l\l. .  < '..II.  ai    Malion 

Brookiiu--.  Snub  Dakota 

Jim.-  >.  llr.iHii.  Rural  Socinlngy  Department, 
I  m\rr«il>    nf   Kenlurkv.    I  ••xinglnn.   Knilin  kv 
Jarkxm    M      \n.|«-i-..n.     \--.uiale    Professor. 

1'iir.lu.    I  i:i>.i-ii\.   I  .if, n. n..   Indiana 
staff,  trr  in»i.|r  |. 


ITu 


1!)  (  UK  \TION 


Continuation  of  "Here  and  There"  section  of  former  NRA   Playground  and 
Recreation  Bulletin  Service. 


DRAMA 

The  San  Francisco  Municipal  Chil- 
dren's Theatre  has  brought  "Circus 
Day"  to  twenty-seven  elementary 
schools.  Over  twelve  thousand  children 
have  seen  the  play,  depicting  such 
characters  as  Jacko.  the  clown,  and 
his  little  fat  pig,  Dinkie  Dootle.  Most 
exciting  of  all  to  these  young  audi- 
ences is  the  mock  duel  between  two 
clowns,  with  huge  oriental  swords — 
cardboard,  of  course.  One  of  the  clowns 
falls  "dead,"  and  when  he  suddenly 
comes  back  to  life,  the  youngsters 
burst  into  cheers  and  laughter. 

To  parents  and  teachers  it  has  of- 
fered an  opportunity  to  share  a  new 
experience  with  the  children,  and  in 
the  classes,  has  afforded  themes  for 
art  work  and  English  compositions,  as 
well  as  subjects  for  oral  recitations. 


From    "Circus   Comes   to   School"   by   Dore 
Williams. 

PERSONNEL 

"We  urge  a  more  careful  selection 
of  only  the  best  playground  personnel 
for  the  full  summer  season  and  also  a 
longer  and  more  thorough  training 
period.  The  National  Recreation  Asso- 
ciation will  provide,  upon  request,  a 
course  of  training  which  has  been 
used  with  success  throughout  the  coun- 
try. We  recommend  that  each  of  these 
persons  employed  in  the  playgrounds 
be  supplied  with  the  'Playground 
Summer  Notebook.7  (Published  week- 
l\.  Ivvelve  issues,  beginning  April  25. 
by  NRA. — Ed.)  This  is  a  dynamic 
and  useful  tool  for  every  playground 
worker.  It  is  impossible  to  overtrain 
a  playground  instructor — it  is  tragic 


to  have  one  without  training  or  inade- 
quate training." 

From  Annual  Report  of  the  Board  of  Edu- 
cation, City  of  Boston,  for  1951. 

MOVIES 

At  last!  A  well-organized  list  of  16 
mm  films!  It's  called  Motion  Pictures 
on  Child  Life  and  is  published  by  The 
Children's  Bureau.  Federal  Security 
Agency,  Washington,  D.  C.  Price:  for- 
ty cents.  Sections  on  Recreation  and 
Play.  Juvenile  Delinquency,  Commu- 
nity Life,  Safety,  and  so  forth,  will 
be  of  special  interest  to  recreation  de- 
partments. The  list  is  well-annotated, 
with  full  information. 

FOURTH  OF  JULY 

A  mayor's  Fourth  of  July  commit- 
tee planned  last  year's  celebration  in 
Butler,  Pennsylvania.  Leading  clubs, 
businesses  and  individual  citizens  com- 
bined efforts  to  offer  exhibitions,  pa- 
rades and  contests.  Everything  free — 
except  the  baseball  game  and  stock 
ear  races.  Fun  and  fireworks,  without 
accidents,  were  the  happy  result. 
CAMPING 

Leaders  in  camping,  conservation,  na- 
ture and  outdoor  recreation  and  educa- 
tion will  want  to  study  Conservation  in 
Cain/ling,  booklet  resulting  from  a 
conservation  workshop,  sponsored  by 
the  American  Camping  Association, 
conducted  at  Lake  Geneva,  Wisconsin, 
in  1951.  Available  from  Soil  Conser- 
vation Service,  U.  S.  Department  of 
Agriculture,  Washington,  D.  C. 
DELINQUENCY 

The  recreation  profession  had  its 
responsibility  highlighted  in  a  report 
for  1951  of  the  Committee  for  the  Con- 
trol and  Prevention  of  Juvenile  De- 
linquency of  the  International  Asso- 
ciation of  Chiefs  of  Police.  Rather 
than  the  police  undertaking  to  provide 
social  advantages,  the  report  stressed 
the  importance  of  "getting  the  exist- 
ing agencies  to  help  that  youngster." 
VACATION 

Development  of  western  Maryland 
as  a  vacationland  is  proposed  by  the 
state's  planning  commission.  A  seven 
year  82,800,000  expenditure  is  pro- 
jected for  land  acquisition,  develop- 
ment and  construction  of  recreation 
facilities.  It  is  expected  that  a  major 


project  of  the  program  will  be  to 
broaden  the  region's  economic  base 
and  increase  employment. 

GOLF 

Growing  out  of  last  year's  golf  school 
for  adults,  sponsored  by  the  munici- 
pal recreation  commission  in  conjunc- 
tion with  the  parks  department,  Syra- 
cuse, New  York,  is  following  an  en- 
larged program  of  instruction.  Eighty 
per  cent  of  last  year's  enthusiasts  were 
beginners,  the  women  outnumbering 


the  men  by  99  to  42.  This  year,  en- 
rollment was  214  women  and  64  men. 
The  department  of  parks  furnishes 
their  pro,  and  the  recreation  commis- 
sion furnishes  a  helper  and  golf  clubs, 
plastic  balls  and  a  golf  target. 

Six  lessons  are  given  free,  to  groups 
of  four  in  thirty  minute  periods. 

SWIMMING 

Enrollment  in  Oakland,  California's 
"swim  to  live"  classes,  where  boys  and 
girls  eight  through  fourteen  years  of 
age  receive  free  instruction,  reached 
an  all-time  high  last  year,  topping  the 
previous  year  by  twenty-seven  per 

cent. 

PUBLICITY 

The  film,  "Recreation  for  Every- 
one." (see  May  RECREATION,  page  88. 
— Ed.)  made  by  local  talent  and  tech- 
nicians, as  part  of  Houston's  survey 
and  campaign  to  improve  recreation 
facilities,  stresses  neighborhood  needs, 
showing  existing  conditions  in  con- 
trast to  what  they  might  be.  Since  this 
"grass  roots"  survey  was  begun,  the 
people  have  responded  so  heartily  that 
the  recreation  budget  has  increased 
thirty-nine  per  cent.  An  NRA  repre- 
sentative who  recently  saw  this  movie 
highly  recommends  it. 


.It  M;   IT>1> 


171 


On    five-acre    plot    ill   a    grove   of    trees.   oldsters'   center   is    gay 
xrllow    stucco   walls,   bright   green   trim   and   red   tile   roof. 


\  story  of  the  older  folks  in  Waco.  Texas. 
Margaret   R.  Conger 


Tieir 


lh\n 


Center 


nil/i  me! 
Tin-  /./•>/  is  yet  to  be, 
Tlif  last  oj  lift,  for  nliicli  the  first  was  matte  .  .  ." 

Summing  the  field  of  possible  activities  as  social  di- 
reiior  fur  the  recreation  department,  of  Waco.  Texas, 
upon  assuming  her  joli  in  early  1T>O.  \ngela  Peterson 
c  .inn-  to  the  com  lusion  that  what  v\a-  mo-t  needed  was  a 
center  for  the  older  |>eople  of  the  communilx  the  lonelx 
•  •in-  with  little  or  no  incentive  or  intere-l  in  life. 

Fortunately,  at  that  lime.  -exeral  groups  of  eaine-i 
women  had  the  same  idea.  Church  women  were  becoming 
aware  that  I  he  needs  of  the  elderl)  were  not  being  satisfied 
localls.  The  American  Association  of  I  'ni\er.-it\  \\om.-n 
h  ..I  ,i|>|>oinled  a  eoininiltee  to  look  into  the  mallei. 

Tho-e  interested  turned  to  Mrs.  Peterson  for  leadership. 
reasoning  that  am  thin;:  done  for  the  aped,  should  IK- 
along  the  lines  of  triiealion.il  aclixilies.  From  ihe  begin- 
ning. Mi«.  Peterson  and  her  eapahle  aides  had  the  idea 
of  providing,  for  those  of  adxanced  xeais.  a  plai  e  of 
their  HMD  where  ibex  eoiilil  talk  together  of  olhei  dax«. 
pin  together,  and  woik  logelhei  on  piojei|s  which  ap- 
[M-aled  to  them  projects  whieh  the\  inighl  originate  if 
lllex  so  iiY-m-d. 

There  was  assurance  from  the  start  that  (he    \  \l  \\  .  the 

(  .oiineil  of  riiurch  \\oinen  ami  the  Hii«iness  ami  l'|..fc- 
-I'.nal  \\  omen's  I  lnl>  to  mention  onlx  three  <d  mam 
'  i\  ii  group-  would  stand  hx  wilh  excix  possible  help  in 
tin  launching  of  -IP  li  a  plan. 

Ihe  eoinmiller  was  able  lo  gain  the  inlere«l  id  "all 
-..il-  and  i  onilitiiin-  of  men."  from  the  one  who  could 
hand  out  a  ehe.  k  for  In.  (linn-anil  dollais  |,,  (hose  who 
lonlil  not  gi\.  so  miii  h  .1-  a  |x'iim  hut  would  help  lo  the 
limit  of  (heir  \.n\  ing  •  .ip.n  • 

Ifc-fori-  the  iiig.ini/.ili"ii  and  I'leilion  of  ollirer-.  -omeone 
.11  lii.il!>    did  gixe   h\e   ihoii-.ind   dollars,   the  M.I'.NX    ' 
liflx    doll.  il-  and  tin-  (ioiimil  of  Chnnh   \Xonu-n 


MRS      I  MM.  MI.    lii-rirlf    in    ill:     M-I  ,-nln-\.    mill    11     l>n\i> 
ninnnn.    ;<    mltrr    in    lirr    iil\   \    ilinrili    nml    iiii,     >///m/v 


a  book  review,  netting  sixty  dollars,  which  the)  turned 
over  to  the  fund. 

With  courage  inspired  \>\  this  material  -iippnit.  Mi-. 
I'eterson  called  a  meeting  for  organization.  Repraentattva 
from  all  agencies  were  invited;  and  thirl) -eight  elults  and 
orders  sent  representatives. 

The  Waco  newspaper  cooperated  full)  from  the  hcgin- 
ning  and  gave  such  excellent  public  il\  to  the  project  that 
the  entire  community  became  interested,  l-.ntliiisiastic  sup- 
port resulted  in  th<'  fact  that  the  hoard  of  directors  of  the 
I.nuey  Migel  Center  for  Old  People  now  consists  of  leading 
businessmen,  doctors,  professors  from  Havlor  lni\eisit\. 
local  ministers,  society  and  club  women. 

The  (imposition  placed  lief  ore  the  (list  meeting  wa-  thai 
the  Waco  recreation  department  would  maintain  and 
operate  -IK  h  a  center  if  the  communilx  would  provide  tin- 
building  and  equipment.  As  the  consensus  of  opinion  wa- 
faxoiahle.  there  was  nothing  to  dclav  action. 

One  of  ihe  first  committees,  the  location  committee.  > 

found  an  unused  building  on  the  old  (lotion  Palace  grounds 

a  building  which  l.oiiex  Migel  had  gixen  mam  xeai- 
ago  lo  the  retired  firemen  of  the  i  itx  for  a  ciuhhoiis,-.  \|,,»| 
of  the  old  firemen  had  died,  but  those  left,  or  their  rcprc 
senlalixes.  gladly  deeded  the  place  lo  (he  citx  ici  icalion 
i|e(iarlmenl  for  the  newlx  organi/ed  icnlei. 

\\ilh  fixe  ihoii-and  dollars  on  hand,  plus  a  few  contri- 
butions from  clubs,  plans  fcll  making  oxer  ihe  building 
went  forward.  One  wing  will  house  the  adixilx  program. 

arts,    craft-,    w (working,    greenhouse    and    game-.     I  lie 

existing  central  portion  will  IM-  the  focu«  of  opcialioii.  wilh 
lounge,  kitchen,  toilets  and  showcfs.  .Image,  olln  e  and  a 
.  .in-lak.  i  -  |...,m.  while  the  other  wing  will  conlain  the 
.in. lit. ii  inn.  and  |ilio|ogra|ihic  .l.nk  mom.  which  will  be 
-bared  wilh  the  communilx  .There  will  IM-  a  -lage.  dressing 
rooms  and  an  auditorium  seating  two  hundred  people. 
with  a  moxable  paililion  so  that  more  than  one  aclixilx 
i  an  In-  undertaken  al  a  lime.  The  diama.  lei  line,  inoxie 
and  music  programs  will  be  condui  led  here,  a-  well  a- 

I k   ie\  lew-  and  similar   piojei  I- 

\n  immense  amount  of  behind. the  si  ,-nes  work  has  1,,-i-n 

III  •  IU   XIHlN 


done:  conferences,  phone  calls,  letters,  other  cities  con- 
sulted and  research  undertaken.  Mrs.  Peterson  says  of  the 
project.  "This  wonderful  adjunct  to  our  city  could  not 
have  grown  beyond  the  dream  stage  had  it  not  been  for 
the  marvelous  cooperation  and  very  real  effort  of  the 
many  fine  men  and  women,  from  all  corners  of  Waco, 
who  have  seen  the  need  and  so  unselfishly  have  shouldered 
the  responsibility  of  meeting  it." 

The  young  people  of  Waco  have  undertaken  to  supply 
transportation,  help  with  parties,  games,  tours,  group  sing- 
ing, act  as  hosts  and  hostesses,  prepare  refreshments,  teach 
any  skill  they  may  possess  and  volunteer  their  services  in 
any  need  that  may  arise. 

Everything  was  asked  for — furniture,  cooking  equip- 
ment, light  fixtures,  radios,  rugs,  draperies,  books,  office 
equipment,  tools,  sewing  machines,  and  so  on,  and  the  re- 
sponse to  this  call  was  truly  wonderful.  The  center  is 
beautiful  now.  The  interior  painting,  largely  done  by 
young  cadets  from  JCAFB,  the  flying  field  just  out  of 
Waco,  matches  the  draperies — gift  of  the  Business  and 
Professional  Women's  Club. 

Membership  of  the  center  cuts  across  cultural  and  eco- 
nomic lines.  The  financially  secure  widow  or  retired  busi- 


Opening  ceremony  drew  over  500  visitors  despite  the  heat— 103°. 

nessman  is  just  as  lonely  and  has  just  as  much  idle  time 
as  the  man  or  woman  living  on  old  age  assistance. 

Centers  should  be  open  daily.  Special  activities  should 
be  scheduled — time  for  companionship  and  activities  of 
the  individual's  choosing,  with  the  means  at  hand  to  carry 
out  individual  or  small  group  projects. 

Older  people  move  at  a  slower  pace,  and  this  should  be 
a  haven  geared  to  their  gait.  Therefore,  such  a  center 
should  be  separate  from  those  planned  for  youth.  The 
pride  of  the  older  folks  in  a  place  of  their  own  is  inordi- 
nate. Their  center — even  its  rooms — should  not  be  shared 
with  a  lodge  or  school  club. 

The  Waco  center,  not  far  from  the  heart  of  the  city,  is 
easily  accessible  by  bus  or  car.  It  is  all  on  the  ground 
floor  level  and  has  at  present  three  or  four  rooms  in  readi- 
ness for  use.  With  the  small  funds  at  their  disposal,  Mrs. 
Peterson  and  her  committees  have  done  a  magic  bit  of 
transformation;  and  the  original  plans  are  being  held  in 
readiness  for  completion,  as  money  is  available. 


The  opening  or  dedication  of  the  Louey  Migel  Center 
for  Old  People,  on  July  18,  1951.  was  a  memorable  event. 
Johnny  Morrow,  the  director  of  Waco's  recreation  depart- 
ment, who  has  been  actively  cooperative  in  every  phase 
of  the  undertaking,  and  without  whose  capable  help  it 
could  not  have  been  achieved,  made  the  arrangements. 

In  front  of  the  center  building  there  are  huge  trees, 
and  in  their  shade  he  had  placed  three  hundred  chairs, 
approximately  the  number  of  guests  he  expected — hope- 
fully. Long  before  the  appointed  time  these  were  filled,  and 
Mr.  Morrow  was  frantically  sending  for  more,  which,  for- 
tunately, appeared  before  it  was  too  late.  Speeches  were 
made  to  and  by  the  old  people,  and  refreshments  were 
served.  All  were  urged  to  make  a  complete  tour  of  the 
premises,  and  to  register  at  desk  inside.  Later  reports 
showed  that  at  least  five  hundred  had  attended,  and  that 
practically  all  of  these  were  really  older  people. 

Upon  being  asked  what  she  had  in  mind  for  activities 
for  elderly  people,  Mrs.  Peterson  answered,  "Visiting, 
reading,  card  and  table  games,  listening  to  the  radio  or 
television,  group  singing,  lectures,  birthday  parties,  tours 
and  outings,  shows,  crafts,  active  outdoor  games  such  as 
shuffleboard,  horseshoe  pitching,  quoits,  bowling;  dancing, 
devotions,  drama,  camera  clubs,  quilting  parties  and,  most 
of  all,  the  sharing  with  others  of  the  special  skills  which 
all  of  them  have." 

What  has  been  done  with  loving-kindness  in  this  city, 
can  be  done  anywhere — if  good  leadership  is  available.  A 
great  deal  has  been  and  is  being  provided  for  youth,  and 
that  is  well,  for  in  youth  lies  our  future;  but  those  who 
have  borne  the  heat  and  the  burden  of  the  day,  and  whose 
footsteps  are  slowing,  need  the  care  and  thoughtfulness  of 
their  community  more  than  do  the  youngsters  who  have 
so  many  interests  and  diversions.  For  this  reason,  it  is 
most  imperative  that  notice  be  taken  of  their  needs  and 
such  centers  as  this  one  provided  wherever  possible,  to  re- 
store their  personal  pride  and  lift  their  morale. 

The  Waco  recreation  department  guarantees  mainte- 
nance and  operation  for  our  center,  with  the  help  of  volun- 
teer leaders  under  the  direction  of  one  paid  employee.  It 
will  be  open  daily,  and  fhe  only  ticket  of  admission  re- 
quired will  be  an  age  of  fifty-five  or  over,  and  a  desire  to 
live  while  alive! 

Writing  a  month  or  more  after  the  center  opened,  Mrs. 
Peterson  said:  "The  success  of  the  center  is  amazing — and 
touching.  We  have  averaged  better  than  fifty  members 
daily,  and  at  our  old-fashioned  fiddle  jam  session  last 
Thursday  night  the  three  hundred  fifty  who  attended  had 
to  move  into  the  yard,  as  they  overran  the  building.  It  is 
Christmas  every  day,  for  gifts  continue  to  arrive.  The 
women  are  busy  with  plans  for  a  fall  bazaar  and  a  Santa 
workshop.  They  are  beginning  to  spot  good  voices,  as  we 
sing,  and  plan  a  mixed  chorus  of  'over  sixties'  to  serve 
the  community  and  entertain  themselves." 


This  is  the  tragedy  of  civilization — that  the  end  of  all 
our  labor  and  sacrifice  has  been,  for  so  many  men  and 
women,  the  defeat  of  that  inner  life  which  it  was  our  whole 
object  to  preserve. — Joseph  Lee 


JUNE  1952 


173 


AAHPER   YEARBOOK 

DEVELOPING 

DEMOCRATIC 

HUMAN 

RELATIONS 

through 

HEALTH  EDUCATION, 

PHYSICAL  EDUCATION, 

RECREATION 


Considers  the  progressive  ac- 
quiring of  democratic  con- 
cepts and  attitudes  from 
childhood  through  early  and 
late  adolescence,  and  adult- 
hood. Applies  to  the  fields  of 
health  education,  physical  ed- 
ucation, and  recreation,  re- 
cent research  on  methods  and 
techniques  in  group  dynam- 
ics, sociometry,  social  group 
work,  and  general  education. 


J6J   pp. 


$4.75 


ORDER    TODAY 


American  Association  for 
Health,  Physical  Education 
and  Recreation 

1701    16th  SI.  N.W.,  Waih..  D.C. 


R-l 


Picas*   >«nd    me  . 
AAHPER   Yearbook. 

0   Check   .iKk».d 

Nom« 

Slr««t 

City       


copiet   of   the 


O  Ml   <"• 


Zoit*        Slot* 


CHANGE  OF  ADDRESS:  Send  your 
new  ad<lre->  at  lra-t  thirty  days  before 
llic  dulf  »f  tin-  I--IL-  with  which  it  is 
lo  take  effect.  Address:  Recreation  Mag- 
azine, Circulation  Department,  421  Fifth 
Avenue  South,  Minneapolis  15,  Minn. 
Send  old  address  with  the  new,  enclos- 
ing if  possible  your  address  label.  The 
post  office  will  not  forward  copies  un- 
less you  provide  extra  postage.  Dupli- 
cate copies  cannot  be  sent. 


traditional 

on 

American 

Playgrounds 


.  ..the  universal  comment  of  Camp 
Directors  and  Recreation  Leaders 
whenever  they  see  and  hear... 


.<^- 


feT-y.    monkey  climbs 


Rek-O-Kut's  All-Speed,  Portable, 
Indoor-Outdoor  Phonograph 


!    because: 


•  The  RHVTHMASTER.  in  addition  to  pliyinj. 
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best    meets    the    exact    requirements    of 
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%  By  plugging  a  microphone  into  input  pro- 
vided, the  counsellor  can  superimpose  his 
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t)  INDOORS:  Powerful  amplifier  and  speaker 
accommodates  1000  campers  In  the  social 
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•  OUTDOORS:  The  RHYTHMASTER  is  portable 
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3  EDUCATIONAL  TOOLS  IN  ONE: 

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174 


/r  COSTS  uss  ro  BumtK- 

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i7  REMINDERS 
anks  to  all  interested  parties. 

CHECK  LIST 
Swimming  Meet  Admi 

\|  '-^.  eration.  October 
\J^  by  Edward  J.  Sm 
^w-V'~  Donough,  Emon 

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Morty  Morris 


I ii ii i' ii a  111  e ii I  tips 


ONE  OF  THE  greatest  stimulants  to  any  recreation  or  ath- 
letic program  is  a  well  organized,  smoothly-run  tourna- 
ment. Unfortunately,  too  many  directors  of  intramural 
and  recreational  programs  constantly  hold  loosely  organ- 
ized, generally  unsatisfactory  tournaments,  without  ever 
realizing  that  their  own  lack  of  good  administration  has 
been  the  chief  cause  of  failure. 

In  analyzing  the  steps  essential  in  running  a  good 
tournament,  we  can  easily  divide  the  tournament  into  the 
three  phases  of  before,  during  and  after,  with  the  added 
important  factor  of  publicity.  We.  therefore,  can  plan  our 
entire  tournament  under  four  basic  headings. 

1.  Planning  and  Organization 

2.  Period  of  Competition 

3.  Post  Tournament  Period 

4.  Publicity 

Under  step  one,  we  survey  the  area  from  which  we  will 
draw  our  participants.  It  is  important  that  the  competitors 
be  equally  balanced  if  possible.  Nothing  kills  a  tournament 
faster  than  unequal  competition.  This  can  be  controlled 
through  the  tournament  rules,  which  will  vary  according 
to  local  conditions. 

Next,  all  dates  involved  must  be  checked  and  cleared. 
Not  only  must  playing  areas  be  free,  but  the  time  selected 
must  fit  the  participants'  schedule.  A  bowling  tournament 
for  professional  men  would  hardly  be  appropriate  for  a 
morning  hour,  nor  would  a  basketball  tournament  for  high 
school  boys  be  sensible  for  nights  during  exam  week. 

Entry  blanks,  team  list  sheets,  rules  and  whatever  other 
paper  forms  are  needed  must  be  prepared  well  in  advance 
of  the  first  announcement.  By  the  time  the  contests  are 
first  publicized,  everything  should  be  ready  to  slide  into  a 
smooth,  well-directed  pattern. 

It  is  important  that  all  rules  be  definite  and  clearly 
stated.  Most  important,  no  concessions  should  be  made  at 
any  time.  The  tournament  rules  must  be  simple  and  con- 
cise, yet  so  complete  that  they  present  neither  special  con- 
ditions nor  compromise.  If  a  compromise  becomes  neces- 
sary, it  proves  that  the  rules  drawn  up  were  inadequate. 

To  emphasize  the  importance  of  the  no  concession  rule, 

AUTHOR  is  director  of  recreation,  Croton-on-Hudson,  N.Y. 
JUNE  1952 


let  me  cite  two  instances  where  tournament  managers  tried 
to  be  good  fellows  by  giving  a  team  or  an  individual  a 
break  through  some  concession. 

In  a  Westchester  community  a  recreation  director  made 
two  mistakes.  First,  he  permitted  one  team  to  enter  a 
basketball  tournament  a  day  after  entries  were  scheduled 
to  close.  It  seemed  a  good  idea  to  give  the  youngsters  a 
break,  and  it  also  gave  him  two  full  brackets,  eliminating 
any  byes.  Second,  he  failed  to  collect  entry  fees  from  all 
teams  at  the  set  date,  before  the  beginning  of  play. 

Unfortunately,  the  late  registering  team  won  the  tour- 
nament, and  in  no  time  at  all  the  entire  community  was 
in  an  uproar.  The  losing  finalist  team  protested,  tempers 
grew  hot,  the  director  was  accused  of  showing  favoritism, 
all  teams  defeated  by  the  winners  joined  in  protest  and 
everyone  remotely  concerned  took  one  side  or  the  other. 
Antipathies  were  created,  and  all  the  youngsters  in  the 
city  had  box  seats  at  a  violent  session  of  poor  sportsman- 
ship. Morale  took  a  definite  nosedive. 

Error  number  two  found  three  of  the  eliminated  teams 
delinquent  in  paying  their  fees,  and  finally,  the  director 
had  to  dig  into  his  own  pocket  to  make  up  the  difference, 
so  that  the  expense  of  tournament  trophies  could  be  met. 

All  in  all,  the  recreation  group  was  put  in  an  embar- 
rassing situation  and  given  a  black  eye  for  their  well- 
intentioned  work.  Community  dissension  was  created, 
friendships  dissolved,  weeks  of  work  with  youngsters  were 
lost,  and  the  next  tournament  was  overshadowed  by  gloom 
of  the  fiasco. 

Another  case  concerned  an  honest  effort  to  bolster  a 
weak  team  in  a  round  robin  tournament  in  a  small  New 
Jersey  community.  To  stop  the  point  slaughter,  the  league 
director  allowed  a  team  that  was  definitely  out  of  the 
running  to  use  a  boy  over  the  age  limit.  The  boy  was  not 
good  enough  to  play  in  the  next  age  group,  and  the  direc- 
tor figured  he  could  kill  two  birds  with  one  stone,  strength- 
ening a  weak  team  and  getting  into  action  a  lad  that 
would  otherwise  be  left  out.  Within  hours  he  was  deluged 
with  pestering  boys  who  were  in  the  same  position.  Each 
team  in  the  tournament,  except  the  club  benefitted,  pro- 
tested bitterly,  and  even  parents  entered  the  controversy. 
Finally,  hiding  behind  a  disciplinary  upheaval  of  his  own 

177 


creation,  the  director  cancelled  all  play,  while  confused 
and  amazed  at  the  boys'  apparent  lack  of  -porl-manship. 

It  is  wise,  therefore,  to  be  -me  \..ur  rule-  cover  all 
emergencies,  and  then  be  sure  you  are  man  enough  to 
-land  l>x  your  guns. 

Tournament  Tips 

In  lining  up  the  tournament,  it  i-  wise.  al-o.  to  prepare 
a  general  schedule  sheet  and  several  daily  schedule  shed--, 
with  hours,  locations  and  other  pertinent  data  included, 
leaving  only  team  names  to  IK-  added  after  the  draw  has 
been  completed.  Naturally,  all  areas  to  lie  used  are  re- 
served, and  all  officials,  plus  a  few  -uh.-ti  lutes  to  cover 
emergencies,  are  definitely  assigned.  These  finished  sched- 
ule- should  be  distributed  to  all  person-  involved  and 
advertised  through  even  publicity  media.  The  draw  itself 
should  be  made  as  puhlidx  a-  po— ible. 

Finally,  all  score  sheets  and  rule  books  should  be  ready 
for  use.  Awards  should  be  obtained  and  displayed  as  osten- 
tatiously as  possible. 

I'ublicilx  throughout  all  three  phases  of  the  tournament 
is  essential.  Often  tournaments  are  made,  or  broken, 
through  the  am. .mil  of  elToii.  or  laek  of  it.  expended  in 
the  ilireeiion  of  effective  propaganda.  There  are  main 
outlets  for  a  good  puhlicil)  campaign — radio.  TV,  speak- 
ing engagements,  newspapers  I  local,  area  and  ichool),  hub 
lelin  board-,  fixers,  personal  contact  bx  mail  and  phone 
and.  best  of  all,  enthusiastic  word  of  mouth. 

'.oo.l  publicilx  include,  advertising  ihrougli  all  the 
above  media.  I'iduie,.  lioil,  ,,,  liullelin  board-  ami  on  iln 
printed  page,  are  hard  to  ln-al.  Mimeographed  -eh.-dul.-. 
enlr\  blanks,  and  aniioum  emeni-  distributed  x\ell  in  ad- 

x.in.e  of  final   d.ile.  are  .ill  a  part   of  g I   publieitx.    I'a-l 

hi.|..iies  of  other  loiirii.-x-  provide  good  background  ma- 
terial, ami  there  i-  nothing  l«-tier  than  a  growing  tradition 
I-.  keep  up  interest  in  ;i  mo x  ing  adixilx. 

\\hile  the  louiii.inii-nt  i-  in  actual  progrc— .  I.,-  -in,-  that 
the  plax  ing  field-  ale  in  the  l.c-1  po— i|,|,.  -hape.  with  the 
lining  and  polishing  done  as  though  for  inlernation.il 
•  li,impi..n-lii|)s.  It  i»  amazing  h..»  ..  piof, -,j,,,ial  looking 
plax  ing  area  can  improve  bold  il,,  plax  and  t|l(.  attitude 
of  a  box  who  i.s  used  In  a  roekx.  unkempt  -andlol. 

M.ne  all  ofheiiil.  re.idv  ami  prompt.  Like  the  field  or 
gxni.  In-  -me  tb.-x  are  dressed  for  the  job.  \\halexer  pap.  I 
work  or  checking  riiuit  he  done  should  l»-  handled  a- 
.pn.llx  and  elfoil|.--K  a-  pos-ible.  \h..\c  all.  n\oid  irii- 
l.ilmg  d.-|.i\«.  K'-ep  the  whole  -how  on  -.  hcdulc  and 
moving. 

At  the  clow  of  each  •  ..i.le-l.  cheek  all  hook-  ami  Turing 
I"  m«in  '..id.  and  reporting.  Cheek  all 

the  equipment  and  get  readx    for  things  x  el  |,.     nine. 


Make  full  use  of  publicity.  (let  the  facts  spread  through 
each  available  media.  If  possible,  picture-,  picture-  and 
more  pictures  should  be  used  to  tell  the  storx. 

Finally,  when  all  play  has  been  finished,  put  out  new-x 
bulletins  of  everything  that  happened.  Make  the  award 
presentations  and  photograph  your  winners  and  record 
breakers.  You  will  find  men  coming  back  fifteen  years  later 
to  proudly  point  out  their  championship  team  picture  dis- 
played in  your  recreation  club  rooms.  This  is  part  of  the 
aforementioned  tradition  that  can  be  built  up  further  bx 
keeping  individual  and  team  records.  For  each  tournament 
or  league,  a  separate  record  of  each  xear'-  plax  and  an 
overall  record  book  should  be  kept,  to  build  up  and  earrx 
on  this  tradition. 

I-astlx.  the  tvpe  of  tournament  to  hold  is  dependent  on 
sexeral  factors — the  number  of  entrants,  txpc  of  activity, 
amount  of  time  for  conducting  the  tournament,  the  plax  ing 
area,  the  season,  and  the  age,  sex  and  abilities  of  the  par- 
tieipaiits.  There  are  three  categories — round  robin,  elimi- 
nation and  challenge  tournament-. 

The  round  robin  type  tournex  is  handled  much  like  a 
league.  Each  team  plaxs  exerx  oilier  team,  giving  each 
club  the  same  number  of  games.  At  the  end  of  the  round 
robin,  the  team  w  ith  the  best  average  is  declared  champion. 

In  elimination  tournaments,  an  impartial  drawing  can 
be  made,  or  if  team  strengths  are  known,  teams  max  be 
seeded  to  avoid  the  strongest  team-  eliminating  each  other 
in  the  early  rounds.  With  an  eight  team  tournament,  like 
the  one  listed  lielow.  -ceded  team-  xxould  l>e  placed  in  the 
following  slots:  the  two  l>est  team-  would  be  one  and 
fiiilii.  The  next  two  teams  would  get  slots  four  and  /n  e. 
Tin-  in-iire-  close  matches  for  both  the  -emi-finals  and  the 
final  round.  In  a  single  elimination  tournament,  one  defeat 
finishes  a  team. 

Should  the  entrants  numlx-i  fewer  than  four  or  fewer 
than  an  e\en  multiple  of  four,  il  i-  necessary  to  have  bx.  -. 
The-e  must  all  come  in  the  first  round,  With  more  than 
four  but  less  than  eight  teams,  bxe-  should  IK?  placed  in 
the  following  slots  in  the  order  listed:  Slot  /no.  -lot  vcren, 
-lot  ill  iff.  slot  six.  With  a  tournament  of  manx  brackets 
I  four  teams  constitute  a  bracket  I.  byes  and  seeded  plaxci- 
are  divided  equallx  throughout  all  IH.H  kd-. 

Die  consolation  tournament  i-  a  txpe  of  elimination 
tournament  in  which  lo-.-r-  plax  on  for  the  consolation 
championship  and  are  not  eliminated  until  they  liaxe  IH-CII 
twice  defeated.  Seeding-  and  live-  aie  handled  as  in  regu- 
lar single  eliminations.  On  the  plax  ing  cli.ul  x.ni  will 
iioli.e  that  winnei-  moxe  to  the  right  and  loser-  moxe  to 
I  he  left.  \l  the  semi-final  or  held-of-foiir  Icxcl.  the  lo-ei- 
nol  .mix  mine  to  the  left  bul  are  -hiflcd  to  anothei  bracket. 
I  hi-  help-  in  prevent  the  -aim-  two  meeting  again  and  hav- 
ing one  man  U-aten  twice  and  lliu-  eliminated  bx  the  -.im. 
opponent.  Tin-  unbeaten  plaxci  «t  learn,  a-  in  the  -ingle 
elimination,  i-  declared  champion,  and  the  once  be.il*  ' 
linab-l  to  the  left  i-  .  on-o|alioii  .bampion  or  runner-up. 
\  double  elimination  is  handled  in  the  -ame  wax.  except 
that  the  runner-up  i-  given  a  rhancr  I.,  plax  the  unbeaten 
man  Iwn  e.  while  another  lo—  will  eliminate  him  from  the 
tournament. 

It)  <  III   VTION 


Challenge  tournaments  are  of  two  major  types,  pyramid 
and  ladder.  These  are  especially  well  adapted  to  individual 
activity  games  and  will  practically  run  themselves  once 
organized.  In  the  ladder  tournament,  names  are  placed 
vertically  in  any  order  on  a  peg  board.  Challenges  made 
to  either  of  the  two  people  above  must  be  accepted.  Follow- 
ing the  match  the  winner  and  loser  exchange  places  on 
the  board  with  the  winner  taking  or  keeping  the  higher  of 
the  two  positions.  Two  places  is  the  highest  one  can  chal- 
lenge. 

In  the  pyramid  tournament,  challenges  can  be  made  only 
to  the  row  above.  Therefore,  the  one  in  row  seven  on  the 
peg  board  must  challenge  and  defeat  the  one  on  row  six 
before  getting  another  chance  to  move  higher.  Anyone  not 
on  the  board,  in  either  type  of  challenge  play,  may  get  on 
the  board  by  challenging  and  defeating  the  person  or  per- 
sons on  the  bottom  rung. 


Paddle  Volleyball 

Grace  Arnold,  women's  director  of  the  Ypsilanti,  Michi- 
gan, recreation  department,  writes  that  the  following  game 
has  been  used  successfully  by  a  group  of  adult  women  for 
the  past  two  years,  and  that  it  will  be  tried  on  the  play- 
grounds this  summer. 
Equipment:  Wooden  paddles  for  all  players  (paddle  tennis  paddles 

may  be  used),  one  tennis  ball  and  net. 

Court:  Twenty-five  by  thirty  feet  with  three-foot  net  across  center. 
Players:  Any  number  may  play,  nine  to  a  side  is  good.  Players  ar- 
range themselves  in  rows,  as  for  volleyball. 

Serve:  Ball  is  served  from  right-hand  corner,  but  may  be  returned 
by  any  player  on  the  opposing  team.  One  "net"  ball  is  allowed  on 
the  first  serve.  Thereafter  a  "net"  ball  is  "side  out."  One  assist 
is  allowed  on  the  serve. 

Points:   Score  when   serving.   Game  is  twenty-one  points. 
Play:  After  the  ball  is  in  play,  it  may  be  hit  once  by  as  many  as 
three  players  on  a  side  before  it  goes  over  the  net.  "Let"  balls  are 
played  as  good  balls.  Ball  may  be  hit  before  it  bounces,  or  after 
having  bounced  once. 

Side  Out:  A  side  is  out  when  it  fails  to  return  a  ball,  knocks  it  out 
of  bounds,  when  more  than  three  players  on  a  side  have  hit  it,  or 
when  one  player  hits  it  more  than  once.  Players  rotate. 


the 


A  Y 


summer  notebook 

Twelve  weekly  issues,  beginning  April 
25.  You  can  receive  all  of  the  back 
numbers,  plus  the  remaining  issues 
each  week. 

on  i)  1:11  >«m 

3I..TO 

National  Recreation  Association 
315  Fourth  Ave.     New  York  10,  N.Y. 


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of  application,  quan- 
tities required  and 
other  details,  send 
for  free  hook— "END 
DUST  with  Solvay 
Calcium  Chloride". 
Contains  important 
infor>.iation  on  the 
dust  prohlem,  a  s 
well  as  helpful  in- 
structions. Mail  cou- 
pon today  ...  no 
obligation. 


SOLVAY     SALES     DIVISION 

Allied   Chemical  &   Dye  Corporation 
40  Rector  Street,  New  York  6,  N.Y. 

Please    send    me,    without    obligation,    your    free    book    "END    DUST 
with   Solvay   Calcium   Chloride." 

Name 

Organization 

Address 

City 


Zone 


Stale 


.  2-652 


Jl  ME   1952 


179 


Baseball 

The  1952  "Famous  Slugger  Year 
Book"  and  "Official  Softball  Rul.-." 
publi-hed  annually  by  Hillerirh  and 
Hra.l-bx.  are  available  from  \<>ur 
sporting  goods  dealer.  The  former  is 
made  up  of  sixty-four  pages  of  base- 
ball pictures  of  1951's  outstanding 
sluggers,  records,  hints  on  how  to  bat 
and  other  highlights  of  the  past  sea- 
son. Included  is  an  article  entitled 
"Hatting  Fundamental"  l>\  Ix-u  Fon- 
foriner  American  league  batting 
champion. 

Pemia-Uhitc 

Radiant  Manufacturing  Corpora- 
tion. _V>27  West  Roosevelt  Road.  Chi- 
cago 8,  Illinois,  has  announced  a  new 
pro  •  ••-   f.>i    proji .  lion  -,  recns  lli.il   i. 
tains   the   whiteness   and    brilliant    ri- 
ll., live  qualities  of  glass-bra.' 
fabrics,     for    a    guaranteed     ten-year 
I    or    longer.    The    manufacliiin 
claims    "Perma- White"    is    washable, 
flame  and  mildew  proof,  adaptable  to 
any  climate. 

I'liutex 

II,,-  I'hatex  \|,,|,|  K,,|,|,,.r  Kit.  ,,ut 
"Ul  b\  >.  ulplurr  lloii-r.  :<'l  \\,.., 
12nd  »,,,.,.,  \,.w  \llllk  ,  |U  .,11,^, 

even    lli.-    inrxi  i,,   make   Ihrir 

own    rubber    m..|,U    a    MI-M    • 
MM-  kit  eontains  a  half  |>int  bottle  (,f 
I'li.il.  x   in. .|.|   rubber.  pa-l.-.   filler.  .  a-l 
ing    pl.i-i.  .t..r    llui.l.    dividing 

hra««.   a    Huron   pla-ti<     modeling    |,,,.|. 
applicator    brii«li    ami    bru-li    •  I. 
and   a   i-oni|ilele    illii-lral.-d    in-lru.  li..n 
b....k.   I.I.I  prier.  >.' 

Vifclx    Walk 

\      •  a    miner. n  .  ...,!.. I 

fabrii     lr«.    than    one --ixl.  .-nlli    ..(    an 
null    in    llin  km-.-,    devrliiprd    for    the 
In  be  uvd  on  wcalhrr  dr. 


*hips.  The  material  is  waterproof  and 
provides  excellent  non-slip  footing  un- 
iler  the  wet  or  soapy  conditions  of 
•how  IT  rooms,  around  pools  and  on 
diving  boards.  It  is  usually  applied  in 
six  by  twenty-foot  inch  pieces  spaced 
not  more  than  two  inches  apart,  or  it 
can  be  installed  in  roll  form.  For  de- 
lail-.  write  Minnesota  Mining  and 
Manufacturing  Company.  900  Fau- 
<|iiier  Avenue.  Saint  Paul  6.  Minnesota. 

Hip  B<Hits 

Hip-length    stockingfoot-type    boots 
that  a  fisherman  can  wear  all  day  with- 
out fatigue,  with  form-fitted  feet  to  be 
worn   in«i.lc  »boe«.  are  made  by  Seal- 
Dri    Sportswear    Companx.    2.~>1  t    Kil 
burn  Avenue.  Rm-kfonl.  Illinoi-.  M.nlc 
of  tough  Vinylite  plastic,  resistant  to 
abrasion    and 
tearing, 
mould,    mil- 
dew     and 
mo  is  t  u  r  e  . 
they  are  avail- 
able in  small. 
in. -ilium   and 
large    si/. •-. 
I  h.-\   are  sus- 
j)ended    from 
the     wearer's 
licit  b\  »trap-. 

or  fold  compactly  to  fit  into  a  po<  k.-t 
or  tarkle  \»>\.  \p|iroxima(e  priee. 
- 

Tintex 

Here   i«  a   pt.--ibiliu    for   \mir  arts 
ami   eraft-  ela»!M-?>.   Tinlex    ha«   |irint'-(] 

.1  fir.  I kli-i  of  detailed  iii«tnn  tion>. 

"How  |o  M.ik.  I...M-K  |-'|ower«  and 
i-e«  from  (  ..-il  \\|..ii  Mo.  k 

ing«."  The  co«l  i»  lulling.  Needed  arc 
•ii|ed  n\|on>.  a  few  II..M--  .•{  mlor 
*rr  and  all-fabrir  dvr  iat  fifteen 


ami  twenty  cents  each),  porcelain  or 
an. lie  pans  and  a  wooden  spoon  for 
the  color-removing  and  tintcxing  oper- 
ations, ordinary  .upper  M-reeninj;.  llor- 
al  tape,  scissors  and  corsage  pins.  In- 
quire for  booklets  at  any  dye  counter 
in  department,  drug  or  dime  -ton--,  or 
write  Tintex  Home  r.eonoinics  Hureau, 
485  Fifth  \\enue.  New  York  17. 

Cykora 

Ansco  has  developed  a  versatile, 
medium  high-speed,  chloro-bromide 
projection  paper  called  "(!\kora."  It 
has  a  wai  in  image  tone,  and  is  avail- 
able in  a  new  glossy  surface,  double- 
weight  paper,  in  contrast  grades  1,  2 
and  3,  in  the  following  standard  pack- 


a»es:    '.  x  7      2.Vs.    100's,   500's;    8x10 

-  IIHU.  2:,ns:  11x14—  10's,  50's. 
Hie  illustration  shows  the  clarity  of 

detail  obtained  with  ("ykora  GL  I)W. 

Plaques 

If  \ou  still  need  to  order  plaques 
for  \our  awards  at  the  end  of  the  sum- 
mer playground  season,  you  may  want 
to  investigate  the  products  of  Greene- 
Williams.  7  Kast  42nd  Street.  New 
17.  \,  «  x  ork.  Their  plaques 
in  composition,  wood,  metal, 
hardboard.  glass  or  plastic,  and  range 
from  2u  cents  per  unit  to  $8.00,  and 
up.  \\iite  a  description  of  \oiir  needs 
to  the  company  and  thev  will  -ubmil 

luapiDi, 

\\  ati-i  I'iil-up  Machine 
~.  nibbing   of  large  floor  areas  .an 
be  made  ea-iei    bx    u-ing  a   water  pick- 
up machine.  The    \mericaii  Floor  >ui 
fa.  inp      Machine      ('.unpanx.     Toledo. 
Obi...    make-    .in    eleitti.     machine    dr- 

•  I  foi   ilii-  pulp..-.-,  r'oi   price  an  1 1 
ilnaiion-.  write  manufacturer. 

RECREATION 


Members  of  the  Student  Recreation 
Association  of  Minnesota  University. 
a  lively  group,  are  busily  engaged  in 
carrying  out  their  own  student  or- 
ganization program.  Activities  planned 
for  the  spring  quarter  appeared  in  the 
first  issue  of  their  new  news  sheet,  and 
are  presented  briefly  below: 

Sandstone  State  Hospital,  April  26-27. 
This  trip  will  provide  an  i.'xrrllent  oppor- 
tunity for  those  students  who  are  considering 
the  field  of  state  hospital  recreation  as  well 
as  getting  rid  of  some  of  our  incorrect  be- 
liefs concerning  mental  hospitals.  You  will  be 
impressed  by  the  fine  staff  which  this  hos- 
pital has.  The  hospital  provides  free  lodging 
and  food  for  the  two  days.  For  further  in- 
formation, see  Lois  Lindstrom  or  Jim  Gilbert. 

Gillette  Children's  Hospital,  Date  to  be 
announced.  The  recreation  director  is  our 
own  Bud  Wennell,  who  graduated  in  June, 
1948.  Bud  is  running  a  very  fine  program, 
and  you  will  certainly  get  a  kick  out  of 
working  with  the  kids. 

Campus  Carnival,  May  2.  This  is  the  first 
time  the  S.R.A.  has  had  a  booth  in  the  show. 
This  year  we  are  putting  it  on  in  conjunc- 
tion with  the  "M"  Club.  There  will  be  three 
acts,  of  which  we  think  one  will  be  "Little 
Nell,"  another  a  chorus  line  (naturally), 
and  the  "M"  Club  is  keeping  their's  a  secret. 

Senior  Banquet,  May  21,  6:30  p.m.,  307, 
308,  309  Coffman  Memorial  Union.  This  is 
another  "first  time"  affair  for  the  S.R.A.  and 
we  would  like  to  make  it  an  annual  affair. 

Canoe  Trip,  May  24-25.  This  year  we  are 
going  to  drive  up  to  Taylors'  Falls  and  canoe 
from  there  to  Stillwater.  If  we  can  get 
enough  tents,  we  will  use  them  this  year. 

Ramsey  County  Old  Folks  Home,  Date  to 
be  announced.  We're  invited  back  for  a  re- 
turn engagement.  This  kind  of  recreation 
isn't  work,  it's  fun. 

Operation  Blood  Donation.  By  all  means, 
don't  give  that  pint  of  blood  until  we  set 
the  date  for  us  all  to  go  down  together  to 
the  Minneapolis  Red  Cross.  We  probably 
will  go  down  on  a  Wednesday,  during  Field 
Work  Class. 

Alexandria  mid  Hibbing  Workshops,  May. 
John  Leslie,  Field  Consultant  of  the  Youth 
Conservation  Commission  will  be  in  Cooke 
Hall  Monday,  April  21  and  Wednesday, 
April  24,  to  interview  those  people  who  are 
interested  in  handling  the  two  workshops  in 
this  area  on  program  planning.  These  phases 
should  be  covered — operation  and  adminis- 
tration, low  organized  games,  crafts. 

lintter  Up!  All  you  Joe  DiMaggios  and 
Ralph  Kinrr.s,  join  our  intramural  softball 
team. 

At  Indiana  University,  students  do 
the  detail  work  for  the  annual  Poka- 
};<>ii  State  Park  Conference,  such  as 
taking  the  minutes  of  meetings  and 
writing  summaries  of  addresses. 


Note:  If  enough  neivs  is  received 
from  student  groups,  me  shall  be  glad 
to  establish  such  a  column  in  RECREA- 
TION.— Ed. 

JUNE  1952 


ROCKY    MOUNTAIN    HOBBY    ART    CAMP 
Lookout   Mountain    near    Denver,    Colo. 

August   3-9,    1952 
'Recreative    workshop    with    fellow    artists    in 

a  relaxed  sociable   setting. 

For   details    write    Paul    Kermiet, 

Rt.  3,  Golden,  Colo. 


FOI  FUN  01  HOW, 
UATHEKCRAFT. 
TEXTILE  PAINTING. 
COPPEt  TOOLING. 
«ltS.  PKOJECIS 
TOOLS.  SUPPLIES 


imnattJS!      for  ALL 

LEATHER&CRAFT 
SUPPLIES! 


I  iGBT  CATALOG  YET  i 


MSSD  HMMCWt   SUPPLIES    Depl.  RO  ?IS  S  Spfin[,  Lot  Unitln  It. 


The  furore  about  hard- 
surfaced  playgrounds 

...  is  answered  in  PARK  MAINTENANCE  for  May  —  "Bruised  Kiddies 
Lead  to  Rubber  Research."  In  this  issue  also:  "Urge  to  Destroy  Is  Tre- 
mendous Cost  Factor." 

Be  sure  to  read  these  two  typical  examples  of  the  constant  flow  of 
ideas  and  methods  for  better  recreation  with  better  maintenance. 
This  issue  free  with  subscription  starting  in  June. 

$3.00  Per  Year 

PARK  MAINTENANCE 


P.O.  BOX  409 


APPLETON,   WISCONSIN 


CAN 

BE 


SQUARE  DANCING 

to  le&itt  .  .  .  So  etuy  to 

With  these  Square  Dance  Records  with  Progressive 
Oral  Instructions   and  Calls  by  ED  DUR1ACHER. 

Here  is  the  easy  and  economical  way  to  meet  the 
ever-growing  demand  for  square  dancing  in  your 
community  ...  the  HONOR  YOUR  PARTNER 
series  of  square  dance  records. 

•&         6          £ 

Each  record  in  albums  1  to  4  starts  with  simpli- 
fied progressive  oral  instructions  by  Ed  Durlacher 
—instructions  easily  understood  by  dancers  of  all 
ages.  Following  a  brief  pause,  giving  the  dancers 
time  to  square  their  sets,  the  music  and  calls  Degin.  The  TOP  HANDS,  directed 
by  FRANK  NOVAK,  offer  the  best  in  scintillating  and>  foot  tapping  square  dance 
music.  The  calls  are  delivered  by  one  of  the  nation's  most  outstanding  square 
dance  authorities,  ED  DURLACHER. 

The  fifth  album  in  the  series  contains  music  only,  without  calls  or  instructions— 

"The  Square  Dance  Caller's  Delight". 

AN   ENTHUSIASTIC   USER   REPORTS   .   .   . 

"The  square  dance  album  'Honor  Your  Partner'  is  all  that  you  claimed  it  to  be  — we 
tried  out  the  records  on  a  group  of  eighth  grade  students  and  they  picked  up  the 
instructions  without  difficulty.  In  the  space  of  thirty  minutes,  this  group,  which  had 
never  square  danced  before,  were  doing  the  figures  in  an  expert  fashion.  The  records 
were  also  a  hit  at  the  adult  square  dance  which  we  held  last  night." 

Alfred  Elliott 
Recreation  Director 
Greenwood,    Mississippi 


All    records    guaranteed 
against  breakage, 
in   normal   use. 


HONOR  VOUR  PARTNER 


Learn    more    about  the 

HONOR   YOUR   PARTNER   albums. 

Write  for  a  descriptive  folder. 


SQUARE  DANCE  ASSOCIATES 


DEPT.    R-9 


FREEPORT,  NEW  YORK 


181 


Books  Received 


DI  u  l'i  (MM IKY.  John  Wright.  Charles 
A.  Benin-It  Com|.an\.  Incorporali-d. 
Peoria.  Illinois.  >2.7.">. 


Vi.i.   THROUGH    THK    YI:\K.    Florence 

i  i'k.-ane  Whelan.  Hall  and  McCreary 

Company,    Chicago.    (Song    Colla- 

tion) $i..".n. 

-mini  B,  1052,  edited  by- 
Irving  T.  Marsh  and  Edward  Eh  re. 
E.  P.  Dutton  and  Company,  Incor- 
porated, New  York.  $3.50. 

\\n\\     \\Ml(KSHOP     COMI'VXIMX.     THE, 

W.    Oakley.    Greenberg:    Publisher, 

New  York.  >±7r,. 
C\\IIMM;  FOR    \i.i.  I  I's  WORTH,  Wil- 

liam   E.    Swanson.    The    Macmillan 

Company,  New  York.  $2.95. 
Do  IT  YOURSELF!  Bernice  Wells  Carl- 

son,  Abingdon  •  Cokesbury   Press, 

Na-lnille.  $2.00. 
GOLDEN  GEOGRAPHY,  THE,  Elsa  Jane 

Werner.  Simon  and  Schuster,  New 

York.  $3.95. 
PICTURE   PRIMER   OF  ATTRACTING 

BIRDS,  C.  Russell  Mason.  Houghton 

\lilllin  Company.  Boston.  $2.50. 
|'I.\Y   IDEAS  AND  THINGS-TO-DO,  The 

Little  Child's  Busybook  of,  The  Lit- 

ilr    Girl's    Busybook    of,    Caroline 

Horowitz.     Hart    Publishing    Com- 

pany, New  York.  81.50  each. 
M)MKi«ii)\'«,  PONY.  Nancy  Caffrey.  E. 

I'.    Dutton   and  Company,   Incorp" 

rated.  New  York.  $2.00. 
STORIES  FROM  MARY  POPPINS,  P.  L. 

Travers.  Simon  and  Schuster,  New 

York.  $1.50. 
MIHKVI    \ITIMTIES  IN  SECONDARY 

SCHOOLS,   Edgar  G.   Johnston   and 

Roland  C.  Faunce.  The  Ronald  Press 

Company,  New  York.  $4.50. 

-  .  .  .  lln\\   in  MEET  YOUR  PROB- 

1.1  si-.  John  and  Dorathca  Crawford. 

Woman's  Press,  New  York.  $3.00. 
TIM    \XD    Hi*    HKMUV.    \n>.    I  .leaner 

Ronnei,  Joan  and  Max  Porter.  Dodd. 

Mead    anil    Company,    New    V.ik 

$1.7V 

TOW  MID     NKW       |M\\XS      I.  .11       \MIIIH    \. 

Clarence  S.  Stein.  The  Univer~ii\ 
I't,—  ..f  l.i\ei|i,.i.l.  Liverpool,  I 

I.  mil  \\i-litu  l|.-inis|iheie  a^i-nl«. 
I'uhlii  \ili.imi-li.  it'n  MI  -,-MI.  .-.  Chi- 
cago. $5.1X1. 

\\  111  111     in   -I  I  I     IIXM.I  KM  IV  l>"l'.lh\ 

<,l.i/>-i.    Ch.uli-     I.    Hianfi.nl    Com- 
I..IMS.  H..-I..M.  P,i|M-r.  ?1..~>0. 
\\lll.  \\l~l    -MMW.  J.u  k  H.  Ciawfonl. 
Hart     l'iil>li»liin»     C»iii|>.in\.     New 


>.|      III)     >i   VMIOKK.    Ja.  .(in 
lyn    H'-rrill.    Dodd.    Mi-.nl   and   Corn 

r,  Ne*  V.tk.  s:»,-,n. 

\\i.||ll.     -inns     \xn     Hli.HI.li.MI>     MI 
lUsniM  i  .    I  111  .   Li  .....  nl  Buchanan. 

I       I'      Diilt'.ri    \    Com|.aii\  .    Ini  "T|... 
rat  ->...k.  II.1 

182 


Pamphlets 


AIRMAN — AND  YOUR  COMMUNITY.  Tin  . 
Office  of  Community  Ser\ii-i>.  Spe- 
cial distribution  by  Headquarters 
USAF. 

AMERICAN  RED  CROSS,  THE — A  BRIEF 
STORY.  The  American  National  I!r<l 
Cross,  Washington,  D.C. 

BIKE  SAFETY  PROGRAMS,  How  TO  PLAN 
SUCCESSFUL.  Bicycle  Institute  of 
America,  Incorporated,  122  East 
42nd  Street,  New  York. 

COMMUNITY  SCHOOL  WORK-LEARN 
CAMP,  A.  Sponsored  by  Department 
of  Public  Instruction.  Department 
of  Conservation,  W.  K.  Kellogg 
Foundation  and  Ann  Arbor,  Bay 
City  and  Dearborn  Public  Schools. 
Lee  M.  Thurston,  Superintendent  of 
Public  Instruction,  Lansing.  Michi- 
gan. Available  upon  request  l.\ 
school  administrators  and  leaders 
in  youth  activities. 

I.M\I;KNOR'S  CONFERENCE  ON  THE 
PROBLEMS  OF  THE  AGING,  PROCEED- 
INGS OF  THE.  Adrien  J.  Falk,  Con- 
ference Chairman,  Sacramento,  Cali- 
fornia. 

HANDBOOK  FOR  OM  IUM.KKS.  Aaron 
L.  Danzig.  Federation  of  the  Handi- 
capped, Incorporated,  241  West 
23rd  Street,  New  York  11.  S.">" 

HI-IOHY  OF  SPORTS.  Compiled  by  The 
Municipal  Athletic  OHic  c.  Depart- 
ment of  Municipal  Recreation,  Mil- 
waukee Public  Schools,  461  North 
.r>th  Street,  Milwaukee  8.  $.25. 

LEISURE  HOURS.  Luther  Johnson  and 
John  C.  ".ill.  Bureau  of  I'ul.li.     \.l 
ministration.   University   of  Tcmic- 
see,  Kni.\\  illc,  Tennessee. 

MoBll.l/ M'M)N     CONKI  111  xi   l      I  MI; 

Hi  M.rn  EDUCATION,  I'm-n  M.  Ki>- 

UCATION,    AND    lU:c  KIM  IMN.     repoil. 
\ini-in.iii      Win  ialion     for     Health. 
l'h\M.  .1!    I  ilu.  ation   .mil    liei-n-alioii. 
\\a-h.nxlon.    D.   C.   SI.IHI. 
\  MIMNM     ^  \|(     \    I   III  -\MM.    \M>   \\    \ 

1 1 H   SAPITI    sn  in  M    11  vM.r.i.MK. 

\--..i'i,itiiin    I'ress.   N,-»    Vnk. 
Ni  \\  Im  \v  FDH  I. MM;  ^  i  MI>.  The  I  »i 

Ml-ll\     ..(    (.t.illM.I.     Dl\i-lc.|l    '.f    (,1-n 

Oral   I'. \len-ion.    \lln-n-.   (iemgia. 
<ll  ii   N  UIMN  \l.  Ill  Ml  n    I'IKIIII  I  M.   lie- 

Mran-h     '  !oiirn  II     for     I  .  ..M..H.I. 

.  urit\ .   Ill   \\  .  -I   l.i.  k-..ii  It. .iili  \.ii.l. 

(  III. 
PARK  Di  I-MII\II  M.   I  MI  .  lUU-ri  M.. 

SW,  ('onimi«-ioiirt.  'I  he  i   i(\    ..f  Ni  « 

York. 


I'.IIMI  M.  r.ui«  \IUIN  INSTKI  (  roR  AND 
SVIKTY.  Tin.  National  Education 
\>-oi -ialimi.  1201  Sixteenth  Street, 
N.  W.,  Washington  (,.  I).  C.  $.50. 

I'mMi  M  Km  i  \IIMN  IN  THE  SCHOOL 
CHILD'S  DAY.  Simon  A.  McNeely 
and  KUa  Schneider.  Superintendent 
of  Documents,  I  nitcd  States  Govern- 
ment Printing  Oflice.  Washington 
2:>.  D.C.  8.30. 

I'l  \1-  VMi  K \TERTAINMENTS,  Cata- 
logue, lildiidge  Publishing  Com- 
pany. Franklin,  Ohio. 

l'i  o-.  SI.I.K<  T  1952.  Catalogue.  The 
Heuer  Publishing  Company,  Cedar 
Rapids,  Iowa. 

PROGRAM  PLANNING.  National  Tri-Hi- 
Y  Commission.  Association  Press, 
291  Broadway,  New  York  7.  $.80. 

PROGRAMS  OF  THE  FEDERAL  GOVERN- 
\iK.vr  UTKCIIM;  CHILDREN  \M> 
YOUTH,  prepared  by  Interdepart- 
mental Committee  on  Children  and 
Youth.  Superintendent  of  Docu- 
ments. I  nited  States  Government 
Printing  Office,  Washington  25, 
D.C.  $.55. 

RECREATION  FOR  EVERYONE.  Recrea- 
tion Development  Project,  Commu- 
nity Council.  12091/2  Capitol,  Hous- 
ton 2,  Texas.  §1.00. 

RECREATION  FOR  OLDER  PEOPLE  IN 
CALIFORNIA,  edited  by  Gladys  Sny- 
der.  Printing  Division,  Documents 
Section,  Eleventh  and  O  Streets, 
Sacramento  I  I.  California.  $.50. 

RECREATION  FUN  FOR  ALL.  Helen  Wat- 
son. Department  of  Agriculture, 
Province  of  Manitoba,  Canada. 

RECREUION  IN  INDUSTRY.  Community 
Programmes  Branch,  Department  of 
I  .duration,  206  Huron  Street,  Toron- 
to, Ontario,  Canada. 

Hi  I'OKT   FOR  Till.    Mini  KNTURY  Will  IK 

Hoi -i  CMMI.UKNCE  ON  CHILDREN 
\MI  ^  in  in.  \\ilh  discussion  guide. 
I'lax  >•  -In.ol-  .Wociation,  119  West 
Fift\  M-Miilh  Slirct,  New  V.rk  l'». 
New  York.  $.35. 
litri.Ki  MI  INM -.in. MIMN>  INTO  THE 

IMH.IMI   \\ii  (AUSES  OF  POSTURAL 

|)|   I  I  I    I-    IX      \l-lli\l  MX    Cllll.l.lil  X. 

(  ommoiiu  callh    Department    of 

Health.   Canheiia.    Australia. 
Hi  i;\i.    Hi  i  KI  Minx    I'uoi.U  A  M     I  M  M 

Ml  l  is    i  HI     Ni  in.    Hiilletin   numl'.-i 

125.   I  \lcn-ion   Division,  Charlntte- 

\ille,  Virginia. 
>\i  i  n     I  inn     l.i  i  MI  xrvin    M  n  x.  i  . 

National     I  dm  ation     Association, 

\\a-hinjilon  (..   D    ' 

-I  i  MMI   HIIKI/IIN.  Tin-  \\clfaic   I -eilelil- 

li..n  ,,f  Ni-M.nk.  1004  Broad  Sin.  i 
\.-»aik   .'.    \  v.    $.50. 

>M(\ii  i    DIKIIIMI^  111   NUIIIXM.  OR- 

l.VXI/MIMXs.       \IHIIMID      \M.       \- 

-MI  MUD  \\n  n    1 111.   N  \IIMX  \i 

MM     \\  I  I.I   Mil      \^-l  Mill  V    l''"il.    N.l 

tion.il  >oi  ial  \\i-lf.in-  \".nil>K.  In- 
,  ,.i|...i.ii.-d.  I7'HI  Hioailway,  New 
York  19,  New  York.  $1 

RECREATION 


SKI  PATROL  TRAINING  MANUAL.  Stan- 
ley W.  Stocker,  Berkshire  Industrial 
Farm,  Canaan,  New  York. 

SKI  SAFETY  AND  FIRST  AID.  The  Amer- 
ican National  Red  Cross,  Washing- 
ton 13,  B.C. 

SPEECHES  MADE  EASY.  Ben  Solomon. 
Youth  Service,  Incorporated,  Put- 
nam Valley,  New  York.  $1.00. 

SQUARE  DANCE  CALLER,  THE.  Rickey 
Holden,  835  Erie  Avenue,  San  An- 
tonio 2,  Texas.  $1.50. 

STANDARDS  FOR  SUMMER  GROUP  PRO- 
GRAMS FOR  CHILDREN.  Welfare 
Council  of  New  York  City,  44  East 
Twenty-third  Street,  New  York  10. 
New  York. 

STATISTICAL  BULLETIN,  CONQUEST  OF 
TUBERCULOSIS  IN  THE  INDUSTRIAL 
POPULATION.  Metropolitan  Life  In- 
surance Company,  1  Madison  Ave- 
nue, New  York  10. 

SURVIVAL  IN  WINTER.  E.  Laurence  Pal- 
mer. New  York  State  College  of  Ag- 
riculture, Cornell  University,  Itha- 
ca, New  York. 

TECHNIQUES.  Higgins  Ink  Company, 
Incorporated,  Brooklyn,  New  York. 
$1.00. 

TEEN-AGERS  LOOK  AT  THEIR  TOWN, 
leaders'  guide  for  conducting  a  com- 
munity program,  Ann  G.  Wolfe.  The 
American  Jewish  Committee,  386 
Fourth  Avenue,  New  York  16,  New 
York.  $.10. 

TOMPKINS  PARK  YOUTH  LEADERSHIP 
PROJECT,  REPORT  OF.  Brooklyn 
Council  for  Social  Planning,  30 
Third  Avenue,  Brooklyn  17,  New 
York.  $.50. 

TRAINING  YMCA  LEADERS  FOR  PHYSI- 
CAL EDUCATION  SERVICE.  Associa- 
tion Press,  291  Broadway,  New 
York  7.  $2.50. 

TRAVELING  THE  CIRCUIT  WITH  PIANO 
CLASSES.  Music  Educators  National 
Conference,  64  East  Jackson  Boule- 
vard, Chicago  4.  $.50. 

UMPIRE'S  HANDBOOK  OF  THE  AMERI- 
CAN BASEBALL  CONGRESS.  American 
Baseball  Congress,  Youth  Building, 
Battle  Creek,  Michigan.  $.50. 

VAGRANT  CHILDREN,  Problems  in  Ed- 
ucation Series,  UNESCO  publica- 
tion number  644.  Columbia  Univer- 
sity Press,  New  York  27,  New  York. 
$.45. 

VETERANS  ADMINISTRATION  HOSPITAL 
RECREATION  PROGRAM  FOR  N  EURO- 
PSYCHIATRIC  PATIENTS,  THE,  B.  E. 
Phillips.  Veterans  Administration, 
Recreation  Service,  Washington  25, 
1).  C.  Free. 

WALKING,  MOUNTAINEERING  AND  NA- 
TURE CLUBS  OF  AMERICA,  DIREC- 
TORY OF.  Compiled  by  William  Hoe- 
ferlin.  Walking  News,  556  Fairview 
Avenue,  Brooklyn  37.  $.25. 
WHEN  CHILDREN  START  DATING,  Edith 
G.  Neisser.  Science  Research  Asso- 


ciates, 57  West  Grand  Avenue.  Chi- 
cago 10.  $.40. 

You  CAN'T  WIN,  Ernest  E.  Blanche. 
Public  Affairs  Press,  Washington. 
$2.00. 


Magazines 


BEACH  AND  POOL,  January  1952 

Advantages  of  the  "Water  Level 
Deck"  Pool,  A.  R.  Matheis. 

Red  Cross  Adopts  New  Method  of 
Artificial  Respiration. 
February  1952 

Check  List  of  Recommended  Prac- 
tices in  Pool  Operation. 

The  Value  of  Swimming  in   Reha- 
bilitation. Harold  Hemming,  Jr. 
March  1952 

Supervising  the  Indoor  Pool 

California  City  Plans  Unusual  In- 
door-Outdoor Pool,  Ralph  S. 
Brooks 

Getting  Ready  to  Paint,  K.  T.  Fezer 
CAMPING  MAGAZINE,  January  1952 

A  Good  Basis  for  Counselor  Evalu- 
ation, Reverend  John  E.  Ransom 

A  Basic  Camp  Maintenance  Calen- 
dar 

February  1952 

Twenty-one  Ideas  on  Camp  Promo- 
tion, Merrill  J.  Durdan 

How  to  Operate  a  Camp  Bicycle 
Program 

The  Art  of  Leisurely  Camping.  Jose- 
phine W.  Hubbell 

Basic  Craft  Principles,  Eugene  E. 
Garbee 

March  1952 

Aged  in  the  Woods,  Forty  Years  of 
Girl  Scout  Camping,  Catherine  T. 
Hammett 

Licking  Those  Weed  and  Brush 
Problems,  Dr.  A.  E.  Carlson 

Try  Hiking  Sticks,  Sylvia  Cassell 

Family  Camping — Twenty  Year  Suc- 
cess Story,  Lou  H.  Smith 


THE  GROUP,  January  1952 

A  Place  in  the  Sun  for  the  Aged. 

Florence  E.  Vickery. 
THE  JOURNAL  OF  THE  AMERICAN  AS- 
SOCIATION FOR  HEALTH,  PHYSICAL 
EDUCATION,  RECREATION,  December 
1951 
How    Do    You    Feel?    J.    B.    Kirk- 

patrick. 

January  1952 

At  Home  in  the  Snow,  Gunnar  Pe- 
terson 
The  School  Camp  in  Winter,  Leslie 

Clark 

Developing  Democratic  Human  Re- 
lations    Through     Recreation, 

George  Hjelte 

Service  to  Music,  Evelyn  K.  Dillon 
Why   Not  "Recreation   Education?" 

A.  E.  Weatherford,  II 
How  We  Do  It 

February  1952 
Trampolining,  Our  Newest  Activity, 

Newton  C.  Lokern 
A    Ski    School   in    Action,    Nanette 

Taylor 
Recreation    Education,    Harlan    G. 

Metcalf 
Everybody  Joins  in  the  Fun.  Frank 

J.  Anneberg  and  Darline  G.  Can- 
over 
How  We  Do  It,  Indian  Dodge  Ball 

March  1952 

Backboard  Tennis,  Paul   C.  Wilson 
Opening     Doors     Through     Dance, 

Marian  Chace 
Recreation     in      Today's     Schools, 

Karl  Kauffman,  Jr. 
PARKS  AND  RECREATION,  March  1952 
Land  Planning  for  Park  Use,  Allyn 

P.  Bursley 
Layout    of    Baseball    and    Softball 

Diamonds,  Lawrence  P.  Moser 
Tennis    Court    Design,    Rhodell    E. 

Owens 
"Pitch-and-Putt"   Golf  Courses, 

Philip  B.  Stroyan 
More     "Pitch-and-Putt,"     Paul     V. 

Brown 

Show  Wagon,  R.  B.  McClintock 
The  Maintenance  Mart 


AWARDS    YOU     CAN    AFFORD 


OVER  100  RECREATION 
DEPARTMENTS  USING 
OUR  PLASTIC  TROPHYS 


WRITE   TODAY   FOR       FREE     SAMPLE 


W.  R.  MOODY 


704    N.     MARIPOSA 
BURBANK,     CALIF. 


JUNE  1952 


183 


new 
Publications 


Covering  the  Leisure-time   Field 


Community  Planning  for  Human 
Services 

Bradley  Buell  and  Associates.  Colum- 
bia University  Press.  $5.50. 
This  volume  deals  with  four  basic 
community    "problems" — dependency, 
ill  health,  maladjustment  and   recrea- 
tional need — and  suggests  procedures 
for   solving   them.   The   thesis   is   ad- 
vanced   "that    the    vast    networks    of 
health,    welfare    and    recreation    serv- 
ices can   and   should   be   more   effec- 
tively  planned  and  organized  to  pre- 
\riit  and  reduce  these  community-wide 
problems."    In   the  section  on   recrea- 
tion needs,  four  community-supported 
recreation  systems  are  listed;  munici- 
pal   recreation,    voluntary    youth    and 
ilion.  federal  rural  youth  and  the 
federal  and  slate  parks.  HO\M-\.  i.  onl\ 
I  In-  In-t  two  are  considered  in  detail. 
Id.-    author-   estimate   national   public 
ition  expenditures  total  SHO.IKM).- 
IHHI  u>  $40,000,000  annually,  and  that 
id.-    total-*    for    voluntary    youth    and 
ilion    agencies   "prohabU    exceed 
'MNI.OOOannualU."  i  r.xpendilure- 
reported    in   the   Rn-rration   and   I'nrk 
).;,,l>ook  for  /950  totaled  $269,000,- 
000.) 

The  authors  discuss  the  transition 
from  private  to  public  r.-pon-ihilit\ 
ami  from  philanthropy  to  H-I n-alion 
for  rvrrioiii-.  >oim-  of  th.-ir  -talemenl- 
repinlmn  reasons  for  this  tran-iiion 
to  be  made  without  awareness 
of  widely  accepted  f;i 

The  book,  and  especially  the  section 
on  recreation  neeiU.  merit'  careful 
-lij'K.  A  fundamental  <|u>-«ti»n  may  IN* 
raised  as  !••  whether  «•<  r.-.ili'.n  ne.-d- 
•liould  be  considered  in  tin-  same  cate- 
with  dependents,  ill  health  and 


maladjustment.  Protection  and  preven- 
tion are  central  themes.  Recreation 
needs  should,  rather,  be  considered 
as  normal,  in  the  same  category  as 
education.  The  major  emphasis  in  the 
book  is  revealed  by  the  fact  that  in 
the  comprehensive  ten-page  bibliogra- 
phy only  a  dozen  recreation  references 
are  listed. — George  Butler,  Director  of 
Research,  National  Recreation  Asso- 
ciation. 

Growing  with  Art 

Maud  Ellsworth  and  Michael   F.  An- 
drews.   Benjamin    H.   Sanborn    and 
Company,  Chicago. 
In  a   new  series  of  elementary  art 

books,  eight  designed  for  use  by  the 

children,  plus  a  teacher's  book,  titles 

are  priced  as  follows: 

Book  One — Fun  to  Begin 
Book  Two — Learning  to 

Talk  on   Her  Way 
Book   Three — Seeing   anil    Doing 
Book    Four     l)i»rovrrin|!   Surprises 
Book   Kiv-         Kxiilniiiic  anil   Making 
B.>..k   -ix      \n   \\li.-r.    \\'    1  i%.- 
I'.,... k   "-.i-n      VUriiiiire  at  Your 

Dbow 
Bonk    Kighi     Kit-Mindly'*   BII-IIH-- 

'I'lll-     Tr.li'll'T-     Bixik 

I  i'  I]  booklet  is  around  sixty-four 
pages,  bound  in  bright  colors,  profuse- 
ly illustrated  in  both  color  and  black 
and  white.  While  prepared  with  the 
eight  elementary  school  grail.-  in 
linn. I.  they  can  be  used  H.-xihK.  d.- 
pending  upon  tin-  Individual  child's 
ini.-i.-st  and  ability. 

In    ||II-M-    booklets,    "art"    ceases    to 

be  mysterious,  and  opportunities   arc 

i    to    experiment    in    all    sorts    of 

Micclia  — crayons,   fingerpainls.   water- 

.  olors,  oils,  paper,  papn-i-mai  lie.  <l.i\. 
«..,.!.  wood-  all  in  terms  of  pn>|.,  I- 
that  arc  fun  and  that  grow  out  of 
tin-  chilli's  interest  in  his  environment. 


$.45 

.45 
.45 
.48 
.48 
.48 

.54 
.54 
25 


\-  he  learns  to  understand  the  ele- 
ments of  design  and  color,  he  enjoys, 
1'i-c-aiisi-  tin-  project-  result  in  finished 
products  for  his  own  use  or  pleasure. 
The  material  in  these  booklet-  i- 
nol  theoretical.  It  came  from  real  chil- 
dren in  real  classes  —  in  Lawrence. 
Kansas.  We  recommend  that  any  rec- 
icalion  department  intonated  in  \i- 
talizing  its  art-  and  crafts  program 
would  do  well  to  .;i\e  a  set  of  the-e 
booklet!  to  il-  l.-adei-  in  llii-  activi- 
ty.— I  irtiinin  MusM'Initin,  Correspond- 
ence and  Consultation  Service,  Na- 
tional Recreation  Association. 

Recreation  Through  Music 
Charles  Leonhard.  A.  S.  Barnes  and 

Company,  New  York.  $3.00. 

Addressed  to  musical  laymen  in  gen- 
eral, and  to  recreation  leaders  in  par- 
ticular, this  book  discusses  the  sig- 
nificance of  musical  activity  in  the 
modern  concept  of  recreation,  de- 
scribes  the  instruments  of  the  orches- 
tra, types  of  compo-iiion  and  song 
forms.  It  gives  specific  guidance  for 
the  recreation  leader,  how  to  select  a 
musical  program,  how  to  conduct  it. 
how  to  start  a  listening  program  and 
build  up  appreciation  classes,  how  to 
arrange  for  concerts  and  recitals,  how 
to  assemble  a  record  library  with  com- 
prehensive and  well  clus-itied  lisi>  of 
imi-ie  these  and  other  problems,  even 
how  to  choose  and  care  for  phono- 
graph needles,  are  covered.  All  types 
of  group  singing  are  discussed,  with 
ideas  for  increasing  interest  and  at- 
tendance. There  are  full,  carefully  se- 
lected li-ts  of  song  sh.-ct-.  song  books 
and  choral  collections.  \  lueKe-page 
list  of  repertory  suggestions  includes 
action  songs,  art  songs,  and  folk  songs, 
combined  son;:-  oi  "\ocal  combats," 
liMiins,  chorales,  popular  songs,  songs 
\\itli  de-<. ml-,  spirituals  and  \\.>rk 
songs:  al-.>  included  are  a  dozen  or  so 
-l.ind.ird  song  books  in  uhich  mo-t  of 
the  title-  li-i.-d  may  be  found. 

I  IM>  chapters  are  devoted  to  piano 
and  instruments  of  orchestra  and 
hand.  The  author  c.nil.-nd-  that  the 
in-trinnenlal  pmgrani  can  be  self-sup- 
porting, and  that  it  can  be  handled  to 
-,ili-f\  bulb  the  Ix-pinncrs  and  tho-c 
uilh  private  and  classroom  instruction 
in  iini-i.  .  (-crlrude  Borchard,  Cor- 
respondence and  Consultation  ^.- 
National  Recreation  \ i.ition. 


i..; 


KM  KKATION 


HELEN  DAUNCEY 
Social  Recreation 


Recreation  Leadership  Courses 

Sponsored  jointly  by  the  National  Recreation  Association 

and 
Local  Recreation  Agencies 

June,  July,  August  and  September,  1952 

William  Proctor,  Director  of  Recreation,  17th  and  Orange  Streets* 


ANNE  LIVINGSTON 
Social  Recreation 


MILDRED  SCANLON 
Social  Recreation 


GRACE  WALKER 
Creative  Recreation 


FRANK  STAPLES 
Arts  and  Crafts 


Huntington  Beach,  California 
June  2-5 
Weber  County,  Utah 
June  9-12 

Provo,  Utah 

June  16-20 

Flint,  Michigan 

June  23-27 

Shepherdstown,  West  Virginia 

July  28-31 

Lancaster,  South  Carolina 

June  3-6 

Berks  County,  Pennsylvania 

June  10-12 

Watertown,  New  York 

June  16-19 

Waterbury,  Connecticut 

June  23-24 

Westchester  County,  New  York 

June  25-26 

Bear  Mountain,  New  York 

July  7-10 

Austin,  Minnesota 

June  2-3 

Faribault,  Minnesota 

June  4 

Camp  Pa  Hu  Ca,  Minnesota 

June  5 

Mankato,  Minnesota 

June  6 

Toledo,  Ohio 

June  9-12 

Youngstown,  Ohio 

June  13 

Slieboygan,  Wisconsin 

June  16-19 

1'ittsfield,  Massachusetts 


Carl  Taylor,  Director,  Recreation  Board,  712  City  County  Build- 
ing, Ogden 

Harold    Glen    Clark,    Director    of    Extension    Division,    Brigham 
Young  University 

Miss  Lina  Tyler,  Director,  Flint  Recreation  and  Park  Board,  3300 
North  Saginaw  Street 
Dr.  Oliver  S.  Ikenberry,  Shepherd  College 

Tom  Connell,  The  Buford  Consolidated  Schools,  Route  5 

Lloyd  H.   Miller,   Director,   Recreation   Board   of   Berks   County, 

Reading,  Pennsylvania 

John  H.  Patterson,  Director  of  Recreation 

Miss  Marion  Hunt,  Community  Council,  35  Field  Street 

Miss  Vivian  O.  Wills,  Westchester  County  Recreation  Commission, 
White  Plains,  New  York 

Joseph  K.  McManus,  Superintendent,  Camp  Department,  Palisades 
Interstate  Park  Commission 

Harry  Strong,  Director  of  Department  of  Recreation 

Milton  Hustad,  Director  State  School  and  Colony 

Joe  Grunz,  Director  Recreation  Department,  Faribault,  Minnesota 

Edward  Johnson,  Director  of  Recreation 

Arthur  G.  Morse,  Supervisor  of  Recreation,  214  Safety  Building 

Oliver  S.  Ellis,  Director-Treasurer,  The  Youngstown   Playground 
Association,  318  Dollar  Bank  Building 
Howard  R.  Rich,  Director  of  Public  Recreation 

Vincent  Hebert,  Superintendent,  Parks  and  Recreation,  52  School 
Street 


June  23-26 

University  of  Colorado  Miss  Clare  Small,  Department  of  Physical  Education  for  Women, 

July  24-August  26  University  of  Colorado,  Boulder 

(Miss  Scanlon  is  tentatively  scheduled  to  conduct  leadership  training  courses  in  the  Midwest 
District,  September  8-25.  If  you  are  interested  in  sponsoring  a  week  of  training  or  if  you  want 
further  information,  please  correspond  directly  with  Arthur  Todd,  NRA  District  Representative, 
Parkville,  Missouri.) 

Ames,  Iowa  Miss  Julia  M.  Faltinson,  Assistant  State  Girls'  4-H  Club  Leader, 

June  2-5  Extension  Service,  Iowa  State  College  of  Agriculture 

Bowie,  Maryland  Paul   E.   Huffington,  State  Supervisor  of  Colored   Schools,  State 

June  16-19  Department   of   Education,   2   West   Redwood    Street,   Baltimore, 

Maryland 

Sawyer,  Michigan  The  Reverend  Stanley  B.  Hyde,  Director  of  Christian  Education, 

July  19-26  The    Congregational    and    Christian    Conference    of    Illinois,    815 

South  Sixth  Avenue,  Maywood,  Illinois 
Mrs.  Viola  J.  Comegys,  St.  Clair  High  School 


Cambridge,  Maryland 
September  15 

Reading,  Pennsylvania 

June  10-11 

Allentown,  Pennsylvania 

June  12-13 

Wilmington,  Delaware 

June  16-18 

Durham,  New  Hampshire 

(late  June  date  to  be  determined) 

Glens  Falls,  New  York 

June  26 

University  of  Massachusetts 

July  7-17 


Stewart  L.  Moyer,  Superintendent  of  Recreation,  City  Hall 
Alfred  L.  Geschel,  Superintendent  of  Recreation,  City  Hall 
W.  Frank  Newlin,  Recreation  Director,  377  City  Hall 

C.   B.  Wadleigh,  State  Club   Leader,   University  of  New  Hamp- 
shire 
Daniel  L.  Reardon,  Recreation  Superintendent 


Dean  William  L.  Machmer,  South  College,  University  of  Massa- 
chusetts, Amherst,  Massachusetts 

Attendance  at  training  courses  conducted  by  National  Recreation  Association  leaders  is  usually  open  to  all  who  wish  to  attend. 
For  details  as  to  location  of  the  institute,  contents  of  course,  registration  procedure,  and  the  like,  communicate  with  the  sponsors 
of  the  courses  as  listed  above. 


IT  WAS  A  BRIGHT  EARLY  DECEMBER  DAY  and 
Lieutenant  Hudner  was  Hying  a  Korean  combat 
mission  alongside  another  plane  piloted  by 
Ensign  Jesse  Brown.  A  burst  of  flak  caught 
the  ensign's  plane  and  he  went  spinning  down, 

aflame.  Despite 
the  presence  of 
enemy  ground 
troops.  Lieuten- 
ant Hudner  then 
deli  berately 
crash  landed 
near  his  flame-trapped  shipmate.  He  radioed 
for  help,  after  which  he  fought  to  keep  the 
fire  away  from  the  fatally  injured  ensign  until 
a  rescue  helicopter  arrived.  Today  Lieutenant 
Hudner  has  something  to  say  to  you: 

"Maybe  if  America  had  been  strong  enough 
to  discourage  aggression  two  years  ago,  my 
friend,  Jesse  Brown,  might  be  alive  right  now. 


S<>  mi^ht  lhnu>aii(U  ino:e  •>(  <>ur  Korea  dead. 

"For  it's  only  too  sadly  true — today,  in  our 
world,  weakness  invites  attack.  And  peace  is 
only  JOT  the  strong. 

"Our  present  armed  forces  are  strong — and 
growing  stronger.  But  don't  turn  back  the 
clock!  Do  your  part  toward  keeping  America's 
guard  up  by  buying  more  . .  .  and  more  . . .  and 
more  United  States  Defense  Bonds  now!  Back 
us  up.  And  together  we'll  build  the  strong  peace 
that  all  Americans  desire!"  Peace  is  JOT  the 
strung!  Buy  U.  S.  Defense  Bonds  now! 


Remember  that  when  you're  buying  bonds  for  defense, 
you're  also  building  a  reserve  of  savings.  Remember, 
too,  thai  if  you  don't  save  rtgularlj,  you  generally  don't 
save  at  all.  So  sign  up  today  in  the  Payroll  Savings  Plan 
ohi-rr  you  work,  or  thr  liond-A-Monlh  Plan  where  you 
bank.  For  your  country's  security,  and  your  own,  buy 
V.  S.  Defense  Bonds  now! 


Lieutenant  (jg) 
Thomas  Hudner,  Jr. 


Medal 
of  Honor 


US.K 


NATIONAL  MOtlATfON  ASSOCIATION 


0    ••'•-.•'    , 


Here  are  the  guiding  principles,  practices 
and  policies  for  recreation  in  America 


Top  authorities  in  every  field  of  recreation 
labor,    military,   fraternal,    commercial,   in- 
stitutional, governmental  .  ,  .  have  pooled  their 
vast  experience  and  know-how  to  bring  you 
this  complete  and  valuable  book 
on  the  guiding  principles  of  recreation 
in   America.     Never  before  has  there 
been  anything  like  it  —  for  the 
first  time,  a  full  set  of  principles  covering 
every   aspect   of   total   community 
recreation  —  established  and  printed 
in  one  volume.  Complete  from  his- 
torical background  and  its  place  in 
American   life  to  what   recre- 
ation offers  the  individual,  the 
family,   the  group  and   the 
community  —  including 
principles,  practices 
and  policies  for 
the  guidance  of  all 
agencies 
interested  in 
recreation. 


This  new  book,  the 
result  of  anothet  National 
Conference  held  by  the 
Athletic  Institute,  offers  you  valuable 
assistance  in  your  recreational  work. 
Priced  at  $1.25  each.  Order  your  copy  today 
from  the  Athletic  Institute,  209  S.  State  Sc, 
Chicago  4,  Illinois 


A    NON-PROMT    ORGANIZATION    DIVOTID    TO    THI    AOVANCIMINT 
Or    ATNIITIO,    RICRIATION    AND    PHYSICAL    IOUCATION 


Below  are  the  organizations,  which,  through  their  financial  support, 
make   possible   the   non-profit   programs   of   the   Athletic    Institute. 


Aalco  Manufacturing  Co.,  St.  Louis,  Mo. 

Ace  Carton   Co.,  Chicago,   III. 

Acushnet  Process  Sales  Co.,  New  Bedford,  Mass. 

Albany  Felt  Co.,  Albany,  N.  Y. 

American  Box  Board  Co.,  Grand  Rapids,  Mich. 

American  Felt  Co.,  Glenville,  Conn. 

American  Gut  String  Mfg.  Co.,  Chicago,  III. 

American  Playground  Device  Co.,  Anderson,  Ind. 

American  Thread  Co.,  Chicago,  III. 

Ashaway  Line  &  Twine  Mfg.  Co.,  Ashaway,  R.  I. 

The  Athletic  Journal,  Chicago,  Ml. 

Athletic  Shoe  Co., — Spot-Bilt,  Inc.,  Chicago,  III. 

Atlas  Athletic  Equipment  Co.,  St.  Louis,  Mo. 

Bancroft  Racket  Co.,  Pawtucket,  R.  I. 

A.  S.  Barnes  &  Co.,  New  York,  N.  Y. 
The  Bike  Web  Co.,  Chicago,  III. 
Boys'  Life,  New  York,  N.  Y. 

Brooks  Shoe  Mfg.  Co.,  Philadelphia,  Pa. 
Brunswick-Balke-Collender  Co.,  Chicago,  III. 
Burton  Manufacturing  Co.,  Jasper,  Ala. 

Calnap  Tanning  Company,  Napa,  Calif. 
Caron  Spinning  Co.,  Rochelle,  III. 
Carron  Net  Company,  Two  Rivers,  Wis. 
Central  States  Thread  Corp.,  Cincinnati,  Ohio 
Champion  Knitwear  Co.  Inc.,  Rochester,  New  York 
Chicago  Tanning  Co.,  Chicago,  III. 
Charles  F.  Clark,  Inc.,  Chicago,  III. 
Samuel  Coane,  Philadelphia,  Pa. 
Converse  Rubber  Co.,  Chicago,  III. 

B.  A.  Corbin  &  Son  Co.,  Marlboro,  Mass. 
Cornell  Forge  Co.,  Chicago,   III. 
Cortland   Line  Co.,  Cortland,  N.  Y. 
Charles  O.  Cox  Corp.,  Memphis,  Tenn. 
Cramer  Chemical  Co.,  Gardner,  Kansas 
Crown  Fastener  Corp.,  New  York,  N.  Y. 


\.  Y. 
Rapids, 


Davega-City  Radio,  Inc.,  New  York,  N 
John  B.  Davidson  Woolen  Mills,  Eaton 

Mich. 

Dayton  Racquet  Co.,  Arcanum,  Ohio 
J.  dcBccr  &  Son,  Albany,  N.  Y. 
Des  Moines  Glove  &  Mfg.  Co.,  Inc.,  Des  Moines 

Iowa 

Dexter-Wayne  Co.,  Lansdale,  Pa. 
Dixie  Mercerizing  Co.,  Chattanooga,  Tenn. 
Dodge,  Inc.,  Chicago,  III. 

J.  A.  Dubow  Manufacturing  Co.,  Chicago,  III. 
Dunlop  Tire  &  Rubber  Corp.,  New  York,  N.  Y. 

R.  J.  Ederer  Co.,  Chicago,  III. 

Endicott  Johnson  Corp.,  Endicott,  N.  Y. 

Everlast,  New  York,  N.  Y. 


F.  C.  Feise  Co.,  Norberth,  Pa. 

Felco  Athletic  Wear  Co.,  New  York,  N.  Y. 

Field  and  Flint  Co.,  Brockton,  Moss. 

The  Fish  Net  &  Twine  Co.,  Jersey  City,  N.  J. 

Fred  Medart  Products,  Inc.,  St.  Louis,  Mo. 

Game-Time,  Inc.,  Litchfield,  Mich. 

Gem  Leather  Goods  Company,  Milwaukee,  Wis. 

The  General  Athletic  Prods.  Co.,  Greenville,  Ohio 

General  Fibre  Box  Co.,  West  Springfield,  Mass. 

General  Mills,  Inc.,  Minneapolis,  Minn. 

General  Sportcraft  Co.  Ltd.,  New  York,  N.  Y. 

Golfcraft,  Inc.,  Chicago,  III. 

Golfdom,  Chicago,  III. 

The  B.  F    Goodrich  Co.,  Akron,  Ohio 

J.  H.  Grody  Mfg.  Co.,  St.  Louis,  Mo. 

Gunnison  Bros.,  Inc.,  Girard,  Pa. 

Haartz-Moson,  Inc.,  Watertown,  Mass. 
Hanna  Manufacturing  Co.,  Athens,  Ga. 
Harvard  Specialty  Manufacturing  Corp., 

Cambridge,   Mass. 
H.  Norwood  &  Sons,  Natick,  Mass. 
James   Heddon's  Sons,   Dowagiac,  Mich. 
Hillerich  &  Bradsby  Co.,  Louisville,  Ky. 
Hilts-Willard  Glove  Corp.,  Gloversville,  New  York 
Hirsch  Fabrics  Corp.,  New  York,  N.  Y. 
Hoffmann-Stafford  Tanning  Co.,  Chicago,  III. 
Alan   Howard,   Inc.,   New  York,  N.  Y. 
The  J.  L.  Hudson  Co.,  Detroit,  Mich. 
Hughes-Consolidated,  Inc.,  New  York,  N.  Y. 
Hutchinson  Bros.  Leather  Co.,  Cincinnati,  Ohio 
Hyde  Athletic  Shoe  Co.,  Cambridge,  Moss. 

Illinois  Mechanical  Leather  Co.,  Chicago,  III. 
Industrial   Sports  Journal,   Chicago,   III. 
Ivory  System,  Peabody,  Mass. 

The  Johnstown  Knitting  Mill  Co.,  Johnstown, 

N.  Y. 

Jones  &  Naudin,  Inc.,  Gloversville,  N.  Y. 
E.  P.  Juneman  Corp.,  Chicago,  III. 


Arthur  Kahn  Co.,  New  York,  N.  Y. 

Knox  Reeves  Advertising,  Inc.,  Minneapolis, 

Minn. 

Joseph  G.  Krcn,  Syracuse,  N.  Y. 
The  Kroydon  Co.,  Maplewood,  N.  J. 

Lamkin  Leather  Co.,  Chicago,  III. 

A.  C.  Lawrence  Leather  Co.,  Peabody,  Mass. 

The  Linen  Thread  Co.,  New  York,  N.  Y. 


Ohio 

ass. 


National  Baseball  Congress,  Wichita,  Kans. 
National  Bowling  Council,  Toledo,  Ohio 
National  Electrical  Mfg.  Assn.,  New  York,  N.  Y. 
National  Sporting  Goods  Association,  Chicago, 

III.,  representing  all  its  sporting  goods  dealer 

members. 
National  Sports  Equipment  Co.,  Fond  du  Lac, 

Wis. 

Notional  Vulcanized  Fibre  Co.,  Wilmington,  Del. 
F.  H.  Noble  &  Company,  Chicago,  III. 
Nocona  Leather  Goods  Co.,  Nocona,  Texas 
Nonpariel  Manufacturing  Co.,  St.  Louis,  Mo. 

The  Ohio-Kentucky  Mfg.  Co.,  Ada,  Ohio 

Palm,  Fechteler  &  Co.,  Weehawken,  N.  J. 
Ben   Pearson   Inc.,   Pine   Bluff,  Ark. 
Pedersen  Manufacturing  Co.,  Wilton,  Conn. 
Pennsylvania  Rubber  Co.,  Jeannette,  Pa. 
F.  C.  Phillips,  Inc.,  Stoughton,  Mass. 
Powers  Manufacturing  Co.,  Waterloo,  Iowa 
A.  H.  Pugh  Printing  Co.,  Cincinnati,  Ohio 

Rowlings  Manufacturing  Co.,  St.  Louis,  Mo. 

Geo.  A.  Reach  Co.,   Philadelphia,  Pa. 

Red  Fox  Mfg.  Co.,  <  Division  of  Cullum  &  Boren 

Co.),  Dallas,  Texas 
Hans  Rees'  Sons,  New  York,  N.  Y. 
Charles  A.  Richardson,  Inc.,  West  Mansfield, 

Mass. 

John  T.  Riddell,  Inc.,  Chicago,  III. 
A.  H.  Ross  &  Sons  Co.,  Chicago,  III. 

Sand  Knitting  Mills  Co.,  Chicago,  III. 
Sawyer  Tanning  Co.,  Napa,  Calif. 
Scholastic  Corporation,  New  York,  N.  Y. 
The  Seamless  Rubber  Co.,  New  Haven,  Conn. 
Sears,  Roebuck  &  Co.,  Chicago,  III. 
Sells  Aerial  Tennis  Co.,  Kansas  City,  Kansas 
R.  S.  L.  Shuttlecocks  Co.,  Altoona,  Pa. 
Siegmund  Werner,  Inc.,  New  York,  N.  Y. 
Ed.  W.  Simon  Co.,  New  York,  N.  Y. 
Slazengers,  Inc.,  New  York,  N.  Y. 
William  Skinner  &  Sons,  New  York,  N.  Y. 
Southern  Manufacturing  Co.,  Alexander  City, 

Ala. 

A.  G.  Spalding  &  Bros.,  Inc.,  New  York,  N.  Y. 
The  Sporting  Goods  Dealer,  St.  Louis,  Mo. 
The  Sporting  News,  St.  Louis,  Mo. 
Sports  Age,  New  York,  N.  Y. 
Stall  &  Dean  Mfg.  Co.,  Brockton,  Mass. 
Stewart  Iron  Works  Co.,  Cincinnati,  Ohio 
Stowe- Woodward,  Inc.,  Newton  Upper  Falls, 

Mass. 
H.  Swoboda  &  Son,  Inc.,  Philadelphia,  Pa. 

Textile  Yarn  Co.,  Chicago,  III. 
Tobcr  Baseball  Mfg.  Co.,  Manchester,  Conn. 
True  Temper  Corp.,  Cleveland,  Ohio 
Tucker-Bramc  Athletic  Mfg.  Co.,  Botesville,  Miss. 

Union  Welt  Corp.,  Chicago,  III. 

United  States  Rubber  Co.,  New  York,  N.  Y. 

Universal    Bleacher  Co.,  Champaign,   III. 

Victor  Sports,   Inc.,  Chicago,   III. 
Virginia  Rubatex  Div.  Great  American  Indus- 
tries,  Inc.,  Bedford,  Va. 
W.  J.  Voit  Rubber  Corp.,  Los  Angeles,  Calif. 

H.  Wagner  &  Adler  Co.,  New  York,  N.  Y. 
Western  Auto  Supply  Co.,  Kansas  City,  Mo. 
Wilson  Sporting  Goods  Co.,  Chicago,  III. 
Worthington  Ball  Co.,  Elyria,  Ohio 

C.  W.  Zumbicl  Co.,  Norwood,  Ohio 

Besides  the  above.  The  Athletic  Institute  has  an 
associate  membership  comprised  of  a  considerable 
number  of  sporting  goods  dealers,  geographically 
spread  throughout  the  United  Slates.  Space  does  not 
allow  listing  of  these  dealers  individually. 


SEPTEMBER  1952 


185 


HIUERICHftBRADSBTC 


IN  BASEBALLo/rfSOFTBALL 


Ml  c  KK4TION 


SEPTEMBER,  1952 


Editor  in  Chief,  JOSEPH  PRENDERCAST 

Editor,  DOROTHY  DONALDSON 
BUSINESS  MANAGER,  ROSE  JAY  SCHWARTZ 

ASSOCIATE  EDITORS 

Recreation  Administration,  GEORGE  BUTLER 
Program  Activities,  VIRGINIA  MUSSELMAN 


Vol.  XLVI 


Price  35  Cents 


No.  4 


On  the  Cover 

Cool  September  evenings  enhance  the  recreation 
value  of  friendly  gatherings  around  a  fireplace,  as 
evidenced  by  the  contented  expressions  of  these 
young  people  toasting  marshmallows.  Fields  and 
woods  now  carry  the  promise  of  Fall,  and  boys  and 
girls  take  their  last  fling  in  the  out-of-doors  before 
settling  down  to  their  studies.  Photo  by  courtesy  of 
Department  of  Conservation,  State  of  Tennessee. 

Next  Month 

With  the  crisp  air  of  "bright  blue"  October  comes 
new  vigor  and  the  desire  to  bring  zip  to  our  recrea- 
tion programs  with  new  ideas  and  new  activities. 
Watch  for  this  issue  of  RECREATION,  for  just  the 
right  suggestions.  Among  the  program  articles,  "Reci- 
pes for  Fun"  will  offer  specific  games  for  an  inter- 
national party  on  United  Nations  Day  (October  24)  ; 
"Radio  for  Amateurs"  will  explain  how  a  recreation 
department  revived  a  lagging  program  with  a  new 
idea;  and  "Reading  Is  Recreation"  will  carry  sug- 
gestions for  Book  Week  (November  16  to  22) .  Hal- 
loween will  receive  further  attention,  and  even 
Christmas  planning  enters  the  picture. 

Photo  Credits 

Page  191,  (top)  Davis,  Rocky  Mountain  News;  195, 
196,  Santa  Barbara  News-Press;  197,  Gazette  and 
Daily,  York,  Pennsylvania;  199,  (top,  left)  Row- 
land, Seattle,  (bottom,  left)  Fabian  Bachrach;  201. 
(right)  Spokane  Daily  Chronicle;  202,  204,  F.  S. 
Lincoln,  New  York  City;  206,  Milwaukee  Sentinel; 
207,  State  Department  of  Recreation,  Montpelier, 
Vermont;  209,  United  States  Army — Bobick;  213, 
LaCrosse,  Wisconsin,  Division  of  Municipal  and 
School  Extension;  216,  217,  Miller-Martin  Studio, 
Torrington,  Connecticut. 


RECREATION  is  published  monthly  except  July 
and  August  by  the  National  Recreation  Association, 
a  service  organization  supported  by  voluntary  con- 
tributions, at  315  Fourth  Avenue,  New  York  10, 
New  York;  is  on  file  in  public  libraries  and  is 
indexed  in  the  Readers'  Guide.  Subscriptions  $3.00 
a  year.  Canadian  agency,  G.  R.  Welch  Company, 
Ltd.,  1149  King  Street  West,  Toronto  1,  Ontario; 
Canadian  subscription  rate  $3.85.  Re-entered  as 
M-coiid-cluss  mutter  April  25,  1950,  at  the  Post 
Office  in  New  York,  New  York,  under  act  of 
Murch  3,  1879.  Acceptance  for  mailing  at  special 
nHr  M|  pi.stajir  provided  for  in  section  1103,  Act 
nl  October  3,  1917,  authorized  May  1,  1924. 
Advertising  and  Production  Office:  Jones  Press, 
Kil!h  and  Filth  South,  Minneapolis  15,  Minnesota. 
S|>:ic,-  Hcprcscntatives:  H.  Thayer  Heaton,  141 
I  i  I  M  Strret,  New  York  17,  New  York;  Mark 
Minali.m.  168  North  Michigan  Avenue,  Chicago, 
Illinois;  Keith  H.  Evans,  593  Market  Street,  Suite 
304,  San  Francisco  5,  California. 

Copyright,   1952,  by  the 

Vition.il    IV< n  ,ilion   Association,   Incorporated 
Printed  in  the  U.S.A.  3<«^j|<.  2 

"Trade  mark  registered  in  the  U.  S.  Patent  Office. 


RECREATION       MOVEMENT 
CONTENTS 


General  Features 

Sports  and  War  (Editorial) ,  S.  L.  A.  Marshall 

Sports  of  Presidents  196 

34th  National  Congress 

Evening  Speakers  

At  Your  Service  200 

New  Congress  Arrangements  201 

A  Country  Club  with  Your  Job 202 

Dorothy  Enderis  — "Leutselig" 206 

The  Square  Dance  Crosses  the  Sea 

Square  and  Folk  Dancing  in  Japan,  Dorothea  B.  Munro  209 

Letters  to  the  NRA  210 

NRA  Discounts  211 

United  Nations  Day  ,..  224 

The  Value  of  Play  in  Children's  Homes,  Helen  Dauncey     227 
People  and  Events  

Administration 

Leisure-Time  Interests  and  Activities  205 

How  the  Recreation  Executive  Appraises 

His  Own  Performance  219 

Notes  for  the  Administrator  220 

Public  Opinion  Aids  Park  Officials  .. 

Asphalt  and  Concrete  Surfaces  230 

Program 

A  Youth  Council,  R.  J.  MacDonald 195 

Educational  and  Cultural  Activities  in 

Community  Centers  197 

Let's  Check  Up  on  Square  Dancing,  Persis  Leger 207 

Rules— Five-Man  Football,  James  J.  Rafferty ...  208 
Make  Your  Plans  for  Goblin  Time 

Trick  or  Treat,  Sibyl  Leah  Templeton 

Operation  Pumpkin  Head,  Ann  Brenner  213 

Community-wide  Halloween  Planning  Establishing 

New  Customs  214 

Who  Is  "Mr.  Jack-o-Lantern?"  Carl  Bozenski  215 

Teen- Age  Rhythms,  Anne  Livingston  222 

Basketball— The  Game  Way  225 

How  To  Do  It!  Make  a  Magazine  Rack,  Frank  E.  Staples  244 

Regular  Features 

Things  You  Should  Know 189 

Letters 190 

Personnel  233 

Recipes  for  Fun — Leaf  Printing  235 

Personnel — Recreation  Salaries  (A  Study)   ....          237 

—Training  Course  Information 243 

Recreation  Market  News  245 

Books  Received  246 

Magazines 246 

Pamphlets 247 

New  Publications  248 

Recreation  Leadership  Courses Inside  Back  Cover 


SKI'TEMBER    1952 


187 


NATIONAL    RECREATION     ASSOCIATION 

A  Service  Organization  Supported  by  Voluntary  Contribution* 
JOSEPH  PRENDERGAST.  Executive  Director 


OFFICERS 

OTTO  T.   MAI i  IKY , Chairman  of   the  Board 

PAI'I     Mooir ,    Ja Firtt    Vice-President 

Mat.    OCOIN    L.    Mutt Second    Vice-President 

SUIAN  M.  LEI.  .Third  Vice-President  and  Secretary  of  the  Hoard 

AoaiAH    M.    M»iut Treuurer 

GLSTAVLI   T.   KiftlY Treasurer   Emcritui 

]o*t  PH    PacsneacAtT Secretary 

BOARD  OF  DIRECTORS 


F.  W.  H.  ADAM* New  York,  N.   Y. 

DIMM Boston,  Matt. 

Mat.  RoaiRT  Tooos  BLI»S Washington,  D.  C. 

Mat.  Aunt  •  G.  CiMMia Jacksonville.  Fla. 

wriuiAW  H.  DATII N«w  York,  N.  Y. 

HAIRY  P.  DAVHOW New  York.  N.  Y. 

GATLOU>  DOKNCU.IV Chicago.  111. 

Mai.  PAL  i  GALI  ACHE* Omaha,  Ncbr. 

RouaT  GAaaiTT Baltimore.  Md. 

Mai.  NOCMAN  HA  MOVER ritchburg.  Mass. 

MM.  CHARIES  V.  HICEOK Michiftn  City,  Ind. 

FatDEaici  M.  VAtacac.  .  . 


Ma*.  JOHN  D.  JAMISON Bellport,  N    ^ 

M    I  i  r New  York,  N-  Y. 

OTTO  T.  MALIUT Philadelphia,  Pi. 

(  AH   I     Mn  i  IKIN Augusta,  Me. 

MR*    O.I.IN  I     Mm* New  York,  N    Y. 

PAL  i    MOORE,  Ja Jersey  City,  N.  J- 

Jottrit  Par  NDI:*GA*T New  York.  X.  Y 

Ma*.  StcMl  NO  Sfias San   Francisco,  Calif. 

ii*  \NT  TiuwotTH Noroton.  Conn. 

Mm.  tt'ii  i  IAM   VAN     \i  i  s Philadelphia.  PJ 

J.  C.  WALSH Yonkers.  N.  Y. 

New  York.  N    1 


Kietutive  Director1!  Otiice 
GtoacE  E.   DICKIE  THOMAS  E.   RIVERI 

HILDA    HAHHIOS  AaTHua    WILLIAMI 

Airaio  H.   WILION 
Correspondence   and    Coniultation 


ViaoiNU  MUSIELUAN 

Glirauoc  DOICHARD 

Recreation     Magaiine 

DoaoTMt  DONALDSON 

Special    Publications 

Ron   JAT   SCHWARTZ  MURIEL   McGANN 

P«nonn«l   S«rvic« 
C.   SUTHIRI  AND   ALfRID  B.    JlNtCN 


MI.  \DQUARTERS   STAFF 

Research   Department 

GEOUCE  D.  BurtEa 
FII/AILTH  CLIFTON  DAVID  J.  DtBon 

Work  with  Voluntecri 

E.  BEATRICE  STEABNI 
MARY  QUIXK  MAKCARCT  DANRWOBTH 

FitM   Department 

CHAKIES  E.  REED  JAMII  A.  MADISON 

Giotot  T.  ADAMS  HEIINA  G.  HoTT 

RICHABD  S.  VEITCATI 


S/rrtrr  to  Sttttt Roaear  R.  GAMHI 

.Arcji  **4  Ftciltlift — Fttmmimt  **i  Smrrf\t 

H.  C.  HUTCHINI  ALAN  B.   Buaanr 

LESLIE   LTNCM 

Ktlbrrtrnf  F,   Rttktr  Mtmoritl 
Srcrrtsry  for   Vomrm  tmj  Cirlt 

HELEN   M.   DAUNCIT 

l*J*iirul   Hetrtftiom C.    E.    BREWER 

Recmttom   LfiJtrtbifi   Trsimmg  Comntt 
RUTH  I  HI  r«*  ANNE  LIVINGSTON 

MiiDHIO    SCANION  F&ANK    A.    SlAPlI* 

GRACE   WAI  tea 


New    England   District 

WALBO    R.    HAINIWOBTH  .  .BOSTON.    MAS*. 

(Prewnt   iddrcii  .  .  .  N«w   Y-irk  i 

MiddU  Atlantic    D.  itr.it 
JOHN   V.  FAUIT  ......  East  Or*afc.  N.  J. 

A.  Nitsrrr  ----  New   York,  N.   Y. 


DISTRICT    KKPUKSENTATIVES 

Southern  District 

Milt  MARION   PRIICI Atciandria,  Va. 

RAIPH    VAN    FIEBT Clearwattr.   Fla. 

VIIIIAM    M.   HAT \.ih-,lle.   Tenn. 


Gnat   Lakee    Diitricl 
JOHN    J.    (  on  iRa  ..........  Toledo.  Ohio 

RCMIBT    L.    HmMIT  .......  Madison,    Wit. 


MidwMl  DittHct 

\«im  R    Tooo Kansas   City,   Mo. 

HAIOID    LAIHROP Denver,  Colo. 


Soutkweit    Dittrict 
HAROIO  VAN  AasDAir Dallas.  Tex. 

Paciic  Northwest   Diitrict 
VIIIARD  H.   SHI  MAID Seattle,    Vuli. 

Pacific    Southwest    District 
LYNN   S.   RODNET Lot   Angeles.  Calif. 


Affiliate  Membership 

Aafliate  membership  in  ike  Nit  ton  *l 
Rt<r*stion  A»«ociiiio«  it  opea  to  all  non- 
profit privitt  and  pvblic  orfsniEatiofli 
whoM  f«*ction  it  wholly  of  primarily  the 
n«a)tfcrio«  «r  p»o»eiicn  of  recreation  serv- 
ice* Of  wkicfc  laclwle  rtcreatioo  at  in  in* 
•wrtMSl  part  W  laWir  total  profram  tad 
whow  c**perati«i  I*  UM  work  of  ibt  at*o- 
cit«HW  wo«ld.  (•  tW  opin.o.  of  the  atto- 
(••lion's  Board  W  Directors,  farther  the 
•«ds  of  the  n.t.on.l  recreation  movenwnt 


Active  A  SHOT  i  ate  Membership 

Active  tssocitte  membership  in  the 
National  Recreation  Association  it  open  to 
all  individual  i  who  art  actively  engaged 
on  a  full-time  or  part-time  employed  bant 
or  as  volunteers  in  •  nonprofit  private  or 
public  recreation  organ  nation  and  whote 
cooperation  in  eke  work  of  the  association 
wouldi  in  the  opinion  of  the  aitociation'i 
Board  of  Directors,  further  the  eads  of  the 
national  recreation  movement. 


Contributors 

The  continuation  of  the  work  of  the 
National  Recreation  Association  from  year 
so  year  it  mtdc  possible  by  the  splendid 
cooperation  of  tfvcrsl  hundred  volunteer 
iponsort  throughout  the  country,  and  the 
generous  contributions  of  thousands  of  iup- 
portert  of  this  movement  to  bring  health, 
happiness  and  creative  living  to  the  boys 
and  girls  and  the  men  and  women  of 
America.  If  you  would  like  to  join  in  the 
support  of  this  movement,  you  may  tend 
your  contribution  direct  to  the  association. 


The  National  Recreation  Aanocialion  U  a  nation 
wnJr.  nonprofit.  ftOOpoliticft]  and  non»rctarian  civic 
organization.  **tat>li*hr<]  in  1906  and  supported  by 
voluntary  contribution*,  and  dedicated  to  the  *enr< 
ire  of  all  recreation  nmjtnra,  leaden  and  agen- 

For  further  information  retarding  the  association  t 
Director.  National  Recreation  Association, 


rir*.  puMir  and  private,  to  the  end  that  every  child 
in  America  nhall  have  a  place  to  play  in  «afety  ami 
that  every  person  in  America,  young  and  old.  shall 
have  an  opportunity  for  (he  l>r*i  and  mn»t  Mti«fy- 
ing  utr  of  hi*  expanding  lei«ure  time. 

services  and  membership,  please  write  to  the 
.1/5  Fourth  Avenue,  New  York  10.  New  York. 


KM  KKVTION 


*  THE    COURT    CASE    ON    BLACKTOP 
SURFACING  for  playground  areas  has 
been  won  by  the  city  of  Los  Angeles. 
The  case  grew  out  of  two  recent  deaths 
which    occurred    after    falls    on    hard- 
surfaced  areas.  The  evidence  seemed  to 
point  to  the  fact  that  .  .  .  how  you  land 
is  more  significant  than  what  you  fall 
on,  in  determining  the  severity  of  in- 
jury .  .  . 

*  THE  LOCATION  AND  ACQUISITION  OF 
PARKS  AND  PLAYGROUNDS  was  one  of 
the  subjects  discussed  at  one-day  in- 
stitutes   on    municipal    planning    con- 
ducted in  five  Wisconsin  cities  during 
March    by    the    League    of   Wisconsin 
Municipalities  in  cooperation  with  the 
State  Planning  Division. 

*•  A  NEW  SPECIAL  DEFENSE  PUBLICA- 
TION, Community  Recreation  for  De- 
fense Workers,  is  now  available  free 
from  the  National  Recreation  Associ- 
ation. This  is  the  third  in  a  series,  and 
a  companion  piece  to  Emergency  Rec- 
reation Services  in  Civil  Defense  and 
Off-Post  Recreation  for  the  Armed 
Forces. 

>  ERRATA.  In  the  article,  "Blacktop 
for  Apparatus  Areas,"  on  page  19  of 
the  April  1952  issue  of  RECREATION, 
the  following  correction  should  be 
made  in  the  table  under  point  number 
9:  heading  of  last  column  of  figures 
should  be  changed  to  read  "Number 
Not  Installed  on  Blacktop."  This  cor- 
rection will  be  made  on  reprints.  Our 
apologies. 

*  A  STUDY  OF  PUBLIC  RECREATION 
PROPERTIES,   PROGRAM   AND   INTER- 
AGENCY  RELATIONSHIPS  in  the  city  of 
Philadelphia   has   recently   been   com- 
pleted by  the  National  Recreation  As- 
sociation. 

*•  A  RECREATIONAL  THERAPY  SECTION 
of  the  Recreation  Division  of  the 
American  Association  for  Health. 
Physical  Education  and  Recreation, 
was  organized  at  the  April  1952  con- 
vention of  that  organization,  "to  pro- 
vide additional  opportunities  for  recre- 
ation personnel  at  public  and  private 
hospitals,  training  and  boarding  schools 
for  the  exceptional  and  the  mentally 
retarded,  rehabilitation  centers  and 
camps,  to  become  and  remain  well- 
informed  on  trends  and  developments 

SEPTEMBER  1952 


in  the  field  of  recreation  therapy." 

*•  CONTINUED  OPERATION  OF  THE 
MICHIGAN  INTER-AGENCY  COUNCIL  FOR 
RECREATION  became  assured  for  the 
immediate  future  when  the  Michigan 
Legislature,  at  its  regular  session, 
voted  the  council  an  appropriation  of 
$11,498  for  the  fiscal  year  ending  June 
1953.  The  Inter-Agency  Council  for 
Recreation  was  originally  experimen- 
tal, designed  to  coordinate  the  services 
of  all  state  agencies  having  an  interest 
in  recreation,  and  was  supported  by 
funds  made  available  from  the  W.  K. 
Kellogg  Foundation.  There  are  inter- 
agency  committees  and  councils  in  a 
number  of  states,  but  Michigan  be- 
comes the  first  state  to  appropriate 
funds  specifically  for  an  interagency 
organization. 

>  PROVING  THAT  SOME  COMMUNITIES 
ARE  PLACING  A  HIGH  VALUE  ON  PARKS 
comes  the  news  that  Johnstown,  Penn- 
sylvania,  recently  rejected  a  proposal 
to  sell  a  park  tract  as  a  site  for  a  new 
school. 

>  A  SUPPLEMENT  TO  THE  REPRINT  of 
"A  Study  of  Public  Golf  Course  Oper- 
ation," from  the  May   1952  issue   of 
RECREATION,  explaining  the  chart  in 
that  article,  is  now  available  from  the 
National  Recreation   Association. 

*  A  MEETING  OF  THE  CONFERENCE 
FOR    NATIONAL    COOPERATION    IN 
AQUATICS  is  scheduled  for  October  30 
to  November  1,  at  Yale  University.  Its 
theme  will  be  Leadership  in  Aquatics. 
The  program  will  include  work  group 
discussions,   pool  demonstrations  and 
general    sessions.    One    of    the    work 
groups  will  consider  principles  in  plan- 
ning and  constructing  swimming  pools. 

*  AT  A  MEETING  OF  THE  SCHOOL  AND 
COLLEGE  DIVISION  OF  THE  NATIONAL 
SAFETY  COUNCIL,  to  be  held  on  Oc- 
tober 19  in  Chicago,  there  will  be  a 
panel  discussion  of  the  subject,  Play- 
ground Surfacing.  This  topic  will  also 
be  discussed  at  the  conference  of  the 
American  Institute  of  Park  Executives, 
to  be  held  in  Montreal.  September  15 
to  18. 

*  A  NATIONAL  ADVISORY  COMMITTEE 
ON   RECREATION   RESEARCH    has   just 
been  appointed  and  will  hold  its  first 


meeting  at  the  National  Recreation 
Congress  in  Seattle. 

*•  THE  ATHLETIC  INSTITUTE  has  an- 
nounced the  early  fall  publication  of  a 
booklet  entitled :  "Recreation  for  Com- 
munity Living,"  which  was  developed 
at  the  National  Workshop  on  Recrea- 
tion held  in  May.  Some  thirty  or  so 
outstanding  recreation  leaders,  includ- 
ing a  representative  of  the  NRA,  par- 
ticipated in  the  workshop. 

>•  A  PRELIMINARY  REPORT,  Conclu- 
sions and  Suggested  Principles,  has 
been  prepared  by  the  Committee  on 
Highly  Organized  Competitive  Sports 
and  Athletics  for  Boys  Twelve  and 
Under.  This  has  been  sent  to  recreation 
and  park  executives  for  study,  and  will 
be  presented  for  discussion  at  the 
meeting  on  Midget  Athletics,  at  the 
Seattle  National  Recreation  Congress. 

>  AT  THE  NATIONAL  CONFERENCE  OF 
STATE  PARKS,  to  be  held  in  Rapid 
City,  South  Dakota,  September  14  to 
18,  an  address  will  be  delivered  by 
Joseph  Prendergast,  executive  director 
of  the  NRA,  on  the  subject  of  Off-Post 
Recreation  in  State  Parks. 

*  THE  6TH  NATIONAL  RECREATION 
CONGRESS  OF  JAPAN  was  attended  in 
August  by  Tom  Rivers,  Assistant  Ex- 
ecutive Director  of  the  NRA,  as  a  rep- 
resentative of  the  association. 


Position  Open 

The  Civil  Service  Commission  of 
Los  Angeles  County,  California, 
will  soon  announce  a  nation-wide, 
open  competitive  examination  for 
the  position  of  Recreation  Superin- 
tendent for  the  Los  Angeles  County 
Department  of  Parks  and  Recrea- 
tion. It  is  hoped  that  candidates 
with  administrative  experience  in 
the  recreation  field  will  be  attracted 
to  this  position,  which  heads  all  rec- 
reation activities  of  the  department. 
Salary  at  present  is  $545  a  month. 

The  examination  will  be  both 
written  and  oral,  with  three  dis- 
tinguished recreation  specialists  par- 
ticipating in  the  selection.  It  has 
been  planned  to  schedule  interviews 
in  Los  Angeles  and  in  Seattle  be- 
fore, during,  and  after  the  National 
Recreation  Congress. 

The  commission  has  stressed  that 
it  will  not  be  necessary  to  come  to 
Los  Angeles  for  the  written  portion 
of  the  examination  and  urges  all 
those  interested  in  securing  further 
information  to  write  to  the  Los 
Angeles  County  Civil  Service  Com- 
mission, 501  North  Main  Street,  Los 
Angeles  12,  California. 


189 


Fundav 

Sirs: 

I  have  had  some  very  pleasant  cor- 
respondence with  Mr.  A.  Wilson  Lloxd 
of  the  Association  of  American  Flay- 
ing Card  Manufacturers.  After  receiv- 
ing a  trick  book  from  Mr.  Lloyd,  we 
had  so  much  "fun"  with  it.  that  the 
idea  occurred  to  mr  thai  a-  I  here  are 
so  many  special  days  celebrated  na- 
tionally— why  not  a  "funday?"  That  is 
what  these  card  games  are. 

I  wrote  to  Mr.  Lloyd,  jotting  down 
my  suggestion  and,  to  my  surprise,  I 
received  a  letter  from  him,  saying  that 
he  had  read  the  letter  to  his  associa- 
tion and  my  suggestion  had  been  re- 
ceived with  interest.  He  then  wrote 
that  it  would  be  better  for  your  com- 
pany to  develop  the  idea,  since  you 
develop  an  interest  in  other  activities 
besides  cards. 

MRS.     PETER    SCIIAFER,     Valley 

Stream,  New  York. 

I    Am   A   Mr.mi;.-! 

Sirs: 

Hello!  I  am  a  stranger  to  you,  so  I 
am  a  Hobo-Vagabond.  You  are  a 
stranger  to  me,  BO  you  are  a  Hobo  to 
me.  I  have  been  a  Hobo  for  forty  years 
out  of  fiftx  -five  and  I  suppose  I  will 
roritinue  being  a  Holm  -  Vagabond, 
whi.h  i-  all  mx  own  fault.  I  cannot 
blame  anyone  else — Not  the  folks, 
*•<  h'», I.  (  hur<  li  nr  (ionimiinity — for  it's 
all  my  own  Plnting  in  rnx  youth.  Il 
is  •  life  I  love  to  live — free  from  Care 
of  Someone  else.  I  don't  have  many 

190 


Friends  and  I  don't  need  many.  Just 
twenty-five  friends  is  all  I  have,  and 
they  supply  me  with  all  the  faults 
about  myself.  I  couldn't  trust  anyone 
— not  even  my  own  Folks  or  relations, 
church  or  anyone  in  the  Local  Com- 
munity, I  Dought  if  anyone  in  the 
Slate  01  I  nited  States.  When  you  can't 
trust  your  own,  how  can  you  trust  any- 
one else?  I'sury.  Thief  and  Conspiracy 
work  against  you.  Sports,  Entertain- 
ment and  Amusement!  Will  that  solve 
the  difficulty?  I  will  try  it  out  this  year 
and  see  what  results. 

HARRY    E.    Li  XTIII.KWOOD,    Dodge 

City,  Kansas. 

•  The  above  letter  is  reproduced  ex- 
artly   as  received.   Perhaps  our   hobo 
friend  will  visit  your  town.      Id. 

Armv  l(«-i|ii<-si 

Sirs: 

Captain  Mills,  of  the  \nn\  Speeial 
Services  at  Guam  Hall,  asked  if  it 
might  be  possible  i,,  j.,.|  ,,nr  thousand 
reprints  of  two  article-  in  the  Man  h 
i*Mie  of  HK<  HKATION:  "Some  Thoughts 
on  Being  a  Recreation  Leader."  l.\ 
Helen  Maiiniev  (page  543)  and  "Com- 
munity Leaders  Use  Your  Initiative. 
by  Sherwood  Gates  (page  553).  lie 

would  like  ),,  us<-  them  in  <  oiinei  II..M 
with  tin-  training  of  leader.,  m  ~-|«ccial 
X|  i\  ice*. 

GEOII..I    I  .   hi.  KII  .  r\,-,i,i: 

tary,  Federal  Inter-Af  -mil- 

ti-r  nn  !{••••  rralinn.  Washinpliin.  l>  < 

•  These  requested  reprint*  have  been 
•upplied. — Ed. 


Sirs: 

I  would  like  to  make  the  following 
suggestions  as  added  features  to  the 
wonderful  service  rendered  I>\  the  Na- 
tional Recreation  Association  to  all  its 
members. 

1.  Leather    binders    that    will    hold 
twelve  issues  of  the  RECREATION  maga- 
zine,  with   the   last    issue   carrying  an 
index  of  the  contents  of  the  pre\  ion- 
magazines  for  that  year. 

2.  A  calendar  of  future  events  for 
all   recreation   directors,  that  will   in- 
clude all  holidays,  as  well  as  reminder- 
to    start    work    on    various    actixitie- 
scheduled,  and  one  that  would  have  at 
least  one  special  event  per  month  or  a 
speeial  event  for  each  age  group  per 
month,  with  the  events  to  fit  into  the 
season — as  the  baseball  league  for  the 
baseball  season  and  softball  for  soft- 
ball  season,  and  so  on.  This  could  be 
sold   to   the   recreation   workers   at   a 
profit  to  the  National  Recreation  Asso- 
ciation. 

3.  I  would  like  to  see  you  continue 

sending  out  the  nine  by  five  and  •- 

half   inch    bulletins   that   are   suitable 
for  filing.  I  have  always  found  them 
chock-full    of   good    information    that 
makes  a  ready   reference  for  our  di- 
rectors. 

BEN  YORK,  Director  of  Recreation. 
West  Palm  Beach,  Florida. 

•  Prices  for  leather  binders  are  being 
investigated.  Our  last  issue  of  our  fiscal 
year — March — always  carries  an  index 
for  the  year.  We  would  like  to  remind 
readers,  here,  of  the  Calendar  of  Holi- 
days and  Special  Days  (MP  412) 
available  from  the  association  for 
t \\entx  -live  cents. — Ed. 

Hi'i-r«-;ir  ion 

Sirs: 

Many  times,  when  appearing  as 
-jieakers  before  civic  groups,  parent- 
teacher  associations  and  other  organi- 
/ati"ii-.  reeieatiini  -ii|ierintendenl-.  di- 
rectors or  staff  suiHTvisors  have  l>e<-n 
.i-ked  the  follouing:  "What  thought- 
aie  ll|>|>eim,i-|  in  tin-  mm. I  of  a  I 
alion  leader  in  preparing  a  reerealion 
program?"  or  "How  -hall  we.  as  an 
organization,  and  the  pul'lie.  define  ih.- 

word     •Rei-iealion'?"     Heeentlv.     when 

preparing   nole->   for  such   an   .T|I|«-.H 
anee.  thi-M-  thought-  w.-re  foremost  in 
nix-  mind,  and  in  end.  .\\  mmp  to  mm 

RECHI  xrniN 


bine  the  two  questions  and  present  a 

clear  definition,  the  following  method 

was  used: 

H — Resolve  to  develop  a  sound  pro- 
gram. 

E — Evaluate  the  needs  of  your  com- 
munity carefully. 

C  — Create  hobbies  and  fun  for  the 
entire  family. 

R — Relax  and  use  your  leisure  time 
for  your  own  pleasure. 

E — Enjoy  the  pleasant  programs  in 
your  community. 

A — Ask  others  to  participate  with 
you. 

T  — Tell  your  community  of  your  rec- 
reation plans. 

I  — Instill  civic  spirit  in  all  persons 
you  meet. 

O — Older  groups  as  well  as  young 
people  need  recreation.  Don't  for- 
get them. 

M  — New  ideas  are  always  needed.  Use 

them  whenever  it  is  possible. 
AL     HILEMAN,     Director,     Proctor 
Recreation  Center,  Peoria,  Illinois. 

School  Planning 

Sirs: 

The  article  on  this  subject  which 
appeared  in  your  January,  1952,  issue 
is  timely  and  interesting. 

I  would  like  to  add  the  name  of 
Birmingham  high  school  of  Birming- 
ham, Michigan,  as  one  of  the  new 
schools  which  was  planned  for  meeting 
community  and  recreation  needs  as 
well  as  those  which  are  traditional  in 
nature.  In  addition  to  class  and  special 
activity  sections,  a  native  woods,  four 
hundred-car  parking  lot,  little  theatre, 
patio,  greenhouse,  athletic  area,  li- 
brary, cafeteria,  physical  education 
unit  and  lobby  are  included  in  the 
over-all  design.  This  is  one  way  in 
which  a  small  city  (under  20,000)  is 
attempting  to  meet  the  needs  of  a 
modern  community.  Although  the  three 
and  one-half  million  dollar  structure 
will  not  be  completed  until  the  na- 
tatorium  and  auditorium  units  are  pro- 
vided, some  sections  of  the  building 
are  now  available. 

FRANK  WHITNEY,  Recreation  Direc- 
tor, Birmingham,  Michigan. 


W«»  Take 

Sirs: 

We  read  with  a  great  deal  of  inter- 

SEPTEMBER  1952 


Authenticity  is   major  factor   in   selecting   children  best  depicting   Twain's  characters. 


est  the  article,  "Young  Anglers,"  ap- 
pearing in  the  April,  1952,  issue  of 
RECREATION.  We,  here  in  Denver,  Col- 
orado, wish  to  congratulate  the  people 
of  San  Jose  who  had  a  part  in  their 
juvenile  fishing  rodeo,  but  we  do  take 
issue  with  them  for  the  photograph  of 
the  prize  winner  for  the  best  Becky 
Thatcher  outfit. 

Since  1948,  the  municipal  recrea- 
tion department,  City  and  County  of 
Denver,  has  been  conducting  a  Huckle- 
berry Finn  Day,  which  each  year  is 
co-sponsored  by  the  Veterans  of  For- 
eign Wars  and  the  Rocky  Mountain 
News.  Huckleberry  Finn  Day  is  in- 
corporated under  the  provisions  of  the 
Colorado  statutes;  and  its  object  is 
instituting,  furthering,  fostering,  pro- 
tecting, improving  and  promoting  the 
interests,  ideals  and  education  of  boys 
and  girls  through  the  observance  of 
an  annual  celebration  commemorating 
Huckleberry  Finn,  Becky  Thatcher, 
Tom  Sawyer  and  other  fictional  char- 
acters appearing  in  Mark  Twain's 
stories. 

We  have  done  a  great  deal  of  re- 
search and  study  of  all  characters,  as 
portrayed 'by  Mark  Twain.  To  quote 
a  few  facts  about  Becky  Thatcher,  we 
find  she  was  a  lady  in  all  manners  and 
mannerisms.  Becky  is  pictured  as  a 
blonde,  pudgy,  blue-eyed,  little  girl 
with  yellow  hair  in  pigtails  and  bangs. 
In  that  day,  little  girls'  skirts  were 
long  and  full  and  they  wore  pantalettes 
and  sunbonnets.  Above  all  else,  Becky 
Thatcher  was  afraid  of  fish  and  fish- 
worms,  and  —  being  a  lady  —  would 
never  so  much  as  touch  a  fish  pole,  let 
alone  be  seen  barefooted,  wearing 
pants  and  a  straw  hat,  as  portrayed  by 
the  prize  winner  for  the  best  Becky- 
Thatcher  outfit. 


Denver's    little    Becky   Thatcher   "ladies. 


Denver,  Colorado,  is  justly  proud  of 
its  annual  Huckleberry  Finn  Day, 
which  attracts  four  to  five  thousand 
participants  and  many  thousands  more 
of  spectators  each  year.  All  boy  and 
girl  contestants  are  urged  to  read  the 
writings  of  Mark  Twain,  in  order  to 
be  familiar  with  the  points  upon  which 
the  judges  select  the  most  authentic 
Huck  Finn  and  Becky  Thatcher.  We  do 
have  a  responsibility  for  authenticity 
in  any  promotion,  don't  we?  Not  wish- 
ing the  beloved  Mark  Twain  to  turn 
over  in  his  grave  because  of  the  way 
his  Becky  has  been  portrayed,  we  are 
enclosing  photographs  of  Denver  s 
Becky  Thatcher,  authentic  in  details. 
J.  EARL  SCHLUPP,  Director  of  Rec- 
reation, City  and  County  of  Denver. 


Pla-ade  Portable  Stagefront 
...  for  Junior  Dramatics 

Makes  a  real  stage,  not  a  puppet  show-ap- 
peals to  children  who  like  to  dress  up  and 
give  little  plays— encourages  good  play  habits, 
in  and  out-of-doors— entertains  many  at  one 
time;  as  actors,  curtain  puller,  property  man, 
etc. 

Sturdily  built,  easy  to  set-up  (without  tools) 
attractively  decorated,  curtain  pulls  easily. 
AssembIed-8  feet  wide  by  6  high  by  Hi 
deep,  stores  in  5  x  1  x  %  feet.  Shipping 
weight  31  Ibs. 

Price  $25.00,  less  20%  discount  to  Rec- 
reation Departments.  Allow  1/3  ship- 
ping cost  up  to  $6.00. 

WALTER  L.  LUKENS 
3611  S.  Wakefield  Street,  Arlington,  Va. 


191 


SOME  \VK.KKS  AGO  I  was  asked  if  (lur- 
ing my  years  of  research  into 
what  happened  among  the  active  ele- 
ments in  our  fighting  lines  in  the  Pa- 
•  it'n  .  Europe  and  Korea,  I  had  found 
any  correlation  between  the  extent  of 
tlu-  individual's  participation  in  sport 
and  his  readiness  to  give  fully  of  him- 
self when  the  last  chips  were  down. 

Bv  the  measuring  stick  which  should 
apply  within  the  armed  services,  the 
fault  in  us  is  not  that  we  have  too 
much  organized  sport  but  too  little.  A 
large  and  continuing  sampling  of  this 
question  was  made  at  Fort  Knox  about 
four  years  ago.  It  was  found  that 
among  American  voulh  getting  into 
adulthood,  fifty-six  per  cent  had  never 
participated  in  a  team  game!  Yet.  war. 
as  Field  Marshall  Sir  Archibald  Wavell 
wrote  in  his  Leaders  and  Leadership, 
can  only  be  compared  to  a  "rough  and 
brutal  team  game." 

How  do  men  generate  unity  of  ac- 
tion? We  yak-yak  in  baseball  and  slap 
the  other  guy  in  football  to  let  him 
know  we  are  with  him.  And  so  his 
strength  grows  apace.  It  is  no  different 
in  war.  Silence  betokens  fear,  and  its 
grip  can  only  be  broken  when  someone 
regains  his  voice  and  thereby  stimu- 
lates others  to  sound  off. 

At  Burton  Island,  during  the  inva- 
sion of  the  Marshall*,  we  saw  a  com- 
pany go  to  pieces  under  Japanese  fire 
until  one  man,  Sergeant  Dcini.  sudden- 
ly realized  that  his  outfit  was  dying 
from  paralvMs  of  tin-  \oc.il  rlionl-.  Id- 
began  yelling,  kept  it  up  for  one  and 
one-half  hours,  and  pulled  the  company 
out  of  it.  Deini  had  been  a  semipro 
ballplayer  in  San  Francisco. 

This  one  graphic  example  set  many 
of  iis  thinking.  In  World  War  I.  out 
1 1..'. I  is  had  been  a  noisy  gang,  tin  \ 
yelled  a«  if  full  of  the  old  college 
hustle.  But  tin-  qualitv  had  di-.i|.i 
in  between  war*.  The  restraint  seemed 
unnatural  in  our  World  War  II  fighl- 
ing,  and  it  scrrned  plain  that  it  was 
tapping  our  power. 

So  a  change  was  made,  and  "-m\\< 
thing  nrw,"  vet  M-I\  old.  was  added. 
Our  men  were  taught  to  veil  again  in 
the  spirit  of  a  tram;  M-ll  anvlliing. 
,  ..||ege  i  heer«.  Contanchc  war  whoop*, 
wolf  howlv  or  Chinese  prof.milv  but 
\ell.  In  m\  judgment,  nothing  has  paid 
off  more  prenth  during  the  fighting  in 

192 


Korea.  There  are  even  -oine  actions  of 
record  which  our  troops  have  won 
more  hv  their  pandemonic  yelling  than 
hv  the  killing  effect  of  their  weapons. 

Sports,  War  Both  Stress  Team  Play 

In  some  degree,  every  person  who 
comes  to  admire  the  quality  in  sport 
which  enables  a  group  of  highly- 
skilled  individuals  to  subordinate  them- 
selves to  the  need  for  smooth,  collected 
action,  becomes  receptive  to  the  same 
controlling  idea  in  his  participation 
with  others.  He  has  accepted  the  be- 
lief that  being  a  member  of  a  team  is 
I  letter  than  achieving  as  an  individual. 

But  team  play  is  something  which 
must  be  taught  in  an  army,  as  on  the 
ball  field.  Men  do  not  come  by  it  natu- 
rallv.  Its  basic  technique  is  voluntary 
cooperation  and  submission  to  the  in- 
leic-ts  of  the  group. 

When  we  mobilize,  whence  come  the 
men  who  are  able,  by  their  leading, 
to  convert  into  dynamic  force  the  stat- 
ic interest  of  the  great  majority? 

To  a  far  greater  extent  than  college 
presidents  appreciate,  or  even  the  gen- 
erals understand,  not  having  measured 
it.  thev  come  from  the  playing  fields  of 
this  nation.  There  are  not  enough  old 
sergeants  to  spread  around,  and  be- 
sides, they  specialize  mainly  in  the 
mechanic-.  ,,f  their  trade. 

War's  small  picture  is  a  series  of 
cud  i  MM-,  off-tackle  bucks  and  center 
rushes,  and  if  the  team  does  not  hold 
together  during  each  play,  it  loses 
vardage  and  the  ball  changes  hands. 

One  major  difference  between  in- 
fantry fighting  and  any  other  team 
game  is  that  the  contest  almost  invari- 
.il'K  Ix-gins  with  a  withering,  or  evapo- 
ration, of  the  team  spirit  and  action. 
It  is  1 10 ii ml  to  be  so  when  men's  live- 
.in  direciK  in  danger. 

Engcndcri'iiu  Team  Spirit 

I  lie  prevailing  problem  in  the  ln-i 
quarter  is  to  shake  men  loose  from 
their  somber  personal  thoughts  and  re- 
v  ii.ih/i-  tin  ii  i--'  -nti.il  bmid-  nf  unity. 
That  is  an  hour  which  call-  f.n  -limi^ 
individualism,  directed,  however.  !•• 
».nd  the  re.loialinn  of  team  piny.  One 
man  I. ike-  p.i.ilive  action:  hi-  example 
hrrak«  I  he  .prll  of  frar.  and  because 
of  it.  manv  others  srr  that  action  i- 
iheir  salvation.  In  this  way.  the  tram 


A  Guest  Editorial 


SPORTS 


finds   itself,   and  out  of  chaos  comes 
unity. 

As  a  military  matter,  probably  not 
the  least  of  the  values  inherent  in  or- 
ganized sport's  accent  on  team  play  is 
that  the  individual,  once  won  to  the 
principle,  becomes  more  capable  of 
high  personal  initiative  when  the  cir- 
cumstances require  it. 

Sports  That  Teach  Throwing 
Are  Priceless 

During  the  crisis  of  last  \\inter'- 
campaign  against  the  Chinese  in  Korea, 
the  youngsters  in  our  infantry  line 
had  to  become  strong  grenadiers  al- 
most overnight.  In  the  earlier  fighting 
the  North  Koreans  made  indifferent 
use  of  the  grenade.  So  it  didn't  matter 
much  that  our  troops  lacked  thorough 
training  with  that  weapon,  and  that  we 
had  proceeded  somewhat  on  the  theory 
that  any  American  \oungster  can 
heave  a  rock  or  a  snowball,  and,  there- 
fore,  converting  him  to  a  grenadier 
was  a-  ca-v  .1-  rolling  off  a  log. 

When  the  Chinese  entered  the  war. 
thi-v  published  a  secret  training  paper. 
-;i\ing  that  all  \incrn.iii-  wen-  tcrrm 
ixed  by  grenades  and  could  alwax-  he 
whipped  if  the  grenade  was  made  tin- 
main  weapon  in  the  assault  line. 

That  was  a  pipe-dream,  but  this  hand- 
n  ,i|i  didn't  keep  them  from  proceed- 
ing with  the  idea.  When  thcv  In-l 
charged  us  in  Korea,  their  assault 
\s.i\es  ueie  loaded  w ith  grenade*  of  the 

"potato       m.l-hcl"       tvpe.       which       thev 

might  IH-  able  to  throw  as  far  as  fifteen 
yards. 

What  thev  lacked  in  range,  howevet. 

iln-x     compensated    for    in    numl>cr- 

-    man  was  carrying  from  five  to 

eight  of  these  mi««iles.  and  in  the  -itu 

Kl   I   Ml    \IION 


and  WAR 


By  S.  L.  A.  Marshall 


ation,  our  troops  either  had  to  set  up 
an  effective  grenade  counter  in  a 
hurry,  or  be  blown  out  of  Korea. 

But  if  a  man  hasn't  been  a  strong 
"thrower"  during  several  years  of  his 
life,  he  can't  be  made  into  one  just 
because  the  army  wills  it.  He  might 
acquire  that  knack  in  baseball,  or  as 
a  forward-passer  in  football,  or  even 
from  long  play  in  basketball  or  with  a 
discus.  But  he  has  to  get  it  from  some- 
where, or  he  will  lack  range,  his  arm 
won't  stand  up  and  he  has  no  confi- 
dence that  he  can  hit  the  target. 

So  it  was  interesting  to  see  how  the 
infantry  of  the  Eighth  Army  met  this 
need  empirically. 

As  soon  as  the  issue  permitted  it, 
all  of  the  men  began  to  carry  grenades 
— usually  two,  sometimes  three;  but  in 
any  action  where  strong  grenading  was 
needed,  the  work  of  the  group  came  to 
revolve  around  one  man — the  best  arm 
in  the  crowd,  made  so  by  experience, 
either  in  baseball  or  football.  He  would 
do  the  "bombing."  The  others  acted  as 
a  bucket  line,  passing  their  grenades 
to  him,  and  cheering  while  he  heaved. 

A  loaded  grenade  weighs  between 
sixteen  and  twenty-two  ounces,  depend- 
ing upon  the  type.  Any  green  hand  can 
lob  it  twenty  yards  or  so  and  maybe 
get  within  five  yards  of  what  he  wants 
to  hit,  if  his  arm  isn't  shaking.  But  a 
man  accustomed  to  the  ball  field  can 
usually  get  it  out  thirty-five  yards,  and 
practically  peg  it  home. 

Those  few  extra  yards,  which  the 
seasoned  thrower  has  over  the  non- 
athlete,  could  mean  the  difference  be- 
tween a  dead  center  heave  which 
knocks  the  Chinese  from  the  crest  of  a 
hill  position  and  a  short  throw  which 

SEPTEMBER  1952 


rolls  back  upon  one's  own  people.  And 
the  extra  yardage  is  only  one  among 
many  advantages.  When  it's  almost  sec- 
ond nature  to  you  to  pick  up  something 
and  heave  it,  you'll  do  it  instinctively 
with  less  counting  of  the  risk. 

Take  the  action  of  Cpl.  Don  Craw- 
ford and  Pfc.  James  C.  Curcio,  Jr., 
Baker  Company,  Ninth  Infantry  Regi- 
ment. In  the  battle  of  the  Chongchon 
one  year  ago,  they  were  with  nine 
other  men  of  the  mortar  platoon  who 
became  surrounded  by  two  hundred 
Chinese.  The  eleven  men  were  on  a 
knoll  not  more  than  twenty  feet  across. 

For  two  hours,  the  Chinese  kept 
grenading  the  knoll  from  a  distance  of 
thirty  feet.  In  that  time,  sixty  grenades 
fell  within  the  group.  Crawford  and 
Curcio,  both  of  them  ballplayers,  ap- 
pointed themselves  a  committee  of  two 
to  keep  the  position  cleared.  During 
the  two  hours,  they  caught  or  fielded 
approximately  forty  of  the  "hot"  gren- 
ades and  pitched  them  back  into  the 


are  each  a  part  of  it. 
Hitting  the  Dirt 

There  is  one  thing  else — in  baseball 
and  football,  particularly,  a  man  must 
learn  how  to  hit  the  dirt,  and  he  spends 
many  of  his  most  worthwhile  moments 
in  hard  contact  with  the  unyielding 
face  of  Mother  Earth.  There  is  some- 
thing very  fundamental  about  this.  All 
of  us  walk  the  earth,  but  few  of  us 
learn  to  grovel  in  it,  hit  it  and  slide 
into  it,  without  finding  the  experience 
unpleasant. 

A  frontline  fighter  has  to  do  all  of 
these  things.  Earth  is  his  final  protec- 
tor. When  he  bounds  forward  to  a  new 
position  under  fire,  his  life  rests  on  his 
ability  to  keep  low,  like  a  halfback 
hitting  a  line,  and  to  close  the  last  few 
yards  with  a  headlong  slide. 

Knowing  how  to  fall,  how  to  roll  and 
how  to  hug  earth  is  as  essential  to  a 
fighter  as  knowing  how  to  run  when 
it's  suicide  to  walk.  He  will  not  get  a 
final  conviction  of  these  things  on  the 


S.  L.  A.  MARSHALL,  military  critic  of  The  Detroit  News,  was  recently 
described  by  the  Combat  Forces  Journal  of  the  United  States  Army  as  "the 
greatest  living  reporter  of  combat."  He  has  a  broader  experience  with  a  greater 
variety  of  battle  situations  than  any  contemporary,  and  holds  the  rank  of 
brigadier-general.  He  is  a  former  sports  writer,  editor  and  polo  expert. 


Chinese  lines.  That's  the  kind  of  stuff 
I'm  talking  about;   you  can't  beat  it. 

Everything  Done  on  Field  of 
Sport  Conditions  a  Soldier 

Your  average  team  player  possibly 
never  devotes  a  moment  to  thinking  of 
the  special  values  which  come  of  play- 
ing the  game,  and  wherein  these  values 
facilitate  his  adjustment  when  he  en- 
ters a  life-and-death  contest.  But  nearly 
everything  he  has  done  on  the  sport 
field  has  conditioned  him  in  one  way 
or  another  to  meet  the  final  test  a  little 
more  easily  than  the  man  who  never 
got  beyond  the  sidelines. 

I  have  seen  hundreds  of  American 
youngsters  so  badly  smeared  during 
combat  that  they  had  good  reason  to 
quit  the  fight,  but  didn't  even  know 
the  meaning  of  the  word.  The  great 
majority  of  these  diehards  got  that 
way  in  sports.  Too,  there  is  an  ele- 
mentary know-how  which  comes  of 
passing  a  ball  around,  swinging  a  bat 
or  wielding  a  mallet.  Muscular  coor- 
dination, strengthening  of  the  hands, 
quickness  of  eye  and  conquest  of  fear 


playing  field,  because  combat  is  a 
trifle  more  urgent.  But  there  is  no  bet- 
ter preparatory  school  than  the  way 
of  the  team  player  who  starts  on  the 
sandlots  and  stays  with  the  game 
through  early  manhood. 

Our  Legs  Need  Work 

On  the  whole,  however,  we  have  not 
done  very  well  by  ourselves.  The  ma- 
jority of  American  young  men  are  not 
physically  fit.  Our  main  weakness  is  in 
the  legs,  because  as  a  nation  we  have 
almost  forgotten  how  to  use  them. 

Our  colleges,  schools  generally,  and 
the  rest  of  our  institutions,  have  held 
all  too  lightly  what  organized  sport 
can  do  for  a  people  and  how  mass 
physical  fitness  relates  to  national  sur- 
vival. In  team  play,  a  man  learns 
to  play  the  game  for  its  own  sake,  and 
not  for  personal  vainglory.  Finally,  it 
is  this  same  spirit  which  holds  together 
an  infantry  company  in  the  face  of  the 
enemy.  Real  contending  power  comes 
of  each  man's  love  for  his  comrades, 
and  not  of  his  hate  for  the  other  side. 


*  Condensed  from  series  in  The  Detroit  News, 
January,  1952. 

193 


no  playground  is  complete  without  a 


Reg.  U.  S.  Pal.  Off. 

climbing  structure 


Safely,  no  maintenance,  biggeit  play  capacity  per 
square  foot  of  ground  area  and  per  dollar  of 
cost— these  ore  juit  a  few  of  the  reasons  why 
JUNGLEGYM  is  admittedly  the  world's  most  famous 
playground  device.  Thousands  are  in  daily  use 
from  coast  to  coast.  Why  not  give  the  children  of 
your  playground  the  advantages  of  a  JUNGLEGYM 
.  .  .  now? 

Write  for  Illustrated  Bulletin  On  Porter's 

1952  Streamlined  Lin*  That  Will  Save 

You  Money  .  .  .  I/me. 


PORTER  can  supply  you  with  these  fundamental  playground  units,  too! 


No.   240  Merry-Go-Round 

Will  lof.ly  occom modolo  30  children  at 
on*  time.  Noisoloii,  no-wobblo.  no- 
sway  operation.  An  engineering  mar. 
vol.  and  precision-mode.  Guaranteed. 


No.    SI  F   Playground 

Basketball  Backstop 
All. Steel  Ion  i hoped  bonk 
rigidly  mounted  on  ireel 
molt  and  braced  for  permo 
eeet  service  FlniiHed  to  with- 
ilond  the  weoih.r  Official. 


No.    1 36   Stratosphere   See-Saw 

Soniotlonally  new.  Civet  "upt  a  doily" 
red.  33  I  '3%  high.r  than  conv.nt.onal 
see-low,  yet  lofer  became  of  hoop 
handles,  ioddl«  teats  and  level  •  seat 
feature. 


No.   3B   Combination   Sel 

Offers  ll>  d:tf...M  kindi  ol  funful, 
healthful  playground  activity.  A  com. 
pact,  economical  unit  that's  Ideal  for 
limited  ground  areas.  Ruggedly  <on 
itrucled 


No.    109   Sin-Swing   Set 

Built  for  tafm.  p«rman«n1  icrvic*.  Sturdy 
10  fl  from*  K«ld  rigidly  Iog»fh«f  by 
T»n»d  MoM#ohl«  Iron  fitting  of  v 
iiv«  Port**  boll  through"  d«i>gn 


THE    J.    E. 


PORTER 


CORPORATION 

OTTAWA.    ILLINOIS 


MANUFACTUREKS    OF    flAYGROUNO,    GYMNASIUM    AND    SWIMMING    POOL    EQUIPMENT 


fxc/UI/ve  MAKERS    OF  THE   WORLD-FAMOUS 


JUNGLEGYM 

».«   U.  S   fel  OK. 


CLIMBING 
STRUCTURE 


194 


RECREATION 


How  one  California  city  put  vitality 
into  its  program  for  young  people. . . 


Revue  members  take  off  for  a  two-day  trip 
during  which  they  played  to  3000  persons. 


What  things  do  teen-age  boys  and  girls  want  to  do? 
How  can  they  be  helped  to  fulfill  their  desires? 

Teen-age  leadership  is  Santa  Barbara's  answer  to  how 
to  develop  the  richest  recreation  program  for  this  age 
group. 

In  official  capacities,  coordinated  with  the  city  recrea- 
tion commission,  a  youth  council  plans  and  administers 
projects  and  parties  for  the  young  people.  The  Santa  Bar- 
bara Recreation  Department  Youth  Council,  made  up  of 
nine  members,  is  elected  for  one  year  by  popular  vote 
from  teen-agers  still  in  high  school.  Both  public  high  and 
parochial  schools  are  represented.  Those  wishing  to  be 
nominated  on  the  election  ballot  must  first  secure  the 
names  of  fifty  other  teen-agers  in  the  community  who  are 
membership  card  holders  in  the  recreation  department. 

Duties  of  a  youth  council  officer  include  a  weekly  meet- 
ing to  plan  and  organize  activities  desired  and  approved 
by  both  the  youth  and  adult  supervisors,  and  to  consider 
the  conduc^  of  teen-agers  at  youth  council  sponsored  ac- 
tivities and  take  any  necessary  action  deemed  advisable. 
These  meetings  always  take  into  consideration  the  pro- 
grams of  other  youth  groups,  local  junior  and  senior  high 
schools,  churches,  and  other  youth  serving  agencies.  A 
social  calendar  of  all  local  events  assists  the  council  in 
planning  mass  youth  activities.  Included  in  the  meeting 
each  week  is  discussion  on  the  management  of  the  youth 
lounge  and  fountain,  which  is  operated  by  members  of  the 
council  assisted  by  the  two  adult  advisors  of  the  city  rec- 
reation department. 

Membership  in  the  "Rec"  is  open  to  any  teen-ager  with- 
out cost.  However,  in  order  to  qualify  for  a  card,  the  ap- 
plicant must  read  and  discuss  with  the  adult  advisors 
what  is  expected  of  him  or  her.  A  registration  book  and 
membership  card  are  then  signed  in  the  presence  of  the 

MR.  MAcDoNALD  is  youth  council  advisor  in  Santa  Bar- 
bara, and  manager  of  the  city's  annual  battle  of  teen  bands. 
See  page  401  of  the  December  1951  issue  of  RECREATION. 


R.  J.  MacDonald 


Youth  Council  girls  seem  to  enjoy  planning  annual  Tri  Counties 
Teen  Conference  to  be  held  at  Santa  Barbara  recreation  center. 


advisor,  giving  name,  address,  phone  number  and  age.  The 
only  regulation  covering  all  activities  is  adherence  to  the 
basic  principles  of  democracy. 

Projects  range  from  fun  to  finance,  and  include  service 
activities.  Over  a  period  of  three  years  the  youth  council 
has  honored,  at  monthly  dinners,  outstanding  citizens  or 
organizations  who  have  contributed  to  the  welfare  of  youth 
or  of  the  community.  The  guests  listen  to  the  meeting 
conducted  by  the  young  people,  and  then  are  invited  to 
speak.  It  has  promoted  good  public  relations.  Each  new 
council,  also,  entertains  members'  parents  at  dinner,  which 
has  helped  to  create  greater  understanding. 

Dances  are  held  weekly  or  twice  weekly.  During  the 
football  season  the  weekly  after-game  dances  bring  a  peak 
attendance  approaching  six  hundred,  which  fills  the  audi- 
torium. By  maintaining  a  "tight  door,"  well-defined  stand- 
ards of  behavior  and  adequate  supervision,  the  dances  are 


SEPTEMBER  1952 


195 


Parties  ar«  among  projects  planned  and  administered  by  Youth 
Council  members.  Above,  preparations  for  Friday-the-13th  dance. 


considered  an  asset  by  the  schools,  police  and  parents, 
and  are  thoroughly  enjoyed  by  the  young  people.  The  dis- 
trict P.  T.  A.,  through  its  recreation  chairman,  provides 
couples  who  give  splendid  assistance  in  supervision.  On 
the  infrequent  occasions  when  a  youth  is  out  of  line,  his 
"Rec"  membership  card  is  taken  up,  and  the  youth  coun- 
cil deprives  him  of  privileges  for  a  period  of  time. 

The  Rec  Revue  is  produced  annually,  and  has  been  "on 
the  road"  to  other  towns  in  the  country  and  to  nearby 
Camp  Cooke.  The  entire  cast  of  thirty  odd  has  attended 
the  Southern  California  Teen  Conference,  and  parts  of  the 
show  have  been  played  for  service  clubs,  news  boys'  din- 
ners, and  so  on. 

A  mainstay  of  the  revue  is  the  fifteen-piece  band,  the 
Music  Maker>.  which  plays  for  the  dances,  too.  It  is  rated 
"top«"  by  teen-agers  wherever  heard.  The  band  broad- 


casts over  local  radio  stations,  and  announcements  of  com- 
ing events  are  made  on  these  programs.  By  special  agree- 
ment with  the  iiiiiMciaii-'  union,  the  Music  Makers  are 
allowed  to  pla\  in  the  center  auditorium,  which  is  a  union 
hall,  and  to  fill  other  requests  from  schools. 

Sport.-  e\enl-  and  tournaments  are  .-ponsored  as  part  of 
the  gymnasium  program.  \n<l  nvently.  an  annual  "Mr. 
Santa  Barbara  mnte-t.  a-  part  of  an  A.  \.  I  .  program, 
has  been  held,  featuring  weight  lifting  and  body  building. 
•  On  the  distaff  side,  a  "Miss  Typical  Teen-Age"  competi- 
tion is  held.  Last  summer,  ten  girls  were  screened  from 
a  number  of  Southern  California  teen  centers.  They  mod- 
eled clothes  furnished  by  a  local  firm,  and  were  judged  on 
poise,  personal!!),  voice  and  modeling  ability. 

The  teen-agers  also  assume  more  serious  responsibili- 
ties The  youth  council  maintains  its  own  bank  account, 
though  checks  require  two  signatures,  those  of  the  youth 
council  treasurer  and  of  the  adult  supervisor.  Besides  a 
weekly  financial  report  to  the  council,  a  report  is  made 
each  month  to  the  recreation  commission. 

The  main  sources  of  revenue  are  the  dances  and  the 
less  frequent  shows.  Twenty-five  cents  is  the  top  price 
charged.  From  this  income,  the  youth  lounge  is  kept  up 
and  contributions  made  to  service  projects.  The  lounge 
has  a  soda  fountain,  television  set,  juke  box  and  maga- 
zines, and  the  budget  covers  upkeep,  such  as  repainting, 
new  furniture,  and  so  on.  Youth  council  members  run 
the  fountain  in  the  afternoons  after  school,  and  college 
boys  are  paid  to  run  it  in  the  evenings. 

Service  projects  have  included  five  hundred  dollars  in 
scholarships,  given  to  the  local  branch  of  the  University 
of  California  and  earmarked  for  graduates  of  local  schools, 
and  one  hundred  dollars  given  to  the  city  for  remodeling 
the  auditorium  stage.  "Can-can"  dances  are  given  each 
Christmas,  with  cans  of  food  used  as  admission,  to  be 
distributed  by  the  Christinas  Cheer  Committee.  Proceeds 
of  other  dances  are  given  to  charitable  causes  from  time 
to  time  during  national  fund-raising  campaigns. 

Reganllc--  of  the  importance  of  the  e\ent  or  the  project, 
it  is  planned  and  carried  out  for  the  youth  by  the  youth, 
and  everyone  benefit-  from  the  program. 


In  a  presidential  year  it  is>  interesting  to  look  through  the  eyes  of  Grantland 
Rice,  well  known  sports  writer,  at  the  sports  enjoyed  by  past  presidents: 


1  \\  .•>.•.•! 


horse  racing,  hunting  and         Woodrow  Wilson 


marksmanship 

Andrew  Jackson  hornc  racing,  marksmanship, 

hunting,  duelling,  horsrman«hi|> 

Abraham  Lincoln  wrestling,  rail  splitting 


William  H.  Taft 
Warrrn   Harding 
Herbert   Hoover 
Franklin   Riw>»c\eli 


football,  golf 

golf 

golf 

fishing 

yachting 


Teddy  Roowvdt 


boxing,  wild  game  hunting.  Icnni-.  exploring 


I.'F  <  REATION 


"Many  recreational  activities  are  educational,  and  vice  versa." 


Educational  and  Cultural  Activities 

in  Community  Centers 


Floydelh  Anderson 


IT  IS  MOST  gratifying  to  note  the  efforts  of  workers 
in   community   centers  to   offer  a   program  that 
transcends   purely    physical    and    social   activities. 
These  efforts  probably  can  be  attributed  to  several 
reasons: 

(1)  Entrance,   into  the   field,   of  an   increasing 
number  of  highly  qualified  workers. 

(2)  The  increasing  unpopularity  of  the  idea  that 
the  community  center  fulfills  its  purpose  when  it 

only  furnishes  shelter  during  their  leisure  hours  to  boys 
and  girls  who  might  otherwise  be  roaming  the  streets. 

(3)  Recognition  of  the  idea,  as  a  fallacy,  that  participa- 
tion in  sports  is  a  "cure-all"  for  social  maladjustment. 

(4)  Recognition  of  the  possibilities  of  the  community 
center  when  working  in  cooperation  with  the  school,  the 
church  and  other  community  organizations. 

The  worker  who  is  fortunate  enough  to  be  able  to  travel 
can  observe  at  firsthand  the  many  fine  things  being  done 
with  the  educational  and  cultural  program  of  the  com- 
munity center.  The  average  worker,  however,  must  feel 
his  way  through  the  dark,  because  those  persons  success- 
fully conducting  such  programs  seldom  take  the  time  to 
write  about  their  work.  This  fact  impressed  me  in  a  force- 
ful manner  when,  in  1947,  I  was  brought  to  the  Crispus 
Attucks  Center  of  York,  Pennsylvania,  to  build  and  direct 
a  program  of  educational  and  cultural  activities.  Being 
freshly  out  of  the  university,  I  was  confident  that  the  li- 
braries of  the  area  would  offer  interesting  suggestions. 
True,  I  found  some  helpful  information,  but  most  of  it 
concerned  music  and  dramatics.  Since  those  early  days,  I 
think  that  I  have  discovered  more  avenues  to  an  expanded 
program,  and  in  sharing  them  with  readers,  I  am  hopeful 
of  inspiring  other  leaders  in  the  field  to  write  about  their 


FLOYDELH  ANDERSON,  who  was  the  director  of  education, 
Crispus  Attucks  Association,  York,  Pennsylvania,  is  now 
executive  director  of  Nepperham  Center,  Yonkers,  N.  Y. 

SEPTEMBER  1952 


The  Script  Club  planning  a  monthly  issue  of  the  C.  A.  Herald.  A  house 
newspaper  can  be  one  of  the  most  effective  tools  in  building  a  program. 


work.  In  such  a  manner  can  we  build  a  helpful  library. 

During  the  early  months  at  Crispus  Attucks,  I  worked 
with  the  idea  of  bringing  prominent  speakers  to  the  com- 
munity, of  sponsoring  such  clubs  as  the  Carter  G.  Wood- 
son  Historical  Society  and  of  staging  a  light  opera.  It  was 
soon  evident,  however,  that  a  good  speaker  was  expensive, 
and  the  historical  society  folded  after  two  or  three  poorly 
attended  meetings.  The  mere  name  was  enough  to  scare 
away  the  people.  As  for  light  opera,  there  was  not  enough 
talent  to  carry  through.  At  this  point  it  was  all  too  clear 
that  I  had  to  rethink  my  program.  The  problems  of  the 
community  had  to  be  considered,  and  a  program  planned 
that  would  serve  to  make  conditions  better.  As  the  teen- 
agers frequented  the  center  in  greater  numbers'  than  other 
groups,  it  seemed  best  to  build  my  program  around  them. 

The  common  meeting  ground  for  these  teen-agers  and 
myself  was  music.  We  gathered  a  large  group,  some  with 
fair  voices — others  with  none  at  all.  Our  first  reherasals 
were  not  strenuous.  We  sang  for  the  love  of  singing  and 
to  become  acquainted.  At  these  meetings,  it  was  possible 
to  get  some  idea  of  the  abilities  of  individual  participants. 
The  nucleus  of  a  club  dedicated  to  a  program  of  educa- 
tional and  cultural  activities  was  formed. 

Our  first  problem  was  to  find  a  suitable  name  for  the 
group.  We  felt  that  this  should  be  informal  and  bear  no 
resemblance  to  the  type  of  program  we  wanted  to  pat 
over.  The  final  choice  was  "Pre-Frats."  Instead  of  the 
traditional  officers — president,  vice-president,  and  so  on — 

197 


we  chose  the  glorifying  titles  of  supreme  commissioner, 
associate  commissioner,  commissioner  of  records  and  the 
commissioner  of  finance.  Persons  desiring  to  become  mem- 
bers of  the  club  were  required  to  undergo  a  period  of  pro- 
bation and  initiation.  When  the  news  got  around  about 
the  mysterious  new  club  for  teen-agers,  we  were  swamped 
with  applications  for  membership. 

We  next  were  faced  with  the  problem  of  providing  a 
program  that  would  be  enjoyable,  educational,  and  that 
would  serve  some  useful  purpose  in  the  community.  The 
first  project  along  this  line  was  the  sponsoring  of  educa- 
tional movies,  open  to  all  members  of  the  center.  These 
dealt  with  the  everyday  problems  faced  by  boys  and  girls 
in  our  society.  Later  came  group  discussions,  the  topics 
centered  around  community  problems,  proper  boy  and  girl 
relationships,  dating  and  family  problems.  In  these,  we 
t»ere  careful  not  to  invite  so-called  "authorities"  of  the 
community,  for  we  found  that  with  such  persons  in  tin' 
room,  the  boys  and  girls  were  not  free  in  expressing  their 
own  opinions.  These  free  discussions  demonstrated  that 
boys  and  girls,  on  their  own,  can  frequently  reach  the  same 
conclusions  as  those  reached  by  experts.  All  discussions 
were  limited  to  thirty  minutes.  Too  much  stress  cannot 
be  placed  on  making  each  meeting  short  and  to  the  point. 

Another  interesting  project  for  the  educational  program 
of  a  community  recreation  center  is  a  boys'  and  girls' 
debate.  Each  year  at  Crispus  Attucks  a  timely  subject  is 
chosen  for  this  purpose,  and  the  club  sponsor  holds  audi- 
tions for  participants.  Two  boys  are  selected  to  compete 


NOW  IT'S   EASY    TO   MAKE 
'RAFFIA   CORD"    COVERED   OBJECTS 


Colorful  profenionol  looking  objects  exactly  like  those  on 
talc  in  Gift  Shop*  and  Department  Store*  can  be  made  at  a 
fraction  of  the  cott  to  buy  them. 

All  you  need  i»  the  Conelitan  "Raffia  Cord",  our  patented 
Honing  diik,  tpeciol  formula  materials,  and  eoiy  to  follow 
imtruction*. 

Mai.fioli   available 

90  yd.  «o«o  (red.  yellow,  groen,  white) 

10  yd.   Two-toned   braiding  (green  A  while,-  alto  red  I  yellow) 

STIKTITE  (2  ot.  Special  formula  adhetlve) 

STAMITf  (1  01.  Special  formula  locqver) 

Patented  Starting  Dill 

Dep't   R9  CONELSTAN   CORP. 

US   FHtfc   A»e      New  York    10.  N.Y. 


!  »\ 


against  two  girls.  Judges  are  selected  from  the  ranks  of 
the  professional  men  and  women  of  the  city. 

As  for  dramatir-.  we  have  organized  a  group  known 
as  the  Ki-Yi  Club  which  operates  on  the  same  principle  as 
the  Pre-Frats.  Its  main  objective  is  to  encourage  talent  in 
the  community.  This  does  nut  mean  dramatic  talent  alone. 
The  club  is  interested  in  all  types  of  talents  that  contribute 
to  widening  the  interests  of  the  patrons  of  the  center.  The 
club  itself  creates  committees  to  sponsor  an  art  show.  .1 
play,  an  oratorical  contest,  a  talent  show.  A  healthy  spirit 
of  competition  exists  between  the  Pre-Frats  and  Kl-^ii-. 

Most  of  the  work  in  guidance  and  citizenship  here  has 
been  done  through  our  house  newspaper,  The  C.  A.  Her- 
ald, published  monthly  by  the  Script  Club.  The  Herald  is 
a  mimeographed  publication  running  from  four  to  eight 
pag«s  in  length.  All  members  of  the  center  are  in\  ited 
to  contribute  articles,  cartoons,  jokes  and  other  ncw- 
itcms.  The  monthly  editorials  are  written  by  the  club 
sponsor,  who  tries  to  give  useful  information  in  a  down- 
to-earth  manner,  covering  subjects  that  range  from  per- 
sonal health  to  job  finding  and  job  holding.  A  house  news- 
paper can  be  a  most  effective  tool  in  building  a  program. 

I  have  been  told  that  a  community  center  takes  in  too 
much  territory  when  it  attempts  to  give  vocational  and 
educational  guidance;  further,  that  it  is  the  place  of  the 
school  to  give  guidance  to  the  school  youth,  and  of  agen- 
cies of  the  federal  government  to  guide  out-of-town  youth. 
Even  so,  our  schools  are  so  crowded  that  at  best  the  coun- 
selor can  do  only  a  very  impersonal  type  of  guidance. 
For  example,  one  school  of  two  thousand  students  has  only 
one  counselor.  By  comparison,  the  community  center  is 
small,  and  it  thus  gives  the  staff  worker  the  opportunity  to 
become  intimately  acquainted  with  each  client  and  his 
family.  The  ideal  set-up,  then,  is  a  cooperative  program 
of  guidance  between  the  school  and  the  community  ecu 
ter.  The  school  can  furnish  information  concerning  tin- 
interests  and  aptitudes  of  the  students,  while  the  com- 
munily  center  can  do  a  good  jol>  of  encouragement,  of 
pointing  out  avenues  to  useful  life  experiences,  and  of 
giving  pointers  as  to  how  one  should  go  about  finding 
a  job,  choosing  a  college  or  becoming  adjusted  to  some 
problem  in  the  home.  In  advocating  that  the  communiu 
renter  should  do  some  guidance  work,  however,  it  is 
.1  — umed  that  the  renter  possesses  qualified  leadership. 

The  club  sponsor,  who  should  be  a  paid  Maff  worker. 
can  be  the  chief  reason  for  success  or  failure  of  an  edin  .1 
'I.. iinl  and  cultural  program.  If  he  would  ha\e  a  -n.  .  •  —ful 
program,  he  cannot  afford  to  be  lazy.  He  mu-t  be  willing  to 
|int  in  extra  hours  of  planning.  He  must  II.IM-  >  oiindencc  in 
his  abilities  and  must  ]•<•  iihle  to  tran-fcr  tlii-  confidence  to 
the  meiiilxTA  <>f  hi'  ui"ii|>-.  He  -hmild  lead  wideh  and  IN- 
i\er  i. n  the  alert  for  new  idea-.  He  should  lie  a  constant 
source  of  cm  ouragemciit  |,.  the  ln.\-  and  girl*  under  hi- 
-U|M-M  i-iun.  He  -horrid  ii.it  l«-  mi-led  1>\  the  dream  thai 
boys  and  girl*  will  accc|i|  full  re-|>on-il>ilil\  f"t  the  |>i« 
gram  of  a  club.  lt..\-  ami  pirl-  will  work,  help  wilh  ill. 
planning,  but  it  i«  n|>  t.i  the  -tall  worker  to  din-el  their 
work  into  chaimeU  that  will  ]>i»\<-  IM..-I  U-m-trcial  t"  them 
and  to  the  program. 

Id  (  ui  ui«i\ 


Evening  Speakers 


•  The  Congress  will  be  opened  officially  on  Monday  night  when  Joseph 
Prendergast,  Executive  Director  of  the  National  Recreation  Association 
and  Chairman  of  the  Congress,  welcomes  all  delegates  in  the  name  of  the 
association  and  turns  over  the  meeting  to  its  chairman.  Otto  T.  Mallery, 
Chairman  of  the  Board  of  Directors  of  the  NRA.  Greetings  will  be  extend- 
ed by  the  Honorable  Arthur  B.  Langlie,  Governor  of  Washington.  Gov- 
ernor Langlie's  interest  in  recreation  is  already  widely  known.  Lieutenant 
General  Robert  W.  Harper,  Commanding  General,  Air  Training  Com- 
mand, United  States  Air  Force,  and  George  Hjelte,  General  Manager  of 
Recreation  and  Parks  in  Los  Angeles  and  Chairman  of  the  National  Ad- 
visory Committee  on  Defense  Related  Services  of  the  National  Recreation 
Association,  will  address  the  Congress  on  the  important  defense  aspects  of 
recreation  in  this  critical  year. 

Tuesday  evening  will  feature  messages  from  Henrietta  A.  R.  Anderson, 
of  Victoria,  British  Columbia,  and  Paul  Douglass.  Mrs.  Anderson  is  one 
of  the  most  popular  and  charming  public  speakers  in  the  northwest  area, 
and  she  will  have  as  her  topic,  "Recreation  and  the  Good  Life."  Dr.  Doug- 
lass, well  known  for  the  parts  he  played  in  the  Cleveland  and  Boston 
congresses,  will  apply  his  famed  wit  and  inspiration  to  the  challenges 
which  confront  our  movement  to  recruit,  train  and  place  the  leaders  who 
are  so  essential  to  our  continued  growth  and  development. 

Wednesday  night's  speaker  will  be  the  Right  Reverend  Stephen  F.  Bayne, 
Jr.,  Bishop  of  Olympia,  one  of  the  outstanding  clergymen,  not  only  of 
the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church,  but  of  the  whole  country.  T.  E.  Rivers, 
Assistant  Executive  Director  of  the  National  Recreation  Association,  will 
conclude,  just  before  the  Congress,  a  trip  around  the  world.  He  will  re- 
port to  the  Congress  on  recreation  developments  as  he  observed  them  in 
Portugal,  Spain,  Italy,  Greece,  Egypt,  Lebanon,  Pakistan,  India,  Thailand, 
the  Philippines  and  Japan,  with  special  attention  to  the  National  Recrea- 
tion Congress  of  Japan. 

In  addition  to  these  general  evening  sessions,  there  will  also  be  general 
sessions  on  Thursday  and  Friday  mornings.  Thursday  morning's  session 
will  feature  Joseph  Prendergast.  who  will  present  a  "state  of  the  nation" 
talk  in  terms  of  recreation  services.  Plans  for  the  closing  session  of  the 
Congress  on  Friday  morning  are  not  final  enough  to  announce  at  the 
time  this  article  is  being  prepared,  but  it  is  safe  to  say  that  the  closing 
session  will  match  the  high  level  of  information  and  inspiration  which 
characterizes  the  other  general  sessions  of  the  Congress. 


The   Right 

Reverend    Stephen 

F.  Bayne,  jr. 


Governor 
Arthur  B.   Langlie 


Lieutenant  Genera] 
Robert  W.  Harper 


Joseph  Prendergast 


SEPTEMBER  1952 


199 


AT  YOUR  SERVICE 


THE  EXHIBITORS  of  the  commercial  products  nec- 
essary to  a  successful  recreation  program  are 
an  important  part  of  every  congress;  and  the  privi- 
lege of  examining  their  materials  at  firsthand  has 
always  been  greatly  appreciated  by  delegates.  Each 
the  exhibitors'  coo]>eration  has  been  most  help- 
ful: and  they  again  stand  ready,  in  1952,  to  help 
recreation  leaders  with  suggestions  as  to  what  can 
best  fill  individual  needs.  Don't  fail  to  allow  time 
in  your  schedule  for  browsing  among  the  gay  and 
colorful  displays  of  brand-new,  rignl-off-thc-gridillc 
equipment  and  ideas.  Your  old  friends  among  the 
company  representatives  will  be  looking  forward 
to  greeting  you,  and  the  newcomers  to  meeting  you. 
The  exhibits  will  be  set  up  in  the  spacious  Spanish 
Lounge  of  the  Olympic  Hotel,  and  will  be  opened 
officially  at  9:30  on  Monday  morning.  Representa- 
tives of  the  exhibiting  organizations  will  be  in  the 
booths  daily  throughout  the  Congress.  As  was  done 
last  year,  the  Official  Program  of  the  Congress  will 
include  the  names  of  the  representatives  of  each  or- 
ganization; and  upon  registering,  delegates  will  re 
reive  a  pamphlet  describing  each  exhibit. 

Seattle,  King  County  and  the  state  of  Washing- 
ton are  working  on  a  display  depicting  some  of 
the  reasons  people  like  to  li\r  in  the  Pacific  North- 
west. Thr  Ixx-al  Information  Booth  will  l«e  in  the 
.\liibit  area  and  it  will  In-  Matted  at  all  reasonable 
hours  to  provide  answers  lo  tin-  mam  i|iic«tion- 
uhidi  delegates  are  sure  to  have  about  -..iiile  and 
viiinilv.  'Hi'  American  He<  reatim  nil! 

have  its  customary  booth  again  tlii-   v.ir    for  the 
convenience  of  old  and  new  mrmlx-rs. 

As  we  go  to  press,  those  companies  who  have 
signed  up  to  be  with  us  this  year  are: 


Dudley  Sports  Company, 

New  York  City 
Game-Time,  Incorporated, 

Litchfield,  Michigan 
Frost-Woven  Wire, 

Washington,  D.  C. 

•  MacGregor  Goldsmith,   Incorporated, 

Cincinnati  32,  Ohio 

>  Takapart  Products  Company, 

Freeport,  New  York 
i  Miracle  Whirl  Sales  Company, 

Grinnel,   Iowa 
i  Rec-O-Kut  Company, 

Long  Island  City  1,  New  York 
i  Wilson  Sporting  Goods  Company, 

Chicago,  Illinois 
i  Jamison   Manufacturing   Company, 

Los  Angeles  3,  California 

>  Square  Dance  Associates, 

Freeport,  New  York 

>  American  Bitumuls  and  Asphalt  Company, 

Seattle,  Washington 

>  American  Playground  Device  Company 

Anderson,  Indiana 

>  Coca  Cola  Company, 

New  York  City 

•  J.  E.  Burke  Company, 

Fond  du  Lac,  Wisconsin 

•  General   Electric  Company 

Schenectady,  New  York 
i  Cleveland  Crafts, 

Cleveland  15,  Ohio 

•  National  Bowling  Council, 

Washington,  D.  C. 
i  U.  S.  Rubber, 

New   York    City 
»  W.  J.  Voit  Rubber  Corporation, 

Los  Angeles  11,  California 

>  Rowlings  Manufacturing  Company, 

St.  Louis,  Missouri 

•  Pennsylvania  Rubber  Company, 

Akron  9,  Ohio 
»  Berlin  Chapman  Company, 

Berlin,  Wisconsin 
i  W.   R.  Moody  Gold  Stamping, 

Burbank,  California 

•  Southern  Chemicals,  Incorporated, 

Los  Angeles,  California 

•  Hillerich  and  Bradsby  Company,  Inc., 

Louisville   2,    Kentucky 
i  The  Rex  Corporation, 

Cambridge  37,  Massachusetts 

•  Donald  F.  Duncan,  Incorporated  (Yo-Yo), 

Chicago  22,  Illinois 

RrrRK  \TION 


CONGRESS    lllll.UliEMKm 


THE  SEATTLE  Local  Arrangements  Committee  has  many 
surprises  in  store  for  delegates.  This  statement  should 
not  come  as  news  to  recreation  leaders  who  already  know 
the  reputation  of  Seattle  and  of  Seattle  recreation  officials 
for  entertaining  visitors.  Without  question,  the  serious 
work  of  the  Congress  will  be  interspersed  liberally  with 
opportunities  for  delegates  to  indulge  their  flair  for  recre- 
ation. 

The  only  mystery  about  Congress  Wednesday  is  the 
exact  line  of  march  through  Seattle  and  King  County. 
There  is  no  secret  about  the  fact  that  there  is  going  to  be  a 
tour,  a  tour  which  promises  so  much  of  interest  that  the 
Recreation  Congress  Committee  broke  with  tradition  to 
devote  a  full  day  to  it — and  then  disappointed  the  local 
committee  which  had  made  plans  for  still  more  hours. 

But  other  special  features — including  at  least  one  im- 
ported from  California — must  not  be  divulged  until  they 
happen. 


To  refer  again  to  broken  tradition,  still  another  long- 
established  Congress  institution  has  undergone  a  change 
for  this  year — partly  because  of  the  importance  of  a  thor- 
ough tour  of  the  Seattle  and  King  County  areas  and  fa- 
cilities on  Wednesday.  There  will  be  no  general  summary 
sessions  at  this  year's  congress.  Summary  sessions  have 
constituted  a  kind  of  trade  mark  for  congresses  for  many 
years,  and  they  have  proved  a  valuable  part  of  each — but 
not  this  year.  Reactions  will  be  followed  with  interest. 

Since  it  is  impossible  for  any  delegates  to  attend  all  the 
Congress  discussion  meetings,  there  will  be  an  attempt  to 
provide  everyone  with  brief  reports  of  all  meetings,  re- 
ports which  will  be  more  fully  published  in  the  official  pro- 
ceedings. Summarizers  will,  therefore,  have  to  write  their 
summaries  this  year,  instead  of  giving  them  orally  as  pre- 
viously. And  editors  and  mimeographers  will  be  busy  be- 
hind the  scenes  putting  together  the  material  for  distribu- 
tion before  the  close  of  the  Congress  on  Friday. 


Sce*te& 


*  When  Tom  Rivers,  Secretary  of  the  Congress,  first  went  to  Seattle 
to  see  about  this  year's  big  meeting,  he  told  his  hosts  that  the  Con- 
gress would  not  come  to  their  city  unless  he  caught  a  salmon.  There- 
fore, on  one  memorable  morning,  he  was  escorted  to  Puget  Sound 
long  before  it  was  touched  by  the  first  pink  flush  of  the  rising  sun. 
For  result,  see  below.  Left  to  right:  Tom  Rivers,  Tom  Lantz,  Tacoma 
recreation  executive,  and  Bill  Shumard,  NRA  district  representative, 
who  proudly  displays  the  deciding  factor  in  the  final  Congress  ar- 
rangements. 


F.I] 


•  Above:  This  spring,  at  the  Pacific  Northwest 
NRA  District  Conference,  Bill  (left)  and  Char- 
lie Reed,  manager  of  the  NRA  Field  Depart- 
ment (right),  got  their  heads  together  over  the 
coming  event  in  Seattle.  Their  expressions 
would  indicate  a  favorable  prognosis  for  the 
September  meeting — fish  or  no  fish.  Perhaps, 
however,  some  of  you  are  going  early  to  try 
your  own  hand  in  the  salmon  country.  We  hope, 
in  any  case,  you  have  read  the  article,  "Take 
the  Trail  to  Washington  State,"  by  Ruth  Peeler, 
in  Summer  Vacations — U.S.A.* 


Si  ITEMBER  1952 


*  Published  by  National  Recreation  Association.  Avail- 
able at  local  bookstores.  $1.00. 

201 


HowlinK   alleys   are   probably   most   popular  of   sports   facilities. 
Thirt\   (i\r   lr.it:iie\   art-   enrolled   in   Ainrru-;in    Him  tins  C'i>iii;rr\s. 


The  IBM  country  club.  Endicott,  New  York,  is  governed  and  operated  by  the  company's  employees,  for  themselves  and  their  families. 

Wm\  v\  KMiM.mKr:  of  International  Business  Ma- 
chines states.  "I  In-long  to  the  largest  countrv  club 
in  the  world.''  he  is  referring  to  the  IBM  Countrv  Club 
at  Kndicott.  Mew  ^  ork.  a  -ports  and  social  organization 
governed  and  operated  bv  emplovees  and  offering  to  them, 
their  families  and  children,  twentv -seven  forms  of  indoor 
and  outdoor  recreation  and  the  opportunity  for  numerous 
social  and  cultural  activities.  Also,  at  Poughkeepsie,  New 
York,  and  Toronto.  Canada,  similar  facilities  are  enjoyed 
by  employees,  and  ll!\l  i  lul>-  are  found  in  branch  offices 
throughout  the  world. 

Krorn  the  manv  guest-  who  visit  the  IBM  Countrv  Club, 
one  hears  the  question  frequently  a-ked.  "Why  doc-  the 
company  give  all  this  to  employees?"  Officials  answer  that 
lli\I  doe-  not  "give"  anvlhing  to  its  employees.  Through 
the  investment  of  capital,  the  corporation  makes  facilities 
and  tools  available  to  the  employee  at  work:  a  similar  in- 
ve«lment  of  capital  in  recreational  facilities  open-  to  the 
employee  at  play  the  means  to  live  a  fuller  life. 

These  two  phases  of  employe  interests  are  clo-el\  H 
lated.  A  worker  does  not  check  his  personality  at  the  dom 
of  the  plant.  It  goes  with  him  into  the  -hop.  The  quanlilv 
and  quality  of  his  productive  work  aie  dependent  upon 
hi-  attitudes  and  )>crsonalitv  trail-  fullv  a-  mm  h  a-  upon 
his  skills.  These  arc  developed  outside  his  working  hours 
more  than  while  he  is  at  work.  \i  woik.  he  seldom  has 
i  omplete  freedom  of  action  in  regard  to  hi-  inleie-t-:  din- 
ing hi-  lei-uie  lime,  he  exercises  more  freedom  of  <  hoi.  e 
in  tln-<-  mailers.  The  recreational  life  of  the  \mein.in 
workei  and  hi-  working  experience  are  interde|>cndenl. 

However,  the  \  i-itor  nmv  inquire.  "Then  vmi  have  the 
iiion  program  in  order  to  gel  l>rtter  production?" 
\^.iin.  lln-  explanation  i«  loo  simple.  The  modern  ,  ,.r 
;.••!  iiion  has  a  slake  in  the  welfare  of  (he  commiinitv.  I  h. 
health  of  the  commiinilv  .iHi-i  I-  the  health  of  the  indii-trie- 
in  it.  The  qunlilv  .>f  production  i-  <  ondilioncd  b\  the 
qualilv  of  i  iv  i<  life,  and  the  qualilv  of  civic  life  i-  • 

dilionrd   |i\   the  -ali-fin  lion  of  worker-  in  thrir  productive 
>f  their  log  c-ahin  ,        ...        .  ,      .  ,  , 

,,,,,,„„  work.     I  be    harmoniou-    relation    of    pro,|,,.lne    work    e\- 


Wherein  the  recreation  facilities  and  program 
are  governed    and    operated    by    employees. 


A  Country  Club  With  Your  Job 


perience  and  the  recreational  experience  is  as  important 
in  an  industrial  family  as  in  the  individual  family.  People 
who  can  play  together  can  work  together. 

The  club  at  Endicott  is  operated  hy  a  board  of  governors 
elected  from  the  plant  by  employees.  Managers,  supervisors 
and  executives  cannot  be  on  the  board.  One  member  of 
the  board  is  elected  from  each  of  the  twenty-four  zones  in 
the  plant.  These  representatives  elect  a  president,  vice- 
president,  secretary  and  treasurer.  Each  of  the  remaining 
members  accepts  responsibility  as  chairman  of  one  or  more 
of  the  various  club  activities.  The  officers  of  each  previous 
year  act  as  an  advisory  committee  to  the  new  board. 

The  list  of  activities  includes  bowling,  pool,  billiards, 
baseball  and  softball,  tennis,  horseshoes,  quoits,  swimming, 
archery,  skeet  and  trapshooting,  field  trials,  outdoor  and 
indoor  rifle  and  pistol  practice,  golf,  ping-pong,  basket- 
ball, gymnastics,  badminton,  and  so  on.  Participants  of 
all  ages — from  children  to  grandparents — take  advantage 
of  the  wide  variety  of  activities  available.  Folk  and  ball- 
room dances  are  held  each  month.  A  supervised  indoor 
nursery  and  a  playground  are  provided  for  small  children 
while  parents  enjoy  the  other  facilities. 

Annual  membership  dues  for  employees,  and  for  wives 
as  associate  members,  are  one  dollar.  The  fee  for  junior 
members  is  fifty  cents,  and  for  the  Children's  Club  twenty- 
five  cents. 

The  policy  of  bringing  children  into  partnership  sug- 
gested a  junior  board  of  governors,  which  was  set  up  in 
1950.  This  affords  the  young  people  an  opportunity  to  con- 
duct their  own  program,  and  helps  them  to  promote  leader- 
ership  and  build  morale. 

The  election  of  the  junior  board  is  held  once  a  year 
under  the  supervision  of  each  senior  activity  chairman, 
who  calls  a  meeting  of  the  junior  members  of  his  or  her 
activity  and  has  them  elect  a  chairman  to  represent  that 
activity  on  the  junior  board  of  governors.  These  repre- 
sentatives elect  their  junior  officers  in  the  same  manner  as 
the  senior  board. 

The  Children's  Club  serves  the  four  to  seven  year  group. 
Their  clubhouse  is  a  log  cabin,  in  the  midst  of  the  725-acre 


scenic  tract.  A  trained  director  supervises  their  activities, 
which  include  handcrafts,  gardening,  story  periods,  group 
games,  nature  study  and  outdoor  sports.  The  mothers  have 
organized  a  mothers'  auxiliary  to  the  Children's  Club  to 
help  with  the  program.  Mothers  help  with  the  junior  choir 
and  orchestra.  The  drama  and  dancing  groups  are  assisted 
in  matters  of  costumes  and  rehearsals. 

Activities  of  special  interest  to  children,  such  as  swim- 
ming and  movies,  are  scheduled  at  hours  during  the  day 
when  children  would  be  likely  to  visit  less  desirable  places 
in  the  community.  The  pool  room  has  little  success  com- 
peting for  a  youth's  time  when  a  trip  to  the  club  is  in  the 
offing.  Round  and  square  dancing  every  other  week  pro- 
vide pleasant  outlets  for  social  development. 

There  is  nothing  stereotyped  in  the  program.  The  initia- 
tive for  every  phase  of  club  activity  stems  from  the  em- 
ployees themselves.  The  many  activities  have  resulted  from 
the  almost  unlimited  number  of  interests  in  which  indi- 
viduals desire  expression. 

Most  popular  are  those  activities  in  which  all  members 
of  the  family — young  and  old — may  participate.  Special 
times  during  the  week  are  set  aside  for  mixed  bowling  and 
golf,  so  that  the  family  may  play  together  free  of  the  com- 
petitive atmosphere  of  league  participation.  The  emergence 
of  junior  chapters  of  the  National  Riflemen's  Association 
and  of  the  Junior  Hunter's  Club  encourages  fathers  to 
teach  their  children  how  to  handle  firearms. 

Located  in  the  basement  of  the  clubhouse,  the  rifle  range 
is  one  of  the  finest  in  the  eastern  states.  The  room  is  so  well 
sound-proofed  that  a  rifle  shot  sounds  like  a  popgun.  A 
skilled  instructor  is  available.  Junior  members  have  their 
own  marksmanship  classes,  where  attention  is  given  to 
teaching  them  safe  handling  of  firearms.  The  range  is 
twenty-five  yards  long  and  has  eleven  turning  targets.  Ac- 
commodations are  provided  for  one  hundred  spectators, 
and  a  separate  room  is  used  for  storing  and  reloading 
ammunition.  The  average  weekly  attendance  includes  twen- 
ty rifle  members,  thirty  pistol  members,  and  sixty  junior 
rifle  members.  One  junior  member,  a  fourteen-year-old 
girl,  scored  a  perfect  300  on  the  rifle  range. 


SEPTEMBER  1952 


203 


Dramatic  C.'lub  group  in  rehearsal.   Club  offers  voice  and  speech 
tr.iiiiinn.  opportunity  to  try  all  phases  <il   dramatic  presentation. 


At  the  Endicott  Club  the  bowling  alleys  are  probably 
tin-  most  popular  sports  facilities,  with  an  average  yearly- 
figure  of  167,000  games  bowled.  There  are  thirty-five 
leagues  registered  with  the  American  Bowling  Congress. 
Fee*  are  fifteen  cents  a  game  for  members. 

Stretched  across  the  rolling  hills  are  two  golf  courses, 
an  eighteen-hole  championship  course  and  a  nine-hole 
course.  Two  pros  furnish  free  instruction  to  members. 
Greens  fees  are  thirty-five  cents  a  day,  all  clubs  and  balls 
are  furnished  by  the  members.  A  complete  line  of  golf 
i-i|iii|. mi-lit  is  available  for  purchase  at  a  discount  or  rental. 
More  than  thirty  thousand  games  are  played  each  year,  and 
ulmiil  two  thousand  individual  golf  lessons  are  given  in  a 
period  of  a  year.  To  date,  there  have  been  twenty  holes-in- 
one.  In  wintertime,  inside  golf  practice  is  possible  through 
the  use  of  driving  nets.  One  member  won  the  New  York 
-i  iir  championship  match  in  1951. 

The  swimming  pool  is  always  attended  by  competent  in- 
-iruitore.  Underwater  lighting  gives  a  beautiful  effect  at 
night.  Nearby  is  a  wading  pool  for  chililn-n. 

The  country  club  recreation  room  includes  two  billiard, 
six  pool  and  two  ping-pong  tal>l>--.  and  facilities  for 
jihuflleboard. 

Attended  by  a  college  graduate  in  •  -hild  study,  the  MIM- 
rr\  in  the  field  house  is  available  to  small  children  of  par- 
ent* who  wi-li  to  -pend  their  day  enjoying  the  activities  of 
tin-  dub.  An  average  of  .'{..Mm  >  -hildn -n  ,m-  i.^i-im-il  here 
each  year.  The  children's  playground  offers  outdoor  recrc- 
.iiK.n  fur  voungsters  during  tin-  good  weather  months.  As 
in  the  mir-«T\.  there  is  an  attendant  in  charge  at  all  time*. 

Watson  Athletic  I  n  M  •  misisU  of  one  baseball  and  two 
ftofthall  ili.iiiniMil-.  fiuir  I'  inn-  i  i. ml-,  four  quoits  uml  four 
hor*e»h'M-  courts.  Leagues  an-  fnnneil  from  among  the 
ineinlier*  for  iiilr.i-<  OMI|I.III\  i.i  ..iiNiili-  i-om|M-liiinti.  The 
i  lull  ha*  placed  a  girl  tennis  duUOpiofl  in  the  Hroome 
(.ouiitv  matches. 

An  average  of  one  linniln-il  hfl\    parlii  ijuile  in  .11.  li.  i\ 
ra«'h   wi-.-k     One    indoor    .n,.!    -|\    ,.ui,|,,,,i    target-   provide 
:  round  fin  ilitiro  for  the  -port. 

Ill'-    |{IM|    .Illil    (,llll    (.lull    l,.||.j«|«    of    IWM    -ket-l     field".    OIIP 

trap  Arid,  a  log  cabin,  an  outdoor  rifle  and  piMol  range. 
and  a  krnnrl  for  ux-  during  field  tri.i  i|>elenl   in- 


-Inn  lor  i-  provided.  The  onlv  co-,1  is  the  price  of  am- 
munition. Six  times  a  vear  some  of  the  best  hunting  dogs 
in  the  region  are  placed  in  open  competition,  and  twice  a 
\ear  beagle  trials  are  held. 

A  conservation  program  feed-  and  -lurk-  wild  game  on 
I  lie  club  property.  Rabbits  and  pheasants  are  set  out  and 
fox  hunts  are  held  regular!)  to  protei -I  the  game. 

Other  areas  of  specialized  interest-  for  which  groups  or 
c  lulis  have  been  organized  include  a  children's  theater 
and  drama  group,  which  affords  an  opportunity  to  receive 
training  in  voice  and  speech  for  the  stage,  personality  de- 
velopment, and  to  participate  in  every  phase  of  dramatic 
presentation;  a  chess  club  which  meets  weekly  and  has  an 
average  attendance  of  fifty:  a  photo  forum,  through  which 
amateurs  meet  and  discuss  photographic  techniques,  hear 
lectun>  l>v  leading  professionals,  and  compete  with  each 
other  and  with  other  photographic  groups;  a  rod  and  reel 
club,  which  features  skish  instructions  and  exhibitions 
given  by  skish  experts;  and  variety  players,  who  present 
each  year  an  outstanding  production  for  the  purpose  of 
raising  funds  for  orphans  and  handicapped  children. 

A  library,  located  on  the  second  floor  of  the  clubhouse, 
offers  pleasant  reading  accommodations  and  a  supply  of 
reference  books,  current  fiction  and  non-fiction,  and  peri- 
odicals. 

Twice  a  year,  in  the  spring  and  in  the  fall,  a  Watson 
Trophy  Dinner  is  given  at  the  club.  Winners  in  sports  com- 
petition for  the  past  season  receive  approximately  four 
hundred  trophies,  presented  by  Thomas  J.  Watson,  IBM 
president. 

A  new  field  has  been  I  HI  ill  recently  at  Endicott,  provid- 
ing a  gymnasium,  nursery  and  auditorium  space.  Similar 
facilities  have  been  added  at  the  Poughkeepsie  club:  and 
at  the  dedication,  Mr.  J.  G.  Phillips,  vice-chairman  of  the 
board  of  directors,  said:  "The  habits  of  clean  sport  and 
cooperation  which  the  IBM  Country  Club  builds  in  its 
young  people  pay  off  in  good  citizenship  and  world  friend- 
-liip  for  decades  to  come.  The  benefits  of  wholesome  play 
and  family  recreation  which  llii-  club  brings  to  our  com- 
pany and  community  go  far  to  make  IBM  a  superior  place 
in  which  to  work,  and  Poughkeepsie  a  fine  place  in  which 
to  live. 

"  Mihough  the  building  is  tin-  pli\-iral  thing  we  dedi- 
i  .id-,  the  real  dedication  is  In  the  inrr\tmcnt  in  j>t-oplt — an 
investment  in  health  for  all.  well  -pent  leisure  time,  family 
-olnl.irilv.  i-oo|H-ralion  in  team  plav  and  neighborlineso, 
pood  fellowship  and  education  of  youth." 

'I  lie  IMM  familv  i-  convinced  that  these  facililic-  npi. 
-i-nl  -till  greater  opporlunilv  for  personal  development. 
Heller  human  relations,  alcrlne— .  pliv-iral  efficiency,  self 
le-prd.  re.pnn-ihililv.  pride,  and  loyalty  in  the  organiu- 
tion  are  all  qualities  which  people  will  develop  w  ilhin  them- 
-«-Ke-  a-  ihev  re-pond  to  the  opporlunitie-  represented  in 
this  n-i  n-.ilioii  piograin.  I  pon  a— inning  the  pre-idcni  v  in 
I'M  I.  Mr.  Wut-on  -laled.  "If  vmi  want  to  build  a  Ini-inrM, 
MM!  mii-t  tn -I  Imild  men." 

inve-lnii-nl  whirli  ha-  IMTII  made  will  return  many 
fold  lu  the  i-ompanv.  to  the  i-ommnnitv.  Iml  more  im- 
portanllv.  to  the  people  lliem-elves. 


I! I  <  HKATION 


A  Survey  in  Madison,  Wisconsin 


Leisure  Time  Interests 
and  Activities 


THE  USE  OF  LEISURE  time  by  the  people  of  Madison, 
Wisconsin,  was  the  subject  of  a  survey  conducted  for 
the  Community  Welfare  Council  by  Professor  Marvin  Rife, 
formerly  of  the  University  of  Wisconsin.  The  report,  issued 
recently  enough  to  still  be  of  value,  is  entitled  "A  Survey 
of  Recreation  in  Metropolitan  Madison,  Wisconsin,"  and 
contains  much  valuable  information  as  to  the  recreational 
habits,  interests  and  resources  of  the  residents. 

A  major  feature  of  the  survey  consisted  of  personal 
interviews  based  upon  a  carefully  prepared  schedule,  de- 
signed to  reveal  the  recreational  resources  of  families  and 
the  leisure-time  interests  of  individuals  and  families.  The 
data  gathered  in  visits  to  536  dwelling  units  in  a  master 
sample  of  the  population  are  summarized  in  the  report. 
Because  these  data  reveal  conditions  and  interests  which 
are  closely  related  to  leisure-time  planning  by  the  com- 
munity, and  because  they  are  fairly  representative  of  the 
situation  in  other  comparable  cities,  they  merit  study  by 
recreation  authorities. 

Here  are  a  few  of  the  facts  disclosed.  Of  the  homes  in- 
terviewed : 

Twenty-eight  per  cent  have  a  recreation  room  or  work- 
shop. 

Sixty-five  per  cent  have  yard  play  space. 

Almost  one  hundred  per  cent  have  at  least  one  radio. 

The  average  home  has  two  radio  sets. 

Seventeen  per  cent  have  FM  radio  sets. 

Forty-nine  per  cent  have  record  players. 

Twenty-six  per  cent  have  pianos. 

Seventy-two  per  cent  own  automobiles. 

Fifty-nine  per  cent  use  library  facilities. 

The  figures  naturally  varied  for  different  sections  of  the 
city,  and  the  following  are  a  few  of  the  conclusions  based 
upon  them: 

Dwelling  units  in  the  central  part  of  the  city  (of  lower 
socio-economic  status  with  many  multiple  dwelling  units) 
have  fewer  indoor  facilities  specifically  designed  for  recre- 
ation than  do  the  newer  sections. 

There  is  a  much  more  critical  shortage  of  play  space 
under  home  ownership  in  the  central  area. 

The  ownership  of  two  radio  sets  per  family  provides 
some  possibility  for  variation  and  discrimination  in  listen- 
ing by  more  than  one  member  of  the  family. 

Record  playing  and  listening  as  a  potential  resource  for 

N.I'TUMHER    1952 


family  recreation  is  reasonably  extensive,  though  the  data 
do  not  reveal  the  extent  to  which  such  records  are  so  used. 

Non-ownership  of  automobiles  by  many  families  in  the 
central  area  presents  difficulties  in  getting  out  into  the 
more  spacious  park  areas  of  the  city. 

Three  out  of  five  families  indicate  one  or  more  members 
use  library  facilities  provided  by  the  city,  schools  and  uni- 
versity. Many  families  use  more  than  one  of  these  facili- 
ties. 

Favorite  Family  Pastimes 

Responses  to  the  question,  "What  are  the  favorite  pas- 
times which  are  enjoyed  by  most  of  the  members  of  your 
family  as  a  group?"  indicate  the  recreational  interests  of 
the  families.  Space  was  left  for  indicating  three  most  fa- 
vorite outdoor  pastimes.  The  activities,  ranked  in  the  order 
of  their  frequency  of  choice,  follow: 

Percentage 
Outdoor  Pastimes  Reporting 

1.  Picnicking    17.1 

2.  Touring — Sightseeing   15.3 

3.  Fishing 

4.  Swimming    10.1 

5.  Watching  sports  9.6 

6.  Hiking    7.3 

7.  Gardening    5.6 

8.  Hunting    5.5 

9.  Ice  skating   4.0 

10.  Golfing    3.7 

11.  Outdoor  hobbies   2.3 

12.  Boating  2.1 

13.  Sledding — Tobogganing   1.9 

14.  Informal  games  1.6 

15.  Tennis  1.3 

16.  Photography  0.7 

It  is  of  interest  that  the  first  five  outdoor  pastimes  cited 
most  frequently  require  the  use  of  the  family  automobile, 
normally,  in  order  to  reach  the  locale  of  the  pastime.  One 
observation  noted  in  the  choices  recorded  in  different  sec- 
tions of  the  city  was  that  the  highest  percentage  of  pref- 
erence was  sometimes  expressed  for  an  activity- — -for  ex- 
ample, swimming  or  gardening — in  the  section  where  op- 
portunities for  engaging  in  it  were  most  available.  It  is 
significant  that  only  the  first  eight  activities  were  listed 
by  more  than  five  per  cent  of  the  families  interviewed. 

A  comparable  inquiry  as  to  favorite  family  indoor  pas- 
times revealed  the  following  frequency  of  choice: 

205 


Indoor  Pastime 

1.  Playing  cards 

2.  Radio  listening 

3.  Reading 

4.  Attending  movies 
">.   Rowling 

6.  Informal  games 

7.  Family  entertaining 

8.  Hobbi. - 
'>.   Dancing 

10.  Watching  sports 

1 1.  Record  playing 

12.  Arts  and  crafts 

13.  Attending  concerts 

14.  Group  singing 

15.  Attending  plays 

16.  Playing  musical  instruments 

17.  Church  activities 


nlage 

Reporting 

24.1 

19.4 

13.9 

11.4 

8.4 

5.0 

3.7 

3.6 

3.5 

2.9 

2.3 

2.2 

1.1 

0.8 

0.8 

0.6 

0.6 


Pas-six r  forms  of  re-creation  stand  i>ut  in  all  areas,  with 
l>la\ing  t-anl.\.  radio  litlrning.  reading  and  attending 
moi-if.i  ranking  in  the  first  four  places,  in  that  order.  The 
more  active  and  creative  types  of  family  activities,  such  as 
in/ormul  ^<nn<-.t.  hobbies,  arl\  ami  rrajts.  group  sinping. 
rank  much  farther  down  the  li-l.  'I  his  i-  consistent  with 
other  general  studies  made  in  other  parts  of  the  country, 
pointing  out  the  dependence  of  the  family  upon  ready- 
made  forms  of  entertainment. 

The  implications  of  these  results,  for  education  for 
family  recreation  within  the  home  by  public  and  mm- 
publie  recreation  agencies,  are  considerable.  The  objectixr 
of  attaining  a  balance  between  active  and  /KI.V.M'M-  forms  of 
recreation  for  the  family  group  is  an  ideal  for  which  tn 
strive. 


Dorothy  Enderis 


"Leutselig' 


People  throughout  the  nation  were  saddened  by  (lie 
death,  on  July  11,  1952.  of  the  widely  known  and  beloved 
Dorothy  Lnderi-. 

Miss  Enderis,  who  retired  from  the  Milwaukee  Munici- 
pal Recreation  Department  in  1948.  at  the  age  of  -i\tv. 
eight,  had  been  a  kind  but  firm  guiding  hand  in  the  recrea- 
tion program  in  her  city  for  thirty -six  years.  She  w,i- 
mstiumcntal  in  gaining  for  Milwaukee  the  reputation  of 
'The  City  of  Lighted  Schoolhouses" — the  city  where  the 
doors  of  the  schools  were  opened  wide,  after  the  academic 
day  was  over,  and  people  of  all  ages  were  invited  to  enter- 
anil  "lixe"  their  |ei-ure  hours.  Through  her  vision,  and 
ceuelew  e!forl«.  the  n  -.  re.ilion  facilities  of  Milwaukee  ex- 
panded from  two  e\|M-r  imental  s,,,  i,i|  centers  to  thiitv-tw" 
d  'enter*.  -i\iv-two  organized  playgrounds  and  a  year- 
round  athletic  program. 

M',re  important,  however,  than  the  buddings  and  aclivi 
lies  she  effected.  was  the-  c  onlribution  of  her  philosophy  of 
le.nlcr-hip  and   belief   in  the  worth   of  eveiv    human    being. 
One    of    her    often    repealed    statement-    to    her     i>'i,-.ilion 
personnel  was,  "A  play  leader  who  pcrfum  loiilv   carries  on 
activities  and  guards  his  plaxground  against  pbv-i,  d  mi- 
hap  has  a  job.    He   who  .id, I-   -kill   and   I.-,  limmi.  -    (..   the-. 

duties  create*  a  profession.  Rut.  In  who  ,  I..WM-  In-  pi-- 
frrwion  with  consecration  and  dexotion  |>rrforms  a  mi--i,.ii 
•nd  the  children.  v.,iith«  and  adult*  who  come  to  him  for 

.:<*. 


play  and  sport  carry  away  deeper  values  and  greater  riches 
than  the-  mere  memory  of  a  happy  dav.  and  the  community 
which  has  intrusted  to  him  the  sacred  leisure  hours  of  its 
citizenry  shall  call  him  blessed." 

She  received  innumerable  honors  and  "distinguished 
-civile  citations  during  her  long  arrd  memorable  career. 
\rnong  those  she-  pri/ed  most  highlx  xvere  her  appointment 
.1-  .1  delegate-  to  President  l!oo-cv  elt'-  \\hitc  House  Con- 
ference on  Children  in  a  Democracy,  her  honorary  degrees 
,,f  Master  of  Arts  conferred  l>v  Lawrence  College  and  Doc- 
tor of  Id-creation  conferred  bx  Carroll  College,  the-  c.-rliti 
•  ,ilc-  for  civic  service  from  Mai  c|uelle  I  niversilv.  the  dis- 
tinguished -civil.-  medal  of  the  Cosmopolitan  Club  of 
Milwaukee-  (awarded  to  the  individual  (H-rformirrg  scrv  n  , 
most  beneficial  to  (he  coininunilv  i.  and  the  first  Theodora 
^  oilman  award  for  distinguished  -civ  ice  in  c  ili/enship  pic 
-cnlc-cl  bv  the  \\is.on-in  I'edcialion  of  \\  omen'-  Clubs. 

Doiolhx  Lnderi-  wi,,|e."  "I  hen-  i-  .1  (,,-iman  word  thai 
I  h.ive  never  been  able  I,,  put  into  l.ngli-h.  Il  i-  the-  word 
lriil.\i-lig.  I  .cut  is  ill,-  I  .ci  in. in  word  for  |M-oplc-.  .mil  srlig 
is  holy  and,  to  me.  the  line-l  attribute  with  which  von 
could  credit  a  recreation  worker  i-  to  sax  that  he  is 
/••i//w/it.  meaning  that  |x-c,pli-  an-  holx  to  him." 

Aboxe  all.  Dorothv    I  nderis  was  If  ul  - 

MII..H.I-  hai"l    in     I!'  '   •  •  "I  uiov 

K.  i    I949. 

RKCKKMIOV 


Veteran  caller  expresses  hope  for  har- 
mony and  uniformity  in  square  dancing. 


Let's  Check  Up  on  Spare  Dancing 


Persis  Leger 


ff  fJQUARE     DANCING     is     going     to     the 

\J  dogs,"  proclaimed  Chuck  Hruska. 
veteran  dance  instructor  from  Ohio, 
who  is  in  constant  demand  as  a  square 
dance  caller.  We  were  discussing  tradi- 
tional square  dancing. 

"I  try  to  teach  youngsters  in  the  way 
I  was  taught  when  I  was  a  boy.  I  be- 
lieve this  is  the  only  way  to  hand  down 
old-time  dances  and  keep  them  intact 
for  posterity.  We  have  no  right  to  de- 
stroy their  historical  value  by  altering 
them  until  they  become  unrecogniz- 
able." 

Then,  he  explained  how  he  carefully 
leaches  the  young  people  how  to  ap- 
proach each  other  and  take  the  posi- 

MRS.  LEGER,  formerly  an  instructor  in 
journalism  and  physical  education,  has 
conducted  her  own  dancing  studios  in 
California.  She  is  a  graduate  of  the 
Louis  Chalif  School  of  the  Dance. 


tions  for  the  swing  and  other  figures, 
in  a  graceful,  courteous  manner. 

"But  do  they  do  as  I  say?"  he  asked, 
in  a  slightly  warmer  tone.  "Oh,  no — 
they  haven't  time.  The  boys  make  a 
grab  and  lunge  at  their  partners,  then 
whirl  them  around,  as  in  an  Apache 
dance.  The  girls  are  lifted  off  the  floor. 
Their  feet  fly  in  the  air.  It  just  takes 
one  show-off  he-man  to  ruin  a  set." 

Perhaps  the  youngsters  are  not  to 
blame.  It  may  be  the  system  of  teach- 
ing square  dancing  to  beginners  that 
is  at  fault.  When  teachers  themselves 
are  not  informed  as  to  the  origin  and 
history  of  the  dances  they  attempt  to 
teach,  we  cannot  expect  the  pupils  to 
have  any  respect  for  the  ancient  forms 
which  have  come  down  to  us  in  the 
square  dance.  A  historic  dance  is  not 
a  toy  or  bauble  to  be  destroyed  at  will. 
It  is  Americana — something  which  we 
should  treasure  and  protect. 


All   ages  dance  at  the  Vermont  Country  Dance  Festival.   Note  these  expressive  faces. 
Sr.l'TKMBER    1952 


Any  teacher's  greatest  responsibility 
is  to  teach  the  truth.  It  is  an  educa- 
tional sin  to  teach  an  error,  and  to 
force  a  pupil  to  learn  something  which 
he  must  later  unlearn.  Yet,  there  are 
bombastic  directors  who  put  their  own 
ego  ahead  of  their  pupils'  welfare,  who 
act  as  if  they  are  infallible  and  won't 
admit  their  mistakes. 

One  type  of  square  dance  leader  en- 
ters the  hall  in  which  a  new  class 
awaits  him,  and  without  a  moment's 
hesitation  he  shouts,  "Form  sets!  All 
take  places!" 

The  newcomers  do  not  know  what  a 
"set"  is.  They  do  not  know  why  this 
kind  of  dancing  is  called  "square" 
dancing.  They  do  not  know  which  way 
the  first  couple  is  supposed  to  face. 
They  do  not  know  on  which  side  of  a 
partner  to  stand.  They  do  not  know 
anything  about  dance  positions  with 
partners.  They  do  not  know  what  to  do 
with  their  hands  or  feet.  And  some  of 
these  beginners  in  square  dancing  may 
never  learn,  if  they  are  not  taught  these 
things  right  at  the  beginning  of  the 
new  course. 

If  their  teacher  is  the  kind  who  as- 
sumes that  even  an  infant  should  know 
these  elements  of  square  dancing,  and 
if  he  brushes  aside  each  question,  and 
if  he  causes  each  confused  pupil  to  be- 
come afraid  to  ask  any  more  questions, 
then  this  untrained  teacher  will  do  ac- 
tual harm.  The  poor  start  may  deny  to 
such  an  unfortunate  group,  for  all  time, 
the  pleasure  of  square  dancing. 

As  a  contrast,  a  far  different  type 
of  teacher  taught  a  new  class  in  square 
dancing  a  few  years  ago  at  the  con- 
vention of  the  Chicago  National  Asso- 
ciation of  Dancing  Masters.  All  of  the 
members  of  this  class  were  experienced 
dance  instructors.  But  the  fine  teacher, 
Mr.  Guy  Colby,  did  not  assume  that  all 
of  these  teachers  knew  exactly  how  to 
perform  the  elements  of  square  danc- 

207 


ing  as  he,  himself,  felt  they  should  be 
performed  after  his  years  of  research 
in  this  subject. 

He  did  not  tell  the  group  to  form 
squares.  Instead  he  told  them  to  form 
two  straight  lines,  men  in  one  line  fac- 
ing ladies  in  the  other  line.  The  oppo- 
site lines  were  about  six  feet  apart.  He 
went  into  the  details  of  moving  for- 
ward and  back.  In  five  minutes  the 
group  had  a  fuller  understanding  of 
how  to  go  forward  to  meet  a  partner, 
and  then  return,  than  many  dancers 
have  learned  in  forty  years  of  square 
dancing.  Such  details  are  never  learned 
if  there  is  no  one  to  teach  them  cor- 
racdy. 

The  members  of  the  group,  still  in 
their  working  formation,  continued 
their  rehearsal  of  details  in  the  per- 
formance of  the  various  elements  of 
square  dancing.  They  experimented 
with  different  ways  of  doing  the  bal- 
ance, swinging  and  do-si-do.  Even 
though  one  member  of  the  group  said. 
"This  is  the  way  we  do  it  in  Ken- 
tucky," and  another  said,  "But  this  i- 
the  way  we  do  it  in  Oklahoma,"  the 
group,  as  a  whole,  tried  to  erase  geo- 
graphical variations  and  find  a  com- 


mean which  might  be  acceptable 
to  dancers  from  every  state. 

\fti-r  Mr.  Colin  s  txpe  of  spade 
work  prior  to  actual  formation  of  sets, 
the  dancers  performed  with  real  har- 
mony and  uniformity.  His  method  of  a 
preliminary  workout  is  in  keeping  with 
the  rule  in  teaching,  of  proceeding 
from  the  simple  to  the  complex. 

The  winning  characteristic  of  square 
dancing  is  "togetherness."  It  is  a  truly 
-<»  i.il  actixity.  To  maintain  pleasant 
relations,  courtesy  must  he  shown  by 
the  dancers.  The  men  should  demon- 
strate manliness  and  gallantry  while 
they  dance.  The  girls  should  demon- 
strate feminine  grace  and  charm.  This 
valuable  friend-making  dance  should 
not  be  allowed  to  degenerate  into  row- 
dyism. Each  dancer  must  play  the  role 
of  host  or  hostess  and  see  to  it  that 
everyone  in  the  set  has  a  good  time. 

The  Ohio  caller  is  disturbed  over  the 
confusion,  and  sometimes  bedlam, 
which  he  sees  from  his  caller's  plat- 
form at  square  dance  partie-. 

"No  two  dancers  seem  to  do  any  of 
the  steps  and  figures  in  the  same  way. 
Tliex  do  not  seem  to  care  whether  or 
not  they  are  performing  correctly. 


They  forget  that  it  is  just  as  easx   to 
do  it  right  as  to  do  it  wrong." 

He  concluded  our  chat  with  this  con- 
viction, "The  time  has  now  arrixed 
when  we  should  stop  trying  to  recon- 
cile the  square  dance  stxles  of  various 
states,  and  develop  a  standardized  all- 
\merican  square  dance  style." 

Check  List 
Memo  to  square  dance  teacher: 

1.  Forward  and  back 

Do   they   all  do   it   in   the   same 
way? 

2.  Balance  All 

Which  kind  of  balance  are  they 
using? 

3.  Swing  Partners 

Do  they   begin   on  Count   1,  on 
pivot  feet:  are  hands,  arms  o.k.? 

4.  Grand  Right  and  Ix*ft 

Any  mix-ups? 

5.  Circle  to  left  8  counts 

\n\  stop-step  on  Count  8? 

6.  Promenade 

Are  positions  uniform? 

7.  Travel  step 

Do  thex    use  Southern  shuflie  01 
Western  jog? 


itul<>s  —  Five  Man  Football 


JAMES  J.   RAFFERTY 


'  Fiv«  Man  Football"  It  regulation  football  played  with  five 
players  on  a  tide.  Iti  purpose  is  to  make  football  available  to 
more  boyt  and  young  men  and  to  moke  it  a  later  game.  It  ii 
not  the  purpose  of  five  man  football  to  displace  eleven  man  foot- 
boll  where  that  ipori  it  being  ployed  satisfactorily,  but  rather, 
to  provide  a  game  suited  to  the  needs  of  groups,  or  schools, 
that  ore  not  playing  regular  football. 


Official  Rules 

•  The  official  rules  of  the  National  Federation  Interacho- 
I  iiiitball  Hnl<-«  I  .oininittrc  shall  g«n-  in  fixe  man  foot- 
ball,   except    when    thc\     i  onfliet    with    tile    fixe    man    rulev 

When  tin-  eleven  man  rule-  conflict  with  the  fixe  man  rule... 
the  five  man  rule*  shall  apph . 

Rulr  1.  r.nch  tram  shall  !»•  <  ompo»«-d  of  fixe  p 

name*  of  the  plnxrr  |w>Mlion«  .hall  l-e  .1-  follow-:  I  eft  F.nd. 

r.  Night  Knd.  Quarterback.  Kullhark. 

Rulr  2.  The  plaving  field  «h.ill  be  a  smooth  |.  \.  I  rci  tangle, 
onr  hundred  yards  from  goal  to  goal,  and  twentx  fixe 

206 


wide;  the  end  zones  at  each  end  of  the  field  shall  be  ten 
yards  long  and  twenty-five  yards  wide.  The  field  of  play 
shall  be  marked  at  intervals  of  ten  yards  with  while  line- 
parallel  to  the  goal  lines,  and  each  of  the*-  lines  shall  IM- 
intersected  at  right  angle-  l.\    short  lines,  eight  yards  in 
from  the  siile  lino,  to  imlii  ate  the  inbound  line-. 
Hulc  3.  On  the  kickoff.  the  receiving  team  must  IK-  behind 
their  restraining  line,  and  at  least  two  players  must  remain 
within  five  yards  of  this  line  until  the  ball  is  kicked. 
Rule  4.  The  offensive  team  must  have  three  players  on  I  In- 
line of  scrimmage  when  the  ball  is  snapped  from  center. 
Rulr  5.  The  two  ends  shall  be  the  miU    plavcr-  of  tin-  of- 
fen-ixe  team  eligible  to  receixe  a  forward  pass. 
Rnl<-  <>.  I'laxing  time  shall  consist  of  four  quarters  of:  (11 
grade  school  —  six   minute-  cadi:    i  2  1    junior  high     eight 
minute-  each:    I  .'<  I   high  school     ten  minute-  each. 

I  ix  e  man  football  is  making  rapid  progress:  during  the 
game's  first  season  in  ITiH.  four  teams.  .  omprising  M\I\ 
|>laxei-.  participated  in  eighleen  game*. 

During  the  I'i'il  -.  .I-..M.  fourteen  team-.  <  omprising  190 
plaxei-.  p.ulii  ipalcil  in  a  total  of  fottx-sexen  gaiie 

Highlight-  »f  -exi-ial  game-  were  telex  i-eil  |.\  film  on  thr 
n.iugh  Vnllev  News  Program  ox.-i  \\JAC  —  TV. 

liillinr    ]  \MV-    l!uili;M     WM.-V   i/v    ill,-  li-tictir  tiirrrtitr  of 
thr  (irraltr  Johmtotrn    Parochial   >'.  /ion/%. 


REI  ui  \Ti(>\ 


"Deutce 


Sea 


Square  and  Folk  Dancing  in  Japan 


Dorothea  B.  Munro 


JAPAN  is  RIDING  on  the  crest  of  a 
square  dancing  wave  as  widespread 
and  fast  moving  as  that  in  the  Lnited 
States.  Square  dancing  was  introduced 
into  Japan  in  1946  by  Winfield  Niblo, 
a  military  government  education  offi- 
cer in  Nagasaki  Prefecture.  A  veteran 
caller  from  Colorado,  now  home  again, 
he  had  called  all  over  Denver  and  the 
surrounding  countryside,  while  his  sis- 
ter played  the  dance  tunes  on  her  ac- 
cordion. Mr.  Niblo  saw  the  square 
dance  as  a  means  of  promoting  democ- 
racy and  bringing  couples  together  as 
partners.  Its  popularity  soon  mush- 
roomed throughout  all  of  the  Nagasaki 
Prefecture  and  thence  into  the  other 
prefectures  of  Kyushu  Island  (the 
southernmost  island  of  the  Japanese 
group).  Square  dance  festivals  and 
conferences  were  held  continuously  by 
popular  demand. 

By  the  time  Mr.  Niblo  moved  on  to 
the  northernmost  island,  Hokkaido, 
and  at  length  to  GHQ  in  Tokyo,  liter- 
ally hundreds  of  thousands  throughout 
Japan  had  caught  the  square  dance 
spirit.  Dances  were  held  in  citizens' 
public  halls,  in  schools,  in  parks  and 
in  the  streets.  An  enormous  festival 
was  scheduled  for  March  of  1952,  in 
the  Imperial  Plaza  of  Tokyo. 

Also  by  popular  demand,  square 
dancing  has  become  an  extracurricular 
activity  at  Yokohama's  SCAP  Civil  In- 
formation and  Education  Center  for 
the  past  two  years.  It  is  the  conviction 
of  the  director  that  dancing  and  music 


DOROTHEA  MUNRO  is  director  of  SCAP 
CIE  Information  Center,  in  Yokohama. 


Kimona  and  zori  (Japanese  shoes)  prove  to 
be  no  enjoyment  or  proficiency  deterrent. 


create  an  emotional  feeling  that  helps 
to  solidify  the  intellectual  democracy 
of  the  center,  where  many  thousands 
of  books  and  periodicals  have  intro- 
duced new  technological  and  sociologi- 
cal ways.  The  staff  members  themselves 
have  grown  closer  in  their  ties  of 
friendship  since  they  have  joined  the 
dancing. 

One  of  the  most  enthusiastic  square 
dancing  groups  in  Yokohama  is  that  of 
the  Pen  Pals,  sponsored  by  the  infor- 
mation center.  The  Pals  caught  the  at- 
tention of  Mr.  Suisei  Matsui,  famous 
radio  humorist,  when  he  came  to  the 
center  to  emcee  the  first  anniversary 
performance.  Since  that  time,  Mr.  Mat- 
sui, an  ardent  supporter  of  occupation 


democracy,  has  been  talking  and  work- 
ing with  the  Pals  as  a  hobby.  Their 
big  moment  came  when  they  were 
asked  to  introduce  square  dancing  over 
his  hour,  The  Happy  Tea  Shop,  broad- 
cast over  JOAK  every  Tuesday  evening 
at  8:30. 

In  The  Happy  Tea  Shop,  Mr.  Matsui 
teams  up  with  another  actor  and  guest 
star  to  present  half  an  hour  of  dialogue 
and  singing.  It  is  about  the  most  popu- 
lar radio  offering  on  the  air,  here.  Mr. 
Matsui,  a  veteran  of  stage  and  screen, 
has  visited  Hollywood  many  times,  and 
he  often  lays  his  radio  stories  in  the 
United  States.  The  Pals  appeared  on 
his  program  about  Arizona,  and 
danced  The  Texas  Star  and  Divide  the 
Ring.  The  calling,  like  the  rest  of  the 
program,  was  done  in  Japanese,  the 
calls  having  been  worked  out  by  a 
group  in  Hokkaido. 

On  October  30,  1951,  the  Pals  were 
asked  to  appear  again.  This  time,  the 
center  director  did  the  calling  in  Eng- 
lish, and  the  dances  were  The  Route 
and  The  Wagon  Wheel. 

The  dances,  taught  by  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Larry  Keithley  (of  Colorado  and  Cali- 
fornia) in  a  Tokyo  occupation  group, 
have  been  brought  to  Yokohama  and 
introduced  by  the  center  director  and 
by  two  talented  members  of  the  Yoko- 
hama center  staff,  Mrs.  Toshie  Saito 
and  Mr.  Kazutaka  Kurosaki.  A  new 
spurt  of  enthusiasm  has  begun  in  Yo- 
kohama, spearheaded  by  the  fact  that 
the  army's  huge  gymnasium,  Fryar 
Gym,  has  been  made  available  for 
monthly  dances.  Twenty-five  hundred 
people  attended  the  last  dance,  held  on 
January  26,  1952. 


^l  ITEMBER    1952 


209 


"Dance 


ea 


Letters  to  the  U  I 


from  New  Zealand 

Sirs: 

You  may  be  aware  that  here  in  New 
Zealand  a  section  of  our  government. 
the  Department  of  Internal  Affairs, 
Physical  Welfare  and  Recreation 
Branch,  has  introduced  American 
square  dancing  to  the  people.  They 
first  presented  it  in  March  1951,  and 
it  has  proved  wonderfully  popular  — 
with  approximately  six  hundred  danc- 
ers attending  the  square  dances  held  in 
the  Wellington  Town  Hall.  During  the 
winter,  the  Physical  Welfare  and  Rec- 
reation Department  officers  chose  peo- 
ple to  train  as  square  dance  teachers 
and  callers.  I  was  one  of  their  trainees. 
We  have  been  taught  square  dancing. 
not  as  a  full-time  job,  but  during  our 
leisure  time  we  arrange  square  dances 
all  over  the  Wellington  Province.  This 
we  do  voluntarily,  so  that  people  can 
enjoy  square  dancing  just  as  much  as 
we  enjoy  the  calling. 

My  object  in  writing  to  you  is  to  see 
if  \»u  can  possibly  help  us  in  securing 
ari\  literature  to  assist  us  with  the 
American  square  dancing.  Physical 
Welfare  and  Recreation  have  done 
their  best  to  help  us  by  letting  us  have 
'  opirn  of  some  of  their  dances  and 
music,  but  we  must  now  get  along  by 
ourselves.  I  have  applied  to  the  govern- 
inr-nt  for  funds  to  enable  me  to  write 
t"  publishers  for  dances,  but.  because 
of  the  extreme  scarcity  of  dollars  in 
«.ur  country,  I  have  been  refused  even 
the  sum  of  five  pound*.  Twenty  mem- 
bers of  thr  Wellington  Square  Dance 
!•  I'li-r-'  and  Callers'  Association,  all 
non-riiumiercial  c«llrr«.  n>-\  together  l<> 
"pool"  thi-ir  dances  to  trv  and  makr 
tin-in  go  round:  and  anything  thai  MHI 
may  be  able  to  wild  u«  would  In-  used 
by  all  of  us. 

A.  KIT/I.  mu  i>.  Snirinn.  Wrllinp- 
Ion  Squnrr  Danrr  Trarhrrs'  and 


from  Australia 


Sirs: 

In  common  with  other  Australian 
recreation  executives  and  leader-.  I 
have  been  interested  in  the  controversy 
about  the  future  of  western  square 
dancing  in  your  country.  Out  here, 
in  a  country  where  this  form  of  danc- 
ing is  not  traditional  in  any  region, 
yet  has  been  introduced,  we  are  con- 
sidering similar  problems.  The  articles 
in  RECREATION  have  been,  therefore, 
most  helpful. 

Square  dancing  has  been  introduced 
to  the  state  of  New  South  Wales,  and 
to  my  home  town,  the  small  country 
city  of  Tamworth  (population  17,000), 
which  is  on  the  southern  fringe  of  our 
new  England  region.  Two  years  ago, 
the  average  dancer  had  not  seen  a 
square  dance,  nor  did  he  know  any- 
thing of  its  basic  steps  or  of  its  calling 
techniques.  The  nearest  thing  would 
have  been  the  quadrilles  of  his  parent-. 
as  danced  over  forty  years  ago.  Knowl- 
edge of  simple  square  dances  was  re- 
st rirted  to  American  residents,  recre- 
ation leaders  and  physical  education 
teachers  in  state  schools. 

Recreation  leaders,  like  myself,  used 
the  NRA  book,  Simple  Square  Dances 
and  Musical  Mixers,  and  from  this 
taught  simple  popular  dances,  such  as 
Little  Brown  Jug,  Spanish  Cavalier, 
Parlez  Vous,  Nelly  Grey  and  the  circle 
dance,  ()  Susanna.  These  dame-  wen- 
popular  as  supplementary  activities  to 
our  traditional  ballroom  dances.  Rec- 
reation  and  camp  leader-  used  them  at 
\niith  camps,  youth  get-togethers  and 
parties. 

If  this  quiet  development  i*  main- 
tained, square  dancing  will  firmly  con- 
solidate a  position  in  our  -•••  i.il  life  out 
liere  in  Australia.  Those  small  group. 
of  Australian  youth  liked  square  danc- 
es, but  there  was  no  univrrvil  knowl- 
edge of  «uch  dancing.  It  was  fostered 


wherever  a  recreation  leader  or  teacher 
knew  the  steps  and  the  figures. 

Nobody  went  c  ra/\  over  them  "be- 
cause square  dances  were  fashionable," 
nobody  burned  the  midnight  oil  in  or- 
der to  compose  fancy  calls,  and  nobody 
sported  new  cowboy  clothes  and  riding 
boots.  Before  the  craze,  we  just  liked 
square  dances,  in  our  isolated  groups. 

With  the  winter  of  1950,  however, 
came  signs  of  the  approaching  fad. 
Disc  jockeys  began  to  push  a  "pop" 
song  called  The  Hollywood  Square 
Dance.  Did  your  readers  suffer  with 
that  same  song?  Played  over  the  radio 
networks  throughout  the  country,  this 
song  publicized  the  name  of  square 
dancing  and  ushered  in  a  regrettable 
fad  that  was  to  pass  on  in  twelve 
months. 

By  dint  of  much  labor,  one  caller 
even  composed  a  dance  known  as  the 
Hollywood  Square  Dance  —  a  sorry  imi- 
tation of  the  simple  delightful  patlern- 
of  the  traditional  square  dances.  To 
many  dancers,  this  dance  was  to  be  the 
means  of  their  first  introduction  to  Un- 
social pleasure  of  these  dances  from 
your  country.  I,  myself,  saw  this  inon 
strosity  of  a  dance  at  a  traveling  side- 
show in  the  local  district  rural  show 
lour  kind  of  county  fair).  It  was  not 
to  be  wondered  that  many  dancers. 
after  \iewing  this  commercial  venture. 
decided  then  and  there  that  square 
dancing  was  not  their  t>pe  of  social 
fun. 

Meanwhile,  thr  cra«e  was  being 
I  .....  -ted  1'v  national  magazines  with 
\outli  circulations,  the  radio  and  the 
daily  newspapers.  Two  American  call- 
ers armed  to  give  teaching  exhibitions 
in  thr  capital  cities  of  tin-  Australian 
states.  These  two  men.  Ix-miard  llni-l 
and  Joe  l-rwis.  proxrd  capable  and 
keen  leai  her-,  thr  former  conducting  a 


210 


RK<  KI  un>\ 


weekly  radio  class  over  the  government 
radio  network  for  about  one  year. 

However,  as  you  can  imagine,  there 
was  almost  an  overnight  growth  of 
square  dance  callers  with  various  de- 
grees of  experience  and  training.  Many 
of  these  proved  to  be  poor  teachers. 
This  trivial  point  did  not  deter  some 
from  turning  "professional"  and  de- 
manding about  sixteen  dollars  per 
night  for  their  services.  This  growth 
was  unhealthy,  and  the  poor  teaching 
in  so  many  communities  resulted  in  a 
quick  loss  of  interest  by  many  dancers. 

As  pointed  out  in  RECREATION,  May 
1951,  by  Lawrence  Loy  of  Massachu- 
setts, many  of  these  amateur  callers 
tried  to  command  attention  by  con- 
tinually composing  fancier  calls  and 
routines,  thereby  neglecting  the  render- 
ing of  clear  and  concise  teaching  calls. 

Wayne  Ely  of  Atchison,  Kansas, 
writing  in  your  October  1951  issue, 
might  well  have  been  describing  some 
of  the  Australian  square  dances  when 
he  mentioned  the  growth  of  fancy  and 
almost  unintelligible  calls. 

But  the  craze  was  not  really  under 
way  until  big  business  joined  the  band- 
wagon. Then,  special  shirts,  skirts, 
blouses,  scarves  and  shoes  were  mass- 
advertised  as  essential  for  well-dressed 
square  dancers.  Your  blue  jeans  made 
their  first  general  appearance  on  our 
sales  market.  Technicolor  advertise- 
ments with  dance  routines  sold  the 
usual  worldwide  brands  of  toilet  soaps 
and  toothpastes.  Dance  instructions 
even  appeared  on  the  cartons  of  our 
breakfast  cereals. 

Gramophone  discs  appeared  in  com- 
pany with  textbooks  and  pamphlets  on 
the  steps.  Unfortunately,  the  early  disc 
releases  did  not  have  "practice  sides," 
which  made  instruction  harder. 

Several  callers  issued  dances  of  Aus- 
tralian origin,  as  the  usual  variations 
on  the  basic  steps.  The  most  popular 
was  of  short  life  but  was  called  The 
Square  Dance  by  the  Billabong. 

To  top  it  all,  a  national  women's 
magazine  ran  a  contest,  offering  about 
$4,000  in  prize  money,  for  selection  of 
the  star  square  dance  set  in  the  Com- 
monwealth. 

The  craze  showed  the  power  of 
abundant  publicity.  And  all  the  time, 
what  was  happening  in  a  typical  coun- 
try city,  such  as  my  own  community? 

SEPTEMBER  1952 


Naturally,  recreation  leaders  stepped 
up  their  instruction  in  square  dancing, 
and  found  that  the  most  popular  in 
youth  recreation  were  Red  River  Val- 
ley, 0  Johnny.  Sioux  City  Sue,  Cindy 
Lou,  Captain  Jinks  and  Sugar  Foot 
Rag.  These,  now  that  the  craze  has 
passed,  are  still  popular. 

However,  the  country  communities 
were  to  be  rich  financial  pickings  for 
professional  callers  from  the  city. 
These  "experts,"  with  or  without  a 
string  band,  then  toured  the  country 
towns  on  one  night  stands,  in  a  blaze 
of  publicity.  They  called  to  crowded 
halls  for  the  first  few  months.  Then, 
the  results  of  poor  teaching  became 
apparent,  as  attendance  dwindled  in 
the  country  communities. 

A  criticism  of  many  of  these  callers 
would  be  that  they  were  impatient  to 
attempt  fresh  dances  and  to  leave  the 
easy  routines  too  quickly.  One  would 
add  the  obvious  point  that  many  call- 
ers were  almost  unintelligible  to  ele- 
mentary dancers,  and  many  were  inter- 
ested only  in  making  money. 

There  had  never  been  a  professional 
caller  in  Tamworth,  so  I'd  like  to  de- 
scribe his  first  visit.  Coupled  with  the 
fact  that  the  evening  was  billed  as  The 
Hollywood  Square  Dance  Night,  it  was 
no  wonder  that  the  city  hall  was  packed 
with  noisy  excited  dancers,  keen  to 
learn  the  new  American  dances.  A 
couple  of  us  from  the  recreation  field 
went  along  to  appraise  the  calling  of 
the  professional.  It  was  a  night  ne'er 
to  be  forgotten. 

Heralded  by  a  drum  roll  and  a 
heavy  "spot,"  a  sombrero-ed  cowboy 
caller,  thumbs  in  his  belt,  drawled  in  a 
pseudo-American  accent  that  he  was 
"mighty  pleased  to  show  you  folks 
some  real  dancing."  The  crowd  stood 
open-eyed  but  silent. 

Then,  with  a  wave  of  his  sombrero, 
he  called  on  us  all  to  remove  our  shoes, 
for  all  the  men  to  roll  up  their  trousers 
to  shin  height  and  then,  backed  by  a 
few  bars  of  music,  he  concluded  this 
introductory  patter  with — "Now  young 
fellar,  grab  your  gal.  like  ole  Jake  at 
the  cracker  barrel." 

The  spell  was  broken — the  crowd 
roared  with  laughter.  After  several  rou- 
tines by  the  demonstration  set.  they 
proceeded  to  try  the  dances.  The  call- 
ing was  fancy  and  quick  to  the  un- 


initiated, with  the  result  than  an  esti- 
mated fifty  per  cent  of  the  crowd  made 
a  circus  of  the  evening.  This  group 
did  not  learn  anything  more  than 
"partner  swing"  and  "circle  eight"  and 
had  a  glorious  time  unravelling  "grand 
chains." 

It  was  no  wonder  that  by  April, 
1951,  public  square  dancing  in  the 
city  was  no  longer  supported,  for  the 
visiting  callers  attempted  to  organize 
more  and  more  routines  for  poorly 
qualified  dancers.  The  average  dancer 
considered  it  a  passing  craze  because 
of  its  overnight  growth  and  publicity. 
The  square  dance  is  not  a  traditional 
form  in  our  dance  halls  in  Australia, 
for  we  dance  mainly  modern  ballroom 
dances.  Hence,  it  could  not  hope  to 
gain  an  immediate  place  in  local  rec- 
reation. 

And  what  of  its  future  in  Australian 
recreation?  Leave  that  to  our  youth 
camps,  club  parties  and  physical  edu- 
cation programmes  in  our  state  schools, 
where  simple  teaching  is  available  to 
all  youth.  Simple  square  dances  are 
popular  in  these  spheres.  Herein  may 
lie  the  future  development  of  square 
dancing  towards  a  place  in  the  adult 
recreation  of  the  communities.  Time 
may  assimilate  square  dancing  into  our 
recreation. 

G.  W.  WALKER,  Regional  Physical 

Education   Officer,  Tamworth,  Aus. 


Ml  A  Discounts 

In  answer  to  inquiries  about  Na- 
tional Recreation  Association  policy 
in  regard  to  discounts  on  association 
publications,  we  are  offering  the  fol- 
lowing revised  schedule.  This  became 
effective  on  July  first: 

Bookdealers:  30%  on  quantities  from 
1  to  50;  33%%  on  quantities  of  50 
or  over. 

All  others:  30%  on  quantities  of  25  or 
more  of  any  one  title. 
Publications    sent    on    consignment 
only  when  order  amounts  to  $10.00 
or  more. 

Students:  Will  be  permitted  to  sub- 
scribe to  RECREATION  magazine  for 
one-half  year.  This  would  consist  of 
five  issues  for  $1.65.  It  is  advised 
that,  wherever  possible,  such  sub- 
scriptions be  ordered  on  a  class 
basis. 

211 


MAKE  YOUR  PLANS  FOK 


TriHi  or  Treat 


Sibyl  Lelah  Templeton 


PM^iiKKt:  HAD  BEEN  a  concentrated  <•(- 
I-  fort  on  the  part  of  the  community 
to  divert  Halloween  pranksters  from 
destructive  activities.  School  authori- 
ties and  parents,  assisted  by  Boy 
Scouts,  united  in  a  campaign  to  substi- 
tute harmless  fun  for  unlawful  acts. 
A  leading  newspaper  had  offered  tick- 
eta  to  a  movie  theater,  with  special 
attractions  promised,  in  return  for 
pledges  that  youngsters  would  refrain 
from  annoying  tricks.  Unfortunately, 
this  resurrected  the  old  Hallow  c .  •» 
game  of  "Trick  or  Treat."  House*  in- 
filled their  cooky  jars  in  readiness  to 
treat,  so  they  might  rest  assured  that 
windows,  gates  and  clotheslines  would 
remain  unmolested. 

The  children  did  not  wait  for  the 
eventful  eve,  when  elves  and  hobgob- 
lins are  supposed  to  make  their  ap- 
pearance, but  began  festivities  several 
evening*  earlier,  ringing  doorbells  and 
•.houiing,  "Trick  or  Treat."  All  per- 
sons con.  .1  md.  for  tin-  mo-t  part,  were 
good-natured.  The  boys  and  girls  were 
-.iii-ln  •!  with  a  frw  applet  or  cooki. •-. 
..r  whatever  might  be  handed  lln-ni. 
On.-  little  girl  i..ii»iil.-.|  vl.-cfiilK.  "I 
had  MI  nun  li  that  I  took  -..me  home  " 
Hut  by  the  tirnr  Halloween  arrived,  the 
patience  of  homemakcrs  wa»  «>rc|\ 
mil  .  uplxmrds  were  ax  em|ii\  .1- 


Old  Mother  Hubbard's. 

On  the  morning  of  All  Saints'  Day,  I 
was  walking  in  the  crisp  November 
air.  That  hobgoblins  and  elves  had  held 
sway  the  evening  before  was  apparent 
by  gruesome  warnings  and  markings 
on  windowpanes.  By  these  markings 
one  could  easily  surmise  where  trick- 
sters had  been  repulsed.  Childish  voices 
interrupted  my  thoughts,  and  my  at- 
tention was  drawn  to  the  conversation 
of  two  little  boys,  about  five  and  three 
years  of  age. 

"I  wish  I  li.i.ln'  lost  that  dime,"  the 
older  of  the  two  was  saying  pcnsiw-K. 
"What  dime?"  queried  the  sm;illei 
one  indifferently;  he  was  husilv  en- 
grossed in  manipulating  a  toy  automo- 
liile.  "\\h\.  ilou't  Mill  remember?  The 
dime  the  dame  handed  us  when  we  told 
In-t  'Trick  nr  Treat.'  If  we  had  it.  \\c 
could  Imv  wmie  (and)."  The  boy's  face 
brightened  with  in-|iir.ilii>n.  "I'll  tell 
Mm  what."  he  exclaimed,  "let's  go 
llieie  again  tonight  an'  tell  her  'Trick 
or  Treat!'  Then  -he'll  have  to  give  u- 
nnother  dime." 

\\li.it  wen-  ih.  pi..!  .---(>  nf  thought 
going  ..ii  in  the  active  mind  uf  the  live 

•Ill     bo\.     wh".     |i\      till-     -illlple     lie 

v  ii  e  of  warning  "Trick  or  Treat."  had 

leieiv.-d    .1    -hiiiing    dime    with    all    it- 
(•mi  h.itiiig   power?    Ili-   determination 


to  repeat  the  experience  shows  the  kind 
of  seed  that  had  been  planted  in  his 
consciousness.  A  knock  at  the  door,  a 
challenge  to  produce  a  dime  or  its 
equal  or  suffer  the  consequence — a 
nice  beginning  in  blackmail — and  our 
very  young  friend  was  on  the  road  to 
an  unhappy  career. 

Where  were  the  parents  of  these 
small  but  active-minded  youngsters? 
The  "Trick  or  Treat"  way  out  seemed, 
to  them,  to  solve  their  problem.  "The 
children  must  have  their  fun!"  I'crhaps 
1 1. id  .mil  Mother  were  entertaining  at 
dinner  or  were  planning  to  go  out  fm 
the  evening.  At  any  rate,  five-year-old 
Johnnie  had  been  permitted  to  go  out 
into  the  alluring  darkness  and  had  pro- 
eiiied  ea>\  money.  Klaled  by  his  suc- 
cess, he  had  conceived  the  idea  of  re- 
pealing  the  performance. 

Wisdom  and  watchfulness  arc  neces- 
sary for  the  proper  guidance  of  little 
children.  Their  manner  of  thinking  lo- 
gins to  develop  verv  eallv.  I.el  II-  iml 

allow  the  mental  attitude-  of  0111   ho\- 
and  giil-  to  heroine  w.uped  liv   i  ham  e 
unfortunate   influence*,   an  unqur-lion 
ahlv  llicv   ma\   !>••  if  -uch  inlluence-  .in- 
iinnliM-iii-il    |.\     ii-    and    not    counlrr- 

II,  IC,I. 


I»IH  .1   !•>    ili.    \.itn .ii.-il   Kinili-in«rl<-n   AMO- 
rialinn.  H  U'r-l    UHli   NII..I.   V  »    ^i.ik.   I  il». 


Ill 


Hi  •  HF.ATION 


OPERATION 


Ann  Brenner 


Cooperation  means  a 
successful  city-wide 
Halloween 


OBLINS  of  assorted  sizes  and  shapes  descend  upon  the 
city  of  La  Crosse,  Wisconsin,  every  Halloween  — 
completely  equipped  with  appropriate  shrieks,  costumes. 
appetites,  and  enough  unleashed  energy  to  run  a  light  and 
power  plant  for  weeks.  But  instead  of  whisking  away  back 
porches  or  upending  their  dignified  elders,  these  gob- 
lins cut  loose  in  gymnasiums,  playrooms  and  transformed 
classrooms  all  over  the  city.  Every  school,  public  and  paro- 
chial, holds  a  party,  with  teachers,  janitors  and  parents 
volunteering  their  services. 

It  all  began  ten  years  ago  when  the  traditional  window 
soaping  was  beginning  to  get  out  of  hand.  People  were  in- 
jured and  property  destroyed  as  a  result  of  youngsters  cele- 
brating their  Halloween  night  in  utter  abandon  and  with 
youthful  thoughtlessness.  Complete  abolishment  of  Hallow- 
een in  our  city  was  not  the  answer,  of  course.  With  all  its 
mystery  and  magic,  its  ghosts  and  ghouls,  haunts  and 
hoots,  HaHoween  is  a  youngster's  time  to  howl.  The  only 
answer  seemed  to  lie  in  closer  supervision,  with  this  special 
holiday  spirit  still  prevailing  and  the  boundless  energy 
expended,  but  guided  into  less  violent  channels. 

At  the  suggestion  of  Mr.  Ben  Franke.  then  president  of 
the  board  of  education,  a  committee  was  organized  to 
solicit  funds  from  merchants;  and  school  teachers  and 
janitors  staged  the  parties.  When  the  Division  of  Municipal 
Recreation  and  School  Extension  was  organized  seven  years 
ago,  this  problem  was  given  to  the  department.  Thus,  the 
division  of  recreation  plunged  into  action.  E.  P.  Hartl, 
superintendent  of  the  department,  drew  up  a  plan  for  city- 
wide  school  parties  every  Halloween,  and  presented  it  to 
the  common  council.  Funds  were  appropriated  by  the  city 
instead  of  solicited  from  merchants  —  enough  to  supply- 
each  parochial  and  public  school  principal  with  eight  cents 
per  grade  school  child,  ten  cents  for  each  junior  high 
school  youngster  and  twelve  cents  for  every  high  school 
boy  and  girl.  This  money  was  to  be  used  to  help  buy  the 
necessary  mountain  of  soft  drinks,  ice  cream,  hot  dogs, 
doughnuts,  or  whatever  refreshments  were  decided  upon. 

Miss  BRENNER,  supervisor  of  women's  and  girls'  activities, 
Division  of  Municipal  Recreation  and  School  Extension, 
was  most  active  in  organizing  last  year's  parties  in  La 
Crosse. 


Refreshment  time  in  Washington  school.  All   over  city  goblins 
revel    in    gymnasiums,    playrooms    and   transformed    classrooms. 


Parent-teacher  associations  pitched  in  with  additional 
funds  and  personal  work.  This  money  provided  exciting 
movies. 

At  the  division  of  recreation  office,  furious  preparations 
begin  every  year  about  three  weeks  before  October  31, 
with  a  session  on  the  mimeograph  machine  yielding 
enough  copies  of  a  game-and-idea  manual  to  supply  each 
school  principal  and  committee  chairman.  The  booklet 
contains  many  suggestions  for  decorating  a  classroom  for 
Halloween,  describes  both  active  and  quiet  Halloween 
games,  stunts  and  novelties.  The  material  is  mailed  to  each 
school  with  an  explanatory  letter  and  a  return-addressed 
post  card  upon  which  the  principal  fills  in  the  number  of 
youngsters  in  the  school,  costs  according  to  age  level,  and 
the  total  amount  to  be  paid  the  school  by  the  recreation 
department. 

And  in  every  grade  school,  the  annual  and  tremendous 
costume  parade  is  held.  How  many  mamas  spend  how 
many  hours  rigging  up  how  many  little  ones  to  look  like 
Gravel  Gertie's  maiden  aunt,  two-gun  What's-his-name,  or 
the  late  somebody's  skeleton?  The  look  of  pride  on  the 
faces  of  the  parents  (because  they  often  come  to  the  par- 
ties, too)  when  their  own  youngster  marches  before  the 
judges  is  something  to  behold. 

Each  year,  the  program  has  experienced  ever  greater 


SEPTEMBER  1952 


213 


success,  until  last  year  the  test  of  tests  was  given  it.  The 
annual  Wisconsin  Teachers'  Convention  was  scheduled  for 
November  1.  in  Milwaukee.  In  order  to  attend  the  first 
day's  session,  La  Crosse  teachers  would  have  to  leave  the 
i  it\  October  31,  Halloween  afternoon.  In  the  recreation 
department,  faces  fell  to  a  new  low.  We  knew  the  program 
had  proved  itself  in  past  years — police  reports  showed  al- 
most no  vandalism  Halloween  nights.  But  what  would 
happen  if  the  school  parties  were  held  the  day  before  Hal- 
loween ? 

On  party  night,  every  school  was  activity  from  top 
to  bottom,  from  end  to  end.  from  principal  to  small  fr\ . 
There  was  young  laughter  and  singing  and  shouting  of 
ten  thousand  health)  citizens,  while  they  played  scores  of 
games,  watched  dozens  of  movies,  and  consumed  breath- 
taking amounts  of  food  in  classrooms  all  over  the  city. 

The  three  La  Crosse  high  schools  held  dances  from  8:00 
to  11:30  p.m.  in  school  gymnasiums.  Mu-ic  was  by  juke 
box.  and  in  the  case  of  Central  High  School,  the  music 
».is  played  by  our  recreation  swing  band,  made  up  of 
inemlK-rs  of  the  Swing  Shanty  Youth  Center,  who  beat  out 
smooth,  danceable  rhythms.  The  gyms  were  crowded  with 
dancers,  and  other  rooms  bulged  with  boys  and  girls  play- 
ing checkers,  shuffieboard.  cards  or  table  tennis.  A  movie 
thriller  had  been  shown  earlier  in  the  evening.  CoBtinaoai 
cafeteria  service  provided  hot  dogs,  ice  cream,  soft  drink- 
and  doughnuts,  doled  out  by  a  man  or  woman  who,  six 


hours  before,  had  perhaps  handed  out  a  test  paper,  or 
corrected  the  day's  lesson. 

As  far  as  school  personnel  was  concerned,  Halloween  '.51 
was  officially  over  when  the  last  little  goblin  had  been 
awakened  from  exhausted  sleep  beside  her  witch  cap  and 
pumpkin,  and  when  the  school  custodian  had  closed  the 
door  behind  the  last  high  school  students  as  they  started 
toward  home  at  the  stroke  of  midnight. 

But  we  in  the  recreation  department  wouldn  t  know  how 
-IK  rcsful  our  program  was  for  another  twenty -four  hours. 
until  October  31  had  shed  black  hat  and  cape  and  become 
November. 

And  so  we  waited  for  the  morning  of  November  1.  until 
we  received  the  police  department  report,  which  told  us 
that  Halloween  1951  was  one  of  the  most  quiet  on  record! 
Quiet?  Well,  not  in  twenty -six  schools  the  night  of  Octo- 
ber 30,  and  not  for  10,238  happy,  healthy  young  Ameri- 
cans, but  quiet  where  it  counted  most — on  the  streets  and 
in  the  back  yards  of  La  Crosse,  in  the  damage  and  in- 
juries that  didn't  happen,  and  in  the  records  of  the  di\i- 
sion  of  municipal  recreation  where  all  you  will  find  are  the 
few  words,  "Halloween  1951 — a  rousing,  shouting  suc- 
cess!" 

We  expect  our  1952  parties  to  be  better  than  ever,  pat- 
terned along  these  same  lines;  and  with  the  continued 
splendid  cooperation  of  school  personnel,  it  is  certain  they 
will  be! 


Community-wide  Halloween  Planning  Establishing  \PW  Customs 


Because  community  leaders  have 
"done  something"  about  the  formerly 
accepted  vandalism  of  Halloween,  a 
new  attitude  toward  how  to  celebrate 
llii-  traditional  holiday  is  being  devel- 
oped among  children  and  young  peo- 
ple. Local  groups  in  widely  separated 
cities  have  arrived  at  similar  solutions, 
making  1951  a  banner  year  for  happy 
and  harmless  celebrations. 

In  Ix-avenworth.  Kansas,  the  first 
neighborhood  Halloween  program  was 
organized  through  the  joint  efforts  of 
the  chamber  of  commerce.  the  Jaycees 
and  the  <  it\  recreation  commission. 
They  called  a  meeting  of  all  the  organ- 
i/.  'I  irroiipn  in  \\,,-  riu.  and  out  of  this 
grew  •  plan  for  indoor  parties  in  each 
neighborhood.  The  former  cilv-wide 
outdoor  celebration  had  become  too  ex- 
pensive. and  one  big  party  was  not 
«er\ing  a  large  enough  numb- 
rhildrrn.  Their  objective  became. 
rv  school  and  every  church  in  the 
•  ••inminiitv  lighted  on  Halloween  night 
and  a  children'*  or  vouth  part*  c««n- 


ducted  in  each.''  Each  party  was  spon- 
sored by  a  committee,  but  central  com- 
mittees for  fund  raising,  program  and 
recognition  were  formed.  A  demonstra- 
tion party  for  local  committee  mem- 
bers was  conducted  on  the  evening  of 
October  29;  the  neighborhood  parties 
for  the  children  were  given  on  the 
afternoon  or  evening  of  Octolx-r  31. 
Publicity  in  newspaper  and  radio,  and 
money  for  refreshments  and  pri/es 
came  from  the  central  committee,  re- 
lieving local  groups  of  these  chores. 
One  hundred  jack-pot  prizes  and  thir- 
ty-two costume  pri/c-  were  pn>\  nli-il. 
distributed  among  the  forty  neighbor- 
hood  par  tie-.  Thirtv  minutes  after  9:00 
p.m..  the  time  set  for  partie-  t"  ili- 
the  '  nmrnittee  drew  names  from 
each  party  group  and  phoned  their 
child  owner*.  I  All  name*  of  those  at- 
ti-niling  had  been  li-t.-d  for  this  pur- 
pose.) If  the  child  was  at  home,  he  or 
«he  received  a  jack-pot  prize.  Names 
and  addresses  of  winmr-  NVJN  pub- 
lished in  the  p.i|>er  the  following  day. 
The  jHilice  deportment  icn.rdcd  l'>">l 


Halloween   as   one  of  the   quietest   in 
Leavenworth's  history. 

The  recreation  department  of  Ypsi- 
lanti.  Michigan,  tried  something  dif- 
ferent. They  called  a  meeting  of  ci\i< 
firoup-  in  September  and  planned  cit\- 
wide  parties  for  elementary  student-  in 
the  schools  and  junior  high  boys  and 
iiirl-  in  the  communitv  centers,  but  for 
high  school  age  young  people  no  par- 
ties were  planned.  Instead,  stress  was 
plai  eil  on  home  parties,  and  step-  wi-n- 
taken  to  publicise  the  idea  and  pi\e 
help  to  home  party  planners.  A  leaflet. 
partly  paid  for  by  the  American  Le- 
gion, outlining  decorations,  games  and 
-ted  menu,  was  written  by  the 
department  and  distributed  by  local 
merchants.  \  r.nlio  program  was  pro- 
duced, giving  similar  information. 
Demonstration  parties  were  given,  u- 
ing  the  plans  in  the  leaflet.  It  wasn't 
until  Halloween  was  over  and  th- 
ord  showed  a  "quiet"  night  that  recrr- 
.ition  leaders  were  able  to  know  their 
planning  had  been  successful. 


214 


TEN  DAYS  BEFORE  Halloween,  a  special  radio  program  an- 
nounces to  the  28.000  citizens  of  Torrington,  Connecti- 
cut, the  beginning  of  their  annual  Halloween  community 
celebration.  The  complete  schedule  is  broadcast,  and  radios 
in  practically  every  home  in  the  city  are  tuned  to  reveal 
what  is  in  store  for  the  children.  The  program  is  sponsored 
by  the  city  recreation  commission's  special  events  depart- 
ment, helped  by  local  businessmen,  newspapers,  radio  sta- 
tions and  many  organizations  and  individuals. 

Some  of  the  features  are  a  radio  mystery  voice  contest, 
store  window  guessing  contests,  store  window  painting 
contests,  a  homemade,  pumpkin  jack-o'-lantern  contest,  cos- 
tume parade,  community  party  on  Halloween  night,  enter- 
tainment and  a  dance  for  teen-agers. 

The  Torrington  Broadcasting  Company  conducts  a  radio 
mystery  voice  contest,  "Who  is  Mr.  Jack-o'-Lantern?"  The 
recorded  voice  of  a  well-known  Torrington  personality  is 
played  four  times  daily,  giving  dues  as  to  the  identity  of 
the  mystery  voice.  New  clues  are  given  each  day.  This 
contest  is  open  to  all  grammar  school  children.  Parents 
may  help  the  youngsters  with  their  guesses,  which  -are 
mailed  to  contest  officials  on  a  postcard.  Children  are  al- 
lowed one  guess  each  day  of  the  contest,  and  the  winner 
is  the  first  child  who  correctly  identifies  the  mystery  voice. 
The  lucky  child  receives  a  list  of  prizes  donated  by  city 
merchants. 

Hundreds  of  entries  are  received  during  the  ten-day 
guessing  period,  and  Mr.  Jack-o'-Lantern  makes  his  ap- 
pearance on  Halloween  night  at  the  community  celebra- 
tion held  at  the  local  ball  park  under  the  lights. 

He  arrives  in  his  gigantic  pumpkin  float,  escorted  by 
the  police  and  fire  chiefs.  All  the  contest  entrants  are  at 
the  park  waiting  for  his  arrival. 

The  store  window  guessing  contests,  conducted  by  sev- 
eral local  store  owners,  are  open  to  all  grammar  school 
children.  Some  of  the  contests  are:  How  many  seeds  in  the 
pumpkin?  How  much  does  Mr.  Jack-o'-Lantern  weigh? 
How  many  straws  in  the  witches'  broom?  And  dozens  of 
others. 

MR.  BOZKNSKI  has  been  for  the  past  five  years  program 
director  of  Torrington'  s  park  and  recreation  commission. 


"Mr.  Jack-o'-lantern"? 


Carl  Bozenski 


Store  owners  usually  arrange  an  attractive  window  dis- 
play, using  a  Halloween  theme  for  decorations.  Here, 
again,  parents  can  be  seen  making  the  rounds  of  the  stores, 
helping  the  children  with  their  guesses.  Each  store  awards 
a  prize  to  the  winner,  and  all  winners  are  announced  at 
the  park  Halloween  celebration.  Thousands  of  entries  are 
received. 

A  third  feature  of  the  celebration  is  the  Halloween  win- 
dow painting  contest.  The  city's  junior  artists  take  over  for 
the  weekend  before  Halloween  and  paint  almost  every  store 
window  in  the  city.  This  event  is  open  to  all  grammar  and 
high  school  students.  Entry  blanks  are  distributed  at  the 
schools,  and  window  space  is  assigned  to  all  entrants. 
Bon-Ami,  or  a  similar  medium,  is  used,  and  this  can  be 
mixed  with  dry  colors.  It  is  very  easy  to  wash  off,  and  there 
is  no  danger  of  discoloring  any  of  the  store  fronts.  Chil- 
dren practice  for  days,  using  their  home  windows,  and 
receiving  a  little  coaching  from  their  proud  parents.  Many 
of  the  paintings  attract  the  attention  of  motorists  passing 
through  the  city,  and  hundreds  of  residents  enjoy  walking 
from  window  to  window  to  see  the  various  efforts.  Judges 
work  in  teams  to  select  the  outstanding  paintings.  All 
winners,  who  receive  gold  loving  cups  and  paint  sets,  are 
announced  at  the  park  celebration. 

The  climax,  at  the  outdoor  party  at  Fuessenich  Park  on 
Halloween  night,  finds  almost  every  child  in  the  city,  and 
thousands  of  adults,  on  hand  to  take  part  in  the  festivities. 
A  program,  jam-packed  with  activities,  starts  at  seven 
o'clock  and  lasts  for  two  and  one-half  hours.  All  contest 
winners  are  announced  at  intervals  during  the  evening. 

The  park  party  opens  with  a  homemade  jack-o'-lantern 
contest.  Prizes  are  awarded  for  the  biggest  and  best  pump- 


1952 


215 


GROCERIES 


Local  artists  take  painting  seriously,  practice  on  home  windows  in  .ul\. 


Merchants  conduct  "Store  Window   <. 
ing  Contest,"  for  grammar  school  children. 


"Broormtick  K*cr."  one  of  most  popular  chil- 
dren's games  at  park  party,  Halloween  night. 


Recreation  dim  (or  Rozenski,  radio  announc- 
er Kilhouni.  during  local  broadcast  of  party. 


"Balloon     Blowing     '  ••" 
It-si"   sure  takes  a  lot   of 
wind!    Clowns    supers  isr 


216 


tlir    limiir    :n.i<l<' 
li.irtv  (  liildrrn  start  modcuttf 
Pumpkins  hrc  IMIIC  scarce  as  f< 

RECREATION 


aint"  of  Bon  Ami  and  dry  colors  easily  washes  off,  is  unaffected  by  rain. 


in  contest  which  opens  the  park 
l  advance.  Hundreds  are  entered, 
fearsome  or  jovial  countenances. 

SEPTEMBER  1952 


"Rec"  clowns,  mostly  local  merchants  inter- 
ested in  children,   entertain  under  lights. 


Even  the  littlest  ones  march  in  parade  with 
their    parents,    for    this    is    a   family    affair. 


Thousands  of  adults  at- 
tend and  enjoy  affair. 
Many  volunteer  to  help. 


Witches,  ghosts,  gypsies,  many  that  defy  de- 
scription,   follow    band    around    ball    park. 


217 


kin  lantern-.  Hundreds  are  entered,  and  children  start 
modeling  their  lanterns  days  in  advance.  Pumpkins  be- 
come a  scarcity  in  the  city.  Most  of  the  entries  show  that 
the  children  spent  much  time  and  thought  in  their  prep- 
aration. Jack-o'-lanterns  of  all  sizes,  shapes  and  facial  ex- 
pressions are  entered,  and  the  judges  have  a  difficult  time 
selecting  the  winners. 

While  the  judging  is  in  progress,  the  recreation  depart- 
ment's clown  band  and  clown  troupe  entertain  the  crowd. 
The  clown  troupe  consists  of  several  of  the  local  merchants 
and  volunteer  adults  who  assist  with  the  program. 

Children's  games  are  then  conducted   for  a   half-hour 
period.  These  include  broomstick  races,  balloon  blowing 
contests,    shoe    scramble,    and 
many  other  exciting  events. 

The  "Rec"  clowns  race  along 
with  the  kul-.  keeping  the 
crowd  amused  with  their  anti< •-. 
The  spectators  join  in  with  the 
»pirit  of  the  occasion,  cheering 
for  their  favorite. 

Immediately  following  the  game  session,  a  community 
sing  and  entertainment  program  starts,  with  professional 
talent  featured.  The  master  of  ceremonies  leads  the  entire 
crowd  in  the  singing  of  old-time  melodies. 

The  hip  ios|  inn.-  parade  is  next  on  the  program.  The 
route  of  march  is  around  the  quarter-mile  track  circling 
the  ball  park.  Hundred-  of  children  and  their  part-Mis 
march  in  the  parade,  which  is  led  1>\  the  clown  hand.  Thc\ 


wear  a  fantastic  variety  of  costumes.  There  are  witches, 
ghosts,  gypsies,  clowns,  patriotic  figures,  hoboes,  and  many 
that  defy  description.  The  paraders  march  in  different  age 
groups,  and  several  prizes  are  awarded  for  the  best  CM- 
tumes  in  each  group.  Everyone  has  a  royal  time  singing, 
shouting,  laughing,  and  the  marchers  present  a  wonderful 
sight  in  their  costumes — which  bring  out  rounds  of  ap- 
plause and  howls  of  laughter  as  thcv  pass  the  spectators" 
stands.  The  folks  really  enjoy  it! 

Just  as  the  parade  i-  o\er  and  the  final  prize  presenta- 
tions are  being  made,  the  wail  of  a  siren  can  be  heard. 
This  is  the  signal  that  the  mystery  voice,  in  the  person  of 
Mr.  Jack-o'-Lantern,  is  entering  the  park  in  his  pumpkin 
coach.  The  crowd  is  awed  at  the  size  of  the  coach,  and  a 
great  roar  conies  up  from  the  children,  as  the  float  reaches 
the  judges'  stand  and  Mr.  Jack-o'-Lantern  steps  out.  The 
winner  of  the  ni\ster\  \oice  contest  is  then  announced,  and 
prizes  awarded  to  the  happy  child. 

Every  year  a  surprise  feature  closes  the  celebration.  Last 
year,  it  was  a  beautiful  display  of  aerial  firewotk-. 

Teen-agers  are  not  forgotten  on  Halloween  night.  Their 
HaHoween  party  and  dance  is  held  at  the  spacious  Tor- 
rington  armory,  with  the  best  dance  band  in  the  city  pro- 
viding the  music.  This  is  open  to  all  teen-agers,  and  no 
admission  is  charged. 

Residents  of  Torrington  no  longer  dread  the  Hallow- 
een season.  Instead.  they  look  forward  to  the  annual  cele- 
hration  which  brings  such  happiness  to  the  \oiingsters. 
Why  not  plan  a  community  celebration  for  your  <  it\  '.' 


OSBORN     OFFERS   YOU   .   .  . 
1  BIG  ILLUSTRATED  SUPPLY  FOLDER 
Showi     many     eaiy-to  moke     camp     project* 
ready    lo    put    together,    tuch    at    beautiful 
belli,     bogi,     punet,     cigarette     caie*     and 
hundrvdi    of    other   item. 


"CAMP  SPECIAL"  MOCCASIN 
Genuine  leather  with  compoti 
lion  tolet.  All  titei  for  all  age*. 
Ideal  for  the  beach,  in  the 
wood*,  along  pothi  and  for 
lounging. 

Per    Pair        $3.95 
»3  55  In   12  pair  lott 

*6i-PAOI    LIATHERCRAFT    SUPPLY    CATALOG  -  ONLY    2Sc 

niuiiram  all  type*  of  mecCTrtoi  tad  leather  itenu  of  In- 
al  mmrnrr  oy^n.  •odelin.  tooU.  Udy.  butnKtlon 
lor  hup rlh  i  in  pufpoiit>,  «ir.  No  ripvrivnc*  n««<i«a. 


CLIP  AND  MAIL  NOW! 


OStORN    BROS.    SUPPLY    CO., 

121    W.    J«.ck>en    live1  .    Chicoeo    6     III. 

Fteeje     nun  H  Free     HlllUltiJ     S«PPtr     PeUei 
.1      W-peflp      t^atbrrcfmn      Mpptt 
Calalof  tet  which  I  enrloee   25c  to  coin. 

NAME 


-STATE- 


III  i  UK VTION 


HOW  THE  RECREATION  EXECUTIVE 
APPRAISES  HIS  OWN  PERFORMANCE* 


TO  APPRAISE  his  own  performance 
on  the  job.  the  recreation  execu- 
tive must  (1)  have  adequate  firsthand 
information  about  how  his  organiza- 
tion is  functioning  in  order  to  deter- 
mine in  his  own  mind  what  kind  of 
job  he  is  doing,  and  (2)  have  adequate 
sources  of  information  to  ascertain 
public  opinion  on  what  kind  of  job  he 
is  doing. 

The  successful  executive  knows  and 
is  satisfied  with  what  his  organization 
is  doing  and,  at  the  same  time,  has  his 
ear  close  enough  to  the  ground  to  know 
that  the  public  is  with  him  on  at  least 
eighty  per  cent  of  his  work  at  any 
given  time.  The  executive  needs  to  give 
first  consideration  to  sounding  out 
public  opinion,  at  the  same  time,  try- 
ing not  to  lose  sight  of  the  related  im- 
portance of  devising  and  reading  de- 
partmental reports  and  studies  and 
delving  into  other  means  for  measuring 
internal  administrative  performance. 

Some  of  the  things  helpful  in  ap- 
praising work  from  within  are: 

1.  Staff  meetings — only  when  there 
is  something  definite  to  talk  about. 

2.  Departmental    reports — prepared 
in   such   a   way  that  trends  and  per- 
formance can  be  evaluated.  Regular  re- 
ports should   be   kept  to   a   minimum, 
with    more    emphasis    on    one-time    or 
special  reports,  as  needed. 

3.  Personal   inspections  —  and   con- 
tacts with  the  various  segments  of  the 
organization.    There    is    no    substitute 
for  observing  operations  firsthand. 

4.  Use    of    a    research    assistant — 
whether  someone  is  employed  for  such 
a  purpose  or  whether  the  duty  is  as- 
signed to  a  regular  employee,  such  as 
the  department  clerk. 

5.  Use    of    "standards"    or    "yard- 

SKI-TEMBER  1952 


sticks"  —  lor  measuring  departmental 
performance.  Yardsticks  can  be  ob- 
tained from  visiting  other  cities,  spend- 
ing several  hours  or  a  day  observing 
operations,  asking  questions  about 
costs,  and  so  on.  Make  a  point  of  visit- 
ing several  cities  each  year  to  observe 
their  various  operations.  Yardsticks 
can  be  obtained  from  numerous  publi- 
cations, including  The  Recreation  and 
Park  Yearbook  and  the  Schedule  for 
the  Appraisal  of  Community  Recrea- 
tion. And  last  but  not  least,  meetings, 
such  as  the  National  Recreation  Con- 
gress, furnish  much  valuable  informa- 
tion that  can  be  used  by  an  executive 
to  compare  and  evaluate  his  own  and 
his  organization's  performance. 

Techniques  in  appraising  work  from 
without  include: 

1.  Talking    to    the    "man    on    the 
street"— Take  time  regularly  to  drop 
into  the  bank,  the  corner  drug  store 
and  the  luncheon  club,  and  spend  a 
few  minutes  talking  about  what's  going 
on  in  the  city.  The  executive  should 
try  to  maintain  relations  with  his  "op- 
position" as  well  as  with   his  "boost- 
ers." 

2.  Making  use  of  reporters'  ears  and 
eyes — It   is   helpful    if   the   executive's 
relations  with  the  press  and  radio  are 
such  that  he  can  get  their  frank  opin- 
ion  of  various   department   programs 
and  learn  what  they  hear  on  the  street. 

3.  Maintaining  informal  commission 
relations — The    executive    should    sup- 
plement his  meetings  with  frequent  in- 
dividual conversations  with  his  chair- 
man and  the  members  on  the  topic  of 
"What  do   you  hear?"   or  "What  do 
you  think  the  public's  reaction  would 
be  to  so  and  so?"  Care  must  be  exer- 
cised in  this  connection,  however,  to 


safeguard  the  executive's  responsibility 
for  independent  thinking  and  action. 

4.  Using   department   employees   as 
public  opinion  surveyors — In  a  small 
city    the   executive    should    know    the 
names  of  all  of  his  workers,  and  in  a 
large  city  the  executive  should  know 
the   supervisors   and   directors   in   his 
department.    If   so.   he   can   effectively 
stop  and  chat  with  them  on  what  the 
public  thinks  about  the  new  city  plan 
for  recreation  areas,  or  the  proposed 
schedule  of  fees  and  charges,  or  the 
need  for  more  indoor  centers.  If  your 
secretary   rides   the   bus   to   work,   she 
can  furnish  you  invaluable  information 
on    what   the    public    is    saying    about 
your  work. 

5.  Knowing  the  neighborhood  "may- 
ors" —  An    executive    should    be    ac- 
quainted with  the  "natural-born"  poli- 
ticians in   the  several  sections  of  the 
city,  so  that  he  can  and  does  spend  a 
few  minutes   with   them  wherever   he 
happens  to  meet  them — whether  it  be 
in  the  barber  shop,  the  court  house,  at 
the  ball  game  or  on  the  street  corner. 
These  men,  often  without  formal  edu- 
cation or  training,  can  tell  you  more 
in  five  minutes  about  what  the  public 
is  thinking  than   Dr.  Gallup  could   in 
five   hours.    They    may    be   the    court 
clerk,  a  used-car  dealer,  an  insurance 
agent,  a  neighborhood  store  owner,  a 
judge  or  the  retired  mayor — but  who- 
ever   they    are,   the   executive    should 
spend  a  few  minutes  with  them  each 
week,    talking    about    the    community 
news  of  the  day. 


'Adapted  with  permission  from  "How  the 
Manager  Appraises  His  Own  Performance" 
by  Kent  Mathewson,  City  Manager,  Martins- 
ville,  Virginia.  Public  Management,  Decem- 
ber 1951. 

219 


Building  Costs 

*  The  mounting  cost  of  building  con- 
struction is  illustrated  l>v  the  following 
statement  that  appeared  in  the  Decem- 
UT  ITil  i.-ue  of  tin-  \EA  Journal. 

"From  1939  to  September  of  1951, 
the  overall  cost  of  school  construe  linn 
had  more  than  doubled.  In  just  one 
year's  time — from  1950  to  Septeml>er 
1951 — construction  costs  rose  by  near- 
ly eight  per  cent.  A  classroom  with  re- 
lated facilities  which  would  have  cost 
$13,000  in  1935-1939  cost  828,000  in 
1950,  and  would  cost  an  average  of 
$30,000  today.  As  a  result,  the  I  nit.,1 
States  Office  of  Education's  estimated 
minimum  need  of  600.000  new  class- 
rooms by  1957-58  would  cost  S18  bil- 
lion as  against  S7.8  billion  for  equiva- 
lent construction  in  1939." 

Trends  and  Forecasts  in  Planning* 

•  In  an  article  under  this  title  Hugh 
I!.   I'.-meiov.  Director,  Department  of 
(Manning.    Westchester    County,    New 
Virk,  points  out  that  we  are   in   the 
midst  of  a  revolution  in  planning,  aris- 
ing principally  from  the  effects  of  the 
automobile  and  the  changing  character- 
istics of  building  and  land-area  design. 
A  iiiiinlii-r  of  hi-  comments  have  special 
significant-  i.,  recreation  workers. 

"The  old  measures  of  planning, 
brought  right  up  to  date,  will  still  not 
be  enough  in  manv  cities.  A  play- 
ground may  counteract  the  forces  fos- 
lering  juvenile  delinquency,  but  it  can- 
not correct  bad  housing  conditions 

I  observe  only  that  if  we  must  err  in 
redevelopment  and  we  shall — lei  u- 
err  in  the  direction  of  tomorrow,  and 
in  this  I  mean  in  the  direction  «.f  spa- 
cioiuneM  and  low  densitv 

"What  do  we  need  to  know  in  i  nl.-r 
I"  plan?  .  .  .  Above  all,  we  need  to 
know  what  we  don't  know.  A  slide  rule 
or  i  -imp!-.;: :,  i.  r  .  .m't  make  ft  mistake, 
lull  the  Inner  who  operates  it  can. 

"I  am  eon-erncd  with  the  desire  of 
i  •  liilil  for  it  i-l.i.  -•  in  play,  as  against 
a   drci«ion    |iv    the   iity   that    it   can't 
afford  to  provide  it.  I   am  < •••ni  .-me,! 
vtiih  the  long-term  interest*  of  the  .  ..m 
munity  as  set  againM.  for  in.tancr.  the 
preMUm  of  short  inter,  -i  land  -level 
or  1,-Mid  |H-ddlers. 


from   PMir    \lanagr 


"Remember,  too,  that  ...  it  isn't 
prai  tical  to  skimp  on  land  and  space. 
Fverv  thing  that  v  ou  build  will  some- 
day be  obsolete — except  perhaps  some 
great  work  of  civic  art — hut  space 
never  liecome-  o|i-oletc.  \\  e  are  Iniild- 
ing  streets,  neighborhoods,  and  public 
buildings  that  should  be  good  beyond 
the  end  of  this  half  century.  \Ve  inu-t 
certainly  do  more  than  partly  catch  up 
with  the  needs  of  vesterduv. 

Unconstitutional 

•  Provisions  in  1949  amendment*  t-« 
an  act  passed  in  the  slate  of  Pennsyl- 
vania in    1947.  empowering  township 
commissioners  to  adopt  land  subdivi- 
sion  regulations,   have   been   declared 
uin  on.-titutional  in  an  opinion  handed 
down  liv  the  Court  of  Quarter  Sessions 
in  Montgomery  County,  Pennsylvania. 
The  1949  law  states  that  the  owner  of 
land  to  I---  subdivided  "may  designate 
on  the  plan  whether  streets,  parks  and 
other    improvements    are    offered    for 
dedication,"    and    also,    "the    street-. 
parks  and  other  improvements  shall  !«• 
deemed  to  he  a  private  street,  park  or 
other  improvement  until  the  same  shall 
have  been  accepted  by  the  township  by 
ordinance  or   resolution   or   l>een   con- 
demned for  public  use." 

The  court  decided  that  insofar  as  the 
act  grants  to  commissioners  of  town- 
ships of  the  first  class  the  power  to  re- 
quire sulnlividers  to  designate  a  por- 
tion of  the  land  subdivided  for  parks. 
pl«jrground-  and  recreation  -pace-,  it 
is  "unreasonable,  con-iituli-s  a  taking 
of  private  projHTtv  for  public  purposes 
without  eon-ideration  and  is  therefore 
unconstitutional  and  void." 

The  court  pointed  out  that  since  land 
may  lie  idle  for  years  before  the  town- 
ship decides  to  accept  it  or  to  con- 
demn it  fni  park  purposes,  the  areas 
dc-ignatcd  for  park  and  recreation 
purposes  "will  Ix-come  oversown  with 

WeeiU    and    llUshe-.    thev     will    IM-    pl.n  e- 

for  tin-  -iirreplitiou-  dumping  of  trash 
.mil  garbage  and  a  haven  for  immoral 
i  on, lint.  In-tcad  of  promoting  public 
welfare  thcv  mav  advei-.-lv  affect  the 
public  health,  safelv  and  morals." 

n  \tllilllill  l'liin\.  i— lied  hv  the 
-I. ile  planning  b-ianl.  i --mnient.  on  the 
.|e-i«i-in:  "One  of  the  factors  which 
might  have  -npp.nted  a  different  -I---  i 

•  ion    i«  that   these  dedication    require 


ments  generally  conform  to  an  overall 
master  plan  and.  as  such,  repre-ent 
v  itally  needed  recreational  areas  thai 
the  commissioners  would  not  reque-l  if 
thev  did  not  plan  to  further  develop 
and  maintain  them." 

A  Better  Place  to  Live 

•  "What  Recreation  Means  to  M\ 
Communitv  was  the  topic  of  a  panel 
of  mayors  at  a  New  Jersey  league  of 
Municipalities  convention.  Following 
the  discourse  by  the  mayors,  a  spirited 
discussion  among  the  people  attending, 
took  place.  Persons  from  the  floor 
a-ked  several  questions.  The  fir-l  \\.i-. 
"Mow  could  recreation  help  stal>ili/- 
the  tax  rate?"  Mayor  Scott  of  Bloom- 
field  stated  that  recreation  helped  sta- 
bilize the  population  by  making  the 
community  a  desirable  place  to  live 
•  It  also  encourages  permanent  busi- 
ness and  industry  to  settle  in  the 
area.  People  moving  into  a  community 
ask  what  opportunities  are  available 
for  the  children,  to  aid  their  growth 
and  development.  Mayor  Biertuempiel 
reported  that  many  people  moving  into 
1'nioii  want  to  know  how  close  their 
pio|.eitv  i-  to  the  nearest  playground 
and  other  recreational  facilities.  As  an 
additional  comment,  Chairman  Mitch- 
ell said  that  in  planning  the  develop- 
ment of  town-,  ten  to  twelve  per  cent 
of  the  total  acreage  should  be  reset  ve, I 
for  open  space,  which  should  include 
m  le.ilional  facilitie-. 

In  replv  to  the  que-tion.  "What  .  an 
be  done  about  congested  city  areas 
where  -pai-e  i-  at  a  premium'.''"  the 
mav  01-  advi-ed  the  recreation  commit- 
tee* to  <oo|>cralc  wholchearteillv  with 
oilier  organizations,  such  as  the  board 
of  education,  chur«  In •-.  "^  '-."  and  so 
forth.  They  also  reported  that  in  con- 
•idering  the  welfare  of  the  people,  the 
e\|M-n«r  involved  in  condemning  areas 


RH  nr*Tio\ 


and  reclaiming  lost  land  would  justify 
the  expenditures. 

In  response  to  the  last  question. 
"Should  recreation  departments  have 
Sunday  activities?"  the  group  felt  that 
action  should  be  based  on  the  local 
mores  and  traditions  of  that  particular 
community. — ROBERT  D.  Sisco,  Treas- 
urer, Public  Recreation  Association. 

A  Survey  of  Recreation 
Departments  in  Wisconsin 

•  The  Wisconsin  Recreation  Associa- 
tion has  been  one  of  the  most  active 
among  state  recreation  groups  in  the 
gathering  of  information  for  the  bene- 
fit of  its  members.  One  example  of  its 
activities  is  a  report  issued  late  in  1950 
by  its  research  committee  I  Mr.  Pat 
Dawson  of  Janesville,  chairman),  re- 
lating to  various  phases  of  the  service 
of  recreation  departments  in  Wiscon- 
sin. Reports  were  received  from  twen- 
ty-eight cities,  and  the  replies  were 
summarized  in  three  separate  sections, 
each  dealing  with  cities  in  a  population 
group.  These  reports  covered  three 
classes:  "A"  cities  of  50.000  and  over, 
fifteen  class  'B"  cities  between  15.000 
and  50,000  and  ten  class  "C"  cities 
with  population  under  15,000.  Most  of 
the  cities  submitted  information  on  all 
the  questions  covered  in  the  inquiry, 
and  the  report  gives  an  excellent  pic- 
ture of  procedure  in  Wisconsin  cities. 
From  the  many  items  covered  in  the 
report  the  following  have  been  selected 
as  being  of  wide  interest: 
Car  Allowance — All  of  the  class  "A" 
and  "B"  cities  reporting  provide  a 
car  allowance,  and  a  majority  of  the 
Has*  "C"  cities  do  likewise. 
Conference  Allowance — An  allowance 
for  attendance  at  conferences  is  grant- 
ed in  all  but  one  of  the  cities  submit- 
ting information. 
Woman  Assistant — The  two  class  "A" 


cities  reported  a  woman  assistant  to 
the  executive,  but  only  three  of  the 
smaller  cities  report  such  a  worker  ex- 
cept during  the  summer  months. 
Man  Assistant — Ten  of  the  cities  re- 
porting employed  a  man  assistant,  pre- 
sumably on  a  full-time  basis. 
Budget  Increases — In  1950,  fourteen 
cities  had  a  larger  budget  than  in 
1949,  five  had  the  same  budget  and  five 
showed  a  slight  decrease.  The  figures 
do  not  include  maintenance. 
Playgrounds — A  major  portion  of  the 
report  related  to  summer  playground 
operation  and  the  following  are  a  num- 
ber of  major  items  relating  to  this  part 
of  the  program. 

A  total  of  294  playgrounds  were  re- 
ported, seventy-six  of  which,  in  eight 
cities,  were  lighted  for  night  use.  The 
length  of  the  playground  season  varied 
from  six  weeks  in  one  city  to  twelve 
weeks  in  another  city,  with  eight-week 
and  ten-week  seasons  reported  most 
frequently.  A  five-day  week  is  most 
common,  but  a  few  cities  reported  their 
playgrounds  open  five  and  a  half  days. 
Milwaukee  reports  some  of  its  play- 
grounds open,  with  limited  leadership, 
seven  days  per  week. 

Considerable  variation  is  recorded 
in  the  hours  during  which  the  play- 
grounds are  open,  but  in  most  cities 
the  program  is  carried  on  morning, 
afternoon  and  evening.  Morning  hours 
are  usually  from  9:00  to  12:00,  after- 
noon hours  from  1:00  to  5:00  and  eve- 
ning hours  from  6:30  until  dark.  In  a 
large  majority  of  the  cities,  play- 
grounds are  closed  for  an  hour  or  more 
at  noon;  a  smaller  number  close  the 
playgrounds  during  the  dinner  hour. 

Both  a  man  and  a  woman  are  em- 
ployed as  leaders  in  a  majority  of 
cities;  two  such  leaders  were  reported 
at  201  playgrounds.  At  forty-three 
playgrounds  in  eleven  cities  a  woman 


leader  only  was  reported,  and  at  thirty- 
four  playgrounds  in  twelve  cities  the 
only  worker  was  a  man.  The  hours  per 
day  served  by  the  leaders  vary  from  six 
to  ten,  but  in  a  majority  of  cities, 
working  hours  vary  from  seven  to  nine 
daily.  Specialists  or  supervisors  are 
employed  in  most  of  the  cities  above 
15.000,  with  the  class  "B"  cities  aver- 
aging four  such  workers  per  city.  Only 
three  cities  under  15,000  report  special 
workers,  but  these  average  about  three 
per  city. 

Apparatus — Detailed  information  was 
assembled  with  reference  to  the  num- 
ber and  types  of  apparatus  and  equip- 
ment provided  on  the  playgrounds. 
The  following  is  a  summary  of  the  re- 
sults. Madison  was  the  only  class  "A" 
city  which  reported  on  the  number  of 
apparatus  units.  The  figures  in  paren- 
theses represent  the  number  of  cities 
reporting  the  number  of  units. 

Number 

of  Cities  Number 

Types  of  Apparatus       Reporting  of  Units 

Reported 

Sand  Boxes 24  101      (13) 

Swings    23  223     (13) 

Slides   20  55     (12) 

Horizontal    Bars    19  66     (13) 

Horizontal  Ladders    18  55      (  9) 

Teeters     18  144     (11) 

Jungle  Gyms      16  68     (10) 

Traveling  Rings 16  16      (4) 

Merry-Go-Rounds                         13  34     (  9) 

Climbing   Ladders    9  22     (  5) 

Climbing   Poles    8  12(4) 

Tree    Climbs     2  1      (1) 

Balance   Beams    2  1      (   1) 

Basketball    Goals    24  133     (12) 

Bean   Bag   Boards    19  112      (9) 

Permanent  Volleyball  Posts      16  45      (   8) 

Other  sections  of  the  report  contained 
detailed  information  as  to  salary  scales 
for  the  playground  workers,  athletic 
officials  and  other  personnel,  entry  or 
per  session  fees  for  activities  and 
maintenance  costs. 


"That  the  boy  will  play  is  inevitable. 
Where,  what,  and  how  he  plays  should  be 
the  serious  concern  of  those  who  are  inter- 
ested in  his  future." — From  Boys  Cluhs. 


Sl.l'TEMBER   1952 


221 


RHYTHMIC  ACTIVITIES  are  becoming 
as  popular  with  teen-agers  these 
days  as  jive  and  television.  The  fun 
i-  in  the  challenge  of  having  to  be 
alert  and  ever  precise.  Besides,  being 
"hep"  to  rhythmic  games  has  proved 
good  training  for  swinging  and  sway- 
ing on  the  dance  floor. 

The   following   offer   a   few   sugges- 
tions for  recreation  with  rhythm: 

Snap-3/4  Rhythm 
formation—  Leader,  who  is  "It,"  faces 
group.  Flayers  number  off  and  sit 
in  line  or  semi-circle. 
Action—  The  leader  begins  by  prac- 
ticing the  following  rhythmic  mo- 
II..M-:  slap  own  thighs  (count  1); 
clap  own  hands  I  count  2  1  ;  snap  fin- 
gers (count  3).  The  rh>llim  must  be 
-moolh  and  even.  On  the  snap.  "It 
rail*  a  number  and  the  person  whose 
number  is  named  must  call  another 
mimlM-r  on  the  next  snap.  This  person 
.  all-  another,  and  so  the  action  con- 
tinues. Only  numbers  are  used  which 
include  the  group.  If  anyone  fail-  I" 
call  a  number  on  thr  next  snap  after  hi- 
number  has  been  called,  he  goes  to 
the  foot  of  thr  linr  and  all  players 
mini-  up  one  place,  changing  their 
numliers  as  they  do  so.  The  ol-|c.  I 
of  the  game  is  to  reach  and  May  in 
the  numlx-r  otic  chair. 
Note:  After  thr  group  has  played  this 
game,  it  i»  a  challengr  to  see  if  mem- 
lierx  can  continue  while  -..mronc  pl.i\- 
a  wall/.  >ime  thr  heavy  beat  of  thr 
walls  in  it*  first,  and  thr  game  "snap" 

MRS.  ANNE  |J\IM.-I"N  1.1  a  leaderthip 
traininf  spertalut  on  thr  itaff  of  Na- 
linnal  Rrrrration  Aiiocialton. 


R  H  Y  T  H  M  S 


Anne  Livingston 

accents  the  third  beat,  it  is  difficult  to 
coordinate. 

Variation — 4/4  rhythm 
In  this,  clap  own  thighs  (count  1)  ; 
clap  own  hands  (count  2):  snap 
thumb  and  third  finger  of  left  hand 
(count  3) ;  snap  thumb  and  third  fin- 
ger of  right  hand  I  count  4 1 . 
Action — A  player  calls  his  own  num- 
ber on  .the  first  snap  and  another  per- 
son's number  on  the  second  snap. 
That  player  then  calls  his  own  num- 
ber on  the  following  snap  and  an- 
other player's  number  on  the  fourth. 
Each  player  repeats  the  action  when 
his  number  is  called. 
Variation — 4/4  rhythm 
This  is  fun  foi  ilio-e  who  like  to  con- 
centrate and  think  fast.  The  action  is 
the  same  as  in  the  above  variation, 
but  players  do  not  call  their  own  num- 
ber. On  the  first  snap,  the  player  calls 
another  numlier  and  on  the  next  snap, 
names  a  city.  The  person  whose  num- 
ber was  called,  calls  a  number  on  one 
snap  and.  on  the  next,  names  a  cit\ 
which  IfCgins  with  the  last  Idler  of  the 
city  just  named. 

Example:  Slap,  clap.  3.  Chicago 
Slap.  clap.  <>.  Omaha 
Slap.  clap.  ::.  Atlanta. 

Double  Fatty-Cake  Folku 

l/ini.  "Litllr  Brown  Jug"  or  any- 
thing in  polka  rhuhm.  I  In-  i-  thr 
simple  and  popular  mixer,  with  a 
douhlr  patU-cake. 

Formation  -  -Couples  face  each  other, 
with  both  hanil-  joir 


Action  —  Man  starts  with  left  foot  and 
lady  with  right.  Heel-toe-heel-toe 
(touching  to  left  side);  slide-slide- 
slide-slide  (hold),  moving  to  man's 
left.  Repeat  above,  alternating  feet  and 
moving  to  right.  Clap  own  hands  tw  ice. 
partners  right  hand  with  your  right 
twice,  your  own  hands  twice,  partners 
left  hand  with  your  left  hand  twice. 
\our  own  hands  twice,  your  partner's 
two  hands  twice,  your  own  hands  twice, 
\our  own  knees  twice.  All  join  el- 
bows with  own  partner  and  turn  once 
around,  returning  to  original  position: 
then  all  move  to  own  left  to  face  new 
partner.  Repeat  several  times.  The 
rhythm  sounds  like  this:  Heel,  toe, 
heel,  toe  and  slide,  slide,  slide,  slide: 
heel,  toe,  heel,  toe,  and  slide,  slide, 
slide,  slide:  clap  clap,  right  right,  clap 
clap,  left  left,  clap  clap,  both  both, 
clap  clap,  knees  knees;  turn  —  and 
move  to  the  left 

Peas  Porridge-4/4  Rhythm 

formation  —  Four  or  six  person-  -r.itf.l 
in  a  circle.  There  can  be  more,  hut 
ihrrr  must  be  an  even  number.  (This 
is  the  "old"  version  changed  to  the 
"teen"  version.) 

{••linn  —  (1)  Peat  porridge  hot  (All 
clap  tlu^li-  OM<  e.  own  hands  together 
once.  <lap  hand,  once  each,  of  persons 
on  either  side);  (2l  /'raj  porridge  cold 
(  Repeat  above,  t  :  i  .'<  i  I'ra.i  porridge  in 
the  pot  (All  clap  thighs  once,  own 
hands  once,  clap  h.nnl-  i  ro-sing  girl 
using  left  hand,  clapping  right  hand  of 
boy  to  right.  This  is  on  words,  in  the. 


222 


RECREATION 


All  clap  own  hands  once  on  pot.)  ;  (4) 
Nine  days  old  (All  clap  hands,  cross- 
ing— girl  using  right  hand,  clapping 
left  hand  of  boy  to  left  on  word,  nine. 
All  clap  own  hands  together  once,  all 
clap  hands  with  persons  on  bath  sides 
on  word,  old.) 

Repeat  all  indefinitely,  going  faster 
and  faster.  If  a  person  breaks  the 
rhythm  after  this  is  played  a  few  times, 
he  sometimes  is  made  to  pay  a  forfeit. 
Note:  This  can  be  played  in  couples — 
four  couples  number  off,  with  1-5,  2-6, 
3-7,  4-8,  as  partners.  If  a  person  misses 
the  rhythm,  he  and  his  partner  leave 
the  circle. 

Suggestion:  Whether  there  is  a  large 
or  small  circle,  it  is  helpful  to  num- 
ber off,  one-two,  around  the  circle  and 
have  all  "one's"  cross  with  left  hands 
while  "two's"  cross  with  right  hands. 
(See  3  and  4  above.) 

Square  Dance  Has  Rhythm 

"All  American  Promenade" — (Sug- 
gested by  "Doc"  Alumbaugh  of  Alta- 
dena,  California.) 

Record:  Windsor  605.  or  any  good 
lively  march  tempo. 
Formation — Double  circle  facing  coun- 
terclockwise around  the  room.  Part- 
ners join  hands.  Start  on  outside  feet. 
Action  —  Walk  forward  four  steps, 
turning  on  the  last  step  to  face  op- 
posite direction  ( turning  in  toward 
partner)  and  joining  opposite  hands. 
Walk  backward  four  steps,  turning  on 
the  last  step  to  face  original  position, 
join  inside  hands.  Repeat  the  step. 
Walk  forward  four  steps,  clockwise, 


turning  on  last  step  to  face  opposite 
direction;  join  opposite  hands.  Walk 
backward  four  steps,  clockwise,  turn 
ing  to  face  opposite  direction  on  fourth 
count. 

For  the  second  part,  starting  on  out- 
side feet,  step  (balance)  away  from 
each  other  (inside  hands  are  still 
joined),  close  inside  foot  to  outside 
foot,  step  toward  each  other  on  inside 
feet,  close  outside  foot  to  inside  foot. 
Partners  exchange  sides  by  having 
lady  cross  in  front  of  partner  with 
four  steps.  Lady  starts  with  right  foot 
and  makes  one  complete  turn,  counter- 
clockwise, as  she  crosses  over.  End 
"with  inside  hands  joined  and  stand- 
ing away  from  partner. 

For  the  next  step,  repeat  last  move- 
ment, but  begin  by  balancing  towards, 
instead  of  away  from,  partners. 

Now,  using  four  counts  and  four 
steps  (man,  left  foot;  lady,  right),  the 
man  leads  his  partner  across  in  front 
of  him  and  over  toward  his  right  side, 
with  his  left  hand  held  at  chest  height. 
The  lady  makes  a  complete  right  turn, 
clockwise.  Gentleman  releases  lady's 
hand  as  she  goes  into  turn  and  steps 
diagonally  forward  to  his  left  to  meet 
a  new  partner.  His  original  partner 
may  turn  again  while  she  progresses 
towards  new  partner. 

Repeat  the  complete  routine  indefi- 
nitely. The  count  is:  forward  2-3-4 
turn;  back  2-3-4  turn  (counterclock- 
wise) ;  forward  2-3-4  turn;  back  2-3-4 
turn  (clockwise)  ;  away  and  together; 
roll  the  girl  to  the  center:  together 
and  away;  roll  girl  across  and  back. 


Coffee  Grows  on  White  Oak  Trees- 
3/4  rhythm,  increased  to  2/4 

Formation — Couples  form  a  ring,  fac- 
ing the  center,  which  is  occupied  by 
another  couple  who  swing  each  other 
during  the  first  two  lines  of  the  song, 
as  those  of  the  ring  join  hands  and 
promenade. 

Action — At  the  beginning  of  the  third 
line,  the  circle  halts,  and  the  couple 
in  center  choose  two  other  persons  to 
make  four  for  a  do-si-do  swing. 
Coffee  grows  on  white  oak  trees; 
Rivers  flow  with  brandy-oh! 
Go  choose  you  one  to  roam  with  you 
As  sweet  as  'lasses  candy-oh! 
2/4  rhythm — Chorus: 
Four  in  the  middle  and  you  better  get 

about! 
Four  in  the  middle  and  you  better  get 

about! 
Four  in  the  middle  and  you  better  get 

about! 
And  roam  the  earth  all  'round-oh! 

The  do-si-do  figure  ends  with  cho- 
rus; the  couple  last  chosen  remain  in 
the  ring,  and  the  game  begins  again. 
This  is  a  very  lively  number,  its  ap- 
peal coming  from  the  contrasting  po- 
sitions of  activitity  and  waiting  of  the 
players  —  any  moment  one  may  be 
chosen  to  do-si-do  next! 

Another  verse  is: 

Pepper  grows  where  sneezes  don't; 
'Taters  all  taste  dandy-oh! 
Go  choose  you  one  to  roam  with  you, 
As  sweet  as  'lasses  candy-oh! 
Chorus: 


A  citizen  army  .  .  .  two  million  strong  .  .  .  goes  into  action  in  October  to 
insure  the  nation's  health  and  welfare  for  the  year  to  come. 

Volunteers  in  a  united  campaign  to  raise  money  for  some  17,000  RED 
FEATHER  services,  these  men  and  women  will  solicit  their  fellow  citizens 
for  contributions  to  home  town  agencies  and  national  health  and  welfare 
programs  such  as  those  made  necessary  by  the  defense  effort. 

This  once-a-year  campaign  by  the  country's  Community  Chests  and  the 
United  Defense  Fund  insures  the  health  and  welfare  services  so  vital  to  the 
entire  community. 

Volunteer  YOUR  time  now  to  your  town's 
UNITED  RED  FEATHER  CAMPAIGN. 


SEPTEMBER  1952 


223 


So  eaty  fo  tear*  .  .  .  So  etuy  to 


With  these  Square  Dance  Records  with  Progressive 
Oral  /nsfrucfions   and   Calls   by    ED   DURIACHER 

Here  is  the  easy  and  economical  way  to  meet  the 
ever-growing  demand  for  square  dancing  in  your 
community  ...  the  HONOR  YOUR  PARTNER 
series  of  square  dance  records. 


Each  record  in  albums  1  to  4  starts  with  simpli- 
fied progressive  oral  instructions  by  Ed  Durlacner 
—instructions  easily  understood  by  dancers  of  all 

_  ages.  Following  a  brief  pause,  giving  the  dancers 

time  to  square  their  sets,  the  music  and  calls  begin.  The  TOP  HANDS,  directed 
by  FRANK  NOVAK,  offer  the  best  in  scintillating  and  foot  tapping  square  dance 
music.  The  calls  are  delivered  by  one  of  the  nation's  most  outstanding  square 
dance  authorities,  ED  DURLACHER. 

The  fifth  album  in  the  series  contains  music  only,  without  calls  or  instructions- 
"The  Square  Dance  Caller's  Delight". 

It         -ti         H 
AN   ENTHUSIASTIC    USER    REPORTS   .   .   . 

"The  square  dance  album  'Honor  Your  Partner'  is  all  that  you.  claimed  it  to  be  —  ice 
tried  out  the  records  on  a  group  of  eighth  grade  students  and  they  picked  up  the 
instructions  without  difficulty.  In  the  space  of  thirty  minutes,  this  group,  which  had 
never  tqiiare  danced  before,  were  doing  the  figures  in  an  expert  fashion.  The  records 
were  also  a  hit  at  the  adult  square  dance  which  we  held  last  night." 

\lfrril  Elliott,  Recreation  Director,  Greenwood,  Mississippi 


All    records    guaranteed 
against   breakage, 

FOREVER! 


MOKORVOUR  PARTNIR 


Learn    more    about   the 

HONOR   YOUR   PARTNER   albums. 

Write   for   a    descriptive   folder. 


DEPT.  R-10 


SQUARE  DANCE  ASSOCIATES 


FREEPORT,   NEW   YORK 


AN  EASY  WAY  TO  CLEAN  SHOWER  ROOMS  AND 
SWIMMING  POOLS 

without  hard  rubbing.    Simply  sprinkle 


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NAME 

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UNITED  NATIONS  1)  U 

The  seventh  anniversary  of  the  day 
mi  which  the  I'nited  Nations  Charter 
came  into  exi-lcncc  will  lie  observed 
on  Oi-liilier  tueiilv  -fourth  "Ilii  i.illx 
designated  a>  1  niteil  Nation-  Da\. 

As  an  aid  in  planning  a  celebration 
f«r  this  day,  a  booklet,  l/A  Hirlhila\ 
I'arlies.  and  a  packet  of  other  mall-ri- 
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from  the  National  Citizens'  Committee. 
!!I6  Twentx-lirsl  Street  NW,  Washini:- 
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The  books  listed  below  are  a  few  of 
the  many  publications,  available  from 
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Hunt  and  Ethel  Cain.  A.  S.  Barne- 
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<  mi  .niuVs  GAMES  FROM  MANY  LANDS, 
Nina  Millen.  Friendship  Press,  New 
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THK  WHOLE  WORLD  SINGING,  Edith 
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\itiuM)  THK  WORLD  IN  SONG  and 
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I  MIHN  \HIIN\I.  FOLK  PLAYS,  Samuel 
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THK  FOLK  COSTUME  BOOK,  Frances 
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pany. New  York.  Out  of  Print. 

THK  CdsriMK  BOOK,  Joseph  Leeminp. 
Frederick  A.  Stoke-  Company,  New 
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I!  I  <  HKATION 


Basketball 
—  the  Game  Way  * 


SIMPLE  GAMES  with  a  basketball 
help  players  learn  basketball  skills 
— ease  in  handling  the  ball,  dribbling, 
shooting,  passing,  guarding,  and  their 
combinations.  In  addition,  such  games 
can  provide  fun  when  the  number  of 
players  is  either  too  small  or  too  large 
— for  a  regular  basketball  game.  Many 
of  them  can  be  used  for  local  con- 
tests. 

No  Goal  Basketball 

Players — Any  even  number.  Field — 
Any  size  field  may  be  used,  with  boun- 
daries on  both  ends  and  sides.  A  line 
6  feet  past  each  end  is  drawn.  This 
constitutes  the  end  goal  zone.  Forma- 
tion— Players  assume  any  positions  de- 
sirable. 

Game — Regular  basketball  rules  will 
be  observed,  except  that  no  baskets 
are  used.  Scoring  is  done  by  players 
receiving  passes  over  the  opponents' 
goal  line.  Two  points  are  scored  for 
each  successfully  caught  pass  over  the 
goal  line.  The  ball  must  be  caught 
in  the  goal  zone.  The  players  may  be 
guarded  in  this  zone,  observing  regu- 
lar basketball  guarding  rules. 

Fifty  Baskets  or  Lose 

Players — Any  even  number.  Field — 
One  basket,  or,  if  available,  two  bas- 
kets may  be  used.  Formation — Players 
line  up  behind  a  starting  line  twenty 
feet  from  the  basket.  Two  teams  are 
formed. 

Game — Each  player  in  each  team  in 
succession  takes  a  shot  from  the  start- 
ing line.  The  objective  of  each  team 
is  to  score  fifty  baskets  to  win. 

1.  Instead  of  each  player  having  to 

SEPTEMBER  1952 


recover  the  ball  after  he  has  shot,  the 
player  next  in  turn  may  retrieve  it,  and 
shoot  from  the  spot  of  recovery.  The 
game  continues  until  fifty  baskets  have 
been  made. 

2.  The  game  may  be  played  by  two 
persons,  and,  if  desired,  shots  may  be 
taken  from  any  point  at  which  the  ball 
is  retrieved. 

Shoot  and  Dribble 

Players — One  or  more.  Field — One 
basket  is  needed.  Formation — Players 
line  up  at  forty-five  degree  angle  to 
the  basket,  either  left  or  right  side. 

Game — Three  attempts  are  given 
each  man  to  dribble  in  from  the  side 
of  the  basket  and  shoot  with  the  right 
hand.  The  ball  may  be  balanced  with 
the  left  hand,  but  the  impetus  to  the 
shot  must  be  with  the  right  hand. 
Three  such  dribbling  shots  are  taken 
from  the  left  side  of  the  basket.  One 
point  is  scored  for  each  goal  made. 

One  Goal  Basketball  or 
Half  Court  Basketball 

Basketball  played  by  two  to  eight 
players  on  a  side  can  afford  much  ex- 
citement and  one  is  more  apt  to  learn 
such  fundamentals  as  pivoting,  faking 
and  guarding.  Rules  are  the  same  as 
in  a  regular  basketball  game,  with  the 
exception  that  each  side  tries  for  the 
same  basket  and  game  is  started  by 
one  of  the  players  tossing  the  ball  be- 
tween two  opposing  players.  Instead 
df  tapping  the  ball,  players  wait  until 
the  ball  touches  floor  and  try  to  re- 
cover it  on  the  rebound.  The  ball  is 
tossed  up  in  this  manner  on  all  "jump 
balls."  An  out-of-bound  line  should  be 


made  approximately  thirty  feet  in  from 
the  end  zone.  After  a  basket  is  made, 
player  on  opposing  team  puts  ball  in 
play  from  out-of-bound  line. 

Line  Captain  Ball 

Players — Any  even  number  up  to 
twenty.  Field — A  space  no  larger  than 
an  area  forty  feet  by  forty  feet  will 
be  satisfactory.  Formation — Two  teams 
are  formed,  each  of  which  is  placed 
in  a  straight  line,  parallel  to,  and  fac- 
ing at  a  distance  of  forty  feet.  Midway 
between  the  two  lines,  and  equidistant 
from  each  end,  two  three-foot  circles 
are  drawn,  each  nine  feet  apart.  A  re- 
straining line  also  is  drawn  for  each 
team,  over  which  they  may  not  step. 
A  captain  and  guard  are  chosen  from 
each  team.  Each  captain  takes  his  place 
in  one  of  the  circles.  Each  guard  takes 
his  place  near  the  opposing  captain. 

Game — The  object  of  the  game  is 
for  one  team  to  get  the  ball  into  the 
hands  of  its  captain.  A  point  is  scored 
for  each  successful  catch  the  captain 
makes.  Fifteen  points  constitute  a  game. 

To  start  the  game,  the  ball  is  given 
to  the  team  winning  the  toss  of  a  coin. 
This  team  will  attempt  to  pass  the  ball 
to  its  captain.  Captains  must  keep  one 
foot  in  the  circle,  and  team  members 
may  not  pass  over  the  restraining  line 
which  has  been  drawn.  Guards  are  at 
liberty  to  rove  anywhere  within  the  re- 
straining lines,  but  they  may  not  tres- 
pass within  the  circles  of  the  captains, 
nor  may  they  interfere  with  the  cap- 
tains. 

When  a  guard  intercepts  the  ball, 
he  passes  it  back  to  his  team.  Guards 
may  not  pass  to  their  captains.  After 
every  two  points  of  scoring,  the  cap- 
tains and  guards  exchange  places. 

Two  In  and  Drop  Out 

Players — Any  number.  Field — One 
basket.  Formation  —  Players  form  in 
a  straight  line,  approaching  basket  at 
an  angle. 

Game — Leading  man  dribbles  in  for 
a  short  shot.  Player  next  in  line  re- 
covers ball  and  shoots  a  short  shot. 
When  two  successive  baskets  are  made, 
each  player  who  misses  thereafter  re- 
tires to  side  lines.  Game  continues 
until  all  have  been  eliminated. 


*  From  The  Game  Way  to  Sports.  Copyright 
1937  by  H.  A.  Rrynolds.  A.  S.  Barnes  and 
Company.  (Out  of  print.) 

225 


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In  the  important  article!;  the  reviews  of  new  books  for  children  and  parents;  the  free 
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':< 


ll'l   I    Id    UHIN 


The  Value  of  Flay 
in  Children's  Homes 


Helen  Dauncey 


We  live  in  a  con- 
fusing world.  Its  in- 
consistencies trouble 
adults,  but  by  virtue  of  our  years  of 
living  and  our  varied  experiences 
we  can  view  our  problems  with  a 
sense  of  perspective.  Children  have 
their  anxieties,  fears  and  tensions,  too 
— but  to  the  child  they  may  seem 
monstrous.  The  fortunate  child  who 
conies  from  a  good  home  and  a  family 
where  he  is  loved,  and  where  he  feels 
secure,  gets  a  "connectedness"  with  his 
world,  and  the  world  beyond.  This  is 
basic  to  his  happiness  and  in  this  situa- 
tion his  fears  and  worries  may  be  but 
fleeting  things. 

The  child  who  is  pushed  out  into  a 
frightening,  unknown  enviroment  is 
the  one  who  most  needs  the  help  of 
all  adults  in  preserving  his  individu- 
ality, in  giving  him  the  best  equipment 
with  which  to  face  the  world,  and  in 
minimizing  his  doubts  and  tensions. 
Many  children  who  come  from  broken 
homes — or  from  ones  in  which  llic 
situation  is  detrimental  to  growth  and 
development — must  live  in  institutions. 

Miss  DAUNCEY,  Katherine  F.  Barker 
Memorial  Field  Secretary  for  Worni'n 
and  Girls,  is  NRA  training  specialist. 

SM-TEMBER  1952 


either  publicy  or  privately  supported, 
for  varying  periods  of  time. 

The  play  experience  there,  if  proper- 
ly supervised,  can  contribute  much  to 
health  and  happiness,  now  and  in  the 
future.  If  his  background  has  been 
very  bad — and  many  times  it  is — his 
physical  needs  must  be  checked  be- 
fore he  can  participate  in  vigorous 
physical  activity.  If  his  history  reveals 
no  discernible  defects  or  handicaps, 
but  his  spirit  has  been  bruised,  then  he 
needs  much  help  in  learning  to  get 
along  with  others  in  order  to  be  com- 
fortable and  happy  in  his  play. 

When  ne  nrst  has  a  chance  to  play 
with  equipment  or  with  friends,  his 
shyness,  loneliness  and  fear  may  be 
covered  up  by  aggressive  actions  which 
antagonize  others.  Careful  guidance  is 
called  for  here,  understanding  patience 
rather  than  hurried  decision  to  take 
away  his  privilege  of  playing  with 
others  until  he  can  "learn  to  behave." 
His  emotional  needs  should  be  of  far 
greater  concern  than  his  ability  to 
conform. 

Although  play  activities  must  never 
be  regimented,  they  should  be  guided. 
so  that  each  child  is  helped  to  develop 
l>h\  sir-ally,  to  change  social  attitudes. 


and  to  grow  in  emotional  control. 
Adults  should  consider  it  a  privilege 
to  have  some  part  in  this  guiding 
process,  through  which  the  child  may 
find  himself  and  learn  one  of  the  fun- 
damental lessons  for  successful  living — 
the  ability  to  get  on  with  others. 

Alas !  Too  many  adult  staff  members 
in  homes  or  institutions  think  of  play 
periods  as  added  chores.  They  con- 
sider their  job  in  terms  of  food,  cloth- 
ing, shelter  and  the  daily  routine,  and 
the  other  things  can  wait. 

Since  the  present  trend  is  to  keep 
the  child  in  an  institution  for  as  short 
a  time  as  possible,  and  to  place  him 
in  a  foster  home,  or  remedy  conditions 
so  that  he  may  return  to  his  own  home, 
the  time  is  short  at  best,  and  his  so- 
cial needs  are  not  postponable. 

The  coined  word  used  by  the  New 
York  State  Youth  Commission  is  one 
which  every  staff  member  in  a  home 
should  say  daily.  The  word  is  same. 
It  stands  for  security,  affection,  rec- 
ognition and  new  experiences.  These 
will  be  achieved  by  good  planning 
and  personal  effort,  rather  than  merely 
by  large  expenditures  of  money. 

For  the  day-by-day  play  some  per- 
manent equipment  and  facilities  are 
needed,  for  it  is  through  the  use  of 

227 


...it's  for  a 
Gi/mnasium... 


•  Gymnasium  Equipment 

•  Teleicopie  Gym  Seats 
\  •   Basketball  Scoreboard* 

•  Basketball  Backstops 

•  Steel  Lockers,  Lockerobes 
and  Grade-Robes 


FRED  MED  ART  PRODUCTS,  INC. 

3566  DE  KAll  ST.        ST    LOUIS  18,  MO. 


For   78    Veors 
The   Standard  Of  Qualify 


A  Loud  Voice 
for  Playground 
Control 

wHh 

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BATTERY 
AMPLIFIER 


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CKMl    mik.    17  .30    ..Ira 

REX  Equipment  Co. 

2014    Co««     A**.    Wo.hmj.on    «     D.C. 


these  that  physical  skills  and  the  abilitx 
to  give  and  take  are  developed. 

Qunbing  apparatus.  swings,  slide-. 
basketball  goals,  hard  surface  areas 
for  roller  skating  and  games,  level 
outdoor  play  areas,  attractive  indoor 
play  rooms,  all  supply  activity  for  a 
wide  range  of  ages  and  intere-t-. 

Supplies  (the  expendable  items  i 
should  be  chosen  with  thr  needs  of 
the  children  in  mind,  but  in  general 
should  include  balls  of  many  sizes, 
bean  bags,  box  hockey,  table  tennis. 
quoits,  arts  and  crafts  supplies,  rec- 
ords and  a  record  player,  game  r<>imi 
supplies  i  checkers,  dominoes.  pu//le-. 
parchesi.  and  so  on  I  dolls  and  doll 
houses,  stuffed  animals,  books,  build- 
ing blocks.  to\s  with  which  to  play 
house  or  store,  tables  and  benches 
built  for  children,  a  bulletin  board, 
sand  table,  pictures,  skill  game-,  a 
trunk  of  old  clothes  for  dress  up.  and 
a  place  for  their  collections.  It  is  m>l 
enough  to  supply  these  things  and  then 
sit  back.  There  must  be  leadership 
with  skill  and  imagination  to  encour- 
age their  use  and  enjoyment. 

The  very  young  children  will  love 
pull  toys,  a  packing  box  house,  sand 
box  and  sand  toys,  a  drain  pipe  to 
crawl  through,  steps  to  climb  or  an 
im  liin-il  board  to  run  down:  and  for 
indoors — cigar  box  building  blocks, 
milk  bottle  caps,  paper  containers, 
spools  and  many  other  everyday  arti- 
cles which  imaginative  children  or 
leaders  can  put  to  a  variety  of  uses. 

As  one  visits  institutions,  the  first 
step  over  the  threshold  gives  the  clue 
as  to  the  kind  of  place  it  is.  It  has  to 
lie  more  than  clean  and  orderly.  Some 
places,  although  they  may  be  clean, 
arc  so  barren  that  your  heart  sinks. 
while  others  have  used  color  every- 
where; there  are  plants  and  flowers  in 
ex  idencc  anil  the  places  look  home\ 
not  like  a  limnr.  The  visages  of  tho-c 
in  charge  n-n.ilK  match  the  scenrr\ 

If  ihctc  i-  one  thing  above  all 
others  that  an  institution  child  need-. 
it  is  an  atmosphere  of  warmth  and  .it 
tr.i<  tixciie-s.  hull)  in  hi-  phx-ical  our- 
rounding*  and  in  the  pmOM&iei 
of  (how  who  work  with  him. 

I  nforlunalelx.  -on,.-  -uff  people,  ju-t 

IIH?  teachers,  see  their  job  a-  mn- 

of  div  iplinc  and  order  r.ilhcr  than  one 

of  friendliness  and  a  chance  to  be  of 


service.  Some  have  great  limitations 
when  it  conies  to  entering  into  physical 
activities  but  they  may  have  skill  in 
helping  to  plan  social  programs  —  a 
holidax  observance,  a  birthday  party. 
a  picnic  or  getting  up  a  show.  These 
are  just  as  important  as  the  games. 

Some  have  the  good  sense  to  secure 
leaders  in  the  community,  to  do  the 
tilings  they  know  are  needed  but 
which  they  feel  inadequate  to  do  them- 
selves. If  their  interest  and  support  of 
,in\  activity  is  known  by  the  children. 
it  matters  not  who  actually  does  it. 

Too  many  community  organizations 
and  individuals  have  a  twinge  of  con- 
science at  Christmas  and  Easter,  with 
the  result  that  children's  homes  are 
usually  surfeited  with  gifts  and  food 
on  these  two  days.  A  weekly  date  to 
work  with  the  children  —  telling  stone-. 
leaching  rhythms,  playing  games,  do- 
ing crafts  or  just  being  with  them 
would  be  much  more  lasting  and  in- 
finitelx  more  helpful. 

I  here  are  potential  volunteers  in 
every  community  who.  if  approached 
in  the  right  wax.  would  be  glad  to 
help  with  the  program.  The  pleasure 
of  the  youngster-  would  more  than 
repax  them  for  the  time  and  effort 
given.  It  is  their  time  and  interest,  not 
money,  that  is  so  greatly  needed. 

The  role  of  a  house-parent  in  an  in- 
stitution is  not  an  easy  one,  any  more 
than  being  the  mother  of  a  family  is 
a  simple  task.  It  is  a  round-the-clock 
job.  with  many  little  emotionally  dis- 
turbed souls  coming  and  going. 

Some  of  them  have  had  to  cope  with 
problems  that  would  floor  an  adult. 
For  them,  the  institution  is  home  and 
-'•curilx.  for  a  short  period  at  lea-t. 
I  xi  r\  bit  of  fun  and  laughter  and 
good  times  that  it  is  possible  to  ar- 
range should  lie  theirs. 

It  is  mx   belief  that  the  plax   ami  '•' 
reation  program  can  IM-  of  inestimable 
value   for  all  children,   if   it    is   varied 
enough,    if    it    is    done    with    a    spirit 
of  enjoxment  on  the  part  of  the  lead,  i. 

and  if  it  has  a  deeper  aim  than  juM 

entertainment. 

I  mil  such  time  as  trained  leader 
-hip  is  available,  mo-l  of  the  actixilx 
must  be  handled  In  the  -taff.  assisted 
bx  xolunti-rr-.  The  results  are  too  far 
n  .11  hmg  and  Ion  important  to  allow 

it  to  be  a  hit  or  miss  proposition. 


b'l  <  Ml   XII'.N 


Public  Opinion  liils  Park  Officials 


1951  Peoria  Park 
District  Survey 


RECREATION  and  park  depart- 
ments  give  the  public  an  opportu- 
nity to  share  in  the  development  of 
plans  for  facilities  and  programs,  al- 
though the  public  relations  value  of 
such  participation  is  widely  recog- 
nized. Therefore,  a  public  survey  spon- 
sored in  June  1951,  by  the  Pleasure 
Driveway  and  Park  District  in  Peoria, 
Illinois,  is  of  unusual  interest.  Its  pur- 
pose was  twofold — to  make  a  quali- 
tative analysis  of  the  district  parks  and 
park  facilities  and  to  secure  informa- 
tion that  would  enable  the  park  trus- 
tees to  plan  intelligently  a  program  to 
encourage  the  better  use  of  park  facili- 
ties by  more  Peoria  people. 

Using  professional  resident  inter- 
viewers, under  the  direction  of  Mid- 
west Opinion  Associates,  Peoria  offi- 
cials presented  questionnaires  to  the 
heads  of  nine  hundred  homes  scattered 
throughout  twenty  districts  of  the  city 
and  park  district  extending  into  the 
county.  The  interviewers,  and  other 
personnel  involved  in  compiling  the 
survey  and  report,  donated  their  time. 
Every  effort  was  made  to  insure  com- 
plete accuracy  in  the  results,  and  only 
proven  and  accepted  techniques  were 
used  in  developing  the  data. 

Nearly  ninety-five  per  cent  of  all  re- 
spondents indicated  that  they,  or  a 
member  of  the  family,  visited  Peoria 
parks  during  the  preceding  year,  and 
three-fourths  of  them  go  to  the  parks 
weekly,  or  oftener.  More  than  forty 
per  cent  visit  the  parks  to  use  the  play- 


grounds. Baseball,  picnics  and  going 
to  the  zoo,  in  that  order,  are  the  next 
most  popular  attractions.  Swimming 
was  mentioned  by  only  fifteen  per  cent 
of  the  respondents,  but  this  may  be 
due  to  the  fact  that  the  interviewing 
was  done  in  June  before  the  very  hot 
weather  set  in.  More  than  ten  per  cent 
of  the  families  mentioned  band  con- 
certs and  floral  displays  as  reasons  for 
visiting  the  parks. 

Active  sports,  such  as  golf,  tennis, 
swimming  and  baseball  are  twice  as 
popular  with  the  frequent  as  they  are 
with  the  infrequent  visitors.  This  would 
seem  to  indicate  that  facilities  for  ac- 
tive games  encourage  regular  use  of 
the  parks.  Other  activities  did  not  show 
a  significant  difference  on  the  part  of 
those  who  visit  frequently  as  opposed 
to  those  who  do  not. 

More  than  three-fourths  of  the  re- 
spondents indicated  that  they  consider 
the  parks  excellent  or  fair,  the  higher 
percentage  of  satisfied  park  users 
being  those  who  go  frequently. 

On  the  matter  of  improvements,  one- 
half  of  the  frequent  visitors  could  sug- 
gest at  least  one  definite  improvement, 
but  only  one-eighth  of  the  infrequent 
visitors  were  able  to  offer  suggestions. 
Nearly  forty  per  cent  of  those  inter- 
viewed suggested  improved  playground 
equipment  or  picnic  areas.  Only  one- 
fourth  of  the  respondents  requested  an 
improved  zoo.  A  miniature  golf  course 
was  among  the  facilities  requested  on 
some  of  the  questionnaires. 

Three-fourths  of  the  people  go  to  the 
parks  by  private  automobile,  the  rest 
by  bus  or  other  transportation. 

Only  one-half  of  the  people  indi- 
cated they  would  definitely  go  to  Det- 
weiller  Park  to  visit  a  zoo  or  small 
animal  farm.  Among  the  wild  animals 
Peorians  would  like  to  see  at  the  zoo. 
bears  are  most  popular,  followed  by 
lions,  tigers  and  elephants.  Horses  are 
the  most  popular  of  tame  animals,  fol- 


lowed by  cows  and  pigs.  Monkeys  are 
the  favorite  small  animal,  and  pea- 
cocks and  parrots  are  the  most  popular 
birds.  Only  two  per  cent  showed  no 
special  choice  of  animals,  and  more 
than  twenty-five  per  cent  would  like 
to  see  all  kinds  of  small  animals. 

Peoria  people  are  not  sure  in  their 
own  minds  whether  the  playground 
and  recreation  board  is  part  of  the 
park  system:  one-half  of  the  respond- 
ents believe  it  is,  twenty  per  cent  feel 
that  it  is  not,  and  the  remaining  thirty 
per  cent  admit  they  do  not  know. 

In  making  decisions,  based  on  this 
survey,  the  importance  of  the  cost  in- 
volved in  the  development  and  promo- 
tion of  an  activity  must  be  carefully 
weighed.  Recommendations  offered  are : 

1.  Careful    analysis    of    the    play- 
ground   facilities    should    be    made. 
Where    feasible,    new    and    improved 
equipment   should    be   added   and   the 
number  of  playgrounds  increased. 

2.  Picnic  areas  should  be  carefully 
checked   as   to   number   and   facilities 
now  available.  Addition  of  picnic  areas 
in   the   less  popular  parks  should   be 
given  special  consideration. 

3.  The  miniature  golf  course  men- 
tioned as  an   improvement  should   be 
checked  into  further,  and  if  there  is 
enough  interest,  one  should  be  devel- 
oped, provided  space  is  available  in  a 
good   location.   This   is   especialy   im- 
portant   from    a    cost    standpoint    be- 
cause, with  sufficient  interest,  such  a 
project    would    probably    be    self-sup- 
porting or  even  profitable. 

4.  The   present   zoo   should   be  en- 
larged   and    improved,    if    funds    are 
available.  This  can  probably   be  done 
at  a  relatively  reasonable  cost  because 
of  the  high  degree  of  interest  in  small- 
er,  more   common   animals.   Any   ex- 
pansion here  should  be  thoroughly  ad- 
vertised and  promoted. 

5.  Band    concerts    should    be    more 
highly  advertised  and  promoted. 


SKI-TEMBER  1952 


229 


ami  r<m<T<>t<>  S 


•  Many  specific  questions  relating  to  the  surfacing  of  recreation  areas  wen-  sub- 
inittecl  to  a  nalional  commitlee  ou  surfacing  recrealion  areas,  in  response  to  a  <|in--- 
tionnaire  sent  out  early  in  1951.  A  number  of  these,  which  related  to  asphalt  surface-. 
were  referred  to  the  Asphalt  Institute  in  New  York  Citv  :  those  relating  to  concn-i.. 
to  the  1'ortland  Cement  Association  of  Chicago,  Colonel  Walter  F.  \\  inter-,  chief 
engineer  of  the  institute  and  Joseph  N.  Bell,  manager,  public  relations  bureau  of 
the  association,  provided  answers  which  are  reproduced  below . 


Q.  "Is  it  more  rx/ienxire  to  resurface  liadly  cracked 
and  deteriorated  paved  surfaces  or  to  replace  them  com- 
pletely?" 

A.  Il  is  \cry  dilln  ult  to  define  the  condition  of  a  surface 
which  would  be  more  economical  to  replace  than  to  re- 
-tirface.  Kor  example,  on  a  badly  cracked  concrete  surface 
which  i«  broken  into  comparatively  small  pieces  and  is 
badly  distorted,  it  would  likelv  not  be  economical  to  re- 
-urface.  since  the  distortion  of  the  concrete  might  con- 
tinue and  be  reflected  through  the  asphaltic  resurfacing. 
However,  material  of  (his  type  can  be  salvaged  as  a  base. 
It  can  It-  broken  and  jammed  into  the  grade  with  pneu- 
matic hammers,  capped  by  approximate!)  four  inches  of 
good  granular  material  and  an  asphaltic  resurface,  alum! 
two  inches  in  thickne— .  placed  on  the  granular  lift  with 
excellent  re-nit-.  In  general,  it  can  IK*  said  that  it  is  less 
expensive  to  re-urfare  than  it  is  to  replace  a  recreational 
area. 

<.).  U  hni  M  //ii-  Itest  ivay  to  resurface  clay  courts  uitli 
asphalt?  tt'hat  kiml.  fiiuniliitinn,  aggregate,  and  so  mi?" 

A.  The  ( lav  -oil-  should  lw  removed,  if  possible,  to  a 
depth  of  five  to  M-VCII  inches  if  a  clone  tvjN-  of  l.a-c  i-  I.. 
be  uvd.  A  plastic  clav.  -IP  Ii  .1-  i-  u»ed  in  tennis  court-. 
will  eonlaminate  a  «lone  base  \<\  pulling  in  and  holding 
moi'lure  which  lend-  t"  ->ofl«-ii  the  ham-  material*  and 
ilf..r.l-  m.ideipi.il.  .upporl  to  the  .i-.ph.ill  surfacing.  \ 
inch  of  tcrernings  or  sand  worked  into  the  toil  in  tin- 
bottom  of  the  excavation  will  tend  to  seal  out  the  ground 
water*,  hour  to  «i\  inchc*  of  granular  ha«c.  con«i«ting  ••( 
•  rii«he.|  Monr.  slag  or  gravel,  .hoiilil  then  be  lopped  |.\ 
neveral  inchr*  of  anphalti*  •  It  is  always  adviublc 

i..  provide  adequate  drainage  for  an   inMallation  of  thi« 

typa 


Q.  "We  have  been  in  tin-  jirai-ti<-f  uf  using  sheet  asphnll 
similar  to  that  u-sed  on  stii'fts  Inil  linil  it  It-nils  to  rni'-k. 
It  is  felt  that  the  reason  for  such  cncUng  is  because  IK-IU  \ 
traffic  is  lacking.  Our  surface  hecomes  brittle  and  con\i'- 
i/urnll\  splits.  Would  rubberized  surfacing  be  our  answer?" 

A.  A  heavier  penetration  asphalt  is  normal!)  used  in 
sheet  asphalt  construction  than  in  asphaltie  concrete.  If 
'.IK-  i-  M"t  n-i-d  in  preparing  the  sand  mi\c«.  the  |M-IH-- 
tralion  of  the  asphalt  may  again  !><•  lowered  by  excessive 
temperatures.  I 'he«e  conditions  may  be  the  cause  of  ci.n  k- 
ing  in  your  sheet  asphalt.  An  asphaltic  concrete,  usin^ 
slone  or  gravel,  lia-  le—  teiidein  \  to  crack  than  the  >hi-i-l 
asphalt  mixes,  and  if  a  high  sand  content  is  carried  in  the 
asphaltic  concrete  mix.  a  den»e.  -niooih  >urface  can  In- 
provided  which  i-  verv  similar  in  appearance  to  the  -heel 
asphalts.  In  addition  we  should  never  lose  sijjhl  of  the 
fad  that  maintenance  of  >ome  tvpr  i-  ncic».n\  from  time 
to  time  to  reduce  the  'racking  condition.  The  time  I 
an  asphaltic  surface  i  ,m  be  determined  onlv  liv  in-pei-lion. 
llowevet.  in  -.01 1 »•  l.x.ilions  it  ma\  !><•  advisable  to  seal  a 
-iiif.nr'  within  live  to  eight  vear*  after  it-  original  instal- 
lation. 


.  "U  i-  ««-•  it  liliH-klitp  nrrti  lor  nn  nc  rink  and 
nr   Inn  i-   \iinif  i  racking  of  the  asphalt.   l>n 
t'-)nnt   ilamaiii-    I  mm    it  r   rink  cunslruiliiin.''" 

A.  It  i-  doubtful  if  the  fact  the  area  is  used  .1-  an  ice 
rink  would  have  anv  particular,  detrimenl.il  effect  on  the 
.i-pli.illii  -in  (,nc.  Il  i-  po—ible  that  some  (racking  mav 
..nut  in  the  -urfacing.  If  these  cracks  are  scaled  and  r"ii- 
line  maintenance  pt..vided.  it  should  serve  satisfai  |.>iilv 
as  an  icr  skating  rink,  provided  tin-  original  con-Inn  lion 
was  adequate. 


lUl   lit    UI"N 


Q.  "Is  there  any  way  one  can  limit  the  seepage  of  water 
jrom  a  flooded  blacktop  area,  to  better  facilitate  ice  freez- 
ing for  skating?" 

A.  Apparently  the  area  referred  to  is  either  a  porous 
mi\  or  it  is  cracked  to  some  extent.  In  either  case,  a  seal 
constructed  b\  spraying  the  entire  surface  with  about  0.2 
gallons  per  square  yard  of  an  RC-4  or  5  and  covered  with 
coarse  sand  or  stone  chips  will  solve  the  problem  of  seep- 
age. 

Q.  "We  have  a  new  asphalt  multiple-use  area,  two  hun- 
dred feet  by  one  hundred  eighty-nine  feet,  with  a  spray 
painted  surface.  The  paint  gives  a  good  surface  for  shuffle- 
board,  roller  skating,  or  dancing,  but  tennis  and  basket- 
ball players  say  it  is  too  slick.  The  winter  freezing  chips 
I/if  paint  some.  Can  you  get  a  smooth  surface  without 
slickness?  Is  there  a  way  to  eliminate  repainting?  Is 
there  an  engineering  minimum  on  subsurface  drainage? 
(We  went  to  considerable  expense  on  this.)" 

A.  A  number  of  multiple-use  areas  have  been  constructed 
in  the  country  on  new  asphaltic  concrete,  using  the  plastic 
hpe  of  paints.  These  paints  are  often  applied  with  a 
squeegee  in  a  multiple  course  of  application.  The  first 
coals  are  normally  filler  coats  which  tend  to  fill  up  the 
small  voids  in  the  surfacing.  Color  coats  are  then  applied 
followed  by  several  clear  coats  of  plastic  paint.  This 
method  of  finishing  a  multi-use  area  seems  to  be  quite 
satisfactory,  and  provides  a  surface,  if  dry  and  not  waxed, 
which  can  be  used  for  tennis  and  basketball.  A  periodical 
repainting  with  a  clear  coat  of  paint  will  likely  be  nec- 
essary. 

It  is  virtually  impossible  to  say  what  the  minimum 
amount  of  subdrainage  installation  would  be  on  any  par- 
ticular construction.  The  type  of  soil  is  usually  the  govern- 
ing factor.  In  an  open,  free  draining  soil,  little  or  no  sub- 
drainage  installations  are  necessary. 

Q.  "What  is  the  best  method  of  retarding  the  melting 
of  ice  on  asphalt  courts  flooded  for  use  as  skating  rinks?" 

A.  The  application  of  sand  is  probably  as  effective  as 
any  other  material.  However,  portland  cement  can  be  ap- 
plied, or  a  thin  wash  of  either  lime  or  cement.  If  sand 
is  used,  it  need  not  be  applied  to  a  thickness  of  greater 
than  one  to  one  and  one-half  inches.  The  depth  of  the 
water  over  this  sand  should  be  maintained  at  not  less 
than  two  inches  at  the  crown  of  the  court. 

Concrete 

Q.  "Is  it  more  expensive  to  resurface  badly  cracked  and 
deteriorated  paved  surfaces,  or  to  replace  them  com- 
pletely? 

A.  It  will  probably  be  more  expensive  to  replace  the 
concrete,  but  you  will  almost  certainly  get  greater  returns 
from  the  money  invested.  If  the  pavement  is  badly  cracked, 
as  described,  then  the  subbase  is  probably  to  blame.  Re- 
surfacing does  not  correct  a  bad  subbase,  and  the  crack- 
ing may  eventually  occur  in  the  new  surface  in  approxi- 
mately the  same  locations.  While  the  initial  cost  will  be 
greater  to  remove  the  cracked  pavement,  correct  faults  in 


the  subgrade  and  place  new  concrete,  in  the  long  run  it 
will  pay  off  in  longer  service  life  and  reduced  maintenance 
and  repair  bills. 

Q.  "We  would  like  to  use  tin-  concrete  areas  for  roller 
skating  but  have  not  solved  the  problem  of  the  expansion 
joints  interfering  with  the  skates." 

A.  Normally  expansion  joints  are  not  recommended  in 
roller  skating  rinks,  as  this  type  of  joint  usually  creates 
a  bump,  or  the  sealing  material  adheres  to  the  wheels  of 
the  skates.  Brass  dividing  strips,  to  allow  for  contraction 
only,  are  recommended. 

But  where  existing  concrete  built  for  other  purposes  is 
employed  for  roller  skating,  it  is  recommended  that  this 
be  done:  remove  all  joint  sealing  tar  or  asphaltic  material 
to  a  depth  that  will  permit  bond  between  the  concrete  and 
new  sealing  material;  following  recommendations  of  the 
manufacturers*  of  asphalt-rubber  composition,  thoroughly 
clean  the  crevice  of  foreign  matter  and  fill  with  the  new 
material  to  surface  level;  make  sure  that  the  joint  is  water- 
light  and  that  the  composition  is  not  extruded. 

Q.  "Interested  in  concrete  tennis  court  construction  with 
curb  built  around  the  courts  so  they  can  be  flooded  to  pro- 
vide ice  skating  in  winter." 

A.  It  is  hardly  necessary  to  say  that  repeated  cycles  of 
freezing  and  thawing  are  severely  punishing  to  any  type 
of  pavement,  and  surface  scaling  sometimes  results.  It 
has  been  only  in  recent  years  that  an  answer  to  this  prob- 
lem has  been  developed  by  the  portland  cement  industry. 
Air-entraining  portland  cement  is  now  used  by  nearly  all 
northern  states  in  building  concrete  pavement  resistant  to 
"frost  action"  or  repeated  cycles  of  freezing  and  thawing, 
and  to  the  action  of  chemicals  used  to  melt  pavement  ice. 

But  this  in  itself  is  not  a  recommendation  that  a  tennis 
court  pavement  be  intentionally  subjected  to  such  punish- 
ment. A  tennis  court  with  a  true  surface  costs  a  good  deal 
of  money,  and  should  be  well  protected,  not  endangered. 
Without  sermonizing,  making  such  courts  into  double-duty 
pavement  may  well  be  a  case  of  "penny  wise  and  pound 
foolish".  The  added  winter  income  may  be  largely  ex- 
pended in  spring  and  summer  repairs,  and  by  loss  of  in- 
come during  resurfacing  or  replacement  operations. 

However,  if  the  primary  purpose  of  the  court  is  for  ice 
skating,  and  the  tennis  court  of  secondary  importance, 
then  air-entraining  portland  cement  should  by  all  means 
be  used  to  make  the  concrete.  Where  air-entraining  port- 
land  cement  is  not  available,  an  air-entraining  admixture 
should  be  used.  In  addition,  all  joints  should  be  thoroughly 
caulked  before  flooding.  A  marshy  subgrade  is  a  serious 
hazard  to  pavement  of  all  types,  even  concrete,  which  has 


*The  following  are  names  of  companies  known  to  be  producing 
asphalt-rubber  composition.  It  is  suggested  that  they  be  contacted 
for  comments  as  to  whether  their  products  will  serve  the  specific 
purpose  mentioned. 

"Paraplastic,"  Servicized  Products  Corporation.  6051  West  65th 
Street,  Chicago  38,  Illinois; 

"Careylastic,"  Phillips-Carey  Company.  Lakeland.  Cincinnati. 
Ohio;  and 

"Sealz,"  Dispersion  Process.  Incorporated,  Rockefeller  Center, 
New  York  City. 


SlJTKMBER    1952 


231 


h  to  bridge  small  weak  -pot-.  \\hru  water  seeps 
through  joints  in  freeze  beneath  pavement,  serious  dam- 
age can  reMill. 

\  mtt-derigned  court  of  tir-cntrained  concrete,  pro- 
tected against  -eepage  nf  waler  inln  the  suhgrade.  \\ill 
pmhahlv  give  mam  xcar-  nf  I-M  <-llent  -en  ii •<•  in  the  dual 
role  suggested. 

Q.  "We  built  tennis  courts  uith  rurh  around  for  ice 
skiilinji.  but  alternate  freezing  tiixl  thawing  broke  off  the 
'skin  coat.'  Patching  places  where  surface  teas  broken 
l>nnril  unsuccessful.  How  shoultl  we  resurface  //;••«• 


A.   i  See  previous  question,  i 

\  "skin  coat"  is  more  or  less  useless  for  pavement  sub- 
jected to  repeated  cycles  of  this  tvpe. 

The  surface  of  the  existing  court  should  be  thoroughly 


cleaned  and  roughened  with  a  scarifying  tool  to  assure 
good  bond  between  new  and  old  concrete.  Three  inches 
of  air-entrained  concrete  reinforced  with  welded  wire 
fabric  weighing  at  lea-l  -cventx  -eight  pounds  per  one 
bundled  square  fret  is  noOBHModed.  Expansion  joints 
-houlil  !«•  placed  in  the  resurfacing  directly  over  an\  e\ 
pan-inn  jn'mt-  in  the  old  slab,  and  the  grooves  tightly 
sealed. 

Q.  "What  are  best  colors  to  reduce  sun  glare  on  game 


A.  Green.  Various  shades  of  brown  and  black  seem  to 
be  among  the  most  popular  colors  for  stains.  As  to  use 
of  such  preparations,  the  directions  of  the  individual  manu- 
facturers should  be  followed.  They  will  undoubtedly  be  glad 
to  render  advice  on  colors  and  application. 


PEOPLE  AND  EVENTS  .  .  . 

Mrs.  Sigmund  Stern,  menilier  of  the 
recreation  commission  for  over  thirtv- 
three  years,  was  recently  awarded  an 
honorary  membership  in  the  Califor- 
nia Recreation  Society  —  in  apprecia- 
tion of  her  magnificent  record  of  serv- 
ice in  public  recreation.  She  has  been 
appointed  and  re-appointed  by  four 
Francisco  mayors. 


V.  W.  Flickinger,  chief  of  the  divi- 
-ion  of  parks  in  Ohio,  and  Frank  1). 
Ouinn.  chairman  of  the  Texas  state 
park*  board  and  president  of  the  Na- 
tional Conference  on  State  Parks,  were 
awarded  the  Cornelius  Amory  Pugsley 
silver  and  l>r"ii/.e  medal-.  rcspectivciv  . 
f<.r  outstanding  service  in  park  work. 

I  lie     Virginia    Recreation      \—  ,..  1.1- 
tion'-  lir-t  Ltyman's  Award  for  service 
iimiinilv   recreation,  went  I"  M.m 
<  .  Huppurh  of  Arlington. 

An  editorial  honoring  Guv  L.  Shipp- 
wan  published  in  the  Midland  l>nil\ 
\.-iii  'Michigan)  on  March  IT.  1'>.~>J. 
Tin-  ciliiorial  recognized  the  many 
year*  of  out-landing  public  «civn  •• 

uln.li     Mr.    >hipp«    hil-    ile\oti-il    In    his 

rommunit)  . 

.          •          •          •          • 

John  J.  Cori«idinr.  i  li.iirm.in  of  the 
in-wrvicr   training   i  onuiiiltee    for    the 
\IIII-IK.III  In-liliite  of  Park  Kv-iuliv.-. 
and  grnrral  superintendent  of  tin    I  >> 
irml  Department  of  Park*  ami  I! 
lion,  nltemlc.l  itie  Olvmpii.  .it  llrl-inki 
in  JuU.   "Thi«  will  givr  mr  an  oppor- 

2.12 


tmiiu  to  study  the  physical  arrange- 
ments and  confer  with  the  authorities 
in  Helsinki  on  the  various  ways  in 
which  these  facilities  can  be  adapted 
to  multiple  use."  he  said  before  leav- 
ing. "M\  \i-il  will  not  limit  me  to 
llel-inki.  for  I  expect  to  tour  other 
European  countries  and  see  what  they 
have  to  offer  in  the  line  of  public  rec- 
reation." 

Mr.  (lonsidine  is  on  the  committee 
planning  the  convention  hall  and  ex- 
hibits building  in  the  Detroit  Civic 
Center.  An>  ideas  derived  from  his 
Kuro|>caii  visit  will  be  incorporated  in 
these  structures. 

•          *          •          *          • 

Gilbert  L.  Skutt.  superintendent  of 
parks  in  Iy»s  Angeles  since  July  1936. 

retired  Max  I.  IT>J.  Me  wa-  head  of 
ihe  I'asadcnu  I'. irk  Department  from 
l«>2.?  until  assuming  the  Los  Angeles 
I io.| .  Mr.  Skull  Mipci vised  the  building 
of  thirtv-lwo  new  \A>S  Angeles  plav- 
ground-,  nine  swimming  pools,  the 
llollx  woodland  (iirls'  ('.amp.  and  the 
improM-menl  of  liflx  nldi-r  plav- 
gloiind-.  Mi-  v\.i-  the  tn-l  pre-ident  <>f 
lioth  the  \\c~l.-rn  >lia.le  Tree  Confer- 
ence and  I hr  (California  Soi  ieiv  of  the 
In-iiliile  of  Park  F.xcciitixe-.  Me  has 
-i-rx.d  I.  iiu-  .1-  x  n  i  |ii'-idenl  and 
;.t.  -i.li-lil  of  the  Yilli.li.ll  Institute  of 

Park  Kvei  uliven,  and  wa»  on  ihe  board 
of  ilirei  IIT-  fm  inanv  xearx. 

\rllmi  I  .  Demaray.  din-i|..i  of  (he 
National  Park  Serviir  from  April  to 
Deoemlxr.  I'l'il.  n-iired  after  forlv- 


eight  and  one-half  years  of  serv  ii  e 
xxith  the  federal  government.  He  has 
received  the  Cornelius  Amorv  Pugsley 
gold  medal,  for  outstanding  contribu- 
tions to  the  park  field. 

*          •          •          •          • 

Obituary  Notes 

Weldon  B.  Wade,  executive  secre- 
tary of  the  American  Institute  of  Park 
Executives,  from  August  1950  until  his 
death  in  June  of  this  year,  was  super- 
intendent of  recreation  in  Sycamore, 
Illinois,  from  1937  to  1941,  and  was 
in  community  organization  work  for 
the  Federal  Securitv  \gem-v  from 
1941  to  1946.  Mr.  Wade  was  gradu- 
ated from  the  National  Recreation  As- 
-MI  ialion  School  in  1935. 

\rlliur  Hindge  Wendell,  president. 
until  his  death  last  May,  of  the  Wheat- 
ena  Corporation  of  Rahway.  New  Jer- 
sey, was  interested  for  main  vears  in 
tin-  dcxcliipmeni  of  a  chain  of  parks 
for  I  nion  Count).  New  Jrr-cv.  Mr. 
\\i-ndell  was  an  original  mcmlx-i  »f 
the  park  commis-ion.  formed  in  !''-! 
In  iiuixcrl  -w.imps  and  abandoned 
I.  urn  area-  into  park  grounds,  and 
-•i  ved  .i~  i  liaiiman  f»i  two 


Paul  Ncl-on.  author  of  "  \  Mailer 
of  Life  or  Death."  which  .ippi-.m-d  in 
Hi  i  in  XIIIIN.  March.  P>."»2.  died  befme 
.ild  see  hi-  ailii  le  in  print.  Dedi- 
cation of  a  owimming  pool  in  Santa 
Maria.  California,  has  IN-CII  proposed 
In  Inmor  Mr.  Nel-.in's  contribution  to 
-winiming  safety  and  sport. 

RECREATION 


Personnel 

•  The  National  Recreation  Congress 
is  only  a  few  days  away  and  if  you  are 
planning  to  attend  you  may  want  to 
take  advantage  of  the  several  special 
features  related  to  personnel.  These  in- 
clude : 

I.  Job    Mart — If   you    are    an   em- 
ployer  seeking   qualified   professional 
leaders,  fill  out  the  job  card,  giving 
brief  but  essential  information  about 
the    position    available    and    advising 
how  prospective  candidates  can  meet 
you    for   a   personal    interview.   Also, 
you  may  want  to  check  the  companion 
file  for  candidates,  to  see  what  candi- 
dates are  registered  and  available  for 
your    type    of   position.     Professional 
leaders  in  attendance  and  available  for 
positions   will   fill  out  the   candidates 
card  and  place  it  in  the  file  for  those 
available  for  positions. 

II.  Registration    for    Placement   - 
Registration   blanks  will  be  available 
at  the  Congress.  They  may  be  filled  out 
and  placed  in  the  confidential  box  pro- 
vided for  that  purpose.  These  applica- 
tions   will    be   collected    and    brought 
back  to  headquarters  for  processing  in 
the  usual  manner.   The  applicants  will 
be  classified  and  added  to  the  active 
list. 

Those  professional  leaders  who  are 
not  necessarily  available  or  looking 
for  positions  find  it  desirable  to  have 
their  professional  records  on  file  at  a 
central  place.  These  may  be  referred  to 
confidentially  for  special  assignments 
or  in  times  of  emergency.  Sometimes 
positions  seek  the  worker.  Recently,  a 
representative  searching  confidentially 
for  an  outstanding  candidate  to  fill  an 
unusual  position  observed  an  individ- 
ual at  a  conference.  He  was  impressed 
and,  upon  speaking  to  the  person, 
found  him  to  be  interested.  This  pros- 
pect was  eliminated  later  when,  upon 
request,  we  were  not  able  to  provide  a 
set  of  credentials  for  him  along  with 
the  professional  personnel  records  of 
other  experienced  candidates. 

III.  National  Roster — This  is  a  sep- 
arate defense  project  and  should  not 
be  confused  with  registration  for  em- 
ployment, membership  in  the  associa- 
tion or  with  any  other  listing.  It  has 

SEPTEMBER  1952 


no  relationship  to  other  personnel 
projects,  and  all  recreation  and  park 
leaders  are  included,  whether  their 
names  appear  on  other  types  of  lists 
or  not. 

It  would  be  vital  that  the  recreation 
leadership  of  the  country  be  made  im- 
mediately available  to  the  armed  forc- 
es and  civilian  war  recreation  pro- 
grams in  the  event  of  an  all-out  war. 
This  would  require  a  great  expansion 
of  recreation  service  practically  over- 
night. A  major  disaster  might  mean 
that  the  welfare  of  your  citizens  would 
require  additional  and  immediate  as- 
sistance from  your  own  recreation 
sources,  backed  up  with  whatever  help 
is  available.  For  example,  should  thou- 
sands of  children  be  housed  in  tem- 
porary shelters,  you  would  need  more 
story-tellers,  music  or  game  leaders  or 
other  types  of  specialists.  At  this  point, 
the  association  could  tell  your  local 
officials  where  such  leaders  are  and 
how  to  reach  them.  Recreation  must  be 
prepared  for  this  sort  of  emergency, 
although  we  hope  it  will  never  happen. 

The  National  Roster  is  the  only  way 
by  which  the  members  of  the  recrea- 
tion profession  could  be  immediately 
mobilized  on  a  nation-wide  basis  for 
this  tremendous  recreation  job.  If  you 
have  not  already  done  so,  we  urge  you 
to  be  prepared  by  enrolling  on  the  Na- 
tional Roster.  We  are  eager,  also,  that 
you  urge  your  entire  professional  staff 
to  enroll.  It  would  be  particularly  im- 
portant to  be  able  to  reach  program 
and  other  staff  specialists  quickly  in 
such  an  event. 

Out  of  loyalty  to  the  profession,  all 
park  and  recreation  personnel  should 
be  registered.  This  is  the  first  attempt 
to  establish  a  national  roster  for  rec- 
reation and  park  personnel.  Recreation 
is  probably  the  only  major  profession 
that  does  not  know  the  status  of  its 
own  leadership.  This  is  an  embarrass- 
ing admission.  We  know  something 
about  the  total  number  of  leaders,  but 
we  do  not  know  about  the  types  of  lead- 
ers. We  do  not  know  the  number  of 
playground  leaders,  the  number  of 
community  center  leaders,  the  number 
of  general  supervisors  or  the  number 


W.  C.  Sutherland 


of  specialists  for  such  major  activities 
as  music,  drama,  crafts  and  nature. 
Registration  with  the  roster  will  sup- 
ply this  information,  which  is  impor- 
tant to  all  of  us,  in  both  war  and 
peace  time. 

Facilities  and  material  are  available 
at  the  Congress  for  registering  with  the 
roster.  Won't  you  please  register  be- 
fore you  leave  the  Congress,  or 
promptly  after  you  return  to  your  re- 
spective cities?  Also,  we  are  depend- 
ing upon  you  to  see  that  members  of 
your  staff  stand  up  to  be  counted 
and  to  see,  also,  that  they  register.  The 
roster  will  never  be  complete  without 
them. 

Colleges  Reporting  Major  Curriculums 
in  Recreation 

It  will  be  noted,  in  the  following 
table,  that  there  has  been  a  sharp  drop 
both  in  the  number  of  colleges  report- 
ing and  the  number  of  students  being 


MOVIES 

FOR 

RECREATION 
PROGRAMS 

Arts  and  Crafts 

Entertainment 

Sports 

Good  films  stimulate  active 
recreation  programs.  We  have 
more  than  1,400  films,  includ- 
ing 120  free  films,  many  in  full 
color. 

1 

FREE 
CATALOG 

Write   Dept.   R 

ASSOCIATION  FILMS,  INC. 

347    Madison    Avenue 
New  York   17,  N.Y. 


233 


. .  .  the  universal  comment  of  the 
Recreation  Directors  at  the  Nat'l 
Recreation    Association    Conven- 
ution  in  Boston  ..  .when  they  saw 
and  heard... 
I 


Rek-O-Kut's  All-Speed,  Portable, 
Indoor-Outdoor  Phonograph 


because: 


•  The  RHYTHMASTER.  In  addition  to  playing  all 
your  33V).  4}  and  78  R.P.M.  records  at  their 
normal  speeds,  II  the  enly  phonofraph  avail- 
able that  allows  you  te  play  ANT  record  at 
ANT  speed  which  belt  meett  the  eiact  re- 
quirements of  teacher  and  pupil! 

•  By  pluffini  a  microphone  Into  input  pro- 
vided,  the   recreation   director  can   super- 
Impose  hit  voice  over  the  selection  belne. 
played  and  accent  the  record  with  personal 
comments  and  Instructions. 

Powerful  amplifier  and  speaker 

.-Jatet   1000  people  In  auditorium, 

rrmnaiium.  ballroom,  etc. 

•  OUTDOORS:  Simply  pluf  your  trumpet  speak- 
ers directly  Into  the  RHYTHMASTER  for  uie 
on  athletic  fields,  etc. 

3  EDUCATIONAL  TOOLS  IN  ONE: 

1 — A   full   rang*   M-fl   phonograph 

1  — A    P.  A.    tyifem    ( when    microphone    li 

•/v»o.rf  In) 

]  — A  hl-d  rootlo  receiver  (wh.n  wieo1  with 
yew  AM  or  CM  fewer) 

'  Write   tor   new    l«7   catalef   ef   RM-O-KUT 
instrvMents  for  Ike  educational  field 


MATIOMl    IICHMTION    CONMMS 

N..O. 

7«t» 


IVr-.oiin.-l  <<  <.iilmii<-il| 
graduated.  The  thirty-nine  schools  re- 
porting major  curriculums  in  recrea- 
tion for  1952  represent  a  decrease  of 
fourteen  over  1951.  Compared  with 
the  preceding  year,  the  565  students 
expected  to  receive  recreation  degrees 
in  1952  indicate  a  loss  of  127  poten- 
tial leaders. 

This  decrease  in  the  number  of  rec- 
reation leaders  being  trained  by  col- 
leges and  universities  would  not  be 
quite  so  disconcerting  if  it  meant  bet- 
ter selection  and  more  careful  screen- 
ing of  those  being  admitted  into  the 
professional  recreation  curriculums. 
Unfortunately,  this  is  not  the  case  at 
some  schools.  By  the  middle  of  May. 
less  than  half  of  the  schools  reporting 
students  available  had  been  visited. 
However,  some  of  those  were  not  par- 
ticularly inspiring,  with  one-third  to 
one-half  of  the  students  interviewed 
obviously  unsuited  for  recreation  lead- 
ership. On  the  more  optimistic  side, 
we  are  pleased  to  report  that  other 
schools  visited  were  able  to  maintain 
both  quantity  and  quality,  with  prac- 
tically every  student  placeablc  in  some 
type  of  leadership  position. 

The  general  situation  indicates  the 
urgent  need  for  a  nation-wide  syste- 
matic recruiting  program  for  the  pro- 
fession. Outstanding  student  leaders  in 
high  school  graduating  classes  must 
be  acquainted  with  iln-  u|i|,ortunitir- 
for  recreation  leadership,  and  encour- 
aged to  attend  colleges  and  universi- 
ties with  ucirptablc  pr<.fr>-i.mal  rec- 
reation curriculums.  The  schools  must 
have  a  larger  pool  of  more  promising 
prosjx-i-is  from  which  to  choose  those 
to  receive  professional  preparation. 

RECREATION    CURRICULUMS   AND    DEGREES 


The  association's  Advisory  Commit- 
tee on  Recruitment,  headed  by  Mrs. 
Verna  Rensvold,  Superintendent  of 
Recreation,  Kansas  City.  Missouri,  is 
working  on  the  problem  and  will  un- 
doubtedly come  up  with  practical  ideas 
and  recommendations.  Suggestions 
from  others  will  be  most  welcome.  The 
college  recreation  session  at  the  Con- 
gress this  year  will  deal  exclu.«ivrl\ 
with  recruiting  and  selection.  The 
problem  is  urgent,  and  it  is  hoped  that 
forward  progress  will  be  rapid  in  this 
important  phase  of  personnel  work. 

New  Training  Program 
Illinois  University  announces  a  new 
graduate  recreation  training  program 
starting  in  September  1952,  leading  to 
a  Master  of  Science  in  Recreation.  It 
will  be  under  the  direction  of  Charles 
K.  Brightbili. 

Personnel  News 

Marvin  Rife  has  been  appointed  di- 
rector of  research  and  general  super- 
visor for  the  camping  program  of  the 
Herald  Tribune  Fresh  Air  Fund  in 
New  York  City.  Dr.  Cliff  Hutchins  of 
tlir  M{.\'-  |il.inninp  and  >ur\c\  .-rr\  ire- 
will  succeed  Dr.  Rife  as  director  of  the 
professional  recreation  curriculum  at 
Wisconsin  University. 

Gerald  Burns  has  resigned  as  execu- 
tive director  of  the  American  Camping 
Association. 

F.  V.  D.  Gustafson  is  now  superin- 
tendent for  Montgomery  County, 
Maryland.  E.  T.  McGowan  succeeds 
him  as  superintendent  of  recreation, 

Detroit 

\\  .  ('.  *•!   Mir  111   \M>  i<  ./.Vrrf.ir  of  n-rrr- 

ution  personnel  service  of  the  NRA. 

REPORTED    BY   U.S.    COLLEGES   IN    193? 


Colleges  and  Universities 

Number  of  Degrees 

Offering: 

Awarded  in  1952 

Total  Number 

Notional  Recreation 

Under 

of  Colleges 

Association 

graduate       Graduate 

Reporting  Major 

District 

Major               Major 

Curriculums  in 

TOTAl    TOTAl 

Curricu              Curc.ru 

Recreation 

Bachelor 

Gradual* 

19S2       1951 

lumsin            lutra  In 

Recreation  '  Recreation 

New    England 

1                       1 

1 

18 

• 

23           27 

Middle  Atlantic 

s              s 

i 

38 

73 

111          173 

Southern 

9                    3 

9 

J9 

8 

67         100 

Great    lok»i 

11                     S 

11 

180 

70 

250         251 

MidwMt 

1                     0 

1 

4 

0 

4           26 

Southwest 

1                     1 

1 

9 

4 

13           16 

Pacific     Southwnt 

9                      4 

9 

73 

13 

86           65 

Pacific    Northwest 

2                      0 

2 

11 

0 

11           34 

TOTAL 

39                    19 

39 

392 

173 

565         692 

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Recreation  Salaries 


ChartI    MEDIAN   RECREATION  SUPERINTENDENT    SALARIES 


In  the  recreation  profession,  as  in  many  other  fields  of 
endeavor,  we  face  continuously  the  problem  of  recruiting, 
training,  placing  and  retaining  personnel  who  will  be  re- 
sponsible, efficient  and  competent  in  accomplishing  the 
objectives  of  the  organization  and  the  movement  —  in  this 
case,  provision  of  one  of  the  most  intimate,  personal 
services  of  city  government. 

This  report  was  prepared  for  use  by  the  National  Rec- 
reation Association's  National  Advisory  Committee  on  Re- 
cruitment, Training  and  Placement  of  Recreation  Person- 
nel1, and  for  use  by  the  association  in  its  defense-related 
recreation  personnel  services.  It  deals  with  some  of  the 
basic  conditions  of  employment  which  affect  both  the  rec- 
reation authority  and  the  professional  recreation  worker. 
Salaries,  cost  of  living  adjustments,  vacation  and  sick 
leave  provisions,  car  allowances,  and  civil  service  status 
of  employees  in  148  community  recreation  departments 
are  summarized  in  the  following  pages.  This  information 
will  be  used  by  the  National  Advisory  Committee  in 
formulating  recommendations  for  the  future  development 
of  the  profession. 

Extensive  use  has  been  made  of  the  association's  pre- 
vious salary  studies,  usually  undertaken  every  ten  years. 
The  basic  information  contained  in  them  has  been  re- 
quested by  recreation  executives,  recreation  boards  and 


1  See  "The  National  Advisory  Committee  on  Recruitment,  Training, 
and  Placement  of  Recreation  Personnel,"  page  126,  RECREATION, 
June  1952. 

SEPTEMBER  1952 


other  government  agencies  concerned  with  the  budgets  of 
recreation  agencies  and  the  compensation  of  recreation 
personnel.  With  the  pressures  of  the  defense  period,  such 
requests  have  become  even  more  numerous,  and  the  need 
for  a  study  of  current  conditions  has  been  apparent.  It 
can  therefore  be  expected  that  this  material  will  serve  an 
immediate  as  well  as  a  long-term  use. 

The  appreciation  of  the  survey  staff  and  of  all  who  will 
use  this  compilation  must  be  expressed  to  the  busy  recrea- 
tion executives  in  large  and  small  departments  who,  as  a 
contribution  to  the  recreation  movement,  have  provided 
the  essential  detailed  information  for  their  communities. 

Scope  of  the  Study 

Questionnaires  were  sent  to  223  cities  with  well-de- 
veloped recreation  programs  established  on  a  year-round 
basis,  selected  to  provide  an  adequate  cross-section  of 
public  departments.  Reports  were  received  covering  2,007 
full-time  positions  in  145  recreation  departments  under 
local  governmental  auspices.  The  smallest  community  had 
a  population  of  3,076;  the  largest  3,606,436  (1950  cen- 
sus). Special  care  was  taken  to  include  representation  of 
all  geographic  areas  and  all  major  population  groups. 

Results  of  the  study  are  reported  in  one  or  both  of  two 
ways.  Geographic  reports  cover  eight  regions  with  the 
same  boundaries  as  the  eight  National  Recreation  Asso- 
ciation Districts,  (Tables  II — IX).  Statistics  reported  by 

237 


population  group  are  divided  into  five  categories,  (Tables 
X — XIV).  Because  of  the  growing  number  of  year-round 
professionally-staffed  recreation  departments  in  smaller 
communities,  figures  are  reported  separately  for  cities 
under  25,000  in  population,  for  the  first  time.  Previous 
-urve\>  have  included  this  group  in  the  "under  50,000 
population"  category2. 

The  titles  and  definitions  of  positions  used  for  this 
-!u<l\  are  drawn  from  "Personnel  Standards  in  Recreation 
Leadership"  (National  Recreation  Association,  1949)  *. 
Instructions  accompanying  the  questionnaire  outlined  these 
r  atcgories,  and  interpretation  of  local  titles  was  left  en- 
tirely to  the  discretion  of  the  person  filling  out  the  ques- 
tionnaire. No  requests  for  additional  information  were 
made,  and  practically  no  editing  of  reports  was  done. 

Like  the  other  salary  studies  published  by  the  Associa- 
tion in  193S  and  1948,  this  is  based  on  a  limited  survey 
and  is  intended  to  provide  a  general  indication  of  salaries 
rurrently  being  paid  recreation  workers. 

Nature  and  Treatment  of  Data 

In  tabulating  salaries  by  population  and  geographical 
iii-iric-t.  lowest,  median  and  highest  salaries  for  each  posi- 
tion are  recorded.  The  median  was  used,  rather  than  the 
arithmetic  average,  to  obviate  the  possibility  of  undue 
weighting  by  an  extremely  high  or  extremely  low  salary4. 
In  Table  I,  summarizing  the  salary  findings  of  this  study, 
quartiles  have  also  been  determined5. 


'  For  simplicity,  clau  intervals  and  table  titles  used  are  given  in 
round  numbers.  25,000—50,000  should  be  read  25,000  up  to  but 
not  including  50,000  and  «o  on. 

'  A  report  of  the  Recreation  Leadership  Standards  Committee  of 
the  National  Recreation  Association.  This  committee  ii  composed 
of  recreation  executives. 

4  The  median  is  defined  as  the  point  so  located  in  a  series  that  one- 
half  of  the  items  lie  above  it  and  one-half  below  it  The  median 
between  1  and  25  would  be  13.  In  the  case  of  an  even  number  of 
iii-mii,  the  median  in  the  arithmetic  mean  of  the  two  central  items. 
Thr  fir«t  or  lower  quartile  is  the  point  above  which  three-quarters 
of  all  items  lie,  and  below  which  one-quarter  lie.  The  third  or  up- 
per quartile  is  defined  in  a  similar  manner  as  the  point  above 
which  one-quarter  of  all  items  lie,  and  below  which  three-quarters 

lir. 


Where  the  salary  range  for  an  individual  position  was 
repotted,  rather  than  the  amount  paid  the  incumlvent  or 
incumbents,  an  amount  half-way  between  the  two  extreme* 
was  arbitrarily  assigned  each  worker.  (An  example  »{ 
this  occurs  in  the  hifihe-t  eveutive  -alary  ie|i.ir(ecl  in 
Table  II). 

Cost  of  living  adjustments  were  reported  as  part  of  total 
salary,  and  are  so  considered  in  the  summaries.  Allowum  '•- 
for  use  of  private  car  on  department  business,  on  the  other 
hand,  were  recorded  separate  from  salary. 

Special  arrangements  made  primarily  for  the  con- 
venience of  the  employing  agency,  although  having  mone- 
tary value  to  the  worker,  were  not  recorded  as  salary. 
Such  items  were  listed  separately  on  the  questionnaire, 
and  the  estimated  value  noted.  In  a  few  cities  residence 
was  provided  for  executive  or  for  staff  members,  and  in 
one  the  superintendent's  rent  was  subsidized.  Home  tele- 
phones for  executive  and  certain  supervisory  workers  were 
paid  for  by  several  cities.  Others  provided  life  or  hos- 
pitalization  insurance  without  charge.  One  or  two  depart- 
ments allowed  a  percentage  of  concession  profits  to  the 
manager  of  the  facility.  For  several  of  the  minimum-salary 
workers  reported  in  the  summaries,  receipt  of  income  ap- 
parently from  non-departmental  sources  was  recorded. 

Fiscal  Years  and  Current  Salaries 

As  a  basis  for  tabulating  and  evaluating  current  sala- 
ries, all  participating  departments  were  asked  to  identify 
the  beginning  date  of  their  fiscal  year.  Of  142  cities  which 
did  provide  this  information,  only  slightly  more  than 
half  were  using  the  calendar  year.  January  opens  the 
fiscal  year  for  seventy-four  departments,  and  July  for 
twelve.  In  summary,  nine  different  months  were  reported 
as  beginning  the  financial  year  for  various  department-. 

The  salaries  which  form  the  foundation  of  this  study, 
therefore,  represent  the  current  salary  received  by  the  in- 
cumlient  in  each  position  as  of  January  1952,  or  the  salar\ 
established  for  the  1952  fiscal  year,  if  determined.  M..-I 


TABLE  I 

RKCREATION  WOKKKHS  SALARIES  IN  148  U.S.  CITIES.  JANUARY  1952 


SALARY 

Position                                       Depts.  Workers 
Report-  Report- 
ing         ed 
Superintendent                                     148        148 
Assistant   Superintendent                    62          73 
General  Supervisor                             57        152 

Lowest       Lower 
Quarlilr 
$2,900        $4.380 
2,370          3,300 
2,100          3,500 

Median 

$5,120 
3,900 
1,200 

Upper 

Huartilr 
$6,000 

1*576 
L999 

Highest 

$11.000* 
8.580 

SuDcrvisor  of  Special  Activities: 
Music  or  Drama 
Sports  and  Alhl< 
Cirla'  *  Wonka's  Act.** 
Arts  A  Crafts  or  Nature 
Dance  or  Social  An 
Other  Special  Act.** 

11 
52 
27 
IS 
8 
25 

12 
67 
30 
24 
8 
32 

2,460 
IflOO 

1.200: 

1370 
S£M 

J.J'i, 

13M 
3.018 

."'.<> 
3,060 

I'.:;H 

3.1.V) 

4370 

3457 
1,730 
3.185 
U47 

UM 

j..i:: 

I.IVJ 

5.280 
L.164 

i.Mtn 

5365 
M65 

5,280 
538  • 
LyCBO 

»,.'<U 

Director 

56 

35 

2 
IS 
10 

833 

558 
2 
50 
18 

1360 

1396 
3316 
1.800 
2.340 

1,058 

PH 

2.778 
3.000 

:.0i 
3,738 

2304 
3.090 

1,7)0 

3.785 

I3M 

;.'..'•• 

(354 

4,965 

t3M 

\jm 

4.992 

Asftislant  Director  or 
Recreation   Leader 
Camp  Director 

l.insillii 

Manager 

-Includes  Boys'  and  Men's  Artivjtir.  Supervisor. 
** — Not  included  in  Prrtnnnrl  SlanJardi  in  Rtrrtation  Lratlrnhip. 

Mill  i*. ml  >if  Salary  Kangr.   ]>t'i2  vil«ry  of  inrumlwni  not   rr|xnt..l 
nlrtl  by  other  inron  »nd  amount   not  ilrfinr«l. 


Z18 


I!)  <  in  \ I  IIIN 


departments  with   a  fiscal  year  starting  July   1   or   later 
furnished  information  on  1951-52  salaries  only. 
Salaries  Now 

Recreation  salaries  reported  in  1952  range  widely  from 
•SI. 200  to  $11,000,  (Table  I).  The  groups  having  the 
lowest  first  quartile  were  supervisors  of  dance  or  social 
activity  specialists.  In  these  categories,  three-quarters  of 
all  the  workers  reported  were  receiving  salaries  above 
$2,778  in  January  1952. 

The  position  of  general  supervisor  shows  a  higher  me- 
dian than  that  of  the  assistant  superintendent.  It  should 
be  noted  that  ninety-one  per  cent  of  the  general  supervisory 


positions  exist  in  communities  of  100,000  population  or 
more,  and  that  in  these  cities  the  median  for  assistant  su- 
perintendent is  higher  than  that  for  the  general  super- 
visor. More  than  half  of  the  assistant  superintendent  posi- 
tions studied  are  in  cities  under  100,000  in  population. 
Similar  observations  can  be  made  about  other  positions 
such  as  director  and  recreation  leader,  where  higher  sala- 
ries in  larger  communities  cause  an  apparent  distortion. 
Detailed  comparisons  of  interest  to  those  using  the  study 
can  be  made  by  using  Tables  I — XIV.  Categories  in  which 
no  workers  were  reported  have  been  deleted  from  Tables 
II— XIV. 


Because  of  regional  variations  in  number  and  population  com- 
position of  cities  reporting,  exact  salary  comparisons  are  not 
possible  on  a  regional  basis.  Median  executive  salaries  in  the 
Pacific  Southwest,  Great  Lakes,  and  Middle  Atlantic  Districts  were 
above  the  national  median.  The  low  executive  median  was  New 
England.  Lowest  medians  in  staff  categories  were  reported  in  the 
Southern  and  Southwestern  Districts. 

Eight  different  types  of  positions  were  missing  in  one  or  more 
regions.  Year-round  camp  directors  were  reported  only  in  the 
Pacific  Southwest,  and  supervisors  of  dance  or  social  activities  only 
in  half  of  the  eight  regions. 


RECREATION  SALARIES  BY  REGION, 
JANUARY,  1952 


TABLE  II 

NEW  ENGLAND  DISTRICT   (14  CITIES) 


Position                                Depts.  Workers 
Report-  Report- 
ing          ed 

SALARY 

Lowest 

Median 

Highest 

Superintendent    
Assistant  Superintendent 
General  Supervisor  

14 
6 
4 

14 
6 

7 

83,000 
2,548 

3,080 

$4,400 
3,665 
3,650 

$6,300 

4,307 
4,000 

Supervisor  of  Special  Activities: 
Sports  and  Athletics  .       5 
Girls'  &  Women's  Act.      3 
Other  Special  Act  1 

7 
3 
1 

2,025 
3,080 

3,363 
3,363 

4,090 
3,698 
2,600 

Director  

5 

2 
1 

19 

3 

1 

2,600 
2,550 

3,358 
2,640 

3,508 

3,192 
3,000 

Ass't.  Dir.  or  Recreation 
Leader 

Manager    

TABLE  HI 

MIDDLE  ATLANTIC  DISTRICT   (20  CITIES) 


SALARY 

Position                                Depts.  Workers 
Report-   Report-     Lowest 
ing           ed 

Median 

Highest 

Superintendent  
Assistant  Superintendent 
General  Supervisor  

20 
11 
6 

20 
15 
18 

$3,300 
2,370 
2,288 

$5,310 
3,720 
3,460 

$9,500 
4,672 
6,500 

Supervisor  of  Special  Activities: 
Music  or  Drama  2 
Sports  and  Athletics  ..      6 
Girls'  &  Women's  Act.      3 
Arts  &  Crafts  or  Nature      2 
Other  Special  Act  2 

2 
10 
5 
3 
2 

3,300 
3,000 
2,600 
3,300 
3,016 

3,969 
3,350 
4,970 

5,060 
5,200 
5,200 
5,200 
3,493 

Director  . 

3 

3 
2 

25 

91 
2 

2,520 

2,300 
2,860 

3,620 
3,350 

4,130 

3,440 
3,400 

Ass't.  Dir.  or  Recreation 
Leader  ..  .. 

Specialist 

TABLE  IV 


SOUTHERN  DISTRICT   (24  CITIES) 


Position                                Depts.  Workers 
Report-  Report- 
ing          ed 

SALARY 

Lowest 

Median 

Highest 

Superintendent    
Assistant  Superintendent 
General  Supervisor  

24 
9 
13 

24 
12 
22 

$3.300 
2,520 
2,400 

$4,805 
4,215 
3,300 

17,500 

4,516 
4,320 

Supervisor  of  Special  Activities: 
Sports  and  Athletics         11 
Girls'  &  Women's  Act.      7 
A  rts&  Crafts  or  Nature      4 
Dance  or  Social  Act.  .,       2 
Other  Special  Act  4 

15 
7 
6 
2 
5 

2,600 
2,600 
2,370 
2,733 
2,496 

2,733 
2,664 
2,895 

3,420 

4,800 
3,588 
4,020 
2,820 
4,784 

Director  

11 

8 
5 

60 

38 

7 

1,860 

1,896 
1,800 

2,979 

2,553 

2,250 

3,588 

2,730 
3,900 

Ass't.  Dir.  or  Recreation 
Leader  
Specialist 

TABLE  V 

GREAT  LAKES  DISTRICT  (31  CITIES) 


SALARY 

Position                              Depts.  Workers 
Report-  Report-     Lowest 
ing           ed 

Median 

Highest 

Superintendent    
Assistant  Superintendent 
General  Supervisor  

31 
12 
8 

31 
13 
39 

$2,900 
2,599 
3,300 

$5,700 
5,616 
5,665 

$11,000 
8,580 
6,395 

Supervisor  of  Special  Activities: 
Music  or  Drama  3 
Sports  and  Athletics  ..     13 
Girls'  &  Women's  Act.      9 
Other  Special  Act  5 

4 
15 
11 
8 

5,280 
2,000 
2,200 
3,600 

5,444 
4,606 
4,128 
5,253 

5,865 
7,165 
5,280 
5,875 

Director  

13 

9 
3 
3 

149 

332 
18 
8 

1,920 

1,780 
3,396 
3,270 

4,762 

3,786 
3,968 
4,620 

5,450 

4,965 
3,982 
4,992 

Ass't.  Dir.  or  Recreation 
Leader 

Specialist  

Manager 

SKI-TEMBER  1952 


239 


TABLE  VI 


MIDWEST  DISTRICT  (21  CITIES) 


Position                              Depts.  Workert 
Report-   Report- 
nK           ed 

SALARY 

Lowest 

Median 

Hifbett 

Superintendent                     21           21 
Assistant  Superintendent      6 
'.rniral  Supervisor                4            4 

$3.720 

L'.HKO 
3,240 

$4,600 
3,300 
3,781 

$6.300 
3,800 
4.224 

Supervisor  of  Special  Activities: 
Music   or   Drama               1             1 
Sports  and  Athletics          6 
i.irN'  &  Women's  Act.      2            2 
Arts  &  Crafts  or  Nature      3            4 
Dance  or  Social  Act.         2            2 
Other  Special  Act.             3           6 

3,050 
2,400 
2.857 
3,120 

3.000 

3,600 
3,000 
3,320 

3,000 
4,392 
2,545 
3.212 
4.392 
3,360 

Director                                   5          25 
Ass't.  Dir.  or  Recreation 
Leader                               7          41 
Speciali-t                                 2          11 

2,568 

2,436 

2,234 

3,360 

2,640 
2.732 

4,200 

3,360 
2,804 

TABLE  VII 

SOUTHWEST  DISTRICT 

(10  CITIES) 

Position                              Depts.  Worker* 
Report-  Report- 
ing          ed 

SALARY 

Lowest 

Median 

Highest 

Superintendent                     10          10 
Assistant  Superintendent      6            6 
General  Supervisor                5            9 

$3,600 
2£M 
2,100 

$4,930 
4,350 
3,072 

$6.600 
4,920 
4,140 

Supervisor  of  Special  Activities: 
Mi,  -ic  or  Drama                 2            2 
Sports  and  Athletics          5            6 
Arts  &  Crafts  or  Nature      1            1 
Dance  or  Social  Act.         2            2 
Other  Special  Act.             3           3 

2,460 
2,880 

2,580 
3,000 

2,660 
3,020 

3,144 
3,840 
3,060 
3,250 
3,060 

Director                                6          60 

2,100 

2,520 
2.460 

2,661 

2,520 

3,465 

2,520 
3,000 

Ass't.  Dir.  or  Recreation 
Leader                                 1            6 

TABLE  VIII 

PACIFIC  SOUTHWEST  DISTRICT   (16  CITIES) 


SALARY 

Position                                Depts.   Workers 
Report'  Report-     Lowest 
ins          ed 

Median 

Highest 

Superintendent 
Assistant  Superintendent 
General  Supervisor 

16 
9 

12 

16 
10 
40 

$4.320 
S£60 
3,660 

$6,272 
5,767 
UQO 

$9,940 
7.800 
5,196 

Supervisor  of  Special  Activities: 
Music  or  Drama                3 
Sports  and  Athletics          6 
Girls'  &  Women's  Act.      2 
Arts  &  Crafts  or  Nature      2 
Dance  or  Social   Act.      2 
Other  Special  Act. 

3 
7 
2 
2 
2 
7 

4,452 
2,760 

.1.21  HI 

3,228 
3,936 
MM 

4.680 
4.680 

4,560 

5,230 
6,942 
4,452 
4,452 
4.680 
6,942 

Director 
\—  't.  Dir.  or  Recreation 
Leader  .. 
Camp  Director  . 
Specialist 

10 

4 

2 
2 
2 

400 

15 
2 
11 
4 

3,000 

2.400 
3,816 
3,384 
2,340 

3.068 

3.577 

3.409 
2,930 

6,354 

3,738 
4.248 
3.636 
3,060 

Manager         

TABLE  IX 

PACIFIC  NORTHWEST   DISTRICT    (12   CITIES) 

SALARY 

Position 

Depts. 
Report- 
ing 

Workers 
Report- 
ed 

Lowest 

Median 

Highest 

Superintendent  
Assistant  Superintendent 
General  Supervisor  

12 
3 
5 

12 

4 
13 

$4,150 

2,500 
3.076 

2,910 

4,080 

*  UiLM 

too 

Supervisor  of  Special  Activities 
Sports  and  Athletics   .       1 

1 

4,320 

4,320 

Director  
Ass't.  Dir.  or  Recreation 
Leader 
Specialist 
Manager 

3 

1 
1 
1 

95 

32 
1 
1 

3,000 
2,7% 

3,468 
3,478 

3,720 

3,576 
2,700 
3,730 

POPULATION   AND  SALARIES 


In  general,  salaries  increase  with  the  size  of  the  city.  Based  on 
the  median  salaries  reported,  supervisors  in  cities  of  500,000  or 
rnnrr,  received  more  than  superintendents  in  cities  under  50,000, 
and  supervisors  in  cities  of  100,000  or  more  are  higher  paid  than 
•uperintendents  in  cities  under  25.000  in  population.  In  both 
cases,  however,  the  highest  salaried  recreation  executive  among 
the  smaller  communities  receives  more  compensation  than  the  top 
supervisor  in  the  larger  ones. 

•   staff  positions  and  lower  staff  salaries  exist  in  the  cities 
nf   Irs,  than   50.000   population.    In   these  cities  about   half  of  all 


categories  listed  are  present,  and  the  number  of  workers  in  each 
category  is  limited.  Median  salaries  for  staff  positions  in  cities 
under  25,000  are  under  $3,000.  This  is  true  for  only  two  types  of 
position  in  cities  of  100,000  or  more.  The  effect  of  both  salary 
levels  and  number  of  staff  positions  in  the  largest  cities  can  be 

liy  a  comparison  of  Table  XIV  with  Table  I. 
The  chart  on  page  242  offer*  graphic  evidence  of  the  rhan, 
median  salaries  of  recreation  executives  in  communities  of  different 
sizr  since  1938.  This  chart  is  based  on  the  current  study  ami  the 
salarv  studies  in  1938  and  1948. 


RECREATION  SALARIES  BY  POPULATION. 
JANUARY  1952 


TABLE  X 

UNDER  25.000  POPULATION  (47  CITIES) 


SALARY 

Potitkm                              Depta.  Workers 

!       ;  -   r  •        (\.  ;  •    f  • 

ml 

Lowest 

M.  i.  .1 

Illgbrst 

Superintendent 
Assistant  SII|M  rinleodfjnt 

9 

I 

11 

4 

MOO 

|  JWl 

KOOO 
2JWO 
MOO 

$6^00 
3,900 

J.TJI 

UCSSJBJBSU    .*||p«|,|Mi| 

^n(>T>i«'.r  of  >pecial  Activities: 
Sport*  and  Athletic*          4 

l.irl.'  4  Women'.  Act.        i 

4 
I 

1 

1 

2.025 
2J200 

MM 

2.600 

3.500 

|)ireci.,r 

1 

1 
1 

MM 

2.400 
3^70 

\.«'t    Dir.  or  Recreation 
lm 
Manager 

TABLE  XI 

25,000-50.000  POPULATION    (30  Cl  I  1 1  - 


SALARY 

1    •.,'.-•                              Depti    Workers 

"V,;;'  T8F 

1  MM 

\i.  Ita 

Highest 

Superintendent 
Assistant  Sn|x  rmtendent 
General  Supervisor 

30 
13 
6 

30 
14 

6 

\\.1.M 
2.160 

$».H1H 
3,f>90 

$7,600 
3.801 

>ii|»r»i-or  .if  s[>ecial  Activities: 
-I...M.  .in.l    \ililetirs 
Dance   nr   Social   Act.      2 
oil,,  i   st..          '                3 

5 
2 

2,760 
2,580 

MOO 

3.750 

MM 

3,797 
3^50 

MOO 

Director 

9 
5 

10 

6 

IH-O 

2,400 

MOO 

2*70 

3,300 
3.192 

Asu'l.  Dir.  or  Recreation 
Uader 

m 


RECREATION 


TABLE  XII 

50.000-100.000  POPULATION   (21  CITIES) 


TABLE  XIII 

100.000-500,000  POPULATION   (39  CITIES) 


SALARY 

Position                                Depts.  Workers 
Report-  Report-     Lowest 
ing           ed 

Median 

Highest 

Superintendent  
Assistant  Superintendent 
General  Supervisor  

21 
12 

2 

21 
14 
3 

$3,840 
2,520 
2,470 

$5,385 
3,600 
3,390 

$7,200 

5,616 
3,600 

Supervisor  of  Special  Activities: 
Sports  and  Athletics        15 
Girls'  &  Women's  Act.      9 
Arts  &  Crafts  or  Nature       2 
Other  Special  Act  2 

19 
9 
2 

2 

2,000 
1,200 
3,000 
3,600 

3,480 
3,300 

4,800 
3,698 
3,000 
4,524 

Director  
Ass't.  Dir.  or  Recreation 
Leader  

11 

2 

1 

27 

4 
1 

1,920 
2,376 

2,760 
2,518 

3,588 

3,054 
3,000 

SALARY 

Position                                Depts.  Workers 
Report-  Report-     Lowest 

Median 

Highest 

ing 

ad 

Superintendent  

39 

39 

$3,840 

$5,628 

$9,940 

Assistant  Superintendent 

20 

24 

3,665 

4,470 

7,116 

General  Supervisor  

34 

76 

2,100 

4,060 

6,300 

Supervisor  of  Special  Activities: 
Music  or  Drama  5 

5 

2,460 

3,300 

5,230 

Sports  and  Athletics 

19 

24 

2,664 

3,475 

5,760 

Girls'  &  Women's  Act. 

10 

11 

2,400 

3,120 

5,264 

Arts  &  Crafts  or  Nature 

8 

11 

2,370 

3,228 

4,452 

Dance  or  Social  Act. 

4 

4 

2,733 

2,970 

4,392 

Other  Special  Act  

11 

16 

2,496 

3,285 

4,784 

Director       

25 

7,59 

2,040 

3,409 

5,450 

Ass't.  Dir.  or  Recreation 

19 

105 

1,896 

2,796 

3,738 

2 

2 

3,816 

4,248 

12 

714 

1,800 

3,384 

3,900 

Manager   

6 

9 

2,340 

3,000 

3,720 

TABLE  XIV 

OVER  500,000  POPULATION  (11  CITIES) 


SALARY 

Position                                Depts.  Workers 
Report-  Report-     Lowest 
ing           ed 

Median 

Highest 

11 
8 
11 

11 
10 
63 

$4,860 
3,950 
3,072 

$9,000 
6,942 
4,992 

$11,000 
8,580 
6,500 

Assistant  Superintendent 
General  Supervisor  

Supervisor  of  Special  Activities: 
Music  or  Drama  6 
Sports  and  Athletics          9 
Girls'  &  Women's  Act.      4 
Arts  &  Crafts  or  Nature      5 
Dance  or  Social  Act.      2 
Other  Special  Act  7 

7 
15 
6 
11 
2 
11 

3,134 
3,660 
3,350 
3,060 
3,936 
3,360 

5,280 
5,060 
5,156 
5,280 

5,077 

5,865 
7,165 
5,280 
6,265 
4,680 
6,942 

Director  
Ass't.  Dir.  or  Recreation 

10 

8 
3 
2 

535 

442 
26 

7 

2,628 

2,300 
2,804 
3,120 

3,350 

3,786 
3,957 
4,620 

6,354 

4,965 
3,982 
4.992 

Manager    

Current  salary  statistics  alone  present  an  incomplete  picture  of  any  field.  The  following  three 
tables  are  designed  to  aid  in  completing  the  picture  of  the  relative  financial  position  of  profes- 
sional recreation  leadership.  The  final  six  tables  have  to  do  with  basic  provisions  now  affecting 
employment,  working  conditions  and  reimbursement  for  travel  on  the  job. 


SALARIES  AND  "STANDARDS" 


Current  salary  ranges  for  fourteen  year-round  positions  are 
compared  with  recommended  salary  ranges  in  Table  XV.  This 
table  summarizes  the  salary  picture  for  cities  in  all  population 
groups,  and  the  ranges  are  necessarily  extremely  wide. 

In  establishing  appropriate  salary  ranges  as  part  of  the  1949 
standards  report,  the  committee  also  distinguished  certain  maxi- 
mums  and  minimums  for  administrative  and  supervisory  positions 
in  cities  of  various  size.  Such  sub-groups  have  not  been  noted  in 
Table  XV  but  may  be  reviewed  in  the  report.  The  committee  also 
advised  revision  of  salary  recommendations  with  any  increase  in 
the  cost  of  living.  The  figures  used  in  this  study  represent  an 
upward  revision  of  9.2%. 

The  comparison  made  possible  in  this  table  make  it  obvious  that 
in  this  area  there  still  exists  "a  practical  objective  to  be  striven 
for"".  In  only  two  positions  does  the  actual  maximum  salary  ex- 
ceed the  recommended  range,  and  in  both  cases  this  salary  was 
reported  for  only  one  department.  The  lowest  salaries  reported 
are  with  one  exception  below  the  minimum  suggested  (Camp  Di- 
rector) .  However,  in  all  but  two  categories,  more  than  half  of  the 
workers  reported  are  receiving  more  than  the  minimum  salary 
recommended  for  the  position. 


TABLE  XV 

SALARIES  —  ACTUAL  AND  RECOMMENDED,  1952 

Position 

He] 
B 

ported 
.ange 

Recommended 
Range* 

Superintendent 

$2,900 
2,370 
2,100 

-  $11,000 
-     8,580 
6,500 

$3,494- 
3,604  - 
3,931  - 

$16,380 
9,555 
8,190 

Assistant  Superintendent  
General  Supervisor  .  .  . 

Supervisor  of  Special  Activities: 
Music  or  Drama 

2,460 
2,000 
1,200 
2,370 
2,580 
2,496 

-     5,865 
7,165 
5,280 
6,285 
4,680 
6,942 

3,248  - 
3,248  - 
3,248- 
3,248- 
3,248- 
3,248  - 

7,371 
7,371 
7,371 
7,371 
7,371 
7,371 

Sports  and  Athletics  
Girls'  &  Women's  Act  
Arts  &  Crafts  or  Nature  
Dance  or  Social  Act  
Other  Special  Act. 

1,860 
1,8% 
3,816 
1,800 
2,340 

-     6,354 
4,965 
-     4,248 
-     3,982 
4,992 

3,248- 
2,621  - 
3,604- 
2,621  - 
3,276  - 

5,678 
4,586 
5,897 
4,586 
5,504 

Ass't.  Dir.  or  Recreation  Leader 
Camp  Director  
Specialist     
Manager  

"...  not  an  unattainable  ideal."  Personnel  Standards   in  Rec- 
reation Leadership,  page  7. 


•Figures  from  Personnel  Standards  in  Recreation  Leadership  (1949 
Ed.)   Adjusted  by  9.2%. 


SEPTKMBER  1952 


241 


SALARY  INCREASES 


Over  the  period  1948-1952  every  position  on  the  full-time  rec- 
reation staff  showed  a  salary  increase  in  median  salary.  While 
this  might  be  expected,  there  is  significance  in  the  amount  of 
increase  recorded  in  various  positions,  and  in  the  change  of  rate 
of  increase  in  certain  positions  when  compared  with  the  1938-1948 
period. 

Listing  the  thirteen  major  categories  of  positions  by  rank,  ac- 
cording to  amount  of  increase  for  tin-  median  position  in  1952  over 
the  median  position  in  1948,  (Table  XVI),  shows  that  greatest 
cash  increases  went  to  special  activity  supervisors  and  to  workers 
involved  in  direct  leadership  of  recreation  activities.  The  median 
supervisor  of  music  or  dramatic!)  received  more  than  three  times 
as  great  an  increase  as  the  average  recreation  executive,  and  the 
leadership  worker  more  than  three  times  that  of  the  assistant 
executive. 

In  the  present  study,  the  recreation  superintendent  ranks  tenth 
and  the  assistant  superintendent  eleventh  in  amount  of  salary  in- 
crease since  1948,  above  only  the  activity  specialist.  This  almost 
completely  reverses  the  situation  which  existed  in  1948,  when  the 
superintendent  ranked  first  and  the  assistant  superintendent  sec- 
ond in  amount  of  salary  inrrease  over  a  ten-year  period.  In  1948 
id'-  median  superintendent's  ten-year  increase  had  been  $1,750  and 
the  assistant  superintendent's  $1,436,  well  above  those  of  other 
year-round  leaders. 

In  the  past  four  years  the  salary  increase  of  the  median  super- 
visor of  music  or  drama  and  the  supervisor  of  dance  or  social 
activities  has  been  greater  than  the  total  salary  paid  for  these 
positions  in  1938.  Over  a  fourteen-year  period  salaries  have  more 
than  doubled  for  the  median  supervisor  of  girls'  and  women's 
activities,  director,  assistant  director  and  recreation  leader,  and 
have  nearly  doubled  for  the  general  supervisor. 


TAHLE  XVI 

INCREASE  IN  MEDIAN  SALARY,  IN  RANK  ORDER  OF 
INCREASE   FROM    1948-1952 


Hank 


Position 


1948-1952   1938-1948 
Iiun-ase     Increase 


1 

Supervisor  of  Music  or  Drama 

11,990 

M  nan 

2 

Ass't.  Dir.  of  Recreation  or  Leader 

1,538 

856 

3 

Supervisor  of  Dance  or  Social  Act. 

1,385 

464 

4 

Director 

1,160 

960 

5 

Supervisor  of  Arts  &  Crafts  or  Nature 

1.080 

570 

6 

General  Super\i-or 

1,050 

980x 

7 

•supervisor  of  Other  Special  Act. 

947 

N..t  n-port- 

.-,1  1938 

8 

Supervisor  of  Sports  and  Athleti.  - 

750 

1.020 

9 

Supervisor  of  Girls'  &  Women's  Act. 

717 

1,104 

10 

Manager 

690 

1.290z 

11 

Superintendent 

570 

1,750 

12 

Assistant   Superintendent 

450 

1,436 

13 

Specialist 

344 

810 

-Reported  under  Supervisor  of  Playgrounds  and  Centers,  1938. 
Sec  also  Report  on  Beach-Pool  Manager,  1938,  1948.  All  Fa- 
cility Managers  reported  umli-r  -in;:!.-  till.-  in  1952  survey  for 
the  first  time. 


COST  OF  LIVING  ADJUSTMENTS 


Salary  adjustments  based  on  the  cost  of  living  were  reported  by 
only  36.5%  of  the  departments,  although  the  general  increase  in 
all  salaries  undoubtedly  reflects  the  changing  value  of  the  dollar. 
It  may  be  significant  that  in  nearly  tun  iliir.l-  nf  tin-  cities  studied 
the  raised  salary  level  was  considered  a  permanent,  rather  than  a 
ien>|M>rary  condition.  Geographical  variations  in  i-in|ili.i-i-  on 
-pecihc  cost  of  living  a<l just mi-ill-  can  lit-  seen  in  Table  XVII. 

Mlhnugh  the  questionnaire  did  not  request  information  alxmt 
tin-  amount  or  type  of  cost  of  living  adjustment,  if  one  was  in 
eluded,  a  number  of  departments  added  eomments  about  the  sys- 
tem u«ed  locally.  Some  reported  "lump  sum"  adjustments  varying 
upward  from  less  than  $100  per  year.  Flexible  bonus  payment* 
were  noted  by  a  very  limited  number  of  cities.  In  one  city  the 
•  n-i  of  living  adjustment  in  19.*>2  amounts  to  more  than  the  basic 
•alary  of  one  class  of  worker.  "Step-adjustments"  of  a  percentage 
for  a  basic  salary  range,  plus  a  I.  --.-r  percentage  on  higher  salaries 
alto  are  u»rd. 


TABLE  XVII 

COST  OF  LIVING   ADJl  STMEN'TS.   1952 

DEPARTMENTS  KEPOKTINC  COST  OF  LIVING 
A I  i.l  I  <[  MI-NTS 


DISTRICT 

Great  Lakes 

10 

"southern 

10 

New   England 

8 

Pacific   Northwest 

R 

Pacific    Southwest 

7 

Midwest 

6 

SootbwMl 

3 

Mi.  1.  II.-   Atlantic 

2 

ALL  DISTRICTS  54 


VACATION  AND  SICK  LEAVE 


Pi.ivi-inn-  fni  -nk  leave  and  vacation  allowance))  in  -"in.  ...in 
iinimiir-  are  required  to  be  uniform  throughout  all  department- 
nf  the  city  government,  and  this  may  have  affected  the  repoit 

•  I.    However,    more    than    une-iliir.l    of    the    departments    which 
!•  |.<irt.-.l  on  vacation  policy  are  now  allowing  over  12  working  days 
with  pay  for  annual  vacation.  In  1948  this  was  true  for  only  about 
•.flh  of  the  department*   which   rc|«,rt.-.l 

Paid  -iik  leave  i-  pm\i.|.-.|  for  in  all  but  four  of  lh.-  i- I...HIH.- 
department*.  One  department  in  «i«  hn«  tpecific  provision  for 
•  iiniiil.iMve  nr  .XL  n.l«-d  tick  leave  bast. I  on  length  nf  -.-ni.  c  Addi- 
tional «iek  time  for  per«on«  employed  more  than  i  •-  al- 
lotted by  It  department*.  Three  othei*  h.n.-  a  I. .1-1.  unit  nf  -i.  k 
leave  at  full  pay,  followed  by  variable  amount*  of  time  at  half 
or  oilier  partial  pay.  In  nine  department-  iinn-c.l  -i.  k  1.  .1 
cumulative  to  a  net  maximum  Of  tlie-.  nine,  -i\  ilep.irlimni.  have 
maximum*  nf  from  90  to  1.10  day*:  (he  other  three  allow  60,  30, 
ami  IS  day*. 


TABLE  XVIII 

VACATION  AI  in\\  \M:E:  MTKHIMI  NIH  NTS 
m<  i;i  \riii\.  1952 


POPULATION 

Winking  D«y» 

]<•  1  .It 

III.    Ills 

l  ,,,|,  , 

IB/MM 

50,000- 

i'  

100.000- 

.wo.ooo 

Over 

-,,,1.11,1,1 

12  or  leu 
13-17 
18-23 

Over      1M 

No  Set  Polio 

89 

n 

12 
7 
4 

B 
IS 
2 
4 
3 

4 

1 

0 

11 
5 
1 

0 
0 

28 
6 
3 
0 

0 

6 

1 
3 
0 
1 

|l>|    \| 


143 


30 


11 


TABLE  XIX 
VACATION 

\llo\\  \Nt  1 

STAFF. 

1952 

Workin«D.>« 

i>or  n  i. 

A  T  I  0  X 

i  ..  ,  .  • 

nirnl. 

:-,,.,.u 

100.000 

100.000- 

VXl.OOO 

Ov.  r 
.•500.000 

12  or  lew 

No  >c|   Policv 

Hi 
22 

i 

3 

16 

<< 
2 

0 
3 

n 

i 

0 

i 

0 

11 

1 

0 
0 

2H 

7 

0 
0 

6 

0 

3 
0 
0 

TOTAL 

116 

27 

26 

18 

36 

9 

III  <  111    MlilN 


TABLE  XX  TABLE  XXI 

SICK  LEAVE:  SUPERINTENDENTS  OF  RECREATION,  1952 


SICK  LEAVE:  STAFF,  1952 


POPUL 

ATIO> 

I 

POPUL 

ATIO> 

I 

Depart- 

Under 

25,000- 

50,000- 

100,000- 

Over 

Depart- 

Under 

25,000- 

50,000- 

100,000- 

Over 

Working  Days 

ments 

25,000 

50,000 

100,000 

500,000 

500,000 

Working  Days 

ments 

25,000 

50,000 

100,000 

500,000 

500,000 

12  or  less  

72 

13 

18 

11 

26 

4 

12  or  less  

71 

11 

17 

12 

26 

5 

13-17    

20 

5 

3 

1 

6 

5 

13-17     

19 

3 

4 

1 

6 

5 

18    23 

4 

2 

1 

0 

1 

0 

18-23 

1 

0 

o 

o 

1 

o 

Over  23  .. 

8 

2 

3 

0 

2 

1 

Over  23  

6 

1 

2 

0 

2 

1 

No  Set  Policy 

31 

19 

5 

4 

2 

1 

No  Set  Policy 

15 

8 

3 

2 

2 

0 

None     

5 

4 

0 

1 

0 

0 

None  

4 

3 

0 

] 

0 

0 

TOTAL 

140 

45 

30 

17 

37 

11 

TOTAL  .. 

116 

26 

26 

16 

37 

11 

CIVIL  SERVICE  STATUS 


The  increased  use  of  merit  system  in  local  government  is  re- 
flected in  reports  from  138  cities  on  civil  service  coverage  of  full- 
time  year-round  recreation  personnel,  (Table  XX).  For  all  cities, 
63  departments  reported  some  or  all  workers  covered  by  civil 
service  or  similar  merit  systems,  and  75  indicated  that  no  person- 
nel were  covered.  Excluding  the  communities  under  25,000  in 
population  which  in  only  a  few  cases  have  city-wide  civil  service 
systems,  brings  the  picture  into  sharper  focus.  Of  93  cities  over 
25,000  in  population,  nearly  64  per  cent  now  have  recreation 
workers  covered  by  civil  service. 


TABLE  XXII 

CIVIL  SERVICE  IN  RECREATION  DEPARTMENTS,  1952 


PERSONNEL    COVERED 

City 

Population 
In  Thousands 

Depts. 

All 

Xonr 

Supt. 
Only 

All  Staff 
Except  Supt. 

Some 
Staff 
Only 

Under  25  ... 
25-50 

45 

28 
19 
35 
11 

4 
15 
20 
6 

41 

19 
2 
11 
2 

4 

2 

2 
2 
4 
2 

1 
1 

50-100    
100-500    
Over  500  

ALL  GROUPS 

138 

45 

75 

6 

10 

2 

CAR  ALLOWANCES 


Reports  on  reimbursement  for  necessary  automobile  expenses 
were  provided  by  119  recreation  departments,  (Table  XXIII). 
More  than  one-third  of  the  executives  used  a  car  provided  by  the 
city;  and  over  one-quarter  of  those  who  used  their  own  autos  on 
city  business  received  at  least  $50  per  month  car  allowance, 
(Highest  reported:  $125  per  month).  Car  allowances  of  from  $20 
to  $40  per  month  predominated.  Cars  or  car  allowances  were  also 
provided  for  some  supervisory  staff  members  whose  positions  re- 
quire travel. 

An  increasing  uniformity  of  car  allowance  systems  is  apparent. 
Relatively  few  departments  paid  for  car  use  on  a  mileage  basis. 
Only  eight  executives  received  miscellaneous  reimbursement  in 
cash  or  kind  for  car  use.  Of  these,  six  reported  "full  car  mainte- 
nance," one  received  only  a  gasoline  allowance,  and  one  received 
a  monthly  allotment  during  the  playground  season.  One  reported 
"undecided." 


TABLE  XXIII 


CAR  ALLOWANCES 


POSITION 

Type  of 
Allowance 

Supt. 

Ass't. 
Supt. 

Gen'l 

Supv. 

Athletic 
Supv. 

Other 
Special 
Supv. 

Other 

Staff 
Member 

City   Car 

42 

3 
6 
16 
22 

7 
11 
5 

14 

0 
2 
5 
5 
2 
1 
1 

9 

0 
1 
8 
8 
1 
3 
2 

10 

0 
4 
6 
9 
3 
2 
1 

9 

1 
4 
8 
5 
2 
1 
0 

2 

1 

7 
7 
7 
0 
1 
0 

Monthly  Allowance 
Under  $10.00  
$10  -  $20.00 

$20  -$30.00  
$30  -$40.00  
$40  -$50.00  
$50  -$60.00  

$60  or  more  

Mileage  Rate 
$      -.05 

0 

7 
1 

1 

4 

1 

0 

4 
2 

0 
4 
0 

0 
5 
0 

1 
4 
0 

$.06  -.07            

$.08-.09    

Other 

9 

2 

2 

3 

3 

1 

Total  Reported 


119 


38 


40 


42 


38 


31 


Training  Course  Information 


•  The  demand  for  recreation  training  oppor- 
tunities of  various  types  has  increased  since 
World  War  II.  The  number  of  inquiries  is 
growing  and  because  of  specific  requests,  the 
association  has  agreed  to  serve  as  a  clearing 
center  for  information  on  miscellaneous  train- 
ing institutes,  conferences  and  workshops.  We 
have  had  a  trial  run  and  we  are  starting  our 
second  year  of  publishing  a  list  of  short  train- 
ing courses.  This  has  expanded,  and  if  the 
interest  is  maintained,  this  type  of  infor- 
mation will  continue  to  be  provided. 


The  February  1953  issue  of  RECREATION 
will  carry  a  listing  of  spring  and  summer 
short-term  training  opportunities.  Those  who 
wish  to  have  their  institutes,  conferences  and 
workshops  included  in  the  list  should  sub- 
mit their  information  to  the  association's  Rec- 
reation Personnel  Service  by  December  1, 
1952.  The  September  1953  issue  of  the  maga- 
zine will  carry  a  listing  of  fall  and  winter 
training  projects.  June  1,  1953  will  be  the 
final  date  for  receiving  this  information. 


vl  ITEMBER    1952 


243 


how  To  Do  IT  0 


Make  A  Machine   Rack. 

uou  need  •  -  nail  keg;  sandpaper;  saw;  drill;  douuel  or 
broomstick;  stain  or  paint ;  paint  brush ; 
leather  or  thin  metal;  upholstery  tack 5 ; 
and    hammer. 

~  DIRECTIONS  ~ 

I.  Smooth  surface  loujerhalf  nail  keq. 
Use  rouqh  sandpaper. 

2.  Cut  aiuaLj  upper  half  nail  keq -except  for  tiuo  opposite  staves. 

3.  Sandpaper  both  sides  of  lonq  staves.  Drill  holes  as  shown. 


Upper  half  of 
cut  a  txi  a  14  -  — 
except  tuu 


smooth 
louuer  half  of 
nail  keq. 


.  Hole  should  be 
a  light  f/f  for 
a/ousel  or 
broorr>hanc//e 


4.  Place ^  inch  doa>el  or  broomhandle  in  place. 

5.  5tam  or  paint  inside  and  outside. 

Note:  For  interesting  contrast 
paint  the  inside  a  different 
color  than  the   outside  . 

(Q.  With  upholsterij  tacks  fasten  a  band  of 
leather  or  thin  metal  strapping  around 
the  top  and  bottom  of  the  louver  half 
of  the  nail 


Hi-   Kl    \tli-N 


MARKET  NEWS 


Tractor 

The  "Tuffy"  tractor,  made  by  S.  L. 
Allen  and  Company,  Incorporated, 
Fifth  Street  and  Glenwood  Avenue, 
Philadelphia  40,  can  perform  several 
functions.  Weighing  eighty  pounds, 
powered  by  a  one  horsepower  motor, 
it  can  plow  and  cultivate  flower  beds; 
with  use  of  attachment  sow  grass  seed, 
lime  or  fertilizer;  can  be  hitched  to 
handmower  for  power  operation;  or, 
hitched  to  trailer  cart,  can  transport 
tools  and  materials  or  haul  trash.  For 
details,  write  manufacturer. 

Foto-Jac 

A  new  jacket  for  camera  fans  retails 
at  about  $9.95  in  camera  shops  and 
sporting  goods  stores.  Manufactured 
by  Jacob  Finkelstein  &  Sons,  Woon- 
sockct,  Rhode  Island,  the  makers  of 


Narragansett  brand  sports  outerwear 
for  men  and  boys,  it  is  available  in 
small,  medium  or  large,  in  grey,  tan, 
skipper  blue  and  green;  has  eight 
pockets,  six  with  zippers. 

Shuttle-Loop 

Shuttle-Loop  is  a  game  resembling 
badminton,  played  with  a  shuttlecock 
and  paddles.  A  metal  loop  is  erected 


on  a  standard  in  the  center  of  a  court 
five  feet  wide  by  twelve  feet  long.  Be- 
cause of  the  small  space  required  and 
the  absence  of  any  article  to  cause  in- 
jury to  persons  or  furniture,  this  game 
may  be  played  anywhere  —  home, 
camp,  playground,  school  room  or 
gymnasium,  office  or  hospital.  A  set, 
containing  two  paddles,  one  shuttle- 
cock, standard  and  loop,  chalk  and  in- 
structions, costs  $4.95.  If  not  available 
locally,  contact  Dudley  Sports  Com- 
pany, 633  Second  Avenue,  New  York 
16,  New  York. 

Radiant  Heating 

Use  of  floor  radiant  heating  for 
gymnasiums,  and  even  auditoriums, 
protects  youngsters  from  the  draftiness 
often  present  in  large,  high-ceilinged 
rooms.  Technical  information  may  be 
obtained  from  A.  M.  Byers  Company, 
1810  Clark  Building,  Pittsburgh  22. 

Notepaper 

You  can  get  that  supply  of  attrac- 
tive notepapers  you  have  been  needing 
and  help  to  maintain  the  work  of  the 
National  Parks  Association  at  the  same 
time.  A  series  of  boxes  of  twenty  notes, 
illustrated  with  ten  full-color  photo- 
graphs of  different  national  parks  and 
monuments  from  Devereux  Butcher's 
collection,  cost  $1.00  each.  Association 
address  is  1840  Mintwood  Place,  N.W., 
Washington  9,  D.C.,  Attention:  Mr. 
Fred  M.  Packard. 

Magic  Marker 

An  instant  drying,  waterproof  ink. 
applied  from  the  bottle  with  an  at- 
tached brushpen,  Magic  Marker,  made 
by  Speedry  Products,  Incorporated, 
New  York  6,  sells  for  69  cents.  Refill 
bottles  cost  25  cents.  It  can  be  used 
for  identifying  marks  on  sports  items 
— balls,  bats,  and  so  forth,  for  labeling 


boxes  and  other  storage  containers,  or 
can  be  used  in  the  arts  and  crafts  pro- 
gram. It  comes  in  eight  colors. 

Magazine  Binding 

Already  familiar  to  some  librarians 
is  liquid  plastic  for  mending  books 
and  binding  magazines.  Readers  of 
RECREATION  can  now  easily  bind  their 
own  magazines  in  volumes.  The  sim- 
plest method,  shown  in  illustration,  is 
to  stack  the  magazines,  weight  top, 
apply  two  coats  of  plastic  with  a  clean 
brush  to  "hinge"  side.  When  dry,  the 
plastic  is  flexible,  will  not  crack,  and 
will  last  as  long  as  the  paper. 


Several  companies  make  a  similar 
product.  Among  these,  "Book-Saver" 
is  manufactured  by  Delkote,  Incorpo- 
rated. Wilmington  99,  Delaware  (or 
Box  574,  Berkeley,  California)  and  re- 
tails per  jar  (8  ounce)  at  $1.95. 

"Bind-art"  is  made  by  Bro-Dart  In- 
dustries, Library  Service,  59  East  Al- 
pine Street,  Newark,  New  Jersey. 

Others  are  "Norbond"  made  by 
Demco  Library  Supplies,  Madison  1, 
Wisconsin,  and  New  Haven  2,  Connect- 
icut; and  "Magic-Mend"  made  by 
Gaylord  Brothers,  Incorporated,  Syra- 
cuse, New  York,  and  Stockton,  Cali- 
fornia. Price  for  8-ounce  size  is  same 
for  all  trademarks. 

Recommendations  Wanted! 

We  have  already  had  many  let- 
ters of  appreciation  for  the  addition 
of  the  Market  News  page  as  a  regu- 
lar feature  of  this  magazine.  How- 
ever, we  would  like  to  increase  its 
usefulness. 

You  can  help. 

When  you  use  a  product,  which 
you  think  is  especially  good  —  in 
your  work  with  games,  sports,  hand- 
crafts,  maintenance  or  construction 
— and  would  like  to  tell  others 
about  it.  won't  you  write  a  short 
note  to  RECREATION,  describing  it 
for  us? 

It  can  be  another  way  to  share 
our  knowledge  and  experience. 


SEPTEMBER  1952 


245 


iiooks  Received 


\MKH1CVN      I'l. \NN1M.      \M>     (ilMi        \V 

M  \i..  edited  by  Harlean  James. 
American  Planning  and  Civic  Asso- 
ciation, 901  In  ion  Trust  Building. 
Washington  5,  D.C.  $3.00. 

\rri.iKD  LEATHERCRAFT,  Chris  H. 
<  .roneman.  Charles  A.  Bennett  Com- 
pany, Incorporated,  Peoria,  Illinois. 
$3.95. 

COMPLETE  BOOK  OF  COI.I.KC  TIM;  HOB- 
BIES, THE,  William  Paul  Brickei. 
Sheridan  House,  New  York.  83.50. 

UlVM       \H\KMIKKS     FOR     CHILDREN, 

Cretchen  Grimm  and  Catherine 
•-keels.  The  Bruce  Publishing  Com- 
pany, Milwaukee.  $2.00. 

CREATING  AN  INDUSTRIAL  CIVILIZA- 
TION, A  Report  on  the  Corning  Con- 
ference, edited  by  Eugene  Staley. 
Harper  and  Brothers,  New  York. 
$4.00. 

I  MUULD  CITY  OF  Oz,  THE,  L.  Frank 
Bautn.  Simon  and  Schuster,  New 
York.  $.25. 

I. \uno\K  CAN  PAINT  FABRICS,  Pearl 
F.  Ashton.  The  Studio  Publications, 
Vw  York.  $3.95. 

I  MUNIMENT  IN  RECREATION  WITH  THE 
MENTALLY  RETARDED,  AN,  Bertha  E. 
Schlotter  and  Margaret  Svendsen. 
Illinois  Department  of  Public  Wel- 
fare, Chicago.  Free. 

FIELD  TECHNIQUES  ILLUSTRATED,  Don 
Canham  and  Tyler  Micoleau.  A.  S. 
Barnes  and  Company,  New  York. 
$1.50. 

H  AND  SALT  WATER  SPINNING,  Eu- 
gene Burns.  A.  S.  Barnes  and  Com- 
pany, New  York.  $1.50. 


GINGERBREAD  SHOP.  THE,  P.  L.  Trav- 

i  i-.  Simmi  ami  S  hn-ter.  New   York. 

II  \NIH;IMIK  in-  PRIVATE  SCHOOLS,  THE, 
F.  Porter  Sargent.  I  .  Porter  Sar- 
gent, Boston.  $8.00. 

HOI-ALUM.  (!\»iin  \M>  THE  BAR  20 
COWBOY.  E.  M.  Beecher.  Simon  and 
Schuster,  New  York.  $.25. 

How  TO  ADD  YEARS  TO  YOUR  LIFE, 
Peter  J.  Steincrohn,  M.D.  Wilfred 
Funk.  New  York.  $2.95. 

HOWDY  DOODY  IN  THE  WILD  WEST, 
Edward  Kean.  Simon  and  Schuster, 
New  York.  $1.00. 

I \iii\\  NI.UIOMITIIIM..  W.  Ben  Hunt. 
The  Bruce  Publishing  Company, 
Milwaukee.  >1.7.">. 

INSIHK  TIIK  MAJORS,  Joe  Reichler. 
Hart  Publications,  New  York.  $2.95. 
Paper,  $1.00. 

LIABILITY  FOR  ACCIDENTS  IN  PHYSICAL 
EDUCATION,  ATHLETICS,  AND  REC- 
REATION, Howard  C.  Leibee.  Ann 
Arbor  Publishers,  Ann  Arbor,  Mich- 
igan. $2.00. 

MARIONETTES,  Donald  W.  Seager.  The 
Studio  Publications,  New  York. 
$5.00. 

METHODS  IN  PHYSICAL  EDUCATION, 
Hilda  Clute  Kozman,  Rosalind  Cas- 
-idy  and  Chester  O.  Jackson.  W.  B. 
Saunders  Company,  Philadelphia. 
85.00. 

NATURAL  FRESH  WATER  FISIIIM. 
BAITS,  Vlad  Evanoff.  A.  S.  Barnes 
and  Company,  New  York.  $1.50. 

OKLAHOMA  SPLIT  T  FOOTBALL, 
Charles  (Bud)  Wilkinson.  Prentice- 
Hull.  Incorporated.  New  ^  (irk. 
$3.95. 

PASTEL-.  Keith  Henderson.  The  Stu- 
dio Publications,  New  York.  S-'i.lK). 

READING  IN  GROUP  WORK,  edited  by 


PLAYGROUND  EQUIPMENT 


UNSURPASSED  in  SAFETY 
and  DURABILITY 

In   a   feature   by  feature   companion,   BURKE  Built 

Equipment      definitely      offer)      oulltanding      value. 

Approval  by  park  and  playground  onxioli  from 
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to  safety,  durability  and  economy  in  the  highest 
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Equipment  by  BURKE  it  built  on  comtont  research 
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BURKE— the  choice  of  men  who  know  outstanding 
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THE  J.  E.  BURKE  CO.,    '•<«  d.  L...  wi, 

(..lory     trancfc      to,     *M.    New     •rvniwlclt.     HI 


WRITI   TODAY 

Planning    Assistance 

by    Burke   engineers. 

Complete   catalog   and    price   list. 

Add  ret*  Depl.  A 


Dorothea    F.    Sulli\an. 
I'rc--.  New    V.rk.  >J.:,II. 

Ki-m.i  YOUR  HATS.  Drm-ella  Lowrie. 
The  Studio  Publication-.  Incorpo- 
rate.!. New  ^.rk.  >2.'r>. 

RIGHT  WAY  TO  HUMAN  FIGURE  DRAW- 
IM.  \MI  ANATOMY.  TIIK.  A.  Glad- 
-lime  Jackson.  Emerson  Books,  In- 
corporated, New  \ur\i.  $2.50. 

SOFTBALL  FOR  GIRI.S,  A.  Viola  Mitch- 
ell. A.  S.  Barnes  and  ('.<>inp;in\.  New 
York.  $1.50. 

SWING  TOGETHER  -  THOU. in-  »\ 
ROWING,  R.  D.  Burnell.  Oxford  fni- 
versity  Press,  New  York.  $3.50. 

TRACK  TK  IIMOI'ES  ILLUSTRATED,  Don 
Canham  and  Tyler  Micoleau.  A.  v. 
Barnes  and  Company.  New  ^  ork. 
$1.50. 

WALK  YOUR  WAY  TO  BETTER  DANC- 
IM..  Lawrence  Hosteller.  A.  S. 
Barnes  and  Company,  New  York. 
$3.75. 

WALT  DISNEY'S  SNOW  WHITE  VM> 
THE  SK\K\  DWARFS.  Simon  and 
Schuster,  New  York.  $1.50. 

WALT  DISNEY'S  UGLY  DUCKIIM.. 
THE.  Simon  and  Schuster,  New 
York.  $.25. 

YOUNG  SAILOR,  THE,  Guy  Pennant. 
Dodd,  Mead  and  Company,  New 
York.  $3.00. 


Magazines 


BEACH  AND  POOL,  April  1952 

Let's  Change  the  Time  of  the  Indoor 

Swimming  Season,  J.  E.  Counsil- 

man. 
Some    Answers   to   Pool    Operating 

Problems,  C.  P.  L.  Nicholk 
The  Swimming  Pools  at  I.e\  ittown. 
Control  of  Athlete's  Foot. 
(!\MI'IM.  MM.V/IM  .    Ijiril  1952 

I  ml'  i  -landing    the    Camp    Group, 

John   A.  I  letlerii  k. 
You    Can    Put    Heal    (!ani|iiiif!    Inl" 

Your    Camp    Program.    Marjorie 

Camp  and  Barbara  I  •'..  j»\. 
How   In  t'nl   Maintenanic  t'.o-|».  \\  . 


May  1952 
To    Learn    to    Live    Together.    Ja<  k 

\\  mans. 
(  ..iitrnl   of    Algar,   Julian    II.    !-.il" 

Ml.  III. 

(  I'liiiminitv  (lamp.  Riehanl  P.  Over- 

IIH-M  i. 

Jin  IIN\I    ni     i  HI      \MI  (in  \\     \--n<  i\ 
in  IN  inn  Hi  M.TII.  Pin  -i-  M   I  iniCA- 
HUN.  lii  i  Hi  MKIN.  April  1952 
The  Fourth  "R"     Ki  ••  n  .iimn.  Ix)uis 

I..  Mi-.  in-. 

^le|i«     'I'nw.llll     l{«-|ler      \ri-leilil.ltinn. 

\\       III.  Ill        Illl^ll.  --. 

i:<  i  le.ilioii     South    "f    the    Bonier. 
(°.arol  Paradine. 

RECREATION 


PARK  MAINTENANCE,  February  1952 
Before  Painting,  Scrub  and  Scrape 

That  Pool,  K.  T.  Fezer. 
Steel  Pool  May  Be  the  Answer  for 
Your  Community. 

March  1952 

Trilium  .  .  .  Amazing  Soil  Condi- 
tioner for  Clays  and  Silts. 
New  Chemical  Retards  Grass  to  Save 
Cutting. 

April  1952 
Gripes  Invited — in  Public  Opinion 

Survey  of  Parks. 
Wading    Pools    Are   Never    Failing 

Attraction  for  the  Small  Fry. 
Admission  Tax  Rulings  Under  New 

Law. 
SCHOLASTIC  COACH,  April  1952 

Golf  Without  Fears,  Ralph  E.  Hens- 
ley. 
TODAY'S  HEALTH,  March  1952 

Country  Club  for  the  Handicapped. 

F.  Hall  Roe. 

UNDERSTANDING  THE   CHILD,  January 
1952 
Keep   That   Spark   of   Faith    Alive, 

James  L.  Hymes,  Jr. 
YOUTH  LEADERS  DIGEST,  January  1952 
TV    and    Boys    Clubs,    Howard    G. 
Gibbs. 


Pamphlets 


BETTER  LIVING  BOOKLETS:  Helping 
Children  Understand  Sex,  Lester  A. 
Kirkendall;  Parents  and  Teachers  as 
Partners,  Eva  H.  Grant;  Your  Child 
and  Radio,  TV,  Comics  and  Movies, 
Paul  Witty  and  Harry  Bricker;  Your 
Children's  Manners,  Rhoda  W.  Bac- 
meister,  Science  Research  Associ- 
ates, 57  West  Grand  Avenue,  Chi- 
cago 10,  Illinois.  $.40  each. 
CAMP  ORGANIZATION  FOR  PROGRAM, 
Gerald  P.  Burns.  American  Camp- 
ing Association,  Chicago.  $.50. 
CAMP  REFERENCE  AND  BUYING  GUIDE. 
American  Camping  Association,  Chi- 
cago. $2.00. 

CAMPING  AND  OUTDOOR  RECREATION  IN 
CALIFORNIA.    California    State    De- 
partment of  Education,  Sacramento. 
CHILDREN'S  BOOKS  .  .  .  FOR  EIGHTY- 
FIVE  CENTS  OR  LESS,  Beatrice  Davis 
Hurley.   Association   for  Childhood 
Education   International,    1200   Fif- 
teenth Street.  Northwest,  Washing- 
ton 5,  D.C.  $.50. 
CONSERVATION  IN  CAMPING.  American 

Camping  Association,  Chicago. 
CRAFT   METALS.   T.   B.    Hagstoz   and 

Son,  Philadelphia. 

EDUCATION  AND  NATIONAL  SECURITY, 
National  Education  Association, 
1201  Sixteenth  Street,  Northwest, 
Washington  6,  D.C.,  and  American 
Council  on  Education.  1785  Massa- 


chusetts Avenue  Northwest,  Wash- 
ington 6,  D.C.  $.50. 

ENVIRONMENT  AND  HEALTH,  Federal 
Security  Agency  Public  Health  Serv- 
ice. Superintendent  of  Documents, 
Government  Printing  Office,  Wash- 
ington 25,  D.C.  $.75. 

EXECUTIVE'S  HANDBOOK  OF  THE  AMER- 
ICAN BASEBALL  CONGRESS.  The 
American  Baseball  Congress,  Battle 
Creek,  Michigan.  $.60. 

FEELINGS  ARE  FACTS,  Margaret  M. 
Heaton.  San  Francisco  Board  of 
Education,  San  Francisco.  $.25. 

FUNDAMENTAL  LINE  DRILLS  FOR  LINE 
SKILLS  IN  THE  "T"  FORMATION,  Jim 
Bonder.  William  C.  Brown  Com- 
pany, 915  Main  Street,  Dubuque, 
Iowa.  $1.50. 

GATEWAY  TO  CITIZENSHIP,  Carl  B.  Hy- 
att. Superintendent  of  Documents. 
United  States  Government  Printing 
Office,  Washington  25,  D.C.  $.75. 

HALF  AN  HOUR  FROM  HOME.  Onon- 
daga  County  Park  and  Regional 
Planning  Board,  Syracuse,  New 
York. 


HANDBOOKS:  For  Teaching  Piano 
Classes.  On  16mm  Films  for  Music 
Education.  Music  Educators  Na- 
tional Conference,  64  East  Jackson 
Boulevard,  Chicago  4.  $1.50  each. 

HEALTH  OF  YOUR  CAMP,  THE.  Boy 
Scouts  of  America,  New  York.  $.60. 

HEALTHY  PERSONALITY  FOR  YOUR 
CHILD,  A.  Children's  Bureau,  Fed- 
eral Security  Agency,  Washington 
25,  D.C.  Free. 

How  TO  IMPROVE  YOUR  SPORT  SERIES: 
Archery,  Badminton,  Baseball,  Bas- 
ketball, Bowling,  Tennis,  Tumbling, 
Volley  Ball.  The  Athletic  Institute, 
209  South  State  Street,  Chicago. 
$.50  each. 

JUNIOR  LIFE  ADJUSTMENT  BOOKLETS: 
Life  with  Brothers  and  Sisters,  Fran- 
ces Ullman;  You  and  Your  Prob- 
lems, Stanley  E.  Diinond.  Science 
Research  Associates,  Chicago.  $.40 
each. 

LADIES'  GLOVEMAKING,  Virginia 
Groneman.  Charles  A.  Bennett  Com- 
pany, Peoria,  Illinois.  $.50. 


Here's  an  offer  you 
will  want  to  accept 

To  let  you  become  well  acquainted  with  the  Nation's  leading  maga- 
zines in  maintenance  for  the  park  and  recreation  industry,  we  will 
send  you  the  next  six  issues  for  only  one  dollar.  (Regular  price  is 
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Start  now  so  you  will  receive  the  Buyers'  Guide 
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BUR  BANK,     CALIF. 


SEPTEMBER  1952 


247 


new  Publications 


Covering  the 


Field 


Measurement   and   Evaluation  in  Physical 
Health  and  Recreation  Education 

Leonard   A.    l.ar«on   and   Rachael   Dunaven 

^ IN  urn.  C.  V.  Mosliy  Company,  St.  1  mii-. 

$7.50. 

Recreation  workers  who  have  taken  i-lc- 
mentarv  mur-e-  in  measurement  and  evalua- 
tion in  physical  education,  or  elementary 
-  in  statistics,  will  be  interested  in 
tin-  new  ti-il  by  two  member-  of  the  educa- 
tion drparlini-nt  of  New  York  Univer-iiv. 

As  far  as  recreation  is  concerned,  how- 
ever,  the  concept  tield  by  the  authors  ap- 
pears limited  to  activity  and  more  spe- 
cifically to  the  physical  activity  aspects  of 
recreation.  The  emotional  and  other  non- 
physical  outcomes  are  treated  by  implica- 
tion. 

A  Urge  part  of  the  book  (nearly  200 
pane*'  i-  devoted  In  |ili\ -mineral  and  other 
phv-iial  me.i-uri  -nieiiis  useful  to  physical 
education  penple.  OthiT  sections  deal  with 
measurement  of  knowledge  and  motor  skills, 
ami  with  administration  of  the  measurement 
program. 

I  lii-  is  actually  two  books,  one  on  meas- 
•in merit  tcchnnpie..  particularly  in  physical 
ami  hrallli  education,  and  the  other  on 
-Mil-Ural  lei  hniipic-.  It  i-  tin-  hope  of  the 
author*  that  the  material  presented  on  "The 
Evaluation  of  the  Operational  Factors  of 
Program*"  will  stimulate  research  on  the 

•  on-irui  lum     of     evaluation     instrument-. 
Itmiil    ItnHois.    NRA    Research    Deparlment. 

Creative  Drumalii  > 
in  Hume    School  and  Community 

Kulh     <.on-er     1  ca-e    and    (icraldine     llrain 

Sk-      Harper     and     Itrollier-     Publishers, 

V»     Wk.    $4.00. 

All  recreation  leader*,  teachers  and  par- 
••nt.  »ln,  think  »f  ilramatii  -  for  children 
only  in  terms  of  "children'-  Ihcatr- 
drama  performed  (or  a  child  audience,  with 
•laging.  ' -i-i'iming.  and  the  like.  «hould 
inii-ider  thi-  Ixxik  •  mint.  Si.  al*o.  should 
leader*  already  concerned  with  lht« 
i.  nuiv.  who  are  looking  for  new  and  -Tumi 
tat  ing  ideas. 

I  rr-itur  ilrnmalir\  i.  the  term  gi\en  lo  the 

form    of    .(MUM    which    i-xi-l.    for    the    child 

pant.    It    i*    a    way    of    leaching,    for 

•dull*     a     way     of     learning,     for     children. 

It    i*    not    concerned    with    training   children 

••.   I ni<    .i.  ti.r-    nor    in  creating   plav-   fm 

an  audirnie.  Imi  i<  aimed  toward  the  de- 
»-lo|utii  ni  of  the  whole  child.  socially. 
. moiionallv.  inlellei  luallv.  |.h>-i.  jllv  and 
•piriloaJly. 

tin-  UMik  pfpvtit*  a  practical  |ihil<»« 
phy  and  terlinn|ue  of  rrealive  teaching.  In 

•  dditton    to    •••IHHI«    on    how    to    guide    .hi! 
dren    in    creative    dramatic*,    dramatic    play 
i.n   the   lower  elementary    level,  creative  dra 
inalir.    in    the   upper   elementary   anil    iiinior 
high     Thool     le,e|.     and     Irarnmg     through 

248 


creative  dramatic!-,  it  includes  sections  on 
this  activity  in  the  home,  in  community  and 
recreation  programs.  Another  is  devoted  to 
leadership. 

Say  the  authors,  "It  is  true  that  many 
leader-  will  have  a  special  flair  for  creative 
dramatics,  but  sincerity,  enthusiasm  and 
common  sense  will  go  a  long  way  in  help- 
ing a  person  who  is  willing  to  work  crea- 
ti\fl>  with  children.  ...  If  a  leader  has 
faith  in  what  she  is  doing,  she  will  grow 
immeasurably  along  with  the  children,  and 
creative  dramatics  can  take  them  wherever 
they  choose  to  go — to  the  mountains  of 
Tibet,  to  King  Arthur's  Round  Table,  or 
up  to  the  moon  in  a  shoebox. 

"A  mother,  teacher,  any  adult  leader  who 
i. -ally  cares  for  children  and  who  guides 
them  slowly  but  surely  into  an  appreciation 
of  their  cultural  heritage,  will  be  doing  far 
more  than  she  may  ever  realize  to  build 
future  patrons  in  the  fine  art  of  living." 

An  appendix  of  the  book  carries  listings 
of  material  for  dramatization,  catcgori/cd 
according  to  subject-matter  and  age-group-. 
An  excellent  bibliography  is  included. 

Recreation  for  the  Blind 

Charles   K.   liuell.   American   Foundation   for 

the    lilind.  New  York.  $.45. 

Dr.  Buell.  director  of  physical  education 
at  the  California  School  for  the  lilind.  and 
author  of  the  well-known  book.  Sports  for 
the  Hliml,  di-cusses,  in  this  new  pamphlet, 
the  psychological  a-pect-  of  recreation  for 
the  blind,  empha-mng  that  "liu-vne— "  i- 
not  the  answer.  The  aim  should  be  to  fit 
the  pcr-on  for  normal  living.  Recreation  i« 
one  of  the  major  force*  in  preventing  a 
blind  person  from  -lipping  into  apathy,  with 
.n  i  uiiipanving  physical,  mental  and  emo- 
tional problem*.  For  thi*  reason,  it  i*  ver> 
important  that  an  inexpensive  publication 
of  thi*  kind  can  be  made  available,  as  a 
Kiiide  for  agencies,  organization-,  leader-, 
friend*  and  relatives  of  a  blind  person  or 
•  •us. 

The  many  hobbies  and  lei-ure  time  ac- 
imtics  that  can  be  learned  and  .ni-.v-d 
without  -i^'lii  .ire  di-' 

plain-  how  many  of  the  games  familiar  to 
all  can  he  adapted  very  -imply  (or  the  blind, 
and  include*  a  rotative  part)  plan.  Another 
chapter  outline,  -imple  technique-  for.mak- 
me  -oftball.  football,  -winimmg.  golf,  and 
other  sport*,  possible  for  the  blind  or  par- 
Imllv  blind  I  irriniu  Mime/man,  i  one 
•pnndence  and  Consultation  >crvm.  NRV 

riidcrMunfliiiK  <  iuldrcii'»    I'lav 
Ruth    K     Hartley,    lawr-'in-     K     r'rank.   Rob 
iri     M      t.nltleiiMin.     <  idumbi.i     Inivir-ilv 
PfW.    New    Wk.    ».»-'•" 
A  report  of  an  ejploratorv    -tudv    of   plav 
and   it*  eflert   on   the   development    id   young 
•  hddrrn.   made   by   the   Caroline   /achrv    In 
under  a  two-year  grant  from  the  Na- 


tional Institute  of  Mental  Health,  this  book 
i-  puhli*hcd  through  a  grant  from  the  New 
York  State  Mental  Health  Authority. 

Stimulating  and  revealing,  it  should  be 
wry  useful  in  the  areas  of  training  nur-eiv. 
play,  kindergarten  and  elementary  teacher-. 
It  urge>  developing  the  full  polenlialiti'-- 
of  toys,  game-.  •  native  materials  and  play 
activities,  for  fostering  personality  growth, 
and  helping  parents  provide  suitable  play 
materials  for  their  children.  It  brings  out. 
to  an  amazing  degree,  the  need  that  chil- 
dren have  for  time,  space,  play  materials 
and  expei  iences,  and  it  emphasizes  the 
important  point  that  children,  when  playing, 
are  not  ju*t  engaged  in  -elf-expre--ion. 
but  also  in  self -dix  mcrv.  In  play,  a  child 
can  manipulate,  organize,  change  and  re- 
arrange his  small  world  of  toys  and  ma- 
teiial-.  gradually  learning  to  get  along  with 
himself  and  with  others.  "To  read  the  Ian- 
guage  of  play  is  to  read  the  minds  and 
liearts  of  children." 

XXX 

Material  based  upon  observation  of  nurs- 
crv  school  children  in  exploratory  projects 
with  puppets,  mitiiature  life  toys,  and  in 
planned  play  groups,  has  been  condensed 
into  two  additional  pamphlets,  Crou'inf 
Through  Play  and  New  Play  Experiences 
ha  Children,  each  priced  at  $.75,  available 
from  same  publishers. 

Here's  How  and  When 

Armilda  li.  Keiser.  Friendship  Press,  New 
Wk.  Cloth.  $2.75;  paper,  $1.50. 
\  delightful  liook  of  creative  activities. 
Hinging  primarily  on  the  world  friendship 
theme,  but  never  obvious  or  "preachy,"  this 
i-  written  in  a  bree/y  -tvl..  Janet  Smalley 
has  illustrated  it  with  clever,  humorous 
•  ketches,  adding  greatly  lo  its  charm.  All 
of  the  games,  crafts,  and  other  projects,  are 
in  excellent  taste,  and  there's  a  (treat  deal 
of  good  program  material  between  these 
gay  coyer- 

lloinespun  Crafts 

I      Kenneth    liaillie.    Hruce    Publishing   I  "in 

pany.  Milwaukee.   $3.00. 

llu-  i-  the  clearest  and  best  illustrated 
hook,  on  -imple  craft  pro|ect-  we  hav. 
in  manv  month*.  I  tilizing  only  easily  oh 
tained  material*  u-uallv  lho-e  which  can 
mil  in  any  catch-all  closet  the  author 
•  tccllcnl  iii-triiction-  and  drawing-  fur 
ii-cfiil  and  decorative  item*  which  anyone 
can  make.  Presented  so  as  lo  require  a 
minimum  of  preliminary  work,  projects  are 
des.  rib.  d  (or  leather,  wood,  metal,  felt, 
glass  and  several  miscellaneous  materials. 

Vk  ith  Chri«lmas  in  mind,  we  recommend 
thi*  l>ook  not  only  as  a  guide  for  those 
who  would  like  to  make  gift*  for  others, 
but  we  recommend  the  liook  il«elf  as  an 
excellent  gift  to  be  given  early  so  the  re- 
.  •]•••  nl  mav  u-e  it. 

RK<  IK   MIHN 


Recreation  Leadership  Courses 

Sponsored  by  the  National  Recreation  Association 

and 
Local  Recreation  Agencies 

September,  October,  November  1952 


HELEN  DAUNCEY 
Social  Recreation 


Paducah,  Kentucky 
September  15-18 

Clanton,  Alabama 
September  22-25 

Columbiana,  Alabama 
September  29-October  2 

Texas  City,  Texas 
October  6-9 

Tyler,  Texas 
October  13-16 

Bellaire,  Texas 
October  20-23 

Tulsa,  Oklahoma 
October  28-31 

Wichita  Falls,  Texas 
November  10-13 


Joe  Mitchell,  President,  McCracken  County  Recreation  Associa- 
tion, The  Paducah  Sun-Democrat 

James  H.  Boockholdt,  County  Superintendent  of  Education 
W.  W.  Elliott,  County  Superintendent  of  Education 
Richard  F.  Keller,  Recreation  Director 
Robert  Shelton,  Director,  Parks  and  Recreation,  City  Hall 
Dick  Gage,  Superintendent,  Parks  and  Recreation 
George  Taylor,  Superintendent  of  Recreation,  City  Hall 
Albert  LaGasse,  Superintendent  of  Recreation  and  Parks 


ANNE  LIVINGSTON 
Social  Recreation 


Mrs.  Livingston  will  be  on  leave  of  absence  during  this  period 


MILDRED  SCANLON 
Social  Recreation 


Miss  Scanlon  will  be  filling  assignments  in  the  Midwest  District  during  the  month  of  September 

Seattle,  Washington  National  Recreation  Congress 

September  29-October  3 

(As  RECREATION  goes  to  press  plans  are  being  made  for  Miss  Scanlon  to  conduct  a  series  of 
training  courses  in  the  Pacific  Northwest  District  after  the  Congress.  If  interested  in  open  dates 
write  to  C.  E.  Reed,  Manager,  Field  Department,  National  Recreation  Association) 


GRACE  WALKER 
Creative  Recreation 


Talbot  County,  Maryland 
September  8-11 

Cambridge,  Maryland 
September  15-18 

Seattle,  Washington 
September  29-October  3 

Montpelier,  Vermont 
October  20 

Wadesboro,  North  Carolina 
October  27-30 

Durham,  North  Carolina 
November  3-6 


Miss  Kathleen  A.  Francis,  Board  of  Education,  Easton,  Maryland 

Mrs.  Viola  J.  Comegys,  St.  Clair  High  School,  Cambridge,  Mary- 
land 

National  Recreation  Congress 

Mrs.  A.  0.  Brungardt,  Vermont  Director  of  Recreation 

Mrs.   Dorothy  P.  Goodson,  Supervisor,  Negro  Schools  of  Anson 
County 

Irwin  R.  Holmes,  W.  D.  Hill  Community  Center,  1308  Fayette- 
ville  Street 


FRANK  STAPLES 

Arts  and  Crafts 


King  County,  Washington 
September  15-25 

Seattle,  Washington 
September  29-October  3 

Klamath  Falls,  Oregon 
October  6-16 


Robert    C.    Stephens,    Superintendent    of    Park    and    Recreation 
Department,  612  County  City  Building 

National  Recreation  Congress 

Robert  E.  Bonney,  Superintendent  of  Recreation,  City  Hall 


Attendance  at  training  courses  conducted  by  National  Recreation  Association  leaders  is  usually  open  to  all  who  wish  to  attend. 
For  details  as  to  location  of  the  institute,  contents  of  courses,  registration  procedure  and  the  like,  communicate  with  the  sponsors 
of  the  courses  as  listed  above. 


Hints  and  Helps  for  the  Fall  Holidays 

Material  to  aid  you  in  your  planning  for  Halloween  and  Thanksgiving  cele- 
brations is  available  from  the  National  Recreation  Association,  315  Fourth 
Avenue,  New  York  10,  New  York. 


Halloween 

All  Set  for  Halloween  (P  101-Large-scale, 
outdoor  suggestions  and  smaller-scale,  in- 
door ideas $.15 

Bring  On  Your  Spooks  (MB  1949)-Sugges- 
tions  for  decorations  and  games  .  .  $.10 

Community   Celebrates  Halloween,  The 

(P  108)— Reports  from  many  cities,  with  sug- 
gestions for  the  whole  community  and  for 
neighborhood  affairs $.15 

For  a  Halloween  Party  (MB  580)-Games, 
contests  and  fortunes  for  a  party  .  .  $.10 

Fun  for  Halloween  (P  78)— Party  plans 
include  decorations,  invitations,  pre-party 
games,  active  games,  quiet  games,  musical 
activities,  stories,  dramatics  and  a  good  bib- 
liography   $.25 

Games  and  Stunts  for  Halloween  (P  113) 
—Includes  a  dance,  fortune-telling,  and  so 
forth $.15 

Ghosts  and  All  (MB  625  -A  party  plan   $.10 

Halloween  Gambols  (P  118)— A  short  play 
in  which  the  host  is  none  other  than  Mephi- 
stopheles,  and  there  are  ghosts,  goblins  and 
witches $.10 

Halloween    Party    for    Children,    A    (MB 

1696)— House-to-house  party  with  different 
activities  at  every  stop  along  the  route  $.10 

Outline  for  Halloween  (MB  2003)-Lofa- 
yette,  Louisiana,  plans  for  grade  parties  $.10 

Peter  Pumpkin  Eater  (MP  202)-A  children's 
play,  based  upon  the  old  nursery  rhyme  $.15 

Terrible  Ghost  Story,  A  (MB  267)-Chills 
and  thrills  abound  in  this  short,  but  effective, 
ghost  story $.10 

Window  Painting  for  Halloween  (P  116) 
—Suggestions  for  window  painting  contests 

.     .     .     $.10 


Thanksgiving 

Captain's  Dilemma,  The  (MP  89)— A  play- 
let based  upon  the  famous  courtship  of 
Miles  Standish $.10 

Children  of  the  Americas  (P  117)— A  pag- 
eant depicting,  through  song  and  dance, 
historic  periods  of  America  .  .  .  .  $.10 

Community  Pageant  for  Thanksgiving 
(MB  2010) $.10 

Faith  of  Our  Fathers  (MP  46)-A  Pilgrim 
pageant.  The  first  part  tells  of  the  Pilgrims, 
brings  out  clearly  the  signing  of  the  May- 
flower Compact  and  also  contains  a  scene  of 
the  first  Thanksgiving.  The  second  part  tells 
of  the  faith  of  our  fathers  in  modern 
times $.25 

Family  Party  for  Thanksgiving,  A  (MB 
1578) $.10 

For  a  Happy  Thanksgiving  (Reprinted  from 
RECREATION)  —  Suggestions  for  a  simple 
harvest  community  night  consisting  of  songs, 
dances  and  considerable  pageantry.  Also 
suggests  other  possibilities  for  harvest  enter- 
tainments and  festivals $.10 

Harvest    Home    Thanksgiving    Party    (P 

119)  — Grand    fun    for    a    family    celebra- 
tion       $.10 

Program  for  Thanksgiving,  A  (P  120)— 
Eight  tableaux  with  narrators  .  .  .  $.10 

Thanksgiving  Ceremonial,  A  (MB  1421)— 
For  church,  school,  community  auditorium 
ute.  The  Earth  Mother  and  the  Earth  Chil- 
dren take  part  in  a  procession,  followed  by 
groups  of  Pilgrims,  pioneers  and  those  who 
share  their  offerings $.10 

Thanksgiving    Down    on    the    Farm    (MB 

1892)— Decorations  and  games       .     .     $.10 

Three  Thanksgivings,  The  (MP  51)— A  No- 
vember humoresque  of  the  Thanksgivings  of 
the  past,  present  and  future  ....  $.25 

Turkeys  in  the  Treetop  (MP  407)-Games 
and  mixers  for  your  party  .  .  .  .  $.10 


tf  eriry  hr 

Mn.-Mnrrny  College 


OCT 


V- 


, 


Here  are  the  guiding  principles,  practices 
and  policies  for  recreation  in  America 


Top  authorities  in  every  field  of  recreation 
labor,    military,   fraternal,    commercial,   in- 
stitutional, governmental  .  .  .  have  pooled  their 
vase  experience  and  know-how  to  bring  you 
this  complete  and  valuable  book 
on  the  guiding  principles  of  recreation 
in   America.     Never   before  has  there 
been  anything  like  it  —  for  the 
first  time,  a  full  set  of  principles  covering 
every   aspect   of   total   community 
recreation  —  established  and  printed 
in  one  volume.  Complete  from  his- 
torical background  and  its  place  in 
American   life   to  what   recre- 
ation offers  the  individual,  the 
family,   the  group  and   the 
community  —  including 
principles,  practices 
and  policies  for 
the  guidance  of  all 
agencies 
interested  in 
recreation. 


This  new  book,  the 
result  of  another  National 
Conference  held  by  the 
Athletic  Institute,  offers  you  valuable 
assistance  in  your  recreational  work. 
Priced  at  $1.25  each.  Order  your  copy  today 
from  the  Athletic  Institute,  209  S.  State  St, 
Chicago  4,  Illinois 


A     NON-PROMT     ORGANIZATION    DIVOTID    TO    THI    ADVANCIMINT 
Or    ATMIITICS      RICMATION    AND    PHYSICAL    IOUCATION 


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HILlERICHftBRAOSBYC 


IN  BASEBALLa^SOFTBALL 


OCTOBER  1952 


KENT  DEPENDS 
ON 'PORTER" 

at  leading  gyms  from  coast-to-coast 
the  choice  is  Porter 

Unusual  basketball  backstop  installations 
are  usual  for  Porter.  For  years.  Porter  en- 
gineers have  successfully  solved  equip- 
ment problems  for  the  nation's  leading 
schools,  universities,  clubs  and  communi- 
ties. This  outstanding  engineering  skill 
coupled  with  nearly  a  century  of  quality 
manufacturing  experience  explains  why 
Porter  is  depended  upon.  Whether  your 
problem  involves  basketball  backstops  or 
apparatus  for  gymnastics,  call  on  Porter. 


•VJ** 


These  two  Porter  2178  Forword-Fold  "Hoiitowoy"  in- 
itollationt  were  the  answer.  When  not  in  use  the  back- 
ttopt  may  be  hoiii*d  to  a  horiioniol  paiilion,  permit- 
ling  overhead  room  for  other  activities  in  ihe  gymnatium. 


Food  with  the  problem  of  installing  backstops  that 
would  be  permanent  and  rigid  in  a  gymnasium  with  a 
ceiling  beam  height  of  39  feet,  Kent  State  University 
at  Kent,  Ohio,  turned  to  Porter. 


FRII   ENOINIIRINC   COUNUL 

You  can  entrust  your  planning  and 
installation  problem}  to  Porter's  rn 
jrmcrring  staff  and  be  confident  of 
satisfaction.  Years  of  experience  bark 
every  Porter  recommendation.  Write 
today. 


THE  J.  E. 


PORTER 


r*« 
CORPORATION 


CHIUtO  IFflCt:  114  N.  M«ii|M  til.  C!HCI||  II.  FkM«:  JUp«ti«t  7  1212 


,  Illinois 


Monufocturers  of  Gymnoilom,       \   Ployground  and  Swimming  Pool  Equipment 


NCII  TOM  OfMCt:  11  W.  4!K  SI .  Km  Totk  II.  fkui  lli|Xtl  3  1342 


KM  in  Mi"- 


OCTOBER,  1952 


THE       MAGAZINE 


Editor  in  Chief,  JOSEPH  PRENDERGAST 

Editor,  DOROTHY  DONALDSON- 
BUSINESS  MANAGER,  ROSE  JAY  SCHWARTZ 

ASSOCIATE  EDITORS 

Recreation  Administration,  GEORGE  BUTLER 
Program  Activities,  VIRGINIA  MI'SSELMAN 


Vol.  XLVI 


Price  35  Cents 


No.  5 


On  the  Cover 

Pumpkins  will  ?oon.  in  the  hamU  of  small  boys, 
change  into  grinning  jack-o-Ianterns  for  the  eve  of 
Allhallows.  Photo  courtesy  of  Massie,  Missouri  Re- 
sources Division. 

Next  Month 

In  November,  recreation  leaders  will  be  looking 
ahead  to  Christmas.  This  issue,  therefore,  will  carry 
new  ideas  for  the  forthcoming  festivities — candle 
making,  a  new  party  and  tricks  and  stunts.  "Christ- 
inas Programs  Through  the  Years"  will  present  quick 
\irws  of  community  programs  since  the  1920's.  The 
lifting  of  the  ban  on  swimming  pool  construction, 
which  is  imminent  in  1953,  is  responsible  for  the 
article.  "Construction  of  Swimming  Pools."  Many 
other  ideas  for  program  leaders  and  administrators 
will  fill  its  pages. 

Photo  Credits 

258,  259,  Lethbridge  Herald— Lloyd  Knight; 
262,  263,  264,  Standard  Oil  Company  of  New  Jersey; 
267,  Virginia  Department  of  Conservation  and  De- 
\elopiiient;  271  (right),  Egan  Photo  Service,  Bos- 
ton. (1,-ft)  Achton  Studio,  Boston ;  280,  (top)  SCAP 
CIK  Information  Center,  Yokohoma,  (left,  top) 
Swedish  Travel  Information  Bureau.  Incorporated, 
i  center)  French  Government  Tourist  Office,  (bot- 
tom) New  York  Star — Morris  Gordon;  281,  (top) 
Kotu-Sclmlda-Muller,  Austria,  ('right,  top)  British 
Information  Services,  (center)  Official  Netherlands 
Photo,  I  bottom)  Bob  Mizunto,  Board  of  Public 
Parks  and  Recreation,  Honolulu;  Page  280,  281, 
(center)  Ewing  Galloway,  New  York;  293,  Helen 
Ciiininings,  Oak  Park,  Illinois;  306,  Official  United 
Stales  Marine  Corps  Photo;  307,  United  Service 
Organizations,  Incorporated. 


RECREATION  is  published  monthly  except  July 
and  August  by  the  National  Recreation  Association, 
a  service  organization  supported  by  voluntary  con- 
tributions, at  315  Fourth  Avenue,  New  York  10, 
New  York;  is  on  file  in  public  libraries  and  is 
niili-xccl  in  the  Readers'  Guide.  Subscriptions  $3.00 
a  year.  Canadian  agency,  G.  R.  Welch  Company, 
Ltd.,  1149  King  Street  West,  Toronto  1,  Ontario; 
Canadian  subscription  rate  $3.85.  Re-entered  as 
secmid-class  matter  April  25,  1950,  at  the  Post 
Office  in  New  York,  New  York,  under  act  of 
Maiili  .'i.  1879.  Acceptance  for  mailing  at  special 
ni-tr  nl  postage  provided  for  in  section  1103,  Act 
cil  October  3,  1917,  authorized  May  1,  1924. 
Advertising  and  Production  Office:  Jones  Press, 
Filth  and  Filth  South,  Minneapolis  15,  Minnesota. 
Space  Representatives:  H.  Thayer  Heaton,  141 
Kast  M  Street,  New  York  17,  New  York;  Mark 
Mnialian.  168  North  Michigan  Avenue,  Chicago, 
Illinois;  Keith  H.  Evans,  593  Market  Street,  Suite 
304,  San  Francisco  5,  California. 

Copyright,   1952,  by  the 

National   Recreation   Association,   Incorporated 
Printed  in  the  U.S.A.  3<*^g*  2 

"Trade  mark  registered  in  the  U.  S.  Patent  Office. 


OF       THE       RECREATION       MOVEMENT 

CONTENTS 

General  Features 

An  International  Recreation  Service  (Editorial) 

Joseph  Prendergast  254 

Vote  Campaign  260 

Never  Too  Early  to  Learn 262 

Judge  Austin  E.  Griffiths  264 

It's  A  Natural,  Mary  Virginia  Vaughn 272 

Toward  International  Understanding  „ 280 

Recreation  Through  Religious  Organizations  282 

Hospital  Bed  Recreation,  Barney  B.  Maticka 284 

Josephine  Blackstock  Retires  293 

Administration 

Recreation  Capital  of  Canada,  Philip  H.  Godsell 258 

Recreation  and  the  Virginia  Economy  266 

Action  in  Arlington,  Ellen  Anderson  277 

Fourteen  Acres  of  Fun,  Selwyn  Orcutt  287 

The  Importance  of  Good  Public  Relations, 

R.  E.  Brown,  Jr 288 

Program 

A  Halloween  Report  261 

Radio  for  Amateurs,  Charles  G.  Stone 265 

Reading  is  Recreation,  Robert  Kresge  269 

Operettas  Are  the  Answer,  Jane  Dale 270 

Recreation  on  Rails 

Model  Train  Races,  Francis  Donnon  274 

Model  Railroading,  James  F.  Herdic,  Jr.  275 

Aids  to  Model  Railroading  276 

Understanding  Each  Other,  Rosalee  Greenfield  279 

Teen   Activities    285 

"A  Candle  in  the  Window — A  Carol  at  the  Door," 

W.  J.  Calhoun  290 

How  To  Do  It!  Plan  An  Arts  and  Crafts  Room, 

Frank  A.  Staples                                                          292 

Tom-a-Hawk  Club  for  Teens,  John  A.  Lippold 297 

Whistling  While  You  Play,  Richard  Montgomery  301 

New  Body-Contact  Game  Offers  Fewer  Hazards, 

George  W.  Haniford  303 

Servicemen  in  the  Community  Program  306 

Regular  Features 

Things  You  Should  Know 253 

Letters    256 

Editorially  Speaking  257 

Recipes  for  Fun — Activities  for  an  International  Program  295 
Personnel — Southern  Regional  Recreation  Study, 

W.  C.  Sutherland 299 

Listening  and  Viewing  302 

On  the  Campus  304 

A  Reporter's  Notebook  305 

Recreation  Market  News 308 

Books  Received,  Pamphlets  309 

Magazines    310 

New  Publications  311 


Recreation  Leadership  Courses 


OCTOBER  1952 


Inside  Back  Cover 

251 


NATIONAL    RECREATION    ASSOCIATION 

A  Service  Organuation  Supported  by  Po/unforr  Contributions 
M>ERGAST,  Executive  Director 


OFFICERS 

OTTO  T.    UAH  in  ..................  Chairman   of    iHe  Board 

P»Cl    MOOU.    Jt  ......................  First     Vice-Prr.ident 

Mat.    OcMM    L.    Mail  ...............  Second     Vue-Pretident 

St»*M  M.  Lit.  .Third  Vicc-PrtiidMi  aad  Secretary  of  the  Board 
AC«UM   M.   MA.  m  ............................  Trcaiurrr 

Gi.  iTAtci   T.   Kit»T  ....................  Treiiurtr   Enwntui 

Pit  NMtCAfT  ...........  ................  Secretary 


BOARD  OF  DIRECTORS 


F.  V.  H.   AftAMt .  ..New  York.  N     V 

F.  GIIGC  .WMII Bottoa.  Mai* 

Mi.    Rotuai  Vooo*  Butt V*thia(ton.  D.  C. 

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<.*TIO«»   DOMMfliaY OlicitO.   III. 

Mai.  PAI.I  Gut  AIHII  Omaha,  Nebr 

R*»IIT  G*aain  Bittimofe.  Md. 

MB  »     SIMM  AN  HAAAOVU r  itchburf .  Mai*. 

*••!*  V    HKEOX Michican  City,  Ind. 

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MI.-ND  STIBN San  Fraaciico.  Cilif. 

GILAKT  Tn»wo«TH Nuroton.  Conn, 

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Rl    III    Ellll  R\  \NNll   l\)v 

Mil  P*IO  S^  ANION  .R^N.l   A    Si  Ann 

GKACX  VAI&IB 


New  1 

(rVnetil   »d<i  •     Yoek) 

M.JJI.    Aila. i..     [>,.ir..t 

JuHM    V.     (  A?    «l   ......  I  *.t    '  V  jr. 

R>MAa»  S    «. 

CrMi  L«hM  D.ii' 

JOMW     J 

RoMtr  i 


DISTRICT   RKPKI  SI  \  I  \TIVKS 

So*ith«rM   Di.tr.ii 

MM*   M»i   .  AlrunJrii,   \  i 

RAIPH    \  »N    tint (  lc«r witer.   H* 


Mldwml    D,.lr,.l 

\.n.    .     I..tK K  jnui    (  ny.   Mo. 


Southwest   Diitnet 
HAROLD  VAM  AB*HAI  i I>, 


i»,  Te«. 


Picifcc   Nortbwett   Di.tr, it 
%  ii  i  ABD  M.  Sri  i  M  Ait  n W  it  tie,  Vath. 

Pacific   Soutkwctt   Di.lriit 

1  INN    s     •  .I.oi   Anjtele*.  (  ilit 


ABIiatc  .Mrmhrrnhip 

.    tW    N. 


Active  Auociate  Memb«rahip 

Aclivt      u«oci.t«     ••mhitihip 


Contributors 


vlMM  IWKIIM   ii  wfcdlr   «r  rrmuilr   lk« 
of  rfcr*iti««  Mf*. 
I  w  »Mdl  Ixlo**  ncrtMM  M  ••  >m- 

f«H     ft     tWlf     Mtll     prCtTMl     uU 


.11     mdi 
0*   •   f«JI- 
or   M  vol 
p«Hic    r 


art 


-li*«  or 


tn|i(fj 

W  »Mil 

onv.t*  or 


The    continuation    of    the    work    of    the 

Recreation  At*oci.t.oa  it  open  to  National  Recreation  Ataoc.ation  from  year 
M  year  it  made  pottible  by  the  iplendid 
cooperation  of  teveral  hundred  volunteci 
ipoauori  throughout  the  country,  and  thr 
teneroui  contribution!  of  thoniand*  of  mp 
porttri  of  thu  movement  to  bring  health, 
napfine.1  and  cre.nve  living  to  the  boyi 
aad  girli  ind  the  men  and  women  of 
Aokerica.  If  »ou  would  like  to  toin  ia  the 
tupport  of  thii  movement.  *ou  may  Mod 
TOUT  coninbation  direct  to  the  uto- 


«   in  the  vork  •!  I)M  uiocitlion 

Uw  opinion   of   UM   aMOciitioii'i 

Oinctori.  (wtW  tk<  i..i  of  ik< 

rocmti* 


The  National  Rrcrraiioi)  AMOCUIIOD  u  a  nation- 
wide; •Qw)pr»tt.  Doopoliiiral  and  nontrcttrian  ciric 
••rtaniunon.  e»ubli*hnl  in  1906  and  rapported  by 
"•lunlarr  ronlril>ulion>.  and  d(dical«d  to  the  aenr- 
icr-  •(  all  ructw«tl»w»  e«ec«li»e»,  leadari  and  agen- 


rir».  public  and  privatr.  lo  thr  mil  thai  rvrry  child 
in  Amrrira  ihall  liavr  a  placr  lo  play  in  nafrly  and 
lhat  every  per*on  in  Amrrica.  young  ami  old.  nhall 
havr  an  opportunity  (or  thr  l«-«t  ami  nu»t  ulitfy- 
ing  u§«  o(  hi«  rspandinf  lfi«urr  timr. 


For  further  information  regarding  the  attociatinn't  tervicet  and  mtmbtrihip,  please  tcrile  lo  the 
Dirtetor.  National  Krertation  Auoriation.  315  Fourth  Avenue,  Nev  York  10.  New  York. 


m 


lin  iii  \IIIIN 


*•  A  SCHOLARSHIP  FOR  GRADUATE 
STUDY  in  landscape  architecture  is  be- 
ing offered  at  Harvard  University  for 
the  academic  year  1953-1954.  carry- 
ing a  stipend  of  six  hundred  dollars — 
the  equivalent  of  tuition  for  one  year. 
The  curriculum  embraces  the  design  of 
area  of  land  for  human  use  and  enjoy- 
ment. Further  information  will  be  fur- 
nished upon  request,  up  to  November 
1,  1952.  Address  The  Chairman,  De- 
partment of  Landscape  Architecture, 
Robinson  Hall,  Harvard  University, 
Cambridge  38,  Massachusets. 

>  THERE  ARE  Now  MORE  THAN  SEV- 
ENTY SCHOOL  DISTRICTS  in  Michigan 
providing  a  week  or  more  of  school 
camping  as  a  part  of  the  regular  cur- 
riculum, according  to  Dr.  Julian  W. 
Smith  in  a  talk  delivered  to  the  1952 
American  Camping  Association  Con- 
vention. He  stated  that  California  re- 
ports fifteen  school  districts  involved. 
Others,  including  Indiana,  Texas,  Illi- 
nois, New  York,  North  Carolina,  Flor- 
ida and  Washington,  report  that 
schools  have  already  initiated  pro- 
grams. Official  publications,  proceed- 
ings of  conventions,  and  the  pro- 
nouncements by  associations  of  school 
administrators  and  other  professional 
groups  indicate  acceptance  of  school 
camping  as  an  integral  and  desirable 
part  of  educational  experience. 

*  ACTING  UPON  A  REQUEST  OF  THE 
COMMUNITY  SERVICES  BRANCHES  of 
the  U.S.  Air  Force  and  the  Department 
of  the  Army,  the  National  Recreation 
Association  early  last  summer  started  a 
pioneering  program  to  mobilize  all 
community  recreation  resources  within 
a  wide  radius  of  ten  military  installa- 
tions in  central  Texas.  Clarence  E. 
Brewer,  representing  the  association. 
worked  with  the  Community  Services 
of  the  U.  S.  A.  F.  and  Fourth  Army 
Command  on  a  joint  plan  of  action  re- 
sulting in  the  services  of  volunteer 
committees  to  act  as  sponsors  to  en- 
courage the  participation  of  militar> 

OCTOBER  1952 


personnel  in  community  activities.  A 
directory  was  compiled,  for  the  in- 
stallations, of  all  recreation  areas,  facil- 
ties,  places  of  interest  to  visit,  the  re- 
sources and  services  of  the  state  park 
departments,  Texas  state  departments, 
universities,  colleges,  commercial  rec- 
reation, and  of  resource  persons  hav- 
ing a  specialized  hobby  and  who  were 
willing  to  cooperate  with  personel  offi- 
cers on  post  in  promoting  hobby  activ- 
ities for  military  personnel. 

Major-General  John  McCormick,  Di- 
rector of  Military  Personnel  for  the 
U.S.A.F.,  writes  regarding  this  project: 
"I  have  been  receiving  regular  reports 
on  the  very  valuable  services  the 
United  States  Air  Force  has  been  re- 
ceiving from  the  National  Recreation 
Association.  It  is  evident  that  the  per- 
sistent and  skillful  efforts  of  your  rep- 
resentatives, closely  coordinated  with 
the  plans  and  programs  of  our  air  base 
commanders,  have  resulted  in  the  dis- 
covery and  availability  of  many  com- 
munity resources  hitherto  unused.  The 
most  recent  report  on  the  Wolters  Air 
Force  Base  Community  Service  Proj- 
ect, organized  by  Mr.  C.  E.  Brewer,  is 
an  excellent  example  of  the  worthwhile 
defense  activities  of  your  organiza- 
tion." 

*  THE  SEVENTH  ANNUAL  INDUSTRIAL 
RECREATION  CONFERENCE  will  be  held 
at  Purdue  University  October  19  to  21. 
1952.   A   highlight  of  the  conference 
will  be  the  banquet  address  on  Monday 
evening  by  Dr.  Harold  D.  Meyer,  Pro- 
fessor   of    Sociology,    University    of 
North     Carolina;     consultant,     North 
Carolina  Recreation  Commission;  and 
former  president  of  the  American  Rec- 
reation Society.  He  will  speak  on  "Rec- 
reation— Its   Potentials   in   Contempo- 
rary Society." 

*  RECENT    FIGURES    re-emphasize   the 
fact  that  each  year  more  children  are 
killed    playing    in    the    streets    than 
through  polio.  According  to  the  1951 
figures  of  the  National  Foundation  for 


Infantile  Paralysis,  there  were  28,668 
cases  of  polio  reported  in  the  United 
States,  but  during  the  same  year,  the 
number  of  children  killed  or  injured 
while  playing  in  the  streets,  totalled 
54,170  . 

*  A  NEW  RECREATION  PROGRAM  SERV- 
ICE and  a  national  advisory  committee 
on  recreation  programs  and  activities 
is  being  inaugurated  by  the  National 
Recreation  Association.  Virginia  Mus- 
selman,  now  head  of  the  association's 
correspondence  and  consultation  serv- 
ice, will  be  in  charge  of  this  new  de- 
partment and  will  serve  as  the  commit- 
tee's secretary.  George  A.  Nesbitt,  who 
has  been  district  representative  in  New 
York  state,  will  take  over  direction  of 
the  correspondence  and  consultation 


*  A  POLICY  STATEMENT  on  the  danger 
of  over-development  and  commerciali- 
zation of  state  parks  is  being  prepared 
through   the    cooperation   of  the   Na- 
tional Conference  of  State  Parks,  Amer- 
ican Institute  of  Park  Executives  and 
the  National  Recreation  Association. 

*  Two  NEW  RECREATION  SOCIETIES, 
officially    organized    last   spring,   are: 

The  Tennessee  Recreation  Society 
with  Al  Strozdas,  recreation  director 
of  Oak  Ridge,  serving  as  president. 
Plans  called  for  pamphlets  and  leaflets, 
stating  the  society's  constitution,  by- 
laws and  dues,  to  be  distributed  to  all 
recreation  leaders  in  the  state. 

The  Metropolitan  New  York  Recre- 
ation Society,  an  affiliate  of  the  Amer- 
ican Recreation  Society.  It  was  organ- 
ized in  April  and  is  now  meeting  regu- 
larly. It  welcomes  into  membership  all 
those  who  are  professionally  engaged 
in  the  recreation  field,  no  matter  what 
kind  of  agency  or  what  its  major 
focus. 


Special  Services 

There  is  still  an  urgent  need  for 
women  for  special  service  club  work 
in  Japan.  College  graduates  are  pre- 
ferred. 

Civilian  women  also  are  needed 
for  club  work  in  other  overseas 
areas.  Women,  ages  twenty-four  or 
twenty-five,  are  in  demand,  too,  for 
club  positions  at  posts  and  bases  in 
all  parts  of  the  United  States.  In- 
formation concerning  all  special 
service  opportunities  may  be  ob- 
tained from  the  Recreation  Person- 
nel Service.  National  Recreation  As- 
sociation, 315  Fourth  Avenue,  New 
York  10,  New  York. 


253 


An  International 


FOR  MAM    u  u<-  tin-  National  He<  reation  Asso- 
ciation   has    been    intere-ted    in    and    has   pro- 
vided   consultative    and    advisor)     service-    to 
agencies  and  individual-  throughout  the  world  con- 
•  i-rin-il  with  recreation.  Tin-  Board  of  Directors  of 
the  National   Recreation   Association   h.i-   now  au- 
thorized   tin-    formal   establishment    of   an    Interna- 
tional   Recreation    Sei  vice,    as    a    channel    through 
which  the  many  serv  ice-  of  tin-  association  ma\   1" 
made  more  readily  available  t«  them. 

In  1911.  Mr.  and  Mr-  6.  M.  (ioethe.  under  t'v 
auspices  of  the  association,  made  a  trip  around  the 
world  and  were  in-trumental  in  the  establishment 
of  playgrounds  and  other  ie< reation  facililie-  in 
several  countries.  Throughout  the  years  man 
reation  friends  from  other  countrir-  have  allciidrd 
the  association's  annual  recreation  emigre— i-..  In 
I'1'.-',  the  association  spon-orcd  the  lii-t  Interna- 
tional Recreation  Congress,  which  was  held  in  l.o- 
Angeles.  California,  in  < onnc.  lion  with  tin-  OKmpic 
(..lines  of  that  year.  Situ  <•  1'Ti.  it  ha-  been  -crving 
hundred*  of  individuals  and  agencies  < -om  crm-d 
with  recreation  in  mam  nation-.  During  tin-  l.i-i 
few  years  many  American  recreation  Ic.idct-  ha\c 
been  serving  abroad.  Thi-  »uinmct  Mr.  and  Mi-. 
T.  K.  Itiver-  i.  presented  the  .1— ...  i.ilion  at  the 
-ixlh  Japanese  Recreation  Congress  and  made  ion 


tact  with  recreation  leaders  and  other  outstanding 
persons  interested  in  recreation  in  the  several 
countric-  lhc\  visited  en  route  to  Japan. 

The  provision  of  ice  reation  service  and  help. 
however,  has  not  been  a  one-wax  affair.  The  rec- 
leational  and  cultural  life  of  America  has  been 
tremendous!)  enriched  through  the  \cars  b\  con- 
tributions from  all  the  peoples  of  the  world,  and 
there  is  still  much  we  might  learn  from  other 
nations.  The  national  recreation  movement  of  the 
I  nitcd  Slate-  it-elf  rests  upon  the  pioneer  recrea- 
tion work  done  in  man)  countries,  particularly 
r.ngland.  (tcrmany  and  Swit/erland:  and  il  wa- 
Dr.  H.  L.  Jacks  of  Oxford  I  tmer-iu.  Kngland. 
who  carried  the  inspiring  story  of  recreation  to 
thousands  of  persons  throughout  the  I  nited  Stale- 
during  the  \ears  1 ').'?!  and  I'».'i2. 

\n  increa-ing  recognition,  -im  .•  tin-  beginning 
of  the  twentieth  ccntur).  ha-  been  gi\i-n  In  recrea- 
lion  in  all  parts  of  the  world  as  an  important  and 
neces-arv  patt  of  life  contributing  t»  education. 
character  development,  happine— .  health,  -afelv 
and  citi/enship.  In  several  counlric-.  a-  well  as  in 
the  I  niled  State-,  special  attention  has  been  given 
to  tecrealion.  -omeliiiic-  \<\  the  national,  provincial, 
-late  or  coiinlv  governnienl-.  sometimes  bv  munici- 
palities, often  bv  civic  and  -ocial  organization-.  \ 
niimbei  <>f  ...mill  ie-  have  e-labli-hed  oigani^ation- 
of  national  -<  O|M-  devoteil  I.,  leiie.ition.  -imilar  to 
the  National  Recreation  \—  ocialion. 

In    all   cases,    the    term    "recreation"    i-    iiM-d    to 
.  over   the  gem-r.il   field   of  plav    for  i  hildlen.   I. 
lion   for   \..ulh.  and   the   iceiealional   u-e  of  li-i-ni. 
time  for  adult-  and   the  aged.   Il   mean-   the  pi..\i 
-ion  of  such  facilities  and  adivilie-  .1-  paik-.  pla\ 
grounds,  neighboiho.id   i.  .  n-alion  biiildmu1-.  game--. 
-|H.rl-.  athletics,   mu-ii  .  dr.inialie-.  arts  and  craft-, 
camping,  hiking  and  like  activitie-  when  organised 
and  dexel. .ped  f«r  general  participation  In   .-ill  the 


254 


RECRKAIH'N 


Editorial 


Recreation  Service 


people  in  rural  as  well  as  in  urban  communities.  It 
does  not  include  commercial  recreation  activities. 

Since  the  end  of  World  War  II.  interest  in  rec- 
reation has  been  manifest  to  a  greater  degree  than 
ever  before  in  many  foreign  countries.  Letters  from 
individuals  and  organizations  seeking  advice,  in- 
formation and  literature  on  recreation  have  been 
reaching  the  National  Recreation  Association  in 
steadily  increasing  numbers.  A  desire  to  profit  by 
the  experience  of  the  United  States  in  developing  a 
community  recreation  movement  is  quite  evident  in 
many  countries. 

As  the  occupation  authorities  of  both  Germany 
and  Japan  are  turning  back  the  control  of  those 
countries  to  their  own  governments,  and  both  pub- 
lic and  private  agencies  of  those  countries  are  left 
without  official  help  and  guidance,  it  becomes  im- 
perative that  such  organizations  as  the  National 
Recreation  Association  provide  private  and  volun- 
tary services  in  the  fields  of  their  respective  in- 
terests. 

Furthermore,  so  long  as  the  peace  of  the  world 
and  the  defense  of  the  world's  democracies  require 
the  United  States  and  other  nations  to  maintain 
large  numbers  of  their  citizens  abroad,  in  military 
and  other  capacities,  it  is  of  the  utmost  importance 
that  some  way  be  found  to  bring  together  the 
public  and  private  recreation  agencies  of  America 
and  its  allies  in  a  program  to  open  up.  to  the  repre- 
sentatives of  other  nations,  the  hearts,  the  homes 
and  the  normal  and  wholesome  recreation  oppor- 
tunities of  the  countries  in  which  they  are  serving. 

The  formal  establishment  of  an  International 
Recreation  Service  by  the  National  Recreation  As- 
sociation will  provide  a  central  service  agency  to 
make  available  both  information  and  skillful  guid- 
ance for  recreation  leaders,  agencies  and  associa- 
tions in  all  parts  of  the  world,  just  as  the  National 
Recreation  Association  for  over  forty-six  years  has 


served  in  the  United  States  as  the  central  service 
agency  for  local,  state  and  national  agencies,  pub- 
lic and  private,  concerned  with  public  recreation. 

The  International  Recreation  Service  will  also 
participate  in  the  work  of  the  Committee  on  In- 
ternational Social  Welfare  of  the  National  Social 
Welfare  Assembly  and  in  cooperation  with  that 
committee  will  serve  in  a  consultative  and  advisory 
capacity  to  the  several  United  States  and  United 
Nations  bodies  active  on  the  international  welfare 
scene — such  as  the  Federal  Security  Agency  in  rela- 
tion to  the  Federal  Interdepartmental  Committee  on 
International  Social  Welfare,  the  United  States  Na- 
tional Commission  for  UNESCO,  the  International 
Labor  Organization,  the  Conference  Group  of  Uni- 
ted States  National  Organizations  on  the  UN,  the 
Social  Commission  of  the  United  Nations,  and  the 
United  Nations  Economic  and  Social  Council.  It 
will  assist  the  State  Department  of  the  United  States 
W7ith  reference  to  the  welfare  phases  of  the  United 
States  foreign  policy,  particularly  with  such  ques- 
tions as  the  welfare  attache  program,  Point  IV  and 
technical  assistance,  and  United  States  Government 
representation  at  international  conferences. 

Faced  with  the  impelling  need  of  bettering  inter- 
national relations  if  we  are  to  win  the  peace,  now 
is  the  strategic  time  to  provide  world-wide  services 
in  the  field  of  recreation. 

It  is  our  hope  that  we  who  know  what  recreation 
can  do,  both  for  the  individual  and  for  the  com- 
munity, will  find  a  way,  through  the  establishment 
of  the  association's  International  Recreation  Serv- 
ice, to  bring  together  the  recreation  forces  of  the 
world  to  promote  a  richer,  more  abundant  leisure 
life  for  all. 


f)(   IOBER    1952 


255 


Concern  About  Salaries 


A   Rich   Contribution 
Sin: 

In  regard  to  the  guest  editorial  in 
xour  April  19.">2  i— m •.  Mrs.  Hobby  has 
packaged  as  neatly,  convincingly  and 

colorfully  what  conimunitv  rei  reation 
program-  ran  do  for  service  women  a- 
.in\  gifted  saleswoman  with  enlight- 
ened under-landing  of  the  prodm  I 

•  ••Hid.    Thr    material    is    presented    -o 
i  i  i-plv   and  tidily  and  with  such  irre- 
futable appeal  that  I  am  guessing  there 
will  he  a  big  demand  for  copies.  It  is 
certainK  a  rich  contribution  in  general 
and  particularly  in  relation  to  defense 
-erv  ires   such   as  those   in   which    the 
NRA    and    the    Connmmilx     >nvirr« 
Branch.  Special  Scrvirc-  |)ivi-ion.  Of- 

•  f  the  Adjutant  (icneral.   Dcparl- 
mi-lit  i)f  the  Armv.  along  with  others, 
are  engaged. 

G.  Ott  Romncv.  (  in> •/.  I  iiminunin 
Serrirn  Rranrh.  Iti-jmilnifnl  <>j  thf 
Army. 

Playground   Improvements 

l!i«i:i  vims  magazine  is  a  big  aid 
in  ii-  111  conducting  our  various  pro 

•  It  '  niil.iin-  iiirnrlhinf;  fur  < 
limit  on  our  staff  and  nil  «f  u-  read  it 
ili..i..iiirlilx   each  month. 

Thi«  v.-ar  we  have  i  "inlm  led  a  Plav  • 

liroimd    Improvement     Plojrrl    011    i-arll 

•  <(  our  fifteen  playgrounds,  having  re- 

•I     this     idea     from     \oiir     April 
l''"il  I    issue,  and  we  achieved  the  fill- 
lowing    rr-ull-: 

I.   Padding  1 1  lge«  of  the  sral 

.mil    nil    i. nl-    ami    holt*    on    tin-    lialix 

•  wing  scat*  with  fonin  iul>l»-i  -uul  •  <-\ 

256 


cring  with  leatherette  'Herring  Oaks 
Playground).  This  safetv  de\  ire  does 
not  prevent  bumps  on  heads  but  it  does 
eliminate  serious  cuts. 

'2.  Painting  of  shuffleboard  courts 
on  the  long  sides  of  a  tennis  court 
plus  construction  of  all  shuffleboard 
equipment  I  Wills  Playground). 

3.  A    beautiful    cork-faced    bulletin 
board    with    multicolored   letters    i  Lin- 
coln Park). 

4.  A  nine  hole  miniature  golf  course 
i  I'resumpscott  Park). 

Volleyball  court  1 1'.  J.  Deering). 

6.  Fireplaces  of  rectangular  paving 
-lone-    iltavsidr.   (iulliver   Field.    Pay- 
-oii  Park  ami  others). 

7.  Planting     of    oak     Ire.--     i  Peaks 
Island). 

8.  Permanent  horseshoe  boxes  (Doug- 

I  l-  ^liecl). 

''.  Mascball  field,  complete  with 
!•. i<k-lop  ami  -now  fence  for  outfield 

(GoOh 

Id.  draft    table    and    board    games 
M.  Inliiei. 

II.  }•  in-plai -e-  .UK!  council  rings  at 
.1  "w l-\"  playground  (The  Pines). 

(liir  local  Holary  Club  i-  ro  -pon-m 
ing  the  project  ami  will  give  play- 
ground equipment  as  pri/«*s  to  ihc  bei»t 
I-  I  am  a  firm  br|ic\er  in  the 
fact  that  Miiing-ter«.  p.m-nl-.  fiiend- 
.inil  pla>  leaders  should  help  improve 
their  areas.  Thi*  gixe-  a  neighborhood 
the  feeling  of  ie»piin<.ibilil\  for  their 
playground. 

Ih.mk-  lo  \ou  and  Hn  in  \TIDN 
Mi.iga/iii--  for  a  wonderful  idea. 

Jack  ("rain.  Junior.  Dim-titr  «t  f\,  • 

rralinn.  Portland.    Maine. 


I  read  with  avid  interest  >uur  arti- 
cle on  salaries  in  the  September  issue 

.1-  I  imagine  did  everyone  in  the 
recreation  profession.  The  results  lived 
up  to  111%  expectation*  but  not  up  to 
my  hopes.  To  me  the  thing  that  point- 
ed up  the  sad  story  that  \our  figures 
told  was  the  article  under  "1'eixiiinel 
In-wailing  the  decrease  in  the  number 
of  colleges  offering  recreation  degrees 
and  in  the  number  of  students  enrolled 
in  such  courses,  and  the  relative!) 
poorer  quality  of  such  student-. 

^  ou  seem  very  concerned  with  this 
problem  —  and  rightly  so,  I  believe  —  • 
urging  a  nation-wide  systematic  re- 
cruiting program  for  the  profession.  It 
-ccin-  to  me  that  there  is  a  direct  cor- 
relation between  the  results  of  your 
salary  survey  and  the  apparent  lack  ..f 
enthusiasm  on  the  part  of  top-notch 
young  people  to  enter  the  profession. 
Very  few  outstanding  high  school  stu- 
dents in  our  society  are  going  to  set 
their  sights  on  a  career  in  a  profession 
win-re  tlie  top  salary  for  the  man  with 
the  heavy  responsibilit)  of  managing  a 
large  department  in  a  midwestern  me- 
tropolis is  only  811.000  —  a  junior  ex- 
ecutive's salary  in  man)  of  our  busi- 
ness concerns.  A  median  salary  of  less 
than  S100  per  week  —  which  can  be 
matched  in  any  airplane  factory  »i 
>t<fl  mill  —  is  not  going  to  attract  \cr\ 
many  to  spend  four  or  more  \ears  in 
college  and  considerable  mom-)  pre- 
paring for  a  career  in  this  field. 

I  have  no  personal  complaint  at  tin- 
pic-cnl  lime  concerning  .-alar\  being 
in  the  first  \ear  on  a  new  job  and  re- 
i  fixing  the  figure  I  asked  for.  In  fact 
I  have  received  a  raise  in  salary  each 
\ear  that  I  have  been  working.  How- 
CM-I.  the  rise  in  the  <o>|  of  li\  ing  since 
I  left  college  in  194J5  has  matched  m\ 
progress,  and  the  economic  prospects 
for  the  future  revealed  b\  \oiu  -urve\ 
of  salaries  si-cm  dim. 

It  seems  to  me  that  the  be>t  w.i\  to 
lick  the  recruiting  problem—  and  inci- 
dental!) the  greatest  ser\  ice  that  the 
National  Recreation  Association  and 
the  Vmerican  Recreation  Societx  could 
pcifoiin  foi  the  profession  would  be 
to  ilrxolc  a  much  -liongci  effort  to 
-alaric-  in  the  profession  now. 
I'he  -111  re--  of  laboi  union-  ha-  proven 
the  strength  of  organized  groups.  1  am 
not  advocating  a  union  for  recreation 
su|M-rintendent-  m  other  professional 
u"ik,i-  luit  I  am  ailxmating  an  in 
creased  effort  In  the  alir.nl-  e-tali 
li-heil  organization-  mentioned  alinvi- 
on  behalf  of  the  iinliviilii.il  cvculivc 
.mil  -laff  memlwr  on  a  nation-wide 
basil*. 


JOHN    H.    I'INNM.    ^u 
nrntlleltnro.      Vermont.     Recreation 
Detriment. 


United  Nations  Playground 

The  establishment  of  the  United  Na- 
tions playground,  last  year,  called  forth 
the  following  comment,  from  column- 
ist H.  I.  Phillips,  in  the  New  York 
press : 

The  Kids  and  the  Diplomats 

OK,  envoys,  delegates  and  officials, 
custodians  of  a  world's  fate,  spokes- 
men for  the  biggies  of  this  planet! 
This  is  one  of  your  more  understanda- 
ble decisions  ...  a  step  in  keeping 
with  the  ways  of  the  Prince  of  Peace. 
Now  the  coldness  of  steel  skyscraper 
and  the  forbidding  aloofness  of  diplo- 
mats give  way  to  a  heart-warming  hu- 
man touch. 

The  scurrilous  debate  is  softened 
by  laughter;  the  acrid  mood  is  touched 
by  song;  the  gravest  decision  on  the 
topmost  floor  ...  is  made  to  seem 
less  important  momentarily  than  the 
questions  down  in  the  street  below, 
"Who  slugged  'Shorty'  Murphy?" 
"What  little  girl  pushed  Jennie  out  of 
the  swing?"  Pause,  oh  statesmen  of 
the  earth!  Get  an  eyeful  of  children 
at  play!  Listen  to  their  laughter! 

The  kids  can  help  you.  An  inter- 
national issue  will  seem  suddenly  less 
vital  when,  responding  to  a  childish 
treble,  you  catch  a  flash  of  your  child- 
hood memories.  Your  tempers  will  be 
soothed  by  the  sight  of  kids  at  play. 
Spokesmen  for  empires  may  glimpse 
the  top  secret  key  to  peace  in  the 
hearts  and  voices  of  cavorting  young- 
sters. And  perhaps  amid  the  shouts 
from  the  United  Nations  playground 
there  will  be  heard  in  the  council  halls 
high  up  in  the  steel  skyscraper  the 
timeless  Voice  whispering.  "Suffer  ye 
little  children  to  come  unto  me."- 
From  The  Sun  Dial,  by  H.  I.  Phillips, 
by  special  permission  of  the  Associ- 
ated Newspapers  and  the  New  York 
World  Telegram  and  Sun. 

"I  Hate  Reading!" 

As  our  thoughts  turn  to  the  sub- 
ject of  reading  and  we  take  another 
look  at  its  place  in  the  recreation  pro- 
gram, in  view  of  planning  for  Book 
Week1 — November  16  to  22 — recrea- 
tion leaders  will  be  interested  in  an 
article  of  the  above  title,  by  Helen  J. 


Greenblat,  a  seventh-grade  teacher  in 
the  public  schools  of  Newark,  New 
Jersey. - 

"The  tie-up  between  reading  difficul- 
ties and  juvenile  delinquency  evinces 
itself  with  startling  regularity,"  writes 
Miss  Greenblat.  "It  is  true  that  not 
all  retarded  readers  seem  to  suffer 
from  emotional  disturbances  or  come 
to  grips  with  the  law.  But  on  the  other 
hand,  the  reading  ability  of  nearly  all 
delinquents  is  considerably  below  their 
mental  capacity.  .  .  .  Authorities  in  the 
field  of  reading  are  accepting  more 
and  more  the  factor  of  emotional  mal- 
adjustment as  a  prime  cause  of  read- 
ing difficulty.  .  .  . 

"Less  attention  has  been  paid,  how- 
ever, to  the  reverse  side  of  the  prob- 
lem ...  to  what  extent  does  read- 
ing retardation  cause  and/or  aggra- 
vate feelings  of  inadequacy  in  the 
child?  Practically  at  the  beginning  of 
his  school  career  he  is  grouped  ac- 
cording to  his  reading  performance. 
Then  and  there  the  stigma  becomes 
attached.  ...  It  takes  very  little  time 
for  the  children  to  discover  which  are 
the  slower  learners  and  to  emphasize 
the  fact  by  such  endearing  epithets  as 
'Dope'  or  'Lamebrain'  ( both  of  which 
I've  heard  used  on  the  playground  by 
little  first-graders).  ...  As  the  child 
grows  older,  reading  becomes  a  pre- 
requisite for  an  increasing  number  of 
subjects  in  the  curriculum.  .  .  .  Thus 
our  slow  reader  is  being  set  farther 
and  farther  away  from  his  fellows.  .  .  . 

"I  have  found  that  such  children  re- 
veal acute  awareness  of  their  reading 
inadequacy  and  are  bitterly  resentful. 
...  All  this  animosity  gives  rise  to 
the  oft-heard  cry,  'I  hate  reading!'  No 
amount  of  stereotyped  'remedial  read- 
ing' assistance  will  help.  Treatment 
consists  rather  of  attempting  to  lessen 
the  pent-up  aggression  and  hostility 
and  of  building  up  self-confidence.  .  .  . 
I  try  to  stimulate  interest  in  reading 
by  dealing  with  such  topics  as  the 
child  himself  suggests.  This  is  based 
on  the  rapport  between  us. 

"Once  interest  has  been  achieved 
and  self-confidence  has  been  fostered, 
more  formal  work  may  be  cautiously 
introduced." 


1  See    "Reading    is    Recreation,"    page    269. 

OCTOBER  1952 


2  Appearing  in  June  1952  issue  of  Under- 
standing The  Child,  published  by  the  Na- 
tional Association  for  Mental  Health,  1790 
liroadway,  New  York. 


The  Importance  of  Play 

I  much  admire  the  custom  in  many 
Jewish  families  of  elders  and  children 
playing  card  games,  dominoes,  and 
checkers  after  the  evening  meal  to- 
gether. It  takes  love  and  self-disci- 
pline for  a  worried  man  to  settle  down 
to  games  with  children.  Parents  en- 
courage their  children  to  make  music, 
to  paint,  to  work  in  photography  and 
to  play  outdoor  games.  They  know 
the  art  of  family  life.  It's  so  much 
easier  to  give  the  kids  money  and 
send  them  to  the  movies  or  let  them 
take  what  wisdom  they  can  get  from 
television! 

Recreational  direction  has  become 
a  paid  profession  because  so  many 
parents  have  been  too  selfish  to  give 
themselves  in  teaching  children  how 
to  play. — From  Head  Over  Heels,  a 
Guide  for  the  Better  Self,  by  Maurice 
S.  Sheehy.  Published  by  Farrar,  Straus 
and  Young. 


COSTUMES    TO    RENT 

—  for  — 

CONVENTIONS  •  PARADES  •  PAGEANTS 
MINSTRELS    •   PLAYS    •   OPERAS,  ETC. 

VAN  HORN  &  SON,  PHILA.  7,  PA. 

Costumerl     •      Eit.    1852     <     Send  for  Folder. 


It's 


If  It's 


mm 

GYM  EQUIPMENT 

•  Gymnasium  Equipment 

•  Telescopic  Gym  Seats 

•  Basketball  Scoreboard's 

•  Basketball  Backstops 


•  Steel  Lockers,  Lockerobes 
and  Grade-Robes 


FRED  MEDART  PRODUCTS,lNC 

3566  DE  K  ALB  ST.       ST.  LOUIS  18,  MO, 


For  78  Yeart 
The  Standard  Of  Quality 


257 


\  remarkable  example  i>f  recreation  facilities  in  a  community  of  2-'}.5(MI  person-.. 


Recreation  Capital 


I    N    M  unlock.  Recreation  Director. 


Juvenile  delinquency  holds  no 
terrors  for  Lethbridge,  self-st\  led 
"l!ei  rcation  Capital  of  Canada." 
N"t  that  tin-  voiingstcr.s  nf  (hi-  thriving  metropolis  of  tin- 
irrigation  area  of  southern  Alberta  are  better,  or  woi-  . 
than  those  of  other  places.  They  are  just  as  full  of  brim- 
-loin-  and  ginger  as  any  other  normal  voung«lcrs.  but  here. 
through  coordinated  efforts  of  service  clubs  and  city  fa- 
thers, centered  in  the  $325,00(1  Civic  Sports  Centre,  the 
£240.000  skating  and  curling  rink.  (MCI  heated  outdoor 
swimming  pools,  a  ninety-acre  artificial  lake,  four  ball 
parks,  nine  playgrounds,  eight  outdoor  -k.iiin-  imk.  and 
endless  other  facilities,  the  voulh  of  the  citv  are  given  a 
lii-althful  opportunilv  In  work  off  their  high  spirits  and 
-upiT  abundant  energy  in  favorable  and  appealing  atmos- 
phere. Four  of  these  playgrounds  have  voulh  i..im>iU 
which.  complete  with  mayors,  govern  their  individual 
.nlivilics.  The«i-  i  oiini  i\-  function  under  direction  of  the 
children1!  parents  and  a  playground  >u|»-i\  i-.i. 

^tailing  from  scratch.  thes,-  .pi.  its  and  recreational  fea- 
lures  have  mounted  from  a  mere  nothing  to  an  edifice  of 
col.msal  stature  in  the  past  four  vears.  Sparked  \>\  the 
work  of  senice  club*  the  s(>O.(NHI  I.  ions  suiinming  pool. 
and  the  $40,000  Kinsmen  I'lav  ground  it  wa-  the  gener- 
•  •U-.  far-sighted  gift  of  >|IKI.IMM>  ,!,,,,,  it..  I  U  tl,,.  |.,|,.  \  ,,[, 
•»ii  k.  pioneer  industriali-t  of  the  cilv.  that  realK  got  thinr- 
miller  way. 

I  lie  (  ivic  Sports  Centre 

I'romplK.  Ma\or  II.  II.  r.llon.  K.<  .  to..k  steps  to  pro- 
.  ur--  from  the  Dominion  government,  for  a  civic  center,  the 
entire  Itoval  Canadian  Mountcil  l'..li.  .•  1.  arracks  square  in 
the  i  enter  of  the  cilv.  1'aid  for  out  of  tin-  donation  and 
largelv  from  reserves  built  up  during  the  war  vcar«.  the 
major  unit-  have  been  constrin  ted  during  tin-  p,i.|  four 
-  without  running  the  i  it\  into  debt.  Stronghold  for 
the  entire  sports  and  recreation  program  is  the  Civn 
^porUi  Centre  building,  wherein  are  now  coordinated  not 
onl\  voiith  activities  but  all  the  art.  music,  cultural  ami 


I'llll  If  II.  Cotmj.l..  t'rllnt,   of  ihf  Rmal  <',ri>nnif>hii-nl 
it  llir  niilhur  <>l  tn  frill  An  In    Irntrl  l-oak*. 


sports  activities  of  the  city.  This  was  officially  opened  l>\ 
Kmil  (i.  Sick  in  October,  1949,  in  memorv  of  his  father. 

Directlv  off  the  lobby  and  executive  offices,  Numbei 
One  (>vmnasium  and  auditorium  contains  a  basketball  and 
volleyball  floor,  four  badminton  and  two  shuflleboard 
courts;  it  is  equipped  with  a  public  address  -.\steni  and 
bleacher  accommodation  for  eight  hundred.  Twelve  storage 
rooms  are  built  under  the  bleachers,  providing  almost  un- 
limited space  for  the  equipment  of  all  groups  using  tin- 
building.  Number  Two  (ivm.  t  onslnn -ted  a.  an  imin< 
stage,  looks  down  on  Nundwr  One.  It  is  equipped  with  re- 
movable draw  and  drape  curtains  and  other  stage  trap 
pings,  and  is  marked  out  for  a  basketball  floor  and  t\\<> 
badminton  courts.  The  boxing  gym  is  equipped  vvitli  de- 
mountable rings  and  other  training  facilities,  while  tin- 
heated  outdoor  swimming  pool,  106  feet  !>v  .">.">  feet,  forms 
pai  t  of  the  main  building. 

Apart  from  these  features,  the  (livic  Sports  Centre  and 
Frit/  Siik  Memorial  also  oilers  a  large  number  of  meet- 
ing ur  club  rooms.  It's  not  unusual  to  find  all  these  in  u- 
at  t!n  same  lime  -a  game  of  basketball  going  on  in  tin- 
large  gymnasium,  members  of  the  Old  Timers'  Dance  Club 
practicing  reels  and  square  dances  in  the  other,  the  boxing 
club  conducting  regular  classes  in  the  basement  gvm  while 
the  sketch  i  lul..  camera  club  and  other  cultural  groups  are 
holding  meetings  in  the  various  room-.  Main  of  them  con- 
gregate later  in  the  large  dining  hall,  which  is  ..  i\i,,,|  |,\ 
a  fullv  modern  and  up-to-date  kitchen. 

1  .iic-t  addition  to  the  Civic  Sports  Centre  is  the  $240,000 
Ice    Centre,    an    enormous    .tincture    housing    the    largest 
•  ovi-reil-ice  surface    in   the   Dominion,    which   was  opened 
last  Noveml>er.  It  contains  a  skating  and  hockey  rink  180 
feel   In   ,".ll  feel,  ten  curling  she.-l-.  -eating  accommodation 
for  eight   hundred,  dressing  rooms  and  showers  for  girls 
and   In, vs.  a  glassed-in  spcclal.'i-'   I....MI  and   lobhv.  and  a 
icfn-slimriit   i  inn  cssion.   Other  development    work    in   pro« 
pci  t  embraces  a  quarter  mile  cinder  track,   a   turfed   (••••! 
ball  pilch  and  a  new   fastball  diamond. 

(.iiided  In   the  Recreation  Commission 

I.- thbridge's  citv-wide  program   is  develo|M-d  to  include 
•\oiic.   from   the   voiingslcr   to  the   oldster,   with  all  na- 


Hi  "  KKATION 


of  Canada 


Philip  H.  Godsell 


"Recreation  Week"   opened  with   a   spirited   western   hoe-down 
attended  by  fifteen  hundred   old-timers   from   southern   Alberta. 


tionalities  and  groups  participating.  Organized  recreation 
in  all  its  aspects — physical,  social  and  cultural — is  essen- 
tially a  matter  of  "having  fun."  But  it  is  more  than  that, 
for  it  is  a  tremendous  value  in  developing  character,  a 
spirit  of  cooperation,  and  in  building  good  citizens. 

The  over-all  guiding  force  is  the  recreation  commission, 
a  citizens'  committee  appointed  by  the  city  council.  Chosen 
to  head  this  eight-member  committee  was  George  B.  Mc- 
Killop.  M.  B.  E.,  who  has  done  more  for  the  youth  of  Leth- 
bridge  in  the  last  three  decades  than  any  other  one  man — 
a  fact  recognized  in  1948  when  he  was  made  a  Member 
of  the  Order  of  the  British  Empire.  On  his  recent  retire- 
ment he  was  succeeded  by  D.  L.  "Pat"  Hamilton.  Under 
Mr.  McKillop's  direction  the  following  Sports  Centre  poli- 
cy was  established: 

1.  "That   its  program   shall   be   built   up   to   the  point 
where  the  Civic  Sports  Centre  shall  become  the  center  of 
all  community  activities,  and  where  practically  all  groups 
can  make  use  of  the  building. 

2.  "That  the  rates  must  not  be  excessive  so  as  to  defeat 
the  purpose  for  which  the  building  was  planned. 

3.  "That  the  building  be  open  to  all  groups,  or  indi- 
viduals, so  long  as  their  activity  conforms  to  the  rules  gov- 
erning the  purpose,  use  and  maintenance  of  the  building." 

Meanwhile,  the  commission  adopted  a  policy  for  the 
civic  sports  and  recreation  program,  whereby  "all  sports 


Rehearsal  for  one  of  musical  pageants  and  reviews  which  played 
to   enthusiastic   audiences   and   were   a   part  of  the   gala   week. 


are  affiliated  with,  and  work  in  cooperation  in  the  foster- 
ing of  amateur  activity  throughout  the  city." 

Appointed  athletic  director  on  July  1,  1949,  by  the  rec- 
reation committee,  J.  N.  "Bus"  Murdoch,  a  native  son  and 
all-round  athlete,  supervises  the  civic-sponsored  program 
of  sports  and  recreation,  assisted  by  fifteen  regular  em- 
ployees. Deeply  interested  in  all  aspects  of  youth  training 
and  sports  promotion,  "Bus"  was  no  sooner  in  the  saddle 
than  he  envisaged  the  inclusion  of  all  branches  of  recrea- 
tion, sports,  arts  and  cultural  activities  under  the  same 
roof.  Within  six  months  the  Civic  Sports  Centre  had  be- 
come the  stronghold  for  one  hundred  twenty-five  clubs,  in- 
cluding the  allied  arts  council  which  is  made  up  of  the  cam- 
era club,  writers'  club,  the  sketch  club,  the  ballet  club,  the 
Junior  Chamber  of  Commerce,  the  Junior  United  Nations 
Association,  the  Canadian  Handicraft  Guild,  the  little 
theatre  group,  the  M.I.A.  opera-drama  group,  the  Play- 
goers' Drama  Club,  and  other  organizations.  The  effective- 
ness of  this  sports  and  recreation  program  is  demonstrated 
by  the  fact  that  of  this  community  of  23,500  souls,  the 
1951  sport  and  recreation  club  memberships  totaled  11.- 
384,  practically  fifty  per  cent  of  the  population ! 

A  Recreation  Week  to  Be  Remembered 

The  recreation  program  is  all-inclusive,  and  for  the  sec- 
ond successive  season  the  recreation  department  spread  its 
wings  still  further  and  exhibited  every  phase  of  its  color- 
ful activities  in  a  week-long  production.  This,  known  as 
"Recreation  Week,"  got  off  to  a  flying  start  on  Saturday. 
May  5,  with  a  spirited  western  hoe-down,  attended  by 
fifteen  mayors  from  adjacent  towns  and  a  senator  from 
Montana.  To  the  lilting  strains  of  Les  Handley's  Happy 
Homesteaders,  fifteen  hundred  old-timers  of  southern  Al- 
berta and  veterans  of  the  old  Fort  Benton  Trail  danced 
with  poke-bonneted  partners  in  a  style  reminiscent  of  the 
old  bullock-train  days  of  pioneering.  Monday,  the  author, 
assisted  by  befeathered  chiefs  and  warriors  of  the  Black- 
foot  nation,  staged  a  colorful  pageant  dramatizing  an  old- 
time  buffalo  hunt,  the  expulsion  of  whiskey  traders  by  the 


OCTOBER  1952 


259 


Community  Recreation  Studies 
and  Long  Range  Plans 

•  Analysis    of    the    community,    its    present    recreation    services    and 
resources,   and   its   needs. 

•  Recommendations    for    more    effective    use    of    present     recrea- 
tion   services    and    resources    and    the   development    of    plans. 

Planning  Recreation  Areas  and  Facilities 

•  Preparation    of    general    plan    for    each    recreation    area    and 
facility    with    attractive   drawings   for   exhibition    and    reproduction. 
An    accompanying    written    report    when    necessary. 

Consultation  Services 

•  Consultation    and    advisory    services    to    recreation    agencies    on 
surveys,    administration    and    program. 

•  Reviewing   of   existing    or   proposed   plans   for   recreation   areas, 
facilities  and   services. 

Send  for  free  leaflet 
NATIONAL  RECREATION  ASSOCIATION 

315   Fourth  Avenue  New   York    10,   N.Y. 


Norlhwe-t  Mi>ijiiti-fl  Police  from  Fort  \Vhoo|i-l  p.  anil  the 
"igning  nf  Treaty  Number  Seyen  at  Blftckfool  CrOttiag  li\ 
Chief  Crowfoot,  thi-  "-tale-man  in  paint  a  nil  blanket."  On 
I  lie-day.  \Vedne-day  and  Thin-day,  nm-ical  pageant-  atnl 

H  MII--  di-played.  in  surprised  ami  enthusiastic  audiences, 

tin-  wealth  of  oiil-tamling  talfiil  in  the  district.  Their  w,-t, 
many  |M-rformcr-  from  the  diyei-e  national  groups  lioth 
Oriental  and  F.uro|M-an  Ihing  in  the  I  .<  thhridge  area. 

One  thousand  children  dressed  as  elephants,  i:  italic-. 
horses,  lion.-,  wildmen.  acrobats  and  clowns,  (indented  the 
"Playground  Circus"  on  Friday  night  (•>  a  house  full  to 
oyerllowing.  Next  morning  the  same  young-tei-  -taged  a 
"circii"  |>aia«le."  Headed  by  a  homemade  calliope,  fiye  to 
len-\ ear-old  acrobats.  clown-,  roughriders  anil  cowgiil- 
y\illi  swirling  lariats  took  the  cit\  b\  storm.  a«  they  pa- 
raded and  cavorted  to  the  rousing  music  of  a  teen-age 
band.  On  Saturday  night.  Ma\  12.  the  gala  week  ended 
with  a  mammoth  and  colorful  Martli  gras.  It  was  a  week 
of  unexampled  joy  for  the  young>ter>.  \\lio  took  part  in  all 
the  productions — a  week  of  record  attendance  \\hich  indi- 
cated that  most  of  the  city  had  turned  out. 

In  this  tangible  yyay  l.ethhridge.  home  of  the  Mapl:- 
Leaf",  world  champion  hockey  player",  i-  demonstrating 
that  the  money  invested  in  recreational  facilitic"  i>  paying 
1:01  id  dividends—keeping  the  \outh  of  the  city  occupied 
and  interested  in  healthful  pursuit"  which  have  no  age 
barriers.  Parents  and  children  share  common  intere«t«. 


FREE 


THIS  BIG  ILLUSTRATED 

LEATHERCRAFT 

CATALOG  AND  GUIDE 


LARSON    LEATHERCRAFT 
FOR    CRAFTS   CLASSES 


Prompt    Shipment 


Complete    Stock  • 

I  rathrrrralt  ii  our  o«lr  bssilssen,  (nd  our  stork  i.  Ihr 
largril  and  moil  complete  in  America.  Th«t  ii  why  vmi 
CM  always  drprnd  upon  iniim-dialr  and  complete  ihip- 
«••!  Of  ordeft  sent  to  ut.  Whrtbrr  >our  rr<|tiirrinrnl. 
•M  for  beginners'  kits  needing  no  tools  or  riprrirnre,  for 
very  young  bori  and  girls,  or  tooling  leathers.  iuppl,r. 
•sW  looUjor  ofaer  -sore  advanced  .tudenl.  or  hobl.ri.l.. 
i.,  mm  ,,.  ,i,r,i  ,i,r  i  yiiM.s  i  ,  KIIII  iii  »yr  I  <  \-|  y 
LOC  ir*.  VVrile  lod.r  for  vo«,  FHEK  cop.  of  on,  big  II. 
tu.lr.lrd  Catalog  and  Ctsisle  to  latest  LealterrraH  projects. 

J.   C.   LARSON    COMPANY 

fhe    Foremoff    Nome    in    leofhercroff 
•  20  S.  Tnpp  Ave  .  Oept    16O7,  Chicago  34,  III. 


1.    C.    LARSON    CO.,    Dept.    1607 
•2O  S.   Tripp   Ave..   Chicago   34,   III. 

Please    testd    sae    a    FHEE    COOT    ol    yoor    latest 


niuitraled    <  .l.log    and    f.«Mte    to    l^alnerr 

UALJST 

1 
1 

AOURKSS 

| 

rrrr»                                      STAT* 

1 

Vote  Campaign 


\  vote  campaign  has  l>een  launched  bv  the  \merican 
Heritage  Foundation  and  more  than  one  hundred  other  or- 
ganization", working  through  local  branches,  to  stimulate 
iegi"tralion  and  voting  in  thi"  important  year.  A  pro- 
gram of  awards  is  offered  by  the  foundation  to  commu- 
nities, organizations  and  committee"  achie\in^  the  great- 
est percentage  im  ica-c  ..\er  the  \oiin-;  iec-oid  in  their 
.irea-  in  the  last  presidential  election. 

II..  ical ion  leaders  can  lake  aihantage  of  this  oppor- 
tunity foi  i  ommunily  and  national  -ei\iie  b\  making 
an  elfoil  to  help  increase  not  only  the  number  of  \olet-. 
but  the  numlH-r  of  inftirmnl  volei- 

Thi-  can  IM'  done  b\  -liimil.ilin^  \om  di"i  ii—imi  group- 
to  devote  a  wssion  or  two  to  "\oling  education."  to  non- 
paili-an  ili-cu»»ion  of  llic  i  — ue-  al  "lake  in  the  coming 
election-.,  of  how  to  Mile  intelligently,  or  of  the  func- 
tion- "f  the  \.nioii-  "Hi,  i"  of  our  gnxeinment  for  whom 
new  people  w  ill  !»•  eli  i  ted.  and  so  on.  Or  the  recreation  • 
lii  i  an  inlrodiiie  a  -pecial  -ei  ie-  of  i  i -nler— pon-oied  dis- 
cii— ion  group  piogiaiii".  pn>yiding  the  I.M.I!  libraiy  i-  not 
doing  the  «ame  thing.  A  coo|M-ratiye  \i-nluie  with  the  li 

brar\.  along  lln-M'  line-,   would   I v  client.    In  any    • 

the    library    can    !»•    in. .-I    helpful,    with    I k-.    p.imphli-t- 

•  li«pla\»    to    IK-    ««-l    up.    and    -..me    will    be    able    to    pioyide 

•  lidrv   film    «lrip«.    motimi    pidu 


b'i  -  id  yiKiN 


Problems  and  recommendations  grow- 
ing out  of  last  year's  experience. 


HILDREN  at  most  of  the  city's  ele- 
inentary  schools  got  things  off  to 
a  gala  start  in  Burbank.  California, 
last  year,  by  wearing  Halloween  cos- 
tumes to  school.  Afternoon  parties, 
parades  and  carnivals  were  the  order 
of  the  day.  There  were  home  parties. 


church  and  club  parties.  Twenty-two 
local  organizations  and  service  clubs 
assisted  with  the  conduct  of  playground 
and  park  parties,  and  twenty-six  firms 
aided  with  donations,  making  a  total 
of  forty-eight  participating  groups. 
Members  of  the  Burbank  fire  depart- 
ment, auxiliary  police  and  crossing 
guards  assisted  with  the  supervision  at 
the  playgrounds.  All  were  volunteer 
workers.  They  were  willing  and  coop- 
erative and  aided  considerably  in  the 
smooth  operation  of  the  parties.  The 
park  department  rated  a  special  bow 
for  its  cooperation  in  setting  up  booths, 
tables,  benches,  platforms,  lighting  and 
other  equipment  as  needed,  for  the 
assistance  rendered  by  the  members 
of  its  staff  during  the  course  of  the 
parties,  and  for  its  prompt  and  efficient 
clean-up  the  following  da\. 

The  Burbank  t  nified  School  District 
mimeographed  and  distributed  bulle- 
tins, listing  the  location  of  parties  and 


scheduled  activities,  to  all  the  children 
in  the  elementary  schools  and  the  first 
two  grades  of  junior  high  school.  The 
cost  of  the  paper  was  paid  by  the  co- 
ordinating council  from  funds  donated 
by  the  Burbank  Insurance  Agents'  As- 
sociation. 

Estimated  attendance  at  seven  city 
play  centers  was  4,125,  including  the 
three  hundred  adults  who  had  a  party 
of  their  own. 

Every  effort  was  made  to  take  care 
of  teen-agers  at  evening  parties  in  two 
of  the  high  schools  and  at  an  afternoon 
club  party.  In  addition,  the  latter  part 
of  the  evening  was  reserved  for  them 
at  six  city  play  centers,  and  disc  jockey 
dances  were  held  at  two  parks,  from 
eight-thirty  to  ten  p.m.  However,  it 
was  noticed  that  several  groups  of 
boys  and  girls  seemed  to  be  wander- 
ing around  aimlessly  and,  when  ques- 
tioned, they  expressed  a  desire  for 
more  parties  planned  especially  for 
their  own  age  group. 

An  almost  complete  absence  of  van- 
dalism and  malicious  mischief  marked 
the  1951  celebration.  The  police  de- 
partment received  a  total  of  only 
twelve  calls  during  the  course  of  the 
entire  evening.  None  of  these  were  of 
a  serious  nature.  Almost  the  entire 
community  had  a  hand  in  the  success 
of  the  program.  It  is  estimated  that 
between  sixty  and  ninety  per  cent  of 
all  the  porch  lights  in  the  city  were 
left  lighted  during  the  early  hours  of 
the  evening  of  October  thirty-first. 

Sume  difficulty  was  experienced  in 
obtaining  qualified  part-time  workers 
to  be  hired  for  one  week  to  assist  in 
the  planning  and  directing  of  the  ac- 
tivities. 


Random    Recommendations    from 
Party    Staffs 

1.  That  summer   personnel   be   sur- 
veyed as  to  their  desire  for  Halloween 
work  before  the  close  of  the  summer 
season,   preferably  before   August   fif- 
teenth, and  that  they  be  instructed  to 
inform  the  department  of  any  change 
in  their  status  prior  to  October  first. 

2.  That  there  be  more  parties  espe- 
cially  planned   for  junior   and   senior 
high  school  groups. 

3.  That    there    be    more    men   from 
the    service    clubs    to    help    with    the 
adult  party  and  park  parties. 

4.  That  service  clubs  be  given  more 
opportunity  to  plan  and  help  set  up 
park  programs. 

5.  That  groups  of  young  adults  be 
included  in  the  organization  and  plan- 
ning   of    the    adult    party    so    that    it 
will  attract  more  participants   in   the 
twenty-one  to  forty  age  bracket. 

6.  That  children  not  be  allowed  to 
attend  the  adult  party. 

7.  That  the  Spook  House  be  elimi- 
nated from  the  younger  children's  par- 
ties   because    of    its   possible    psycho- 
logical effect  upon  them;  that  it  be  re- 
placed by  a  magician,  fortune  telling 
and   trick  games;   that  there  be  some 
carnival  booths  especially  designed  for 
small  children. 

8.  That  every  youngster  in  costume 
receive  a  small  prize  rather  than  a  few 
receiving  big  prizes  for  special  cate- 
gories. It  was  felt  that  the  established 
categories  hinder  rather  than  help  in 
the  judging  of  the  costume  parade. 


From  Halloween   Report,   Park  and   Recrea- 
tion Department.  Bmliank.  California. 


261 


A    pioneer    experiment    teaches 
traffic  safetv  to  small  children.* 


NEVER 

TOO  EARLY 
TO  LEARN 


LEARNING   POLK  I  Ml  \  s   SIGNALS  is  part   of  game-  drama- 
ii/nii;    s;ifel\     rules— walk    or    drive    safely,    obey    signs,    signals. 


I»KI\KK  of  the  blue  convertible 
did  in>t  see  the  traffic  light.  Her 
I-M-.  intent  u|i<>n  tin-  mad.  -lie  rolled 
right  on  p.i-t  the  red  signal,  ju-l  mi— 
ing  -cwi.ii  pcdc-ii  i.m-.  !!\  tin-  linn- 
-In-  sloped,  the  policeman  wasalmd) 
coming  aero**  tin-  -tn-ei  toward  her.  a 
Look  of  ticket-,  in  his  hand. 

The  him-  comertihle  wa-ato\  model 

and    tin-    -tn-i-t    intersection    a    ]>aint<-il 

one.    marked    out     in     \elloH.    on    thr 

playground  ju-l   behind   l!oo-e\e||  I'lih- 

'loo|    ill    New    llochcllc.    \e«     '((ilk. 

diu.-l    w.i«   -even    \ear-  <ilil       the 

|>"|M  email  i-ven  \oungcr      and  none  of 

the  |iedo»trians  wa.«  more  than  eight. 

Ihe-e  i  hildren   and   their  <  las«in.ili  - 

some  twenty  in  all — were  playing  a 

Hut   it   MB.*  a  game  with  a  pur- 

mil   the\    were   |,|,i\m^    it    with   all 

It  v»a*  a  liu.«y  wrne.  \\lien  tin-  li^-lit- 
•  h.ni^.  .1  |i>-deo|rian<  ino\ei|  mil  ..i,|.. 
the  i  romwallui  a«  dn\er«  on  l>ii\.|.-> 
and  <|uadri>  \>  le«  ,inil  m  model 

fur  the  «ignal  to  go  forwunl 


*  Rrprmlr.l    (ruin    Thr    ljtm\i.    >l«n'Ui>l    Oil 

in»     N^x    )T«--V    Man  h    I 

m 


This  was  a  novel  experiment  in 
junior  ti.itin  training,  its  object  to 
find  out  if  it  is  practical  to  start  teai  li- 
ing  \oungsters  r»f  the  carl)  grades  the 
attitude-  ami  -kill-  ne<e--;ii\  In  make 
llli-m  ^ooil  ilri\er>  and  good  pede>- 

trians. 

The  driver  of  the  blue  r.n  -;ot  her 
lieket  and.  next  morning  in  the  < -la  — • 
room,  appeared  in  "traflic  court." 

Mi—  Nixon,  the  teacher.  \\;i-  pie- 
siding  m.igi-li.ile.  >he  pii-keil  up  from 
Ili-l  ile-k  llli-  tir-l  of  »e\eiii|  ticket-. 
\\  ith  ju-t  the  trace  of  a  -mile,  -he  -aid. 
llulli  and  KilU.  Mill  \mi  plea-e 
come  forward?" 

\\  ilh  the  i  bililicii  standing  -olx-rh 
before  her.  -he  continued. 

"Hills,  ple.i-e  tell  me  win  \<>u  j^.ivi- 
Ituth  thi-  ticket."  \nd  HilK  did.  ulnl, 
the  rl.i—  li-lcneil  atten|i\el\  . 

"Now.  Itiilb."  -..id  \li~  Nixo,,.  "did 
M>U  pnvi  a  light?" 

V  -  I  did  but  lidlx  w.nt.-.l  until 
I  wax  right  there  U-fme  he  tinned  llic 
•  iglinl  led.  lie  -  done  it  befoie.  loo!" 

\  hand  wa\ed  \igoroii-|\  in  tli, 
b.i-  k  of  the  room  and  nnolher  child 
-I I  up. 


\\lllll     I  I  \  I     Iweded   by  drivers  round- 
ing  curve,   obeying   the    rule— sl<iw    down. 

"It's  happened  to  me.  too.  Mi  — 
Nivrin.and  I  abno-t  gol  .1  ticket.  Some- 
time- tin-  policemen  turn  the  light-  tin- 
fast  and  nomclime-  loo  -low.' 

"|io  M-II  think  thai  is  uhal  hap- 
(H-nril  In  Kulhy"  Mi—  Nixon  a-ki  d 

>bcepi-hU.  UilK  admitted  thai   m.n 
U-  he  had  wailed  loo  long  Itcfoic  turn- 
ing  the  signal.    Mis-    Nixon    tinned    !•- 
the  class. 

">  on    II.IM-    beard    both    -ide-    "f   (lie 

Kr.<  HI  MM'N 


case.  How  many  of  you  think  Ruth  is 
guilty?"  Only  two  hands  rose.  "How 
many  think  she  is  not  guilty?"  A  for- 
est of  hands  shot  up. 

Ruth  smiled  and  started  for  her  seat 
but  Miss  Nixon  called  her  back,  and 
spoke  both  to  her  and  to  the  class. 

"Let's  not  forget,"  she  said,  "that 
very  often  real  traffic  signals  do  change 
just  as  we  are  driving  up  to  them  or 
just  as  we  step  off  the  curb.  So  we 
ought  to  watch  them  very  carefully  all 
the  time." 

The  class  agreed. 

The  next  case  involved  Jack  Rey- 
nolds. He  had  received  a  ticket  for 
straddling  the  white  line  while  waiting 
to  make  a  left  turn.  This  time  the  ver- 
dict was  unanimous.  The  entire  class 
found  Jack  guilty  because,  as  Officer 
Raymond  put  it.  "If  you  cross  the 
white  line  you  aren't  playing  fair 
'cause  the  rules  say  you  can't  cross  the 
white  line  ever." 

The  idea  for  the  experiment  came  to 
Ralph  Graeter.  highway  safety  con- 
sultant, a  couple  of  years  ago  while  he 
was  studying  a  report  on  traffic  trends 


which  showed  that  within  eighteen 
years  the  number  of  vehicles  on  the 
nation's  highways  would  very  likely 
be  doubled.  In  even  less  time,  by  1965, 
the  statistics  indicated,  there  would  be 
some  107.000.000  licensed  drivers  in 
this  country — or  more  drivers  than 
there  were  people  just  thirty  years  ago. 
The  study  also  forecast  a  sixty  percent 
increase  in  highway  fatalities  by  1965. 

Graeter  found  these  figures  start- 
ling. He  began  to  speculate  about  what 
might  be  done  to  prepare  today's 
young  people  for  such  a  four-wheeled 
life.  He  knew  about  the  high  school 
driver  training  courses  which  are  be- 
ing adopted  more  and  more  widely 
throughout  the  country;  but  he  won- 
dered if  it  wasn't  both  possible  and 
desirable  to  begin  conditioning  chil- 
dren at  a  much  earlier  age. 

He  realized  that  young  children 
could  not  be  expected  to  drive  automo- 
biles. But  it  occurred  to  him  that  per- 
haps they  could  begin  to  acquire  the 
attitudes — courtesy,  alertness,  respect 
for  others,  patience — which  are  far 
more  important  to  highway  safety,  it 


AT   A   BUSY   CORNER 

young  officer  has  every- 
thing under  control.  She 
holds  up  the  drivers  in 
the  foreground  for  the 
car  making  a  left  turn. 


A    CAREFUL    DRIVER 

signals  to  the  car  fol- 
lowing him  as  he  comes 
to  a  full  stop  at  the 
crosswalk.  A  pedestrian, 
also,  is  properly  alert. 


* 


is  now  generally  agreed,  than  skill  in 
handling  motor  vehicles. 

He  spent  three  months  developing 
his  plan.  Then  he  took  it  to  Dr.  Orlo 
K.  Jenney,  principal  of  the  Roosevelt 
Public  School  in  New  Rochelle — a 
progressive  safety-conscious  communi- 
ty that  was  neither  too  urban  nor  too 
rural.  His  prospectus  contained  the 
layout  of  a  driving  course  which  could 
be  painted  on  any  school  yard,  and 
models  of  inexpensive,  easy-to-make 
signals  and  highway  signs.  One  of  the 
plan's  major  points  was  that  any  school 
could  set  it  up  with  a  minimum  of  cost 
and  effort.  It  called  for  using  any  vehi- 
cles that  the  community  might  have  at 
hand — tricycles,  bicycles,  pushmobiles. 

Dr.  Jenney  agreed  enthusiastically 
to  let  the  school  participate  in  the  ex- 
periment, and  volunteered  to  enlist  the 
help  of  others. 

Lieutenant  Brueckner  of  the  New 
Rochelle  Police  detailed  a  highway 
marking  crew  and  machine  to  paint 
street  outlines  on  the  play  yard.  He 
also  donated  five  gallons  of  paint.  Mr. 
Ciotti,  the  school's  custodian,  started 
to  make  signs  and  signals.  Five  moth- 
ers from  the  PTA  showed  up  in  dun- 
garees and  demanded  paint  brushes. 

By  the  time  the  New  Rochelle  ex- 
periment was  ready  to  be  put  into  ef- 
fect the  Austin  Company  of  England 
had  agreed  to  lend  fifteen  model  cars 
for  use  in  the  project — cars  which, 
though  pedal  operated,  were  equipped 
with  real  lights,  a  horn  and  balloon 
tires.  The  curiosity  and  delight  of  the 
children  reached  its  peak  when  the 
little  cars  arrived. 

When  the  preparations  had  been 
completed,  the  first  class  of  youngsters 
was  led  out  to  the  row  of  waiting  vehi- 
cles. From  his  motorcycle,  Police  Of- 
ficer John  Sohnberg  told  the  awestruck 
group  how  very  important  it  was  for 
them  to  learn  to  walk  and  drive  care- 
fully; then  he  proceeded  to  instruct 
those  chosen  to  be  policemen. 

The  class  was  divided  into  drivers 
and  pedestrians.  The  game  was  to  walk 
or  drive  quickly  and  safely  around  the 
two  painted  blocks  in  the  school  yard, 
obeying  all  signs  and  all  policemen 
along  the  way. 

Officer  Sohnberg  took  his  place  on 
the  main  intersection.  At  the  shrill 
sound  of  his  whistle,  junior  drivers 


OCTOBER  1952 


263 


IIK    KOKGOT    to    obey    u    "slop    street"    SIKH.    This    is    serious 
offrme.    and    the    class    will     siirrly    vote    his    ticket    deserved. 


TRAFFIC    COURT    in    session.    As    the    lady    driver    describes 
offense,   classmates    hang   on   every    word.    Class    votes    \erdict. 


rolled  down  North  Avenue  and  junior 
pedestrians  crossed  Mechanic  Boule- 
vard toward  their  various  destinations. 

Within  dav«.  tin-  elicit-  <if  the  train- 
ing program  were  noticeable  on  the 
ilriving  course.  Within  weeks,  they 
began  to  crop  up  in  the  classrooms  and 
long  Ix-forr  the  program  ended,  three 
months  later,  thev  were  being  felt  by 
parents  at  home. 

The  eager  little  boy  who  started  nut 

'ooming    his    car    madly    around 

every  corner  soon  was  halting  fur  <-\ 

ery   stop  sign.    \n   older    l",\    \\h,.   .it 

tir-l    refused    to   olx-v    an\     policeman 

e.pci  iallv  a  girl)  (|uii  klv  learned  l>et- 


Id  :  hi-  entire  das-  \otfd  against  him. 

When  the  training  program  v\a- 
over.  Dr.  Jenney  wrote  an  analysis  of 
the  results  as  follows: 

There  is  a  definite  carry-over  of  at- 
titudes on  traffic  safety  into  life  out- 
side of  school.  The  over-aggressive 
child  learns  the  importance  of  coopera- 
tion and  respect  for  the  rights  and 
priv  ileges  of  others.  The  timid  child 
liuilds  self-confidence. 

All  the  children  came  out  with  an 
i in  rcased  respect  for  property  and  an 
awareness,  not  onlv  of  the  right-  "f 
others,  but  of  the  need  for  rules  and 
regulations  to  protect  those  rights: 


uitli  a  greater  willingness  to  await 
their  turn  and  with  a  better  code  of 
good  sportsmanship. 

It  was  at  home,  however,  that  the 
program  had  its  most  unexpected  ef- 
fect. Parents  discovered  that  they  could 
no  longer  ignore  stop  signs,  or  cro— 
\\hite  lines,  or  walk  again-l  (lie  light. 
without  drawing  criticism  from  tin-it 
children.  One  mother  drove  to  the 
school  to  tell  Dr.  Jenney  of  receiving  a 
ticket  for  speeding  and  of  her  chagrin 
when  her  small  daughter  remarked 
COmpIacentl]  "I  knew  that  would  hap- 
pen. You  always  get  a  ticket  when  you 
speed!" 


Judge  Austin  E.  Griffiths 

HPiiK  KKOUVIIIIN   movement   lost  one  of  its  devoted  supporters  in  Jul\    with 

the  death   of  Judge  Austin   K.  (IriHiths.   who  was  an   active   member  of  the 

("Mid  i.f  directors  of  the  National  Recreation    \--o,  i.itiim   for  fortv-two   veat-. 

ll'.rn  eighty-eight  years  ago  in  WOHC-ICI.  Knglaml.  Austin  (iriflilh-  came 
to  the  I  nited  States  as  a  small  lad  and  spent  hi-  hovhood  on  a  farm  in  Ne- 
ln.i»ka.  In  1KJW  he  was  graduated  from  the  law  class  at  Michigan  I  ni\ei-il\. 
I  tin  year  later,  the  young  lawyer  settled  in  the  state  of  Washington,  where  he 
1'iiilt  a  long  and  notewmlln  i  .irr.  i  In  |ml>lii  MTV  ice. 

Among    the    public    oHires    he    held    in    Seattle    wen-    those    of    Superior    Court 

liiil^c.  i  hief  of  police,   president  of  the  ril\    cmim-il   and   memlM-r  of  the  -chnol 

I     Me   was  also   a   leader   in    iiiimcr<>u>   civic   organizations,   serving  as   a 

director  of  tin-  YMCA,  prenident  of  the  ^cattle  Municipal  League,  and  in  man> 

"(her   ke\    positions.    He   wa>   the   ln-l   pie»idenl   of   tin-   ^cattle   I'lavground   As- 

iiinn.  and  has  often  been  called  the  "father  of  Si  attic'-  pl.n  grounds.'' 

Many  association  memlxTs  will  recall  meeting  Judge  lirilhth*  at  mam  of  the 
national  recreation  congrewes.  lli«  elforl-  in  promoting  adequate  recreation 
opportunities  for  nil  people  were  outManding.  and  his  conlribution^  to  civic 
progress  have  IH-CII  widelv  fell. 

|!K  in  VIP IN 


Creative  activity  draws  new  participants  and 
adds  interest  to  an  established  program  .  .  . 


Radio  for  I  ni  HI  ours 


OUR  PROGRAM  of  recreation  had  be- 
come stagnant,  in  Williston,  North 
Dakota.  We  were  offering  the  same  old 
things  and  getting  the  same  partici- 
pants week  after  week.  Many  in  the 
town  didn't  even  realize  we  had  a  rec- 
reation program,  and  what  was  worse, 
ninety  per  cent  of  the  community  took 
no  part  in  it. 

A  campaign  was  organized  to  get 
new  ideas  for  programs  from  the  peo- 
ple themselves.  We  began  in  the  high 
school,  and  shortly  after  this  appeal 
was  made,  a  ninth  grader  came  into 
my  office  with  a  list  of  ten  boys  who 
were  interested  in  starting  an  amateur 
radio  club.  They  had  even  found  their 
own  leader,  Mr.  J.  T.  Jacobs,  assistant 
manager  of  the  local  Penny's  store, 
who  had  been  a  radio  and  radar  in- 
structor during  World  War  II,  and 
had  his  own  "ham"  radio  station. 

Mr.  Jacobs  proved  to  be  a  person 
with  overwhelming  enthusiasm,  and  he 
readily  agreed  to  become  a  volunteer 
leader.  It  was  announced  by  means  of 
the  press  and  radio  that  a  meeting 
would  be  held  at  the  recreation  center 
for  all  those  interested  in  such  a  club ; 
and  nineteen  persons  registered,  one 
of  them  being  the  chief  engineer  of  the 
local  radio  station,  KWBM. 

A  fifteen-minute  program  over 
KWBM  was  arranged  for  the  follow- 
ing week,  to  publicize  this  new  activi- 
ty. By  the  next  meeting,  the  group  had 
grown  to  twenty-seven  participants,  of 
all  ages.  Members  of  the  club  began 
recruiting  new  members  and  were  sur- 
prised to  find  how  much  interest  had 
been  created. 

An  executive  council  of  four  mem- 
bers, two  adults  and  two  teen-agers. 

MR.  STONE  is  director  of  recreation  in 
I  In-  city  of   Williston,   North  Dakota. 

OCTOBER  1952 


was  elected.  All  meetings  are  planned 
in  advance.  They  open  with  recogni- 
tion of  new  members  present  and  the 
outlining  of  work  ahead.  The  next 
forty-five  minutes  are  spent  on  license 
examination  questions  and  code  prac- 
tice. To  maintain  interest,  each  per- 
son takes  a  turn  at  sending  code,  and 
if  it  is  his  first  meeting,  he  sends  the 
alphabet  from  the  list  of  characters  on 
the  blackboard.  The  others  are  all  busy 
copying.  As  there  are  many  different 
sending  speeds,  there  is  practice  for 
every  code  speed  present  and  a  chance 
for  all  to  participate. 

The  feel  of  the  key  in  the  hand  of 
a  beginner  does  more  to  hold  his  in- 
terest than  all  the  speeches  made. 

The  next  forty-five  minutes  are  de- 
voted to  demonstrations  and  lectures, 
assigned  from  the  previous  meeting. 
These  must  be  good,  with  a  lot  of 
thought  put  into  them,  and  this  is 
where  the  experienced  members  get  a 
chance  to  shine.  It  is  important  that 
these  lectures  or  demonstrations  end 
on  time  and  the  formal  meeting  is 
brought  to  a  close.  The  remainder  of 
the  meeting  is  turned  over  to  general 
discussion. 

The  club  boasts  of  members  from 
every  profession,  and  the  ages  range 
from  ten  to  sixty.  By  the  time  the 
membership  had  grown  to  thirty,  the 
group  leader.  Mr.  Jacobs,  discovered 
that  they  were  losing  many  other  po- 
tential participants  because,  though 
they  were  interested  in  radio,  they 
weren't  interested  in  "ham"  radio.  To 
remedy  this,  the  recreation  council 
added  two  rooms  to  the  recreation  cen- 
ter for  the  club  to  use. 

Now,  those  interested  in  "ham"  ra- 
dio come  a  little  earlier  than  the  rest 
in  order  to  do  much  of  their  work. 
The  regular  business  meeting  is  held 


Charles  G.  Stone 


for  the  next  forty-five  minutes,  with 
many  guest  speakers  attending  to  talk 
on  telephone  operation,  radar,  engi- 
neering, and  other  subjects.  Following 
the  business  meeting,  members  split 
into  three  groups.  One  group  goes  into 
the  new  radio  workshop  to  repair, 
build  or  work  on  radios,  phonographs, 
speakers,  or  whatever  is  chosen  as  a 
project.  Another  group  goes  into  the 
"ham"  station  room  to  work  on  the 
radio  station  which  they  are  construct- 
ing; and  the  third  group,  which  has 
special  interests,  goes  into  the  main 
room  to  work  on  particular  phases  of 
radio  and  electronics. 

The  club  now  boasts  a  membership 
of  more  than  fifty,  over  half  of  whom 
are  new  citizens  of  Williston.  When 
enough  members  are  licensed  ham  op- 
erators, the  club  plans  to  set  up  an 
emergency  civil  defense  network,  for 
work  in  disasters  and  other  emergen- 
cies; and  it  is  hoped  that  the  club  can 
unite  with  other  clubs  and  stations 
over  the  country,  to  become  part  of 
a  national  network  of  stations,  ready 
to  help  in  times  of  need. 

We  highly  recommend  this  type  of 
special  interest  group  to  all  recreation 
departments.  Since  the  organization  of 
our  own  amateur  radio  club,  we  have 
four  other  new  clubs  going,  though 
none  of  them  has  reached  the  popu- 
larity of  the  radio.  Skilled  men,  to 
lead  such  special  activities,  are  availa- 
ble in  most  communities  of  the  coun- 
try. They  need  only  to  be  found  and 
approached,  as  has  been  done  here. 

265 


RECREATION 

and  the  Virginia  Economy 


RECREATION  is  ONE  of  the  major  areas  for  which  the 
Advisory  Council  on  the  Virginia  Economy,  in  its 
attempts  to  discover  the  basic  factors  affecting  the  eco- 
nomic well-being  of  the  people  of  Virginia,  organized  a 
-tudy  committee.  The  findings  of  this  committee  have  been 
issued  in  a  report  entitled,  "Recreation  and  the  Virginia 
Economy,"  which  includes  an  analysis  of  recreation  oppor- 
tunities, facilities  and  services  in  the  state,  and  also,  valu- 
able recommendations  with  reference  to  desirable  action. 
Much  of  the  material  in  the  report  can  be  applied  to  ad- 
vantage in  a  consideration  of  recreation  in  other  states. 

The  economic  aspects  of  recreation  are  considered  at 
some  length,  and  the  analysis  of  the  agencies  producing 
and  selling  recreation  services  and  facilities  in  the  state 
reveals  a  wide  range  of  offerings.  In  concluding  this  dis- 
eu— ion  it  i>  pointed  out  that  "much  of  the  most  helpful 
recreation  enjoyed  by  Virginians  and  others — visiting, 
walking  or  just  plain  loafing — involves  no  monetary  ex- 
penditures nor  contribution  to  the  incomes  of  business 
firms.  To  the  degree  that  it  does  refresh  and  strengthen 
thr  individual  who  enjoys  it,  however,  it  does  have  eco- 
nomic signifu  am e.  through  increasing  his  capai  il\  t<>  a<ld 
In  the  ineiime  of  society  and  to  his  own  share  in  that 
income." 

Recreational  opportunities  in  Virginia  are  described  in 
a  major  portion  of  the  report:  among  the  most  significant 
t\pc-  are  hunting  and  fishing,  parks  and  waysides,  arts 
and  reading,  tourist  attractions,  commercial  rrrrcalion. 
-l>orls  and  athletics,  playgrounds  and  communit\  -niters. 
I  he  organization  and  ndmiiii-li.ilion  <>f  r--i  realii-n  |,\  ^.,\ 
eiNnieiii.il  agencies  is  also  reviewed  at  some  length. 

Obstacles  to  Attainment  of  Sound 
lU't  re.ition.il    Olijcrtixrs 

<  )|,-l.i<  I.-  to  IM-  found  in  the  altitude-,  orgiini/iilion.  per- 
-oimcl  and  facilities  of  the  iei  re.ilion  agencies  in  Virginia 
were  summarized  as  follow-: 

\Mck  n/  iinilmtandin/;  li\  thr  general  public  of  sound 
/>/ii/(ivi/i/iV  anil  M-tifir  of  recreation.  Main  (n-ople  feel  thai 
I--  rent  ion  is  for  \oiilh  only  and  thai  one  of  its  main 


purposes  is  to  prevent  or  reduce  juvenile  delinquency.  In 
the  minds  of  many,  recreation  is  concerned  mainly  with 
athletics  and  sports  instead  of  a  broad  program. 

\Mck  of  recognition  of  the  need  for  recreation  for 
everybody.  The  need  of  providing  equal  opportunities  in 
recreation,  especially  for  Negroes,  minority  groups  and 
in  rural  areas,  generally,  requires  careful  consideration 
by  all  parties  concerned,  intelligent  planning  and  unbiased 
action. 

Lack  of  trained  leaders.  There  are  two  t>pes  of  lea-lei  - 
in  recreation:  (1)  the  extreme  specialists,  and  i2i  those 
who  hold  a  broad  general  view  of  the  field.  Certain  institu- 
tions give  instruction  in  recreation  leadership,  hut  then- 
is  a  distinct  shortage  in  the  supply  of  trained  qualified 
personnel;  and  salaries  now  available  for  leere.ition  posi- 
lions  in  Virginia  are  not  comparable  (o  those  of  other  po- 
sitions requiring  similar  training,  education  and  experi- 
ence. 

Absence  of  coordinated  efforts  and  working  relation- 
v/n/is  among  recreational  agencie.i.  There  inu-l  he  a  will- 
ingness to  use  and  share  facilities,  knowledge,  skill-  ami 
lechnii|iie-  in  broader  settings  than  those  controlled  |.\  an\ 
one  agency  or  organization.  Professional  jealousies  and 
organizational  structures  should  give  wa\  to  -oo|ieiaiive 
working  relations  and  a  ttillingne—  to  -uhmei^e  identilv 
ill  the  be-l  interest-  of  the  community. 

I  a.  k  of  facilities  for  a  broail  recreation  firograrn.  Much 
is  being  done,  but  a  great  deal  more  needs  to  be  done,  to 
provide  adequate  and  equal  recreational  oppoiiunilic-  for 
all  cili/en-  of  Virginia.  Schools  need  to  be  planned  and 
constructed  in  order  that  the\  ma\  be  n-ed  elfe.  hvelv  .1- 
comiiuinil\  center-,  and  facilities  in  general  for  communil\ 
:•  •  n -alion  need  to  IN-  provided.  An  ei|iiallv  imporlant  need 
i-  thai  of  providing  for  cultural  acli\ilie-.  -IK  h  as  dra- 
inalics.  reading,  ami  imi-eum  exhibit-  f.>i  all  the  (icople. 
Siniilarlv.  belter  phinniri^  of  park-  <  mild  |>i»vide  more 
i- -i  i-alion.il  areas  for  <  oniniiiiiilv  use.  Pollution  of  nian\ 
-in MMI-  ami  olhei  I  waler  ha-  eliiniiialed  or  dam- 

aged them  for  u«c  as  sources  of  recreation  in  swimming 
and  fi-hing. 

Ki  <  id  vli"\ 


Unexploited  Opportunities  in  Recreation 

The  number  and  variety  of  unexploited  recreation  op- 
portunities in  Virginia  are  almost  as  unlimited  as  the 
number  and  variety  of  individuals  who  are  willing  to 
ihink  imaginative!}  about  this  problem.  Only  a  few  are: 

(.'.(uniting  and  nature  activities.  Camping  should  be  ex- 
panded, particularly  the  type  of  non-profit  camping  pro- 
vided by  schools  and  youth  organizations  in  facilities  un- 
der public  or  organizational  ownership.  At  present  the 
majority  of  camps  are  operated  by  private  individuals  for 
profit  and  by  private  non-profit  organizations.  There  is 
little  school  camping  in  the  state,  and  family  camping  at 
state  and  national  parks  should  be  promoted  vigorously. 
Home,  family  and  church  recreation.  While  home,  fam- 
ily and  church  recreation  are,  strictly  speaking,  not  unex- 
ploited, there  is  a  definite  need  for  a  "coming  back"  or 
revitalizing  of  these  types  of  recreation  which  have  meant 
so  much  to  earlier  generations  of  Virginians. 

Back  yards  and  vacant  lots.  Some  nice  work  has  been 
done  in  a  few  communities  in  the  development  and  use  of 
\ards  and  vacant  lots,  but,  for  the  most  part,  these  re- 
sources have  been  largely  unexploited. 

Use  of  people  trained  in  special  fields  as  volunteer 
leaders.  Recreational  programs  could  be  broadened  and 
strengthened  greatly  by  making  inventories  of  the  espe- 
cially trained  people — in  the  arts  and  the  crafts,  sports 
and  athletics,  group  leadership  and  many  other  fields — 
and  recruiting  them  as  voluntary  leaders. 

Industrial  recreation.  While  some  companies  have  de- 
veloped broad  recreation  programs  for  their  workers  and 
their  families,  the  surface  has  barely  been  scratched.  Large 
groups  of  people  could  be  introduced  to  good  recreation 
programs  with  comparatively  little  effort,  if  more  indus- 
trial concerns  and  employee  groups  made  concerted  efforts 
to  provide  recreational  facilities  for  their  workers. 

Recreation  for  the  aged.  The  forgotten  men  and  women 
in  most  recreational  programs  are  those  who  have  reached 
fifty-five  or  sixty.  The  problem  of  providing  appropriate 
recreational  opportunities  for  this  group  is  becoming  in- 
creasingly important  as  the  length  of  the  average  life  span 
and  tendencies  toward  compulsory  retirement  increase. 

Television.  The  rapid  development  of  television  in  re- 
cent months  has  created  many  recreational  opportunities 
and  problems.  Families  are  more  or  less  groping  their 
way  through  the  various  adjustments  which  this  new  form 
of  recreation  has  brought  to  them. 

Unutilized  school  plants.  Perhaps  one  of  the  greatest 
recreational  wastes  in  Virginia  is  the  school  plant  which 
remains  unutilized  for  recreational  or  adult  educational 
activities  late  afternoons  and  evenings  and  during  vaca- 
tion periods.  While  some  communities  have  learned  how 
lo  coordinate  educational  and  recreational  policies  in  such 
a  way  as  to  utilize  school  plants  effectively,  many  have 
made  scarcely  a  beginning  in  this  field. 

Recreational  fishing.  Recreational  fishing  in  Virginia, 
especially  of  the  salt  water  variety,  is  relatively  under- 
developed. Those  who  at  present  provide  facilities  for 
this  sport,  and  guide  parties  to  the  fishing  grounds,  do 
sci  generally  as  an  incident  to  their  regular  commercial 


Scenic   wonders    of   Virginia    are    realized   by   only    a    small 
portion   of  the   travel   trade.   View  from   Blue   Ridge   Parkway. 


fishing  activity.  Boats,  equipment  and  accommodations, 
accordingly,  are  seldom  of  the  quality  to  attract  sport 
fishermen. 

Travel  trade.  In  spite  of  the  effective  development  as 
tourist  attractions  of  many  of  Virginia's  historic  shrines 
and  natural  wonders,  only  a  small  portion  of  the  travel 
trade  which  should  develop  because  of  the  state's  scenic 
and  historic  features,  the  friendliness  and  hospitality  of 
its  people,  and  the  excellence  of  its  highways,  has  actually 
been  realized  up  to  the  present.  Improvement  of  the  qual- 
ity of  eating,  sleeping  and  other  facilities  for  the  traveler, 
and  more  effective  and  better  coordinated  advertising  and 
promotional  efforts,  are  major  prerequisites  for  develop- 
ing more  fully  the  travel  trade  potential. 

Conclusions   and   Recommendations 

In  a  final  summary  of  the  study  certain  fundamental 
conclusions  are  drawn  by  the  committee.  One  is  that  rec- 
reation has  become  increasingly  important  in  the  Virginia 
economy.  Another  is  that  in  spite  of  the  persistence  of 
traditional  individualistic  forms  of  recreation,  the  role 
of  government  in  facilitating  recreation  has  grown  greatly 
in  recent  years.  A  third  is  that  government  activity  in  the 
field  of  recreation  has  been  characterized  by  considerable 
confusion  and  lack  of  coordination.  Finally,  many  oppor- 
tunities for  increasing  both  the  quantity  and  quality  of 
recreation  services  available  to  the  people  of  Virginia  and 
the  financial  returns  to  those  who  provide  such  services, 
especially  in  the  travel  trade,  have  been  developed  only 
slightly. 

Recommendations  to  strengthen  the  state's  recreational 
program  are  presented  in  three  general  categories. 

A.  Educational  recommendations.  The  committee  recom- 
mends that  the  following  steps  be  taken  to  promote  wider 
understanding  on  the  part  of  the  general  public  of  rec- 
reational ideas  and  opportunities: 

1.  Emphasize  education  for  leisure  and  development 
of  self-reliance  in  the  use  of  leisure  time  as  a  part  of  the 
general  education  program  for  all  children. 

2.  Interpret  to  the  people  of  the  state  a  philosophy  of 
recreation   and  create   the   idea   that   to   provide   for   the 


OCTOBER  1952 


267 


people  of  the  community  in  a  recreational  wav  does  not 
necessarily  mean  an  organized  program  or  a  planned 
•  "inmunity  center. 

3.  Stress  the  development  of  home  and  neighborhood- 
Centered  leisure-time  activities. 

4.  Develop  a  program  of  public  ififorinution  through 
the  press,  radio,  films,  speakers,  clubs,  special   bulletin*, 
and  advertising. 

5.  Encourage  colleges  to  develop  trained  leadership 
fur  positions  in  recreation,  as  well  as  to  include  incident- 
ally in  established  courses,  in  the  general  education  pro- 
gram,  opportunities   {or  appreciation   and   knowledge   of 
how  leisure  time  can  be  used  in  a  desirable  manner. 

6.  Set  up  an  annual  conference  for  key  county  and 
municipal  lay  leaders  in  recreation  so  that  they  can  be 
assisted  in  interpreting  a  total  recreation  program  to  their 
communities. 

7.  Develop  a  program  to  inform  the  personnel  serving 
tourists  as  well  as  the  general  public  as  to  the  nature  and 
extent  of  the  state's  tourist  industry,  its  chief  attractions 
and  its  importance  to  the  economy  of  Virginia. 

B.  Recommendations  for  action  by  private  business. 
The  committee  recommends  the  following  types  of  action 
by  private  business  firms,  as  a  means  of  improving  both 
recreational  opportunities  for  consumers  and  their  own 
incomes: 

1.  Participate  actively  in  programs  for  raising  stand- 
ards for  food,  lodging,  service  stations  and  other  tourist 
facilities  carried  on  by  state  and  local  chambers  of  com- 
merce,  travel   councils,   and   appropriate   associations   of 
particular  types  of  business. 

2.  Cooperate  fully  with  state  and  local  governmental 
agencies  charged  with  responsibility  for  maintaining  clean, 
healthful,  safe,  and  attractive  conditions  for  employees  and 
travelers. 

3.  Support  advertising  and  promotional  activities  of 
the  Virginia  Travel  Council,  the  Virginia  State  Chamber 
of  Commerce,  the  state  Department  of  Conservation  and 
Development  and  other  appropriate  private  and  govern- 
mental agencies  working  in  this  field. 

4.  Assist  travelers  and  at  the  same  time  promote  re- 
ciprocal   relationships   with   other   travel-trade   businesses 
in  their  own  community  and  with  tourist  attractions  and 
businesses  in  other  parts  of  Virginia. 

5.  Assume  personal  responsibility  for  protecting  and 
extending  Virginia's  widespread  reputation  for  the  friend- 
liness, courtesy  and  hospitality  of  its  people  to  visitors. 

C.  Recommendations  for  government  actiun.  In  recog- 
nition of  the  important  questions  of  public  policy  related 
to  the  effective  development  of  the  state's  recreational  re- 
sources,  the  committee  recommends  the  following  type*  of 
government  action: 

1.   Establish  by  statute  an  intcr-agrm  v   committee  mi 
•  ation  made  up  of  a  representative  of  each  state  agency 

•  "n<  rrnrd  with  rrcrration  and  the  administrative  assistant 
to  the  governor.  The  latter  would  be  able  to  bring  to  thr 

•  omrnittee  the  whole  picture  of  thr  state  government  and 
help  to  guide  the  growing  recreational  programs  of  all  thr 

agencies    in    an    orderly    manner.    This    commit!- ••• 


should  he  stalled  with  a  permanent  executi\i-  secretary  and 
-hould  be  a  part  of  the  budgetary  and  administrative  or- 
ganization of  the  Department  of  Conservation  and  l>.\,-l 
opment.  I  hi-  committee  .should  lie  empowered  not  onK  |. 
coordinate  the  efforts  of  the  various  state  agencies,  hut 
also  to  provide  adx  isor\  -<-r\  ices  to  local  communities  n  . 
(jueMing  such  services  when  other  state  agencies  arc  not 
in  a  position  to  meet  these  requests. 

2.  Establish  by  statute  a  representative  citizens'  ad- 
v  i-orv   committee  on  recreation  to  interpret  public  need- 
to  the  inter-agency  committee  and  to  assist  in  interpreting 
to  the  citizens  of  the  commonwealth  the  program  of  the 
inter-agency  committee  and  its  affiliated  state  agencies. 

3.  Encourage  the  establishment  of  inter-agency  com- 
mittees and  citizens'  advisory   committees  in   local  com- 
munities to  promote  greater  coordination  of  recreational 
activities,  especially  as  between  schools  and  other  govern- 
mental and  private  agencies  concerned  with  recreation. 

4.  Encourage  the  extension  of  organized   recreation 
programs  to  the  ultimate  goal  that  some  type  of  broad  rec- 
reational offering  is  provided  in  each  county  and  citv    of 
the  state. 

5.  Encourage    lay    organizations    to    sponsor    recrea- 
tional activities  such  as  drama,  festivals  and  so  on,   in 
local  communities  throughout  the   state,  on  a   Mate-wide 
basis,  so  as  to  reach  every  community  and  so  that  such 
projects  may  be  a   functional  part  of  local   recreational 
opportunities. 

6.  Encourage  the  extension  of  public  park  facilities 
and  waysides  to  make  it  possible  for  people  to  enjoy  them 
close  to  home,  so  that  more  people  can  use  the  facilities. 
and  so  that  more  water  areas  for  swimming,  boating  and 
fishing  can  be  made  available.  Equipping  a  larger  numlwr 
of  the   waysides  with   safe   drinking   water  and   sanitary 
rest   rooms   would   eliminate   a    widespread   criticism    hv 
travelers  of  Virginia  facilities  of  this  type. 

7.  Encourage    the    establishment,    development,    and 
use   of   libraries,    museums   and    theatre,    music    and    art 
groups  throughout  the  state. 

8.  Encourage  the  use  of  school  buildings  and  other 
public    buildings   and    grounds   as   community     iecrcali..n 
centers  and  stimulate  the  inclusion  of  recreational  facili- 
ties in  the  planning  of  new  construction. 

9.  Continue  and  extend  the  present  policy  of  the  state 
Department  of  Conservation  and  Development  in  actively 
advertising  and  promoting  the  attractions  of  Virginia. 


Friendship 


l..\.]\.  culili-n  foil  aniirU.  haiulinailr 
I"  i>  (tipi-iv  in  the  Bavarian  Alp*,  an- 
on ftalr  from  thr  inlrnmlional  organiza- 
tion. Krii-mKhip  Ximing  Cliil.lrrn  an<l 

^'Mllll        |i|nri-ri|.      Ill      In-      n.ril      fur      ill'- 
IM-IH-II!        «t       ilulilrrll       llilMllulliiul       thr 

winM.  Thr  piM  or  -iNi-r  In.  ml-l,i|, 
.nit'-l-.  fmirlrrn  and  a  half  inrhr*  high, 
rrlail  for  $2..">0  ( im  lu.ling  poMagrl. 
Kiflrrn  in  onr  IM.X  an-  prirnl  al  f2.">.(lll 
or  $l.f>.r>  rarh.  ll  i-  .ii^'--!.-'!  that 
'•lulls,  i  hurrli<-.  an,|  othr-r  organizations 
may  %>i-h  to  r.-K-ll  thr..  fm  thrir  own 
benefit 


Hi  <  UK  ATION 


Robert  Kresge 


N  NOW,  for  Book  Week — November  16  to  22,  1952. 
The  pleasure,  relaxation  and  inspiration  that  lie  in  a 
good  book  meet  all  the  requirements  of  recreation.  As  for 
carry-over  value,  pity  the  adult  who  never  learned  to  en- 
joy reading.  Consider  the  advantages  possessed  by  the 
well-read  adult  over  the  unread  person;  and  certainly  no 
form  of  recreation  costs  less  than  reading,  in  those  com- 
munities where  public  libraries  exist. 

The  problem,  then,  is  not  whether  reading  has  a  place 
in  our  programs,  but  rather  how  it  can  be  handled.  How 
can  we  make  children  aware  of  the  unchallengeable  merits 
of  good  reading?  The  question  is  extremely  pertinent  in 
light  of  the  time  they  spend  in  watching  television,  often 
with  doubtful  benefits. 

The  board  of  recreation  of  Butler,  Pennsylvania,  saw 
some  of  the  solution  in  Book  Week,  an  annual  project, 
occurring  every  November,  of  the  Children's  Book  Coun- 
cil.* In  the  fall  of  1949,  the  recreation  executive — supplied 
with  literature  from  the  council — sat  down  with  the  li- 
brarian of  the  Butler  Public  Library,  Mary  Mitchell,  to 
discuss  what  might  be  done.  A  tie-in  with  the  schools 
seemed  essential,  and  a  meeting  was  called  of  all  school 
librarians  and  representatives  from  schools  without  libra- 
rians. This  included  public  and  parochial  schools  alike. 
The  Junior  Women's  Club,  greatly  interested  in  the  public 
library,  was  invited  to  participate,  as  were  Butler  book 
merchants. 

Book  Week  that  year,  and  the  two  since  then,  has  been 
good  for  the  attitude  of  young  people  toward  books  and 
reading.  In  the  process,  the  observances  have  involved 
thousands  of  children  in  a  multitude  of  activities. 

Virtually  every  form  of  the  arts  have  been  utilized. 
School  assemblies  have  been  devoted  to  plays  about  books. 
One  school  produced  a  musical,  based  completely  on  the 
theme  of  books,  their  use  and  contents.  Elementary  school 
children  have  illustrated  stories,  written  poems,  book  re- 
views and  essays  about  their  favorites.  School  publications 
have  issued  special  editions.  Book  quizzes  have  been  given 
over  both  Butler  radio  stations  simultaneously. 

The  first  year,  most  of  the  organization  and  ideas  came 
from  the  central  committee,  with  the  emphasis  on  city-wide 
competition.  The  best  illustrations,  for  instance,  were 
mounted  and  displayed  in  each  school  for  half  a  day.  The 
names  of  children  submitting  the  best  arguments  for  "My 
Favorite  Five  Books"  were  placed  on  a  scroll  that  circu- 


lated throughout  the  classrooms  in  a  similar  manner. 

The  second  year,  each  school  and  grade  was  placed  on 
its  own.  Visitations  were  made  by  Miss  Mitchell  and  the 
recreation  executive  to  recognize  work  done.  The  results 
exceeded  the  first  year.  There  was  no  letdown  last  Novem- 
ber. All  of  which  proves  the  importance  of  encouraging 
initiative. 

Visits  to  the  public  library  by  entire  classes  have  given 
many  children  their  first  acquaintance  with  the  "home  of 
books."  In  Butler,  increased  interest  is  manifest  in  the 
jump  in  circulation  of  children's  books. 

A  full-page  advertisement  in  the  Butler  Eagle,  paid  for 
by  civic-minded  businessmen,  has  been  used  annually  to 
keep  interest  high.  This  carries  the  mayor's  proclama- 
tion, officially  designating  this  week  locally. 

Winners  of  quizzes  are  always  presented  with  books  as 
prizes,  these  being  donated  by  local  merchants.  In  home- 
room bulletin  board  decoration  contests,  boxes  of  candy 
bars  make  inexpensive  popular  awards. 

The  celebration  of  Book  Week  is  now  a  regular  part  of 
the  fall  season  in  all  of  the  schools  of  Butler  and  in  the 
activities  of  the  public  library  and  the  board  of  recreation. 
Here  is  an  attempt  to  reverse  the  trend  away  from  books 
and  all  that  they  offer.  Of  course,  the  fact  that  other  in- 
terests and  activities  are  necessary  to  a  full  life  hardly 
needs  mention  here.  There  are  countless  ways  in  which 
young  people  can  and  do  spend  their  time.  Training  for 
life  is  one  way  to  evaluate  these  leisure-time  pursuits.  Us- 
ing this  criterion  who  will  deny  that,  "The  leaders  of  to- 
morrow are  reading  good  books  today." 

BOB  KRESGE  is  director  of  Butler's  board  of  recreation. 
School  children  in  scene  from  musical  produced  for  Book  Week. 


•Children's  Book  Council.  62  West  4.")th  Street,  New  York  19,  N.Y. 
OCTOBER  1952 


FRIENDS  Wl 


A   Settlement    House   Adopts   Gilbert    and   Sullivan 


ARE  THE 


ANSWER 


"Mrama  is  a  sin."  I >i>minic,  age  eight- 
een, was  brought  up  to  l>elieve  this.  Then 
one  day  he  was  persuaded  to  sit  in  a  hack  seat  during  a 
rehearsal  of  Gilbert  and  Sullivan's  Gondoliers.  For  six 
months  he  slipped  into  thai  l>;n  k  seal,  apparently  unnoticed, 
until  one  day  at  the  director's  command.  "Everyone  on 
stage,"  he  went  up.  too.  Hi-  corner  pang  peeked  in  a  couple 
of  times  to  he  sure  he  was  really  in  the  show.  Since  then 
drama  has  become  ju.-t  a  "little  -in"  to  his  faniilv. 

It  i-  a  quarter  of  a  century  since  the  adult  musical  group 
called  the  Elizabeth  IVahodv  House  Operetta  Company 
started  in  the  Elizabeth  IVabody  House,  a  settlement  in  the 
\\.-t  End  of  Huston.  It  all  began  in  the  year  1927  when 
three  settlement  house  groups  the  classical  orchestra,  the 
Waring  Dramatic  ( !liih  and  (he  ( !lo\ei  (dec  Club  combined 
to  put  on  the  first  operetta.  //.  l/.>'.  1'innforr.  Kver  since, 
the  iineiii|i|o\ei|.  doctors,  housewives,  nurses,  garment 
workers,  fruit  peddlers  and  -ccrciario*  have  made  up  the 
casts  of  the  \cail\  piodin  tn. n-.  <iill>ert  and  Sullivan  airs 
prevail  in  one  hud  her  -Imp  in  the  market  where  worker- 
have  lending  roles.  Hit  ..|,.  i.ll.i  i-  an  excellent  adi\it\  for 
former  iiirriilirrs  who  \i.\\ ••  ..iiluioun  other  house  activities. 
At  the  performance  in  I  c|,mai\  \'>~>2.  lln-rc  wa-  one  minor 
role  pla\cd  b>  a  member,  a  (raveling  salesman,  who  has 
been  in  i-ach  of  tin-  IwenU  -live  annual  |M-r  formaiu  e-.  'I  In  n 
•Ixi  wen-  ci^-lit  iii.-nil.cr-  who  have  appeared  in  at  !• 
fifteen  |XM-formance8. 

Slice    I'M'),  the  Junior    (>|MI,||.I  I  |..m\    b.i-   picp.ued 

\Mling  |H-n|i|r  for  the  -«m..i    ^i..iip.    I  lic\    II.IM-  |.r.--.-n|cd   .1 

Ml  —    I>\M     i«    I  fa-    til-mi    iinil.i-r    nl    llii-    M-llli-nn-nl    /nu/>. 


shortened  version  of  Mozart's  .Mafic  Htiti-  and  of  I'irales 
of  Penzance,  Chimes  of  Normandy,  and  H.M.S.  Pinafore. 
Once,  willi  outside  groii|».  the\  participated  in  the  fn-t 
Boston  performance  of  Aaron  Copland's  Second  Hurri- 
cane. The  group  wa>  trained  In  a  \olunteer.  Leonard  Hern 
-lein.  who  ha>  since  become  well  known  in  mu-ic  circles. 
Gillicrt  and  Sullivan  operettas  are  our  answer  to  main 
problems  for  the  following  reasons: 

1.  The\    have  good   music  and  good   lines.   \et   are   not 
hejond  the  abilities  of  the  average  neighborhood  group. 

2.  Because  of  the  glamour  of  the  co-tumes  and  the  ample 
dramatic  action,  they  have  succeeded  where  a  choral  group 
has  failed. 

.'<.  They  are  projects  which  inter c-t  the  several  mu-i.  ,il 
and  nalionalilv  groups  meeting  at  the  settlement. 

4.  They  are  given  in  English  and  diction  is  stressed. 

5.  They   are   projects    in    which   all    the    neighborhood 
groups  can  participate. 

a.   Women's  clubs  can  make  (he  i  o-lun 
h.   Art  classes  make  the  po-ter-.  -i  encr\  and  |ir.'|». 
c.   All   groups    lone   hundred   eight)    at   the   ElizaU-lh 
I'cabodv    lloii-i-i   can  help  in  selling  ticket-. 

6.  They   are  excellent   entertainment    for   children   and 
for  adults. 

7.  Tin    older   adull-  >  .in   be   jn-l   a*  .ulive   in   (he  prudiic- 
lion-  a-  the   \oungcr  ones. 

H.  The  use  of  man\  neighbor  1 1  talent-  -in  li  a«  car- 

(M-nln.  -i-wing.  and  -•>  on  'i-  eric •oniaged. 

•I.  III. -i.  .n,  ,,|.|H.iliiinli.  -  for  mild  pailic  ipali»n.  -rub 
,i-  in  MM  \  ing  us  an  Usher,  "i  .nli\e  participation.  -IK  h  .1- 
ill  acting  one  of  the  rule-. 

KE«:KF  \TIIIN 


Jane  Dale 


Hints  for  the  organization  of  such  a  group: 

1.  Musical  Director — It  is  important  to  have  a  director 
who  believes  in  developing  leads  from  the  raw  material 
found  in  the  chorus.  Very  often  a  volunteer  director  may 
be   found:    however,   if  a   good   volunteer   director   is   not 
available,   a   professional   one   should   be   hired.    Amateur 
groups  want  and  can  be  trained  to  hold  to  professional 
standards.  Proof  that  it  can  be  done  with  a  neighborhood 
cast  such  as  ours  is  the  comment  written  about  our  com- 
pany in  1946:  "The  acting  and  staging  was  at  a  level  far 
ul HIM-  anything  the  Metropolitan  has  ever  given  us." 

2.  Dramatic  Instruction — While  dramatic  instruction  is 
not  usually  considered  as  important  as  direction,  the  lack 
of  such  instruction  is  one  reason  why  many  musical  shows 
are  poor.    All   of  us  have  seen   amateur   productions   in 
which  the  singers  forgot  that  there  is  such  a  thing  as  ac- 
tion, in  which  they  stood  around  awkwardly  in  wooden 
poses  until  the  time  came  for  them  to  move  to  another 
part  of  the  stage,  or  in  which  the  chorus  was  ignorant  of 
the  fact  that  they  were  to  do  anything  but  sing. 

3.  Specialists — If   the    director    of   music    is    unable    to 
produce  the  show,  do  the  ensemble  work  and  the  dramatic 
coaching,  specialists  should  be  secured  for  short  periods 
to  insure  a  production  which  is  perfectly  integrated,  beau- 
tifully acted  and  flawlessly  sung. 

4.  Self-Support — We   have   found  that  the  expenses   of 
the  operettas  could  be  paid  each  year  by  presenting  one 
preview  performance  for  high  school  students  (at  reduced 
rates)  and  three  regular  performances  with  an  attendance 
of  about  three  hundred  and  seventy-five  people  at  each. 

5.  Outside  Activities — Members   of  our   operetta   com- 
pany have  enlarged  their  activities  in  many  ways.  A  few 
of  them  formed  a  music  appreciation  group  and  invited 
other  members  of  the  house  to  join  them.  Choral  speech 
and  folk  dance  groups  have  grown  out  of  this  activity. 
Many  members  have  started  taking  lessons  from  excellent 
music  teachers  in  Boston  and  have  appeared  on  various 
radio   and  television   shows.   Socially,  the  group   attends 
many  plays  and  operas  together,  and  holds  a  big  "old- 
members"  social  after  the  performance. 

Gilbert  and  Sullivan  operettas  have  been  the  answer  to 
the  needs  of  many  of  our  people.  Anthony,  age  twenty-five, 
knew  only  his  job  as  a  stockroom  boy  by  day  and  dice 
playing  on  the  street  corner  by  night.  Our  neighborhood 
worker  persuaded  him  to  sit  in  on  a  rehearsal  one  night: 
he  became  interested  and  has  been  a  member  of  the  group 
for  five  years.  A  change  in  his  appearance  was  imme- 
diately evident — he  began  to  wear  a  necktie  and  a  clean 
shirt  to  the  meetings.  He  turned  to  better  music  on  the 
radio,  and  bought  Gilbert  and  Sullivan  phonograph  rec- 
ords. Then  he  began  taking  piano  lessons,  practicing  at 
llic  settlement  house,  and  finally  he  bought  a  piano  for 
liiiM-rlf.  During  his  third  year  with  the  group,  he  gave  up 


Junior  Operetta  Company  pro- 
ductions offer  an  opportunity 
for  teen-agers  to  try  their 
talents.  Experience  may  lead 
to  roles  with  senior  group. 


Senior  group  has  presented 
twenty-five  productions  in  as 
many  years.  This  year,  ever 
popular  "The  Mikado"  was  giv- 
en for  enthusiastic  audiences. 


his  job  as  a  stock  boy  and  became  a  full-time  student  at  a 
school  of  music  directed  by  a  friend  of  the  operetta  di- 
rector. He  had  not  finished  high  school,  so  special  arrange- 
ments were  made  for  him  at  the  music  school.  Alert  and 
understanding  leadership  has  meant  everything  to  this 
young  man. 

"The  Kings",  a  cellar-hole  gang  of  twelve  boys  from 
fourteen  to  sixteen  years  old,  were  the  terrors  of  their 
block  because  of  their  antisocial  activities.  The  mother  of 
two  of  the  boys  called  on  the  Elizabeth  Peabody  House 
"gang  worker''  to  see  if  he  would  take  them  on;  which  he 
did.  The  boys  were  not  interested  in  any  of  the  traditional 
building-centered  activities  such  as  athletics,  dances  or 
crafts.  However,  the  worker  continued  to  meet  with  them 
in  their  turnip  cellar:  and  one  day  he  casually  asked  them 
if  they  would  care  to  fill  in  as  pirates  in  the  Pirates  of 
Penzance.  They  were  intrigued;  however,  an  unusual 
schedule  of  short,  but  frequent  and  often  impromptu  re- 
hearsals had  to  be  adopted.  At  the  performance — in  cos- 
tumes they  had  created — they  were  both  fearful  and  won- 
derful to  behold.  Two  of  the  gang  members  eventually 
sang  leads  and  are  novr  the  mainstays  of  the  Junior  Oper- 
etta Company. 

Mike,  sixteen,  had  left  school  to  work  in  a  bakery.  He 
had  never  learned  to  read,  but  he  played  a  fierce  Dick 
Dead-Eye  in  Pinafore. 

Mrs.  Stone  had  lived  all  her  previous  life  in  the  country. 
She  had  four  children,  and  when  her  husband  was  sent  to 
a  mental  institution,  she  was  forced  to  move  into  a  crowd- 
ed tenement  area.  She  came  to  the  settlement  to  see  if  she 
could  find  some  help  in  understanding  the  strange  lang- 
uages and  unfamiliar  habits  she  saw  around  her.  She 
joined  the  operetta  company  and  found  friendship  and 
security  there. 

There  were  members  of  the  cast  with  similar  stories  to 
tell  in  each  of  the  operettas  which  were  presented. 


OCTOBER  1952 


271 


How  to  make  attractive  lamps  and  other  useful  objects  from  native  woods. 


IT'S  A  NATURAL 


Mary  Virginia  Vaughn 


'  |IKYIM;  TO  BRING  the  outdoors  indoors  has  heen  a  favor- 
it,  pastime  of  man  since  the  beginning  of  civilization. 
He  started  by  domesticating  animals.  Now,  he  adorns  man- 
tels with  stuffed  fish  and  potted  plants.  The  modern  flare 
for  homes  walled  with  km>tt\  pine  shows  that  people  still 
like  to  take  something  from  its  crude  natural  state  and 
turn  it  into  a  useful  and  beautiful  object. 

You  can  do  it  yourself.  Did  you  ever  think  of  making 
planters,  book  ends  or  lamps,  utilizing  the  natural  shape 
and  grain  of  the  wood?  It  can  be  done — even  by  a  mere 
amateur  at  woodcraft!  To  find  material  for  this  project, 
start  at  home — in  your  back  yard,  in  the  lot  next  door — 
and  look  for  deadwood,  or  fallen  trees  or  branches.  Choose 
wood  that  has  interesting  twists  or  bumps  on  its  surface. 
Driftwood  is  ideal  for  this  craft.  You  will  find  it  where 
there  are  streams  or  considerable  moisture.  A  beaver  dam 
would  provide  a  veritable  treasure  strike.  The  beavers 
have  the  logs  and  branches  already  cut  for  you  and  auto- 
graphed with  their  teeth  marks. 

The  choice  of  wood,  of  course,  depends  upon  the  object 
you  wish  to  create.  I  ..imp-  can  be  made  from  one  or  two 
pieces.  If  this  is  your  first  try  at  woodcraft,  however,  it 
would  be  better  to  start  with  a  lamp  of  only  one  piece,  for 
a  two-piece  lamp  is  harder  to  assemble. 

Planters  or  book  ends  are  easier  to  make.  Book  ends 
can  be  created  from  the  end  of  a  small  log  which  has  been 
sectioned  off  according  to  the  height  desire. I.  Tin-  .li.tin.-h  r 
of  the  book  ends  is  predetermined  h\  tin-  diameter  »f  the 
log,  so  Ix-  sun-  \oiir  lor.  i«  not  too  large.  For  a  planter. 
choose  a  pin  r  of  wood  the  exact  size  y>u  want  for  your 
product. 


Miss   \  \i  I.H.N,  nn  amalrur  in   troodcrajl   while  majorinp 
in  hinliipY  at  C.lnrkr  Cnllrpr.  i\  training  a*  n  />/i ><»•»/  ihi-t 
nt>nt.    Wnmrn\    \frriiral   Sprrialiit    C.nrp*    it/    llir     I  mi*, 

272 


The  finished   product  can  glow   with  soft,   satin   sheen   achiocil 
through  careful  sanding  process.  Lamps  arc  satisfying  to  make. 

Take  a  good  look  at  the  wood  \<>u  intend  to  u-e.  Make 
•  i  it, mi  that  it  is  solid,  to  avoid  the  disappointment  <>f 
having  your  work  of  art  split  open  or  crack.  Be  careful, 
too,  to  select  dry  wood,  or  wood  that  will  dry  ea-il\.  Tin- 
is  necessary,  as  green  or  damp  wood  will  change  shap. 
the  drying  process  advance-. 

You'll  want  your  work  to  l>c  as  attractive  as  possible,  so 
look  for  little  things  to  make  it  that  wav.  You  ma\  find 
knots,  or  small  stones  eml>edded  in  the  wood,  and  these 
make  sandpapering  difficult.  If  deep  enough,  however.  thrx 
can  be  turned  into  an  asset.  I'oli-h.-d  and  lnc.|ueied.  the\ 
give  an  intere-ling  ae.-ent  to  the  lini-h. 

lie  alert  to  varied  color  tones  in  the  wood.  The  m.»l 
.  ommon  of  these  are  hues  of  gray  or  brown,  but  some 
woods  from  mountain  -lieam-  ,ue  bright  with  splashes  of 
green,  yellow  ami  ted.  \\h.ile\er  \ ou  do.  don't  let  a  drab 
-iirfacc  tool  \oii.  Find  out  what  i-  Ix-nealh  the  dirt  and 
bark.  With  a  sharp  knife,  shave  off  a  portion  of  the  bark 
and  expose  the  grain  and  colm  .if  the  w.n.d.  Tin-  m.i\  \» 
just  the  piece  MIII  need  in  in.il.h  one  already  sanded. 

Preparation  of  the  »,....!  U-giii.  with  .1  g...,,|  -,  nibbing. 
A  quick  dunking  in  mild  -nap  ..ml  warm  water,  plus  a 

l,'i .  id  uio\ 


brisk  scrub  with  a  hard  brush,  will  clear  away  sand  and 
loose  dirt.  Rinse  and  allow  it  to  dry  thoroughly. 

All  of  these  articles  must  have  a  smooth  flat  base.  The 
wood  can  be  leveled  on  the  bottom  by  sawing  or  planing, 
the  base  being  finished  later  by  gluing  a  mat  of  felt  to  it. 

The  next  step  involves  the  application  of  a  lot  of  elbou 
grease.  It  is  the  sanding  process.  Three  grains  of  sand- 
paper are  used:  coarse,  medium  and  fine.  The  coarse- 
grained sandpaper  is  applied  to  the  rough  outer  surface 
of  the  wood.  Sand  down  any  knots  with  this  paper.  Then 
go  over  the  entire  surface  with  the  medium-grained  paper 
and  sand  until  the  wood  grain  and  other  markings  are  un- 
covered and  made  as  smooth  as  possible.  Small  scratches 
will  be  removed  by  the  fine-grained  paper.  Hard  work? 
Yes!  But  you'll  be  glad  you  didn't  skimp  on  the  sanding 
when  the  lacquer  is  applied.  At  that  point,  every  tiny  flaw 
of  the  wood  is  emphasized,  so  thoroughness  in  sanding 
cannot  be  stressed  enough.  Incidentally,  you  may  come 
across  novel  indentations,  deep  in  the  wood.  Capitalize  on 
these,  as  they  give  a  charming  handmade  look.  An  old 
pocket  knife  will  help  to  scrape  away  embedded  dirt  quick- 
ly ;  then,  smooth  off  the  rough  edges  with  sandpaper. 

Book  ends  are  perhaps  the  easiest  things  to  handle  in 
woodcraft.  To  get  an  effective  shape,  try  cutting  off  a  log 
that  measures  about  eight  inches  in  diameter  at  a  point 
eight  inches  from  the  end.  Cut  this  piece  lengthwise  to 
form  two  half  domes.  Presto!  Two  nicely  matched  book 
ends.  If  driftwood  is  used,  it  may  be  too  light  to  support 
books.  Drill  or  carve  out  a  large  hole  in  the  base  of  a 
book  end  and  fill  it  with  lead.  This  will  give  the  needed 
weight  and  support. 

Planters  present  a  different  problem.  You'll  need  to 
hollow  out  the  bowl  in  which  the  soil  and  plants  are 
placed.  Don't  follow  a  strict  symmetrical  pattern.  Smooth 
away  the  wood  by  cutting  along  the  lines  of  the  grain. 
It's  much  easier  this  way,  and  it  gives  the  planter  its  own 
pleasing  and  natural  lines. 

Making  a  lamp  requires  a  little  more  skill  and  thought. 
Make  sure  first  that  the  right  electrical  connection  is  avail- 
able. Choose  it  for  weight,  size,  and  color.  Let  your  hard- 
ware dealer  help  you  in  choosing  it.  The  cost  need  not  run 


over  three  dollars.  You'll  want  the  lamp  to  look  nice,  but 
keep  it  practical. 

It  can  be  ruined  by  careless  drilling,  so  be  careful.  To 
hold  the  wood  steady  by  means  of  a  good  vise  during  the 
drilling  is  very  important.  The  wood  must  be  padded 
against  the  sharp  edge  of  the  vise  with  a  piece  of  thick 
cloth.  When  drilling,  place  the  outlet  for  the  cord  in  an 
inconspicuous  place,  either  at  the  back  or  to  the  side  of 
the  lamp.  Give  extra  space  to  the  portion  of  the  wood  that 
will  surround  the  bend  of  the  light  cord  inside  the  lamp, 
so  that  the  bend  of  the  cord  will  not  be  dangerously  sharp. 

OCTOBER  1952 


Showing  sequence  of  wiring  to  be  followed  after  drilling.  The 
felt,  cut  to  shape  of  base,  ready  to  be  glued  is  shown  (left). 

This  can  be  done  by  drilling  an  extra  large  hole  from 
the  bottom. 

In  assembling  the  lamp,  make  the  light  socket  secure  in 
the  lamp  stem.  Fit  the  neck  of  the  electric  piece  with  a 
soft  copper  tube  that  will  extend  into  the  wooden  part  of 
the  lamp.  Use  a  heavy,  wood  glue  to  fill  around  and  secure 
it.  Ordinarily,  the  pipe  need  not  show.  If  you  run  into 
difficulty,  do  not  hesitate  to  ask  the  help  of  someone  who 
knows  more  about  wiring  than  you  do.  You  don't  want 
your  lamp  to  be  a  fire  hazard. 

Now,  your  masterpiece  in  wood  is  nearly  finished.  If 
you  don't  mind  the  smell  of  paint,  the  rest  is  all  fun.  The 
wood  must  be  lacquered  or  shellacked.  Unfortunately, 
shellac  has  a  tendency  to  turn  yellow  and  to  form  air 
bubbles.  If  you  choose  this  finish,  polish  the  air  bubbles 
from  it  after  each  coat  has  dried.  Do  this  with  fine  sand- 
paper. Five  coats  give  an  attractive  finish. 

Lacquer  gives  a  clear,  bubble-free  surface.  Ten  coats  of 
the  lacquer  are  required  for  a  good  job.  If  you  allow  one 
half-hour  between  each  coat,  the  lacquer  will  have  plenty 
of  time  to  dry.  The  best  formula  for  lacquer  application 
is  six  coats  of  one  part  lacquer  to  one  part  thinner,  and 
four  coats  of  two  parts  lacquer  to  one  part  thinner.  Finally, 
for  a  more  beautiful  lamp,  try  a  satin  finish.  This  you  can 
achieve  by  giving  the  lamp  a  rubdown  with  linseed  oil  to 
which  a  small  amount  of  paint  dryer  has  been  added.  Do 
this  after  the  last  coat  of  lacquer  has  dried. 

Now,  whip  off  your  apron,  stand  back  and  glow  with 
satisfaction.  You  deserve  to  be  proud,  for  you  have  made 
it  with  your  own  hands.  Woodcraft  takes  time  and  energy, 
but  don't  be  afraid  to  tackle  it.  The  fun  is  in  the  doing. 


NATIONAL  RECREATION  CONGRESS 

is  now  in  session  in  Seattle 

The  story  of  the  big  meeting,  photographs,  re- 
ports,   news    and    other    materials    therefrom 
will  appear  in 

December,  1952 


273 


ON  RAILS 


Rl 'CREATION 


Model  Train  Races 


Francis  Donnon 


•  Model    train   racing,   which    is   being    introduced    in    a 
number  of  recreation  centers,  has  become  one  of  the  ino-i 
popular  special  activities  in  the  Fottstown,  Pennsylvania, 
recreation  program.   Early   in  January   of  each   year   the 
wuiiig  trainmen  of  the  community  man  the  cabins  of  their 
miniature   trains,  jam   the   throttles  and   await   the   "go 
signal  for  their  trains  to  race  on   lift\    feet  of  especially 

•  OMtnotod  track. 

The  idea  of  sponsoring  such  an  activity  for  boys  and 
girls  was  passed  on  to  us  from  our  neighboring  town  of 
Boyertown.  There,  the  train  races  have  proved  thrilling 
1.1  both  participants  and  spectators  for  several  years.  The 
same  interest  and  enthusiasm  have  developed  in  Fottstown. 
Mlhough  all  children  do  not  own  trains,  they  greatly  en- 
joy watching  the  races  and  doing  all  they  can  to  help. 

Tin-  accompanying  picture  illustrates  how  the  (rack  is 
arranged  so  that  contestants  may  compete  in  heats  of  two 
.  .11  h.  The  cost  of  one  complete  layout  was  approximately 
one  hundred  fiftx  dollar*.  All  material-  were  purcha*ed 
at  cost 

The  local  Kiwanis  Club  paid  for  two  complete  lawml- 
and  proxiife*  the  judges  and  prizes  for  the  annual  affair. 
I  he  bo\s  .if  the  high  school's  vocation..!  -.  hool  mounted 
the  track  |x-iin.inenll\  on  *e.  lion-  of  three-quarter  inch 
|.l\  board,  and  arranged  the  electrical  control..  The 
lion*  can  be  taken  apart  and  stored  ea-iU. 

\i  riniK  M  awi-iutinn  nirnultant.  F.ilwntitin-Rrcrrntion 
IhiiMim.  llrallh  and  Welfare  Council  of  Delaware,  I'hila- 
ilrlphia  and  Montgomery  coi/n/in.  I'ennsylvania.  An  anii  <• 
Kiitanian.  he  uai  formi-rli  tri-rnninn  ilirfrlnr.  l'«ll<.lnnn. 

274 


View  of  track  arraiiKfiiu-nt  which  allows  contestants  In  compete 
in  heats  ol   twn  each,   Layouts   provided  by   local   Kiwanis  chili. 


The  three-rail,  forty-inch  diameter  track  provide-  a 
larger  turning  curve  than  the  "0"  gauge  track,  and  will 
.11  i •ommodate  any  train  made  to  operate  on  an  "0  "i 
"027"  gauge  track.  A  separate  two-rail  lav  out  is  necessary 
for  those  hovs  and  girl-  xsho  own  the  two-rail  trains. 

\  sv-tcm  of  control-  x\a*  installed  to  prevent  false  stall- 
and  add  a  bit  of  realism  to  the  contest.  I  hi-  -\-tem  i- 
manned  bv  the  official  starter.  When  the  current  is  off.  a 
red  light  goes  on:  when  the  starter  1s  readv  to  hcjiin  tin- 
race,  a  warning  amber  light  is  turned  on:  and  tin-  iiieen 
"go"  signal  is  Hashed  to  begin  the  race.  The  flashing  of 
the  green  light  also  turns  on  the  current  control  -.witch. 
which  permit*  cm  rent  to  flow  to  each  tian-former  and 
permit*  both  trains  to  start  simullaneon-l\ . 

I  i. tin  (  l.issjfji  .itioiis 

Group  1:  Ml  Lionel.  Marx,  three-rail  \meiican  Klver. 
and  other  trains  that  operate  on  "O"  and  "027"  gauge 
track.  (D.C.  models  rxceptcd.  i 

<!la««  A  Twin   'li'—  1- 

Cl*»«   H  Nngli-  .li.—  U 

<!la««  <"  Engine  ami  (•• 

Cla»   H  Snitlr  '-nginr 

I  \iin -ulitnl  trains  lall  ingi-tln-i  ' 

I  In—   I  Ml    i>|"-    magni-lrartiiin     ivtill    nm 
olhrr  rla- 

b'l  i  III  XTION 


4  rar» 
4  car* 
3  car* 
I  rar« 


Group    II:    Two-rail 
inch  scale  trains. 


American    Flyer,    three-sixteenths 


Oa.-s  A  Engine  with  eight  driving  wlnvl- 

(Mu.-s  U  Engine  with  six  driving  wheels 

(Mass  C  Engine  with  four  driving  wlirrls 

(!la.-s  D  Passenger  diesels,  must  pull 


I  cai> 

3  car* 

3  cars 

4  cars 


(Additions  to  this  classification  are  necessary  as  train 
manufacturers  make  new  models.) 

Procedure 

1.  Each  contestant  is  given  a  trial  run  of  two  laps  before 
he  begins  his  initial  race.  Thereafter,  no  trial  runs  are 
permitted. 

2.  Winners  are  determined  by  elimination  in  heats  of  two 
until  a  class  champion  is  declared.  Class  champions  com- 
pete for  the  group  championships  and   the  group  cham- 
pions compete  for  city  championship. 

3.  Each  contestant  is  required  to  bring  his  own  engine 
and  cars.  Choice  of  tracks  is  determined  by  a  flip  of  a  coin 
by  the  younger  contestant  in  each  race. 

4.  Preliminary  races  consist  of  one  heat  of  two  laps.  Semi- 
final and  final  heats  of  all  races  consist  of  the  best  of  three 
heats  of  two  laps  each. 

5.  Contestants  are  paired  at  random. 

6.  If  there  is  danger  of  uncoupling,  rubber  bands  may  be 
used  to  hold  the  cars  together. 

7.  All  events  are  run  on  layouts  provided  by  the  sponsors. 
Standard  A.  C.  transformers  are  furnished. 

8.  Appropriate   prizes   are   awarded   to   class   and   group 
champions  and  to  the  city  champion. 

9.  The  decision  of  the  judges  is  final. 

Rules 

1.  Boys  and  girls  eighteen  years  of  age  or  younger  ma\ 
compete  in  the  various  contests. 


Chart  showing  curve  of  train  race  layout  with  central  control. 

2.  Contestants  may  enter  one  train. 

3.  A  train  may  be  entered  by  one  contestant  only. 

4.  Both  trains  must  clear  the  first  curve  or  the  race  will  be 
started  again. 

5.  Three  jumps  in  any  one  heat  disqualify  a  contestant 
for  that  heat,  and  his  opponent  shall  be  declared  the  win- 
ner. 

6.  If  a  train  jumps  the  track,  the  operator  must  turn  off 
his  control  throttle,  put  the  train  on  the  track,  and  then 
resume  the  race. 

7.  Remote  control  trains  may  or  may  not  be  locked  in  for- 
ward position  at  the  discretion  of  the  contestant. 

8.  Contestants  are  not  permitted  to  receive  any  assistance 
during  the  races. 

Special  races  were  set  up  for  trains  that  are  fifteen  years 
old  or  older.  An  event  for  the  Dads  proved  highly  suc- 
cessful and  gave  them  a  chance  to  show  their  skill  in 
operating  the  trains. 


Model  Railroading 


_  _  •  Casey  Jones  would  have  felt  at  homo  in 
the  Rotary  Field  House  at  Rutland,  Ver- 
mont, on  the  night  of  last  December 
twenty-seventh.  A  model  train  contest, 
planned  and  conducted  by  the  Rutland  recreation  depart- 
ment's superintendent  and  his  assistant.  Mr.  Richard  Pas- 
volsky,  was  being  held. 

This  contest  reached  boys  and  girls  who  do  not  ordi- 
narily devote  much  time  to  athletics  or  other  popular  ac- 
tivities. In  fact,  one  of  the  contestants — only  three  and  one- 
half  years  old — proved  his  ability  to  operate  his  train  by 
placing  as  runner-up  in  the  engine  and  tender  class. 

MR.  HKKDIC,  superintendent  of  recreation   in  Rutland,  is 
also  the  president  of  the  Vermont  Recreation  Society. 


James  F.  Herdic,  Jr. 


The  model  train  hobby  is  a  fascinating  one,  not  only  for 
youngsters,  but  also  for  older  people.  Certain  men  in  the 
business  and  professional  fields  devote  a  great  deal  of  time 
to  the  building  and  operation  of  miniature  trains  during 
their  leisure  hours.  It  provides  an  outlet  for  healthful  en- 
ergy and  is  excellent  recreation. 

For  our  contest,  trains  were  divided  into  three  classifica- 
tions— single  engine  diesels,  engine  and  tender,  and  magne- 
tized trains — and  for  our  first  experimental  year,  a  three- 
rail  and  "0"  or  "027"  gauge  track  was  used.  In  the  future, 
another  class,  using  double  rail  tracks,  will  be  added. 

There  were  four  age  groups — Division  I,  eight  years  of 
age  and  under;  Division  II,  nine  through  eleven  years  of 
age;  Division  III,  twelve  through  fourteen  years  of  age; 
and  Division  IV,  fifteen  years  of  age  and  over.  This  last 


OCTOFSKK  1952 


275 


KiimitT  up,  age  three  and  one-half,  in  engine  and  tender  class. 


classification  is  particularly  important  to  the  success  of  a 
contest.  In  planning  such  an  event,  be  sure  not  to  eliminate 
the  adult  division,  which  can  draw  fathers  and  other  in- 
terested men  into  your  program.  A  prominent  businessman 
who  took  part  in  our  contest  made  the  remark,  "This  train 
contest  has  given  me  more  enjoyment  than  I've  had  in  the 
past  ten  years!" 

All  events  were  run  on  two  similar  track  layouts,  both 
of  which  were  donated.  There  was  no  added  expense  in- 
volved here,  as  each  layout  was  formed  quite  simply, 
merely  by  using  the  top  of  a  ping-pong  table  placed  upon 
two  saw-horses  and  covered  with  a  blanket.  A  standard 
a.c.  dual-controlled  transformer  was  set  up  between  the 
two  tables  and  contestants  gave  their  trains  a  trial  run. 

After  each  entrant  had  signed  his  name,  address,  train 
classification  and  age  group,  the  schedule  of  races  was  set 
up.  (A  minimum  of  four  contestants  is  necessary  to  estab- 


lish any  class.)  All  events  were  determined  by  straight 
elimination,  with  winners  going  to  the  next  round. 

K\er\  contest  must  have  a  set  <>f  rules,  and  we  set  up 
ili.-  following: 

I  I  I  Kadi  contestant  must  ha\e  hi*  nun  engine  and  ma\ 
mil  i-iiti-r  more  than  one  in  any  our  cla--. 

l2l  If  a  train  jumps  tin-  track,  the  operator  must  turn 
oil  his  control,  put  the  train  hack,  and  resume  operation. 
Three  jumps  in  a  heat  disqualify  a  contestant. 

i. '5 1  Preliminary  races  shall  be  of  two  laps.  Semi-final 
and  final  races  of  four  laps. 

The  contest  that  excited  the  most  interest  was  ln-!ueen 
two  fathers  who  had  borrowed  their  sons'  train-. 

Certain  men  were  chosen  to  form  a  "guard  railing"  at 
the  points  where  the  train  tracks  curved.  This  was  a  in •• 
sary  precaution,  as  a  train  might  have  jumped  the  track 
and  damaged  the  engine,  or  hurt  some  youngster  who  w.i- 
too  close  to  the  layout. 

Small  plastic  trophy  cups  were  presented  to  the  winner* 
and  runners-up  of  each  division. 

We  were  well  rewarded  for  the  time  spent  in  planning 
and  setting  up  the  layouts  by  the  happy  smiles  and  excite- 
ment of  the  children,  and  the  adults  as  well,  as  the  conte-t 
came  to  a  close.  The  department  feels  that  this  event  was 
a  great  success  and  hopes  to  make  it  an  annual  affair. 

Spotting  this  activity  l>etween  Christmas  and  New 
Year's  is  productive  of  greatest  participation,  a-  the  chil- 
dren have  longer  leisure  hours  during  this  period,  and 
many  receive  trains  for  Christmas. 

You  can  create  considerable  interest  through  your  local 
sporting  goods  or  department  stores  which  usually  are 
more  than  willing  to  donate  track,  transformer,  and  extra 
cars.  Proper  publicity  can  do  a  great  deal  for  your  conlc-t. 

We  feel  indebted  to  George  Sargisson  of  the  Recreation 
Promotion  and  Service  of  Wilmington.  Delaware,  who 
originally  gave  us  this  idea. 


Aids  to  Model  Railroading 


4  M  u  HIM  on  model  railroading,  Boys  Railroad  Club, 
•*"*•  is  available  to  schools,  Boy  Scout  troops,  YMCA's, 
boys'  clubs,  hobby  groups,  and  other  organization*,  from 

\--MI  ration  Film*,  Incorporated,  on  a  free  loan  basis.  The 
fifteen-minute  film  tells  about  a  boys'  hobby  club  where  the 
members  operate  their  own  railroad  system. 

The  small-scale  railroad  presented  is  realistic  down  to 
the  last  spike,  with  remote  control  switches,  freight  yards, 
lighted  station*,  tree-lined  streets,  trestle*,  tunnels,  and 
even  locomotives  lli.il  puff  *moke.  The  highlight  of  the  film 
\»  a  visit  to  the  clubhouse  by  a  prominent  railroader  who 
pi\e»  the  boys  tome  firsthand  information  about  running 
the  "big  ones."  He  points  out  that  the  *ame  principles  can 
he  applied  to  their  own  system. 

Live  *hot*  of  real  trains  in  action  are  used  to  illustrate 
what  the  railroader  is  saying.  Trains  are  shown  rounding 


hem  I*,  on  the  straight-away,  roaring  through  tunnels,  and 
in  the  yards.  The  audience  is  also  given  an  "engineer's  eye 
view"  of  railroading  from  the  cab  of  a  fast  strcamlinei. 

This  is  a  Transfilm  prodoctioB,  ipooaond  h\  the  \  - 
Gilbert  Company,  manufacturers  of  American  Flyer  Train-. 
Borrow  from  Association  Kilm*:  New  ^  ork,  35  West  l.~>th 
Street:  Chicago,  79  East  Adams  Street:  San  Francisco, 
351  Turk  Street;  and  Dallas,  1915  Live  Oak  Street. 

Hikliofraphy  of  Railnin  l.ilrniturc.  compiled  h\  Associ- 
ation of  American  Railroads,  Transportation  Building, 
Washington  6,  D.  C.,  carries  a  section  devoted  to  books 
on  model  railroading,  listing  publisher*  and  prices.  It  also 
includes  a  section  on  juvenile  books  and  general  literatim 
for  those  who  wish  to  increase  their  knowledge  of  rail- 
roads and  railway  li.i\.-l.  \\.iil.ihle  free.  The  .1  — o.  i.ition 
invite-  i u. pi i ties  on  any  phase  of  railroading. 


276 


I(H  KKATION 


HTIOI 


n 


Ellen  Anderson 


T 


HERE  is  A  recreation  program  in  Ar- 
lington, Virginia,  which  is  progressing 
according  to  a  development  schedule 
that  actually  works!  Too  often,  such 
schedules  are  read,  approved  and  left 
to  gather  dust.  Not  so  in  Arlington. 
From  1935,  when  recreation  consisted 
of  a  playground  program  for  children 
and  sports  for  men  and  boys,  to  1951. 
when  voters  approved  an  §882.000 
bond  issue  to  acquire  more  recreation 
lands,  the  Arlington  story  is  a  story  of 
intensive  planning,  hard  work  and 
steadily  increasing  success. 

Lying  across  the  Potomac  River 
from  Washington,  D.  C.,  Arlington  felt 
the  tremendous  impact  of  govern- 
mental expansion  which  began  about 
1940,  immediately  before  the  war.  Un- 
til then,  it  had  been  primarily  a  sub- 
urban area,  with  parts  still  rural.  In 
1940,  the  population  was  57,040;  in 
1943,  it  was  85,048.  By  1951,  it  had 
reached  145.000.  Arlington  had  be- 
come a  city,  residential  in  character, 
but  so  built  up  that  open  areas  for 
recreation  were  at  a  definite  premium. 

Before  1940,  public  organization  of 
recreation  was  not  an  urgent  need. 
Like  most  suburban  communities,  Ar- 
lington enjoyed  a  certain  amount  of 
organized  recreation  through  such  vol- 

Miss  ANDERSON  is  the  information  di- 
rector of  the  department  of  recreation 
of  Arlington  County,  Virginia. 


untary  organizations  as  churches,  fra- 
ternal orders,  homes,  golf  and  hunting 
clubs;  through  such  community  or- 
ganizations as  Girl  and  Boy  Scouts, 
Camp  Fire  Girls,  the  YMCA;  through 
various  commercial  enterprises,  such 
as  movies,  bowling  alleys  and  pool 
halls;  and  through  the  public  schools. 

The  first  public  recreation  program 
was  inaugurated  in  1935,  with  a 
$2,500  budget.  This  sum  provided  for 
the  operation  of  three  baseball  fields 
and  eight  weeks  of  summer  play- 
grounds at  eleven  schools.  Gradually, 
the  program  was  expanded  to  include 
sports  for  boys  and  men,  spring  and 
fall  playgrounds,  junior  recreation 
clubs  for  teen-agers,  and  leadership  for 
PTA  and  church  affairs.  Most  of  the 
activities  were  carried  on  in  the 
schools,  a  few  in  other  county-owned 
areas.  The  entire  program  was  handled 
by  one  year-round  worker,  the  director 
of  recreation,  who  was  also  the  super- 
visor of  physical  education  in  the 
schools. 

When  the  bombshell  of  increasing 
population  hit  Arlington,  it  soon  be- 
came evident  that  more  public  recrea- 
tion facilities  were  essential.  Empty 
fields  and  vacant  lots,  once  tacitly  al- 
lotted as  play  space  for  neighborhood 
children,  became  sites  for  apartments 
and  housing  developments.  The  exist- 
ing recreation  staff  was  too  small  and 
too  over-worked  to  handle  the  ever- 


growing demand  for  more  recreation. 
Something  had  to  be  done. 

Population  pressures  weighed  heavi- 
ly upon  the  county  planning  commis- 
sion, who  drew  up  and  continuously 
promoted  a  land  acquisition  program 
designed  to  provide  enough  usable  play- 
space,  not  merely  to  serve  the  popula- 
tion of  the  present,  but  also  to  serve 
the  estimated  population  of  the  future. 

However,  county-wide  realization  of 
the  need  to  buy  land  did  not  develop 
until  later,  when  scarcity  of  open  land 
had  become  serious  and  prices  had 
risen  considerably. 

In  1940-41,  the  Virginia  state  super- 
visor of  health,  physical  education  and 
recreation,  together  with  the  executive 
secretary  of  the  American  Association 
for  Health,  Physical  Education  and 
Recreation  made  a  recreational  survey 
of  Arlington;  in  1944,  Dr.  Jay  B. 
Nash,  of  New  York  University,  pre- 
sented a  recreation  plan  for  Arlington 
County  to  the  county  board  and  its 
recreational  advisory  committee.  Also 
in  1944,  the  county  planning  commis- 
sion presented  a  master  recreation  plan 
for  the  county,  which  covered  recrea- 
tion land  needs  up  to  1965. 

Later  in  1944,  the  Arlington  county 
board  passed  a  resolution  establishing 
the  Arlington  recreation  council,  to  co- 
ordinate and  unify  administration  of 
public  recreation  in  the  area.  This 
council  included  a  member  of  the  coun- 


OCTOBER  1952 


277 


ty  board,  a  member  of  the  school 
board,  the  count)  manager,  the  super- 
intendent of  schools  and  the  common- 
wealth attornev. 

In  19-16.  while  the  recreation  pro- 
gram had  been  expanding  in  the  di- 
rection already  chosen,  the  Arlington 
community  council  conducted  a  snri.il 
-urvcv  nf  \rlington.  The  resultant  re- 
port was  ''an  attempt  ...  to  provide 
Arlington  with  some  guide  posts  for 
the  development  of  its  social  welfare 
program  in  the  future  rather  than  ma- 
terial for  immediate  reorganization  of 
that  program.  Arlington'!  needs  for 
the  next  decade  are  what  the  studies 
attempt  to  indicate  .  .  .  " 

The  recreation  study  advised  a  seven- 
point  program:  1 1 1  more  kinds  of  rec- 
reation activities  on  a  year-round  basis. 
with  special  mention  of  community 
recreation  center  programs  for  all  ages, 
of  sports  for  women  and  girls,  of  pre- 
school programs,  and  of  an  enlarged 
playground  program;  (2)  a  year- 
round  recreation  staff,  headed  by  a 
full-time  raperintendanl  of  recreation; 
(3  i  a  county  recreation  oliiee.  kept 
open  at  least  during  the  usual  limn-  of 
the  other  eoimi)  offices;  (4)  a  larger. 
more  adequate  budget  (at  that  time. 
llicv  proposed  a  budget  eight  time-  a* 
large  as  the  one  then  in  effect — Sllou.- 
000  as  compared  to  825,000);  I  Si 
tatter  publieit)  on  ser\  ices  and  ac- 
complishments; (6)  operation  of  the 
|. ul. lie  recreation  program  as  a  count) 
department,  administered  by  a  lay- 
board,  under  the  auth»ritv  of  the  coun- 
ty board:  and  (7)  formation  of  an  ad- 
visory recreation  board. 

Chief  deviation  of  the  eomiiimiil\ 
council  plan  from  the  Yi-li  plan  was 
the  separation  of  school  and  i-  •  ic.iti..  . 
admini-lralion.  Although  ihe  recica- 
lion  program  had  moved  along  smooth- 
ly as  a  part  of  the  count)  education 
-el-up.  the  council  felt  that  increased 
ition  demand*  called  for  the  c-lah- 
li-hmenl  of  a  separate  de|iarlment 
ulii.  li  would  operate  on  a  wparatc 
budget.  Menee.  cut*  in  school  funds 
would  not  ncce-sjirilv  iilfeei  the  rrcrea- 
lion  piogram.  now  con-ideicd  big 
enough  to  Mrikc  out  on  its  own. 

In    \'IV>.   the    \rliiiglon  couiilv    dc 

JiartlncMl    of   re.  realion    v\a«  c-lahll-hed 

by  action  of  ihe  \rlington  eiuinlv 
l»oard  and  placed  under  the  guidance 


of  a  full-time  director  of  recreation. 

However,  although  education  and 
M-cieation  were  now  two  distinct  de- 
partments. the\  continued  to  work 
closely  together.  Long-range  planning 
calls  for  the  purchase  of  adjacent 
school  and  recreation  lands  to  provide 
for  fullest  possible  development  for 
sports  and  games.  School  playground- 
are  used  freely  by  recreation  group-: 
recreation  playing  fields  serve  as  prac- 
tice areas  for  school  sports  teams. 
•\ftcr  school  hours,  the  buildings  are 
open  for  recreation  activities  for  ad- 
ults as  well  as  children,  under  the 
direction  of  the  department  of  recrea- 
tion. 

Within  the  brief  span  of  its  three- 
year  existence,  the  department  of  ree- 


"That  community  is  good 
which  understands  the  impli- 
cation of  its  past  and  present 
so  well  that  it  can  anticipate 
the  future  and  masterfully  ad- 
minister that  which  is  about 
to  be."— Jean  and  Jess  Ogden 
in  Small  Communities  in  Ac- 
tion. 


realion  has  made  remarkable  strides. 
It  has  acquired  its  first  communit) 
icnler  building,  with  space  for  ollicc- 
and  activitv  rooms.  It  ha-  -tailed  pro- 
grams for  all  age  groups,  including 
i  lull-  for  older  men  and  women,  adult 
classes,  and  pre-school  activities,  in 
addition  to  continuing  its  existing  ae- 
livilio.  In  19SO-S1  it  doubled  it-  I'M" 
.SO  attendance  record.  Its  operating 
budget  for  I'».SI-.S2  is  $229.327.  It 
I". .1-1-  a  full-time  staff  of  fourteen, 
plus  part-lime  workers  and  mainten- 
ance force.  It  is  re-|ion-ible  fo|  de«ign. 
( on-truction.  maintenance,  and  njiei.i 
lion  of  all  parks,  [il.iv  L'munds  and  com- 
munit)  centei-.  It  ha- v  itluallv  achieved 
ihe  -cvcn-jioint  program  prnpo-ed  bv 
the  conmiiinilv  council  in  I'>-U». 

Mow     did    this    come    about     within 
-in  h  a  short  span  of  time.' 

Mow    else    lull    through    the   per-i-lelil 

efforts   of    public-minded   cili/eim   and 
county  official*  who  aie  convinced  that 
jitovi-ion   for  recreation   is  an    imjioi 
tant  function  of  local  govenimenl.  and 
through    the    effective    -.lie-    promotion 


of  the  recreation  stalT  in  it-  dailv 
routine  of  doing  a  good  job?  Their 
eventual  achievement  resulted  from  un- 
remitting work  with  civic  groups,  serv- 
ice  i  lull-,  women's  chilis,  c  bun  he-. 
I' I  \  -.  and  other  communit)  organiza- 
tion-. It  re.-ulted  from  wide-spread 
awareness  of  the  basic  need  for  plav  U 
an  essential  factor  in  living,  a  need  as 
vital  to  adults  as  to  their  children. 
And  it  resulted,  also,  from  llic  realiza- 
tion by  private  and  communit)  recrea- 
tion groups  that  their  own  meager 
funds  and  overworked  volunteers  are 
iiiMiliicient  to  carry  on  a  fully  ade- 
quate program. 

But  the  desired  goal  has  not  been 
reached. 

\rlington  Count)  recently  made 
public  a  c-omjirehensive  si\-vear  pro- 
gram, not  a  definitive  program,  but 
one  which  sets  forth  certain  immediate 
goals  as  way-stations  on  the  route  to 
those  which  lie  still  more  distant.  I- or 
the  recreation  department,  the  im- 
mediate goals  are  the  acquisition  of 
211  acres  of  land,  creation  of  neigh- 
borhood playgrounds  in  presentlv  un- 
-civcd  area-,  and  the  building  of  a 
model  recreation  center.  During  the 
In -I  veai-.  newly  acquired  lands 
would  be  improved  by  grading,  instal- 
lation of  water  and  sanitarv  conveni- 
ence-, planting,  and  con-ti  uction  of 
picnic  >itc-. 

\l  present,  the  recreation  depart- 
ment owns  163  acres  of  parks  and 
playgrounds.  Most  of  the  park  and 
playground  area-  \\eie  ac -quired  in  ac- 
cordance with  the  outline  of  the  conn- 
tv'-  master  recreation  plan  of  I'M  I. 

What     will     Arlington's     immediate 
ation  program  c-o-t  the  taxpavei  .' 

To  buy  land  now.  In-fore 
-till   further,  the  Stt82.(HH)   bond   i-u. 
mentioned    above    wa-    brought     to    a 
vole  and  jia—  cd.  I  >e  of  thi-  monev    foi 
land  pureha-e  would  leave  the  MOM 
tion  departmenl  a  capital  improvement 
budget  ..I  between  $100,000  and  $150.- 
INK)  |M-r  year  above  its  op.-iaiing  hud 
gi-l.   Ihioiigh    ITiT.    In    I'l.V't.   an   addi 
lii.nal    ^IH.IMNI    has    been    tentalivclv 
-c  liedilled    for    building   tin-   minlel    rcc 
icalion   cenlei.    Kioken   down    in   Icim- 
.  I  in-l  |o  the  individual,  this  program 
will  i  o-l  cvcrv   JH-I-OII  in    \ilinglon  ap- 

p|. .\IIM.llc-lv        >I.Jt       |H-|        ve.ll.       vlllclv 

in. I  an  exorbilanl  sum  for  recreation! 


278 


Ul  c   IU    Vl|c>\ 


An  idea  addressed  to  the  schools,  which 
also  applies  to  recreation  groups. 


\ 

UNDERSTANDING 
EACH  OTHER 


rrlHK  GREAT  NEED  for  a  broad,  in- 
*•  tercultural  program  has  been  rec- 
ognized by  well-thinking,  intelligent 
people,  for  a  long  time.  Where  can  it 
better  be  initiated  than  in  our  public 
schools,  where  children  can  be  proper- 
ly conditioned  to  working  in  intercul- 
tural  groups,  and  where  they  have  the 
opportunity  to  study  and  play  with 
people  of  many  countries?  In  the  pub- 
lic school,  through  pleasurable  experi- 
ences, they  have  the  opportunity  to  de- 
velop the  proper  attitudes  and  inter- 
ests, and  grow  up  with  a  feeling  of 
comfort,  ease  and  understanding  to- 
ward many  peoples  of  the  world. 

Especially  is  such  a  program  essen- 
tial on  the  elementary  level,  for  here 
the  groundwork  is  being  laid  for  the 
child's  later  concepts  and  ideals.  Here 
can  the  meaning  of  proper  intercultur- 
al  relationships  be  impressed  upon 
him  and  the  satisfactions  to  be  gained 
from  them.  Here  parents  are  stimu- 
lated to  work  with  the  school,  for  the 
good  of  their  own  children,  and  for 
the  good  of  all  the  children,  regardless 
of  race,  color  or  creed. 

A  broad  intercultural  program,  ably 
administered,  would  do  much  toward 
eliminating  a  child's  embarrassment, 
or  pain,  caused  by  others  who  may  not 
understand  why  a  neighbor's  skin  is 
darker,  or  his  hair  is  curlier. 

In  the  Classroom 

One  day  a  little  girl  on  the  play- 
ground was  crying  bitterly.  Another 
child  had  "called  her  a  bad  name"  re- 
fiTring  to  her  race.  Both  children  were 
in  the  same  room.  That  afternoon  lin- 
t-lass went  into  the  auditorium.  In- 
stead of  the  usual  rhythmic  perio  I.  ur 
had  an  all-nations  musir-and-dance- 

<><  TUBER  1952 


Rosalee  Greenfield 


appreciation  period. 

An  Indian  chant  was  played  first, 
since  the  Indians  were  the  first  people, 
of  whom  we  know,  to  settle  in  Cali- 
fornia. (California  was  our  social 
studies  project.)  When  the  Indian 
chant  was  played,  several  children 
snickered;  some  laughed.  Anita,  an 
Indian  girl,  was  called  upon  to  talk  of 
the  Indian  people.  She  explained  the 
meaning  of  the  chant  and  told  us  of 
the  situations  in  which  it  was  played. 
Charles,  an  Indian  boy,  danced  while 
the  others  clapped  their  hands  and 
swayed  in  time  with  the  music  and 
Charles'  dance  movements.  The  teacher 
told  stories  she  had  heard  while  visit- 
ing Indian  territory  and  Indian  pueb- 
los. The  snickers  and  laughter  dis- 
appeared. 

This  episode  was  followed  by  music 
from  Norway,  England,  Spain,  Swe- 
den, Ireland,  Germany,  Hungary,  Ha- 
waiian Islands.  China,  Mexico,  and  in- 
cluded American  MacDowell's  "To  a 
Wild  Rose"  and  "Witches  Dance."  At 
first  the  teacher,  a  former  dancer,  ex- 
plained and  interpreted  the  differences 
and  similarities  of  the  music  with 
dance  movements,  while  the  children 
hummed  and  clapped  their  hands. 
They,  then,  performed  rhythmic  move- 
ments in  keeping  with  the  music. 

The  children  displayed  much  inter- 
est and  elation  during  this  lesson  and 
following  it.  This  new  experience  was 
stimulating  and  worldly  in  scope.  It 
embraced  not  only  the  children  of  their 
class  and  school,  but  their  parents, 
neighbors  and  the  world! 

Later,  during  an  evaluation  period, 
they  talked  of  many  languages.  One 
child  knew  a  few  Greek  words  and 
gave  them:  several  children  knew  Ger- 


man words;  several  knew  Indian 
"signs";  another  knew  a  Swedish 
song;  another  knew  how  to  write  the 
Jewish  alphabet.  All  knew  Spanish 
words  and  songs  which  they  had 
learned  during  our  regular  class  work. 
Pictures  were  shown  of  costumes  of 
some  of  the  peoples  whose  music  we 
had  heard.  Their  countries  were  lo- 
cated on  our  globe. 

Homework  was  assigned  and  enthu- 
siastically received — namely,  that  each 
child  ask  his  parents  to  teach  him,  and 
write  down,  a  few  words,  or  a  song  or 
poem  of  another  country — the  parent's 
native  country,  or  any  foreign  words 
they  knew.  The  next  morning  the 
teacher's  desk  was  deluged  with  scraps 
of  paper — ruled,  unruled,  white,  wrap- 
ping, note  paper.  They  were  invalu- 
able. They  contained  words  and  poems 
in  native  tongues  of  the  parents  of  our 
children.  A  French  book,  a  Chinese 
book  and  a  Hebrew  book  were  also 
brought  to  class.  With  these  came 
flowers,  a  cut  of  "squash-pie-that- 
looked  -like-pumpkin,"  homemade 
fudge,  a  portion  of  cake — all  offered 
in  silent  but  eloquent  gratitude. 

The  children  and  their  parents  had 
been  led  to  a  greater  appreciation  of 
the  peoples  of  the  world.  Parents  were 
led  to  realize  that  the  tears  of  one 
child  may  have  saved  the  tears  of 
many  children,  possibly  their  own, 
and  may  have  precluded  the  heartache 
and  grief  caused  by  humiliating  re- 
marks about  race,  color  or  religious 
beliefs. 

In  keeping  with  this  ideal,  the  chil- 
dren presented  a  UN  program  to  the 
community.  This  consisted  of  a  short 
discussion  of  early  America,  of  the 
time  when  there  were  no  beautiful 
schools  such  as  we  now  have,  when 
the  early  settlers  struggled  to  retain 
their  freedom  of  speech,  and  the  right 
to  worship,  each  in  his  own  way. 

Then  came  people,  from  all  over  the 
world,  represented  by  the  children. 
These  people,  working  together,  were 
the  foundation  and  early  strength  of 
a  now  powerful  nation. 

The  children  made  a  plea  for  every- 
one to  tell  their  daddies,  mothers,  and 
friends  that  we  want  peace  by  building 
a  strong  United  Nations  program. 


Condensed   from   California   Parent-Teacher. 
February,  1952. 

279 


Square    dauciiiK    has    mushroomed    throughout    Japan,    is   especialh 
popular    because    of    democratic    form.    Festivals    are    held    often 


We    all    respond    to    the    beauties    of 
nature.  Above  left,  Swedish  children. 


in   native   costume,    pause   to  enjov    a 
view     in    beautiful    Laksand    district. 


Fishermen  understand  eat  li  mini   .m\ 
where,    and    how    can    you    hate    the 
man   beside   you,   fishing   in   the   sun? 
Left,   Frenchmen  on   banks   of   Loire. 


Expression  of  our  dreams,  our  customs  and  our  cultures  starts 
at  early  age   in  e\erv   land.    Below,  children  of   United   Slates. 


Linhts  i)t  the  I  nitrd  Nations  shin 
h. ill. in.  Hiillnl.n  nl  I  nilril  N. ill. 111 
\\iile  observance  and  greetings  In 


Tlic  spirit  of  play  knows  n 
mail  life  and  happiness  that  we  a 
deeplv  moled  llian  our  differcm 
art.  its  drama,  and  its  literature 
in»:  rarh  lias  its  Hau.  the  s\ml)i 
«  .mil  iluiiinii  to  the  whole.  Hut 
same."— Joseph  I  .ee 


I 


Hiking  and  climbing  enthusiasts  are  peculiar  to  no  one  country, 
need  only  fields,  woods,  good  company.  Group  in  Austrian  Tyrol. 


We  learn  the  rules  of  good  sports- 
manship and  team  spirit  on  our  play- 
ing fields.  Scene  above  right,  shows 
British  schoolboys  playing  cricket. 


An  ancient  sport,  tilting  at  the  ring, 
has  been  revived  in  several  countries 
including  our  own  South.  Right,  play- 
ers at  Zeeland,  in  the  Netherlands. 


Camping  is  dear  to  the  hearts  of  all.  Below,  Hawaiian  young- 
sters,   whose     ancestry    includes     Irish,    Chinese,     Portugese. 


>n  from  Secretariat  Building  in  Man- 
!4,  is  each  year  designated  for  world 
les.  (See  Recipes  for  Fun,  page  295.) 


il  boundaries.  "The  sources  of  hu- 
ig  are  international,  older  and  more 
fy  nation  has  its  song,  its  games,  its 
I  approach  to  truth  and  understand- 
jpersonality;  each  brings  its  special 
is  that  have  whispered  to  us  are  the 


An   interfaith   exploratory   seminar 
sponsored   by   Indiana   University. 


Tuts  M:\IIN\K  came  to  pa--  ..wing  to  the  voicing  of  a 
concern  f»r  help  in  the  area  of  leadership  by  a  number 
of  leaders  of  recreation  in  religious  groups.  The  Depart- 
ment of  Recreation  at  Indiana  I  nixersit)  then  got  in 
(••in  h  \\iili  other  leaders  for  their  reaction  to  a  proposal 
for  an  advanced  training  institute  for  recreation  leaders 
in  these  groups.  A  very  favorable  attitude  was  expressed 
l'\  each. 

I  lii-refiirc.  a  small  group  was  called  together  at  Indiana 
I  nixcr>itx  (.n  Max  14  ;IIK|  l.i.  l°-.il.  to  discuss  the  project. 
Mcml>ers  voted  to  hold  an  exploratory  seminar  on  Hecrea- 
tion  Through  Religious  Kducation.  and  immediately  set 
the  plans  for  securing  delegates,  the  items  to  In-  dis- 
cussed and  the  dates.  The  seminar  was  held  in  September 
I 'ill.  and  the  following  presents  a  summarx  of  the  con- 
' -lii-ions  reached. 

Some  Basic  Concerns 

Throughout  the  entire  seminar,  point-  of  view  were 
l.i-.ii-lii  to  the  attention  of  all  and  became,  after  dis- 
i n— ion.  common  basic  concerns.  They  are  offered  here, 
not  as  official  pronouncement-,  but  for  the  consideration 
of  groups  and  organizations,  to  be  discussed,  accepted  or 
modified,  refined,  and  used.  It  was  determined  that: 

I  i  Recreation  is  important  in  our  total  culture.  It  is 
al-o  xcrx  important  within  the  religious  organization  and 
as  a  resource  to  be  used  In  the  organization  as  it  stiive- 
touard  its  goals.  Therefore,  religious  organizations  need 
the  best  type  of  recreation  conducted  bx  highlx  trained 
leaders,  who  understand  the  organization  and  arc  dedi- 
cated to  its  goals. 

i2l  Three  of  the  religious  faille.  Jewish.  I'rnlc-lant 
and  Catholic,  could  profit  \>\  m<>\ing  forward  together  in 
.1  i  oiMinon.  advanced  stud)  and  training  program,  each 
sharing  and  maintaining  its  point  of  \ie\\.  Recreation  is 
.1  i  oinmon  area  where  this  could  be  done. 

Some   Basic   Concepts 

1.  Religion    embraces   all    things   that    will    improve   a 
person's  stature     spiritual!),  morally,  physical!)  and  men- 
ially. 

2.  Recreation   i-  tin-  <  on-inn  tin-,   joxful  and  voluntary 
u»e  of   leisure   lime   wherein    the   «ati-f.i<  lion-   .tie   ;;|e.mcd 
from   the  actixitx    il-«-lf  as  well   as  from    it«   productive!) . 

3.  Recreation  ionecj\ed  as  an  activit\    and    inlcre-i    i- 
a  resource  thai  i.m   U-  u-cd   |.\    religion-  urgani/ntion-  to 

i.h-li  it-  goal-,  wliich  include,  among  other  thing*. 
satisfactory  social  life,  relaxation,  fricndlx  .  ..••.|ietin.,i, 
miller  ilr-ii.ible  -poii-orship. 

1.  \Xitliin  n  religious  organization,  ici  n-.tiion  i-  u-eil 
f-.r: 

a.   I'roniotioiial  ptirposrs.  to  attract  people  to  ilie  or- 
ganization. 


b.  Achieving  high  standards  of  desirable  fellowdup. 

c.  Teaching  cooperative  living. 

d.  Development  of  high  moral  standards  and  value-. 
such  as  sportsmanship  in  social  life  and  competitive  aih- 
letics.  and  so  forth. 

.5.  Recreation  has  religious  values  per  se.  without  its 
use  as  a  means  to  an  end,  or  as  a  resource. 

6.  Recreational  activities  or  resources  are  basically  a 
product  of  the  American  cultural  pattern.  l>ecause  of  which 
we  hold  these  common  objectives: 

a.  Development  of  individual  skills. 

b.  Development  of  a  sense  of  belonging. 

i .   Development  of  a  sense  of  individual  and  group  se- 
curilx. 

d.  Democratically  set  standards. 

e.  Development  of  leadership. 

f.  Appreciation  of  living,  of  life,  and  of  (iod.    (Suc- 
cessful  recreation   program.-    through    religious   organiza- 
tions  must   necessarilx    l>e   person-centered   and    not   pro- 
gram-centered. ) 

We  use  these  common  resources: 


\i'-    and   i-r.iti- 
\ililt-iii-  and  sport* 
Dramatic-  anil  -pefoh 
KcIliiM-liip  nifal- 
I  •  -tu.iU  and  ptuui.iin- 

around  holy  day*  and 

holiday* 
Nn-ial   recreation 


Voluntary  wnirr 

Music 

Outdoor  recreation  —  ramping. 

ami   -M  ..?! 


of  national  group*— 

ramping,  and 
-nnilar  prnfcrani- 
Trip* 


I  In-  is  not  a  i  oinpleic  list,  but  io\er-  major  conunon 


7.   Hocreation  function-  lluougli  icligiou-  organization* 
in  the  following  two  <  -|.i  —  ilu  .ilmn-: 

i      1  hrough  a  church  and  sviiagogiic. 
b.  Through  a  center  t\pe  of  program. 
::.    People  who  learn  to  pla\   together  ran  learn  to  pra\ 
logo!  her. 


U  /KJ/  i  mi 
i  nlnul  mcmOCT  in  llif 


ilu  In 
nl  i  i-,i  fiiiiitn  .' 


llif  inili- 


lit  i  HI    UHlN 


Fhroiifh  Religious  Organizations 


1.  Start  a  program  of  recreation  in  local  religious  group. 
Participants  should  share  in  the  planning,  conducting  and 
evaluation  of  the  program. 

a.  Survey  the  scene — goals,  needs,  motives,  interests, 
facilities,  social-economic  patterns,  what  others  are  doing. 

1).  If  there  are  needs  manifest,  set  the  direction  of  the 
program  to  meet  those  needs.  If  other  agencies  or  groups 
are  meeting  the  needs,  the  religious  organization-centered 
individual  should  assume  his  fair  share  of  responsibility, 
thereby  extending  his  religious  influence.  Organization- 
ally this  may  imply  the  sharing  of  physical,  spiritual  and 
educational  facilities. 

c.  There  should  be  planned  periodic  examination  of 
the  recreation  program  and  the  community  scene. 

2.  The  religious  organization,  through   its  educational 
program,   has  a   responsibility   for   raising   the  sights   or 
standards  of  people  so  they  may  make  a  wise  choice  of 
recreation : 

a.  Through  personal  contacts,  conversation,  and  ad- 
dresses or  the  sermons  of  religious  leaders. 

b.  Through  various  existing  organizations  within  the 
religious  group. 

c.  Through  finding  qualified  leadership  and  bringing 
it  in  for  consultation  in  planning  recreation  experiences  or 

programs  and /or  conducting  a  good 
recreation  experience  for  the  group. 

d.  By  means  of  any  small  group 
that  can   be  motivated   by   volunteer 
or   professional   leadership   to    move 
ahead.   This   may    become   the   moti- 
vating force  within  the  entire  group. 

e.  Through  the  use  of  audio-vis- 
ual  materials — demonstrations,   field 
trips,  pictures,  and  so  on. 

f.  By  sharing  reading  material 
and   resources  -      libraries,   reading 
lists,  reviews,  and  so  forth. 

g.  Through   emphasis   on   home 
and  family  relationships — recreation, 
study,  sharing. 

OCTOBER  1952 


h.  By  sending  leaders  and  'or  potential  leaders  to  rec- 
reation  institutes,  workshops,   labs  and  training  courses. 

What  is  the  relationship  between  community  recreation 
agencies  and  religious  organizations? 

1.  Municipal  recreation  serves  as  a  resource  to  all  other 
community  groups,  provides  professional  leadership,  works 
with  all  groups  in  city-wide  participation,  provides  demon- 
stration projects  and  workshops. 

2.  The   religious   organization   has   a   responsibility   to 
help  local  agencies  to  maintain  a  high  standard  in  all  pro- 
grams. 

3.  It  has  a  role  to  play  in  all  community  councils  and 
planning  groups,  neighborhood  groups,  and  so  on. 

4.  Each  should  include  the  use  and/or  employment  of 
qualified  and  trained  personnel. 

5.  Both  work  with  unidentified   youth,   fraternities,  so- 
rorities, neighborhood  groups. 

6.  Religious  organizations  should   offer  their  coopera- 
tion to  community  agencies  in  programs  that  have  wide 
community  interest. 

7.  Religious  organizations  have  the  responsibility  to  en- 
deavor, whenever  possible,  to  work  through  proper  exist- 
ing agencies  in  taking  care  of  community  problems.  One 
of  their  responsibilities  is  to  improve  general  community 
life  and  living,  by  raising  of  moral  insights  and  standards. 

8.  Religious  groups  have  a  major  function  of  interpreta- 
tion  to  their  own   membership   in   regard   to   community 
problems. 

9.  Religious  organizations  should  cooperate  in  develop- 
ment of  resources  and  leadership  pools  for  specific  com- 
munity projects.  There  should  be  professional  leadership 
to  guide,  advise,  lead  and  enable. 

Curriculum    Planning 

The  following  are  suggestions  offered  for  consideration 
li\  leadership  training  institutions,  colleges,  universities. 

1.  Introduce  into  existing  courses,  taken  by  recreation, 
physical  education  and  education  majors,  information  re: 
garding  recreation  through  religious  organizations  and 
the  relationship  between  religious  organizations  and  other 

283 


recreation  groups  and  agencies.  It  should  be  the  objective 
here  to  develop  a  knowledge  and  appreciation  of  religious 
organization's  place  in  recreation  among  all  students  who 
may  go  into  recreation  leadership. 

2.  Provide  an   elective   survey   course   in   recreation 
through   religious   organizations   for  students   other   than 
recreation   majors,  to  give  them   a   full   appreciation   of 
the  field  and  provide  basic  training  for  volunteer  work. 

3.  I  tilize  the   resources  of  national  agencies  and   na- 
tional church  offices  to  aid  in  accomplishing  the  purposes 
suggested  in  1  and  2  above. 

4.  Encourage  education  and  recreation  students,  who  re- 
quest or  show  interest  in  religious  work,  to  do  their  field 
work   or   "extended   experience"   in    relation   to   religious 
organizations. 

5.  Give  students  of  religious  education,  in  schools  of 
religion,  certain  courses  in  the  department  of  recreation. 
These  courses  might  cover  the  following:   (a)   a  required 
comprehensive    course,    a    survey    course    on    recreaticm 
through  religious  organizations,  and   (b)   elective  courses 
involving  theory  and  techniques  of  recreation  and  recrea- 
tion leadership. 

6.  Guide  students  in  departments  of  recreation,  who  are 
planning  to  go  into  recreation  leadership  in  religious  or- 
ganizations, into  some  courses  in  religious  education. 

7.  Send  the  findings  of  this  seminar  to  seminaries  and 
ask  them  to  consider  seriously  the  possibility  of  providing 
an  orientation  course  in  Recreation  Through  Religious  Or- 
ganizations. 

\  workshop  for  advanced  recreation  leaders  in  religious 


organizations  has  been  planned  for  November  4-11-5,  1952, 
at  Spring  Mill  Inn,  Spring  Mill  Park.  Mitchell.  Indiana. 
Some  objectives  for  this  type  of  workshop  have  been  stated 
as  follows: 

Intercultural  sharing  in  the  area  of  recreation. 

Exchange  of  recreation  ideas  and  methods. 

Living  and  sharing  together;  fellowship. 

To  study  what  is  happening  to  people  through  our  indi- 
vidual group  programs  of  recreation. 

To  give  the  leader  a  chance  to  do  the  things  in  reciea- 
tion  he  never  does,  to  overcome  ''typing." 

To  look  at  leadership  training  program-. 

To  work  on  methods  to  build  total  programs  by  starting 
with  specific  skills. 

To  do  a  little  digging  along  newer  phases  of  recreation 
for  older  adults,  recreation  publications,  family  recrea- 
tion, economical  (uncanned)  crafts,  modern  dance. 

The  schedule  at  workshop  will  be: 

1.  Long  enough  for  those  attending  to  share  in  living 
experiences,   a    few   outstanding    leaders    living    with    tin- 
group. 

2.  For  total  group — addresses,  panels,  buzz  groups,  and 
so  on,  but  total  group  presentation  not  a  major  feature. 

3.  For  small  groups — short  periods  and  continuing  peri- 
ods to  work  on  specific  problems,  sharing  ideas,  building 
programs  and  reports  which  may  be  acted  upon  by  entire 
group. 

4.  For   individuals — recreational   skills   in   main    ai.-.t- 
aiul  personal  consultation   with   leaders  and  other   work- 
shoppers. 


Hospital  lied  Recreation 


I  IIK  MO- i  KM  KNT  addition  to  the  ever-increasing  recrea- 
tion program  in  Pekin.  Illinois,  is  hospital  room  recrea- 
tion «crvicc  to  persons  who  have  to  be  confined  in  the 
IVl.ii,  ||i,.|iii.i|  for  a  long  period  of  time. 

ll<»|>ital  bed  handcraft  activities  make  an  otherwise  dull 
and  uncomfortable  stay  in  the  hospital  a  bit  more  enjo\- 
ablc  and  *ati«fving  h\  bringing  <  on-tnj.  MM-  pa-lime-  ).. 
the  patients  in  their  room-. 

While  there  i*  limited  space  in  the  hospital,  each  room 
offers  an  opportunity  to  carr\  on  -mne  form  of  craft  activi- 
ty The  program  include,  leatliercraft.  the  making  of  tails. 
billfold*,  coin  pur*r*  and  similar  small  items.  In  painting, 
the  vprcial  kits,  with  paints  which  do  not  require  mixing 
and  can  be  applied  to  the  picture  without  a  great  deal  of 
fua*  and  bother,  are  u-« ••!.  Other  craft  po-«ihilitic-  are  the 
popular  ihrll  craft,  weaving  and  cork  craft. 

To   IK-   practical,  thr  craft   project,   mn-l    require   «mall 

H*H*Fr  MATICKA  ij  sui>rrinlrndcnt  nf  rri-n-nintn  in  I'rlcin. 


Barney  B.  Maticka 


work  surface,  must  be  clean,  easy  to  work  with,  time-con- 
suming and  economical.  Most  patients  with  hospital  hill-  t" 
pay  won't  participate  in  expensive  projects.  In  working 
with  children  in  the  wards,  inexpensive  projects  are  usual- 
ly preferred.  However,  patients  frequently  make  one  item 
and  find  themselves  "in  the  business."  making  the  same  f»r 
nurses  and  visitors. 

-<o  f.ir.  the  men  patient.  have  enjoved  and  asked  for  the 
leather  project.,  such  a-  leather  link  U-lts.  liillfolds  and 
i  oin  purses,  that  need  onl\  lacing  and  no  tooling. 

The  women  patients  have  preferred  nil  painting:  while 
lli.  i  hililren  lo\e  the  popular  pimp  lacing  projects  and 
making  bracelet..  One  hov  used  the  gimp  to  make,  for  his 
nurses,  several  handle,  for  -iimmcr  pla-tic  (Hirse*. 

Storvtelling.  in  children'.*  wards,  is  another  phase  of  our 
h'.-|>ilal  recreation.  Stnrvlclling  aid-  in  stopping  the  <  Inl 
dren'.  i, -,||r.. in-,,  during  the  long  hours  with  "nothing  to 
do."  It  help,  them  to  take  their  minds  "off  themselves." 
away  from  their  aches  and  pains.  Iliu-  making  their  -t.n 
more  enjr .\.ihle  and  facilitating  thr  processe-  of  recovcrv. 

Rr<  HI  VIICIN 


Games  and  activities  to  liven  up  those 
teen  gatherings  —  in  community  cen- 
ters, Y's,  service  clubs  or  anywhere. 


T 


ACTIVITIES 


WHETHER  YOU  HAVE  time  to  plan  ahead,  or  whether  you 
suddenly  find  yourself  with  a  score  or  more  of  ener- 
getic teen-agers  on  your  hands,  who  want  to  "do  some- 
thing," a  varied  repertoire  of  games,  stunts  and  group 
activities  will  turn  the  minutes  and  hours  into  fun  for 
everyone,  including  the  leader. 

Consequential  Darts 

This  game  will  take  some  planning  ahead,  but  it  is 
guaranteed  to  make  the  party  a  success.  Compile  a  num- 
bered list  of  consequences,  all  kinds  of  funny  and  ridicu- 
lous stunts.  Then,  make  a  dart  target,  dividing  it  into 
squares  or  circles  with  corresponding  numbers.  When  a 
player's  dart  strikes  a  number  on  the  target,  he  must  per- 
form the  corresponding  consequence.  There  is  no  limit  to 
the  hilarious  consequences  which  can  be  planned — reminis- 
cent of  the  childhood  game,  "Heavy,  Heavy  What  Hangs 
Over  Thy  Head."  Alternate  directions  should  be  assigned 
any  number  designating  action  which  would  be  funny  if 
done  only  by  a  boy,  or  girl.  Small  prizes  can  be  given  for 
clever,  good  natured  performance  of  consequences. 

Dart  Baseball 

Another  game  with  darts,  appealing  to  teen-agers  as 
well  as  adults,  is  dart  baseball.  Many  communities  have 
active  leagues,  with  a  highly  competitive  series  of  games 
and  tournaments.  However,  it  is  also  a  game  which  can 
be  played  on  the  spur  of  the  moment  by  any  group,  seven 
to  nine  players  on  a  team.  If  your  community  center  does 
not  have  a  dart  baseball  board,  you  can  make  one,  drawing 
the  target  areas  which  count  for  home  run,  strike,  ball, 
and  so  on.  Commercial  dart  boards  of  all  kinds  (with 
rules  included)  may  be  obtained  through  a  local  dealer. 

Opposites 

Two  players  at  a  time  play  this  game  for  the  benefit  of 
those  watching.  The  players  sit  on  chairs,  facing  one  an- 
other. Each  wears  a  hat.  One  of  them  goes  through  any 
action  which  occurs  to  him — removing  hat,  bowing  head, 
standing,  pointing — all  the  while  asking  questions  of  the 
other.  The  second  player  must  answer  the  rapidly  fired 
questions  while  performing  actions  opposite  to  those  of  the 

OCTOBER  1952 


first  player.  As  the  natural  reaction  is  to  do  the  same 
thing  as  the  other  player,  the  results  can  be  highly  amus- 
ing, especially  when  some  member  of  the  audience  has 
said  it  ought  to  be  easy  and  on  his  turn  becomes  just  as 
confused  as  the  other  players. 

Ping-Pong  Baseball 

At  the  Woodstock  (Vermont)  Community  Recreation 
Center,  a  group  of  teen-age  boys  created  ping-pong  base- 
ball, when  their  grounds  and  building  were  being  repaired 
and  they  needed  a  game  for  a  small  area.  Lay  out  any 


ATHLETIC  EQUIPMENT 


Finest  In  Th«  World 
For  The  World'. 
Greatest  Athl*t*s 


285 


i  oinparalixcly  lexel  space  in  the  -hapc  of  a  l>a-ehall  dia- 
mond, with  ten-fool  ha-<-  line-  and  llu-  pitcher's  mound 
twelve  feet  friini  home  plate.  Tram*  max  have  from  two 
to  nine  pkuci-.  Kollow  informal  ki-chall  rule-.  cNccpt  thai 
a  man  is  out  if  hit  l>\  a  hall  unless  he  is  on  hast*.  'I  he  pilch 
is  overhand.  Use  old  ping-pong  halls  and  paddles.  I'lax 
indoors  or  out. 

Gossip 

l-.xervonr  form-  a  circle,  except  -exeral  plaxer-  who  are 
-rnt  from  the  room.  One  of  the  remaining  players  is  named 
to  tell  a  >lorx  to  those  sitting  in  the  circle.  This  story  may 
be  anything  which  the  player  make-  up.  hut  he  tells  it 
with  \er\  definite  gestures.  For  instance,  he  may  say  some- 
thing like  ihi-:  "I  was  standing  at  the  corner  of  Main  and 
Oak  earl>  this  morning  vxaiting  for  the  trallic  to  pa--. 
(Turns  head  from  side  to  side  as  though  watching  passing 

-  i   I  was  still  sleeps,  and  I  was  yawning  and  stretching 
xawn-  and  -tn-t<he-i    when  a  crash  In-hind  me  made  mi- 
leap  ten  feet  into  the  air.   (Gives  startled  jump.  I    I  looked 
around  and  about  fift)  feet  awax  on  Oak  Street  I  saw  two 

-  that  had  crashed.  I  Looks  horrified.  I   I  went  over  and 
there  didn't  seem  to  be  anyone  in  either  car.  (Takes  a  few 
-t.-ps,  stops  in  amazement.  I    1    heard  feet  running  awax 
from  the  scene,  but  ..."  and  so  on,  until  a  story  is  com- 
pleted. Then,  one  of  the  players  from  outside  is  brought 
in,  and  the  storx    i-   re-told  to  him.   hut   without   gesture-. 
The  second  player  then  tells  the  story  to  the  circle,  with  hi- 
own  idea  of  gestures.  The  third  player  is  called  in  and  told 


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book*  tar  bnadterafl  pnrpoM*.  etc.  No  e* 


CLIP  AND  MAIL  NOW! 


I   OSBORN    BROS.    SUPPLY    CO., 

|    J21    W      Jack. on    »lvd  .    Chicago    6      III. 

I   r\r*tr     nuh  r  Free     Illuitnled     Supply     Folder; 
Q   luVa  nathed      M-utg*      LMtbrtvnill      Snppttrt 
I  C*i«kx  f«f  which  I'miclgw  Be  to  cote. 

I       vME 


XIHWr 

CITY— 


ITAT1 


llic  storx.  without  gesture-.  The  third  plaxer  then  re-tcll- 
tlie  -loix.  u-ing  hi-  own  gestures,  and  their  calls  irr  the 
next  player,  and  -o  on.  The  interest  lie-  in  seeirrg  how 
very  different  the  story  may  finallx  he.  after  passing 
through  the  hands  of  several  player-. 

Movie 

If  -..tin-one  in  the  group  owns  a  movie  camera,  a  won- 
derful time  can  result  if  everyone  cooperates  to  make  a 
movie.  One.  or  several,  persons  should  be  assigned  the  job 
of  preparing  a  plot  and  dialogue.  The  old  standby  melo- 
drama plots  are  probably  easiest  to  use.  Then,  on  a  surrrry 
afternoon,  perhaps  on  a  picnic,  make  the  movie.  There 
should  be  several  crowd  scene-,  and  as  many  "roles"  as 
1 10— ihle.  No  matter  how  carefully  thought  out  it  max  he. 
unexpected  moments  will  happen,  and  be  recorded  on 
the  film.  Later,  when  it  is  developed  and  shown  to  the 
•group  Ian  excuse  for  another  get-together),  everyone  is 
likely  to  laugh  till  sides  are  aching,  at  the  ludicrous  re- 
sults of  serious  efforts.  If  thirty-five  or  forty  persons  par- 
ticipate and  the  <-..-t  is  divided  among  them,  tin-  is  an 
inexpensive  way  to  have  a  hilarious  good  time.  But  be 
-ure  that  everyone  understands,  to  avoid  any  unhappy  or 
hurt  feelings,  that  it  is  not  «nl\  possible,  hut  probable,  that 
effort-  will  be  viewed  with  howling  laughter. 

Circle  Conversation 

l.ailie-  form  an  outside  circle:  men.  inside.  Men  march 
one  way  and  the  ladies  the  other.  When  a  whistle  blows  or 
some  signal  is  given,  each  faces  the  person  opposite  him 
irr  the  other  circle,  shakes  hands,  introduces  himself  and 
then  continues  to  talk  incessantly,  regardless  of  what  hi- 
partner  may  be  saying.  The  talk  continues  without  a  break 
urrtil  the  whistle  blows  and  the  music  starts  again.  When 
the  music  resumes,  all  face  right  and  continue  marching 
as  before. 

Special  Dances 

So  much  has  been  written  on  square  dancing  lately  that 
it  might  almost  seem  other  forms  are  on  their  wax  out. 
The  fact  is,  however,  that  most  social  dancing  require- 
the  usual  ballroom  steps,  and  it  is  unfortunate  that  much 
enjoyment  i-  lost  Ix-cause  of  unskillful  dancing.  A  series 
of  leerr-age  dances,  each  dance  planned  to  feature  one 
step — the  waltz,  tango,  and  so  on — will  meet  with  real 
approval.  Since  each  of  the  ballroom  -tcp-  ha-  develop. -d 
from  a  folk  tradition,  it  would  be  logical  to  plan  a  part\ 
with  a  special  flavor — of  I-alin  \merica.  Vienna,  or  what- 
ever iiiuiitiv  or  localilv  originated  the  dance.  In-true  lion. 
(luring  the  early  part  of  the  evening,  will  serxe  to  enhance 
individual  skill,  and  give  the  beginners  a  chance  to  j-ct 
into  things  without  feeling  conspicuous.  Oire  reason  the 
square  dances  are  so  much  fun  is  that  a  caller  draw-  tin 
whole  thing  together,  then  an  di-lrnile  -lep.  |..  lake,  and 
the  result  i-  -ali-fxing.  The  more  formal  type  of  darning 
al-.i  otfeis  a  wide  range  of  parly  op|>ortmiilies.  if  propetlx 
planned.  Rx  selci  ting  a  theme  and  carry  ing  it  through  with 
appropriate  decoration*  and  a  few  imvellv  dame-  or 
mixers,  an  average  dame  Ix-cornes  a  special  one. 

l.'l   I    II  r    UHl\ 


Who  can  report  more  on  same  size  area? 


I 


-  A  CHALLENGE  - 


T  AMON  STREET  PARK  in  Fayetteville,  North  Carolina. 
•^•^  consists  of  fourteen  acres  of  land,  on  which  is  consoli- 
dated as  much  activity  as  possible.  In  the  upper  left-hand 
corner  is  the  pool  where  the  inhabitants  of  Fayetteville. 
\oung  and  old,  can  keep  cool  during  the  hot  summer  days. 
For  beginners,  there  are  learn-to-swim  classes,  Red  Cross 
life  saving  and  water  safety.  Various  swimming  events, 
water  basketball,  pageants,  and  so  on,  are  held  here. 

Next  to  the  pool  is  the  children's  play  area,  with  sand- 
boxes, swings  and  other  playground  equipment.  In  the  rec- 
reation center,  located  in  a  clump  of  trees  near  the  pool, 
are  meeting  rooms,  free  movies,  a  museum  and  dressing 
rooms.  Next  to  the  house  is  a  small  zoo.  consisting  of  vari- 
ous small  animals — goats,  rabbits,  a  skunk,  possums,  rac- 
coons, bobcat,  ducks,  white  mice,  flying  squirrel  and 
guinea  pigs.  Near  this  area  there  are  several  horseshoe 
courts. 

Next  to  the  recreation  center  is  a  paved  tennis  court.  The 
plan  is  to  build  three  more  in  the  near  future.  Right  behind 
the  house  note  a  chipping  area,  where  a  golfer  may  prac- 
tice his  chip  shots.  To  the  right  of  the  center,  is  a  baseball 
field,  which  is  used  by  the  high  school  teams;  it  is  very 

Challenger,  SELWYN  ORCUTT.  is  superintendent  of  the  de- 
of  recreation  and  parks   in   FayetteviUe,   N.   C. 


Selwyn  Orcutt 

fast  drying  and  has  an  exceptionally  good  surface.  Above 
the  baseball  field  is  an  area  where  the  children  had  their 
victory  gardens  and  tried  their  hands  at  growing  vegetables 
and  flowers  with  marked  success. 

In  the  center  of  the  picture  is  a  picnic  area,  which  will 
accommodate  large  parties;  there  are  three  outdoor  fire- 
places and  the  area  can  accommodate  both  night  and  day 
parties. 

In  the  lower  part  of  the  picture  is  the  recently  completed 
quarter-mile  track,  where  the  high  school  track  team  is 
coached,  and  where  other  activities  are  being  planned,  such 
as  county-wide  track  meets.  On  this  field,  model  airplane 
club  meetings  are  held,  and  the  Southeastern  District  Model 
Airplane  Championships  were  conducted  here  last  year. 

On  the  left-hand  side  of  the  picture  are  two  Softball 
fields,  lighted,  which  are  used  not  only  by  the  men's  soft- 
ball  teams,  but  for  midget  baseball  and  county  softball 
games  as  well.  Between  these  two  diamonds  is  the  field 
which  is  used  for  midget  football.  This  has  also  been  used 
several  times  for  Easter  egg  hunts,  pet  shows,  bicycle 
rodeos. 

We  have  twenty-three  activities  on  these  fourteen  acres 
of  ground  and  we  challenge  any  community  to  do  better 
on  the  same  size  area.  (If  you  can,  let  us  hear  about  it. 
—Ed.) 


OCTOBER  1952 


287 


The  Importance 

of  GOOD 
PUBLIC  RELATIONS 


|>  M  KI  M  n  >v  today,  has  become  an 
*•*•  important  part  of  the  lives  of  all 
Americans,  contributing  to  our  char- 
acter growth,  and  helping  us  become 
much  healthier  in  mind  and  body  and 
happier  in  mind  and  spirit.  The  proof 
of  the  old  saying,  "All  work  and  no 
play  makes  Jack  a  dull  boy,"  has  been 
demonstrated  a  thousand  times  over. 
And  to  those  of  us  who  live  in  New 
England,  recreation  is  especially  im- 
portant, because  millions  of  Americans 
begin  t»  cast  their  eyes  in  our  direc- 
tion as  they  make  plans  for  their  sum- 
mer vacations.  This  year.  I  am  told, 
the  recreation  industry  in  New  K up- 
land should  draw  at  least  one  billion 
dollars  in  tourist  trade.  This  is  big 
business  in  any  field- — business  that 
all  'if  us  -hoiild  l>e  interested  in  pro- 
t'-'ting  through  good  public  relation-. 
A  public  relations  program,  to  be 
i-ITei  ti\e.  mii-t  reach  many  different 
group*,  influding  governmental  and 
public  bodies,  school  authorities. 
i-hnrch  and  religious  organization-. 
•  UP  organizations,  social  welfare 
ic*.  fraternal  orders,  business  and 
ii 'lii-try  groups,  labor  organization-., 
women'*  organizations,  nationality  and 
racial  groups,  music,  drama  and  art 
group-,  neighborhood  a--o<  iation*,  so- 
cial i  lull-,  veterans'  organization-,  and 
many  other*.  Obviously,  this  cannot  l>< 


MR.  R.  K.  BROWN  1.1  aisnlnnt  manager, 
advertising  anil  />u/*/tri/v  lirjM 
Aetna  Life  Affiliated  f.'om/xinin. 

M 


R.  E.  Brown,  Jr. 


done  with  one  medium,  or  during  any 
"overnight"  period. 

Many  people  think  of  public  rela- 
tions in  terms  of  publicity.  They  are 
inclined  to  measure  the  effectiveness  of 
any  program  by  the  columns  of  space 
which  the  editors  of  their  local  news- 
papers give  them.  Of  course,  newspa- 
per publicity  is  very  important  and  the 
value  of  building  and  maintaining 
good  contacts  with  your  local  news- 
paper editors  and  reporters  cannot  be 
overemphasized.  Good  publicity  in 
your  newspapers  can  keep  the  public 
informed  of  your  activities,  help  sus- 
tain interest  in  your  programs,  clear 
up  misunderstandings,  change  unfa- 
vorable attitudes,  win  support  for  leg- 
islative changes  in  which  you  are  in- 
terested, can  do  much  to  strengthen 
the  position  of  your  department.  It  is 
essential,  therefore,  that  in  organizing 
a  public  relations  program  for  your 
department,  adequate  provisions  be 
made  for  keeping  your  local  newspa- 
per- well  informed. 

In  this  connection,  if  you  do  not  al- 
ready have  a  copy  of  the  pamphlet. 
Publicity  for  Recreation,  which  can 
l>e  obtained  for  twenty-fix  e  cents  from 
the  National  Recreation  Association. 
I*  i  me  urge  that  \<>u  get  one  right 
away.  This  pamphlet  outline-  in  ion 
siderable  detail  numerous  ideas  that 
you  can  use  for  obtaining  newspaper 
publicity  and,  in  addition,  gives  you 
many  helpful  hints  on  how  to  prepare 
this  material  for  best  acceptance  in 
|<x-al  newspaper  offices. 


Remember,  too,  that  newspaper  re- 
porters and  editors  are  trained  to  keep 
their  fingers  on  the  public's  pulse — to 
know  at  all  times  what  the  public  is 
thinking,  rW  this  reason,  one  of  \om 
most  important  duties  should  In-  to 
maintain  a  friendly  relationship  \\ith 
your  local  editors  and  reporters  at  all 
times.  To  do  so  not  only  max  help  you 
in  your  efforts  to  get  newspaper  pub- 
licity but  through  these  editors  and  re- 
porters, you  can  obtain  many  valuable 
comments  and  suggestions,  reflecting 
the  public's  attitude,  which  should  help 
you  do  a  better,  more  efficient  job — a 
job  for  which  you  probably  will  re- 
ceive more  public  appreciation. 

But  please  be  careful.  Assuming 
that  you  are  successful  in  getting  good 
newspaper  cooperation,  do  not  be 
lulled  into  a  false  sense  of  security. 
Do  not  think  that  simply  because  you 
have  been  getting  some  good  publicity 
in  the  local  press  your  public  relation- 
program  must  be  good.  For  good  pub- 
lic relations  covers  a  much  broader 
field  than  newspaper  publicity  alone; 
good  public  relations  involves  every 
activity  of  your  department. 

As  Arthur  S.  Hodgki— .  executi\e 
officer  on  the  staff  of  Robert  Mo-r-. 
commissioner  of  the  department  of 
parks  of  the  city  of  New  York,  has 
said,  "Sound  public  relations  should 
begin  with  your  own  employees,  who 
an-  \our  most  direct  contact  with  the 
public."  He  sa\-  lhe\  -hould  be  uni- 
formed, clean  and  courteous  at  all 
times.  "The  l>est  way  to  insure  good 
public  relations,"  says  Mr.  Hodgki--. 
"is  to  have  satisfied  public  park  pa- 
trons through  well-designed,  clean  and 
inviting  park  facilities  and  pood  -<r\ 
Hi.  l>irl\  parks  irritate  the  public  and 
invite  just  and  sometimes  bitter  criti- 
ci-ni." 

Milo  F.  Christiansen,  superintend 
ent  of  recreation  for  the  government 
of  the  Di-lrict  of  Columbia,  put-  it  an- 
other wav.  He  -a\-.  "  \lllnuigh  there 
are  two  employees  on  the  -tuff  of  our 
public  relations  section-,  we  constant- 
l\  cmpha-i/e  that  .  i  «-M  member  of  tin 
staff  plays  a  part  in  public  relations. 
The  director-  and  a-sislanl-  on  the 
playgrounds  and  in  i>-,  nMii.m  centers. 
for  example,  are  in  an  cvellent  pi.-i 
lion  — -  through  personal  coniaiN — to 
acquaint  the  neighborhood  ie-ident-. 

liK  10  UHlN 


merchants  and  civic-minded  people 
with  the  workings  of  the  department; 
and  they  are  urged  not  only  to  make 
these  contacts  but  to  keep  them  cur- 
rent. In  addition,  they  are  in  constant 
and  almost  daily  contact  with  the  press 
and  radio  stations." 

How  about  your  own  public  rela- 
tions program?  Undoubtedly  your  ma- 
jor events — the  outstanding  musical 
concerts,  swimming  meets,  tennis  tour- 
naments, track  meets,  special  celebra- 
tions, and  so  on — already  are  receiv- 
ing their  fair  share  of  publicity,  not 
only  in  the  local  press,  and  on  your 
radio  and  television  stations,  but  also 
through  the  distribution  of  letters, 
folders,  posters  and  other  advertising 
media.  But  what  about  some  of  your 


Talk  delivered  at  New 
England  District  Recrea- 
tion Conference,  1952. 


less  spectacular,  more  routine  activi- 
ties? 

For  example,  how  easy  is  it  for  an 
individual  in  your  community  to  ob- 
tain a  permit  for  one  of  your  tennis 
courts  or  for  one  of  your  outdoor  fire- 
places? Is  it  possible  that  even  on 
such  comparatively  simple  requests  as 
these,  you  have  an  involved  routine 
which  is  irritating  many  people?  Could 
it  be  that  your  present  prescribed  pro- 
cedure is  discouraging  some  people 
from  using  these  facilities? 

What  about  the  signs  in  your  parks 
and  recreation  areas?  Are  they  placed 
at  the  best  possible  locations,  where 
they  can  be  seen  and  easily  read?  Are 
they  neat  and  attractive,  or  dirty  and 
shoddy?  What  about  your  warning  or 
restrictive  signs?  Are  they  politely 
worded,  to  invite  willing  cooperation, 
or  do  they  demand  grudging  obedi- 
ence? Believe  me,  this  is  all  a  part  of 
your  over-all  public  relations  program. 

How  about  your  rest  rooms?  Are 
they  "just  what  you  would  expect  to 
find  in  a  public  park?"  Or  are  lhe\ 
"the  cleanest  public  rest  rooms  in  the 
state?"  Don't  forget  thai  one  of  tin- 
biggest  industries  in  the  countn  llie 
gasoline  and  oil  industry — invested 
many  hundreds  of  thousands  of  dollars 


in  improvements  for  its  rest  rooms, 
and  received  in  return,  and  is  still  re- 
ceiving, dividends  of  incalculable  value 
in  both  public  good  will  and  increased 
business. 

How  courteous  are  your  park  attend- 
ants? Are  they  tactful  in  handling  visi- 
tors, yet,  at  the  same  time,  fully  capa- 
ble of  dealing  with  vandals,  molesters 
and  other  undesirable  characters?  How 
safety  conscious  are  they?  Do  they  al- 
ways have  a  watchful  eye  open  for 
possible  accident  hazards?  Surely  the 
prevention  of  accidents  is  one  of  your 
most  important  public  relations  assign- 
ments, because  one  serious  accident  in- 
volving a  child — an  accident  which 
might  have  been  prevented — could  tear 
down  and  destroy  in  one  minute  more 
good  will  than  all  your  efforts  could 
build  up  in  a  year's  time. 

In  this  connection,  may  I  call  your 
attention  to  the  safety  educational  films 
available  free  from  The  Affiliated  Aet- 
na Life  Companies,  Hartford,  Connec- 
ticut. These  have  been  prepared  under 
the  guidance  of  recognized  authorities, 
and  deal  with  safety  in  relation  to  ski- 
ing, swimming,  hunting,  fishing,  boat- 
ing, cycling,  conservation,  driving,  and 
so  on,  covering  twenty-one  subjects. 
Catalogues  may  be  obtained  upon  re- 
quest. All  of  these  films  are  16mm  and 
are  made  with  sound. 

Does  your  department  have  a  book- 
let showing  the  location  of  all  the 
parks  in  your  area  and  describing  the 
facilities  available  at  each?  A  booklet 
of  this  type  would  be  welcomed,  I  am 
sure,  by  numerous  organizations,  in- 
cluding the  YMCA,  YWCA,  Chamber 
of  Commerce,  Welcome  Wagon  Serv- 
ice, local  newspapers,  and  many  others. 
Even  your  local  hotels  probably  would 
like  copies,  for  the  benefit  of  strangers 
in  the  community. 

A  booklet  of  this  type  would  be  espe- 
cially valuable  in  areas  where  an  army 
camp  or  naval  training  station  is  lo- 
cated. The  thousands  of  young  men, 
and  Wacs  and  Waves,  too,  in  these 
camps  need  all  of  the  recreational 
facilities  which  you  can  offer.  So  if 
you  have  a  camp  or  naval  station  in 
your  territory,  do  not  overlook  the 
wonderful  opportunity  this  affords  for 
rendering  an  important  public  service. 
And  remember,  too.  that  recreational 
events,  designed  especially  for  these 


men  and  women  in  service,  should  be 
a  regular  part  of  your  program. 

At  the  same  time,  do  not  overlook, 
or  forget,  the  mothers  and  fathers,  the 
wives  and  children,  who  have  been  left 
behind  by  the  servicemen  from  your 
oivn  area.  These  folks,  also,  are  facing 
new  problems  and  need  now,  more 
than  ever,  the  mental  and  physical 
stabilizing  assistance  which  you  and 
your  department  can  provide.  In  fact, 
you  probably  will  never  have  a  better 
opportunity  for  public  service,  and  for 
building  public  good  will,  than  the 
present  situation  affords. 

The  points  I  have  mentioned  are  not 
brand  new  to  you;  and  I  know  full 
well  that  some  of  you  undoubtedly  are 
doing  an  outstanding  job  of  public  re- 
lations already.  But  sometimes,  even 
when  we  think  we  are  in  the  best  of 
health,  a  physical  check-up  is  advis- 
able. So  consider  my  remarks,  if  you 
will,  as  a  form  of  check-up — as  a  re- 
minder to  you  of  some  of  the  things 
you  could  be  doing,  or  should  be  do- 
ing. And  remember  always  that  good 
public  relations  must  be  based  on  a 
sound  policy  of  continuing  operation, 
involving  everything  from  the  voice  on 
your  office  telephone  and  the  wording 
of  your  simplest  letters  to  your  han- 
dling of  the  most  important  public 
events.  Success  calls  for  constant  effort 
— for  the  practice  of  common  sense 
rules  of  judgment  and  tact  by  each  and 
every  member  of  your  department,  day 
in  and  day  out.  Then,  and  only  then, 
can  you  be  sure  of  receiving  the  full 
measure  of  appreciation  from  the  pub- 
lic which  your  job  deserves. 

SHOW  WAGON 

In  Omaha,  Nebraska,  a  new  show 
wagon  visits  the  city's  playgrounds  to 
give  dramatic  a«d  variety  shows.  This 
mobile  stage  is  in  a  specially-built  van, 
fifteen  feet  long  and  seven  feet  wide. 
One  side  drops  down  to  increase  the 
stage  area.  Special  wiring  permits' 
lighting  by  plugging  into  a  regular 
outlet  or  by  using  the  truck's  porta- 
ble generator.  Costing  over  four  thou- 
sand dollars,  it  was  presented  to  the 
children  of  Omaha  by  the  World- 
Herald  Good  Fellows  Charities,  Incor- 
porated, and  was  turned  over  to  the 
park  and  recreation  department. 


Oi 


280 


How  the  recreation  department  of  Opelika,  Alabama  (population  12,500)  started 
planning  earl\.   bought   QvbtmM  cheer   into  every   home  on  Christinas   Eve. 


CiRfl 


at 


\\  hen  the  first  signs 
of  the  coming  Christ- 
-ca>on  U-gan  to  appear,  I  in- 
ipiin-d.  locally,  ahout  a  group  with 
whom  to  go  caroling  on  Chri.lma- 
l.ve.  I  pon  learning  that  only  a  few 
groups  followed  this  ancient  tradition 
from  vcar  lo  year,  mi  an  informal  ha- 
-is.  it  orciirred  to  me  that  it  might  he 
a  wonderful  idea  for  the  department 
of  it-creation  lo  sponsor  and  coordi- 
nate  a  city -wide  carol  program. 

\\  ilh  the  support  of  the  "man  on 
ihc  sired."  the  hall  l.cgan  to  roll.  \ 
"Dutch"  luncheon  wa-  held  ,-nrly  in 
\<ni-nili,-r  wilh  a  gnmp  of  Opelika 
mini-lcr.  and  civic  leaders.  (,,  hear  the 
-led  program  outlined  hv  the 
rei  realion  din-i  tor.  \|so  altcnding  llii- 
lu-l  mceling  wen-  lepre-entalivc-  of 
(he  local  ncw«pa|M-r  and  radio  station. 

I  he  following  i-  .1  summary  of  the 
planning,  organization,  mechani.  -  ..I 
•  •pcialion  and  results  attained. 

I  he  ..hjci  live-  of  ihc  propo-ed  i  il\ 
wide  carol  program  a*  firM  prrx-nied 

I.    I  o    proyule    an    opportunity     for 

i.ig.iiii/cd    group,    to    participate    in    a 

mated  program  of  carol  singing. 

i   true   I   In  i-lina-   -pitil 

•I  a  lime   when    il    will    mean    the   ino-l 

l»  the  mo. |  |H-op|. 

t  ninli-r   Mill.  (    VI  HIII  \   M   lit,-  ,li,,,lm 
nf  rn-n-iit  ///      I  In  1 1111111. 


3.  To  contribute  a  valuahle  com- 
mimiiv  -crv  ice  and  afford  a  genuine 
form  of  wholesome  recreation  for  all 
participants. 

I.  In  meet  an  emergencv  welfare 
need  for  those  citi/ens  and  familir-  ol 
Opelika  who  have  met  with  unfortunate 
circumstances  which  merit  their  com- 
munity *s  assistance. 

.">.  To  proviile  cvciv  Opelika  familv 
group,  especially  the  children,  the  pri\- 
ilcgc  of  cnjoving  the  (Ihrislina-  tradi- 
tion of  carol  singing  on  ('hrislin.i- 

The  groii|i  then  a>kcil  manv  ipie~ 
lion>.  and  -cveral  mailers  of  polii  \ 
were  ili>cusM-d.  Kinallv.  the  |irogram 
wa-  ollii -iallv  adopted  |p\  ihis  ^leering 
committee:  full  suppml  \\a>  promi-r.l 
liv  each  icproentcil  oigani/atioii  and 
il  \\a-  voted  (hat  cash  gifls  to  licndil 
a  (ihri-lina-  \\Vlfan-  l-'und  he  adniin- 
i-|e|ed  l>\  the  Opelik.i  Mini-teiial  \- 
-IM  ialion.  for  emergencv  ncciU 
ihioiighoiil  tin-  vear  I'>")L'. 

It  was  pninlcd  out  thai  the  huililinr 
••I  .1  wclfaie  fund  v\a-  the  lea«l  im- 
poilant  of  ihc  ohjci  lives.  |,u|  ||,.,| 
i  M-IV  one  would  cnjov  (he  privilege  of 
giving  mi  (hii-lina-  Ivi  and  would 
feel  he  had  taken  a  part  in  ihc  n  J 
meaning  of  (  hi  is|m,|.. 

In  llie  lir«t  new.p.ipei  ielea«<-  ihc 
plogiam  «a~  i  .died  \  (  .indie  In  The 
Window  V  Caml  \l  The  Door." 
-|MiM-iiied  |i\  the  department  of  n 


W.  J.  Calhoun 


lion   and   ihc  ehamln-r  of  commerce   in 
cooperation  with  the  churches  of  Opel 
ika. 

Since  most  of  the  carol  groups  wen 
to  come  from  Sunday  school  classe-.  .1 
meeting  vva~  held  with  the  minisl.i- 
to  divide  the  citv  into  seven  aiea«. 
The  areas  were  assigned  lo  churches  in 
proportion  to  their  monbenhip.  I  >n  h 
area  was  then  divided  into  scction- 
of  appro\imalelv  four  citv  him  ks. 
with  tin-  use  of  citv  maps,  it  heing 
estimated  that  cadi  carol  group  could 
covci  ihis  si/,-  area  during  the  dc>ij; 
natcd  houis  of  si\.|hirlv  lo  eighl-thirlv 
in  the  evening. 

While  this  oigani/ation  was  taking 
place,  church  school  departments.  Boy 
Seoul  and  (lirl  Seoul  lio.ips  were 
adopting  the  program,  volunlarilv  .  .1- 
their  DeccmlM-r  project.  This  was  an 
indication  of  splendid  radio  and  press 
coverage  along  with  one  hundred  pel 
cent  lominunilv  suppoil  and  inteie-l. 

Not  foigelling  the  other  phase  of 
the  carol  program,  cveiv  medium  of 
puhlicitv  wa-  used  lo  inform  families 
in  the  homes  of  their  rMBOodbility. 
Ml  wen-  lolil  thai  ,i  randle  in  (he  win 
dovv  would  |.im:-  .1  iaio|  lo  their  I|IM>I. 

\\lien  the  an-.i  ehaiimcn  had  fin- 
ished their  work,  over  ihirlv  i.n.-l 
gioiips  ,,f  |,  n  oi  moie  i  aiolcis  wen 
i\  awaiting  I  hi*  "go"  sign.d.  I  ..n  li 
gioiip  v\a~  supplied  with  lapel  iiMiou- 
gifl  IIOM-.  ami  1.  1|..  I  soii^  .heel-. 


Ill  •  HI   VIIHN 


Groups  of  every  age  participated,  in- 
cluding small  children  attired  in  their 
choir  robes,  carrying  candles  of  their 
own,  every  minister  and  the  mayor. 

The  program  was  officially  opened 
at  six  p.m.  with  the  songs  of  one 
group,  singing  from  the  steps  of  a 
downtown  church,  amplified  through 
dome  speakers  and  heard  throughout 
the  city. 

Thereupon  the  stage  was  set,  and 
promptly  at  six-thirty  p.m.  the  thirty 
groups  embarked  upon  their  tours. 
Without  exception,  every  caroler  was 
filled  with  true  Christmas  spirit — a 
spirit  of  joy,  and  of  happiness  at  the 
opportunity  of  bringing  this  same 
spirit  into  every  home  visited. 

As  a  group  would  approach  a  home 
with  a  carol,  their  way  lighted  by  lan- 
lern  or  flashlight,  they  were  amazed 
at  their  reception.  Little  children  in 
pajamas  had  been  waiting  for  an  hour, 
noses  flattened  against  the  window 
panes  which  reflected  twinkling  can- 
dles. This  was  an  "engraved  invita- 
tion" to  the  carolers.  After  the  first 
carol,  the  children  would  rush  to  the 
door  to  offer  their  gift,  then,  with 
Mother  and  Dad,  would  join  the  trou- 
badours in  a  second  carol.  Usually,  it 
was  difficult  for  a  carol  group  to  leave 
a  home,  because  the  family  would  in- 
sist on  serving  Christmas  cookies  and 
candy,  and  in  some  cases  a  buffet  of 
refreshments  had  been  prepared.  This 
same  story  was  being  enacted  in  hun- 
dreds of  homes  and,  as  the  two  hours 
of  caroling  progressed,  one  could  sense 
an  atmosphere  of  good  will  toward 
int'ti  enveloping  the  city. 

All  around  town  there  were  various 
types  of  candle  displays  in  windows, 
some  simple  and  some  elaborate:  but 
regardless,  this  was  proof  enough  the 
entire  community  had  joined  us  in 
this  festive  tradition  of  carols  on 
Christmas  Eve. 

By  eight-thirty  the  carolers  were  re- 
turning to  a  central  church  for  reports 
and  refreshments.  Fun  started  all  over 
again  as  the  evening's  experiences  were 
exchanged  between  groups.  "We  were 
the  second  group  to  visit  Mrs.  What- 
ley."  "Our  group  was  small  so  we  got 
several  to  join  us  from  the  homes  \vr 
\  i>ilcd."  "We  sang  five  carols  and  they 
slill  didn't  come  to  the  door."  "One 
lady  thought  our  gift  box  was  a  pres- 


ent  we  had  brought,  so  she  took  it, 
thanked  us  and  then  shut  the  door." 
"One  family  just  insisted  we  sing 
every  carol  on  the  sheet." 

The  only  unfortunate  aspect  of  the 
program  was  that  a  number  of  fam- 
ilies had  made  elaborate  plans  for  the 
carolers'  visit  and  were  very  disap- 
pointed when  a  group  failed  to  appear. 
This  was  most  disheartening  to  the 
children  who  had  special  permission 
to  stay  up  a  little  later  than  usual.  A 


was  successful;  a  needed  welfare  fund 
was  established,  the  two  hundred  fifty 
carolers  enjoyed  several  hours  of  fun 
and  fellowship,  and  those  in  homes 
visited  felt  the  presence  of  a  true 
Christmas  spirit — particularly  the  chil- 
dren. 

When  the  last  carol  had  been  sung, 
an  estimated  ninety  per  cent  of  the 
population  had  participated  in  the  city- 
wide  community  program. 

The  total  cost  of  the  program  was 


Effective    posters    aroused    community    support.    Every    publicity    medium    was    used. 


solution  to  this  problem  will  be  the 
addition  of  more  groups  and  a  clearer 
understanding  of  areas  to  be  visited. 
Even  though  there  was  little  empha- 
sis placed  on  the  monetary  gifts,  there 
was  a  healthy  competition  between 
groups  as  the  money  from  the  gift 
boxes  was  counted.  Of  course,  no 
prizes  were  offered,  but  it  was  inter- 
esting to  observe  some  of  the  remarks 
concerning  amounts  collected.  From 
every  standpoint,  the  carol  program 


less  than  one  hundred  dollars,  with 
gifts  collected  amounting  to  four  hun- 
dred twenty  dollars  and  twenty-six 
cents.  These  were  turned  over  to  the 
Opelika  Ministerial  Association  for  the 
Christmas  Welfare  Fund. 

Now  we  are  making  plans  and  look- 
ing forward  to  our  second  annual  "A 
Candle  In  The  Window — A  Carol  At 
The  Door"  for  Christmas  Eve,  1952. 
"Carol,  brother,  carol — 
Christmas  comes  again." 


Book  Week  Materials 

"Reading  Is  Fun"  will  be  the  slogan  for  Book  Week,  November  sixteen  to  twenty-two. 
This  year's  full-color  posters  are  available  at  thirty-five  cents  each,  with  reductions  on 
quantity  orders.  Four  teaser-streamers,  with  the  slogan,  "Reading  Is  Fun,"  have  been  de- 
signed in  two  gay  colors.  The  amusing  designs  cost  thirty  cents  for  the  set  of  four. 

Other  materials  include  full-color  bookmarks;  "Can  You  Guess  These  Stories,"  a  picture- 
quiz  game;  two  new  recordings,  "Some  of  My  Best  Friends  Are  Books"  «nd  "Children  and 
Poetry."  Write  for  free  manual  describing  all  Book  Week  material  and  complete  order-form 
to  the  Children's  Book  Week  Council,  50  West  53rd  Street,  New  York  19,  New  York. 


291 


HOW  TO  DO  IT! 


Plan  an  arts  and  crafts  room. 


MOVEABLE    EQUIPMENT 
Leader's  Table  3*5' 
Work  Tables  3x7' 
Individual  Chairs 


FLOOR  PLAN 


STATIONARY    EQUIPMENT 
Wall  Benches-cupboards 
and  drau/ers 

Exhibition 

Storage  Space 
Tool  Board. 

Sink 
Rack 
Blackboard 
Drop  Lights 
Ceiling  Lights 
Coat  and 

Hat  Rack 
Bul/el/n  Boards 
Wall  P/ugs 


LIST    OF   TOOLS    FOR    GENERAL  USE    — 

Hammers- 5a<ju3,npand  crosscut -Copinq  Saws-  Mack  Sauus- Hand  Drills- 
5creuu  Drivers- Clnisels-Malleb-Rulers-Scissors- Bench  Pina-C  Clamps- Vises- 
Tin  5n'ip3-  Pliers-  Piles,  ^laV,  half  round,  rat-tail  -Ice  Picks -brushes -Kn'iues- 
Planes- Pans, small  and  larqe  -Squares -Paper  Punches-Hot  Plate  . 

SPECIAL  TOOLS  — 

Special  tools  u/ill  be  needed  for- Leather -Metal-  Potlerq -Plastic -Metal 
and  Wood  5tencillincj-Weauinq-Cari;inq  -Jetuelrq -Textile  FbintinqandR-intinq. 


RECREATION 


Josephine  Illiii kslmk  llcliri's 


The  Story  of  a  Recreation  Career 


Thirty-one  years  ago  last  June  the  first  playground  in 
the  village  of  Oak  Park,  Illinois,  came  into  being.  It  had 
been  paid  for  through  funds  that  Cicero  owed  Oak  Park, 
and  its  playing  field  was  an  uprooted  half-acre  where  the 
fire  department  had  planted  vegetables  and  flower  beds. 
Perhaps  this  was  a  happy  omen,  because  soon  came  an- 
other happy  blooming — the  sounds  of  children  playing, 
running  steps,  laughter. 

From  these  roots  grew  a  playground  system  that  was 
to  become  one  of  the  best  known  in  the  Middle  West.  The 
following  year,  two  other  sites  were  purchased,  and  a  while 
later,  another  two. 

The  Oak  Park  playgrounds  won  many  honors  in  those 
years  to  come,  and  pioneered  in  many  experiments.  To 
Miss  Josephine  Blackstock,  director,  who  resigned  this 
summer,  closing  thirty-one  years  of  service  with  the  play- 
grounds, goes  much  of  the  credit  for  these  accomplish- 
ments. As  far  as  the  program  has  been  concerned,  people 
have  said,  "She  was  the  playgrounds;"  but  in  those  early 
days  two  other  persons  contributed  markedly.  They  were 
Dr.  Harry  Stewart,  chairman  of  the  board,  and  Andrew 
Walters,  superintendent  of  maintenance. 

This  trio  laid  the  solid  foundations.  The  playgrounds 
were  to  be  landscaped  first;  they  were  to  provide,  for  the 
children's  activities,  play  homes  that  were  to  be  creative 
in  form,  not  institutions.  A  great  hue  and  cry  rose  from 
other  cities — impossible  to  make  flowers  grow  where  chil- 
dren are  playing;  they'll  pick  them,  destroy  them.  But 
they  didn't.  The  trio  proved  a  point — that  children  love 
what  is  beautiful,  and,  given  encouragement,  will  cherish 
it.  When  Eugene  Field  won  second  place  in  a  contest, 
sponsored  by  the  National  Recreation  Association,  for  the 
most  beautiful  playgrounds  in  America,  that  was  the  an- 
swer. Loving  and  skillful  Custodian  Bill  Ingle's  green 
thumb  had  made  the  playground  blossom,  as  had  Frank 
Grady's  at  Carroll;  the  children  had  begun  to  cherish 
their  playgrounds. 

And  there  were  other  firsts.  The  architectural  contest 
for  plans  for  play  centers  was  one.  Among  the  entries  was 
a  kinder-symphonic,  submitted  by  Frank  Lloyd  Wright, 


Josephine  Blackstock 


one  of  America's  outstanding  architects,  and  a  former 
resident  of  the  village.  The  play  board  had  insufficient 
funds  to  carry  out  his  plan,  but  one  of  Mr.  Wright's  stu- 
dents, John  Vanbergen,  also  an  Oak  Parker,  won  first 
place.  When  the  five  buildings,  with  their  informal  and 
appealing  layout,  were  finished,  visitors  came  from  thirty- 
five  states  to  see  them,  and  inquiries  were  received  from 
such  faraway  places  as  England  and  Australia. 

But  the  program  was  the  thing.  What  activities  would 
appeal  to  the  creative  instincts  of  the  boys  and  girls?  Dra- 
matics, dancing,  storytelling,  handcrafts,  pre-schools.  as 
well  as  athletics  and  games.  A  child  grows  not  only  physi- 
cally, but  emotionally  and  mentally  as  well;  he  grows  as 
he  is  exposed  to  a  creative  atmosphere. 

The  Oak  Park  playgrounds  began  to  win  a  national 
name  for  their  dramatics.  The  terraced  slopes  at  Field  and 
Carroll  became  the  backgrounds  for  play  after  play  that 
Miss  Blackstock  had  written.  James  Nohava,  at  Stevenson, 
used  his  manual  skill  in  making  many  of  the  sets  and 
properties.  Out  of  the  entire  Middle  West,  it  was  the  Oak 
Park  playgrounds  that  were  chosen  to  demonstrate  out-of- 
door  dramatics  when  two  distinguished  college  teachers 
from  England  came  here  to  study  recreation  in  America. 

Thirteen  years  ago,  Miss  Lilly  Ruth  Hanson  was  added 
to  the  staff  as  dramatic  director,  and  five  hundred  children 
a  year  began  to  pass  through  her  trained  and  sympathetic 
hands.  Attesting  to  her  skill  is  the  fact  that  when,  this 
year,  dramatics  at  Oak  Park  High  were  given  school  credit, 
the  twelve  boys  and  girls  chosen  were  all  members  of  Miss 
Hanson's  Stevenson  Players. 

And  there  were  other  accomplishments.  The  Oak  Park 
playgrounds  took  first  place  in  the  United  States  govern- 
ment-sponsored scrap  lumber  handcraft  contest.  The  boy 
who  won  it,  with  a  wood  carving  project,  went  to  Wash- 
ington and  was  received  by  President  Hoover.  Athletics 
were  given  full  attention — the  national  horseshoe  cham- 


OCTOBER  1952 


293 


jiiini  hail  received  all  his  training  at  Hans    \mli-i-cn  I'lay- 

mil:   tin-  winner  of  tin-  -late  half-mile  came  from  Sle- 

xen-'ii.    Ill'    box-    liiiml.  with  Harrx    l»,i»-e  as  conductor. 

H.I-  i  hiwcn  to  plax   for  tin-  Springfield  Legislature,  with 

Jar  -  hi-l  chief.  I  he  Junior  I'olirc  were  organized, 

ami  have  coiilinuril  to  -eixe  for  Iwcntx -Im-  M-.II-.  Danc- 
ing U-gan  to  take  on  inipelu-  when  Miss  Ann  Aigris,  a 
-I. ill  member  of  Paxlex-Ouljranski  Ballet,  taught  her  classes 
a!  Mrvenson.  and  wrought  miracles  with  clumsy,  unco- 
ordinated little  girls.  Later,  one  of  her  pupils  wa-  offered 
a  job  as  head  of  a  large  dam  e  -chool  in  the  state.  Some 
elexen  xears  ago.  Mrs.  Ruth  Wiggs  took  over  as  dame 
director,  and  to  the  dramatic  festivals  since  then,  there 
have  been  added  lovely  dance  routine-.  xxilh  Mi--  \nnc 
IVtiT-on.  playground  pianist,  coatributing  her  musical 
-kill. 

Keep  tin-  program  fluid,  open,  growing — that  was  Mi  — 
Black-lock"-  objective.  It  was  she  who  renamed  the  play- 
iml-  after  the  world's  five  outstanding  writers  of  chil- 
dren -  -lories — Hans  Andersen.  Robert  Louis  Stevenson, 
I  ML''  in-  Field,  James  Barrie  and  Lewis  Carroll.  From  Sir 
James  Barrie  came  a  letter  thanking  her  for  the  honor; 
and  the  pla\.  written  especially  for  the  opening  exercises 
at  Barrie,  hit  a  high  spot  in  the  dramatic  history  of  the 
plaxground-.  Mi--  Mlack.-tock  continued  to  write  most  of 
the  major  outdoor  festivals,  but  that  did  not  seem  enough: 
for  yars  she  ran  a  playground  newspaper,  and  a  class  in 
-!••!  \  and  play  writitig  for  older  boys  and  girls. 

Time  went  on.  and  the  program  was  expanded.  Thirteen 

i-  ago.  the  pre-schools  were  started  at  Miss  Blackstock's 

instigation.  I  ndi-r  trained  kindergarten  teachers,  they  have 

Mon  national  renown:   recent  K    the  Midwest    representative 

of  the  National  Recreation    \--oi  ialion  declared  the  system 

to  IK-  (he  line. i   in  ihe  district.  Literal!)   thousands  of  chil- 

ilrcn  have  received  their  first  introduction  to  education  in 

•    -<  boots,  and  to  Mis-  Black-lock  thex   remain,  with  the 

pl.ix-  she  has  written,  her  outstanding  contribution  to  the 

( i.ik  I 'ark  phygroondav. 

I  In-  aclixilic-  in  Oak  Park  have  l»een  given  wide  recog- 
nition. Unix  once,  during  thirl) -one  years,  at  the  National 
!!>•' rcalion  Congress  was  Mis-  Blackstock's  name  omitted 
from  (In-  li-l  of  leaders.  Oak  Park  playgrounds  were  ex- 
|M-rimenting.  and  the  countrx  wanted  to  hear  alioiit  it.  To 
Unl.  I. -'Hi'*,  -he  owes  an  unpayable  debt  for  il-  consistent 
publicizing  of  the  playground  activities.  She  ha-  no)  missed 
twelve  linn-  in  tlie-i-  thirlx-onc  w-.u-  in  writing  a  xxceklx 


.iiliclc  for  the  journal.  The  suburban  editor  of  the  (.'/iic 
Tribune  staled  that  the  lie-t  publicitx  he  receixed  came 
from  the  Oak  I'ark  plaxgronnd-.  I!i  <  id  xi  ION  magazine 
In-  published  manx  of  her  article-  on  plax. 

Ihe  Tribune  listed  her  name  la-l  \<-ar  a-  one  of  the  out- 
-landing  xxomen  in  the  -laic,  and  the  Chicago  Sun-Times 
gaxc  her  the  -a me  distinction.  One  slimmer,  in  her  -p, in- 
time.  Mi—  Black-lock  taught  social  recreation  at  the  I  ni- 
\cr-ilx  of  Chicago,  and  it  was  owing  to  the  record  she  had 
made  in  Oak  Park  that  she  was  -elected  a-  "the  outstand- 
ing woman  in  recreation  in  the  Middle  West,"  to  direct 
"Enchanted  Island"  at  A  Century  of  Progress.  She  has 
dramatized  main  of  her  honk-  for  children,  for  playground 
plaxs.  and  ju-l  la-t  winter,  at  the  festixal  held  yearlv  at 
the  high  school,  they  dramatized  Songs  for  .S/x/icmv. 
her  late-l  book,  which  will  be  published  this  fall  by  Wilcox- 
Follett. 

In  looking  back  over  the  long  years,  though.  Miss  Black- 
slock  -a\-  that  one  of  the  features  she  has  most  enjox.-d 
has  been  her  association  with  the  many  adult  groups  in  tin- 
village.  Miss  Blackstock  organized  the  first  women's  club 
connected  with  the  playgrounds,  Hans  Ander-en  N  a  bore, 
Mime  twentx-fivc  years  ago.  There  followed  many  others--- 
Eugene  Field  Woman's  Club.  Barrie  Club,  and  the  fi\< 
pre-school  mothers'  clubs  which  haxe  contributed  so  great- 
ly to  the  welfare  of  the  program. 

She  says  she  is  indebted  to  the  consistent  cooperation 
given  her  by  the  playground  board,  composed  of  Mr.  Ce- 
rard  Serritella,  chairman.  Mr.  Frank  Ogdon,  Mr.  Walter 
Wessman  and  Mr.  Harold  Mcfirath:  and  she  feels  warm 
gratitude  for  the  staff  that  has  supported  her  work.  She 
is  of  the  opinion  that  the  boys  and  girl-  "f  ihe  x  illagc  .in- 
the  finest  in  the  world. 

"I  have  always  loxcd  children.  Mi—  Black-lock  -  u  -. 
"I  think  that  the  one  chance  of  perfectibililx  of  the  human 
race  lies  in  them  ...  1  still  think  we.  as  adults,  are  missing 
many  golden  chance-  to  encourage  the  crealixc  urges  xxith 
which  tlicx  are  born.  I  have  tried,  through  the  prc--cliool-. 
the  plaxs  and  the  slorx  idling  classes,  to  give  them  an  op- 
porlunilx  to  express  them-clxes.  their  intcrc-t-  and  their 
dieams.  and  to  provide  an  outlet  for  their  skills.  Tin- 
four-  and  li\c-\ear-o|d-  are  often  pod-,  a-  witness  the  little 
girl  who  said  one  day,  looking  up  :it  the  -kx.  'The  clouds 
are  the  horses  of  the  wind.' 

"Il  is  not  work,  doing  xxhal  xou  want  to  do:  it  is  a 
kind  of  plax ." 


I  «ir«-i".M    Hook*   for   4   liililri-ii 

Dorothy  Barclay 

\\licn  .1  xiiiiiig-lcr  li-len-  l<.  ,i  -|..n  about  a  child  in 
.mother  land  x\h..-.-  mime  -..iiml-  strange,  but  whose  life 
and  thought-  are  XITX  mm  h  like  hi-  nwn.  that  child  has 
.1  IH-I  -lep  t.iwaid  interiialional  understanding. 
\\hi-n.  along  with  hearing  the  -Ion.  he  i-  able  to  l»"k  .it 
ihe  original  foreign  book,  -ce  nun-,  ngni/.ibli-  w<ir<l»  fre- 
ipienllx  in  unfamiliar  lxp<-  and  oi>-ctxe  illustrations  with 
a  ditfcrent  fin v or  fn>in  lho«e  In-  i-  u«<'d  to.  hi-  e\|x-rieni-e 
in  even  further  expanded. 

Hi-     International  Committee   ,,f   thi-   Children'*   l.ibtarx 


(>M|c|rit«-.|    from    THr    \rM     ),,rl.    1  ,met.    Aiigu.l   9. 


lation  has  obwrveil  a  growing  inlere-l  hen-  and 
abroad  in  children's  book-  a-  a  mean-  of  cultural  ex- 
change. To  help  the  trend  along,  llicx  li.ixc  |ii-t  compiled 
,i  booklet.  I  I'/i-i^n  (  liilihi'ii'\  /iiioA-.*  iniiliihle  in  tin-  I  nilfil 
Stiiii-*.*  which  li-l-  book-  in  eleven  languages  from  manx 
i  oimlrie-. 

Mi—  Maiia  Ciminu.  a— <•<  iale  libiarian  of  the  Cenli.il 
Children',  lionm  ,,f  the  N.  w  Vak  Public  Libraix.  -lale.l 
that,  along  with  giving  children  a  glimpse  of  life  in  an- 
other coiinlix.  the  use  of  an  Italian  m  I'oli-h  I k.  for 

m-l.imc.    freipienllx     gixes    children    from    those    land-    .in 
oilier    n-a-on    for   pridr   in   their  origin. 

•  Available  fro-  fr»m  ihr  I'ulilir  Krlaliun*  Dni-mn.  Ni  »  ^..ik 
1'iililn-  I  ilirnrx.  Kiflli  \xrmi.-  nn.l  Korlx -«<-.-»n,|  Sirrx-l,  N>«  ^,nk 
IH.  \,w  \.,,k 

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1 


John  A.  Lippold 


D 


URING  the  past  three  years,  over 
twelve  hundred  parents  and  interested 
adults  have  volunteered  to  chaperon  at 
the  club  for  teen-agers  in  Aurora,  Illi- 
nois; and  the  life  of  the  club,  its  suc- 
cess and  progress,  depends  to  a  large 
extent  upon  their  help. 

The  present  Tom-A-Hawk  teen-age 
club  was  started  in  September  1947. 
and  is  sponsored  by  Aurora's  play- 
ground department,  which  provides 
space  and  maintenance.  It  is  located  in 
the  community  recreation  center.  Ac- 
tivities for  the  year  start  in  September 
and  end  in  June,  covering  a  total  of 
about  one  hundred  nights  each  year. 
The  club  is  open  on  Tuesday  from 
7:30  p.m.  to  10:00  p.m.,  and  on  Fri- 
day and  Saturday,  when  the  hours  are 
extended,  to  11:00  p.m.  Dues  for  each 
member  are  seventy-five  cents  a  year. 

Recreation  activities  include  danc- 
ing to  the  club-owned  juke  box  or  to 
orchestras  furnished  without  charge 
by  local  unions,  the  viewing  of  tele- 
vision, games  of  ping-pong,  shufllc- 
board  and  checkers. 

Club  membership  is  restricted  to 
Aurora  residents.  During  the  first  year, 
guests  and  out-of-towners  from  nearby 
I'ilics.  not  having  clubs  of  their  own, 

JOHN  LIPPOLD  is  the  capable  director 
of  the  playground  and  recreation  de- 
partment in  the  city  of  Aurora,  III. 

OCTOBER  1952 


were  permitted  to  join.  It  was  found, 
however,  that  as  the  popularity  of  the 
club  grew  and  the  membership  in- 
creased, guests  and  out-of-towners 
would  have  to  be  eliminated.  With  a 
membership  during  1949-50  totaling 
2.340  young  people,  and  with  some 
nightly  attendances  exceeding  nine 
hundred,  it  became  apparent  that  mem- 
berships could  not  be  extended  beyond 
Aurora. 

Membership  in  the  club  is  restricted 
to  young  people  from  the  ages  of  four- 
teen through  nineteen.  In  the  lower  age 
bracket,  the  teen-ager  must  be  in  high 
school.  In  other  words,  a  young  person 
ma\  be  sixteen  years  old  but  still  in 
junior  high  or  eighth  grade,  and  thus 
not  eligible  for  the  club.  However,  a 
thirteen-year-old  who  has  reached  high 
school  is  eligible  for  membership.  Ex- 
perience has  proved  that  most  young- 
sters below  high  school  have  unstable 
social  tendencies  which  are  not  accept- 
able to  the  teen-age  groups  generally. 
They  prefer  romping,  punching  and 
playing  tag  to  dancing  and  competitive 
Barnes. 

The  control  and  administration  of 
memberships,  after  three  years  of  trial 
and  error,  have  developed  almost  fool- 
proof methods.  The  young  people  are 
permitted  to  join  at  the  beginning  of 
each  year  or  on  any  night  the  club  is 
open.  Each  applicant  must  read,  and 


acknowledge  by  signature,  the  rules 
and  by-laws  of  the  club,  which  are 
simply  rules  of  good  behavior.  The  ap- 
plicant is  required  to  give  information 
as  to  name,  address,  parents,  school- 
ing, and  so  on,  which  is  later  filed  in  a 
confidential  file.  The  applicant  is  pho- 
tographed and  his  picture  is  printed  on 
his  membership  card. 

Two  membership  cards  are  made: 
one  is  given  to  the  new  member,  and 
one  is  kept  in  a  membership  file.  The 
use  of  each  member's  picture  on  his 
card  eliminates  exchanging  of  cards. 
Rows  of  numbers  are  printed  on  the 
cards,  each  representing  a  night  of  ac- 
tivity. The  chaperons  at  the  door  iden- 
tify each  member  by  his  photo  and 
punch  the  number  on  the  card  corre- 
sponding to  the  night's  activity.  If  a 
member  should  forget  his  card,  he  may 
be  admitted  by  having  the  chaperon  at 
the  desk  verify  his  identity  through  the 
file  of  duplicate  photo-membership 
cards.  If  he  loses  his  card,  he  must  be 
re-photographed. 

The  club  administration  is  under 
the  control  of  a  teen-age  board.  Each 
year  an  election  is  held  to  determine 
the  officers  and  board  members.  Since 
Aurora  has  four  high  schools,  repre- 
sentatives are  elected  from  each  school, 
with  the  officers  rotating  annually 
among  the  schools.  As  the  teen-agers 
are  responsible  for  the  club,  a  feeling 

297 


of  ownership  and  belonging  is  more 
evident  than  it  would  be  if  the  clul> 
were  just  given  to  Aurora's  young 
people. 

The  club  does  not  try  to  raise  inon- 

•  •\ .    1'rofits  from   memberships,  dona- 
I  ion-  and  the  sale  of  refreshments  fur- 
nish  funds  for  the  purchase  of  paint, 
re-decorating    of    club    rooms,    new 
equipment  and  the  salaries  of  the  ex- 
ecutive secretary  and  the  dub  director. 

Management    of    the    Tom-A-Hawk 

•  Inli    i-    under    the    (Unction    of    the 
playground  department's  director  and 
i-  |i.irt  of  his  \ear-round  city  job.  The 
rn-todian.  who  is  responsible  for  the 
maintenance   of   the   entire    recreation 

•  •enter,  is  paid  by  the  department.  The 
i.. -I-  .if  electricity,  steam,  repair,  and 


so  on,  are  paid  by  the  department 
-inn-  these  are  a  part  of  the  normal 
maintenance  for  the  building. 

The  greatest  source  of  \nluntcn 
help  has  been  from  among  the  parents 
of  the  teen-agers.  In  volunteering  theii 
aid.  these  parent-  ran  feel  that  thcv 
are  helping  to  provide  a  much  needed 
irricational  facility  fur  their  young- 
-tei«.  Civic  and  social  clubs,  also.  ha\e 
given  their  cooperation. 

Volunteer-  ha\r  \urious  dutir-. 
which  include  checking  coats,  verify- 
ing membership-  at  the  entrance.  pho- 
tographing  applirants  for  memliership. 
filing,  typing,  working  at  the  coke  hai. 
controlling  the  game  rooms,  and  ad- 
ing  as  chaperons. 

Chaperons  volunteer  for  one  night  a 


AWARDS    YOU    CAN    AFFORD 


OVER  100  RECREATION 
DEPARTMENTS  USING 
OUR  PLASTIC  TROPHYS 


WRITE   TODAY    FOR       FREE     SAMPLE 


W.  R.  MOODY 


704     N.     MARIPOSA 
BURBANK,     CALIF. 


BURK|BUILT 

PLAYGROUND  EQUIPMENT 


UNSURPASSED  in  SAFETY 
and  DURABILITY 

In  o  feature  by  feature  companion.  BURKE-Buill 
Equipment  definitely  offer*  ouUtondmg  valu* 
Approval  by  pork  and  playground  official*  from 
coott  to  ceatl  it  an  authoritative  tupport  lor  in 
luperiority.  Special  fitlingi  and  tcientific  design 
offer  functional  advantage*  that  really  contribute 
to  »oieiy.  durability  and  economy  in  the  highett 
degree. 

Equipment  by  BURKE  ii  built  on  conitant  reieorch 
and  i»  unconditionally  guaranteed  ogointt  de- 
fect* in  workmanthip  and  material!.  Choote 
BUtKE-tke  choke  of  men  who  know  oui.lor.ding 
value. 

THE  J.  E.  BURKE  CO.,    '••'  --  i...  wi. 

r.tiorr    !'•"<>>     Mil    tM.    New    truntwlck.    NJ. 


free   Planning    Aiiiifanic 

by    Burke   engineer). 

Complete   catalog   and   price    liit. 

Addreu  Dept.  A 


\'.u.  a  month,  or  a  week,  ilrpcnding 
upon  their  availability .  An  average  of 
fifteen  to  thirty  chaperons  are  needed 
each  club  night. 

The  fine  behavior  of  Tom-A-Hawk 
Club  member.-,  the  good  attendance 
and  the  tremendous  amount  of  volun- 
teer assistance  contributed  are  evi- 
dence enough  of  its  success.  The  good 
it  has  done  for  the  youngsters  is  of  an 
ali-tract  nature  and  cannot  be  mea— 
ured;  but  the  memory  of  a  former 
lack  of  such  facilities  in  Aurora,  and 
the  enjoyment  expressed  by  the  mem- 
bers nightly,  make  its  worth  evident. 


World  Youth 

Last  August  the  third  congress  of 
the  World  \ssembly  of  Youth  met  at 
Dakar,  West  Africa.  Attending  were 
one  hundred  and  fifty  delegates  from 
Iwentv-lwo  non-Communist  countries, 
including  eight  from  the  United  States 
elected  hy  the  ^  oung  Adult  Council  of 
the  National  Social  Welfare  Assembly. 
The  congress  discussed  the  fight 
against  discrimination  and  illiteracy: 
improvement  of  education:  and  pro- 
motion of  technical  assistance  and 
world  understanding.  A  tour  of  Afri- 
can village-  followed  the  congress. 

Chartered  four  years  ago  in  London. 
Kngland.  at  an  International  Youth 
Council,  the  World  Assembly  of  Youth 
aims  at  establishing  a  world-wide  fed- 
ei.iiiini  of  youth  working  together  on 
common  international  interests.  Previ- 
ous congre— e-  were  held  at  Bru— el-. 
Hclginm.  and  Istanbul.  Turkey.  Dakar 
was  chosen  for  this  congress  lut-ause 
tin-  important  naval  and  air  ban-  in 
>enepal  was  thought  to  provide  the 
be-t  example  of  youth  cooperation  and 
enterprise  in  Africa.  It  was  Africa's 
tii-l  wurlil  voiith  meeting. 

\nothei  woild  vouth  movement,  in 
it-  fourth  year,  i-  the  International 
I. ii  in  Vnilh  l-.xrh.mgi-.  spon-ored  bv 
the  4-11  Club-.  I  nder  thi-  project  one 
hundred  and  fortv -eight  voung  jn'oplc 
of  the  I  II  Club-  have  -pent  month- 
wmkiiig  on  farms  in  other  coinilrie-. 
while  .1  i  one-ponding  group  came  to 
the  I  iiiteil  St.ilr-.  I  pun  their  return. 
lhe-e  "gi.i—  loot-"  amb.i--.nlot-  have 
shared  their  expciienre-  widelv  bv 
m«-. in-  of  lecture*,  article-  and  radio 
program.*. 

RECRE*TU>\ 


PERSONNEL 


SOUTHERN  REGIONAL 
RECREATION  STUDY 


The  Southern  Regional  Education 
Board  has  asked  the  National  Recrea- 
tion Association  to  make  a  study  of 
the  recreation  leadership  and  training 
needs  in  the  fourteen  southern  states. 
The  regional  board  was  established  in 
1948  by  a  compact  drawn  up  between 
the  states  and  signed  by  the  governors. 
It  has  been  ratified  by  the  acts  of  the 
state  legislatures  of  the  fourteen  south- 
ern states. 

The  recreation  study  will  be  the 
first  of  its  kind  in  the  history  of  the 
recreation  movement,  and  will  involve 
a  careful  study  of  the  growth  and  de- 
velopment of  recreation  in  the  south- 
ern regions.  The  present  status  of  rec- 
reation leadership  in  the  South  will  be 
analyzed,  and  the  number  and  types 
of  leaders  needed  now  and  in  the 
immediate  years  ahead  will  be  de- 
termined. 

A  second  phase  of  the  study  will  in- 
clude an  inventory  of  the  professional 
educational  opportunities  now  avail- 
able in  the  South.  The  relationship  be- 
tween the  need  for  recreation  leaders 
on  the  one  hand,  and  the  number  of 
leaders  being  trained  on  the  other,  will 
have  to  be  examined.  The  barriers  and 
inhibitions  that  are  preventing  im- 
provement will  be  identified  and  inter- 
preted and  a  course  of  action  pro- 
posed. 

The  South  cannot  afford,  and  prob- 
ably can  no  other  region  for  that  mat- 
ter, adequate  facilities  and  leadership 
for  professional  programs  in  every 
state  for  the  various  professions.  On 
the  other  hand,  through  cooperation 
and  the  pooling  of  educational  re- 
sources, every  region  can  have  a  strong 
professional  school  in  the  various 
liclds.  The  development  of  strong  pro- 
fessional educational  centers  on  a  re- 
gional liasis  will  make  it  possible  to 
supply  the  leaders  needed  by  the  vari- 
ous agencies  at  a  minimum  cost. 

Regional  programs  are  already   iin- 

OCTOBER  1952 


W.  C.  Sutherland 

derway  in  the  South  in  some  of  the 
old-line  professions  including  medicine, 
dentistry,  veterinary  medicine,  social 
work  and  forestry.  It  is  significant 
that  recreation  also  has  been  identified 
as  important  in  the  improvement  of 
economic  and  social  conditions  in  the 
southern  region.  In  a  sense  the  project 
involves  a  series  of  studies  within  a 
study.  The  range  or  scope  includes 
not  only  the  present  and  estimated  fu- 
ture personnel  needs  of  government 
agencies — local,  state  and  federal — but 
also,  such  agencies  employing  recrea- 
tion leaders  as  industry,  hospitals, 
churches,  homes  for  children  and  the 
aged,  penal  institutions,  and  voluntary 
organizations. 

The  Study  Committee  held  its  first 
meeting  June  19,  in  Atlanta,  Georgia, 
and  developed  and  approved  plans  for 
the  project.  A  pilot  study  was  con- 
ducted to  test  questionnaires  and  pro- 
cedures and  the  full  scale  study  is  now 
under  way.  The  report,  when  com- 
pleted, should  be  a  safe  guide  for  the 
Southern  Regional  Education  Board  in 
the  development  of  adequate  profes- 
sional and  educational  programs  in 
the  field  of  recreation. 

This  committee,  appointed  jointly 
by  the  Southern  Regional  Education 
Board  and  the  National  Recreation 
Association,  includes:  W.  C.  Suther- 
land. National  Recreation  Association, 
study  director;  Leo  M.  Chamberlain, 
vice-president.  University  of  Ken- 
tucky: W.  J.  McClothlin.  consultant 
for  professional  programs.  Southern 
Regional  Education  Board;  Nan  C. 
Crow,  superintendent  of  recreation. 
Charlottesville,  Virginia:  Robert  P. 
Daniel,  president.  Virginia  State  Col- 
lege; Alvin  Eggeling.  superintendent 
of  recreation.  Oklahoma  City.  Okla- 
homa: Cliff  Kerb),  director  of  recre- 
ation. Callaway  Mills  Company,  La- 
Grange.  Georgia:  Harold  D.  Meyer. 
chairman  of  recreation  curriculum. 


University  of  North  Carolina;  Beverly 
S.  Sheffield,  director  of  recreation. 
Austin,  Texas;  Henry  K.  Stanford, 
Board  of  Regents,  University  System 
of  Georgia;  William  J.  Tail,  director 
of  recreation  curriculum.  Florida  State 
University. 

Personnel  News 

Hugo  Koehn,  superintendent  of 
parks  and  recreation,  Houston,  Texas, 
has  retired  and  will  be  succeeded  by 
Arnold  Moser,  the  superintendent  of 
recreation. 

Other  recently  appointed  superin- 
tendents of  recreation  are:  Charles 
Beaird,  Dublin,  Georgia;  James  E. 
Swendig,  Pendleton,  Oregon;  James 
Dittrnar,  Williamsport,  Pennsylvania: 
Ed  Crawford,  Griffin,  Georgia;  Al  H. 
Bishop,  Marietta,  Georgia;  Charles  H. 
Odegaard,  Marinette,  Wisconsin;  E. 
Stuart  Richter,  Colorado  Springs.  Col- 
orado: Donald  Sinn,  Concord,  New 
Hampshire:  Marvin  E.  Hamm,  South 
Haven.  Michigan;  Arnold  Halpern. 
Weiser.  Idaho;  Donald  M.  Cook,  Car- 
lisle, Pennsylvania;  Everett  E.  Peel. 
Moore  County,  Texas;  Clayton  Ander- 
son, Williamalene  Park  District, 
Springfield,  Oregon;  Leland  R. 
Schenck,  Gilbert,  Minnesota:  Frank 
H.  Dearborn,  Mystic,  Connecticut;  Ar- 
thur Chartier,  Littleton,  New  Hamp- 
shire: Frank  Reich.  Moscow.  Idaho. 


Jobs  in  the  Far  East 
There  is  still  need  for  recreation 
personnel  in  Korea,  Japan,  Oki- 
nawa. Guam  and  the  Philippines. 
Opportunities  exist  for  those  wish- 
ing to  serve  with  the  United  States 
Air  Force.  The  urgent  need  is  for 
special  service  personnel  in  man- 
ual arts,  library  and  service  club 
programs.  ( Men  are  preferred  for 
the  manual  arts  positions.) 

College  graduates  between  twen- 
ty-four and  forty  years  of  age,  with 
training  and  experience  in  recre- 
ation, are  preferred.  Form  57,  avail- 
able at  any  post  office,  should  be 
sent  to  the  Overseas  Employment 
Coordination  Office,  Director  of 
Civilian  Personnel,  Hdqrs.  U.S.A.F., 
Wright-Patterson  Air  Force  Base. 
Davton.  Ohio. 


299 


NOW  ALL  TOGETHER 

MP    H-l  Twenty  Cents 

\   festival  o(  {rlloM>lii|> 
by   Kli/alK-tli   Him--   Hanlr\ 

National    Recreation    Association 


LOOK-A  PARADE! 

P  19  Thirty-five  cents 

Suggestions  for  informal  and 
formal   parades  and   final  - 

National    Recreation    Association 


Here's  on  offer  you 
will  want  to  accept 

To  let  you  become  well  acquainted  with  the  Nation's  leading  maga- 
zines in  maintenance  for  the  park  and  recreation  industry,  we  will 
send  you  the  next  six  issues  for  only  one  dollar.  (Regular  price  is 
$3.00  per  year.) 

Start  now  so  you  will  receive  the  Buyers'  Guide 
Directory  of  over  500  suppliers  in  our  October 
issue. 


PARK  MAINTENANCE 


P.  O.   BOX   409 


APPLETON,    WISCONSIN 


HALLOWEEN  IN  DUMAS 

In  Dumas,  small  town  of  7.000  in 
the  Texas  Panhandle,  a  half-rain,  half- 
snow  storm  simply  added  zest  to  their 
gala  night.  The  onlv  vandalism  report- 
ed was  air  it-leased  from  the  tirr-  of 
four  automobiles,  and  no  damage  at 
all.  Fun  started  at  four  in  the  after- 
noon, ranging  from  a  turkey  raffle, 
window  painting  contest,  teen-age 
dance,  costume  parade,  talking  to  tin- 
Chief  Goblin  (in  tin-  telephone,  eating 
dot  dogs  and  candied  apple-,  \isiting 
the  carnival  booths  at  the  county 
courthouse  to  watching  the  spooky 
midnight  movie.  A  hundred  and  fift\ 
boys  and  girls  took  part  in  the  window- 
painting  contest.  I\M>  hundred  in  tin- 
downtown  parade.  Holiday-bent  young- 
sters and  families  came  from  all  over 
Moore  County  to  join  in  the  fun.  At 
day's  end,  tired  Jayrees  and  Busine— 
and  Professional  Women's  Club  mem- 
bers cleaned  up  the  litter  and  began  to 
set  their  sights  for  an  even 
event  in  1952. 


fo  tear*  .  .  .  S<* 


CAN 
BE 


fo 


With  fheie  Square  Dane*  Becordj  with  Progressive 
Oral   /nsfrucrions   and   Cal/s   by    fO    Dl/ftlACHfft. 

Here  is  the  easy  and  economical  way  to  meet  the 
ever-growing  demand  for  square  dancing  in  your 
community  ...  the  HONOR  YOUR  PARTNER 
scries  of  square  dance  records. 

»         «•         6 

Each  record  in  albums  1  to  4  starts  with  simpli- 
fied progressive  oral  instructions  by  Ed  Durlacnrr 
—instructions  easily  understood  by  dancers  of  all 
ages.  Following  a  brief  pause,  giving  the  dancers 
time  to  square  their  sets,  the  music  and  calls  begin.  The  TOP  HANDS,  directed 
by  I  RANK  NOVAK,  offer  the  best  in  scintillating  and  foot  tapping  square  dance 
music.  The  calls  are  delivered  by  one  of  the  nation's  most  outstanding  square 
dance  authorities  K!>  I  HKI.ACIIKH. 

The  fifth  album  in  the  scries  contains  music  only,  without  calls  or  instructions— 
"The  Square  Dance  Caller's  Drliglit". 

«         <*         6 

AN    INIMUSIA5IIC    USIB    BIPORIS    .    .    . 

Mjuarr  Hanrt  album  'Honor  Ynur  I'arlnrr'  ii  all  that  you  claimed  it  to  be  —  we 
nui  ihr  rrrordi  on  a  group  of  eighth  grade  itudents  and  they  picked  up  the 
inuru'-tmni  uitHnut  difficult*.  In  the  tpare  of  thirty  minute*,  this  group,  which  bad 
nrirrufHjrc  J*nct<J  before,  were  doing  the  figure*  in  an  expert  fashion.  The  recordi 
alto  a  hit  at  the  adult  iquarr  dance  which  we  held  tail  night." 

Kllintt.  K'  i  nun.  in   l)irrrtnr.  r.rrrnwcwxl,   Mi«»i»i|i|>i 


All     recordi     guaranteed 
agointt   breakage. 
fORIVIRI 


NOMORVOuRPARTNtR 


learn    more    about   the 

HONOR    YOUR    PARTNIR    album. 

Write    tor    a    detcriptive    (older. 


SQUARE  DANCE  ASSOCIATES 


DIPT.    R-11 


FRIIPORT      NIW    YORK 


KEEP  AMERICA  BEAUTIFUL 

A  campaign  to  stamp  out  costly  de- 
struction and  vandalism  by  careless 
vacationers  has  been  initiated  by 
\atural  History  magazine.  The  cam- 
paign was  formulated  following  wide- 
spread response  to  "The  Great  Ameri- 
can Litterhug."  an  article  in  the  May 
issue  of  the  magazine,  decrying  the  de- 
plorable damage  done  by  the  American 
pnl. In  to  our  national  parks  and  for- 
•  -t-  V  i  ording  to  the  artiele.  the  care- 
less habits  and  deliberate  vandalism 
of  motorist-  (o-i  the  American  publie 
.M'I  million  dollars  in  the  \e,n  l('.")(i 
alone.  At  present,  Americans  are  stead- 
il>  toiuerting  their  nation'-  nio-t 
prized  natural  and  historic  areas  into 
monuments  to  the  "(Jreat  Amrrn  .in 
Litterhug." 

Clean-up  campaign  slickers,  bearing 
the    injunction-.    "l)on'l    l«e    .1    l.iitei 
bug"  and   "Keep    \merica   Beautiful." 
are    being    finniu -ed     In     nmne\     con- 
liibuled    -pi>nt;ini-ou-K     b\     the    public 
in    [e-pon-e   to   the   article   anil    1«\    tin- 
magazine    il-<-|f.    'I  he    -Inkei-    ate    (ill 
ren||\     being    distributed    In    inolori-l- 
.il   the  enhances  of  YclloWatOOe,  (iranil 
I  .HIM. n  .ind   Vix-mile  National   Parks. 


Hi  •  in  MI<I\ 


REACHES  into  nearly  every  phase  of  life  — 
from  the  warning  whistle  of  the  policeman  or  fire 
engine  to  the  expressive  whistles  of  admiration  or  skepti- 
cism, from  the  comforting  whiatle  to  keep  up  courage  to 
the  joyous  whistling  of  a  skipping  child.  The  whistle  makes 
a  useful  contribution  to  the  fields  of  recreation  and  enter- 
tainment. Whistles  are  employed  in  various  sports  and 
performances,  such  as  football,  basketball,  swimming 
(meets),  polo,  falconry,  archery  (arrows  with  whistle 
heads),  riding  contests,  circuses,  hunting,  and  even  con- 
cert whistling  and  record  playing. 

Learning  to  whistle  is  one  of  the  important  events  of 
childhood,  and  the  ways  to  have  fun  with  whistling  are 
part  of  growing  up. 

Whistle  Contest  No.  1—  This  is  an  old  game.  It  is  fun 
for  the  spectators  and  more  fun  for  the  whistlers.  Any 
two  whistlers  are  selected  and  placed  back  to  back.  Upon 
a  given  signal  by  a  referee,  the  two  whistlers  turn  around, 
face  each  other,  and  whistle  previously  selected  tunes 
which  are  not  identical.  After  a  few  seconds,  the  referee 
stops  the  whistlers  and  the  winner  is  chosen  by  the  judges, 
or  is  selected  by  the  applause  of  the  listeners.  The  winner 
is  then  challenged  by  another  contestant. 

Whistle  Contest  No.  2—  From  a  group  of  whistlers,  se- 
lection is  made,  by  elimination,  to  determine  the  best 
whistler,  second  best,  and  the  third  best.  This  contest 
among  youngsters,  particularly,  is  very  successfully  carried 
out  in  scout  groups,  boys'  and  girls'  camps  and  clubs,  and 
by  recreation  and  park  departments  of  large  cities. 

Whistle-Cracker—  Another  very  old  game  with  lots  of 
fun  is  whistle-cracker  or  whistle-race.  This  requires  that 
contestants  start  eating  crackers  at  a  signal,  then  whistle  a 
tune  while  chewing.  The  winner  is  the  one  who  completes 
the  tune  first,  or  who  is  first  to  utter  a  whistle. 

There  are  several  variations  of  this  popular  game,  for 
example,  sour  pickles,  persimmons  or  a  teaspoon  of  lemon 
juice  may  be  substituted  for  the  cracker. 

Water  Whistle—  In  another  whistling  contest,  the  face 
and  lips  are  submerged  in  a  basin  of  water,  or  in  the 
lake  or  pool  if  contestants  are  at  a  camp.  The  one  who 
produces  the  loudest  whistle  gets  the  prize.  This  is  a  dif- 
ficult stunt,  and  it  is  seldom  possible  to  find  a  contestant 
who  can  produce  an  audible  tone  other  than  the  noise  of 
inflating  and  bursting  bubbles. 

DR.  MONTGOMERY  is  now  engaged  in  rehabilitation  work, 
Commission  for  the  Blind,  Stale  Department,  Texas. 


WHILE 
YOU  PLAY 

Richard  Montgomery 


Whistle  Crafts—  By  making  simple  whistles,  and  experi- 
menting with  other  easily  constructed  "instruments"  and 
materials,  craft  skill  related  to  the  art  of  whistling  may 
be  developed.  Here  are  a  few  suggestions: 

Large  quills,  thoroughly  cleaned,  from  chicken,  duck, 
turkey,  goose,  and  other  large  fowl,  or  drinking  straws, 
can  be  used  to  make  an  hautboy. 

The  old  Chinese  tche  can  be  made  from  a  long  tube, 
which  is  played  by  blowing  through  a  hole  in  the  center. 

The  Egyptian  ney,  a  tube  open  at  both  ends,  is  blown 
across  the  top. 

A  garden  gourd,  formed  like  a  ram's  horn,  makes  a 
good  shofar. 

From  whistlewood,  tulip  poplar  and  willow,  alder  and 
fleece  flower  stem,  one  can  make  a  shepherd's  pipe. 

A  flute  (frequently  called  the  nightingale  of  the  wood- 
winds, instrument  of  nature,  king  of  the  woodwinds),  a 
flageolet,  and  an  ocarina  can  be  constructed  from  metal. 
clay,  wood,  bone  or  plastic. 

The  blowing  of  a  blade  of  grass  held  between  the 
thumbs,  with  hands  in  position  for  prayer,  makes  sounds 
like  an  oboe.  The  use  of  a  double  reed  with  a  wheat  straw 
produces  a  similar  effect.  Another  suggestion  for  making 
identical  sounds  is  blowing  the  stems  of  squash  leaves  or 
stems  of  the  petunia  flower. 

A  reed  and  a  wheat  straw  produce  a  clarinet  sound. 

A  small  hollowed-out  cane,  or  cornstalk,  makes  a  good 
fife. 

The  stem  of  a  fleece  flower  with  a  reed  can  be  used  to 
make  another  type  of  flute. 

Also,  trumpets  or  cornets  can  be  constructed  from:  the 
bark  of  the  birch  and  the  tulip  poplar,  with  or  without  a 
paper  lining;  a  large  sea  shell  with  a  small  opening  at 
the  tip;  certain  trumpet-shaped  flowers  such  as  the  petunia. 
lily,  trumpet  flower;  a  cow  horn  with  the  tip  cut  off;  and 
a  large  hollow  reed,  tube  or  pipe  with  one  end  flared. 

Inflated  balloons  with  a  whistle  head  inserted  make  a 
long,  continuous  sound.  By  inserting  several  balloon  reeds. 
one  can  actually  produce  a  klaxon,  with  major  or  minor 
chords. 

The  whistling  top,  constructed  of  wood  or  metal,  and 
spun  with  a  string  or  spring  winder,  can  produce  several 
notes  simultaneously,  making  chord  effects.  By  notching 
an  ordinary  wooden  toy  top,  different  whistling  notes  can 


OCTOBER  1  052 


301 


be  produced.  Abo,  In  var\  ing  the  spacing  and  the  size  of 
lli<-  mid-lies.  still  nllii-r  .-minds  result  when  the  tup  -pin-. 
In  fact,  mail)  elaboration*  • -m  l»'  made  »n  the  -pinning 
l«ip.  ilix.  record,  wheel  and  ilruni.  so  that  almost  an\ 
-ouml.  from  a  .-implr  wlii-tle.  -ireti  |ila-l  ni  wail  In  llie 
i '(implex  tune-  nf  a  pi|K-  organ.  IIMN  IM-  pri>ilii<-fd. 

.ird-long  string,  attached  through  a  hole  at  (In-  end 
of  a  clinical  tongue  depressor  and  \\hirlrd  In  tin-  hand 
and  ami.  makes  a  hum  or  whi-ilc.  B\  using  a  larger  stick 
or  board  with  sharpened  edges,  different  tones  can  be  pro- 
duced. 

Rubber  bands,  especially  the  broader  ones,  stretched 
across  the  handle  bars  of  a  bicycle,  or  a  balsam  frame,  and 
attached  to  a  kite  tail  or  body,  make  pleasant  whistling 
-..iinil.-.  A  thin  rubber  band  across  the  opening  of  a  tube, 
pipe,  or  the  like,  acts  as  a  reed  for  another  instrument. 


All  the  above  ideas  are  for  amateurs,  or  )  oungsters,  and 
are  primarily  of  use  for  tricks,  .-Hint-,  t  •mitests.  game-  and 
-kill-.  However,  lip  whistling  can  IM-  both  fun  and  profit- 
able. I  hnugh  called  "lip  whistling."  it  invoke-  not  only  the 
li|>-.  lull  the  entire  mnutli  ra\il\.  tnngue  and  tongue  tip. 
leelh.  iiMila.  thrnal  area,  nasal  area,  lungs,  diaphragm, 
posture,  general  health,  attitude  and  the  whole  personality. 
To  pursue  concert  whistling,  to  become  proficient,  an 
artist,  calls  for  study  and  work. 

One  of  the  best  professional  whistlers  is  Fred  Lower) . 
His  thin  thread  of  beautiful  music  entrances  even  the 
greatest  of  musicians.  His  exotic  timbre  and  tone  color 
are  unsurpassed.  A  fine  windup  for  an  evening  of  fun  for 
\\lii-llei-.  is  to  play  one  of  his  records — Indian  Love  Call 
is  one  of  the  best — and  watch  for  more  inspired  whistling 
\<\  the  listeners. 


Listening  ami  Viewing 


Seventy-five  years  ago,  on  August  12,  1877,  Thomas  A. 
Kdison  sketched  his  ideas  for  the  recording  and  reproduc- 
ing of  sound.  In  November  of  that  year  he  announced  an 
invention,  later  patented  as  "a  singularly  ingenious  but  \cr\ 
-imple  machine,"  the  cylinder  phonograph.  Today,  an 
Audio  Fair  will  open  for  a  four-day  period  at  the  Ho- 
tel New  Yorker  in  New  York  City,  (starting  October  29, 
I ''",_' i  enabling  manufacturers  in  the  United  States,  Can- 
ada and  a  number  of  Kuropean  countries  to  present  to  the 
publie  the  metamorphosis  of  Mr.  Edison's  machine,  and 
a  prc-N  irw  of  future  development-. 

\Miile  the  sound  reproducing  systems  to  be  displayed 
will  cni|ilia-i/e  equipment  for  use  in  the  home  and  by  the 
audio  ImhliN  i-l.  the  exhibits  of  recorder-,  puhlie  address 
and  broadcast  systems  and  professional  equipment  will  be 
of  interest  to  the  director  of  any  audio-visual  department. 
The  fair  i-  held  in  conjunction  with,  and  -|imi-oreil  l.\  the 
\udin  Engineering  S.rietx.  \dmis-inn  i-  free. 

Audin-visual  eolumns  of  the  present,  as  frequent l\  a- 
hook  review  pages,  carry  announcements  of  recordings: 

1'iiul  Rrrrre  anil  the  Miniiti-  \li-n.  Our  /m/e/ieni/ivire 
and  the  ('.iinslilutitm.  The  liuilding  oj  the  r'irsl  Tranxrun- 
liin-nlal  Railroad,  The  if  right  Hrolher.i  eon-lilule  tin- 

•  •nd  group  of  dramatizations  adapted    from   books  of  the 

Random  llnu««-  "landmark"  -en---.  Inn-  I k-  mi   \merican 

hi.«tor>    for  leen  agers.  A  pi"fi --imial  cast,  aulhenlir   nm- 
-ii     .iii.l    hai  kgrmmd    detail.    e\i  ellenl    produelinn.    <|ualif> 
llie    n-i ., riling*   for   use   in   program*   of   reading,   hixlon  . 

•  Irani. i.   -•••  i.il   studies  and   pun-   enlerlaiiiinrnl.    Kai-h   title 
is  available  in  a  *cl  "f  two  -landnnl  record*  I  7JI  rpm  i   for 
82.98  or  •»  one   nf  two  title*   on   a    Inng-plaving   rr«.nl 

;..   rpm  i    for  $3.7.1.  The   four  title*  pre\  imi-U    drama- 
\apr.i   of  (  lirnl»i>hrr   ('.nliiminn.    l.nnilinn  of 


the  Pilgrims,  California  Gold  Rush,  Riding  the  I'ony  E.\- 
press.  From  Enrichment  Records,  246  Fifth  Avenue,  New- 
York  1,  New  York. 

Carnival  of  Books,  Ruth  Harshaw's  excellent  programs 
for  children,  presented  by  the  National  Broadcasting  Com- 
pany, may  not  be  carried  by  your  local  radio  station,  or 
may  be  broadcast  at  an  awkward  hour.  Recordings  of 
those  programs  which  have  featured  seven  authors  whose 
books  are  published  by  the  Thomas  Y.  Crowell  Company, 
are  available  free  to  departments  and  institutions.  Tln-\ 
may  be  used  for  three  weeks.  Order  from  the  Juvenile 
Department  of  Thomas  Y.  Crowell.  432  Fourth  Avenue. 
New  York  15,  New  York. 

The  following  publications  are  a  few  from  the  man\ 
re-oiirre  li>ts  available  for  those  planning  film  programs: 

Hi  In  rotors  Guide  to  Free  Film*,  twelfth  annual  edition. 
de-i  lilies  over  twenty-three  hundred  free  films  a\ailal>lc 
from  industrial,  government  and  other  organizations,  eon- 
\eniently  indexed  by  title,  siibjeet.  a\ailabili(y  and  source 
-—each  section  on  different  IN  colored  paper.  Many  titles 
under  the  thirlN-lwo  topic  headings  are  suitable  for  rei  n-.i 
lion  programs;  and  for  the  director  who  may  have  a  spc- 
rifir  polii-N  toward  sponsored  film-,  the  annotations  make 
it  [>o-si!i|e  to  determine  ea-iU  the  tenor  of  each  film. 
Thirty-scM-n  entries  appear  under  recreation.  From  F.du- 
•  aim-  Pingie—  >eiNire.  H.mdolph.  Wisconsin.  S<i.(KI. 

EdfCatOTt  (-uiilr  to  t'rrr  Sliilrtihiu.  fourth  annual  edi- 
tion, li-l-  IINC  hundred  and  -i'M-iil\  -li\  e  titles.  in  similar 
formal.  From  the  -ami-  i  mnpany.  $4.00. 

\lm  ;<•(  fut  Ki-rrrnlion  PrOjfTMU  de-i  ride-  more  than 
fourteen  hundred  films,  many  available  free,  fimn  the  As- 
sociation Films,  Incorporate. I.  U7  Madi-mi  \\.-nue.  Nr« 
17.  N.-«  V.rk.  Catalogue  is  sent  free  on  request. 


302 


Uu  HKATION 


NEW  BODY-CONTACT  GAME 
OFFERS  FEWER   HAZARDS 


"Competitive  games  provide 
an  unusually  satisfactory  so- 
cial outlet  for  the  instinctive 
aggressive  drive.  The  most 
aggressive  outlet  offered  by 
recreation  is  seen  in  those 
sports  in  which  there  is  bodi- 
ly contact." 

WILLIAM  C.  MENNINGER,  M.D. 


HPo  SCHOOLS  LOOKING  for  a  new 
*-  sport  to  add  to  their  existing  pro- 
gram, or  for  a  body-contact  game 
which  offers  a  minimum  of  player 
hazards,  may  I  suggest  American  Ball? 

Touch  football  was  eliminated  from 
the  program  of  intramural  sports  at 
Purdue  University  in  1948  because  of 
the  high  incidence  of  serious  injuries. 

Realizing  that  a  successful  program 
of  intramural  sports  needs  at  least  one 
contact  game,  we  immediately  began 
a  survey  to  find  a  suitable  replace- 
ment. This  was  a  difficult  assignment 
because  touch  football  is  one  of  the 
most  popular  intramural  sports  on  our 
American  campuses.  Our  difficulties 
were  increased  because  we  were  look- 
ing for  a  game  which  would  require  a 
minimum  of  space  and  no  special 
equipment. 

In  the  screening  of  possible  activi- 
ties we  came  across  a  sport  called 
American  Ball.  The  rules  were  pre- 

MR.    HANIFORD    is   assistant   professor 
at  Indiana's  Purdue  University. 

OCTOBER  1952 


pared  in  1934  by  Larry  A.  Bidlake  of 
the  Department  of  Physical  Education 
and  Health,  School  of  Education,  New 
York  University.  The  name,  American 
Ball,  was  chosen  because  elements  of 
America's  three  most  popular  games — 
baseball,  basketball  and  football — are 
combined  in  it. 

American  Ball  is  played  by  two 
teams  of  nine  men  each  on  a  court 
108  feet  by  60  feet.  The  rules  closely 
resemble  those  of  basketball. 

An  inflated  ball,  approximately  four- 
teen inches  in  diameter  is  used.  The 
ball  may  be  carried  or  passed  from 
one  player  to  another.  It  may  not  be 
kicked. 

The  purpose  of  the  game  is  to  throw 
the  ball  from  behind  a  "scoring  line" 
to  a  catcher  who  is  stationed  in  a 
"catcher's  zone.''  The  scoring  line  is 
drawn  across  the  court  fifteen  feet 
from  and  parallel  to  the  end  line.  The 
catcher's  zone  is  an  area  four  feet  deep 
directly  behind  and  parallel  to  the  end 
line. 

Scoring 

A  goal  made  from  the  field  counts 
two  points;  a  goal  from  the  free-throw 
line  counts  one  point.  The  free-throw 
line  is  the  same  as  the  scoring  line. 
After  each  goal  the  ball  is  put  into 
play  by  a  jump  ball  in  the  center 
circle. 

Timing 

Two    fifteen-minute    periods    are 


George  W.  Hanitord 


played,  with  an  intermission  of  ten 
minutes  between  periods.  If  the  score 
is  a  tie  at  the  end  of  the  game,  play  is 
continued  for  an  extra  period  of  five 
minutes  or  as  many  five-minute  periods 
as  are  necessary  to  break  the  tie. 

The  number  of  officials  and  their 
duties  are  the  same  as  for  basketball. 
The  referee  starts  the  game  by  tossing 
the  ball  up  between  two  players  of  op- 
posing teams  in  the  center  of  the  play- 
ing field. 

Violations 

The  original  rules  for  American 
Ball  permitted  tackling  as  long  as  tack- 
ling was  not  above  the  shoulders  or 
below  the  knees.  We  immediately 
dropped  this  rule  and  instructed  our 
officials  to  call  a  personal  foul  when- 
ever the  following  were  committed: 

1.  Tripping  an  opponent. 

2.  Grabbing  an  opponent  above  the 
shoulders  or  below  the  waist. 

3.  Using  unnecessary  roughness. 

4.  Deliberately    pushing   an    oppo- 
nent. 

5.  Piling  up  on  a  man  when  he  is 
down. 

6.  Deliberately   throwing   or  knock- 
ing an  opponent  to  the  ground. 

7.  Interfering  in  any  way  with  op- 
ponent when  the  ball  is  tossed  between 
players. 

8.  Interfering     with     an     opponent 
who  does  not  have  the  ball. 

We  penalize  these  violations  with 
one  free  throw  and  charge  the  of- 

303 


(mi). -r  with  thr  personal  foul.  Four 
nal  fouls  automatically  disquali- 
fy thr  |ilu\rr  from  further  participa- 
tion in  the  gatnr. 

The  game  ha*  proven  to  IN-  \cr\ 
fast  and  slightly  rough  at  time-.  How- 
I-XIT.  our  experience  has  been  that 
when  the  participants  learn  tin-  rules 
and  play  it  a  few  times,  they  begin  to 
eliminate  much  of  the  roughness  and 
concentrate  on  their  scoring  offense 
and  their  defensive  game. 

Officials  must  use  a  great  deal  of 
discretion  in  calling  personal  foul-. 
For  instance,  although  it  is  a  foul  to 
grab  above  the  shoulders  or  below  the 
waist,  it  is  entirely  possible  that  situa- 
tions will  come  up  in  which  violations 
are  entirely  unintentional:  for  exam- 
ple, a  man  with  the  ball  may  attempt 
to  evade  his  opponent  by  ducking 
which  might  result  in  his  coming  up 
with  his  opponent's  arm  around  his 
neck,  thus  making  it  appear  that  he 
was  grabbed  around  the  neck. 

Officials  may  control  the  element  i>f 
roughne—  1>\  simply  calling  "held 
ball"  more  frequently,  although  it  is 
recommended  that  a  held  ball  should 
.inly  1*  called  when  the  ball  becomes 
-ii  tied  up  U-tween  two  or  more  play- 
ers that  it  is  impossible  to  throw  or 
pass  the  ball. 

Very  few  injuries  have  been  report- 
ed at  Purdue  in  its  two  years  experi- 
.in.-  with  \inerican  Ball.  There  have 
I.C.-H  tin-  common  sprained  or  turned 
ankles,  bruises  and  sore  muscles.  We 
have  yet  to  exprrirn.  <•  itn-  fu-t  broken 

lionr. 

In  the  fall  of  1930  we  had  one  slight 
brain  concussion,  which  we  con-i<lri 
was  our  most  serious  injury.  The  c.m- 
cussion  happened  when  a  boy.  leaping 
inlii  the  air  [n  catch  a  pass,  lost  hi- 
balnncc  and  hit  his  head  on  the  ground 
iip.ui  falling. 

American    Kail,    in    all    probability. 
Mill    never    n-pl.-ne    luu.li    football    in 
college      inlr.iiniif.il      sport      program- 
The  game  i»  not  too  well  known  and. 
perhap-.   -ome   M  h..o|«   do   not    need   lo 
replui  r  ton.  h  fonlliall  became  they  are 
ii. >i    e\p.-ri.-M<  ing  serious  ac.ideni- 
Hnwrvrr.  for  v-hool*  that  may  IK-  look- 
ing for  a  new  sport,  may  *»•••   mom 
m<-iiil  American  Ball. 


Rrptmir.l  It.,,,,   s.i/'/,    t.l,,.,in,.n.   Krl.ru.rv. 

IW. 
KM 


ow  THAT  the  school  year  is  under 
way,  let  us  hear  from  >•<«/. 

"Help  Week"  Versus  "Hell  Week" 

A  graphic  demonstration  of  the 
awakening  of  Omaha  University's  stu- 
dents to  their  responsibilities  as  mem- 
bers of  their  community  was  the  "Help 
Week"  program  initiated  for  the  first 
time  last  spring  by  the  university's  In 
terfraternity  Council. 

Approximately  forty  young  men. 
members  of  Sigma  Phi  Epsilon  and  Pi 
Kappa  Alpha,  together  with  fifty  co- 
eds, members  of  Chi  Omega  and  Alpha 
\i  Delta,  participated  in  a  two-day 
clean-up  campaign  at  Elmwood  Park. 
This  involved  raking  the  grounds:  n-- 
moxing  the  winter's  accumulation  of 
cans,  broken  glass,  leaves,  dead 
branches,  and  papers;  washing  the 
windows  in  park  buildings  and  putting 
the  park  in  neat,  clean  condition. 

The  park  and  recreation  commission 
and  other  city  agencies,  aided  in  simi- 
lar fashion  by  members  of  other  Greek 
houses,  as  well  as  Omaha's  citizens* 
expressed  appreciation  to  the  students. 

•  The    Dramatic   Center   AVics,    pub- 
lished  by   the   I  ni\er-it\    of    Delaware. 
has  announced  that  Noxcmbcr  7.   1 '>.">:> 
is  the  date  which  has  been  selected  fm 
the     Thirteenth      Delaware     Drama!  n 
(..inference.    The    unixersilx     offered 
during  the  summer  a  new  type  of  dra- 
matic training  course.  The  School  Dra- 
matic Program,  which  enabled  student 
teachers,  through  cooperation  with  the 
-ummcr   program  of  the  Newark   Hec- 
renlion   Association,  to  work  with  -in 
dent-  of  high  school  and  junior  high 

-.  1 1   age   in   rehearsing   and   staging 

one-act  plays. 

•  Still  another  opportunity    for   pi.x 
tical    cx|N-riencc     in    admini-lering    a 
professional  conference  was  offered  t.. 
-Indents    at    Florida    Male    I  nixer-iU 
last    spring,    when    the    NBA    district 


conference  wa>  held  on  its  campu-. 
Students  met  the  delegates  at  trains, 
I  Hi.-  depots  and  airports,  acted  as  Inl- 
and handled  the  registration.  Florida's 
students  are  not  all  found  on  its  cam- 
pus. An  open  letter  from  President 
Miller  in  the  program  of  last  y.-.u  - 
Georgia-Florida  football  game  staled 
that  during  the  past  two  years.  nearl\ 
seienty  thousand  persons  had  been  en- 
rolled through  the  general  extension 
division  of  the  university.  Special 
courses  have  l«?en  given,  among  oth.  i>. 
to  park  executives,  wild  life  officers, 
social  workers  and  recreation  superin- 
tendents. 

•  Six  weeks  of  activities  in  a  grad- 
uate workshop  in  communit\  -tudie- 
culminated  in  July  for  fifteen  student- 
of  Lewis  and  Clark  College,  Portland. 
Oregon,  when  residents  of  Oregon  City 
gathered  to  hear  and  discu—  the  tenta 
live  conclusions  which  had  been 
reached.  The  survey  was  conducted 
under  the  supervision  of  Dr.  H.  S. 
Tuttle.  with  Dr.  Eduard  C.  Lindeman 
.1-  iii-chairman.  One  group  of  student- 
studied  the  vocational  interests  and 
ambitions  of  ninth  graders;  the  second 
studied  the  recreation  interests  of  the 
same  children. 

The  latter  proved  to  be  largely  those 
for  which  Oregon's  outdoor  play  land 
provides,  but  it  ap|>eared  that  less  than 
twenty  per  rent  of  the  population  util- 
i/ed  the  i  il\'-  outdoor  recreation  facil- 
iticv  Opportunities  for  recreation  in 
music,  drama  and  folk  dancing  ap- 
|>cared  to  be  inadequate.  Interviews 
indicated  thai  ninety-nine  per  cent  of 
the  youngsters  earned  money  for  then 
own  clothes  and  savings,  and  two- 
thirds  of  them  wished  to  enter  voca- 
tion- which  require  education  Ix-vond 
high  school.  Siinnnrr  Sun.  puhli-hc.l 
at  l.rwi-  and  ('.lark  College,  quotes  Dr. 
l.indeman'-  r.nimicnl.  "Nowhere  do  I 
know  of  another  sludx  so  well  organ- 
i/.-d  and  motivated." 

IU<  10    MHIN 


Pretzel  Public  Relations 

"Official  Halloween  Police  Pretzels. 
Courtesy  Your  Police  Department." 
said  a  slip  inserted  in  each  cellophane 
bag  containing  pretzels,  furnished  by 
a  local  company  in  Rochester.  New 
York,  to  the  city  police  bureau — for 
free  distribution  to  the  young  folks 
who  were  on  the  streets  between  6:30 
p.m.  and  9:30  p.m.  last  Halloween. 
The  plan  was  initiated  by  Captain  Hen- 
ry H.  Jensen,  director  of  the  youth 
bureau  and  police  athletic  league,  to 
promote  good  will  and  good  behavior. 
Rochester  believes  it  is  the  first  city 
in  New  York  state  to  take  this  step, 
although  it  knows  of  twenty-four  other 
cities  in  the  United  States  where  the 
plan  has  been  adopted.  Seventy-five 
thousand  pretzels  were  distributed  last 
year. 

A  Note  for  Swimmers 

The  use  of  the  frogman  mask,  a 
glass  front  in  a  rubber  headset,  which 
fits  over  the  nose  and  eyes  of  a  swim- 
mer, enabling  him  to  see  clearly  under 
water,  has  been  forbidden  in  pools  and 
at  beaches  of  most  state  and  city  parks 
in  New  York  state.  The  ban  was  an- 
nounced after  the  death  by  asphyxia 
of  <i  \oungster  whose  mask  had  appar- 
rnllv  slipped  over  his  nose  and  mouth, 
preventing  him  from  exhaling.  Use 
of  masks  in  pools  operated  by  the 
New  York  city  parks  department  has 
never  been  allowed.  Recreation  direc- 
tor R.  A.  Mineo.  of  Buffalo,  reported 
ihe  masks  were  illegal  in  that  city  be- 
cause of  possible  injury  to  swimmers 


should  the  glass  become  broken.  Rub- 
ber foot  fins  are  also  banned. 

From  NRA  Headquarters 

The  principal  address  at  a  confer- 
ence on  aging,  sponsored  by  Passaic 
County's  (New  Jersey)  Health  and 
Welfare  and  Tuberculosis  and  Health 
Associations,  on  June  19,  was  made 
by  Charles  E.  Reed,  manager  of  the 
NRA  field  division.  He  also  took  part 
in  the  recreation  and  education  work- 
shop. 

Facts  and  Figures 
Greens  fees  at  Detroit's  municipal 
golf  courses  were  increased  in  July, 
on  nine-hole  courses  from  $.50  a 
person  to  $.60  and  on  eighteen-hole 
courses  on  weekdays  from  $1.00  to 
$1.25  and  from  $1.25  to  $1.50  on 
weekends  and  holidays.  .  .  .  Almost 
eight  dollars  per  capita  is  being  ex- 
pended in  Grand  Junction,  Colorado, 
for  public  park  and  recreation  pur- 
poses. . . .  Proceeds  of  a  $200,000  bond 
issue  passed  in  Boise,  Idaho  will  be 
used  for  construction  of  two  new 
swimming  pools  and  the  acquisition 
and  renovation  of  a  large  pool,  now 
privately  owned.  .  .  .  Approximately 
nine  acres  of  open  space  for  one 
thousand  of  its  ultimate  population  is 
being  set  aside  by  Capetown,  South 
Africa.  A  suburban  estate,  purchased 
by  the  City  Council  in  1950.  is  being 
developed  to  include  a  library,  tea- 
room, swimming  bath  and  park  with 
open-air  theatre.  .  .  .  The  average 
daily  attendance  in  Schoonover  pool, 
Limn,  Ohio,  during  June  1952  was 
925.  almost  double  the  daily  attend- 
ance of  485  during  June  1951.  This 
year,  for  the  first  time,  the  pool  was 
painted  an  attractive  light  blue  color. 

A  Symbol  of  Peace 

No  ordinary  corncob  or  imitation 
Meerschaum  is  the  Baton  Rouge  High 
— Istrouma  High  "Peace  Pipe."  Un- 
like the  old-time  tribesmen's  symbol  of 
peace,  it  can't  be  smoked,  but  it  is 
a  symbol,  nevertheless.  Annually  since 
1935.  these  two  largest  high  schools 
in  Baton  Rouge  have  clashed  with 
red-hot  rivalry  on  the  •  city's  football 
gridirons,  with  the  victor  usually  in 
the  running  for  state  honors.  Feelings 
often  ran  high  following  the  games.  A 
symbol  of  peace  was  indicated. 


Students  of  both  schools  have  long 
been  active  supporters  of  the  youth 
program  of  the  recreation  and  park 
commission  of  East  Baton  Rouge  Par- 
ish, including  the  annual  football  frol- 
ic. Recreation  officials  wished  to  show 
their  appreciation  for  this  participa- 
tion by  the  older  youths — with  a  sym- 
bol of  cooperation.  A  bit  of  the  city's 
history  was  added.  Its  name,  Baton 
Rouge,  was  given  to  it  by  an  Indian 
tribe  and  means  "red  stick."  Thus 
the  Youth  Center  Peace  Pipe  trophy 
was  created  in  1951. 

Carved  by  an  assistant  leader  at  the 
youth  center,  from  seven  layers  of 
oak,  its  bowl  is  eight  inches  high  and 
six  inches  in  diameter.  Attached  to 
its  twenty-six  inch  stem  is  a  leather 
thong  decorated  with  feathers,  dyed 
green  and  gold  for  Baton  Rouge  and 
grey  and  red  for  Istrouma.  A  small 
leather  tag,  signifying  the  winning 
team  for  the  year,  is  chained  to  the 
pipe.  It  is  accepted  by  the  captain  of 
the  victorious  squad  from  the  captain 
of  the  losing  team  at  the  football  frolic, 
and  remains  in  the  trophy  case  of  the 
winning  school  until  the  following 
year's  game  is  played. 

The  Istrouma  Indians,  now  state 
champions,  hold  it  this  year,  having 


taken  the  game  in  1951,  thirty-four  to 
six.  Four  hundred  students  from  the 
two  schools  attended  the  frolic  at  the 
youth  center  to  watch  the  presenta- 
tion. Above  are  shown  the  co-captains 
of  the  1951  football  teams. 


OCTOBER  is 


enough! 


GIVE  NOW 


I    THROUGH  YOUR 

COMMUNITY  CHEST 


R  1952 


305 


Youth  Symphony  members,  San  Diego,  take  part  in  navy  and  army  project's. 


M\kiM.  I'l.vNs  for  vour  fall  and 
winter  recreation  program,  do  not 
forget  the  serviceman  at  the  nearby 
installation  who  hungers  for  civilian, 
off-post  activities — the  sort  of  recre- 
ation that  he  enjoyed  back  in  his  own 
home  town.  (Carefully  review  your 
•  opy  of  Off-l'osl  Recreation  jor  the 
Armed  Forces',  and  if  you  have  not 
received  this  publication,  send  for  a 
sample  copy  at  once !  i 

Close  cooperation  with  the  special 
MTVica  officer  at  the  in-tallation  will 
!*>  productive  of  main  program  ideas, 
of  a  clearer  understanding  of  the  needs 
of  these  men  and  women-  -and  even 
of  new  leadership  for  \our  own  pro. 
gram.  You  will  find  that  many  of  the 
service  personnel  are  skilled  in  various 
phases  of  recreation  and  will  be  only 
too  glad  to  lend  llieii  -er\  ice-  v,hei>  \>  i 
they  can  make  a  real  contribution. 

I  rv  to  draw  M-IV  ice  people  into  \  »ui 
regular  aclivitie-  rather  than  Ire.ii 
them  a-  a  group  apart.  In  addition  to 
weleoming  them  iii  vour  sports  and 
.ilblelii-  program,  make  an  effort  to 
draw  them  into  new  interests  into 
.irl-  and  craft-,  mii-ie.  photography 
.mil  other  -in  h  group-,  and  into  your 
•ocial  affairs. 

U»c  the  tried  and  true  "e\p...nri 
methiMl"  to  catch  their  intere-t  I  • 
example.  ->  i  up  .1  i  i.ift  ,n  tivitv  in  a 


*  \>.oljl.l.    irrr. 
ii.  >n     \.... 
10. 


ilu-    \«ti»n«l    Krcrra- 
\\rnn> 


i  on>|iii  nous  spot  in  \ourcenter,  where 
anyone  entering  cannot  miss  it  and 
where  boys  from  the  base  will  be  in- 
trigued by  what  is  going  on  and  can 
crowd  around  to  watch.  Next  thing 
\ou  know,  they  will  want  to  try  a 
hand  themselves.  I  Be  sure  to  select  a 
project  which  can  be  finished  in  a  rea- 
sonably short  period  of  time.)  Make 
them  feel  at  home,  and  encourage 
them  when  they  make  any  gesture  to- 
ward participation,  or  toward  express- 
ing their  own  ideas.  You  will  find 
many  who  have  never  done  anything 
with  their  hands,  many  who  will  tell 
\ou  that  lbe\  have  no  artistic  ability. 
These  are  the  one-  who.  if  genlK  lured 
into  trying  it  anyway,  just  for  "the 
fun  of  it''  without  attracting  too  much 
attention,  become  the  most  enthusias- 
tic when  they  actually  hold  in  tlieii 
hand-  something  which  thev  h.ix. 
made. 

Watch  for  lho-e  who  are  especialK 
-killed,  a-  po— ibilities  for  leadership. 
Put  their  suggestion-  into  pradiee 
whercxei  f>  .i-ible. 

I  ->•  the  -amc  method  to  introduce 
them  to  other  activities  dancing 
claMes,  song  fe-t-.  mu«ic  listening 
groups,  games,  am)  so  on.  A-  lhe\  |.e 
gin  to  feel  at  home,  draw  them  into 
the  group  planning. 

The   follow  ing   brief   rep»il-  iti.li>   il. 
h»u   -OIIH-  i  oinmimilv    dep.nlmeiits  arc 
>-ding  with  ici  re.itioii  f»r  -en  ii  e 
men   and   their   famili> •-. 


Teamwork 

It's  the  team  work  in  Annislon.  Ala- 
bama, between  the  special  service. 
officer  at  Fort  McClellan  and  the  su- 
perintendent of  recreation,  that  ha- 
niade  civilian-military  relation-  in  ihi- 
area  outstanding.  The  whole  range  of 
activities  sponsored  by  the  city  recrea- 
tion department  has  been  made  avail- 
able to  the  servicemen.  Teams  from 
McClellan  take  part  in  the  c-it\  league-. 
Swimming,  golfing.  softhall  and  other 
facilities  have  been  opened  to  the 
men.  The  park  and  recreation  board 
has  assisted  in  square  dancing  ami 
oilier  social  activities. 

Mlhiiiigh  a  -IT\  icemen's  center  w.i- 
c-tahlished  \,\  the  city  during  ihc  cai  l\ 
da\s  of  the  niol'ili/ation  program,  the 
response  did  not  justify  its  conlinn.i- 
tion.  The  McClellan  men.  in  the  word- 
of  General  Christenl>err\  .  wanted  "t" 
meet  community  people.  not  just  other 
-I-M  icemen." 

\lmic  Productions 

\  loopeiative  undertaking  between 
a  civilian  recreation  department  ami  .1 
military  installation  proved  highly 
--fill  in  San  Diego,  when  the  park 
and  recreation  department  and  tin 
Maiine  Corp*  recruit  depot  |i,.,.|,  .i 
effort-,  in  \pril.  l'>.~>2.  to  pre-cnl  three 
ficc  (K-rformances  of  "An  Kvening 
\\ilh  IJogci-  and  llammiTslein"  at  the 
Marine  Cmp-  depot  ihc.itn-. 

Taking  a  clue  from  ifiu.uk-  iii.nl> 
.it  the  National  Mu-ii-  (.mmiil  IVccm- 
lirr  meeting  b\  Lieutenant  (  ,.|,.n.  I 
Frank  M.  l>a\cnpoil.  chief  of  the  armv 
ilioii.il  -ci\  M  i-  branch  of  the  aimv 
-pci  1.  1  1  -i-i  \  ii  c«  ili\  i-imi.  -I  ic—  ing  ci\  n 
and  mililarv  joint  i.  ->.,.n-d>ilil\  l»i 
tin-  cultural  development  of  \oiing  men 
ami  women  in  the  -en  u  >  tin  VIM 


KM 


RECREATION 


Diegans  were  able  to  produce  two  fine 
shows  for  service  personnel  and  one 
free  public  performance,  all  of  whicb 
were  received  with  popular  approval 
and  critical  acclaim. 

The  park  and  recreation  department 
supplied  its  famous  Youth  Symphony, 
directed  by  Leo  B.  Scheer,  assisted  in 
publicity  and  ticket  distribution,  and 
saw  to  it  that  key  figures  in  the  local 
music  field  were  made  aware  of  the 
outstanding  possibilities  of  such  proj- 
ects. The  marines,  through  the  coop- 
eration of  commanding  officer  Major 
General  William  T.  Clement  (since  re- 
tired at  a  higher  rank),  supplied  the 
theatre,  a  marine  chorus  of  men  and 
women,  a  recruit  chorus,  a  group  of 
talented  soloists,  two  guest  stars  from 
Los  Angeles,  and  all  necessary  facili- 
ties. 

Preparing  for  the  concert  was  mere- 
ly one  more  in  a  year-around  series  of 
activities  for  the  seventy-member 
Youth  Symphony.  The  enthusiastic 
high  school  and  college-age  musicians 
enjoyed  working  with  the  military 
artists  immensely.  The  Youth  Sym- 
phony's active  board  of  directors,  rep- 
resenting leading  San  Diego  citizens, 
plans  many  more  cooperative  projects 
with  navy,  marine  and  army  units  in 
the  future. 

General  Clement  said  of  the  event 
that  it  "represents  the  ideal  in  coop- 
erative endeavor  between  civic  and 
military  groups  in  this  community/ 
while  San  Diego's  Mayor  John  D.  But- 
ler called  the  concert  another  example 
of  the  bonds  that  unite  the  city  and  the 
Marine  Corps  recruit  depot. 

The  "Evening  With  Rogers  and 
Hammerstein"  is  but  one  of  many  co- 
operative projects  of  the  civilian  rec- 
reation and  service  groups  in  San 
Diego,  but  it  points  up  particularly  the 
mutual  advantages  that  an  undertaking 
in  the  cultural  field,  and  especially  in 
music,  may  have  in  providing  enter- 

OCTOHKU   1952 


lainment  and  recreation  for  both  the 
public  and  military  personnel.  The 
good  will  engendered  between  the  city 
and  the  marines  is  an  investment  with 
equally  long-lasting  potential. 

Fears  Unfounded 

When  the  Oxnard,  California,  recre- 
ation department's  community  center 
was  first  thrown  open  for  the  exclusive 
use  of  servicemen  on  Saturday  night, 
there  was  some  fear  on  the  part  of 
local  residents  that  the  venture  might 
lead  to  drinking  and  questionable  con- 
duct. With  fingers  crossed,  the  spon- 
sors decided  not  to  have  the  shore  pa- 
trol present  until  it  was  absolutely  nec- 
essary. However,  Dick  Abernathy,  lo- 
cal superintendent  of  recreation,  re- 
ports that  the  results  have  shown  that 
these  fears  were  unfounded. 

The  Saturday  night  program  in- 
cludes a  regular  dance  plus  ping-pong, 
dominoes,  cards,  and  other  recreation 
games.  Volunteers  serve  as  junior  host- 
esses, senior  hostesses,  receptionists 
and  at  the  refreshments  bar.  Women's 
civic  groups  provide  cakes,  cookies, 
sandwiches  and  coffee  for  refresh- 
ments. Local  merchants  contribute 
door  prizes,  and  entertainment  is  pro- 
vided by  local  talent. 

During  the  week  many  servicemen 
attend  the  recreation  department's 
Light  Opera  Association,  the  square 
dances,  leather  and  ceramic  classes  and 
other  functions  of  the  department. 

Military   Personnel   and   Wives 
Provide  Leadership 

The  Memorial  Youth  Center  oper- 
ated by  the  Roswell,  New  Mexico, 
Recreation  Council  serves  the  teen- 
agers at  the  Roswell  Air  Base  through 
regular  teen-center  dances.  Many  of 
the  families  of  servicemen  also  partici- 
pate in  other  program  activities. 

Almost  all  of  the  leadership  at  the 
center  is  provided  by  military  person- 


Roller  skating  is  popular  teen-age  sport. 
Why  not  include  it  in  program;  invite  serv- 
ice people  to  join  group?  Check  with  other 
agencies,  avoid  duplication  of  activities. 


nel  or  their  wives,  who  are  paid  for 
such  services  by  the  recreation  coun- 
cil. The  use  of  qualified  service  per- 
sonnel for  community  recreation  lead- 
ership has  also  been  reported  from  a 
number  of  communities. 

Pamphlet  Available 

Mother,  May  I  Go  Out  Dancing?— 
the  pamphlet  used  by  the  Armed 
Forces  Hospitality  Committee  in  Wash- 
ington, D.C.,  for  training  junior  host- 
esses— is  available  in  quantities  to  any 
community  recreation  department.  This 
is  designed  to  give  the  hostess  concrete 
suggestions  as  to  what  to  do,  or  what 
not  to  do,  at  dances  for  service  per- 
sonnel. Prices  are  twenty-five  cents  per 
copy  in  quantities  up  to  nine;  twenty 
cents  per  copy  for  ten  to  twenty-five: 
and  fifteen  cents  each  if  more  than 
twenty-five  are  ordered.  Orders  should 
be  sent  to  Recreation  Services,  Incor- 
porated. Armed  Services  Hospitality 
Committee,  Room  !>.  Old  District 
Building.  Washington  4,  D.C. 

307 


MARKET  NEWS 


Gymstand  Catalog 
\  sixteen-page  catalog  on  rolling 
L'wii-taiids  may  be  obtained  from 
M  Iron  Works,  Wayne,  Peiin-%1- 
\ania.  Contained  in  the  catalog  are 
di-<  ussions  of  such  features  of  Wa\  in- 
Rolling  (>\mstands  as  safety  codes, 
maintenance,  operation,  visibility. 
-pare  saving,  comfort  and  appearance. 
\l-ii  included  is  a  section  devoted  to 
planning  aids  for  g\  mna.sium  seating, 
and  sample  specifications  for  ordering. 


Shuffleboard 

I  In-   vacationers'   popular   outdoor 
«|>ort       -huflleboard       i*  coming   in- 
doors. The  result  is  a   In;.-   n-\j\al  of 
inlereM   in  the  game,  with  m.m\    llnm 
-.in. I-   of    M.-W    enlliii-ia-l-.    \oimg   and 
•  •M    alike.    pushing    a    -hulHelioard    cue 
for  I  hi-  fir«l  lime.    V  new   .huflli  , 
-••t    m. iMiif.ii  lured    b\    tin-    l)iiin. 

I    "ir.p.llu.     |)ll\|o||.    I  l|||,,.     j.    allOIlt    tHO- 

third*  of  tin-  rcgulalioi  -i-t- 

i>f  four  lightweight  alun mi  •  m--  .ui.l 

eight  disc*,  four  red  and  four  l>l.i<  k 
They  can  br  used  in  any  place  when- 
(here    nrr    lhirl\    or    more    fn-l    of 


-traightawu\   .-pace  on  a  solid  base. 

Asphalt  tile  courts  with  built-in  scor- 
ing triangles  can  be  obtained  through 
retail  floor  covering  stores  and  in- 
stalled in  game  rooms  and  basement*. 
However,  a  court  can  be  painted  on 
an\  concrete  surface  In  merel\  follow- 
ing instructions  included  with  a  Dim- 
co-(/ray  set.  The  heavy-duty  di-es.  -pe- 
nally treated  to  slide  on  asphalt  tile 
or  concrete,  and  the  four-foot  cues  re- 
tail at  SUi.Ti.  Also  included  with  the 
set  are  the  official  rules  of  the  game. 

Piano  Carriers 

"No  In-lp  needed  to  move  a  piano 
describes  the  accomplishments  of  tin- 
Sutherland  Piano  Carriers,  which  at- 
tach permanently  to  both  upright  and 
grand  pianos,  to  permit  <|uick  and 
i-a-\  nio\  ing  of  the  instrument-  1>\  one 
person,  without  fear  of  tipping.  Sets 
for  upright  pianos  consist  of  castcreil. 
all-steel  brackets  with  fi\e-ineh  rubber 
tired  wheel-  for  front  and  back  piano 
i  orners.  On  the  back  corners,  the 
bracket  arm-  extend  diagonal!)  to  per- 
mit passage  through  narrow  doors. 
(  oinpleti-  information  and  prices  may 
be  obtained  bv  writing  the  manufac- 
turer. J.  M.  Sutherland  Supply  Com- 
pany. 2521  Kansas  Avenue,  South 
Gate.  California. 


Rubber  Plastic  Paste 
Flex-0-Fix,  a  pure  rubber  plastic  in 
a  handy  six-inch  applicator  tube,  is 
announced  by  Fle\-()-l'i\  Sales.  17 
North  VI  abash  Avenue.  Chicago  2,  Illi- 
nois. This  rubber  plastic  paste  enables 
anyone  to  mend,  rebuild,  seal,  insulate 
and  waterproof  any  type  of  rubber, 
fabric  or  leather  products  quickly  and 
easily.  Waterproof  gasket-,  washers. 
and  so  on.  can  be  made  by  spreading 
Flex-0-Fix  evenly  on  a  glas-  -!iif.ni. 
allowing  it  to  dry  in  a  sheet  and  rut- 
ting it  to  the  desired  size. 

In  each  Flex-0-Fix  package  then-  i- 
included  a  patch  of  sandpaper  and  an 
extensive  step-by-step,  easy  to  follow 
instruction  folder  on  repairing  and 
treating  many  articles.  Retail  price  for 
the  package  is  one  dollar. 

Uniform  Hangers 

All-Amerii-an  steel  uniform  hangen 
which  accommodate  all  of  a  plaxer"- 
baseball,  basketball  or  football  gear  in 


one  unit,  and  provide  open  air  drying 
for  the  equipment,  arc  manufactured 
l>\  the  American  Playground  Device 
Compam.  Anderson.  Indiana.  These 
hanger-  permit  elluient  handling  and 
longer  life  for  equipment  and  save 
storage  space  and  time.  Kach  hanger 
weighs  two  pounds  and  costs  Sl.-lo. 
\n  illii-lialed  folder  containing  infoi 
mation  on  these  and  other  item-  of 
die  — ing  ioi  .in  ei|iiipmeiil — cnecl.iiip 

|..l-kel-.  -|e.-|  li.l-kel  lack-.  lo.kel-. 
I.M-kei  loom  -eats,  rubber  fool  hath-, 
i  matting,  numlx-i  ->•!-.  bta  — 
checks  and  -o  forth  m.i\  he  ohlained 
l>\  writing  to  the  American  IM.iv 

.M.l    De\  ice    ("oni|>an\  . 


' 


Hi  i  IU  MKiN 


Books  Received 


Pamphlets 


AERODYNAMICS  FOR  MODEL  AIR- 
PLANES; also  MODEL  AIRPLANE  EN- 
GINES, Donald  K.  Foote,  A.  S. 
Barnes  and  Company,  New  York. 
$3.00  each. 

ART  OF  THE  STORY-TELLER,  THE, 
Marie  L.  Shedlock.  Dover  Publica- 
tions, New  York.  $2.95. 

CHILD'S  BOOK  OF  KNITTING,  Edith  Jay. 
Greenberg,  Publisher,  New  York. 
$1.50. 

EMBROIDERY  DESIGNER'S  SKETCH 
BOOK,  E.  Kay  Kohler.  Pitman  Pub- 
lishing Corporation,  New  York. 
$3.00. 

FAMILY  LIFE  EDUCATION  IN  SCHOOL 
AND  COMMUNITY,  Elizabeth  McHose. 
Bureau  of  Publications,  Teachers 
College,  Columbia  University,  New 
York.  $3.50. 

GIRL'S  BOOK  OF  SEWING,  Jane  Chap- 
man. Greenberg,  Publisher,  New 
York.  $2.00. 

LIFE  INSURANCE  ASSOCIATION  OF 
AMERICA,  PROCEEDINGS  OF  THE  FOR- 
TY-FIFTH ANNUAL  MEETING.  Life 
Insurance  Association  of  America, 
488  Madison  Avenue,  New  York  22. 

LITTLE  GOLDEN  BOOKS:  ALL  ABOARD, 
Marion  Conger;  BUGS  BUNNY  GETS 
A  JOB,  Annie  North  Bedford;  LIT- 
TLE GOLDEN  BOOK  OF  DOGS,  Nita 
Jonas;  WALT  DISNEY'S  MICKEY 
MOUSE  AND  His  SPACE  SHIP,  Jane 
Werner;  Simon  and  Schuster,  New 
York.  $.25  each. 

Music  THERAPY,  1951,  Proceedings. 
National  Association  for  Music 
Therapy.  Esther  Goetz  Gilliland,  Chi- 
cago Musical  College,  64  East  Van 
Buren  Street,  Chicago  5.  $3.00. 

WOODWORK  FOR  THE  BEGINNER,  Frank- 
lin H.  Gottshall.  The  Bruce  Publish- 
ing Company,  Milwaukee.  $4.00. 

SWIMMING  POOL  DATA  AND  REFERENCE 
ANNUAL,  1952.  Hoffman-Harris,  In- 
corporated, 425  Fourth  Avenue,  New 
York.  $3.00. 

TRAINING  UNRULY  BOYS  TO  EXCEL, 
Ivan  W.  Berquist.  House  of  Edin- 
boro,  Boston.  $3.00. 

VITALIZED  ASSEMBLIES — Two  HUN- 
DRED PROGRAMS  FOR  ALL  OCCA- 
SIONS, Nellie  Zetta  Thompson.  E.  P. 
Dutton  and  Company,  New  York. 
$2.00. 

WHERE  TO  RETIRE  ON  A  SMALL  IN- 
COME, Harian  Publications,  Depart- 
ment E-l,  Greenlawn,  New  York. 
$1.00. 

You  AND  YOUR  AGING  PARENTS— How 
to  keep  your  parents  happy  while 
living  your  own  life!  Edith  M.  Stern 
and  Mabel  Ross.  M.D.  A.  A.  Wyn. 
New  York.  $2.75. 

OCTOBER  1952 


COLLEGE  UNIONS — 1952,  Report  of 
Proceedings  of  the  Twenty-ninth  An- 
nual Conference  of  The  Association 
of  College  Unions.  Edgar  A.  Whit- 
ing, Secretary,  Association  of  Col- 
lege LJnions,  Willard  Straight  Hall. 
Cornell  University,  Ithaca,  New 
York.  $1.50. 

COMPETITIVE  ACTIVITIES  FOR  CHIL- 
DREN. The  North  Carolina  Recrea- 
tion Commission,  Raleigh. 

DIRECTORY  OF  DAY  CARE  AGENCIES  IN 
NEW  YORK  CITY.  New  York  City  De- 
partment of  Health,  125  Worth 
Street,  New  York  13.  Free. 

FOLK  DANCE  MEMORIZER,  THE,  Fred 
Leifer.  Fred  Leifer,  Tex  Lightning 
Dance  Enterprises,  1583  East  98th 
Street,  Brooklyn  12.  $1. 

FUN  AROUND  THE  CAMPFIRE,  G.  S. 
Ripley.  Boy  Scouts  of  America,  2 
Park  Avenue,  New  York  16.  $.60. 

GOOD  READING  AHEAD!  Professional 
Staff  Association,  Boston  Public  Li- 
brary, Boston,  Massachusetts.  $.25. 

HEALTHY  PERSONALITY  FOR  YOUR 
CHILD,  A.  Children's  Bureau,  Fed- 
eral Security  Agency,  Washington 
25,  D.  C.  Free. 

Hi,  SQUARE  DANCERS!,  Kenneth  Fow- 
ell.  Kenneth  Fowell,  Director  of  Rec- 
reation, Great  Falls,  Montana,  $2.00. 

How  TO  MAKE  IT,  a  bibliography,  Em- 
ma Staudte.  Curriculum  Laboratory, 
Teachers  College,  Temple  Universi- 
ty, Philadelphia  22,  $.50. 

INFORMAL  GROUPS  AND  THE  COMMU- 
NITY, Hurley  H.  Doddy.  Bureau  of 
Publications,  Teachers  College,  Co- 
lumbia University,  New  York.  $.75. 

LIABILITY  FOR  ACCIDENTS  IN  PHYSICAL 
EDUCATION,  ATHLETICS,  RECREA- 
TION, Howard  C.  Leibee.  Ann  Ar- 
bor Publishers,  Ann  Arbor,  Michi- 
gan. $2.00. 

LIFE  ADJUSTMENT  BOOKLETS:  BABY- 
SITTER'S HANDBOOK,  Judy  Flander; 
FACTS  ABOUT  JUVENILE  DELINQUEN- 
CY, Ruth  Strang:  WHAT  is  HONES- 
TY? Thaddeus  B.  Clark;  YOUR  BE- 
HAVIOR PROBLEMS,  0.  Spurgeon 
English  and  Constance  J.  Foster. 
Science  Research  Associates,  Chi- 
cago. $.40  each. 

MEASURING  YOUR  PUBLIC  RELATIONS, 
Herman  D.  Stein.  National  Publicity 
Council  for  Health  and  Welfare 
Services,  257  Fourth  Avenue,  New 
York  10.  $1.25. 

MODERN  PHILANTHROPY  AND  HUMAN 
WELFARE.  The  Grant  Foundation, 
1441  Broadway,  New  York.  Free. 

"MOTHER,  MAY  I  Go  OUT  DANCING?" 
Recreation  Services,  Armed  Services 
Hospitality  Committee,  Old  District 
Building,  Washington  4,  D.C.  $.25. 


NATIONAL  SOCIAL  WELFARE  ASSEMBLY, 
ANNUAL  REPORT.  National  Social 
Welfare  Assembly.  1790  Broadway. 
New  York,  Free. 

OUTDOOR  SCHOOLROOM  FOR  OUTDOOR 
LIVING,  THE,  William  Gould  Vinal. 
Vinehall,  R.F.D.,  Cohasset,  Massa- 
chusetts. $1.00. 

PLANNING  ELEMENTARY  BUILDINGS  FOR 
SCHOOL  AND  COMMUNITY  USE,  Ar- 
thur W.  Clavenger.  Bureau  of  Re- 
search and  Service,  College  of  Edu- 
cation. University  of  Illinois,  Ur- 
bana. 

PLAYS  FOR  CHILDREN.  The  Children's 
Theatre  Press.  Cloverlot.  Anchorage. 
Kentucky. 

POLICIES  AND  PROCEDURES.  North  Car- 
olina Recreation  Commission,  Ral- 
eigh. 

POLIO  CAN  BE  CONQUERED,  Alton  L. 
Blakeslee.  Public  Affairs  Commit- 
tee, 22  East  38th  Street.  New  York. 
$.20. 

READINGS  IN  INTERGROUP  RELATIONS, 
Helen  F.  Storen.  The  National  Con- 
ference of  Christians  and  Jews,  381 
Fourth  Avenue,  New  York.  $.25. 

RECLAMATION  PAYS  AN  EXTRA  DIVI- 
DEND. Bureau  of  Reclamation,  Unit- 
ed States  Department  of  the  Interior, 
Washington  25,  D.C. 

RECREATIONAL  ACTIVITIES  FOR  CRIP- 
PLED CHILDREN,  Lois  Perrin.  State 
Services  for  Crippled  Children,  State 
University  of  Iowa,  Iowa  City. 
$1.00. 

RECREATION  FOR  THE  AGING.  The 
North  Carolina  Recreation  Commis- 
sion, Raleigh. 

RECREATION  LEADERSHIP,  Walter  L. 
Stone  and  Charles  G.  Stone.  William 
Frederick  Press,  New  York.  $2.00. 

REPORT  ON  BOARDS  AND  COMMISSIONS 
IN  COUNCIL-MANAGER  CITIES  WITH 
PARTICULAR  REFERENCE  TO  DES 
MoiNES,  A,  Corbett  Long.  The  City 
Council  of  the  City  of  Des  Moines, 
Iowa. 

REPORT  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  ON  FU- 
TURE PROGRAM  As  ADOPTED  BY  THE 
NATIONAL  SOCIAL  WELFARE  ASSEM- 
BLY. National  Social  Welfare  As- 
sembly, 1790  Broadway,  New  York 
19.  $.50. 

RHYTHMICAL  MOVEMENTS  AND  EXER- 
CISES, James  S.  Nicoll.  Banks,  Up- 
shaw  and  Company,  Dallas.  $2.50. 

SCHOOLS  RESPONSIBILITY  IN  RECREA- 
TION, THE.  Michigan  Inter-Agency 
Council  for  Recreation,  400  Bauch 
Building,  Lansing  23,  Michigan. 

SCORER'S  HANDBOOK  OF  THE  AMERI- 
CAN BASEBALL  CONGRESS.  American 
Baseball  Congress,  Youth  Building, 
Battle  Creek,  Michigan.  $.15. 

SEATTLE  PLEASURE  BOAT  MOORAGE. 
City  Planning  Commission,  Seattle. 

SINGING  Is  THE  THING.  Association 
Press,  291  Broadway,  New  York  7. 
$.50. 

309 


"Kir  HII-.  Helen  and  tarry  Eisenberg. 
Helen  and  tarry  Eisentarg,  2403 
Branch  "li..t.  Na-hi  ille.  Tennessee. 
1.75. 

"in  m.  \I-KNCY  BOARD  MxMBEB  IN- 
-  1 1  M  n-.  I  larleigh  B.  Trccker.  Com- 
munity Chests  and  Cooncili  of 
America,  8  West  40th  Street,  New 
'l-.rk  18. 

"IINI..X  TO  SIM,  «irn  RECREATION  IN 
VTHI  MKVI-.  Irving  Cheyette  and  Al- 
l«-rl  Renna.  Theodore  Presser  Com- 
pany.    Br\n     Mawr.     Pennsylvania. 

Pa 

"rnKNi.ni  FOR  THE  LONG  RUN,  Charles 
K.  Wilson.  Superintendent  of  Doc- 
uments, I'nited  States  Government 
Printing  Office,  Washington  2.5,  D.C. 
8.35. 

"  1 1  IIY  OF  STATE  RECREATION  IN  CON- 
NH  TIOX  WITH  FEDERAL  KKSKKVOIRS. 
The  Council  of  State  Governments, 
1313  East  60th  Street,  Chicago  37. 
*1.50. 

WATEKI.INF-.  KEY  TO  DEVELOPMENT 
OF  MKTKOPOI.IT\N  Los  ANGELES, 
Charles  W.  Eliot  and  Donald  F. 
i  iriffin.  The  Haynes  Foundation. 
2324  South  Figueroa  Street,  Los 
Angeles  7.  $.25. 

WEARING  o'  THE  GREEN,  Arthur  Le- 
Roy  Kaser  and  others.  Baker's 
Plays,  Boston. 

WHEN  You  ARE  IN  THE  WOODS,  Fay 
Welch.  State  University  College  of 
Forestry,  Syracuse,  New  York.  Free. 

\HH  BOOK  1950-51.  Part  1.  National 
Jewish  Welfare  Board,  145  Fast 
32nd  Str«-.-t.  Vw  York  16. 


Hi  \lllll!  I  FT 

Simplified  Procedure 
and  Projects 
9th  Edition 

by  LfSTER  GR/SWOID 

•  A       I  ..lll|,lf  trl>       ll,t.lll'<l.       .llmml.llltly       I 
)ll,tr.lt,'<l     IHIW  -to   <l>l    it     tMMlk     'in      M 

•  k     in .1    ti-U 

ift    Din  i  l,.r   -iii.l     I  <  .1,  ln-r.    llw- 
.ill. in      l..-.uli-r.      III.-      <>nn|" 

Thrrapitt.    and    tin-    lmlivi<lii.il    ( 

•  I  M,i  in,,   with   i  I.  ii    .iii.l    .n,i|i|.    imtrui 
tlom  how  to  pmrml  with  may  haadf- 
rrali   protect    .    .    .   dwerlbw   Ou 

tad   mulrnali   nr<r«wir>    .   .   .  ami    tin 
actual  >top»  invi.K.  •! 

•  \liii     .in    introduction    on    dnicn    in 

•••  .  i 

ll.-,ll.,,,,ll,,K.       (     . 

I,     IVi-oration,    Lapklary,    Lralhrr- 
work.     Mrtalwnrk.     Plastic*.     \'. 
and  woodnrork. 

•  r    flOO    drawino    and    photograph* 
Illuittatr   Hi.-   I. 

19S1  6     >  9"  4«0   page, 

Onlrr    (ram   •»o»jrllrr.    and    (..II    s,,,,,,l, 
llrjUr,     or     ilirr(t),      (mm     thr     pnlili«nrr 

Pric.:    $5.35 

(MlllCVlloiMt    dfocotnrt     allnwrd    fof     qujin- 

.... 


PRENTICE-HALL,  INC. 

70   Fifth   Avenue 
New   York    1  1,  N.Y. 


\MKKK.\N  Cm.  June  1952 
San   Francisco's  Sunset  Community 

Center.  Paul  Opperman. 

July  /'/7_> 
"."oft"  Playground  Surfacing.  K.  N. 

CondalL 
BEACH   VND  POOL,  May  1952 

The  Gunite  Method.  Roy  W.  Killings- 

worth  and  John  I).  Hall. 
A  Voluntary  Certificate  of  Compe- 

teni-x. 
Bathing  Suit  Disinfection. 

June  W52 
Low   Cost    Design    in   Municipal 

Swimming    Pools,    Hugh    M.   Mc- 

Clure. 
For  Sparkling  Water  Eliminate  Al- 

gae, William  Berens. 
Suggestions  for  Effective  Beach  Op- 

eration, Mark  L.  Rennert. 

July  1952 
"uimming   Pool   Design   for   Better 

Health    and    Sanitation,    A.    Ma- 

theis. 
Playground  Equipment  Boosts  Swim- 

ming Pool  Patronage,  William  J. 

Duchaine. 
Testing  Pool  Water  for  Quaternary 

Ammonium    Compounds,     F.   R. 

Mi  Crumb. 

August  1952 

New  Resuscitation  Device. 
Pnol    Filter    Installations,    Jean    C. 

Liken>. 
A    Swimming    Pool    Classification 

Program,  R.  S.  Jacobson. 
Swimming  Pool  Design,  Part  II,  A. 

Malheis. 

(.UIHIHNM     PARENT-TE\CHEH.     June 
1952 

The  Pied  Pipers  of  1952,  Eugene  C. 

IY<  kman. 
Family    Fun    in    Summer.    William 

I  n  ili-rickson,   Jr. 

Safe  Playgrounds.  K.   N.  Cun- 


CIMI-IM.  M  M.V/INK.  June  1952 

"jiiritual  Values  in  Camping,  Lowell 
B.  Hazzard. 

ils    for    (lamp    Administratinti. 
\n-liii    \.  Si-hut-k. 

Jill   ItN  M.     Ill       I  III        \MI  lill    \\       \»>IH   I  V 

i  IIIN    i  mi    HIM  i  n.    I'lnsn  \\.   I  in 
•  VIION.   Iti  i  HI  MIUN.    May   1"~>J 
"iimmi-r  lin  n-.tlimi  l>\    Popular   I  >. 
MI.  mil.  (ii-orf-i-  M.  Slul>er. 

\nln-i  \     Safi-l\     Hull--.     M\rlli-     K. 

Mffler. 

"|inrl    Ian-     \n-   a    Menace.    Siilnex 
\\      I 

\       (    I---.      .;-      .,(      ".  li.n.l      <    .un(,|T,-. 

George  K.  Raab  and  J.   Kenneth 


Ifosjiiial  Recreation  U  I  oique, B. E. 

Phillips. 
I'VKI.N  I-N'    M  \t.\/l\K.    lllll,-    /'>",_' 

(  i.ni|ii-|iti\e    Spuit^:     Mi-naee    or 

B|I-»MIIU.  Jark   llarii^on   Pollark. 

July   !»-,_> 
Make  Your  ^ard  a  Playground,  1). 

W.  Preston. 
I'utK  MAI.\TEN\NI  i .  Mm  l''~>- 

Bruised    Kiddies    Lead    to    Rubber 

Research. 
I  rj;e  to  Destroy  Is  Tremendous  Cost 

Factor  in  Parks,  Frank  V.  Faul- 

haler. 

June  1952 
Operation     Cleanup,    Louise    Price 

Bell. 
Concessions  that  Follow  the  CrowU. 

Helrner  Stark. 

Crabgrass  Dies,  W.  E.  Zimmerman. 
PARKS  AND  RECREATION,  May  1952 
Interpretation  of  Parks  Through  I  >e 

of  Visual  Aid  Materials.  H.  Ray- 
mond Gregg. 
"ur\e\    on   Surfacing   I'nder    Fi»i-.l 

Apparatus. 

Expanding  Facilities  Through  Nego- 
tiations, I^awrence  \\'.  Helgesen. 
The  Maintenani  i-  Mart. 

June  1952 
Nature  Museum  a  Natural,  Arnold 

Peterson. 
Outdoor  Education  in  Ohio,  Har\e\ 

S.  Cross. 
The  Maintenance  Mart. 

July  1952 
Suppose    Disaster    Strikes,    Vernon 

M.  Dean. 
Of  a   Ball  and   a   Tree,   Ernest   V. 

Bliihm. 
America's   First    I'lav    Sculpture    at 

Oakland,  Stanley  L.  Smith. 
A  Day  at  Camp,  Milton  Hagcn. 
The  Maintenance  Mart. 

TlIK      St  111)01.     (HIM  liNMI.NI      (    HKUNI 

i  IK  (London,  England)  May  /''>-' 

The    Crafts    and    Personal    (imwth. 

Mrs.  E.  W.  Woodhead. 
I  oi>n'~  III  \i  ill.  June  !"'>-' 

Viu'ie    NI-M-I     OKI    When    There's 
Something  to  Li\i-   Fur.  Marc  H. 
Hollender.   M.D.,  and  Stanlex     \ 
Franki-l. 

The    Ni-w    Life-a\iii);    Method.    How- 
ard Caxter. 

August  1952 

Tamp  for  the  ('.rippled,  Witt. 

Be   H.-altln.  ('.«   ll..s|,-l.   H.   C.    N.-w 

hoff. 


N.  w   K.,  n  .ill.  .n  Ix-aili-r-  M.,  i    I  In  n 
i     I  ii  L»,in  \I.    \nilrr-ion. 


arc  the  quietest  and  mo-t 
••(  friends:  the\  are  the 
ii-t  a<  i  rs«ili|r  and  wisest  of  cmin- 
-i-ll'irs.  ami  the  mo»|  patii-nt  of 
li-.u  I,' 

t'hnrlr*    W  .    Kliot 


KM  tn  ^IIIIN 


new  Publications 


Creating   an   Industrial  Civilization 

Edited  by  Eugene  Stale).  Harper  and 
Brothers,  New  York.  $4.00. 
Creating  an  Industrial  Civilization 
records  in  descriptive  and  narrative 
form  the  proceedings  of  the  Corning 
Conference,  held  at  Corning,  New 
York  in  May,  1951,  under  the  joint 
sponsorship  of  the  American  Council 
of  Learned  Societies  and  The  Corning 
Glass  Works,  to  consider  the  place  of 
human  values  in  a  world  increasingly 
dominated  by  the  products  of  mechani- 
cal technology.  Burton  Crane  describes 
the  conference  well  in  his  New  York 
Times  review  when  he  states  that  "the 
ninety-five  educators,  editors,  artists, 
architects,  industrialists  and  ethnolo- 
gists who  gathered  there  (for  what 
must  have  been  a  college  'bicker  ses- 
sion' on  a  stratospheric  level)  appear 
to  have  agreed  that  our  conflicts  lead 
to  our  dynamic  way  of  life." 

As  one  of  the  four  round-tables  in- 
to which  the  conference  was  broken 
down  was  dedicated  to  Leisure  and 
Human  Values  in  Industrial  Civiliza- 
tion, the  recreation  profession  may 
well  wonder  why  no  representative  of 
the  recreation  movement  was  invited 
to  participate.  Perhaps  we  have  not 
yet  achieved  "stratospheric"  standing 
in  the  eyes  of  the  sponsors.  On  the 
other  hand  the  discussion  on  leisure 
may  have  values  for  recreational  lead- 
ers largely  because  it  was  an  unre- 
hearsed discussion  with  no  attempt  to 
influence  or  guide  it  on  the  part  of  a 
recreation  person. 

Judging  from  this  report  of  the  con- 
ference the  discussion  did  not  give 
adequate  coverage  to  the  field  of  lei- 
sure, the  significant  part  which  it  plays 
today  in  our  whole  social  structure 
and  the  extent  to  which  it  will  deter- 
mine our  social  organization  of  the 
future.  Its  value  to  recreation  is  large- 
ly one  of  revealing  to  recreation  lead- 
ers what  the  lay  attitudes  and  lack  of 
knowledge  and  understanding  are, 
which  the  movement  must  meet  and  in 
some  instances  work  to  change. 

Included  in  the  report  is  a  "back- 

OCTOBER  1952 


Covering  the 
Leisure-time  Field 


ground  paper"  on  "Leisure  in  Indus- 
trial America"  circulated  in  advance  of 
the  conference  for  use  of  those  partici- 
pating in  the  leisure  round-table.  It 
was  prepared  by  Reuel  Denney  and 
David  Riesman  of  the  University  of 
Chicago  and  co-authors  of  The  Lonely 
Crowd.  This  is  a  most  significant  and 
penetrating  analysis  of  leisure  prob- 
lems today  and  their  importance  to 
our  society.  It  should  be  read  by  every 
recreation  leader  in  the  country.  It 
is  stimulating  professional  reading. — 
Arthur  Williams,  Assistant  Executive 
Director,  NRA.* 

All  Through  the  Year 

Florence  O'Keane  Whelan.  Hall  and 
McCreary  Company,  Chicago.  SI. 50. 
This  is  a  collection  of  songs,  with 
words,  melodies  and  piano  accompani- 
ments, built  around  the  natural  activi- 
ties of  children.  The  tunes  are  original 
in  some  cases  and  traditional  or  folk 
themes  in  others,  but  all  are  simple 
and  should  be  appealing  to  the  young 
ear.  There  are  songs  about  trains,  air- 
planes, the  grocery  store,  the  postman 
and,  of  course,  animals;  about  mother, 
health  and  going  to  school;  about  the 
holidays  of  the  year;  about  rain  and 
snow,  skating  and  skipping — usually 
with  indication  of  appropriate  rhyth- 
mic response.  The  book  is  in  heavy 
paper  covers,  with  ring  binding  to  in- 
sure flat  pages  when  opened.  Illustra- 
tions of  animals  and  of  children  at 
play  add  to  its  attractiveness. — Ger- 
trude Borchard,  Correspondence  and 
Consultation  Service,  NRA.* 

Folk  Dance  Guide 

Paul  Schwartz,  Box  342,  Cooper  Sta- 
tion, New  York  3,  New  York.  $.50. 
(Second  edition.) 

Comments  on  the  growth  of  folk 
dancing  in  American  society  are  fol- 
lowed by  a  brief  directory  of  the  folk 
dance  and  square  dance  clubs  in  An- 
chorage and  Fairbanks,  Alaska:  Chi- 


National  Recreation  Association. 


cago.  Illinois;  Lynn,  Massachusetts: 
West  Caldwell,  New  Jersey;  New  York 
City;  and  Philadelphia,  Pennsylvania. 
A  short  bibliography  of  textbooks  and 
periodicals  is  included. 

The  Manual  of  Corporate  Giving 

National  Planning  Association.  Wash- 
ington, D.  C.  $6.75. 
This  398-page  handbook,  edited  by 
Beardsley  Ruml,  chairman  of  the  NPA 
Business  Committee,  in  collaboration 
with  Theodore  Geiger,  NPA  chief  of 
research,  presents,  for  the  first  time  in 
readily  accessible  form,  the  practical 
do's  and  don'ts  for  use  in  planning 
business  contributions  under  the  five 
per  cent  tax  exemption  privilege  of  the 
Internal  Revenue  Code. 

H.  Christian  Sonne,  chairman  of  the 
NPA  board  of  trustees,  has  urged  cor- 
poration officials  to  plan  carefully  their 
programs  of  corporate  giving  for  edu- 
cational, scientific  and  welfare  activi- 
ties. This  work  is  mainly  concerned 
with  explaining  the  specific  ways  in 
which  gifts  can  be  made  to  yield  the 
maximum  benefits  both  to  the  recipient 
and  to  the  donor. 

The  Manual  pools  the  suggestions  of 
the  editors  and  of  twenty-four  other 
distinguished  authors — each  of  them 
either  an  experienced  donor,  an  ex- 
pert in  one  of  the  main  fields  to  which 
corporations  make  gifts,  or  a  recog- 
nized authority  on  the  legal  and  ad- 
ministrative problems  involved  in  or- 
ganizing and  operating  a  five  per  cent 
program. 

Mr.  Sonne  said  that  NPA's  purpose 
in  issuing  The  Manual  "is  not  to  argue 
the  case  for  corporate  giving  or  to 
plead  the  needs  and  merits  of  any  field 
of  activity  or  type  of  recipient  organi- 
zation." He  explained  that  it  is  to  pro- 
vide objective  advice  to  the  corporate 
donor  who  has  already  decided  to 
give.  "Our  interest  in  the  five  per  cent, 
and  how  it  is  spent,  springs  from  the 
conviction  that  the  maintenance  of  pri- 
vate educational,  scientific,  and  wel- 
fare organizations  and  activities  is 
vital  to  the  continued  health  of  our 
democracy.  More  private  support  of 

311 


-ii' li  acti\  itu—  i.-  imperative  toda) 
when  private  institutions  are  inrrea- 
ingl)  ronfronteil  with  the  dilemma  of 
fixed  incomes  and  rising  costs  .  .  . 
Moreover,  an  important  benefit  of  ade- 
quate private  support  is  that  it  \\ill 
preserve  and  strengthen  local  decision- 
making  and  control  so  \ital  to  the 
maintenance  of  effective!)  functioning 
democratic  institutions  in  our  coun- 

trx." 

Community  Services  for 
Older  People 

\\  ili -ox  and  Follett  Company,  Chicago. 

83.00. 

Prepared  by  the  Community  Project 
for  the  Aged  of  the  Welfare  Council  of 
Mi-tropolitan  Chicago,  under  the  aus- 
pices of  the  Wieboldt  Foundation,  this 
study  presents  The  Chicago  Plan  for 
research  and  recommendations  on  tin- 
needs  of  the  elderly.  Joseph  Prender- 
gast,  executive  director  of  the  Nation- 
al Recreation  Association,  says,  "Its 
analysis  of  recreation  needs  and  serv- 
ices and  its  recommendations  for  ex- 
pansion of  recreation  programs  for 
this  group  appear  to  me  to  be  sound 
and  should  be  stimulating  and  helpful 
to  communities  throughout  the  coun- 
tr>  .  .  .  " 

Whole  World  Singing 
Compiled    by    Edith    Lovell    Thomas. 

Friendship  Press,  New  York.  82.75. 

This  little  hook  of  songs  is  dedicated 
to  the  spirit  of  brotherhood  among  all 
peoples,  and  is  directed  especially  t<> 
tin-  '  hildren  and  youth  of  today.  It  in- 
cludes words,  music  and  piano  accom- 
paniment for  nearly  one  hundred  songs 
from  America,  England,  France,  Ire- 
land, Sweden,  China  and  Japan,  and 
•nine  thirl)  other  countries,  with  brief 
descriptive  and  historical  notes.  There 
.in-  Imliaii.  Jew  i-li  anil  T\  r<>lean  songs; 
songs  of  summer  and  harvest:  of  work 
and  play;  of  feasts  and  holidays:  folk 
•arn-il  •mifjs,  songs  of  friend- 


•hiji.  of  home,  and  of  voulh.  Illustra- 
tions introducing  the  different  sections 
arc  attracthr. 

Stories   to  Dramatize 
Winifred     Ward.     Children's    Theatre 

I'rrss.    \nchorage.   kcntuckx.   >i.7r>. 

llaxr  \nii  been  wishing  you  knew 
moie  about  progressing  from  slorx 
telling  to  story  dramatization?  Ili-n-  - 
your  answer — a  book  of  stories  and 
•lnr\  outlines,  divided  into  age  group- 
ings, and  containing  most  of  the  be- 
loved tales  of  childhood.  Miss  Ward's 
comments  on  each  add  flavor  and 
color. 

The  chapters  on  objective*,  okokx 
of  stories,  and  techniques  will  l>e  valu- 
able to  any  leader  who  understands 
the  inherent  values  of  informal  drama. 
The  chapter  on  integrated  project-  i- 
a  happy  thought.  A  bibliography  and 
a  well-organized  index  add  to  the  use- 
fullness  of  this  excellent  book. 

Handicraft 

I^ester   Griswold,  Colorado   Springs, 

Colorado.  $4.00. 

Lester  Griswold  has  been  a  leader  in 
the  craft  field  for  many  years.  He  has 
always  practiced  sincere  and  honest 
craftsmanship  and  has  been  a  leading 
exponent  of  good  design  in  the  crafts. 

The  new  ninth  edition  of  his  book, 
Handicraft,  reflects  these  fine  qualities 
on  every  page.  It  is  a  clear,  simple  and 
instructive  book  that  should  be  on  the 
bookshelf  of  everyone  interested  in 
crafts. 

To  make  the  crafts  easy  to  under- 
stand, he  includes  many  drawings,  dia- 
grams and  photographs.  These  are  hap- 
pily placed  so  that  all  the  steps  in  a 
process  are  on  the  same  page,  a  pre- 
sentation which  is  of  great  help  to  the 
l>eginner.  He  can  see  at  one  glance  all 
the  steps  involved  in  the  process. 

Here  you  will  find  easy-to-under- 
-t.iinl  directions  in  ceramics,  weaving, 
cord  weaving,  leather,  metal,  wood- 


REMINDER.  .. 


c4tnletic  Equipment 


IS   BUILT   BY 


FOB    CATALOG    WBITIi 
W.    1.    Vo.t    Bubb.r    Corp 
1600   lo.i   JSih   Street 
lei    Ane/elet    11.    Col. I 


New  York  10,  Chicogo  10,  lot  Angeles  11 


312 


rurxing.  woodwork,  basketry,  book- 
binding, fabric  decoration,  pltttic*  and 
lapidary.  The  basic  principles  and 
processes  are  clearly  pixen  so  that  .  \.  n 
the  novice  ran  learn  these  fascinating 
crafts,  l-.ach  i-  presented  in  a  logical 
manner,  with  true  knowledge  of  fine 
craftsmanship  and  design. 

Leathercraft  is  pixen  the  greatest 
amount  of  space — one  hundred  thirtx 
pages.  All  the  techniques  of  this  inter- 
'••ting  craft  are  explained. 

Next  amount  of  space — eighty  pages 
— isgixcii  In  metal  work.  rYoOBMM  for 
hammering,  raising,  piercing,  etching. 
i  'basing  and  enameling  are  shown  in 
copper,  pewter,  silver  and  aluminum. 

Woodworking  is  explained  in  fiftx  - 
MX  pages.  Here  will  be  found  direc- 
tions for  carving,  inlay,  furniture  mak- 
ing and  the  making  of  archery  equip- 
ment. 

Fort) -nine  pages  deal  with  weaxinj: 
of  various  types,  especiallx  that  of  the 
western  Indian:  while  fort) -five  pages 
are  devoted  to  explaining  interesting 
methods  of  preparing  clay,  hand- 
building,  throwing,  casting,  decorat- 
ing and  firing,  as  well  as  how  to  build 
a  kiln. 

The  remaining  crafts  are  given  a 
lesser  amount  of  space;  however,  each 
is  presented  in  a  practical  mainu-i. — 
Frank  A.  Staples,  Director  of  Arts  and 
Crafts,  National  Recreation  Associa- 
tion. 

Do   It   Yourself! 

Tricks,  Stunts  and  Skits 

Bernice    Wells    Carlson,    Abingdon- 

Cokesbury  Press,  New  York.  Cloth. 

$2.00;  paper.  S1..V~>. 

Written  for  the  grade  school  age- 
group,  this  book  contains  scores  of 
"life-of-the-partx"  tricks,  with  which 
to  amuse  and  confound  other  young 
party-goers.  Many  group  games  are 
described  in  easy-lo-understand  stxlc. 
and  there  arc  seventeen  skits  of  vaix- 
ing  types.  This  is  a  party  stunt  book 
which  youngsters  themselves  can  use 
easily,  but  it  can  also  serve  as  a  handy 
guide  for  parents  or  leader-  who  need 
to  increase  their  repertoire  of  party 
program  ideas. 

A  Garden  We  Planted  Together 
Prepared  by   United  Nations  Dcpart- 
nt    of    Public    Information.    Mc- 
Graw-Hill  Book   Company,   New 
Wk.  $2.00. 

Trygve  Lie,  in  a  foreword  "to  the 
children  of  the  world."  calls  this  book 
"a  primer  of  the  works  and  aims  of 
tin-  I  niicil  Nations."  It  shows  children 
of  in.mx  nations  working  to  create  a 
garden,  onlx  to  ili-coxci  (hat  thc\. 
too,  needed  to  study  and  plan,  work 
.mil  -haic  together  to  make  it  l-c.nili- 
ful.  \  I  niteil  Nations  Kilmslrip  of  the 
same  name  i-  «!•••  di»lrihulrd  In  the 
pul'li«her. 

IU  CREATION 


Recreation  Leadership  Courses 

Sponsored  by  the  National  Recreation  Association 

and 
Local  Recreation  Agencies 

October,  November  and  December  1952 


HELEN  DAUNCEY 

Social  Recreation 


ANNE  LIVINGSTON 

Social  Recreation 


MILDRED  SCANLON 

Social  Recreation 


Tyler,  Texas 
October  13-16 

Bellaire,  Texas 
October  20-23 

Tulsa,   Oklahoma 
October  27-30 

Wichita  Falls,  Texas 
November   10-13 

Brownwood,  Texas 
November  17-18 

San  Angelo,  Texas 
November  20-21 

Enterprise,   Alabama 
December  1-4 

Columbiana 

Shelby   County,   Alabama 

December  8-11 


Butler  County,   Alabama 
December  15-18 


Brunswick,  Georgia 
November   6 


Robert  Shelton,  Director,  Parks  and  Recreation,  City  Hall 
Dick  Gage,  Superintendent,  Parks  and  Recreation  Department 

George  M.  Taylor,  Director  of  Recreation  Tulsa  Park  Department, 
Board  of  Park  Commissioners 

Albert   B.   LaGasse,   Superintendent   of   Recreation  and   Parks 
Mr.  William  Brown,  Superintendent  of  Recreation,  City  Hall 

Mr.   Neil  McDonald,   Chairman  of  the   Youth  Center  Board,  c/o 
Insurance  Agency,  Naylor  Hotel 

Superintendent   of   Schools 

W.  W.  Elliott,  County  Superintendent  of  Schools 


County  Superintendent  of  Schools 

Georgia  Recreation  Society 

(Mrs.  Livingston  will  be  on  leave  of  absence  during  most  of  this  period) 

John  A.  Clark,  Recreation  Director,  East  Center  Street 


Pocatello,   Idaho 
October  13-16 

Pittsburg,  Kansas 
October  20-23 

State  of  Vermont 
October  27-November  7 

Myrtle  Beach,  S.  C. 
November  10-12 


Miss  Charlotte  N.   Robinson,   Instructor  of   Health  and   Physical 
Education,  Kansas  Stale  Teachers  College 

Mrs.  A.   O.   Brungardt,  Vermont  Director  of  Recreation,  Mont- 
pelier 

South  Carolina  Recreation  Conference 


FRANK  STAPLES 

Arts  and   Crafts 


GRACE  WALKER 

Creative  Recreation 


Klamath  Falls,  Oregon  Robert   E.  Bonney,   Superintendent  of  Recreation,   City  Hall 
October  6-10 

Redding,  California  Merrill  A.  Nelson,  Superintendent  of  Recreation,  Redding  Area 

October  20-30  Recreation  Department,  City  Hall 

(Mr.  Staples  will  be  en  route  east.  If  interesled  in  open  dales  on  his  schedule  get  in  louch  im- 

medialely   wilh   Charles  E.   Reed,   Manager  Field   Deparlmenl,   Nalional   Recrealion  Associalion, 
315  Fourlh  Avenue,  New  York  10,  N.  Y.) 


Governor's  Conference 
Montpelier,    Vermont 
October  20 

Wadesboro,  North  Carolina 
October  27-30 

Durham,  North  Carolina 
November  3-6 

Asheville,  North  Carolina 
November  10-20 

Niagara  Falls,  New  York 
December  1-4 


Mrs.  A.  0.  Brungardt,  Vermont  Director  of  Recreation 


Mrs.   Dorolhy   P.   Goodson,   Supervisor  Negro   Schools  of  Anson 
County 

Irwin  R.  Holmes,  W.  D.  Hill  Community  Center,  1308  Fayetteville 
Street 

Mrs.  Lucy  Herring,  Supervisor  of  Negro  Schools,  91  Broad  Street 

Myron  N.  Hendrick,  Director  of  Recreation,  Department  of  Parks 
and  Recreation 


Attendance  at  training  courses  conducted  by  National  Recreation  Association  leaders  is  usually  open  to  all  who  wish  to  at- 
tend. Kor  details  as  to  location  of  the  institute,  content  of  course,  registration  procedure,  and  the  like,  communicate  with 
the  sponsors  of  the  courses  as  listed  above. 


Hints  and  Helps  for  the  Fall  Holidays 

Material  to  aid  you  in  your  planning  for  Halloween  and  Thanksgiving  cele- 
brations is  available  from  the  National  Recreation  Association,  315  Fourth 
Avenue,  New  York  10,  New  York. 


Halloween 

All  Set  for  Halloween  (P  10)— Large-scale, 
outdoor  suggestions  and  smaller-scale,  in- 
door ideas $.15 

Bring  On  Your  Spooks  (MB  1949  -Sugges- 
tions for  decorations  and  games  .  .  $.10 

Community  Celebrates   Halloween,  The 

(r  108)— Reports  from  many  cities,  with  sug- 
gestions for  the  whole  community  and  for 
neighborhood  affairs $.15 

For  a  Halloween  Party  (MB  580)-Games, 
contests  and  fortunes  for  a  party  .  .  $.10 

Fun  for  Halloween  (P  78)— Party  plans 
include  decorations,  invitations,  pre-party 
games,  active  games,  quiet  games,  musical 
activities,  stories,  dramatics  and  a  good  bib- 
liography   $.25 

Games  and  Stunts  for  Halloween  (P  113) 
—Includes  a  dance,  fortune-telling,  and  so 
forth $.15 

Ghosts  and  All  (MB  625'- A  party  plan   $.10 

Halloween  Gambols  (P  118)— A  short  play 
in  which  the  host  is  none  other  than  Mephi- 
stopheles,  and  there  are  ghosts,  goblins  and 
witches $.10 

Halloween    Party    for    Children,    A    (MB 

1696)— House-to-house  party  with  different 
activities  at  every  stop  along  the  route  $.10 

Outline  for  Halloween  (MB  2003)-Lafo- 
yette,  Louisiana,  plans  for  grade  parties  $.10 

Peter  Pumpkin  Eater  (MP  202)-A  children's 
play,  based  upon  the  old  nursery  rhyme  $.15 

Terrible  Ghost  Story,  A  (MB  267)-Chills 
and  thrills  abound  in  this  short,  but  effective, 
ghost  story $.10 

Window  Painting  for  Halloween  (P  116) 

—Suggestions   for   window   pointing  contests 

$.10 


Thanksgiving 

Captain's  Dilemma,  The  (MP  89)— A  play- 
let based  upon  the  famous  courtship  of 
Miles  Standish $.10 

Children  of  the  Americas  (P  117)— A  pag- 
eant depicting,  through  song  and  dance, 
historic  periods  of  America  .  .  .  .  $.10 

Community  Pageant  for  Thanksgiving 
(MB  2010) $.10 

Faith  of  Our  Fathers  (MP  46)-A  Pilgrim 
pageant.  The  first  part  tells  of  the  Pilgrims, 
brings  out  clearly  the  signing  of  the  May- 
flower Compact  and  also  contains  a  scene  of 
the  first  Thanksgiving.  The  second  part  tells 
of  the  faith  of  our  fathers  in  modern 
times $.25 

Family  Party  for  Thanksgiving,  A  (MB 
1578) $.10 

For  a  Happy  Thanksgiving  (Reprinted  from 
RECREATION)  —  Suggestions  for  a  simple 
harvest  community  night  consisting  of  songs, 
dances  and  considerable  pageantry.  Also 
suggests  other  possibilities  for  harvest  enter- 
tainments and  festivals $.10 

Harvest    Home    Thanksgiving    Party    (P 

119)  — Grand    fun    for    a    family    celebra- 
tion       $.10 

Program  for  Thanksgiving,  A  (P  120)— 
Eight  tableaux  with  narrators  .  .  .  $.10 

Thanksgiving  Ceremonial,  A  (MB  1421)— 
For  church,  school,  community  auditorium 
use.  The  Earth  Mother  and  the  Earth  Chil- 
dren take  part  in  a  procession,  followed  by 
groups  of  Pilgrims,  pioneers  and  those  who 
share  their  offerings $.10 

Thanksgiving    Down    on    the    Farm    (MB 

1892)— Decorations  and  games      .     .     $.10 

Three  Thanksgivings,  The  (MP  51)-A  No- 
vember humoresque  of  the  Thanksgivings  of 
the  post,  present  and  future  ....  $.25 

Turkeys  in  the  Treetop  (MP  407)-Games 
and  mixers  for  your  party  .  .  .  .  $.10 


/        «•» 


New  Publications 


of  the  National  Recreation  Association 


I  ho   L. -urn- 


Number  1 


Active  Games  for  Live  Wires 

Here  is  the  booklet  that  summer  playground  leaders,  camp  counselors  and  vol- 
unteer play  leaders  have  been  waiting  for!  Its  thirty-two  pages  contain  dozens 
of  children's  games,  conveniently  divided  into  suggested  age  ranges  from  -i\ 
to  fourteen,  for  the  guidance  of  the  leader.  Old  games,  new  games — tag  games, 
relay  games,  ball  games — games  with  or  without  equipment.  Any  adult,  no 
matter  how  inexperienced,  can  lead  them  with  the  aid  of  the  explicit  directions 
given  here.  $.50 


'I'll i'  Playground  Series       Number  4 


Simple  Puppetry 


The  Playground  Series  is  a  "must"  for  the  playground  leader,  presenting  tips 
on  these  techniques  that  ordinarily  must  be  learned  slowly,  by  trial  and  error. 
This,  fourth  in  the  series,  demonstrates  that  puppetry  does  not  require  great 
skill  in  crafts  or  drama,  but  can  be  developed  informally  by  any  playground 
leader.  S..MJ 


Other  Titles  in  Series 

No.  1 — The  Playground  Leader — His  Place  in  the  Program 
No.  3 — Storytelling 


No.  2 — Informal   Dramatics 
$.50  each    Series  $2.00 


Starling  a  ll«»«'roalion  Program  in  a  Civilian  Hospital 

by  Beatrice  H.  Hill 

\  lunik  based  on  Mrs.  Hill's  real-life  experience  in  developing  a  recreation  program  in  the  Institute 
of  Physical  Medicine  and  Rehabilitation,  Goldwatcr  Memorial  and  Bellevue  Hospitals  in  New  York 
<  ir\  II  i-  a  primer  for  those  who  wish  to  be  of  service  in  this  new  field — a  beginner's  guide  in  start- 
ing a  program  which  in  time  can  perhaps  become  a  recognized  department  in  a  civilian  hospital. 
It  does  not  minimize  the  problems,  but  it  does  give  practical  suggestions  for  meeting  them.  A  valua- 
ble contribution  in  a  neglected  field. 

Off  pros  on  or  about  November  10,  1952.  $1.00 


ftrclcr  from 

NATIONAL    RECREATION    ASSOCIATION 


315  Fourth  Avenue 


New  York  10,  N.Y. 


PORTER 


COMBINATIO 


It's  a  space  saver!  It's  a  money-saver,  too! 

Yes,  here's  a  Playground  Combination  Set  that  has  been  care- 
fully planned  to  solve  the  problem  of  limited  space.  Small 
playgrounds  can  install  the  Porter  No.  38,  and  still  provide 
a  wide  variety  of  healthful  exercise  and  fun  for  the  children. 
Look  at  all  the  apparatus  this  one  unit  affords!  Two  Stand- 
ard See-Saws,  one  Horizontal  Bar,  two  Swings,  a  Pair  of 
Flying  Rings,  one  Trapeze,  and  one  16- ft.  Porter  Safety  Slide 
—plus  the  sturdy  10-ft.  steel  frame  that's  galvanized  inside 
and  out  and  held  rigidly  together  for  years  and  years  with 
Tested  Malleable  Iron  fittings  of  exclusive  Porter  design. 
The  No.  38  Combination  Set  has  price  appeal,  too.  Write  for 
the  attractively  low  figure,  and  complete  specifications.  Im- 
mediate delivery! 


WRITE  FOR  THE  NEWEST 

CATALOG   OF  PORTER 

ENGINEERED 

PLAYGROUND   EQUIPMENT 


THE    J.    E. 


PORTER 


CORPORATION 

OTTAWA,    ILLINOIS 


MANUFACTURERS    OF    PLAYGROUND,   GYMNASIUM    AND    SWIMMING    POOL    EQUIPMENT 


Exclusive  MAKERS  OF  THE  WORLD-FAMOUS 


JUNGLEGYM 

Reg.  U.  S.  Pat.  Off. 


CLIMBING 
STRUCTURE 


NOVEMBER  1952 


313 


2  NEW  TEACHING  AIDS 


Ed  Dtir lather  brings  you  another  iru{H>rt.int  tr.u-hmg  aid. 
Xlhiim  f»  i  if  thf  "Honor  Your  Kirtner"  svrirs  includes 
thrt-f  12"  records  with  full  oral  walk-through  instnn 
turns  for  the  Patty  r.ilvr  I'nlk.i  MIVT.  Km'hf*tcr  Si-hot - 
tiM'hr,  I'.iudfin  Rodwttel  Si-liolliu-rM',  Fi\r  Foot  Two 
Mi\.  r  V.p,-v:>  and  The  Paul  Jones.  Plus  another  12" 
record  with  music  foi  rut  h  nf  tin-  above  plavrtl  as  mily 
tbe  Top  Hands  can  play,  giving  you  the  greatest  dancing 
enjoyment. 

"Walk-through"   instructions   for  each  dance  are  offered   in  Ed   Durlachrr's   inimitable  man- 
ner for  simplicity  in  progressive  teaching.  Now  everyone  may  enjoy  these  dances  to  their  fullest. 

*  *  *  * 

To  those  who  teach  rhythms  to  the  youngest  in  schools,  recreation  departments  and  day  schools 
V<m've  asked  as  for  it   ...   Now  here  it  is! 

Honor   Your  Partner 


Our  Album  7  starts  off  with  the  fitting  of  rhythm  instruments  to  the  beat  of  the  music 
under  the  guidance  of  Ed  Durlacher.  \\v  then  have  Swanee  River  and  Little  Brown  Jug 
illustrating  walking  and  marching;  Pizzicato  Polka.  La  Ciaconda  and  the  Circus  Gallop  for 
trotting.  K'upinif  and  K.I!  loping;  Mippity  Hop  to  the  Candy  Shop,  Skip  to  My  Lou,  and 
Pop  Goes  the  Weasel  for  hopping,  skipping,  and  arching;  Tin-  Kit  -pliant  Walk  and  Mys- 
tenosa  fur  heavy  walking;  Springtime,  Rustle  of  Spring,  Tit-Willow,  Mocking  Bird,  and 
Flowers  that  Bloom  in  the  Springtime  for  bird  and  flower  interpretations;  and  ends  with 
Jingle  Bells  and  The  Skaters  Waltz  for  special  occasions. 

Three  12"  records  (six  sides)  .  .  .  just  packed  with  what  you  huve  wanted  and  sought 
for  so  very  long.  And,  of  course,  you  and  the  youngsters  will  thrill  to  the  music  played  by 
the  Top  Hands.  It's  really  a  must! 

ftofh  fhei»  wonderful  a/bums  are  brought  fo  you  by  the  same  people  who  produced 
fh*  famous  HONOR  YOUR  PAMNt*  square  dance  albums. 


All  records  guaranteed 

against    breakage, 
FOREVERI 


MONORVOUR  PARTNER 


Learn   more  about  the 
HONOR  YOUR  PARTNER  albums. 
^     Write  for  a  descriptive  folder. 


DEPT.    R-12 


SQUARE  DANCE  ASSOCIATES 


FREEPORT,    NEW    YORK 


AN  EASY  WAY  TO  CLEAN  SHOWER  ROOMS  AND 
SWIMMING  POOLS 

without  hard  rubbing.    Simply  sprinkle 


powder  on  damp  sur- 
t  ><  <•.  mop  lightly,  and 
flush  with  <  l.-.ir  -A  .t.i 
•Hrmovrs  rust  ftainf. 
linn'  (IrpouU,  «oap. 
"il.  body  grrax-  and 
algae  formation. 
"Minimizes  condi- 
tions that  breed  and 
spread  infectious 
terms.  •Harmless  to 
hands,  clothing,  floors, 
drains.  'Odorless. 
I  IH •:•  \  i. Milling  else 

la.    it:  it  «..,v,  hv. 

.1     .  li.irtn     «-\.  n     • 
hard  nibbing  with  <>r 
dmary     cleaners     has 
failed. 


WRITE  FOR  LIBERAL 
FREE  SAMPLE 


GERMAN    CHEMICAL    COMPANY 
719  Superior  Street  Toledo  4,  Ohio 

(     )   Pleose   send   free  sample  of   Saf-T-Kleni 

(     )   Please  send  quantity  pricri. 
NAME 
FIRM 
STREET 
CITY  A  STATE 


ED  DURLACHER 

Nationally  known  jqvor* 
done*  coMtr  and  foochtr. 
Originator  of  Square 
Dantm  Aisociofci  'HONOX 

row 

soys  . 


"HONOR   YOUR   PARTNER 

with  the  finest  phonograph 
on  the  market  ...  the 


Very  frankly,  I  am  sold  on  It  /  00%, 
and  f  will  endorse  it  wherever  I  go." 

Here's  more  of  u-hal  ED  DURLACHER 
has  to  say  about  the  Rhythmaster  .  .  . 
'Callers  and  teachers  can  be  sure  of 
the  finest  in  hearing  reception  with 
the  RHYTHMASTER.  Outdoors  as  well 
as  Moors  its  clarity  of  tone  at  ALL 
peaks  is  exceptional.  It  can  either 
whisper  or  shout  without  distortion! 
I  have  used  the  RHYTH.MASTER  in  a 
regulation  size  armory  with  over  600 
teen-agers  on  the  floor  with  perfect 
results.  This  machine  plays  any 
R.P.M.  recording,  AT  ANY  SPEED  DE- 
SIRED and  you  can  slow  up  or  increase 
the  beat  of  your  music  with  a  flip  of 
the  finger.  The  RHYTHMASTER  is  the 
machine  that  helps  you  in  your  work, 
not  merely  plays  your  records." 

The  RHYTHMASTER  is  the  world's  most  ver- 
satile portable  phonograph  and  is  fast  becom- 
ing the  choice  ol  recreation  directors  Itr 
every  kind  ol  indoor  and  outdoor  activity  .  .  . 

•  INDOORS:  Powerful  amplifier  and  speaker 
accommodates  1000  people  in  auditorium, 
gymnasium,  ballroom,  etc. 

•  OUTDOORS:     Simply     plug     your     trumpet 
speakers  directly  into  your  RHYTHMASTER 
for  use  on  athletic  field,  etc. 

•  By  plugging  a  microphone  Into  Input  pro- 
vided, the  recreation  director  can  super- 
impose his  voice  over  the  selection  being 
played,  and  ac- 

cent the  record 
with  personal 
comments  and 
instructions. 


I  fingtrlip  control 
f«v«r    incr*Of«*    or 

dttrfOttt     tpftd 

ol  ANY  RECORD 
(without  flopping 
Ihf  moehin* 


i 


REK-O-KUT  CO 

38-19  Ouctn»eivd  .LongUlandC.ir  N  Y 


RECREATION 


NOVEMBER,  1952 


THE       MAGAZINE       OF       THE       RECREATION7        MOVEMENT 


Editor  in  Chiej,  JOSEPH  PRENDERCAST 

Editor,  DOROTHY  DONALDSON 
BUSINESS  MANAGER,  ROSE  JAY  SCHWARTZ 

ASSOCIATE  EDITORS 

Recreation  Administration,  GEORGE  BUTLER 
Program  Aciivities,  VIRGINIA  MUSSELMAN 


Vol.  XLVI 


Price  35  Cents 


No.  6 


On  the  Cover 

"Child  of  the  pure,   unclouded   brow 

And  dreaming  eyes  of  wonder! 
Though  time  be  fleet  and  I  and  thou 

Are  half  a  life  asunder, 
Thy  loving  smile  will  surely  hail 
The  love-gift  of  a  fairy-tale." 

From  Lewis  Carroll's  Through  the  Looking 

Glass  and  What  Alice  Found  There. 
Photo  by  Edward  Zychal,  Bristol,  Pennsylvania. 

Next  Month 

The  December  magazine  will  carry  the  highlights, 
news  and  pictures  of  the  1952  National  Recreation 
Congress  in  Seattle  and  a  feature  article,  "Are 
Highly  Competitive  Sports  Desirable  for  Juniors?" 
which  presents  the  conclusions  and  suggested  prin- 
ciples from  the  report  of  the  national  committee  ap- 
pointed to  make  a  study  of  this  subject. 

There  will  also  be  holiday  program  ideas  for  crafts 
projects,  a  handkerchief  party  for  children,  and  dec- 
orating tips;  and  "The  Influence  of  Joseph  Lee"  in 
the  growth  and  development  of  community  recrea- 
tion in  Baltimore,  Maryland. 

Photo  Credits 

Page  321,  Sun  Valley  News  Bureau;  322,  (top)  Jim- 
my Price  Studio,  Columbia,  South  Carolina,  (bot- 
tom) Lefebvre-Luebke,  Green  Bay,  Wisconsin;  323, 
Willamalene  Park  and  Recreation  District,  Spring- 
field, Oregon;  324,  Thomas  Airviews,  Bayside,  New 
York;  325,  (top)  Squire  Photos,  Dallas,  Texas,  (bot- 
tom) Parks  and  Recreation  Department.  Salinas, 
California;  329,  SC  Photo,  University  of  Southern 
California,  Los  Angeles;  334,  Morton  Photographs. 
San  Francisco;  339.  Recreation  Department,  Ogden, 
I  tali;  341,  D.  K.  Scott,  Rutland,  Vermont;  347, 
Kansas  City  Star  and  Mrs.  Charles  Brown;  352, 
Indiana  University  News  Bureau,  Bloomington,  Indi- 
ana; 355,  Morrison,  Portland,  Maine,  Sunday  Tele- 
gram and  Sunday  Press  Herald. 


KEUHEAIION  is  puDUlhed  monthly  except  July 
and  August  by  the  National  Recreation  Association, 
a  service  organization  supported  by  voluntary  con- 
tributions, at  315  Fourth  Avenue,  New  York  10, 
New  York;  is  on  file  in  public  libraries  and  is 
indexed  in  the  Readers'  Guide.  Subscriptions  $3.00 
a  year.  Canadian  agency,  G.  R.  Welch  Company, 
Ltd.,  1149  King  Street  West,  Toronto  1,  Ontario; 
Canadian  subscription  rate  $3.85.  Re-entered  as 
si •(  .UK!  class  matter  April  25,  1950,  at  the  Post 
Office  in  New  York,  New  York,  under  act  of 
March  3,  1879.  Acceptance  for  mailing  at  special 
nt-te  of  postage  provided  for  in  section  1103,  Act 
of  October  3,  1917,  authorized  May  1,  1924. 
Advertising  and  Production  Office:  Jones  Press, 
Fifth  and  Fifth  South,  Minneapolis  15,  Minnesota. 
Space  Representatives:  H.  Thayer  Heaton,  141 
East  44  Street,  New  York  17,  New  York;  Mark 
Minahan,  168  North  Michigan  Avenue,  Chicago, 
Illinois;  Keith  H.  Evans,  593  Market  Street,  Suite 
304,  San  Francisco  5,  California. 

Copyright,   1952,  by  the 

National   Recreation  Association,    Incorporated 
Printed   in  the  U.S.A.  3  (fflgj   2 

"Trade  mark  registered  in  the  U.  S.  Patent  Office. 


CONTENTS 

General  Features 

Know  How  to  Play?  (Editorial),  Irving  R.  Murray 317 

Scottish  Grace 

The  Spirit  of  Thanksgiving — On  Our  Knees, 

Dorothy  Ashby  Pownall 321 

Reality — Through  the  Dance,  Richard  Kraus 326 

Family  Recreation  340 

Hobbies  Made  Profitable  for  the  Disabled, 

Dr.  Herbert  Rusalem  346 

Helena  G.  Hoyt 348 

What  Good  Is  One  Vote?  358 

The  Church  and  Recreation  358 

The  Family  Turns  to  an  Age-Old  Sport,  Ruth  Jaquemine  365 

Sign  Up  Grandma!,  Margery  Wells  Steer  366 

Church  Recreation  Institute,  Francis  Sugrue  371 

Administration 

Construction  of  Swimming  Pools,  George  D.  Butler  322 

A  Turtle  for  Ride,  Slide  or  Straddle,  Charlotte  Battle 

A  Coasting  Chute,  H.  S.  Kennedy  330 

Recreation  in  a  Children's  Hospital, 

Frances  Brallier  Ewing  331 

Skiing  Need  Not  Be  Expensive,  James  F.  Herdic,  Jr.  341 

Understanding  Through  Discussion,  William  C. 

Robinson    350 

Cooperation — At  Its  Best,  Keith  A.  MacDonald 351 

My  Maintenance  Man,  Thomas  C.  Miller  353 

To  Attract  Industry — Be  Attractive  354 

Recreation  Workshop,  Stanley  Silver  360 

Are  You  Pulling  Your  Own  Weight? 

Mortimer  H.  Morris  362 

Program 

Candle  Making  ' 333 

Christmas  Programs  Through  the  Years 334 

St.  Mary's  Park  Recreation  Center  336 

The  Community  Theatre  "Box  Office"  339 

Try  Something  Different!   342 

Horseback  Serenade,  Richard  Hartt  344 

Making  Music  Tangible,  Dr.  Elin  K.  Jorgensen  349 

Baseball  for  Boys  Under  Twelve,  John  H.  Grain,  Jr. 355 

Aids  for  Your  Sports  Program  for  Girls, 

Helen  Dauncey  359 

Regular  Features 

Letters   319 

Things  You  Should  Know  320 

Personnel — In-service  Training  Program  338 

— Personnel  in  Recreation,  Paul  F.  Douglass       356 

On  the  Campus  352 

Recipes  for  Fun — "Giving"  Parties  363 

Suggestion  Box  367 

A  Reporter's  Notebook ..  370 

Recreation  Market  News  372 

Listening  and  Viewing  373 

Books  Received  374 

Magazines  and  Pamphlets  374 

New  Publications  376 

Recreation  Leadership  Courses Inside  Back  Cover 


NOVEMBER  1952 


315 


NATIONAL    RECREATION    ASSOCIATION 

A  Service  Organization  Supported  by  Voluntary  Contributions 
JOSEPH  PRENDERGAST,  Executive  Director 


OFFICERS 

Orro  T.  MAILER Y Chairman  of  the  Board 

PAUL   Moou,  JR Firit    Vice-President 

MM.    OGOEN    L.    MILLI Second    Vice-Prendem 

SUSAN  M.  Lit.  .Third  V ice-President  aod  Secretary  of  the  Board 

ADRIAN    M.    MAIIU Treasurer 

GUSTAVLS  T.   KIKIT Treaiurer   Emcritut 

JOSEPH    PRINDERGAST : Secretary 

BOARD  OF  DIRECTORS 


F.  V.  H.  ABAMS New  York,  Nf.  V 

F.  GRIGC  BEMII Boston,  Mail. 

Mas    ROEEET  Voooi  Btisi Vaihington.  D.  C. 

MRS.  ARTHUR  G.  CUMMER Jacksonville,  Fla. 

WILLIAM  H.  DAVII New  York,  N.  Y. 

HARRY  P.  DATISON New  York,  N.  Y. 

GATLCMO  DONNELLEY Chicago.  111. 

Mn.  PAUL  GALLAGHER Omaha.  Nebr. 

RoetRT  GAAREYT Baltimore,  Md. 

MRS.  NORMAN  HAIROVER Fitchburg.  Man. 

MILS.  CHARLES  V.  HICEOX Michigan  City,  Ind. 

FEEDER  ICE  M.  VARJJURC.  . . 


MR*.  JOHN  D.  JAMISON Bcllport.  N.  Y. 

SUSAN  M.  LEE New  York,  N.  Y. 

OTTO  T.  MALIERT Philadelphia,  Pa. 

CARL  f.  MILLIKEN Augusta,  Me. 

MRS.  OCOEN  L.  MILLS New  York,  N-  Y. 

PAL-L  MOORE,  JR Jersey  City,  N.  J. 

JOSEPH  PRENDUGAST New  York,  N.  Y. 

MRS.  SICMUND  STUN Sao  Frinciico,  Calif. 

GRANT  TrrswoRTH Noroton,  Conn. 

MRS.  WILLIAM  VAN  An  v Philadelphia,  Pa. 

J.  C.  VALIM Yonkers,  N.  Y. 

New  York,  N.  Y, 


Executive  Director's  Of&ce 

GSCMCE  £.  DICEII  THOMAS  £•  RITERS 

HUM  HAMIISON  ARTHUR  VILLIAMS 

ALFRED  H.  VILSON 

Oorreipondence  and  Consultation 

SsjrTtee- 
GEORGE  A.  NiJirrr 

GtRTRUM    KoftCHARD  EoNA    BftAUCHEE 

Profrim  Service 
VIRGINIA   MUSIELMAN 

Recreation  Magazine 
DotOTHT   DONALDSON 

•fwcial   Publication* 
ROSE  JAT  SCHWARTZ  MURIEL  McGANN 


HEADQUARTERS  STAFF 

Personnel   Service 

WILLARD  C.  SUTHERLAND 
MART  GUBEENAT  AIFRKD  B.  JENSEN 

Research  Department 
GEORGE  D.  BUTLER 
DAYID  J.  Duvoit 

Work  with  Volunteers 

E.  BEATRICE  STEARNS 
MAET  QI-IEK  MARGARET  DANKWORTH 

Field    Department 
CHARLES  E.  REED 

C.  E.  BREWE*  JAMES  A.  MADISOM 

ROBERT  R.  GAMBLE  HELENA  G.  HOYT 


SCM  icr  to  Sttttt 
WILLIAM  M.  HAT 


IlAROt  O    l.ATHROP 


Ami  tmd  Ficilitift — Pt**mi*f  t*J  Sun  CM 
LESLIE  LTNCH 

Kttbtrtmt  F,  Btrktr  Mtmorul 
Sfcrtttry  for  Vomfm  tnd  Gir/i 
HELEN  M.  DAVMCET 

Rtfftitiom  Istdtnkip  Tninimg  Comrirt 
RUTH  EHIIRS  ANNE  LITINCSTON 

MIIPRED  SCANION  I  RANK.  A.  STAPIES 

GRACE  WALEEE 


New  Eagland  District 

VALDO  R.   HAINIWORTM.  .  BOITON,    MASS. 

(Present   addreii.  .  .New  York) 

Middle  Atlantic  District 

JOHM  W.  FAUST E«t  Orange.  N.  J. 

RKNARB  S.   WISTCATK.  .New  York,  N.  Y. 

GrMl  Lakes  District 

JOHN  J.  COLLJEE Toledo.  Ohio 

ROBERT  L.  HOCNBT Madison,  Vis. 


DISTRICT  REPRESENTATIVES 

Southern  District 

Miss  MARION  PBEECB Alexandria,  Va. 

RALPH  VAN  FLEET Clearwater,  Fla. 


Midwest   District 
ARTHUR  Toon Kansas  City,  Mo. 


Southwest    District 
HAROLD  VAN  ARSDALE Dallas,  To. 

Pacific   Northwest    District 
YILIARD  H.  SHUMARO Seattle,  Vain. 

Pacific  Southwest  District 
LYNN  S.  RODNEY Los  Angeles,  Calif. 


Affiliate  Membership 

Afchate  membership  in  the  National 
Recreation  Association  is  open  to  all  non- 
profit private  tad  public  organiistions 
whoa*  function  is  wholly  or  primarily  the 
provino*  or  promotion  of  recreation  str*- 
ICM  or  which  include  recreation  as  an  im- 
portant part  of  their  total  program  tad 
whow  cooperation  In  the  work  of  the  siso- 
ciation  would,  in  the  opinion  of  the  asso- 
ciMioat's  Board  of  Directors,  further  the 
e*de  W  the  naciooal  recreation  movement 


Active  Associate  Membership 

Active  associate  membership  in  the 
National  Recreation  Association  is  open  to 
•II  individuals  who  are  actively  engaged 
on  a  full-time  or  part-time  employed  baaii 
or  as  volunteers  in  a  nonprofit  private  or 
public  recreation  organ! t anon  and  whose 
cooperation  in  the  work  of  the  association 
would,  in  the  opinion  of  the  association** 
Board  of  Directors,  further  the  endi  of  the 
national  recreation  movement. 


Contributors 

The  continuation  of  the  work  of  the 
National  Recreation  Association  from  year 
to  fear  is  made  possible  by  the  iplcndid 
cooperation  of  several  hundred  volunteer 
sponsors  throughout  the  country,  and  the 
generous  contributions  of  thousands  of  sup- 
porters of  this  movement  to  bring  health, 
happifirtt  and  creative  living  to  the  boyi 
and  Eirli  and  the  men  and  women  of 
America.  If  you  would  like  to  toin  in  the 
fupport  of  this  movement,  you  may  send 
your  contribution  direct  to  the  association 


The  National  Recreation  Ataociation  i*  a  nation- 
wi<jr.  nonprofit,  nonpoliiical  and  nontectarian  civic 
organization.  rMah!i*hr<l  in  1906  and  supported  by 
voluntary  contribution*,  and  dedicated  to  the  tenr- 
ice  of  all  recrration  executive*,  leader*  and  agen- 


cies, public  and  private,  to  the  end  that  rvrry  child 
in  America  «hall  have  a  place  to  play  in  ufety  and 
that  every  person  in  America,  young  and  old,  «hall 
have  an  opportunity  for  the  (>r«t  and  moM  «atisfy- 
inp  ute  of  hit  expanding  leisure  time. 


For  further  information  regarding  the  association's  services  and  membership,  please  untr  to  the 
Executive  Director,  National  Recreation  Association,  315  Fourth  Avenue*  New  York  10,  New  York. 


316 


KM  HKATION 


Know  How  to  Play? 


Irving  R.  Murray 


Most  of  us  don't.  Perhaps  we  think 
we  do;  but  in  point  of  fact  most  of 
us  can't.  We  don't  play  because  we 
lack  the  know-how. 

That  was  a  tragically  deceptive  ad 
in  the  paper  the  other  day:  "Trade  in 
your  piano  as  a  down-payment  on  a 
TV  set,"  it  urged.  The  rest  of  the 
copy  made  this  transaction  sound  like 
the  first  approach  to  new  heights  of 
creative  living. 

But  if  the  copywriter  had  beea  en- 
tirely frank  with  us  he  must  have  writ- 
ten: "Trade  in  your  piano  as  a  down- 
payment  on  a  TV  set.  You  might  as 
well  face  the  fact:  you'll  never  be  a 
musician — you  just  don't  have  it  in 
you.  Stop  annoying  the  neighbors  with 
'Chop-Sticks!'  The  only  talent  you've 
acquired  through  your  piano  lessons 
is  that  of  ensconcing  yourself  at  the 
piano  stool.  Put  that  talent  to  work 
on  your  far  more  comfortable  living 
room  sofa!  Buy  a  TV  set!" 

The  salt  has  lost  its  savor  if  what 
we  do  in  the  name  of  recreation  is  any 
criterion.  We  are  a  nation  of  spec- 
tators, not  participants.  We  don't  play; 
we  sit  and  watch  while  others  play. 
We  are  squatters,  not  players. 

It  is  estimated  that  twenty-two  per 
cent  of  a  lifetime  is  leisure  time.  And 
what  do  we  do  with  this  twenty-two 
per  cent  of  our  lives?  We  squander  it, 
most  of  it.  We  throw  away  our  most 
precious  hours,  the  time  that  is  unique- 
ly ours,  to  do  with  as  we  like.  So 
the  salt  loses  its  flavor  and  life  be- 
comes not  only  intolerably  dull  but 
frightfully  expensive  as  well.  Last  year 
Americans  spent  over  five  billion  dol- 
lars on  commercialized  sports.  Some 
eighty-five  million  of  us  went  to  the 
movies  each  week,  to  support  a  Holly- 
wood payroll  of  more  than  five  hun- 


*From  a  sermon  by  Irving  R.  Murray,  of 
First  Unitarian  Church,  Pittsburgh,  given  at 
All  Soul's  Church,  New  York  City. 

NOVEMBER  1952 


dred  million  dollars  annually. 

Why  don't  we  stand  on  our  own 
feet  and  cast  about  for  something  bet- 
ter— something  that  we  can  make  with 
our  own  hands,  out  of  the  design  of 
our  own  hearts  and  minds?  Why,  in- 
deed, do  we  crawl  from  the  tavern  TV 
to  the  cinema  to  the  prize  ring  to  the 
night  game  and  thence  wearily  home 
to  bed?  Invigorated?  No!  And  we 
take  it! 
Why? 

The  beginning  of  the  trouble  will 
be  found  in  the  seventeenth  century, 
at  which  time  it  was  held  that  work, 
especially  profitable  work,  is  the  road 
to  salvation,  while  pleasure  is  the  road 
to  eternal  torment.  All  such  generali- 
zations about  an  epoch  must  of  course 
be  taken  with  a  grain  of  salt.  None- 
theless it  is  basically  true  that  the 
Puritans  regarded  work — one  might 
almost  say  they  regarded  work  alone — 
as  virtuous,  and  thought  of  the  pur- 
suit of  pleasure  as  deceptive  and  dan- 
gerous if  not  deadly. 

The  Puritan  doctrine  of  work,  more 
than  anything  else,  built  America — 
crossed  the  oceans,  ploughed  the  con- 
tinent, harnessed  the  rivers,  dug  the 
mines,  established  the  factories.  It 
was  a  necessary  doctrine  in  the  seven- 
teenth century  and  for  some  decades 
thereafter.  In  frontier  America  men 
and  women  had  to  work  from  sun-up 
till  sun-down — they  had  to  work  every 
minute  of  every  hour  of  the  day,  in 
order  to  survive.  Moments  stolen  for 
play  were  a  flirtation  with  death,  in 
literal  truth. 

Now  all  that  is  changed.  We  have 
margins  that  permit  recreation.  The 
machine  and  the  assembly  line,  indeed, 
require  it.  In  colonial  America  the 
craftsman  found  great  joy  in  his  work. 
Let  us  not  deceive  ourselves:  there  is 
no  such  joy,  no  such  self-realization 
in  the  assembly  line.  Men  must  have 


recreation  today.  But  Puritanism  has 
such  staying-power — its  doctrine  of  all 
work  and  no  play,  has  such  a  depres- 
sing durability  despite  its  manifest  ir- 
relevance to  our  situation — that  wheth- 
er he  requires  recreation  or  not,  man 
of  today  cannot  play  with  a  clear  con- 
science. He  plays,  if  at  all,  with  a 
sense  of  guilt.  He  stubbornly  insists 
that  play  is  wicked,  that  only  work 
can  be  good. 

Perhaps  this  does  add  spice  to  some 
kinds  of  play.  Alas,  as  of  old  the  spice 
trade  attracts  all  kinds  of  businessmen, 
some  good,  some  bad,  and  too  many 
of  both!  Recreation  has  been  commer- 
cialized in  industrial  America;  in  part 
because  we  find  it  so  hard  to  believe 
anything  can  be  good  which  doesn't 
make  money,  and  still  more  because 
we  do  not  teach  the  young  to  make 
their  own  fun. 

So  the  Lynds  found  Middletown  "re- 
peating insistently  that  work  is  an  in- 
herently honorable  thing  by  which 
other  activities  are  measured;  that  no 
amount  of  labor  is  sufficient  to  wrest 
adequate  sustenance  from  a  niggardly 
environment:  that  group  welfare  is 
measured  in  terms  of  money  prosper- 
ity, and  that  too  much  leisure  for  'the 
common  man'  is  to  be  feared  as  dele- 
terious to  his  character  and  retarding 
to  the  welfare  of  the  whole  group." 

No  wonder  Arthur  Katona  warns 
us :  "It  is  when  too  much  fun  is  bought 
and  sold,  when  the  market  place  be- 
comes the  hub  of  recreation,  when 
cold  cash  replaces  warm  friendship  on 
the  basis  of  play  —  that  harm  is 
done."t 

Nothing  is  more  needful  at  this 
time  than  that  we  Americans  should 
be  re-created,  reborn  in  the  love  of 
all  that  is  dear  and  warm  and  moving 
in  human  nature,  renewed  in  respect 
for  the  dignity  and  the  elemental 
rights  of  all  men  everywhere,  restored 
to  the  faith  of  democracy  confidently 
espoused  and  adventuresomely,  vic- 
toriously pursued.  But  to  be  re-created 
we  shall  need  recreation.  We  need  to 
be  reborn  in  play,  lest  the  really  se- 
rious concerns  of  our  civilization  per- 
ish, for  lack  of  renewal  in  simple  rec- 
reation. 

Marjorie  B.  Greenbie  has  given  us 


tFrom  "Let's  Have  Workshops  for  Fellow- 
ship," RECREATION,  November  1951. 

317 


sound  advice  on  this  score.  "Because 
happiness  is  so  personal,"  she  write-. 
"there  is  only  one  place  for  a  man  to 
begin  his  search  for  it,  and  that  is 
in  himself.  The  doctors  of  leisure  now 
talk  of  equipment  for  the  use  of  spare 
lime,  endowments  for  community  rec- 
reation, swimming  pools,  workshops. 
All  these  things  are  good.  But  the  pri- 
mary equipment  for  leisure  consists 
in  the  possession  of  two  eyes,  two 
ears,  two  hands,  and  two  feet,  with  the 
addition  of  numerous  other  items  such 
as  a  heart,  a  memory,  and  a  tongue — 
so  long  as  they  are  all  your  own,  and 
not  mortgaged  to  any  mass  interest, 
mass  habit,  mass  advertising,  or  mass 
hooey  whatsoever.  One  can  get  along 
with  a  fraction  of  this  equipment,  if 
one  runs  it  for  one's  self,  for  one's 
own  satisfaction.  But  some  personal 
possessions  of  this  sort  are  funda- 
mental, and  if  a  man  has  all  the  Lord 
usually  provides,  he  has  so  murh 
equipment  for  having  a  good  time  that 
it  is  a  wonder  he  ever  puts  himself 
out  to  get  any  more." 

What  is  that  but— 'The  Kingdom 
of  God  cometh  not  with  observation. 
Neither  shall  they  say,  Lo  here!  or, 


lo  there!  for.  behold,  the  Kingdom  of 
God  is  within  you." 

Self-acceptance  —  with  an  amused 
candor,  a  chuckling  kind  of  frankness 
and  realism — self-acceptance  with  hu- 
mility, not  self-humiliation;  that  is  the 
first  requirement  of  our  learning  to 
play. 

It  is  perfectly  clear  that  many  of  us 
will  not  play  because  we  fear  to  make 
fools  of  ourselves.  But  shall  we  go  on 
denying  ourselves  the  fun  of  squash  or 
the  violin  or  carpentry  or  whatever, 
just  because  we  are  afraid  someone 
will  catch  us  making  a  mistake?  Re- 
member Tom  Slade,  Roy  Blakely  and 
Pee  Wee  Harris  of  our  boyhood  books? 
PeeWee  used  to  say,  "Gee  Whiz,  even 
Edison  made  mistakes!"  The  star,  the 
\irtuoso  and  the  master-builder  are 
made  by  learning  from  mistakes.  Had 
the\  been  afraid  to  make  fools  of 
themselves  they  would  have  remained 
unknown — and  unhappy.  There's  no 
ua\  of  dodging  it:  if  you're  to  get 
any  fun  out  of  life  you'll  simply  have 
to  run  the  risk  of  revealing  to  the 
world  at  large  the  fact  that  you  are 
human,  too. 

Play  helps  us  give  ourselves  in   fel- 


lowship. "In  a  world  that  has  liecome 
a  sea  of  troubles,"  Arthur  Katona  has 
said,  "good  fellowship  in  recreation 
may  be  a  happy  anchorage,  for  it- 
own  sake,  and  as  recuperation,  so  that 
we  may  better  cope  with  the  sea."; 

Many  believe,  indeed,  that  we  are 
"at  sea"  precisely  because  we  have  lo-t 
the  arts  of  fellowship,  somehow  -piUnl 
them  out  and  lost  them  on  the  long 
trek  from  the  European  village  to  the 
American  industrial  city. 

We  must  recover  them,  in  play.  In 
some  sense  we  do  not  know  how  to 
play  because  we  have  forgotten  how 
to  be  neighborly-  The  reasoning,  then. 
is  rircular,  for  it  is  proposed  that 
we  regain  our  neighborline—  through 
playing  together,  while  learning  how 
to  play  in  trusting  our  neighbors  and 
ourselves  with  our  neighbors. 

It  is  because  of  this  paradox  that 
our  situation  is  so  far  from  lio|>eless 
The  paradox  is  an  invitation  to  |>la\ . 
Come  into  the  cirele.  then!  \\hat 
game  shall  it  be?  You  name  it!  It's 
all  the  same,  so  long  as  it  brings  us 
together. 


JFrom  "I.rt1-   Ha\<-   \\  i>rli-li<>|is   fur   Fellow- 
ship,"  RECREATION.   NovrmlxT.    I'l-'il. 


Scottish 


Old  F-npli-h  Melody 


>ome  hae   meat  and  ranna   e.il. 

\MI|  -nun-  wad  eat  that  want  it: 
But  we  liae  meat,  ami  we  ran  eat. 

\ml  -ae  tin-  Lord  lie  thunkil. 

liuiinti    Iti  n\- 


i  Sing  this  as  a  "round"  at  ><>ur  Thanksgiving  table,  i 

Tin-  ,iUo  .-  ..died  "I  lie  ^elkirk  Gnu  e."  f..i   il  «.i-  ln-l  ullere.l 
at  the  table  of  the  Earl  of  Selkirk  in   I 


118 


l!n  tit  \IION 


"I  Hate  It" 

Sirs: 

I  get  RECREATION  magazine  but  I 

hate  it.   It's  too  damned  stimulating. 

Makes  me  want  to  work  and  I've  got 

enough  of  that  commodity  now. 

MIKE  LEWIS,  Cabell  County  Recre- 
ation Board,  Huntington,  West  Vir- 
ginia. 

Paraplegic  Program 

Sirs: 

We  would  very  much  appreciate  re- 
ceiving a  copy  of  the  September  1950 
issue  of  RECREATION,  in  which  an  arti- 
cle appeared,  entitled,  "Square  Danc- 
ing for  the  Handicapped,"  written  by 
Ed  Durlacher.  This  material  will  prove 
of  invaluable  assistance  to  us  in  our 
efforts  to  further  serve  our  members, 
all  paraplegic  veterans. 
HARRY  A.  SCHWEIKERT,  JUNIOR,  Ex- 
ecutive Secretary,  Eastern  Paralyzed 
Veterans  Association,  New  York. 

Literature 

Sirs: 

We  continue  to  enjoy  RECREATION 
magazine.  The  articles  are  more  and 
more  interesting,  and  we  are  subscrib- 
ing to  it  for  att  of  our  centers. 

In  our  discussion  relative  to  recre- 
ation literature  at  the  Congress  last 
year,  we  spoke  of  the  availability  of 
resource  material  at  training  sessions, 
if  you  recall.  I  hope  you  have  been 
able  to  increase  the  number  of  displays 
and  make  these  displays  known,  per- 
haps through  an  article  in  the  maga- 
zine. I  find  that  people  are  requesting 
more  help  with  their  recreation  prob- 
lems, and  wanting  books  for  refer- 
ence. Also,  the  number  of  training 
courses  where  people  are  stimulated  to 
want  more  material,  is  increasing,  and 
thus  the  opportunities  for  displays  and 
sales. 

NOVEMBER  1952 


Would  it  be  possible  for  the  Na- 
tional Recreation  Association  to  be  a 
central  source  of  supply  for  recreation 
material?  As  it  is  now,  one  must  order 
from  a  large  number  of  sources  in  or- 
der to  have  a  representative  library. 
Frequently  all  sources  of  supply  are 
not  known.  You  have  a  very  good  con- 
tact with  people  who  desire  this  infor- 
mation, particularly  through  the  maga- 
zine. 

DOROTHY  JONES,  Supervisor,  Recre- 
ation Centers,  Columbus,  Ohio. 

Armed  Services 

Sirs: 

The  February  1952  issue  of  RECRE- 
ATION, the  National  Recreation  Asso- 
ciation's magazine,  carries  several 
articles  by  members  of  the  Special 
Services  Division,  Office  of  the  Adju- 
tant General,  Department  of  the  Army. 
It  would  be  appreciated  if  we  might 
receive  three  (3)  additional  copies  of 
this  issue.  RECREATION  is  a  splendid 
publication  and  is  read  with  much  in- 
terest by  this  division. 
MAJOR  GENERAL  WILLIAM  E.  BER- 
GIN,  Adjutant  General,  U.  S.  Army. 

Sirs: 

Upon  a  recent  visit  to  Oklahoma 
City  and  a  visit  with  the  Community 
Council,  my  attention  was  directed  to 
the  reprint  of  "The  Air  Force  Takes 
to  the  Farm,"  from  RECREATION.  May 
1952.  Allow  me  to  commend  you  and 
your  staff  for  a  job  well  done.  The 
foreword  by  Mr.  Joseph  Prendergast. 
Executive  Director,  was  so  inspiring. 
M/SGT.  R.  P.  BODIN,  USAF.  Vance 
Air  Force  Base,  Enid,  Oklahoma. 


<   lulls 

Sirs: 

We  find  RECREATION  of  great  assist- 
ance to  us  in  preparing  our  publica- 


tion, the  Keynoter,  which  goes  out  to 
all  high  school  boys  throughout  the 
country  who  are  members  of  Key  Club 
International,  service  groups  sponsored 
by  Kiwanis  International. 

ELSIE  M.  FARR,  secretary  to  J .  Frank 

McCabe,    Director    of    Key    Clubs, 

Kiwanis  International. 

A  Broadcast 
Sirs: 

The  office  of  International  Broad- 
casting of  the  United  States  Depart- 
ment of  State  would  like  to  secure 
permission  to  make  radio  use  of  ma- 
terial contained  in  the  article,  "The 
Handicapped  Go  Camping,"  by  Marllys 
Victor,  which  appeared  in  the  January 
1952  issue  of  RECREATION. 

This  would  be  used  in  connection 
with  our  non-commercial  broadcasts  to 
and  within  world-wide  areas,  exclu- 
sive of  the  United  States. 

EVELYN    EISENSTADT,    International 

Radio   Program  Division. 

Water  Sports 

Sirs: 

I  have  noticed,  through  the  months, 
an  increasing  emphasis  on  water  ac- 
tivities in  RECREATION.  This  emphasis 
is  in  keeping  with  national  trends. 
There  is  much  fun  to  be  had  on  the 
water  and  recreation  workers  will  sure- 
ly "miss  the  boat"  if  they  don't  get 
aboard  the  aquatic  band  wagon.  Row- 
ing and  canoeing,  as  sports,  are  hold- 
ing their  own.  Sailing,  outboarding 
and  water  skiing  are  growing  by  leaps 
and  bounds.  Hundreds  of  other  water 
centered  activities  are  popular. 

The  Red  Cross,  which  limited  its 
certificate  courses  for  years  to  swim- 
ming and  life  saving,  is  now  offering 
certificated  courses  in  sailing,  boating 
and  canoeing. 

Permit  me  to  hand  you  a  vicarious 
corsage  of  orchids  for  the  many  splen- 
did interest-arousing  articles  on  water 
sports. 

NATHAN  L.  MALLINSON,  Superin- 
tendent of  Recreation,  Jacksonville, 
Florida. 

I  Am  a  Child" 

Sirs: 

In  looking  over  some  past  issues  of 
RECREATION,  I  came  across — in  the 
April  1951  issue— "I  Am  a  Child,"  a 
poem  by  Percy  Hayward.  I  like  the 
child-like  tone  and  the  simple  beauty 
of  this  poem  and  would  like  to  repro- 
duce it,  with  a  picture  of  our  own, 
for  use  in  one  of  our  college  courses. 
"The  Teaching  of  Physical  Education 
in  the  Elementary  School."  Can  you 
advise  me  how  I  may  obtain  permis- 
sion to  use  this  poem  with  a  picture  for 
distribution  to  our  students? 
SUZANNE  E.  SCHROEDER,  Director, 
Dept.  of  Physical  Education  for 
Women,  Belait  College,  Wisconsin. 

319 


*  THE  193.5  \lt  KII.NG  of  the  National 
Recreation   Congress   will  be   held    in 
Philadelphia,  Pennsylvania,  September 
28  to  October  2,  with  headquarters  at 
the  Bellevue-Stratford  Hotel. 

*  THE    FIRST    RECREATION    GUIDE, 
armed   forces  edition,   of  the   new 
"American  Recreation  Guide  Series," 
being  issued  by  the  National  Recrea- 
tion Association,  is  just  out  under  the 
title.  Tin-  1'iK-ific  Northwest,  and  was 
mi  display  at  the  Congress  in  Seattle. 
Work  is  |>roi -ceding  on  the  other  seven 
titles  of  the  series. 

*  REPORTS   AND    PICTURES   from    the 
34th  National  Recreation  Congress  will 
be   published   in   the   December    1952 
issue  of  RECREATION.  Included  in  this 
material  will  be  the  report,  of  the  na- 
tional committee  which  was  appointed 
to  study  the  subject  of  the  advisability 
of  highly  organized,  competitive  sports 
for  juniors,  as  ametuled  and  approved 
at  the  Congress.  Reprints  of  this  will 
later  In-  made  available. 

+  Two  ADDRKSSK-  to  U-  delivered  by 
Joseph  Prendergast  in  November  are, 
"Recreation  on  the  March,"  at  the 
Georgia  Recreation  Wociation  Con- 
ference, St.  Simons  Island,  November, 
">  to  7.  and  "The  Future  of  Recreation 
in  the  South,"  at  the  South  Carolina 
Recreation  Conference,  Myrtle  Beach, 
South  Carolina,  November  10  to  12  . 

»  (MERE  WILL  BE  A  MEETING  again 
this  year  of  the  church  recreation 
workshop  (S«e  October  HKKKMION. 
page  282)  under  the  title  'Workshop 
on  Recreation  for  leaders  in  Religious 
Organization-  "  This  will  be  held  at 
^pring  Mill  State  Park,  November  I  to 
13.  John  Collier,  member  of  the  M!  \ 
field  staff,  will  represent  the  associa- 
tion at  the  meeting. 

•>  Two  NEW  MEMBERS  have  been  ap- 
pointed to  the  National  Committee  on 
Surfacing  Recreation  Area*.  l>\  tin- 
American  Attociation  for  Health, 

320 


I'lu-ical  Education  and  Recreation. 
They  are  Cecil  H.  Zaun,  Supervisor  of 
Safety,  Los  Angeles  and  H.  Cecil 
Moon.  Director  of  Physical  Education. 
Public  Schools,  Atlanta,  Georgia. 

*  EXCLUSION  OF  NEGROES  from  muni- 
cipal swimming  pool-  lias  been  held  a 
violation    of   the    Fourteenth    Amend- 
ment in  Kansas  City,  where  city  board 
of  park  commissions,  an  arm  of  the 
state  and  acting  under  color  of  state 
law,   refused   to   admit  plaintiffs,   Ne- 
groes,   to    municipal    swimming    pool 
solely  because  of  their  color,  and  swim- 
ming  facilities   provided   by   city   for 
use  of  Negroes  were  not  shown  to  be 
-ul>-taiitially  equal  to  those  maintained 
and  provided  for  white  persons.  It  was 
held    that    there    was    deprivation    of 
plaintiffs  rights. 

*  AWARDS  PRESENTED  by  the  Ameri- 
can  Recreation  Society  at  its  annual 
meeting  during  the  34th  National  Rec- 
reation   Congress,    were    special    cita- 
tions to  George  Butler,  research  spe- 
cialist of  the  NRA.  and  James  E.  Rog- 
ers,  retired   NRA   staff   member,    for 
"distinguished  service  to  your   fellow 
man  in  the  field  of  recreation,"  and 
fellowships  to  G.  B.  Fitzgerald,  n-tii- 
ing  society  president,  and  Ted  Banks, 
president  of  the  Athletic  Institute. 

*  RECREATION  WAS  THE  TOPIC  of  dis- 
cussion at  a  numlxT  of  the  sessions  of 
tin-  recent  Annual  Conference  of  Amer- 
ican Institute  of  Park  Executives,  held 
in  Montreal.    I  lie   !').">.'{  conference  will 
be  held  in  Denver,  Colorado,  and  the 
I'l.M    conference    in    Baltimore.    Man- 
land. 

»   KM  H  (.loittiv.  IMUU-I    i\  lii  •  m 
MIHN  Orr-uK-niHiRs  and  in  the  t\p--- 
of    recreation    experience    offered    h\ 
-tale  p.nk-.  i-  ileailx   c\idcnccd  in  the 
ic|ioil    of    tin-    .(2nd    National    Confer- 
ence  on    Mate   Park*,   held    .it    <  u-h- 
"•l.ilc   I'.uk     "M>uth  Dakota,   in   N-ptem- 
IMT.    Mention    i-    made   of   tlie   e\pcndi 
lure  of  laru-c  -urn-  l>\   <  ommiinitiev  in 


dividual-  and  groups  across  the  coun- 
tr>  for  the  purchasing.  de\elopment 
and  improvement  of  park  areas.  Park 
attendance  figures  are  soaring.  Some 
of  the  state  parks  reported  that  the\ 
are  receiving  too  much  publicity  for 
the  facilities  available. 

*  THE  GATHERING  OF  RECREATION  EX- 
ECUTIVES and  experts,  at  the  National 
l!e<  reation  Congress  in  Seattle,  afford- 
ed an  opportunity  for  the  Puget  Sound 
Stud\    group   to   benefit    from   confer- 

*  •iii  r-    with    leaders   brought    in    from 
other  cities,  from  the  special  consulta- 
tion services  of  the  NRA  (George  But- 
ler of  the  association  staff  arrived  two 
days  early  for  this  purpose)  and  from 
a  congress  discussion  of  proposals  for 
the  acquisition  of  park  and  recreation 
properties  in  the  Puget  Sound  region. 
Related  to  this  is  a  proposal  for  a  two 
and  one-half  million  dollar  bond  i-siie 
for  parks  in  King  County,  and  a  one 
million  dollar  park  bond  issue  in  Se- 
attle, to  be  submitted  to  voters  in  the 
November  elections. 

*  A  STRAY  PIPE  was  found  at  the  Se- 
attle   Congress.    Anyone    desiring    to 
claim  it  should  write  to  Bob  Gamble. 
National  Recreation  Association,  315 
Fourth  Avenue,  New  York  10,  N.Y. 

*  A  TWO-DAY  MEETING  of  the  National 
Committee  for  the  Aged,  now  number- 
ing  about   one   hundred    nineU    mem- 
bers, will  be  held  November    I.")  and 
16.   in  New  York  Citv.  ju-t   following 
the  annual  meeting  of  the  National  So- 
cial Welfare  Asscinhl\ .  Membership  of 
tin-  committee  has  been  drawn  from  tin- 
fields  of  education,  recreation,  health, 
religion,  social   work  and   from   both 
major  labor  organizations. 


Special  Services 

New  quotas  for  overseas  recrea- 
tion personnel  recently  have  been 
announced.  The  most  urgent  need  is 
for  women  for  special  service  club 
work  in  the  Japanese  area. 

Ci\ilian  women  also  are  needed 
for  club  work  in  other  overseas 
.iic.i-.  Women,  ages  lwcnt\-fom  01 
(went\-five,  are  in  demand,  too.  for 
club  positions  at  po-l-  and  liases  in 
.ill  pail-  of  the  1  Hited  Slates.  Infor- 
mation coiiceinin-;  all  special  set\- 

i ppoitunities  may  IK-  obtained 

from  the  Recreation  Personnel  N-i\- 
ice,  National  Recreation  Associa- 
tion. 31.1  Fourth  \\emie.  \e«  York 

I".  New  York. 


lit-  HEATION 


The  Spirit 

of 
Thanksgiving 


On  Our  Knees 

Thanks  for  these  brooding  hills,  the  forest 

hush; 

Houses  with  lamps  alight;  a  muted  song, 
And  children  murmurous  at  close  of  day. 
Now  as  we  lift  our  hearts  in  grateful  prayer, 
Kneeling,  say  thanks  for  shelter  and  for  food, 
Safety,  and  warmth  against  the  winter's  cold, 
Give  us,  O  Lord,  compassion  for  the  old; 
Inspire  in  us  the  courage  to  be  good; 
Vanquish  our  terror,  and  let  brotherhood 
Invade  those  hearts  locked  hard  in  bands  of 

hate. 

Now  in  November  grant  to  all  the  living 
Grace  to  feel  the  comfort  of  Thanksgiving. 

—Dorothy  Ashby  Pownall 


Reprinted  through  courtesy  of  Dorothy  Ashby  Pownall  and 
the  Ladies  Home  Journal. 


NOVEMBER  1952 


r  s 


Bathhouse  of  modern  design  commands  excellent  view  of  the  first  municipal  swimming  pool  in  Columbia,  smith  (  .mil in. i.  l.m-.itrd 
in  a  park  near  the  center  of  the  city,  it  is  lighted  for  night  use.  Formal  dedication  service  marked  opening  of  the  poo)  in  1949. 


View  of  one  of  the  new  pool*  in  (,rn  n  II. i  \\iMnn\in.  slum  s 
'In  dniiii:  l.r  .i>  Tin  I.  II  \  li  in  .  . i  (in. ill  .  ».i<lini;  |iinil  frmii 
su  miming  pool  which  ruu  underwater  and  nxi-ilir.nl  lighting. 

322 


THK  RECENT  ANNOUNCEMENT  by  the  National  Production 
Authority  that  the  ban  on  the  construction  of  swim 
tiling  pools  will  be  lifted  early   in   1953   is  reawakening 
interest  in  many  communities  in  the  development  of  plans 
for  swimming  pools.  The  pages  that  follow  describe  briefly 
several  different  I\|M-S  of  pools  that  h;i\r  U-I-H  i  mivtnn  h-il 
in  recent  years  in  widely  separated  cities  of  varying  popu- 
lations. This  article  and   the  accompanying  phologrii|>li~ 
afford  information  lli.il   MKI\   !»•  helpful  to  localities  in  <lr 
riding  what  type  of  pool  will  Ix-st  suit  their  needs. 

Coliimhiu,  South  Carolina 

I  In  <  ii\  ..I  <  ..limil'i.i  .  i-li-ln.ii.  ,|  tin-  u|M-ning  of  its 
$200,000  luiiiin  iji.il  i I  iii  \l.i\  I'M1'  \\itli  .1  formal  dedi- 
cation sen  ire  fo||o\M-il  h\  ;m  elaliorute  and  colorful  pag- 
•  .ml  ami  aquatic  show.  Columbia's  first  numieipal  pool  I- 
liii.ited  iii  a  park  ne.-ii  the  center  of  the  iii\.  Nearby  is  a 
|in  nie  area,  willi  -lull'-!-.  \.i\>\<--  ami  diileh  o\ens.  and 
[Miking  space*  for  automobile*. 

RECREATION 


Construction 
nl  . 


Swimming  unit,  Willamalene  pool,  with  L  in 
the  foreground.  Diving  unit  is  off  to  the  left. 
The  third  unit  is  the  children's  wading  pool. 


The  pool  is  165  feet  long  and  65  feet  wide,  with  a  depth 
of  3  feet  3  inches  at  the  shallow  end,  graduating  to  12  feet 
under  the  two  one-meter  and  two  three-meter  diving  boards. 
The  pool  has  underwater  lighting,  which  is  a  great  addition 
to  lighting  effects  and  for  night  swimming.  The  diatomite 
filters  enable  the  water  in  the  pool  to  be  refiltered  every 
six  hours. 

The  bath  house  is  a  modernistic  structure  located  on  the 
third  terrace.  Colorful  beach  umbrellas,  tables  and  chairs 
are  found  on  the  second  terrace  to  the  left  and  right  of  the 
bath  house.  A  sandbox  and  spray  pool  are  located  on  the 
first  terrace  for  the  use  of  the  smaller  children. 

An  average  of  nine  hundred  swimmers  use  the  pool 
daily.  The  pool  is  open  Monday  through  Saturday  from 
10  a.m.  to  10  p.m.,  and  on  Sundays  from  2  p.m.  to  10  p.m. 
Swimming  classes  are  offered  both  for  adults  and  for  chil- 
dren. Each  lasts  one  and  one  half  hours  and  meets  three 
times  a  week  for  two  weeks.  "Swim  for  Health  Week"  was 
celebrated  by  providing  opportunity  for  three  hundred  un- 
derprivileged children  to  enjoy  the  new  pool. 

Dallas,  Texas 

Since  World  War  II  the  Dallas  Park  Board  has  supple- 
mented its  three  major  pools,  one  beach  and  thirty-one 
junior  pools,  through  the  construction  of  four  pools  in 
parks  located  in  residential  sections  of  the  city.  These 
"neighborhood  type"  pools  as  they  are  called  because  of 
their  location  and  method  of  operation  are  35  feet  wide 
on  the  deep  end,  65  feet  wide  on  the  shallow  end  and  105 
feet  long,  ranging  in  depth  from  3  feet  to  10  feet.  Specifi- 
cations for  this  shape  pool  require  eighty  percent  shallow 
water,  thereby  maintaining  maximum  water  usage  with  a 
minimum  amount  of  water.  The  location  for  such  a  pool  is 
determined  by  selecting  a  park  which  is  located  within  or 
nearby  a  well  populated  residential  area,  and  which  has 


adequate  space  outside  the  immediate  pool  area  for  park- 
ing, bicycle  racks,  spectator  seats  and  other  neighborhood 
recreation  facilities.  Approval  of  the  pool  location  by  resi- 
dents and  property  owners  in  the  vicinity  of  the  pool  is 
secured  before  proceeding  with  the  pool  plans. 

These  neighborhood  type  pools  are  constructed  without 
dressing  room  facilities  or  suit  and  towel  rental  privi- 
leges, so  the  swimmer  comes  to  the  pool  prepared  to  swim. 
Hangers  are  installed  inside  the  pool  area  for  the  con- 
venience of  those  bringing  robes  and  towels.  The  only 
building  provided  is  a  small  attractive  structure  housing 
the  main  entrance,  rest  rooms,  cashier  cage,  pump  room 
and  machinery.  The  cashier's  cage  is  so  located  that  a 
cashier  and  lifeguards  are  the  maximum  personnel  needed 
to  operate  the  pool.  The  cashier  may  view  the  entire  pool, 
as  there  are  no  obstructions  to  any  point  within  the  pool 
area  or  on  the  outside  leading  to  the  pool  entrance;  there- 
fore the  cashier  may  serve  as  the  manager  or  assistant 
manager  of  the  pool,  thereby  supervising  the  pool  activi- 
ties, personnel  and  operations. 

The  pool  has  a  recirculating  system  with  a  six-hour 
water  purification  turnover  and  is  equipped  with  pressure 
filters.  One  three-meter  diving  board  and  one  one-meter 
diving  board  are  located  at  the  deep  end  of  the  pool.  Three 
lifeguard  stands  are  properly  placed  around  the  pool.  This 
pool  is  also  equipped  with  vacuum  cleaners,  underwater 
lights,  entrance  showers,  footsplash,  ample  drainage  in 
surrounding  walkways,  and  is  enclosed  by  a  seven-foot 
protective  chain  link  fence.  The  swimming  season  in  Dal- 
las is  from  the  middle  of  May  through  Labor  Day.  Daily 
hours  of  operation  for  the  pools  are  from  8  a.m.  to  10:15 
p.m.  Total  attendance  in  a  recent  season  varied  from 
46,124  to  62,764  per  pool.  The  pools  are  built  to  handle  a 
maximum  of  eight  hundred  swimmers  daily. 

The  swimming  program  includes  free  swimming  lessons 


NOVEMBER  1952 


323 


Air  M'CW  of  one  of  Letittown's  swim- 
ming and  wadini;  pooh.  The  com- 
munity is  served  by  nine  such  pools. 


in  cooperation  with  the  American  Red  Cross,  playground 
swimming  meets  and  other  water  activities.  Because  of  the 
location  and  convenience,  families  are  encouraged  to  go 
-Dimming  in  a  group  and  to  attend  the  pool  regularly, 
thereby  stimulating  interest  in  swimming  and  aquatics. 

Green  Bay,  Wisconsin 

Two  outdoor  swimming  pools,  identical  in  size  and  type 
of  construction,  were  opened  in  Green  Bay  in  1950.  Each 
pool  has  a  swimming  area  65  feet  by  200  feet,  plus  a  diving 
well  30  feet  by  50  feet  which  is  part  of  the  pool  and  is 
located  along  one  side,  near  the  deep  end.  Each  also  has  a 
wading  pool  for  small  children,  separated  by  a  fence  from 
the  swimming  pool,  but  connected  with  the  recirculation 
system.  I  nderwater  lighting  as  well  as  overhead  lighting 
facilities  have  been  installed.  The  water  in  the  main  por- 
tion of  the  pool  varies  from  2l/2  feet  to  5  feet  in  depth.  It  is 
2%  feet  at  one  end  and  3Vt>  feet  at  the  other,  with  the  deep 
water  in  tin-  middle  section  "f  tin-  pool.  For  swimming 
meets  a  removable  bulkhead  is  used  at  the  shallow  end  of 
the  pool  in  order  that  there  may  be  a  minimum  of  .'{'  L. 
feet  of  water  for  50-meter  races.  Water  in  the  diving  pool 
varies  in  depth  from  5  feet  at  each  end  to  11  feet  in  front 
»f  the  high  board.  The  pool  is  equipped  with  pressure 
filler*  and  a  recirculation  system,  and  has  a  capacity  of 
465,000  gallons.  The  bathhouse,  containing  lobby  and 
dressing  areas,  is  a  concrete  and  wood  structure  42  feet 
by  144  feet.  The  filtration  plant  is  in  the  basement. 

Kach  pool  cost  $192,642  plus  an  architect's  fee  of  six 
l»  r  •  •  nl.  nr  a  total  slightly  above  $200,000.  The  cost  of 
o|>eraling  the  lw»  pool-  in  I 'J.I  I  totaled  $2.~>.(MM)  or  an 
average  of  $12,500  per  pool  for  the  season.  Receipts  in- 
•  lulling  va«on  ticket-,  -ingle  admissions  and  cunii-.~i.ui 
'M<  i..i  ilrd  $14,714,  or  $7,357  per  pool.  'Die  .n.  rage 
number  of  swims  per  pool  in  I ''."•!  wn«  7.<.l7.~i.  Swimming 
classes  are  held  each  morning,  Monday  through  Saturday. 

>mglr  admissions  vary  from  ten  cents  for  children  un- 
der twelve  to  twenty-five  cents  for  adults;  season  tickets 


from  two  dollars  for  children  under  twelve  to  four  dollars 
for  adults. 

Levittown,  New  York 

This  Long  Island  community  of  17,447  homes,  com- 
pletely built  since  V-J  day,  has  the  distinction  of  having 
the  most  adequate  provision  of  swimming  facilities  of  an\ 
city  of  its  size  in  the  country.  It  has  nine  swimming  pools, 
or  better  than  one  for  every  2.000  families,  representing 
an  investment  of  $1,500,000.  The  pools  are  identical;  12.1 
feet  long,  75  feet  wide  and  a  depth  ranging  from  3V£  feet 
to  12  feet.  Each  has  a  capacity  of  450,000  gallons.  At  the 
shallow  end  of  the  pool  and  separated  from  it  by  a  wide 
runway  is  a  wading  pool  for  children,  measuring  75  feet 
by  25  feet. 

Pressure  sand  filters  are  used  and  the  water  is  re- 
circulated  every  eight  hours.  Diving  facilities  include  one 
high  board  and  two  low  boards.  There  are  no  lights  as  the 
pools  were  not  intended  for  night  time  operation.  Each 
pool  has  toilet  facilities,  drinking  fountains,  and  open 
cubicles  for  the  storage  of  sandal-,  shoes  and  towels,  but 
no  locker  room  facilities. 

The  pools  operate  from  8  a.m.  until  dark,  from  Me- 
morial Day  (May  30)  till  mid-Septenilxr.  Throughout 
the  -ca>on  they  are  used  by  an  average  of  10,000  people 
a  week.  Each  pool  has  at  least  one  lifeguard  on  duty  at 
all  times  it  is  in  use. 

Salinas,  California 

I  he  municipal  swimming  pool,  opened  for  public  use 
in  July,  1949,  was  one  of  tin-  fu-t  pools  to  be  constructed 
that  combined  indoor-outdoor  features.  The  pool  measures 
50  feet  by  100  feet  and  is  fully  enclosed.  The  exterior  is 
•  on-irueied  of  natural  redwood  above  the  poured  concrete 
walls  of  the  dressing  rooms.  Extensive  use  of  plate  glass 
was  made  on  the  south  side  of  the  building.  Industrial  roll- 
up  doors  separate  the  swimming  pool  deck  from  a  fenced 
30  feet  by  100  feet  concrete  sun  deck  which  is  outside  the 


RECREATION 


Finishing  a  neighborhood  pool  in  Dallas, 
Texas.  Four  similar  ones  have  been  con- 
structed in  residential  sections  since  war. 


Boil-up  doors,  adjoining  sun  deck  make 
Salina's  municipal  pool  an  indoor-outdoor 
swimming  center.  It  was  opened  in  1949. 


ft) 


building.  The  entire  wall  above  these  doors,  as  well  as  a 
twenty-foot  section  at  each  end  of  the  pool,  is  made  up  of 
plate  glass  panels. 

This  type  of  pool  has  proved  to  be  very  satisfactory  in 
this  city,  which  has  a  coastal  fog  almost  daily  during  the 
summer  months.  Excessive  condensation  within  the  build- 
ing during  the  winter  months  necessitated  the  installation 
of  a  dehumidification  system. 

Springfield,  Oregon 

The  Willamalene  Park  and  Recreation  District  in  1951 
built  a  triple-unit  pool  at  a  cost  of  $180,000.  The  largest 
unit  is  60  feet  by  120  feet,  with  an  L  15  feet  wide  at 
the  deep  end.  A  line  of  buoys  extends  across  the  unit  at 
the  L,  affording  an  area  60  feet  by  80  feet,  from  2*/2  feet 
to  5  feet  in  depth  for  beginners,  and  an  area  40  feet  by 
75  feet,  from  5%  feet  to  6^2  feet  in  depth  for  advanced 
swimmers  and  for  meets.  The  second  unit  is  a  separate 
diving  pool  40  feet  square  and  10  feet  in  depth,  with  a 
one-meter  and  a  three-meter  board.  The  third  unit,  sep- 
arated by  a  fence  from  the  others,  is  a  wading  pool  35 
feet  by  60  feet,  with  water  1  foot  in  depth. 

The  entire  pool  is  surrounded  by  a  concrete  deck  25 
feet  to  35  feet  wide,  which  is  enclosed  by  a  woven  wire 
fence.  The  pool  is  equipped  with  chlorinator  and  diatroma- 
ceous  earth  filters.  The  building,  housing  showers,  lockers 
and  water  heating  and  purification  equipment  is  of  con- 
crete, trimmed  with  brick  and  finished  with  colored  tile. 

The  pool  is  open  to  the  public  from  1  p.m.  to  10  p.m. 
daily  during  the  summer  season  with  an  average  attend- 
ance of  five  hundred  to  eight  hundred  people.  On  very  hot 
days  it  will  accommodate  fifteen  hundred  swimmers.  A 
Learn  To  Swim  program  is  held  for  ten  weeks  for  Spring- 
field and  all  the  surrounding  communities  during  the  sum- 
mer in  the  mornings.  Last  year  fifteen  hundred  children 
received  instruction  and  this  year  fourteen  hundred  took 
advantage  of  this  free  instruction. 

NOVEMBER  1952 


The  operation  of  the  pool  costs  approximately  one 
hundred  dollars  per  day.  This  includes  utilities,  filter  ma- 
terial, the  wages  of  four  life  guards,  one  pool  manager  and 
three  basket  room  employees. 

The  income  from  admissions  more  than  pays  for  this 
expense.  Charges  made  are  ten  cents  for  children,  twenty- 
five  cents  for  high  school  students,  and  fifty  cents  for 
adults.  A  season  ticket  for  children  costs  three  dollars, 
for  high  school  students,  five  dollars  and  for  adults,  seven 
dollars  and  fifty  cents.  A  family  ticket,  which  admits  an 
entire  family,  costs  fifteen  dollars.  The  wading  pool  is,  of 
course,  free. 

Friendship  Angels 


Lovely,  golden  foil  angels,  handmade 
by  refugees  in  the  Bavarian  Alps,  are 
on  sale  from  the  international  organiza- 
tion, Friendship  Among  Children  and 
Youth — proceed*  to  be  used  for  the 
benefit  of  children  throughout  the 
world.  The  gold  or  silver  friendship 
angels,  fourteen  and  a  half  inches  high, 
retail  for  $2.50  (including  postage) . 
Fifteen  in  one  box  are  priced  at  $25.50 
— or  $1.65  each.  It  is  suggested  that 
clubs,  churches  and  other  organizations 
may  wish  to  resell  these  for  their  own 
benefit.  Order  from:  Friendship  Among 
Children  and  Youth,  220  Fifth  Avenue, 
New  York  1,  N.Y. 

325 


REALITY  -  Through  the  Dance 


Richard  Kraus 


The  room  is  a  pleasant  one,  cheerfully  decorated,  with 
attractive  couches  and  colorful  drapes  at  the  windows.  A 
number  of  gaily-clad  girls  are  dancing  with  their  partners, 
as  a  caller's  crisp  commands  ring  out: 
Take  that  lady  by  the  wrist. 
Around  that  lady  with  a  grapevine  twist. 
Back  to  the  center  with  a  whoa-hatv-gee, 
And  around  the  gent  from  Tennessee! 

Entering,  you  might  comment,  "This  could  be  a  square 
dance  anywhere  in  America,  perhaps  in  a  college  gymnasi- 
um, a  church  basement  or  a  Grange  hall!" 

But  then  you  begin  to  see  the  grills  on  the  windows, 
and  the  aides  who  stand,  alertly  watching  the  dancers: 
and  you  notice  the  men  who  are  not  dancing.  They  sit 
silently  along  the  sidelines.  One  of  them  stares  at  the 
floor.  Another  suddenly  rises  and  begins  to  argue  loudly. 
Then  you  realize  that  this  is  not  an  ordinary  square  dance. 

It  is  a  dance  being  held  in  a  veteran's  psychiatric  hospi- 
tal, in  the  day  room  of  a  ward  of  hyperactive  patients. 
Many  of  these  men  are  extremely  disturbed,  some  with  a 
tendency  toward  impulsive  violence.  And  yet  square 
dancing  is  a  regular  part  of  their  planned  activity  program. 

This  traditional  form  of  social  recreation  is  being  used 
more  and  more  today  in  America's  mental  hospitals.  Rec- 
reation workers  are  coming  to  appreciate  its  unique  values, 
and  psychiatric  staff*  an-  inlrnMril  in  it-  |>n».iliili(ir-. 

To  learn  just  how  square  dancing  can  be  successfully 
carried  on  with  mentally  ill  veterans,  let  us 
visit  a  hospital  that  has  sponsored  this  type 
of  activity  for  the  past  two  years — the 
Franklin  Delano  Roosevelt  Memorial  Hos- 
pital at  Montrose,  New  York.  This  huge, 
[••• '-niK  Imill  institution  sprawls  over  an 
attractive,  green  landscape  close  to  the 
Hudson  Ri\i-r.  It  has  over  fifteen  huncln-il 
patients  mostly  from  World  War  II:  ripht\ 
eight  of  them  are  women. 

Author  RICHARD  KRAUS  u  assistant  profes- 
tor  in  education  at  Teachers  College,  Co- 
lumbia University,  New  York  City.  The 
illustrations  for  this  article  are  his  own. 

326 


Martin  M.  Meyer,  chief  of  recreation,  special  services, 
at  the  Montrose  hospital,  is  eager  to  talk  about  his  pro- 
gram's use  of  square  dancing.  "But  first."  he  says,  "let  me 
explain  the  kinds  of  patients  we  work  with,  since  their 
needs  determine  the  nature  of  the  activiu." 

"There  are  four  chief  categories,"  Meyer  says.  "The 
first  is  composed  largely  of  World  War  II  veterans  who 
have,  in  most  cases,  suffered  fairly  recent  breakdowns. 
Intensive  treatment  is  given  to  help  them  achieve  a  quick 
recovery.  Various  physiological  treatments  are  employed, 
together  with  very  concentrated  psychotherapy. 

"A  second  type  consists  of  hyperactive,  extremely  dis- 
turbed patients.  A  third  category  includes  patients  whose 
illness  is  of  longer  duration.  Some  have  been  under  treat- 
ment for  fifteen  or  twenty  years. 

"A  fourth  type  of  patient  is  very  regressed,  often  phys- 
ically incapacitated.  It  would  be  useless  to  attempt  Un- 
kind of  activity  with  him.  But  we  do  work  with  each  of 
the  other  kimk" 

Two  kinds  of  square  dance  activities  are  held  each 
week.  One  is  a  small  ward  party,  held  each  Thursday 
night.  The  other  is  a  mass  square  dance,  held  on  Monday. 

Thursday    Evening   Ward   Parties 
Square  dance  parties  are  held  for  hyperactive  patient- 
in  the  day  room  of  a  ward.  Eight  men  participate  at  a 
single  I  inn-.  During  a  typical  evening,  about  sixty  per  cent 


RECREATION 


of  a  ward  of  forty  men  will  usually  take  part.  Obviously, 
women  partners  are  needed,  to  dance  with  the  men.  How 
has  this  hospital  solved  the  problem? 

"We  owe  a  considerable  debt  to  the  Montrose  Commit- 
tee of  the  American  Theater  Wing,"  the  recreation  director 
is  quick  to  explain.  "Under  the  leadership  of  Mrs.  Doris 
Marcuse,  hostesses  have  been  brought  in  from  the  start. 
Usually  they  are  in  the  entertainment  field;  they  volunteer 
their  services,  as  do  all  those  connected  with  the  activity. 
On  alternate  Thursday  nights,  the  Carroll  Club  of  New 
York,  a  service  organization,  has  brought  in  hostesses, 
led  by  Pat  McClarney  and  Carmen  Orestano." 

The  party  follows  a  formula  developed  over  eight  years 
by  the  American  Theater  Wing,  combining  entertainment, 
dancing,  community  singing  and  conversational  mixing, 
usually  in  the  following  sequence: 

1.  A  pianist  plays  popular  music  for  a  short  time. 

2.  A  master  of  ceremonies  then  introduces  an  entertain- 
er, usually  a  girl,  who  sings  for  the  patients. 

3.  Hostesses  (usually  about  ten)   enter,  one  at  a  time, 
with  cigarettes  and  candy,  which  they  offer  the  men. 

4.  The  hostesses  then  ask  the  patients  to  square  dance. 
It  is  very  rarely  that  a  patient  has  the  initiative  to  invite  a 
hostess  to  dance;  when  he  does  so,  it  is  considered  a  very 
good  sign.  Two  or  three  square  dances  are  done. 

5.  There  may  be  a  short  stretch  of  social  dancing  and 
community  singing.  The  program  is  ended  quickly,  with- 
out any  lingering  good-byes. 

The  caller  who  pioneered  in  square  dancing  at  the 
Montrose  Hospital  is  Henry  Scherer.  a  square  and  folk 
dance  teacher  from  New  York  City.  Both  he  and  his  wife 
have  volunteered  their  services  regularly,  and  their  pa- 
tience, friendliness  and  careful  selection  and  teaching  of 
dances  has  helped  to  bring  about  remarkable  progress 
under  most  difficult  circumstances.  For  instance,  the  forty 
men  in  a  "hyperactive"  ward  represent  various  types,  each 
one  offering  a  special  problem  to  the  caller.  Some  are 
catatonic,  completely  mute  and  motionless,  yet  capable  of 
breaking  out  in  sudden  hyperactivity.  Others  hallucinate 
constantly,  having  visions,  gesturing  and  shouting.  Still 
others  behave  wildly  and  boisterously,  in  order  to  attract 
the  attention  of  the  hostesses. 

In  one  of  the  most  difficult  wards,  square  dancing  was 
begun  by  Henry  Scherer.  During  the  first  session,  there 
was  no  response  at  all.  Only  after  several  weekly  sessions 
would  six  or  eight  of  the  patients  stand  and  permit  their 
hands  to  be  taken  by  the  hostesses.  Their  expressions 
were  blank  and  they  did  not  speak  at  all — but  their  rising 
showed  that  they  wanted  to  take  part  in  the  activity.  Even 
with  patients  of  this  type,  the  caller  was  able  to  bring 
men  to  the  point  where  they  would  accept  instruction  and 
do  fairly  involved  dances.  In  addition,  Scherer  and  his 
wife  often  demonstrated  European  folk  dances,  which  the 
patients  seemed  to  enjoy  watching — and  which  may  have 
motivated  them  toward  dancing  themselves. 

Monday  Evening  Mass  Dances 

On  Mondays,  the  dance  is  held  in  the  large  recreation 
hall  of  the  hospital.  Approximately  seventy  to  eighty  guest 


hostesses  attend,  coming  from  all  over  Westchester  and 
Putnam  counties,  and  about  one  hundred  and  fifty  men 
and  women  hospital  patients.  Often  there  are  as  many  as 
twenty  sets  on  the  floor.  The  patients  come  from  the  first 
and  third  categories:  those  with  recent  breakdowns  who 
are  undergoing  very  intensive  treatment,  and  those  who 
have  been  under  continued  treatment  for  a  long  time. 
Each  ward  is  classified  and  given  a  quota,  to  determine 
which  patients  will  attend.  Doctors  select  those  who  will 
take  part  on  the  basis  of  their  social  needs  and  their 
amount  of  interest  in  the  activity.  The  crowd  is  usually 
most  enthusiastic  and  anxious  to  dance. 

Starting  as  a  small  day  room  party,  this  weekly  dance 
has  grown  steadily,  with  more  and  more  hostesses  attend- 
ing, in  spite  of  the  isolated  location  of  the  hospital  and 
poor  train  and  bus  connections.  The  hostesses  are  supplied 
by  the  American  Red  Cross,  the  American  Legion  Auxili- 
ary and  B'nai  Brith,  the  Jewish  service  organization.  They 
are  carefully  screened  for  stability,  common  sense  and 
adaptability,  and  given  a  special  orientation  course  by  the 
hospital's  psychiatrists,  psychologists  and  recreation  spe- 
cialists. In  this  course,  the  following  subjects  are  dealt 
with:  types  of  patients,  how  the  hostesses  should  behave, 
and  problems  for  which  to  watch. 

In  regard  to  the  last  point,  recreation  chief  Meyer 
stresses  that  there  has  been  no  unpleasant  episode  of  any 
importance  at  Montrose  Hospital,  in  the  two  years  that 
square  dancing  has  been  carried  on. 

Unlike  the  ward  parties,  only  square  dancing  is  on  the 
Monday  night  program.  While  some  patients  distrust  it  at 
the  outset,  feeling  that  it  is  too  "hick"  or  "lowbrow"  for 
them,  and  while  some  women  patients  resent  it  because  it 
does  not  give  them  a  chance  to  primp,  it  has  become  ex- 
ceedingly popular  among  most  of  the  patients.  In  the 
opinion  of  the  recreation  director,  it  has  these  distinct 


NOVEMBER  1952 


327 


values  when  compared  with  social  dancing: 

1.  It   represents  a   re-socializing   influence   for  patients 
who  may  have  become  almost  completely  withdrawn  from 
reality  and  from  contact  with  others.  It  is  a  communitx 
enterprise. 

2.  It  means  that  the  patient  must  take  instruction;  must 
listen  to  the  caller's  directions  and  put  them  into  action. 
In  social  dancing,  if  the  patient  ever  knew  how  to  dan< •<•. 
he  can  carry   it  on  by  habit,  just  through  the  physical 
memory.   But   in  square  dancing,  he  must  be  consc-inus. 
and    must    force   his    attention    on    a    real    situation.     Ml 
patients  cannot  do  this — but  when  they  do,  it  is  consid- 
ered a  real  step  forward.  One  of  the  hospital  psychologists 
has  been  amazed  to  see  patients  following  instructions  in 
square  dancing  when  they  were  completely  unable  to  do  so 
while  taking  psychological  tests. 

A  wide  number  of  callers  have  taken  part  in  the  dance 
activities  at  the  hospital.  These  have  included  Robert  Pal- 
tnrr.  a  postman  and  amateur  caller  from  Peekskill.  'Tex" 
Coulter  from  nearby  Connecticut,  and  Jimmy  Yoe,  a  pro- 
fessional caller  who  also  works  as  an  occupational  therapist 
at  the  hospital.  Others  have  been  the  popular  Elisha  Keeler 
of  South  Salem,  a  woman  caller,  Penny  Braught,  and  a 
beginning  caller,  Joe  Beasley,  whose  careful,  slow  ap- 
proach and  thorough  teaching  have  achieved  an  excellent 
response.  In  the  opinion  of  the  hospital's  recreation  staff. 
it  is  much  more  important  for  a  caller  to  be  sympathetic, 
easy-going  and  patient,  than  it  is  for  him  to  have  an  ex- 
i  client  calling  style,  or  outstanding  repertoire.  From  sev- 


Sports  Equipment 


:.'..•• 


eral  of  the  callers,  the   following  suggestions  have   Ixvn 
gleaned. 

Do's   and   Don't's  for  Callers 

Let  the  patients  know  at  once  that  you  arc  their  friciul. 

Choose  material  that  is  simple  and  easily-learned.  It 
should  be  lively,  but  not  too  strenuous  or  wild. 

Praise  men  who  perform  correctly  even  the  simplest 
movements,  but  never  reprimand  them  for  mistakes. 

Never  do  dances  involving  kissing,  hugging,  or  action* 
like  mussing  hair,  tweaking  nose,  and  so  on.  Keep  \mu 
dances  dignified. 

Never  assume  that  the  patients  remember  what  \i>n 
taught  them  during  the  last  session.  Review  old  figure*. 
and  teach  all  new  patterns  extremclx  carefully. 

Begin  with  circle  mixers,  since  withdrawn  patients  are 
encouraged  to  come  into  this  type  of  formation,  rather 
than  with  smaller  squares.  It  is  less  of  a  challenge  to  them. 

Avoid  sarcasm  or  kidding  when  talking  to  the  patient*: 
many  of  them  may  misunderstand  it  and  take  offen*e. 

Let  the  patients  end  with  a  feeling  of  accomplishment. 
by  doing  a  very  familiar,  easy  dance — and  end  quickly ! 
When  the  dance  is  over,  the  hall  should  be  cleared  at  once. 
for  this  is  the  time  when  behavior  problems  are  most  like- 
ly to  occur. 

A  major  problem  in  connection  with  square  dancing  in 
mental  hospitals  is  that  of  obtaining  volunteer  hostesses 
for  the  men's  dancing  partners.  For  instance,  the  Veter- 
ans Administration  Hospital  at  Northport,  Long  Island, 
has  had  a  successful  and  popular  monthly  square  dance 
program  for  patients  for  the  past  three  years,  under  the 
direction  of  E.  S.  Sheridan,  chief  of  recreation,  special 
services;  but.  as  at  Montrose.  they  are  dependent  on  a 
sponsoring  organization  in  the  community  to  provide 
music,  callers,  and.  most  of  all.  \olunteer  ho-tr-- 

In  the  l.xon*.  New  Jei«c\.  xetciaii-'  hn*pital.  recreation 
director  Philip  Ciiminings  states,  "\\hile  we  here  at  l.xon- 
,ne  highlx  in  favor  of  this  activity  for  menial  patient*,  we 
have  not  yet  been  able  to  give  it  the  lime  nece**aix  to  carrx 
it  out  with  any  moderate  degree  of  -m  .  CM.  \\  illi  over  two 
thousand  patients  to  serve  on  a  seven  day  week  basis,  our 
present  ho*pilal  polic\  i*  aimed  at  aetivilie*  fur  large  num- 
bers of  patients." 

Obviously,  large  numbers  of  patients  can  onl\    !><•  *m 
ce**fully    involved    in    square    dance    activities    if.    as   at 
Montrose  and  Northport,  large  nnml>ers  of  hostesses  are 
brought  in  by  outside  community  organizations. 

Here  lies  a  challenge  for  the  main  square  dance  clubs, 
associations  and  federations  in  \nn-tir.i  Indav!  If  the\ 
would  organize  to  provide  callers  and  ho*ic-«c*  for  square 
dance  *c**ii,n*  in  nearl>\  mental  hospital-,  thev  would  IM- 
performing  a  wonderful  service.  Thev  would  be  bringing 
an  activity  that  they  cnjov  great  I  \  themselves  to  patient- 
who  haw  a  real  need  for  it.  \Vhile  tin*  l\pe  ,.f  pmjccl  max 
not  be  as  glamnn.ii*  ,,i  *h,,w\  ,i*  *p..n-oring  huge  fc*li\al* 
and  jamboree*.  ,md  while  it  max  inxolve  considerable 
groundwork  and  frustration  "xer  a  period  of  time,  ulti- 
match  it  will  x  ield  rich  fruit-  of  *ati*fn<  IM.II.  The  xolun 
leer  d.incci*  and  callers  who  ha\c  made  tin-  Mntilro-e  and 
N'.Tthporl  progrnr  -ful  xvill  alle*t  to  this! 

|{n  in  UIIIN 


Kathryn  and  Dorothy  Hardin  try  the  concrete  turtle 
at  the  Salvation  Army  Day  Nursery  in  Los  Angeles. 


Charlotte  Battle 


A  TURTLE 


Sfate 

Sttactctte 


OMETHING  NEW  in  the  way  of  playground  equipment 
is  now  being  used  by  the  children  at  the  Salvation 
Army  Day  Nursery  in  Los  Angeles.  It  is  a  turtle  sculptured 
in  cement.  Three  and  one-half  feet  from  each  outstretched 
leg  to  the  top  of  its  arched  shell  and  four  feet  from  its 
beaked  nose  to  the  tip  of  its  tail,  the  turtle  weighs  approxi- 
mately five  hundred  pounds.  It  is  an  imaginative  effort  to 
enliven  the  types  of  children's  recreational  facilities  with 
an  oversize  animal  figure.  Patterned  after  the  animals 
viewed  by  most  children  only  behind  the  iron  fence  at  a 
zoo,  such  a  plaything  lends  variety  to  the  usual  equipment 
of  swings,  see-saws  and  jungle  gyms. 

Clara  Lee,  senior  sculpture  student  at  the  University  of 
Southern  California,  designed  and  constructed  the  turtle. 
Working  in  conjunction  with  the  university  School  of  Ar- 
chitecture, which  designed  the  playground,  she  has  con- 
structed a  piece  of  equipment  whose  primary  function  is 
"playability."  The  total  cost  of  the  turtle  was  only  eight 
dollars  —  the  cost  of  materials.  Miss  Lee  donated  her  efforts 
and  her  time,  which  she  estimates  to  have  been  approxi- 
mately two  hundred  hours. 

Construction  of  such  an  animal  appears  to  be  more  in 
the  field  of  engineering  than  in  that  of  sculpturing.  First, 
however,  a  scale  model  in  terra  cotta  clay  was  made.  Then 
the  actual  turtle  was  begun  by  erecting  two  steel  rods, 
arched,  crossed  at  the  center,  and  attached  diagonally  to 
the  corners  of  a  square  wooden  frame.  Another  rod  was 
wired  to  the  other  two  and  projected  to  the  front  to  form 
the  neck  and  head  of  the  animal.  Around  and  halfway  the 

During  her  senior  year  at  Wesleyan  College,  Macon,  Geor- 
gia, CHARLOTTE  BATTLE  was  president  of  the  Athletic  Asso- 
ciation and  a  participant  in  many  sports  activities.  She  is 
now  doing  graduate  work  in  writing,  New  York  University. 


height  of  these  rods  was  then  placed  a  circular  rod  as  a 
base  for  the  turtle's  shell.  A  steel  netting  laid  over  the 
framework  provided  the  base  for  a  jute  and  cement  founda- 
tion which  was  modeled  to  the  general  shape  of  the  turtle. 
Details  were  added  in  other  layers  of  cement. 

Green  cement  coloring  was  mixed  in  the  last  cement 
layer.  Also,  a  reddish-brown  coloring  was  used  on  lined 
indentures  of  the  turtle's  shell  and  in  its  open  mouth  to 
lend  contrast  to  the  color  scheme.  Finally,  rubbing  with 
carborundum  sand  paper  smoothed  out  the  rough  edges 
and  gave  a  finished  appearance  to  the  animal. 

The  turtle  was  designed  specifically  for  a  pre-school  age 
group  of  children  at  the  day  nursery.  Of  the  mammalian, 
reptilian  and  bird  forms  considered,  that  of  the  turtle  was 
chosen  as  best  fitting  the  needs  of  the  children. 

Dimensions  of  the  animal  are  drawn  to  suit  the  sizes  of 

the  children  expected  to  play 
on  it.  To  enable  them  to 
crawl  under  it,  the  turtle 
shell  is  hollow  on  the  under- 
side and  raised  two  feet  off 
the  ground  by  the  length  of 
the  four  legs.  Three  holes  in 
the  shell,  one  on  each  side 
and  one  at  the  rear,  allow 

the  children  to  project  their  heads  from  the  underside  of 
the  shell  to  the  exterior.  Had  playground  space  not  been 
limited,  the  turtle  design  would  have  been  large  enough 
to  permit  the  children  to  crawl  through  these  holes. 

A  smooth  sliding  area  is  provided  by  the  rounding 
shell  of  the  turtle's  back  and  supplemented  by  each  of  the 
four  legs  which  extend  from  under  the  shell  but  even  with 
its  surface.  For  riding  the  animal  there  is  a  seat  on  top  of 
the  shell  and  also  convenient  footholds  made  by  the  two 


NOVEMBER  1952 


329 


side  holes  of  the  shell.  For  smaller  children  the  turtle's 
neck  is  low  enough  to  provide  a  straddling  scat.  So  this 
turtle  is  a  versatile  one;  it  can  be  climbed,  -li.l  <!I>\MI. 
crawled  under,  and  ridden.  Such  possibilities  were  con- 
sciously considered  in  choosing  the  turtle  form  as  a  piece 
of  playground  equipment. 

However,  its  zoological  accuracy  was  not  ignored  in  the 
effort  to  make  the  turtle  enticing  to  a  group  of  youngsters. 
Miss  Lee  did  research  in  both  the  zoology  department  and 
the  Hancock  Foundation  for  Scientific  Research  of  the 
university  before  completing  its  design.  Actually  it  is  a 
combination  of  species,  rather  than  a  Galapagus  or  Sphur- 
gis.  Nevertheless,  behind  its  design  lies  a  basis  of  scientific 
knowledge  and  research. 

From  the  playground  director's  point  of  view  an  im- 
portant advantage  of  the  turtle's  design  is  safety.  Every 
part  of  the  animal  is  securely  attached  to  the  whole. 


Nothing  is  movable.  No  flying  trapeze  bars,  no  unbalanced 
swing  seats,  no  sliding  bar  rings  jeopardize  the  childV 
safety.  The  danger  from  falling  is  iniiiiini/ed  1>\  the  turtle'- 
circular  construction,  and  additional  protection  is  afforded 
l>\  a  sawdust  base  under  the  whole  form. 

The  popularity  of  amu-emc-iil-  -rich  as  the  men  \  •_•< 
round  proves  children's  attraction  to  realistic  and  imagina- 
tive animal  models.  Even  an  animal  such  as  the  turtle, 
which  is  often  considered  ugly  in  appearance  and  i-  rarely 
domesticated  as  a  pet,  can  be  modeled  into  an  inviting 
recreational  facility.  This  type  of  equipment  is  a  stimulant 
to  the  imagination  as  well  as  an  aid  to  healthy  1"..1\ 
building.  To  the  child  the  cement  turtle  may  easily  become 
a  gallant  steed,  a  lumbering  elephant,  a  plodding  cam. -I. 
Its  novelty  ma\  wear  off  soon,  but  its  fitness  to  fund  I.  m 
makes  it  a  perennial  favorite  with  those  who  know — the 
children. 


A  Coasting  Chute 

H.  S.  Kennedy 


DOUBT  OTHERS  have  found  a 
multiple  use  for  their  picnic 
tables  and  wooden  bleachers.  We,  on 
our  part,  have  found  our  park  play- 
ground handcraft  tables  and  ten-tier 
bleachers  useful  for  a  snow  coasting 
setup.  If  put  together  on  a  fairly  good 
slope,  the  "bank"  makes  a  good  off- 
street  coasting  area.  A  number  of  them 
put  together  make  a  platform  for  our 
Fourth  of  July  Circus;  others  have 
been  used  by  putting  a  series  of  them 
together  on  end,  side  by  side,  to  make 
the  backdrop  for  a  bandshell.  Each 
table  is  7l/2  feet  long,  2'L.  feet  wide, 
and  stands  2\.'->  feet  high.  The  ma- 
terial for  legs  is  4x4  and  the  top  is 
2x8  planking.  The  tables  are  \>i\ 
well  constructed,  to  stand  up  under 
heavy  weight  and  hard  use. 

In  the  assembling  of  a  snow  coast- 
ing chut<-: 

1.  A  ten-tier  section  <>(  hlr.i.  d. 
wt  up. 

Author   II  .i.m    M   Ihr  flir •,;  tin 

of  rf creation  in  Summit,  New  Jrr*c\. 


A  space  it  left  on  one  side  for  the  steps. 

2.  Six  tables  are  stacked     in  back 
of  the  bleachers.  two  l.il.le-  wide,  time- 
tables  high.    This    form-    tin-    -tarting 
platform  for  the  <  ...i-lers. 

3.  The   bleacher-   .ire   .ippr..\imat.-|\ 
sixteen  feet  wide,  and  we  leave  a  spa. . 
three   feet    wide    ..n    one   end    to    form 
the  steps   for   the    u-e   .>f   coasters   in 
reaching  the  Marling  platform. 

\.    Thi-    leave-    appmximaleU    thir- 


Tables   are    stacked   behind   the   bleat-leers. 


teen  feet  for  the  chute,  which  is  made 
I  IN  laying  bleacher-seat  or  footboards 
lengthwise,  with  side  boards  to  keep 
the  children  from  going  off  the  chute. 
I  .ill!..-  -trip>  I  "xl'/i"  are  nailed  across 
the  chute  to  keep  the  snow  from  slid- 
ing downward. 

~i.  The  2\  1's  used  for  side  railings. 
In   keep  the  children   from  falling  off, 
arc  the  ones  used  in  the  fall  for  - 
aird  football  goal  posts.  These  are  not 
cut.    but    used    as    lhe\    are    for   goal 

p..-l-.    which    means    thev    can    hi-    n-ed 

after  year  for  their  regular  pur- 


We  haxe  found,  after  four  \.-.u-'  c\ 
pcrietice.  ihi-  coa-tini:  facility  pro\  id.  - 
a  great  deal  of  enji>\  merit  for  the 
smaller  children.  It  is  safe.  loo.  and  we 
II.INC  not  had  an  accident  In  dale.  Al- 
though it  does  not  prnxide  a  l.c-i 
.•iH'iirh  ride  for  older  children  and 
adult-,  we  have  found  it  a  rno-t  satis- 
fac|..r\  fac  ilil\  for  i-lf--lreet  .  n 


3.10 


life  HK\Tln\ 


0  Recreation  in  Children's  Hospital, 
Pittsburgh,  Pennsylvania,  has  as  many 
angles  as  the  hospital  has  patients,  be- 
cause each  child's  play  needs  and  in- 
terests help  to  chart  our  course  in  pre- 
paring and  conducting  the  recreation 
program.  Needless  to  say,  the  primary 
purpose  of  our  hospital  is  to  treat  the 
illnesses  and  handicaps  of  the  patients; 
while  through  our  recreation  program 
we  aim  to  supply  the  factors  which 
keep  the  children  occupied  and  con- 
tented and,  when  necessary,  ease  their 
anxious  moments.  We  try  to  follow 
just  as  closely  as  possible  the  play  in- 
terests of  the  "well"  child. 

A  wide  variety  of  illnesses  and  han- 
dicaps are  treated  in  our  hospital,  such 
as  those  falling  in  the  classifications 
of  orthopedic,  metabolic,  medical  and 
surgical.  Space  can  be  provided  for 
201  patients  in  wards  of  different  sizes, 
semi-private  and  private  rooms.  The 
activity  provided  for  them  is  deter- 
mined by  the  nature  of  the  illness  or 
handicap,  and  it  ranges  from  passive 
amusement  to  that  of  a  very  active 
type,  such  as  a  lively  game  of  table 
tennis  or  a  daily  outing  for  the  meta- 
bolic patients. 

The  patient's  day  contains  both  work 
and  play  elements.  Those  who  are  able 
to  be  taken  to  the  attractive  school- 
room spend  two  hours  every  morning, 
Monday  through  Friday,  keeping  up 
with  their  school  work.  The  children 
who  are  unable  to  be  out  of  bed,  but 
who  are  able  to  participate  in  their 
school  activities,  are  brought  to  the 
schoolroom  in  their  beds.  Ambulatory 
patients  and  those  able  to  get  about  in 
wheelchairs  or  carts  are  regular  at- 
tendants, and  those  unable  to  be  pres- 
ent are  given  bedside  instruction.  The 
school  is  under  the  direction  of  a  very 
capable  teacher  supplied  by  the  Pitts- 
burgh Board  of  Education.  She  in- 
cludes in  her  program  a  wide  variety 
of  interesting  crafts. 

Our  play  program  is  in  progress 
during  the  children's  waking  hours. 
We  have  several  playrooms  on  the  two 
large  ward  floors;  this  arrangement  al- 
lows the  patients  to  play  together  in 
surroundings  different  from  those  in 
their  wards  or  small  rooms. 

In  addition  to  recreation  service  for 

MRS.  EWING  is  recreation  director  of 
the  Children's  Hospital  at  Pittsburgh. 

NOVEMBER  1952 


our  house  patients,  a  supervised  play- 
program  is  carried  on  in  the  dispen- 
sary where  there  are  more  than  forty 
thousand  patient  visits  yearly.  These 
visits  are  made  to  twenty  different 
clinics  which  are  held  at  assigned 
periods  every  week;  and  it  has  proven 
very  satisfactory  to  have  someone  on 
hand  to  keep  waiting  patients  con- 
tented. 

All  of  our  activities  must  first  be 
sanctioned  by  the  doctors  in  charge.  It 
is  necessary  to  check  frequently  with 
the  head  nurse  to  keep  informed  of 
changes  which  may  have  been  pre- 
scribed. Quite  often,  requests  for  spe- 
cial attention  to  certain  patients  come 
from  the  staff  and  resident  physicians. 

We  have  available  a  wide  variety  of 
play  materials — toys,  games,  books, 
constructive  materials — to  help  us  fill 
the  patients'  requests  and  around 
which  we  build  our  play  programs. 
Several  types  of  equipment  are  indis- 
pensable. We  have  small  radios,  which 
we  loan  without  charge  for  any  period 
of  time  the  child  desires,  for  those  who 
of  necessity  must  be  kept  alone.  Record 
players  and  children's  albums  are  in 
constant  use  by  both  individuals  and 
groups.  The  ceiling  projector,  and  our 
library  of  micro-films,  has  been  a  bless- 


Frances  Brallier  Ewing 


ing  many  times.  A  small  organ  which 
can  be  moved  about  easily,  helps  pro- 
vide satisfying  and  appealing  musical 
programs;  and  two  television  sets  are 
available  for  patients'  use. 

We  are  fortunate  in  having  the  serv- 
ices of  the  Gray  Ladies,  a  unit  of  the 
American  Red  Cross.  The  Children's 
Hospital  unit  consists  of  over  sixty 
active  Gray  Ladies  and  we  are  deeply 
grateful  to  them  for  their  generous 
and  outstanding  contribution  of  their 
time  and  services.  They  supply,  in  a 
sense,  the  mother  element  which  is  so 
important  in  a  children's  hospital.  For 
the  most  part  their  duties  are  per- 
formed in  the  recreation  and  educa- 
tion departments,  although  they  do  give 
valuable  assistance  elsewhere.  Among 
other  things,  they  deliver  the  patient's 
mail — a  very  important  detail — and  for 
those  who  may  not  have  received  mail, 
they  select,  from  a  supply  of  cards 
which  we  keep  on  hand,  something  ap- 
propriate for  the  disappointed  child. 
They  help  feed  those  who  are  unable  to 
feed  themselves,  keep  the  children  oc- 
cupied with  games,  crafts  or  any  ac- 
tivity requested  or  with  projects  which 
are  suggested  to  them,  and  carry  the 
full  responsibility  for  conducting  spe- 
cial programs.  They  are  constantly 

331 


helping,  too.  to  keep  pla>  equipment  in 
usable  condition  and  available. 

In  addition  to  the  i.iax  Ladies,  the 
-tudent  nurses  from  twenty -one  afiili- 
ateil  ho-pital-  are  each  assigned.  for 
one  week  of  their  three-month  training 
period  in  Children's  Hospital,  to  the 
!'••  nation  department.  Kverx  week, 
from  eight  to  ten  new  Play  Nurses  (as 
the  children  IIUM-  chi  i-tened  them!  put 
aside  their  student  uniforms  and  U-MI 
lilue  smocks  which  identify  their  du- 
ties. The  Play  Nurses  are  evaluated  on 
their  service  during  this  assignment 
the  same  as  on  any  of  their  general 
duty  services.  Their  duties  parallel 
those  of  the  Gray  Ladies,  although 
both  groups  perform  several  specific 
duties  of  their  own.  The  Play  Nui-e- 
and  Gray  Ladies  are  scheduled  so  thai 
the  recreation  services  extend  to  seven 
o'clock,  the  end  of  the  patients'  actixe 
day.  The  Play  Nurses  are  assigned  to 
conduct  our  dispensary  play  program. 
Kach  student,  during  her  recreation 
-I-M  ice.  is  assigned  to  two  nursery 
school  observation  periods  at  Frick 
School  a  Pittsburgh  public  school. 
The  basic  students,  those  who  are  en- 
gaged in  the  five-year  course  at  the 
I  Diversity  of  Pittsburgh  School  of 
Nursing,  work  five  morning  periods 
with  the  director  of  the  nursery  school. 
This  assignment  allows  the  student  to 
observe  the  well  child  at  play  at  the 
same  time  that  she  is  working  with  the 
IIM-JIJI, ili/i-d  child. 

There  are  several  special  program 
events  which  the  children  eagerl)  ac- 
c  <-|>i.  Twice  a  week  movies  are  shown 
with  our  own  sixteen  mm  sound  pro- 
ji-i  tor  (each  week  during  the  school 
the  Board  of  Kducatinn  supplic- 
11-  with  -exeral  interesting  films  and 
we  add  to  these  from  our  film  library, 
which  consists  of  <  ut<".n-.  cowboy 
pictures,  sports  and  other  interesting 
•-ln.il-  which  the  children  have 
-e|i-c  l.-d  from  time  to  time  I.  I.X.-M 
month  brings  its  hirlhdax  p.irlx.  ba-cd 
upon  an  appropriate  theme  for  tlui 
month,  with  game*,  pii/c--.  f.ixoi-. 
color  -<  hemcs  and  birthday  cake  dec- 
orations all  in  keeping  with  the  theme. 
On  the  da\  of  the  |iarl\.  e\er\  child  on 
the  ward  floor-  with  a  birthday  during 
that  month  i«  eon«idc-rrd  a  guest  of 
honor  ami  P-IIM,  a  gift,  whether  "i 
not  hr  i.  able  to  attend  the  party.  To 


anx  who  are  unable  to  actuallx  par 
ticipalc.  \\r  take  as  much  of  the  parly 
a>  po—iblc.  lu-freshments  consist  "f 
IIIIIM  -h  or  ire  c  Team,  and  birthdax  eake: 
-exei  il  kinds  of  cakes  arc-  nece— arx  to 
complx  with  the  various  diets—regular 
cake  for  those  on  general  diets,  un- 
iccd  angel-food  cake  for  the  diabetic-. 
and  salt-free  cake  for  those  on  salt-free 
diets.  The  Women's  Advisor)  Commit- 
lee  -elect-  from  its  membership  birth- 
dax pailx  sponsors,  each  of  whom  con- 
tributes a  given  amount  to  the  part) 
fund  to  permit  the  buying  of  refie-h- 
ments  and  anything  else  needed. 

The  patients  have  access  to  a  free 
circulating  library  service.  The  chil- 
dren's library  contains  one  thousand 
volumes,  and  is  conducted  by  a  com- 
mittee from  one  of  our  local  women's 
service  clubs  as  its  community  service 
project.  Wednesday  evening  and  Sat- 
urday afternoon  the  children  may 
select  their  books  and  return  those 
which  they  have  finished.  Book  carts 
have  been  donated  so  that  "the  library" 
may  be  easily  taken  to  the  patients. 

Whenever  possible,  outings  are 
planned  for  those  who  may  go  out- 
doors. The  big  events  are  picnics  in 
the  parks,  a  trip  to  the  zoo,  the  ciivu-. 
the  flower  show  or  whatever  else  might 
pre-ent  itself.  Those  who  are  ambula- 
tory, as  well  as  those  who  must  l>e 
wheeled  in  carls  and  chairs,  make  up 
the  party.  Frequently  strolls  around 
the  block  are  planned  for  clement  aft- 
ernoons. 

I  lie  special  holidays  of  the  year  are 
properly  observed;  and  the  children 
are  always  very  eager  to  participate  in 
the  preparation  for  all  of  then  xarious 
ex  cuts — which  does  give  the  occasion 
much  more  meaning.  Christmas  at 
Children's  Hospital  is  the  most  im- 
pressive and  inspirational  cxpeiicnce 
one  can  imagine.  The  children  are 
p-iieioii-lx  remembered;  gifts  to  suit 
all  ages  and  fancies  arrive  to  permit 
Santa  l<>  practical!)  emptx  his  pack 
for  ever>  child.  Croups  of  carolers  and 
other  entertainei-  xi-it  the  hospital 
during  the  weeks  preceding  Clin-tm.i- 
and  contribute  their  talent-  in  main 
loxdx  waxs.  The-  entire  hospital  is  alive 
with  Cliii-lina-  -piiit  there  are  main 
trees  and  wreaths,  and  the  childien 
-elec-i.  from  (  hii-tmas  cards,  the 
scenes  or  figures  which  ibex  wi-h  the 


"artists"  to  reproduce  for  them,  and 
the  window-  are  painted  according  to 
their  direction-.  Our  Crax  I-adie-. 
nurses,  doctor-  in  fact,  all  who  can 
-ketch  or  paint  xoluntcer  their  -eix- 
ices.  Kach  child  who  is  discharged  dur- 
ing the  week  preceding  Christina-,  re- 
c  eixe-  a  gift.  This  "part)"  is  -poii-ored 
b\  the  Junior  Social  Service  Commit- 
tee. On  Christina-  l-.xe.  while  the-  chil- 
dren sleep,  an  appropriately  filled 
-toe-king  is  hung  on  each  ln?d,  and  the 
contents  keep  them  busy  until  S.mt.i 
makes  his  rounds. 

I. aster  has  its  own  very  special  and 
colorful  routine.  The  Bunny  presents 
each  child  with  a  gay  Kaster  basket 
and  a  little  present.  Earl)  in  the  after- 
noon each  child  receives  a  potted  plant 
from  the  children  of  theSundax  School 
classes  of  one  of  our  large  local 
churches. 

Valentine's  Day  is  preceded  by  dax- 
of  activity,  making  or  selecting  appro- 
priate valentines  for  each  other  and 
for  the  family  and  friends  at  home. 
Each  floor  has  an  attractive  Valentine 
box  which  is  opened  and  the  content- 
are  distributed  during  the  part). 

Halloween  is  always  celebrated  with 
a  c  o-tunif  party;  those  "mummers" 
who  arc  ambulatory  parade  and  shox\ 
their  costumes  to  the  patients  on  all  of 
the  floors.  We  have  assembled  a  siz- 
able costume  wardrobe  and  iisiiallx 
thcx  like  to  design  and  make  their  own 
masks.  We  find  dress-up  days  very- 
popular  with  our  children. 

One  of  our  local  garden  clubs  sup- 
plies small  individual  bouquets  during 
the  summer  months.  l.\ei\  Thursdax 
is  fli.'wer  da\  :  and  shortly  after  the 
noon  lest  hour,  during  which  time-  tin- 
Cray  Ladies  assemble  the'  bouquet-  in 
-mall  vases  (previously  decorated  In 
the  patients),  the  flowers  arc-  wheeled 
from  room  to  room  for  each  child  to 
-elei  t  hi-  own  bouquet. 

I  he  main  ailixitie-  which  constitute 
our  nvrealion  pro^iam  are  made  pos- 
-ible  c  hiellx  through  (he  geiieio-itx  .if 
our  i  omniiiniix.  Its  many  organiza- 
tion- and  indixidu.il-  >  .mtrihute  hours 
of  xolunteei  -erxicc-  a-  well  a-  actual 
mateii.il-  and  funds  for  acquiring  the 
thing-  ic-.pnic-d  to  satisfy  our  patient-' 
play  needs.  Preparing  for  and  conduct- 
ing thi-  ic-c  tealion  program  presents  a 
fascinating  challenge. 


.Ti2 


lit  I  FU  Xllc.N 


c 


dandle  Making 


HRISTMAS  TIME,  particularly,  is  the 
time  for  candlelight,  although  dining 
by  the  light  of  candles  at  any  time  of 
year  strikes  a  festive,  romantic  chord 
with  guests.  It  is  a  lot  of  fun  to  make 
your  own  candles  for  this  purpose: 
and  because  you  can  make  them  any 
thickness  you  desire,  they  will  burn 
as  long  as  you  wish.  There  are  many 
ways  to  work  with  wax;  and  listed 
below  are  a  few  of  the  most  practical. 
Materials:  Old  wax  crayons,  candles, 
paraffin. 

1.  Molded  Candles  —  Caution:    When 
melting  wax  be  careful  not  to  get  it 
too    hot   or   to    leave    the    room,    for 
wax   will   burn;    but    if   your   pot    of 
wax  catches  fire,  put  a  lid  on  it  iinme- 
mediately   and   the    fire   will   go    out. 
Wax  may  also  be  melted  in  hot  wa- 
ter. Some  of  the  molds  that  may  be 
used    for    candles    are:     paper    tubes, 
jello  molds,  or  drinking  glasses.  Color 
the    wax    with   crayon    or   oil    colors. 
For  the  wick,  soak  a  piece  of  heavy 
string    in    a    solution    of   ten    percent 
borax,  five  percent  Boraxo  and  water, 
to  keep  it  from  smoking;  then  dip  in 
hot  wax,  and  twist.  Pour  just  a  little 
wax  in  the  bottom  of  the  mold,  and 
put    wick    in.    When    hardened,    hold 
wick  straight  while  you  pour  in  rest 
of  wax.  When  set.  remove  from  mold. 
If  stuck,  loosen  by  placing  in  hot  wa- 
ter for  a  few  seconds.  Molded  candle 
snowballs   and    spheres    are    made    by 
molding  two   halves   without   a   wick. 
Weld    the    halves    together    with    hot 
wax   and   make   a   hole   for   the   wick 
with  a  hot  icepick  or  wire. 

2.  Frosted  Whipped  Wax — Use  as  out- 
side covering  for  candles  to  make  them 
glow.  Heat  wax  until  melted  and  allow 


to  cool  until  film  forms  over  top. 
Whip  gently  with  an  egg  beater  until 
it  is  foamy.  With  a  fork  flip  the  wax 
over  the  candle.  Whipped  wax  may 
also  be  colored  with  pieces  of  crayon. 
If  thin  candles  of  the  long  taper  kind 
are  made  and  used  for  the  center,  the 
whipped  wax  may  be  thicker,  and  thus 
give  more  glow. 

3.  Taper  Candles  —  Melt   paraffin  in 
pan  of  hot  water,  pour  water  in  one 
tall  bottle,  and  wax  into  another.  Pre- 
pare a  wick  as  described  above,  and 
dip  it  from  the  bottle  with  wax  into 
the    bottle    of   cold    water,    and    back 
again;   repeat,  and  each  dipping  will 
add  to  circumference  of  your  candle. 

4.  Floral  decorations  around  the  can- 
dles—  Pour    colored    wax  —  red    for 
roses,    green    for    leaves,    orchid    and 
peach    for    other    flowers — into    pans 
filled   with    lukewarm    water.    Take   a 
piece  of  the  soft  wax  film  from  the 
top  of  the   water  and  cut  out  petals 
with  knife.  Shape  and  thin  out  with 
fingers,  and  drop  petals  into  cold  wa- 
ter until  ready  to  use.  When  all  your 
petals  and  leaves  are  made,  fuse  these 
together   by   dripping   wax   from    an- 
other candle  as  solder,  and  then  affix 
to   the   candle.    Shapes   of   petals   cut 
from  double  strength  crepe  paper,  or 
other  paper,  may  be  dipped  in  wax  for 
greater  detail.  Water  lilies  made  in  this 
manner  are  especially  pretty.  For  thin 
stems  dip  twigs  or  wire  into  green  wax. 

5.  Drip    Candles — Set    a    candle    into 
top  of  tall  soda  bottle,  and  place  bot- 
tle in  saucer.  Light  candle  and  let  it 
burn    down,    and    then    replace    with 
another;  each  candle  will  successively 
add  to  drippings  around  the  bottle. 

6.  Candles  that  rnell  in  different  col- 
ors— Fill  a  mold  with  melted  paraffin 
wax  and  add  numerous  small  chips  of 
colored   cravons   and   stir.   When  can- 


dle is  lighted,  these  small  bits  im- 
bedded in  it  will  color  drippings  as  it 
melts.  * 

7.  Jumbo  Candle 

three  pounds  of  paraffin 

one  foot  of  heavy  cord  for  wick 

double  boiler 

egg  beater 

fork,  tablespoon,  paring  knife 

decorative   accessories 

mica  snow 

Melt  one  pound  of  paraffin  in  double 
boiler.  Set  pan  on  table  on  newspapers. 
Dip  ends  of  two  quarter-pound  slabs 
of  paraffin  into  hot  wax  and  press  to- 
gether to  make  one  long  slab.  Pour 
two  tablespoons  of  hot  wax  on  the 
wide  side  of  this  and  press  two  more 
pieces  on  top  of  it;  and  half  of  the 
candle  is  formed.  Now  carve  a  groove 
lengthwise  down  the  center  of  it  and 
place  in  it  the  piece  of  heavy  cord, 
which  has  been  dipped  in  melted  wax 
and  twisted  tight.  Cement  wick  in 
groove  with  melted  wax  and  add  four 
more  slabs  in  the  same  way  to  com- 
plete the  candle.  Set  upright  and  round 
off  corners  with  a  paring  knife  if  de- 
sired. 

Whip  remainder  of  wax,  cover  can- 
dle with  layer  of  it,  and  sprinkle  with 
mica  snow.  Add  ribbon  and  decora- 
tive accessories. 

This  candle  may  be  set  on  a  block 
of  wood  covered  with  wax  snow  for  a 
base.  To  make  candle  glow,  carve 
around  wick  to  a  depth  of  one  and  a 
half  inches  so  that  flame  will  be  lower 
than  sides  of  candle  at  top.  This  will 
cause  the  sides  of  the  candle  to  light 
up  almost  to  the  bottom. 

For  taller  candles,  use  a  mailing 
tube  or  long  rectangular  box  covered 
with  whipped  wax  with  an  extension 
of  solid  candle  on  top  so  that  candle 
may  actually  be  lighted. 


Reprinted  from  Arts  and  Crafts  Bulletin, 
published  by  Recreation  Division  of  the 
Welfare  Department,  Kansas  City,  Missouri. 
Material  prepared  by  Gunter  R.  Stave. 


NOVEMBER  1952 


333 


Over-size   Christmas   ornaments,    stylized 
the   imaginative   characters  and  ballet    in 


trees    and    Santa's    sleigh    as    background    for 
a   1942  holiday  production  in  San  Francisco. 


'HROUCH  THE  YEARS,  a  community 
celebration  of  Christmas  has  been  a 
yearly  major  festivity,  and  in  many 
areas,  traditional  programs  have  de- 
veloped. Some  of  the  outstanding  and 
more  novel  ones  may  be  of  interest  or 
value  to  other  group-  who  arc  plan- 
ning their  celebrations  for  the  holiday 
•eason. 

Christmas  carol  singing  on  the  steps 
i.f  the  capitol  by  a  chorus  of  three 
thousand  voices  was  a  feature  of  the 
community  Christmas  celebration  in 
Baton  Rouge,  Louisiana,  in  1945.  Tin- 
program  was  opened  by  Governor 
Davis  who  sang  the  first  verse  of  "It 
Came  Upon  the  Midnight  Clear."  The 
sponsors  of  this  evening  of  caroling 
were  the  Baton  Rouge  Parish  and  Mu- 
nicipal Recreation  Commission  and 
the  Inter-Civic  Club  Council. 

Santa  Claus  had  a  full  program  in 
l.oiiisiille.  Kenluckv.  in  1948.  Accotn- 
panicd  by  Mr*.  Clan-.  Snow  White  and 
the  Seven  Dwarfs  and  Alice  in  Wonder- 
land, the  Denial  Christmas  rhm 
arrived  from  hi-  N..rililand  home  on 
an  Ohio  River  boat.  Scores  of  small 
boats  with  red  and  green  lights  formed 
an  escort;  and  thr  Jefferson  Cou?it\ 
Playground  ami  !(••>  i«  .ition  Board  ar- 
ranged a  beautiful  display  of  aerial 
firework'  on  tin-  rn.T  I..  In -j.il.l  tli.-  ,i|> 
proarh  of  thr  royal  party.  Every  rhild 


naments,    sports   contests,    hikes,    and 
other  indoor  and  outdoor  events  were 
planned  to  provide  adventurous  i 
ation  for  boys  during  this  school-free 
period. 

Seventy  school  children  were  car- 
ried on  a  caroling  tour  through  the 
streets  of  the  capitol  city  of  our  na- 
tion, aboard  an  old-time  open-sided 
street  car,  in  1946.  The  car,  which  was 
equipped  with  a  bright  red  piano,  was 
gaily  decorated  with  greenery  and 
Christmas  tree  lights. 

In  1946,  at  the  Skokie  Junior  High 
School  of  Winnetka,  Illinois,  a  holiday 
program  for  all  races,  all  creeds  up- 
staged by  the  school  community.  In 
one  of  the  sequences  of  the  produc- 
tion, a  traditional  Hanukkah  candle 
lighting  ceremony  was  presented.  In 
another  memorable  scene — a  tableau 
of  madonnas — several  spotlights  illu- 
minated various  places  in  the  audi- 
torium where,  amid  backgrounds  of 
greens,  madonnas  garbed  in  native  cos- 


nsrtrna* 


present  at  the  dock  received  a  person- 
ally autographed  picture  of  Santa  him- 
self. During  the  one  week  stay,  Santa 
\i-lted  schools  and  the  sick  and  handi- 
capped children,  held  open  house  daily 
in  his  Armory  headquarters,  answen-.l 
hundreds  of  phone  calls  and  letters, 
and  opened  hi*  to\in.iking  headquar- 
ter", whieh  were  under  the  -upcrv  i-ion 
of  hi.s  seven  dwarf  helpers,  for  inspec- 
tion by  the  children  of  Louisville. 

In    Los    Angeles.   ;1    s|M-cial    in\  ital  ion 

was  issued  to  new  resident*,  i..  \i-ii 
the  playgrounds  during  the  holidays 
and  get  ac  .pi.im|.-d  with  ihrir  neigh 
!"•!-  I  In  ic.  n-.ition  department'*  girls' 
camp  wa*>  opened  during  llie  M-hnol  va- 
cation for  three. d.i\  online*,  for  eight 
to  «!>•  •  old  girl«.  S|>e<-ial  tour- 


tunics  representing  many  lands  held 
their  infant-  in  traditional  fashion.  A 
rhorus  of  girls  in  the  balcony  sang 
">leep.  Mal>\.  Sleep":  and  the  narrator 
spoke  of  the  universality  of  the  hope 
signified  by  the  Christmas  Child. 

One  of  the  highlights  of  A  C.hriflmnn 
l-'antasv  in  1945,  a  production  which 
c -iiinbined  the  planning  and  elf. .it-  «f 
the  recreation  din-dors  and  hundred- 
of  boys,  girls  and  adults  from  the  hon- 
ing development  centers  in  San  Fran- 
cisco,  was  the  "Wooden  Soldier  \ um- 
Onc  hundred  and  twenl*. -ti\r 
small  boys  and  girls  from  t<>\  -\m 
plic.n\  orchestra  groups  made  their 
entrance  through  a  huge  peppermint 
-lick  arch,  paraded,  -.ing  and  pla\ed 
toy  symphom  selection-.  Manv  of  the 


m 


'  \TION 


attractive  costumes  used  in  the  produc- 
tion were  made  from  worn  sheets,  do- 
nated by  the  linen  rooms  of  the  dormi- 
tory projects,  which  were  dyed,  de- 
signed and  sewed  by  members  of  the 
group. 

The  Museum  of  Science  and  Indus- 
try in  Chicago  featured  "Around  the 
World  at  Christmas"  as  a  contribution 
toward  greater  understanding  among 
Americans.  The  program  consisted  of 
a  series  of  Christmas  observances  typi- 
cal of  the  peoples  which  comprise  our 
national  heritage.  Folk  songs,  dances, 
and  Christmas  dinners  were  included 
in  the  festivities  which  featured  a  dif- 
ferent nationality  group  each  day  from 
December  1  through  December  16, 
1945. 

In  New  York  City,  1950,  the  mayor 
threw  the  switch  which  lighted  a  tra- 
ditional red  and  green  wreath  over  the 
main  entrance  of  the  park  department 
headquarters  at  the  Arsenal  in  Man- 
hattan. The  wreath,  eighteen  feet  in 


to  strangers  in  the  city  by  cards  which 
were  distributed  on  Christmas  morn- 
ing to  all  guests  at  the  principal  hotels 
and  to  members  of  visiting  theatrical 
companies.  The  cards  bore  the  follow- 
ing holiday  message,  signed  by  the 
mayor: 

"To  the  stranger  within  our  gates 
This  festive  holiday  season 
The  City  of  Boston  extends 
Hospitable  welcome  and  the 
Best  wishes  of  its  citizens  for  a 
Happy  Christmas  and  a  Prosperous 
New  Year." 

In  the  Lubbock,  Texas,  program  for 
1949,  Santa  Glaus  visited  private  homes 
where  there  were  sick  children.  The 
recreation  department  handled  the 
phone  calls  and  other  notifications  of 
the  addresses  of  the  confined  tots 
whose  Christmas  was  brightened  by  a 
real  visit  from  Saint  Nick. 

In  one  city,  carolers  visited  the  rail- 
road stations  on  Christmas  Eve  and 
Christmas  Day.  They  boarded  trains 
during  stop-overs,  serenaded  the  pas- 
sengers with  the  well  loved  carols,  and 


diameter,  had  a  decorative  panel  in  the 
center  depicting  the  three  wise  men 
journeying  toward  the  Star  in  the  East. 
Park  department  gardeners  made  the 
wreath  by  ingenious  use  of  a  variety 
of  materials  such  as  holly,  laurel,  pine 
cones,  moss,  soft  hemlock,  evergreens 
and  large  clusters  of  red  ruscus  more 
brilliant  than  holly  berries.  In  all,  there 
were  several  thousand  selected  branches 
of  various  materials  mounted  on  a 
wooden  frame,  braced  and  reinforced 
with  three-eighth  inch  steel  rods.  The 
weight  of  the  wreath  was  approximate- 
ly two  thousand  pounds. 

Boston,  in  1923,  held  a  community 
celebration  with  song  and  pageantry 
on  Boston  Common.  In  addition,  how- 
ever, holiday  greetings  were  extended 


presented  each  one  with  a  Christmas 
welcome  card  from  the  people  of  the 
community. 

In  Redding,  California,  in  1951,  the 
annual  celebration  for  the  first  day  of 
the  Christmas  vacation  for  school 
children  was  held.  Sponsored  by  the 
Retail  Merchant  Division  of  the  Red- 
ding Chamber  of  Commerce  and  con- 
ducted by  the  recreation  department, 
the  gala  affair  consisted  of  a  free 
movie,  a  parade  of  the  children  to  an 
area  containing  one  hundred  progres- 
sive party  game  booths  (each  one  dif- 
ferent and  gaily  decorated).  The  games 
were  followed  by  refreshments  served 
by  the  PTA,  an  outdoor  stage  show, 
and  distribution  of  candy  by  Santa 
Glaus  to  all  the  children  present. 


Playgrounds  in  Memphis,  Tennessee, 
in  1930,  and  other  years,  held  a 
"Wheeled  Contest"  during  the  week 
after  Christmas.  The  contest  was  open 
to  all  types  of  wheeled  vehicles — bicy- 
cles, kiddie  cars,  toy  autos,  scooters, 
and  so  forth — and  included  many  cate- 
gories of  speed  and  novelty  races  for 
various  age  groups. 

In  Salt  Lake  City,  Utah,  the  cere- 
mony of  the  lighting  of  the  municipal 
Christmas  tree  was  heralded  by  bugle 
calls  played  on  four  downtown  main 
corners  in  1925.  This  announcement 
was  followed  by  Christmas  music 
played  on  the  chimes  of  the  city  clock, 
an  assemble  call  by  Boy  Scout  buglers, 
the  lighting  of  the  tree  and  extending 
of  yuletide  greetings  to  the  citizens  by 
the  mayor,  and  a  wide  variety  of  in- 
strumental and  vocal  music. 


During  the  last  decade,  Santa  has 
arrived  in  a  variety  of  conveyances  to 
delight  the  small  fry  of  our  cities, 
towns  and  villages.  His  most  prevalent 
current  modes  of  transportation  seem 
to  be  by  helicopter  and  by  airplanes  of 
all  sizes  and  types;  however,  he  has 
made  his  holiday  appearances  in  other 
novel  ways  in  many  communities. 

A  stagecoach  carried  him  into  El 
Centre,  California. 

He  arrived  in  a  seaplane,  escorted 
by  fifteen  planes  of  a  United  States 
Marine  Reserve  squadron,  transferred 
to  a  speed  boat,  and  thence  to  his  float 
for  a  parade  through  Jacksonville, 
Florida. 

As  part  of  the  Christmas  regatta, 
the  good  gent  came  by  yacht  to  New 
Port  Beach.  California. 

In  manner  as  old  as  the  Bible,  he 
rode  into  Inglewood,  California, 
astride  a  donkey. 

He  parachuted  from  a  plane  into 
Augusta,  Georgia. 

A  train  replaced  his  sleigh  in  Deca- 
tur,  Illinois,  and  the  children  of  the 
city  were  invited  to  dress  as  their 
favorite  story  book  or  Mother  Goose 
characters  and  join  in  the  parade  to 
escort  him  from  the  station  to  his 
Christmas  Village  headquarters  in  Cen- 
tral Park. 


NOVEMBER  1952 


335 


Typical  of  fight  other  proposed  centers,  St.  Mary's  is  a  modern  brick    structure.    Cost    $1,200,000.    First    year's    registration— .18.000. 


lans  for  a  large-scale  recreation 
r. -liter  program  have  been  prepared 
l>\  the  Department  of  Parks  of  the 
<.it\  of  New  York,  under  the  leader- 
•liip  of  Robert  Moses,  Park  Cornmi-- 

.  IIII-III|HT  nf  the  City  Planning 
and  City  Construction 
Coordinator.  Strategically  located  in 
congested  communities  throughout  the 

•  il\,    nt-w    centers    will    provide    all- 
weather    facilities    to    supplement    the 

•  it\'-  tirmen.lously  expanded  park  sys- 
(••in.    I  hiring    the    past    eighteen    years 
the   park   acreage   has   been   doubled, 
playground*    have    increased    fivefold 
and    twiniming    pools    eightfold.    The 
time    has   now    come    for    indoor    fa- 
cj|itie«  to  re.-ej\e  .-(jual  attention. 

The  recreation  center  program  has 
had  an  iii»pi.  M..M-  Ix-g'mning  with  the 
»|>eiiing.  in  l')."il.  of  St.  Mary's  in  the 
Hi. .MX.  I. mil  at  a  cost  of  $1.200,000. 
T\  pica!  of  the  eight  other  proposed 
"•nl.-r-.  it  i«  a  brick  structure  of  mod- 
•TM  design  with  great  bunks  of  win- 
.!..»,  |»Tiuilling  daylight  opcratii>n 
with  the  minimurn  amount  of  artificial 
lighting.  It  contains  an  indoor  «wim 
ming  pool.  forty  fert  by  seventy  fi\e 

.... 


feet,  a  gymnasium,  sixty-five  feet  by 
eighty-six  feet,  locker  and  shower  fa- 
cilities, rooms  for  games,  boxing. 
\Mi--tling  and  exercise,  music,  meet- 
ings, arts  and  crafts,  manual  training, 
and  domestic  science.  All  rooms  are 
decorated  in  attractive  colors,  are  ef- 
ficiently lighted  and  provide  a  whole- 
some environment  where  children  and 
adults  may  pursue  their  recreational 
interests. 

Ramps  from  the  lobby  located  in 
the  north  end  of  the  building  lead  to 
the  upper  floor  and  contribute  saf.-h 


to  building  traffic  and  case  in  transput 
tation  of  equipment.  A  comiiiunica 
lion  system  for  announcements  and 
bfOttlcaatiag  special  interest  programs, 
to  all  or  selected  rooms.  is  controlled 
from  llie  director's  ollice  in  the  lobb\ . 
During  the  fir-t  M-.II  of  operation. 
St.  Mary's  Park  Recreation  Center  had 
a  registration  of  over  lhirt\ -eight  thou- 
sand children  and  adults.  The  center 
is  open  every  day  from  10  a.m.  to 
11  p.m..  excepting  Simila\«  when  tin- 
hours  are  from  12  noon  to  7  p.m.  The 
schedule  of  operation  is: 


Srhtntl   fr'r 


Afr  •<-.•>.  «. 
fiimril  by  a 
fHtrrnt 

J  union,  afe6-ll 

I'M  nnd 
Intrrninliiitri                            4<lnll\ 
ttfe  /?-/•>                             /'•  \  ffif  v 
and  m< 

ill  roll  (jll 
Frid.n- 

\    ;•  -.l.n- 

and 

Tliiit-<l.i\- 

Monday-. 

\\  1-ilin  -ilay« 
and  Fridays 

ilitnii^li 
Friday* 

10  a.m.  In  2:30  p.m. 

3  p.m.  In  d:.'MI  p.m, 
Saturday* 

3p.m.  Io6:30  p.m. 

Salunl.n- 

10a.m.  In  2:.W|i  in 
7  p  m.  In  11  p.m. 

9a.m.  lo  12  n...... 

12:30  p.m.  In3:.1(l  p.m. 
sunday» 

•Salurd.iN- 

\  p.m.  tn(i:30  p.m. 
7  p.m.  In  11  p.  m 

12  nnnn  In  3  p.m. 

"•1111113%- 

3:30  p  m  l.i  7  p.  in 

lit  (  muioN 


lfli:  Mary's  •  Park 


Ileereatioii  Center 


The  scheduled  program  is  flexible 
to  allow  the  recreation  staff  sufficient 
latitude  to  cooperate  with  the  organ- 
ized groups  and  members  in  promot- 
ing any  activities  they  may  wish  to  in- 
itiate. A  staff  of  thirty-five  employees, 
each  a  specialist  in  his  own  field,  con- 
ducts the  activities  and  takes  care  of 
maintenance  and  operation. 

Clubs  using  the  center's  specially 
designed  rooms  form  the  framework 
of  its  recreation  program.  The  Social 
Club  is  the  first  club  that  was  organ- 
ized and  it  is  first  in  point  of  service 
to  the  center.  Its  members  assist  in 
the  planning  of  special  activities,  help 
newcomers  become  acquainted,  and 
act  as  hosts  and  hostesses  at  dances 
and  parties.  The  Newspaper  Club  pub- 
lishes a  monthly  bulletin,  "The  St. 
Mary's  Star,"  which  keeps  everyone 
informed  of  events  at  the  center,  while 
special  interest  clubs  include  the  dra- 
matic workshop,  sewing,  photography, 
puppetry,  music,  mothers'  club  and 
four  social  and  athletic  clubs  for  spe- 
cial age  groups — senior  boys,  senior 
girls,  intermediate  girls  and  interme- 
diate boys. 

The  gymnasium  is  located  on  the 
upper  level  directly  above  the  pool.  It 
has  a  regulation  basketball  court  with 
four  extra  backstops  at  the  sides.  Fold- 
ing bleachers,  with  a  seating  capacity 
of  four  hundred,  line  the  two  long 
walls  under  twin  banks  of  windows. 
The  gymnasium  is  fully  equipped  for 
exhibitions  and  competitions,  with  par- 
allel and  horizontal  bars,  buck,  side 
horse,  balance  beam,  climbing  ropes, 
flying  rings,  high  jump  standards,  and 


instructor's  platform  and  mats.  Groups 
meet  in  there  for  basketball,  badmin- 
ton, folk  dancing,  acrobatics,  tum- 
bling, volleyball,  gymnastics,  social 
dancing,  calisthenics,  wrestling  and 
weight  lifting. 

Recent  special  events  held  in  the 
gymnasium  were  a  weight-lifting  com- 
petition under  the  auspices  of  the  Me- 
tropolitan Weight  Lifting  Committee; 
a  gymnastic  meet  with  competition  on 
the  parallel  bars,  side  horse,  horizon- 
tal bars  and  still  rings;  the  finals  of 
the  intermediate  and  senior  basket- 
ball leagues;  a  ten-bout  boxing  exhibi- 
tion; and  a  basketball  clinic  at  which 
college  stars  presided. 

The  swimming  pool  always  attracts 
its  share  of  recreation  center  members. 
Qualified  lifeguards  and  instructors 
teach  swimming,  diving  and  water 
safety.  Built-in  bleachers  accommodate 
one  hundred  and  fifty  spectators.  Dur- 
ing the  first  Anniversary  Open  House 
Week,  special  events  in  the  pool  were 
a  competitive  meet  for  boys  and  girls 
twelve  to  seventeen  years  of  age,  a 
water  ballet  and  exhibition  of  synchro- 
nized swimming  by  the  Brooklyn  Cen- 
tral YWCA,  and  a  water  polo  game 
between  West  Point  and  New  York 
State  Tech  teams. 

The  boxing,  wrestling  and  exercise 
room  is  equipped  with  a  portable  ele- 
vated boxing  ring,  striking  bags,  chest 
weights,  rowing  machine,  and  mats. 
The  boys  and  young  men  receive  their 
training  here,  and  a  special  boxing 
instructor  gives  boxing  instructions  to 
both  beginners  and  advanced  groups. 

The   manual   training   room   has 


twelve  double  work  benches  equipped 
with  vises  and  bench  stops,  wood- 
working power  tools  such  as  band, 
scroll,  and  circular  saws,  sander,  joint- 
er, lathe,  and  hand  tools  for  every  type 
of  wood  work  are  available.  Instructors 
are  on  hand  to  give  lessons  on  use  of 
the  tools  and  help  in  the  construction 
of  all  types  of  projects. 

The  arts  and  crafts  room  contains 
sturdy  work  tables  and  chairs.  The  end 
walls  are  hung  with  cork  bulletin 
boards  for  the  display  of  art  work. 
On  the  long  wall  opposite  the  windows 
are  double  tiers  of  storage  cabinets 
centered  by  a  sink  placed  in  a  tiled 
recess.  Tools  for  every  type  of  hand- 
craft  are  available.  Here  members  find 
outlets  for  creative  interests  and  op- 
portunities to  develop  new  skills  in 
many  fields.  Sooner  or  later  all  mem- 
bers are  attracted  to  this  room  to 
sketch,  etch,  paint  in  oils  or  water  col- 
ors, and  for  craftwork  of  all  kinds. 

The  domestic  science  room  has  a 
stove,  two  large  electric  coffee  urns,  re- 
frigerator, sink,  storage  cabinets  for 
dishes,  utensils  and  cooking  supplies 
and  a  large  storage  pantry.  All  work 
areas  are  topped  with  formica.  A 
dumbwaiter  connects  with  a  serving 
pantry  on  the  floor  above  where  food 
is  served  for  parties  held  in  the  gym- 
nasium. Home  economics  instructors 
give  classes  in  nutrition  and  the  pur- 
chase of  food,  meal  planning  and  prep- 
aration, and  help  work  out  individual 
cookery  problems.  Here,  too,  members 
help  prepare  food  for  parties. 

The  two  game  rooms,  naturally,  are 
the  social  centers.  They  afford  mem- 


NOVEMBER  1952 


337 


bers  an  opportunity  to  make  friend- 
through  participation  in  table  game-. 
dancing  to  music  from  the  juke  l>»\  •« 
conversing  with  others.  In  thc-e  m. mi- 
were  formed  the  nuclei  for  the  variou- 
eluhs  and  special  interest  group-. 

The  senior  game  room,  painted  in 
chartreuse  and  coral,  has  two  huge 
window  walls:  and  is  furnished  uilli 
four  ping  pong  tables,  a  regulation 


storage    room    lined    with    shelves    f"i 
table  games  and  other  equipment. 

1 1. in  ii. iiiic-iil-.  both  elimination  and 
ladder  t\pe  eompetilion.  have  been 
conducted  for  table  tennis.  nok-h<M  k<  \ 
•UK!  billiards.  The  PuppetT)  Club  gave 
many  performances  of  Cinderella  in 
the  junior  game  room  during  the  Open 

llou-c  \\  eek. 

The  meeting,  or  multipurpose  room 


hearsals.  The  orchestra  made  it-  ilebut 
at  the  Open  House  senior  dance. 

The  (enter  i-  located  in  St.  MaiV- 
I'ark  which,  in  an  area  covering  thir- 
tv-four  acre-,  has  three  outdoor  plav- 
ground*;  a  large  recreation  area  with 
boecie.  handball  and  basketball  court-. 
baseball  diamond,  a  bicycle  and  roller 
skating  area:  two  areas  with  tables  for 
older  people;  and  a  free  plav  area. 


FIRST   FLOOR 

pool  and  billiard  table,  game  tables 
and  chairs,  a  juke  box  stocked  uith 
record-,  -ettees  and  arm  chairs. 

The  junior  game  room  is  a  -mallei 
version  of  the  senior  room.  Kipiip- 
meiit  includes  a  television  set,  a  junior- 
size  pool  table,  game  tables  and  chair-. 
Between  the  two  game  rooms  is  a  large 


offers  a  piano,  radio  and  record  player 
console,  portable  motion  picture  pro- 
jector and  screen,  and  individual 
chairs.  Business  meetings  of  all  clubs 
are  held  here  as  well  as  the  regular 
meetings  of  the  music  club.  Some  of 
the  center  members  have  formed  an 
orchestra  and  use  this  room  for  re- 


SICOND    FLOOR 

Future  plans  for  the  development  of 
the  park  include  swimming  pool,  one 
hundred  feet  by  two  hundred  twentv - 
five  feet;  a  diving  pool,  forty  feet  bv 
liftv  feet:  and  a  concessions  building. 
It  is  expected  that  funds  for  the  >eeond 
phase  of  the  development  will  be  made 
available  within  the  next  three  years. 


I  M-S«T\  M-I'  Training*  Program 


Regardless  of  the  number  of  em 
ployees  in  our  department,  we  mii-t 
have  an  in-service  training  program  in 
an  effort  to  develop  good  relalion-hip- 
— good  human  relationships  between 
ourselves  and  the  public  we  serve. 
Nuiir  of  the  subjects  to  be  covered  in 
-ii'  h  a  training  program  should  !»•  t<> 

help   the   Worker   to: 

1.  Have   an    understanding    of    the 

philo-ophv    of  the  department.   it-   oh- 
|e.  live*,  aim-  and  purpose. 

2.  Know  In-  place  in  the  department 
and  have  a  knowledge  of  the  relation- 


'• 

l,v    |)<.n   |l\.r.   M 

.< 


I'lllillc     Krl  , 

•   of  Rcrrra- 

i 


ship  of  his  job  to  that  of  the  other 
employees  of  the  department. 

3.  Be  encouraged  to  contribute  to 
the  thinking  and  planning  of  the  area 
in  which  he  operates  in  the  depart- 
ment: an  employee  functions  best  when 
he  i-  made  to  feel  that  he  is  an  active 
part  of  the  program  or  project  and 
when  he  has  a  sense  of  positive  direc- 
tion. 

I  I  iider-l.ind  the  internal  relation- 
-hi).-  between  his  department  and  the 
over-all  organization. 

">.  Have  a  basic  knowledge  of  rule-. 
regulation!)  and  polii  !>•- 

'•  Take  jiart  in  a  discussion  on  per- 
sonal appearance  and  cleanliness:  on 


personal   bearing,   habits  and   deport 
merit:  on  tone  of  voice  and  manner  of 
speech. 

I 'lease  n-membci  that  public  rela- 
tions in  public  service  consists  of  eon- 
I. iet-.  attitudes,  impressions  and  opin- 
ion-: these  eslahli>h  the  relation-hip 
between  the  department  and  the  pub- 
lic, and  it  i-  the  emplovecs  of  the 
department  who  .  ont.ii  t  the  puhlie. 
therefore,  i-vcrv  employee  whose  duties 
require  him  to  deal  personally  with 
people  i-  iii  public  relations  work.  It 
i-  the  ini|ne— ion  whi<  h  lhe-e  em- 
ployees leave  that  raises  or  lowers  all 
e-li  c  in  in  which  the  department  is  held 
b\  the  people  it  -erve-.  hence  tile  ne 
ie.»itv  of  in  service  training. 


.;:: 


Ill  "   Ht    *II'IN 


The  COMMUNITY  THEATRE 


^^  F  YOU  ARE  engaged  in  community 
/  theatre  work  you  are  aware  of 
how  difficult  it  is  to  build  your  box 
office.  Marcella  Cisney,  who  has  been 
director  for  several  seasons  of  the 
Little  Theatre  of  Jacksonville.  Florida, 
and  founder-director  of  the  Hillsdale 
College-Community  Theatre  in  Michi- 
gan, has  many  helpful  ideas  on  the 
subject,  and  the  following  remarks  are 
taken  from  her  article,  "The  Box  Of- 
fice" in  Organizing  the  Community 
Theatre,  published  by  the  National 
Theatre  Conference  and  used  with 
their  permission. 


1.  Make  your  theatre  exactly  what 
the  term  "community"  implies,  a  real 
civic  center.  Do  not  allow  the  taint  of 
the  snobbish,  clubhouse  type  of  "lit- 
tle" theatre  to  freeze  out  potential  play- 
goers and  talent. 

2.  Strive  ceaselessly  for  production 
standards    of    highest    quality.    Nevel 
take  refuge  in  that  easy  excuse  for  in- 
eptitude, "After  all,  this  is  an  amateur 
group,  playing  for  the  love  of  it." 

Here  are  some  things  you  can  do  in 
your  campaign  to  enroll  subscribers, 
develop  civic  support,  uncover  talent 
and.  as  a  result,  swell  the  box  office  in- 


High  standards  of  performance  should  be  maintained.  Dueling  scene,  "The  Vagabond 
King,"  Ogden  Community  Theatre,  a  recreation  department  and  Weber  College  project. 

NOVEMBER  1952 


come  substantially. 

1.  First,    sell    the    local    newspaper 
editors  on  the  vital  need  for  thorough 
coverage.  A  good  newspaper  liaison  is 
a  fundamental  factor  in  the  success  of 
a  civic  theatre. 

2.  Prepare  a  careful  series  of  arti- 
cles, spaced  for  release  every  few  days. 
Include  the  plans  for  the  founding  of 
the  new  theatre  project;  objectives  of 
the  project;    some  information   about 
the   director,   officers;    information   as 
to  where  performances  will  take  place; 
tentative  schedules  of  plays.  Augment 
the' stories  with  pictures;  camera  shots 
of  the  campaign  workers  launching  the 
drive  at  a  tea;  pretty  actresses  count- 
ing  membership   applications,   and   of 
the   dance   for   raising   funds.   Try    to 
give  a  different  twist  to  the  article  in 
each  paper,  for  editors  will  not  run  a 
story  if  the  same  account  has  already 
been  published   in  a  competing  sheet. 

3.  Set    up    bright    booths    on    busy 
downtown   street  corners  and  depart- 
ment   store    first    floors.    Stock    these 
booths  with   throwaways  and  gay  signs, 
and  arrange  to  have  them  manned  by 
attractive    volunteers   to   sell   member- 
ships for  the  season.  Place  attractive 
posters  in  every  prominent  store  win- 
dow and  in  the  smaller  neighborhood 
stores,  announcing  the  new  theatre  and 
its  schedule  of  plays  and  prices. 

4.  Get  the  mayor  to  proclaim  Civic 
Theatre  Week  with  plenty  of  fanfare. 

5.  Persuade  the  local  radio  stations 
to   give   daily   announcements   on   the 
forthcoming  theatre  project  as  a  puh- 

339 


lii-  service. 

6.  Launch  classes  for  adults  in  speech 
and   drama,   and   fur  children    in   ere- 
ative  dramatics.  You  will  find  a  cul- 
tural need  and  develop  frr-h  talent  in 
this  manner. 

7.  Cordially    invite   all   local   talent, 
through  the  papers,  to  answer  a  gen- 
eral casting  call.  Let  everyone  have  a 
fair  chance  to  read  a  role.  Strc—  "the- 
best  -  man  -  wins"    attitude    in    casting 
and  stick  to  it  fairly;   but  !>••  tactful 
in  announcing  selected  players  so  that 
no  friends  will  be  l»-t. 

8.  Distribute  complimentary  season 
tickets  to  a  selected  group  of  influen- 
tial  citizens,   including   the   local   edi- 

re\  iewers,  columnists,  antique 
dealers  ivou  will  l>e  borrowing  prop- 
erties from  them  I.  furniture  and  smart 
dress  shops  (they  will  lend  wardrobe 
and  set  trimmings),  and  staff  at  the 
local  radio  station. 

9.  Arrange  several  benefit  perform- 
ances during  the  year  for  local  or  na- 
tional causes,  such  as  the  Community 
(.hot.    March    of    Dimes,    and    others. 
Take   plays  to   nearby   veterans'   hos- 
pitals, and  aid  all  good  civic  projects 
whenever  possible. 

10.  If  the  city  boasts  a  local  group 


of  talented  amateur  photographers, 
talk  them  into  making  the  theatrical 
photographs  for  the  -ea-on  In  return 
for  publicity,  lohhx  diiplayi  of  their 
work,  and  an  exhibition  of  the  cluh".- 
i» -I  juinl-.  llii-  uill  eliminate  a  big 
expense  item  in  your  budget,  pro- 
mote good  will,  and  insure  loving 
work  from  the  photo  fans. 

11.  Develop   plans   for   making  the 
lobby    attractive    and    showman-like. 
Since  thi.-  is  the  place  where  the  play- 
house first  presents  itself  to  the  public, 
help  it  put  "its  best  foot  forward"  by 
displaying    model    sets,    pictorial    di-- 
|j|.i\-  of  theatre  activities,  water  colors 
of  sets,  costume  plates,  and  other  at- 
traction-. 

12.  Set  up  Community  Theatre  dis- 
|ila\   boards  in  hotel  lobbies  to  attract 
transient  trade. 

13.  Interest  local  clubs  in  running 
theatre   parties,   at   special   prices,   for 
groups  of  twenty-five  or  more. 

14.  Plan    an    effective-looking    pro- 
gram with  a  handsome  cover  and  in- 
teresting   reading    matter    for    theatre 
goers.  Pay  for  the  printing  by  selling 
advertisements. 

15.  Plan   at   least   one   major   Chil- 
dren's  Theatre   Production    each   sea- 


son. Interest  the  PTA.  board  of  educa- 
tion, and  local  teachers  in  the  project. 

16.  Interest    other    civic    groups    in 
joint   production-.    Example:    The  Eve 
of    Si.     Murk,    co-spoiisiired     |>x     the 

\rnerican  Legion,  or  knicki-rlxickfr 
Holiday,  produced  in  cooperation  with 
the  Rotary  Club.  Longer  runs  and 
wider  mass  audiences  will  result  from 
such  ventures. 

17.  Mark  every  possible  anniversary 
or  QOteWOrtfaj    event  1>\    a  celebration, 
well  publicized.  Examples:  a  reception 
fur  th«  new  director,  a  party  for  a  vis- 
iting luminary. 

18.  Respond  to  all  calls  for  speeches 
at    organizational    meetings,    luncheon 
clubs,  women's  duds  and  other  groups. 
Kverv     etfectixe    platform    appearance 
wins  new  drama  friends. 

lln  not  do  any  of  these  things  with 
purely  mercenarx  motives.  Do  them 
because  they  will  make  your  new 
theatre  of  real  civic  worth  and  enrich 
its  activities.  Integrity  is  very  impor- 
tant in  the  amateur  theatre.  If  von 
are  honestly  trying  to  broaden  the 
services,  develop  the  latent  talent,  and 
improve  the  artistic  quality  of  your 
theatre's  work,  the  income  from  the  box 
office  will  swell  corresponding!) . 


I   A  >  I  I  I   \        I M    <    II  I     V  I    I  O 


rT'  UK  term  "family  recreation"  cov- 
•'•  ers  those  activities  which  individu- 
al members  of  a  family  enjoy  doing 
•lirr.  While  home  games,  movie-. 
parties  and  "ju-t  tin-  familx"  activi- 
ties are  important  as|>ects  of  recrea- 
tion, we  also  should  be  interested  in 
expanding  this  type  of  "doing  to- 
ireiher"  I"  include  several  or  more  fami- 
lies. The  planning  and  execution  of 
such  a  program  will  offer  all  the  a— el- 
of  the  family  affair,  pin-,  oppmlunilie- 
.[..-ration  with  other  famiU  unil- 
in  the  development  of  aetixilies  <>t 
|irn|ci  I-  in  which  ihex  have  a  common 
•take  and  provide  for  the  realization  of 
mutual  goali. 

Family  recreation  programs  should 
offer  a  chance  for  participation  to  all 
IIICIII|HT»,  of  all  ag<*»:  and  «  an   I 
lied  on  in  the  following  selling*: 

1.  The  home.  yard«.  rooftop..  pop  h 


>•-.  living  rooms,  kitchens,  play  rooms. 

2.  Community    centers,    churches, 

schools,  park  pavilions,   YMCA's  and 

'l  \\TV-.    a    housing   project    building 

and  the  spare  around  it. 

.'I.  Community  facilitic-  i  other  than 
those  mentioned  aboxel.  playground-. 
paik-.  bcadic-.  -winmiing  pools,  tcnni- 
courts.  fair  ground*,  wood-.  /•••>-.  fra- 
ternal halls,  civic  auditoriums,  cam- 
puses.  roller  and  ice  skating  rink- 


cs   of    Family   Hecrcation 

1.  Talent  nights  and  amateur  -how-. 

2.  Group  singing  with  some  action 

thrown    in.     '  >ee    (  )<  lol.er     I'»~>1 
i—  lie    nf     Ht  i  HI  \lliis.    "Ringing    with 

Motion"  bv  Frank  Anncberg.) 

'..    I  mi    night-,   offering   both   aitive 
iml  passive  activities. 

I  ouinamenl-.  with  the  finals  used 
as  an  CM  u-.-  for  a  special  get-together 


in  the  form  of  a  partx  or  fun  night. 

5.  Favorite  family  activities,  includ- 
ing spelling  Itecs.  guessing  games. 
tri.ks.    group    crafts    projects,    music, 
bowling,    skating,    boating,   candx -pull- 
ing, corn  popping,  -torxtelling. 

6.  Quiz  shov\-. 

7.  I'rogres-ivc  parlie-. 

.'!.   Scavenger  and  treasure  hunt-. 

''.  Square  dancing. 

1(1.    Beach     partie-.     picnics,     hike- 
pot-luck  supp. 

I  I .    (  .imping. 

12.  Countv  fair-.  |H-I  -h..w-.  .  HI  uses. 

l.'i.   llol.liv  -hops  or  fairs. 

I  I.  Trips  and  tours. 

1.1.  \  i-il-  I.,  mii-eiim-.  e\lnl.il-.  gpe- 
eial  movie-,  plavs  and  «>ncerts. 

l(>.  Nature  .11  liv  itie-  such  as  garden- 
ing, fl  iwer  arranging,  star-gating,  bird 
walk.v  I. ud  feeding. 


KM  ni  ITIOB 


SKIING 


NEED  NOT 
BE  EXPENSIVE 


•  A  community  located  smack  in 
the  heart  of  the  northeastern  skiing 
country.  Rutland,  Vermont,  found  it  a 
ticklish  matter,  until  last  year,  to  pro- 
vide complete  winter  recreation  for  its 
younger  set.  There  were  adequate  skat- 
ing areas  within  the  city,  as  well  as 
many  sledding  hills  and  ample  facili- 
ties for  indoor  sports.  But  when  the 
skies  overhead  turned  leaden  and  the 
weather  brisk,  the  youngsters  looked 
toward  nearhy  snow-covered  hills  and 
mountains  for  their  fun. 

That  was  where  the  problem  en- 
tered. The  nearest  skiing  center,  Pico 
Peak,  is  situated  about  nine  miles 
away  from  the  city,  and  visited  only 
occasionally  by  buses.  Rutland's  rec- 
reation department,  therefore,  started 
weekly  bus  trips  to  Pico,  free  of  charge 
to  the  snowbunnies,  but  abandoned  the 


staff  on  a  hill  of  the  nearby  Rutland 
Country  Club,  within  walking  distance 
of  the  city's  business  and  residential 
districts.  It  was  an  immediate  and 
overnight  success.  Children  of  all  ages 
used  the  tow  during  every  free  hour 
and  by  the  end  of  the  season,  the  rec- 
•eation  department  had  tallied  five 
hundred  ski  enthusiasts  who  had  visit- 
ed the  new  ski  area. 

It  turned  out  to  be  one  of  the  most 
economical  and  successful  projects  un- 
dertaken by  the  department.  The  com- 
plete cost,  everything  included,  was 
only  five  hundred  and  fifty  dollars, 
and  the  tow  can  be  used  for  many 
seasons  with  proper  care.  This  was  a 
comparatively  small  sum  compared  to 
that  which  the  Pico  Peak  buses  would 
have  cost  had  we  continued  to  use 
them  all  winter. 


Portable  ski  tow,  mounted  on  floor  pan  of 
aluminum,  is  lightweight,  rustproof,  sturdy. 


project  soon  afterward  when  the  ink 
on  the  expense  sheets  turned  to  red. 

Seeking  an  alternative.  I  spoke  to 
a  member  of  a  local  sporting  goods 
store,  who  suggested  that  a  local,  por- 
table ski  tow  might  be  the  answer. 
As  it  finally  turned  out,  he  was  right. 

The  portable  tow  was  purchased  and 
set  up  by  the  recreation  department 

.1  \\IKS  F.  HKRDIC,  JR.,  is  superintendent 
<>/  recreation  in  Rntlnnil.  Vermont. 


It  can  be  easily  lifted  by  two  men,  and  fits 
compactly  into  the  trunk  of  almost  any  car. 


Having  a  tow  on  a  slope  near  the 
concentration  of  the  population  of  the 
city,  provides  an  opportunity  for  in- 
struction in  elementary  skiing  and  the 
formation  of  a  junior  ski  club.  Being 
in  an  area  where  there  is  great  en- 
thusiasm in  this  sport,  there  are  man) 
top  grade  skiers  who  are  interested 
in  seeing  the  young  people  develop 
into  good  skiers — perhaps  even  into 
another  Andrea  Mead,  from  Pico  Peak. 
Rutland,  who  is  an  Olympic  champion. 


James  F.  Herdic,  Jr. 

The  portable  tow  used  by  our  de- 
partment, can  be  set  up  on  a  ten  to  fif- 
teen degree  slope,  and  can  accommo- 
date from  five  to  eight  people  at  one 
time.  Through  experience,  we  have 
found  that  the  smoothest  ride  is  pro- 
duced when  there  are  five  users  at 
one  time. 

An  automatic  governor  insures  one 
speed — from  six  to  fourteen  miles  per 
hour — and  the  motor  carries  a  ninety- 
day  guarantee,  in  the  event  of  an  un- 
expected breakdown.  The  10.1  horse- 
power motor  is  constructed  on  a  sled 
and  is  economical,  using  only  a  meag- 
er amount  of  gasoline. 

Light  in  weight,  the  tow  can  be 
lifted  by  two  men  with  ease  and  is  sim- 
ple to  rig,  with  a  forged  steel  anchor 
hitch  to  keep  it  securely  in  place.  It 
is  so  neatly  compact  that  it  can  fit 
into  the  trunk  of  almost  any  car  with- 
out trouble.  In  short,  the  tow  is  easy 
to  transport,  easy  to  set  up,  and  easy 
to  use. 

Special  Features  of  Tow 

1.  A   snowfloat   with   curved   tubo- 
trussed  airplane  type  construction.  An 
all-welded    frame,    the    stainless    steel 
nose  and  the  aluminum  floor  pan  keep 
it   really   lightweight  and   rust   proof, 
\et  sturdy. 

2.  The  duradrive,  powered  by  a  10.1 
horsepower   engine,    built    for   heavy- 
duty,    heavy-weather    use.    The    drive 
spool  is  a  lightweight  aluminum  alloy 
casting,  safely  covered   with  a  heavy 
gauge  streamlined  guard. 

3.  The  runrite  ropeguide.  a  neat  ar- 
rangement   of   free   turning   spinners. 
The  horizontal  rollers  are  ball-bearing 
mounted  to  cut  the  friction  where  it 
counts.  The  vertical  rollers  spin   free 
and    easy    on    their    bronze    bushing 
posts. 

4.  The  tow  rope,  made  in  one-half- 
inch   size   which   will   not  twist  while 
operating.  The  rope  is  twelve  hundred 
feet   long,   for   anything  up  to   a   six 
hundred  foot  tow,  and  is  made  of  pure 
Manila  fibre,  waterproofed  and  lubri- 
cated to  reduce  stretching  and  shrink- 
ing and  to  withstand  winter  weather. 

A  portable  ski  tow  of  this  sort  may 
be  the  answer  to  your  skiing  problems. 


N<>\  KVIHKK 


341 


Try  Something 

Different! 


In  presenting  the  following  tricks,  be  sure  that  you  understand  the  instructions 
and  follow  them  to  the  letter.  These  are  simple  enough  to  present  with  little 
preparation,  but  be  sure  to  have  all  parts  of  the  trick  ready.  Most  of  them  can 
be  used  as  quickies  in  a  gathering  of  any  age— from  small  boys  to  grandmothers. 


M  \sterious  Fork 

I'lui-k  the  tines  of  a  fork  with  tlir  thumb  and  index 
finger  of  \our  right  hand.  Now  with  great  ceremony  place 
tin-  fingertips  of  your  frei-  hand  on  a  glass,  vase  or  some 
olhei  ol.j.-rt  .mil  draw  from  il  to  tin-  bewilderment  of  the 
unloosen  a  ringing  musical  note.  The  placing  of  your 
fri-r  liand  on  501111-  object  and  perhaps  giving  a  talk  on 
magic  while  \ou  are  doing  so — is  only  for  effect.  The 

triek   is  done  with  ll iher  hand.  Lower  tin-  fork  to  the 

lahlr  as  MI.IM   a-   the   lines  have  been   plucked.  The  table 
-  .1   -•. milling   board  and  allows  the  note  from  the 
makeshift  tuning  fork  to  IN-  hi-ard. 

\\hcrc   Did  the  Coin  (.•..- 

I'.i-ti-  a  pi.-ri-  ,,f  paper  arrows  moutli  of  small  glass  and 
trim  nratK.  Now  plan1  •.•la**  mouth  down  on  a  sheet  of  pa- 
IM-I  ..f  same  color.  On  tin-  -heet  nf  pa|>cr  lay  a  coin.  <  ..M-I 
gla»«  with  handkcrrhii-f  and  set  over  coin,  When  handker- 

•  liii-f  i«  n-movi-d.  ruin  will  haw-  disappeared,  as  it  is  un- 

•  i'  i   tin-  |..ipi-r   whirh   i~  panted  to  glass.  Have  hidden  an- 

i  »in  the  same  as  the  other,  ami  prudm-e  it. 


The  Jumping  Spoon! 

Tie  a  thread  (black)  to  bottom  of  a  spoon  at  its  nar- 
rowest point.  Tie  other  end  of  thread,  which  is  abmi! 
twelve  inches  long,  to  button  or  belt.  Now  drop  spoon  in 
glass  or  cup,  and  as  you  push  cup  or  glass  away  from  \ou. 
the  spoon  will  rise  out  as  if  In  Minir  spiritual  force.  When 
pulled  slowly  hack,  spoon  will  lower  into  cup. 


Fasten  Thread  to 
Button  or 


Restored  Match  Trick 

A  match  is  broken  unilri  IDMT  of  handkerrtiief :  and 
when  handkerchief  is  rcmow-d.  the  match  is  restored  un- 
broken. Before  starting,  slip  a  match  in  hem  of  handker- 
chief. Now  hold  another  match  and  cover  with  prepared 
handkerrhief.  bringing  match  in  hem  underneath  to  top. 
Have  someone  l>renk  match  I  the  one  in  hem  (and  when 
handkeri  hn-f  i-  removed,  mateh  is  unbroken. 

Curd  Magic 

From  a  deck  of  cards  place  five  or  six  Jacks.  Kings  or 
Oueen*  on  a  table  in  an  orderK  row.  Ask  someone  In  turn 
•onie  nf  the  cards  around  while  \<>u  .in-  mil  "f  the  room. 
.mil  when  \oii  retiiin  \ou  will  tell  them  which  cards  have 
|ii-en  ri^ei*«-d.  Notiie  that  the  cards  have  .1  wider  margin 
al  one  end.  When  \  »U  pl.K  e  them  on  the  table,  h.m-  all  the 

III   <   It)    MIIIN 


Tricks  and  Stunts  for  Those  Who  Are  Young 


wide  margins  nearest  you.  When  you  return  to  the  room  it 
is  a  simple  matter  to  see  which  cards  now  have  narrow 
margins  nearest  you. 

Invisible  Writing 

(This  is  fun  to  use  in  telling  fortunes.) 

Before  presenting,  write  on  a  piece  of  paper  a  fortune 
pertaining  to  anyone.  Use  a  new,  clean  pen  point  and  write 
with  the  juice  of  a  lemon.  When  dry.  hold  over  a  candle 
and  the  heat  will  bring  out  a  clear  spirit  message. 


Floating  Needle 

To  make  a  needle  float,  have  a  small  dab  of  wax  under 
your  thumb  nail.  Ask  others  to  try  to  float  the  needle  first. 
When  they  cannot,  you  draw  the  needle  across  the  wax  un- 
der your  thumb  nail,  and  to  the  amazement  of  all,  it  will 
float. 

Partners 

Mind  Reading 

Have  each  person  write  a  question  on  a  slip  of  paper. 
After  they  fold  slips,  have  them  drop  the  papers  in  a  box 
or  hat.  Mind  reader  holds  first  question  to  forehead,  first 
giving  answer,  then  reading  question,  asking  who  wrote  it. 
Magician  unfolds  paper  to  verify  it.  then  he  takes  another 
slip,  places  it  to  forehead  and  reads  it.  Have  it  arranged 
ahead  of  time  with  a  secret  partner  from  the  group  that 
the  first  question,  no  matter  what  it  is,  is  the  one  he 
wrote.  When  magician  opens  slip  as  if  to  verify,  he  is  in 
reality  reading  the  next  one,  and  so  on. 

Tom  Thumb 

Three  objects  are  placed  in  front  of  the  leader,  one  of 
which  is  selected  by  the  group  while  his  confederate  is  out 
of  the  room.  Upon  returning,  the  latter  pretends  to  make 
a  difficult  decision,  and  then  names  the  correct  article.  The 
leader  has  signalled  him  with  his  thumbs.  His  hands  are 
folded  in  his  lap  and  very  quietly  he  crosses  his  right 
thumb  over  his  left  to  indicate  the  article  on  the  right;  his 
left  thumb  over  the  right  one  to  indicate  the  article  on  the 
left:  and  his  thumbs  parallel  and  together  to  indicate  the 
center  article. 


Musical  Sum  i> 

Put  It  to  Music 

Provide  each  guest  with  a  laundry  slip  listing  articles  of 
clothing.  Then  inform  the  guests  that  they  are  to  sing  to 
the  tune  of  "East  Side,  West  Side"  the  words  appearing 
down  the  side  of  the  laundry  slip.  Some  of  the  combina- 
tions of  words  will  fit  perfectly.  Others  must  be  run  in 
under  the  direction  of  the  leader.  The  stunt  has  been  suc- 
cessfully tried  with  the  use  of  quotations  from  literature 
or  poetry  set  to  music.  For  example,  Portia's  famous  mercy 
speech  has  been  set  to  the  music  of  "There's  a  Long,  Long 
Trail"  in  a  most  interesting  fashion. 

Human  Organ 

Eight  persons  stand  in  line  facing  the  audience.  If  four 
are  dressed  in  black  and  four  in  white,  the  black  and  white 
alternating,  the  effect  will  be  greatly  enhanced.  One  per- 
son stands  in  back  of  this  line  and  plays  the  organ,  touch- 
ing first  one,  then  another  on  the  head.  The  person  touched 
stoops  and  then  assumes  his  original  position,  at  the  same 
time  uttering  the  necessary  sound.  The  organist  may  play 
"Yankee  Doodle"  or  anything  familiar  to  the  crowd.  At  the 
same  time,  chimes  may  be  played.  A  variation  of  this  stunt 
is  to  have  the  hands  of  the  persons  representing  the  organ 
stuck  through  holes  in  a  sheet  with  the  organist  playing 
on  the  hands. 

Topsy  Turvy  Concerts 

This  entertainment  needs  only  a  screen  or  a  curtain 
stretched  across  any  room.  It  is  well  to  have  the  performers 
practically  the  same  size,  as  the  screen  or  curtain  should 
conceal  all  of  the  body  of  each  singer  except  the  head  and 
neck.  The  only  preparation  required  is  that  the  arms  and 
hands  of  the  performers,  who  stand  in  a  row  back  of  the 
curtain,  shall  be  covered  with  stockings  and  that  shoes 
shall  be  worn  on  each  hand,  with  the  soles  of  the  shoes 
pointing  forward  so  that  the  toes  will  be  turned  toward  the 
spectators,  who  are  seated  in  front  of  the  curtain  at  a 
little  distance  back.  At  the  conclusion  of  each  verse  the 
singers  stoop  down  very  quickly  all  together,  lowering 
their  heads  and  elevating  their  arms  above  the  curtain.  The 
effect  thus  produced  is  to  make  the  singers  seem  to  be 
standing  on  their  heads.  They  keep  time  with  their  feet  (or 
rather  hands)  to  the  music  of  the  song.  The  sudden 
changes  when  done  simultaneously,  will  never  fail  to 
amuse.  If  each  concert  number  can  be  announced  with  a 
flowery  speech  it  adds  to  the  amusement.  The  manager 
might  wear  a  frock  coat  and  a  tall  hat. 


NOVEMBER  1952 


343 


Richard  Hartt 


faces  and  reminders  of  fun  he  is 
help  speed  recovery  of  a  bed-bound 
Irirnil  of  the  carolers.  Halls  were  made  at  the 
homes  of  fifteen  of  the  Canoga  Park  shut-ins. 


It  was  a  surprise-  to  folks  at  Mrs.  Webster's 
when  the  HNMthn  interrupted  the  routine 
of  the  In H nr  with  their  gay  songs.  Said  Mrs. 
Webster,  "It  was  good  of  them  to  think  <if  us." 


It  all  started  with  a  hearty  pot-luck  dinner  prepared  by  some  of  the  mot  hi 
There  were  no  pickv  eaters  here,  and  certainly  parents  were  no  exrepti 


Killers  ri-.u  li  <  luhlmiiM-  silt-  ullcr  (lurk,  hut  still  in  lunr  In  riileit.iiu  I 
builders,  whn  sit  in  (heir  wheel  chairs  m  mi  bnildiiiK  blinks  .is  tin  >  lis 
while  the  fumiliar  melody  of  an  olil  f.iMinir.  llmnr  on  the  Kunge.  is  MI 


144 


lln  llf. 


•  Parents  in  Canoga  Park.  California,  are  sleepy-eyed  these  days.  It  isn't  because 
they're  worried  about  where  their  children  are  and  what  they're  doing,  however. 
They  are  simply  trying  to  keep  up  with  their  youngsters  and  are  having  a  time  of  it. 

Take,  for  instance,  an  idea  that  popped  up  last  year.  The  children  decided  to 
go  on  an  afternoon  and  evening  horseback  serenade.  It  was  only  a  couple  of  miles 
to  where  some  paraplegic  veterans  were  building  their  own  club;  and  there  was 
Mrs.  Webster's  older  folks'  home:  and  one  of  the  smaller  children  was  ill.  Why 
not  serenade  them?  So.  it  was  decided,  with  assistance  from  the  Los  Angeles  Rec- 
reation and  Park  Department,  and  under  the  supervision  of  Tom  McDougal  of  that 
department.  (This  activity  has  since  been  added  to  the  recreation  department's 
Christmas  observances  as  a  regular  feature. — Ed.) 

A  group  of  the  mothers  brought  to  the  playground  a  pot-luck  dinner  calculated 
to  re-stoke  parents  and  youngsters  for  the  arduous  activities  ahead.  However, 
mothers  and  used  dishes  were  soon  left  behind. 

The  serenade  finished  later  at  night  than  planned.  Someone  always  seemed  to 
want  "one  more  song"  and.  although  it  was  getting  chilly,  the  young  people  always 
obliged.  But  the  glow  of  happiness  which  they  spread  abroad  that  night  was  such 
that  everyone,  parents  included,  felt  that  the  time  had  been  well  spent. 

MR.  H\KTT  is  a  free-lance  photographer  and  writer,  Pasadena. 


All  set  to  go!  This  member's  expression 
gives  some  idea  of  the  general  enthusiasm 
felt  by  all  of  the  youngsters  in  the  group. 


There  are  always  those  who  have  difficulty  leaving  the  table,  even 
with  Dobbin  neighing  in  the  yard;  a  last  bite  is  hurriedly  eaten. 


.After   dinner   there    is   a   hurried   saddle-up    to   get    to    paraplegics 
construction   job   before   the   men   leave   their   work   for   the   day. 


In  return,  the  singers  are  entertained  with  a  few  verses  of 
"Clementine,"  and  the  builder  chorus  is  roundly  cheered  before 
the  group,  with  snatches  of  songs  and  laughter,  gaily  departs. 


As  the  fog  begins  to  gather,  many  weary  but  happy  good-byes 
are  called,  and  another  merry  serenade  on  horseback,  with  its 
fellowship  and  music  which  have  brought  cheer  to  many,  is  ended. 


NOVEMBER  1T>2 


345 


HOBBIES 

MADE  PROFITABLE 

FOR  THE  DISABLED 


Dr.  Herbert  Rusalem 


¥¥/"  MK.N  MOST  i-Kui'LK  think  of  profit- 
'  able  hobbies.  thex  think  in  ma- 
terial terms.  But  at  The  Federation  of 
the  Handicapped,  it  is  not  dollars  and 
i  i-iit-  whirh  make  hobbies  profitable. 
Instead  of  inc>ne\  in  the  hank,  new  and 
mciie  useful  lives  come  into  being 
through  hobbies. 

Ne\e.  fnr  instance,  at  eighteen  was  a 
stron};.  good  looking  voung  fellow 
finishing  his  senior  year  in  high  school. 
His  hohhx  wa-  athletic-.  anil  lie  wa- 
an  outstanding  player.  He  w.i-  on  the 
\.ir-ilx  baseball  team  and  wa-  a  pile 
driving  fullhai  k  on  the  footliall  si|uad. 
It  was  said  that  several  big  league 
-.'.ut«  were  interested  in  him  when. 
without  warning,  polio  -truck,  \flei  a 
fOBl  of  llier.ip\.  Slexe  was  told  that  he 

would  be  on  crutches  for  life.  He  tried 
to  hide  from  the  xvorld.  haling  exei\- 
one  who  had  two  good  legs.  Withoui 
athletics,  life  seemed  cmptx  ami  u-r 
If—  to  him. 

It  took  a  lot  of  pressure  to  indin  •• 
him  to  mine  to  The   h'ederation  of  the 
ll.iiidn  .ipp>-d.   When  he  came,  he  w.i- 
irixen     help     iii     deciding     on     a     new 
i  .    I.  ill   he  was  obx  iou«lx    onlx    go- 
ing   through    the    motion-.    In    de-pei.i 
lion,  hi-  i  oim-elor  -ugge-led  a   \i-il  |o 
the     photograph)      class.     |{elu<  lantlx  . 
*«iexe  Ivgan  to  do  darkroom  chi-i 
,  ,,|,.r    «ome   pholo-.   and   to   trntntixelx 


\irilon    M    ilirnlttr    of    WVMCIM. 
rrntinn  nj  ihr  HtHtUctpptd,  ^-'n   )  <>tl. 

m 


|ila\  xvith  the  idea  of  handling  a  cam- 
era. As  his  work  took  shape,  however, 
he  began  to  appraise  himself  anew. 
There  were  other  things  he  could  do. 
The  door  wasn't  shut  against  achieve- 
ment for  him.  In  time,  his  hopdeaneM 
gave  way  to  enthusiasm.  There  is  now 
a  new  note  in  Sieve's  \oice.  \oi  onlx 
does  he  have  a  hobby,  but  a  whole  new 
reason  for  going  on  living.  He  exem- 
plifies Federation's  concept  of  re- 
habilitation through  lioMiie-. 

The  '"Fed."  as  our  handicapped 
members  affectionately  refer  to  it.  i-  a 
unique  institution.  It  is  an  agencx  set 
up  for  the  handicapped  in  which  the 
members  have  a  voice  in  administra- 
tion. When  a  disabled  person  applies 
for  and  gains  nicmlxTship.  lie  acquires 
the  responsibilities  of  sharing  in  the 
work  of  one  of  the  largest  rehabilita- 
tion organizations  in  the  country.  The 
"Fed"  maintains  a  staff  of  phx-ician-. 
p«xi  liolu^i-l-.  counsel, . i -.  re-eateh 
woiker-.  a  psychiatrist,  thcrapi-t-. 
group  worker-  and  s<K'ial  workers  to 
serve  tin-  needs  of  the  liandii  ap|H-d  in 
the  New  Virk  area.  This  -l.ilf.  -en  ing 
under  polii  ii--  determined  lix  a  board 
of  ilirei -tins,  maiix  of  whom  are  handi- 
'•apped.  and  assisted  bx  the  membci 
ship,  -erxe-  li.imlii  apped  people  in  a 
ihou-and  difTerenl  wax-  exerx  month, 
llowexi-i.  the  ino-t  -JM-.  t.icular  and 
n-efiil  p.irl  of  the  work  i-  the  laige-l. 
nio-l  i-vli  n-ixe  hobbx  pmgiam  for  ili- 
.llileil  |M-op|e  in  the  <  olllllrx. 


More  than  six  hundred  different 
pcr-ons  take  part  in  one  or  more  ae- 
tixities  at  the  "Fed"  every  xear.  Some 
conic  via  public  transportation  on 
crutches,  others  are  transported  along 
xvilh  their  wheel  chair.-  bx  the  Ameri- 
can Hed  Cross,  and  still  other-  drixe 
up  to  the  door  in  their  own  specially- 
equipped  cars.  I  Incidentally.  Federa- 
tion's auto  operators  have  splendid 
records  of  accident-free  driving.!  1!\ 
and  large,  they  are  people  w  hose 
handicaps  are  so  severe  that  the  hobbx 
programs  of  their  own  communities  do 
not  meet  their  needs. 

Kach  week,  bx  the  hundred-,  thex 
make  their  wax  to  their  own  organiza- 
tion, where  thex  can  ride  a  hobbx 
!ioi-e  in  rehabilitation. 

For  example,  the  public  speaking 
dub.  conducted  1>\  a  merely  disabled, 
brilliant  young  woman,  has  manx  ic- 
habilitation  notches  inscriU'd  on  il- 
belt.  Kxerxone  likes  to  have  an  audi- 
ence.  It'-  a  fine  hobbx  to  have  others 
share  xour  ideas  and  Information.  Hut. 
I  edeialion's  member-,  like  so  manx 
other-,  were  shx  and  reticent  about 
mounting  a  platform  and  delixering  a 
!"i'i'ful  talk.  Then  Dale  Carnegie  en- 
leied  ihi-  picture.  He  adopted  this  class 
as  hi-  hobbx.  He  s,-Mt  teachers  at  his 
own  expense  ami  supplied  the  mem 
l»-t-  with  books  and  other  equipment, 
llo/eus  ,,f  di-abled  men  and  women 
look  the  regular  Dale  Carnegie  cont-i 
.mil  graduated  xvilh  i  la--male-  from 

HKI  KK  \TlnN 


all  over  the  city.  This  was  public  speak- 
ing for  fun.  No  dismal  lessons  and 
drills,  but  lots  of  fun  and  socialization. 
As  time  went  by,  even  the  most  with- 
drawn began  to  self-confidently  sell 
themselves  to  personnel  offices.  Several 
found  jobs  and  attributed  their  success 
to  riding  the  public  speaking  hobby. 
Others  began  to  extend  their  hobby. 
They  began  to  "talk  up"  their  Federa- 
tion and  to  rally  public  support  behind 
its  program. 

Perhaps  the  greatest  triumph  of  this 
group  was  its  work  with  the  cerebral 
palsied.  So  many  people  with  cerebral 
palsy  have  impaired  speech,  which  in 
luni  impairs  their  human  relations, 
thai  it  has  become  a  challenge  to  work- 
ers In  the  field.  After  several  sessions, 
a  number  of  these  folks  with  impaired 
speech  began  to  lose  their  fears  and 
resolutely  put  their  best  foot  forward. 


Playgrounclers  in  Kansas  City  will  not  forget  Bobby  who. 
despite  polio-inflicted  handicap,  has  helped  with  many 
of  the  activities  and  instructed  smaller  children  in  crafts. 


For  many,  the  public  speaking  hobl>\ 
has  become  an  on-going  thing.  Talking 
to  others  has  become  more  fun.  and 
the  way  has  been  opened  to  better 
living. 

But  public  speaking  isn't  the  whole 
story.  Do  you  recall  the  rollicking  long- 
run  musical,  Oklahoma'!  Can  you  pic- 
ture it  being  performed  by  a  cast  of 
disabled  persons?  Well,  it  was  done, 
and  done  beautifully.  Not  only  did  this 

NOVEMBER  1952 


group  play  the  parts,  but  they  made 
the  scenery,  rewrote  the  script,  did  the 
public  relations  and  took  the  tickets. 
They  didn't  make  any  money — all  of 
Federation's  activities  are  without  cost 
or  fee — but  they  collected  huge  divi- 
dends of  fun  and  growth. 

Previously,  many  of  these  young 
adults  had  experienced  unhappy  and 
frustrating  times,  wishing  to  follow  the 
footlights.  Like  all  youngsters  they  had 
yearned  for  their  share  of  Stardust. 
The  footlights  are  as  attractive  to  the 
handicapped  as  to  all  others.  In  school 
and  in  their  communities,  there  never 
had  been  the  opportunity.  Who  would 
think  of  asking  a  girl  on  crutches  to 
play  Juliet  or  a  boy  in  a  wheel  chair 
to  play  Macbeth? 

Someone  did  think  of  it  at  Federa- 
tion of  the  Handicapped.  A  theatre 
workshop  was  organized,  and  its  mem- 
bers produce,  act  in,  and 
direct  three  to  four  pro- 
ductions a  year.  Fur- 
thermore, its  director 
and  moving  spirit  is  a 
young  woman  who  her- 
self is  a  disabled  per- 
son. Out  of  this  hobln 
have  come  profits  of 
good  times  and  good 
feelings.  Instead  of 
counting  the  box  office 
receipts  in  dollars.  Fed- 
eration can  count  them 
in  something  more  im- 
portant— a  sense  of  sat- 
isfaction in  being  able 
to  do  things  as  well  as 
other  people.  It  is  this 
sense  which  carries  over 
to  a  disabled  person's 
job.  his  family,  and  his 
other  hobbies. 

The  stories  of  these 
hobbies  can  be  multi- 
plied many  fold.  Often 
a  hobby  is  developed 
and  followed  with  profit.  Many  handi- 
capped men  and  women  have  learned 
one-hand  and  two-hand  typing,  just 
for  the  sheer  joy  of  mastering  the 
machine  and  using  it  for  personal 
pleasure.  Out  of  these  experiences, 
some  have  awakened  to  the  fact  that 
they  can  work — they  can  learn  to  type 
and  make  a  living  at  it.  This  holds 
true  of  folks  who  have  taken  up  such 
hobbies  as  bookkeeping,  stenograph). 


ceramics,  art,  crafts  and  civil  service 
preparation.  These  have  been  hugely 
successful,  because  they  have  been  pre- 
sented and  taught,  not  as  some  weighty 
course  in  a  college  catalog,  but  as  a 
means  of  having  fun  and  learning  at 
the  same  time.  Never  does  the  subject 
matter  in  Federation's  hobbies  become 
more  important  than  people. 

Take  the  case  of  Susan.  Handi- 
capped by  cerebral  palsy,  she  had  had 
little  fun.  When  others  were  out  en- 
gaging in  sports  and  dancing,  Sue  had 
to  sit  by  and  watch.  She  began  to  feel 
that  other  people  didn't  want  her 
around.  She  became  angry  at  people 
without  handicaps.  "If  they  hate  me. 
I'll  show  them.  I'll  have  nothing  to  do 
with  them."  Sue  became  almost  a  pris- 
oner in  her  own  house.  A  great  hatred 
filled  her  and  made  her  desperately 
unhappy.  Sue  had  no  hobbies.  Her 
only  diversion  was  the  television  set 
and  she  soon  tired  of  that. 

Someone  suggested  the  "Fed"  to 
her.  but  she  scornfully  rejected  the 
idea.  "It's  no  use."  she  said,  "if  you 
get  a  group  of  unhappy  disabled  peo- 
ple together,  they  don't  become  hap- 
pier." If  it  could  be  called  a  hobby. 
Sue  may  have  had  one.  She  enjoyed 
watching  people,  like  a  sort  of  human 
candid  camera.  This  gave  her  great 
pleasure,  for  she  could  easly  see  ev- 
eryone's weaknesses  and  inwardly  de- 
ride them.  She  often  told  her  parents 
that  she  was  an  amateur  psychologist. 
Then  the  word  was  passed  about  that 
the  "Fed"  was  giving  a  course  in  the 
"Psychology  of  Everyday  Living."  No 
homework,  or  assignments,  or  any- 
thing like  that.  Just  a  group  of  friend- 
ly folks  who  wanted  to  follow  their 
psychology  hobby  together. 

When  Sue  first  came  to  the  psycho- 
logy group,  she  was  bitter.  She  was  not 
reluctant  to  present  her  ideas  about  the 
cruelty  and  worthlessness  of  mankind. 
When  the  other  members  of  the  class 
expressed  different  ideas,  Sue  was 
tempted  to  walk  out.  They  seemed  ob- 
stinate and  stupid  to  her.  Didn't  she 
see  it  all  so  clearly?  After  a  while,  in 
spite  of  herself,  she  began  to  like  some 
of  the  members  and  to  want  to  be  with 
them.  Seeing  the  shortcomings  of  oth- 
ers became  less  pleasurable.  Psycholo- 
gy could  be  fun  and  could  be  useful. 
People  could  learn  to  like  each  other 
and  work  cooperatively.  Gradually, 

347 


"ue  -  viewpoint  changed  as  she  became 
more  interested  in  her  hohhv.  Sin-  be- 
gan  to  see  that  she  had  ideas  that 
were  "-irk"  idea.*,  and  finally,  she  got 
u|>  enough  courage  I"  a-k  for  coun-el- 
ing  help  at  the  "Fed."  At  the  late-t  r, 
port  Sue  is  riding  her  hobby  as  strong- 
ly as  ever  and  the  profits  are  corning 
in,  in  the  coin  of  a  new  pei-onalitx. 
I'-whologv  has  heen  a  profitable 
hobby. 

The  -torx  i-  the  same  in  the  news- 
paper group.  Through  writing  their 
own  newspaper — The  Voice  of  Fed — 
and  riding  the  hobby  of  journalism.  .1 
number  of  handicapped  men  and  wom- 
en have  found  new  satisfactions.  Once 
again,  they  can  create.  They  can 
weave  words  and  idea-  into  a  pattern 
which  makes  communication  ea-v  and 


pleasurable.  I  hex  can  see  the  sheet- 
coming  off  the  pie-— r-.  fre-h  and  sharp 
and  pungent  with  the  smell  of  printer's 
ink.  This  hobby  ha-  hcen  e-pecially 
fine  for  a  fex\  of  our  boowbomd  per- 
sons who  have  felt  the  wall-  closing  in 
around  tin  in.  figuralixelx  and  literally. 
Their  \oice-  haxe  been  searching  for 
a  sounding  board.  Their  ideas,  burn- 
ing within  them  like  flames,  have 
been  looking  for  an  outlet.  No\\.  their 
voices  are  heard  and  thex  look  forward 
to  their  monthly  as-ignments. 

Last  year,  rain,  snow  or  -hine.  over 
fifteen  activities  altiaded  more  than 
a  hundred  and  fiftv  disabled  persons 
weekly.  When  our  annual  Hobby 
Night,  with  its  many  demonstration-, 
-peeches  and  award-,  do-ed  tin-  l'>."il 
recreation  season  in  June,  it  marked 


(he  end  of  a  most  successful  vear.  And. 
profitable  hobbies  continue  to  be  pur- 
sued, and  new  activities  and  new  hob- 
bies offered.  Come  to  see  us.  and  you 
may  find  a  young  fellow  on  crutches 
lobbying  for  his  hobby  —  Spanish 
which  he  uses  at  Spanish  movies,  a 
Mexican  restaurant,  and  to  get  a  break 
in  the  export  business.  You  may  inn 
into  a  boy  in  a  wheel  chair  play  ing 
ha-ketball  w  ith  the  poise  of  a  pro.  ^  mi 
mav  see  a  young,  bashful  woman  pain- 
fully making  her  way  with  two  canes 
into  a  discussion  on  marriage  prob- 
lem-, which  follows  a  semi-monthly 
documentary  film. 

Profitable  hobbies?  Federation  of- 
fers them  every  night,  every  week  in 
the  year.  Count  the  profit-  they  are 
in  human  lives. 


li. 

3-1952 


- 


IRS.   HKI.KN\  <,.   IIOYT  died  suddenly    on   Sunday.  October   19.  at  her 
New  'l  ork  City  apartment.  During  the  past  eighteen  months  she  had 
been  serving  as  field  representative  for  Defense  Related  Services  for  the 
National  Recreation  Association.  Her  work  carried  her  to  army   posts 
and  to  air  and  navy  bases,  to  communities  large  and  small. 

Before  joining  the  association  in  its  defense  work.  Mrs.  llovt  wa- 
city  recreation  director  in  Syracuse.  New  York,  for  six  years.  Her  -CM 
ice  there  as  executive  marked  a  reorganization  and  expansion  of  the 
recreation  department  which  she  had  known  intimately  as  recreation 
leader,  district  supervisor,  supcrvi-m  of  women's  and  girls'  activities. 
and  assistant  director.  She  was  appointed  acting  recreation  director  in 
I '>l"i.  ami  director  in  1946. 

The  le-son-  learned  in  the  years  of  development  were  applied  vig- 
orously during  her  live  vcars  as  executive.  She  built  a  recreation  pro- 
gram on  a  blueprint  of  -civile  to  all  person-,  strengthened  the  staff  of 
vcai -round  and  sea-onal  workers,  and  developed  a  recreation  depart- 

f^^^—  ineiil    which    wa-   an    integral   part   of   the   total   community    effort    for 

in  H-ation.  This  was  done  with  the  techniques  of  a  true  leader  and  the 
I^HHIHI^K""  force  of  a  tremt  mlmi-   per-onalily .   She  was  always  at  ease,   never  at 

rest.  Long  hoiiis.   financial  growing  pains,  and  the  many  problems  of 
i  lie  task  never  stopped  her. 

Whin  -he  left  .-xi.iiu-r  111  19.11.  Mrs.  llovt  found  it  ne.  e-aiv  to  i.sign  from  Iwenlv-one  different  com 
munilv  organization-  with  which  -he  had  been  alliliated.  Hie  had  served  as  chairman  of  the  Croup  Work 
Divi-ion  .mil  memU-i  of  the  hoanl  of  the  Council  of  Social  \gcn<  ie>.  w.ilei  -afctv  chairman  of  the  Onan- 
daga  Chapter  of  the  \merican  Red  Cn—.  v  ice  chairman  of  the  >v  i.n  u-e  Crime  Prevention  Committee,  pie-i- 
denl  of  Xonla.  prc-ident  of  the  New  ^  ork  Slate  Puhli'  lie,  reation  Smietv.  member  of  (In-  lie.-ieation  lead- 
er-hip Standards  Committee  of  the  National  l!ei  n-ation  \--..,  i.il ion.  and  recreation  chairman  for  the  county 
civil  defen-e.  (  Hln-r  -miilar  affiliation-  wen-  .il-o  a  part  of  the  job  -he  lived  in  her  Iwenlv  -four  hour  days. 

\lwa\-  -lie  ..inieil  with  her  the  philosophy  that  jteople  are  good,  and  thai  good  recreation  makes  people 
U-ller.  HH  never  piea.hed  thi-  pliilo-opliv.  but  anyone  who  knew  her  long  could  -ee  il  -hining  in  her  CVCM 
.M  lion.  Tin-  xi-<i.ii  .mil  it-  down-In- cailh  nppl'ealion  -lie  brought  with  her  to  the  national  -cenc  a-  -he  went 
fioin  place  lo  place,  .malv/ing.  inspiring,  and  leading  to  action  the  coinmiinitv  groups  "just  like  Syracuse." 
I  here  wa-  not  much  lime  left  for  a  |MT««mal  life,  bill  the  lillle  lime  theie  wa-  -he  -penl  in  living  to  the  hilt. 
an  joxon-K  ,i-  if  it.  too.  win  i  i  .IL 

Ib-lena    Hoxl   died   wilboul   ««-r%iiig   the   maiiv    other  g I   ve.n-  which  -he  had   hoped   lo  -JM-IH|.  and  the 

jH-opli    whom  -he  knew   and   lined   will  mi--  her.    \-  ihe  editor    of   Pmiiirr  wrote   in    I ').">!.   "Whatever    wa-   t" 
U-   dour.   «hc   diil    with    -elf  -acrid  fd    ahililv.  .  .  .  Like  all  genuine  women,  -he  wa-  mode-l  with- 

out 


|{|  i  Hi  MIIIN 


Making  Music  Tangible 


Dr.  Elin  K.  Jorgensen 


THE  PURPOSE  of  making  music  tangi- 
ble is  to  attract  children  to  music 
because  its  activities  are  inviting,  and 
to  offer  every  child  an  opportunity  to 
use  music  at  his  own  level  of  ability. 
By  enjoying  music  in  the  immediate 
present  in  many  informal  experiences, 
we  can  hope  to  promote  readiness  for 
further  use  of  music  as  the  child  con- 
tinues his  development. 

Children  need  to  explore  their  en- 
vironment for  the  musical  resources  it 
contains,  not  only  in  the  usual  forms 
but  in  the  tonal  possibilities  discovered 
through  curiosity  and  used  with  imagi- 
nation. Striking  and  tapping  ordinal) 
objects  can  often  reveal  unrealized 
musical  effects.  While  such  exploration 
is  going  on  there  is  attentive  listening 
and  the  results  focus  attention  on  the 
children's  ingenuity.  This  type  of  ac- 
tivity should  be  approached  with  the 
attitude  of  freeing  children  to  develop 
their  own  ideas  in  the  ways  that  seem 
most  worthwhile  and  interesting  to 
them.  If  full  value  to  personality  de- 
velopment is  to  accrue,  individual  pupil 
thinking  and  not  teacher  dictation 
must  determine  direction  and  goals. 

For  too  long  we  have  emphasized 
hard  work  and  drill  on  facts  that  are 
not  related  to  any  real  musical  need 

DR.  JORGENSKN  is  associate  professor 
<>j  music  education  in  the  Music  Edu- 
cation Department,  Kansas  University. 


or  child  interest.  Specific  knowledge 
and  skill  should  grow  out  of  a  widely 
varied  but  related  experience  in  rote 
singing,  rhythms,  playing  on  simple 
instruments,  listening  and  making  orig- 
inal melodies.  When  music  is  tangi- 
ble it  is  easy  to  understand  because 
musical  elements  such  as  rhythm,  mel- 
ody and  harmony  can  be  seen,  touched 
and  felt.  It  is  a  direct  approach  by 
the  child  to  the  heart  of  music  whereby 
he  is  free  to  explore  possibilities  and 
discover  for  himself  relationships  that 
to  him  are  meaningful. 

Ways  of  making  music  tangible  to 
children: 

1.  Use  of  bells,  triangles  and  tam- 
bourines to  accompany  songs  or  selec- 
tions played  to  children.  These  should 
be  used  separately  to  acquaint  the  chil- 
dren with  their  tonal  possibilities  and 
not  organized  into  a  rhythm  band  in 
the  kindergarten  or  first  grade.  Chil- 
dren should  choose  which  of  these 
types  of  instruments  is  appropriate  to 
accompany  the  particular  song  and 
then  keep  time  to  the  music  as  llu'\ 
hear  it  without  counting  beats  accord- 
ing to  an  adult  imposed  pattern.  After 
much  informal  rote  experience  with 
these  instruments,  others  can  be  added. 

In  the  second  grade  some  organized 
group  work  in  rhythm  band  may  be 
tried,  but  the  children  should  still  de- 
cide with  the  help  of  the  teacher  how 
the  various  instruments  can  best  ac- 


company the  selection  used.  These  de- 
cisions can  be  recorded  on  large  charts 
using  picture  symbols  of  the  instru- 
ments, and  this  will  promote  reading 
readiness,  for  the  chart  has  meaning 
for  them.  When  the  rhythm  band  is 
used  above  the  second  or  third  grade, 
then  the  purpose  is  to  promote  the 
reading  of  parts,  using  more  intricate 
music.  Usually  after  experience  in  sec- 
ond or  third  grade  the  children  are 
ready  to  move  on  to  some  other  types 
of  instrumental  experience.  However, 
in  a  rural  school  it  offers  a  group  ex- 
perience that  can  be  adapted  to  vari- 
ous ages,  with  the  youngest  playing 
the  simplest  kind  of  time  beating  and 
the  oldest  members  reading  parts  that 
demand  concentration  on  the  score. 
Where  scores  are  desired,  the  follow- 
ing may  be  helpful: 

How  to  Teach  the  Rhythm  Band, 
Diller  and  Page.  G.  Schirmer.  $.25. 

The  Folk  Tune  Book,  Diller  and 
Page.  G.  Schirmer.  $2.50. 

The  Schubert  Book,  Diller  and  Page. 
G.  Schirmer.  $2.50. 

Many  selections,  picture-scored  by- 
Stickle,  may  be  ordered  from  C.  D. 
Birchard.  These  are  planned  for  pri- 
mary grades;  those  listed  above  are 
for  intermediate. 

2.  Water  glasses  that  have  a  clear 
bell-like  tone  when  struck  may  be 
filled  with  water  and  tuned  to  scale, 
providing  opportunity  for  melody 


NOVEMBER  1952 


349 


making,  both  rote  and  original.  The 
b.»,k  that  the  third  grade  teacher  can 
use  is  I'lavinp  and  Composing,  by 
I  !n|i'in.in:  Hr\nal  and  Hitchcock,  pub- 
lisher*. 

Older  grades  can  also  u*c  water 
gl.i--c-  if  they  have  not  previously 
tried  tin-in,  and  use  melodies  of  wider 
range  and  difficulty.  Lovely  effects  have 
been  achieved  with  playing  in  two 
parts  and  they  can  be  combined  with 
otlicr  instruments  listed. 

'•.  Drums  and  rattles  can  be  made 
that,  with  background  reading,  will 
contribute  to  the  children's  under- 


standing of  people  in  other  times  and 
places.  Recommended  to  be  read  by 
fourth  grades  or  told  to  younger  chil- 
dren is  The  Drum  Honk,  by  Colcinan: 
Reynal  and  Ililc •lirm-k.  publisher*. 

The  history  of  the  drum  around  thr 
world  is  told  in  thi>  l»»ik.  making  il 
a  valuable  reference  for  social  studies 
in  upper  grades,  even  though  the  actu- 
al making  of  them  is  not  contemplated. 

4.  The  psaltcr\  provides  experience 
\\  ith  stringed  instruments  and  may  be 
purchased  from  G.  Schirmer.  This 
model  was  designed  by  Mrs.  Coleman 
for  use  by  children.  It  is  of  musical 


quality  and  the  .strings  arc  widely 
•paced  for  playing  in  unison  and  two 
parts.  The  I'xallery  Hook,  by  Coleman: 
C.  Schimer.  publisher.  >:;.:>(>•  WOO. 

.1.  The  auto  harp  is  similar  to  the 
p-altcry  but  it  plays  chords,  not  melo- 
dic*. It  is  equipped  with  bars,  each  of 
which  plays  a  chord.  The  more  bar-  on 
the  instrument,  the  greater  number  of 
chords  are  available  for  use  and  the 
greater  the  expense.  They  may  l>e  or- 
dered from  Targ  and  Dinner  for  ."Sll! 
and  826.  or  Montgomery  Ward  01  (,. 
Schirmer.  Auto  Harp  Acconifxini- 
inents,  by  Fox;  C.  C.  Birchard. 


"Understanding"  Through   Discussion 


William  G.  Robinson 


The  resources  of  a  university  have 
been  drawn  upon  in  Michigan  to  em- 
phasize to  recreation  executives  their 
relationship  to  other  fields  of  public 
function,  and  to  review  with  them  the 
latest  thinking  in  related  fields  of 
professional  research  and  study.  Top 
men  in  their  departments  in  the  1  ni- 
versity  of  Michigan  have  discussed 
such  subjects  as  Recreation  and  City 
Planning.  Recreation  and  Government- 
al Services,  Recreation  and  Social 
Problems,  Recreation  and  Croup 
Work,  the  Psychology  of  the  Adoles- 
cent, tin-  Significance  of  Group  l>\ 
namics  in  the  Field  of  Recreation,  and 
Relation  of  Recreation  and  Adult  Edu- 
cation. These  subjects  have  not  been 
treated  in  lectures:  but  each  in  an  in- 
formal two-hour  session,  three-fourth* 
of  which  has  been  discu**ion  follow- 
ing an  introduction  to  the  subject  by 
tin-  professors.  There  have  Ix-en  two 
•  •\icptioii*  lo  the  leadership  of  I  ni- 
\ei*itv  (irofi-.-i.i-.  tine  di-i  n*«ioii  was 
led  |.\  a  city  manager  and  another  hv 
,i  p-M  Imlogi.Hi  in  private  pracli>--. 

Three  such  institute*,  which  began 
at  two  o'clock  one  d.i\  with  u  SC--I..H 
that  afternoon  and  evening,  followrd 
by  a  morning  and  afternoon  session 

WlLUAM  C.  ROIHNSIIS   M  mm/an/  in 

community   orfanizalinn.    E  \lrni  inn 

•  .    I  mi  rnili    n/    \ln 


the  next  day.  have  been  held  since 
June  1950.  Another  meeting  preceded 
the  mid-winter  gathering  of  the  Michi- 
gan Recreation  Association  with  an 
afternoon  and  evening  session. 

Another  institute  is  being  planned 
for  later  this  year.  The  School  of  Busi- 
ness Administration,  the  School  of 
Public  Health,  the  Department  of 
Landscape  Architecture,  the  School  of 
Kducation,  the  Institute  for  Social  He- 
search,  and  other  departments  of  the 
I  nivrrsily  will  be  drawn  upon  for 
session  leaders.  The  Michigan  Recrea- 
tion Association  has  financed  the  pro- 
gram, with  the  Extension  Service  of 
the  I  niversitv  furnishing  the  facilities 
and  taking  care  of  the  details  of  print- 
ing, mailing  and  so  on.  All  mcml>ers  of 
the  Michigan  Recreation  Association 
have  Keen  urged  to  attend. 

The  response  to  what  was  thought  of 
as  an  experiment  has  l>een  gratify  ing. 
Forty-two  people  from  twentv-one 
cities  attended  the  tir-t  in-titute  and 
twenty-five  cities  were  represented  at 
the  winter  meeting.  A»  one  executive 
said.  "It  is  good  t<>  gel  away  from  h.i* 
kdkill  anil  budget  worries  for  a  dav 
or  two,  and  to  see  our  place  in  tin 
overall  picture  of  our  city's  life."  Tin- 
faculty  were  happv  ovei  the  cx|«-iiein  e. 
loo.  and  were  stimulated  In  the  liveb 
lien*  and  participation  in  the  di->  n- 
-ion*  "thinking  together."  our  said. 


Another  wrote,  "I  enjoyed  the  meeting 
and  hope  it  may  be  a  step  toward 
closer  relationships  between  recreation 
workers  and  social  workers  in  Michi- 
gan. I  appreciate  their  interest  and  am 
glad  to  have  had  the  opportunity  to 
meet  with  them."  On  the  other  hand, 
the  recreation  leaders  have  been  im- 
pressed with  the  interest  of  those  lead- 
er- from  other  fields,  and  the  care  with 
which  their  material  was  prepared  and 
presented. 

The  object  of  these  sessions  is  to 
improve  understanding  of  fields  of  ac- 
tivilv  and  of  study  related  to  but  not 
directly  a  part  of  recreation  responsi- 
bility. Program  material  or  technique* 
are  not  included  and  the  emphasis  is 
on  the  recreation  administrator  as  one 
of  a  team  of  planners  for  the  com- 
munity of  tomorrow.  The  institute.* 
lead  to  the  development  of  u  philoso- 
phy of  recreation  and  a  thinking 
through  of  il>  place  in  the  life  of  the 
individual  and  tin  •  ..mmunitv . 


"Discussion  should  be  one  of  the 
1110*1  important  thing*  in  the  world,  for 
it  i«  almo*l  mil  onlv  arena  of  think- 
ing .  .  .  Without  discussion  intellectual 
••\|M-rienic  i*  only  an  exercise  in  a 
private  gymnasium." 

Ranilnlfih  Hnurnr. 


Id  i  \^^  MIIIN 


-at 


Keith  A.  Macdonald 


IKE    ALL    COMMUNITIES,    Vallejo. 

Solano  County.  California, 
prides  itself  on  being  unique.  Val- 
lejo's  basic  recreation  problems,  how- 
ever, are  compounded  of  commonplace 
ingredients:  more  people  than  were 
planned  for,  fewer  dollars  than  are 
needed,  and  political  boundaries  un- 
related to  the  distribution  of  popu- 
lation. Unique  is  a  cooperative  ar- 
rangement worked  out  between  a  pair 
of  the  local  bodies  politic:  Greater 
Vallejo  Recreation  District,  on  the  one 
hand,  and  the  Housing  Authority  of 
the  City  of  Vallejo  on  the  other. 

Both  the  district  and  the  housing 
authority  are  war-born.  The  district 
was  created  in  1944  when  swelling 
population  overflowed  the  city's  bound- 
aries and  required  that  for  recreation 
the  township  be  taken  as  the  unit;  the 
housing  authority  was  set  up  in  1942, 
to  operate  federally-owned  temporary 
housing  units  constructed  for  war 
workers. 

V-J  Day  did  not  end  the  need  for 
either  agency,  since  a  large  proportion 
of  newcomers  decided  to  stay  in  the 
vicinity  when  peace  came.  Recent  ac- 

KEITH  A.  MACDONALD  is  executive  di- 
rector of  the  Greater  Vallejo  Recrea- 
tion District,  Vallejo,  California. 

NOVEMBER  1952 


tion  in  Korea,  though  it  has  swelled 
the  population,  reflects  itself  in  acceler- 
ated growth  rather  than  a  new  boom. 
Township  population  has  stabilized  at 
about  75.000,  after  reaching  a  war- 
time peak  (1944)  of  88,412,  and  a 
third  of  this  population  lives  in  the 
authority's  units.  Basic  to  the  unique 
cooperative  relationship  between  dis- 
trict and  authority,  therefore,  is  the 
unique  fact  that  the  authority  is  sole 
landlord  for  a  third  of  the  district's 
population.  Also  unique  is  the  fact  that 
this  landlord  has  provided  recreation 
facilities  for  his  tenants. 

Facilities  located  on  each  project, 
consist  of  one  or  more  central  recrea- 
tion buildings,  variously  equipped 
with  gyms,  stages,  meeting-rooms  and 
kitchens;  and  outdoor  play  areas  with 
equipment.  Each  community  center  is 
supervised  by  an  activities  director 
who  is  an  employee  of  the  housing 
authority. 

But — and  here's  the  point — although 
the  activities  director  is  a  housing 
authority  employee,  primarily  on  hand 
to  insure  proper  utilization  of  authori- 
ty facilities,  the  director  also  is  func- 
tionally responsible  to  the  district. 

In  addition  to  many  less  formal  con- 
tacts between  all  concerned,  semi-an- 
nual conferences  are  regularly  sched- 


uled between  district  personnel  and 
housing  people.  On  hand  for  the  dis- 
trict are  the  executive  director,  the 
supervisor  of  community  centers,  and 
other  supervisors.  The  authority  is 
represented  by  its  director  of  manage- 
ment, and  the  housing  managers  and 
activities  directors  of  each  project.  At 
each  such  conference,  past  perform- 
ance is  reviewed,  needs  analyzed,  and 
programs  formulated. 

To  implement  the  joint  district- 
authority  recreation  program  thus  de- 
veloped, the  district  maintains  in  each 
community  center,  under  the  supervi- 
sion of  the  activities  directors,  recrea- 
tion leaders  who  supply  the  face-to- 
face  recreation  leadership. 

The  activities  director,  though  fur- 
nishing no  direct  leadership,  is  the  key 
man,  since  through  him  the  authority's 
facilities  are  tied  in  to  the  overall 
community  program.  He  also  repre- 
sents the  housing  authority  in  dealing 
with  tenants  on  recreation  matters, 
and  in  the  process  develops  volunteer 
leadership  and  privately-raised  funds 
to  supplement  the  district's  limited 
budget. 

A  mechanism  to  this  end  is  a  tenant 
council  on  each  project.  Every  coun- 
cil is  a  representative,  democratically- 
elected  group  with  a  constitution  and 

351 


bylaw-,   i- po«-d   of   truants    who   as 

i:i,li\  i.lu.il-.  or  through  organization-, 
use  tin-  roininuiiit)  buildings. 

For  the  truants  concerned,  partici- 
pation in  rouni-il  activities  i-  in  it-elf 
a  form  of  recreation.  For  the  program 
as  a  whole,  rarh  council  is  a  sounding 
board  for  public  opinion.  In  addition, 
each  council  cooperates  with  the  actix  i 
ties  director  in  scheduling  the  use  of 
facilities.  The  council  represents  the 
public:  the  activities  director,  who 
link-  district  and  authority  thus  links 
thrni  both  to  the  people  each  is  try  ing 
to  serve. 

lhe  rrcrr.ilion  -erxire.  pro\  ideil  1>\ 
district-paid  leaders,  follow-  -tandard 
professional  practices.  The  actix  iti,- 
.lirrclor's  relation  to  the  program  is 
the  uni(|ue  element  in  the  Vallejo  pic- 
lure. 

Through  it-  siiprr\  isor  of  communi- 
l\  centers,  the  Greater  Vallejo  Recrea- 
tion Di-trir|  entrusts  supervision  of 
certain  recreation  leaders,  regular 
members  of  its  own  organization,  to 
activities  directors  who  are  part  of  an 
entire!)  separate,  distinct  and  co-equal 
l,,,(l\  politic.  Thi-  i-  definitely  novel. 

On  the  face  of  things  it  would  ap- 
|M-ar  that  the  activities  director  is  com- 
pelled to  serve  two  masters.  Vallejoans 
-.i\.  howrxrr.  that  only  one  master  is 
ie,ogni/rd  the  general  public  . 

h.r  six  years  the  Housing  Authoritx 
of  the  City  of  Vallejo  has  thus  cooper 
.iled  with  the  Greater  Vallejo  Hccica- 
lion    District    in   the  development   ami 
administration  of  a  badl)   neeilrd   re, 
le.ition  program.  Ami  llii-  wholeheart- 
.,1  .  ooperatiun  between  "rival"  hodie- 
politic  i-  the  feature  of  Vallejo's  re,  re 
.ition    program,    which    i-    mo-t    truly 

unique. 


FLASH! 

Watch  for  reports  and 
pictures  from  the 

NATIONAL   RECREATION   CONGRESS 
in 


De<*mb«r  195? 


Students  are  Missed 

The  Chicopee  (  Massachusetts  i  Com- 
munity Center  reports  that  the  month 
of  May  saw  the  termination  of  their 
body  building,  rhythm  band,  boxing 
and  square  dancing  groups  because 
Spri ngfield  College  students,  who  served 
as  instructors,  departed  on  vacation. 

The  following  information  was  de- 
veloped for  the  center,  through  a  sur- 
vey conducted  by  two  of  the  student-: 

Community  center  visited,  evenings 
a  week — 3.71:  community  center  chief 
place  for  recreation — 92  per  cent:  fa- 
vorite activities  I  not  including  com 
munity  center)  in  order  of  choice — 
other,  high  or  junior  high  school  ac- 
tivities, movie  theatres,  bowling  alle\-. 
staying  at  home:  activities  most  en- 
joyed at  center,  in  order  of  choice- — 
ping  pong,  dancing,  pool;  new  actix  i- 
ties  most  desired  at  center,  in  order 
of  choice — swimming,  gymnasium  for 
indoor  sports,  more  dancing. 
Progress  in  Cunada 

A  one-year  diploma  course  in  public 
recreation  for  recreation  directors  wa- 
opened  in  September  at  the  I  nixei- 
sitx  of  British  Columbia  In  the  \a 
tional  Council  on  Physical  Fitne— . 
Limited  to  thirty  student-,  tlie  course 
i-  directed  by  Mr.  Barry  btwes.  M.A.. 
and  Mr.  Koln-rt  Osborne.  under  the 
administrative  authority  of  the  univei- 
sity's  department  of  rvlrn-ioii.  This  i- 
the  second  such  piojecl  that  has  been 
undertaken  in  Canada,  and  since  f,,ui 
province*  proxide  -onie  l\pe  of  pio- 
xincial  certification,  it  max  well  le- 
thal the  current  course  will  go  a  long 
way  toward  building  support  for  na- 
tion, il  ccrlicalion  and  national  -I. in. I 
.ud-  ill  the  Dominion. 

Outdoor  Eiliu-.it ion    Notes 

At  Southern   Illinois  I  nixei-itx.  l.i-l 
March,    more    than    fiflx     '•• 
education.  ,  oiivrvalion  and  recreation 
asuembleil    in    an    ,.ui,l...,i    e.lu,  ati«n 
•  oiifeicni  e.    -pon-oied    |.\     lli.     iiniver- 


sitx  and  the  L'ducational  Council  of 
One  Hundred,  to  investigate  the  p,,- 
sibilities  for  extending  outdoor  educa- 
tion in  southern  Illinois. 

And  the  Antioch  College  campu- 
w:as  the  scene,  last  Max.  for  a  six-day, 
three-conference,  similar  study.  Ohio 
xoulh  leaders,  naturalists  and  conser- 
xationists  met  to  consider  school  ramp- 
ing in  Ohio,  and  were  joined  by  ollici 
outdoor  experts  for  Antiorh  s  fourth 
annual  conference  on  outdoor  educa- 
tion. The  final  two  days  were  dexoted 
to  the  supervision  of  an  overnight 
lumping  outing  of  a  group  of  sixth- 
grade  students. 

The  State  Teachers  College,  C»ii- 
land.  New  York  offered,  last  August, 
a  course  entitled  "Outdoor  Education 
in  the  School  Program."  at  Camp 
lluntington  on  Kaquette  Lake.  Among 
the  subject-  ,  »\eicd  were  nature  recre- 
ation, exploring  water  ways  by  canoe, 
rod  and  reel,  nature  ami  -urxixal.  out- 
il.'.'i  cooking  and  -ocial  and  psycho- 
logical study. 

A  Family  Affair 

From  Indiana  I  nixer-itx  comes  wold 
that  the  l.eilieh-  |{,,\  and  \x  i- 


have  completed  work  f»i  thcil  do,|..i-' 
degn-es.  he  in  icirealioii  and  -he  ir 
phx-iral  education.  Dr.  Hoy.  who  has 
been  suprrinlendrnl  of  recreation  at 
Hrllxille.  lllinoi-.  i-  now  directing  the 
i, -,  icatioii  program  at  the  I  mxci-iiv 
of  Florida.  Di.  \xi-.  who  h.i-  -eixe,l 
on  the  Staff  of  M.  kcndie  College  in 
^1  I  ..III-.  Mi— ouii.  ,!"••-  l!',|  expei  I  I.. 
',  tin-  xear. 

RMBAIKMI 


People  in  Recreation 


Showing   how    a   resourceful   maintenance 
man  can  strengthen  a  recreation  department. 


lly  Maintenance  Man 


Thomas  C.  Miller 


In  Wilson.  North  Caro- 
lina, our  thoughts  run 
parallel  with  those  of 
other  departments  that 

Earl   J.  McFarlane  are    fortunate    enough    to 

have  a  good,  efficient  man 

in  charge  of  their  recreation  and  park  maintenance  work. 
We  honestly  believe,  as  do  others,  I'm  sure,  that  we  have 
the  "best  maintenance  man  in  the  business." 

Three  years  ago  Earl  J.  McFarlane.  our  maintenance 
foreman,  and  I  came  from  Portsmouth,  Virginia,  where  we 
had  worked  together  in  the  recreation  department  of  thai 
city.  We  feel  that  these  have  been  three  fine  years  during 
which  we  have  seen  unused  Wilson  areas  and  little-used 
apparatus  built  up  and  even  become  crowded  with  hun- 

AUTHOR  is  recreation  director  in  Wilson,  North  Carolina. 

Improving   the   field   with   a   dirt   sifter   made   by   the   local    recreation   department. 


NOVEMBER  1952 


dreds  of  participants.  It  has  given  us  a  feeling  of  warmth 
to  observe  our  community  changing  its  skeptical  "Recre- 
ation? What's  that?"  to  the  attitude  of  today  in  which 
this  city,  its  citizens,  civic  clubs,  schools  and  churches  are 
behind  our  program  wholeheartedly. 

Mac  is  married  now,  has  a  little  daughter,  and  owns  his 
own  home,  much  of  which  he  built  himself.  He  will  move 
on  up  the  ladder  in  his  work,  but  we  are  going  to  endeavor 
to  hold  on  to  him  as  long  as  we  can. 

He  has  had  a  firm  foundation  for  much  of  his  present 
work.  Born  and  reared  in  Nebraska,  his  experience  around 
the  family  farm  is  now  paying  off  in  many  ways.  His 
knowledge  of  motors,  tractors,  mowers,  seeding,  thinning, 
fencing  and  dozens  of  other  phases  of  farm  work  con- 
tribute much  to  his  present  capability  in  dealing  with 
problems. 

After  finishing  high  school,  where  he  starred  in  three 
sports,  Mac  moved  to  California  and  a 
five-year  term  as  a  mill  foreman  in  a 
furniture  factory.  Here  he  gained  valu- 
able carpentry  experience  which  in  turn 
is  aiding  our  department  today. 

He  was  among  the  first  to  be  called 
at  the  beginning  of  World  War  II.  He 
served  four  years  in  the  United  States 
Army,  much  of  it  in  Europe,  until  the 
armistice.  During  his  tenure  of  service, 
he  was  a  physical  instructor  in  charge 
of  all  athletics  for  his  regiment.  Now, 
we  often  call  upon  him  to  aid  in  super- 
vising some  of  our  athletic  programs 
when  we  find  ourselves  short  of  leader- 
crship. 

When  one  looks  at  our  facilities  to- 
da\.  it  is  difficult  to  realize  that  three 
years  ago  they  were  so  out  of  repair  and 
so  unused.  The  parks  have  always  been 

353 


beautiful,  but  an  occasional  mowing  was  practically  all  the 
maintenance  they  had  received.  Our  first  step  here  was  to 
liuilil  a  shop  at  the  municipal  stadium.  We  bought  tools, 
gradually  acquired  needed  machinery,  hired  a  few  compe- 
tent laborers  and  began  at  once  to  get  our  facilities  in 
good  condition.  After  a  month's  start  along  this  line,  in 
December  1948  we  went  to  work  on  the  little-used  Armory. 
We  still  use  it  for  our  indoor  programs.  Mac  had  much 
rewiring  done,  made  his  own  backboards,  light  reflectors, 
cleaned  up  the  entire  building  and  laid  out  a  basketball 
court  and  a  boxing  and  workout  area.  We  had  our  fn-i 
program-  well  under  way  within  two  week-. 

Wilson  has  a  fine  baseball  stadium  and  it  is  said  to  U 
one  of  the  best  in  this  section  of  the  South.  Nevertheless, 
it  needed  a  thorough  renovation.  The  seats  and  bleacher- 
were  devoid  of  paint  and  many  needed  to  be  repaired  or 
entirely  replaced.  The  maintenance  crew,  which  had  now 
grown  to  a  group  of  six  men,  including  Mac,  finished  this 
work  along  with  painting  the  outfield  fence  and  the  laying 
of  a  concrete  curbing  around  the  whole  park  fence  at  the 
l.ottom.  where  children  continually  pried  up  the  metal 
fencing  in  order  to  crawl  beneath  it.  Another  two  yeai- 
of  this  would  have  necessitated  a  complete  new  fence.  The 
concrete  curbing  was  the  answer,  and  we  have  had  no 
trouble  -ince  that  time. 

Mac  was  able  to  purchase  a  small  cement  mixer,  and 
ii-ini;  a  motor  which  he  had  salvaged,  we  are  able  to  do 
all  of  our  own  cement  work.  A  few  of  the  things  that  we 
li.ivc  made  ourselves  are:  concrete  combination  ping-pong 
and  picnic  tables,  cement  park  Ix-nches  and  cement  benches 
at  the  swimming  pool,  hath  houses  and  the  three  junior 
pools.  Also  constructed  were  a  new  park  foot-bridge  of 
cement  anil  iron,  an  outdoor  dance  area  at  one  of  our 
parks,  concrete  r<|iiipmrnl  shelters,  eight  new  fireplace- 
of  l>rick  with  concrete  bases.  Mac  and  his  crew  constructed 
a  dirt  sifter  which  also  was  powered  by  this  old  motor. 
We  use  this  sifter  mainly  on  our  stadium  diamond,  and 
it  saves  us  an  average  of  three  days  out  of  seven  in  labor. 
Thi«  sifter,  which  cn-t  twentx  dollars,  is  so  constructed 
that  the  clods  of  dirt  roll  off  the  screen  into  a  trailer  and 
are  hauled  away,  therefore  requiring  only  one  handling 
of  the  dirt.  A  lawn  mower  was  constructed  by  Mac's  right- 
hand  man,  HerU-rt  Braswcll.  al-<>  .1  fine  mechanic,  who  is 
able  to  carry  on  one  job  while  Mac  is  busy  elsewhere. 

We  have  been  fortunate   in   Ix-itig  able  to  obtain   u-ed 

pipe   and    old    In. ||er    tube-    frolll    tile    •   lU-i.wne.l    Illilllie-    de 

partment,  and  with  these  we  inn-liiict  all  of  0111  »wn 
baseball  and  5oftli.il!  kn  k«ioj>-.  ki-kethall  and  \nlle\  kill 
pout*  and  all  of  the  fence  IH.-I-  ei, i  iri -ling  the  three  junini 
pool*.  ThcM?  arc  put  down  in  cement  ami  are  pei  m.inenl 
hvluii  -  I  he  backstop*  for  basketball  are  •  ill  down  (.,  f.,,n 
hx  three  feet.  This  is  done  I.,  <omh.il  wind  re-i-lam  e. 
whiih  will  often  turn  the  kn  kho.inl  on  the  |n,-|-  if  it  i- 
•trapped  arid  l>olted  ..nl\. 

I  he  park  areas  are  kept   in   hue  <<..idil<Mii   h\    the   m.iin 
trnancr    unit,    and    the   tnowrr*    and    equipment    are    gi\en 

••llrnl  rare.   New  nlhleti<     held-   and   plaxgrmiiid-   ! 
brrn  added  to  thin  crew's  work  within  the  la«t  tin- 

>  lands  have  brrn  cleared  and  graded  in  M-MT.I!  -•  >  M..-  - 


of  the  city,  and  at  present  property  for  a  proposed  day 
camp  is  l>eing  cleared  and  improved  so  that  this  project 
may  get  under  way  for  the  first  time  this  summer. 

\nx  -torx  about  Karl  J.  McFarlane  should  include  a 
few  words  about  his  efficient  way  of  handling  hi-  men. 
his  willingness  to  do  things  personally  and  to  spend  much 
of  his  own  time,  not  only  for  the  people  of  Wilson,  but 
for  the  county  and  even  for  the  other  cities  throughout 
the  state.  Mac  has  confided  to  me  several  times  that  his 
laborers  often  give  him  good  ideas  that  can  be  n-ed  in 
their  work.  He  makes  his  men  feel  that  they  are  wanted, 
encourages  them  to  express  their  ideas,  and  often  uses  theii 
suggestions.  He  has  never  been  selfish  with  his  own  idea- 
and  time,  and  hardly  a  week  passes  that  he  is  not  called 
upon  by  some  other  department,  school  or  club  for  as- 
sistance. 

Mac  also  has  said  that  every  efficient  maintenance  ciew 
should  have  one  mechanically  minded,  trustworthy  man 
to  stay  on  the  job  at  times  when  the  foreman  has  to  leave 
to  purchase  materials,  attend  staff  meetings,  line  up  future 
work  for  the  crew,  or  do  any  of  the  things  that  must  t.ike 
him  away  from  \\\>  men.  With  a  good  man,  such  as  he  ha- 
in  Hraswell.  the  work  does  not  lag. 


The  importance  of  providing  recreation  opportunities 
and  other  attractive  community  facilities,  as  a  means  of 
bringing  new  industry  to  a  community,  is  clearly  illus- 
trated in  a  story  appearing  in  Thr  7'eH/io.wv  I'lnnnn .  \ 
manufacturer  seeking  a  site  for  a  new  plant  investigated 
conditions  in  Union  City,  which  ranked  first  on  its  li-t 
in  the  choice  of  operational  sites.  The  town,  however,  lo*t 
out  as  the  location  for  the  new  plant.  The  company  officials 
reported,  as  one  of  the  chief  reasons,  the  fact  that  they 
couldn't  see  how  the  community  could  furnish  the  ne. 
sary  schools,  recreational  facilities  and  other  city  services 
for  its  employees. 

"The  company's  concern  over  recreational  facilities  was 
xerx  important.  Officials  pointed  out  that  there  was  no 
swimming  pool  in  Union  City  at  the  time  thcx  Impeded 
the  town.  They  also  said  that  the  eit\  lacked  ice  rcational 
facilities  such  as  a  municipal  golf  course  and  adequate 
park.  .  .  .  I  loin  their  point  of  view,  all  that  the  i  itx  of- 
fered in  the  wax  of  recreation  was  a  picture  show  and  a 
pool  room." 

Chagrined  and  disappointed  oxer  their  |o-s.  the  citi/rn- 
have  undertaken  to  correct  the  town's  imperfection- 
\niong  the  actions  which  have  been  taken,  are  the  build- 
ing of  a  modern,  fullv -equipped  swimming  pool  and  lixe 
pla\  ground*  which  were  operated  under  leader-hip  dur- 
ing the  slimmer  month-.  Hond-  for  a  nexs  high  school 
have  been  voted  and  a  nexv  hospital  ha-  been  completed. 
I  he  •  itx  planning  commission  has  been  reorganized. 

I  he  experience  in  Union  '  ilx  den'on-tratc-  that  in  ordei 
to  attract  indti-lr\.  a  cilv  lir-t  mii-l  be  attractive. 


I.I  .  in  xii"\ 


Report  of  the  Congress  Meeting  on  Mid- 
get Athletics  will  be  published  in  the 
December  issue  of  RECREATION. 


BASEBALL 


TN  REGARD  to  our  summer  baseball 
•*-  program  for  boys  eight  to  twelve 
years  old,  for  some  years  we  op- 
erated a  softball  league  for  this  age 
group  but  it  was  never  successful. 
With  the  growth  of  Little  League  base- 


Ronnie   Merrill  plays  with  aid  of  runner. 

ball  in  our  city,  we  decided  that  boys 
who  didn't  make  a  Little  League  team 
or  who  have  never  played  baseball, 
should  have  a  chance  to  play. 

With  this  thought  in  mind,  we 
contacted  the  Harold  T.  Andrews  Post 
of  the  American  Legion  and  they  ap- 
propriated two  hundred  and  fifty  dol- 
lars for  T-Shirts  and  other  equipment 
for  our  teams.  This  meant  that  every 
boy  between  eight  and  twelve  years  of 
age  who  wanted  to  play  baseball  would 
have  that  opportunity. 

The  whole  activity  hinged  on  the 
playfield  directors,  all  men,  being 
available  at  the  ballfields  in  four  sec- 
tions of  the  city  to  run  informal 
leagues  for  their  boys.  Though  only 

JACK  GRAIN  is  director,  Parks  and  Rec- 
reation Department,  Portland,  Maine. 

NOVEMBER  1952 


John  H.  Grain,  Jr. 

one  playfield  director  was  included  in 
the  budget,  by  placing  three  male 
playground  leaders  in  key  areas,  we 
were  able  to  run  three  leagues  com- 
posed of  five,  five  and  four  teams  in 
three  widely  separated  city  areas. 

Our  recreation  supervisor,  William 
T.  Kiley,  asked  a  group  of  well  in- 
formed citizens  to  participate  on  an 
advisory  committee  for  this  activity. 
Members  included:  Victor  Taylor,  ex- 
ecutive director  of  the  Jewish  Com- 
munity Center;  John  Malcolm,  execu- 
tive director  of  the  YMCA;  Edgar 
Hagen,  executive  director  of  the  Boys 
Club;  Colonel  William  Dowes  Veazie, 
Commander  of  the  Harold  T.  Andrews 
Post;  Mr.  Kiley  and  Dr.  Frank  S. 
Broggie,  psychiatric  medical  man. 
Some  pertinent  points  decided  were: 

1.  That  all  boys  on  a  team  roster 
play  at  least  one  half  of  each  game. 
(Six  inning  game.) 

2.  That  rosters  include  no  more  than 
fifteen  boys. 

3.  That  all  games  be  played  in  the 
morning.  (Little  League  plays  at  night.) 

4.  That   we   use   softball    fields   or 
fields,  with  sixty -foot  baselines.   (Simi- 
lar to  Little  League.) 

5.  That  boys  of  similar  skill  be  al- 
lotted   proportionately    to    each    team 
in  a  league;   and  that  rosters  be  ad- 
justed  during   season   play   to   assure 
equally  matched  teams. 

6.  That    there    be    no    inter-league 
championship  games. 

7.  That  we  use  Little  League  style 
bats  and  batting  headgear. 

8.  That   we   use   regular   baseballs: 
and  if  they  prove  too  lively,  that  we 
switch  to  Little  League  style  baseballs. 
(We  found  the  regular  baseball  to  be 
perfectly  safe.) 


9.  That  the  physically  handicapped 
boys  be  encouraged  to  play,  or  at  least 
participate  as  scorers,  coaches  or  in 
any  capacity. 

10.  That   all   boys  who   participate 
in  the  activity,  be  awarded  a  certificate 
of  achievement  in  the  activity  regard- 
less of  skill  attained. 

11.  That  each  league   attract   boys 
only  from  nearby  elementary  schools. 

The  city  was  divided  by  Mr.  Kiley 
into  school  districts.  All  of  the  com- 
mittee proposals  have  been  followed 
and  the  activity  has  been  a  success. 

Some  comments  of  the  playfield  di- 
rectors on  the  activity  are: 

"Enthusiasm  is  high  regardless  of 
the  score." 

"The  boys  learn  fair  play  without 
being  taught." 

"Parents  turn  out.  and  many  adults 
have  watched  games." 

"They  enjoyed  playing  baseball  as 
much  as  boys  who  play  in  Little 
League." 

"They  are  learning  respect  for  ad- 
ults, areas  and  other  activities  as  well 
as  for  each  other." 

"Here  is  a  place  for  the  little  fel- 
low." (We  have  a  three-foot-high  first 
baseman  on  one  team.) 

"Knowledge  that  playfield  director 
is  there  assures  them  that  older  boys 
won't  take  the  diamond  from  them." 
(A  very  important  point.) 

We  have  been  very  fortunate  in  this 
program,  only  because  we  have  good 
leadership.  This  points  up  the  value 
of  leadership  in  all  recreation  pro- 
grams; and  the  picture  is  particularly 
interesting  because  there  are  twelve 
teams  in  three  Little  Leagues  in  Port- 
land. Also,  we  have  a  league  of  thir- 
teen, fourteen  and  fifteen-year-old  boys 
as  well  as  a  league  of  seventeen  and 
eighteen -year-old  boys,  and  our  Adult 
Twilight  League.  We  feel  that  Little 
League  has  stimulated  baseball  in  our 
city  and  challenged  us  to  do  a  better 
j«b  in  all  our  activities. 

355 


IVrsomiH  ill 


Paul  F.  Douglass 


This  presentation  by  Dr. 
ithii/i  introduces  the  work  of  the  \a- 
tinnal  Adri»<>r\  t'.nininiiiee  on  /'<•/•- 
tunnel  of  the  \K,4.  will  /«•  followed  in 
future  /VM/»-.\  l'\  ii-fioils  Irani  its  rur- 

ioii.t  tubcommittees. 


A<  oMi'KKHKNsiu.  i-Koi.iuM  for  the  study  of  the  re- 
cruitment, training  and  pla< cment  of  recreation  per- 
-onni-l  has  been  initialed  by  the  National  Recreation  As- 
-•«  iation.  The  study  is  being  carried  forward  by  the  Na- 
tional Advisory  Committee  with  W.  C.  Sutherland  acting 
as  the  secretary  for  the  coordination  of  the  work  and  de- 
tail at  the  New  York  office.  Seventy-five  specialists  and 
educators  are  serving  on  five  subcommittees  which  have 
organi/ed  i In-  areas  of  inquiry  and  delegated  responsibility 
for  the  work.  The  Advisor)  Committee  seeks,  through 
-bared  experience  and  continuing  collaboration  at  all  lexels 
of  recreational  activity  and  education,  to  develop  polieie-. 

standards   and    \>i dun--    which    will    provide    personnel 

outlooks  for  a  maturing  and  dynamic  profession.  To  the 
extent  that  the  committee  is  -ucce— fid.  piecemeal  con- 
-ideration  of  |MT-OMIIC|  problems  will  have  come  to  an  end. 
\\li.-n  one  realizes  that  recreation  now  requires  2U.IMM) 
full-time  leader-.  o\r-r  .">u. IHMI  part  lime  and  seasonal  as- 
sistants, and  mei  I(M).IMN)  volunteers,  one  can  understand 
that  the  field  has  become  "big  business"  and  reijuire-  a 
|M-isniiiie|  program  equal  In  the  position  which  recreation 
now  occupies. 

\\  ilh  the  organizaton  of  the  \d\i-m\  Committee  during 
the  *|>ring  and  summer,  the  meetings  at  tin-  '.lib  National 
Kerreatmn  Congress  in  Seattle  gave  o|>portimit\  for  tlior 
ough  discussion  and  further  planning.  The  sulx-onimitl<  >  ~ 
dr\i-|o|>  ilu-ii  own  programs  of  inquiry  and  designate  task 
fnric-  to  siuoS  xarioiis  area-  within  their  particular  field-. 
I  lie  lir-l  -nl»  onmiiltee.  bended  \>\  Verna  Itensxold.  -u 
|M-rinlendent  of  re<  real  ion  in  Kun-a-  Cil\.  \li-ouii.  deal- 
with  recruitment,  with  the  process  of  information  \<\  whi<b 
tming  men  mid  women  make  decision*  to  -.-li  .  I  n  . 
lion  us  a  •  .nei-i.  I  he  points  at  which  tin-  <lei  i-ion  i-  made 
inii«l  U-  determined  l>\  tin-  •  oi.pi-talion  of  the  profession 
and  eilui.it"!-:  .mil  Miling  |>rr-oiis  uli<>  baxe  made  deci- 
«ion«  in  Mfiindart  «cho..|.  college  or  otherwise  mu-t  IK- 
•Miiniilalrd  into  lh'  re<  rent  ion  mo\emeiit  i..  strength- 

:,,, 


en  their  purpose  and  guide  their 
professional  preparation,  \ttcntion 
must  be  given  to  aptitudes  as  well 
.1-  intere-l.  becaii-e  -election  at  tin- 
soil  rce  will  count  for  much  in  \  car- 
lo come. 

The  second  sulicommillee.  headed 

li\  I'rofessor  Charles  K.  Brighthill. 
director  of  recreation  training  in 
the  rni\ersil\  of  Illinois,  deals  with 
iinilfrfiradiiatf  education.  Here  the  concern  is  with  cur- 
riculum and  laboratory  field  work,  with  the  balance  be- 
tween general  and  specialized  education,  with  the  coop 
eration  between  educational  institutions  and  agencies,  with 
the  academic  foundations  of  the  profession  and  with  the 
practical  experience  so  important  in  the  screening  of  pr.>- 
pccls  and  the  seasoning  of  young  men  and  women  with 
genuine  aptitudes.  The  profession  has  a  heavy  responsi- 
bility for  cooperation  with  colleges  and  uni\ei-ilie-.  and 
has  the  right  on  its  part  to  insist  that  standard  recreation 
curriculum-  be  olTered.  The  profession  has  the  obligation 
to  recommend  institutions  with  strong  offering-  to  recrea- 
tion candidate-. 

The  ihinl  -iibcommitlee.  beaded  by  Professor  Gerald  B. 
l-'it/.gerald,  director  of  recreation  training  in  the  I  ni- 
\ersil\  of  Minnesota,  deals  with  tiradunte  ediu-ation.  Col- 
laborating with  the  subcommittee  on  undergraduate  educa- 
tion in  terms  of  studies  pierei|u!-itc  to  graduate  -lud\.  tbi- 
lask  force  has  the  responsibilitii-s  related  to  profe—ional 
-pec  iali/alion. 

The  fourth  subcommittee,  headeil  b\  I'rofessor  Garret! 
(..  l'.ppli-\  t>{  the  department  of  recreation  in  the  School 
of  Health.  I'hxsii.il  Education  and  Recreation  in  Indiana 
I  ni\er-il\.  deal-  with  /H-.wn'iir  training.  Here  is  the  aren 
of  continuing  adult  stud\.  tin-  point  at  which  minds  and 
methods  are  kept  .dm-  b\  c  on-tanl  upgrading. 

The  fifth  «iibi  oinmillce.  headed  b\  IJussel  Foval.  di- 
leeloi  of  i,,  i,,  ill,,  n  in  Decalur.  Illinois,  deals  \\illi  ^tln.  •• 
nit-til. 

From  this  brief  orientation  l»  the  wmk  of  the  \d\isoi\ 
(  ommillee  one  can  W  that  it-  work  deals  with  the  whole 
flow  of  (H-isonnel  ii|H-ialioiis  from  the  attraction  of  >oung 
men  and  women  with  genuine  aptitude-,  to  their  placement 

Mil.    |)«IM.I  v--.  ,  liiiiiniuii   i>l  tin-    \ntiiinnl     tilt  MOM    (  inn- 
miller.  /'  sen  in  i;  u%  mli  i\nr  in  lfi>-  l'rr\idenl  <>l  llif 
l\'<'inil'/i<   ami  u«  KHin.iel  In  the   \lnii*H\  nf  Fnrrip.n  A 


Ki  c  ia  »MIIN 


in  jobs  and  a  continuing  concern  for  their  advancement 
throughout  their  careers.  What  the  committee  hopes  to 
achieve  is  the  establishment  of  goals  and  incentives  with 
reliable  standards  and  satisfying  conditions  of  work.  It 
looks  forward  to  the  recruitment  of  workers  who  believe 
in  recreation  as  a  part  of  life,  who  have  faith  in  their 
own  aptitudes  to  contribute  to  the  work,  who  prepare  In- 
competent education  and  courage  to  implement  their  faith 
for  significant  performance,  who  understand  the  behavior 
of  the  human  being  in  the  context  of  the  problems  of  con- 
temporary civilization,  and  who  seek  by  insight  into  liv- 
ing to  increase  the  happiness  of  mankind. 

Considered  as  a  continuum  from  recruitment  to  place- 
ment and  the  continuing  responsibility  for  advancement 
of  career  people,  the  program  of  the  Advisory  Committee 
seeks  to  work  out  a  personnel  design  which  will  discover 
the  young  people  who  ought  to  enter  recreation  as  a  life 
work,  which  will  encourage  proper  educational  prepara- 
tion, which  will  guide  graduates  into  appropriate  jobs, 
and  which  will  exercise  a  continuing  concern  for  the  ad- 
vancement of  people  within  the  field.  The  Advisory  Com- 
mittee is  thus  concerned  with  the  fundamental  conditions 
of  service,  with  what  W.  C.  Sutherland  refers  to  as  the 
"undergirdings  of  'inspired  leadership.'  "  Because  recrea- 
tion means  working  with  people  to  increase  their  enjoy- 
ment of  living,  recreation  personnel  must  be  themselves 
permanently  satisfied  with  their  profession. 

Inspired  leadership  comes  from  inspired  leaders.  In- 
spiration means  the  awakening  of  the  creative  impulse;  it 
is  an  inner  something  breathed  into  a  person  from  the 
outside.  In  setting  up  the  Advisory  Committee,  the  National 
Recreation  Association  has  assumed  a  share  of  the  re- 
sponsibility for  setting  the  breezes  in  motion  which  com- 
municate this  conviction.  By  strengthening  professional 
assurance  it  proposes  to  kindle  a  spark  in  youth  which 
will  encourage  young  men  and  women  to  make  decisions  to 
enter  the  work,  which  will  stimulate  educational  institu- 
tions to  fan  that  spark  into  a  deep  conviction  of  compe- 
tent preparation,  and  which  will  develop  a  professional 
camaraderie  adequate  to  maintain  a  matured  enthusiasm 
throughout  the  lifetime  of  usefulness.  Because  the  rewards 
of  recreation  are  always  an  inward  human  satisfaction,  the 
development  of  career  recreationalists  who  themselves  are 
competent  and  happy  in  their  life  work  is  the  first  condi- 
tion of  service. 

In  our  modern  world  of  cheap  power,  specialized  appara- 
tus, and  organizational  efficiency,  science  and  technology 
give  human  beings  increasing  leisure.  The  distribution  of 
power  and  apparatus  capable  of  giving  each  family  in 
our  world  four  hundred  slaves  necessitates  a  reconstruction 
in  the  attitudes  of  living.  Industrialization  has  brought 
with  it  the  problems  of  economic  instability,  of  booms 
and  busts  and  panaceas  like  state  socialism  and  commu- 
nism. Atomic  energy  ushers  in  the  threat  of  Gotterdam- 
merung  at  the  same  time  that  it  proposes  hope  for  further 
release  from  disease  and  scarcity. 

In  a  world  of  political  fear,  economic  anxiety,  military 
organization,  and  ideological  confusion,  the  recreation- 
alist  stands  today  as  the  symbol  of  the  opportunity  to  en- 


joy time  without  compulsion.  He  exists  as  the  spokesman 
for  the  use  of  leisure  earned  by  work,  in  disinterested  ac- 
tivity freed  from  the  activities  centering  around  the  mak- 
ing of  a  living,  the  worries  precipitated  by  personal  anxie- 
ties, or  uncertainties  created  by  the  social  and  international 
scene.  When  time  stands  at  the  disposal  of  the  complete 
man,  a  human  being  can  engage  in  disinterested  activity 
which  lifts  him  out  of  and  above  the  disfigured  patterns 
of  life  at  the  moment.  Communists  'and  free  enterprisers 
do  not  go  fishing  as  mobile  units  of  ideologies;  they  go 
fishing  as  men.  When  all  the  baggage  of  living  is  tossed 
aside,  a  man  moves  as  a  human  being.  He  has  the  ex- 
perience of  being  a  man  in  his  own  right — facing  other 
men  in  their  own  right  as  men — facing  nature  of  which 
he  is  a  part.  At  this  point  the  human  self  emerges;  a  con- 
tented man  lengthens  into  the  full  image  of  the  God  who 
created  him.  Uncramped  by  the  Procrustean  squeeze  of 
the  workaday  world,  a  human  being  can  say  with  Wall 
Whitman: 

Let  the  paper  remain  on  the  desk  unwritten,  anil  the 

book   on   the   shelf   unopen'd! 
Let  the  tools  remain  in  the  workshop!   let  the  money 

remain    unearn'd!    .... 
Let  the  preacher  preach  in  his  pulpit!   let  the  lawyer 

plead  in  the  court,  and  the  judge  expound  the  law. 
Camerado,    I    give   you   my   hand!1    .... 
I   inhale   great    draughts   of   space, 
The  east  and  the  west  are  mine,  and  the  north  and  the 

south    are   mine. 

I  am  larger,  better  than  I  thought, 
I  did  not  know  I  held  so  much  goodness.1  .... 
You   whoever   you   are!    .... 
You   Roman!    Neapolitan!    you    Greek!    .... 
You  women  of  the  earth  subordinated  at  your  tasks!   .... 
And  you  of  centuries  hence  when  you  listen  to  me!   .... 
Health  to  you!   good  will  to  you  all2  .... 

In  the  holy  moment  when  a  human  being  enjoys  time  in 
disinterested  freedom,  time  itself  for  such  person  ceases 
to  exist;  the  fullness  of  the  inward  person  encompasses  the 
fullness  of  creation  and  the  realization  that  "the  earth  is 
full  of  the  goodness  of  the  Lord." 

The  careerist  who  undertakes  as  a  profession  to  deal 
with  this  holy  moment  in  the  spiritual  experience  when  a 
free  man  enjoys  free  time  in  the  personal  freedom  of 
choice  assumes  an  obligation  toward  people  which  is  dif- 
ferent from  all  the  other  professional  responsibilities  in 
the  catalog.  Here  in  this  holy  moment  a  person  touches 
a  person.  The  situation  is  not  that  of  a  physician  admini- 
stering a  drug;  or  a  surgeon  cutting  away  a  malignant 
growth;  or  a  clergyman  discussing  God's  grace  as  an 
antidote  for  sin;  or  a  teacher  giving  instruction;  or  a 
merchant  selling  entertainment.  The  experience  of  the 
holy  moment  comes  because  a  man  experiences  an  inward 
satisfaction  in  the  full  freedom  of  his  own  choice,  action 
and  expression.  To  participate  in  this  moment  is  the 
privilege  of  the  professional  recreationalist,  for  toward  this 
personal  satisfaction  of  another  he  communciates  an  un- 
obtrusive inspiration,  and  this  is  what  Sutherland  means 


1  Lines  from  "Song  of  the  Open  Road." 
•'Lines  from  "Salut  au  Monde!" 


NOVEMBER  1952 


357 


when  he  speaks  on  the  20th  floor  of  315  Fourth  Uenue 
above  the  sidewalks  of  Manhattan  about  "in-pin-,1  leader- 
-hip." 

When  a  man  returns  from  leisure  to  the  routine  grooves 
of  the  everyday  world  with  its  pattern-  of  conflict,  compe- 
tition, and  anxiety,  he  has  at  l<-.i-t  lia<l  an  rlr\aling  ex- 
perience which  places  problems  in  the  perspei  ti\c  of  the 
genuine  values  of  life.  The  responsibility  of  the  careerist 
is  to  arrange  the  conditions  which  allow  a  man  t<>  enjo\ 
a  creative  experience.  This  is  the  purpose  of  recreation: 
ami  this  is  why  budgets,  and  administrative  problems,  and 
parks,  and  equipment  are  never  ends  but  means — means 
to  provide  the  opportunity  for  men  to  experience  the  holy 
moment. 


Set  in  (hi-  perspective,  the  goals  of  the  National  Ad- 
\  isory  Committee  on  Recruitment,  Training  and  Placement 
of  Recreation  Personnel  of  the  National  Recreation  \s-., 
elation  become  the  goals  of  ii\ili/ed  men.  Their  fulfill- 
ment requires  the  continued  best  thinking  and  sharing 
of  experience  which  a  cro:— -section  of  the  recreation  mo\r 
mi-lit  can  prox  ide.  It  require-  the  team  work  of  those  who 
dedicate  their  lives  to  recreation,  those  who  instruct  tin- 
neophyte,  those  who  administer  the  vast  resources  of  the 
field.  The  purpose  of  the  committee  is  to  stimulate  thought 
by  the  exchange  of  experience  for  the  definition  of  policies 
and  programs  which  can  insure  a  sufficient  supply  of 
\\orkers  equipped  to  make  recreation  the  kind  of  inner 
experience  which  our  unsettled  age  so  much  requires. 


\Vltal 


Is  Out-  Y»l«»? 


What  good  will  ONE  VOTE  do? 

Well,  ONE  VOTE  had  a  lot  to  do  with  a  lot  of  things  in 
this  country!  Thomas  Jefferson  was  elected  President  by 
ONE  VOTE  in  the  electoral  college.  So  was  John  Quincy 
Adams. 

Rutherford  B.  Hayes  was  elected  President  by  ONE 
VOTE.  His  election  was  contested,  and  it  was  referred  to 
an  electoral  college.  Again  he  won  by  ONE  VOTE. 

The  man  who  cast  that  deciding  vote  for  President 
Hayes  was  a  Congressman  from  Indiana,  a  lawyer  who  was 
elected  to  Congress  by  a  margin  of  just  ONE  VOTE;  and 
that  ONE  VOTE  was  cast  by  a  client  of  his,  who,  though 
desperately  ill,  insisted  upon  being  taken  to  the  polls. 

l'.\  just  ONE  VOTE  there  came  into  the  nation  the 
states  of  California,  Idaho,  Oregon,  Texas  and  Washing- 
ton. That's  a  big  chunk  of  territory  and  today  all  the 


millions  living  in  those  states  are  Americans  by  just  ONE 
VOTE. 

Now,  you  may  say  that  the  ONE  VOTE  situation  applies 
to  the  past.  Well,  don't  forget  that  the  draft  act  of  World 
War  II  passed  the  House  by  just  ONE  VOTE.  You  can 
carry  this  ONE  VOTE  history  on  and  on. 

For  example,  ONE  MORE  ADDITIONAL  VOTE  in 
each  of  Akron's  270  precincts  at  the  1951  fall  election 
would  have  passed  the  less  than  one-half  cent  a  day  Recre- 
ation Levy  which  failed  to  secure  a  majority  by  only  215 
out  of  65,000  ballots  cast. 

Remember,  YOUR  VOTE  may  be  the  ONE  VOTE  which 
will  give  50,000  Akron  children  safe  places  to  play. 

Join  the  crusade  for  Recreation. 


Issued  by  Recreation   Department,  Akron,  Ohio,  August   1952. 


The  Church  and  Recreation 

A  discussion  and  action  guide  "to 
help  a  local  church  group  appraise  its 
lommuiiitx   life  and  actixitx   in  relation 
to   its   recreation,"    is   now   available. 
Entitled  Our  Community  and  Its  A'" 
rtation,    it    is   one   of   a   aerie-      I  HI 
Cm  in  n    I  .K  MI  MM.    AMOI  r    li-   COM 
MI  MM      published  b\  the  Department 
..f    ^cx:ial    Welfare,    I  nited    Chri-lian 
Missionary  Society,  222  South  I>OWIM-\ 

\xcnilc,  Indi.iii.ipoli-  7.  Content  of  two 
of  the  suggested  study  sessions  is 
baaed,  in  part,  upon  selections  from 
two  articles  in  I! KIM  \IK>N  ma;:. mm- 
\rthur  Katona's  "hf-  II. u.  \\,,ik 
!>hope  for  Fellow-hip."  in  the  Noxcm- 
l..-r  I •».-,!  iMuean«!"ANrw\Uil.l."  in 
the  October  1949  issue. 


Here's  an  offer  you 
will   want  to  accept 

To  let  you  become  well  acquainted  with  the  Nation's  leading  maga- 
/ini-s  in  maintenance  for  the  park  and  recreation  industry.  \v<-  will 
send  you  the  next  six  issues  for  only  one  dollar.  (Regular  price  is 
$-3.00  per  year.) 

Start  now  so  you  will  receive  tin-  timers'  Cuidc 
Directory  of  over  500  suppliers  in  our  October 
issue. 


PARK  MAINTENANCE 


P.  O.  BOX    409 


APPLETON,    WISCONSIN 


;  .:: 


IU:i  IIKATION 


V¥/HEN     PROPERLY     ORGANIZED     and 

'  conducted,  sports  are  one  of  the 
best  forms  of  recreation  for  girls  of 
all  ages.  AH  programs,  however,  should 
be  based  upon  the  recognition  of  in- 
dividual differences  and  to  the  state  of 
maturity  of  the  participants,  and  the 
ultimate  aim  should  be  the  good  of 
those  who  participate.  (Rather  than 
the  interests  of  possible  spectators  or 
sponsors.)  Whether  it  is  through  an 
individual  type  of  sport  or  a  highly 
organized  team  game,  the  program 
should  provide  an  opportunity  for 
every  girl  who  desires  to  play — not 
for  only  those  who  are  most  skilled. 

The  sports  director,  therefore,  has  the 
responsibility  for  encouraging  many 
girls  to  develop  skills  and  interests  in 
whatever  games  appeal  to  them  most. 
The  important  values  which  come  from 
good  physical  activity  must  not  be  lim- 
ited to  a  few  star  performers. 

Some  girls  cannot  play  strenuous 
games  because  of  some  physical  dis- 
ability but  they  can  be  part  of  the 
group  and  get  the  experience  of  to- 
getherness by  being  used  as  timers, 
scorers,  officials,  or  committee  mem- 
bers to  promote  the  program.  They 
can  also  be  served  by  helping  them 
to  select  the  type  of  game  which  is 
within  their  range  of  ability. 

All  recreation  leaders,  professional 
or  volunteer,  should  familiarize  them- 
selves with  the  wealth  of  material 
available  from  the  National  Section 
on  Women's  Athletics  of  the  Ameri- 
can Association  for  Health,  Physical 
Education  and  Recreation — a  depart- 
ment of  the  National  Education  As- 
sociation. 

This  nonprofit  educational  organiza- 
tion is  made  up  of  leaders  in  physical 
education  and  recreation  who  serve  in 
schools,  colleges,  industrial  plants,  mil- 
itary services,  and  public  and  private 
clubs  and  agencies.  The  purpose  of 
the  organization  is  to  promote  sound 
and  diversified  athletic  programs  cen- 
tered on  the  interests  and  welfare  of 
participants. 


Miss  DAUNCEY,  Katherine  F.  Barker 
Memorial  Field  Secretary  for  Women 
and  Girls,  is  NRA  training  specialist. 


Aids  for  Your 
Sports  Program  for  Girls 

Helen  Dauncey 


It  serves  the  interests  and  needs  of 
the  leaders  of  athletics  for  girls  and 
women  by  setting  standards  for  lead- 
ership, health,  desirable  practices  and 
publicity.  It  provides  materials  and 
information  for  leaders,  players  and 
officials. 

The  sports  guides,  special  publica- 
tions, and  score  books  published  by 
the  NSWA  are  indispensable  tools 
of  leadership  for  sports  and  recreation 
activities  organized  under  acceptable 
standards  for  girls  and  women.  The 
NSWA  rules  have  been  designated  as 
official  for  women  by  schools,  colleges, 
industrial  and  recreation  organizations. 
The  rules  have  been  developed  by 
women  for  girls,  and  leaders  all  over 
the  country  have  participated  in 
changes,  tried  them  out,  accepted  them 
and  then  have  been  willing  to  change 
them  if  improvement  is  still  needed. 

The  Sports  Library  for  Women  in- 
cludes the  following  guides: 

Official  Aquatics,  Winter  Sports  and  Outing 

Activities  Guide 
Official  Basketball  Guide 
Official  Field  Hockey — Lacrosse  Guide 
Official   Individual   Sports   Guides:   Archery, 

Bowling,  Fencing,  Golf,  Riding 
Official    Recreational    Games  —  Volley    Ball 

Guide 

Official  Softball— Track  and  Field  Guide 
Official   Soccer — Speedball   Guide 
Official  Tennis — Badminton  Guide 
Score  books  for  basketball,  badminton,  vol- 
leyball, field  hockey 

The  price  of  these  guides  and  score 
books  is  fifty  cents  each,  and  they 
may  be  ordered  from:  National  Sec- 
tion on  Women's  Athletics,  1201  Six- 
teenth Street,  N.W.,  Washington  6, 
D.C.  Each  sports  guide  contains  offi- 
cial playing  rules,  articles  on  tech- 
niques, teaching  and  organization; 
bibliographies;  and  special  features 
slanted  to  the  sport  or  sports  it  covers. 
The  guides  also  list,  by  states,  the 
members  of  the  Board  of  Officials 
who  rate  officials  in  basketball,  soft- 


ball,  volleyball,  swimming  and  tennis, 
and  who  conduct  examinations  for 
these  ratings. 

This  information  should  be  of  great 
help  to  recreation  executives  who  wish 
to  procure  competent  officiating  in 
sports  and  who  wish  to  encourage 
their  staff  members  to  get  their  of- 
ficial ratings.  State  and  city  represen- 
tatives' of  the  NSWA  (also  listed  in 
the  guides)  are  organized  for  educa- 
tional and  informational  work — such 
as  the  conducting  of  sports  clinics. 
Anyone  wishing  information  or  help 
on  a  problem  within  the  state  is  urged 
to  communicate  with  the  state  repre- 
sentative. 

Although  the  controversy  of  boys' 
versus  girls'  rules  in  basketball  has 
pretty  much  died  down,  there  are  still 
some  benighted  communities  who  think 
that  imitating  the  men's  style  of  play 
is  needed  to  hold  the  interest  of  the 
girls.  In  most  cases  the  truth  is  that 
the  game  is  being  played  primarily  for 
spectators  who  have  no  interest  in  the 
well-being  of  team  members  but  simply 
demand  a  "good  show." 

Sometimes  the  sports  director  is 
asked  to  defend  his  stand  that  girls' 
rules  should  be  used  in  basketball.  He 
needs  the  backing  of  some  recognized 
authority  in  the  field  of  women's  sport 
— where  the  findings  are  based  on  ex- 
perimentation and  research.  In  the  Offi- 
cial Basketball  Guide  for  1948-49,  pub- 
lished by  NSWA,  there  is  a  research 
article  by  Miriam  Gray  on  "Why  Play 
Girls'  Rules  in  Basketball?"  This  gives 
both  physiological  and  psychological 
reasons.  Qualitative  programs  in  rec- 
reation depend  upon  such  factors  as 
adhering  to  recognized  standards.  De- 
partments of  recreation  have  a  re- 
sponsibility to  give  girls  and  women 
the  kind  of  sport  programs  which  are 
the  result  of  the  thinking  and  plan- 
ning of  our  top  leaders  in  the  field. 


NOVEMBER  1952 


359 


The  fiiiniimnity   of  Homer.   New    York,   is   fortunate   in   benefiting  from   the 
-.TV  ires  of  a  large  group  of  students  preparing  for  recreation  leadership  under 
the  guidance  of  a  competent  teacher  with  long  experience  in  the  field  of  re<  n 
alion.   M< i»t  i  onminnitie-  of  this  size  must  employ  at  lca»l   mil1  part-time  leader 
In  mppleOWnl  the  service-  rendered  li\    Volunteel-. 


Recreation  Workshop 


Stanley  Silver 


RECREATION  FOR  ADULTS,  play  for 
children — it's  all  the  same,  under 
niie  program  that  the  recreation  com- 
mission of  Homer,  New  York,  is  pro- 
viding for  its  community — and  the 
program  deals  with  all  phases  of  rec- 
reation from  basketball  to  tiddly- 
winks. 

Amazing  .1-  it  ma\  sound,  all  un- 
paid volunteer  workers  for  this  com- 
mission are  college  students  majoring 
in  recreation  education  at  the  State 
I  nixersitv  Teachers  College  at  Cort- 
latid.  New  ^  ork.  Operation  of  the 
commission's  program  is  unique  in 
that  it  is  completely  conducted  by  this 
group  of  students. 

The  professional  training  of  recrea- 
tion leaders  has  long  been  recognized 
as  !»•- 1  ae< ompli-hed  by  actual  field 
experience,  and  the  functions  of  the 
•  ommission  provide  a  practical  work- 
.|io|i  In  communiu  recreation.  The  or- 
ganization and  administration  of  an 
over-all  recreation  program  cnablc- 
them  to  gain  e\|>erience  in  the  differ- 
ent facet-  of  i  oinniiinilv  recreation, 
mi  hiding  budgeting  and  accounting, 
maintenance,  construction,  personnel 
vcruilmcnl.  programming,  public  re- 
lations and  group  leadership.  In  order 
li.  insure  -mouth  operation  of  the  coni- 
nii.-inii  a  -t.ilf  organization  has  been 
-••I  up  to  handle  these  detail-. 


\l  IMDK   untlr  //in  niliflr  Hi  lltr 

•  n     of    Dr.     II  Hi  Inn     G. 
chairman  oj  thi-  <•••  n-niinn  ilrf>arlmrnl 

nf    Slillr     i'il<liri\     (.ullrff.    ('.firllilllil. 

\i-i4   York,  wherr  hr  i.i  a  itudrnt. 


A  recreation  director  is  in  charge 
of  the  program.  He  is  responsible  to 
the  chairman  of  the  commission,  which 
is  composed  of  respected  citizens  of 
the  community.  I  nder  the  director  is 
a  staff  for  public  relations,  sports  per- 
sonnel, social  recreation  and  a  re- 
search department.  All  workers  are 
volunteer  leaders  from  the  student 
body  in  recreation  training. 

The  different  departments  of  the  or- 
ganization are  decentralized  to  a  large 
degree  to  encourage  growth,  sense  of 
responsibility,  initiative,  and  at  the 
same  time  permit  adaptations  to  im- 
mediate changing  conditions.  This 
saves  time  that  is  already  at  a  pre- 
mium because  of  the  heavy  academic 
obligations  of  the  students. 

\niong  the  main  acuities  in  the 
program  is  an  arts  and  crafts  depart- 
ment which  offers  soap  can  ing.  wood 
carving  and  leather-craft:  in  the  sports 
field,  there  are  ice  skating,  basketball, 
volleyball,  badminton,  a  Softball  league. 
.1  bowling  league  and  outing  acliiitie-. 
Social,  square  and  folk  dancing  are 
f.nnriie.  in  the  program  and  instun 
lion  is  given  in  all.  In  addition  there 
are  special  community  celebration- 
pnMOted  b\  the  commission  includ- 
ing Halloween.  Thanksgiving,  Christ- 
ni.i-.  Valentine's  Da\  and  St.  I'alrick'- 
D.i\.  A  library  reading  hour  function- 
for  the  \oung  children  to  introduce 
them  to  the  fun  of  reading  and  il- 
|.l,i.  ••  in  iei  [cation. 

The  latest  additions  to  the  program 

.uc  an  adult  night  and  a  golden  age 

•.'i ..up  program.  Adult  night  pn«\nli- 

ilion  for  those  young  adulu  win. 


wish  to  engage  in  sports  aclmtic-. 
The  golden  agers  are  over  sixt\-h\e 
years  of  age  and  recreation  opportu- 
nities, suitable  for  their  years,  are 
provided. 

An  All-Homer  picnic  which  the  com- 
mission sponsored  at  a  nearby  state 
recreation  area  was  the  high-light  of 
the  1951  program.  Approximately  three 
hundred  children  and  adults  attended. 

At  birth,  the  recreation  commission 
started  out  as  a  laboratory  project 
for  students  in  fulfilling  their  cur- 
riculum requirements.  Homer,  New 
York,  which  is  located  thirty  miles 
south  of  Syracuse,  with  a  population 
of  three  thousand,  submitted  a  request 
to  the  college  in  1948  to  set  up  some 
sort  of  recreation  program  for  its 
youth.  Cortland  State  Teachers  College 
at  this  time  was  inaugurating  a  new 
four-year  curriculum  in  recreation  ed- 
ucation and  the  situation  seemed  ideal 
for  the  students  to  gain  practical  ex- 
perience in  connnunilv  lecreation. 

At  first  the  program  was  limited  in 
scope  and  offered  only  a  few  activities. 
Small  as  it  was,  however,  il-  popu- 
larity spread  and  an  interest  was 
shown  b\  both  the  children  and  theii 
parents.  The  following  \ear  saw  the 
project  turn  into  a  icncation  organi- 
zation which  worked  in  conjunction 
with  the  local  central  -clnml  lo  pro- 
vide rccieation  f"i  it-  -Indents.  As 
the  attendance  and  interest  increased, 
the  program  was  broadened  and  the 
aid  of  a  larger  staff  of  student  volun- 
was  enlisted. 

A  recreation  center  was  provided 
for  the  commission's  use  in  the  form 


RECREATION 


of  an  old  fire  house.  The  students 
"pitched  in"  and  worked  three  hun- 
dred man-hours  in  fixing,  cleaning  and 
painting  the  interior  of  the  building. 
Joseph  Halper,  a  recreation  major, 
was  the  first  student  director.  His 
interest  and  work  for  the  commission 
gradually  helped  expand  the  program 
from  a  one-day-a-week  operation  to  its 
present  six  day  week.  The  center  is 
open  from  7:00-10  p.m.  and  a  staff  of 
forty  provides  leadership. 

In  1951,  three  years  after  the  proj- 
ect started,  the  village  board  recog- 
nized the  recreation  commission  as  a 
necessary  town  function  and  funds 
were  appropriated  in  the  town  budget 
for  the  commission's  use.  The  New 
York  State  Youth  Commission  has 
also  approved  the  program  and  gives 
partial  financial  aid. 

Plans  for  the  expansion  of  the  com- 
mission's program  include  a  sports- 
man's club  which  will  provide  for 
more  outing  activities.  Erection  of  a 
ski-tow  for  skiing  is  planned  in  ad- 
dition to  a  swimming  program  for  all 
age  groups.  A  bicycle  safety  campaign. 
run  in  conjunction  with  the  police 


department  and  the  board  of  educa- 
tion, is  scheduled.  For  the  fishing  en- 
thusiasts there  is  to  be  a  small  fry- 
fishing  contest. 

The  sports  program  was  augmented 
with  the  completion  of  the  new  central 
school.  With  the  cooperation  of  the 
school  board,  the  commission  has  ob- 
tained the  use  of  its  facilities  for  rec- 
reation activities  in  the  evening. 

Not  only  has  the  Homer  Recrea- 
tion Commission  filled  a  vital  gap  for 
recreation  in  the  village  of  Homer, 
but  it  has  enabled  students,  as  future 
recreation  leaders,  to  gain  confidence 
and  proficiency  in  recreation  skills 
and  methods. 

Dr.  Harlan  G.  Metcalf,  head  of  the 
recreation  education  department  at 
Cortland  State,  was  quick  to  realize 
that  such  a  program  would  help  stu- 
dents develop  a  feeling  for  initiative, 
leadership  and  responsibility.  He  has 
been  instrumental  in  providing  guid- 
ance and  encouragement  for  the  pro- 
gram from  its  infancy.  At  the  present 
time  research  is  being  conducted  to 
determine  the  needs  and  interests  of 
those  to  be  served  in  the  future. 


TABLE  TENNIS 
INSTRUCTIONS 


Written  by  Sharon  Koehnke,  International 
Table  Tennis  Star.  For  beginners  and  ad- 
vanced players— complete  with  pictures.  Also 
catalog  on  paddles,  tables  and  gift  items. 
Sent  Free.  Write  today  to  SHARON  KAY, 
Boi  493-A,  Glen  Ellyn,  111. 


CARE  Gift  Packages 
The  annual  CARE  holiday  package, 
containing  a  whole  canned  turkey  din- 
ner and  all  the  trimmings  is  again 
available  for  delivery  in  Austria.  Bel- 
gium. Finland,  France,  West  Germany 
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_STATE_ 


ATHLETIC  EQUIPMENT 


Fin«it  In  Th>  World 

Far  The  World  > 
Greatest   Athlete! 


NOVEMBER  1952 


361 


•  "  \re  ^  ou  pulling  your  own  weight?" 
was  the  question  asked  l>\  a  member 
of  the  Crotun  Board  of  Education. 
Like  the  other  members  of  his  board, 
the  gentleman  was  questioning  the 
right  of  our  recreation  department  to 
use  the  schools. 

At  the  time,  I  had  been  in  the  vil- 
lage less  than  three  weeks  and  had 
no  rebuttal.  However,  I  immediately 
made  a  personal  survey  and  found  to 
my  dismay  that  this  board  member 
had  a  legitimate  gripe. 

At  that  time  two  recreation  cen- 
ters served  the  winter  recreation  pro- 
gram. The  high  school  was  used  two 
evenings  a  week  for  senior  basketball 


of  summer  recreation  equipment. 

The  obvious  answer  seemed  to  be 
to  put  enough  equipment  into  the 
game  room  to  keep  the  boys  too  oc- 
cupied for  delinquency.  Fortunately 
funds  were  available.  In  the  store- 
room we  found  an  old  dusty  mat  for 
which  we  purchased  a  plastic  cover. 
The  storeroom  was  emptied  and  made 
into  our  mat  room.  Some  of  the  boys 
expressed  an  interest  in  body  build- 
ing, so  we  bought  an  inexpensive  set 
of  bar  bells,  formed  a  club  and  had 
the  nucleus  of  a  good  program  in  our 
made-over  storeroom.  A  light  punch- 
ing bag,  boxing  gloves,  a  new  ping 
pong  table  and  a  pair  of  Bat  Bak 


Are  YOU  Pulling 
Your  On  H  Weight? 


Mortimer  H.  Morris 


and  Saturday  afternoons  for  movies 
in  the  auditorium.  The  second  center 
was  in  the  Municipal  Building,  where 
ihc  library  held  a  Saturday  story  hour, 
and  the  basement  was  used  once  each 
week  for  a  game  session.  The  base- 
ment was  also  used  two  other  evenings 
by  organizations  unrelated  to  the  mu- 
nicipal program.  They  were  the  Home 
Bureau,  an  adult  craft  unit  for  women, 
.mil  the  Concordia  Band,  another  adult 
project. 

Equipment  in  the  basement  for  tin- 
game  sessions  consisted  of  two  ping 
pong  tables  and  a  battered  pool  table. 
The  previous  winter,  the  boys  had 
lin-ti  denied  use  of  the  room  IMT.III-I- 
of  drMriii -lion  and  vandiili-m  in  the 
luiililiiif  during  the  evenings  \\li.-n 
they  were  in  session.  The  room  itself 
was  fairly  large  HO  feet  by  65  feet— 
and  adjoining  it  was  a  small  n>»m 

f..t     u«ed    f,.r   -lorage 


MH.  Mould*  M  <u/MVin/rn</rn/  of  rrcrr- 
alinn  at  ('.rnlnn-nn-flm/Mtn.  \rn    York. 


boards  were  also  purchased.  The  pool 
table  was  re-covered  and  new  cues  and 
bridges  added.  We  opened  the  rooms 
two  evenings  each  week  and  within 
a  week  the  boys  had  improvised  a 
heavy  punching  bag  and  were  plan- 
ning other  improvement-. 

A  terrific  psychological  effect  re- 
sulted from  naming  the  basement  the 
Recreation  Game  Rooms.  This  served 
the  double  purpose  of  identification 
and  the  implication  of  ownership.  Un- 
til this  title  took  hold  we  were  merely 
tenants;  now  the  rooms  are  ours  and 
recognized  throughout  the  village  as 
recreation  property. 

The  second  year  HIONCV  was  more 
plentiful  and  we  picked  ii|>  a  new  !•  i> 
\i-ion  -,-t.  ,i  u-.-d  -hull!. -I".. ml  tal'lr. 
and  table  and  wall  toss  games.  The 
mat  was  brought  into  the  big  room 
and  the  small  room  was  changed  to 
tin-  TV  riinm.  Our  schedule  was  ex- 
panded to  include  two  afternoons  a 
week  as  well  a*  the  two  evening;'. 

It  wa«  recognized  that  the  winter 
program  was  no  longer  a  one-man  job. 


and  for  the  first  time  we  began  to  get 
more  use  of  the  schools.  The  schedul- 
ing of  two  more  recreation  activities 
made  necessary  the  hiring  of  teachers. 
and  other  adults  who  had  shown  a  ca- 
pacity and  interest  in  such  work,  as 
part-time  leader-. 

This  is  the  third  year  since  we  started 
our  Recreation  Game  Rooms.  The  |>a-t 
fall  the  teen-agers  painted  the  rooms, 
refinished  the  floors,  made  curtains  for 
the  windows  and  are  now  planning 
booths  and  a  coke  bar.  Special  event- 
arranged  from  time  to  time  include 
dances,  tournaments  in  active  and 
quiet  games,  parties  and  meetings. 

The  rooms  are  now  used  for  recrea- 
tion five  afternoons  and  three  evenings 
a  week.  The  sixth  afternoon  they  are 
turned  over  to  the  Girl  Scouts,  while 
the  remaining  three  nights  they  are  oc- 
cupied by  the  Home  Bureau,  the  Con- 
cordia Band  and  the  Boy  Scouts.  Lack. 
of  money  for  personnel  necessitates 
the  loaning  out  of  the  rooms,  but  this 
is  good  public  relations  and  a  display 
of  community  spirit. 

Along  with  our  Recreation  Game 
Rooms,  use  of  the  schools  has  ex- 
panded. The  gymnasium  is  open  for 
!•<  n-ation  five  nights  a  week  and  the 
other  evening  is  reserved  for  high 
school  varsity  competition.  We  still  use 
the  auditorium  and  also  the  elemen- 
tary school  gymnasium  one  afternoon 
and  one  evening  each  week. 

Our  Saturday  program  now  con- 
sists of  nine  separate  activities,  and 
only  three  seasons  ago  we  were  fortu- 
nate to  have  three.  With  the  possibili- 
ties of  golden  age  groups,  ladies'  gym 
classes  and  parent  education  and  nurs- 
er\  -chool  groups  we  may  soon  begin 
to  have  activities  during  the  mornings 
as  well. 

In  three  years  we  have  more  than 
doubled  our  activity  sessions  and  what 
is  more  important,  we  have  provided 
about  two  and  one  half  times  the  vari- 
ety of  activities,  ihu-  belter  serving 
inoic  children  in  the  community.  As  a 
rc-ult.  public  opinion  is  favorable  and 
tin-  -chool  authorities  are  amenable  to 
.drn.i-l  anv  plan  we  might  offer  for 
our  year-round  program.  The  towns- 
people are  aware  of  our  presence,  our 
importance  and  our  needs. 

In   brief,  we  are  putting  our 
irrifht. 


163 


RECREATION 


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The  Family 

Turns  to  an  ige-Old  Sport 


Evening  is  lecture  time  in  the  home  of  Lt.  Col.  and  Mrs.  Wal- 
ter R.  Walsh.  The  children  have  been  shooting  since  they  left 
the  cradle.  Father  was  formerly  an  FEl  agent,  knows  his  guns. 

THERE  ARE  THOSE  who  believe  America  needs  more  fam- 
ily recreation.  Going,  they  say,  is  the  family  zest  for 
croquet,  ice  cream  freezes  and  song  fests  at  home.  De- 
parted are  the  leisurely,  even-tempered  days  of  pre-indus- 
trial  might.  In  a  fast-moving  age,  geared  to  mechanical 
monotony,  what  interests  and  activities,  they  ask,  can  sup 
plement  these  old-time  hearth-huggers? 

The  old-timers,  lamenting  the  present  threat  to  the  fam- 
ily, point  with  chagrin  to  the  nation's  big-time  professional 
games,  which  leave  thousands  of  spectators  comfortably 
applauding  from  the  sidelines  the  perfection  of  highh 
trained  athletes.  In  a  family,  where  each  member  has  chan- 
neled his  competitive  interests,  pursuits  lead  wildly  off  in 
a  half-dozen  directions  during  the  hours  when  family  bonds 
should  be  deepened  and  enriched. 

It  is  for  these  reasons  primarily  that  many  recreation 
leaders  are  applauding  the  growing  family  interest  in  an 

AUTHOR  is  a  staff  member  of  the  National  Rifle  Assn. 
NOVEMBER  1952 


Ruth  Jacquemine 

age-old  leisure  time  sport  that  unites  its  members  in  a  com- 
mon activity,  that  of  competitive  shooting.  With  the  pos- 
sible exception  of  bowling,  no  other  recreation  possesses 
the  ageless,  year-round  appeal  of  the  target  sport. 

The  National  Rifle  Association,  parent  organization  of  six 
thousand  senior  shooting  clubs  in  this  nation  and  abroad, 
reports  that  two  hundred  fifty  thousand  adults  are  cur- 
rently engaged  in  rifle  and  pistol  shooting  as  members  of 
the  national  organization.  This  membership  includes  thou- 
sands of  women,  ranging  from  youthful  stenographers  to 
housewives  and  grandmothers,  who,  with  several  thousand 
junior  clubs  and  patrols,  attest  to  the  family-wide  appeal 
of  the  shooting  game. 

What  is  there  about  this  sport  that  attracts  those  of  all 
ages  and  divergent  occupations?  And  what  can  it  do  to 
further  family  life  together? 

First  of  all,  it  meets  the  natural  fascination  of  all  for 
firearms.  Properly  guided,  this  fascination  can  be  made  a 
social  and  national  asset,  rather  than  a  menace  to  society. 
Secondly,  it  answers  the  gregarious  and  competitive  nature 
of  man  with  a  fair  and  disciplinary  sport  that  bars  no  age 
or  physical  defect;  and  in  this  second  factor  lies  the  basic- 
reason  for  shooting's  universal  appeal. 

Not  only  is  the  robust  ditch  digger,  bricklayer  or  police 
officer  able  to  meet  the  demands  of  the  shooting  game,  but 
the  artist,  professional  man,  industrial  worker  or  physically 
handicapped  person  can  compete  on  a  just  basis,  owing  to 
rules  and  peculiarities  of  the  competition.  Because  physical 
strength  is  no  measure  of  shooting  success,  and  improved 
and  varied  gun  sights  aid  those  of  failing  eyesight,  a  wide 
variety  of  persons  are  able  to  excell. 

There  are  instances  where  women  shooters  have  triumph- 
antly laid  down  their  arms  after  running  up  scores  that 
put  their  male  companions  to  shame.  Elderly  men,  using 
sights  to  compensate  for  their  defective  natural  vision, 
have  walked  off  with  trophies  that  inexperienced  "young- 
sters" have  been  striving  to  capture  for  years. 

Even  the  physically  handicapped  find  an  official  place  in 
the  shooting  sport.  The  National  Rifle  Association,  after 

365 


due  investigation,  will  grant  concessions  as  to  firing  posi- 
tion to  those  who  suffer  a  competitive  disadvantage  from 
loss  of  litiih  or  other  defect. 

Fair  classification  of  all  ihooten  is  another  appealing 
aspect  of  the  competition.  This  classification,  based  on  past 
performances,  groups  those  of  comparable  ability,  thus 
insuring  the  keenest  sporting  satisfaction  and  just  distribu- 
tion of  awards. 

For  youngsters,  there  is  satisfaction  in  a  manly  sport 
\\hicli  provides  them  with  hunting  skills  and  the  means  to 
c\cel  in  markmanship.  Strangely,  too,  they  are  attracted 
l>\  the  self-discipline  it  imposes- — centering  the  target  shot 
requires  rigid  self-control — so  that  this  desirable  character 
trait  comes  to  them  in  a  natural  way.  Boys,  particular!) . 
find  romance  in  the  story  of  the  American  rifleman,  and 
feel  a  kinship  with  this  national  hero  who  has  played  ><> 
prominent  a  role  in  the  creation  and  defense  of  his 
country. 


As  a  famil)  sport,  then,  shooting  answers  the  demands 
of  all.  In  addition,  it  is  comparatively  inexpensive — one 
gun  for  each  member  of  the  family  or  one  gun  for  all 
mrmhei  I, 

\X  ilh  all  members  of  the  family  shooting,  usually  on  the 
same  range,  there  is  a  heightened  sense  of  family  identity. 
Families  become  friendly  competitors  and  take  pride  in 
filial  accomplishment.  Dad  oxer  sees  his  children'*  game 
and  appreciates  and  knows  his  sons  and  daughters  better 
because  they  share  a  like  interest.  Mom  is  taken  outside 
the  humdrum  circle  of  home  demands,  competes  against 
men  as  well  as  women,  appreciates  and  takes  pride  in  her 
famil)  in  a  new  sense. 

Much  of  the  competition  is  conducted  out-of-doors,  pro- 
viding a  healthful  atmosphere  which  sharply  contrasts  with 
the  demoralizing  influence  of  many  of  the  present  day's 
amusements.  It  is  a  game  which  promotes  the  nation's 
basic  need — a  united,  healthy  and  happy  family. 


Si  s;  1 1   Up.  4pr.-iinlin.-i! 

Margery  Wells  Steer 


Grandma  is  making  the  headlines!  One  publication 
features  an  orchestra  composed  entirely  of  grandmothers; 
another  carries  a  full  page  portrait  of  a  grandmother  la- 
boring over  her  school  work.  Grandma  Moses  keeps  pop- 
ping up  in  print  to  prove  that  life  begins  for  some  people 
long  after  it  ends  for  others. 

Grandma,  it  seems,  is  a  gold  mine  of  energy  and  talent 
which  is  too  often  overlooked! 

That  all  grandmothers  are  deeply  interested  in  their 
grandchildren  is  obvious  to  anyone  who  listens  to  the 
spirited  exchange  of  anecdotes  and  observes  the  proud 
showing  of  snapshots  which  takes  place  when  groups  of 
older  women  get  together.  Since  this  interest  in  the  rising 
generation  exists,  whx  not  put  it  to  work  for  the  children 
of  the  communil)  '.' 

It  was  this  thought  which  prompted  a  young  mother  of 
four  to  rise  in  a  school  Mothers'  Club  meeting  to  propose 
a  special  campaign  to  enroll  the  grandmothers  of  the  com- 
munity as  members.  Mothers,  she  reminded  the  group,  arc 
general!)  so  involved  in  numd-the-clock  care  of  their  fam- 
ilies th.it  their  lime  and  strength  for  commimil\  work  is 
limited  exen  though  their  interest  is  not.  Grandmothers 
have  more  free  time,  the)  lerlainU  ha\e  more  e\|>crierir  c. 
and  she  would  even  go  so  far  a-  to  .idmit  that  tln-\  might 
have  in-. re  skill  and  judgment  in  organizing  people  for 
•ctioti.  Their  help  would  IK-  invaluable  to  the  Mother-' 
(Hub  ami  to  all  conuminit)  program-  and  organi/atioris 
which  work  for  the  welfare  of  children  and  \oiith.  "We 
can't  draft  Grandma,"  she  finished,  "hut  let's  give  iV 
chance  to  enlist!" 

In   the  family  and  <  ommunitx    life  of  China,   the   oldci 

\!KS.  -TKEK  it  a  frnntlmnlhrr  anil  homr  maker  from  Ohio. 
366 


members  have  a  place  of  special  usefulness  and  respect. 
The  Chinese  people  assume  that  years  of  living  will  yield 
some  measure  of  understanding,  and  that  it  is  the  respon- 
sibility of  the  older  generation  to  communicate  the  fruits 
of  experience  to  those  who  follow  them. 

Families  and  communities  which  fail  to  make  use  of  the 
experience  and  ability  of  grandmothers  are  wasting  a  valu- 
able resource.  The  tendency  of  women  to  drop  out  of  child 
study  groups,  parent  teacher  associations,  and  recreation 
programs  as  soon  as  they  no  longer  have  children  in  the 
local  school  is  unfortunate  for  the  child,  the  school,  and 
the  community.  It  is  also  unfortunate  for  the  women  them- 
selves. If  Grandma  is  not  allowed  to  become  an  asset,  she 
may  become  a  liability — bored,  unhappy,  unwanted.  She 
can  be  one  of  the  most  useful  people  in  any  community, 
and  her  contribution  need  not  be  limited  to  knitting  and 
baby  sitting. 

One  of  the  educational  journals  reports  that  in  some 
communities  grandmothers  are  being  used  in  the  schools 
a>  assistants  to  teachers  with  crowded  classrooms  and 
heavy  schedules.  They  help  with  record-keeping,  correct 
papers,  supervise  play  periods,  conduct  field  trips,  and  in 
a  variet)  of  ways  are  able  to  ease  the  teacher's  load.  I  IK  \ 
are  especially  useful  as  leaders  of  after-school  hobby  clubs. 
IJoth  the  children  and  their  grandmothers  l>cnefil  from  the 
association  with  one  another. 

Child-serving  organi/ations  of  man)  kinds  are  constant- 
l\  in  need  of  volunteers.  The)  offer  jobs  which  Grandma 
can  have  for  the  asking  and  which  will  provide  her  with 
activities  a-  .il....il.jng  .ind  -.itching  as  those  of  the  most 
\outhful  career  girl.  In  the  fields  of  education  and  recre- 
.iticin.  hci  -kills.  I,,.,  hobbies,  her  interests  ami  her  insights 
.in-  indispensable. 

\\c  .11,  .ic  ,  ii-l'.nicd  |. .  being  I, .Id  ||,.,|  the  clnldicn  ,,f  a 
community  arc  one  of  i|s  ^leah-st  ,,-~.  «,•  might 

add.  an-  their  grandparents.  \(,  communil)  can  afford  to 
, .MI!,. ok  the  contribution  they  are  equipped,  and  in  many 
cases  eager,  to  make. 

Hl<  lit    \  I  M  IN 


SUGGESTION 


Sending  Out  Questionnaires 

When  sending  out  questionnaires  to 
various  recreation,  or  other,  depart- 
ments— always  send  the  form  in  dupli- 
cate, one  copy  to  serve  as  file  copy  for 
the  department  receiving  questionnaire 
and  the  other  to  be  returned  to  the  de- 
partment requesting  information.  I  be- 
lieve this  not  only  would  create  a  good 
feeling  between  the  departments  but 
would  save  a  good  deal  of  time.  There- 
by the  department  requesting  informa- 
tion would  get  a  reply  sooner. — Lynn 
Schmirl,  Dallas,  Texas. 

Special  Services 

In  one  NRA  district  the  association 
district  representative  is  giving  ad- 
dresses to  the  officer  classes  of  Special 
Services  Schools.  Says  he,  "I  have 
never  talked  to  a  group  that  seemed  to 
be  more  interested  in  learning  about 
the  resources  and  assistance  available 
to  them."  In  establishing  a  coopera- 
tive relationship  with  army  personnel, 
therefore,  it  might  be  a  good  idea  to 
call  upon  your  DR  for  this  type  of 
service  in  your  district. 

Handy  Helps 

•  Looking    for    materials   for    Charm 
School  or  good  grooming  program  for 
Teen-age  clubs?  The  Educational  Serv- 
ices Department  of  Bristol-Meyers  Com- 
pany, 45  Rockefeller  Plaza,  New  York 
20,  has  attractive  free  material. 

•  Are  your  adult-age  groups  interested 
in  making  silver  jewelry?   Ask  for  a 
copy  of  Making  Hand  Wrought  Ster- 
ling Silver  Jewelry,  an  excellent  man- 
ual available   from   the   Craft   Service 
Department,  Handy  and  Harman,  82 
Fulton    Street,    New    York    38,    New 
York.  It's  free  to  official  recreation  de- 
partments; $1  for  individuals. 

NOVEMBER  1952 


•  Do  you  need  a  radio  script  or  tape 
recording  of  how  a  teen-center  and 
council  got  started  in  a  small  town? 
Write  to  The  People  Act  Center,  State 
College,  Pennsylvania.  Script  is  free; 
tape  recording  is  $1.85.  Other  scripts 
and  recordings  are  also  available. 

Good  Promotion 

A  good  idea  was  followed  out  in 
Topeka,  Kansas,  one  year  when  a  series 
of  articles  on  Topeka  municipal  recre- 
ation had  been  appearing  in  the  local 
press.  They  collected  the  articles  and 
reproduced  them,  via  photo  offset,  in 
a  pamphlet  used  to  promote  the  organ- 
ization of  a  recreation  commission, 
funds  for  which  are  the  subject  of  a 
referendum  vote  this  month.  No  addi- 
tional copy  needed  to  be  added  to  these 
attractive  handouts  which  effectively 
told  their  story  of  accomplishments  and 
of  the  local  recreation  inadequacies 
resulting  from  lack  of  funds. 

Recreation  Directory 

A  worthwhile  project  for  a  recrea- 
tion department  to  undertake  is  one 
such  as  is  illustrated  by  the  Nebraska 
Recreation  Directory,  1951  edition. 
This  identifies  for  citizens  of  the  state 


the  various  religious,  social  and  wel- 
fare organizations — national  and  local 
— which  offer  recreation  projects  in  lo- 
cal communities.  (The  directory  not 
only  tells  of  each  agency's  purpose 
and  function,  but  also  gives  the  names 
and  addresses  of  those  persons  who 
can  supply  additional  facts  and  fig- 
ures.) Issued  by  Community  Services 
and  Institutes  of  the  University  Ex- 
tension Division  of  the  University  of 
Nebraska,  the  list  includes  such  groups 
as  the  American  National  Red  Cross, 
Boy  and  Girl  Scouts  of  America,  Great 
Plains  Recreation  Leaders'  Labora- 
tory, Future  Farmers  of  America,  Na- 
tional Recreation  Association,  Nebras- 
ka Congress  of  Parents  and  Teachers, 
Nebraska  Folk  and  Square  Dance  As- 
sociation, various  departments  of  the 
University  of  Nebraska,  and  others. 
This  might  be  done  on  a  local  or  coun- 
ty basis. 

Quickies 

Two   good   suggestions   come   from 
Reading,  Pennsylvania. 

•  A   bowling  clinic  with   local  alleys 
donating  free  use  for  the  clinic,  and 
the  American  Bowling  Congress  send- 
ing a  professional  bowler  to  hold  the 
clinic. 

•  A   playground    patrol    run    by    the 
police  department.   Once  each   day   a 
prowl-car  drives  slowly  by  each  Read- 
ing playground,  and  if  the  director  or 
superintendent   has   any   problems   he 
signals  the  car — whereupon   it  draws 
up  and  settles  the  matter,  if  necessary. 
This  is  all  done  in   a  very   friendly, 
casual  way.  The  director  expects  it; 
the  youngsters  look  forward  to  it,  and 
it  gives  to  all  a  sense  of  protection  and 
feeling  of  security. 


AWARDS    YOU     CAN    AFFORD 


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DEPARTMENTS  USING 
OUR  PLASTIC  TROPHYS 


WRITE  TODAY  FOR       FREE     SAMPLE 


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BURBANK,     CALIF. 


367 


\tn.  rii  .in    I*.     I. iixi-   -li.l.     (  ^iriiliiiiutiitn    (    nil 


Design, 
Performance  and  Safety 

It's  the  plus  factor  that  makes  American  the  most  respected  name  in 
Playground  Equipment.  First,  plus  in  design.  Never  content  to  copy, 
American  engineers  have  pioneered  scores  of  design  improvements  and 
innovations.  Next,  plus  in  performance.  Employing  superior  materials, 
master  craftsmanship  and  improved  production  methods,  American 
Approved  Equipment  is  built  to  endure.  Finally,  plus  in  safety.  Amer- 
ican craftsmen  are  aware  of  their  responsibility  for  the  safety  of  your 
children.  Thus,  with  American  you  receive  a  combination  of  far 
superior  design,  unexcelled  performance,  and  unmatched  safety. 
The  plus  factor  extends  to  our  dealings  with 
customers.  You  will  find  AMERICAN  pleas- 
ant to  do  business  with,  prompt  and  equi- 
table in  adjustments,  eager  to  protect  an  en- 
viable reputation  nearly  half  a  century  old. 


' 


KM...       V.  .    Ml- \mrrlc.n  I'irnlr  C. rill 

It,  I,, i,       An    \mf-rif-MM  Oflt<-i«l 

II.  u>. 1,1,.., ,     (>,,.      M.  l.r     II, .mo     I    ml 


AMERICAN 

I'l    \\  i.icoi   M»    111  \  i«   I    4  O. 

V  MM    It  SO  \  .    I  MM    \  \    \ 

World's   iMrffft   Manufacturer*    nf  fine 

l'ln\  ^n  in  in  I  X  sn  ir  n  in  in  u  l'tn>l  Kf/iu'/ 


*Jji      .,     ^}       /  FOR    CATALOGS     \  M>    SPECIAL    LITBRATI'IIK 

V(/1(,t€,     jQtMfy     I   I    \  I   I    ll  I  >  < .      AMERICAN      APPROVED 

PLAYGROUND  EQUIPMENT  •  •  •  SWIMMING  POOL  EQUIPMENT  -  -  •  ALL-AMERICAN  PICNIC  GRILLS 
ALL-AMERICAN  UNIFORM  HANGERS  •  •  •  AMERICAN  HEAVY  DUTY. CHECKING  AND  GYMNASIUM  BASKETS 
STEEL  BASKET  RACKS  •  •  •  AMERICAN  REPAIR  EQUIPMENT  •  •  •  AMERICAN  HOME  PLAY  EQUIPMENT 


RECREATION 


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colorfully  illustrated  pages  with  reprints  of  the  well  loved  classics-Dickens,  Stevenson, 
Kipling,  Milne,  and  stories  of  present  day  authors,  like  Bianco,  Dr.  Suess,  Mitchell, 
Baum,  as  well  as  pages  of  good  comics,  puzzles,  things  to  do.  Widely  acclaimed  by 
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Published  by  the  Publishers  of  Parents'  Magazines 


PARENTS'  MAGAZINE -the  indispensable  reference 
for  every  group  worker 


•  adolescence 

•  family  relations 

•  community  living 

•  family  departments 
on  foods,  home,  etc 


Today,  thousands  of  group  workers  everywhere  use  and  refer  to  this  practical, 
authoritative  reference  on  child  core  and  training.  PARENTS'  MAGAZINE  is  the  only 
publication  that  covers  the  newest  trends,  the  up-to-date  thoughts  on  the  everyday 
problems  of  rearing  children  from  crib  to  college.  Group  workers  find  so  much  help 
in  the  important  articles;  the  reviews  of  new  books  for  children  and  parents;  the  free 
study  programs  for  parents  groups.  The  departments  on  movies,  recreation,  family  fun, 
make  it  an  invaluable  guide  for  everyone  interested  in  children  of  any  age. 

•  child  care 

•  health 

•  school  adjustments 

•  behavior  problems 

•  teen  age  problems 


NOVEMBER  1952 


369 


Summer  Playground  Echoes— 1952 

In  I-. van-ton.  Illinois,  the  bureau  of 
recreation  again  sponsored  its  eight- 
week  summer  playground  program  for 
retarded  children.  The  five  half-day 
week  program  of  regular  activities  is 
raperraed  by  one  director,  employed 
l>\  the  bureau,  and  salaries  of  olher 
!•  .I'lers  are  paid  by  parents. 

\M<!  in  Ogden,  Utah,  a  rehabilita- 
tion |.la\  renter  for  physically  handi- 
•  ap|>cd  children  was  conducted  for  the 
-ccKiid  -iininier  season,  hv  an  eni|il<i\i -,• 
"f  the  city  recreation  department.  On 
the  lawn-  nf  I  tali  -<  hool-  fur  the  deaf 
and  blind,  special  play  apparatus  has 
been  piov  idi-d  and  some  three  hundred 
children  throughout  the  city  partici- 
pate in  the  program-,  \-i-tance  i- 
given  l.\  the  mothers  of  the  children. 

Thanksgiving  Fiesta 

The  -cript  which  will  l>e  used  in  tin- 
annual  Thanksgiving  fiesta  in  Mono 
lulu  has  been  written  by  a  nicmhei  ..( 
the  recreation  division's  staff,  Mrs. 
-hiilcv  Lombard.  Knlitled  "Tli.-  Indi 
.in'-  Thanksgiving  Dinner."  it  i-  h.i-i  d 
on  an  actual  experience  of  Mr-.  Loin- 
bard's  maternal  ancestor,  who  IJM-I!  in 
Indian  territory 

(.unking  Ahead  to  Christmas 
Mr.     M.I' \  -    Thanksgiving    pai.i.l. 
wrli. uning   Simla  Claus  to   New    York 
<   it\  .     i-     milled     l>\     tin-      iiiini.il     ^  ul. 
i-.n.i.li-  of  the  b<>\"  and  gill-  in  I  ir-n.i. 
California.  Oin-lma-  Inn-  .mil  t.ii 
->lorv     Monk    I^ind    are    inleipreled    1>\ 
-  of  niini.iiiiri-  llo.il-.  mounted  <>n 


wagons  or  other  juvenile  con- 
veyance- and  decorated  by  the  chil- 
dren themselves:  by  inarching,  cos- 
tumed groups,  often  accompanied  by 
pets  of  assorted  sizes;  and  1>\  in- 
dividual characterizations.  Parade  en- 
tries are  sometimes  re\erent.  as  in  the 
case  of  scenes  from  the  Nativity,  and 
-"inclimes  comic,  often  beautiful,  and 
always  full  of  life  and  color. 

Last  year,  the  entire  school  and  city 
playground  staff  engaged  in  organizing 
and  marshalling  the  parade  and  F  re-no 
State  College  students  and  Boy  Scout- 
aided  along  the  line  of  march.  IJ.n,  a 
tion  director  Holman  was  in  general 
charge  at  the  assembly  point  and  play  - 
ground  superintendent  Quigley  was  the 
grand  mar-hall.  The  parade  was  spon- 
sored by  the  recreation  department. 
Thf  Fresno  Bee,  radio  station  KMI 
and  die  downtown  divinon  of  the  IK- 
no  County  and  City  Chamber  of  Corn- 


Facts  and  Figures 
Financed  by  a  81.000.OtH)  bond 
i— in-.  Iliiti-hinson.  ktiriMis.  has  com- 
pleled  a  city  sports  arena  building 
which  will  seat  approximately  7.HUM 
people — 4,700  when  it  is  used  for  ha- 
ketball.  Off-street  parking  is  provided 
for  .'?.(!( Ml  i. H-.  The  building  contains 

ofhce-.   storage   -pace-,   tin-  — in<;    1 is. 

a  practice  gymnasium,  press  and  radio 

booths  and  eight  conci-s-ion  stands 

A    local   club    in    (trillion.    Wiscon-dn. 
sponsored  a  "frontier days"  celebration 
which  raised  approximates   >1>U.IHX) 
funds  to  be  used  for  a  park  which  the 

club  is  donating  to  the  village One 

result  of  the  study  on  recreation,  made 
b\    the    recreation    informal    education 
-''•li if    the    Houston,    Texas,    com- 
munity council,  was  an  increase  in  the 
park-  and   recreation   budget,  to  bring 
it-    \'>~>'2  appiopiiation   to  appio\im:lte 
'JO.(MK).    .    .    .    The    T,;,n,:w    lie 
pailmi-nl   of  ( !onscrv  jilion.   ili\i-ion   of 
-tale  park-,  i-  now    including  a  section 
of     recreation     new-     in     il-     monthly 
\rn  ilrllci .    Printed   on   green    paper   to 
di-lingiii-li   il  from  park  new-,  lli. 
lealion     -ei  lion     contain-     item-     from 
iniinicip.il       i  ei  i  rat  ion      dcparlmcnl- 

ihroaghoal  the  -tale.  .  .  .  \  new  • 

•>    fee    of    five    ilollai-      ini  i 
from  one  dollar      for  non-ie-idenl  chil- 
dren    n«ing    C.iniiiinnli'f.    puhlii      pla\ 


grounds  became  effective  Julv  lo.  The 
legality  of  charging  a  child  who  li\cs 
outside  of  the  city,  but  inside  of  the 
cil\  school  district,  for  using  facilit ic- 
on the  property  of  the  board  of  educa- 
tion, was  passed  upon  by  the  eit\ 
-olii  itor. 

Help  from  the  Public 
The  Boston  Board  of  Recreation  in- 
stituted, early  in  the  year,  a  campaign 
to  encourage  the  public  to  write  to  lo- 
cal neighborhood  papers  about  the  rec- 
reation picture  in  the  community.  The 
column  in  one  paper,  with  the  heading. 
"Recreation  Clinic.  What's  the  Beef?" 
explained  that  letters  would  be  pub- 
li-hed.  if  possible,  and  would  l>e  con- 
sidered l>\  the  board  in  planning  more 
effective  recreation. 

"Sports"  Note 

In  Reading,  Massachusetts, a  version 
of  the  great  Olympic  Games  at  Helsin- 
ki was  cut  to  fit  their  playground  pro- 
gram— Krazy  Kolympics.  The  discus 
throw  was  a  paper  plate,  a  standing 
broad  grin  and  water  melon  race  wen- 
features,  the  impressive  march  to  the 
field,  under  the  chosen  flag,  was  pat- 
terned on  the  Olympic  program  and  a 
great  <lo\e  of  peace  and  many  flags 
thrilled  spectators  and  participant-. 

Community  Park 

A  cemetery,  which  has  not  been  u-ed 
for  burials  for  more  than  a  half-ceil- 
tun.  has  been  turned  into  a  communi- 
ty park  in  Ratesxillc.  \ikan-a-.  Il-  old 
-lone-  left  intact,  enhanced  by  new 
shrubben  and  llowei-.  the  formerh 
neglected  -pot  i-  now  a  plea-ant  place 
in  which  to  relax  for  the  city's  ihon- 
.iiid-  of  -hopper-  and  their  children 
who  come  by  bus  and  car  from  sur- 
i"im<ling  rural  areas.  The  project  \\.i- 
-paiked  l'\  tin-  garden  club,  which  do- 
nated S-100  ami  -ei  uied  appmval  of 
lot  OWIM-I-.  Ml  civic  and  service  club- 
in  the  city  and  -nine  county  demonstra- 
I  on  club-  contributed  |o  the  financing 
of  public  ic-t  room-,  walks  and 
benches  and  drinking  fountain- 

xpc.iking  of  cemeteries,  the  Katun 
Rouge  recreation  and  park  coninii  —  ion 
believe-  il  i-  the  only  recreation  de- 
piilmcnl  in  the  loiinliv  which  i-  al-o 
i.  -pini-ihlc  for  the  maintenance  of  a 

.  CIIIClcI  V 

RK<  III  vims 


Church  Recreation  Institute 


Francis  Sugrue 


The  laughter  of  sixty-three  Roman 
Catholic  nuns  dancing  and  playing 
games  with  quiet  merriment  rippled 
like  a  fresh  breeze  across  the  campus 
of  Ladycliff  College  for  four  days  last 
spring. 

It  is  not  a  strange  thing  to  hear  a 
nun  laugh.  But  it  is  not  usual  to  see 
one  swing  a  bat,  or  toss  a  basketball 
against  a  backboard,  or  dance  the 
Lindy  Hop,  or  perform  a  card  trick,  or 
crouch  over  a  campfire  to  toast  marsh- 
mallows. 

Although  the  sisters  from  fifteen  dif- 
ferent religious  orders  enjoyed  them- 
selves, the  occasion  was  not  exactly  a 
holiday  for  them.  There  was  serious 
business  involved  in  each  of  the  one 
hundred  and  one  games  they  played. 

The  sisters  were  attending  a  recrea- 
tion institute  sponsored  by  the  child 
care  department  of  New  York  Catholic 
Charities  at  Ladycliff  College,  a  Catho- 
lic women's  college  adjacent  to  West 
Point. 

They  were  learning  the  latest  tech- 
niques of  recreation  for  one  purpose: 
so  that  they  might  the  better  restore  a 
birthright  to  more  than  5.000  neglect- 
ed and  dependent  children  in  the  New 
York  Archdiocese.  The  nuns  believe 
that  fun  and  pla\  is  one  of  the  essen- 
tial rights  of  childhood. 

They  learned  the  rules  and  tricks  of 
basketball  to  help  channel  the  ener- 
gies of  the  active  and  aggressive,  a 
hatful  of  magic  tricks  to  teach  the 
timid  and  shy  and  give  them  confi- 
dence, and  certain  games  that  will  of- 
fer play  to  the  crippled  and  handi- 
capped. They  have  also  gained  this 
knowledge:  that  in  play  crippled  chil- 
dren move  limbs  which  they  were 
afraid  to  move  before:  that  puzzles 


and  guessing  games  are  good  for  chil- 
dren with  cardiac  disorders. 

That  was  the  real  reason  why  white- 
robed  Dominican  Sisters  were  teaming 
up  with  gray-garbed  Franciscans  for  a 
little  baseball,  and  why  the  Sisters  of 
Charity  in  black  bonnets  were. swing- 
ing their  partners,  the  white-wimpled 
Sisters  of  Christian  Doctrine,  in  square 
dances  while  one  of  the  Sisters  of  Mer- 
cy in  a  black  habit  called  the  numbers. 

The  Rev.  Michael  F.  Dwyer,  director 
of  the  division  of  child  care  of  Catho- 
lic Charities,  told  the  women,  "A  tre- 
mendous void  for  which  there  is  no 
adequate  substitute  is  created  in  a 
child's  life  when  he  loses  or  is  separated 
from  his  parents.  You  Sisters  can  to 
some  degree  fill  the  emptiness  in  their 
lives  by  giving  them  a  chance  for  play 
and  recreation  which  will  stimulate 
them  to  do  things  and  inspire  in  them 
initiative." 


Mrs.  Anne  Livingston  of  the  Nation- 
al Recreation  Association,  one  of  the 
institute  leaders,  reminded  the  nuns 
that  there  must  be  four  major  recrea- 
tional interests — physical,  mental,  cre- 
ative and  social — to  make  a  well  bal- 
anced program. 

There  are  track,  swimming,  basket- 
ball and  tennis  for  physical  recreation; 
quizzes,  study  clubs,  debates  and  cross- 
word puzzles  for  the  mental  variety; 
drama,  music,  arts  and  crafts  in  the 
creative  field;  and  picnics,  parties, 
dances  and  special  events  to  fill  the 
social  needs. 

Others  directing  the  instruction  were 
the  Rev.  Terrence  Cooke.  assistant  di- 
rector of  the  department  of  youth  ac- 
tivities of  Catholic  Charities;  Miss 
Eulalie  Steinmetz,  supervisor  of  story 
telling  for  the  New  York  Public  Li- 
brary, and  Sister  M.  Hortense,  of  the 
Sisters  of  Mercy,  Tarrytown. 


Catholic  nuns  from  fifteen  different  religious  orders  learned  many  new  play  activities. 

MM___^^___________ 


Rcprintrd   with   permission   from  Aero   York 
Ilrnilil-Tribune,  April  21.  1952. 

NOVEMBER  1952 


371 


MARKET   NEWS 


Weatherproof  Lamp  Holder 

A  new  weatherproof  lamp  holder, 
the  Stonco  Cushion-Seal  Holder,  de- 
signed to  prolong  lamp  life  and  end 
common  lamp  headaches  in  outdoor 
lighting,  is  manufactured  by  Stonco 
Electric  Products  Company,  333  Mon- 
roe Avenue.  Kenilworth,  New  Jersey. 
The  holder  makes  use  of  a  high  temper- 
alurr.  silicon  rubber  cushion-seal  that 
hugs  the  neck  <>(  the  lamp  in  a  tight 
weatherproof  seal  which  is  reported  to 
withstand  the  highest  heat  to  which 
the  lamp  could  be  subjected  and  the 
most  adverse  weather  conditions  in 
outdoor  service. 

The  new  unit  is  made  of  non-cor- 
rosive cast  aluminum  with  a  glazed 
porcelain  heatproof  socket.  The  silicon 
cushion-seal  is  backed  with  an  im- 
pregnated asbestos  heat  barrier  and 
locked  in  place  by  a  rigid  aluminum 
reinforced  disc. 

Tin-  cu4iion-seal  adapts  itself  to  fit 
all  K-40  and  PAR-38  lamps,  whether 
long,  short  or  off-center.  It  carries  UL 
and  CSA  approval  for  use  with  medi- 
um base  or  mogul  reflector  lamps  in 
the  standard  150w,  200w,  300w,  and 
500w  sizes  now  made  by  all  major 
lamp  manufacturer*.  Light  weight 
holders  of  this  type  provide  brilliant 
area  floodlighting  when  used  in  clus- 
ter installations  and  the  single  Limp 
units  provide  supplementary  highlight- 
ing for  many  types  of  outdoor  illumi- 
nation and  display. 


*     ^ 


Rubber  Tire  Roller  Skates 

Roller  skating  can  be  added  to  rec- 
reation programs  at  little  cost  or  dif- 
ficulty by  using  roller  skates  with  rub- 
ber wheels  which  will  not  mar,  scratch 
or  damage  floors.  A  clamp  type  skate 
(Model  No.  785-5)  is  manufactured  by 
the  Chicago  Roller  Skate  Company. 
Chicago  24,  Illinois,  for  use  in  gym- 
nasiums, halls  and  ballrooms.  Roller 
skating  is  extremely  popular  with  teen- 
agers and  provides  sound,  healthful 
recreation.  Write  to  the  company  for 
information  on  how  to  start  roller 
skating  programs. 

Swimming  Pool  Radiant  Heating 

Workmen  embedded  a  radiant  heat- 
ing system  of  wrought  iron  pipes  in 
the  floor-deck  of  Miami  University's 
new  natatorium  in  Oxford,  Ohio,  which 
paralleled  accomplishments  of  the  Ro- 
mans in  Bath,  England,  two  thousand 
years  ago.  Although  this  is  the  first 
recorded  use  of  radiant  heat  in  con- 
nection with  present-day  swimming 
pool  construction,  Romans,  during 
their  occupation  of  England,  circulated 
hot  gases  from  charcoal  fires  through 
walls  and  floors  of  buildings  housing 
the  baths.  The  modern  floor-type  radi- 
ant heating  system  installed  in  the  na- 
tatorium of  Miami  University  uses 
heated  water  circulated  through  the 
network  of  wrought  iron  pipe  at  con- 
trolled temperatures.  Kor  details  write 
to  the  A.  M.  Byers  Company,  ('lark 
Building.  Pittsburgh  22.  IVmiM  Uania. 

Krilium 

Krilium  a  new  compound  now  be- 
ing prepared  in  noiHommrni.il  quail- 
tiiics  offers  interesting  pos-iliilitic- 
for  park  maintenance,  among  other 
things.  This  stabilise-  the  -nil.  and  per- 
mil-  it  t«  hold  greater  amounts  of 


moisture,  thus  helping  to  prevent  ero- 
sion, while  keeping  the  top  layers  of 
soil  soft  and  workable.  Descriptive  arti- 
cles have  appeared  in  Country  Gentle- 
man, March  1952,  and  other  maga- 
zines. A  film  on  the  use  and  possibili- 
ties of  Krilium  is  obtainable  from  the 
Advertising  and  Public  Relations  De- 
partment, Monsanto  Chemical  Com- 
pany, St.  Louis  4,  Missouri.  Other  simi- 
lar products  are  now  on  the  market 
under  different  trade  names. 

Model  Oil  Field  Kit 

•A  new  kind  of  "learn-by-doing"  kii 
which  can  be  assembled  into  a  com- 
plete and  authentic  scale  model  of  a 
producing  oil  field  is  now  available.  It 
offers  a  new  way  to  learn  with  all  the 
zest  of  play  and  creative  work  com- 
bined. In  addition  to  containing  the 
essential  elements  of  a  real  oil  field — 
including  exploration  parties,  crewmen, 
derricks,  wells,  storage  tanks  and 
trucks — the  kit  provides  a  large  draw- 
ing showing  the  underground  strata  in 
which  oil  is  found.  An  illustrated 
"Teaching  Handbook,"  which  enables 
any  adult  to  give  necessary  instruction 
for  assembling  the  balsa  wood,  doweh, 
buttons,  spools  and  dress  snaps  that 
make  up  the  scale  model,  explains  each 
step  of  the  exploration,  drilling,  pro- 
duction and  storage  of  oil.  This  hand- 
hook  and  the  supplementary  "Story  of 
Oil,"  which  is  included,  were  developed 
liy  the  Educational  Section  of  Standard 
Oil  Company  of  California.  The  cost 
of  the  kit  is  $3.95  postpaid.  Dis- 
counts are  allowed  to  institutions, 
clubs  and  other  buyers  of  quantity 
lots.  For  kits  or  information  write 
Models  of  Industry.  Incorporated.  IV- 
partment  B,  2804  Tenth  Street,  Berke- 
ley 2,  California. 


372 


l  '  IU   M  ION 


Listening  and  Viewing 


Perhaps  the  largest  sponsor  of  16mm 
films  is  our  federal  government.  Cer- 
tainly, its  interest  in  their  production 
has  grown  since  1938,  when  the  first 
directory  of  government  films  was 
issued,  containing  three  hundred  sev- 
enty-nine titles.  The  1952  catalogue, 
issued  by  the  Visual  Education  Service 
of  the  United  States  Office  of  Educa- 
tion, is  entitled  3434  United  States 
Government  Films.  Titles  are  listed 
alphabetically  and  described,  but  not 
indexed  by  subject.  Films  may  be  bor- 
rowed, purchased  from  United  World 
Films.  1445  Park  Avenue,  New  York 
29,  or  rented  from  the  nearest  16mm 
film  library.  From  Superintendent  of 
Documents.  Government  Printing  Of- 
fice, Washington  25,  D.  C.  $.70. 

Available  from  the  same  source,  is 
A  Directory  of  2002  Film  Libraries 
which  lists  the  titles  and  nature  of 
16mm  films  available  from  each  li- 
brary, and  any  special  restrictions  on 
their  distribution  and  use.  $.30. 

Other  additions  to  the  reference 
shelf  of  the  audio-visual  leader  might 
be  the  following: 

Handbook  on  16mm  Films  for  Mu- 
sic Education,  prepared  by  Lilla  Belle 
Pitts  of  Teachers  College,  Columbia 
University,  primarily  compiled  for 
teachers  of  music  and  listing  films  to 
be  used  as  educational  materials,  but 
useful  to  any  leader  planning  a  music 
program.  In  fact,  the  suggestions  of- 
fered on  the  "why"  and  "how"  of  the 
use  of  music  films  are  applicable  to 
films  on  any  other  activity  in  the  pro- 
gram. Of  general  interest,  are  the  films 
"For  Everybody,"  and  "Information 
Films."  More  specialized,  are  "Music 
Films  for  Correlated  Units  of  Study 
(Arts,  Sciences)"  and  "Skill  Films 
(Concert  and  Recital)."  The  resource 
section  is  an  excellent  foundation  for 
the  reference  shelf  of  any  audio-visual 
department.  It  contains  directories  of 
government  film  services;  local,  state 
and  university  film  libraries;  commer- 
cial producers  and  distributors;  re- 
sources available  at  the  public  library 
and  lists  pamphlets,  periodicals,  bulle- 
tins, catalogues  and  books.  From  Music 
Educators  National  Conference,  64  East 
Jackson  Boulevard.  Chicago  4.  $1.50. 

NOVEMBER  1952 


Films  on  Art  lists  and  appraises  over 
four  hundred  fifty  16mm  films  on  art 
subjects.  It  serves  as  a  textbook  on  the 
use  and  programming  of  the  art  films, 
as  well  as  of  the  non-theatrical  film  in 
general.  Edited  by  William  McK.  Chap- 
man, it  contains  articles  by  well  known 
authorities  in  the  film  and  art  fields. 
From  The  American  Federation  of 
Arts,  1083  Fifth  Avenue,  New  York  28. 
$4.00.  ($3.20  to  federation  members.) 
More  Publishers'  Records 

Big  and  little  Golden  Records,  un- 
breakable and  bright  yellow,  are  be- 
coming as  well  known  as  the  books  by 
the  same  name.  Among  new  fall  titles, 
many  drawn  from  popular  radio  pro- 
grams and  motion  pictures,  particu- 
larly Walt  Disney's  productions,  are: 

Treasury  of  Christmas  Songs 
(BR11),  twelve  Christmas  carols. 

Songs  from  Wall  Disney's  Story  of 
Robin  Hood  (DBR5),  complete  story 
in  ballad  form,  songs  from  recently  re- 
leased motion  picture.  $1.05  each. 

Gilbert  and  Sullivan  (R92),  first  re- 
lease of  a  proposed  series.  $.25. 

Also  available  for  Christmas  are 
Little  Golden  Christmas  Albums  (LGR1 
and  LGR3),  four  records  each.  $1.00. 
Released  by  Simon  and  Schuster,  630 
Fifth  Avenue,  New  York  20. 

Tape  Recording  Into  Sound  Film 

Do  you  have  good  vacation  or  camp- 
ing films  which  would  make  an  inter- 
esting "movie"  program,  if  they  were 
accompanied  by  a  commentary?  The 
Revere  Camera  Company  has  devel- 
oped a  special  magnetic  recording  tape 
to  be  used  in  conjunction  with  a  re- 
flector on  any  tape  recorder  with  a 
speed  of  3.75  which,  combined  with 
any  size  or  type  of  projector,  will  add 
sound  after  a  film  has  been  processed. 
The  tape  recorder  is  threaded  with  the 
special  tape  and  set  up  slightly  below 
and  in  front  of  the  lens  of  the  projec- 
tor, to  which  the  clamp-on  reflector  is 
attached.  When  the  projector  is  started 
and  the  tape  and  film  are  synchronized, 
the  recording  is  made  by  speaking  or 
playing  music  into  the  recorder's  mi- 
crophone. The  sound  may  be  played  in 
synchronization  with  the  film  as  many 
times  as  desired.  Errors  in  recording 
may  be  corrected.  Reflector  and  special 
tape  cost  $7.85. 


.or  a 


Gi/mnasium.. 


•   Gymnasium  Equipment 

•  Telescopic  Gym  Seats 
\  •   Basketball  Scoreboard* 

•   Basketball  Backstops 

•   Steel  Lockers,  Lockerobes 
I  and  Grade-Robes 


FRED  MED  ART  PRODUCTS,  INC. 

3566  DE  KALB  ST.       ST.  LOUIS  18,  MO. 

For    78    Years 
The   Standard  Of   Quality 


A  Loud  Voice 
for  Playground  V 
Control 

with 

PORTABLE 

BATTERY 

AMPLIFIER 


Weighs  only 

12    Ibs.    t  including   batteries) 

Equipped  with  trumpet  speaker,  this 
powerful  set  will  extend  your  voice 
?4  mi.  Trumpet  operates  100  ft.  from 
set  if  required.  Case  speaker  easily 
heard  in  100x100  Ft.  Auditorium. 
Compact,  sturdy,  shockproof.  Crys- 
tal mike,  standard,  long-lasting  dry 
cells. 

Only  $89.50 

With   trumpet  $119.50 
Chest   mike   $7.50  extra 

REX  Equipment  Co. 

2014    Conn.    Ave.,    Washington    8,    D.C. 


373 


Books  Received 


\i  i  M-OKI-  PMIMIK,  Jack  ('..  Daw-en. 
\n  i  in  yc lopedia  of  sport-  histon. 
Hart  Publication-.  N.-yy  V-rk.  >±'>.~>. 

FI.MNG  SPORTSMAN.  THK.  Lieutenant 
C..l,,ne|  Da\e  Harbour.  How  to  use 
the  airplane  for  hunting,  fishing  and 
i  i.nsenation  purposes.  A.  S.  Barnes 
and  Company,  New  York.  $3.00. 

i.t  \i  \  y  Si  MMKR.  Klizabeth  Hamilton 
Frierniood.  A  romance  of  College 
Camp.  Doubleday  and  Compan\. 
Garden  City,  New  York.  $2.50. 

(,I>[.I>K\  ROOKS:  THK  NEW  GOI.DKN 
\I\INNM:,  Kathryn  Jackson:  WALT 
DISNEY'S  PETER  PAN,  James  M. 
Rarrir.  s !..">( I  each.  lUin  \NINIM-. 
Garth  Williams.  $1.00.  THK  CIIHI-I 
\i  \s  STORY.  Jane  Werner:  llowin 
DOODY  AND  THE  ('HIM  i:s>.  Edward 

kean:    I.4DDIE  AM)  TMK  LITTLE  RAB- 

IIIT.  Rill  Gottlieb;  WALT  DISMI"> 
KoNALD  DUCK  \M>  SANTA  GLAUS, 

\nnie  North  Redford:  WALT  DlS- 
NKh">  I'M  TO  PUP  GOES  TO  SEA, 
Annie  North  Bedford.  $.25  each. 
>imim  and  Schuster,  New  York. 

lln. HER  JUDO,  M.  Feldenrais.  Freder- 
ick Warne  and  Company,  New  York. 
$2.50. 

llnw  TO  WORK  WITH  GROUPS,  Audrey 
and  Harley  Trecker.  Woman's  Press, 
New  V.rk.  $3.00. 

I'insicAL  EDUCATION  ACTIVITII-. 
SPORTS  AND  GAMES,  Louis  E.  Means. 
\\  illiam  C.  Brown  Company,  Du- 
buquc,  Iowa.  $4.00. 

hit  HK.IIT  WAY  TO  PLAY  CHESS,  D. 
Brine  Pritchard.  Emerson  Books,  In- 
corporated. $2.00. 

^i  ii  NO:  In  MON  NOVELS:  ISI.\M>-  i\ 
TIIF  >K^.  \rlhur  C.  Clarke;  MI-I- 
nt  |)\y\v  ChadOliNer.  John  C.  Win- 
ston Company,  Philadelphia.  Paper 
l"nind.  $2.00  each 

M'l».  Mi  KoHMUIoN  I  ooTBAl.L,  I-CO  R. 
\lry.-r.  I'renliee-Hall,  New 

18.95. 


STUDYING  STUDENTS — Grinw.t:  METII- 
oi>-  en  IMUMIII  \i.  \N\M-IS.  Clif- 
ford P.  Froehlich  and  John  G.  Dar- 
ley .  N-ience  l!e-eatvli  \--oriate-. 
Chieaf-o.  >;._'.".. 

Tiiyi'-  \h  Dm.:  1.,-nn  I.  \\liilne\. 
riclion.  Modil.  Mi-. nl  w\  Company. 
Nru  "lurk.  S2.75. 

Tin  MIEII  ROAII.  William  Campliell 
Gault.  Fiction  dealing  with  racing 

cars.  E.  P.  Dutton  and  C |i;ui\. 

New  Y'ork.  $2.50. 

TREES,  Herbert  S.  Zim  and  Alexander 
C.  Martin.  A  guide  to  familiar  Ameri- 
can trees.  Simon  and  Schuster,  New 
York.  Paper,  $1.00. 


Pamphlets 


\M>  PBOMENADK  ALL,  Helen  and 
Larry  Kisenberg.  A  collection  of 
folk  games  and  square  dances.  Helen 
and  Larry  Eisenberg,  2403  Branch 
Street,  Nashville,  Tennessee.  $1.00. 

ART  ACTIVITIES  ALMANAC,  first  and 
second  editions.  Things  to  do.  ex- 
plained and  illustrated.  Art  Educa- 
tion Alumnae  Association,  Art  Edu- 
cation Department,  \\a\ne  I  rii\<-r- 
sily.  100  West  Kirby,  Detroit  '2. 
Michigan.  First  edition  $1.75.  Sec- 
ond edition  .81.2.~>. 

ATHLETIC  INJURIES,  Rollie  Bevan. 
Treatment  for  injuries  frequent!) 
incurred  in  competitive  sports;  a 
manual  for  trainers.  Denver  Chemi- 
cal Manufacturing  Company.  163 
Varick  Street,  New  York  13,  New 
York. 

BOOK  OF  Civic  DEFINITIONS,  A.  Foun- 
dation for  Civic  Education,  62  I  .1-1 
80th  Street,  New  York.  $.35. 

COOPERATIVES  LOOK  AHEAD,  THE,  Jer- 
ry Voorhis.  Public  Affairs  Pam- 
phlets. 22  East  38th  Street,  New 
York  16.  $.25. 

G  \MK.S.  l!in  MINIS.  |)\\<KS.  C.  Jean 
Barnett.  George  Slanlex  (!ompan\. 
1225  South  Riva\ne  Point  Ro.ul. 
Miami  Reai  li.  Florida. 


REMINDER... 


c4tkletic  Equipment 


IS   BUILT   BY 


FOB    CATALOG    WBITi 
W.  J.  Veil  Rubber  Corp 
1600   lot!   JSth   Slr..l 
lo.    Ang.l.t    11,    Calif 


Ntw  York  10,  Chicago  10,  Lot  Angeles  11 


GETTIM.  \I.HM.  \\ini  I'vitix  i>.  Kath- 
arine Whiteside-Taxlor.  Srienre  Hi- 
-earch  \»o«-i;ili>.  .">7  \\r-l  (Iranrl 

Avenue,  Chicago  10.  $.40. 

HII.IMM;  RKOTMHI-   \MI  SISTEKS  1,1  i 

VI.IIM..  Helen  \\  .  Puner.  Sri.'iu-i  I!.-- 
-eareh  Assoi  lali--.  (Chicago.  $.40. 

\I\KIM.  VMI  KKKIMM.  FIUF.MIS.  Wil- 
liam ('..  Mcnninaer.  Si  -ient-e  l\i-<<'arch 
Associates,  Chicago.  $.10. 

N  \MiiN\r.  HEALTH  COUNCIL  DIREC- 
TORY OF  MEMBER  ORGANIZATION-. 
National  Health  Council.  IT'Xi 
Broadway.  Ni  y\  York  1°.  New  York. 


OLD  WOOD  IN  NEW  WAYS,  Naida  Gil- 
more  Ha>e-.  DccoraliNc  arrange- 
ments. with  photographs.  The  HaNe- 
Studio.  2.?.^  Vine  Street,  Berkeley. 
California.  $1.00. 

OUR  AUSTRIAN  DANCES,  Herbert  Lager. 
The  National  Press,  Millbrae,  Cali- 
fornia. 

OUR  PUBLIC  SCHOOLS.  Report  of  the 
Superintendent  of  Schools,  New 
York  City,  1952:  Part  Two—  Instruc- 
tional Materials.  Board  of  Educa- 
tion, New  York  Citv. 

PLAY  GROUPS  FOR  CHILDREN  OF  SCHOOL 
AGE,  Miriam  Cohen  Harper.  Pla\ 
Schools  Association.  110  West  .^th 
Street,  New  York  19.  $.75. 

ROLE  PLAYING  THE  PROBLEM  STORY, 
George  and  Fannie  li.  Shaftel.  (loin- 
mission  on  Educational  Organiza- 
tions. National  Conference  of  Chri>- 
tians  and  Jews.  381  Fourth  Avenue, 
New  York.  $.25. 

SOURCES  OF  FREE  PICTURES;  SOURCES 
OF  FREE  \\i>  IMAI-I  \-I\K  Pn  n  RES 
FOR  THE  CLASSROOM;  Soim  i  -  <>t 
FREE  AND  |M:\I-K\SIVE  TEACHIM. 
AIDS.  Bruce  Miller.  Bruce  Miller. 
Box  369.  Riverside,  California.  $.50 
each. 

STATE  PARKS  -AREAS,  ACREAGES  \\n 
ACCOMMODATIONS.  (  mi.-<l  Si.ii.  •-  !>,• 
partmenl  of  the  Intcrioi.  National 
Park  Seniie.  Recreation  Planning 
I  y\\  i-ion.  \\  ashinjiton.  !).(!. 

UP  AHEAD  —  A  RKI.IONM.  I.VNK  I  M 
PLAN  FOK  MKIKOI-OMI  VN  \n  \NI\. 
Metropolitan  Planning  ('.oninii  —  iun. 
Atlanta.  Georgia. 


|!i  yi  II    VNII   I'ooi  .  Si'iiifinln-r    I'' 

xiiiie--fiil  I'oiil  Operation  Begins 
y\itli  (".urfiil  I'lannini:  and  Con- 
sultation, Wayne  A.  Ewokar. 

('.in  \\  i-  |)eyi-<-  an  I  li-rlm  |li^hi»~ 
Alarm  for  Swimming  Pool-'.' 

"Rai  k  I'n  — nte    Arm-Lift"    llr-u-i-i 

I. ill. ni.    \  i.  l"i    « •     l..i«-on. 
I'Mlk    M\INMNyN.|.    Si-i>i>-ml«-r    J'*~iJ 

Plan      or    I  U.-.    lto|..-rt    R.   RrNan. 


IU<  UKATION 


RECREATION 


is  one  of  the  fields  in  which 
SCHOOL    ACTIVITIES 

has  been  serving  the  schools  of  America 
for  twenty  years.  Under  the  editorship  of 
Dr.  Harry  C.  McKown,  well-known  au- 
thority on  extracurricular  activities,  this 
monthly  magazine  promotes  the  following 
interests: 


ACTIVITY  PROGRAMS  -  Current  thought  of  leaders  in  the  field  of  democratic  group  activities. 

SCHOOL  ASSEMBLIES  —  An  assembly  program  for  each  week  of  the  school  year. 

CLASS  PLAYS  —  Help  in  selecting  and  staging  dramatic  productions. 

CLASS  ORGANIZATIONS  -  Directions  for  the  successful  guidance  of  school  groups. 

FINANCING  ACTIVITIES  -  Suggestions  for  financing  student  functions. 

ATHLETICS  —  News  and  ideas  on  late  developments  in  intra-mural  and  interscholastic  sports. 

DEBATE  —  Both  sides  of  the  current  high  school  debate  question. 

DEPARTMENT  CLUBS  -  Instructions  and  aids  in  the  directing  of  school  clubs  of  all  types. 

HOME  ROOMS  —  Ideas  and  plans  for  educative  home  room  projects. 

PEP  ORGANIZATIONS  -  Devices  for  stimulating  loyalty  and  school  spirit. 

STUDENT  PUBLICATIONS  —  Guidance  in  the  production  of  school  newspaper  and  yearbook. 

PARTIES  AND  BANQUETS  -  Suggestions  for  educative  and  wholesome  social  activities. 

STUDENT  GOVERNMENT  —  Sound  direction  in  development  of  student  sense  of  responsibility. 

MISCELLANEOUS   ACTIVITIES  -  Music,   commencement,  point  systems,  etc. 

Subscription  Price   0.3(1  Subscribe  Now 


School  Activities  Publishing  Co* 


1515  LANE  STREET 


TOPEKA,  KANSAS 


NOVEMBER  1952 


375 


Publications 


Covering  the  Leisure-time  Field 


Music  for  Early  Childhood 
Mary  Jarman  Nelson  and  Gladys  Tip- 
ton.  Silver  Burdett  Company.   New 

York.  $3.20. 

Here  is  a  wonderful  book  of  songs, 
carefully  selected,  Iteautifully  printed 
and  illustrated,  for  youngsters  of  kin- 
dergarten and  early  elementary  school 
age.  It  is  well  organized  and  includes 
separate  sections  of  songs  and  music 
fur  rhythms,  for  simple  musical  in- 
struments, for  listening  to.  for  telling 
-lories,  for  holidays  and  for  singing  at 
home.  Music,  words  and  action  are 
all  giien. 

Kach  selection  has  a  short  introduc- 
tion describing  a  real-life  situation  and 
how  the  songs  are  used  in  it.  These 
short  prefaces  are  informal,  but  of 
great  value  to  leaders  and  teachers  of 
young  children.  A  classified  index  is 
also  very  helpful. 

If  you  deal  with  young  children  in 
your  program — whether  in  school,  in 
the  recreation  center,  on  the  play- 
ground or  at  home — this  will  be  a 
book  you  will  never  part  with.  Highly 
recommended. 

We  cannot  leave  this  review  without 
giving  special  praise  to  Lillian  Chest- 
ney  and  Ellen  Simon,  the  illustrators. 
'Ih.-ir  work  if  not  only  lovely,  but  full 
of  imagination,  humor,  and  under- 
standing of  childhood. 

A  Columbia  record  ull-mii.  Songs 
from  Music  /or  Early  Childhood, 
MJVIU.  S-I..V..  contain-  four  un- 
breakable  record-  of  man\  of  the 
tongs  in  this  book  and  -hould  IM-  MT\ 
helpful. 

Betty  White's  Teen-Age  Dance  Book 
David   McKay  Company,   New    Vnk. 
13.50. 

Expressed  in  words  boys  and  girls 
can  understand,  and  filled  with  warm 

376 


understanding  of  teen-age  points  of 
view,  this  book  should  prove  very  use- 
ful, either  to  put  into  the  would-be 
dancer's  hand  or  to  suggest  the  ap- 
proach for  a  leader.  Specific  dance  in- 
structions with  step  diagrams  are  giv- 
en for  the  foxtrot,  waltz,  Charleston, 
lindy,  one  step,  rhumba,  mambo,  tan- 
go, samba,  Viennese  waltz,  polka,  Vir- 
ginia reel  and  basic  square  dance. 
Also  included  are  several  grand  march 
formations,  play  party  games,  elimi- 
nation dances  and  mixers,  as  well  as 
suggestions  for  organizing  dances, 
decorations,  refreshments,  admission 
ideas,  and  a  section  on  etiquette  with 
straight-from-the-shoulder  how-to-do-it 
tips. 

Vitalized  Assemblies 
Nellie  Zetta  Thompson.  E.  P.  Dulton 

and  Company.  $2.00. 

While  this  book  of  two  hundred 
programs  /or  all  occasions  is  directed 
to  school  people,  anyone  who  is  re- 
sponsible for  a  series  of  meetings  will 
find  it  helpful.  Miss  Thompson's  fun- 
damental idea  is  that  school  assem- 
blies should  grow  out  of  the  educa- 
tional life  of  the  school  and  encourage 
wide  participation,  giving  students  an 
opportunity  to  create,  to  direct  and 
produce  which  may  never  again  be  a 
part  of  their  life  experience.  This 
same  basi<-  principle,  of  course,  applies 
to  recreation  center-. 

I  he  i  hapter  on  planninn  progiam- 
for  the  \i-ar  contain-  sound  ideas  on 
t\l>e-  of  program-,  -ource  for  ma- 
lm.il-.  anil  c|iiestionnaire  clic<  k-li-t- 
to  aid  in  evaluating  a  program  before 
deciding  whether  or  not  to  use  it — 
which  are  unusual  and  helpful.  \n- 
other  chaplci  li«l-  main  good  pro- 
gram suggestion-  for  all  the  holidays 
and  -|M-<  i.il  01 1  .i-ion-  and  al-o  pro- 
grams for  special  classes  and  <  lull- 


Recreation  For  Community   Living 

Participant-     in     National     Kccreation 

Workshop.    The    Athletic     Institute. 

Chicago.  $1.25  paper. 

This  168-page  book  pool-  tin-  ex- 
perience and  knowledge  of  thirl)  lead- 
ers, from  many  fields  of  recreation,  in 
a  cooperalive  efforl  lo  develop  a  sel  of 
principles  for  ihe  guidance  of  indi- 
viduals and  agencies  interested  in  rec- 
reation. It  represents  the  findings  of  a 
ten-day  national  workshop  held  lasl 
May  under  the  auspices  of  The  Ath- 
letic In-lit  nti1. 

The  book  is  divided  into  two  sec- 
tion-, the  first  of  which  is  given  over 
in  part  to  defining  the  nature  and 
scope  of  recreation  and  its  significance, 
not  only  to  the  international  scene  bul 
also  on  down  ihe  line  lo  ihe  single 
human  individual.  Il  also  reviews  the 
historical  stages  of  ihe  development  of 
recreation  from  colonial  limes  down  to 
the  present  postwar  era.  and  outlines 
the  great  variety  of  organizational  pat- 
terns thai  have  developed  in  our  Amer- 
ican life  over  ihe  years.  Municipal  rec- 
realion  is  jusl  one  of  sevenleen  of  ihese 
organizational  patterns.  The  first  sec- 
tion of  the  book  leaves  no  doubt  in 
one's  mind  that  recreation  has  truly 
become  "a  basic  human  need,  a  part 
of  daily  living  in  all  communities." 

The  second  section  suggests  a  list  of 
principles  as  a  helpful  guide  lo  agen- 
cies or  individuals  having  responsibili- 
ty for  any  phase  of  recreation.  One 
set  of  principles  is  broken  down  for 
application  to  six  age  groupings;  an- 
other according  to  fourteen  classifica- 
tions of  citizen  responsibility,  and  a 
third  to  co\er  nine  principal  agency 
and  organizational  groupings.  The 
fourth  and  last  set  of  principles,  per- 
haps the  mosl  imporlanl  of  all  and 
growing  out  of  all  the  other  considera- 
tion-, coier-  the  field  of  planning  for 
ici •le.ition,  under  the  headings  of  gen- 
eral principles,  leadership,  program, 
finance,  areas  and  facilities. — George 
A.  Krtliilt.  Correspondence  and  Con- 
-ull.ilion  Sen  in-.  National  Hecrealion 
\--.»  i.ilion. 


COSTUMES    TO     RENT 

(Of 

CONVENTIONS  •  PARADES • PACEANTS 
MINSTRELS    •    PLATS    •   OPERAS,  ETC. 

VAN  HORN  &  SON,  PHIIA.  7,  PA. 

Cottum»»i       •       III.     1*33       •       5»nd    ft 


\TIOIS 


Recreation  Leadership  Courses 

Sponsored  by  the  National  Recreation  Association 

and 
Local  Recreation  Agencies 

November,  December  1952  and  January  1953 


HELEN  M.  DAUNCEY 
Social  Recreation 


Wichita  Falls,  Texas 
November   10-13 
Brownwood,  Texas 
November  17-18 
San  Angelo,  Texas 
November  20-21 
Enterprise,   Alabama 
December  1-4 
Columbiana 

Shelby   County,   Alabama 
December  8-11 
Greenville 

Butler  County,  Alabama 
December  15-18 
Detroit,  Michigan 
January  6-7 

Flint-Saginaw,  Michigan 
January  8-9 

Granrl  Rapids.  Michigan 
January  12-13 


Albert   B.   LaGasse,   Superintendent   of   Recreation  and   Parks 
William  Brown,  Superintendent  of  Recreation,  City  Hall 

Neil  McDonald,  Chairman  of  the  Youth  Center  Board,  c/o  Insur- 
ance Agency,  Naylor  Hotel 
J.  R.  Snellgrove,  City  Board  of  Education 

W.  W.  Elliott,  County  Superintendent  of  Schools 
Frank  H.   Echols,  County  Board  of  Education 


Henry   A.    Lacy,    Chairman,    Program   Committee,    The   Michigan 

Association  of  Children's  Institutions,   P.  O.   Box  4746,   Detroit, 

Michigan 

Henry   A.    Lacy,   Chairman,    Program   Committee,    The    Michigan 

Association  of  Children's  Institutions,   P.   0.   Box  4746,   Detroit, 

Michigan 

Henry   A.    Lacy,   Chairman,    Program   Committee,   The    Michigan 

Association  of  Children's  Institutions,   P.  O.   Box  4746,   Detroit, 

Michigan 


ANNE  LIVINGSTON 
Social  Recreation 


Brunswick,   Georgia 
November  6 
State  of  North  Carolina 
January  12-29 


Georgia  Recreation  Society 

James  S.   Stevens,  Jr.,  Acting  Director,  North   Carolina   Recrea- 
tion Commission,  Education  Building  Annex,  Room  134,  Raleigh 


(Mrs.  Livingston  will  be  on  leave  of  absence  during  most  of  this  period) 


MILDRED  SCANLON 
Social  Recreation 


State  of  Vermont 

October  27-November  7 

Myrtle  Beach,  S.  C. 

November   10-12 

Radford,  Virginia 

November  17 

Winston,  Alabama 

January  5-8 

Marshall  County,  Alabama 

January  12-15 

Coosa  County,  Alabama 

January  19-22 

Washington  County,  Alabama 

January  26-29 


Mrs.  A.   O.   Brungardt,  Vermont   Director  of   Recreation,   Mont- 
pelier 

South  Carolina  Recreation  Conference 

David  Bisset,  Superintendent  of  Recreation,  Park  and  Recreation 
Department,  Box  1065 

C.   B.   Campbell,   County   Board   of   Education,   Double   Springs, 

Alabama 

M.  G.  Rains,  County  Board  of  Education,  Guntersville 

Hubert  L.  Street,  County  Board  of  Education,  Rockford 
T.  B.  Pearson,  County  Board  of  Education,  Chatom 


FRANK  A.  STAPLES 

Arts  and  Crafts 


Ypsilanti,  Michigan 
November  17-20 
Chattanooga,  Tennessee 
January  19-29 


Ross  Kressler,  Superintendent,  Department  of  Parks  and  Recrea- 
tion, Gilbert  Community  House,  227  North  Grove  Street 
Francis  A.  Bishop,  Director  of  Recreation,  Department  of  Public 
Utilities,  Grounds  and  Buildings 


GRACE  WALKER 

Creative   Recreation 


Durham,  North  Carolina 
November   3-6 
Asheville,  North  Carolina 
November  10-20 
Niagara  Falls,  New  York 
December  1-4 


Irwin  R.  Holmes,  W.  D.  Hill  Community  Center,  1308  Fayetteville 

Street 

Mrs.  Lucy  Herring,  Supervisor  of  Negro  Schools,  91  Broad  Street 

Myron  N.  Hendrick,  Director  of  Recreation,  Department  of  Parks 
and  Recreation 


Attendance  at  training  courses  conducted  by  National  Recreation  Association  leaders  is  usually  open  to  all  who  wish  to  at- 
tend. For  details  as  to  location  of  the  institute,  content  of  course,  registration  procedure,  and  the  like,  communicate  with 
the  sponsors  of  the  courses  as  listed  above. 


Christmas  Fun 

CHRISTMAS  BOOK.  THE  —  A  beautiful  booklet  full 
of  information  about  Christmas  customs  and 
legends  around  the  world,  parties,  carols,  dec- 
orations, gifts  and  other  Christmas  ideas  and 
suggestions  s..~>o 

CHRISTMAS  FAIRS  (MB  9841  —  Three-in-one 
Christmas  program  for  community  centers. 
Tells  how  to  set  up  demonstration  booths  giv- 
ing children  and  adults  ideas  for  inexpensive 
gifts  and  activities  which  can  be  carried  on 
at  home  ................  $.10 

COMMUNITY  CHRISTMAS  PARTY,  A  (MP  295)  — 
Community-wide  party  suggestions  .  $.15 

MIU.HS  FOR  CHRISTMAS  DANCES  AND  PARTIES 
(MB  1425)  .................  $.10 

NIGHT  BEFORE  CHRISTMAS  PARTIES  WITH  A  PUR- 
POSE (F28)  ................................................  $.10 

YOUR  CHRISTMAS  PARTY*  —  Suggestions  for  plan- 
ning novel  parties  ......................................  $.15 

Christmas  Crafts 

CHRISTMAS  CRAFTS  (P13)  —  How  to  make  an 
aluminum  Christmas  tree;  how  to  stencil  $.15 

CHRISTMAS  NOVELTIES  FOR  EVERYONE  —  How  to 
make  ornaments,  decorations  and  the  like  $.15 

CHHISTM\S  TREK  ORNAMENTS  FROM  Ecc  SHELLS 
(MB  1133)  $.10 

CHRISTMAS  WINDOWS  AND  OTHER  DECORATIONS 
(  P  146)  —  How  to  make  colorful  windows  and 
decorations  for  your  home  and  table  >.  I  o 

EASY-TO-MAKK  CHRISTMAS  CARDS*  s.lo 

GIFTS  AND  GADGETS  MADE  OF  PAPER  (P  1281 
—  Ideas  for  gifts  and  decorations  $.15 

JOYOUS  NOEL  (MB  1825)  —  Christmas  decora- 
ti'.n-  tnacli-  fruiii  inexpensive  clay,  tin  cans 
and  the  Ilk.  $.10 


\I\ki  ^IIUH  OWN  CHRIST  \i\-  TIUK  OKN  \MENTS 
1  MP  257)  —  Complete  directions  for  making 
unusual  ornaments  from  inexpensive  mate- 
rials $.25 


SUGGESTIONS  FOR  NOVEL  CHRISTMAS  CARDS 
(P  145) — With  excellent  illustrations  to  excite 
your  imagination  S.lO 

TRIMMING  THE  TREE  FOR  SANTA  (MB  1955)  — 
Suggestions  for  making  cornucopias,  angels, 
stars  and  other  holiday  novelties  S.lO 

You  CAN  MAKE  YOUR  CHRISTMAS  CARDS  (MB 
607) — Fourteen  ways  to  success  $.10 

Christmas  Songs  and  Services 

CANDLE-LIGHTING  SERVICE,  A  (P  18)  >.ln 

CHRISTMAS  CARNIVAL  IN  CAROLS  AND  PANTO- 
MIMES (P  133)  S.lO 

CHRISTMAS  CAROL  LEAFLETS — per  100          s.::n 

CHRISTMAS  CUSTOMS  AND  LEGENDS  AROUND  THE 
WORLD  (P  144) — Told  in  pantomime  form, 
will  serve  as  a  basic  pattern  for  similar  pro- 
grams    s.lo 


DEDICATION  OF  A  CHRISTMAS  TREE* 


s.lo 


FESTIVAL  OF  LIGHT*  (P  148)—  For  Hamikk.il> 
and  Christmas.  Narrator,  carols,  pantomime 
for  a  community  program  s.lo 

HERE  WE  Go  A-CAROLING  (P  28)—  Brief  carol 
program  suggestions  for  reader  and  choir  $.10 

JOY  TO  THE  WORLD  (MB  1585)  —  A  pageant  for 
church,  based  on  the  story  according  to  St. 
Luke  $.10 

STORIES  OF  THE  CHRISTMAS  CAROLS  (P  132) 
—  Also  suggestions  for  "Learn  a  Carol  a 
Day  $.15 

TREE-LIGHTING  SERVICE  (MP417)  —  A  beautiful 

and     impii--i\i-    service    which     lakes    lint     a 
half  hour  to  produce  >.!"> 

New  Year's  and  Twelfth  Night 


CROWN  Yoni  T  \VEI.\K  MUMT^  MI.HHII^  iMP 
265)  —  An  unusual  twelfth-night  part)  to  bring 
the  season  to  a  close  $.10 

HIV.  IN  THE  NEW  (P  14)  —  Games  and  decora- 
tions for  your  New  Year's  party  s.lo 

WATCH  NIGHT  PARTY  (MP  346)—  Games,  stunts. 
relays  and  the  lik>  $.10 


•Reprint  from  KEC.REITION. 


Available  from  the  National  Recreation  Association,  315  Fourth   Avenue,  New  York   10,  N.Y. 


Cfjrtetmas; 


Christmas  Fun 

CHRISTMAS  BOOK,  THE — A  beautiful  booklet  full 
of  information  about  Christmas  customs  and 
legends  around  the  world,  parties,  carols,  dec- 
orations, gifts  and  other  Christmas  ideas  and 
suggestions  $.50 

CHRISTMAS  FAIRS  (MB  984)— Three-in-one 
Christmas  program  for  community  centers. 
Tells  how  to  set  up  demonstration  booths  giv- 
ing children  and  adults  ideas  for  inexpensive 
gifts  and  activities  which  can  be  carried  on 
at  home  $.10 

COMMUNITY  CHRISTMAS  PARTY,  A  (MP  295)  — 
Community-wide  party  suggestions  $.15 

MIXERS  FOR  CHRISTMAS  DANCES  AND  PARTIES 
(MB  1425)  $.10 

NIGHT  BEFORE  CHRISTMAS  PARTIES  WITH  A  PUR- 
POSE (F28)  $.10 

YOUR  CHRISTMAS  PARTY* — Suggestions  for  plan- 
ning novel  parties  $.15 

Christmas  Crafts 

CHRISTMAS  CRAFTS  (P13) — How  to  make  an 
aluminum  Christmas  tree;  how  to  stencil  $.15 

CHRISTMAS  NOVELTIES  FOR  EVERYONE — How  to 
make  ornaments,  decorations  and  the  like  $.15 

CHRISTMAS  TREE  ORNAMENTS  FROM  Ecc  SHELLS 
(MB  1133)  $.10 

CHRISTMAS  WINDOWS  AND  OTHER  DECORATIONS 
(P  146) — How  to  make  colorful  windows  and 
decorations  for  your  home  and  table  $.10 

LASY-TO-MAKE  CHRISTMAS  CARDS*  $.10 

i. ii  i-  AND  GADGETS  MADE  OF  PAPER  (P  128) 
— Ideas  for  gifts  and  decorations  $.15 

JOYOUS  NOEL  (MB  1825)  —Christmas  decora- 
tions made  from  inexpensive  clay,  tin  cans 
and  the  like  $.10 

MAKF.  YOUR  OWN  CHRISTMAS  THEE  ORNAMENTS 
i  Ml'  _'")7) — Complete  directions  for  making 
unusual  ornaments  from  inexpensive  mate- 
rials $.25 


SUGGESTIONS  FOR  NOVEL  CHRISTMAS  CARDS 
(P  145) — With  excellent  illustrations  to  excite 
your  imagination  $.10 

TRIMMING  THE  TREE  FOR  SANTA  (MB  1955)  — 
Suggestions  for  making  cornucopias,  angels, 
stars  and  other  holiday  novelties  >.lu 

You  CAN  MAKE  YOUR  CHRISTMAS  CARDS  (MB 
607) — Fourteen  ways  to  success  $.10 

Christmas  Songs  and  Services 

CANDLE-LIGHTING  SERVICE,  A  (P  18)  *.lu 

CHRISTMAS  CARNIVAL  IN  CAROLS  AND  PANTO- 
MIMES (P  133)  $.10 

CHRISTMAS  CAROL  LEAFLETS — per  100         S..".n 

CHRISTMAS  CUSTOMS  AND  LEGENDS  AROUND  THE 
WORLD  (P  144) — Told  in  pantomime  form, 
will  serve  as  a  basic  pattern  for  similar  pro- 
grams $.10 

DEDICATION  OF  A  CHRISTMAS  TREE*  $.10 

FESTIVAL  OF  LIGHT*  (P  148) — For  Hanukkah 
and  Christmas.  Narrator,  carols,  pantomime 
for  a  community  program  S.K) 

HERE  WE  Go  A-CAROLING  (P  28) — Brief  carol 
program  suggestions  for  reader  and  choir  $.10 

JOY  TO  THE  WORLD  (MB  1585) — A  pageant  for 
church,  based  on  the  story  according  to  St. 
Luke  $.10 

STORIES  OF  THE  CHRISTMAS  CAROLS  (P  132) 
—Also  suggestions  for  "Learn  a  Carol  a 
Day"  $.15 

TREE-LIGHTING  SERVICE  (MP  417) — A  beautiful 
and  impressive  service  which  takes  but  a 
half-hour  to  produce  $.15 

New  Year's  and  Twelfth  Night 

CROWN  YOUR  TWELVE  MONTHS  MERRILY  (MP 
265) — An  unusual  twelfth-night  party  to  bring 
the  season  to  a  close  $.10 

RING  IN  THE  NEW  (P  14) — Games  and  decora- 
tions for  your  New  Year's  party  $.10 

WATCH  NIGHT  PARTY  (MP346) — Games,  Muni-. 
relay*  and  the  like  $.10 


'Reprint  from  RECREATION. 


Available  from  the  National  Recreation  Association,  315  Fourth   Avenue,  New  York   10,  N.Y. 


BADMINTON 


Teaching  basic  sports  skills  is  an  essential  part  of  every 
school  and  college  athletic  training  program.  But  it's  not  an 
easy  job.  That's  why  the  Athletic  Institute,  with  the  aid  of 
noted  teachers  and  instructors,  has  produced  the  sound 
slidenlms  illustrated  here  —  to  make  your  job  easier  —  to 
make  skills  and  techniques  more  understandable  to  begin- 
ners —  to  make  sports  instruction  more  enjoyable  for  all. 
A  good  instructional  film  library  —  now  standard  equip- 
ment in  many  of  the  nation's  top  educational  institutions  — 

Write  today  for  full  details  —  The  Athletic 


will  develop  more  interest  in  sports  ....  not  only  for 
beginners,  but  for  all  who  look  to  you  for  guidance  in 
learning  the  proper  fundamentals  and  skills  in  competitive 
games  and  carry-over  activities.  Equip  your  athletic  depart- 
ment with  a  series  of  these  modern  audio-visual  aids,  and 
you'll  see  a  marked  improvement  in  your  physical  education 
and  recreation  programs. 

A  slidefilm  on  Softball  is  now  under  production  and  should   be 
ready  for  distribution  in  the  Spring  of  7953. 

Institute,  209  S.  Stote  St.,  Chicago  4,  III. 


A    NON-PROFIT    ORGANIZATION     DEVOTED    TO    THE    ADVANCEMENT 
OF    ATHLETICS,     RECREATION     AND    PHYSICAL    EDUCATION 


Tflls  seal,  pridemark  of 
the  Athletic  Institute. 
Identifies  its  members. 


at  leading  gyms  from  coast-to-coast  the  choice  is  Porter 


is  bom  inlm 


Chorlton  Pollard  High  School  in  Beaumont,  Texas,  not  only 
selected  a  new  Porter-developed  246-B  Gate-type  Backstop  to 
bridge  a  folding  partition  which  cut  the  main  court  in  half, 
but  installed  four  Porter  217  B  "Hoistaway"  Backstops  on  the 
two  parallel  practice  courts.  Porter  208-B  Rectangular  Plywood 
Backboards  are  used  on  the  "Hoijtawoys". 

Whether  the  problem  is  easy  or  difficult,  Porter 
has  the  best  answer  when  it  comes  to  basketball 
backstops.  When  Charlton-Pollard  High  School 
in  Beaumont,  Texas,  faced  the  question  of  how  to 
bridge  a  folding  partition  which  bisected  the 
gymnasium,  they  turned  to  Porter.  The  answer 
was  a  new  gate-type  backstop  which  undoubtedly 
will  win  instant  favor  with  architects  and  builders 
planning  to  use  modern  folding  partitions.  For 
nearly  a  century,  The  J.  E.  Porter  Corporation 
has  been  solving  problems  in  design  and  manu- 
facture. Countless  schools  and  community  centers 
all  over  America  boast  of  Porter  installations. 


The  new  Porter-developed  246-B  Gate-type 
Backstop  "swings  like  a  gate"  to  permit  the 
folding  partition  to  be  closed.  Easy  to  operate 
and  rigid  when  in  use,  this  new  Porter  bock- 
stop  will  be  seen  in  more  and  more  gym- 
nasiums as  modern  folding  partitions  grow 
in  popularity. 


CONSULT  OUR  INGINEIRS 

Whether  your  problem  is 
equipping  a  new  building  or 
add  i  nit  basketball  backstops 
or  gymnasium  apparatus  to 
an  old  building,  you  will 
find  helpful  the  suggestions 
of  Porter's  experienced  engi- 
neering staff.  No  obligation. 


THE  J.  E. 


PORTER 


Century  of 

_ 

CORPORATION 


Offawo,  ///mem 


Manufacturers  of  Gymnoiium,        \    Playground  and  Swimming  Pool  Equipment 
OMICt   IK  •   M<II(M  ».i  .  Cl«>|i  ll.  PIMM.  SlNntf  1  WI  «W  TOM  OmCt   II  •   42M  $1  .  Kiw  Tirt  II.  PkMi  I0«|«cfi  1  1)42 


378 


RECREATION 


DECEMBER,  1952 


THE       MAGAZINE 


Editor  in  Chief,  JOSEPH  PRENDERCAST 

Editor,  DOROTHY  DONALDSON 
BUSINESS  MANAGER,  ROSE  JAY  SCHWARTZ 

ASSOCIATE  EDITORS 

Recreation  Administration,  GEORGE  BUTLER 
Program  Activities,  VIRGINIA  MUSSELMAN 


Vol.  XLVI 


Price  35  Cents 


No.  7 


On  the  Cover 

Nature's  own  decoration  contributes  a  white  Christ- 
mas, enhancing  recreation  indoors  and  out,  in  this 
joyous  season.  As  in  this  picture,  it  takes  but  little 
imagination  to  hear  sleighbells,  gay  laughter,  and 
to  see  a  Yule  log  blazing  merrily  on  the  hearth. 
Photo  courtesy  of  Sun  Valley  News  Bureau,  Steve 
Hannagan  Associates,  New  York. 

Next  Month 

Thoughts  in  the  New  Year  turn  to  self-evaluation, 
housecleaning,  the  strengthening  of  program  and  ad- 
ministration. Our  January  issue  has  been  planned 
to  help  you.  The  fine  editorial  on  "The  Spiritual 
Aspects  of  Recreation,"  by  the  Right  Reverend 
Stephen  F.  Bayne,  Jr.,  Bishop  of  Olympia,  and  "Rec- 
reation and  the  Richer  Life,"  by  Dr.  Anderson,  as 
well  as  a  fine  set  of  New  Year's  resolutions,  will 
give  you  plenty  to  think  upon.  "Community  Center 
Housekeeping"  will  bear  careful  reading,  and  "Re- 
cipes for  Fun"  will  be  on  the  subject  of  bulletin 
boards. 

Photo  Credits 

Page  382,  Christian  Science  Publications;  386,  Brit- 
ish Information  Services;  388,  Fred  Carter,  Photogra- 
pher, Seattle;  389,  Arthur  D.  Scott,  Boeing  Airplane 
Company,  Seattle;  390,  James  0.  Sneddon,  Univer- 
sity of  Washington;  391,  393,  394,  Fred  Carter;  399, 
Harry  Berger,  Boston;  403,  (left)  Casca  de  Portu- 
gal, New  York;  404,  Baain  Courmpetis,  Photogra- 
pher's Broker,  Athens,  Greece;  405,  406,  407,  The 
National  Film  Board,  Canada;  408,  409,  Fred  Carter, 
(lower  center)  Arthur  D.  Scott;  414,  415,  416,  Mil- 
waukee Journal. 


RECREATION  is  published  monthly  except  July 
and  August  by  the  National  Recreation  Association, 
a  service  organization  supported  by  voluntary  con- 
tributions, at  315  Fourth  Avenue,  New  York  10, 
New  York;  is  on  file  in  public  libraries  and  is 
indexed  in  the  Readers'  Guide.  Subscriptions  $3.00 
a  year,  Canadian  agency,  G.  R.  Welch  Company, 
Ltd.,  1149  King  Street  West,  Toronto  1,  Ontario; 
Canadian  subscription  rate  $3.85.  Re-entered  as 
second-class  matter  April  25,  1950,  at  the  Post 
Office  in  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. 
Advertising  and  Production  Office:  Tones  Press, 
Fifth  and  Fifth  South,  Minneapolis  15,  Minnesota. 
Space  Representatives:  H.  Thayer  Heaton,  141 
East  44  Street,  New  York  17,  New  York;  Mark 
Minahan,  168  North  Michigan  Avenue,  Chicago, 
Illinois;  Keith  H.  Evans,  593  Market  Street,  Suite 
304.  San  Francisco  5,  and  3757  Wilshire  Boule- 
vard, Los  Angeles  5,  California. 

Copyright,    1952,    by    the 

National   Recreation   Association,   Incorporated 

Printed   in    the    U.S.A.  3<^gJ«  2 

"Trade  mark  registered  in  the  U.  S.  Patent  Office. 


DECEMBER  1952 


OF       THE       RECREATION        MOVEMENT 

CONTENTS 

General  Features 

The  Season's  Greeting — A  Christmas  Wish, 

Anna  H.  Hayes  382 

Recreation  in  America  Today  (Editorial), 

Joseph  Prendergast  383 

Christmas,  Robert  Merrill  Bartlett  387 

Postscript  to  Christmas,  Margery  Wells  Steer  395 

Junior  Santa  Glaus  Workshop, 

Helen  Madeleine  Klemm  396 

I  Am  a  Professional  Recreation  Leader, 

Lillian  Schwertz  401 

A  Global  Look  at  Recreation,  T.  E.  Rivers  402 

"Fun  Doesn't  Stop  at  Sixty"  414 

Softball— 1953  .  416 

Ways  and  Byways  on  the  Road  to  Painting, 

Ruth  Hill  Wood  417 

The  Burning  of  the  Greens  420 

A  Job  in  a  Changing  World,  Jane  Johnson  427 

Thirty-fourth  National  Recreation  Congress 

In  Review 388 

Congress  Capsules  393 

True  to  Form  408 

Statement  Drafted 418 

Administration 

Notes  for  the  Administrator  410 

Forest  Preserve  Services  419 

Are  Highly  Competitive  Sports  Desirable  for  Juniors?  ....  422 

Equipment  for  Tot  Lots  426 

Program 

Ornaments  on  Your  Tree,  Virginia  Nelle  Wilson  385 

The  Influence  of  Joseph  Lee,  Elizabeth  Clarke  398 

First  Steps  in  Producing  a  Play,  Blanch  M.  Hogg  405 

A  Handkerchief  Party  for  Christmas                          412 

Regular  Features 

Things  You  Should  Know  381 

People  and  Events  421 

Personnel — Undergraduate  Training, 

Charles  K.  Brightbill  428 

A  Reporter's  Notebook  430 

Recipes  for  Fun — Simplified  Decorations  432 

Recreation  Market  News  434 

Listening  and  Viewing   436 

On  the  Campus   437 

Books  Received  438 

Magazines,  Pamphlets  438 

New  Publications   439 

Recreation  Leadership  Courses  Inside  Back  Cover 

379 


NATIONAL    RECREATION     ASSOCIATION 

A  Service  OrganiMton  Supported  by  Voluntary  Contributions 
JO-F.Hl   I'IUM>KIU;.\>T.  Kiecutife  Director 


OFFICERS 

OTTO   f.    MAI  i  tiv Chairman  of   the  Board 

P* in    Mooai,   J* Pint    Vice-President 

MRV    OCOCN    L.    MUM Second    Vice-President 

Si  SAN   M.  Lie.  -Third   Vicc-PreuJcnt  and  Secretary  of  the  Board 

ADRIAN    M.    MASSIC. Treasurer 

GutTAvti   T.   KURT Trenurer   Emeritut 

JOIFPH    PMNDCKCAST Secretary 

BOARD  OF  DIRECTORS 


F.  W.  H.  AMMI New  York,  N.  Y 

F.  GRICC  BSMU Boston,  Man. 

MRS.  ROUST  WOODS  But* Washington,  D.  C. 

Mi*.  ABTHfi  G.  CLMMEE Jacksonville,  Fls. 

VILLIA*  H.  DA<II New  York,  N.Y. 

HARRTP.  DAVIION New  York,  N.  Y. 

GAYI  o«D  DoNNinet Chicago,  III. 

MRS.  PAUL  GALLAGHER Omihi,  Nebr. 

KoRtRT  GARRETT Baltimore.  Md, 

Mn    NORM  AM  HARROVER Fitchburg.  Man. 

Mil.  CHARIKI  V.  HICEOX Michigan  City,  Ind. 

FREDERICK  M.  WAIILUC,  .  . 


MR*.  JOHN  D.  JAMESON Bellpon.  N    Y. 

SI/SAN  M.  LK New  York.  N-  Y. 

Orro  T.  MAIICRY Philadelphia,  Pa. 

CARL  F.  MILL  HEN Auguita.  Me. 

MRS.  OCDIN  L.  MILLS New  York.  N.  Y. 

PAUL  MOORE.  JR Jerwy  City.  N.  J. 


JOSEPH  Pt 
MRS.  SH.M 
GRANT  Trr 
MRS.  WILI 
J.  C.  WAL 


New  York.  N.  Y. 

NO  STERN San  Francisco,  Calif. 

WORTH Noroton.  Conn. 

AM  VAN  A  i  EN Philadelphia.  Pa. 

M Yonkrrs.  N.  Y. 


.New  York,  N.  Y. 


Executive  Director's  Omce 

E.   DICKIS,  THOMAS  E.  RIVERS 

HIIB»A  HARRISON  ARTHUR  WIMIAMS 

ALFRED  H.   VIHON 

Correspondence  and  Consultation 
Service 

GccHtci  A.  NMBIIT 
(.tRfRiDE  BOKCHAAO  EDNA  BR»>  •  i<t> 

ProgruB  S«rvic« 

VIRGINIA   MLSSEIMAN 

Recreation  Uagazin* 
DOROTHT  DONALDSON 

Social   Publications 
Rosa  JAT  SCHWARTZ  Mi  RIM   McGANN 


HEADQUARTERS  STAFF 

Pcnonnct  Service 

VlLLARD  C.  St'THERLAND 
MART   GutERNAT  Al  FRED  B.  JlNIIN 

Retcarch  Department 
GLORCE  D.  BLTIIR 
DATID  J.  Duiois 

Work  with  Volunteers 

E.  BEATRICE  STEARNS 
MARY  QUIRK  MARGARET  DANKWORTH 

Field  Department 

CMARUI  E.  REED 

C.  E.  BREWER  JAMES  A.  MADISON 

ROBERT  R.  GAMBLE  HELENA  G.  HOTT 


HAROU>  LATHROP 


Service  to  Stilft 
VILIIAU  M.  HAY 


LESLIE  LYNCH 

Ktlbcrimf  F.   Birkrr  Memorial 
Stfrttiry  for  Women  *mJ  Gir/i 
HELEN  M.  DAUNCBY 

Kterttttiom  Ltiiertbip  Training  Courtn 
RUTH  Km  IP*  ANNE  LITINCSTON 

MllURID  SCANI.ON  IvANK    A.    STAPtES 

GEACB  VALECR 


New  Eagland  District 

VAIDO   R.    HAINSWOHTH  ..  BOSTON.    MASS. 

(Prewnt   addfen .  .  .New  York) 

Middle  Atlantic  District 

JOHN  V.  FAUST East  Orange.  N.  J. 

RKHARD  S.  WESTOATE.  .New  York.  N.  Y. 

Great  Lake*  District 

JOHN  J.  COLLIE*. Toledo,  Ohio 

ROBERT  L.  HORNET Madisoo.  Vii. 


DISTRICT  RKI'KKSKNTATIVES 

Southern  District 

Mis*  MARION  PREECE Alexsndria,  Va. 

RAIPH  VAN  FLEET Clearwatcr.  FU. 


Midwett   District 
ARTHUR  Tooo Kansas  City,  Mo. 


Southwest   District 
HAROLD  VAN   ARIDAIE Dallas,  Tei. 

Pacific  Northwest  District 
Win  ARD  H.  SHI  HARD Seattle,  Vuh. 

Pacific  Southwest   District 
LTNN  S.  RODNEY Los  Angeles,  Calif. 


Affiliate  Mtmberfthip 

Attliste  nrrabenhip  in  the  National 
Rtcreatmi  Association  is  open  to  all  non- 
proit  privsu  and  public  nrfaniiations 
wboae  fanctioB  is  wholly  or  primarily  thf 
provino*  or  promotion  of  recreation  ser*- 
»ct«  Of  which  mcUd<  recreation  as  an  im- 
portant part  of  their  total  program  and 
whoa*  cooperation  in  the  work  of  the  atto- 
ciatioa  would,  in  the  opinion  of  the  ssso- 
,iat ion's  Board  of  Directors,  farther  the 
rndi  of  the  national  recreation  movement. 


Active  Associate  Membership 

Active  associate  membership  in  the 
National  Recreation  Association  is  open  to 
all  individuals  who  arc  actively  jengsgeJ 
on  a  fall-time  or  part-time  employed  batii 
or  as  volunteers  in  a  nonprofit  private  or 
public  recreation  organitation  and  whose 
cooperation  in  the  work  of  the  association 
would,  in  the  opinion  of  the  association** 
Board  of  Directors,  further  the  ends  of  the 
national  recreation  movement. 


Contributors 

The  continuation  of  the  work  of  the 
National  Recreation  Association  from  year 
to  year  ii  msde  possible  by  the  splendid 
cooperation  of  several  hundred  volunteer 
sponsors  throughout  the  country,  and  the 
generous  contributions  of  thousands  of  sup- 
porters of  thii  movement  to  bring  health, 
happinrts  and  creative  living  to  the  boyi 
and  girls  and  the  men  and  women  of 
America.  If  you  would  like  to  join  in  thr 
support  of  thii  movement,  you  may  send 
your  contribution  direct  to  the  association 


The  National  Rrcrration  Association  i«  a  nation- 
wi<tr.  nonprofit,  nonpolitical  and  nonftcctarian  civic 
organization.  e>*tat>]i«hr<l  in  1906  and  supported  by 
voluntary  contribution*,  and  dedicated  to  the  terv- 
irp  nf  ail  rrrrration  executive*,  leader*  and  agen- 


cies, public  and  private,  to  tbe  end  that  every  child 
in  America  ehall  have  a  place  to  play  in  safely  and 
that  every  prr«on  in  America,  young  and  old.  *hall 
have  an  opportunity  for  ihr  t>r«t  am)  m<>«t  «ati*fv- 
ing  ute  of  hi*  expanding  lei»urr  timr. 


Fnr  further  information  regarding  the  association's  services  and  membership,  please  uritr  to  the 
F.rrcutive  Director.  National  Recreation  Association.  315  Fourth  Avenue.  AVic  York  10.  New  York. 


l!n  KKATION 


+  CHLORINE  DELIVERY  PROVISIONS  and 
percentage  ceilings  on  marketable  pro- 
duction were  eliminated  on  Novem- 
ber 18  by  the  National  Production 
Authority,  United  States  Department 
of  Commerce.  This  action  was  taken 
through  revocation  of  M-31,  the  chlo- 
rine order,  and  was  made  possible  be- 
cause, for  the  past  six  months,  the 
supply  of  chlorine  has  been  adequate 
to  meet  the  demand. 

*•   ONE    OF   THE   RECOMMENDATIONS 

adopted  at  the  National  Conference  on 
Cooperation  in  Aquatics,  held  at  Yale 
University  in  October,  was  that  a  com- 
mittee be  appointed  to  make  a  study 
of  the  design  and  construction  of  out- 
door swimming  pools,  and  to  report 
their  findings  at  the  next  session. 

>  THE  MUNICIPAL  FINANCE  OFFICERS 
ASSOCIATION  reminded  members  in  its 
January,  1952  Newsletter,  that  their 
budget  program  should  include  provi- 
sion for  attendance  at  the  associa- 
tion's annual  conference.  Likewise,  this 
would  be  a  good  time  of  year  for 
recreation  executives  to  get  in  touch 
with  their  local  municipal  finance  de- 
partment about  attendance  at  the  Na- 
tional Recreation  Congress  in  Philadel- 
phia, Sept.  28— Oct.  2, 1953.  And  don't 
forget  provisions  for  board  members! 

>•  A  CAMP  SURVEY,  to  provide  help- 
ful data  on  all  phases  of  camps  and 
camping,  is  being  conducted  under 
the  sponsorship  of  the  American  Camp- 
ing Association.  This  is  the  first  sur- 
vey of  its  kind  in  this  field,  and  will 
include  facts  about  over-all  financial 
operation. 

*  A  NEW  PUBLICATION  on  community- 
military  program,  being  put  out  by 
the  Defense  Related  Services  of  the 
NRA,  is  entitled  Christmas.  It  carries 
activity  suggestions  for  that  season  of 
the  year.  Available  free,  from  the  Na- 
tional Recreation  Association. 

>  ANNOUNCEMENT  WAS  MADE,  at  the 
DECEMBER  1952 


Pennsylvania  Recreation  Society  Con- 
ference, October  23  and  24,  of  the 
appointment,  by  Governor  Fine,  of  a 
state  recreation  council. 

>.    AT  THE  REQUEST  OF  THE  U.  S.  AlR 

FORCE,  the  National  Recreation  As- 
sociation is  compiling  a  list  of  indus- 
trial firms  which  publish  material,  or 
provide  other  types  of  assistance  use- 
ful in  planning  and  operating  recrea- 
tion programs. 

>   A  LIST  OF  SPRING  AND  SUMMER  short 

term  training  opportunities  will  be 
published  in  the  February,  1953  issue 
of  RECREATION.  This  is  absolutely  the 
last  call  for  'those  who  wish  to  have 
their  institutes,  conferences  and  work- 
shops included.  Send  in  by  return  air- 
mail, and  keep  your  fingers  crossed. 

>    TWO  PUBLICATIONS  HAVE  JUST  BEEN 

RELEASED  by  the  State  of  California 
Recreation  Commission — Directory  of 
Public  Agencies  Providing  Y ear-Round 
Services  and  Comparative  Data  on 
Finances  and  Personnel.  The  former 
can  be  purchased  from  the  Docu- 
ments Section,  State  Printing  Office,  • 
Sacramento,  at  twenty-six  cents,  in- 
cluding tax;  while  the  latter  can  be 
procured  upon  request  from  the  Rec- 
reation Commission,  9091/-)  Eighth 
Street,  Sacramento  14,  California. 

>•    AN   ORDINANCE   ALLOCATING  $80,000 

for  the  construction  of  a  swimming 
pool  was  recently  adopted  by  the  city 
commission  of  Jersey  City,  New  Jersey. 

>  THE  RESULTS  OF  A  STUDY  of  5,000 
school  children  in  grades  three  through 
eight,  in  the  Albany  public  schools, 
will  soon  be  published  by  the  New 
York  State  Youth  Commission  under 
the  title,  Reducing  Juvenile  Delinquen- 
cy— What  New  York  State  Schools  Can 
Do.  Dr.  Ralph  B.  Spence,  educator 
consultant  to  the  Youth  Commission 
and  executive  officer  of  the  Columbia 
University  Teachers  College  Advanced 
School  of  Education,  is  the  author. 


*  BEGINNING  DECEMBER  1,  1952,  the 
Pacific  Southwest  District  office  of  the 
National  Recreation  Association  will 
be  located  in  Room  1009,  606  South 
Hill  Street,  Los  Angeles  14,  California. 

Recent  Bond  Issues 

>  A  $150,000  bond  issue  was  approved 
in  Kinston,  North  Carolina,  for  capi- 
tal improvement  and  land  acquisition. 

>  The  state  of  Rhode  Island  passed,  by 
a  two  to  one  majority,  authorization 
for  a  $500,000  bond  issue  to  develop 
two  beach  areas  in  that  state. 

+  The  voters  of  Evanston,  Illinois,  ap- 
proved a  referendum,  by  a  five  to  one 
vote,  for  a  substantial  budget  increase 
for  the  recreation  department.  In  terms 
of  budget,  this  means  that  up  to 
$150,000  may  now  be  budgeted  as 
against  a  top  of  $69,000  previously.  It 
also  represents  a  splendid  vote  of  con- 
fidence for  the  recreation  superintend- 
ent, Mr.  Charles  T.  Byrnes. 

*•  In  Essex  County,  New  Jersey,  a  suc- 
cessful referendum  vote  granted  per- 
missive legislation  to  levy  one  mill 
instead  of  a  three-quarter  mill  tax  for 
maintenance  of  county  parks. 

*•  The  recreation  referendum  in  To- 
peka,  Kansas  was  successful  by  a  vote 
of  23,506  to  10,247.  This  means  that, 
under  the  state  law,  it  will  now  be 
possible  to  levy  up  to  one  mill  for 
the  establishment  of  a  joint  school-city 
recreation  commission  and  the  em- 
ployment of  a  year-round  recreation 
director. 


Job  Opportunities 

Vacancies  for  Service  Club  Di- 
rectors have  been  announced  by 
the  Second  Air  Force  with  instal- 
lations in  Florida,  Georgia,  Louisi- 
ana. Missouri,  Ohio  and  Puerto 
Rico.  Single  women  are  preferred, 
with  United  States  citizenship,  and 
between  the  ages  of  thirty  and 
forty-five.  Requisites  include  col- 
lege graduation,  with  three  years 
of  recreation  experience.  Substi- 
tutes for  a  college  degree  are  con- 
sidered. Basic  salary,  $4,200. 

Prospective  candidates  should 
get  in  touch  with  Miss  Frances 
Hedgbeth,  Recreation  Director-Li- 
brarian, Headquarters  Second  Air 
Force,  Barksdale  Air  Force  Base, 
Louisiana. 


381 


T  II    I 


SEAS  O  >  *  S 


<.  It  I    I     I    I  X  «. 


A       <    1 1  i   i  x  i  1 1 1  .  i  N       Wish 


For  every  child  the  right  to  grow  in  stature  strong  and  free 
And  grace  to  grow  in  fellowship;  in  his  own  right  to  be 
A  loyal,  ahle  citizen,  endowed  for  liberty. 

For  every  child  a  world  at  peace,  a  world  where  hale  and  fear 
Will  not  destroy  brave,  youthful  dreams;  where  sympathy  and  cheer 
Awaken  joy  and  glowing  faith,  to  light  each  hope-bound  year. 

ANNA  H.  HAYES 


from   RECREATION  MAGAZINE 
NATIONAL  RECREATION  ASSOCIATION 


•Reprinted  through  coartecy  d  Mr*.  Hare*.  National  Contra*  of  Parent*  and  Teacher*. 
382 


RECREATION 


Joseph  Prendergast 

The  following  message  was  presented  in  Mr.  Prender- 
gast's  address  to  the  34th  National  Recreation  Congress. 


I  believe  that 
the  last  two  years. 
above  everything 
else,  have  sharp- 
ened the  vision 
of  things  to  come. 
The  local  recreation  picture  is  no  long- 
er a  picture  of  service  only  within  the 
walls  of  community  recreation  build- 
ings or  within  the  fences  of  neighbor- 
hood playgrounds  and  playfields.  The 
recreation  needs  and  demands  of  the 
American  people  are  breaking  through 
these  limiting  boundaries.  To  meet 
them  adequately,  the  local  public  rec- 
reation executive  has  the  responsibility 
of  providing  the  community  with  the 
leadership  necessary  to  use  all  recrea- 
tion resources  and  services  available 
for  the  people's  recreation.  The  Ameri- 
can people  today  also  want  a  balanced 
recreation  program  beyond  the  politi- 
cal boundaries  of  the  local  communi- 
ties in  which  they  live.  County,  metro- 
politan, district,  state  and  national  re- 
sources must  all  be  used  and  the  com- 
munity recreation  executive  must  have 
the  vision  to  see  the  ways  in  which 
these  extra-urban  resources  can  con- 
tribute to  his  service  to  the  people. 
If  the  recreation  executive  is  to  main- 
tain his  position  as  the  recreation 
leader  of  his  community,  he  must  have 
the  imagination  to  see  new  trends,  to 
take  advantage  of  the  opportunities 
which  they  bring  to  him,  and  to  be 
alert  and  vigorous  in  his  leadership. 
Since  June  1950,  there  has  been 
considerable  reorganization  of  the  Na- 
tional Recreation  Association  under 
which,  among  many  other  things,  has 
been  the  formation  of  district  advisory 
committees.  These,  I  am  convinced, 
can  become  an  important  force  for  the 
advancement  of  recreation  in  each  of 


the  districts.  It  is  also  hoped  that 
through  these  district  advisory  com- 
mittees, and  through  district  offices, 
closer  service  relationships  can  be  es- 
tablished by  the  association  with  the 
professional  societies  and  other  recrea- 
tion organizations  of  the  districts,  just 
as  closer  relationships  are  being  es- 
tablished at  the  national  level  between 
the  more  recently  organized  national 
advisory  committees  of  the  association 
and  national  organizations. 

It  is  of  the  utmost  importance  to 
the  national  recreation  movement,  as 
well  as  to  the  individual  recreation 
executive  and  the  local  recreation 
agency,  that  as  many  recreation  lead- 
ers as  possible  should  have  some  ac- 
tive experience  and  participation  in 
the  field  outside  of  their  day-to-day 
single  community  work.  That  is  how 
the  individual  can  grow  and  advance 
in  his  chosen  career;  that  is  how  the 
local  agency  can  benefit  from  the  ex- 
perience of  other  agencies;  that  is  how 
the  national  recreation  movement  can 
develop  the  philosophy  and  the  leader- 
ship necessary  in  the  world  today. 

But  let  there  be  no  mistake.  The 
finest  trained  professional  leadership 
in  the  world  and  the  best  possible 
teamwork  between  the  National  Rec- 
reation Association  and  professional 
recreation  workers  and  their  societies 
is  not  enough,  no  matter  how  perfect 
that  teamwork  may  be. 

You  can't  win  a  football  game,  or 
any  other  contest,  with  only  two- 
thirds  of  a  team.  It  seems  to  me  that 
recreation  is  analagous  and  equiva- 
lent to  education  and  that  we  might 
therefore  learn  from  the ,  experience 
of  the  public  education  movement. 

There  is  probably  no  better  organ- 
ized and  administered  professional  or- 


ganization than  the  National  Educa- 
tion Association  and  the  finest  of 
teamwork  exists  between  that  associa- 
tion and  the  education  profession;  in 
fact,  I  believe  the  association  has  ap- 
proximately 500,000  professional  mem- 
bers— but  they  have  found  that  such 
perfect  teamwork  between  a  service 
organization  and  a  profession  is  not 
enough. 

More  and  better  facilities,  more  and 
better  teachers  and  more  financial 
support  from  the  community  are  con- 
sidered the  three  most  pressing  needs 
for  public  education  today  (and  I 
could  also  add  for  public  recreation). 
The  NEA  and  the  teachers  of  the  coun- 
try have  found  that  they  cannot  meet 
those  needs  through  their  own  efforts. 
They  have  found  that  they  must  have 
the  general  support  of  the  public,  and 
they  have  learned  that  such  support 
can  be  obtained  only  through  lay 
leadership. 

As  a  result,  two  years  ago  a  Na- 
tional Citizens  Commission  for  the 
Public  Schools  was  established  and 
every  effort  has  been  made  since  then 
to  win  lay  citizen  support  and  build 
lay  groups  in  every  community  to  help 
the  schools.  Throughout  the  nation  lo- 
cal citizen  groups  are  being  founded 
to  work  for  better  school  facilities  for 
all  the  children.  An  estimated  5,000 
such  citizens'  organizations,  consisting 
of  every  segment  of  the  community, 
have  already  been  established. 

Educators  are  citing  this  tremendous 
growth  of  citizen  interest  as  one  of 
the  most  encouraging  developments 
of  the  last  five  years.  They  have  come 
to  realize  that  there  is  no  more  effec- 
tive channel  through  which  the  nation 
can  strengthen  and  develop  the  entire 
structure  of  our  public  school  system 
than  through  citizen  participation. 

And  what  has  the  national  recrea- 
tion movement  been  doing  about  this 
during  the  past  few  years?  Speaking 
frankly,  I  would  say  we  have  been 
too  preoccupied  with  our  own  grow- 
ing pains  to  do  much,  and  we  are 
losing  our  public  support.  Even  the 
long-accepted  and  well-established  citi- 
zen recreation  boards  and  commissions 
have  been  dropping  by  the  wayside 
and  the  neighborhood  groups  are  no 
longer  as  active  in  many  recreation 
systems  as  they  used  to  be,  We  are 
in  danger  of  cutting  ourselves  off  from 


DECEMBER  1952 


383 


the  very  source  of  our  strength:  the 
people  of  our  communities  and  their 
natural  leaders. 

The  history  of  community  recrea- 
tion is  the  oft-told  story  of  a  small 
citizen  group  becoming  interested  in 
some  phase  of  recreation  and  then 
going  on  to  a  greater  understanding 
of  a  community's  need  for  recreation 
until  a  community-wide,  year-round, 
tax-supported  recreation  program  has 
been  established  under  professionally 
trained  leadership. 

I  believe  that  as  members  of  the 
team,  the  association  and  the  profes- 
sional workers  should  together  ><-<-k 


their  missing  team  mate — the  lay  citi- 
zen interested  in  recreation. 

I  believe  the  framework  of  organi- 
zation exists  if  we  will  but  restore  it 
to  its  proper  place.  During  World  War 
I  the  association  established  what  was 
called  the  War  Camp  Community  Serv- 
ice. It  did  so  at  the  request  of  the 
War  Department  in  order  to  obtain 
community  cooperation  to  take  care 
of  the  recreation  needs  of  the  soldiers 
from  the  training  camps.  It  was  emi- 
nently successful  in  enlisting  the  whole- 
hearted support  of  the  outstanding  na- 
tional and  community  leaders  of  the 
country. 


Jusl  Published  .  .  .for  VOI 

the 


recreation 
leader 

The  why,  what,  and  how  of  a  beneficial 
program  of  leisure-time  activities 

by  E.  O.  HARBIN 

Author  of  THE  FUN  ENCYCLOPEDIA 


•  This  realistic,  usable  book  sums  up 
the  author's  thirty  years'  experience  in 
planning  ami  directing  recreation  pro- 
grams. It  offers  sound  principles  and 
workalili-  method*  for  everyone— experi- 
enced or  inexperienced — who  plans  or 
leisure-time  activities  for  chil- 
dren, young  people,  or  adults. 

Maintaining  that  recreation  leaders 
are  "made — not  burn."  Mr.  llarhin 
ihows: 

HUH  in  -lisr-over  and  develop  recre- 
ation leaders  in  the  community  and 
in  thr  church. 

Him  to  bane  a  recreation  program  on 
a  nlioli  sunn-  philosophy  of  lifr. 


How    to   evaluate    the   role   of    n-cre- 

alion  in  character  training. 

S|>ccinc.  .Ic-lailod.  practical.  T II  E 
RECttKATH>\  I.K.\I)KH  i-  an  .  — .. 
tial  fur  cver\onc  who  wants  tn  knim  tin- 
"what  to  do"  and  the  "how  to  do  it"  of 
a  beneficial  leisure-time  activities  pro- 
gram. 

CnnlfHli:  You  Can  Be  u  Recreation 
Leader — A  Philosophy  of  Recreation — 
Recreation  ami  Churactrr  Education — 
(icneral  (iiiiclinn  Principles  —  Age- 
Group  anil  Sex  Differences — Olijci  IIM-- 
anil  K  valuation — Social  Recreation  — 
Outdoor  Activitien — Cultural  ami  Crc 
ative  Recreation  —  Community  Kii  r. 
ation  —  Additional  Resource  Books  — 
of  Ki|iii|> 


Fun  for  Everybody! 

*  »  * 

THE  FUN  ENCYCLOPEDIA 

by  E.  O.  HARBIN 

•  Tin-  standard  one-volume  ctir\  rl<i|x-«lin  of  fun  —  the 
ii>iii|>lctf  answer  to  the  ngc-old  question.  "What'll 
MI-  iln-"  A  fun  lilirary  of  1.000  page*  with  more  than 
•i.\nn  plan.*  for  |»rtir.».  entertainments,  games.  stunt«. 
s|».rU  indoor  nml  ontilonr.  ami  for  CMTM.IM-  from 
eight  to  ciglil\ 

\    KII!<|   mine  of  practical   suggestion*."  —  National 
Rrrrralion   Amociatiim 
Jll  ILLUSTRATIONS         COMPLETELY  INDEXED         J3.95 


At  \rntr 


\HIN<  ,l)O\-(  HkKSW  KY  IMIESS 


After  the  war  similar  work  was  car- 
ried on  under  the  name  of  Community 
Services  and  a  great  deal  more  was 
accomplished  for  the  recreation  move- 
ment Then  came  the  frenzied  years 
of  prosperity  and  the  disastrous  years 
of  the  depression  and,  for  many  reas- 
ons which  I  cannot  go  into  here,  the 
emphasis  shifted  from  the  citizen  in- 
terested in  recreation. 

Now  I  believe  is  the  time  to  restore 
the  balance.  Both  citizen  leader  and 
professional  worker  are  necessary  if 
America  is  to  realize  its  recreation 
potential.  Today  the  National  Recrea- 
tion Association  has  board  mmben 
from  every  corner  of  the  country.  It 
should  have  more. 

Today  the  association  has  350  hon- 
orary members  and  sponsors.  Through 
these  honorary  members,  the  sup- 
port of  many  groups  is  obtained  and. 
through  the  sponsors,  many  thousands 
of  lay  citizens  are  now  being  reached. 
There  should  be  more  honoran  mem- 
bers, more  local  sponsors,  more  indi- 
vidual citizen  support. 

Today  local  recreation  boards  and 
their  lay  members  have  varying  de- 
grees of  relationship  with  the  associa- 
tion, but  this  should  be  a  stronger, 
a  closer  relationship  and  all  boards 
should  IM>  part  of  the  recreation  imm- 
inent. 

Of  all  community  agencies,  the  rec- 
reation agency  is  or  should  be  closest 
to  the  hearts  of  the  people.  It  should 
receive  the  greatest  >ii|i|>ort  from  tin- 
leaders  of  the  community.  I  think  you 
will  agree  with  me  that  there  is  an 
important  job  for  us  to  do  lx-f un- 
it i-  too  late.  We  inu-t  welrome  tlir 
la\  fitizen  to  the  recreation  team  and 
\\r  niii»t  start  doing  it  now. 

There  should  be  teamwork  !>.-!« r,-n 
the  National  Recreation  Association, 
individual  local,  state  and  national 
recreation  agencies,  public  and  pri- 
vate, and  professional  recreation  work- 
'•i-  .uid  their  societies  and  associations 
on  all  levels.  Yes  but  more  than  that, 
teamwork  lictwecn  all  men  of  good 
will.  !><•  llic\  profr-Mimal  workers.  ln\ 
In., ml  member*  or  communih  leader*, 
who  have  at  heart  the  best  interests 
.if  lecriMlion  in  America  and  in  the 
world.  On  such  a  team.  I  ask  for  the 
National  Keerralion  Association  not 
the  high  place  of  leadership,  but  the 
humble  place  of  service. 

RECRKATION 


Ornaments 

on  Your  Tree 


Virginia  Nelle  Wilson 


Tj1  OUR-YEAR-OLD  Bobby  did  not  shout 
and  run  excitedly  toward  the  large 
and  glittering  Christmas  tree  by  the 
fireplace.  Instead  he  burst  into  tears. 
"Santa  Claus  didn't  like  our  tree," 
he  wailed. 

The  child  ran  to  the  window  and 
pressed  his  face  against  the  cold  pane. 
In  the  snowdrift  outside  the  door  lay 
a  lopsided  cedar  with  short  bits  of 
foil  icicles  and  two  forgotten  glass 
baubles  caught  in  its  scrawny  branches. 

This  was  the  cedar  which  the  boy 
and  his  aged  great-grandfather  had 
cut.  Together  they  had  dragged  it 
home  through  the  deep  snow.  They 
had  unwrapped  each  piece  of  tinsel, 
each  golden  ball.  They  had  trimmed 
the  tree  for  Santa  Claus  and  he  had 
scorned  their  assistance.  During  the 
night  the  ragged  but  "beautiful"  tree 
had  been  discarded  for  the  perfect  and 
elaborately  decorated  specimen  by  the 
artistic  adults  of  the  family. 

We  "wise"  grown-ups  ofttimes  feel 
(hat  beauty  is  the  purpose  of  Christ- 
mas decorations.  Beauty,  symmetry  and 
elaborateness;  but  such  is  not  the  case. 
Beauty  is  but  incidental  to  the  love 
and  feeling,  the  history  and  tradition 


Reprinted   with    permission   from   American 
Forests,  December  1951. 

DECEMBER  1952 


of  holiday  trimmings.  Our  modern  cus- 
toms of  this  season  have  been  given 
us  by  the  people  of  many  centuries,  a 
queer  mixture  of  pagan  and  Christian 
beliefs. 

Our  basic  holiday  decoration  is  the 
evergreen.  "Bringing  in  the  greens" 
has  its  roots  in  the  profound  rever- 
ence which  all  ancients  felt  for  na- 
ture. In  their  simple  and  childish 
minds,  all  nature  was  alive.  In  every 
fountain,  bush  and  tree  dwelt  a  spirit. 
These  spirits  in  green  boughs  were 
brought  indoors  during  the  long  win- 
ter months  to  insure  protection  for  the 
family.  So  deep  rooted  was  this  cus- 
tom that  the  early  Christian  churches 
could  not  successfully  ban  it,  so  they 
adopted  it. 

Many  legends  about  the  tree  have 
been  told  and  retold  through  the  cen- 
turies, but  history  says  that  it  was 
Martin  Luther  who  first  decorated  a 
tree  for  his  home.  Luther  loved  nature, 
God  and  his  children.  As  he  walked 
through  the  woods  one  night,  deep  in 
contemplation  and  communion  with 
his  God,  he  saw  a  snow-covered  tree 
reflecting  the  lights  of  a  brilliant  star. 

In  this  bit  of  nature  he  saw  a  beauty 
he  wanted  to  preserve  and  to  share, 
so  he  carried  a  small  fir  tree  to  his 


home  and  placed  candles  upon  its 
branches.  Yearly  at  Christinas  time  his 
family  followed  this  practice.  It  was 
not  until  58  years  later,  1604,  that 
German  literature  mentions  its  great 
popularity  in  that  country.  Prince  Al- 
bert carried  the  custom  to  Queen  Vic- 
toria's court  in  England,  and  gradually 
the  Christmas  tree  became  the  very 
center  of  the  holiday  celebration. 

Let's  trim  your  Christmas  tree  and 
trace  the  story  behind  each  decoration. 

First,  you  will  spread  the  thick 
green  branches  and  entwine  them  with 
strands  of  tiny  electric  lights.  These 
lights  are  but  replacements  for  the 
candles  which  Luther  first  put  upon 
his  tree  to  represent  the  shining  stars. 
Candles  have  had  deep  religious  sig- 
nificance through  the  ages.  In  the  most 
ancient  Jewish  and  Roman  rites  the 
burning  of  candles  represented  knowl- 
edge. So  our  modern  candle-lights 
glow  as  symbols  of  enlightenment  in 
Christendom. 

As  you  loop  the  ropes  of  gold  and 
silver,  cranberries  and  popcorn  on 
your  tree,  you  are  practicing  a  pagan 
custom.  Long  before  the  days  of  Chris- 
tianity, the  old  Teutonic  tribes  coiled 
strings  of  fruit  and  grain  to  honor 
the  sacred  dragon,  Nithhaggr.  Like 

385 


these  same  Teuton.*-.  \<>u  will  place 
golden  balls  upon  the  branches  of  \  uur 
tree.  In  an  ancient  rite,  glittering  balls 
»f  the  precious  metal  were  hung  to 
pa\  homage  to  Balder,  god  of  the  ever 
imstical  sun. 

The  hanging  of  red  balls  antl  imita- 
tion fruit  upon  the  tree  has  come  to 
us  from  the  peasants  of  southern  Eu- 
rope. Ripe  and  juicy  apples  are  hung 
upon  their  trees,  and  on  Christina-  I  n 
ihc-e  treats  are  fed  to  the  farm  ani- 
mals, those  lowlv  witnc— c-  in  the 
"table  when  the  Christ  Child  was  born. 


I  .nli   \car  thousands  of  I.i>ii:li>nris  .iihiiirr 
t.iir\    liijlils   of    tree   in   Trafalgar   Square. 

I  i  "in  this  same  region  of  Kurope 
•  ome*  the  tradition  of  the  decoralixe 
lantern  you  may  place  upon  a  bough. 
Lanterns,  especially  polished  f..r  this 
holiday,  an-  used  by  these  people  to 
light  the  trail  to  the  church  for  the 
i-urly  dawn  Christ  Ma--.  I  n.m  thi- 
early  morning  ceremony  come-  the 
very  name,  Christmas. 

No  tree  would  be  < •otnplrir  without 
thr  -mall  silver  cones  which  twinkle 
and  n-llr.  t  thr  lights.  The  u<x-  of 
these  come-  from  an  ancient  legend  of 
the  Hartz  Mountain  <li-tn.  I  It  is 
•aid  that  each  day  a  good  but  poor  «\>\ 
woman  gathered  pine  cones  to  be  used 
for  fuel  in  her  Inline.  I.M-M  though  her 


aged  husband  was  bedfust  and  unable 
to  provide  for  the  family,  she  did  not 
complain  but  was  known  throughout 
the  community  for  her  good  deeds. 
One  morning  while  she  was  bent  ci\n 
her  task  in  the  wood,  an  elf  came  to 
her.  "Take  from  beneath  this  tree." 
he  said,  "and  don't  look  into  \our 
basket  until  you  are  home." 

On  her  way  home  the  basket  be- 
came very  heavy,  but  the  woman  was 
obedient.  When  she  returned  to  her 
kitchen  she  poured  the  cones  out  upon 
the  floor.  Each  one  was  solid  siKer. 
We  honor  that  good  woman  when  we 
hang  each  shimmering  cone — or  so  the 
people  of  the  Hartz  Mountains  say. 

Another  legend  of  this  same  district 
explains  the  tiny  yellow  canaries  which 
\ou  max  have  among  your  tree  trin- 
kcl-.  These  little  birds  are  replicas  of 
the  canaries  who  found  refuge  in  a 
huge  fir  tree  during  a  terrible  blizzard 
one  Christmas  Eve.  Old  residents  of 
the  Hartz  Mountains  say  that  the  ca- 
n.iiie-  are  still  singing  about  that 
night,  praising  the  Power  who  guided 
them  to  the  protection  of  that  old 
Christmas  tree. 

Every  Yuletide  tree  must  have  a 
roly-poly  Santa  Claus  dangling  in  a 
cou-picuoii-  place,  for  he  has  become 
the  very  symbol  of  the  Christmas  spirit 
of  giving.  Our  modern  Santa  with  his 
broad  smile,  bright  red  suit,  high  black 
boots,  and  all  his  jolly  fatness  is  the 
product  of  Clement  Moore's  imagina- 
tion in  his  poem,  "The  Night  Before 
Christinas." 

The  original  St.  Nick  was  a  very 
lliin  \oung  bishop  who  lived  about 
300  A.D.,  and  who  went  about  doing 
good.  It  was  St.  Nick  who  started  the 
giving  of  goodies  to  all  deserx  ing  chil- 
dren. It  was  he  who  left  presents  in 
the  shoes  of  the  Dutch  boys  and  pil-. 
Some  small  child,  no  doubt,  outwitted 

the  generous  man   by   leaving  a   I t 

or  -treti  liable  stocking  in  place  of  his 
small  wooden  shoe.  Hi-  little  friends 
iiiu-l  have  played  follow-the-lcader,  for 
toda\  the  locking  has  replaced  the 
shoe  and  is  as  much  a  part  of  Christ- 
mas as  the  In-e  itself. 

Next  NOII  will  hang  a  tun  hell  which 
•  oniimiou-lv  tinkles  its  bit  of  holiday 
met  i  intent.  The  bell  is  the  most  primi- 
im-  l\pe  of  musical  iii-tnimenl  lull 
it  did  not  find  its  way  into  religion- 


celebration  until  the  Mediexal 
Then,  bells  became  a  part  of  the  call 
to  worship.  During  this  time  they 
were  considered  almost  living  beings. 
I'raxers  were  offered  that  God  might 
make  their  sounds  ••summon  the  faith- 
ful, drive  awa\  -tornis.  and  terrify  evil 
spirit-." 

Great  bursts  of  melody  rang  out 
over  the  communitie-  mi  Christina* 
l-.xe.  Each  pealing  of  the  church  bells 
told  of  the  birth  of  Christ,  and  sxm- 
bolized  his  second  coming.  And  the 
bell,  large  or  small,  has  found  its 
place  upon  your  tree. 

Other  tiny  musical  instruments  \\  liich 
you  might  be  using  for  brightness  have 
come  to  us  from  Europe  also.  You  may 
have  little  golden  harp-,  the  "instru- 
ments of  the  angels."  like  those  used 
in  the  dawn  services  in  Wales.  Or  you 
may  have  bright-colored  metal  horns 
which  represent  the  old  Danish  cus- 
tom of  "blowing  in  the  ^  ule."  Just  as 
the  sun  rose  on  Christmas  morning. 
the  trumpeteers  played  four  hx  inns 
representing  the  four  corners  of  the 
world. 

It  takes  no  delving  into  hntorj 
books  to  know  that  the  daintx  little 
angels  which  twist  and  turn  on  slender 
threads  are  reminders  of  the  morning 
when  angels  witnessed  the  Holx  Birth. 

And  the  luminous  star  gleaming  on 
the  slender  tip  of  the  tree  is,  of  course, 
the  star  which  guided  the  wise  men 
and  shepherds  to  the  famous  birth- 
place. In  many  European  countries  the 
shining  of  the  first  star  on  Christm.i- 
Eve  is  the  signal  to  start  the  holiday 
celebrations. 

So,  in  the  shimmer  of  the  lights 
about  the  base  of  your  tree  you  place 
a  tiny  creche,  the  miniature  scene  so 
loved  by  your  family.  The  fir-t  •  n-che 
was  made  by  St.  Francis  of  \  — i— i. 
It  was  but  a  simple  manner  with  a  iloll 
representing  the  tiny  Babe  of  Bethle- 
hem. Small  children  brought  gift-  !•• 
the  Christ  Child,  while  llieii  el, lei - 
brought  prayers,  Be.-ide  the  crude  -<  cue. 
Francis  and  his  brother  monks  sang 
ancient  carols. 

I  .n  h  M-.II  mote  .mil  more  wa-  added 
to  the  simple  scene.  It-  popnl.uiu 
u-i.  »  until  during  the  fourteenth  and 
fifteenth  centime-  -in  h  displa\s  lie- 
came  common  throughout  the  conti- 
nent of  Europe.  The  most  skilled  arti- 


386 


III  c   111    MHiN 


sans  were  employed  to  produce  these 
religious  panoramas.  Rich  velvets  em- 
broidered with  gold  threads  and  valua- 
ble jewels  adorned  all  the  figures. 

But  today,  we  find  again  the  scene 
as  it  should  be — simple,  unadorned, 
realistic.  It  has  taken  an  important 
place  in  telling  the  story  of  Jesus  in 


the  home,  the  school  and  the  church. 

In  the  future,  as  you  trim  your  tree, 
remember  the  significance  of  each  bau- 
ble and  ornament.  Each  tells  a  story 
of  the  ages  gone  by,  a  story  you  will 
retell  to  the  coming  generations.  Don't 
be  guilty  of  thinking  that  a  Christmas 
tree  is  but  a  thing  of  beauty,  an  ex- 


pensive and  elaborate  decoration.  Be 
proud  to  take  part  in  this  rich  blending 
of  the  old  and  the  new,  sharing  this 
experience  with  all  the  peoples  of  the 
Christian  world. 

Like  the  small  child,  love  your 
Christmas  tree  for  what  it  means,  not 
what  it  costs. 


Christmas 


God  of  this  festive  season,  may  the  joy 
of  friendships  and  family  gatherings,  and 
the  giving  of  gifts,  illuminate  our  lives 
with  a  radiance  that  will  transform  the 
drabness  of  the  world.  May  the  tender  me- 
mories of  Christmas  stay  with  us  always  to 
brighten  our  lives  in  days  of  adversity. 
Let  no  distractions  or  busyness  with  trivial 
things  keep  us  from  the  pilgrimage  of  the 
shepherds  and  the  sages.  May  we  open  our 
hearts  to  the  color  and  cheer  of  this  an- 
niversary, and  to  the  coming  of  thy  spirit 
into  human  life. 

As  we  sing  the  carols  of  his  nativity,  may 
new  hope  quicken  our  hearts,  and  may 
their  sweet  tones  dispel  the  discords  of  hu- 
man life.  May  we  lift  our  eyes  above  the 
darkened  earth  to  the  star  that  summons  us 
to  glorious  living.  May  the  candle  flame 
point  us  to  the  light  of  thy  truth,  and  the 
burning  yule  logs  warm  our  hearts  toward 
the  needy  and  the  lonely.  Shed  abroad 


throughout  the  earth  the  Christmas  friend- 
liness, until  animosities  are  forgotten  and 
hatreds  disappear,  until  suffering  is  re- 
lieved and  mankind  bows  before  the  Prince 
of  Peace. 

Let  not  our  minds  be  busy  inns,  where 
(here  is  no  room  for  the  Christ  of  Christ- 
mas, but  rather  open  doors,  where  the 
spirit  of  this  friend  of  all  men  will  enter 
and  find  an  abiding  place.  Help  us  to  know 
that  close  at  hand  the  Christ  child  is  wait- 
ing to  be  welcomed  into  our  lives.  Amen. 

ROBERT  MERRILL  BARTLETT.  Boys'  Prayers, 
Association  Press,  New  York.  1947. 


DECEMBER  1952 


387 


T 


nnmiiiTH  \iTio\i 


Joseph  Prendergast,  Executive  Director,  National 
Recreation  Association,  Chairman  of  Congress,  de- 
livers his  report,  "Recreation  in  America  Today." 


TIIKKE  is  A  SORT  OF  MAGIC  in  watching  a  congress  get 
under  ».i\.  in  seeing  it  develop  in  a  few  hours  from 
a  pile  of  packing  cases  in  the  secretary's  office  to  a  hum- 
ming, busy  meeting.  Exhibits  blossom  in  the  consultation 
and  exhibit  rooms,  early  arrivers  find  themselves  bustling 
about  in  the  performance  of  unforeseen  jobs,  and  sudden  I  \ 
hordes  of  delegates  materialize  out  of  nowhere  and  start 
lining  up  at  the  registration  desk.  Old  friends  hail  each 
other,  introductions  are  the  order  of  the  day,  while  an  air 
of  gaiety  and  anticipation  find?  its  way  to  the  most  remote 
corner  of  the  hotel  lobby. 

Spotted  throughout  the  crowd  again  this  year  were  the 
uniforms  of  all  branches  of  the  military,  for  the  armed 
services  continued  their  practice  of  sending  a  large  dele- 
gation of  representatives.  Included  among  them  were  not 
only  service  club  directors  and  their  staff  members  but 
such  service  officers  as  Colonel  Raymond  Stone,  Jr.,  Chief 
of  Special  Services,  U.S.  Army,  Captain  W.  G.  Chappie. 
Director,  Special  Services,  U.S.  Navy,  Colonel  B.  E.  No- 
wotny.  Chief,  Personnel  Services  Division,  U.S.  Air  Force, 
and  Lieutenant  Colonel  R.  L.  Stallings,  Special  Service* 
Branch,  l.'.S.  Marine  Corps.  Representatives  of  the  commu- 
nity services  branches  of  the  armed  forces  were  present — 
the  Community  Services  Branch  of  the  Army,  headed  l>\ 
On  l»oiiiin-\,  and  the  Office  of  Communil)  Services,  I  .v 
Air  Force  by  its  chief,  Sherwood  Gates.  Lieutenant  Gen- 
eral Robert  W.  Harper,  Commanding  General  of  the  Air 
Training  Command,  U.S.  Air  Force,  was  a  guest  speaker. 

Although  the  Congress  was  to  be  opened  officially  on 
Monday  evening,  the  conferences  and  meetings  of  spe<  i.il 
groups  got  under  way  earlier;  as  usual,  starting  with  a 
Saturday  morning  meeting  of  all  National  Recreation  Asso- 
ciation staff  member*  in  attendance.  All  day  Sunday  there 


were  section  meetings  of  the  American  Recreation  >oci.-i\  : 
and  at  their  annual  bMUMM  meeting  on  Suiulav  c\ening. 
Theresa  Brungardt.  Vermont  Director  of  Recreation,  was 
elected  president  for  the  coming  year.  On  Monday  morn- 
ing the  wives  of  delegates  gathered,  under  the  chairman- 
ship of  Mrs.  F.  F.  Powell  of  the  Seattle  City  Council,  to 
plan  their  own  recreation  for  the  week,  and  Mrs.  George 
Hjelte  from  Los  Angeles  was  elected  president.  Meanwhile. 
recreation  executives,  industrial,  hospital,  town  and  coun- 
try recreation  leaders  and  armed  services  personnel  all 
held  their  separate  workshop  conferences. 

Some  of  the  meetings  continued  into  the  afternoon, 
when  the  first  of  a  series  of  leadership  training  courses  also 
was  offered,  under  the  leadership  of  National  Recreation 
\ssociation  stall  members  Krank  \.  Staples.  Arts  and 
Crafts;  Grace  Walker,  Dramatics;  Mildred  Scanlon.  so 
cial  Recreation. 

The  first  social  event  occurred  at  five  o'clock  when  dele- 
gales  were  invited  to  a  tea  given  by  the  National  Recic 
ation  Association  to  welcome  guests,  have  them  meet  those 
association  board  members  who  were  present,  and  bring 
together  old  and  new  friends  over  refreshments. 

In  between  times,  during  the  day,  guests  were  getting 
settled  and  attendance  figures  were  steadily  mounting, 
finally  to  reach  the  total  of  819  registered  delegates.  This 
was  considered  excellent  in  view  of  the  fact  that  many 
delegates  had  great  distances  to  travel  in  order  to  n  .i<  li 
Seattle;  and  it  was  inevitable  that  quite  a  number  of  muni 
.ip.i I  and  agency  budgets  could  not  be  stretched  to  cover  the 
trip.  Forh-one  slate*.  District  of  Columbia.  Alaska  and 
Hawaii  were  represented,  as  were  other  countries  includ- 
ing Canada,  Germany  and  Japan.  As  usual,  a  generous 
number  of  public-spirited  laymen  attended. 

Ml  delegates  learned  during  this  l>u~\  week  lli.it  storied 
western  hospitality  is  a  reality.  Everything  possible  was 
done  to  make  visitors  happy  and  lo  show  them  local  thing- 
of  interest.  (Since  Mount  Rainier  was  coy  throughout  tin- 
Congress,  arrangements  were  made  for  a  busload  of  dele 
gates  to  go  lo  the  mountain  on  Friday.  Thc\  \.  nlir.l  it- 
\<-t\  U-autiful  existence.)  Seattle  literally  put  out  the  wel- 
come mat—before  the  hotel  entrance.  Also,  a  large  banner 
of  welcome  in  the  lobby  of  the  ()l\mpic  gave  e\  idem  .-  ..( 
the  local  feeling  and  added  to  the  festive  atmosphere.  In 
the  grand  ballroom,  when-  general  evening  meetings  urn 
In-Ill,  there  hung  an  impressive  giant  seal  of  the  National 
Recreation  Association  with  its  slogan  underneath,  "Recre- 
ation for  a  Strong  America."  This  was  made  and  presented 
to  the  C.onpre«s  b\  the  Hoeing  Airplane  Cornpnn\ 


HH  HHIIUN 


RECREATION  CONGRESS -4 


evteev 


During  the  entire  week  Ben  Evans,  Director  of  Recre- 
ation in  Seattle  and  Chairman  of  the  Local  Arrangements 
Committee,  personally  saw  to  it  that  a  large  and  fresh 
supply  of  Seattle  roses  was  on  hand  in  the  Seattle  local 
information  booth,  to  be  handed  out  to  visitors  each  day. 

Among  many  invitations  extended  to  guests  was  one 
from  Reginald  Parsons,  former  NRA  sponsor,  to  visit  the 
tower  of  the  Northern  Life  Insurance  Building  and  enjoy 
its  magnificent  view  of  the  city. 

Commercial  exhibits  located  in  the  accessible  and  at- 
tractive Spanish  Lounge,  just  off  the  lobby,  were  colorful 
and  crowded  again  this  year.  A  few  other  special  exhibits, 
in  addition  to  that  of  the  Seattle  State  Park  and  Recreation 
Commission,  included  the  live  display  of  arts  and  crafts, 
put  on  by  the  Long  Beach  Recreation  Department  at  the 
invitation  of  the  Congress  Committee.  Its  crafts  activities 
were  demonstrated  here,  and  delegates  invited  to  partici- 
pate. Another  featured  the  exchange  display  of  Japanese 
arts  and  crafts  which  was  so  popular  at  the  Boston  Con- 
gress last  year.  Those  interested  in  the  planning  of  play- 
grounds made  a  special  visit  to  the  NRA  Consultation 
Center  to  see  the  Noguchi-Whittlesey  design  for  a  modern- 
istic playground. 


Ralph  Wilson,  Washington 
State  Parks,  hard  at  work 
setting  up  ARS  exhibit. 


Mrs.  Ruth  Pike,  Washing- 
ton State  Parks,  and  Mrs. 
James  Lewis,  Nebraska. 


III.'  I  \1BER    1952 


The  Consultation  Center  itself,  though  rather  off  the 
beaten  track,  was  spacious  and  gay  with  its  display  of 
the  association's  published  materials.  Many  of  these  were 
sold,  especially  the  new  series  of  program  booklets,  and 
orders  were  taken.  One  of  the  most  popular  books  in  the 
room,  as  usual,  was  the  consultant's  appointment  book. 

A  press  room  was  set  up  for  the  convenience  of  dele- 
gates wishing  to  send  stories  home  to  their  local  papers 
and  the  summarizers  of  all  meetings  cooperated  by  report- 
ing for  an  interview  immediately  after  their  meetings. 
Local  press  coverage  was  good. 

Summaries  of  the  discussion  meetings,  incidentally,  were 
mimeographed  on  the  spot  in  "The  Rough  Draft"  and 
made  available  at  the  congress.  These  should  not  be  con- 
fused with  the  Congress  Proceedings  available  in  Decem- 
ber at  $2.25  a  copy.  The  latter  will  be  more  comprehensive 
and  more  carefully  edited. 

Underneath  all  gaiety,  the  note  of  serious  purpose,  for 
which  the  Congress  is  known,  was  again  strongly  felt  this 
year.  The  hotel  lobby  and  corridors  were  deserted  during 
meetings,  and  attendance  at  general  sessions  was  excep- 
tionally fine.  The  evening  addresses  and  the  workshop  dis- 
cussions stimulated  many  corridor  conferences,  breakfast 
meetings  and  "bull  sessions"  in  delegates'  hotel  rooms. 
Evening  Sessions 

The  program  of  the  official  opening  session  on  Monday 
evening  was  launched  in  a  moving  and  impressive  manner 
when  the  deep-toned  notes  of  organ  music  heralded  the 
surprise  entrance,  down  the  center  aisle,  of  fifty  boy  scouts 
carrying  large  American  flags,  followed  by  a  senior  color 
guard  representing  each  of  the  armed  services.  As  they 
stood  in  formation  before  the  speakers'  dais,  a  soloist  filled 
the  room  with  a  lovely  rendition  of  "God  Bless  America." 

After  this,  the  meeting  was  officially  called  to  order  by 
Joseph  Prendergast,  Executive  Director  of  the  National 
Recreation  Association  and  Chairman  of  the  Congress,  who 
welcomed  all  delegates  and  friends  in  the  name  of  the 
association  before  turning  it  over  to  the  chairman,  Otto 
Mallery,  who  is  also  chairman  of  the  association's  board 
of  directors.  The  invocation  was  given  by  The  Reverend 
W.  J.  McGettigan.  State  and  city  officials  were  introduced, 
and  greetings  to  delegates  were  expressed  in  person  by  The 
Honorable  Arthur  B.  Langlie,  Governor  of  the  State  of 
Washington,  and  The  Honorable  Allan  Pomeroy,  Mayor  of 
Seattle. 

A  trend  which  was  to  persist  through  the  other  meetings 
of  this  year's  congress  was  keynoted  by  the  two  principal 
speakers  of  the  evening.  Lt.  General  Robert  W.  Harper. 

389 


-  *t 


Commanding  General  of  the  Air  Training  Command.  U.S. 
\ir  Force,  in  his  address  "A  Challenge  to  the  Recreation 
I  'Lives  of  America,"  and  George  Hjelte,  General  Manager 
of  the  Los  Angeles  Department  of  Recreation  and  Parks 
and  Chairman  of  the  National  Advisory  Committee  on 
Defense  Related  Activities  of  the  NRA,  in  speaking  on 
"Recreation  in  the  Continuing  Emergency."  Both  stressed 
attention  to  the  individual  in  planning  the  recreation  pro- 
gram. and  urged  that  planning  be  done  on  a  more  selecti\r 
basis  rather  than  in  terms  of  mass  production. 

"Make  it  a  quality  program,"  urged  General  Harper, 
"and  don't  use  the  whip!  There  is  no  way  that  man  has 
M-t  conceived  of  forcing  another  man  to  do  something 
that  he  does  not  want  to  do."  Mr.  Hjelte  pointed  out  that 
sen-icemen  seek  off-duty  recreation  out  of  uniform  and 
like  to  participate  in  a  community  program  on  the  same 
basis  as  any  other  citizen.  "This  suggests  not  a  desire  to 
be  anonymous  so  much  as  a  desire  to  be  accepted  not  1>\ 
t.-.ison  of  any  special  identification  implied  by  the  uni- 
form. liut  rather  for  one's  own  self,"  Mr.  Hjelte  said. 
"Contact  needs  to  be  made  with  the  individual,  not  with 
the  uniform." 

\s  a  break  in  the  more  serious  aspects  of  the  program. 
a  very  enjoyable  interlude  was  offered  by  the  lively  mein- 
l>ers  of  "The  Four  Teens"  of  the  U.S.  Air  Force,  the 
l'>">2  International  Champion  Barbershop  Quartet.  Thcv 
were  recalled  again  and  again  by  enthusiastic  applause, 
while  General  Harper  beamed  appreciatively. 

The  Tuesday  evening  meeting  began  with  general  sing- 
ing under  the  leadership  of  Wayne  S.  Hertz,  Chairman, 
Division  of  Music,  Central  Washington  College,  and  was 
chaired  by  Mrs.  Paul  Gallagher,  charming  member  of  the 
NRA  board  of  directors.  The  meeting  was  productive  of 
two  excellent  addresses.  A  welcome  guest  from  Canada. 
petite  Dr.  Henrietta  A.  R.  Anderson  of  Victoria,  who  is 
known  throughout  the  Northwe-l  a-  an  excellent  speaker. 
moved  her  audience  with  an  inspirational  talk  on  the 
subject  of  "Recreation  and  the  Richer  Life."  Dr.  Paul  K. 
Douglass,  Advisor  to  tin-  President  of  the  lic|>ul>li<  of 
Korea  and  Counsel  to  the  Ministry  of  Foreign  Affair-.  who 
is  also  chairman  of  the  NRA  National  Advisory  Commit- 
tee for  the  Recruitment.  Training  and  Placement  of  He<  • 
real  ion  Personnel,  gave  a  stimulating  address  on  "Ix-adcr- 
-hip  for  tlic  National  Recreation  Movement."  I  Dr.  Doug- 
lass' talk  is  published  in  full  in  the  NovemU-r  is«ue  of 
KM  KKATION.) 

Colorful  entertainment  during  the  session  was  provided 
hv    tin-   unr\|M-cted   and   somcwli.il    -l.irtling   ap|>earance 
with  a  shattering  war  whoop     of  Indian  daii'.i-    I  In-  Kr- 
ISoger  and  Gloria,  have  made  a  study  of  Indian 
dance*  and  have  coll.  .  t.d  authentic  and  Ix-auliful  co-liime-. 
Th*»e  were  explained  a-  lln-  d.in.  cs  |u  ••<  reded.    I  he  d.HH  cr« 
Here  provided  through   the  roiirte-v    of  the  Ouc.-n    An 
I.  ion'«  (Huh. 

The  program  of  the  third  evening.  Wednesday,  was 
chaired  \>\  Kenneth  B.  Column,  one  of  >raiili-'«  leading 


citizens,  and  former  long-time  member  of  the  Seattle  Park 
Board.  The  principle  speaker,  The  Right  Reverend  Stephen 
F.  Bayne,  Jr.,  Bishop  of  Olympia,  spoke  on  the  spiritual 
implications  of  recreation,  and  his  address  was  an  inspiring 
one.  Entertainment  on  this  evening  was  supplied  by  a 
quartet  which  figured  as  runner-up  in  the  Seattle  Regional 
Barbershop  Quartet  Contest,  and  again  delegates  responded 
enthu-iasticalK  to  the  colorful  rendition  of  old  favorite-. 
The  quartet  appeared  through  the  courtesy  of  the  Seattle 
Park  Department. 

The  end  of  the  day's  work  sessions  on  Thursday  ushered 
in  the  most  gala  affair  of  the  big  meeting,  the  Congress 
banquet.  The  crystal  chandeliers  of  the  Spanish  Ballroom 
shone  down  upon  a  glittering  array  of  napery.  -ilver  and 


The  tour  included  a  visit  to  the  UniversiU  of  Washington.  Hi-inn 
greeted  cordially  by  its  president,  lli-nr>  Si  limit/  ri«lit),  arc 
Susan  M.  I.ee,  Mrs.  Paul  Cullanlier  and  Joseph  PrenderRast. 


flowers.  An  orchid  corsage  had  U-cn  placed  l>>  each  plate. 
The  speakers  table  extended  the  length  of  the  long  room 
and  had  been  set  for  thirtv  honored  guc-t-. 

Diners  were  seated  at  seven  o'clock,  and  dinner  servi.  .• 
\\.i-  accompanied  l>\  the  iiiu-ic  of  a  string-trio  provided 
l>\  the  Seattle  Park  Department. 

Otto  T.  Mallerv.  acted  as  toa-lma-ler,  and  the  evening 
program  started  when  Mr-.  (1.  M.  Mi  Time,  daughter  of 
the  late  Judge  Austin  K.  (irilliths  for  many  years  a  ho.ud 
inemlH-r  of  the  association  and  known  a-  tin-  "Father  of 
>caltlc'-  I'lavground-"  pie-ented  the  Mi  V  with  a  $3,000 
.  heck,  her  father's  bequest  to  tin-  a—.,  i.ition.  Said  -he. 
"M\  father  always  advised  me  to  make  the  Ix-sl  use  of  im 
lei-ure  lime,  ami  added.  'Do  il  now.'  Therefore,  in  this 
|ire-entation.  I  am  hastening  to  cam  out  hi-  in-tiuction-." 

James  E.  Rogers  and  J.  R.  Balrhcloi.  both  relired  from 
the    National    Recreation     \—'»  ialion    -l.ilf.    wen-    honored 
during  the  evening  for    their  contribution-  to  the   i 
lion  movement  through  their  manv    \<MI-  ..f  -ervi.c  to  th.il 
organi/.ation. 

(»n  the  gaver  -ide.  ladies  at  the  «|H-.iker-'  table  were 
personally  presented  with  or.  hid  ...r-agc-  In  Mr-.  Ethel 
Mori.  Mrs.  Aina  K.  Manuel,  .in. I  Mi-.  Th.-hna  \\icke  of 
Hawaii,  while  the  gentlemen  received  .in  orchid  lei  and  .1 


M 


kiss,  according  to  old  Hawaiian  custom.  All  orchids  at  the 
banquet  were  contributed  by  the  Honolulu  Parks  and  Rec- 
reation Department  and  were  flown  from  Hawaii  by  the 
Hawaii  Visitors  Bureau  for  the  occasion. 

The  King,  Queen  and  Prime  Minister  of  Seafair — the 
Seattle  Centennial  which  was  celebrated  this  year — were 
guests  at  the  speakers'  table  and.  in  a  formal  ceremony, 
knighted  officials  of  the  NRA. 

Among  the  treats  of  the  evening,  a  concert  of  songs  was 
rendered  by  the  excellent  "Music  Under  the  Stars"  chorus 
of  the  Seattle  Recreation  and  Parks  Department.  (See  the 
February  1952  issue  of  RECREATION  for  a  detailed  account 
of  this  local  recreation  program.) 

As  principle  speaker  of  the  evening.  Thomas  E.  Rivers, 


Tom  Rivers  looks  on  while  Mrs.  Howard  Braucher,  widow  of 
the  late  president  of  the  National  Recreation  Association,  re- 
ceives an  orchid  corsage  from  Mrs.  Thelma  Wicke  of  Hawaii. 


Secretary  of  the  Congress,  gave  an  excellent  and  thrilling 
report  of  his  recent  trip  around  the  world  in  the  interests 
of  recreation. 

Daytime  Meetings 

The  usual  morning  sessions,  at  which  the  summaries  of 
discussion  meetings  of  the  preceding  day  are  presented, 
were  abandoned  this  year  in  favor  of  making  the  sum- 
maries available  to  delegates  in  mimeographed  form.  This 
way  of  saving  that  time  for  other  meetings  was  an  experi- 
ment, the  success  of  which  has  not  as  yet  been  determined. 

One  general  session  was  held  on  Thursday  morning, 
however,  during  which  Joseph  Prendergast  reported  on 
"Recreation  in  America:"  and  members  of  the  national 
advisory  committees,  which  the  NRA  has  set  up,  reported 
upon  their  activities.  The  meeting  was  chaired  by  Susan  M. 
Lee,  Secretary  of  the  Board  of  the  National  Recreation 
Association.  The  committees,  and  the  representatives  re- 
porting, were:  the  National  Advisory  Committee  on  De- 
fense Related  Activities  of  the  National  Recreation  Associa- 
tion, George  Hjelte,  Chairman;  the  Recruitment,  Training 
and  Placement  of  Recreation  Personnel,  Dr.  Paul  F.  Doug- 
lass, Chairman;  Recreation  Research,  George  D.  Butler. 
Secretary;  Recreation  Programs  and  Activities,  Virginia 
Musselman,  Secretary;  and  the  Study  of  Recreation  Lead- 


ership in  the  Southern  Region,  W.  C.  Sutherland,  Study 
Director.  Charles  E.  Reed,  Manager,  Field  Department, 
National  Recreation  Association,  spoke  on  "The  Work  of 
the  District  Advisory  Committees." 

The  reports  which  gave  a  clear  picture  of  the  recent 
growth  in  the  recreation  movement  and  of  the  expansion  of 
the  association's  services  and  activities  were  received  with 
interest  and  enthusiasm.  (For  remarks  from  Mr.  Prender- 
gast's  address,  see  page  383.) 

The  content  of  the  fifty-four  discussion  meetings  sched- 
uled each  day  from  9:15  A.M.  to  4:00  P.M.,  and  in  some 
instances  to  5:30  P.M.,  included  such  topics  as:  Why 
Civil  Defense  Needs  Recreation;  Major  Current  Surfacing 
Problems;  Building  the  Recreation  Program — Arts  and 
Crafts;  Music;  For  Board  Members  Only;  The  Role  of 
County  Government  in  Recreation;  Regional  Planning  at 
Work;  Design  and  Construction  of  Special  Recreation 
Facilities;  How  Creative  Are  You  in  Using  Volunteers?: 
Building  a  Weil-Rounded  Program  in  Indoor  Recreation 
Centers;  Activity  Programs  for  Oldsters;  'Recreation  and 
Park  Department  Relationships;  In-Service  Training  Pro- 
grams That  Work;  How  are  Municipalities  Providing 
Camping  Opportunities?;  Understanding  a  Recreation  Pro- 
gram for  Girls  and  Women;  Highly  Organized  Midget 
Athletics  are  Harmful — Fact  or  Fancy?;  Recreation  in 
Parks  and  Forests — National,  State  and  Local;  Recreation 
Personnel  Problems;  Getting  in  on  the  Recreation  Plan- 
ning of  New  Schools;  and  others.  A  special  workshop, 
under  the  chairmanship  of  G.  Ott  Romney,  met  on  Friday 
morning  to  discuss  some  of  the  implications  of  nationally 
sponsored  recreation  programs. 

The  Recreation  Leadership  Training  sessions,  started 
on  Monday,  continued  each  day  with  the  exception  of 
Wednesday.  These  were  popular,  as  usual,  and  provided 
delegates  with  a  "refresher"  experience,  new  techniques 
and  materials  to  take  back  to  their  local  jobs. 
Special  Meetings 

In  addition  to  the  pre-congress  special  conferences  pre- 
viously mentioned,  the  usual  luncheons,  dinners  and  other 
meetings  either  sprang  up  spontaneously,  or  held  to  pre- 
arranged schedules.  Among  them  were  the  meetings  of  the 
NRA  National  Advisory  Committees  on:  Recruitment, 
Training  and  Placement  of  Recreation  Personnel;  Recrea- 
tion Research  (first  meeting)  ;  Defense  Related  Activities. 

The  annual  American  Recreation  Society  luncheon  was 
held  Monday  noon  at  which  time  fellowships  were  awarded 
to  G.  B.  Fitzgerald,  retiring  society  president,  and  Ted 
Banks,  President  of  the  Athletic  Institute;  and  citations 
were  awarded  to  George  Butler,  research  specialist  of  the 
NRA,  and  James  E.  Rogers,  retired  NRA  staff  member  for 
"distinguished  service  to  their  fellow  man  in  the  field  of 
recreation."  A  dinner  for  all  delegates  from  the  Northwest 
took  place  on  Monday  evening.  Those  who  had  taken  the 
Yellowstone  Park  Tour  en  route  to  the  Congress,  met  on 
Thursday  morning.  Former  and  present  Red  Cross  workers 
gathered  at  luncheon,  as  did  the  National  Recreation 
School  Alumni — -in  their  annual  reunion. 

At  the  special  dinner  meeting  of  the  National  Advisory 
Committee  on  Defense  Related  Activities  on  Tuesday  eve- 


DECEMBER  1952 


391 


niUHKSS  - 

nitig,  a  statement  was  prepared  on  the  responsibility  «f 
local  communities  for  providing  off-post  recreation  serv- 
ices. (See  page  418) 

On  Tuesday  afternoon,  an  unscheduled  demonstration 
uf  modern  dance  was  presented  by  Martha  Nishitani  and 
Dancers,  at  the  invitation  of  the  Seattle  Park  Depart- 
ment. A  professional  group,  these  dancers  urge  expanded 
interest  in  modern  creative  dancing  for  children,  teen- 
agers, adults — particularly  teachers.  As  an  outgrowth  of 
their  demonstration,  another  meeting  w.i*  -et  up  for  all 
those  interested  in  the  creative  aspects  of  recreation. 
Other  Activities 

Play  and  entertainment  always  prove  to  be  "grist  fin 
the  mill"  for  recreation  people,  for  leadership  in  such 
activities  is  a  part  of  their  business.  Therefore,  no  time 
was  wasted,  and  pointers  as  well  as  fun  were  picked  up 
during  the  social  hours  which  had  been  planned  by  tin- 
Congress  and  the  Local  Arrangement*  Committee*.  Tin 
NKA  tea  on  Monday,  and  the  entertainment  during  e\e- 
ning  se*-inM*.  were  followed  by  a  succession  of  enjoyable 
and  interesting  events. 

Another  very  special  tea,  which  turned  out  to  be  a  com- 
bination tea  and  musicale,  had  been  arranged  for  the 
wives  of  delegates  on  Tuesday  afternoon.  As  guests  of  the 
3  cttle  Art  Museum,  they  were  transported  to  the  parl\ 
in  cars  placed  at  their  disposal.  The  curator  of  the  mu- 
seum and  her  assistants  acted  as  hostesses.  A  musical  pro- 
gram was  offered  by  a  trio  of  charming  girls,  who  plaxed 
the  piano,  \iolin  and  cello.  Guests  were  personally  con- 
ducted through  the  museum  and  given  time  to  examine 
some  of  its  beautiful  treasures,  notably  the  unusual  collection 
of  exquisite  Chinese  jade — of  which  it  is  justifiably  proud. 
Beautifully  .served  and  truly  delicious  refreshments  were 
the  final  treat.  Tea  and  coffee  were  poured  by  Mrs.  I'ome 
ro\,  wife  of  Seattle's  mayor,  and  Mrs.  Eugene  Fuller,  wife 
of  the  man  whose  donation  made  the  museum  possible. 

Evening  parties  or  social  gatherings,  after  all  meeting* 
were  over,  were  in  the  capable  hands  of  Mildred  Scanlon. 
a  social  recreation  specialist  of  tin-  M!  \ 

On  Monday  evening,  guests  were  invited  to  the  Olympic 
Bowl,    one   of    the    hotel"*    night    club    ballroom*.    onlx     in 
discover  themselves  in  the  midst  of  a  eiri  u-.  >eenei\   .mil 
prop,    hail    IM-CII    donated    l.\    the    local    leeiealion    dep.it  I 
merit   and   drought   participant*  right   into   the  big  tent.     \ 
group  of  delegate*,   drafted  to  be  part  of  the  -how.   -ml 
detlly  appeati-d   in   the  •  olorful  and  humon.ii*  i..-tume-  of 

•  in  it-   folk.   Clown*,    barkers,  dam-er*.    majorettes  and   so 
mi.  made  a  grand  entrance.  The\    circulated   through   the 

•  i-iwd.  creating  considerable  laughter  and.  to  put  it  mildly. 

•  i  ILL.-  line.  Keith  Macdonald.  r.vciilixe  Direi|..i 
»f  C-rcater  Vallejo  Recreation  Di-trn  I.  California,  rcallv 
came  into  his  own.  Bx  special  reipie-l  Mr.  Mai  d..i,.il.l  win, 
in  the  le.iding  spirit  and  accomplished  |x-t  former  ..f  ill. 
V.illi  I  lte<  reation  Department'*  clown  club  (we  Janu.uv 

J  IMUC  of  l.'n  i;i  \iin\  i  .  had  brought  In*  own  ,|,.wi. 
ro»turne.  He  appeared  in  full  rrgalia.  and  a*  the  -  n  ing 
goes — reallv  "went  to  town."  When  \li*.  •*,  anlon  could 


.it   la-t   lie  heard,   tin-  gue-t*  -ettled  down   lo  a  *erie*  of  ice 
Nieakers  and  other  hilarious  games. 

On  Tuesday  evening,  still  undaunted,  delegates  threw 
themselves  into  one  of  their  favorite  pastimes,  folk  and 
couple  dancing:  while  Wednesday  evening  brought  the  ini- 
tial performance  of  what  it  is  hoped  will  become  the 
annual  "Congress  Little  Show" — a  collection  of  acts  put 
on  1>\  the  guests  themselves.  After  the  banquet  on  Thui- 
da\.  the  la*l  evening  of  the  Congress,  social  dancing — 
with  an  orchestra — was  provided  in  the  Olympic  Bowl. 

One  of  the  most  interesting  and  enjoyable  events  of  the 
week,  however,  was  the  truly  excellent  all-day  bus  tour 
of  Seattle,  which  had  been  beautifully  organized  down  to 
the  last  detail  by  the  Local  Arrangements  Committee.  The 
committee  reported  really  excellent  cooperation  from  local 
officials  and  organizations — such  as  the  transit  *\stem. 
police  department,  state  highway  department,  school*. 
chamber  of  commerce,  and  so  on.  This  was  clearly  ex  ident 
as  the  cavalcade,  with  its  motorcycle  escort,  wheeled 
through  busy  intersections  against  the  lights,  stopped  t" 
play  with  the  baby  elephant  in  the  zoo,  lunched  in  the 
new  modern  high  school,  was  personally  greeted  h\  the 
president  of  the  University  of  Washington.  Dr.  ||eni\ 
Schmitz,  the  commanding  officer  of  Fort  Lawton.  Colonel 
G.  II.  \\  ilson.  the  district  engineer  of  the  government  lock- 
ami  ship  canal,  and  so  on.  throughout  the  da\. 

Twelve  full  buses  left  the  hotel  at  9:30  in  the  morning 

and  returned  at  6:00  in  the  evening.  Passengers  were  not 

too  weary  to  he  enthusiastic  about   the  natural  beauty    of 

the  cit\.  it-  id  teatioii  facilities  and  beautiful  field  hou-c- 

-about  which  we  in  the  hast  have  heard  so  much. 

\mong  the  highlights  of  the  day  was  an  unusual  op- 
portunity to  see  the  Slo-Mo-Shun.  fastest  speedboat  in  the 
world,  in  action,  from  the  Lake  Washington  Floating 
Bridge.  She  v\a-  the  only  boat  to  finish  in  the  19.~>2  Gold 
Cup  i  ace.  when  she  broke  her  own  record  with  a  run  of 
178.497  miles  per  hour.  Officials  had  arranged  a  demon- 
stration especially  for  the  Congress  guests.  I'pon  special 
invitation,  the  Boeing  Airplane  Company  plant  was  visited. 
where  Norman  Allen,  assistant  to  the  |.i<  -i.l.-nt  a*  well  a- 
-ponsor  of  the  NRA — welcomed  guest-  in  In-half  of  Presi- 
dent William  Allen.  The  impre— i\e  Hoeing  Annual  Hohhx 
Show  (see  IxKC  UK \TIOV  April  l').~>2l  xx.i*  open  for  the 
inspection  of  delegate*,  and  refreshments  were  served. 

Another  special  treat  was  arranged  In  the  Department 
of  Parks  at  their  dr.irnatii  .illx  con*|i  iicled  \<|iia  Theatn 
at  Green  Lake,  in  the  heart  of  residential  Seattle  i  *•••• 
KM  ui  xini\.  Fcluuarx  l'>.~>2i.  where  the  buses  were  un- 
loaded and  a  program  of  singing  and  champion  high  div- 
ing wa-  presented. 

Special  (  'oniYrciu  c- 

Detailed  infoimation  regarding  the  *|>ecial  cmifereni  c- 
on  Recreation  for  Business  and' Industrial  Kmploxc.  -.  II..- 
pital  Hecreation.  and  Rural  Kecreation.  as  well  a*  a  com- 
plete coverage  of  evening  addresses  and  other  item*  on 
the  Congress  programs,  will  lie  available  in  the  <'i>n^i<^-. 
I'riiii'i-ilinfs.  to  be  published  bv  the  National  li,  ,  icatum 
Association  later  this  month.  <h,irt  )  t-nr  I'm,  ,-<;lr 


KECRF.AIIHN 


INGRESS  CAPSULES 


COMMUNITY  RECREATION 
FOR  THE  ARMED  FORCES 


Harold  Lathrop,  defense  staff,  NRA;  Lt. 
Cmdr.  J.  W.  McGhee.  U.  S.  Navy;  Lt.  Col. 
R.  L.  Stallings,  U.  S.  Marine  Corps;  Col. 
Raymond  Stone,  Jr.,  Special  Services  Divi- 
sion of  U.  S.  Army;  Col.  B.  E.  Nowotny, 
U.  S.  Air  Force;  Arthur  Williams,  defense 
staff,  NRA;  J.  Ver  Lee,  Oakland;  Austin 
Welch,  community  services,  U.  S.  Army. 

Community  recreation  for  the  armed 
forces  is  a  two-way  street  and  all  par- 
ticipants in  the  sessions  emphasized 
this  fact.  The  community,  as  the  mili- 
tary see  it,  is  that  area  within  easy 
reach  of  the  average  serviceman  when 
off  duty.  If  he  is  going  to  use  his  free 
time  to  best  advantage  by  joining 
hands  with  civilians  to  enjoy  the  same 
things  recreationally  and  spiritually, 
there  is  need  for  a  variety  of  facilities 
and  programs  in  which  he  can  partici- 
pate. Military  and  the  civil  planners, 
through  joint  action,  must  concentrate 
on  strengthening  the  ties  between  both. 
An  "open  door"  policy  must  be  em- 
phasized. 

Planning  recreation  facilities  and 
programs  to  meet  the  impact  of  mili- 
tary personnel  should  be  no  different 
from  accepted  practice  in  planning  for 
the  community — except  as  to  type  and 
amount.  They  should  not  be  planned 
as  something  separate  and  distinct 
from  the  community,  but  should  be 
accomplished  so  as  to  make  the  serv- 
iceman and  servicewoman  feel  that 
they  are  a  part  of  community  life. 

The  serviceman  wants  to  pay  his 
own  way — the  opportunity  to  stand  on 
his  own  feet,  the  same  as  any  other 
individual  in  the  community.  Recre- 


ation organizations  must  take  the  lead 
in  helping  the  serviceman  to  become 
integrated  into  community  life. 

All  community  organizations,  both 
public  and  private,  should  have  an  op- 
portunity to  share  the  responsibilities 
and  compensations  from  such  worth- 
while participation.  They  should  be 
given  assignments  as  members  of  co- 
ordinating committees  or  for  specific 
jobs  in  the  over-all  program  which 
brings  the  serviceman  into  all  parts  of 
community  life. 

Liaison  committees  should  be  ap- 
pointed by  the  mayor  or  mayor  and 
commanding  officer,  unless  already  ex- 
isting committees  are  utilized  to  bring 
about  the  closer  relationships  between 
the  community  and  the  military.  Some- 
times community  councils,  Chest  coun- 
cils, recreation  or  church  councils  can 
do  the  job  of  coordination  without  any 
additional  mandates.  Facilities  and 
programs  of  already  existing  private, 
public  and  church  groups  must  be  util- 
ized fully  before  planning  new  ones. 

Programs  must  be  inclusive  and 
planned  to  meet  a  variety  of  interests 
and  personalities.  Intellectual  hospital- 
ity is  as  important  as  providing  for 
physical  or  social  participation.  Com- 
mercial recreation  interests  should  be 
included  in  the  planning  group  if  the 
variety  of  wishes  and  desires  are  to  be 
satisfied. 

Although  the  major  job  of  off-post 
recreation  falls  upon  the  community, 
the  military  want  to  be  in  on  the  plan- 
ning and  will  help  wherever  possible. 
The  present  situation  differs  greatly 
from  World  War  II  because  of  many 
more  teen-age  men  in  service;  and 
what  was  done  then  will  probably  have 
to  be  somewhat  changed  to  meet  the 
needs  of  the  younger  military  person- 
nel. Programs  must  be  made  on  a  long- 
time basis  and  every  effort  should  be 
made  to  have  a  sufficient  number  of 
military  personnel  on  the  liaison  com- 
mittee to  give  continuity  of  policy  re- 
gardless of  changes  made  in  the  top 
command. 


A  RECREATION  PROGRAM 
FOR  WOMEN  AND  GIRLS 


Margaret  Dankworth,  NRA  staff;  Nita  Up- 
meyer,  Supervisor,  King  County  Parks  and 
Recreation,  Seattle;  Margaret  Wilson,  Win- 
nipeg, Canada;  Helen  G.  Smith,  Professor 
Physical  Education  for  Women,  State  Col- 
lege of  Washington;  Dr.  H.  Jean  Swenson. 
Assistant  Professor,  U.  of  California;  and 
Mildred  Noble,  Seattle  Park  Department. 

Recreation  interests  of  girls  and 
women  were  broken  down  into : 

1.  Imitative  play.  Small  girls  are  in- 
terested in  play  activities  imitating  the 
work  and  recreation  of  their  mothers 
and  other  adults. 

2.  Creative  activities.  These  are  ac- 
tivities that  best  give  girls  emotional 
satisfaction,  and   include   arts,   crafts, 
dancing,  music  and  drama. 

3.  Co-recreational   activities.    There 
is  a  great  desire  among  girls  of  ado- 
lescent age  and  older  for  more  of  these 
activities,     including    social    dancing, 
group  and  individual  sports,  all  kinds 
of  parties. 

4.  Sports   and  athletics.   While   the 
major  team  games  seem  to  be  losing 
popularity  among  older  girls  and  wom- 
en,  there   is   always   a   sizable   group 
who   want   and   need   these   activities. 
There  should  be  ample  opportunity  to 
learn  the  sports  which  lend  themselves 
to  co-recreational  play  and  carry  over 
into  adult  life,  such  as:   golf,  skiing, 
tennis,  badminton,  swimming. 

The  success  of  a  program  for  girls 
and  women  varies  greatly  among  dif- 
ferent communities  according  to  the 
emphasis,  time,  money  and  leadership 
given  to  it,  and  to  the  understanding 
of.  and  the  sympathy  for.  these  activi- 


l)i:<  I:\IBKR  1952 


393 


ties  by  the  -pon.-oring  ageno. 

Failure  to  meet  the  needs  of  girl- 
has  resulted  from  the  tendency  to  give 
the  girls  a  lesser  copy  of  the  program 
that  is  already  operating  for  the  1«>\-. 
and  this  is  usually  mainly  athletic,  and 
to  the  lack  of  competent  leadership, 
with  a  great  many  early  programs  u-- 
ing  men  leader-  e\duM\el\.  even  for 
;:iil-'  program?-.  However,  mo-t  -v-- 
terns  are  steadily  enlarging  and  im- 
|im\ing  their  girls'  programs  and  now 
have  women  supervisors,  and  are  de- 
veloping a  more  equitable  distribution 
of  time,  space,  facilities  and  money 
for  their  program.  More  emphasis  is 
being  given  to  the  arts,  craft-,  music. 
homemaking,  rhythmic  and  co-recrea- 
tional activities. 

Resultant  implications  as  to  program 
content: 

1.  We    should    continue    activities 
which  have  proved  to  be  sound  recre- 
ational practices,  such  as:  sports,  ac- 
tive games,  and  creative  and  homemak- 
ing activities. 

2.  We    should    provide   experiences 
for  girls  as  girls.  Women  supervisors 
and   women    leaders   should   be   used. 
The  program  should  include  activities 
for  girls  of  all  ages.  Girls'  activities, 
mainly,  should  l>e  set  up  on  a  partici- 
pation and  not  a  competitive  basis. 

3.  We  should  broaden  the  scope  of 
the  program  by  providing  for  the  needs 
of  society,   as   well  as   the   needs   of 
the    individual    and    the    group — rec- 
ognize the  area  of  social  service  as  one 
of  our  functions  and  provide  people 
with  a  chance  to  serve  the  community. 
This  would  include  analyzing  the  com- 
munity and  judging  the  program  to  see 
if  all  who  need   recreation  are  being 
properly  served. 

4  We  should  consider  the  following 
mi-aim  to  Simulate  piirlii -ipiilion : 

a.  Develop   l>etter    leadership. 

b.  Maintain  better  public  relations. 

c.  Give  information  on  recreational 
services  of  all  local  agencies. 

5.  We  should  increase  the  scope  and 
program  by  bettering  public  support. 

6.  There  -(muld  ]«•  more  women  on 
the  boards  which  provide  the  finances 
,md  formulate  the  policies.  More  prcs- 
«urr  and  influence  «hould  I*-  l>roughl 
to  bear  upon  these  boards,  and  upon 
hraoS  of  department.*,  in  In-half  of  the 
program  for  women  and  girl-. 

m 


COLLEGE  AND  GRADUATE 
TRAINING  FOR  RECREATION 


Charles  K.  llrijilitl.il I.  U.  of  Illinois;  Verna 
Ki-n-vold,  Kansas  City,  Missouri;  G.  B.  Fitz- 
gerald, U.  of  Minnesota;  Paul  F.  Douglass, 
Advisor  to  President  of  Republic  of  Korea; 
John  L.  H  u  u-li  iii-on.  Columbia  U.;  and 
Norman  Kunde,  University  of  Washington. 


All  members  of  this  panel  were  strik- 
ingly in  accord  with  the  idea  that  col- 
lege and  graduate  training  for  recrea- 
tion must  represent  a  cooperative  en- 
deavor between  "producers  and  con- 
sumers." Professional  preparation  re- 
quires a  very  realistic  approach  that 
can  come  about  only  when  a  team  work 
relationship  has  been  achieved. 

From  the  consumer  aspect: 

1.  There  must  be  alertness  for  po- 
tential  leadership   and   an  attempt   to 
recruit  desirable  persons. 

2.  Employment  of  professionally 
prepared  people  should  be  followed. 

3.  Recreation  departments  must  set 
up  an   environment   in   which   profes- 
sional people  will  want  to  work. 

4.  The  colleges   and   universities 
iini-l  be  informed  of  what  is  wanted  in 
the  way  of  teaching — the  needs  must 
be  clarified  by  job  analysis  and  good 
follow-up  of  progress  of  employees. 

5.  Internships  should  be  set  up  as  a 
means  of  practical  experience. 

6.  Recreation  leaders  must  do  a  bet- 
ter job  of  education  and  interpretation 
in  their  own  community. 

7.  Recreation  departments  must  as- 
sist in  conducting  of  research  and  help 
to  carry  out  experiments;   new  meth- 
ods,    procedures,    techniques     require 
combined  efforts. 

In  summing  up,  recreation  depart- 
ments must  continually  solicit,  and  de- 
serve, help  of  the  training  institutions. 

I  i MM.  the  univcrsitv  .is 

i;.  •  ic.iiion  require*  far  more  quali- 
ties and  characteristics  for  success  than 
•w  ho|ar«hip  alone.  Personality,  diverse 
recreational  interests,  previous  group 


experiences  are  all  factors  that  must 
be  taken  into  account. 

In  recruiting:  Entrance  depends  up- 
on the  college  or  university  itself  and 
the  admission  requirements.  The  long- 
er an  institution  has  been  in  the  busi- 
ne—  of  training  the  more  referrals  are 
to  be  expected.  Majors  in  the  program 
bring  in  others;  student  personnel  bu- 
reaus make  referral  of  students. 

Selection  of  candidates:  The  careless 
selection  of  candidates  makes  for 
meaningless  training.  An  investigation 
of  present  graduates  has  disclosed  that 
only  two  out  of  five  candidates  had 
some  promise  in  the  field.  It  was  felt 
that  we  would  go  a  long  wav  in  -elec- 
tion  if  we  had  a  means  of  determining 
the  presence  of  the  characteristics  of 
resourcefulness,  imagination,  personal- 
ity, and  enthusiasm. 

College  instructors  can  be  of  great 
help  in  recruiting  by  being  very  clear 
about  the  focus  of  their  curriculum- 
whether  for  hospital  recreation,  com- 
munity recreation,  or  industrial  rccte- 
ation  and  so  on;  stating  concise!)  the 
general  entrance  requirements  of  the 
college  and  special  requirements  for 
the  recreation  curriculum:  listing  in- 
struction available  and  qualifications 
of  instructors;  inviting  operators  to 
see  their  program  in  action:  utilizing 
criticism,  favorable  and  unfavorable, 
offered  from  outside  the  college. 

Operators  in  the  field  can  take  full 
advantage  of  the  above  by  going  to 
educational  centers  to  acquaint  them- 
selves with  programs  in  progress  and 
by  inviting  college  educators  to  conn- 
to  their  recreation  centers.  Tlie\  ,il-<> 
can  help  with  recruiting  by  adminis- 
tering their  programs  in  such  a  fashion 
that  they  will  attract  young  people  who 
arc  looking  for  a  profession  to  foll<>u. 

The  colleges  themselves  should  fur- 
ther   lui    c-tal.lish   sound  enli.in. 
quircinenl-    l>,i-ed   on    the    field    needs. 

(b)  e«lalili-h    mean-    for   interviewing 
anil     evaluating    pro-pcclixc    student-. 

(c)  use   data    which    i-    Mil. milled    by 
the  recreation  c\eiiiii\i-s  on  each  can- 
didate, (d)  provide  a  curriculum  and 
other  experience*  which  automatical 
eliminate  the   incom|>clent   ..i    unintcr- 
e-ied  -indent,  le)   hold  fast  to  the  col- 
lege and  professional  standards,  and 
not  compromise  these  for  the  sake  ..( 
an  increased  enrollment. 

HK.<  UK  M  i<>\ 


fo 


Margery  Wells  Steer 


5ACH  YEAR  at  Christmas  time  thou- 
sands of  bemused  adults  go  wan- 
dering past  toy  displays  marveling  at 
the  things  ingenious  manufacturers 
have  dreamed  up  for  children  to  play 
with — and  parents  to  buy.  Toyland, 
they  discover,  has  become  Wonder- 
land! Electric  trains  complete  with 
lights,  signals,  bells  and  whistles,  go 
sweeping  round  and  round  on  runs 
without  beginning  or  destination.  Here 
are  the  dolls  that  do  everything — 
there,  the  playhouse  furnished  to  the 
last  ready-made  drapery — yonder,  the 
counters  full  of  mechanical  performers 
going  through  astonishing  routines.  If 
your  child  yearns  for  music,  a  record 
player  or  portable  radio  will  make  mu- 
sic his  without  those  boring  hours  of 
practice. 

We  are  dazzled  but  not  entirely  de- 
lighted with  all  this.  Memories  from 
the  past  and  misgivings  about  the 
future  insist  on  troubling  us. 

In  the  chimneyplace  of  one  of  the 
oldest  houses  still  standing  in  our 
country  a  doll  was  discovered  which 
consisted  of  noth- 
ing at  all  but 
a  forked  stick 
wrapped  in  a 
scrap  of  cloth. 
Some  child  of 
long  ago,  using 
imagination  and 
whatever  was  at 
hand,  had  made 
herself  something 
to  play  with, 

something  to  love.  This  primitive  play- 
thing is  symbolic  of  the  resourceful- 
ness that  has  built  America. 

Two  centuries  later  necessity  was 
still  the  mother  of  invention,  and  not 
many  miles  from  this  old  house  the 
children  of  a  certain  farm  family  were 

MARGERY  STEER  has  written  numerous 
<n  tides  /or  the  educational  journals. 


playing  house  in  an  unused  corn  crib 
elegantly  furnished  with  odds  and  ends 
of  junk,  and  were  devising  an  early 
model  auto  in  which  they  took  com- 
pletely stationary  rides,  hats  anchored 
fast  with  motor  veils  lest  the  winds 
of  their  swift  progress  carry  away 
their  home  made  millinery.  These  were 
the  quaint  old  days  when  imagination 
and  ingenuity  took  the  place  of  a  trip 
to  toyland  or  the  five-and-ten. 

And  now  it  has  suddenly  come  to 
pass  that  our  very  virtues  threaten 
to  become  our  undoing.  The  urge  to 
contrive,  to  experiment,  to  invent,  and 
the  ability  to  do  and  to  "make  do," 
have  brought  us  to  the  place  where 
there  is  more  and  more  temptation  to 
watch  others  play,  and  less  and  less 
necessity  to  do  things  for  ourselves. 
Having  created  a  world  of  ever-ready 
gadgets  that  can  be  wound  up,  turned 
on,  or  plugged  in,  we  can  now  live 
happily  ever  after. 

But  here  and  there  voices  are  raised 
to  suggest  that  all  may  not  be  well 
with  a  world  in  which  watchers  out- 
number doers  and  in  which  people 
expect  even  their  entertainment  to 
come  the  easy  way.  Wild  life  authori- 
ties have  recently  warned  that  under 
ordinary  circumstances  the  habitual 
winter  feeding  of  birds  may  make 
them  less  able  to  survive  if  for  any 
reasons  that  feeding  is  interrupted. 
It  seems  to  be  a  law  of  life  that  dan- 
ger lurks  in  too  much  dependence  on 
others.  There  are  those  who  believe 
that  as  a  people  we  are  already  show- 
ing the  unhappy  effects  of  these  atti- 
tudes in  a  lessening  of  self-reliance 
and  initiative,  and  in  a  reluctance  to 
put  forth  any  sustained  personal  effort. 

Alert  and  far-seeing  recreation  lead- 
ers, teachers,  and  parents  are  doing 
a  great  deal  to  reverse  this  trend  and 
to  brighten  this  rather  dismal  outlook, 
in  their  efforts  to  encourage  amateur 
arts,  crafts,  and  music,  and  in  their 


insistance  that  home  made  fun  of 
all  sorts  is  tremendously  important. 

When  Mrs.  X  responds  to  the  rhythm 
of  a  radio  orchestra  by  whirling  around 
her  kitchen  in  a  fifteen  minute  dance 
interlude  between  breakfast  dishes  and 
bed  making  .  .  .  that  is  play!  When 
Mrs.  Y  gets  daily  pleasure  improvising 
her  own  harmonies  on  the  piano  .  .  . 
that  is  true  recreation.  When  Mr.  Z. 
who  long  ago  learned  the  thrill  of 
matching  words  to  ideas,  puts  his  little 
talent  to  use  for  his  community  .  .  . 
that,  too,  is  a  satisfying  activity.  Be- 
fore the  day  when  life  offered  so  much 
entertainment  that  was  easy,  auto- 
matic, and  professional,  every  man 
was  his  own  entertainer.  In  acquiring 
an  interest  or  in  learning  a  skill,  he 
was  able  to  make  his  personal  life  rich- 
er and  to  contribute  to  the  life  of  his 
family  and  community;  for  play  is 
both  solitary  and  social. 

Will  today's  children  be  equipped 
with  interests  and  activities  they  can 
carry  with  them  into  adult  life?  If 
solitude  is  their  lot,  can  they  make 
it  fruitful?  Will  they  have  enthusiasms 
to  share  and  service  to  render  to 
those  whose  lives  they  touch  in  home 
and  neighborhood  ?  As  we  choose  their 
Christmas  gifts  can  we  distinguish 
the  perishable  plaything  from  the  life- 
long treasure? 

We  have  come  a  long  way  since  the 
day  an  unknown  child  took  a  twig  and 
a  bit  of  cloth  and  made  of  them  the 
thing  she  craved.  The  symbol  of  our 
own  time  might  be  the  goose  that  lays 
golden  eggs.  This  fabulous  creature, 
so  the  story  goes,  each  day  presented 
her  owner  with  a  miraculous,  unearned 
gift,  and  in  due  time  became  the  vic- 
tim of  his  greed  and  laziness.  Our  age 
presents  its  children  with  a  thousand 
"golden  eggs",  but  it  is  not  by  means 
of  golden  eggs  that  life  is  continued. 
In  them  may  lurk  the  threat  of  dis- 
aster. 


DECEMBER  1952 


395 


Christmas  Gifts  to  Make  at  Home  or  in  a  Community  Center 


Junior  Saul  a  Ha  us  Workshop 


Helen  Madeleine  Klemin 


EVER  SINCE  I  can  remember,  we  had 
a  Junior  Santa  Claus  Workshop  at 
home  where  we  made  loads  of  won- 
derful gifts  which  we  distributed  to 
the  family  and  friends  on  Christmas. 
My  parents  did  not  believe  in  buy- 
ing presents,  not  so  much  because 
they  cost  money  but  because  children 
should  learn  very  early  that  time  and 
thought  spent  on  a  gift  are  more  im- 
|i..it.mt  than  its  commercial  value.  Par- 
ents of  most  of  our  friends  shared 
this  belief.  We  always  looked  forward 
to  those  weeks  before  Christmas  with 
their  atmosphere  of  expectancy,  busy 
fingers  working  with  paper,  glue,  felt 
and  other  lovely  materials,  whispering 
and  secrecy. 

It  usually  started  on  a  Saturday 
early  in  November.  The  table  was 
nicely  set  for  afternoon  refreshments, 
a  few  branches  of  pine  behind  pic- 
tures and  on  the  mantelpiece  giving 
us  the  feeling  that  Christmas  was  cer- 
tainly around  the  corner. 

"Well,"  my  mother  would  say,  "I 
think  it's  time  to  sit  down  and  make 
our  Christmas  plans.  You  know,  chil- 
dren, Santa  is  much  too  busy  with 
toy-making,  so  he  wants  you  to  take 
care  of  the  family  and  our  friends. 
We  are  going  to  set  up  a  real  Santa 
Claus  workshop." 

I  .M  li  cif  ii-  mentioned  the  f.imiK 
memU-r-  and  friends  who  should  re- 
•  ••i\e  a  present;  all  were  can-fuK 
listed  on  a  pad  so  no  one  would  IN- 
forgotten. 

My   in..  tin  i    would    .i-k.   "Mow   .tin.  ill 

Mrs.  June*.  who  wa-  MI  nii-e  last  year 
when   you  all   had   measles?    You    n 


\b<-    Kl.K.MM  M  the  author  of 

on   handcra/t  in   the  Woman's   llmue 

<  ••mi.anion  anil  the  Aim-n-.m    Home. 


member  how  often  she  came  to  play 
with  you." 

Of  course,  Mrs.  Jones  deserved  some- 
thing. Usually  one  or  another  of  us 
then  remembered  another  deserving 
person,  the  nice  butcher  around  the 
corner,  our  seamstress  who  always 
found  time  to  help  out  with  a  few 
si  itches  when  we  tried  to  fix  up  our 
dolls'  wardrobes. 

"It's  a  long  list,"  mother  would 
comment  thoughtfully,  "but  now  what 
will  you  give  them?"  Usually  she 
offered  a  few  helpful  hints,  suggesting 
either  one  or  another  item  which  we 
were  rather  good  at  making.  "For 
whom  would  that  be  useful?"  she 
would  ask.  We  found  out  quickly  that 
it  was  rather  foolish  to  surprise  an 
unmarried  uncle  with  pot  holders,  no 
matter  how  elaborate,  but  that  he 
might  be  pleased  with  a  decorated 
notebook  for  addresses.  Of  course,  he 
never  could  remember  telephone  num- 
Iwrs  and  birthdays;  with  a  little  book- 
let he  would  never  again  have  to 
apologize  for  having  forgotten  one  of 
these  important  events.  Cranny  always 
had  difficulty  in  finding  her  glasses  or 
keys  and  spent  many  an  hour  in  search 
of  them.  A  have-it-handy  pocket,  an 
easy  to  fix  up  contraption,  would  he 
the  ideal  solution  for  her  gift,  and 
MI.  without  really  knowing  it.  we 
li-.mieil  how  to  select  a  present  that 
would  please  and  warm  -nmeliodx  - 
heart. 

I  w-nluull\  tin-re  would  IK-  only  a 
few  friend*  on  the  list  for  whom  we 
|ii-l  ...nl, I  mil  tli mk  of  anything  use- 
ful or  nil •!-.  I  -till  rememl>cr  when 
m\  si«ter  in  desperation  suggested 
g'ung  o\er  to  our  aunt's  and  just  in- 
iting  in  «ec  what  she  might 
"Hut  let's  pretend  we  ju-l  want 


to  pay  her  a  visit,"  my  mother  sug- 
gested. We  all  went  oxer,  ami  most 
probably  Aunt  Carolyne  soon  realized 
that  we  had  something  up  our  sleeves. 
We  giggled,  crept  into  corners  and 
continuous!)  emphasized  that  it  wa.s 
just  lots  of  fun  to  inspect  the  kitchen 
and  the  closets.  As  we  investigated 
we  came  across  a  big  tangled  mess  of 
Mr  ing. 

"What's  that?"  I  asked.  "String  for 
m\  packages."  inv  aunt  said.  This  was 
the  clue.  A  fine  string  receptacle 
was  just  the  thing  she  needed.  And 
imagine,  somebody  with  such  a  well- 
equipped  household  not  having  a  prop- 
er holder  for  twine! 

Finally,  when  the  list  was  reall\ 
completed,  and  a  gift  for  everybody 
had  been  selected,  a  day  was  set  for 
shopping:  glue  and  felt,  colored  pa- 
per and  ribbons.  Many  of  the  mate- 
rials needed  were  found  around  the 
house,  half  a  yard  of  lovely  printed 
cotton,  an  empty  cookie  jar.  tin  cans 
and  other  odds  and  ends.  It  did  not 
cost  much  to  bin  the  things  we  needed 
and  we  usually  divided  the  expenses 
e\enl\  out  of  our  modest  savings. 

"I  hope  you  arc  not  going  to  spend 
e\er\  thing;  just  leave  a  little  bit  in 
the  bank  for  a  rainy  day."  m\  fi 
(her  would  sa\.  K\en  the  emphasis 
on  -(tending  less  than  one-  had  wa* 
~lies»ed  111  such  a  wa\  that  it  Ix-rame 
deep!)  niil.ril.il  il  in  our  thinking  and 
planning.  Isn't  it  lots  of  fun  to  fiv  up 
a  nice  present  with  just  a  few  pen- 
nies? \II\|M.  d\  ..in  hii\  something 
•  •\p.-ii-i\i-.  hut  imagination  is  what 
ci  units. 

Mtlmllgh  we  -l.iilrd  ..nl\  then-  w.i- 
iiMi.ilK  Mime  iu»liing  toward  the  end. 
\\  e  ln\ed  llii~  exli.i  cvcilrmcnl.  and 
did  mil  mind  sta\ing  up  a  little  la- 


m 


RK.<  HI  \nu\ 


ter  until  each  present  was  carefully 
wrapped,  decorated  with  cut-out  fig- 
ures or  designs — a  job  in  itself — and 
then  provided  with  a  little  label. 

We  would  not  have  missed  this 
Santa  Slaus  workshop  for  anything  in 
the  world,  and  sometimes  when  I  see 
children  rush  into  the  five-  and  ten- 
cent  store  to  quickly  buy  presents  for 
their  mothers  or  dads,  I  feel  sorry  for 
them  because  they  miss  the  pleasure 
and  excitement,  the  satisfaction  of 
doing  things  themselves. 

Here  are  a  few  suggestions  for 
those  who  would  like  to  start  a  junior 
workshop  in  their  home  this  Christ- 
mas. With  time  and  a  little  imagina- 
tion there  will  be  no  difficulty  in  keep- 
ing children,  as  well  as  helpful  adults, 
busy  until  December  twenty-fifth. 

1)  Midget    chest    of    drawers    for 
keeping  all  sorts  of  needed  things,  such 
as  buttons,  paper  clips,  thumbtacks. 

Material  needed:  six  empty  match- 
boxes (the  kind  made  of  thin  wood), 
glue,  a  piece  of  colored  paper  approxi- 
mately nine  inches  by  six  inches 
(scraps  of  wallpaper  are  excellent), 
six  paper  fasteners,  thumbtacks,  pa- 
per clips,  and  other  supplies  to  be  put 
into  the  drawers. 

Directions:  With  household  cement, 
glue  three  of  the  matchboxes  together, 
one  on  top  of  the  other;   repeat  with 
the    other    three. 
Glue    both    sec- 
tions together,  so 
that  you  have  a 
three -tier    chest 
with  two  drawers 
on  each  level. 

Cut  colored  paper  to  fit  both  sides  and 
top.  Carefully  glue  into  place.  Cover 
fronts  of  drawers  with  paper  cut  to 
size  and  glued  in  place.  For  a  fancier 
chest,  decorate  with  cut-out  dots  or 
small  designs  which  you  may  find  in 
any  magazine.  Pull  out  drawers  and 
attach  paper-fasteners  for  the  knobs 
to  open  the  drawers.  Fill  drawers 
with  whatever  small  items  you  choose. 

2)  A  string  or  twine  holder. 
Material  needed:    round   cardboard 

container  (the  kind  used  for  potato 
salad),  colored  enamel  or  scraps  of 
wallpaper  or  plastic,  dried  leaves, 
small  amount  of  shellac,  ball  of  string. 
Directions:  For  a  nickel  or  a  dime 


any  friendly  grocer  will  sell  you  a 
cardboard  container  (round)  with  a 
lid.  Take  a  ball  of  string  with  you  to 
be  sure  it  fits  into  your  box.  Give 
container  one  or  two 
coats  of  colored  enam- 
el, leaving  upper  part 
unpainted  where  top 
fits  over  it.  The  box 
can  be  artistically  dec- 
orated by  anybody 
who  can  draw  or  has  a  knack  for 
color  combinations.  For  a  different 
design,  carefully  imbed  a  pressed  leaf 
into  wet  enamel.  Allow  it  to  dry,  and 
then  shellac.  Repeat  same  process  with 
lid  after  having  punched  a  hole  (with 
a  heavy  household  nail)  in  the  center. 
The  hole  should  allow  string  to  be 
pulled  out  easily,  but  should  not  be  so 
large  that  the  string  will  slip  back. 

3)    String-decorated  ivy  holder. 
Material  needed:  empty  tin  can  (pre- 
ferably  peanut   can    size)    with    wide 
opening,   string    (glos- 
sy type),  shellac,   one 
ivy  pot. 

Directions :  Punch 
hole  just  above  lower 
rim  of  can,  using  thick 
household  nail  and 
hammer.  Slip  one  end 
of  string  from  outside 
into  can,  knot  end 
firmly  and  pull  from 
outside.  Spread  glue  on 
lower  part  of  can,  about 
one  inch  in  width,  and  carefully  wind 
string  around  it,  continuing  to  apply 
glue  as  you  go  along  till  you  come  to 
a  quarter-inch  below  upper  rim.  Watch 
out  that  there  is  no  gap  between  in- 
dividual circles  of  string.  Cut  off  and 
hold  in  place  with  pin  until  securely 
attached.  Cover  upper  rim,  about  one- 
half  inch,  with  white  adhesive  tape  so 
that  end  of  string  is  hidden.  Paint  tape 
green  or  some  other  color,  shellac  en- 
tire outside  of  can.  Punch  three  holes 
in  top  part  of  can,  below  the  upper 
rim  and  at  equal  distances  apart.  Slip 
piece  of  string  about  eighteen  inches 
long  through  hole  and  secure  with  knot 
inside  of  can.  Repeat  with  two  addi- 
tional pieces  of  string  in  the  other 
two  holes.  Gather  all  three  free  ends 
of  string  together  and  knot,  forming 
a  one-inch  loop.  All  that  is  now  needed 
is  a  small  ivy  plant  and  the  holder  is 


ready  to  hang  on  the  wall. 

4)   Napkinholder. 

Material  needed:  two  paper  plates, 
woolen  thread,  enamel,  shellac. 

Directions:  Cut  one  paper  plate  ex- 
actly in  half.  Punch  holes  with  leather 
or  ticket  punch  around  the  rims  of 
the  full-size  plate  and  the  half-plate, 
spacing  holes  three-eights  of  an  inch 
from  the  edge  and  five-eighths  of  an 
inch  apart.  Color  both  plates  and  sew 
them  together  with  whipstitches  using 


a  double  strand  of  colored  woolen 
thread.  Continue  stitches  along  un- 
covered half  of  full-size  plate  for  deco- 
ration. Pull  double  thread  through 
center  hole  of  upper  rim  to  make  a 

loop  for  hanging.  Fill  with  napkins. 

*          *          »          »          » 

Many  books  and  pamphlets  are  avail- 
able on  the  making  of  other  simple 
inexpensive  gifts. 

One  of  the  most  recent  ones  is  Gifts 
to  Make  at  Home  by  Marjorie  Mueller 
Freer,  a  profusely  and  clearly  illus- 
trated book  containing  more  than  three 
hundred  easily  made  and  inexpensive 
gifts  and  holiday  decorations.  There 
are  gifts  for  everyone  from  babies  to 
adults  —  toys,  clothing,  home  acces- 
sories, jewelry,  and  so  forth — many 
constructed  from  simple  materials 
which  may  be  found  around  the  aver- 
age house.  Also  included  is  a  list  of 
sources  where  various  hobby  supplies 
way  be  obtained.  Published  by  The 
Studio  Publications,  Incorporated,  in 
association  with  Thomas  Y.  Crowell 
Company,  New  York.  $2.95. 

Another  publication,  featuring  craft 
projects,  which  made  its  appearance 
late  this  fall  is  The  Book  of  Hobby 
Craft  by  Glenn  A.  Wagner.  This,  also, 
is  well  illustrated  with  step-by-step 
procedures;  however,  the  projects  are 
more  advanced,  and  require  more  ma- 
terials, tools,  time  and  skill.  Older 
boys,  especially,  should  be  interested 
in  making  them.  Published  by  Dodd, 
Mead  and  Company.  $2.75. 


DECEMBER  1952 


397 


In  planning  for  the  .\eir  )  ear,  let  us  remember  Joseph  Lee. 


•  tllMERSON  WROTE  'Every  institution 

Ei  is  tin-  lengthened  shadow  of  one 
man/  and  the  National  Recreation  As- 
sociation is  Joseph  Lee's  shadow."1  To 
the  association  and  all  that  it  stands 
for,  he  devoted  his  life  with  an  en- 
thusiasm that  has  been  the  guiding 
light  for  the  development  of  recreation 
throughout  the  country.  Although  his 
efforts  were  directed  primarily  to  aug- 
menting the  play  facilities  for  children, 
he  by  no  means  limited  his  scope  of 
endeavor  to  children. 

Joseph  Lee  was  a  Bostonian:  a  pio- 
neer who  had  the  courage  to  carry  his 
ideas  to  completion.  Many  times  he 
must  have  startled  staid  and  proper 
Boston. 

His  dynamic  personality  captivated 
all  who  met  him.  No  person  could  lie 
in  his  company  long  without  feeling  his 
magnetism.  He  was  humorous,  had  a 
keen  mind,  a  knowledge  of  human  na- 
ture, and  a  wise  administrative  judg- 
inriit  that  has  had  far  reaching  effects 
in  the  furtherance  of  civic  growth. 

To  many  children  and  grown-ups  his 
name  is  symbolic  of  all  that  stands  for 
Drouth  through  play  and  education, 
regardless  of  barriers  of  race,  creed  or 
-•cial  standing. 

Recreation  for  All  People 
It  was  Joseph  Lee's  wish  to  raise 
and  dignify  the  plas  of  children  and 
to  make  parents  understand  its  place 
in  their  development.  To  him  recrea- 
tion was  also  important  in  the  lives  of 
grown  people.  In  addressing  a  Har- 
vard alumni  nut-ting  in  the  resume  of 
his  activities  from  |'i|3  to  1933.  he 
-r. itnl.  "Hecrcation  is  not  alum-  for 
children,  hut  the  agrd  also,  because 
the  aged  know  enough  to  learn."-  I.'  • 
reation  for  the  adult  population  of  the 
country  has  had  a  slow  but  steady  de- 
selopnienl.  This  interest  mam  linn-. 
ean  be  traced  In  hi-  I'-.uli-i-hip. 

'Donald  C  IVaihr.  -(..Mlfatlirr  ,,i  I'Uy." 
Kradrt'i  Dignl.  January  1940.  {mm  Chnt- 
nan  Sritnrr  Mnnitnr.  Derrmbrr  9.  1939. 

'Oorge  Burraae,  "With  the  CU..  of  1883 
*t  Harvard."  RcmtAnnn.  December  W7 

398 


Mr.  Lee's  Philosophy 

The  welfare  of  the  neighborhood  or 
community  was  uppermost  in  the 
thoughts  of  this  leader  who  understood 
the  importance  of  group  membership. 
He  felt  that  pla\  -In mid  be  of  a  form 
that  receives  neighborhood  recogni- 
tion, such  as  drama,  dance,  games  and 
so  forth,  and  that  everyone  should  cul- 
tivate the  power  of  expression  in  art, 
nui-ic.  science  and  literature  so  that  in 
times  of  play  it  may  be  pursued  more 
fulls.  He  thought  it  necessary  that 
each  person  have  the  satisfaction  of 
accomplishment,  for,  however  insignifi- 
cant, it  brings  its  reward. 

To  Joseph  Lee.  the  problem  of  eis  il- 
ization  was  the  problem  of  leisure.  For 
those  to  whom  leisure  is  denied,  and 
who  are  not  able  to  express  themselves 
in  art  or  play,  civilization  is  of  doubt- 
ful benefit.  The  way  to  win  life  is  to 
lisc  it.  Through  all,  the  resources  of 
the  community  can  bring  life  to  the  in- 
dividual. 

To  him  play  was  an  educational 
force,  and  it  was  the  supreme  serious- 
ness of  play  that  gave  it  educational 
importance.  "Play  is  thus  the  essential 
part  of  education.  It  is  nature's  pre- 
scribed course."3  He  felt  that  school 
was  invaluable  in  forming  the  child  to 
meet  conditions  and  opportunities 
without  this  training  a  child  would  not 
grow  up  to  fit  our  institutions.  He  once 
said  that  to  a  grown  person,  play  was 
reminiscent,  it  was  the  return  to  the 
form  but  not  the  substance  of  youthful 
games:  that  most  persons  formed  their 
•  •VMI  ideas  of  what  play  consisted. 

Over  the  years  Mr.  Lee's  own  use  of 
lci«urc  hcc.mie  rellected  in  expanding 
tin-  public  recreation  movement. 
\inong  the  plas  aclivitic-  he  s\as  fund 
of  were  picnicking,  dancing,  imi-ic. 
drama,  sketching,  painting,  walking, 
r.-.iilinjj.  laiincmg.  li-liinj:  anil  comer 

-aiinn.  He  believed  in  simplicity   Imt 

'.H.. I  ilc.-pU  for  standards  and  for 
making  the  program,  whatever  it  was. 
the  IK-M.  It  was  always  his  wish  to  help 

"Jowph  iff.  Play  in  Education.  Marmillan 
Company.  Nrw  York,  1920. 


The 

liil'liii'in  r  of 

On  Adult  Recreation 


people  to  find  in  their  life  a  measure  of 
enduring  satisfaction.  In  his  opinion 
there  were  less  strenuous  forms  of  play 
to  which  adults  could  turn,  MI.  li  .1- 
contemplation,  the  appreciation  of 
poetry,  of  music,  of  beauty  in  nature 
and  in  art.  of  the  wonders  of  the  uni- 
verse as  revealed  in  science.  He  felt 
that  it  was  necessary  for  everyone  to 
put  forth  an  effort  in  something  that 
is  creative  in  order  to  grow.  "A  man 
is  truly  awake  when  he  has  his  dream." 
he  wrote  in  hi*  article.  "The  Need  to 
Dream."4  But  Mr.  Lee  believed  all 
dreams  must  IK-  brought  down  to  earth. 

He  wanted  everyone  to  be  himself 
and  to  live  his  own  life,  to  get  all  the 
thrill,  humor  and  glory  that  he  could. 
He  valued  human  togetherness  as  much 
as  human  differences.  He  thought  that 
lisc-  added  up:  and  he  wanted  them  to 
add  up  to  better  things.  He  was  inter- 
.--tcil  in  final  values  as  well  as  in  the 
fullness  of  immediate  experience. 

Since  plas  is  tleepls  rooted  in  hu- 
man nature,  he  felt  the  ideal  was  to 
have  man's  work  satisfy  his  plas  in- 
stinct. HoSM'ser.  he  learned  that  i  is  il- 
ization  upset  this  theory  and  there  is 
little  place  in  business  t,.ila\  for  plas. 
Therefore  he  speciali/cd  in  acquainting 
i  ilies  and  communities  ssith  tin-  i 
alion  iiioscmi  nl.  to  pros  Me  the  fullest 
opportunits  for  (tropic  to  pros\  up  .1- 
human  being*. 

Ci\it-   Interest 

Mt.  h-c  felt  that  a  great  deal  of  the 
local  political  unity  and  national  •!.• 


'Jowph  Lcr.  Journal  of  Addrturi  and  I'm 
•  rnlinfi.  National  Kiluralion  A««oriation. 
Ann  Arl>or.  Mirhinan.  !<>n. 

RKCBBATION 


Elizabeth  Clarke 


Joseph  Lee 


in  Baltimore 


mocracy  are  dependent  upon  the  com- 
munity. A  person  can  make  a  contribu- 
tion to  the  community  through  interest 
found  first  in  local  recreation  activi- 
ties, and  from  this,  form  political  and 
civic  interests.  He  thought  it  was  up 
to  the  citizens  to  consecrate  their  lives 
to  ennobling  the  state,  the  country  and 
its  heroes,  and  to  the  children.  In  his 
undertakings  he  felt  his  country  was 
not  a  success  unless  it  could  bring  de- 
cent living  and  fair  opportunity  to  all 
who  had  willing  hands  and  active 
minds. 

To  him,  the  chief  end  of  democracy 
was  to  give  individuals  and  communi- 
ties the  kind  of  environment  which 
would  enable  them  to  be  most  truly 
themselves,  and  to  give  them  a  chance 
to  work  out  what  was  most  fundamen- 
tal to  successful  living. 

Influence  in  Baltimore 

As  early  as  1907  the  impact  of  this 
young  man,  whose  ideas  were  receiving 
national  notice,  was  felt  in  the  grow- 
ing community  of  Baltimore.  At  that 
time,  Robert  Garrett  was  among  the 
group  of  far-sighted  men  who  organ- 
ized the  Public  Athletic  League.  It  was 
in  1922,  with  Mr.  Garrett  as  president, 
that  it  was  found  desirable  to  bring  to- 
gether the  Public  Athletic  League  and 
the  Children's  Playground  Association. 
Later  this  was  called  the  Playground 
Athletic  League,  and  operated  through- 
out the  state.  In  a  reorganization  in 
1938.  district  supervisory  positions 

Miss  CLARKE  is  supervisor  of  garden 
and  nature  activities,  Department  of 
Recreation  and  Parks  in  Baltimore. 


Joseph  Lee  in  his  Boston  study.   Says   Susan  Lee,   "Don't  let  my  father  grow  into  a 
department  store  Santa,  with  only  a  reputation  for  benevolence  to  recommend  him." 


were  established  in  the  fields  of  ath- 
letics, music  and  dramatics,  arts  and 
crafts,  and  garden  and  nature  activi- 
ties. 

It  was  in  1940  that  the  organization 
became  a  department  of  the  city  gov- 
ernment, the  Department  of  Public 
Recreation,  with  Mr.  Garrett  as  chair- 
man of  the  board.  To  effect  better  co- 
operation between  the  park  and  recre- 
ation departments,  they  were  combined 
in  1948,  to  form  the  Department  of 
Recreation  and  Parks,  comprised  of 
the  Bureau  of  Recreation,  Bureau  of 
Parks  and  Bureau  of  Music.  Mr.  Gar- 
rett was  president  of  this  board  until 
1950.  At  a  banquet  in  his  honor  in 
that  year,  Mr.  Garrett  said  that  he 
derived  his  inspiration  for  starting  and 
supporting  recreation  in  Baltimore 
from  Joseph  Lee. 

Clubs.  Prior  to  1922  there  were 
mothers'  clubs  which  were  active  in 
charitable  and  civic  work,  and  in  as- 
sisting with  children's  pageants  and 
plays  in  a  few  centers.  It  was  in  March 
of  1922  that,  at  a  board  meeting,  a 
motion  was  made  and  carried  that  an 
adult  recreation  worker  be  employed. 

The  adult  social  recreation  program 
had  as  a  nucleus  nine  mothers'  clubs. 
At  that  time  the  work  of  the  league 
was  spread  over  the  county  and  state. 
Social  recreation  took  many  forms;  in 
some  instances  the  supervisor  was 
called  upon  to  conduct  programs  for 
the  PTA  of  the  county,  to  conduct  in- 


service  training  programs,  to  organize 
dramatic  groups  and  to  direct  festivals. 
With  a  supervisor  for  adult  social  pro- 
grams, interest  was  developed  in  social 
dancing,  bowling  and  athletics  for  old- 
er people.  Community  play  nights  were 
started  with  general  community  Christ- 
mas celebrations.  Tours  of  art  galler- 
ies, travel  talks,  bus  trips,  symphony 
concerts,  ukelele  instructions,  dance 
classes  and  dramatic  clubs  became  pop- 
ular. 

When  the  reorganization  was  effect- 
ed, the  number  of  women's  clubs  in- 
creased to  seventeen.  There  are  now 
ten  clubs  within  the  city  of  Baltimore. 
These  clubs  include  in  their  activities 
social  recreation  programs,  pageants, 
and  a  play  produced  yearly  by  the 
combined  membership.  In  1936  it  was 
suggested  in  the  report  to  the  board 
that  more  attention  be  given  to  adult 
social  activities  such  as  drama,  music, 
arts  and  crafts,  and  nature  study. 

Music  and  Drama.  While  this  divi- 
sion, organized  under  the  set-up  of 
1938,  was  in  its  infancy,  plays  and 
community  singing  were  stressed.  A 
small  drama  group  gave  plays  and  en- 
joyed the  sociability  of  the  club. 

It  was  in  1942  that  a  symphony  was 
organized.  Several  years  later  a  second 
orchestra  was  started,  similar  to  the 
existing  one,  with  rehearsals  and  con- 
certs given  for  relaxation  and  pleasure, 
to  both  the  orchestra  members  and  in- 
terested Baltimoreans.  At  times  a 


DECEMBER  1952 


399 


speech  clinic  and  a  radio  workshop 
have  been  suggested  and  carried 
through  by  citizens.  For  all  of  these 
programs  in  music  and  drama,  the 
finest  leadership  has  assisted  the  recre- 
ational fine  arts  groups  to  reach  high- 
'•i  le\els  of  achievement 

Arts  and  Crafts.  Before  1941  a  pro- 
gram of  arts  and  crafts  had  been  de- 
veloped for  children.  It  now  was 
thought  best  to  concentrate  on  an  adult 
program.  Pottery  was  the  first  interest 
of  a  community  center  group  of  five  or 
six  people.  This  interest  has  grown  un- 
til there  are  seventy-two  persons  in 
different  c|.r-*c*.  .mil  there  is  a  long 
u.i  it  ing  list.  An  instructor  of  city-wide 
renown  is  provided. 

Weaving  has  been  a  successful  ac- 
tivity concentrated  in  a  community 
center  in  another  section  of  the  eit\. 
Looms  of  all  types  are  owned  by  the 
bureau,  and  expert  leadership  is  pro- 
vided. With  these  two  programs  well 
under  way  in  1945,  a  jewelry  class 
was  organized.  More  people  than  could 
be  accommodated  were  eager  to  par- 
ticipate in  this  new  hobby.  At  present 
ilicre  is  a  beginners'  group  and  an  ad- 
vanced group.  Enameling  is  the  latest 
addition  to  the  program. 

The  success  of  these  varied  arts  and 
crafts  activities  is  attributed  to  the 
professional  and  skilled  leaders  who 
have  l>een  obtained. 

Sports.  In  the  sports  program  of- 
fered In  the  bureau  of  recreation  are 
•  enters  for  badminton  and  table  tennis, 
gvinnastie  classes;  a  general  recreation 
program  of  bowling,  social  and  square 
dancing;  and  roller  skating,  football, 
basketball,  volleyball  and  deck  tennis 
leagues  are  in  operation  throughout 
tin-  city  during  the  winter.  Softball  for 
girls  and  women,  and  Softball  and 
baseball  for  men  arid  boys  are  part  of 
the  extensive  summer  program. 

Gardfninf;  and  Nature  Arliiitii-s.  In 
I1'  17.  with  the  growing  iulere-l  in 
.uliill  .nlivilie*.  ;i  group  was  organi/cil 
to  lake  hikes  and  walks  through  IK-.M 
I'v  park*  and  wooded  tedious.  With  11 
-|>e« -inli-l  in  the  natural  hi-torv  field  .1- 
Iradrr.  thene  walk.*  have  continued  t.. 
the  pre«ent  time. 

It  was  not  until  I94K  that  the  bu- 
reau iwed  the  ,-it\  greenhouse  for  in- 
Mrurlion  in  the  rare  of  plants  that  can 
rx-  grown  in  the  home.  Itec.iuv  of 


small  space  and  the  type  of  activity, 
groups  are  limited  to  twenty  adults  at 
each  workshop.  Held  twice  a  year,  this 
horticultural  hobby  has  gained  in  pop- 
ularity. With  request*  fur  additional 
workshops  in  related  subjects,  the  pro- 
gram has  possibilities  for  further  de- 
velopment. 

Evaluation  of  Lee  Philosophy 

That  Joseph  Lee's  philosophy  is 
comprehensive  is  demonstrated  by  the 
scope  of  his  thinking  and  the  applica- 
tion to  existing  problems.  In  recrea- 
tion he  never  lost  sight  of  individual 
needs  while  providing  for  group  adi\  i- 
ties,  in  all  fields,  for  children  and 
adults.  From  his  interest  in  slum  clear- 
ance, health  measures  for  schools,  the 
founding  of  the  Civic  League,  and  also 
his  interest  in  the  juvenile  court,  it 
can  be  said  that  his  is  a  philosophy 
that  is  all  inclusive.  It  deal-  with  gov- 
ernment, education,  recreation,  health, 
and  individual  betterment. 

In  the  field  of  adult  recreation  in 
Baltimore,  it  has  been  a  great  influ- 
ence. Because  of  the  changing  pattern 
of  loeal  government,  it  was  perhaps 
slow  of  growth;  but  it  has  expanded 
from  organized  community  social  rec- 
reation to  include  many  programs  of- 
fering all  kinds  of  cultural  and  social 
activities.  For  the  aging  population,  op- 
portunities for  checkers  and  other 
games,  singing,  square  dancing,  parties 
and  reminiscing  are  cherished.  This 
substantiates  his  statement  that  the  age 
to  learn  to  dance  is  the  age  you  are. 
To  help  people  live  a  better  life  he 
wanted  them  to  live  life  fully  and  en- 
joy leisure  as  he  did. 

That  the  Baltimore  program  is  com 
prehensive  and  includes  programs  for 
all  types  of  people  is  demon*! rated  by 
ihe  neighborhood  women's  social  clubs 

"What  we  must  aim  at  i-  to  liU-rate 
id-  community's  urge  to  pluy.  so  that 
each  individual  Iind-  *ali*fac|ion*  f..i 
In-  n I-  of  hunting,  fighting,  team- 
work, creation  .md  under -t, Hiding. 
\\.irk  ecoiioinii  iiide|M-ndence — is 
»ne  condition  of  an  individual'*  -ell 
•  I  and  happiness.  |.ut  orilv  half 
of  it:  the  man  who  h.i-  onlv  work  and 
no  plav  ha-  onlv  hnlf  of  him  ali\e." 


comprised  of  the  wi\e>  of  laborers. 
Contrasted  with  this  are  the  programs 
for  the  musicians  and  singers  who  at- 
tend rehearsals  of  the  orchestras  and 
chorus. 

The  field  of  art  in  Baltimore  has 
also  felt  his  influence.  Programs  are 
attempted  and  carried  on,  in  many 
places,  under  situations  with  hardships 
and  makeshift  accommodations;  how- 
ever, great  plans  are  being  made  for 
I  letter  facilities.  An  outstanding  exam- 
ple is  the  youth  and  adult  center  that 
was  converted  from  a  bowling  alley 
hv  the  members.  After  eight  years  a 
dream  came  true  and  a  new  building 
was  erected  on  the  grounds  of  a  school. 
These  two  buildings  are  used  by  the 
school  and  the  bureau  of  recreation. 
Again  it  illustrates  a  theory,  which  first 
proved  true  in  1902  in  New  York,  that 
schools  and  recreation  centers  or  play- 
grounds can  be  combined. 

Perhaps  because  this  philosopher 
lived  his  theories  and  beliefs,  they  can 
be  said  to  be  most  consistent.  Through 
all  his  life  his  ideals  were  to  giv  e  e\  erv  • 
one  a  chance  to  live  a  life  of  his  own. 
He  was  constantly  striving  to  improve 
not  only  the  individual  but  the  coun- 
liv  in  which  he  lived.  Throughout  his 
life  he  wanted  high  standards  for  pro- 
grams but  felt  the  program  should  fit 
the  needs  of  the  neighborhood.  An  apt 
illustration  of  this  is  the  general  arts 
and  crafts  class  that  was  started  in  a 
poor  section  of  Baltimore.  Soon  it  wa* 
discovered  that  the  program  was  not 
successful,  primarily  because  the  adults 
had  far  too  much  work,  either  in  tin- 
home  or  through  employment,  to  find 
time  away  from  home  and  family . 
When  moved  to  another  section  of  the 
city,  it  was  very  popular.  Here  the 
adults  were  of  higher  economic  stand- 
ing, had  smaller  families  and  more  lei- 
sure time.  Thus  the  program  betti-i 
lilted  the  needs  of  that  cornniunitv. 

Hecrealion.  a-  e*lahli*lied  in  varion* 
eilie*  throughout  the  land,  varies  to 
meet  the  needs  of  each  i  ominunilv .  I  li, 
jihilosophv  followed  i*  i  i-rl.iinlv  liro.nl 
enough  to  allow  for  I  hex-  difference* 
ami  vel  i*  consistent  in  all  parts.  The 
principle*  einhoclicd  an-  lho«e  «et  forth 
hv  the  .i**oi  lalion.  whose  policic*  were 
formed  hv  il*  pre*idenl.  Joseph  Ixre. 
who  for  so  many  \ear«  h.r*  been  affec- 
lionalelv  railed  "Father  of  Recreation." 


tun 


MM  ui  ui"\ 


Looking  Forward  to  the  New  Year 


I  A 111  a  Professional 

Recreation  Leader 

Lillian  Schwertz 


„  f«Jv__  *  THIS  MEANS  THAT  I  am  one  of  the  many  thousands  of  workers 
struggling  for  recognition  in  a  comparatively  new  profession  ...  a 
"pioneer  in  the  field  of  happiness! 

This  means  I  know  the  shortcomings  of  my  profession,  and  yet  love  it  enough  to 
continue  in  it.  I  know  that  the  ultimate  goal  of  recreation,  to  become  a  definite  ac- 
cepted part  of  all  communities  the  same  as  are  the  schools,  police,  fire  departments 
and  public  health,  will  be  reached  during  my  lifetime. 

This  means  I  love  my  fellowman,  and  the  opportunities  offered  him  through  this 
thing  called  "play,"  so  much  that  I  am  willing  to  work  harder  than  I  need  to  work, 
face  discouragements  as  they  come,  for  the  final  satisfaction  of  knowing  that,  through 
my  small  contribution,  I  have  been  instrumental  in  the  development  of  a  future  well 
established  profession. 

This  means  I  recognize  that  even  though  I  may  never  have  the  monetary  income 
that  the  job  deserves,  I  shall  be  richer  with  my  bank  account  of  memories  than  I 
could  ever  be  with  a  bank  account  representing  the  dollar  sign. 

This  means  that  through  my  profession  I  have  helped  people  find  a  richer,  fuller 
area  of  living.  I  have  heard  the  laughter  of  children,  I  have  seen  the  same  children 
become  happy,  wholesome  teen-agers,  and  then  I  have  seen  them  take  their  place 
in  life  as  well  adjusted,  well  balanced  young  adults.  I  have  proudly  watched  these 
same  young  adults  bring  their  own  children  to  the  playgrounds  and  centers  for  the 
abundant  opportunities  which  they  once  found  themselves.  I  have  seen  lonely,  older 
people  become  happy  and  young  in  spirit. 

This  means  that  I  must  keep  myself  mentally  alert,  physically  fit,  spiritually  hum- 
ble and  morally  clean,  because  as  a  leader  in  my  community  I  shall  be  in  a  position 
to  influence  for  good  or  bad  all  with  whom  I  come  in  contact.  I  must  remember  that 
a  cross  word  or  unsportsmanlike  deed  on  my  part  is  indeed  a  mark  against  the  prin- 
ciples of  all  things  good  and  true  .  .  .  the  principles  of  my  profession. 

This  means  I  must  constantly  reprimand  myself  if  I  commit  acts  of  pettiness, 
selfishness  and  thoughtlessness,  because  how  can  I  help  others  to  enjoy  their  leisure 
hours  if  I  am  not  a  happy,  well  adjusted  person? 

This  means  that  when  I  ask  myself  "Why  are  you  a  recreation  leader?"  I  can 
truthfully  answer:  "By  being  an  instrument  of  service  to  my  fellowman,  I,  too,  be- 
come a  more  worthwhile  person  and  a  better  citizen  in  this  great  wonderful  country." 

It  means,  to  me,  nothing  is  more  completely  satisfying  than  to  have  a  child  come  to 
me  and  because  of  my  efforts  say,  "Gee,  I  had  FUN!  .  .  .  Thanks!" 

MRS.  SCHWERTZ  is  supervisor  of  playgrounds  and  recreation  centers  in  Dallas,  Texas. 


DECEMBER  1952  401 


THOMAS  K.  RIVERS,  Assistant  Ex- 
ecutive Director  of  the  \ational  Rec- 
ri'niion  Association,  and  Mrs.  Rivers, 
hare  just  returned  from  a  trip  around 
the  world.  They  were  first  iiniti'il 
b\  the  National  Recreation  Associa- 
linn  of  Jaf>an  to  visit  that  country  to 
help  in  the  expansion  of  the  recrea- 
tion movement. 

The  Board  of  Directors  of  the  Na- 
tional Recreation  Association  of  thr 
I  S.A.  accepted  this  invitation  in 
ihfir  behalf,  and  authorized  them  to 
make  brief  stops  in  other  countries 
enroute  to  look  into  recreation  de- 
velopments. The  whole  project  was 
financed  by  special  contributions. 

This  is  the  first  of  a  series  of  ar- 
ticles on  the  Rivers'  global  recreation 
service  for  National  Recreation  As- 
sociation. A  fuller  account  of  the 
mission  to  Japan,  where  the  Rivers 
spent  six  weeks,  it-ill  follow  in  a 
later  issue.  The  Seattle  banquet  ad- 
dress on  global  recreation  service 
u  ill  be  available  in  pamphlet  form. 


Parti 

ut:  MESSAGE  of  recreation  as  a  means  of  life  enrich- 
ment  as  we  know  it  in  America  has  been  carried  lit- 
erally around  the  world.  This  message  was  listened  to 
eagerly  and  heard  gladly  by  men  and  women  of  many 
races  and  tongues.  A  tense  world  is  turning  to  recreation 
for  mental  and  emotional  relief. 

The  hunger  in  the  hearts  of  men,  women  and  children 
for  abundant  living  is  much  the  same,  whether  the  skin  be 
black  or  white.  brown  or  yellow;  and  in  many  lands, 
recreation  is  beginning  ti>  -ati-f\  that  hunger. 

I  am  proud  to  report  that  this  world  mission  has  won 
friends  for  America.  In  our  field  of  recreation,  interna- 
tional ties  have  been  strengthened  through  this  demon- 
stration of  practical  cooperation  between  peoples  in  meet- 
ing a  fundamental  human  need  at  a  critical  time  in  the 
world's  hi«tory.  We  have  opened  up  channels  of  informa- 
tion and  eslal'li-h'-d  •  ..nl.i.  I-  thai  will  form  the  basis  of 
a  world-wide  brotherhood  in  the  field  of  recreation. 

Their  confidence  in  us  puts  a  responsibility  not  <>nh 
ii|.'.n  the  National  Recreation  Association,  but  upon  the 
wlmle  recreation  movement  ill  America. 

We  left  New  York  on  June  27  and  flew  all  the  way. 
We  have  felt  heat  when  it  wan  110°F.  in  tin-  -h.idr:  -|ioken 
to  crowds  when  the  ^lare  was  so  bright  we  could  not  see: 
•Mn  nioii-'  »iii-  Hood  -IP  -I-  in  India:  and  felt  rain  come 
ilirouj/li  tin-  hotel  roof  in  Pakistan  as  we  registered.  A 
t\|ihonri  interfered  witli  «ome  of  our  program  in  the 


(fa&at 


at 


Philippines.  We  left  Cairo  just  before  the  King  of  Egypt 
abdicated;  walked  alongside  of  no  man's  land  in  Jordan 
—  Jerusalem;  toasted  the  birth  of  a  royal  heir  who  ar- 
rived one  day  before  we  did  in  Thailand.  In  beautiful 
Hong  Kong,  one  of  the  last  outposts  of  freedom  in  the 
Far  East,  we  looked  over  the  border  into  Red  China,  out 
of  which  pours  a  steady  stream  of  disillusioned  political 
refugees.  We  saw  thousands  of  ill-clad,  poorly  fed  refugees 
in  the  Arab  lands;  and  walked  among  and  talked  to  home- 
less Hindus  and  Moslems  uprooted  by  the  partition  of 
India;  ate  in  a  Chinese  home  in  Hong  Kong  with  the 
family  of  a  recreation  director  who  brightens  the  lives  of 
people  in  the  most  densely  populated  area  in  the  world: 
and  dined  with  members  of  the  imperial  family  in  Japan. 
concerned  about  recreation  for  the  people. 

In  Greece  a  group  of  undernourished  children  danced 
for  us.  In  Kyoto  a  group  of  Japanese  aristocracy  in  elabo- 
rate costumes  demonstrated  for  us  the  ancient  royal  game 
of  Kemari  or  "kick  hall."  In  India  we  fed  bread  to  wild 
monkeys  from  the  windows  of  a  modern  dining  car.  At 
the  Inner  Shrine  in  Japan,  temple  maidens  and  priests 
put  on  a  service  of  sacred  dances  for  us.  and  at  Nara  we 
spent  the  night  in  the  quarters  of  the  Grand  Patriarch  of 
Tenri,  a  religion  that  has  over  three  million  followers. 

We  worked  in  lands  where  civilization  first  began,  where 
today  these  ancient  cultures  are  being  blended  with  twen- 
tieth century  miracles,  where  Cadillacs  vie  with  sacred 
cows  for  a  place  in  crowded  streets.  In  these  strange  places 
and  others,  we  dropped  out  of  the  sky  to  be  greeted  by- 
friendly  people  who  waited  our  coming  and  had  prepared 
programs  for  us. 

I  gladly  acknowledge  here  the  careful  preparation,  hos- 
pitable reception  and  enthusiastic  cooperation  of  repre- 
sentatives of  various  agencies  that  helped  to  make  our 
mi—ion  successful;  our  own  United  States  Km  I  >assies.  the 
YMCA,  the  Near  East  Foundation,  and  national,  and  local 
government  agencies  in  the  coimliie-  \i-ited. 

In  each  of  the  countries  visited,  we  met  with  leaders  of 
public  and  private  agencies  to  do  two  things:  1  1  )  to  re- 
port on  the  recreation  movement  in  America  and  the  serv- 
ii  e-  of  ..in  National  Recreation  \~-.M  i.ilion  here  and 
abroad,  di-lrilmte  a  -el  of  the  recreation  literature  that 
might  I"-  helpful,  and  1  2)  to  find  out  what  they  were 
doing  and  how  we  could  help  then  and  later.  We  did  this 
in  Iwclxc  coijiitric-  In-fore  reaching  Jap.  in 


KB 


RKI  unmix 


T.  E.  Rivers 


In  all  these  lands  our  message  basically  was  this: 

The  real  spirit  of  America  is  to  share  the  good  things 
of  life  with  all  mankind. 

Leisure  is  the  gift  of  modern  technology. 

America  has  leisure.  Ways  should  and  will  be  found  to 
give  the  people  of  the  world  more  leisure. 

Recreation  is  one  of  the  satisfying  ways  to  use  leisure. 

Recreation  has  many  values. 

We  then  proceeded  to  explain  in  detail  what  we  meant 
by  the  recreation  program;  how  it  was  organized,  fi- 
nanced, promoted.  We  emphasized:  that  recreation  was  for 
all  the  people;  that  good  trained  leadership  was  of  para- 
mount importance;  that  the  recreation  movement  should 
have  a  strong  central  agency  to  give  service  and  guidance 
to  the  local  units;  that  local  initiative  and  the  "do  it  your- 
self spirit"  was  the  path  to  progress;  that  schools  should 


square  located  on  the  highest  spot  in  Lisbon,  is  a  new  park 
being  developed  by  the  government  on  partly  contributed 
land.  Low-cost  housing  projects  are  nearby.  It  looked 
like  an  impressive  beginning  of  a  great  recreation  area. 

We  saw  a  number  of  private  clubs  for  soccer,  horseback 
riding,  and  gymnastics — the  club  is  the  basic  recreation 
unit. 

Our  fleeting  look  at  Portugal  was  very  favorable.  Lis- 
bon was  clean  and  the  people  were  friendly.  The  Rue 
Liberdade  was  a  most  interesting  mixture  of  the  old  and 
new.  Modern  automobiles,  donkey  carts  and  women  with 
large  baskets  of  fish  on  their  heads  mingled,  while  men 
sipped  drinks  on  the  cafe-lined  sidewalks. 

Spain 

•  In  Spain  there  is  no  recreational  organization  for  recrea- 
tion generally  as  we  know  it.  The  Falange — the  dominant 
political  party — is  all  pervasive  in  education,  sports,  camp- 
ing and  handwork.  Schools  are  backward;  we  learned  of 
only  one  with  modern  recreational  facilities,  but  that  is 
excellent  and  is  hopeful  as  a  model. 

The  two  principle  sports  interests  of  Spain  are  soccer 
and  bull  fighting — Put  bol  and  Toros.  Soccer  is  to  Spain 
what  sand-lot  baseball  is  to  America;  and  boys  know  the 
top  players,  their  records  and  standing  in  the  league. 
In  addition.  Spain  has  music,  drama,  handcraft,  sports, 
beautiful  parks  in  Madrid;  but  the  top  rating  for  recrea- 
tion activity  must  go  to  the  penas.  Of  all  the  media  of  ex- 
pression for  the  Spaniards,  talking  is  first;  and  a  pena 


The  National  Stadium  in  Lisbon  where  soccer  contests  are  held. 
Soccer  is  one  of  the  most  popular  national  sports  in  Portugal. 


Soccer  also  draws  large  crowds  to  Madrid's  Chamartin  Stadium, 
for   this   sport   is   to   Spaniards   what  baseball   is   to   Americans. 


help  to  prepare  the  people  for  leisure;  that  the  recreation 
program  was  broad;  that  girls  and  women  should  be 
more  widely  included  as  participants  and  leaders;  and 
that  home  and  family  recreation  were  especially  desirable. 

Here  are  some  of  the  experiences  that   linger  in   our 
memories. 

Portugal 

•  Lisbon  from  the  air  was  lovely.  In  the  brief  sweep  over 
the  city  we  spotted  the  stadium,  three  swimming  pools,  a 
park,  and  the  circular  building  we  later  learned  was  the 
Praca  de  Touros,  where  bull  fights  are  held. 

Clear    Mountain    Park,    an    area    about    two    kilometers 


is  a  group  of  people  of  like  interest  who  meet  together 
to  talk  for  fun.  Men  and  women  have  their  own  separate 
groups.  Seldom  were  they  mixed,  but  more  and  more,  as 
women  advance,  they  are  becoming  co-recreational. 

Madrid  is  in  the  mountains;  and  one  exception  to 
"sport  for  the  wealthy  only"  is  skiing.  On  a  winter  week- 
end, we  were  told,  thousands  take  the  electric  train  to  the 
mountains;  and  whole  families  ski  together. 

We  had  a  delightful  interview  with  Senor  Cecilio  Rodri- 
guez, the  eighty-seven  year  old  chief  of  parks  and  gardens 
of  Madrid.  He  began  in  the  park  system  at  eight  years 
of  age  as  a  gardener's  assistant,  and  today  has  an  avenue 


DECEMBER  1952 


403 


named  for  him,  and  his  statue  is  already  erected  in  the 
principal  park. 

Italy 

•  In   Italy.   E.\..4.L.   is  the  association   most  comparable 
to  our  NRA.  It  has  an  extensive  program  of  assistance  to 
local  groups.    It   has  inherited   many    of  the   facilities  of 
the  old  Dopolavoro,  active  before  the  war.  At  a  meeting 
in  Rome,  organized   by  E.N.A.L.,   about   forty   organiza- 
tions came  together,  in  their  headquarters  located   in   a 
count's  palace,  for  an  exchange  of  information  and  experi- 
ence.   We    exchanged    literature,    toasted    each    other    as 
spiritual   brothers,   and   each   pledged   to   the   other   con- 
tinued cooperation  in  spreading  opportunities  for  freedom 
of  choice  of  recreation  for  its  own  sake  without  regard 
to  economic,  political  or  other  reasons. 

We  visited  a  number  of  C.R.A.L.'s,  or  recreation  cen- 
ters for  various  industries  or  government  departments. 
They  had  fine  facilities  but  we  noticed  the  absence  of 
leadership. 

One  outstanding  recreation  spot  visited  was  the  Fla- 
mingo Bocci  Club.  Here  large  numbers  of  people  of  all 
classes  were  playing  the  well-known  Italian  game  on  indoor 
and  outdoor  courts.  Families  were  present  and  a  very 
happy  recreation  atmosphere  prevailed. 

The  modern  Fora  Italia,  started  by  Mussolini  and  now 
being  completed,  is  a  gigantic  recreation  facility  with  a 
stadium  seating  100,000,  a  swimming  pool  of  enormous 
proportions,  and  many  tennis  courts. 

While  in  Rome  we  had  the  rare  privilege  of  an  audience 
with  His  Holiness,  Pope  Pius  XII.  He  greeted  us  cordially, 
and  I  quickly  gave  him  our  message:  that,  next  to  religion, 
th«  wholeM.me  u-e  of  lei>ure  could  be  one  of  the  most 
important  ways  to  make  life  more  abundant  for  the  peo- 
ple; that  the  NRA  serves  all  agencies,  governments, 
churches,  hospitals  and  schools  that  want  to  use  recreation 
for  the  enrichment  of  the  human  spirit;  that,  although  the 
recreation  movement  was  non-sectarian,  many  of  the  as- 
sociation's friends  and  supporters  were  Catholic  and  would 
be  tremendously  pleased  if  I  i  milil  take  to  them  a  word  of 
encouragement. 

He  gave  us,  our  family  and  friends,  his  benediction  and 
then  walked  away,  but  turned  back  and  said,  "And  a  very 
special  blessing  for  your  work."  Many  of  you  will  remem- 
ber that  Pope  Pius  XII  some  years  ago  issued  a  very 
strong  letter  on  the  importance  of  the  right  use  of  leisure. 

Before  leaving  Rome  we  walked  through  the  Colosseum 
where  a  perverted  sense  of  recreation,  nearly  2,000  years 
ago,  was  satisfied  by  the  slaughter  of  Christians  or  a 
fight  to  the  death  by  gladiators.  We  saw  the  Circus  Mini 
miu  where  an  audience  of  over  2(X),000  used  to  watch  spec- 
tacle* put  on  f»r  the  people. 

Greece 

•  In  Greece,  Dcmetrio»  Lezos  is  a  living  example  of  the 
biblical  injunction   to  cast  your   bread   upon   the  waters. 
Fifteen  yean  ago.  tin-  "-     '          |*-r;ilcd  vtith  i 
Foundation,  which  brought  l,c/o.  to    \mcrica.  and  super- 
vised his  recreation   training.    He   learned  what  a   public 
playground  should  be  and  how  it  should  IK-  run;  and  went 
back  to  Greece  and  took  charge  of  (lie  lUdr  Playground 


(contributed  by  A.  A.  Hyde  of  Wichita.  Kansas). 

The  Hyde  Playground,  under  the  inspiring  leadership 
and  devoted  service  of  Lezos.  has  become  a  symbol  of 
American  MT\  ice  to  Greece.  Lezos'  spirit  and  influence  were 
felt  wherever  we  went.  Children  and  adults  greeted  him 
with  affection.  Men  all  over  the  city  spoke  with  apprecia- 
tion of  what  Lezos  and  the  playground  had  meant  to  them. 
Here  is  an  example  of  recreation  leadership  affecting  the 
life  of  a  nation.  For  not  only  does  it  serve  the  people  of 
Kaesariani.  but  under  the  Ministry  of  Education  which 
now  operates  it.  it  is  a  model;  and  as  Greece  gradually 
gets  back  on  its  feet,  other  playgrounds  are  following. 


Drama   group   on   playground   in   Greece   is   coached   by   bishop 
who    had    been    active    in   revolution    for    Creek    independence. 

One  of  the  most  inspiring  days  of  our  trip  was  a  Sunday 
spent  in  two  camps  for  working  boys  and  girls,  twelve 
miles  out  of  Athens  on  the  Aegean  Sea.  They  were  as  clean 
and  efficiently  run  as  any  camps  I  have  seen.  Their  pro- 
grams were  rich  and  varied  and  entered  into  with  real. 
What  we  saw  and  felt  there  was  a  moving  experience. 

Mrs.  Napika  Parpandoki,  a  remarkable  woman  who, 
after  twenty-five  years  of  serving  the  girls  of  Greece 
through  two  wars  and  a  revolution,  feeding  them  during 
the  occupation,  giving  health  instruction,  vocational  guid- 
ance and  meeting  the  many  other  needs  of  youth  in  a 
troubled  nation,  said  to  me:  "The  thing  of  which  I  am  most 
proud  is  that  I  have  taught  them  to  laugh  and  play." 

In  a  farewell  talk,  made  not  fifty  feet  from  a  cement 
gun  emplacement  left  by  the  occupation  forces  which  used 
this  camp  during  the  war,  I  said  I  would  report  to  Amer- 
ica that  the  nation  which  had  contributed  so  much  to  the 
culture  of  the  world  and  has  suffered  so  much  in  defense 
of  freedom  was  today  in  good  hands. 

On  all  the  items  sent  to  Greece  with  American  aid  ap- 
pears a  label  with  the  slogan  "Strength  to  Greece  from 
America."  Recreation  services  are  not  so  labeled,  but  the 
spiritual  and  physical  power  of  Greek  \outh  today  and 
their  fierce  devotion  to  the  democratic  way  owe  much  to 
the  opportunities  to  live  happily  in  their  limited  leisure 

during   this   difficult    reconstruction   period. 
•••••• 

This  article  u-ill  be  continued  in  the  January,  1953 
utuf  of  RECREATION,  and  will  include  experiences  in 
Egypt,  Jordan.  Pakistan.  India.  Honf  Konf  and  the  Philip- 


401 


Kic  HKATION 


A  Guide" 


FIRST  STEPS 
IN  PRODUCING  A  PLAY 


Blanch  M.  Hogg 


I 


N  ALL  PROBABILITY  the  director  will 
have  read  the  script  and  begun  to 
dream  about  a  possible  production 
long  before  any  actual  work  on  it  be- 
gins. But  whether  this  particular  time 
lapse  is  long  or  short,  the  fact  remains 
that  the  first  step  in  the  preparation  of 
the  performance  is  made  by  the  di- 
rector alone  and  it  consists  of  reading 
and  rereading  the  script,  getting  the 
feel  of  it  as  a  whole,  how  it  is  built, 
how  it  grows;  sensing  what  the  author 
wants  to  say  and  the  response  which 
he  hopes  the  audience  will  give;  get- 
ting to  know  the  characters  in  the 
play,  how  they  are  related  to  each 
other,  and  the  mainsprings  which  mo- 
tivate the  things  they  do.  This  prepara- 
tion may  be  long  or  short,  but  by  the 
time  it  is  completed  the  director  has 
a  first,  clear  impression  of  what  the 
play  is  about  and  how  the  production 
might  take  shape.  There  is  nothing 
binding  or  inflexible  about  this  first 
impression,  but  it  is  the  springboard 

AUTHOR  is  with  London  Little  Theatre. 


from  which  the  director  will  work. 

Nothing  is  more  important  in  the 
preparation  of  a  plan  than  careful 
casting.  This  is  a  point  where  it  be- 
hooves a  director  to  move  slowly.  If 
an  open  casting  reading  has  been 
called,  the  director  will  probably  be 
faced  with  actors  whose  work  she  al- 
ready knows  and  whom  she  may  al- 
ready have  in  mind  for  certain  parts, 
but  also  by  people  of  whose  capabili- 
ties she  knows  nothing.  The  first 
step  is,  therefore,  to  consider  carefully 
everyone  who  wishes  to  read  for  a 
part.  The  director  should  talk  indi- 
vidually with  each  one;  and  her  assist- 
ant, who  is  the  stage  manager,  should 
take  notes  of  all  points  which  are 
brought  out  in  these  interviews  which 
might  be  helpful,  such  as  name,  age, 
height,  how  they  speak,  whether  they 
have  any  experience  or  not.  He  should 
also  note  any  suggestions  made  as  to 
the  part  they  might  play.  Not  un- 
til everyone  has  been  interviewed  or 
talked  to,  should  any  attempt  be  made 
to  cast  the  play.  And  before  doing  this. 


The   play   starts   as   an   idea   in   director's 
mind,    its    first    form    being    the    script. 


it  is  a  good  idea  to  take  a  little  time 
and  consider  carefully  the  two  lists 
which  by  then  will  have  been  pre- 
pared— the  list  of  the  characters  in 
the  play  (this  the  director  will  have 
prepared  in  advance  of  the  reading) 
and  the  notes  on  the  readers  which  the 
stage  manager  assembled  during  the 
interviews.  From  these  two  a  third  list 
may  now  be  prepared,  grouping  the 
readers'  names  about  the  part  for 
which  they  seem  best  suited. 

Interviewing  the  Potential  Cast 

The  director  is  now  ready  to  begin 
casting  readings.  The  director  should 
not  try  at  this  stage  to  read  the  play 
as  a  whole.  It  is  much  better  to  se- 
lect a  number  of  scenes.  Nor  should 
she  try  to  cast  all  the  parts,  but 


In   casting,  everyone   should   have   chance   to  read   several   different   parts.     This   is   a 
real    testing    period,    shows    whether    actor   is    suitable    for   part,    responsive    to    ideas. 

DECEMBER  1952 


*  Reprinted  from  Prelude  to  Performance, 
by  permission  of  National  Council  on  Physi- 
cal Fitness  and  the  Physical  Fitness  Divi- 
sion, Department  of  National  Health  and 
Welfare,  Canada. 

405 


Careful  checking  and  necessary  altera- 
tions of  costumes  are  important.  Costumes 
should  fit  the  period,  complement  the 
settiims.  respond  well  to  the  lightiim 


A  final  approval  of  all  make-up  should 
be  obtained  from  the  make-up  department, 
although  each  actor  should  be  trained  in 
tins  art  and  learn  to  put  on  his  imn 


concentrate  on  the  main  ones,  or  on 
such  as  have  marked  individual  char- 
acteristics. Smaller  parts,  such  as  lords- 
in-waiting,  and  so  forth,  can  be  filled 
in  later.  It  is  often  a  good  idea  to 
have  only  two  or  three  readers  at  a 
time.  The  readers  themselves  will  not 
be  »o  nervous.  The  director  can  lis- 
ten and  concentrate  better,  and  get 
a  clearer  impression  of  the  things 
she  is  looking  for.  What  will  these 
be?  A  natural  for  the  part,  if  she  is 
lucky  enough  to  find  one:  but  on  the 
whole,  type  casting  is  not  by  any 
means  the  most  important  considera- 
tion. However,  there  are  certain  es- 
sential physical  characteristics  which 
should  be  considered.  For  instance,  in 
As  You  Like  It,  Rosalind  must  be  tall, 
and  Celia  short.  An  intelligent  read- 
ing of  the  part  and  an  understanding 
of  the  lines  is  an  important  considera- 
tion. Sight  reading  is  notoriously  mis- 
leading; some  people  read  better  than 
others  but  have  really  very  little  more 
to  give,  others  stumble  and  are  un- 
impressive, but  given  a  chance  to  get 
to  know  the  lines  better,  improve  out 
of  all  recognition.  The  director  can 
teat  this  capacity  a  little  by  herself 
clarifying  the  meaning  of  some  of 
the  lines,  and  then  having  them  re- 
read. One  thing  which  can  be  tested 
is  the  general  voice  qualit).  wheihei 
it  is  pleasant  or  unpleasant,  moniiio- 
nous  or  colorful,  clear  or  muffled. 

Methods  of  Casting 

During  the  course  of  the  readings 
thr  director  should  try  to  hear  rvcr\ 
one  in  two  or  three  parts.  By  that 
time  she  will  have  formed  some  prettv 
clear  impressions,  but  should  not  be  in 
•  hurry  to  make  a  definite  casting. 
It  it  better  at  this  point  to  eliminate 


only  those  who  are  quite  unsuitable 
for  the  play  and  to  invite  everyone 
else  to  come  back  to  the  next  reading, 
which  will  be  a  complete  play  reading. 
Generally  speaking,  a  director  is 
wise  to  allow  two  or  three  such  read- 
ings. They  are  the  real  testing  period. 
As  readers  become  more  familiar  with 
their  parts,  it  becomes  much  clearer 
to  the  director  whether  or  not  they 
are  suitable,  whether  they  have  ideas 
of  their  own  and  are  creative  and 
imaginative,  and  whether  they  are  re- 
sponsive to  ideas  which  arc  suggested 
to  them,  that  is,  to  direction.  During 
the  course  of  these  early  readings  the 
director  will  share  with  the  cast  her 
ideas  about  the  play,  what  it  is  about. 
how  It  grow-:  llir  broad  lines  of  the 
characters,  theii  relationship,  ami  the 
motives  which  prompt  their  actions. 
MM-  will  encourage  discussion  and  the 
exchange  of  ideas.  By  the  end  of  these 
readings  the  easting  should  have  been 
completed  and  e\er\one  should  have 
a  grasp  •>(  ll«-  pla\  .1-  a  whole.  In  part, 
the  director  will  uehie\e  tin-  l>y  sug- 
ue-lmg  wli.il  -he  feel-  i-  tin-  .iiillini'- 
iiitentinn  .mil  In  explaining  how  she 
plans  to  mi.  1 1, 1. 1  It.  In  part,  it  will 
Ivr  the  result  of  the  impai  I  which  the 
|)la\  itself  makes  u|><>n  r.i.  h  .1.  tor  as 


he  reads  it.  The  actors  themselves  will 
have  begun  to  think  about  and  know 
the  character!  the\  are  going  to  play. 

Designing  the  .SV/.> 

During  this  same  period  when  the 
foundations  of  interpretation  are  being 
laid  for  the  acting,  or  preferably  even 
previous  to  it,  work  will  have  begun 
on  some  of  the  production  problems 
of  the  play.  Sets  must  he  designed. 
Very  often  an  artist  or  scene  designer 
is  asked  to  do  this.  It  will  be  much 
more  helpful  to  the  designer  if  the 
director  is  able  to  indicate  right  at  the 
start  any  features  of  the  set  which 
have  already  become  important  to  hei 
in  her  preliminary  study  of  the  play. 
For  instance,  she  may  have  a  strong; 
feeling  about  wanting  vari<-l\  »f  level. 
-tep«.  and  so  forth.  She  may  feel  that 
tin-  pii-iti'in  of  -nine  door  or  point  of 
entrance  and  exit  is  of  great  impor- 
tance. She  will  suggest  something  of 
the  general  mood  and  intention  which 
she  has  in  mind  in  developing  the 
play.  The  designer,  too.  should  h.m 
read  the  play  and  be  able  to  bring  sug- 
gestions as  (•<  how  il  can  he  \i-u.ilK 
interpreted.  Working  together,  rough 
-kelche-  can  IN-  drafted.  The  designer 
will  Inter  develop  lhe-e  in  de-tail,  and 


UK, 


lit  i  IU.\TIO\ 


should  also  prepare  a  ground  plan  of 
the  proposed  set,  drawn  to  scale  and 
planned  in  terms  of  the  area  which 
will  be  available  on  the  stage  to  be 
used.  Eventually,  the  designer  may  be 
able  to  prepare  a  little  model  of  the 
set,  indicating  everything  in  color  and 
proportion.  This  can  be  a  great  source 
of  help  and  inspiration  to  everyone 
who  is  working  on  the  play. 

Constructing   the    Sets 

Once  the  set  has  been  designed, 
other  workers  must  be  called  in  to 
carry  out  its  construction.  The  chief 
of  these  will  be  the  stage  carpenter, 
and  before  he  starts  work  on  it  he  will 
be  wise  to  verify  all  the  measurements, 
and  if  possible  to  rough  out  the  actual 
dimensions  of  the  area  to  be  used. 

Planning  the  Costumes 

If  the  play  is  a  costume  play,  a 
great  deal  of  preliminary  work  will 
have  to  be  done.  The  costumes  must  be 
planned  to  go  with  the  set,  they  must 
belong  together  in  period,  in  color 
and  in  general  mood  and  quality.  In 
addition,  there  are  considerations  of 
texture  and  of  the  response  of  the  ma- 
terials to  lighting.  There  are  also, 
probably,  very  practical  considerations 
of  expense  and  of  the  use  of  cheap 
fabrics  which  give  good  effect.  The 
set  and  the  costumes  may  be  designed 
by  one  person,  or  by  separate  artists; 
but  the  important  thing,  if  there  is 


to  be  any  unity,  is  that  they  be  planned 
in  relation  to  each  other  and  that  the 
scene  designer  and  the  costume  de- 
signer work  in  the  closest  collabora- 
tion with  one  another  and  with  the 
director.  The  costume  designer  should 
prepare  sketches  of  the  proposed  cos- 
tumes, and  these  and  the  materials 
which  will  be  used  to  make  them 
should  be  checked  before  any  work  is 
begun  on  cutting  or  sewing. 

Collecting  the  Properties 

Another  job  which  should  be  or- 
ganized, right  at  the  start,  is  that  of 
the  properties.  "Props"  will  be  re- 
sponsible for  all  furnishings  and  hand 
properties  required,  and  a  complete 
list  of  these  should  be  prepared  in 
advance.  It  will  be  the  responsibility 
of  the  "props"  to  furnish  substitutes 
for  these  which  can  be  used  during 
the  rehearsals  and  to  locate,  or  to 
make,  the  actual  articles  which  will  be 
used  in  the  performance.  Here  again, 
"props"  does  not  work  alone,  but  in 
conjunction  with  the  director  and  the 
designers. 

Forming   a    Team 

In  fact,  what  has  happened  is  that 
a  production  staff  has  been  assembled, 
made  up  of  all  those  who  will  be  re- 
sponsible for  the  visual  effects  in  the 
production.  Each  of  these  will  have 
their  own  group  of  workers,  who  will 
be  working  with  them  on  their  special- 


At  dress  rehearsals,  the  prepared  work  of  the  actors  and  all  elements  of  the  visual  pres- 
entation which  clothe  and  frame  the  action  are  blended  into  one  coordinated  production. 


ized  jobs.  The  director  will  work  di- 
rectly with  the  production  heads  and 
will  hold  staff  meetings  at  different 
times  to  keep  everyone  in  touch  with 
each  other  and  with  the  progress  and 
development  of  the  play  as  a  whole. 

The  person  who  works  most  closely 
of  all  with  the  director  is  the  stage 
manager.  He  is  her  assistant  and  he 
should  be  familiar  with  every  detail 
of  the  performance  as  it  is  set  and 
developed.  The  stage  manager  should 
prepare  a  very  special  script  of  the 
play  which  is  known  as  the  stage  man- 
ager's script.  This  may  be  a  loose-leaf 
notebook  with  a  page  of  the  printed 
text  inserted  between  each  of  the  pages 
of  the  notebook.  The  main  point  is 
that  there  be  plenty  of  marginal  space 
or  a  blank  page  upon  which  the  stage 
manager  can  make  notes  of  everything 
pertaining  to  the  performance  of  the 
scene.  The  stage  manager  should  be 
able  at  any  time  to  re-rehearse  any 
scenes  which  have  been  set  by  the 
director,  and  eventually  it  is  the  stage 
manager  who  will  be  in  charge  of 
the  performance.  During  the  period  of 
the  readings,  the  stage  manager  as- 
sists by  keeping  any  notes  which  may 
be  required  and  by  preparing  a  sched- 
ule of  the  proposed  play  rehearsals. 

Planning  the  Action 

The  time  which  can  be  spent  on  the 
production  should  be  carefully  planned 
by  the  director.  Better  results  will  be 
achieved,  if  the  actors  know,  in  ad- 
vance, what  they  will  be  working  on 
at  each  rehearsal  and  what  will  be  ex- 
pected of  them. 


DECEMBER  1952 


The  following  pamphlets  published 
by  the  National  Physical  Fitness  Di- 
vision may  be  ordered  from  Mr.  Ed- 
mond  Cloutier,  King's  Printer,  Ottawa, 
Canada:  Simplified  Staging,  10  cents; 
Simplified  Stage  Lighting,  in  press, 
approximately  7  cents;  Prelude  to  Per- 
formance, 1  cents;  Here's  How  to  Do 
It,  45  cents;  Supplement  to  Here's 
How  to  Do  It,  in  press,  approximately 
45  cents. 

Films  and  filmstrips  for  community 
drama  groups  are  also  available.  For 
information  about  the  titles,  content, 
prices,  and  preview  arrangements  in 
the  United  States,  write  to  the  Na- 
tional Film  Board  of  Canada,  1270 
Avenue  of  the  Americas,  New  York  20. 

407 


Delegates  worked  luml 
at  the  1952  "National  F 


Banquet    on   Thursday   evening   presented    a    gay    and    colorful    spectacle. 
Note    the    speakers'    tahle    at    the    right,    seating    thirty    honored    guests. 


Mrs.  Ainu  K.  M.murl.  Supervisor  of 
Museum  Activities.  Citv  and  Coun- 
ty of  Honolulu,  presenting  an  or- 
chid lei  and  a  kiss  to  Ben  r.vans. 
director  of  recreation  in  Seattle. 


"The  Four  Teens,"  1952  cliampioiislii 
barbershop  quartet,  were  flown  in  frn 
Airforce  Base,  Illinois,  to  entertain  at 


I  II  I .  the  workshop  on  dramatics,  1.  to 
i  .  Winifred  Bowers.  I'nivcrsity  of  I'tah. 
I  tin. i  B.  Kennedy.  1'ortlund,  Oregon, 
f.r.icc  U'alker,  of  the  Ml  \  si. ill.  and 
Mis  lln\sard  Brauchcr,  NBA,  New  York. 


KICHT.   Hobcrt   \V.   Crawford.   Philadel- 
phia    Deputy     Commissioner     and     Su 
pcrintendcnl     of     Keereution.     exleiuliim 
invitation   for  the    1953  National   KKH 
ation    Congress    In    be    held    in    llut    (its 


108 


lil  i  UKATION 


jyed  heartily 
[>n  Congress 


ssion. 


ABOVE,  Discovered  applauding  at 
the  speaker's  table  during  the  ban- 
quet was  Mrs.  Howard  A.  Frame,  who 
is  an  interested  sponsor  of  the  NRA. 


ABOVE,  Mrs.  C.  M.  McCune,  daughter  of  the  late 
Judge  Austin  E.  Griffiths,  presenting  her  father's 
$.3000  bequest  to  the  association.  The  check  is  ac- 
cepted by  Chairman  of  the  NRA  Board  Otto  Mallery. 


ABOVE,  Guests  are  knighted  by  King 
Neptune,  of  the  Seattle  Seafair  Cen- 
tennial Celebration.  Joseph  Prender- 
gast,  Thomas  Rivers,  Susan  Lee,  Otto 
Mallery,  and  Mrs.  Paul  Gallagher. 


LEFT,  Proving  that  some  of  the 
fun  was  "just  a  circus."  Keith  Mac- 
donald,  Executive  Director  of  Rec- 
reation, Greater  Vallejo  District,  rep- 
resented his  department's  clown  club. 


DECEMBER  1952 


409 


Size  of  Diamonds 

The  American  Baseball  Congres,-  n-- 
cently  reported  on  a  sur\r\  under- 
taken to  determine  the  size  of  dia- 
monds used  for  junior  play.  Re-ult- 
indicated  a  wide  variety  in  local  prac- 
tin-.  Fifty-nine  per  cent  of  the  cities 
reporting  use  regulation  playing  fields 
for  boys  thirteen  years  of  age  and 
older,  71  per  cent  for  hoys  fourteen 
and  over  and  80  per  cent  for  boys 
fifteen  and  over.  A  great  variation 
in  -ize  is  reported  for  players  twelve 
years  of  age  and  under. 

By  and  large,  the  trend  is  to  use 
the  regulation  diamond  for  players 
fourteen  and  older.  Size  of  the  ab- 
breviated diamonds  varies  from  a 
>i\l\-foot  base  line,  reported  in  one 
rit\.  l<>  :m  i-ighty-two-foot  base  line 
reported  in  several  cities.  Pitching 
distances  vary  from  forty-four  to  fift\- 
seven  feet. 

City  Employee's  Code  of  Ethics 

In  days  of  the  exposure  oj  graft  in 
public  office,  it  is  encouraging  to  see 
that  some  cities  have  adopted  a  code 
of  honor  for  all  inuiiicii>al  employees. 

I  In-  "Cit\  Kmployee's  Code  of  Eth- 
><•-."  which  appeared  in  the  Los  An- 
^i-|c«  <!ii\  (!lcrk's  Your  Government 
at  a  Glance,  will  be  of  interest  to  all 
and  applicable  to  the  recreation  em- 
ployee: 

Attitude   of  Employee   to   Public 
Service 

I  am  a  public  employee — mindful  of 
the  fact  that  I  am  but  an  integral 
part  of  the  entire  governmental  struc- 
inn-,  and  that  my  employment  is  not 
a  personal  right,  but  a  privilege  em- 
bodving  a  trust. 

/  Will  Be:  Loyal,  for  fidelity  is  the 
foundation  upon  which  the  structure 

•  if  public  service  rests; 

Hiimirablr.  for  stability  of  the  pub- 
lii  »IT\  ii-c  -inn  lure  depends  upon  hon- 
or and  integrity  : 

Efficient,  for  efficiency  creates  pub- 
In  '  i.iiliilciii •••  and  assures  progn--  in 
public  sei 

Rflialilf.     for     I     must     assume     rn\ 

•  hare   of    responsibility,    knowing   that 
m\    felloM   einplotci-  Hill  ilo  likewise, 
ihrrrby   improving  the  public    «wT\iic. 

(  i>niii-nii\.  fnt  oiiitiesy  grratly  en- 
li.mie.  both  thr  valur  and  etln  i.-n<  \  of 
pilblii 

Rruiun-rjul.  ever  seeking  to  extend 
tin 


m\  sphere  of  usefulness  for  the  bene- 
fit of  public  service; 

Tolerant,  of  the  opinions  and  con- 
duct of  others,  both  within  and  with- 
out the  public  service; 

Watchful,  in  public  and  private  con- 
duct to  ever  uphold  the  highest  ideals 
of  public  service. 

Recreation  Areas  in  Subdivisions 

A  publication  entitled  Suggested 
Land  Subdivision  Regulations,  recent- 
l\  i-sued  by  the  Federal  Housing  and 
Home  Finance  Agency,  recognizes  the 
importance  of  park  and  recreation 
areas  in  subdivision  planning.  A  sec- 
tion dealing  with  purposes  and  ob- 
jectives contains  the  following: 

"Turks  and  Recreation.  Provision 
of  adequate  recreation  facilities,  in- 
cluding playgrounds  and  small  parks, 
is  a  factor  which  cannot  be  minimized 
in  the  acceptability  of  a  plot.  Side- 
walks and  streets  are  not  safe  recrea- 
tion areas.  Multi-family  dwellings,  row- 
houses,  duplexes  and  other  types  of 
dwelling  establishing  concentrations  of 
population  may  aggravate  the  recrea- 
tion problem.  As  much  as  possible, 
the  garden  apartment  type  of  multi- 
family  development  should  be  encour- 
aged to  provide  for  internal  recrea- 
tion spaces  as  part  of  a  project.  The 
health,  welfare  and  stability  of  a  resi- 
dential community  requires  a  careful 
analysis  of  the  anticipated  child  age 
composition  and  adequate  attention  to 
the  needs  and  convenience  of  a  recrea- 
tion program  for  the  community  as  a 
ulnili-  I  In-  municipality  has  an  in- 
terest in  negotiating  with  the  sub- 
divider  for  the  reservation  or  dedica- 
tion of  space  for  necessary  play- 
grounds  and  parks  in  appropriate  lo- 
cations." 

In  ii  section  dealing  with  design 
standards,  thr  following  Matciwnt  ap- 


pears   with    reference    to    public   sites 
and  open  spaces: 

"1.  Where  a  proposed  park,  play- 
ground, school  or  other  public  use 
area  shown  in  a  general  communiu 
plan  is  located  in  whole  or  in  part  in 
a  subdivision,  the  planning  commis- 
sion may  require  the  dedication  or 
reservation  of  such  area  within  the 
subdivision  in  those  cases  in  which  the 
planning  commission  deem-  -m-li  re- 
quirements to  be  reasonable. 

"Small  neighborhood  parks,  play- 
grounds or  other  recreational  open 
spaces  form  an  important  and  neces- 
sary part  of  the  development  of  the 
land.  Their  location  should  be  deter- 
mined by  some  degree  of  community 
or  neighborhood  planning,  so  that 
each  area  which  is  of  sufficient  extent 
to  need  or  justify  a  neighborhood  open 
space  will  obtain  such  an  open  space 
of  the  appropriate  size  and  at  the  ap- 
propriate location.  The  best,  most  eco- 
nomical time  to  do  this  is  before  or  at 
the  time  that  the  land  is  being  sub- 
divided. However,  as  ownerships  of 
land,  and  consequently  subdivisions, 
seldom  correspond  to  these  neighbor- 
hood or  community  areas,  it  follows 
that  requiring  each  subdivider  to  dedi- 
cate a  certain  percentage  of  his  tract 
Minilcl  not  result  in  getting  compact 
.mil  concentrated  playgrounds  or  olhei 
open  spaces  of  the  proper  size  and  lo- 
i-iilimi.  For  the  same  reason,  it  would 
n-ult  in  injustice  to  rei|iiiie  .1  tract 
smaller  in  area  than  thr  Mtghbocbood 
or  conmiunilx  area  In  contribute  more 
than  its  share  of  the  appropriate  !•••  .1 
dona, 

"The  fair  and  intelligent  method 
would  seem  to  be  that  tin-  planning 
commission  make  neighborhood  or 
i  «mmunity  plans,  designating  in  a 
general  way  the  nature  and  extent  of 
the  open  spares  and  then.  .1-  .m\  pm 

RECRE*TID\ 


for  the  Administrator 


tion  of  the  area  comes  to  be  submitted 
for  subdivision  approval,  take  such 
steps  as  will  cause  the  dedication  of 
the  recreational  spaces  at  or  about  the 
places  designated  in  the  neighborhood 
plan,  with  money  adjustment  to  com- 
pensate the  owner  of  any  subdivided 
tract  for  the  excess  contributed  by 
him  above  his  fair  share. 

"2.  Where  deemed  essential  by  the 
planning  commission,  upon  considera- 
tion of  the  particular  type  of  develop- 
ment proposed  in  the  subdivision,  and 
especially  in  large-scale  neighborhood 
unit  developments  not  anticipated  in 
the  general  community  plan,  the  plan- 
ning commission  may  require  dedica- 
tion or  reservation  of  such  other  areas 
or  sites  of  a  character,  extent  and  lo- 
cation suitable  to  needs  created  by 
such  development  for  schools,  parks 
and  other  neighborhood  purposes." 

School  Expenditures  Upheld 

The  right  of  the  board  of  education 
of  a  school  district  in  the  state  of  Il- 
linois to  establish  and  operate  a  sum- 
mer recreation  program  for  children 
was  upheld  by  a  decision  handed  down 
in  the  circuit  court  of  St.  Glair  Coun- 
ty in  Illinois  on  July  27,  1950.  The 
case  resulted  from  the  refusal  of  the 
township  treasurer  to  receive  and  hon- 
or warrants  drawn  up  by  the  board  of 
education  of  the  local  school  district 
for  the  purpose  of  maintaining  and 
operating  summer  physical  education 
and  recreation  programs.  His  refusal 
was  based  upon  advice  received  from 
certain  school  authorities  of  the  state 
to  the  effect  that  the  board  had  no 
right  or  authority  to  maintain  and  op- 
erate such  programs. 

The  plaintiff,  which  was  the  Board 
of  Education  of  School  District  No. 
189,  had  conducted  a  program  for 
three  summers  without  any  question 


having  been  raised  as  to  its  authority 
to  expend  funds  for  this  purpose. 
When  the  township  treasurer  refused 
to  honor  its  warrants,  it  brought  ac- 
tion against  him. 

The  decree  of  the  court,  as  reported 
in  the  Illinois  Recreation  Association 
Bulletin,  was  as  follows: 

I.  Plaintiff    has    the    right,    power, 
and    authority    to    institute,   establish, 
maintain,  and  operate  summer  physi- 
cal education  and  recreation  programs 
for  children  of  school  age  residing  in 
School  District  No.  189  in  the  County 
of  St.   Clair  and  State  of  Illinois  in 
school  buildings  in  said   district  and 
to  pay  the  expenses  thereof  out  of  its 
educational   fund   derived   from   taxes 
duly   levied   by   it  and  thereafter  col- 
lected by  the  proper  authorities  and 
paid    to    the    defendant    as    Township 
Treasurer,    as    aforesaid    for    it,    and 
from  funds  received  by  said  defendant 
as  Township  Treasurer,  as  aforesaid, 
from  other  sources  for  plaintiff. 

II.  The  defendant,  Forrest  P.  Beck- 
with,  as  Township  Treasurer  of  Town- 
ship two   north,   range   nine   west,   in 
the  county  of  St.   Clair  and  state  of 
Illinois,  shall  hereafter  accept  and  pay 
all  school  orders  and  warrants  drawn 
on  the  educational  fund  of  the  plaintiff 
in    his    hand    and    presented    to    him 
as  Township  Treasurer,  as  aforesaid, 
for  the  institution,  establishment,  main- 
tenance and  operation  of  summer  phy- 
sical   education    and    recreation    pro- 
grams    instituted,    established,     main- 
tained  and   operated   by   the   plaintiff 
for  children  of  school  age  residing  in 
said  School  District  No.  189,  in  school 
buildings   in    said   school   district   for 
the  year  1950  and  thereafter. 

III.  Plaintiff  shall  have  and  recover 
of  and  from  the  defendant  the  costs 
of  this  action  to  be  taxed  by  the  clerk 
of   this   court. 


A  Case  of  Legality 

The  San  Mateo  Park  and  Recreation 
Department  has  taken  issue  with  the 
legal  opinion  of  the  city  attorney, 
who  doubts  the  legality  of  a  new  ordi- 
nance proposed  by  the  commission. 
The  ordinance  would  require  a  fee 
from  the  subdividers  for  each  lot  in 
a  new  tract  before  the  city  approved 
the  subdivision,  with  the  money  to  be 
put  into  a  fund  to  finance  park  and 
recreation  facilities. 

A  joint  statement,  issued  by  Matt 
Thiltgen,  Superintendent  of  Recrea- 
tion, and  Stanley  Pitcher,  Superin- 
tendent of  Parks,  said,  "It  is  not  the 
intention  of  the  park  and  recreation 
commission  to  deprive  anyone  of  their 
property  without  due  process,  and  this 
was  not  implied  in  the  proposal.  The 
recommendation  was  that  a  fee  be  paid 
by  subdividers  to  provide  a  facility  for 
the  public  welfare.  Many  require- 
ments are  placed  on  business  enter- 
prises within  cities  in  order  to  serve 
the  welfare  of  the  community;  require- 
ments which,  if  imposed  upon  indi- 
vidual property  owners,  might  be  chal- 
lenged as  illegal,  but  are  not  so  con- 
sidered when  set  up  as  requirements 
for  business  operations — and  the  sub- 
division of  property  is  definitely  a 
'business  operation.' 

"While  it  is  true  that  no  court  de- 
cisions have  been  made  on  these  ordi- 
nances, it  seems  strange  that  if  they 
are  illegal,  they  have  not  been  chal- 
lenged. License  fees  and  assessments  of 
all  sorts  are  charged  for  public  bet- 
terment and  the  constitutionality  of 
such  is  never  questioned.  What  is  the 
difference  between  these  charges  and 
the  proposed  fee  for  the  provision  of 
seriously-needed  public  improvements 
which  will  serve  the  general  good?" 

A  recreation  subdivision  ordinance 
designed  to  enable  owners  of  future 
annexed  lands  to  contribute  to  the 
Mountain  View  Recreation  Depart- 
ment is  to  receive  its  first  formal  in- 
troduction, according  to  Ray  Mathies, 
Director  of  Recreation.  The  ordinance 
provides  that  subdividers,  prior  to 
the  approval  of  a  final  map  "shall  first 
deposit  with  the  city  the  sum  of  twenty 
dollars  for  each  lot." 

A  letter  has  been  sent  to  the  San 
Mateo  Park  and  Recreation  Depart- 
ment asking  them  to  advise  us  of  the 
decision  on  the  ordinance's  legality. 


DECEMBER  1952 


411 


Squirrel 


r«u  i.  :  u  i. «. 


FroR 


Milk  lit*  !••  rrwiiiKHf  f*c 
•m.  «uk>  Ik.  to««rr  k«4  Icf* 
••4  f*»tm  f*rt  Iff  •Ilk  !«• 


Baby 


KJK  M\N\  i. KM  KM  KINS  past  have  been  afforded  much 
pleasure  and  entertainment  by  transforming  their  handkerchiefs  into 
imaginative,  though  temporary,  animals  and  dolls  through  a  simple  proc- 
ess of  twisting,  knotting,  or  rolling  the  squares  into  the  desired  form-. 
Handkerchiefs  have  also  long  been  used  as  essential  equipment  for  such 
well  known  childhood  games  as  Drop  the  Handkerchief  and  Blind  Man's 
Buff.  For  a  Christmas  party  that  is  different,  and  requires  a  minimum 
amount  of  equipment  and  preparation,  this  party  for  young  children, 
based  on  the  use  of  handkerchiefs,  is  suggested.  The  figures  shown  lend 
themselves  to  a  variety  of  uses  for  parties  and  programs:  however,  they 
are  featured  in  this  party  as  a  learn-how  activity. 

To  make  the  figures,  a  plain  colored  handkerchief  of  firmly  woven 
fabric,  about  fourteen  inches  square,  and  several  rubber  bands  are  necclnl 
for  each  child.  The  leader  or  instructor  should  know  the  steps  thoroughly 
and  be  able  to  explain  and  demon*tatc  them  to  the  children  slowly  and 
carefully  in  the  Hmplnl  manner.  After  they  have  learned  to  make  all  of 
the  figures,  let  each  child  select  the  one  he  likes  best  and  re-make  it  to 
take  home  as  a  party  souvenir. 

Party  Favors 

Favors  of  candy  and  nuts,  tied  up  in  small  red  or  gre«n  handkerchiefs 
and  fastened  to  candy  canes,  may  be  quickly  and  easily  assembled,  and 
are  most  appropriate  for  a  Christmas  handkerchief  party. 

HANDKERCHIEF  GAMES 

Santa  Comes  by  Parachute 

Equipment — A  Santa  figure  about  five  inches  high,  cut  from  heavy  card- 
board (or  paper,  weighted  with  a  metal  washer  I  :  a  parachute  made  of  a 
small  silk  handkerchief  with  an  eight  inch  piece  of  string  tied  to  each 
corner  and  then  fastened  to  the  top  of  the  figure.  A  landing  rone  made 
by  marking  off  a  piece  of  wrapping  paper  into  twelve-inch  squares,  and 
drawing  or  pasting  a  picture  of  a  different  toy  in  each  square.  Small 
candies  in  the  forms  of  the  toys  pictured  in  the  squares. 

Each  child,  in  turn,  throws  the  Santa  figure  up  in  the  air  so  thai  it 
parachutes  down  onto  the  landing  zone,  and  receives  a  can<l\  t<>\  matching 
the  picture  of  the  one  in  the  square  in  which  Santa  lands. 

Find  the  Toy 

A'/m/>"iivi/  \  -in. ill  t"\  UI.I|>|H-I|  anil  tii-d  in  lii-l  HIM-  liaiuJkcrcliicf  ami 
then  another  until  there  are  about  ten  layers. 


U2 


H«nclki-rchir(  fipurr*  «rr  rrprinlril  wilh  prrini--n>ii  from  Out  n<  a  Hanilkrrrhirt  |i\ 
Krinrr«  K.  Jirol>«,  illu«lr«lr<l  liv  M«non  l)o»nrr.  l>olhrop.  I.rr  «nH  Shrptril  Om 
p«n».  Nrw  York.  Out  of  print. 

RBOSATIOR 


Rabbit 


Fold  3  lo  2  making 
A  triangle. 


Children  sit  or  stand  in  a  circle  and  pass  the  package  around  to  the 
music  of  "Santa  Glaus  Is  Coming  to  Town"  or  any  other  well  known  and 
lively  Christmas  tune.  The  music  is  stopped  abruptly  and  the  child  caught 
holding  the  package  unties  and  removes  the  first  handkerchief.  The  music 
starts  again  and  the  package  is  passed  until  the  music  stops  and  the  second 
handkerchief  is  removed.  This  continues  until  a  child  finally  unties  the 
last  handkerchief  and  wins  the  toy  inside  of  it. 

Jingle  Handkerchief  Relay 
Equipment — One  handkerchief  for  each  team. 

Divide  the  group  of  children  into  equal  size  teams  of  seven  or  more 
players.  The  teams  line  up  and  the  first  member  on  each  is  given  a  hand- 
kerchief with  a  small  bell  tied  to  one  corner.  He  shakes  the  bell  three 
times,  makes  a  complete  turn  in  place,  shakes  the  bell  three  more  times 
and  passes  the  handkerchief  to  the  child  behind  him.  The  procedure  is  re- 
peated down  the  line  to  the  last  player.  He  brings  the  handkerchief  back 
to  the  first  player,  who  shakes  the  bell  five  times.  First  team  to  finish  wins. 


Searching  for  Santa 
Equipment — A  small  bell  and  a  handkerchief  for  a  blindfold. 

One  child  is  blindfolded  and  another  is  chosen  to  be  Santa  Glaus  and 
is  given  a  small  bell.  The  blindfolded  child  stands  in  the  middle  of  the 
room  while  the  other  children  scatter  around  him.  When  he  says,  "I'm 
looking  for  Santa",  they  all  stand  still;  and  Santa  rings  his  bell  to  indi- 
cate where  he  is.  The  blindfolded  child  walks  around,  trying  to  find  him, 
until  he  touches  someone  and  then  asks  him,  "Are  you  Santa?"  If  he  is 
not  Santa,  he  answers,  "No,  I  am  only  one  of  his  helpers."  The  child  who 
is  Santa  rings  his  bell  and  the  seeker  tries  again  to  find  him.  When  he  is 
found,  Santa  and  his  seeker  choose  other  children  to  take  their  places. 

OTHER  USES  FOR  HANDKERCHIEF  FIGURES 

The  handkerchief  figures  have  many  other  possibilities  for  the  program 
leader: 

— finger  puppets  for  impromptu  shows  and  stunts; 
— on-the-spot-fashioned  props  for  story  hours; 
— banquet  table  stunts  (using  napkins  instead  of  handkerchiefs) ; 
— tray  decorations  for  hospitalized  youngsters; 
— table  decorations  and  favors  for  a  circus  party ; 

— and  the  rosebud  bouquets  make  simple  and  effective  mother-daughter 
party  favors,  and  inexpensive  and  practical  corsages  for  a  teen-age  dance 
or  party. 


Knot  corners  at  B 
together  for  the 
head,  pulling  up  the 
two  ears. 


Knot  A  and  C  sepa- 
rately for  the  fore 
legs.  Brlnr  the  left 
up  and  fasten  them 
with  a  band  around 
the  body. 


At  the  bottom  pinch 
enough  for  the  hind 
legs,  fastening  each 
with  a  band. 


At  the  back  pinch  a  piece  for 
the  tail  and  fasten  with  a 


Elephant 


Knot  2  with  a  lonf 
end  for  the  trunk. 
Twist  it  slightly  and 
fasten  so  that  it  will 
hold. 


Turn  up  the  dragging  corner 
Separately,  knot  1  and  4  for  al  the  back  and  """I"' 
the  fore  legs,  tucking  In  point  to  a  pinch  of  the  body 
ends  of  corners  to  make  feet.  for  the  tail. 


For  hind  legs  father  up 
point*  A  and  B  and  fasten 
each  with  a  band. 


Rosebud  Bouquet 


PuU  out  a  point  at  A, 
II.  (Ml  and  knot  each 
aeparately  for  the 
four  buds. 


In  the  hand,  gather  the  buds 
together  and  faaten  In  a 
bgnch  with  a  band.  Thi. 
band  becomes  hidden  under 
the  buds. 


Pull  up  the  four  loose  cor. 
ners  for  the  leaves. 


Underneath.  Iwial  the  material  and 
fasten  for  the  stems. 


DECEMBER  1952 


413 


Milwaukee's    Golden    Agers    are    fortunate   in    having   excellent 
facilities   and   leadership   provided   for   them   at   "hobhy   shop," 


A  N  ESPECIALLY  well  organized  and  conducted  recrea- 
•**•  tion  program,  designed  to  meet  the  needs  of  the  aging. 
is  offered  by  the  Milwaukee  Department  of  Municipal 
Recreation.  This  might  well  serve  as  a  pattern  for  other 
communitir-. 

In  1941  the  recreation  department  organized  a  club  for 
older  persons  residing  in  the  Parklawn  area  on  Milwaukee's 
north  side.  Shortly  thereafter  the  Community  Welfare 
Council,  then  known  as  the  Council  of  Social  Agencies, 
appointed  a  Committee  on  the  Aged  to  study  the  need  for 
recreational  opportunities  for  older  people.  In  1945  a 
Committee  for  Recreation  for  the  Aged  was  created  and 
experiments  with  several  groups  were  conducted.  I. Mu- 
tually the  first  Golden  Age  Club  was  formed.  In  1949.  the 
recreation  department  appointed  a  full-time  director  t» 
promote,  organize  and  conduct  a  year-round  recreation 
program  for  these  oldsters.  In  1951  more  than  fifteen  hun- 
dred men  and  women  were  active  in  this  city-wide  organi- 
zation, with  thirty-three  clubs,  twenty-nine  of  which  meet 
regularly  in  the  social  centers  of  the  recreation  depart- 
mi-lit,  three  in  private  agency  conumniitv  houses,  and  one 
in  a  parish  church- — and  their  number  i-  still  growing. 
Club  Organization 

\n\orie  sixty  years  of  age  or  over  is  eligible  for  mem- 
bership. Meetings  are  held  weekly.  Kach  group  elects  its 
own  officers,  has  various  (  ommillees  which  help  in  plan- 
ning the  programs  and  activities  of  the  club  and  comlm  t- 
ita  affairs  in  the  same  manner  as  any  private  organization. 

Mernl>er«hi|>  i-  <<•<  ruil'-d  through  the  Fumilx  Service: 
Visiting  Nurses'  Association;  American  Red  Cross:  neigh- 
borhood churches  and  synagogues:  homes  fur  the  aged: 
referral*  from  public-  agencies;  |ctler«  and  invitations  to 
individuals;  by  word  of  mouth;  posters  and  bulletin  board 
announcements;  press,  radio  and  television. 


'FUN  DOESN'T 


This    group    supplied    an    act    in    the   Gay    90's    Revue,    the    all- 
ci(\    show    in  which  over  one  hundred  dull  members  took   part. 


The  Program 

The  club  is  a  substitute  for  a  familx  in  manx  r.i-e-.  \ 
pleasant  greeting,  a  heart)  handshake,  a  birthday  party, 
an  anniversary  celebration,  a  get-well  card,  are  all  events 
of  tremendous  importance. 

On  meeting  daxs.  the  earlx  .miv.ils  pla\  ehcss.  rhei  ker-. 
dominoes,  or  rard-:  listen  to  the  radio,  visit,  or  read. 
These  activities  offer  splendid  opportunities  for  social  con- 
I. n  I-.  fun.  C0inpnnions|ii|i  .mil  new  interests  with  people 
of  their  own  age.  and  verify  the  clubs'  slogan.  "Fun  Doe-n  i 
Stop  at  Si \i\." 

The  organized  program  for  the  club's  meeting  is  closely 
H-l.itid  to  the  particular  needs  and  interests  of'that  group. 
Speakers  are  often  part  of  the  program,  and  a  spirited  di- 
i-ussion  usualK  follow-  their  remarks.  Mu-ii  .  drama  pre-- 


414 


Hi  i  Kt  \\\«\ 


Milwaukee's  Recreation  Program  for  the  Aged 


STOP  AT  SIXTY" 


entations  and  movies  are  popular  program  numbers;  and 
the  formal  meeting  is  followed  by  coffee  and  cake.  A  small 
box  on  a  table,  for  voluntary  contributions,  in  most  cases 
is  sufficient  to  pay  for  the  club's  refreshments,  to  purchase 
get-well  cards  and  to  defray  other  miscellaneous  expenses. 
This  procedure  gives  the  members  a  feeling  of  independ- 
ence and  self-sufficiency. 

Special  club  events  include  birthday  and  anniversary 
parties  for  members,  holiday  parties,  community  singing, 
old-time  dancing,  and  educational  tours.  In  addition  to 
visiting  shut-in  or  sick  members,  each  club  has  service 
projects,  such  as  making  blankets  for  disabled  veterans; 
planning,  providing  and  helping  conduct  children's  holi- 
day programs;  and  making  table  decorations  for  the  social 
center's  community  parties. 

When  a  club  is  first  organized,  the  members  want  to  be 
entertained;  it  takes  a  little  time  to  move  them  from 
passive  to  active  participation.  Older  people  are  quite 
rigid  in  their  behavior  patterns;  therefore,  the  program 
content  must  be  geared  and  tempered  to  their  pace.  As 
group  participation  and  responsibility,  slowly  develop,  the 
members  come  to  rely  more  and  more  on  their  own  abili- 
ties. That  is  why  the  members  of  committees  responsible 
for  serving  refreshments,  visiting  shut-ins  and  performing 
other  tasks  are  changed  often. 

Councils 

Of  major  importance  is  an  All-City  Council  composed 
of  two  representatives  from  each  of  the  Golden  Age  Clubs. 
This  council  forms  the  planning  and  steering  committee 
and  does  most  of  the  coordinating  for  the  all-city  activi- 
ties. The  group  meets  the  first  Monday  of  each  month. 
Officers  are  elected  annually  and  consist  of  a  president, 
vice-president,  and  secretary.  This  "governing  body,"  as 
the  council  is  sometimes  called,  is  very  democratic  and 
the  programs  planned  are  determined  by  the  expressed 
desires  of  the  members  and  the  available  facilities. 

The  All-Club  Council  assists  in  the  planning  of  pro- 
grams which  bring  the  members  of  all  the  clubs  together 
for  such  events  as  picnics,  concerts,  card  tournaments. 


Summertime  finds  oldsters  enjoying 
picnics.  Here  they  are  boarding  bus 
for  the  country.  They  have  appetites  of  growing  boys. 


entertainments.  The  Golden  Age  Club  News  is  published 
regularly  and  includes  news  items  about  individual  clubs 
and  members,  original  songs  and  poems,  human  interest 
stories  and  letters.  It  is  distributed  to  the  entire  member- 
ship free  of  charge.  This  year  the  Council  sponsored  a 
dramatic  production  entitled  "The  Gay  Nineties,"  planned 
and  produced  by  Golden  Age  members.  The  department 
provides  a  central  hobby  shop,  which  provides  an  oppor- 
tunity for  all  who  desire  to  renew  old  skills  or  learn  new 
ones. 

Leadership 

The  backbone  of  this  entire  program  is  its  leadership. 
One  full-time  recreation  director  devotes  her  entire  time 
to  promotion,  organization  and  supervision  of  these  clubs. 
She  is  assisted  by  two  full-time  recreation  instructors  and 
several  part-time  leaders,  who  are  trained  in  handicraft, 
music,  arts,  and  game  and  party  planning.  The  age  of  the 
leader  is  not  too  important:  but  it  is  essential  that  the 
leader  be  interested  in  "old  folks,"  and  that  she  is  sympa- 
thetic and  has  a  willingness  to  understand  the  problems 
of  these  oldsters.  The  same  basic  group  work  philosophy 
and  principles  apply  to  old  people  as  well  as  to  youth. 

This  period  of  growing  old  is  a  time  for  adjustments  of 
many  kinds  and  should  be  the  concern  of  the  entire  com- 
munity. There  are  many  needs  in  addition  to  that  of  rec- 
reation, and  the  various  agencies  of  the  community,  public 
and  private,  have  definite  responsibilities  in  helping  to 
meet  these  needs.  A  public  recreation  department  has  the 
responsibility  of  providing  leisure-time  activities  for  the 
aged  as  well  as  for  youth.  However,  recreation  cannot 


DECEMBER  1952 


415 


Play    for    fun,    not    pri/<  -.    is    stressed.    Certificates    of    award 
are    given    to    three    top    scorers.    Above.    "Sheepshead"    plavers. 

solve  all  the  problems  of  this  aged  group.   Coordinated 
planning  and  action  will  attain  the  best  results. 

The  recreation  department's  primary  function  is  to  pro- 
vide leisure-time  activities  for  these  old  folks  and  to  make 
their  lives  happier  through  an  organized  program  of 
friendly  service  which  provides  opportunities  for  social 
contacts  and  the  preservation  of  skills  and  hobbies.  In 
this  manner,  each  one  receives  mental  stimulation,  satis- 
factory social  relationships  and  accepts  group  responsibili- 
ties. The  recreation  program  should  never  be  thought  of 
as  an  end  in  itself,  but  should  also  aid  in  meeting  other 
needs  of  the  group  and  the  individual  members. 
Letters 

Typical  of  the  many  letters  received  by  the  department 
from  members  of  the  Golden  Age  Clubs  are  the  following 
excerpts: 

"Since  I  lost  my  husband  four  years  ago,  I  thought 
there  was  nothing  left  in  this  world  for  me  any  more.  I 
never  cared  to  leave  the  house,  and  after  a  while  found 
myself  getting  close  to  having  a  nervous  breakdown.  Uv 
neighbors,  who  were  already  Golden  Age  Club  members, 


Those  not  caring  for  games  may  work  on  favorite  service  proj- 
ects. These  ladies  are  making  afghans  for  veterans'  hospital. 

finally  succeeded  in  getting  me  to  attend  one  of  the  m ••fl- 
ings. From  that  day  on  I've  had  a  new  outlook  in  life.  I 
can't  wait  for  club  night  to  come.  It  means  meeting  neu 
friends  and  loads  and  loads  of  fun." 

"I  had  felt  for  years  that  nobody  wanted  us  old  folks 
around,  and  so  I  felt  there  was  nothing  left  for  me  but  to 
sit  and  wait  to  die.  Then  one  happy  day  I  received  an  in- 
vitation to  attend  a  club.  Here  I  found  more  folks  like  my- 
self; soon  we  became  sociable  and  friendly." 

"Last  year  I  lost  my  wife.  I  am  now  living  with  my  son 
and  his  family.  They  try  to  be  kind,  but  their  friends  are 
young  and  I  am  only  in  the  way.  In  my  Golden  Age  Club 
I  take  part  in  activities  with  folks  my  own  age  and  am 
happy." 

"/  look  forward  to  the  monthly  birthday  [tarties.  with 
ice  cream  and  cake.  One  of  the  happiest  days  of  my  life  i<  n  •. 
when  my  club  helped  me  celebrate  my  eighty-fifth  liirth- 
I  never  really  had  a  birthday  before." 


§OFTB ALL— 1953 


New  Rules 

The  International  Joint  Rules  Committee  on  Softball,  at 
it*  annual  meeting,  mad'-  f>  \\  c  li.mges  in  the  official  rules 

..f  ...fii..,n  f,,r  ira. 

\  rulr  mi  xiilixiiiiiiiiui  .if  pi. IMT-.  whereby  a  base  runner 
could  have  .iimilirt  |.l.is.-i  inn  for  him  with  (lie  <  "ii-nil 
of  lli.-  e.|>|».-ii.:-  )•. mi  captain  »r  manager  and  both  tin- 
regular  runner  and  relief  runner  would  !»•  eligible  for 
further  |'.iilii  i|i.iti"M  in  llie  game,  \\.i-  eliminated.  Here- 
after. an\  |>la\cr  who  ha*  a  relief  or  mbfltitate  inn  for  him 
i*  automatical!)  "Hi  ..f  the  game. 

A  rule  wan  pa»«e<|  where). >  the  hatter  i*  out  if  a  coarher 
interfere*  with  the  <  .ilc  liing  of  a  foul  fly  hall. 


New  Officers 

Klllc-  Committee  oflicei-  elected  fe.t    1 ' ' ")  >  were: 
Chairman      <      I     Hn-wrr.  Detroit.  Michigan 
Vice  Chairman— James  I.ang.  San  Francisco,  California 
Secretary-Treasurer — A.  T.  Noren,  Melroae,  Massachusetts 
Rules  Interpreter     H.  G.  Johnson,  Detrc.it.  \!ic  liigan 


Hulc  Books 

•  •x   c.f   (In-    l'i',J  >,,///„,//  Kill,-   /.'<-•/..   witli    rule   re\i 
-i"ii«   f.'i    I ''".'•    in>erleil.   m.i\    l.e   <>l.t.iiin-.l    free   of  charge 
Ir.. MI   Ilillerich  and  Rradx|>\   (  ..MI|>.IM\  .   Incorporated,  434- 
436  Fin/er   "Mreel.   I.e. iii. \j||e  2.  Kentiliki 


HI. 


Ill  (  UKATIOV 


Ruth  Hill  Wood 


Ways  and  Byways 
on  the  Road  to  Painting 


Utt  HJ>I  A 


IAM  STILL  PAINTING  with  watercolors 
and  finding  it  fun  in  spite  of  what 
that  mean,  dapper  little  man  said  to 
me  one  beautiful  morning  as  he  ap- 
proached from  a  distance.  I  remember 
the  exact  words:  "Good  morning,"  he 
said  enthusiastically,  "it's  a  fine  day  to 
make  a  fine  painting."  Then,  as  he 
came  near  enough  to  see  my  land- 
scape, flatly,  "Well,  it's  a  fine  day,  any- 
how." Yes,  I  am  still  trying,  but  I 
think  "fun"  is  not  the  exact  word  to 
describe  it.  It  conveys,  too  much,  a 
carefree,  rollicking  pleasure. 

What  I  do  mean  is  the  challenge  and 
satisfaction  which  I  find  in  practicing 
by  myself,  studying  art  books  and 
taking  lessons  now  and  then  when  it  is 
possible.  Progress  is  slow,  but  recrea- 
tion values  are  high.  It  is  a  leisure- 
time  activity  which  I  expect  to  enjoy 
long  after  most  sports  have  been  re- 
luctantly given  up.  I  find  it  like  moun- 
tain climbing,  each  hump  which  you 
get  over  reveals  new  heights.  There 
is  a  real  thrill  in  the  climb,  in  the 
effort  of  meeting  each  challenge  as  it 
comes  along.  Of  course,  I've  been 

RUTH  HILL  WOOD  serves  as  assistant 
professor  in  the  Department  of  Physi- 
cal Education  of  Connecticut  College. 

DI.CF.MBF.R  1952 


discouraged  sometimes,  but  somehow 
have  found  myself  absorbed  again  the 
next  time  I've  had  a  chance  to  try. 

My  interest  in  painting  has  gone 
along  with  a  love  of  the  outdoors  and 
physical  activity.  I've  lugged  a  paint- 
box up  a  mountain;  I've  climbed  up 
on  a  roof  and  looked  down  on  flying 
seagulls  and  swaying  masts.  I  had  no 
idea  then  of  trying  to  get  an  interest- 
ing angle;  I  just  took  my  paints  where 
I  wanted  to  be  at  the  moment. 

One  sunny  day,  on  an  open  hillside, 
I  sat  with  an  umbrella  handle  down 
my  back,  inside  my  jacket,  to  keep 
the  glare  off  my  paper.  Now  I  know 
enough  to  use  a  large  straw  hat  or 
dark  glasses.  In  the  winter,  once.  I 
took  off  my  skis,  sat  in  an  open  car, 
and  painted  a  watercolor  of  the  moun- 
tains. The  water  froze  on  my  paint- 
brush. Now  I  use  alcohol.  I  remember 
that  I  tried  to  put  down  a  last  look 
at  the  mountains  as  the  train  carried 
me  back  to  the  city,  a  drinking  cup 
in  one  hand,  paints  on  the  seat,  a 
watercolor  block  in  my  lap — result, 
nothing  but  nostalgia.  I  did  something 
even  more  foolish  once.  I  sat  in  the 
stern  of  a  little  boat  on  a  choppy  sea 
and  started  to  draw  the  mast  and 
rigging! 

One  of  the  best  subjects  I  ever 
worked  from  was  a  stone  quarry  which 
I  had  seen  from  a  train.  I  found  that 
by  leaving  early  in  the  morning.  I 
would  be  able  to  get  off  at  a  stop  near- 
by, and  return  in  the  afternoon  by 
flagging  the  train.  The  station  was 
boarded  up  and  the  flagging  machine 
broken,  so  I  took  off  my  sweater  to 


use  as  a  flag.  As  the  train  roared 
around  the  curve,  I  waved  my  sweater, 
feeling  a  little  nervy  to  take  the  rail- 
road up  on  its  offer.  The  train  came  to 
a  stop  and  I,  with  my  canvas  bag  over 
my  shoulder,  climbed  aboard. 

Yes,  it  is  a  stimulating  challenge — 
a  clean  sheet  of  paper  and  an  urge  to 
put  down  in  form  and  color  your  own 
reaction  to  something  which  you  have 
chosen  to  paint.  That's  the  time  when 
I  understand  best  how  children  feel — 
all  excited  about  investigating  some- 
thing new  and  resentful  of  being  in- 
terrupted in  their  play.  Children,  as 
well  as  adults,  say  things  to  you  when 
they  discover  you  painting.  One  child 
commented,  "You  haven't  wasted  any 
blue,  yet."  Often  they  ask,  "Where 
did  you  take  that,  lady?"  or  "You  for- 
got to  put  on  my  buttons,"  or  "You've 
only  put  in  three  windows  and  there 
are  eight."  I  don't  want  my  pictures 
to  be  photographic  copies.  Sometimes 
I  give  them  a  pencil  and  paper  and 
say,  "Here,  you  draw  me  and  I'll 
draw  you." 

I  think  that,  most  of  all,  I  enjoy 
doing  quick  sketches  of  people  in 
stores,  subways,  on  beaches — almost 
anywhere.  You  can  gaze  off  in  one 
direction,  then  take  a  quick  look  at 
the  person  who  interests  you  without 
his  knowing  it.  Quick  action  sketch- 
ing is  good  practice:  fishermen  on 
docks,  people  feeding  pigeons  in  the 
park,  dancers,  children  playing.  Once, 
on  a  station  platform,  I  was  practic- 
ing the  action  lesson  in  Kimon  Nicol- 
aides'  book,  Natural  Way  to  Draw. 
(The  emphasis  is  on  scribbling  down 

417 


the  action  lines  by  trying  to  feel  the 
movement,  not  looking  at  your  draw- 
ing at  all — it  resembles  what  a  two- 
\ear-old  does  with  pencil  and  paper.) 
Suddenly  I  became  aware  of  someone 
gazing  over  my  shoulder,  and  I  -hall 
nexer  forget  the  expression  of  alarm 
.mil  rum-cm  on  the  baggageman'-  faiv 
as  he  looked  at  rny  scribbling  and  then 
quickly  at  me.  I  explained  to  him  that 
I  really  was  all  right  and  that  scrib- 
bling was  a  method  of  learning  to  get 
.1'  lion  into  your  drawing. 

Lately  I've  been  working  on  the 
animals  in  a  pasture  nearby.  I  wan- 
der around  hens,  cows  and  heifers,  a 
lamb,  a  big  work  horse  and  three 
.squealing  little  pigs  who  streak  under 
their  house.  Sometimes,  the  heifers  get 
so  close  that  all  I  see  are  their  wet 
noses  and  curious  eyes.  I  remember 
finding  some  goats  one  day,  while  I 
was  out  walking.  I  couldn't  get  far 
enough  away  to  draw  them  until  I 
finally  sat  up  on  a  little  henhouse  roof 
and  let  the  mother  goat  lick  my  legs 
-••  I  could  try  drawing  hrr  little  kid.-. 

Out  in  the  country,  when  I  was 
painting  a  landscape  and  had  my 
paints  on  the  ground,  two  kittens  sud- 
dcnl\  mriiped  through  my  watercolors 
and  scurried  off  with  patches  of  ver- 


million  and  yellow  on  their  coat- 
Sunn-one  who  saw  me  drawing  her 
goat  the  other  day  looked  at  drawinj;- 
1  had  done  on  the  way  to  her  house. 
There  was  an  assortment  of  pasture 
friends.  I  said,  "All  I  hope,  so  far. 
is  that  you  can  recognize  one  kind 
of  animal  from  another."  She  pointed 
to  a  heifer  and  encoangbiglj  replied. 
"I  surely  can  I'd  certainly  know  that 
was  a  pig."  So  you  see  .  .  .  anyua\. 
-omelime-  \oii  ean  tell. 

Gradually.  I  am  learning  to  quickly 
put  down  the  lines  which  count.  This 
depends  upon  practice  in  observation 
and  a  sense  of  what  is  important  for 
characterization.  And  now,  I  have 
come  to  the  point  of  making  quick 
sketches,  from  which  I  later  construct 
a  picture,  striving  for  good  organiza- 
tion. Picture  making  is  another  chal- 
lenge— rearranging  subject  matter  or 
creating  from  imagination  a  composi- 
tion which  is  art.  It  is  far  from  paint- 
ing things  exactly  as  they  are.  Good 
design,  of  course,  is  basic. 

These  experiences  in  trying  to  con- 
vey impressions  and  feelings  in  good 
design  make  me  appreciate  more  the 
diflieulties  an  artist  overcomes.  I  look 
at  paintings  and  try  to  learn  what  the 
.nii-t  wanted  to  say  and  the  technique 


he  has  used  in  saying  it.  But,  mostly. 
I.  myself,  want  to  try. 

This  much  I  have  come  to  believe. 
Just  copying  nature  cannot  be  art. 
Creating  something  which  expresses 
your  emotional  reaction  to  nature, 
animate  or  inanimate,  in  your  own 
particular  way  makes  you  eligible. 
Then  what  you  are  able  to  convey  in- 
tuitively or  from  study  and  practice, 
is  the  determining  factor.  Maybe  it  i- 
ait.  maybe  not.  But  either  way,  it  i- 
good  recreation,  an  absorbing  acti\it\ 
for  those  who  feel  this  way  about  it. 
\  little  improvement,  a  little  disco\er\. 
suffices  to  keep  the  challenge  alive, 
to  bring  satisfaction  and  excitement. 
Everything  is  yours  to  use.  It  is  a 
matter  of  selection  and  expression. 
Technique  will  come  if  you  have  per- 
ception, they  say.  Practice  quicken- 
your  perception;  you  see  with  a  more 
sensitive  eye.  Anyway,  if  you  have  a 
little  success  some  of  the  time,  it  will 
encourage  you  to  keep  practicing,  to 
build  something  new  which  i-  your 
own  idea  and  hope,  each  time,  that 
it  will  be  what  you  are  tr\infi  to  make 
it.  And  always  you  can  remind  your- 
self that  Robert  Louis  Stevenson  said, 
"To  travel  hopefully  is  a  better  thing 
than  to  arrive." 


A  special  dinner  nn-i-lin^  of  the  Na- 
tional Advisory  Committee  <>n  Dcfen-r 
Itelated  A«ti\ilie«i.  held  on  Tue-da\ 
•  •M-niiig  during  the  National  Hci  n-.i 
lion  Congress,  was  attended  l>\  twcnl\ 
of  the  committee's  fifty  members. 

\ftrr  lexirwinp  the  aci oinpli-limrnt- 
nf  the  Defense  Related  >eniees  of 
the  National  !!••<  n-atinn  Association 
during  the  past  two  years.  Chairman 
•••  llji-lti  .  (trneral  Manager  of  the 
Lot  An;."  ition  and  I'ark  I  >• 

par  tin. -lit.  led  a  .11-.  ii  —  ii. n  of  in  «   w.n  - 
in     which     the    IH-MM  iali..n     can     IN-     of 
•MT\  ii  c   in   the  i  "Mliriumg   national   dp- 
Commit'  from    x.i 

rious  section-  •>{  the  n>untr\  cornrnen 
l.-i|  .in  the  ne.-d  f»r  ln-ller  pul>li< 
uuder«lnnding  of  th<-  dcfcn««-  program 

Lift 


and  recreation's  part  in  it. 

The  state-wide  coordination  of  na- 
tional. state,  and  regional  agen<  -ie- 
.  .MM  erncd  with  oil-post  ici  leation  in 
California  was  outlined  by  Sterling  S. 
Winans,  Dimtor  of  Recreation  for 
tli'-  California  Recreation  Comini.—  ion. 
(lie  following  statement,  on  the  re- 
-pon-iliilily  of  local  communitic-  for 
|ir»\iding  off  -post  recreali..n  -civicr-. 
was  drawn  up  and  the  group  \..|.-.I 
that  it  In-  |:i\cn  wide  puMiciu  : 
I.  The  priinan  responsibility  f'"  meet- 
ing the  off-post  recreation  need*  of 

llie   member-   of   the   armed    fnicr-   and 
lli.-ii   familir-  re»t»  with  the  local  coin- 


2.  Community     resource*    should    Ix- 
made    full*    available    through    an    in 


'•ln-i\e  central  planning  and  coordinat- 
ing body  established  by  local  leader- 
ship; 

3.  Where  supplementary  resources  arc 
needed  to  provide  adequate  -ei  \ice-. 
lhe\  should  lie  determined  in  i  .m-ul 
i. ill. .n  with  this  local  over-all  plan 
ning  and  coordinating  group  ami  ma. I. 
available  a-  component  part-  of  tin 
i.'lal  program: 

I  Ml  agencies  serving  the  off-post 
needs  of  the  men  and  women  in  the 
armed  forces  and  their  families,  should 
a.  -  epl  and  follow  llie-r  piinciplc-  I" 
ili.  end  that  local  initiative  and  ... 
itive  planning  be  strengthened 
and  extended  in  the  development  of  all 
community  recreation  -min-.  for  the 

proplr    .if      VllieriCH. 

IUi  IU  Ulo\ 


FOREST  PRESERVE  SERVICES 


DIVERSIFIED  SERVICES  provided 
for  the  people  of  the  Chicago  re- 
gion by  the  Forest  Preserve  Commis- 
sioners of  Cook  County,  Illinois,  are 
described  in  detail  in  the  annual  mes- 
sage of  the  president  of  the  board. 
This  profusely  illustrated  report  of 
eighty-four  pages  can  be  read  with  in- 
terest and  profit  by  all  who  are  con- 
cerned with  parks  and  recreation. 

Nature  lore  and  nature  education 
are  an  outstanding  feature  of  the  pro- 
gram, which  is  developing  an  apprecia- 
tion and  respect  for  the  conservation 
of  natural  resources.  Weekly  nature 
bulletins  are  mailed  to  every  newspa- 
per in  the  county  and  some  papers 
reprint  them  weekly.  Weekly  radio 
broadcasts  are  provided  in  the  Chi- 
cago schools.  Lectures  on  conservation 
and  on  nature  are  delivered  before 
women's  clubs,  garden  clubs,  sports- 
men's organizations  and  other  groups 
in  the  county.  Two  naturalists,  each 
with  his  own  movie  equipment,  are 
kept  busy  delivering  illustrated  lec- 
tures, primarily  in  the  public  and  paro- 
chial schools.  Training  courses  in  nat- 
ural history  and  the  techniques  of  out- 
door education  totaled  1,928  leader- 
days  of  training.  Acquisition  of  a  new- 
bus  enables  the  authorities  to  pick  up 
40  or  more  leaders  or  teachers  and 
take  them  on  field  trips  in  the  pre- 
serves. 

In  cooperation  with  the  Chicago 
Park  District,  a  two-day  workshop  on 
native  arts  and  crafts  was  conducted 
for  camp  leaders.  The  registrations  far 
exceeded  expectations  and  only  265  of 
the  400  who  applied  were  permitted  to 
attend.  Instruction  and  a  half-day  of 


practice  were  given  in  each  of  four 
crafts:  clay  modeling,  plaster  casts, 
jewelry  and  leaf  prints,  each  of  which 
was  related  to  native  materials  which 
were  supplied  for  the  leaders'  use. 

A  total  of  116  permits  were  issued 
during  the  summer  for  day  camps  held 
in  the  forest  preserves.  In  order  to 
supply  naturalist  service  to  these 
camps,  eleven  extra  naturalists  were 
employed.  A  lack  of  suitable  transpor- 
tation to  day  camp  areas  was  report- 
ed as  a  major  stumbling  block  in 
the  way  of  expansion  in  the  day  camp 
program. 

A  trailside  natural  history  museum 
is  open  daily  without  charge  through- 
out the  year.  Visitors  totaled  more  than 
36,000  throughout  the  year.  The  trail- 
side  museum  is  considered  the  best  in- 
troduction to  the  Forest  Preserve  Dis- 
trict. 

Even  though  the  policy  of  the  au- 
thorities is  to  maintain  the  preserves 
as  nearly  as  possible  in  their  natural 
state,  many  facilities  for  recreation 
have  been  installed.  These  include  three 


large,  well-equipped  swimming  pools 
and  six  golf  courses,  the  attendance 
at  which  totaled  more  than  200,000  for 
the  year.  Nearly  33.000  equestrians 


have  been  licensed  to  ride  on  the  for- 
est preserve  trails  during  the  first 
three  years  after  enactment  of  an  ordi- 
nance regulating  use  of  the  trails.  An 
annual  junior  horse  fair  and  gymk- 
hana is  available  to  all  children  and 
attracts  a  large  number  of  spectators. 
Hikers,  bicyclists,  bird  lovers  and 
scouting  groups  likewise  make  exten- 
sive, all-season  use  of  the  trails  lead- 
ing through  the  most  scenic  and  inter- 
esting portions  of  the  district.  Tobog- 
gan slides  are  provided  in  the  winter 
months;  and  ponds,  lakes  and  streams 
are  used  for  ice  skating. 

In  order  to  assure  proper  distribu- 
tion of  visitors,  all  picnic  groups  com- 
posed of  twenty-five  or  more  are  re- 
quired to  secure  an  advance  permit  for 
an  outing.  This  arrangement  assures 
the  small  family  group  peace  and  soli- 
tude by  setting  aside  restricted  areas 
for  exclusive  use  of  family  groups.  A 
total  of  5,976  permits  were  issued  for 
organized  picnics  in  1950  with  an 
average  of  197  persons  per  permit.  Es- 
timates indicate  more  than  15.000,000 
persons  make  use  of  the  preserves  an- 
nually. 

Sections  of  the  report  describe  in 
detail  the  important  functions  rendered 
by  employees  of  the  district  in  oper- 
ating and  maintaining  the  areas  at  a 
high  level.  Of  special  interest  is  the  in- 
service  training  school  for  rangers  who 
protect  the  38,000  acres  of  the  district. 
Among  the  subjects  covered  in  the 
1950  school  were:  the  historical,  geo- 
graphical and  geological  makeup  of 
the  Forest  Preserve  District;  human 
relations;  juvenile  problems;  funda- 
mental forestry;  wild  flowers  and  wild 


f    IMUL'D 


/tin 


life  of  the  Forest  Preserve  District: 
and  public  relations. 

An  appreciation  of  the  district  which 
appeared  in  an  editorial  in  the  Chicago 
Sunday  Times  is  quoted  by  the  presi- 
dent of  the  board  in  his  report,  as  fol- 
lows: 

"No  Chicagoan  need  deny  himself 
the  joys  and  benefits  of  the  outdoors 
because  he  can't  get  awa\  for  such  ma- 
jor jaunts  as  mountain  climbing,  fish- 
ing for  muskies  or  knocking  over  big 
game  in  distant  wildernesses. 

"Instead  of  staying  grumpily  at 
home  because  you  haven't  got  the 


ca-h.  the  time  and  the — let's  face  it 
plu-ical  stamina  for  the  more  grandi- 
ose forms  of  sport,   forget  about  the 
fancy  stuff  and  plunge  yourself  body 
and  soul  into  the  Cook  County  Forest 

Preserves Anybody  who  dwells 

in  Chicago  or  suburbs  is  only  a  short 
trip  awa>    from   one  or  more  of  the 

preserves 

"What  we'd  like  particular!]  t<> 
bring  to  your  attentioq  is  the  oppor- 
tunity the  preserves  offer  for  wood- 
land walking.  Along  the  trails  one 
may  hike  for  as  long  or  as  little  as 
one  pleases,  at  whatever  pace  one  pre- 


fers; in  a  crowd,  if  \<m  like,  or  alone 
with  ample  opportunity  to  observe  the 
many  varieties  of  birds,  wild  (lowers 
and  trees  that  abound  in  happ\  n- 
minder  of  the  days  when  the  forests 
covered  almost  all  of  the  North  Amer- 
ican continent. 

"A  pair  of  stout  shoes,  rugged  dress, 
a  sandwich  in  one  pocket,  a  bit  of 
fruit  in  another,  and  the  hiker  so  at- 
tired and  so  equipped  will  find  along 
any  of  the  trails  a  gratifying  experi- 
ence.  an  appreciation  of  nature,  a  /r-t 
ful  tingling  of  his  blood,  and  an  in- 
disputable aid  toward  health." 


In  early  Christian  times,  Christmas 
was  celebrated  for  twelve  days,  with 
special  emphasis  on  the  last  day,  Janu- 
.11  \  -i\lli.  when  tin-  Three  Wise  Men 
of  the  Kast  arrived  in  Bethlehem.  This 
day  has  been  called  Twelfth  Day. 
Twelfth  Night,  the  Feast  of  Kings,  and 
Epiphany,  but  whatever  its  name,  even 
as  late  as  the  seventeenth  centur\  it 
was  an  important  holiday  of  the  year. 
While  to  the  church  people  it  signified 
the  arrival  of  the  Wise  Men,  to  others 
it  was  the  last  day  of  Christmas  fc-ti\  i- 
ties,  calling  for  uproarious  celebration. 

As  a  part  of  this  celebration,  lime 
was  set  aside  for  the  burning  of  the 
I  liii-trnas  greens — a  custom  which  be- 
gan in  Germany  when  people  thought 
that  such  an  observance  would  save 
the  tree*  from  the  disgrace  of  the  ref- 
use heap,  and  commemorate  the  light 
of  the  star  which  guided  the  Three 
Wise  Men  to  Bethlehem  as  well. 

Planning  a  Community  Celebration 
Care  must  be  exerci-cd  in  -electing 
the  -ile  for  the  binning:  ami  it  -houlil 
be  at  least  seventy-five  to  one  hundred 
yards  from  any  adjoining  building.  In 
..td'-i  lo  prc\eiit  any  adjoining  dr\ 
grass  from  catching  lire  the  night  ••( 


n(  flu.  null-rill  »*•  ukrn  (nun  luillr 
tin  of  itir  |)<  IjKurr  (!inini\  Park  anil  Rrrm- 
I. "n  llnar<l.  Mnlu.  |Vnn«vlv»ni». 

\2\\ 


the  ceremony,  it  is  advisable  to  pre- 
burn  a  fire  area  so  that  no  dry  grass, 
weeds,  and  so  on,  can  come  into  con- 
tact with  the  burning  trees. 

Contact  the  local  fire  department  or 
municipal  officials:  (1)  for  permission 
to  conduct  the  ceremony:  (2i  for  pro- 
tection at  the  time  of  pre-burning  the 
area;  (3)  for  protection  at  the  time 
the  trees  are  burned.  It  is  advisable 
that  they  have  their  apparatus  hooked 
up  and  prepared  to  subdue  immediate- 
ly any  fires  which  may  arise.  The  local 
fire  department  can  also  be  of  great 
assistance  in  supplying  the  light  neces- 
sary to  conduct  this  night  time  fe-ii\- 
ity.  Most  fire  fighting  units  have  a 
gasoline  operated  generator  and  spot 
lights  mounted  on  trucks  that  can  be 
used  to  light  the  area  prior  to  the 
actual  burning  of  the  trees. 

Interest  in  the  activity  may  be  de- 
veloped through  having  a  competition 
among  the  children  and  awarding  |>ri/ 
i--  for  collecting  the  lit  greatest  num- 
ber of  tree*.  (2)  largest  tree,  i.'ti 
-mall 

In  order  to  prevent  a  lire  hazard  or 
a  possihililN  of  -omeone  -citing  olT  the 
In-.-,  befoie  -i  hcdiilcd  lime,  it  is  Ix-st 
that  individuals  in  the  neighborhood 

lie  rri|i|e«lcd  In  keep  tin-It  tier-  until 
lli«-  day  «rt  for  collet-lion  and  on  that 
d.i\.  .iml  I hnl  ilm  <>nl\.  turn  them  o\ei 


to  the  children.  Otherwise,  the  young- 
sters will  select  a  hiding  place  for  the 
trees  da\s  before  the  burning,  therein 
creating  fire  hazards. 

It  is  further  suggested  that,  when 
the  rules  and  regulations  of  the  event 
are  drawn  up,  individuals  be  forbidden 
from  joining  others  in  an  attempt  to 
collect  the  greatest  number  of  trees  un- 
less the  competition  is  originally  set  up 
as  a  team  activity. 

On  the  date  set  for  the  burning,  a 
deadline  should  be  determined  for  the 
depositing  of  the  trees  at  the  burning 
site  —  five  o'clock  in  the  evening  is  the 
suggested  time.  Arrangements  should 
be  made  beforehand  to  have  judges 
present  at  the  burning  site  to  w  rite 
down  the  number  and  size  of  the  trees 
as  the  youngsters  bring  them  to  the 
burning  site.  After  the  deadline,  the 
entire  area  should  be  cleared  of  chil- 
dren for  at  least  two  hours  to  allow 
time  for  final  preparation-. 

Additional  beauty  ma\  1«-  added  to 
the  actual  burning  l>\  using  one  of  the 
commercial  flame  coloring  products 
available;  or  you  can  make  your  own 
l>\  mixing  the  chemicals  listed  below, 
for  the  color  ym  dc-iie.  with  shellac 
and  then  adding  sawdust  to  this  solu- 
tion to  form  a  paste.  Pour  this  over 
four  or  five  trees  in  the  pile. 

Violet  Potassium  chlorate 

^  ellow  Potassium  nitrate  m 

Sodium  chloride  I  salt  i 
Orange  Calcium  chloride 

I!'  il  •Mionliiim  nill.it'1 

Apple  t.reen     Barium  nitrate 


Kmerald 

(ireen 

Purple 


Copper  niir.il'- 


Lithium  chloride 


Hn  in  \.n«\ 


PEOPLE  and  Events... 


Paul  Stacker,  superintendent  of 
parks  and  recreation  in  Columbus.  In- 
diana, has  received  that  city's  Junior 
Chamber  of  Commerce  Good  Govern- 
ment Award  for  1952  in  recognition  of 
his  distinguished  contribution  toward 
increased  effectiveness  and  greater  effi- 
ciency in  government. 

Dr.  Carl  L.  Schrader,  one  of  Massa- 
chusetts' pioneers  in  physical  educa- 
tion was  presented  with  a  citation  at 
a  testimonial  dinner  in  celebration  of 
his  eightieth  birthday  in  October.  The 
citation  termed  Dr.  Schrader  "a  mas- 
ter teacher  of  teachers  in  a  pioneering 
profession,  and  an  exemplary  exponent 
of  the  life  abundant."  The  dinner, 
which  was  held  at  the  Boston  Univer- 
sity Faculty  Club,  was  attended  by 
physical  education  leaders  across  the 
country.  Dr.  Schrader  and  his  wife. 
Maude,  a  professional  partner  with  her 
husband,  celebrated  their  fiftieth  wed- 
ding anniversary  two  years  ago. 

Elections 

Election  of  officers  of  the  American 
Recreation  Society  was  held  in  Seattle 
during  the  National  Recreation  Con- 
gress; and  the  following  people  take 
office  for  the  year  of  1952-53. 

Theresa  Brungardt,  Montpelier,  Ver- 
mont— President 

Jackson  Anderson,  Lafayette,  Indi- 
ana— First  Vice-President 

Fred  Coombs,  State  College,  Penn- 
sylvania— Second  Vice-President 

Pat  Abernathy,  Washington,  D.C. — 
Secretary 

Harry  C.  English,  Washington,  D.C. 
—Treasurer 

The  new  officers  of  the  College  Rec- 
reation Association,  elected  at  its  an- 
nual meeting  during  the  week  of  the 
Congress  in  Seattle,  are  as  follows: 

Howard  G.  Danford,  Tallahasse, 
Florida — President 

Jean  Swenson,  Los  Angeles,  Califor- 
nia— Vice-President 

Norman  Kunde,  Seattle,  Washington 
— Secretary-Treasurer 

Newly  elected  officers  of  the  National 
Conference  on  State  Parks,  chosen  at 


the  32nd  Annual  Meeting,  for  a  two- 
year  term,  are: 

V.  W.  Flirkinger,  Columbus.  Ohio — 
President 

Kenneth  R.  Cougill,  Indianapolis,  In- 
diana— First  Vice  President 

William  W.  Wells,  Baton  Rouge, 
Louisiana — Second  Vice-President 

Recent  Appointments 

J.  John  Birmingham — Superintend- 
ent of  Recreation,  Kennett  Square, 
Pennsylvania. 

Iris  Chapman  —  Associate  Director, 
Westfield  Community  Center,  West- 
field,  New  Jersey. 

Harold  Dillon  —  Superintendent  of 
Recreation,  Zanesville,  Ohio. 

Michael  J.  Di  Renzo — Superintend- 
ent of  Recreation,  Rockland,  Maine. 

Stanley  E.  Francis — Superintendent 
of  Recreation,  Carlisle,  Pennsylvania. 

Louis  S.  Frezza — Superintendent  of 
Recreation,  Bound  Brook,  New  Jersey. 

Art  E.  Center — Director  of  Recre- 
ation, Howell,  Michigan. 

Kathryn  Godball — Assistant  Super- 
intendent of  Recreation,  Radford,  Vir- 
ginia. 

Robert  E.  Haux — Superintendent  of 
Recreation,  Danville,  Kentucky. 

James  H.  Horn,  Sr. — Director,  Book- 
er Washington  Association,  Rockford, 
Illinois. 

Don  Jolly — Superintendent  of  Recre- 
ation, Kansas  City,  Kansas. 

Clair  Kuss — Superintendent  of  Rec- 
reation, Pocatello,  Idaho. 

Armand  Matern  —  Assistant  Direc- 
tor, Recreation  Department,  Kenne- 
wick,  Washington. 

Frank  S.  Menagh  —  Superintendent 
of  Recreation,  Sunnyvale,  California. 

John  F.  Panatier — Superintendent  of 
Recreation,  Milford,  Connecticut. 

Jack  A.  Reynolds — Director,  Twin 
City  Recreation  Center,  Bloomington. 
Illinois. 

Helen  Stoney  —  Assistant  Director, 
Community  Service,  Maplewood,  New 
Jersey. 

Raymond  J.  Thompson  —  Director, 
Neshaminy  Valley  Youth  Center,  New- 
town,  Pennsylvania. 

Billy  L.  Woods — Superintendent  of 
Recreation,  Clinton.  Tennessee. 


Rena  M.  Thorndike — Assistant  Di- 
rector, Recreation  Department.  Whit- 
insville.  Massachusetts. 

Alfred  H.  Wyman 

Alfred  H.  Wyman,  for  many  years 
executive  director  of  Park  and  Play- 
ground Association  of  St.  Louis,  Mis- 
souri, died  from  a  heart  attack  last 
summer. 

His  accomplishments  in  the  field  of 
recreation  were  numerous  and  varied. 
He  was  greatly  responsible  for  the  in- 
crease in  the  number  of  local  parks 
and  playgrounds,  the  addition  of  physi- 
cal education  and  recreation  courses  to 
the  regular  curriculums  of  the  schools, 
and  the  conducting  of  the  first  school 
camp  in  St.  Louis.  Writing  articles  on 
recreation,  holding  office  in  national 
organizations,  such  as  the  American 
Camping  Association  and  the  Amer- 
ican Association  for  Health,  Physical 
Education  and  Recreation,  and  teach- 
ing courses  in  camping  and  recreation 
at  local  universities  and  colleges  were 
but  a  few  of  his  activities. 

Mr.  Wyman  was  the  recipient  of  the 
1951  Fellowship  Award  of  the  Amer- 
ican Recreation  Society. 

His  untimely  passing  has  left  a  gap 
that  all  who  knew  him  feel  can  never 
be  filled. 

Mary  C.  Hogle 

The  National  Recreation  Association 
and  many  others  mourn  the  loss  of  a 
loyal  friend  and  honorary  member, 
Mrs.  Mary  C.  Hogle,  (Mrs.  James  A. 
Hogle)  of  Salt  Lake  City,  Utah.  Mrs. 
Hogle  was  an  outstanding  leader  in 
numerous  civic,  religious  and  educa- 
tional causes;  and  was  Salt  Lake  City 
sponsor  of  the  association  for  seven 
years.  In  1942  she  was  made  an  honor- 
ary member  of  the  association  in  rec- 
ognition of  her  work  for  and  devotion 
to  recreation,  through  contribution  to 
and  interest  in  the  association. 

The  Salt  Lake  City  Deseret  News 
commented  editorially  upon  her  death. 
"The  passing  of  Mary  C.  Hogle  ends 
the  mortal  life  of  a  most  beloved 
benefactress  but  her  friendship  to  all 
men  will  long  live  as  an  inspiration  to 
the  people  she  reached." 


DECEMBER  1952 


421 


Conclusions  and  Suggested  Principles 
from  Report  oj  the  Committee 
OH  Highly  Organized  Competitive  Sports 
and  Athletics  jor  Boys  Twelve  and  Under. 
Presented  to  the  Meeting  on  This  Subject 
at  the  National  Recreation  Congress. 


<2//ITlllN  THE  PAST  TWENTY  YEARS  interest  in  highly 
*^  competitive  athletics  for  boys  twelve  and  under  has 
greatly  increased.  Some  of  the  reasons  for  this  are  the 
rnormous  growth  in  the  number  of  both  the  public  park 
and  recreation  facilities  and  the  trained  leaders  in  recrea- 
tion departments  and  physical  education  departments  of 
the  public  schools,  and  the  emphasis  through  radio,  press 
and  television  on  the  professional,  semi-professional  and 
amateur  "stars'"  and  champions. 

-•ome  indication  of  how  sports  for  everyone  have  grown 
in  tin-  i -Dmitry  can  be  seen  by  a  comparison  of  the  year- 
books published  by  the  National  Recreation  Association 
for  the  years  1924  and  1950.  In  twenty-six  years  the  num- 
ber of  ki-ekdl  diamonds  operated  in  public  parks  or  recre- 
ational areas  has  grown  from  2,522  to  5,502.  The  number 
of  soflball  diamonds  has  increased  in  the  same  period 
from  practically  nothing  to  58.029.  In  1950  the  yearbook 
n-|M,rt-  that  the  average  daily  attendance  at  playground 
programs  operated  by  pul>lir  recreation  agencies  was  four 
million.  It  is  reasonable  to  assume  that  at  least  half  of  those 
in  attendance  were  boys-  On  an  average  summer  day  that 
vcar  pi»kiMv  i  lo-c  In  niie  million  boys  of  twelve  and  un- 
ili-r  look  part  in  baseball,  Softball,  basketball  or  track  and 
Held  activities  under  the  direction  of  professionally  quali- 
fied recreation  leaders. 

lln-  i -Dinhiiialion  of  increased  opportunity  for  everyone 
to  participate  in  athlriii  a>  tivilies  in  his  own  neighborhood, 
together  with  the  glamor  of  more  highly  organized  com- 
|M-tiiicin.  had  it"  effect-  on  the  public  school  athletic  pro- 
grams Hig  -ladiimi«,  big  <  rowds.  liig  <  oache-.  hig  "-t.il «" 
often  tend  In  liecome  an  integral  part  of  the  arcondarv 
«-|iool  program.  Pressure  to  extend  this  down  to  the  ele- 
mentary iw-li"..|  level  has  bem  great.  I  lie.  objections  of 
.<  lioiil  ami  medical  authorities  have  prevailed,  however, 
and  loda\  few  cli-menlnrv  -<  li""l-  thcm-clve-  <  "mini  t  high- 
l\  organized  intrr-whool  athletic  program-. 

llx-   I'oMtiDi.  ..I   llie  Schools 

A  recent  study  has  reaffirmed  the  opp»«iiion  of  cduca- 
422 


i'-i-  ti>  highly  organized  competitive  sports  for  elementary 
-i-hool  children.  The  American  As-oi  iation  for  Health, 
I'hv-ical  Education  and  Recreation,  the  Department  of 
Elementary  School  Principals  of  the  National  Education 
Association,  the  Society  of  State  Directors  of  Health. 
Physical  Education  and  Recreation,  and  the  National  Coun- 
cil of  State  Consultants  in  Elementarv  Education  joined  in 
a  study  of  athletic  competition  for  children  of  elementary 
and  junior  high  school  age  which  was  completed  in  April, 
1952.  After  a  survey  of  doctors  and  educators,  the  com- 
iniltc-e  representing  these  groups  concluded  that  first  pri- 
ority should  be  given  "to  a  broad  and  varied  program  of 
\olutilary  informal  recreation  for  children  of  all  ages  and 
an  interesting  extensive  program  of  intramural  activities 
for  boys  and  girls  in  upper  elementary  grades  and  above 
....  within  the  individual  school  or  neighborhood  recre- 
ation center."  The  committee  itemized  "high  pressure  ele- 
ments of  an  interscholastic  pattern"  which  should  be  avoid- 
ed. These  include  "frequent  contests,  long  seasons,  little 
bowl  games  or  other  procedures  that  cause  pressures  or 
that  may  make  undue  physical  demands  on  young  boys  or 
girls  ....  over-emphasis  by  mean-  of  new-papers,  radio, 
television,  or  similar  media,  stress  on  individuals  rather 
than  teams." 

Although  elemental \  school-,  ronlinue  to  feel  pres-un 
to  adopt  the  charactei -i-lic-  of  the  high  school  and  college 
interscholastic  sports  program,  most  of  tin-  recent  develop- 
nii-nl-  have  taken  place  outside  of  the  school  -\-tcm.  While 
it  is  true  that  local  educators,  from  the  principal  and  coach 
to  school  board  members,  sometimes  are  leaders  in  -in  li 
movements  as  Little  League,  Pop  Warner  Football  and 
Biddy  Basketball,  the  school  systems  themselves  rarely 
sponsor  these  programs  as  a  part  of  the  -i  ln.ol-'  extracur- 
ricular activities.  As  a  result,  the  recent  development  of 
"highly  organi/eil  competitive  athletic-"  for  tin-  elementary 
school  age  child  has  been  sponsored  largely  by  private 
independent  groups  not  connected  with  tin-  schools  or  the 
public  icciciilioii  department. 

Concern  of  Recreation  l.c.idcr-. 

By  October  1 '>."><>.  tin-  <-iowih  "f  highly  organized  com- 
petitive -poll-  fot  boys  under  twelve  had  reached  -ueh  a 
point  thai  delegates  to  the  National  liccrcalion  \— m •lalnni 
Connies',  in  Cleveland  rcipie-tcd  tin-  appointment  of  a  na- 
tional committee  from  the  recreation  field  to  formulate 
|.iih.  iple-  for  guidance  of  communilv  n-i  n-.ilion  le.i.l- i- 

\   i  onimitlee  of  tweniv -ihrcc  recreation   Icadet-   imdei 

Rrauunan 


*DetiMiMe  fat 


the  chairmanship  of  F.  S.  Mathewson,  Superintendent  of 
Recreation  of  Union  County,  New  Jersey  Park  Department, 
was  appointed  by  the  National  Recreation  Association. 
Under  its  direction,  a  nation-wide  survey  of  existing  ath- 
letic practices  and  programs  in  municipal  recreation  de- 
partments was  conducted  early  in  the  summer  of  1950. 

Under  the  auspices  of  the  committee  a  meeting  was  held 
in  New  York  City  on  December  6,  1951,  attended  by  repre- 
sentatives of  Little  League,  AAHPER,  National  Recreation 
Policies  Committee,  Industrial  Sports  Journal,  National 
Recreation  Association.  The  possibility  of  additional  re- 
search was  discussed.  Areas  of  agreement  and  disagree- 
ment were  explored. 

In  March  of  1952  a  news  release  was  distributed  to  the 
newspapers  and  magazines  of  the  country  outlining  the 
committee's  work  and  pointing  out  the  vast  program  in 
competitive  athletics  available  through  municipal  recre- 
ation departments  all  over  the  country. 

During  these  two  years,  most  recreation  people  con- 
cerned with  highly  organized  athletics  for  children  have 
reached  general  agreement  on  two  major  points. 

1.  Additional  objective  research  should  be  encouraged 
on   all  phases  of  "highly  organized  competitive  athletics 
for  boys  twelve  and  under." 

2.  Interim  principles   based   on  existing  evidence   and 
philosophy  should  be  developed  as  a  guide  for  community 
recreation  departments. 

Clearly,  no  one  study  or  research  project  will  produce 
noncontroversial  evidence  that  Little  League,  Pop  Warner, 
Biddy  Basketball  or  any  of  their  home-grown  counterparts 
are  either  overwhelmingly  "good"  or  "bad."  The  relation- 
ship of  the  child  of  twelve  and  under  to  highly  organized 
baseball,  football  and  basketball  competition  is  extremely 
complex.  Physical,  emotional  and  sociological  factors  need 
to  be  studied  and  evaluated  in  relationship  to  the  variety 
of  situations  which  such  competition  involves.  They  also 
need  to  be  compared  with  factors  present  in  less  highly 
organized  competitive  situations. 

Many  studies  of  human  growth  and  development  have 
already  been  conducted  which  will  throw  much  light  on 
the  child  in  competitive  athletics.  A  three-year  study  re- 
cently has  been  initiated  by  the  sponsors  of  Little  League 
baseball  to  determine  the  effects  of  participation  in  Little 
League  activity  on  boys  of  this  age  group.  It  is  assumed 
that  there  will  be  additional  studies  in  the  future  on 
various  phases  of  the  relationship  of  the  child  to  both  gen- 
eral and  specific  competitive  sport  activities. 


It  is  the  responsibility  of  leaders  in  the  field  of  human 
relationships  to  actually  lead  people  in  the  direction  of 
those  actions  which  will  be  most  individually  and  socially 
beneficial.  Recreation  is  one  area  where  this  is  specially 
true.  Recreation  leaders  of  course  must  be  keenly  aware  of 
interests  and  desires.  The  programs  they  sponsor  and  or- 
ganize must  be  in  tune  with  the  needs  of  the  participants. 
But  it  does  not  follow  that  all  activities  which  have  "sell- 
ing" value  are  the  most  desirable  or  the  most  needed. 
Simply  because  one  approach  to  leisure  time  activity  seems 
to  get  a  lot  of  "customers"  does  not  mean  that  recreation 
leaders  have  to  get  on  the  bandwagon  if  that  approach  has 
objectionable  features. 

It  is  the  opinion  of  the  committee  that  there  is  already 
sufficient  objective  evidence,  together  with  established  edu- 
cation and  recreation  philosophy  to  determine  interim 
principles.  These  conclusions  should  be  continually  open 
to  re-examination  in  the  light  of  additional  evidence  which 
may  be  secured  in  the  years  ahead. 

What  Are  Highly  Organized  Competitive  Athletics? 

Part  of  the  emotional  and  fuzzy  thinking  which  frequent- 
ly surrounds  this  subject  results  from  the  lack  of  a  clear 
definition  of  "highly  organized  competitive  athletics."  For 
the  purpose  of  this  report,  highly  organized  competitive 
athletics  is  considered  to  be  any  athletic  activity  which  in- 
volves a  considerable  amount  of  the  leisure  time  of  the 
youngster  in  formalized  practice,  which  encourages  ex- 
tensive attendance  by  adult  spectators,  which  is  limited  to 
the  outstanding  players,  and  which  involves  the  selection 
of  winners  on  a  state,  regional  or  national  basis.  It  should 
be  clear  from  this  definition  that  intra-mural  competition 
in  football,  basketball,  baseball,  tennis  or  any  other  sport 
would  not  be  considered  highly  organized.  Intra-city  com- 
petition may  or  may  not  be  highly  organized;  state,  re- 
gional or  national  competition  usually  is.' 

While  participation  in  Little  League,  Pop  Warner  or 
other  national  promotions  as  a  rule  means  highly  organized 
competitive  athletics,  local  competition  may  or  may  not  be 
highly  organized.  Because  a  community  does  not  use  the 
names  of  national  programs  does  not  mean  that  it  might 
not  be  sponsoring  a  highly  organized  competitive  program. 

In  the  following  statements,  the  committee  has  attempted 
to  summarize  the  best  available  information  on  the  im- 
portant issues  involved.  It  is  on  the  basis  of  this  evidence 
that  carefully  reasoned  principles  can  be  reached.  The 
committee  has  attempted  honestly  and  fairly  to  present  as 


DECEMBER  1952 


423 


strong  a  case  for  each  side  as  can  be  made. 

It  should  be  pointed  out  that  thr  proponents  of  some 
"midget"  sports  di-a—oi  iuti'  llrcm-clve-  from  other  promo- 
lion-.  Kur  instance,  tin-  pnniintiT-  «t  sport-  not  involving 
bodv  i  mil. H  I  Icnil  In  remove  them-elves  from  tin-  criticism 
-••mctiinr-  ni. nli-  alxiut  tlic  possible  plrvsical  injur\  to  thr 
partii ipanl-.  This  ma\  In-  true  about  boxing  and  football. 
lhe\  -,iv.  but  not  about  bast-ball,  tennis  or  golf,  lice  au-c 
Little  League  involves  more  bo\-  and  more  coininunities 
than  any  other  national  promotion,  discussion  of  highly 
competitive  athletics  for  this  age  group  usually  center  - 
around  baseball. 

I  In-  references  appended  in  the  list  were  carefully  evalu- 
ated in  reaching  these  conclusions  and  principles. 
Issues  and  Conclusions 

1.  Can  a  highly  organized  competitive  athletic  program 
satisfactorily  meet  the  needs  of  all  boys  of  this  age? 

No  cornmunit)  athletic  program  for  boys  under  twelve 
is  adequate  unless  it  provides  the  opportunity  for  every 
boy  to  participate  with  other  boys  of  comparable  age  and 
-kill  in  a  variety  of  sports  within  the  neighborhood  and 
community. 

2.  Gin  an  intra-mural  type  competitive  athletic  program 
satisfactorily  meet  the  needs  of  all  boys  of  this  age? 

A  comrnunitv-wide  intra-mural  type  program  is  the  basic- 
means  of  providing  satisfactory  opportunity  for  all  boys 
to  participate  in  competitive  athletics. 

3.  Can  community  enthusiasm  and  resources  be  mobil- 
ized for  a  local  intra-mural  type  program? 

Although  community  enthusiasm  and  resources  may  not 
be  as  quickly  mobilized  for  an  intra-mural  type  program 
as  for  the  more  highly  organized,  there  is  the  evidence  of 
many  years  of  experience  to  indicate  that  effective  com- 
munity support  is  forthcoming  for  this  type  program,  when 
adequately  interpreted  to  the  public. 

1.  N  exclusive  use  of  areas  and  facilities  for  competi- 
ti\e  athletics  for  boys  of  this  age  desirable? 

A  community  should  avoid  establishing  installations  for 
the  exclusive  use  of  any  one  age  or  interest  group.  Ade- 
quate scheduling  and  supervision  will  provide  the  most 
equitable  use  of  facilities  and  areas. 

5.  Are  highly  organized  competitive  athletics  financially 
sound? 

I  Mill  a  community  is  providing  the  basic  essentials  of 
a  genuine!)  well-balanced  and  total  recreation  program. 
it  is  financially  unsound  to  spend  large  sums  of  money  on 
.1  few  participants. 

6.  Are  highly  organized  competitive  athletic-  harmful  to 
the  he.illliv    |.liv-ii  ,il  ilrw-lopmcnt   of  bo\  -  this  age? 

The  greater  the  |x-n-entage  of  ho\-  twelve  and  lindci 
participating  in  a  highly  organized  competitive  program, 
thr  more  likcK  i«  the  po««ihililv  "f  r.liv-ical  injurv  to  the 
leM  ph\«iciill\  mature  participants. 

7.  Arc  highly   organized  competitive  athletics  harmful 
to  (he  health)  emotional  development  of  l».v-  of  this  age? 

(•etitivc  athletic,  bold  greater  danger  of  l>ring  harm- 
ful  to   the   health)    emotional   development   of   IM.VH   of   thi« 
age  when  they  are  highly  organized  and  imitate  the  ten 
neiil.   mid    (treasure*  of  high    •»  hool    var-ilv. 

I 'I 


college,   semi-professional   and   professional   athletic-. 

8.  Are  state  and  national  tournaments  desirable  objec- 
tive- for  ho\s  this  age? 

From  the  point  of  view  of  growth  and  development  of 
the  child  of  this  age  there  i-  little  justification  fm  -late 
or  national  tournament-. 


"The  important  thing  in  the  Olympic  Games  is  not  to 
win  but  to  take  part,  the  important  thing  in  life  is  not 
the  triumph  but  the  struggle,  the  essential  thing  is  not 
to  have  conquered  but  to  have  fought  well.  To  spread 
these  precepts  is  to  build  up  a  more  scrupulous  and 
more  generous  humanity."  Baron  Pierce  du  Coubertin — 
Founder  of  the  Modern  Olympic  Games. 


Recommended  Principles 

On  the  basis  of  its  study  of  existing  literature  on  high- 
ly competitive  athletics,  knowledge  of  the  philosophy  of 
communitv  recreation,  and  the  conclusions  which  it  ha- 
reached,  the  committee  recommends  that  the  following  in- 
terim principles*  be  adopted  for  the  guidance  of  com- 
munit)  recreation  agencies: 

1.  The  fundamental  values  for  which  a  communitv   rec- 
reation  program   should   strive  are:    (a)   the  satisfaction 
of  such  basic  human  needs  as  happiness,  acceptance,  recog- 
nition and  adventure;  and  (b)  development  of  the  quali- 
ties of  the  good  citizen  in  a  democracy.  These  values  are 
best  realized  through  participation  under  good  leadership 
in  a  wide  variety  of  activities. 

2.  Competitive  athletics  should  be  only  a  part  of  a  total 
community   recreation   program   which   includes  such  ac- 
tivities as  outdoor   living,  games,  parties,  music,  drama, 
and  arts  and  crafts. 

3.  Competitive    athletics    for    boys    twelve    and    under 
should  be  organized  in  such  a  way  that  every  child  who 
is  interested   will   have  available   both   instruction   in   the 
-kills  of  the  games  and  the  opportunity  to  play  with  boys 
of  comparable  age  and  skill  irr  his  neighborhood  and  com- 
munitN. 

4.  The  allocation  of  community  funds  for  competitive 
athletics  should  be  made  with  reference  to  the  total  rec- 
reation needs  of  the  community,  and  the  needs  of  all  age 
groups  and  both  sexes. 

5.  Acquisition,  development   and  construction   of  addi- 
tional  coinmunit)    recreation    areas    and    facilities   should 
be  made  with  the  idea  of  their  maximum  use  b\   all  indi- 
\iduals  and  groups  within  tire  community. 

6.  State  and   national  tournaments  should   IK-  discour- 
aged. Kmphasis  for  this  age  group  should  l»e  placed  on 
plaving   lire   game   for   the  sake  of  the  game,     \wards   of 
intrinsic    value   should    be   kept    simple    and    reduced    to   a 
minimum. 

7.  Since    highly    organised    <  oiupelition     is    potential!) 
harmful  to  the  heallhv    development  of  the  participant  of 
ibis  age.  it  is  imperative  that  when  such  coiri|M-tilion  .-M-I-. 
everv    possible   precaution    be  taken   to  guard   against   e\ 
cessive  fatigue  and  injury. 

8.  All   supervised   community    recreation   activities   for 


•At  modified    and    unanimously    approved    al    thr    1952    National 
•linn  ConareM. 

Hi  >  in  \ii<>\ 


the  child  of  this  age  should  be  conducted  in  an  atmosphere 
which  avoids  abnormal  emotional  pressures  and  strains. 

9.  The  boy  is  the  center  around  which  and  for  which 
the  program   of  competitive   athletics   is   organized.   The 
welfare  of  the  individual  participant  is  of  paramount  im- 
portance. 

10.  Community  recreation  leaders  are  charged  both  with 
the  responsibility  of  educating  the  citizens  of  their  com- 
munity to  sound  principles  of  athletic  competition  and  of 
conducting  a  program  for  this  age  group  in  accordance 
with  them. 

(Arguments  "pro"  and  "con"  are  presented  in  mimeo- 
graphed committee  report.  Available  free  from  National 
Recreation  Association.) 

Suggested  Reading 

"A  Giant  Controversy  over  Midget  Sports"  (mimeographed), 
Katherine  Montgomery,  Director  of  Physical  Education,  Florida 
State  College,  Tallahassee,  Florida. 

"A  Page  from  the  Director's  Notebook,"  Olga  M.  Madar,  Round 
Up — Volume  5,  No.  2,  Recreation  Department,  8000  East  Jefferson 
Avenue,  Detroit.  Michigan,  February  and  March  1952  issue. 

"A  Study  of  Little  League  Baseball  in  Operation,  1951,"  Howard 
B.  Holman,  Recreation  Director,  City  Hall,  Fresno,  California. 

A  Survey  of  Recreation  Executives  on  Organized  Competition  in 
Sports  and  Athletics  /or  Boys  under  Twelve,  National  Recreation 
Association.  315  Fourth  Avenue,  New  York  City.  Copy  of  report. 
$1.00. 

"Competitive  Athletics  for  Boys  under  Twelve,"  a  summary  of 
findings,  RECREATION  magazine,  February  1952. 

"Baseball  Babies,"  Baron  Pittenger  of  the  Hartford  Times,  Febru- 
ary 1950,  Parks  and  Recreation  Magazine. 

"Cardinal  Athletic  Principles,"  policy  on  interscholastic  athletics 
of  the  National  Federation  of  High  School  Athletic  Associations 
and  the  American  Association  for  Health,  Physical  Education  and 
Recreation,  Journal  of  Health  and  Physical  Education,  September 
1947. 

Competitive  Activities  lor  Children — A  Policy  Statement,  Bulle- 
tin No.  7,  May  1952.  North  Carolina  Recreation  Commission,  Edu- 
cation Building  Annex,  Raleigh,  North  Carolina. 

"Competitive  Sports:  Menace  or  Blessing,"  Jack  Harrison  Pol- 
lack. Parents  Magazine,  June  1952. 

"Desirable  Athletics  for  Children — Recommendations  of  the 
Joint  Committee  on  Athletic  Competition  for  Children  of  Elemen- 
tary and  Junior  High  School  Age,"  The  Journal  of  the  American 
Association  for  Health.  Plivsicnl  Education  and  Recreation,  June 
1952. 

"Football  in  Junior  High  Schools,"  William  P.  Uhler,  Jr.,  School 
Board  Journal,  November  1950. 

"Little  League — \es  or  No" — Supplement,  Illinois  Recreation 
Association  Bulletin  No.  31,  Bevier  Butts,  Director  of  Recreation, 
Waukegen,  Illinois. 

"Midget  League  Baseball •--  Pros  and  Cons,"  New  Jersey  Recrea- 
tional Development,  Al  Post,  editor.  Trenton,  New  Jersey,  April 
1952. 

"Recommended  Policy  of  Competitive  Sports  for  Children  and 
Pre-Adolescent  Youth."  State  of  California  Recreation  Commission, 
909 Ms  Eighth  Street.  Sacramento.  California.  January  18.  1952. 

"Report  of  the  Joint  Committee  on  Athletic  Competition  for 
Children  of  Elementary  and  Junior  High  School  Age,"  American 
Association  for  Health.  Physical  Education  and  Recreation,  Sep- 
tember 1952. 

"Report  of  the  National  Conference  on  Physical  Education  for 
Children  of  Elemental^  School  Age,"  \thlelie  Institute.  Chicago. 
Illinois,  January  1951. 

"Small  Bo\ •%.  Dream  ( lomes  True."  Harry  T.  Paxton,  Saturday 
Kn-ning  Post,  May  14,  1949. 


"Teamwork,  The  Case  For  and  Against  Small-Fry  Tournaments," 
Ames  Castle,  Industrial  Sports  Journal,  February  15,  1952. 

"The  Elementary  Athletic  Problem,"  William  J.  Tail,  Empirec, 
New  York  State  Recreation  Association,  Fall  1951. 

"The   Little   League   Is   Big   Time,"   Arthur   Daley,   New    York 
Times  Magazine,  May  25,  1952. 

"Two   Important   Resolutions,"   Journal  of  Health  and   Physical 
Education,  October  1938. 

"What  Industry  Is  Doing  for   Kids— Midget  Sports,"  Bill   Rid- 
inger,  Industrial  Sports  Journal,  December  15,  1951. 

"What  Oakland   Parents  Say  about  Little  League  Ball,"  Ames 
Castle.  Industrial  Sports  Journal,  May  15,  1952. 

"Team  Equipment  Costs  for  Little   League  Baseball,"  Industrial 
Sports  Journal,  July  1950. 


ADDITIONAL  POLICY  STATEMENTS 
Joint  Committee 

Statements  of  the  Joint  Committee*  on  Athletic  Compe- 
tition for  Children  of  Elementary  and  Junior  High  School 
Age  recommend: 

1.  The  best  interests  of  all  children  are  served  when 
school  and  community  give  priority — in  professional  per- 
sonnel, space  and  facilities,  equipment  and  supplies,  time 
and  money — to  a  broad  program  of  instruction  in  physical 
education,  based  upon  individual  and  group  needs,  for  all 
boys  and  girls. 

2.  Next  in  consideration  should  be  a  broad  and  varied 
program  of  voluntary  informal  recreation  for  children  of 
all  ages  and  an   interesting  extensive  program  of  intra- 
mural activities  for  boys  and  girls  in  upper  elementary 
grades  and  above  .  .  .  with  competition  limited  to  contests 
between  teams  within  the  individual  school  (or  neighbor- 
hood recreation  center). 

3.  Activities  such  as  play  days  and  sports  days,  and 
occasional  invitational  games  which  involve  children   of 
two  or  more  schools,  and  which  have  high  social  values 
are  to  be  encouraged.  The  emphasis  should  be  upon  social 
participation    with    the   competitive   aspect    subordinated. 

Activities  should  be  appropriate  to  the  level  of  maturity, 
skills  and  interests  of  the  participants.  Tackle  football  for 
children  below  the  ninth-grade  age  and  boxing  for  chil- 
dren and  youth  of  all  ages  are  definitely  disapproved. 

California  Policy  on  Competitive  Sports 
A  recommended  policy  on  competitive  sports  for  chil- 
dren and  pre-adolescent  youth  has  been  formulated  by 
the  State  of  California  Recreation  Commission  at  the  re- 
quest of  local  recreation  agencies  and  community  organi- 
zations. These  seek  to  provide  a  diversified  sports  pro- 
gram for  all  children  in  keeping  with  accepted  health 
practices,  and  to  avoid  the  hazards  of  competition  in  or- 
ganized sports  leagues  which  are  desirable  for  older  youth 
and  adults. 

The  period  of  rapid  growth  presents  special  problems, 
such  as  lack  of  coordination,  only  partial  ossification  of 


*  Joint  Committee,  representing :  Society  of  State  Directors  of  Health, 
Physical  Education  and  Recreation;  American  Association  for 
Health,  Physical  Education  and  Recreation;  Department  of  Ele- 
mentary Principals  of  the  National  Education  Association;  and 
the  National  Council  of  State  Consultants  in  Elementary  Educa- 
tion. 


DKCKMBER  1952 


425 


bones,  mental  and  emotional  stresses,  and  physiological 
readjustments. 

Highly  organized  competitive  sports  leagues  are  not  rec- 
ommended for  children  and  pre-adolescent  youth,  because 
such  activities  may  ( 1 )  cause  emotional  disturbances 
through  competition  under  unnercs-ar\  pressure;  (2)  re- 
quire participation  in  elimination  tournaments  from  cit\  to 
national  scale;  1 3)  result  in  a  selected  few  receiving  the 
instruction  and  attention  of  specialists:  (4i  result  in  the 
exploitation  of  children  through  commercial  sponsorship; 
(5)  encourage  children  to  attempt  sports  designed  for 
those  more  mature:  (6)  be  conducted  by  sports  specialists 
and  promoters  who  may  not  understand  the  physical  and 
emotional  development  of  children;  (7)  require  com- 
munity financial  support  of  specialized  facilities  for  ex- 
elusi\e  u-e  l>\  one  group  or  for  one  sport:  and  (8)  focus 
attention  of  children  and  adults  on  championships,  expen- 
-i\e  equipment,  or  awards. 

It  is  significant  that  the  PTA  recommendations  coincided 
with  the  foregoing. 


North  Carolina  Policy 

A  policy  statement  adopted  by  North  Carolina  likewise 
expresses  an  awareness  of  the  growing  interest  in  organ- 
ized, competitive  athletic  leagues  for  children,  the  poten- 
tial values  as  well  as  the  doubts  and  dangers  involved. 
It  urges  that  community  and  recreation  authorities  as- 
sume responsibilities  and  give  guidance  in  such  events 
because  (1)  condemnation  of  the  trend  does  not  solve  the 
situation:  l2l  such  activities  open  up  possihilitie-  of 
negative  practices  and  results. 

It  calls  for  further  study  and  research,  stating:  "\\  .• 
join  hands  with  all  individuals,  groups  and  agcnrirs 
working  in  this  field  and  welcome  every  opportunit\  to 
gain  knowledge  as  a  better  guide  for  direction  and  action. 
....  We  believe  in  wholesome  competitive  aclhities.  that 
competition  is  a  fundamental  social  process  ....  properly 
guided  and  temperately  used,  it  is  an  asset  regardless  of 
age  participation  ....  in  partnership  with  cooperation  it 
should  alwa\-  result  in  constructive  procedure." 


|j|iii|iiiii'iii  for  To!  Lois 

RKl  oMMfM.UIONS   KIIK  THE   EQtII'MKM    for   tot    lots,  dis- 
cussed  by  a  committee  at  a  conferem-r  of  the  Illinois 
Recreation  Association  some  time  ago,  are  still  good  and 
Itear   re-examination.   The  committee   maintained   that    tot 
lots  should  be  either  a  separate  unit  enclosed  with  a  low- 
fence  or  hedge  or  should  l>e  an  area  within  a  regular  play- 
ground removed  from  the  main  playground  traffic.  Tot  lots 
should  be  developed  where  traffic  is  negligible  and  close 
to  a  drinking  fountain  and  lavatory  facilities. 
Apparatus 

1.  Sandbox,  ten  by  ten  feet  minimum  size. 

\  -and  bo\.  firmK  i  on-iruetcd  of  wood  or  other  mate- 
rials, such  as  concrete,  was  recommended.  The  box  should 
not  be  covered  and  sand  should  l>e  raked  frequently, 
watered  daily  and  changed  at  Ira-i  once  a  year. 

The  !>atul  l'"\  -lionlil  he  provided  with  wide  molding 
hoards,  which  would  prevent  -and  from  being  tossed  out 
of  the  |H>X  and  could  also  !>••  u-i  .1  .1-  -eat-  a-  well  a-  a  I 
or  platform  for  -mall  sand  molding  and  modeling  projecl.s. 
It  should  In-  near  or  under  a  tree  in  order  to  obtain  some 
shade.  However,  it  w.i-  -tressed  that  it  also  should  II.IM 
some  sunlight  for  aeration.  It  -liorild  he  ins|>ceted  daily 
for  dcbri*. 

2.  Sresau*  (Teetcn) 

A  battery  of  MCMWS,  with  fixed  low  full  rum.  should  In- 
in-lnllrd  the  height  to  lie  dctiTinincd  by  the  waist  height 
of  the  average  user  I  pre-whoo!  and  kindergarden  ar 

3.  Swinfi 

M>  t.il   -win);-,   eight    fret    maximum    height.    -liouM   have 

triangular  bracing  at  tin-  end  -ii|>|>orN.  with  two  support- 
ing leg*  in  the  middle  if  the  unit  in  a  multiple  one.  I'ipe 
should  be  at  least  two  iiiehc*  i  in-ide  measurement ' . 

ll  wn«  rrrommended  that  in  a  multiple  unit   ihr  seat* 


consist  of  two  tvpes.  chair  seat  and  belt  type  seat.  Elimina- 
tion of  one  belt  seat  provides  for  more  safety. 

4.  S/iVr-.s 

The  committee  recommended  the  use  of  metal  -lide«. 
four  feet  and  six  feet  maximum  height. 

Consistent  with  best  safety  practices,  all  slides  and 
sw  ings  should  face  north  where  possible,  to  prevent  heat- 
ing of  slides  and  sun  reflection  in  participant-  Bjm, 

5.  Climbing  Structure 

Climbing  structure  -liquid  be  metal,  with  a  maximum 
height  of  .-i\  feet. 

6.  Benches — Tables 

Low  tables  and  benches  should  be  installed  for  crafts, 
table  games,  playing  with  blocks  and  for  the  comfort  of 
mothers.  This  equipment  should  lie  near  apparatus  and 
constructed  of  durable  materials. 

All  of  the  above  recommendation-  refer  to  |>crmanent 
or  semi-permanent  installations. 

Drinking  fountains  and  lavatories  should  be  so  located 
as  to  lie  ea-il\  accessible.  It  was  likewise  reeommended 
that  both  fountains  and  toilet-  he  in-tailed  lo  meet  the 
height  requirements  of  the  average  user. 

Surfacing  Beneath  Apparatus 

The  committee  recommended  that  tan  bark  !«•  used  he- 
nealh  apparatus.  Other  materials  which  ma\  be  used  in- 
elude  sod.  wood  shavings,  sand  and  sawdust.  Hard  sur- 
faces, such  as  cinders  and  crushed  rock,  should  not  be  used 
under  apparatu-  to  I.,  used  for  -mall  children. 
Fencing 

l«i  lots  should  be  fenced,  either  In   natural  or  artificial 
barriers  for  the  protection   of  the  children. 
All-weather  Area 

It  was  further  recommended  thai  a  portion  I  open  area  I 
of  the  tot  lot  be  mode  into  an  all-weather  area  to  permit 
multiple  Use.  There  should  l>e  frequent  in-|x-elion  and  up- 
to-date  maintenance  of  apparatus. 


RFCHK^TIOV 


Jane  Johnson 


7HESE  ARE  CRITICAL  DAYS  in  a  rap- 
idly changing  world.  Tension,  fear 
and  insecurity  are  words  which  we 
hear  repeated  time  and  time  again.  In 
such  a  world,  one  of  the  most  signifi- 
cant and  exciting  careers  can  be  found 
in  the  Young  Women's  Christian  Asso- 
ciation. 

Just  two  years  ago,  I  sat  in  my  ma- 
jor professor's  office  at  State  Univer- 
sity of  Iowa  discussing  just  which  spot 
I  could  fill  most  successfully  and  satis- 
factorily. It  was  from  that  university 
office  that  I  moved  into  the  YWCA  in 
New  Haven,  Connecticut,  as  women's 
director  of  the  Industrial  Recreation 
Federation  of  New  Haven. 

At  that  time,  I  didn't  quite  realize 
that  I  was  moving  right  into  the  mid- 
dle of  things.  The  YWCA  is  a  world- 
wide membership  organization  which 
seeks  to  build  a  world  governed  by 
good  will,  justice  and  freedom.  There- 
fore, the  things  that  are  happening  in 
the  world  today  are  concerns  of  every 
YWCA  worker.  When  we  meet  and 
talk  with  our  foreign  division  directors 
just  back  from  Korea,  Turkey,  Brazil 
and  the  many  other  countries  to  which 
they  are  sent,  we  realize  that  it  is  really 
a  small  world  in  which  we  live. 

The  Industrial  Recreation  Federa- 
tion of  New  Haven  is  a  unique  plan 
and  was  formed  to  provide  recreational 
activities  for  the  employees  of  New 
Haven  industries.  It  was  through  the 
federation  that  industry  affiliated  with 
the  YWCA  and  YMCA  to  give  their 
employees  an  outlet  for  their  desires  to 
participate  in  a  competitive  athletic 
program.  Since  its  creation,  it  has  ex- 
panded beyond  the  realms  of  basket- 

Miss  JOHNSON  w  director  of  women's 
activities  of  Industrial  Recreation  Fed- 
eration, affiliated  with  the  YMCA  and 
YWCA  of  New  Haven,  Connecticut. 


Job  opportunities  for  trained  recreation  leaders  include  oppor- 
tunities for  service  not  only  in  public  recreation,  but  in  posi- 
tions with  private  agencies  as  well— such  as  the  YWCA,  YMCA, 
Scouts  or  in  hospitals  and  settlements.  This  article,  for  example, 
tells  of  the  interesting  work  of  the  author  in  a  YWCA  program 
of  recreation  with  the  employees  of  industry. 


ball.  Softball  and  bowling  leagues  into 
a  broader  program  of  recreation  activ- 
ities designed  to  meet  the  needs  of  all 
people  working  in  industry. 

Within  the  last  few  years,  we  have 
heard  a  great  deal  about  the  increased 
life  expectancy  and  the  need  for  recre- 
ation activities  for  older  people.  The 
YWCA  and  the  New  Haven  industries 
with  which  they  are  affiliated  launched 
a  program  designed  for  the  women  and 
girls  over  twenty-five  working  in  the 
New  Haven  industries.  Many  of  the 
women  in  this  category  are  widows, 
mothers  whose  sons  are  serving  in  the 
armed  forces  or  who  have  lost  sons  in 
World  War  II ;  some  are  young  women 
who  are  not  interested  in  participating 
in  athletic  activities;  some  are  factory 
workers;  others  are  office  workers.  But 
all  have  a  common  interest — an  inter- 
esting, inexpensive  way  to  enjoy  off- 
the-job  living,  with  a  planning  commit- 
tee to  set  up  their  program  of  trips, 
tours,  parties,  and  hobby  groups  and 
help  them  carry  out  their  wishes  and 
see  their  hopes  fulfilled. 

The  girls  who  like  sports  have  not 
been  forgotten.  Again,  it  is  a  most 
satisfying  experience  to  see  girls  of  all 
races,  religions,  social  and  economic 
backgrounds  come  together  to  play 
without  prejudice.  At  the  present  time 
there  are  fifty-six  girls'  bowling  teams 
in  the  YWCA  sponsored  bowling 
league.  This  means  approximately  four 


hundred  girls  each  week  doing  a  thing 
they  enjoy,  making  new  friendships. 
strengthening  old  ones  and,  most  im- 
portant, forgetting  the  insecurity,  ten- 
sion and  turmoil  in  the  world  around 
them.  The  YWCA  is  not  just  a  wom- 
en's organization  as  so  many  believe  it 
to  be.  There  are  co-ed  clubs  and  co-ed 
activities,  too.  There  are  cooperative 
projects  with  other  organizations  such 
as  the  YMCA,  and  there  are  commu- 
nity projects  sponsored  jointly  with 
other  agencies. 

Recently  the  director  of  men's  ac- 
tivities, who  is  on  the  YMCA  staff,  and 
I  worked  with  our  industrial  board  of 
governors  to  give  a  party  for  thirty  un- 
der-privileged boys  in  New  Haven.  It 
is  hard  to  say  who  enjoyed  the  party 
most  —  the  boys  or  the  adults  who  had 
the  satisfaction  of  doing  something  im- 
portant for  someone  else  and  seeing  the 
fruit  of  their  efforts  in  the  happy  faces 
of  the  boys  for  whom  the  party  was 
given. 

There  is  no  end  of  variety  in  a 
YWCA  job,  and  never  a  dull  moment, 
to  be  sure.  Whether  your  specialty  is 
physical  education,  recreation,  group 
work;  whether  you  prefer  to  work 
with  adults,  teen-agers,  or  children,  it 
presents  a  challenge  to  you  with  a 
wide  area  in  which  to  move  and  the 
satisfaction  of  seeing  the  results  of 
helping  people  grow  through  working 
and  playing  together. 


DECEMBER  1952 


427 


Report  of  Subcommittee  of  National  Advisory  Committee  on 
Recruitment,  Training  and  Placement  of  Recreation  Personnel 


'T'liKKK  i-  PKKiui's  no  better  barom- 
eter  of  the  status  and  progress  of 
recreation  in  the  I'nited  States  today 
than  the  extent  to  which  the  colleges 
ami  universities  have  assumed  increas- 
ing rc-ponsiliiliiv  fur  the  professional 
training  of  recreation  personnel.  The 
academic  expansion  of  resources  for 
ihi-  purpose  has  been  particularly  pro- 
nounced since  the  end  of  World  War 
II.  That  higher  education  has  accepted 
this  responsibility  is  a  tribute  to  the 
pioneer  training  efforts  of  the  Na- 
tional Recreation  Association  and  the 
maturing  stature  of  the  recreation  pro- 
fession. But  these  developments  are. 
at  the  same  time,  a  challenge  to  the 
recreation  agencies  and  institution-  of 
higher  learning  to  establish  high  train- 
ing standards  evaluated  in  trrms  of  the 
usefulness  of  such  trained  personnel  to 
-...  iri\ . 

In  a  growing  profession,  such  as  is 
recreation,  wisely  planned  and  sound- 
ly executed  undergraduate  education 
i»,  or  should  be.  the  center  of  the  train- 
ing program.  Practically  all  of  the 
training  developments  in  recreation. 
U-giiming  with  the  preparation  of  the 
first  Normal  Course  in  Play  in  1907 
and  leading  up  to  tin-  National  Con- 
ference .,..,  [  ndcrgraduale  Preparation 
f"i  Health  Kilm  jition.  I'hv-ical  Kduca- 
lion  and  Recreation  in  1(>4#,  were 
mile-tone*  iii  the  advance  of  recreation 
leadci-liip  training  and  the  inevitabil- 
p|\  of  the  colleges  and  universities  in 
.n.cptiiig  -IK  h  training  as  a  major  re- 
-pon-iliililv. 

I  lie  Jack-on'-   Mill   report   provided 
j  «<>li<l   foundation   for  the  systematic 
unfolding  of  undergraduate  recreation 
in  it«  early  stag---.  Manv   ,,{  it-  recom- 
MI. -M.I, iii. .11-   have   been   and   will  con- 
tinue   to   IN-   applied    wherever    m-litn 
lion,    nf    higher    learning    are    deter- 
mined  to  provide  undergraduate   pro 
n.il  prep.iialioii  on  a  high  pi. in. 
Kquallv   significant,  the  Jackson's  Mill 

<  H\KI»S  K    linn. until. i.  is  director  oj 

•  itinn   training.   I'nii-rr.iiiy  of  Illi- 

nun     V/ioo/    of    Ph\<i<nl 


report  now  serves  as  a  springboard  to 
refining,  expanding,  implementing  and 
improving  these  national  findings  es- 
tablished a  full  college  generation  ago. 
The  many  basic  and  technical  prob- 
lem- involved  in  the  undergraduate 
training  of  recreation  personnel  are  ac- 
companied, and  sometimes  preceded 
by  other  significant  and  related  tasks 


few  of  the  basic  questions  which  must 
be  answered  if  the  problem  of  under- 
graduate training  for  recreation  is  to 
be  approached  intelligently  and  w  ith 
satisfactory  results. 

As  a  preliminary  step  in  organ  ixh  it: 
the  work  of  the  Sub-Committee  on  I  n- 
dergraduate  Training.  National  Advis- 
orv  Committee  on  Recruitment.  Train- 


UNDERGRADUATE 


with  which  the  planners  of  academic 
preparation  must  deal.  One  of  these 
issues  is  the  need  for  interpreting  the 
breadth,  depth  and  scope  of  recreation 
in  modern  living  to  the  public,  the 
educators,  and  to  other  related  fields. 
I  nfortunately.  in  the  minds  of  count- 
less laymen,  educators,  government 
officials,  health  and  medical  authori- 
ties and  social  workers,  recreation  is 
still  thought  of  mainlv  as  physical  ac- 
tivities on  a  playground.  Too  main 
ccimmuiiities  are  still  emplov  ing  the 
local,  popular  athlete  even  though 
trained  personnel  is  available.  I  ntil 
those  who  do  the  hiring  in  the  public 
and  volunlaiv  .  onunuiiitv  agencies,  in 
the  hospitals,  in  the  industries  and  else- 
where, can  In-  convinced  that  trained 
IH  i-oniiel  -In. ill. I  l>e  employed,  it  will 
matter  little  how  inanv  people  are  put 
in  the  field.  Secondly,  then-  i-  nerd  to 
qidcUj  and  accmatelv  determine  the 
-lain-  of  undergraduate  training  re- 
-..iine»  in  the  I  nited  States.  What  in- 
-lilulion-  .lie  pioviding  these  oppor- 
tunities? Mow  and  to  what  extent  i- 
the  job  licing  done'.''  What  are  the 
facts?  \\li.il  i-  the  present  and  within 
tin-  pte.lii  lal.le  future  situation  with 
reaped  to  cmplnvmcni  oppoiiiiiuiie.  in 
the  re.  icalion  field?  Thew  are  lull  a 


ing  and  Placement  of  Recreation  Per- 
sonnel, the  opinions  of  the  Sub-Com- 
mittee's members  were  sought  with  re- 
spect to  the  range  of  problems  in- 
volved. Some  idea  of  issues  involved 
can  be  si-cured  from  the  types  of  ques- 
tions raised  and  the  observations  which 
were  made.  These  were  as  follows: 

How  can  there  \H-  established  a  cen- 
tral placement  agencv  through  which 
professionally  trained  recreation  peo- 
ple can  move  progressively  from  one 
level  or  type  of  responsibility  to  that 
of  greater  responsibility  ?  How  can 
placement,  guidance  and  follow -up  U 
strengthened'' 

How  can  the  methods  of  selecting 
candidates  to  undertake  undergraduate 
lecieation  training  be  improved? 
What  device*,  if  am.  can  IH*  used  or 
developed  in  the  screening  of  poten- 
tial recreation  personnel'.''  How  mav 
method*  and  -landaul-  of  -election,  re- 
cruitment and  admission-  U-  advan.  e.l 
gem-rail)  ? 

Is  there  a  need  for  setting  forth 
i  learlv  a  set  of  principled,  characl.  1 1- 
in  -  and  criteria  for  adequate  i.  .  ica 
lion  cunicula?  If  so.  how  max  -in  li 
factors  Ix-  etfectivelv  determined 
and  should  (he  iindergiadnate  cumin 
him  piepaic  ihe  -Indent  foi  -|ir.  iali/rt 


RECREATION 


IVrsoniM'l 


tion,  or  must  specialization  be  deferred 
until  graduate  study  is  undertaken?  Is 
there  wisdom  in  making  recommenda- 
tions on  curriculum  with  regard  to 
specific  course  content?  How  much 
credit  (number  of  hours)  should  be 
required  for  an  undergraduate  major 
in  recreation?  In  order  to  provide  rec- 
reation leadership,  to  what  extent,  if 


TRAINING 


any,  should  undergraduate  training  in 
recreation  be  coupled  with  training  in 
allied  fields,  such  as  physical  educa- 
tion, and  resulting  in  a  composite  ma- 
jor? How  great  is  the  need  to  develop, 
within  the  recreation  curriculum, 
courses  which  students  in  allied  fields 
(e.g.  physical  education,  forestry,  oc- 
cupational therapy,  and  the  like) 
should  take?  How  much  emphasis 
should  be  given  in  undergraduate 
training  to  broad  background  and 
general  education?  How  may  "educa- 
tion for  leisure"  for  all  students  be 
most  effectively  included  in  under- 
graduate study? 

What  criteria  should  be  established 
for  judging  the  faculty  and  staff,  the 
facilities  and  equipment,  the  financial 
resources,  and  sundry  teaching  aids  of 
colleges  and  universities? 

What  steps  should  be  taken  in  the 
identification  of  recreation  personnel? 
How  can  certification  and  licensing  he 
applied  so  as  to  assure  the  quality  of 
recreation  service,  provide  protection 
for  the  individual  who  has  prepared 
for  the  profession,  conserve  the  invest- 
ment and  continuing  interest  of  the 
training  institution  and  assist  the  em- 
ployer in  the  procurement  of  qualified 
recreation  personnel? 


How  may  campus  resources  be  pro- 
vided and  used  so  as  to  provide  a 
maximum  of  recreation  opportunities 
for  all  students  and  a  laboratory  of 
learning  for  recreation  trainees?  To 
what  extent  can  participation  in  cam- 
pus recreation  influence  the  attitude  of 
all  students,  after  graduation,  with  re- 
spect to  the  need  for  and  importance  of 


by  Charles  K.  Brightbill 

recreation  in  their  communities? 

How  can  agencies  and  executives  co- 
operate with  the  educational  institu- 
tions to  strengthen  training?  What  do 
the  consumer  and  employing  agencies 
expect  of  the  recipient  of  the  bachelor's 
degree  in  recreation?  How  may  a 
workable  system  of  internships  and 
"educational"  leaves  be  established  to 
the  satisfaction  of  the  training  institu- 
tion and  the  operating  agency?  How 
may  opportunities  for  field  experience 
by  undergraduate  students  be  effective- 
ly planned  and  conducted? 

What  guideposts  can  be  established 
in  helping  the  student  "select"  a  school 
or  college  for  recreation  training? 
What  media  and  plan  of  distribution 
may  best  serve  such  purposes? 

Is  there  a  current  need  for  accredit- 
ing colleges  and  universities  in  the 
field  of  recreation?  How  may  this  best 
be  accomplished?  Should  institutions 
of  higher  learning  be  encouraged  to 
specialize  in  some  phase  of  recreation 
training — perhaps  on  a  regional  basis? 

What  principles,  findings,  criteria, 
and  the  like  have  application  to  gradu- 
ate as  well  as  undergraduate  study  in 
recreation  training? 

The  questions  mentioned  above, 
then,  are  some — not  all — of  the  prob- 


lems requiring  exacting  exploration  in 
undergraduate  recreation  training.  It 
will  not  be  enough  to  find  satisfactory 
answers  to  them,  or  merely  to  agree 
upon  a  plan  of  action.  Once  the  ap- 
proach and  direction  are  determined, 
it  will  be  necessary  for  the  entire  rec- 
reation profession  and  its  supporters 
to  help  realize  and  give  actuality  to 
their  highest  hopes. 
Committee  Members 

E.  Dana  Caulkins,  White  Plains, 
New  York 

Charles  B.  Cranford,  San  Francisco 
State  College 

Fred  M.  Coombs,  Pennsylvania  State 
College 

Leon  Green,  University  of  Idaho 
Walter  E.  Hager,  Wilson  Teachers 
College,  D.C. 

Edwin  L.  Haislet,  University  of 
Minnesota 

Thomas  I.  Hines,  North  Carolina 
State  College 

Norman  F.  Kunde,  University  of 
Washington 

Thomas  W.  Lantz,  Tacoma,  Wash- 
ington 

Harold  D.  Meyer,  Chapel  Hill,  North 
Carolina 

D.  K.  Stanley,  University  of  Florida 
Earl  Kauffman.  University  of  Ken- 
tucky 

C.  K.  Brightbill,  University  of  Il- 
linois (Chairman) 

Help  Fight  TB 


Buy  Christmas  Seals 


DECEMBER  1952 


429 


Santa  Claus  in  a  Trailer 
A  large,  new  trailer  in  Court  House 
Square,  in  I'ekin,  Illinois,  was  "home" 
to  Santa  Claus  for  ten  days  last  year, 
prior  to  Christinas  day.  Sponsored  by 
the  playground  and  recreation  depart- 
ment and  merchants  of  the  city,  the 
trailer  was  gay  with  Christmas  deco- 
rations, including  a  tree.  About  five 
thousand  children  called  on  Santa 
during  his  visit,  made  known  their 
Christmas  wishes  and  received  sacks 
of  candy  and  nuts.  A  mail  drop  was 
in-tailed  iii  the  trailer,  where  letters 
to  the  old  gentlemen  could  be  posted 
by  those  who  arrived  after  his  regular 
\i-iting  hours.  In  cooperation  with 
tlir  local  post  "Ilii  •<•  authorities,  a 
Santa  Claus  post  oilier  was  also  main- 
tained, through  which  all  letter-  !•> 
Santa,  arriving  either  from  the  trailer 
or  through  the  mails,  were  answered 
with  an  especially  printed  Santagram. 

Wanted!  Safe  Sliding  Areas 
for  Our  Children 

I'ulilii  iniiiiled  firms  of  I'ortland, 
\lninr,  arranged  for  a  full-page  pres- 
entation under  thi*  heading  in  the 
Sunday  Telegram  and  Sundni  I'rea 
Hrrald,  lant  Deccmlx-r.  to  puhliei/e 
the  result*  of  the  study  of  street  slid- 
ing problems  which  had  been  con- 
•  In'  led  by  the  park  and  recreation 
department.  A  <  h.iri  li-i-  d  the  -tiding 
area*  proposed  for  the  winter  season 

twenty-right  street*  in  ele\en  neigh- 
borhood.* ami  -In. wid  the  number  of 
-•hi".l«  .-mil  iliililrrn  in  eneli  neighbor- 


hood and  the  average  number  of  chil- 
dren who  would  be  served  by  each 
street.  Servicing  of  the  streets  was  de- 
scribed: each  street  to  have  a  deep 
sand  belt  at  least  fifty  feet  long,  and 
to  be  closed  at  top  and  bottom  In 
wooden  horses,  licaring  lanterns  which 
would  be  serviced  daily.  Safe  sliding 
rules  for  children,  hints  to  parents  and 
hint-  to  motorists  were  given.  "Safe- 
guard our  children's  lives— they  are 
the  citizens  of  tomorrow!''  was  the 
slogan  adopted  for  the  program. 

They're  Proud! 

Glendale,  California,  of  the  fact  that 
its  float  has  won  an  award  in  the 
New  Year's  Day  Tournament  of  Roses 
every  year  since  1920,  including  ten 
sweepstakes.  The  floats  have  been  built 
under  the  supervision  of  the  divi-i«n 
of  parks  and  recreation. 

Arlington  County,  Virginia,  of  the 
year's  attendance  record  of  1,299,816 
— an  increase  of  292,187  over  that  of 
1950-51. 

•  Kingman, Kansas  ( population  3,200) , 
that  it  has  been  able  to  emphn  il- 
first  recreation  director — the  smallest 
city  in  the  Midwest  to  engage  a  year- 
round  executive. 

Elmira,  New  York,  of  its  successful 
1952  swimming  program — attendance, 
120,052;  total  revenue,  811,480 — one 
of  its  best  records  in  thirty  years  of 
operation.  Sanitary  conditions  and 
purity  of  water  in  the  two  local  pools 
have  been  commended  by  both  the 
regional  director  of  the  Red  Cross 
and  the  state  department  of  health. 

Williston,  North  Dakota,  of  its  new- 
canteen  which,  open  only  on  Friday 
and  Saturday  evenings,  attracted  in 
its  first  year,  over  9,000  participants 
and  over  250  in  membership.  It  is 
administered  by  a  representative  eoun- 
ril  of  teen-agers. 

Finance  Note 

Kach  of  the  leu  |>la\  grounds;  aclixc 
during  the  past  summer  in  Highland 
fork,  Michigan.  < mitriliiiled  low. ml 
the  eost.i  of  their  weekly  special  proj- 
ects by  collecting  and  selling  coal 
hangers  to  cleaning  firms. 

Successful  I  lobby  Program 

Mi.ie  than    150  boys  and  girl-  w<  n 
rep-tcrrd    last    year    in    aft'-r— I I 


stamp  collecting  clulis  conducted  at 
the  ten  public  schools  in  U Hiitx-^un. 
Illinois,  in  cooperation  with  the  Lake 
County  Philatelic  Society  and  local 
stamp  dealers.  Exhibits  were  held  in 
all  schools  and  the  best  frames  were 
featured  at  the  rounl\  so<  iet\  "s  exhibit. 
Arrangements  have  now  been  com- 
pleted by  the  playground  and  recrea- 
tion board's  director.  wliereb\  high 
school  students  may  adixelx  partici- 
pate in  the  society's  regular  mectirif.- 
and  programs. 

Safety  Report 

Figures  released  during  the  National 
Safety  Congress,  which  was  held  in 
October  in  Chicago,  indicate  that  in- 
creased emphasis  on  safety  education 
should  be  a  part  of  every  program. 
The  nation's  traffic  accident  problem 
was  characterized  as  "  \mei  ira's  public 
enemy  numl>er  one,"  by  Secretary  of 
Commerce,  Charles  Sawyer,  before  the 
annual  meeting  of  the  President's  Safe- 
ty Conference.  The  latter  was  organ- 
ized in  1946  for  the  exchange  of  ideas 
on  how  to  prevent  traffic  fatalili.-. 
Traffic  accident  losses  totaled  more 
than  3.4  billion  dollars  in  1051.  Ksti- 
mated  fire  losses  in  the  I  nilcd  Sl.ite- 
for  September  represented  an  inen-.i-r 
of  10.4  per  cent  over  those  of  Septem- 
ber, 1951.  From  a  study  of  claim 
records  of  children  insured  in  its  in- 
dustrial department,  the  Metropolitan 
Life  Insurance  Company  has  found 
that  accidents  claim  about  six  thou- 
sand lives  annual!)  among  children 
of  from  (he  to  fourteen  \ears  of  age. 
Accidents  involving  motor  vehicles  are 
the  leading  cause  of  death,  drowning  is 
second,  burns  and  conflagrations  are 
third  and  firearm  ai  <  idents,  falls, 
strangulation  and  elect  lie  i  urrent  are 
additional  means  of  injury  tStati\ti<-<il 
liullflin.  SeplemlxT.  10,'iL'i. 

One  -le|i  Inw.ird  eilui  ation  w.i-  t.ikrn 
l>\  the  Greater  \i  -w  Nmk  S.ifeU  Coun- 
cil jointly  with  the  National  >;ifet\ 
Council,  in  staging  an  hour-long  pa- 
rade of  thiee  lliiiu-.ind  inanhci-.  tu.. 
dozen  elaborately  Ji-.oi.itnl  lloai-. 
eighteen  band-  ami  re|>ie-ent.iti\e-  .if 
;:•> \  eminent.  ci\  ic  and  safeU  organiza- 
tions. The  firM  -m  li  event  ever  held 
in  New  Vnk  I  it\.  the  parade  was 

witlie—  ed     b\      ,i|, |i|. .\im. ili  l\       100.000 

persons. 


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?« 

STATEMENT  OF  OWNERSHIP 

Statement   required   by   the   act   of  August  24,    1912,   as 
amended  by  the  acts  of  March  3,  1933,  and  July  2,  1946 
(Title  39,  United  States  Code  Section  233)  showing  the 
ownership,  management,  and  circulation  of 
RECREATION,  published  monthly  except  July  and  August 

at  New  York,  N.Y.,  for  October  1,  1952. 

1.  The  names  and  addresses  of  the  publisher,  editor, 
managing  editor,  and  business  manager  are: 

Publisher:  National  Recreation  Association,  315  Fourth 
Avenue,  New  York  10,  N.Y. 

Editor-in-Chief:  Joseph  Prendergast,  315  Fourth  Ave- 
nue, New  York  10,  N.Y. 

Editor:  Dorothy  Donaldson,  315  Fourth  Avenue,  New 
York  10,  N.Y. 

Business  Manager:  Rose  J.  Schwartz,  315  Fourth  Ave- 
nue, New  York  10,  N.Y. 

2.  The  owner  is:   (If  owned  by  a  corporation,  its  name 
and  address  must  be  stated  and  also  immediately  there- 
under the  names  and  addresses  of  stockholders  owning  or 
holding  1  per  cent  or  more  of  total  amount  of  stock.  If  not 
owned  by  a  corporation,  the  names  and  addresses  of  the 
individual  owners  must  be  given.  If  owned  by  a  partner- 
ship or  other  unincorporated  firm,  its  name  and  address, 
as  well  as  that  of  each  individual  member,  must  be  given.) 

National  Recreation  Association,  Inc.,  315  Fourth  Ave- 
nue, New  York  10,  N.Y.,  a  non-profit  organization.  The 
officers  are:  Otto  T.  Mallery.  Chairman  of  the  Board:  Paul 
Moore,  Jr.,  First  Vice-President ;  Mrs.  Ogden  L.  Mills. 
Second  Vice-President;  Susan  M.  Lee.  Third  Vice-Presi- 
dent  and  Secretary  of  the  Board ;  Adrian  M.  Massie,  Treas- 
urer; Gustavus  T.  Kirby,  Treasurer  Emeritus;  Joseph 
Prendergast,  Secretary.  (Addresses  care  of  National  Recre- 
ation Association,  as  above.) 

3.  The  known  bondholders,  mortgagees,  and  other  se- 
curity holders  owning  or  holding  1  per  cent  or  more  of 
total  amount  of  bonds,  mortgages,  or  other  securities  are: 


Sports  Equipment 


(If  there  are  none,  so  state.) 
None  (nonprofit  organization). 

4.  Paragraphs  2  and  3  include,  in  cases  where  the  stock- 
holder or  security  holder  appears  upon  the  books  of  the 
company  as  trustee  or  in  any  other  fiduciary  relation,  the 
name  of  the  person  or  corporation  for  whom  such  trustee 
is  acting;  also  the  statements  in  the  two  paragraphs  show 
the  affiant's  full  knowledge  and  belief  as  to  the  circum- 
stances and  conditions  under  which  stockholders  and  se- 
curity holders  who  do  not  appear  upon  the  books  of  the 
company  as  trustees,  hold  stock  and  securities  in  a  capac- 
ity other  than  that  of  a  bona  fide  owner. 

5.  The  average  number  of  copies  of  each  issue  of  this 
publication  sold  or  distributed,  through  the  mails  or  other- 
wise, to  paid  subscribers  during  the  12  months  preceding 
the  date  shown  above  was:   (This  information  is  required 
from  daily,  weekly,  semiweekly,  and  triweekly  newspapers 
only.) 

Dorothy  Donaldson,  Editor 

Sworn  to  and  subscribed  before  me  this  10th  day  of 
September,  1952 

Miriam  S.C.  Dochtermann,  Notary  Public,  State  of  New 
York 
No.  30-6043400 

Qualified  in  Nassau  County.  Certificate  filed  with  New 
York  County  Clerk  and  Register.  Term  expires  March  30, 
1954. 


FREE  Table  Tennis  Information 

Recreation     Directors,    Coaches,     Scout    Leaders,    Y     Directors, 

others.   Nothing   to   buy.   No   entry   Fee.     Simply   hold   a   Table 

Tennis    Tourney.     We    furnish    awards,    instructions,    rules,    etc. 

FREE.   Simply  send   a    1    cent   postcard   for   information. 

ALL-AMERICAN   TABLE  TENNIS  CHAMPIONSHIPS 

20  E.  Jackson  RM-711B  Chicago  4,  III. 


DECEMBER  1952 


433 


MARKET  NEWS 


Photomurals 

New  Photomurals  for  wall  decorat- 
ing, produced  from  a  library  of  photo- 
graphs taken  by  leading  cameramen. 
offer  a  choice  of  many  themes — moun- 
tain scenes,  rural  scenes,  city  pano- 
ramas, sport  scenes,  historic  land- 
marks, and  so  forth;  or  they  can  be 
made  from  your  own  negative  if  it 
is  2V-J  by  3J/2  inches  or  larger.  These 
murals  come  in  black  and  white,  sepia, 
or  full  color;  ready  for  easy  hang- 
ing. For  further  information  on  scenes 
available,  sizes,  and  price  data,  write 
Mr.  Dale,  RCS  Studios,  123  North 
Wacker  Drive.  Chicago  6,  Illinois. 

New  Cub  Engine  For  Radio 
Control  Flying 

The  number  of  devotees  of  radio 
con  I  rolled  model  plane  -flying  has 
steadily  increased  since  the  Federal 
Communications  Commission  estab- 
lished a  "citizens'  band"  earlier  this 
year.  Formerly,  in  order  to  fly  radio 
<  ontrolled  model  planes,  modelers  had 
to  qualify  as  full-fledged  "ham"  opera- 
tors by  taking  thorough  tests  in  radio 
ihi-ory  and  communications  practne. 
Now,  however,  any  modeler  is  .1  !!..«••. I 
to  fly  his  ship  by  radio  control  on 
the  citizens'  band  (27  or  456  mega- 
•  wlcs  i  li\  filing  a  registration  form 
with  Washington  or  a  district  Federal 

Communication-   I  ..mmi-sion    oilier. 

To  IIH-I-I  the  growing  ilcmntul.  Ib-i- 

kimcr  Tool  and  Model  Works.  lm.,i 

•  I.     llcrkimrr.     New     ^  ork.    are 

manufacturing  a  new  class  "A"  engine. 

the  OK   Cub     II     which   weigh*  ..nK 

2'/4   ""'"  '"•    'tol.il    load    weight    of   en- 

receiver     arxl     hntleric-      i-      1  ~ 

ounce*)   and  hm*  •  superior  power  to. 

weight   ratio.   An  a  result,   it   deliver* 

.    (I  •  li.-,,t      |»   I  I..M!,  II;.  .       u),il>-      c  .IIM  II:- 


sturdier     radio     equipment     even     in 
bumpy  air. 

Little  Kid   Basketball  Equipment 

Here  is  good  news  for  sports  di- 
rectors who  have  been  looking  for  a 
simple  way  to  adapt  regulation  size 
basketball  facilities  to  the  use  of  eight- 
to  twelve-year  olds. 

"Little  Kid"  is  supplementary  gym- 
nasium equipment  that  converts  c\i-t- 
ing  indoor  or  outdoor  basketball  facili- 
ties to  youngsters'  specifications  in 
less  than  five  minutes'  time,  without 
harm  to  the  existing  equipment.  It  has 
been  engineered  to  allow  for  all  the 
variables  in  regulation  equipment,  and 
it  is  equally  easy  to  install  on  fan- 
shaped,  glass,  or  wooden  backboards. 


I  In-  liall  is  27  inches  in  circumferem  <• 
.mil  the  hoop  is  reduced  in  scale  to 
niche-  in  diameter.  Both  the  hoop 
.mil  i  he  bracket  fold  neatly  against  the 
backboard.  It  is  adjustable  in  height. 
at  five  2'-j  inch  interval-,  from 
lo  8  feet  10  inches  from  the  floor  (in 
the  jut  inre.  the  honp  i*  at  its  highest 
extension).  It  is  portable  and  can  he 


carried  in  the  trunk  or  back  seat  of 
a  car,  and  may  be  stored  in  a  small 
space  when  not  in  use. 

Cost  of  the  adjustable  model  is 
$175.00  a  pair.  Also  available  is  a 
non-adjustable  model  at  $135.00  a 
pair.  For  further  information  on  this 
practical,  new  gymnasium  equipment, 
write  to  Little  Kid  Basketball.  Incor- 
porated, Box  188,  Ashland,  Massachu- 
setts. 

14th  Annual  Toy  Yearbook 

The  14th  annual  edition  of  the  book- 
let which  Forbes  Magazine  (1950) 
called  "the  social  register  of  toyland," 
and  which  Collier's  (May  1952)  hailed 
a-  "the  bible  of  the  industry."  is  avail- 
able without  charge  through  Toy  Guid- 
ance member  stores  from  coast  to 
coast;  or  copies  can  be  secured  by 
writing  to  Toy  Guidance  Council,  1124 
Broadway,  New  York  10,  New  York, 
and  enclosing  ten  cents  in  stamps. 

Presented  in  full  color  illustrations, 
on  sixty-four  pages,  are  250  toys — 
each  voted  "an  outstanding  example 
of  its  type"  by  educational  and  in- 
dustry experts  representing  Toy  Guid- 
ance Council.  Each  toy  is  described. 
<  la-sified  by  age  suitability  and  ana- 
lyzed according  to  functional  play- 
purposes. 

The  objective  of  Toy  Guidance  Coun- 
cil is  to  direct  the  attention  of  parent- 
to  better  grade  American-made  t..\- 
which  will  aid  the  development  of 
children. 

This  year.  873  manufacturers,  rep- 
rc-enting  the  majority  of  the  country's 
leading  toy  firms,  submitted  more  than 
3,000  different  playtools  for  the  Coun- 
cil's consideration.  Toys  were  did  k<-,l 
for  safety,  and  then  during  a  three 
da\  meeting,  with  open  discussion  and 
\olinj;.  the  list  was  pared  down  to 
llio-e  2"iU  outstanding  playthings  rep- 
re-eiilcd  iii  the  yearbook 

teoboB 

A  new  invention  for  -port-  fun  all 
winter  long  incorporates  the  best  fen- 
tines  ,,f  the  -ki.  the  toboggan  and 
the  regular  steel  runncred  sled.  Three 
h.ud  bin  h  runner-  -iipp.nt  the  ma- 
rine pUwood  riding  platform  and  gi\e 
the  SnoboB  ample  support  for  fast 
riding  in  loose  -now.  Neel  piidc  rails 
on  the  bottom  of  the  skis  keep  it  from 


I'.  I 


RECREATION 


"side  slipping"  even  on  hard  packed 
snow  or  ice. 

Although  speedy,  the  SnoboB  is  de- 
signed for  complete  safety.  The  plat- 
form is  equipped  with  a  non-skid  rub- 
ber seat  pad;  and  is  ridden  in  a  sit- 
ting position  with  the  feet  tucked  in 
cutouts  at  the  front  of  the  riding 
platform.  The  perfect  balance  of  the 


front  ski  plus  a  safety  steering  spring 
adds  to  the  ease  and  safety  of  steering. 
Steering  rope  fastened  to  eyes  in  the 
front  ski  makes  the  SnoboB  respond 
quickly  to  the  slightest  tug. 

Available  in  three  sizes:  36  inch 
size  is  $19.95;  42  inch  size  is  $24.95; 
and  the  48  inch  size  is  $29.95.  Sold 
at  hardware  and  department  stores; 
manufactured  by  SnoboB  Manufactur- 
ing Company,  138  Thirty-ninth  Street, 
Grand  Rapids,  Michigan. 

TIPS  FROM  READERS 
The  True  Glue  Story 

A  craft  expert  has  given  us  the  fol- 
lowing tips: 

For  gluing  crepe  paper  twist  to 
metal,  glass  or  china — use  Styl-Craf 
glue  from  Styl-Craf  Studio,  1044  North 
Curran  Avenue,  Hollywood,  Califor- 
nia. 

For  pasting  crepe  paper  (flat)  to 
other  paper  or  cardboard — use  Car- 
ter's White  Paste. 

For  other  uses — Bond  Cement  from 
Bond  Adhesives  Company,  255  Wall- 
about  Street,  Brooklyn  6,  New  York. 
—THERESA  BRUNGARDT,  Director  of 
Recreation,  Vermont. 


Just  Off  Press! 


$1.00 


STARTING  A 

RECREATION  PROGRAM 

IN  A  CIVILIAN  HOSPITAL 

by   Beatrice   H.    Hill 

National  Recreation  Association 


Order  Your  Copy  Now! 

SIMPLE   PUPPETRY 

Fifty  cents 

National  Recreation  Association 


It's  New! 

ACTIVE  GAMES 
FOR  LIVE  WIRES 

Fifty  cents 

National  Recreation  Association 


REMINDER..  . 


c  Equipment 


IS  BUILT  BY 


FOR   CATALOG   WRITE: 
W.  J.  Voit  Rubber  Carp. 
1600  East  25th  Street 
Los  Angeles   11,  Calif. 


New  York  10,  Chicago  10,  Los  Angeles  11 


Here's  an  offer  you 
will  want  to  accept 

To  let  you  become  well  acquainted  with  the  Nation's  leading  maga- 
zines in  maintenance  for  the  park  and  recreation  industry,  we  will 
send  you  the  next  six  issues  for  only  one  dollar.  (Regular  price  is 
$3.00  per  year.) 

Start  now  so  you  will  receive  the  Buyers'  Guide 
Directory  of  over  500  suppliers  in  our  October 
issue. 


PARK  MAINTENANCE 


P.O.  BOX  409 


APPLETON,   WISCONSIN 


AWARDS    YOU     CAN    AFFORD 


OVER  100  RECREATION 
DEPARTMENTS  USING 
OUR  PLASTIC  TROPHYS 


WRITE   TODAY  FOR       FREE     SAMPLE 


W.  R.  MOODY 


704     N.     MARIPOSA 
BUR  BANK,     CALIF. 


DECEMBER  1952 


435 


I  isf 4'iiinu  ami  Vi<k\viiii» 


Aclion,  last  spring,  of  the  Federal 
Communications  Commission  in  lift- 
ing the  three-year  freeze  on  the  con- 
-truction  of  new  television  stations. 
and  its  authorization  of  242  ultra 
high  channels  for  the  use  of  non- 
commercial educational  use,  has  stimu- 
lated discussion  in  print  and  at  na- 
tional conferences  of  the  part  televi- 
sion should  play  in  our  daily  lives.  In- 
c\  il.ibh.  these  discussions  have  sparked 
a  re-evaluation  of  the  whole  field  of 
audi-visual  communication.  Although 
the  following  articles  were  not  written 
specifically  for  those  in  the  recrea- 
tion field,  they  may  prove  to  be  of 
interest  to  the  leader  who  is  planning 
an  audio-visual  program. 

Education's  Fabulous  Inheritance, 
Paul  A.  Walker,  NEA  Journal,  Septem- 
IMT.  1T>2.  Mr.  Walker  is  chairman. 
Federal  Communications  Commission, 
and  his  article  -  the  first  in  the  Joiir- 
Wi  series  on  educational  television — 
is  based  on  an  addn-»  ilrlivered  !«•- 
fore  the  National  Association  of  Edu- 
cational  Broadcasters. 

Toward  Greater  Maturity,  Ilollis 
A.  Moore,  Jr.,  The  Nation's  Schools, 
October.  IT>2.  Mr.  Moore's  title  was 
tin-  id. mi-  of  the  ninth  annual  Confer- 
•  •iii  i-  of  the  Education  Film  Library 
Association,  one  of  tin-  eight  organi- 
zations in  the  field  of  audio-visual 
aids  which  met  in  Chicago  from  July 
30  to  August  .">.  The  article  reviews 
tin-  major  i— in--  di>cu»«ed  bv  the 
various  groups. 

Television:  Problems  and  Possihil- 
licv  ltol>ert  lycwis  Sha\on.  \nliontil 
Parent-T 'tocher,  October,  1952.  Mi. 
Shayon  is  radi"  .md  ti-ln  i-ion  critic 
of  the  Chii\linti  S'<  i,-ni  <•  Muriilui.  <  •• 
editor  of  radio  and  te|rii«ion  for  the 
Siiliirilm  Iti-t  n-ii  and  author  of  the 
chapter  on  radio  and  telc\  i-inn  in  the 
•dilion  of  ChiMcrafl.  lie  is  .1!-.. 
.iiithor  of  7  ••/<•!  IMIIII  inn!  Out  ('.tulihrn 
innans.  Green,  Sl.T.'ii. 

M.iss  Mecli.i  .md  Children,  un  In- 
ternational View.  Jom-lte  Frank,  (.hill 
>'/«>/>.  Fall.  I'»".J.  I  hi-  i-  .1  re\iew 

of  the  subjects  discussed  at  a  con- 
griM,  organized  last  spring  bv  the 
I  rm.-r«il\  of  Milan.  «port«orcd  b\ 

m 


UNESCO  and  other  agencies,  on  Press, 
Cinema  and  Radio  for  the  Young. 

Safety  Films 

Safe  on  Two  Wheels,  10  minutes, 
black  and  white,  story  of  a  boy  and 
his  bicycle. 

Friend  or  Foe,  17  minutes,  color, 
fire  prevention. 

Live-and  Let  Live.  10  minutes, 
color,  uses  three-dimensional  scale 
model  animation,  filmed  from  above 
to  give  panoramic  effect. 

Ski  Tips,  22  minutes,  color. 

These  are  all  16  mm,  sound  films. 
available  free  from  Publication  Educa- 
tional Department.  Aetna  Life  Affili- 
ated Companies,  Hartford  5.  Connecti- 
cut. Young  Folks  Enjoy  Learning  Safe- 
ty is  the  company's  booklet  which  lists 
a  number  of  other  free  safety  films, 
including  several  in  color  on  sports. 

Television  Note 

Designed  as  a  public  service  to  pro- 
tect prospective  purchasers  of  tele- 
vision receivers  from  irresponsible  op- 
erators in  the  industry,  is  an  eleven- 
page  booklet  of  basic  information.  Pub- 
lished by  the  Radio-Television  Manu- 
facturers Association,  in  cooperation 
with  the  Better  Business  Bureaus.  It 
is  available  free  from  local  bureaus 
or  retail  television  dealers. 

"The   Jefforsonian   Heritaue 

The  enduring  ideas  of  our  \merican 
heritage,  through  the  voice  of  Claude 
li'.iin-  a-  Thomas  Jefferson,  have  been 
picsentcd  from  educational  radio  sta- 
tion*, in  excellent,  weekly  programs 
since  SeptemU-r  I  1.  The  series  is  pro- 
duccd  b\  the  National  Association  of 
Educational  Broadcasters,  under  terms 
of  a  grant  from  the  Fund  for  Adult 

I  dn<  ation.  established  bv  the  Ford 
Foundation.  Tin-  tc«e.in  h.  \\riting  and 
advice  of  Professor  Dumas  Malone. 
l)c|>.ntineni  <>(  IU-I..M.  Columbia  I'm- 
\er-il\.  h.nc  sem-d  a*  a  basis  for  the 
program*.  l'ie«sUi»s  ,,f  the  thirl. -CM 
half-hour  program*  have  now  been 
released  to  commercial  bn<.idca«ting 
-i. in. .n-  He.  riMtion  departments  m.i\ 

obtain     the     minplele     album     of 


rpm.  twelve-inch  recordings  for  $25. 
Write  to  Frank  Schooley,  t  ni\ci-it\ 
of  Illinois,  I  rbana. 

The  People  Act" 

Recordings  are  also  available  of 
the  twenty-six  programs  in  this  sciie«. 
which  were  presented  over  the  CBS 
radio  network  by  the  Ford  Founda- 
tion's TV-Radio  Workshop  and  the 
Fund  for  Adult  Education,  terminat- 
ing on  June  29.  The  records  are  $1.85 
each,  or  $24.85  for  the  series  of  thir- 
teen. Order  from  The  People  Act 
Center,  State  College,  Pennsylvania. 
They  may  be  borrowed  from  the 
Federal  Radio  Education  Committee, 
lulled  States  Office  of  Education. 
Washington,  D.  C.  Printed  scripts  of 
each  program  and  teaching  materials 
are  available  to  aid  in  adapting  the 
recordings  to  discussion  groups. 

"Movies"  and  Children 

Although  the  new  edition  of  The 
Children's  Film  Library  and  Special 
Children's  Programs  will  not  be  pub- 
lished until  next  fall,  a  supplement 
to  the  fourth  edition  of  the  pamphlet 
has  been  issued  and  is  available  free, 
as  is  the  pamphlet,  from  the  National 
Children's  Film  Library.  28  West  1  Itli 
Street.  New  York  18.  When  requesting 
the  pamphlet,  ask  to  have  your  name 
put  on  the  mailing  list  to  receive  (also 
free)  the  Joint  Estimates  of  Current 
Motion  Pictures,  a  bulletin  released 
twice  a  month.  The  Library's  purpose 
is  to  provide  fine  films,  suitable  for 
children  between  the  ages  of  eight  and 
twelve,  for  special  Saturday  programs 
in  local  theatres.  The  pamphlet  con- 
tains suggestions  for  organmni:  MJ, -h 
programs  in  your  own  community, 
and  lists  selected  films. 


COSTUMES    TO    RENT 

to, 

CONVENTIONS  •  PARADES • PAGEANTS 
MINSTRELS    •    PLATS    •    OPERAS,  ETC. 

VAN  HORN  &  SON,  PHILfl.  7,  PA. 

Coftumvri      •      IM.    It  SI      •      S«nd  for   Fold... 


TABLE  TENNIS 
INSTRUCTIONS 


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vuxrd   pUyrrt-complric   «itli 
catalog    an    padillrv    Uhln    ami    mfl    itnm> 
.<-.    Write    today    i.     Ml  vno\    K*Y. 
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Vacation  (?)  Note 

Correspondence  with  John  MacPhee, 
n  RECREATION  author,  reveals  that  his 
summer  was  spent  in  gathering  data 
from  almost  every  college  in  the  coun- 
try which  offers  a  recreation  major. 
This  information  is  for  his  thesis. 
•'Field  Work  for  Undergraduate  Ma- 
jors in  Recreation,"  the  last  require- 
ment for  his  Doctor  of  Recreation  de- 
gree from  Indiana  University.  The 
project  has  required  a  twenty  -thou- 
sand mile  trip  from  Canada  to  Louisi- 
ana to  Puget  Sound.  Mr.  MacPhee 
wrote  "Seven  Steps  to  Easy  Camp 
Cookery,"  which  appeared  in  the  June 
issue  of  the  magazine. 

A  Successful  Project 

A  special  teen-age  club  in  Utica, 
New  York,  all  of  whose  members  were 
crippled  by  polio  or  cerebral  palsy, 
was  organized  last  spring  by  Miss 
Betty  Robbins,  as  a  part  of  the  field 
work  of  her  junior  year  as  a  recrea- 
tion major  at  State  Teachers  College, 
Cortland,  New  York.  Personal  contact 
was  made  with  each  boy  and  girl  whose 
name  appeared  on  the  lists  of  the 
Cerebral  Palsy  Clinic  and  the  county 
orthopedic  nurse.  To  avoid  stairs  and 
steps,  the  weekly  meetings  of  the  club 
were  held  in  a  room,  on  the  first  floor 
of  the  Conkling  Recreation  Center, 
which  was  near  a  special  entrance. 
Activities  of  a  typical  evening  in- 
cluded simple  crafts  —  flower  making, 
loom  weaving  —  easy  games  such  as 
checkers  and  puzzles,  listening  to  pop- 
ular records  and  refreshments,  in- 
cluding birthday  cakes  at  appropriate 
times.  The  club  was  proclaimed  to  be 
a  fine  morale  builder  by  the  parents 
of  the  young  people,  and  the  recrea- 
tion department  announced  its  inten- 
tion to  continue  the  meetings  through 
the  summer  despite  cessation  of  other 
community  center  activities  at  the  close 
of  school. 


In  the  Field 

The  services  of  the  National  Rec- 
reation Association,  which  are  availa- 
ble to  those  in  the  profession,  were 
the  subject  of  a  talk  by  Waldo  R. 
Hainsworth  to  the  senior  recreation 
students  of  Massachusetts  University, 
on  October  22.  As  the  New  England 
field  representative  of  the  association, 
he  extended  an  invitation  to  the  stu- 
dents to  visit  NRA  headquarters.  He 
also  addressed  the  junior  students  on 
the  subject  of  the  philosophy  of  recre- 
ation. His  visit  to  the  university  was 
upon  the  invitation  of  Dr.  William 
Grimshaw,  director  of  the  recreation 
curriculum. 

Hockey 

Wilson  College,  Chambersburg, 
Pennsylvania,  held  its  first  hockey 
camp  on  its  own  fields  from  Septem- 
ber 15  to  20,  with  Miss  Ethel  Grant 
of  the  Bryn  Mawr  faculty  as  coach. 
Periods  of  stick  work  and  technique, 
tactics  and  games  between  class  teams 
filled  the  daily  schedules.  The  evening 
sessions  were  devoted  to  lectures  and 
hockey  films  from  the  United  States 
Field  Hockey  Association. 

Note  for  Travelers 

Thirty-five  educational  and  religious 
groups,  sponsoring  student  exchange 
programs  and  promoting  international 
student  travel,  are  members  of  the 
Council  on  Student  Travel,  which  is 
holding  its  annual  conference  this 
month.  Of  interest  to  those  seeking 
information  on  programs,  particularly- 
relating  to  educational  opportunities, 
is  the  Thirty-second  Annual  Report 
of  the  Institute  of  International  Edu- 
cation, one  of  the  member  groups. 
The  report  lists  many  free  leaflets  and 
bulletins  which  are  available  from  the 
Institute,  One  East  67th  Street,  New 
York  21. 


The 

PERFECT  GIFT 

for  your  friends  who  are 
interested  in  recreation  - 
a  subscription  to: 


ONE    YEAR -$3.00 
TWO    YEARS  —  $5.50 
FOREIGN   AND   CANADIAN  —  $3.50 


To:  NATIONAL  RECREATION  ASSN. 

315  Fourth  Avenue 
New  York  10,  N.Y. 

Please  send  gift  subscriptions  with 
my  personal  greetings  to: 


Street. 

City 

State- 


D    1    year  D   2    years 


M. 


Street 

City 

State- 


D    1    year  D   2   years 

Check  for  $ enclosed 

Please  bill  me 

Name 

Street— 

City Zone 

State . — 


DECEMBER  1952 


437 


if  n' 


mm 

GYM  EQUIPMENT 

•  Gymnasium  Equipment 

•  Telescopic  Gym  Scats 

•  Basketball  Scoreboard's 
e  Basketball  Backstops 


e  Steel  Lockers,  Lockerobes 
and  Grade-Robes 


FRED  MEDART  PRODUCTS,iNC 

3S66  DE  KALB  ST.       ST.  LOUIS  18,  MO 


For  78   Yean 
Jh»   Standard  Of   Quality 


M    \\      XI   I  -  \>ll    KM     %\ 

PICNIC  GRILL 


It'ulopt  in  grill*!  Pooitive  six-way  draft 
control  provide*  falter,  easier  fire  kin- 
dling, »ave*  fuel,  guarantee*  tenderer, 
jiiicirrrharcoaled  >te«k«, chop*  and  bar- 
becue*.  American'*  many  plun-fealures 
auure  prrfrrt  lifriimt-  performance. 
Shipped  fully  aMernbled. 


Books  Received 


\MEKH   KN     x<  IHini.     \M>     IMvERSIT-i. 

Volume  twenty-four.  American 
School  Publishing  Corporation,  New 
York.  $5.00. 

BASKETBALL  TECHNIQUES  ILLUSTRAT- 
ED, Forrest  Anderson.  A.  S.  Barnes 
and  Company,  New  York.  $1.50. 

BETTER  BOARD  MEETINGS,  Mary  Swain 
Routzahn.  National  Publicity  Coun- 
cil for  Health  and  Welfare  Services, 
257  Fourth  Avenue,  New  York  10. 
$2.00. 

BOOK  OF  HOBBY  CRAFT,  THE,  Glenn  A. 
Wagner.  Dodd,  Mead  and  Company: 
New  York.  $2.75. 

EARLY  AMERICAN  DESIGN  MOTIFS,  Su- 
zanne E.  Chapman.  Dover  Publica- 
tions, New  York.  $3.95. 

EDUCATION  THROUGH  SCHOOL  CAMP- 
ING, Helen  Manley  and  M.  F.  Drury. 
The  C.  V.  Mosby  Company,  St. 
Louis.  $4.50. 

FIELD  GUIDE  TO  SHELLS,  A,  Percy  A. 
Morris.  Houghton  Mifflin  Company, 
Boston.  $3.75. 

FIRST  PERFORMANCE,  edited  by  Nora 
MacAlvay  and  Virginia  Lee  Comer. 
Harcourt,  Brace  and  Company,  New 
York.  $3.50. 

FOR  BOYS  ONLY,  Frank  Howard  Rich- 
ardson, M.D.  Tupper  and  Love,  At- 
lanta, Georgia.  $2.75. 

GOLDEN  TREASURY  OF  NATURAL  HIS- 
TORY, THE,  Bertha  Morris  Parker. 
Simon  and  Schuster,  New  York. 
$5.00. 

How  TO  IMPROVE  YOUR  CHESS:  SEC- 
OND STEPS,  I.  A.  Horowitz  and  Fred 
Reinfeld.  E.  P.  Dutton  and  Com- 
pany, Incorporated,  New  York. 
$3.00. 

IT'-  FUN  To  COOK,  Adele  de  Leeuw. 
The  Macmillan  Company,  New  York. 
$2.75. 

MANTY  THE  MANTIS,  Captain  Burr  W. 
Leyson.  E.  P.  Dutton  and  Companv. 
Incorporated,  New  York.  $2.50. 

TIMK  FILLERS.  Albert  A.  Ostrow.  Har- 
per and  Brothers,  New  York.  $2.50. 


CRAFT 
CATALOG 


130  PAOIJ...CompUtl 
Craft  Supplm.  Tool*.  D«-    r  ^^m 
•  ncn..  In.truction  Book.    /      *p 
from  America'.  Mo«t  Com-   ffS^H 
pl*te  Stock.  Include.   nK  fr 
Ix-.thi-r  Craft.  Glove  M.k 
inc.  Lamp  Shadn.  M»(.l 
Tooling.  Cork  Craft.  LatMt  "*•>• 

Tr.lilr  r .,,„!..  Shrll  Craft,  B*.kptry.  Gla*. 
Ktrhini.  Raffia.  Rubber  Mold..  Fax-mating 
N»w  Pictur*  Craft  and  Many  Other*. 
Stud  For  Voi/r  Hill  Copy  NOW..  . 

GRIFFIN  CRAFT  SUPPLIES 

5626  «  T.l.groph  Av*.  •  Oakland  9,  Calif. 


TREASURY  OF  SONGS  FOR  LITTLE  CHIL- 
DREN, A.  Esther  Botwin.  Hart  Publi- 
cations, New  York.  $2.00. 

YOUR  CHILD  CAN  BE  HAPPY  IN  BED. 
Cornelia  Stratton  Parker.  Thomas 
^ .  Crowd]  Company,  New  York. 
S2.T,. 


Pamphlets 


FORTY  WAYS  TO  FUN  AND  SERVICE.  Girl 
Scouts  of  the  U.S.A.,  155  East  44th 
Street,  New  York  17.  $.25. 

GUIDE  FOR  DAY  CAMPING.  Camp  Fire 
Girls,  Incorporated,  16  East  48th 
Street,  New  York.  $.25. 

NEW  RESOURCES  BRING  NEW  OPPOR- 
TUNITIES, Director  of  Defense  Mobi- 
lization. Superintendent  of  Docu- 
ments, United  States  Government 
Printing  Office,  Washington  25,  D.C. 
$.30. 

RESIDENT  CAMP  STANDARDS.  Camp  Fire 
Girls,  Incorporated,  16  East  48th 
Street,  New  York.  $.75. 

ROCKEFELLER  FOUNDATION.  THE. 
Chester  I.  Barnard.  The  Rockefeller 
Foundation,  49  West  49th  Street, 
New  York  City. 

STATE  PROVISIONS  FOR  SCHOOL  LUNCH 
PROGRAMS,  Murtis  Keels  Jeffers.  Su- 
perintendent of  Documents,  LInited 
States  Government  Printing  Office. 
Washington  25,  D.C.  $.20. 

SUGGESTED  LAND  SUBDIVISION  REGULA- 
TIONS. Superintendent  of  Documents, 
United  States  Government  Printing 
Office,  Washington  25,  D.C.  $.45. 

YOUNG  GERMANY.  Superintendent  of- 
Documents,  United  States  Govern- 
ment Printing  Office,  Washington 
25,  D.C.  Department  of  State  Pub- 
lication 4251,  $.35. 

YOUR  CHILDREN'S  HEALTH,  J.  Ros- 
well  Gallagher,  M.I).  Science  Re- 
search Associates,  57  West  Grand 
Avenue,  Chicago  10.  $.40. 


Magazines 


IM 


\\HKK  \N  (  in.  October  J9.>_' 
Practical  Steps  in  thi-  I'laiming  of  A 

>uri-i--«fill  <  'i-nlrmii.il  <  i-|rl'l.iti"ii. 

Geneviru-  K.  >«.uilnput. 
IVnsarola  Build*  Recreation  Pier  As 
.""ilr    fm     Munii  i|>;il     \iiililiirinni. 
Oliver  J.  Srmincs.  Jr. 
BF.ACH  AND  POOL.  (>,i<>l>,-,  1952 

Availabiliu  "f  <  ihlnrinr.  >.nn  Mreed- 

liiVC. 

Raising  Funds  for  Pools  and  Pool 
Equipment. 

Your  Pool  Siii-. 

\TION 


new  Publications 


Starting  a  Recreation  Program 

in  a  Civilian  Hospital 
Beatrice  H.  Hill.  National  Recreation 

Association,  New  York.  $1.00. 

Here  is  a  "first"  in  a  new  field  in 
recreation  literature!  To  date  there 
have  been  no  books  or  pamphlets  in 
this  field,  except  those  available  to  the 
personnel  in  military  or  veterans'  hos- 
pitals. This  pamphlet  is  designed  to 
help  the  neophyte  in  a  civilian  hospital 
understand  and  plan  effectively  for 
hospital  recreation. 

As  the  author  frankly  states,  it  is 
not  a  textbook  but  simply  a  manual 
that  indicates  methods  that  have  been 
used  effectively,  and  which  may  be 
successful  in  other  hospital  recreation 
situations.  The  manual  defines  recrea- 
tion, according  to  Webster,  as  "the  re- 
freshment of  the  spirit."  From  this 
broad  definition  the  aims  of  hospital 
recreation  are  stated,  and  the  specific 
objectives  are  defined  in  terms  of  the 
needs  and  interests  of  different  types 
of  patients.  The  necessary  steps  to  meet 
these  specific  objectives  are  then  an- 
alyzed in  detail. 

The  hospital  recreation  program  is 
discussed  from  the  standpoint  of  the 
needs  and  interests  of  the  tuberculosis, 
neuro-psychiatric,  chronic,  long-term, 
child  and  rehabilitation  patient.  Pro- 
gram suggestions  are  made  for  parties, 
trips,  entertainment,  and  hobby  groups. 
Emphasis  is  placed  on  the  need  to  use 
patients  in  the  organization  of  the  pro- 
gram through  patients'  councils,  and 
as  volunteer  leaders  in  the  operation 
of  the  program.  The  importance  of 
community  volunteers  and  resources  is 
also  stressed. 

This  manual  fills  a  real  need  in  the 
field  of  hospital  recreation.  It  has  no 
pretensions,  but  it  states  its  case  clearly 
and  concisely,  and  will  help  the  leader. 


Covering  the 
Leisure-time  Field 


in  this  relatively  new  and  developing 
field  of  recreation,  to  a  better  under- 
standing of  his  job. — Edith  L.  Ball, 
Associate  Professor  in  Education.  In 
charge  of  recreation  curriculum  at 
New  York  University. 

The  Recreation  Leader 

E.  0.  Harbin.  Abingdon-Cokesbury 
Press.  Nashville,  Tennessee.  1952. 
$1.50. 

Mr.  Harbin's  new  book  is  based  on 
the  three-fold  premise  that  to  provide 
effective  leisure  time  activities,  a 
church  recreation  program  must: 

1.  Have  a  sound  philosophy  of  rec- 
reation. 

2.  Have  a  sound  recreation  program. 

3.  Have  intelligent  and  skilled  lead- 
ership. 

This  book  is  designed  as  a  text  for 
new,  inexperienced  leaders  or  organ- 
izations interested  in  church  and  com- 
munity recreation,  and  as  a  refresher 
for  those  interested  in  doing  a  better 
job  in  this  field.  It  is  simple  in  presen- 
tation, and  sound  in  philosophy.  The 
chapter  on  "Cultural  and  Creative  Rec- 
reation" is  perhaps  too  simple,  and  we 
wish  that  Mr.  Harbin  had  expanded 
this  important  area  that  is  usually  the 
most  neglected. 

The  chapter  on  "Community  Recre- 
ation" is  only  three  and  a  half  pages  in 
length,  but  stresses  the  importance  of 
cooperation  between  churches  and 
other  private  and  public  agencies  spon- 
soring and  conducting  recreation  pro- 
grams. The  criteria  in  this  chapter 
surely  should  read  "Criteria  for  a 
Community  Recreation  Program"  in- 
stead of  Room,  since  no  room  could 
possibly  provide  such  services.  Prob- 
ably a  typographical  error — it  happens 
to  the  best  of  publishers ! 

Mr.  Harbin  gives  a  great  many  ref- 


erences to  resource  material,  at  chap- 
ter ends  and  as  a  separate  list  near  the 
end  of  his  book.  He  has  neglected, 
however,  to  include  reference  to  the 
many  inexpensive  helps  published  by 
the  National  Recreation  Association — 
booklets  and  books  that  are  in  wide 
use  by  recreation  leaders  in  churches 
and  communities  throughout  the  coun- 
try. We  can't  help  but  feel  that  their 
inclusion  would  have  been  helpful  to 
those  who  will  use  his  book. — Virginia 
Musselman,  Program  Service,  NRA. 

Songs  to  Sing  with  Recreational 
Instruments 

Irving    Cheyette    and    Albert    Renna. 

Theodore    Presser    Company,    Bryn 

Mawr,  Pennsylvania.  $.60. 

Here  is  a  publication  which  should 
be  a  handy  help  in  the  organization  of 
small  informal  musical  groups.  It  is 
adapted  particularly  to  those  centering 
about  the  so-called  social  or  recre- 
ational instruments.  These  include, 
however,  the  more  complicated  types, 
such  as  the  piano,  violin  and  flute,  in 
addition  to  the  simpler  instruments 
such  as  the  harmonica,  banjo,  ukelele 
and  rhythm  instruments.  All  can  be 
used  to  accompany  singing  and  thus  to 
extend  participation  and  enjoyment. 

The  booklet  contains  the  words  and 
melodies  of  thirty-six  songs,  of  the 
folk  and  old  favorite  variety,  with 
chords  and  fingering  charts  for  the 
piano,  piano  accordion,  autoharp,  uke- 
lele, guitar,  tenor  banjo  and  harmonica 
— in  other  words,  props  for  players 
who  have  not  advanced  beyond  the 
rudiment  of  study.  Two  pages  are  de- 
voted to  some  of  the  Latin-American 
rhythm  instruments,  with  indications 
of  characteristic  rhythms.  —  Gertrude 
Borchard,  Correspondence  and  Consul- 
tation Service,  NRA. 


DECEMBER  1952 


439 


RECREATION  PUBLICATIONS 


FOR  RECREATION  LEADERS 


Material  to  aid  you  in  your  recreation  planning,  organization,  admini- 
stration, facilities,  leadership  and  program.  Order  the  publications  you 
need  from  the  National  Recreation  Association,  315  Fourth  Avenue, 
New  York  10,  New  York. 


Facilities,  Layout  and  Equipment 

Unusual  Ideas  in  Playground  Equipment  (P  123)  $.35 
Suggestions  on  out  of  the  ordinary  apparatus  for  the 
budget-minded  director. 

Playground  Surfacing* '  — Two  articles:  Playground 
Accidents  Prompt  Surfacing  Study,  and  Experiments 
with  Surfacing  Under  Apparatus $.25 

School    Grounds    Designed    for    Community    Use   — 

Fundamental  principles  of  planning  school  grounds 
to  meet  the  needs  of  the  various  age  levels,  stand- 
ards and  planning  suggestions $.15 

Surfacing  Playground  Areas  (MP  219;*— An  account 
of  experiments  in  a  number  of  cities  in  developing 
playground  surfacing $.35 

Leadership 

Croup  Worker  In  the  Recreation  Center,  The,  by 
Dr.  Grace  I.  Coylef $-10 

Recreation  Salaries  1952'  A  s.udy  based  on  in- 
formation from  148  recreation  departments  repre- 
senting more  than  2,000  full-time  workers.  Results 
analyzed  by  population  and  by  geographic  location. 
Also  information  on  cor  allowances,  vacations,  sick 
leave  and  civil  service  status $.25 

Leadership  Self-tvaluatian-A  Checklist  (P  95)*  $.25 
'Issue  No.  12  of  the  "Playground  Summer  Notebook' 
for  1952) 

Using    Volunteers    In    a    Recreation    Program,    by 

Helen   M.    Douncey'f $.10 

Organization  and  Administration 

Administrative  Planning  —  Its  Effective  Use,  by 
Richard  G  Mitchellf  $-15 

Conduct  of  School  Co.nmuni:y  Cemert-Orgoniza- 
lion,  facilities,  equipment,  staff,  program  and  other 
pertinent  factors  are  discussed $50 


School  Plant  as  a  Community  Recreation  Center, 
The,  by  George  D.  Butler* — A  reprint  from  "The 
American  School  and  University"  discussing  trends, 
program  activities  and  cooperative  agreements  in  the 
recreational  use  of  school  buildings  ....  $.25 

Summaries  of  Questionnaires  on  Community 
Sports  and  Athletics,  prepared  by  Committee  on 
Community  Sports  and  Athletics  of  the  National  Rec- 
reation Association 

Organization   and    Administration    (P    15) 
Relations   with   Sports   Governing   Bodies  (P   16) 
National,    State   and    Regional    Tournaments    (P    17) 
Set $1.00 

Survey  of  Recreation  Executives  on  Competi- 
tion in  Sports  and  Athletics  for  Boys  Under 
Twelve $1.00 

Philosophy  of  Recreation 

Recreation's  Part  in  Mental  Health,  by  George  E. 
Gardner*! $.10 

Recreation    for    Special    Groups 

Importance   of   Recreation   in   Rehabilitation,   The, 

by    John    H    Waterman     M.D.f $.10 

Value  of  Puppetry  in  a  Neuropsychiatric  Hos- 
pital, The,  by  Anne  Blood'f $.10 

Camping  and  Nature 

School  Camping  as  Viewed  by  the  Recreatien 
Director,  by  Julian  W.  Smith*! $.10 

Drama 

Community  Theatre  in  the  Recreation  Program, 
The  IP  63)* $.25 

Planning  and  Producing  a  Local  Pageant  (P  46)  $.35 


*  Material    new   or    revised    in    1952 

•Material    reprinted    from    RECREATION    magazine. 


UK  I 


RECREATION 


Recreation  Leadership  Courses 


Sponsored  by  the  National  Recreation  Association 

and 
Local  Recreation  Agencies 


December  1952,  January  and  February  1953 


HELEN  M.  DAUNCEY 
Social  Recreation 


Enterprise,  Alabama 
December  1-4 

Columbiana,   Alabama 
December  8-11 

Greenville,  Alabama 
December  15-18 

Detroit,  Michigan 
January  6-7 

Flint-Saginaw,  Michigan 
January  8-9 

Grand  Rapids,  Michigan 
January  12-13 


J.  R.  Snellgrove,  City  Board  of  Education 

W.  W.  Elliott,  County  Superintendent  of  Schools 

Frank  H.  Echols,  County  Board  of  Education 


Henry   A.   Lacy,   Chairman,   Program   Committee,   The   Michigan 
Association  of  Children's  Institutions,  P.  0.  Box  4746,  Detroit 

Henry  A.   Lacy,  Chairman,   Program   Committee,   The   Michigan 
Association  of  Children's  Institutions,  P.  O.  Box  4746,  Detroit 

Henry  A.   Lacy,  Chairman,   Program   Committee,  The   Michigan 
Association  of  Children's  Institutions,  P.  O.  Box  4746,  Detroit 


ANNE  LIVINGSTON 
Social  Recreation 


State   of   North   Carolina 
January  12-29 

Winston-Salem,  North  Carolina 
February  2-5 

Salisbury,  North  Carolina 
February  9-12 


James  S.  Stevens,  Jr.,  Acting  Director,  North  Carolina  Recreation 
Commission,  Education  Building  Annex,  Room  134,  Raleigh 

Loyd  B.  Hathaway,  Superintendent  of  Recreation 

Miss  Dorothy  Morefield,  Program  Director,  Recreation  Commis- 
sion, Community  Building 


MILDRED  SCANLON 
Social  Recreation 


C.  B.  Campbell,  County  Board  of  Education,  Double  Springs 
M.  G.  Rains,  County  Board  of  Education,  Guntersville 
Hubert  L.  Street,  County  Board  of  Education,  Rockford 


Winston  County,  Alabama 
January  5-8 

Marshall  County,  Alabama 
January    12-15 

Coosa  County,  Alabama 
January  19-22 

Washington  County,  Alabama         T.  B.   Pearson,  County  Board  of  Education,  Chatom 
January  26-29 


FRANK  A.  STAPLES 

Arts  and   Crafts 


GRACE  WALKER 
Creative  Recreation 


Chattanooga,  Tennessee 
January  5-29 

Paducah,  Kentucky 
February  2-12 

Louisville,  Kentucky 
February   16-26 


Niagara  Falls,  New  York 
December  1-4 

Ames,   Iowa 
February   16-19 


Francis  A.  Bishop,  Director  of  Recreation,  Department  of  Public 
Utilities,   Grounds  and   Buildings 

S.  R.  Dunn,  Director,  McCracken  County  Recreation  Association 

Kirby    M.    Stoll,    Supervisor,   Special    Activities,    Department    of 
Public  Parks  and  Recreation  Central  Park 

Myron  N.  Hendrick,  Director  of  Recreation 

Mrs.  Gertrude  Skow  Sanford,  Extension  Specialist  in  Recreation, 
Agriculture  and  Home  Economics,  Iowa  State  College 


Attendance  at  training  courses  conducted  by  National  Recrea  tion  Association  leaders  is  usually  open  to  all  who  wish  to  at- 
tend. For  details  as  to  location  of  the  institute,  contents  of  course,  registration  procedure,  and  the  like,  communicate  with 
the  sponsors  of  the  courses  as  listed  above. 


2nd  Lt. 
Joseph  C.  Rodriguez 

US.  Army 

Medal  of  Honor 


OIXTY  YARDS  TO  co.  From  atop 
the  hill,  near  Munye-ri,  Korea,  the  enemy 
suddenly  opened  up  a  withering  barrage. 
The  squad  was  caught;  Red  mortars  began 
zero-ing  for  the  kill.  Lieutenant  Rodriguez 
(then  Pfc.,  with  only  seven  months  service) 
broke  loose  and  dashed  up  the  fire-swept 
slope,  throwing  grenades.  Disregarding 
the  fire  concentrated  on  him,  he  wiped  out 
three  foxholes  and  two  gun  emplacements. 
Alone,  he  accounted  for  15  enemy  dead, 
led  the  rout  of  the  enemy,  and  saved  the 
lives  of  his  squad. 

"When  you  have  to  take  chances  to  reach 
an  objective,  that's  O.K.,"  says  Lieutenant 
Rodriguez.  "But  when  you  can  find  a  surer 


way,  so  much  the  better.  That's  why  I  was 
glad  when  I  heard  that  people  like  you  own 
nearly  50  billion  dollars  in  U.  S.  Defense 
Bonds.  1  believe  that  a  strong,  peaceful 
America  is  our  objective.  And  the  sure  way 
to  reach  it  is  through  backing  our  strength 
with  your  strength  by  investing  in  United 
States  Defense  Bonds  now!" 


Now  E  Bond*  earn  more!  1)  All  Series  E 
I1... in!-  bought  aflrr  May  1.  1952  average  3%  in- 
liTr-i.  compounded  M-miannually!  Interest  now 
starts  after  '>  immili-  and  is  higher  in  the  early 
years.  2)  All  maturing  E  Bonds  automatically  go 
on  earning  ajler  ma/un'/v-and  at  the  new  higher 
interest!  Today,  start  intoting  in  better-paying 
N  tii-  K  II I-  through  (he  Payroll  Savings  Plan! 


Peace  is  for  the  strong!   For  prnrr  and  prosperity 
save  with  U.S.  Defense  Bonds! 

T*«  VJ.  CorftmmrlU  Jo* I  Ml  f*f  Jar  Ml  ticnliirmrnl.  It  It  Jcnilrd  by  fAii  puMicfliuH  In  caoptttllom  fUk  |A( 

oj  Amttie*. 


KjU 


* 


NATION 


ASSOCIATION".     JANUARY   1953     •     35e 


RECREATION  PUBLICATIONS 

FOR  RECREATION  LEADERS 


Material  to  aid  you  in  your  recreation  planning,  organization,  ad- 
ministration, facilities,  leadership  and  program.  Order  the  publica- 
tions you  need  from  the  National  Recreation  Association,  315  Fourth 
Avenue,  New  York  10,  New  York. 


Facilities,  Layout  and  Equipment 

Unusual  Ideas  in  Playground  Equipment  (P  123)  $.35 
Suggestions  on  out-of-the-ordinary  apparatus  for  the 
budget-minded  director. 

Playground  Surfacing*f-Two  articles:  Playground 
Accidents  Prompt  Surfacing  Study,  and  Experiments 
with  Surfacing  Under  Apparatus  ....  $.25 

School  Grounds  Designed  for  Community  Usef- 
Fundamental  principles  of  planning  school  grounds 
to  meet  the  needs  of  the  various  age  levels,  stand- 
ards and  planning  suggestions $.15 

Surfacing  Playground  Areas  IMP  219) '-An  account 
of  experiments  in  a  number  of  cities  in  developing 
playground  surfacing $.35 

Leadership 

Group  Worker  In  the  Recreation  Center,  The,  by 
Or.  Grace  I.  Coylef $.10 

••creation  Salaries  1952't-A  study  based  on  in- 
formation from  148  recreation  departments  repre- 
senting more  than  2,000  full-time  workers.  Results 
analyzed  by  population  and  by  geographic  location. 
Also  information  on  car  allowances,  vacations,  sick 
leave  and  civil  service  status $.25 

leadership  Self-Evaluotion-A  Checklist  (P  95)  '  $.25 
(Issue  No.  12  of  the  "Playground  Summer  Notebook" 
for  1952) 

Using  Volunteers  In  a  Recreation  Program,  by 
Helen  M.  Dauncey't $.10 

Organization  and  Administration 

Administrative  Planning  —  Its  Effective  Use,  by 
tichard  G.  Mitchellt $.15 

Conduct  of  School  Community  Centers— Orgonizo- 
lion,  facilities,  equipment,  staff,  program  and  other 
pertinent  factors  ore  discussed $.50 


School  Plant  as  a  Community  Recreation  Center, 
The,  by  George  D.  Butler '-A  reprint  from  "The 
American  School  and  University"  discussing  trends, 
program  activities  and  cooperative  agreements  in  the 
recreational  use  of  school  buildings  .  .  .  $.25 

Summaries  of  Questionnaires  on  Community  Sports 
and  Athletics,  prepared  by  Comnittee  on  Community 
Sports  and  Athletics  of  the  National  Recreation 
Association 

Organization  and  Administration    (P   15) 
Relations  with  Sports  Governing  Bodies   (P   16) 
National,  State  and  Regional  Tournaments   (P  17) 
Set $1.00 

Survey  of  Recreation  Executives  on  Competi- 
tltlon  in  Sports  and  Athletics  for  Boys  Under 
Twelve $1.00 

Philosophy  of  Recreation 

Recreation's  Part  in  Mental  Health,  by  George  E. 
Gardner' f $.10 

Recreation  for  Special  Groups 

Importance  of  Recreation  In  Rehabilitation,  The, 
by  John  H.  Waterman.  M.D.f $.10 

Value  of  Puppetry  In  a  Neuropsychlatric  Hospital, 
The,  by  Anne  Blood "t $.10 

Camping  and  Nature 

School  Camping  as  Viewed  by  the  Recreation 
Director,  by  Julian  W.  Smith -f  ....  $.10 

Drama 

Community  Theatre  In  the  Recreation  Program, 
Th«,  (P  63)' $.25 

Planning  and  Producing  a  Local  Pageant   (P  46)   $.35 


"  Material  new  or  revised  in   1952 

t  Material  reprinted  from  RECREATION  mogotine. 


KENT  DEPENDS 
ON  "PORTER" 

at  leading  gyms  from  coast-to-coast 
the  choice  is  Porter 


Unusual  basketball  backstop  installations 
are  usual  for  Porter.  For  years,  Porter  en- 
gineers have  successfully  solved  equip- 
ment problems  for  the  nation's  leading 
schools,  universities,  clubs  and  communi- 
ties. This  outstanding  engineering  skill 
coupled  with  nearly  a  century  of  quality 
manufacturing  experience  explains  why 
Porter  is  depended  upon.  Whether  your 
problem  involves  basketball  backstops  or 
apparatus  for  gymnastics,  call  on  Porter. 


These  two  Porter  217B  Forward-Fold  "Hoistaway"  in- 
stallations were  the  answer.  When  not  in  use  the  back- 
stops may  be  hoisted  to  a  horizontal  position,  permit- 
ting overhead  room  for  other  activities  in  the  gymnasium. 


Faced  with  the  problem  of  installing  backstops  that 
would  be  permanent  and  rigid  in  a  gymnasium  with  a 
ceiling  beam  height  of  39  feet,  Kent  State  University 
at  Kent,  Ohio,  turned  to  Porter. 


FREE  ENGINEERING  COUNSEL 

You  can  entrust  your  planning  and 
installation  problems  to  Porter's  en- 
gineering staff  and  be  confident  of 
satisfaction.  Years  of  experience  back 
every  Porter  recommendation.  Write 
today. 


THE  J.  E. 


PORTER 


««  Century  of  QU(>f,t 


CORPORATION 


CHICAGO  OFFICE:  (64  N.  Michigan  Ave..  Chicago  It.  Phone:  Superior  7-7262 


Offawa,  Illinois 


Manufacturers  of  Gymnasium,       \   Playground  and  Swimming  Pool  Equipment 


NEW  YORK  OFFICE:  11  W.  42nd  St..  New  York  18,  Phone:  LOnjacre  3-1342 


JANUARY  1953 


441 


NOW— boys  and  girls  of  all  ages  find 
good  reading  is  good  fun! 

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CHILDREN'S  DIGEST— The  best  of  the  old  and  new— 
in  children's  literature — for  boys  and  girls  from  5  to  12 

CHILDREN'S  DIGEST  is  a  must  in  every  children's  library)  Each  issue  brings  132  color- 
fully illustrated  pages  with  reprints  of  the  well  loved  classics — Dickens,  Stevenson, 
Kipling,  Milne,  and  stories  of  present  day  authors,  like  Bianco,  Dr.  Suess,  Mitchell, 
Boum,  as  well  as  pages  of  good  comics,  puzzles,  things  to  do.  Widely  acclaimed  by 
librarians,  teachers,  parents  and  boys  and  girls  themselves,  it  is  a  delightful,  instruc- 
tive magazine  that  makes  good  reading  good  funl 


1  year  (10  issues)   $3 


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HUMPTY  DUMPTY'S  MAGAZINE       for  little  children  3  to  7 

Here,  at  last,  is  a  sparkling  magazine  to  delight,  instruct  and  entertain  little  children. 
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size  pages  will  give  the  child  the  joy  of  doing  things,  and  instill  a  love  for  good 
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COMPACT — The  Pocket  Magazine  for  Young  People 
Now  published  monthly  and  available  by  subscriptions! 

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Published  by  the  Publishers  of  Parents'  Magazines 


PARENTS'  MAGAZINE -the  indispensable  reference 
for  every  group  worker 

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•  family  rtlolloni 

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en  loodi.  heme,  ttc. 


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lit  c  HKATION 


JANUARY,  1953 


THE       MAGAZINE       OF      THE       RECREATION       MOVEMENT 


Editor  in  Chief,  JOSEPH  PRENDERCAST 

Editor,  DOROTHY  DONALDSON 

Editorial  Assistant,  AMELIA  HENLY 

Business  Manager,  ROSE  JAY  SCHWARTZ 

ASSOCIATE   EDITORS 

Recreation  Administration,  GEORGE  BUTLER 
Program  Activities,  VIRGINIA  MUSSELMAN 


Vol.  XLVI 


Price  35  Cents 


No.  8 


On   the  Cover 

What  is  more  thrilling  than  to  use  those  new 
Christmas  skis?  January,  the  month  of  snow,  brings 
out  an  exciting  assortment  of  sleds,  snowshoes,  skis 
and  skates — tried  to  the  accompaniment  of  rosy 
cheeks  and  ringing  laughter.  Photo  courtesy  of 
Eva  Luoma,  Weirton,  West  Virginia. 

Next   Month 

Two  articles  will  be  continued  in  our  February 
issue — "A  Global  Look  at  Recreation,"  Part  III,  by 
Thomas  E.  Rivers,  will  tell  the  details  of  Mr.  Rivers' 
recreation  mission  in  Japan,  and  "Community  Center 
Housekeeping*'  will  carry  a  further  check-list  of 
housekeeping  details  and  responsibilities.  "How  to 
Tell  a  Good  Golden  Age  Club,"  by  James  H.  Woods, 
will  present  the  yardsticks  of  measurement  worked 
out  with  the  excellent  clubs  in  Cleveland,  Ohio; 
and  "Recreation  for  Everyone,"  by  Kraus  Earhart  will 
present  an  interesting  example  of  how  to  arouse 
citizen  support  of  a  community  recreation  program; 
while  Frank  Staple's  craft  page,  "How  To  Do  It," 
will  again  appear  as  a  regular  feature. 

Photo  Credits 

Page  450,  Captain  Frances  Rice,  Army  Special  Serv- 
ices; 453,  454,  Indiana  State  Parks;  455,  Reynold 
Carlson;  456,  Matar  Studio,  New  York  City;  457, 
Palisades  Interstate  Park;  467,  468,  New  York  Daily 
News;  470,  John  Sheffield  Chapman,  Chicago;  472, 
Near  East  College;  473,  Punjab  Photo  Service,  New 
Delhi,  India;  476,  Alex  Lisch,  New  Zealand;  480,  481, 
Lannes  Photographers,  Incorporated,  Chicago;  483, 
University  of  Minnesota  Laboratory;  488,  Lewiston 
Sun-Journal. 


RECREATION  is  published  monthly  except  July  and 
August  by  the  National  Recreation  Association,  a 
service  organization  supported  by  voluntary  contribu- 
tions, at  315  Fourth  Avenue,  New  York  10,  New 
York;  is  on  file  in  public  libraries  and  is  indexed  in 
the  Readers'  Guide.  Subscriptions  $3.00  a  year. 
Canadian  agency,  G.  R.  Welch  Company,  Ltd.,  1149 
King  Street  West,  Toronto  1,  Ontario;  Canadian  sub- 
scription rate  $3.85.  Re-entered  as  second-class  matter 
April  25,  1950,  at  the  Post  Office  in  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. 

Space  Representatives:  H.  Thayer  Heaton,  415  Lex- 
ington Avenue,  New  York  17,  New  York;  Mark 
Minahan,  168  North  Michigan  Avenue,  Chicago,  Illi- 
nois; Keith  H.  Evans.  3757  Wilshire  Boulevard,  Los 
Anscles  5.  and  593  Market  Street,  Suite  304,  San 
Francisco  5,  California. 

Copyright.   1952,  by  the 
National  Recreation  Association,  Incorporated 

Printed  in  the  U.S.A.  "4£iil»  '« 

*  Trade   mark  registered   in   the  U.    S.   Patent   Office. 


CONTENTS 


General  Features 


The  Spiritual  Aspects  of  Play Stephen  F.  Bayne.  Jr.  445 

The  Time  Machine 451 

Elected  Board  Chairman  (Adrian  M.  Massie) 456 

Skiing  Around  New  York Stephen  Baker  457 

P"*r"Stifln  fl1"1  tho^Rtgho-  I ,ifr    ....  Henrietta  A.  R.  Anderson   458 

New  Year's  Resolutions  of  the  Recreation  Executive 462 

New  Year's  Resolutions  of  the  Program  Leader 463 

How  to  Start  a  Collecting  Hobby Win.  Paul  Bricker  464 

Community  Center  Housekeeping 469 

A  Global  Look  at  Recreation,  Part  II T.  E.  River*  472 

Conservation  Please !    Pearl  Chase  485 

International  Theatre  Month 487 

NBA  1953  District  Conference  Schedule 497 

Calendar   of   Coming    Events 504 

Administration 

The  Place  of  Organized  Camping  in  State  Parks, 

Reynold  E.  Carlson  452 

Wider  Horizons Doris  Worrell  Barth  460 

Location  of  Social  Centers 475 

Graduate  Study  in  Recreation Gerald  B.  Fitzgerald  483 

Program 

Planning  a  Good  Grooming  Program  for  Teen-agers, 

Monte  Melamed  and  Seena  Salzman  466 

Roller  Skating  is  Here  to  Stay W.  L.  Childs  470 

The  Maori  Stick  Game Sylvia  Cassell  476 

A  Well-Rounded  Indoor  Center  Program 479 

A  Stage  for  Puppetry 480 

Girls'  and  Women's  Recreation  Activities.  .  .  .Helen  Dauncey  484 

A  Pattern  for  Rural  Areas Don  Keotvn  486 

Old  Games  Made  New , Dodd  Copeland  492 

Recreation  Needs  in  a  Civilian  Hospital Beatrice  H.  Hill  494 

What  the  People  Think Mary  Lowe  Smith  496 

Regular  Features 

Things  You  Should  Know 447 

Letters    448 

Editorially  Speaking 450 

How  To  Do  It!   The  Tin  Can  Candle  Stick.  .  .Frank  E.  Staples  478 

Suggestion  Box 482 

People  and  Events 488 

Recipes  for  Fun — Bulletin  Boards 489 

Personnel W.  C.  Sutherland  491 

A  Reporter's  Notebook 495 

Recreation    Market   News 498 

Listening  and  Viewing 499 

On  the  Campus Betty  W.  Jacob   501 

Books  Received,  Magazines,  Pamphlets 502 

New  Publications 503 

Recreation    Leadership    Courses Inside  Back  Cover 


JANUARY  1953 


443 


NATIONAL     RECREATION     ASSOCIATION 

A  Service  Organization  Supported  by  Voluntary  Contributions 
JOSEPH  PRENDERGAST,  Extcutiie  Director 


OFFICERS 


OTTO  T.  MALI.*.,, 
PAUL  MOORE.  JR. 
Mu.  OCMH  L.  Mtuj 

M.  LEE 

AMI  AM  M.   MA»MC      , 

CttTATL'f     T.     KlMY 

JOVII-H    PRENDERCA»T 


Chairman    of    the    Board 

Finl    Vice- President 

•^rcood   Vice-Pre»ident 

I  LIT   i     \   .,  .     l'rr*itlrnt 

•  ml    TrreUry   of  the   Board 

.  .  .  .  Trra*urrr 

Tre**urer   Emeritu* 

Secretary 


HOAKI)  OF  DIRECTORS 


F.  W.  H.  ADAM* 

F.  CRECC  Re wi» 

MM.  ROMBT  WOOM  Bust 

MM.  A-THIR  C.  CLMMER 

WIIJJAM    H.    DAVI» 

HARRY  P.  DAVIMM 

GATUMD  DONKKLLE.- 

MR*.   PAUL  GALLAGHER 

KomtMT  CARRETT 

MM.  NORMAN   NARROWER 

Mu.  CHARIKS  V.   UKKOI 


New  York.  N.  Y. 

.      Bo4ton,    MAM. 

Wa»hiogtun,    D.    C. 

Jick*unvillr.    Fl*. 

Nrw    V,.rk.    N.    Y. 

New  York,  N.  Y. 

Chicai".   HI. 

Omaha.    Nfbr. 

Baltimore.  Mil. 

Fitcbburg,   Mam. 

Michigan  City.  Ind. 

FREDERICK   M.  WARRI  R». 


MM.  JOHN  D.  J* 

StlatAN    M.    LEE 

OTTO  T.  MALLER* 
CARL  F.   MILLIKI* 
MM.  OCOEN  L.  MILL* 
PAUL  Moon,  JR. 

JoMm     PRENDERCAST        . 

MM.  SICMIND  STERN 
CHANT   TITIWORTH 
MM.    WILLIAM    VAN    \ir\ 
J.  C.  WALSH 

Vw   York,    N.    V 


n.   N     > 

New  York.  N    Y 
Philadelphia.  Pa. 
Au(u»ta,    Me. 
\.«    i..ik.    \.    V 
Jrrwy  City,  N.    J. 
New  York,   N.   Y. 
San   FrancUco,  Calif. 
Nnrolon.    Conn. 
Philadelphia.    Pa. 
Yi.nkrrv    N.    V 


tive    Director**    OCrv 

K.   DICKIK  THOMAS  K.   Rivt»» 

HILDA  HARRI»ON  ANIHI  »   H  ILLJAM* 

H.   WILAON 


C«rrc*pond«-nrc   and   Cvnaallallon 
S«-r»  Ir^ 

CEORCC  A.  NMRITT 
BOVCIIAHD  EDMA   BRAUCMER 


VIRGINIA  MI 
Rrcrrallon 
MT   DONALDMN  EMILIA    HBNLY 

Sperlal    PubllrRllon* 
Hour  JAY   SCHWARTZ  Mi  mm.  MC(*.ANN 


HEADQUARTERS   STAFF 

!'.=         ..Mll.l         -.1*1.. 

U'ILLARD  C.  SUTHERLAND 
MART  CL-RERNAT  ALFRED  B.  JENSEN 

It.  -t  jr.  h    I).  |iarlni>  tit 

CEORCE  D.  BUTLER 
DAVID  J.  DfRois  BETTY  B.  FLOWEM 

Work  with  \  ..linn.  .  r  - 

}  .   KCATRICE  STEARNI 
MARY  QUIRK  MARGARET  DANKWORTH 


r'leld 

CHARUU  K.  REED 

C.   K.  BREWER  JAMEI  A.  MADIAON 

RORERT  R.  CAMRLE 


Service  to  Stmtet 
WILLIAM  M.  HAY 


Areas  and  Facilitiet — Planning  and   - 

1  » -i  it    LYNCH 

Kathfrine  F.  Barker  Memorial 

Secretary  for  Womrn  and  Girts 

HELEN  M.  Dti  ><  i  > 


Recreation  Leadership  Training  Comrtei 
Hi  TH  KHLER*  ANNE  I.ITINC»TON 

GRACE  WALKER 


>rw    Kn.l.nd    IM.Irlrl 

WALBO  R.  HAINVWORTM  Boaion.  Ma**. 

*Prr.mi  *«l<lr^*«        New   York) 

Mi.Jdlr  AlUnlle  in.ir..  t 
JOHN  W.  FAIIIT  Ka-t    (Ir.ngr.   N.   J. 

RtCMARD    S.    WUTCATl  \--     Y»rk.    N      V 

Cr»«1    I  -V.  .    II, .in.  i 

JOHN  J.  COU.IKK  Toledo,  Ohio 

RORERT  I..  HORNKT  Madbon.  Wit. 


DISTRICT  REPRESENTATIVES 

•iaulhrrn   lii-i,  ..  i 

Mi"  MAIION  I-MKI  ......  AlrumlrU.  Y.. 

Hni-rH   V»«  FL««T  Clr<rw<lrr.  FU. 


M..U.  .1     H..I,  ,.  i 

\miiin  TOI.H         ......  KABM*  City,  Mo. 


•-..Mil,..  -I    DUlFlrl 
HAROLD   \*>    \««t.*ir  Dallas.   Tci. 


I'...  H,.      \.,,ll,-.  .1    DUlHrt 
»  ii  i  >«i,    H.    >HI  >n«i,  S^altlr.    Wa-h. 


ParlSr    N,.,,,!,..  .1    ll,.in.  I 

-     ll,n,Mt  I,..   Anirln.  Calil. 


Mill,., I.       M.  ,,,!„  r-l,,|, 

AIRIialfr     mrmhri.Kip     in     th«     National 

Krrrraltuo    AMOciatlon   ia   op«n   l«  all    In. ,1 

.  ri*Mtr     anil     public     or(4n,r«li«ni 

.h.~-   lunrlion   i.  wbollr  or  pi.m.,,1,    thr 

fnrU*f  M  «ra«iullo«  ol  mraallon  Mrr- 

\cf»  or  »hirh  inrltidr  mmtioo  a.  an  im 

(xirlaal    part    n(    Ihrir    tola)    program    and 

»bo*F  •  it,*  work  '.I  In*  aaao- 

rialifMi   •..„!•).   in   IS*-  opinion  of  I|M>  aaao- 

,  ,r.  t..r..    futlhfr    Ihf 

••Mia  of  IK*-  national  rrrrrfllion  ntovrn^nt. 


\..<H-iat<-    Mrmbrr*hip 

V-tivr  •«•!>' ,.ilr  mrmbrnhip  in  thr 
Nalittnal  Rrrrralion  Aaaoriation  U  nprn  lo 
all  Mt'lii  ,i!,,4!«  t«ho  arr  attitrU  rncagrd 
un  a  full-time  or  part-time  employed  batia 
or  «•  Toluntren  in  a  nnnpro6l  pritalf-  or 
public  rrrrration  organisation  and  whoae 
rooperation  in  the  work  of  the  ••• 
«..„!. I.  In  Ihr  opinion  nf  the  aworiation'* 
H'.at,l  of  Dirr.  tore,  further  the  end*  of  the 
national  rr.  rrah.in  mo«rnt«*nl. 


•     ..Illl    lIllll.M    - 

Th«  rontinualion  of  the  Mork  of  thr 
National  Krcrralion  A.sociation  lr,,m  vrar 
to  trar  l«  made  poMihle  In  thr  .plrniliil 
rooperali-.n  of  .(-Trial  hundred  votunlref 
•pooaon  throughout  thr  ,»unli*.  and  the 
cenernu*  .  ontrilxilK.n*  of  thousand*  of  .up- 
,1  thi«  moirmrnt  to  bring  health. 
hai-pior..  an,l  •  rr*ti»r  lumg  t»  the  boy* 
and  girk  and  the  men  and  womim  ol 
Mneriia.  If  you  would  like  to  )oin  in  the 
•  «f  lln«  moirmenl.  iou  n,«»  .,,-,- 

rMrihlltion    llirrrl    lo   thr    J«- 


Naliunal  Krcrr«li,,ii    \ lalinn  i-  a  nation- 

mil'.  ni,npri,lii,  Mapotitieal  ami  nnnwrtarian  i-ivir 
<>ritani/ali»n.  r*lal>li>hnl  in  I'XNS  and  «iipp<ir1i-il  l,v 
voluntary  ri>iilril>iili<in<.  and  drdicatrd  to  thr  wrv- 
!•••  nl  all  rrrrralii'it  r«rriili»r«,  Iradrr*  an<l  agrn- 

For  jurthrr  ininrmalinn  regarding  the  H.HIH  nilinn'\ 
•    IhrntiiT.    \ntiiiniil  Kfirniliim   .-fn.i,  intnin. 


i  ii •-.  piililn  and  privatr.  In  lli>-  end  tli.it  .  \,  M  ,  I,,!,] 
in  \iii<-rira  shall  havr  a  platf  to  play  in  »afi-l\  .in, I 
that  rvrry  |M  i-.,n  in  \nn-rica.  vt>iinc  and  old.  -hull 
havr  an  ,,|,|>..iiunn\  fur  (In-  IM--I  and  mo-l  utixfy- 
iii);  NX-  of  hi-  expanding  h-i-ut.  tiin>>. 

.1  anil   mrmlirrthii>.   \Jra\c   uritr   tit  thr 
II,  ri,,,,ih  Air  •••'!.   III.   \,1(    Y.,rlt. 


lit 


RECREATION 


Stephen  F.  Bayne,  Jr. 


The  SPIRITUAL  Aspects  of  I'laj 


Taken  from  Bishop  Bayne  s  address  at  the  34th  National  Recreation  Congress, 
these  words  bear  thinking  upon  as  we  stand  on  the  threshold  of  a  New  Year. 


T I  THERE  have  been  plenty  of  times  in  the  history  of  our 
•*•  country  and  of  the  world  when  it  would  have  seemed 
very  odd  to  have  a  clergyman  talking  about  play.  As  a 
matter  of  fact,  one  of  my  first  ancestors  in  this  country  was 
thrown  into  thethe  "clink"  in  Massachusetts,  because  he  in- 
sisted on  playing — first  by  having  a  Christmas  tree,  which 
cost  him  three  days  in  the  clink,  and  then  by  insisting  on 
preserving  the  old  custom  of  Maypole  dancing  on  the  green, 
for  which  he  got  a  week  in  the  clink.  That  mood  often  has 
been  characteristic  of  official  religion,  which  has  tended  to 
look  upon  play  as  something  not  quite  respectable. 

In  other  words,  the  church  has  not  always  been  regarded 
as  willing  to  think  about  play.  The  tendency  has  been  to 
get  people  to  feel  that  play  must  somehow  be  made  socially 
useful,  or  otherwise  respectable,  or  else  it  must  remain  out- 
side the  sphere  of  interests  of  the  respectable  and  prudent 
man.  We  like  to  moralize  things  too  much,  and  that  has 
left  us  a  heritage  in  American  life  of  a  little  bit  of  a  bad 
conscience. 

We  are  never  quite  sure  that  we  ought  to  enjoy  ourselves. 
People  who  play,  too  often  are  given  to  finding  excuses  for 
it.  You  never  see  a  man  on  a  golf  course  without  his  telling 
you  that  he  worked  awfully  hard  and  is  very  tired.  That  is 
part  of  the  legacy  which  is  not  a  good  legacy.  I  don't  see 
any  reason  why  a  person  should  apologize  for  playing.  I 
think  he  should  play  as  much  as  he  can  possibly  find  time 
to  play. 

There  is  a  Christian  doctrine  of  play;  and  it  is  tied  up 
with  the  Christian  doctrine  of  work.  They  are  the  opposite 
sides  of  the  same  coin.  When  you  look  back  on  the  develop- 
ing years  of  the  Christian  community,  nearly  twenty  cen- 
turies ago,  and  then  trace  the  development  of  Christian 
thought  through  those  periods  until  its  flowering  among 
the  great  theologians,  you  find  a  pretty  steady,  central  line 
of  thought. 

I  will  try  to  put  it  into  very  simple  terms.  First,  man 
is  whole  and  single.  Second,  his  spiritual  wholeness  is  the 
ultimate  end  of  all  that  he  does  and  all  that  he  is.  Third, 
his  work  and  his  play  alike  derive  their  meaning  from  the 
fundamental  quest  to  be  a  mature  and  full  and  single  per- 
son. Therefore  his  work  and  his  play  belong  together  and 
cannot  be  separated.  Play  is  not  an  anesthetic  for  work;  it 
is  a  partner  of  work.  One  of  the  favorite  illustrations  which 
in  ancient  days  was  used  by  Christian  teachers  about  the 
nature  of  play  was  this  story  about  St.  John: 

St.  John,  the  evangelist,  who  when  someone  asked  him 

THE  RIGHT  REVEREND  STEPHEN  BAYNE,  JR.,  has  been  Bishop 
of  the  Episcopal  Diocese  of  Olympia  for  the  past  five  years. 


about  whether  or  not  it  was  right  to  play,  put  a  bow  in  the 
man's  hands  and  said,  "Flex  the  bow."  He  did.  "Flex  it 
again  as  far  as  you  can."  He  did.  St.  John  said,  "Flex  it 
again."  The  man  did.  This  went  on.  St.  John  kept  saying, 
"Keep  on,  keep  on  flexing  the  bow."  Finally  the  man 
said,  "This  is  ridiculous;  the  bow  will  break!"  St.  John 
said,  "That  is  exactly  what  I  mean  about  play — without 
its  relaxation,  man  will  break." 

Except  where  life  is  balanced  and  whole,  the  bow  will 
break.  Work,  in  deepest  Christian  thought,  is  not  an  end 
in  itself.  And  that  was  the  sin  of  the  nineteenth  century, 
as  it  has  been  the  sin  of  many  other  times,  that  seemed  to 
say  to  boys  and  girls  growing  up  in  the  world,  "Your  job 
is  to  work  as  hard  as  you  can,  as  long  as  you  can,  because 
work  will  somehow  win  God's  favor."  That  is  not  Christian 
doctrine.  We  work  because  we  need  to  meet  our  needs; 
we  work  so  that  we  may  have  something  to  give  to  others; 
we  work  so  that  we  may  learn  how  to  praise  God  with  our 
work.  Work  simply  serves  the  needs  of  this  whole  and 
single  person  who  is  the  person  that  God  created  and  is  the 
person  that  God  loves  and  redeems.  Play,  likewise,  is  part 
of  the  story  of  life.  It  is  not  an  end  in  itself  but  exists  to 
serve  the  wholeness  and  the  singleness  of  life.  When  you 
learn  those  things,  then  you  look  at  the  world  in  which  we 
live,  people  with  whom  we  live,  and  you  begin  to  ask  your- 
self some  extraordinary  and  searching  questions,  both 
about  the  function  of  work  and  of  play  in  our  society. 

I  am  going  to  say  three  very  simple  things  to  you.  First, 
the  majority  of  our  comrades  in  this  world  suffer  more 
from  boredom  in  their  work  than  any  have  ever  suffered 
before.  That  is  mainly,  I  think,  because  of  the  immense 
change  in  our  habits  of  work.  We  have  been  set  free  to 
an  extraordinary  degree  from  drudgery.  When  we  look 
back  to  the  limits,  confines,  and  harshness  and  cruelty  of 
life  for  our  forebears,  we  do  well  to  give  thanks  for  the 
marvelous  way  in  which  techniques  have  set  us  free  of 
those  harsh  simplicities.  The  price  we  have  paid  for  it  often 
is  that  the  jobs  most  of  us  are  called  upon  to  do  most  of 
the  time  are  trivial  jobs  and  boring  jobs.  It  is  harder  and 
harder  for  many  men,  not  all  men.  Not  always  for  men 
in  jobs  like  yours  and  mine,  which  are  personal  jobs  and 
bring  a  great  deal  of  satisfaction  with  them.  But  if  a  man's 
work  is  boring  to  him,  then  his  play  will  be  interpreted 
simply  as  time  of  excitement  or  a  kind  of  diversion  to  bury 
boredom  or  to  extinguish  it  with  another  boredom.  True 
play,  like  true  work,  should  never  tire  because  it  should 
never  seem  trivial.  If  the  job  is  right  and  the  man  is  right 
— the  work  is  right,  and  the  play  is  right.  But  when  we 
deal  with  bored  people,  their  play  is  as  bored  as  is  their 


JANUARY  1953 


445 


work.    I  hat  i-  uli.-i.    \..u  .mil  I  both  take  hold  of  life. 

Second,  the  work  that  our  people  do  tends  to  de-person- 
alize. It  tends  to  make  man  seem  less  than  human  in  many 
aspects  of  his  life,  in  his  own  eyes.  When  you  use  machines 
more  and  more,  it  is  almost  inescapable  that  before  too 
long,  the  question  is  going  to  arise  in  your  minds  as  to 
just  who  is  the  more  important  in  the  scale  of  values,  the 
measure  of  ultimate  value  and  worth,  you  or  the  machine? 

So,  too,  in  the  last  place,  I  say  our  work  and  our  play 
alike  suffer  because  we  have  lost  the  kind  of  wholeness 
from  life.  However,  and  I  think  it  may  be  the  most  impor- 
tant part  of  a  man's  work — also  the  most  important  part 
of  his  play,  also  the  most  important  part  of  his  whole 
life — is  the  knowledge  that  it  has  value  with  God.  That 
it  can  be  offered  to  Cod. 

Think  back  of  the  people  you  know  who  have  been  good 
workers  in  their  generation.  What  made  them  good  was 
the  deep  and  often  unspoken  assurance  that  what  they  did 
and  the  life  they  lived  meant  something  in  God's  eyes,  and 
had  an  importance  that  came  because  it  could  be  offered  to 
him.  How  many  people  do  we  know  that  have  that  feeling 
about  their  jobs  or  their  play  or  their  very  selves?  Be- 
cause we  have  lost  the  assurance  of  being  able  to  pattern  all 
our  life,  our  work,  our  play,  and  ourselves  together  in  one 
bundle  and  offer  the  whole  thing  to  God,  our  lives  have 
tended  to  fall  apart  and  our  jobs  fall  off  here  somewhere, 
where  they  are  only  an  ugly  necessity  which  exists  mainly 
for  its  own  sake.  We  have  seen  this  happening  to  people. 

Those  are  the  people  to  whom  you  and  I  minister;  I  in  one 


\N.I\.  you  in  another  way.  People  whose  jobs.  li\».  and 
destinies,  who»e  pla\.  i-  trivial,  boring,  unimportant,  un- 
related to  God;  people,  whose  selves,  whose  personalities, 
bear  tin-  marks  of  that  uncertain  fragmentary  people.  Tin-re 
are  too  many  of  them  in  this  world.  And  as  I  close  I  would 
,i-k  M>u  niiU  to  think  this  of  what  you  do. 

Remember  that  tri\ialit\  of  the  boredom;  and  in  what 
you  do,  plan  to  minister  some  deeper  meaning  than  man  - 
\w>rk  often  gives  it.  If  his  life  is  torn  apart  by  a  job  that 
is  meaningless,  it  may  be  that  his  play  will  restore  a  lost 
depth  and  quality  to  his  life.  If  his  work  seems  to  be 
trivial  and  unimportant,  it  may  be  within  his  play  that  he 
will  discover  something  which  to  him  will  be  important 
enough  to  hold  his  whole  attention  and  his  whole  will.  The 
less  that  he  puts  himself  into  his  job,  it  may  be.  that  the 
more  he  will  put  himself  into  his  play  and  so  become  a 
person  through  his  hobbies  and  through  his  play.  Those 
are  the  opportunities  that  lie  in  your  hands  to  do;  to  min- 
ister wholeness  to  people  who  are  fractions  of  a  whole. 

I  can  imagine  that  your  job  is  much  like  my  own,  a  job 
in  which  it  is  easy  to  lose  perspective,  a  job  in  which  it  is 
very  easy  to  forget  or  to  not  see  the  fundamental  importance 
of  what  we  do.  I  would  hope  that,  in  those  dark  and  un- 
certain moments,  you  might  find  a  minute  to  stop  and 
tb ink  what  it  is  that  you  are  doing.  You  are  really  not 
ministering  recreation;  you  are  not  holding  down  an 
important  municipal  or  state  or  association  job;  you  are 
helping  people  to  be  whole  and  single  people  who  may 
find  through  their  play  a  significance  under  God. 


Svwicet 


Community  Recreation  Studies 
and  Long  Range  Plans 

•  Anal/tii  of  the  community,  ill  present  recreation  services  and 
resources,  and  itt  needs. 

•  Recommendations    for    more    effective    use    of    present    recrea- 
tion  services  and  resources  and  the  development  of   plant. 

Planning  Recreation  Areas  and  Facilities 

•  Preparation   of    general    plan    for    each   recreation    area    and 
facility  with  attractive  drowingi  for  exhibition  and  reproduction. 
An  accompanying  written  report  when   necessary. 

Consultation  Services 

•  Consultation  and  advisory   services  to  recreation  agencies  on 
surveys,  administration  and  program. 

•  Reviewing  of  eiisting  or  proposed  plans  for  recreation  areas, 
facilities  and  services. 

i<l  for  free  leaflet 

NATIONAL  RECREATION  ASSOCIATION 
315  Fourth  Avenue  New  York  10,  N.  Y. 


it-, 


\\\  '  KKATION 


\  IN  A  HISTORY  MAKING  DECISION,  ac- 
cording to  Planning  and  Civic  Com- 
ment, the  Wisconsin  Supreme  Court 
recently  declared  that:  "The  right  of 
the  citizens  of  the  state  to  enjoy  our 
navigable  streams  for  recreational  pur- 
poses, including  the  enjoyment  of 
scenic  beauty,  is  a  legal  right  that  is 
entitled  to  all  the  protection  which  is 
given  financial  rights."  This  decision 
was  handed  down  by  the  court  in  de- 
claring unconstitutional  the  state's  so 
called  "county  board"  law,  enacted  in 
1947,  which  gave  county  officials  final 
authority  to  pass  upon  local  dam  con- 
struction. This  decision  involved  a  pro- 
posal to  erect  a  dam  on  the  Namekagon 
River,  famous  for  its  fishing.  The 
court  held  that  the  dam,  if  erected, 
could  interfere  with  public  rights  of 
hunting,  fishing,  and  scenic  beauty, 
that  these  are  state-wide  rights  and  that 
local  authorities  could  not  have  final 
say  as  to  their  disposition. 

^A  NEW  MEMBERSHIP  DIRECTORY  is 
being  compiled  by  the  National  Rec- 
reation Association.  Active  Associate 
Members  and  Affiliate  Members  will  be 
receiving  their  directories  as  soon  as 
copies  are  off  the  press. 

^  NEW  AND  LARGER  QUARTERS  now 
house  the  Northwest  District  office  of 
the  National  Recreation  Association. 
Address:  2864  30th  Avenue  West, 
Seattle  99,  Washington. 

>  A  MASTER  PLAN  FOR  RECREATION  IN 
MARYLAND  has  been  released  by  the 
state  planning  commission.  It  suggests 
the  creation  and  development  of  eight 
state  parks,  ten  recreation  reserves,  ten 
picnic  areas  and  six  historic  reserves. 

^  THE  NATIONAL  TRUST  FOR  HISTORIC 
PRESERVATION  and  the  American  Asso- 
ciation for  State  and  Local  History  are 
joining  the  National  Recreation  Asso- 
ciation in  preparation  of  a  guide  to 
all  historic  sites  and  buildings  in  the 
country — for  the  use  of  the  armed 
forces. 


^  A  REVISED  EDITION  of  the  publication, 
An  Experiment  in  Recreation  With 
the  Mentally  Retarded,  by  Bertha  E. 
Schlotter  and  Margaret  Svendsen  is 
being  issued  by  the  Illinois  Department 
of  Public  Welfare. 

>  THE  IN-SERVICE  TRAINING  COMMIT- 
TEES of  the  American  Institute  of  Park 
Executives  and  of  the  National  Recrea- 
tion Association  are  meeting  in  a  joint 
workshop  session,  January  18  to  21,  at 
the  Pokagon  State  Park,  Angola,  In- 
diana— for  the  purpose  of  preparing  a 
manual  for  in-service  training. 

Bond  Issues  and  Referendums 

^  Recreation  took  another  step  forward 
in  Jacksonville  and  Duval  County, 
Florida,  during  the  recent  general  elec- 
tion. Millage  setting  up  a  county  rec- 
reation program  was  the  sole  survivor 
of  the  twelve  items  up  for  considera- 
tion. The  referendum  was  made  pos- 
sible by  a  special  act  of  the  state 
legislature  of  1951.  One  of  the  sections 
provided  for  cooperation  with  any  mu- 
nicipality of  the  county  in  acquiring, 
operating  and  maintaining  any  facili- 
ties created  under  the  provisions  of  the 
act. 

^  The  citizens  of  Niles,  Ohio,  success- 
fully voted  in  their  tax  levy  for  recrea- 
tion for  a  new  five-year  period. 

^  The  voters  of  Cincinnati,  Ohio, 
passed  an  $825.000  bond  issue  with 
$500,000  allotted  to  the  public  recrea- 
tion commission  and  $325,000  to  the 
board  of  park  commissioners.  The 
passage  of  this  bond  issue  will  make 
possible  a  program  of  rehabilitation, 
improvement,  and  expansion  of  Cin- 
cinnati's recreation  facilities. 

^  The  voters  •  authorized  the  county 
board  of  Chosen  Freeholders  in  Essex 
County,  New  Jersey,  to  increase  the 
appropriation  of  funds  for  maintenance 
of  county  park  and  recreation  facilities, 
from  the  present  limit  of  three-fourths 
of  a  mill  to  a  full  one  mill. 


Student  Aid  for  '53 

Opportunities  in  the  form  of  fel- 
lowships, assistantships,  and  scholar- 
ships, at  colleges  with  recreation 
curriculums  are  announced  in  a  new 
bulletin  prepared  by  NRA  Recrea- 
tion Personnel  Service.  Entitled 
Student  Aid,  the  pamphlet  lists — for 
twelve  colleges — the  number  and 
types  of  student  aid  available  to  rec- 
creation  majors,  stipends,  require- 
ments for  appointment,  duties  of 
appointees,  and  deadline  for  filing 
applications  for  the  '53  fall  semester. 

Essential  for  the  recreation  leader 
considering  graduate  study  as  well 
as  for  all  who  counsel  prospective 
recreation  students,  the  publication 
is  available  on  request  to  Active 
Associate  Members  of  the  National 
Recreation  Association  as  a  free 
membership  service.  Request  Stu- 
dent Aid — PI  62.  (Non-members 
may  obtain  P162  at  a  charge  of 
fifteen  cents  per  copy.) 


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Send  for  Your  FRH  Copy  NOW. . . 

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S626-R  Telegraph  Ave.  •  Oakland  9,  Calif. 


JANUARY  1953 


447 


CHANGE  OF  ADDRESS 

If  you  are  planning  to  move, 
notify  us  at  least  thirty  days  be- 
fore the  datt-  uf  tin-  i-sue  with 
which  it  is  to  take  effect,  if  pos- 
sible, in  order  to  receive  \<mr 
magazines  without  interruption. 
Send  both  your  old  and  new  ad- 
dresses by  letter,  card  or  post 
office  form  22S  to: 

SUBSCRIPTION  DEPART  MI  \  i 
RECREATION  MAGAZINE 
315  FOURTH  AVENUE 
\MV  YORK  10,  N.  Y. 

The  post  office  will  not  forward 
copies  unless  you  provide  extra 
postage.  Duplicate  copies  cannot 
be  sent. 


Letters 


>o«c    Ready  -J  J', 

1952  PROCEEDINGS 

of  National  Recreation  Congress 
National  Recreation  Association 


or  a 


Gymnasium... 


•  Gymnasium  Equipment 

•  Telescopic  Gym  Scott 
\          •   Basketball  Scoreboard* 
•  Basketball  Backstops 

•  Steel  Lockers,  Lockerobes 
and  Grade-Robes 


FRED  MEDART  PRODUCTS,  INC. 

3566  0(  KAU  ST.       ST.  1001$  II,  MO.  ' 

for    78    Yeart 
Trie   Standard  Of   Quality 


n;. 


Hall  of  I  .mi. 
Sirs: 

I  have  read  the  article  in  the  Novem- 
ber  issue  of  RECREATION,  by  Mr. 
Thomas  Miller,  entitled  "My  Mainten- 
ance Man,"  which  is  very  good.  As  we 
all  know,  the  maintenance  man  is  the 
undercover  man,  such  as  the  lineman 
in  football,  never  receiving  much  credit 
or  glory,  but  actually  the  foundation  of 
our  program. 

We  have  a  man  in  our  organization 
whom  I  would  like  to  mention  for  the 
recreation  Hall  of  Fame — Mr.  Dewey 
Clifton  McAlpin.  He  has  straightened 
out  our  Ford  tractors  and  worked  out 
several  other  knotty  problems,  as  well 
a-  invented  new  ways  of  maintaining 
our  various  athletic  fields  to  the  best 
advantage.  He  has  taken  equipment 
that  we  have  purchased  and  added  to 
it  to  such  an  extent  that  we  can  now 
use  it  for  several  different,  additional 
things.  He  has  saved  our  department 
untold  money  with  his  clever  ideas  and 
skill  in  repairing  machinery  and  equip- 
ment of  all  kinds.  In  fact,  he  is  official 
trouble  shooter  for  our  entire  depart- 
ment. "Ask  Mac  about  it,"  is  the  stock 
reply  to  any  query  or  complaint.  I  do 
not  know  if  you  are  planning  a  "Hall 
of  Fame"  for  the  forgotten  man.  but  if 
you  are,  I  wish  to  submit  the  name  of 
my  maintenance  standby  for  a  front 
seat. 

SELWYN     ORCUTT,     Superintendent. 

Recreation   and  Parks.   Fayetteville, 

North  Carolina. 


Square  Daiioinp  Books 

Sirs: 

Apropos  of  the  letter  from  New  Zea- 

land, on  page  210  of  your  September 

issue,  please  send  Mi—   I  it/gerald  the 

square  dancing  books  she  needs  and 

send  me  the  bill.   I  enjoy  the  magazine. 

OTTO  M  U.I.KRY.  Chairman.  Board  o/ 

I)irrrtnrs.    \atitmul    Rrrreation    As- 


•  Good  Morning,  Musical  Mm-rx  and 
Dam-rx    and    fun    for 
have  been  sent.     I'M. 


We  have  a  square  dance  rlul>  hen  ,,n 
tin-  c  .imp  ii»  ..f  thi-  I  nuersiu  »f  Colo- 
rado, and  we  are  interested  in  helping 
Miss  Ffagenld  in  am  w  n.  \\  •• 

would  I*-  able  lo  i  ullnt  ..iir  own  calls 
and  dance*  and  send  i  opies  to  the  New 
Zealand  association,  and  could  be  of 
-•me  financial  nid  if  they  prefer  a  few 


books  on  square  dances,  couple  dances 
and  calls.  You  may  either  forward  this 
letter  to  Mi—  I  it/^eral<l  or  send  u-  her 
address  so  that  we  may  contact  her 
directly. 

JAYNE    POOLE,    representing   Calico 
and  Boots,  Boulder,  Colorado. 

•  Miss  Fitzgerald's  address  is  Post  Of- 
lice  Box  1728,  Wellington  C.  1. 
Zealand. — Ed. 


Something  New 

Sirs: 

Featured  in  your  April,  1952  issue 
of  RECREATION  is  an  article  by  Helena 
Braddock  Lemp  on  "Somethiiii:  New  in 
Playgrounds."  I  enjoyed  this  article 
very  much  and  wonder  if  it  is  possible 
to  have  enlarged  copies  of  the  picture 
which  accompanied  it?  I  could  use  five 
or  six  of  them,  not  for  commercial  use 
or  reprint,  but  to  show  to  my  board 
members,  as  we  are  planning  play 
spaces  adjacent  to  our  eleven  clul>~. 
IRVING  RUDOLPH,  Executive  Vice 
President,  Chicago  Boys  Clubs. 


Field  Report 

Having  read  the  article.  "Tom-a- 
Hawk  Club  for  Teens,"  by  John  Lip- 
pold,  in  your  October  issue,  and  then 
witnessed  the  center  in  action.  I  can 
only  say  that  the  article  does  not  do 
justice  to  this  activity.  The  center  was 
literally  packed  with  young  people. 
Parent  volunteers  were  being  used 
forty  strong  on  the  ie^i-li.ilion  desk, 
the  check  stand,  snack  bar.  game  room 
and  the  dance  floor.  Kvcrvlhing  mo\ed 
smoothly  and  it  seemed  the  paid  direc- 
tor had  very  little  to  do.  I  was  told 
that  this  vs. is  a  poor  evening,  although 
nver  five  hundred  young  people  passed 
through  the  door  while  I  was  then-.  I 
know  this  activity  makes  a  great  con- 
tribution to  tlie  Muing  people  of  Au- 
rora. I  feel  it  is  one  of  the  nm-l  MIC 
'  .•— fu|  youth  center-  in  mv  entire  area. 
The  center,  located  in  a  downtown 
building,  is  \cry  well  decorated.  All 
expenses  are  paid  from  the  meml>er- 
ship  fee*,  which  should  reach  two 
thousand  this  fall.  The  MI;H  k  liar  is 
self. supporting.  The  i  entei  is  a  mar- 
\  clous  example  of  the  ellei  livene«s  of 
\oliinlecr  leadership,  and  the  contribu- 
tion of  leadership  given  so  willinglv  h\ 
the  parents  helps  to  keep  the  overhead 
to  a  minimum.  It  is  reallv  ignite  .1 
shining  example  of  what  an  interested 

lit  CREATION 


community  can  do  for  its  young  people. 
ROBERT  L.  HORNBY,  NRA  Field 
Representative,  Great  Lakes  District. 

Ski  Tow 

Sirs: 

We  have  read  with  interest  Mr.  Her- 
die's  article  in  the  November  issue, 
"Skiing  Need  Not  Be  Expensive,"  and 
heartily  agree  that  the  addition  of  a 
rope  tow  is  an  asset  in  any  community 
with  suitable  snow  and  slopes.  How- 
ever, we  believe  the  article  could  well 
have  pointed  out  that  some  type  of 
safety  device  should  be  provided  to 
stop  the  engine  in  the  event  a  rider  be- 
comes entangled  in  the  rope. 

There  have  been  a  number  of  serious 
accidents  and  three  deaths  that  we 
know  of,  caused  by  a  young  skier's 
hair,  scarf  or  clothing  becoming  twist- 
ed in  the  rope  and  thus  forcibly  pulled 
into  the  drive  mechanism  or  head 
sheave.  Even  on  light  portable  tows 
such  as  the  one  illustrated,  it  is  risky 
not  to  have  a  safety  device,  especially 
where  small  children  are  using  them. 

The  type  of  safety  mechanism  to  use 
depends  primarily  on  whether  the  tow 
drive  is  located  at  the  top  or  bottom 
of  the  slope.  If  at  the  top,  it  is  an  easy 
matter  to  install  a  trip  cord  or  safety 
gate  which  causes  a  break  in  the  igni- 
tion circuit  when  pushed  by  a  tow 
rider.  For  high  speed  tows  the  cord 
or  gate  should  be  located  30  to  60  feet 
from  the  end  of  the  tow  line  so  that  the 
rope  will  come  to  a  stop  before  an  en- 
tangled skier  would  reach  the  drive 
wheel  or  head  sheave.  When  the  drive 
machinery  is  located  at  the  bottom  of 
the  slope,  an  electric  circuit  which  usu- 
ally requires  a  relay  is  necessary.  A 
mechanical  shut-off  which  is  activated 
by  a  single  wire  extending  from  the 
engine  to  the  upper  end  of  the  tow  will 
work  satisfactorily  on  short  tows.  In 
general,  with  a  light  portable  tow  it  is 
better  to  have  the  motor  at  the  top  of 
the  slope,  because  the  efficiency  is 
greater  and  the  safety  gate  is  easier  to 
install. 

Safety  devices  cost  just  a  few  dollars 
and  may  well  prevent  an  accident. 
Many  insurance  companies  will  not  is- 
sue liability  insurance  on  ski  tows  un- 
less they  are  equipped  with  such  a  de- 
vice. We  might  also  mention  here  that 
any  town  or  private  party  operating 
such  a  tow  would  be  well  advised  to 
carry  liability  insurance. 

At  the  234  winter  sports  areas  in  the 
national  forests,  all  rope  tow  operators 
are  required  to  have  suitable  safety  de- 
vices and  in  addition  liability  insurance 
in  the  interest  of  public  safety. 

JOHN  SIEKER,  Chief,  Division  of  Rec- 
reation and  Lands,  U.S.  Department 
of  Agriculture,  Washington  25,  D.C. 


REMINDER... 


cAthletic  Cquipment 


IS  BUILT  BY 


FOR  CATALOG  WRITE: 
W.  J.  Voit  Rubber  Corp. 
1600  East  25th  Street 
Los  Angeles  11,  Calif. 


New  York  10,  Chicago  10,  Los  Angeles  1 1 


AN  EASY  WAY  TO  CLEAN  SHOWER  ROOMS  AND 
SWIMMING  POOLS 

without  hard  rubbing.    Simply  sprinkle 


powder  on  damp  sur- 
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flush  with  clear  water. 

•  Removes  rust  stains, 
lime    deposits,     soap, 
oil,   body   grease   and 
algae    formation. 

•  Minimizes  condi- 
tions that  breed  and 
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germs.  •  Harmless  to 
hands,  clothing,  floors, 
drains.  •  Odorless. 
There's    nothing    else 
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hard  rubbing  with  or- 
dinary   cleaners    has 
failed. 


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W.  R.  MOODY 


704     N.     MARIPOSA 
BURBANK,     CALIF. 


JANUARY  1953 


449 


So  here  hath  been  dawning  another  new  day, 
Think,  wilt  thou  li-t  it  -lip  unless  away? 
Out  of  eternity  this  new  <lay  is  horn, 
Inln  •  !•  rniix    ;it    nifilit   'twill   return. 
Behold  it  aforetime,  no  eye  ever  did. 
So  soon  it  forever  from  all  eye-  i-  did. 
Here  hath  l>cen  dawning  another  new  day. 
Think,  wilt  id. Hi  let  it  -lip  useless  away? 

— Thomas  Carlyle 

The  New  Record 

We  have  turned  to  a  blank  page  in 
the  notebook;  it  awaits  the  record  of 
the  coming  year,  and  we  once  again  are 
-truck  with  the  fact  that  what  will  be 
m-erted  therein  will  be  largely  up  to 
us.  It  is  a  great  responsibility;  and 
we  plunge,  therefore,  into  reflection 
upon  our  philosophy  of  life,  and  of 
recreation,  and  search  for  ways  of 
strengthening  both — conscious  of  the 
mantle  of  service  that  falls  upon  the 
shoulders  of  men  in  jobs  such  as  yours 
and  mine.  And  we  dedicate  ourselves 
once  again  to  a  course  of  action  which 
will  bring  about  "the  greatest  good  for 
tin-  prealesl  number  of  people." 

We  review  and  evaluate,  we  house- 
clean,  we  plan  ways  of  strengthening 
ourselves  and  our  work.  This  issue 
of  RECREATION,  therefore,  has  been 
planned  to  help  you  to  clarify  your 
thinking  and  make  new  plans,  and  to 
vei  "ti  with  the  business  at  hand — as 
have  the  issues  before  it.  To  this  pur- 
pose will  the  issues  of  the  coming  year 
In-  ilnlii -.ii.-il. 

Don't  miss  the  editorial,  taken  from 
the  stimulating  address  of  Bishop 
liiixne.  in  Seattle,  mi  "Tin-  Spiritual 

\-pcct-    of    Itcclealion."    or    Dr.     Allller- 

»on'»   in-piialional  talk   MM   "|{.  .  i.  .itn.ii 

and  tin-  Richer  I. iff."    Sindv   tin-  New 
Year's  resolutions  and  other  articles. 

We  siifip  -i.  t th.it  \..u  max  want 

In    add    tin-     following     rr-nliitions    to 
xoiir  own  pci-nn.il  li-t. 
/  RfMih  ••: 

1.    To     extend      Ix'V'iiid      local      IM.IIII 

daries,  my  service  in  tin-  lirlil  oj 
rration.    bv    thinking   i.f   inv    program, 

450 


or  administration,  in  terms  of  ideas 
that  might  be  valuable  to  others,  in  the 
pages  of  RECREATION. 

2.  To  contribute  the  above  ideas  and 
information    to    RECREATION;    and   to 
bear  in  mind  that  my  cooperation  is 
especially  needed  to  make  the  follow- 
ing  pages    helpful,    lively    and    up-to- 
date:  Letters  to  the  Editor,  Recreation 
News,  Suggestion  Box,  On  the  Campus. 

3.  To  send  the  magazine  any  good 
photographs  which  seem  to  me  to  tell 
a   story,   or   to   be   possibilities   for   a 
cover  picture,  and  to  make  a  note  of 
the  fact  that  good  pictures  are  especi- 
allx     needed    of   the    following:    play- 
grounds    and     playground     activities. 
community/  centers  and  their  activities, 
\\ inter  sports,  art  projects,  crafts  proj- 
ect-.  dramatic  and  musical  activities. 

4.  To  call  the  maga/ine  to  the  atten- 


to  hear  a  recreation  director  ask, 
"What  can  we  do  for  girls  in  the 
recreation  program?  I  don't  know 
an)  thing  about  them."  Too  often  his 
program  is  offering  them  only  a 
warmed-oxer  version  of  ucti\ities  that 
please  the  boys.  Are  you  one  of  these 
directors?  Or  are  you  satisfied  that 
von  are  presenting  a  well-rounded, 
well-balanced  program  in  your  com- 
munity? If  you  belong  in  the  former 
category,  are  you  going  to  take  steps 
to  strengthen  your  leadership  this 
year? 

Have  you  interpreted  to  local  citi/i-n- 
n  h  \  such  leadership  is  advisable,  and 
why  it  would  be  a  good  inxc-tment .' 
Says  Helen  Dauncey,  the  Katherine  F. 
Barker  Memorial  Secretary  who  is  in 
charge  of  work  with  women  and  prl- 
for  the  National  Recreation  Associa- 
tion. "\\  hile  all  leadership  is  important, 
that  of  working  with  girls  is  doubK  -<• 
— for  the  things  we  teach  can  be  so 
far-reaching.  Mothers  who  have  had  a 
happy  childhood  and  have  learned  the 
essential  ways  of  creating  a  good  life 
will  want  to  do  the  same  for  their 
children.  Family  solidarity  and  hap- 
pier homo  are.  in  the  last  .malv-i-.  the 


lion  of  aiuone.  or  evcrxonc.  who  niit:lil 


from   il. 

The  editorial  staff  of  RECREATION 
extend*  the  season'-  ;ji.  -clings  to  all. 
with  tile  sinceir  hope  lli.il  we  max  woik 
more  <  |o-c|v  together  ill  the  New  Year. 

Women  V  ami  «,irl«'  I'roprum 
I  nforlimatclv.   although   the   field   of 

recreation  is  rapidK  .»  \>\,-\  in-  th,-  M.I 
lus  of  a  profession,   it   i-   not   unusual 


job  of  the  women  of  the  world."* 

(lollcL-e  li. lined  women  n-ctealioii 
leaders  are  available,  and  you  should 
haxe  no  trouble  in  finding  one.  pro- 
viding xoii  haxe  lonvineed  the  citx 
•  ••inn  il  that  it  must  offer  a  professional 
salary  commciiMirale  x\ith  the  proposed 
leader's  training,  experience  and  -kill 
ll.iM-  you  a  "selling"  job  to  do? 

•From  "Program  for  L.tN."  l.>    ll-len   M. 
Itannrry.   RECREATION.  January,  1951. 

HK 


The  TIME  MACHINE 


takes  us  back  to 


Voices  from  1 » I  .'I 


Industrial  Recreation 

Industrially  recreation  has  high  cash  value.  Frederick 
W.  Taylor  in  his  marvelous  work  through  administrative 
efficiency  demonstrated  scientifically  that  an  unskilled  la- 
borer could  load  upon  a  platform  freight  car  47  tons  of 
92-pound  pigs  of  iron  easier  than  he  could  12  tons  per  day 
if  he  rested  half  the  time  in  carrying  each  pig.  If  he  car- 
ried half-pigs  (46  pounds)  he  needed  to  rest  only  one- 
quarter  the  time.  Every  size  piece  of  iron  has  its  scien- 
tific demand  for  rest — so  industrially,  everywhere,  in  every 
way,  recreation  is  indispensable  for  efficiency. 

Leadership 

Most  of  all  does  the  playroom  need  a  play  leader — pre- 
ferably a  kindergartner — who  can  sympathize  with  and 
understand  each  play  impulse  as  it  blindly  gropes  its  way 
to  conscious  and  purposeful  play.  This  kindergartner  must 
have  freed  herself  from  a  slavish  devotion  to  materials. 
She  must  see  that  the  real  toys  and  materials  are  found  in 
the  tissue  hungers  of  the  child's  developing  body  and  mind. 


Joy  of  Play 

Swinging  and  sliding  are  not  alone  for  physical  coordi- 
nation. There  is  a  spiritual  joy  in  swinging,  an  exhilaration, 
a  push  of  imagination  which  sets  free  the  child's  thoughts 
and  feelings. 

Quotes  on  Executives 

"There  are  two  kinds  of  executives,"  says  Dean  Briggs. 
of  Radcliffe,  "the  one  who  stimulates  and  the  one  who  ac- 
complishes." He  quotes  the  lady  who  said  of  Edward  Ever- 
ett Hale:  "I  know  he  doesn't  finish  much,  but  he  has  cut 
and  basted  more  things  than  anybody  living." 


Adults  and  Recreation 

We  as  people  do  not  play  enough.  We  loaf  too  much, 
and  work  too  much,  but  of  real  play  of  the  energy-pro- 
du"ing  kind  there  is  dearth.  We  get  dyspeptic  and  anemic 
and  nervous  from  lack  of  exercise,  and  despondent  from 
brooding  over  things  that  we  ought  to  throw  off  in  recur- 
ring periods  of  joyous  play.  When  we  have  a  holiday 
many  of  us  find  our  way  to  the  saloon  or  some  worse  place, 
because  we  do  not  know  what  to  do  with  our  leisure. 


Voices  from  1952 


Industrial  Recreation 

"It  was  a  fine  show,  and  I've  seen  a  lot  of  them,"  stated 
A.  F.  Logan,  vice  president — industrial  relations  of  Boeing 
Airplane  Company,  after  viewing  the  employee-initiated 
hobby  show  in  the  company's  huge  sixteen  hundred-seat 
cafeteria.  It  was  witnessed  by  27,652  employees,  their  fam- 
ilies and  friends  during  its  five-day  run.  Entries  ranged 
from  a  forty-eight-foot-wingspread  sailplane,  that  an  em- 
ployee flew  as  a  hobby,  to  a  crocheted  table  cloth  entirely 
made  by  an  employee  while  riding  to  and  from  work  on 
a  bus. 

Leadership 

If  a  child  has  not  been  given  the  opportunity  to  experi- 
ment with  some  new  things  in  crafts,  drama,  music,  story- 
telling, being  in  a  tournament,  serving  on  a  committee, 
helping  to  plan  events  and  feeling  responsibility  for  the 
success  of  his  playground — then  the  summer  program  has 
failed  him.  If  leaders  have  not  learned  to  know  which 
children  need  help  in  making  an  individual,  as  well  as  a 
group  success — they  have  failed  in  their  most  important 
responsibility. 

Joy  of  Play 

Although  play  activities  must  never  be  regimented,  they 
should  be  guided,  so  that  each  child  is  helped  to  develop 
physically,  to  change  social  attitudes,  and  to  grow  in  emo- 
tional control. 

Quotes  on  Executives 

I  don't  think  any  of  our  leaders  in  the  field  should  be 
representing  our  great  movement  who  have  not  read  L.  P. 
Jacks  or  Joseph  Lee,  and  many  others.  No  other  leading 
profession  would  place  their  stamp  of  approval  on  such 
ignorance  of  their  background.  I'll  grant  you,  we  are  a 
leadership  of  doers,  but  we  must  have  some  dreamers  and 
thinkers  to  give  reason  for  our  many  activities. 

Adults  and  Recreation 

The  salt  has  lost  its  savor  if  what  we  do  in  the  name  of 
recreation  is  any  criterion.  We  are  a  nation  of  spectators, 
not  participants.  We  don't  play;  we  sit  and  watch  while 
others  play.  We  are  squatters,  not  players.  Why  don't  we 
stand  on  our  own  feet  and  cast  about  for  something  better — 
something  that  we  can  make  with  our  own  hands,  out  of 
the  design  of  our  own  hearts  and  minds?  (Any  comments 
on  these? — Ed.) 


JANUARY  1953 


Quotes  from   RECREATION 


451 


THE   PLACE  OF  II I! I,  H I / 1; II   I  Ml  I'M  I, 


'T'  HE  ORGANIZED  camping  movement  in  America  and  the 
state  park  movement  have  grown  up  together.  They 
started  at  nearly  the  same  time  and,  in  part  at  least,  for  the 
same  reasons.  They  have  increasingly  tried  to  serve  some 
of  the  same  needs  of  people — the  need  to  get  away  from 
the  city,  to  re-establish  a  connection  with  nature,  and  to 
find  the  healing  that  comes  from  association  with  natural 
beauty.  In  recent  years  state  parks  have  been  called  upon 
to  play  a  large  part  in  the  camping  movement  through  pro- 
viding facilities  and  services  of  various  kinds  to  camping 
organizations;  and  there  are  reasons  for  believing  that  in 
tin-  years  to  come  the  state  parks  will  be  called  upon  to 
play  an  even  larger  role. 

Today  fewer  than  10  per  cent  of  the  children  of  camp 
age  in  America  have  a  camp  experience,  yet  it  is  expected 
that  eventually  a  majority  of  the  children  may  be  given 
such  an  experience.  There  will  accordingly  be  a  great  ex- 
pansion in  the  camping  programs  of  existing  youth  agencies, 
private  camps,  church  camps,  and  other  groups  now  carry- 
ing the  major  responsibility  for  camping.  Camping  has 
come  to  be  regarded  as  an  important  educational  experience 
fur  rhildrrn.  and  the  recent  growth  of  interest  in  school 
camping  gives  promise  that  some  day  this  may  become  a 
major  aspect  of  camping  in  America. 

Today  more  than  60  per  cent  of  the  American  population 
llvr  in  cities  ipf  2..VK)  population  or  over.  Fewer  and  fewer 
people  arc  needed  on  our  faim>  while  mmc  and  more  are 
used  in  imlu-ii\.  It  has  accordingly  become  more  <lillnnlt 
for  many  of  our  people  In  attain  .!•••  ••--  I"  the  nul-of -do- 
'I  In-  orLMiii/cd  <  amp  h.i-  -h  pped  in  In  ln-l|i  fill  llu-  need  fur 
iiiililiiiir  e\|M-iicni  ••-  iti  the  lives  of  children. 

The  orgaiii/ed  i  .unpin);  movement  had  it.*  beginning-  in 
l In-  I  HOO'ii — at  about  the  same  linn-  llu  ln-i  -l.-ile  park  waa 
srt  aside.  The  Gunm-r\  School  at  Washington.  Connecticut, 

REYNOLD  CARLSON  u  associate  professor  of  recreation  at 
Indiana  University  and  u  «•«•//  knuun  in  thr  camping  firl,l. 

452 


in  1861  started  what  is  generally  considered  to  be  the  first 
organized  camp,  with  a  pattern  similar  to  that  of  the  or- 
ganized camp  as  we  know  it  today.  However,  camping  in 
its  elemental  sense  is  as  old  as  the  human  race.  To  the 
American  pioneer  and  the  American  Indian  it  was  a  way  of 
life.  The  ability  to  care  for  oneself  in  the  woods,  to  use 
an  ax,  to  hunt  and  fish,  to  cook  a  meal  outdoors,  and  to 
prepare  a  shelter  was  the  mark  of  the  self-sufficient  man. 

VALVES  OF  A  CAMP.  The  good  camp  makes  important 
contributions  to  the  life  of  the  camper.  Because  children  in 
camp  life  in  small  groups  with  a  counselor,  whom  tlir\  gen- 
erally  love  and  respect,  participate  in  a  program  of  activi- 
ties related  to  the  out-of-doors,  and  consider  their  activities 
as  fun  and  adventure,  the  camp  is  an  almost  ideal  educa- 
tional experience.  Many  of  the  values  of  a  good  camp  relate 
very  closely  to  those  in  which  state  parks  are  interested. 

The  development  of  an  appreciation  of  the  out-of-doors 
and  the  learning  of  skills  in  outdoor  living  are  among  the 
primary  purposes  of  camps.  These  involve  de\  eloping  a 
friendly  familiarity  with  the  world  of  nature;  an  increased 
understanding  of  the  heritage  that  has  come  to  us  from 
pioneer,  explorer,  and  Indian;  a  knowledge  of  man's  de- 
pendence upon  natural  resources  and  the  need  for  their 
conservation;  the  wise  and  proper  use  of  outdoor  areas; 
and  skill  iti  raring  for  out-self  in  the  out-of-doors. 

\nolhci  purpose  of  ramping  has  to  do  u  itli  education  for 

safe  and  healthful  living.   The  g I  r.imp  i-  i-iiin-eined  not 

only  with  making  the  camp  il-elf  safe  and  healthful  but 
also  with  dcxeloping  halnl-  and  providing  knowledge  that 
contribute  to  pli\«iial  and  mental  ucll-ltcmg.  Since  camps 
provide  OppOttaokiM  for  raring  for  ..dun-  and  camp 
gioimds.  for  planning  and  preparing  meals,  for  selling  up 
balanced  lixing  schedules,  and  for  practicing  good  personal 
health  li.diiK  they  make  a  contribution  to  health. 

The  oppoilunitie-  camps  alf.ud  for  group  living  can  con- 
tribute to  the  de\e|o|inienl  of  demo,  i.iii.  altitudes.  A  child 
learns  democratic  ail  ion  only  by  practicing  it:  and  the 

RECREATION 


IN  STATE   PARKS 


Reynold  E.  Carlson 


The  elementary  boys  and  girls,  at  the  Connersville  school 
camp  in  Versailles  Park,  are  shown  enjoying  a  nature  walk 
with  one  of  the  park  leaders.  Nature  trails  are  numerous. 


good  camp  makes  such  practice  possible.  Living  in  small 
groups  gives  the  opportunity. 

The  good  camp  also  provides  many  opportunities  for 
personal  growth,  encouraging  the  camper  to  develop  self- 
restraint,  initiative,  leadership,  and  intelligent  disciple- 
ship.  It  gives  the  camper  the  chance  to  learn  new  skills  and 
develop  new  interests,  particularly  those  arising  out  of  the 
outdoor  situation. 

The  camp  program  is  based  on  the  natural  desire  of  chil- 
dren for  fun  and  adventure.  Camp  should  be  a  happy  ex- 
perience. It  is  because  camp  life  makes  such  a  strong  ap- 
peal to  children  that  its  opportunities  to  make  constructive 
contributions  to  personal  development  are  great. 

The  camp  also  has  a  responsibility  in  the  field  of  spiritual 
growth.  Opportunities  to  develop  a  sense  of  appreciation 


for  the  bigness,  beauty,  order,  and  complexity  of  the  world 
of  nature  abound  on  every  hand.  The  close  relationship  of 
the  camp  counselor  to  the  camper  makes  possible  also  the 
development  of  a  respect  for  personality  and  the  finer  as- 
pects of  human  relationships. 

TYPES  OF  STATE  PARK  AID  TO  CAMPS.  It  will  be 
observed  from  the  above  statement  of  values  how  consistent 
many  of  them  are  with  the  purposes  of  state  parks,  and  how 
much  in  common  there  is  to  be  found  in  the  ideals  of  the 
two  movements. 

State  parks  have  made  their  most  important  contri- 
butions to  camping  by  providing  areas  and  facilities  for 
camp  groups,  which  might  not  otherwise  be  able  to  afford 
them,  and  by  giving  assistance  to  camp  programs,  particu- 
larly in  the  field  of  the  better  understanding  of  the  outdoor 
environment. 

Probably  the  first  extensive  development  of  group  camp- 
ing on  state  park  property  was  that  of  the  Palisades  Inter- 
state Park  of  New  York  and  New  Jersey.  In  1901  acquisi- 
tion of  lands  began,  and  group  camping  was  "permitted." 
Probably  non-permanent  tent  camps  were  used  close  to  the 
Hudson  River.  By  1913,  more  permanent  types  of  camp  de- 
velopments were  under  way,  especially  on  the  part  of  the 
Boy  Scouts  at  Highland  Lake  and  Lake  Stahahe.  By  1915 
it  was  estimated  that  5,000  campers  used  the  parks,  and  a 
building  program  was  well  under  way. 

In  1917  a  separate  camping  department  was  established 
and  construction  was  standardized  in  units  of  suitable  size. 
Rentals  were  set  to  assist  desirable  organizations  in  locat- 
ing in  the  park  and  to  provide  for  making  the  service  self- 
sustaining. 

As  reported  in  1947,  there  were  seventy-three  camps  in 
the  park  with  a  total  attendance  of  57.811  campers,  most 
of  whom  came  from  New  York  City  and  represented  a  wide 
variety  of  organizations — youth  agencies,  settlement  houses, 
church  groups,  handicapped  children's  groups,  and  so  on. 
The  above  figures  do  not  include  the  tremendous  numbers 
of  hiking  and  outing  groups  that  used  the  park. 

Another  development  in  the  Palisades  was  the  service  in 
nature  education  offered  to  camp  groups.  In  1927,  through 
a  grant  of  the  Laura  Spelman  Rockefeller  Memorial  Fund, 
a  trailside  museum,  a  craft  shop,  and  nature  trails  were 
developed  in  cooperation  with  the  American  Museum  of 
Natural  History.  The  services  of  the  central  trailside  mu- 
seum were  extended  to  the  camps  in  the  form  of  small 
trailside  museums,  and  nature  trails  were  established. 

Organized  camping  in  other  state  parks  did  not  develop 
on  any  extensive  basis  until  the  1920's  and  the  1930's. 
Camping  organizations  used  the  parks  first  for  overnight 
and  other  short-term  camps  and  then  began  to  develop  more 
permanent  facilities.  During  the  depression  the  develop- 
ments were  accelerated  by  the  use  of  emergency  funds  and 
labor.  By  the  end  of  1950  there  were  296  organized  camp- 
ing facilities  reported  in  state  parks,  with  a  total  capa- 
city of  32,456  campers.  These  camps  are  generally  rented 
to  youth  organizations,  church  groups,  schools  and  recrea- 
tion departments  which  come  in  with  their  own  staffs  and 
operate  the  camps.  Moderate  rental  fees  make  these  camps 


JANUARY  1953 


453 


the  most  economical  approach  to  camping  possible  (<>r 
small  organizations  which  camp  for  only  a  few  weeks  each 
year.  During  the  year  of  1950  there  were  1,479,889  camper 
days  of  organized  camping  reported  in  the  state  parks  of 
the  United  States. 

Several  state  park  -\-tem-  have  on  their  staffs  camp  spe- 
cialists whose  responsibilities  include  developing  camps, 
granting  permits,  determining  standards  for  park  use,  and 
maintaining  cooperative  relationships  with  other  state  agen- 
cies interested  in  camping.  These  camp  specialists  have  as- 
sisted in  the  training  of  camp  staffs  and  have  worked  closely 
with  other  groups  to  improve  camping  practices. 

A  third  service  to  camping  by  slate  parks  has  been  in 
the  educational  field.  Park  naturalists  and  other  park  per- 
sonnel have  assisted  camps  in  the  parks,  particularly  in  the 
lii-lil-  of  nature  and  outdoor  living  skills. 

AREAS  AND  FACILITIES.  Many  types  of  camp  facili- 
ties are  to  be  found  in  state  parks  at  the  present  time.  One 
park  superintendent  made  the  comment,  "Our  facilities  are 
a  lesson  in  what  not  to  do  when  the  camp  facilities  are 
rebuilt." 

It  has  become  an  axiom  in  camping  that  the  program 
should  determine  the  facilities  rather  than  that  the  facilities 
should  determine  the  program.  Trends  in  camping  should 
therefore  be  studied  carefully  before  new  facilities  are  con- 
structed. 

The  trend  toward  decentralized  camping,  with  smaller 
living  units,  is  extremely  important.  The  greatest  values 
in  ramp  seem  to  come  from  the  close  relationships  of  small 
groups  rather  than  from  mass  programs.  Therefore,  facili- 
ties  should  be  so  planned  as  to  make  possible  the  small- 
group  living  situation.  Many  camp  people  feel  that  any 
Urge  camp  should  IK-  broken  down  into  groups  of  not 
more  than  thirty-tuo  campers,  while  others  advocate  the 
small  camp  idea,  with  only  eight  or  ten  in  a  living  group. 
Some  of  the  national  agencies  are  advocating  "troop  camp- 
ing." which  involves  small  groups  going  out  by  thcm-clve-. 

A  -econd  trend  is  in  the  direction  of  what  is  often  re- 
ferred to  as  "real  camping."  in  which  some  responsibilitv 
for  food,  shelter,  and  personal  care  falls  upon  tin-  camper 
him-clf  and  in  whir  h  the  program  is  centered  mainly  around 
the  out-of-doors  and  outdoor  living  "kills.  This  generally 
calls  for  very  simple  facilities. 

III.  health  and  safely  of  campers  makes  imperative  .1 
safe  water  supply,  adequate  sanitary  provisions,  elimina- 
tion of  natural  hazards,  and  the  like.  Awareness  of  tin  -e 
nerds  is  a  growing  conerin. 

One  of  the  must  significant  advances  in  the  facility  field 
was  tin-  ile\elo|iment  hv  tin-  National  Park  Service  dur- 
ing depression  <la\  -  of  the  group  camp-  in  the  He< -leation 
Demonstration  Areas,  \\hen  the  Yiiional  I'aik  Service  was 
designated  to  develop  area-  for  park  ami  lern-.ilioii  pur- 
po»r»,  near  large  center-  of  population,  it  brought  together 
mam  of  tin-  OMMmdhf  '  amp  leader-  of  tin-  coiinlrv  to 
U«H  the  kind  of  facilities  thai  -hoiiM  go  into  those  areas. 
It  was  understood  thai  tin-  i  amp  facilities  wrrc  primal  iK 
to  «.-r\e  non  profit  organization-  whirh  were  Irving  to  pio- 
\iile  camping  at  a  minimum  of  cost.  Thittv  -•  ven  He.  rea- 


tion  Demonstration  Areas  were  developed  during  the  1930's, 
thirty-four  of  which  contained  group  ramps.  Although  the\ 
differed  from  one  another,  there  was  a  common  pattern 
which  has  proven  in  subsequent  use  to  be  fundamentally 
sound.  The  cost  of  duplicating  these  facilities  today,  how- 
ever, probably  precludes  any  current,  similar  wide-spread 
development. 

The  following  is  the  general  pattern  for  these  camps. 
l.i\ing  quarters  were  divided  into  four  or  five  units,  gener- 
al!) placed  far  enough  apart  so  that  they  could  function 
independently.  Each  unit  accommodated  twenty  to  twentv- 
four  campers  and  four  to  six  counselors.  Generally,  indi- 
vidual cabins  were  set  up  to  accommodate  four  campers 
each.  Counselors  lived  in  separate  quarters.  Each  unit 
also  had  its  own  wash  house  and  usually  a  lodge  with  space 


The  In  ml.  xliirli  i-  referred  to  a»  "real  ramping.*'  i«  that 
in  which  some  of  ihe  r<->|nui>iliilily  fall-  upon  the  camper. 

for  fireplace  cooking  under  a  porch-like  shelter.  The  facili- 
ties generally  included  to  serve  the  total  <  amp  were:  ad- 
ministration building;  dining  lodge:  staff  quarters;  help's 
quarters:  garage;  infumai  \  :  central  washhouse  and  laun- 
<hv.  unhiding  showers;  nature  and  craft  shop;  swimming 
facilities,  either  a  lake  or  pool;  and  a  council  ring. 

The  Recreation  Demonstration  Area-  have  now.  with  one 
exception.  l>een  turned  over  to  the  -tali--  and  are  for  the 
most  part  administered  by  the  -tale  paik  -\-tem-.  The 
publication.  Organiznl  ('.utn\>  h'tn-iliiir.v  <  reproduced  from 
Park  iiinl  Rcfii-iitiiin  Slrn<-lnn:\i.  which  is  available  from 
the  National  Park  Service,  Department  of  the  Inter  i. >\ . 
Washington.  I).  ('...  is  large!)  a  description  of  the  Recrea- 
tion Demonstration  Areas  and  is  m t  the  be-l  -unices  on 

camp  facilities 

In  planning  facililir-  I,,  meet  the  need-  of  camp  group- 
-i  vital  tvpe-  of  needs  should  lie  kept  in  mind. 

1.  I'nnitinn  for  itrfanhfil  rump  fruufii  of  nitn-t\  li>  a 
liunilrril  «WI/>«VA.  The  \oiith  organization-  that  u-c  -in  h 
•  amps  usuallv  need  facilities  onlv  during  the  summer 
month-  and  mi  occasional  week-end-  in  the  -pring  and  fall. 
( !i.n-i(lering  the  glowing  «t  hool  camp  movemenl  and  the 
ii  -nltin^  demand  for  camp  facilities  during  the  -clu.ol  \ear. 
it  i-  wise  to  M  intense  a  large  number  of  v  oiith  i  amp-.  I  \ 
i  cpt  for  us<-  during  the  coldest  season  of  the  year,  double- 


.1  -..i 


l!i  i  iti  >  i  KIN 


wall  construction  of  living  quarters  and  simple  wood-stove 
heating  are  perfectly  satisfactory.  For  winter  living  it  is 
more  economical  to  provide  large  living  quarters  to  accom- 
modate six,  eight,  or  ten  campers  instead  of  only  four. 
Cabins  with  wings  or  separate  rooms  are  more  desirable 
than  large  dormitory-style  buildings.  Essential  facilities 
include  sleeping  quarters,  dining  hall,  infirmary,  washhouse, 
laundry,  lodge,  and  activity  building  (the  last  two  may  be 
combined  into  one).  Administration  and  staff  headquar- 
ters are  also  desirable. 

2.  Provision  for  small  groups  of  thirty  or  forty  campers 
on  a  short-term  summer  basis.   Tents  may  be  used  instead 
of  cabins.  Much  of  the  cooking  may  be  done  by  the  camp- 
ers either  in  small  buildings  which  combine  dining  halls 
and  lodges  or  out-of-doors  in  small  sheltered  kitchens.    A 
washhouse  with  showers  is  essential,  and  pit  latrines  may 
be  provided  near  the  living  units.   Use  of  such  facilities  is 
intended   largely  for   short  terms,   generally  one   or  two 
weeks,  by  each  group. 

3.  Primitive  type  of  camp.  The  only  permanent  facilities 
in  this  type  of  camp  may  be  a  washhouse  and  toilets.   The 
campers,  in  small  groups  of  twelve  to  twenty-four,  bring  in 
their  own  camp  equipment  and  do  their  own  cooking. 

4.  Provision  for  day  camping.    Day  camping  requires 
very  simple  facilities.   Shelter  from  rain,  safe  water,  toilets, 
and  cooking  facilities  are  all  that  are  essential.    If  the  day 
camp  groups  can  be  divided  into  groups  of  eight  to  sixteen, 
which  have  their  own  camp  area,  basic  requirements  are 
met.   The  most  desirable  physical  asset  of  the  day  camp  is 
an  area  rich  in  outdoor  program  possibilities. 

CAMP  STANDARDS.  Several  types  of  efforts  to  improve 
camp  practices,  both  in  program  and  in  health  and  safety, 
are  now  under  way.  First,  states  have  established  regula- 
tions, particularly  in  the  field  of  health  and  safety,  with 
state  boards  of  health  and  state  welfare  departments  having 
assumed  the  major  responsibility. 

Second,  camp  operators  have  developed  standards.  Each 
of  the  major  national  youth  agencies  has  set  up  standards 
for  its  own  camps  which  have  raised  the  level  of  program, 
leadership,  and  health  and  safety  practices.  The  American 
Camping  Association  at  its  1948  national  convention  adopt- 
ed a  set  of  minimum  standards  and  asked  for  voluntary 
compliance  on  the  part  of  its  members.  The  standards  of 
the  American  Camping  Association  are  concerned  with  the 
following  aspects  of  camping:  program;  personnel;  camp 
sites,  facilities  and  equipment;  administration;  health;  san- 
itation ;  and  safety.  Although,  up  to  the  present,  no  method 
of  compulsory  compliance  with  standards  has  been  devel- 
oped, the  emphasis  on  improving  practices  has  raised  the 
level  of  camping.  Copies  of  these  standards  may  be  secured 
from  the  American  Camping  Association,  343  South  Dear- 
born Street,  Chicago,  Illinois. 

A  third  means  of  improving  camp  practices  has  been 
through  education.  Leadership  training  courses  in  colleges 
and  universities,  short-term  institutes,  pre-camp  training, 
and  various  types  of  camping  meetings  and  conferences 
have  all  contributed  to  this  end. 

The  state  parks  have  had  an  important  place  in  improving 


This  is  a  scene  of  the  dining  hall  at  Versailles  State  Park 
in  Indiana.  Many  types  of  camp  facilities  are  to  be  found 
in  nearly  all  of  the  state  parks  at  the  present  time. 


practices.  They  have  insisted  on  certain  minimum  standards 
of  administration,  safety,  and  leadership  on  the  part  of  or- 
ganizations using  their  facilities.  They  have  also  helped 
through  the  participation  of  their  personnel  in  leadership 
training  programs  and  in  workshops  and  conferences. 

GROWING  FIELDS  OF  CAMPING.  One  of  the  rapidly 
expanding  fields  in  America  today  is  that  of  outdoor  educa- 
tion and  school  camping.  These  include  several  types  of  out- 
door experiences;  but  those  with  which  state  parks  are  chiefly 
concerned  are  field  trips,  day  camping,  and  resident  camp- 
ing. In  Michigan,  which  has  probably  developed  school 
camping  further  than  any  other  state,  the  State  Board  of 
Education  has  worked  closely  with  the  Department  of  Parks 
in  the  development  of  the  program,  and  park  facilities  have 
been  used  by  many  school  projects.  Florida,  too,  is  de- 
veloping extensive  park  use  on  the  part  of  the  schools.  In 
other  states,  such  as  Indiana  and  New  York,  state  park  facil- 
ities have  been  used  to  a  limited  extent  by  the  schools. 

Municipal  recreation  departments  are  also  making  use 
of  state  parks  for  day  camp  purposes.  If  state  parks  are 
located  fairly  near  large  centers  of  population,  they  are  well 
adapted  to  use  as  day  camps,  with  campers  being  brought 
to  the  parks  for  the  day  and  taken  home  to  spend  the  night. 
Day  camping  in  America  has  been  growing  rapidly;  and 
schools,  youth  agencies,  and  municipal  recreation  depart- 
ments are  all  concerned  with  finding  proper  areas  for  day 
camp  programs. 

SPECIAL  PROBLEMS  OF  CAMPING  IN  STATE 
PARKS.  The  desire  of  camping  organizations,  schools,  and 
parents  for  expanded  camp  facilities  and  services  in  state 
parks  opens  an  opportunity  for  service  but  also  presents  a 
number  of  problems.  There  are  differences  of  opinion  re- 
garding these  problems;  and  what  follows  is  the  personal 
point  of  view  of  the  author  after  talking  with  many  state  park 
leaders. 

1.  How  far  should  state  parks  go  in  expanding  camp 
facilities  and  services?  It  is  doubtful  if  organized  camps 
should  be  established  at  all  in  small  parks.  In  large  parks 
it  is  desirable  that  camp  facilities  be  established  away  from 
the  centers  of  other  activities.  In  some  cases,  youth  organi- 


JANUARY  1953 


455 


zations  may  be  encouraged  to  secure  property  adjacent  to 
state  parks  for  their  camps,  so  that  they  use  the  park  for 
certain  activities. 

2.  A  state  park  system  needs  on  its  staff  someone  well 
acquainted  with  camping  who  can  assume  responsibility  for 
camp  developments  and  who  can  allocate  their  use.    Such 
a  person  should  work  closely  with  groups  in  the  state  inter- 
ested in  improving  the  quality  of  camping. 

3.  State  park  personnel  can  .I-M-I  in  leadership  training 
for  camping.   Education,  in  how  to  understand,  enjoy,  and 
properly  use  the  camp  en\  ironmiMit.  might  well  be  the  major 


A 


contribution  of  state  park  naturalists  and  other  staff  mem- 
bers to  the  camp  program. 

4.  One  of  the  problems  relative  to  camp  facilities  is  that 
of  their  proper  allocation.  Minnesota  has  worked  out  a 
priority  list  for  the  granting  of  use  of  its  camp  facilities 
Highest  priority  is  given  to  those  groups  serving  physically 
or  financially  handicapped  children.  Organizations  finan- 
cially able  to  do  so  should  be  encouraged  to  develop  their 
own  facilities,  leaving  the  park  facilities  to  groups  finan- 


cially unable  to  develop  their  own.  Priority  should  also  be 
given  to  groups  with  sound  |>rogram>  which  will  make  the 
best  educational  and  recreational  use  of  the  facilil, 

5.  Should  state  park  camp  facilities  be  completely  main- 
tained and  developed  from  fees  charged?    This  question 
is  debatable.   A  fee  should  be  charged  to  care  for  the  ba>ic 
maiiitftiuii)  •<•  costs,  but  organizations  needing  the  facilities 
most  would  be  handicapped  if  the  fee  were  high. 

6.  One  of  the  trends  in  camping  is  in  the  direction  of 
more  "real  camping."  Several  states  have  been  experiment- 
ing  with   the   setting  aside  of  special   restricted  areas   in 
which  organized  camp  groups  under  leadership  may  carry 
on  limited  programs  using  natural  materials. 

In  conclusion  it  should  be  said  that  the  demand  for  camp 
facilities  and  services  in  state  parks  is  at  present  much 
greater  than  the  ability  of  parks  to  meet  the  demand.  The 
camping  movement  is  growing  rapidly,  and  there  is  e\ci\ 
reason  to  believe  that  it  will  continue  to  do  so.  The  increase 
in  camping  by  public  agencies  has  a  relationship  to  state 
parks. 

State  parks  have  an  important  contribution  to  make  in 
helping  to  raise  the  standard  of  camping  practice,  in  teach- 
ing proper  use  of  outdoor  areas,  in  developing  an  under- 
standing and  appreciation  of  the  world  of  nature,  and  in 
providing  areas  and  facilities  to  groups  which  might  not 
otherwise  be  able  to  camp.  These  are  kinds  of  services  to 
which,  in  my  opinion,  state  parks  are  dedicated. 


lilriiin  II.  lliissii1  l-ln Inl 


Chairman 
\PW  York 
Trust  Company 


Adrian  M.  Maseie.  who  has  been  nerving  with  ili-iim- 
lii.n  as  treasurer  and  member  of  the  Finance  Committee  of 
tin-  National  Recreation  Association  for  six  years,  and 
whose  acli\e  interest  and  participation  in  the  association's 
work  gCH-»  luck  much  further,  ha*  heen  elected  hoard  chair- 
man and  chief  executive  officer  of  the  New  York  Trust  Corn- 
pan).  New  'I  ..ik  (  ilv. 

It  in  appropriate  that  Mr.  Mamie  should  be  heading  one 
of  the  iih. -I  important  I. .ink-  m  the  Metropolis,  for  the  first 
|..\i-  of  In-  whole  business  career  has  been  banking.  A 
graduate  of  Yale  I  imci-iu.  .  Ian*  of  1919,  he  served  for 
two  vc.ir-  in  the  firm  of  Oavirs,  Thomas  and  Company, 
then  ten  \ears  with  tin-  Hank  .if  \m.-ricn  and  two  year*  with 
the  City  Hank  I  .inn.  i-  I  m-t  I  oinpany,  as  an  assistant  \  \<  <•• 


president.  His  next  step,  in  19.'H.  look  him  to  the  New 
York  Trust  Company  where  he  served  as  the  vice-president 
in  charge  of  investments.  In  1945  he  was  elected  a  director 
of  the  bank  and.  in  194').  executive  vice-president,  which 
position  he  held  until  his  present  promotion. 

Mr.  Massie  has  always  been  interested  in  education.  He 
scrxe»  on  the  Itoanl  of  Tni-lee*  at  Columbia  I  ni\ei-it\. 
and  on  the  Board  of  Overseers  at  Sweet  Briar  College,  and 
for  nine  years  was  a  member  of  the  faculty  of  the  Graduate 
School  of  Banking  at  Rutgers  University. 

Another  major  interest  of  Mr.  Massie  is  insurance.  He 
is  a  director  in  the  Bankers  and  Shippers  Insurance  Com- 
pany, Commonwealth  Insurance  Company,  Homeland  In- 
surance Company,  Jersey  Insurance  Company,  Mercantile 
Insurance  Company  and  Pacific  Fire  Insurance  Company. 
He  is  also  a  member  of  the  United  States  Board  of  the  North 
British  and  Mercantile  Insurance  Company.  His  industrial 
directorships  include  Webb  and  Knapp.  Incorporated,  and 
tin-  Mot; ii  \  I  le,  tncal  Sled  Company. 

A  resident  of  Rye,  New  York,  Mr.  Massie  serves  the 
neighboring  community  of  Portchester  as  vice-president 
and  chairman  of  the  Kndowment  Fund  Committee  of  the 
I  nited  Hospital  of  Portchester. 

I  IK-  friends  and  admirers  of  Adrian  M.  Massie — a  world- 
wide i  n.  Ic  of  them  including  many  who  are  familiar  with 
his  outstanding  scivi.c-  to  ih.-  N.iti..n;il  Itcrrcation  Asso- 
eiation.  are  gratified  over  the  New  V.rk  Trust  Company's 
splendid  and  well  descixcd  recognition  of  Mr.  Massir's 
I.  i.l.  i-lii|.  in  the  field  of  banking  and  finam  e. 


156 


RECREATION 


Stephen  Baker 


skim; 


The  ski  tow  in  operation  at  Old   Silver  Mine,  in  Harrison  State  Park, 
is    but    a    few    miles    outside    of    the    city    and    is    easily     accessible. 


THtE  NOTION  that  New  Yorkers,  to  a  man,  spend  their 
winter  week  ends  walking  in  Times  Square,  standing 
at  cocktail  parties,  or  sitting  in  night  clubs,  is  false.  Just 
scratch  one  of  them  and  more  than  likely  you'll  find  a  coun- 
try boy,  or  girl,  whose  heart  is  in  the  highlands — especially 
when  the  snow  is  right. 

If  this  weren't  true,  would  the  New  York  newspapers 
print  reports  on  snow  conditions  from  November  through 
March?  Would  one  of  the  city's  biggest  department  stores. 
Macy's,  hire  a  lot  of  personable  clerks  to  stand  beneath  a 
brilliantly-lit  ski  map  and  answer  questions  on  where  the 
skiing  is  best?  Would  Grand  Central  Station  bend  over 
backwards  to  provide  information  twenty-four  hours  a  day 
during  the  season? 

New  Yorkers  are  skiers,  all  right.  Of  the  four  hun- 
dred or  so  registered  ski  clubs  in  the  United  States,  forty- 
five  have  their  headquarters  right  in  Manhattan.  And  the 
retail  business  in  skis,  waxes  and  the  proper  clothes  is 
enormous. 

There  is  the  celebrated  case  of  the  big  blizzard  of  Decem- 
ber, 1947,  when  the  snow  fell  two  and  a  half  feet  deep  in 
the  city  streets  and  brought  commerce  practically  to  a  halt. 
The  event  precipitated  a  civic  holiday,  part  of  which  was 
a  rash  of  skiing  parties.  People  by  the  hundreds  went  skiing 
up  Fifth  Avenue  and  Broadway,  thumbing  their  noses  at 
the  stalled  buses  and  cars.  Nobody  had  suspected  before 
that  there  were  so  many  pairs  of  skis  stowed  in  apartment 
closets. 

New  Yorkers  don't  wait  for  the  once-in-a-blue-moon 
blizzard  to  do  in-city  skiing  during  the  middle  of  the  week, 
however.  There  is  a  bit  of  a  knoll  in  Central  Park  that 
lends  itself  to  practice  of  snowplows  and  stem  turns  when 
a  few  inches  of  snow  are  on  it.  A  hill  of  that  size  wouldn't 
look  like  more  than  an  ant  hill  in  the  country,  but  in  the 
center  of  Manhattan,  to  the  hordes  of  ski-hungry  urbanites, 
it  looks  like  a  minor  Alp.  and  after  a  light  snowfall  some  of 
the  people  who  work  in  the  vicinity  bring  their  skis  to  work 
and  practice  during  lunch  hour.  And  Van  Courtlandt  Park. 

JANUARY  1953 


at  the  north  end  of  the  city,  is  practically  Manhattan's  Sun 
Valley  for  those  who  can't  leave  town. 

On  the  week  end,  of  course,  the  Manhattan  skiers  really 
get  down  to  business.  You  see  them  trying  to  maneuver 
their  hickories  in  the  subway  at  rush  hour  in  order  to  get 
to  Grand  Central  for  the  trains  going  north.  Even  in  the 
weird  hours  of  Saturday  morning — at  two,  let  us  say — they 
will  be  at  the  terminal  in  their  ski  pants,  sweaters  and  clumsy 
boots  waiting  to  rattle  off  to  upper  New  York  or  the  New  Eng- 
land states.  And  plenty  of  the  north-bound  automobiles  on 
Fridays  and  Saturdays  have  several  pairs  of  skis  on  the 
racks  on  top. 

Skiers  in  the  New  York  region  probably  have  more 
choice  of  places  to  go  than  their  co-enthusiasts  anywhere 
else  in  the  country.  There  are  fifty  skiing  developments 
within  a  radius  of  150  miles.  New  England  has  275  tows  and 
in  northern  New  England  there  are  1500  miles  of  specially 
constructed  ski  trails. 

These  trails  don't  offer  the  kind  of  skiing  you  get  in  the 
Rockies,  the  long  downhill  runs  on  the  open  slopes.  They 
demand  a  different  sort  of  technique,  conditioned  by  the 
narrow  paths  between  trees  and  demanding  sharp  turns 
and  fancy  corkscrew  twists.  But  on  the  other  hand,  there 
are  certain  comforts  more  easily  come  by  in  the  East,  such 
as  more  fast  lifts,  J-bars,  T-bars,  a  skimobile  and  aerial 
tramways. 

There  is  also  a  wealth  of  fun  at  almost  every  turn — 
plenty  of  places  along  the  trail  to  get  something  hot  to 
drink,  square  dances,  sleigh  rides  and  all  manner  of  lodges 
where  people  can  dry  their  mittens  and  socks  and  just 
sit  around. 

Naturally,  there  are  many  New  Yorkers  who  think  the 
weekend  trek  up-country  is  a  bore,  or  foolishness,  or  both. 
But  the  skiers  aren't  on  the  defensive.  They  get  back  on 
Monday  morning  feeling  like  a  million  bucks  and  wait  for 
Friday  again.  And  every  Friday  there  are  more  of  them. 


Reprinted  with  permission  from  Ford  Times.  December,  1951. 


457 


RECREATION  and  the  Richer  Life 


From  a  Talk  by  Dr.  Henrietta  A.  R.  Anderson 
at  the  34th  National  Recreation  Congress 


'NE  CAN  hardly  pick  up  the  paper  today  without  being 
very  distressed  at  some  of  the  reading.  Here  I  have  a  cut- 
ting from  one  of  our  own  papers  with  a  large  type  head- 
ing, "American  Democracy  Held  to  be  in  a  State  of  Rot." 
Now  that  might  be  jaundiced  thinking,  but  after  all  it 
wasn't  made  by  any  Tom,  Dick  or  Harry.  It  was  made  by  a 
gentleman  named  Dr.  Richard  Postom,  Community  Con- 
sultant, Bureau  of  Community  Development,  University  of 
Washington,  in  an  address  to  a  group  of  welfare  workers. 
Much  that  he  says  will  bear  thinking  upon.  He  said,  "The 
decline  of  local  community  vitality  is  sapping  the  life 
-tn-npth  from  our  democratic  heritage."  And  again,  "Pri- 
vate business  is  beginning  to  realize  that  a  hundred  million 
dollars  in  advertising  the  free  enterprise  system  is  not  worth 
a  thin  dime  itself."  Thirdly.  "All  pmfe— inn-  which  deal 
with  social  and  community  ptobltOM  iiiu-l  recognize  that 
problems  are  not  something  separate  from  the  community 
—but  part  of  it." 

Another  article  from  the  Tacoma  News  Tribune  is  headed 
the  "Age  of  Squat  and  Look."  It  says,  "Trade  your  piano 
as  a  down  payment  on  a  television  set.  Try  to  tell  a  boy 
and  girl  about  the  delight*  of  a  taffy  pull  and  you'll  be 
looked  at  as  though  you  were  slightly  queer.  Co  on  to  tell 
him  what  fun  you  had  »n  \<«\-j.  walks  through  the  count  i\ 
mul  he'll  know  you  are  nut-." 

I  am  a  little  bit  afraid  that  all  of  llii-  is  nut  wrong.  .m<l 
while  we  like  I..  -|x-;ik  rathrr  scathingly  of  some  of  the  old 
days  with  those  old.  n»w  mit-umded.  \iiiu. -:  perhaps  all 
i-n't  |ii-l  .1-  well  with  the  world  today  as  it  might  l» 

I  think  I  would  put  it  this  way.    K\cn  if  the*-  thin 
not  IMH-.  p.-ili.ip«  the  w..i-i   fc.ihin-  that  ha-  en-pi  through 
our  North  American  chriUution  today   is  a  toleration   ,.f 
e\il.    We  don't  shudder  at  evil  a*  we  did  m.m\   \ears  ago. 

DM.  ANDERSON,  a  teacher  for  many  years,  ucu  an  organizing 
director  of  Greater  Victoria   (B.C.)   Rri-rrntum   Council. 


We  are  apt  to  be  a  little  too  tolerant.  You  see  we  are  living 
in  what  one  might  call  a  "so-what"  age.  "All  right,  th<-\ 
did  this  or  they  did  that;  so  what?"  But  it  can  be  a  \er\ 
dangerous  policy.  Another  educationist  speaking  to  me  of 
punctuality  said,  "He  was  late  two  or  three  times  thi- 
month;  all  right,  so  what!  You  know,  Dr.  Anderson,  you 
and  I  made  a  fetish  of  punctuality.''  I  am  jolly  glad  that 
I  grew  up  in  an  age  where  we  did.  I  still  think  it  is  a 
mighty  important  thing. 

I  think  maybe,  when  we  threw  overboard  some  of  these 
things,  we  were  a  little  too  hasty.  You  know  the  an-wer  i- 
always  somewhere  in  the  middle.  We  speak  of  the  "good 
old  days,  when — 

"There  was  no  income  tax,  no  cigarette  tax,  no  road  tax, 
no  sales  tax,  no  luxury  tax,  no — tax. 

"There  was  no  old  age  pension,  no  health  sen  l<  <-~.  no  so- 
cial welfare;  only  the  pootfaoun. 

"Girls  of  fourteen  were  strangers  to  lipstick  and  were 
girls  of  fourteen. 

"Crippled  children  remained  '  i  ipplcd.  llie  Mind  knew  not 
Braille,  and  orphans  were  strays  of  the  storm." 

So  you  see  there  are  always  the  two  sides,  and  tin-  an-wei 
is  always  some\\  lien-  in  the  middle. 

Hut  thi-  toleration  of  e\  il  i-  soiiiclhin;.'  we  might  think 
a  bit  about.  One  man  puts  it  this  way.  He  said  one  of  tin- 
saddest  featme-  of  moil. -in  i. pel  .it  in::  i-  the  l.n  k  ..f  til' 
wood-lied  and  tin-  absence  of  the  hairbrush.  There  is  some- 
thing in  th.it.  \\  e  are  at  this  crossroad. 

We  are  al-o  -ulleiing  to  -mm-  extent  from  the  well. in 
state.  Now.  don't  misiindei-land  me.  Mm  h  in  tin-  welfare 
stale  is  good,  but  it  also  goes  too  far.  .  .  . 

(.hinting  .mother  authoiiu  who  must  speak  with  -nine 
i  nn\ii  tii.n.  F-'ield  Marshall  Sir  William  Slim.  Chief  of  Bri- 
tain'- Imperial  (.cm  i.il  N.ilT.  said  tod.i\.  "I  In  i lei  n  wel- 
fare Mate  may  have  lots  of  advantage-,  but  it's  not  gm.d  fm 
The  modern  youth  has  not  been  taught  to  look 


after  himself — he  never  looks  more  than  one  hundred  feet 
across  a  city  street  or  from  the  back  seat  of  the  cinema. 
Therefore,  he  has  to  be  taught  when  he  comes  into  the  army 
to  be  a  practical  unit  in  himself,  observant,  able  to  look 
after  himself,  and  confident  of  his  weapons." 

Now,  what  has  this  to  do  with  recreation  and  the  richer 
or  fuller  life?  Simply  this:  As  long  as  we  have  these  weak- 
nesses, we  aren't  living  a  really  rich,  full  life.  Unless  we 
are  developing  all  facets  of  our  personality,  and  are  as- 
suming some  degree  of  responsibility,  we  are  definitely  not 
living  the  richer,  fuller  life.  In  the  field  of  recreation,  to 
that  end,  I  would  like  to  make  one  or  two  specific  pleas. 
Reverting  to  the  press  again,  here  we  have  Dr.  A.  S.  Lamb, 
an  eminent  gentleman  associated  with  the  Health  League 
of  Canada,  a  Director  of  the  Department  of  Physical  Edu- 
cation and  Athletics  at  McGill  University,  Montreal,  and 
conceivably  a  person  to  whom  it  might  be  all  right  to  listen. 
He  says,  "Intensive  competition,  the  desire  to  win  and  gate 
receipts  are  masking  our  vision  as  to  the  more  important 
functions  which  sprout,  and  which  recreation  should  serve. 
It  is  our  responsibility  to  see  that  the  many  thousands  of 
boys  and  girls  who  want  to  play  for  the  love  of  it,  have  the 
opportunity  to  do  so.  It  is  our  obligation  to  see  that  par- 
ticipation receives  its  proper  emphasis,  rather  than  passive 
observation  or  spectatoritis.  That  would  be  sanity  in  sport. 
The  values  of  sport  are  no  longer  values  unless  they  live 
with  us  in  all  our  relationships.  The  rules  of  the  game  are 
the  rules  of  life." 

I  think  that  these  things  should  make  us  stop  and  wonder 
if  we  are  handling  this  sports  angle  from  a  sane  and  sound 
background.  Are  we  placing  proper  emphasis?  Are  we 
paying  enough  attention  to  hobbies?  A  gentleman  well 
known  in  Canada  and  not  unknown  in  this  country,  J.  B. 
Priestly,  said  over  the  radio  the  other  day  that  you  can 
take  any  little  English  village  and  you  will  find  more  hob- 
bies in  it  than  you  will  in  the  whole  North  American  Con- 
tinent. That  is  very  apt  to  be  true.  He  said,  "You  know 
that  Napoleon  said  that  we  were  a  nation  of  shopkeepers, 
we  British,  but  we  are  not.  We  are  a  nation  of  hobbyists,  a 
nation  of  dog-fanciers,  and  bird  catchers,  and  so  on.  .  .  ." 
I  have  a  hunch,  to  use  the  slang  expression,  that  is  what 
took  the  British  through  the  blitz;  their  ability  to  enjoy 
those  simple  things  of  life.  The  battles  of  Britain  may  have 
been  won  on  the  playing  fields  of  Eaton,  but  I  am  dead 
sure  the  blitz  wasn't  won  there. 

Another  terribly  important  thing  that  we  have  to  bring 
back  is  this  business  of  the  sense  of  responsibility.  You 
know  we  are  living  in  an  age  of  handouts.  It's  appalling 
what  is  handed  out  to  youngsters  today.  If  they  are  not 
able  to  stand  on  their  own  feet,  that  is  the  reason.  That  is 
the  reason  for  much  of  the  vandalism  in  our  parks.  Peo- 
ple don't  destroy  what  they  build  with  their  own  hands  or 
pay  for  out  of  their  own  pockets.  We  have  to  get  back  to 
the  state  where  people  did  and  made  things  for  themselves, 
appreciated  them  and  took  care  of  them. 

We  have  a  long  way  to  go  yet  in  the  matter  of  community 
spirit.  Community  centers  are  doing  a  wonderful  job,  but 
we  haven't  yet  gotten  to  the  bottom  of  the  resources  of  the 

JANUARY  1953 


community.  The  community  is  full  of  agencies  that  we 
haven't  even  used.  The  music  teachers,  the  churches,  the 
service  clubs  we  do  use,  but  there  are  all  sorts  of  groups 
that  we  just  haven't  begun  to  use  at  all. 

Then,  something  sooner  or  later  must  be  done  about  dis- 
cipline. How  are  people  going  to  grow  up  to  discipline 
themselves  if  they  are  not  disciplined  in  youth? 

I  read  somewhere  recently  that  youth  today  is  given  over 
to  the  three  R's.  They  used  to  be  reading,  writing  and 
'rithmetic.  They  say  they  are  now  rhythm,  recreation  and 
refreshments.  They  are  three  good  things;  but  I  would 
like  to  replace  them  with  recreation,  responsibility  and  re- 
vival; a  revival  of  all  that  is  worthwhile  in  life,  a  continual 
pointing  of  the  young  to  those  things. 

What  has  all  this  to  do  with  you  individually  as  a  rec- 
reation director?  Where  do  you  fit  in,  in  the  richer,  fuller 
life?  Obviously,  if  you  aren't  yourself  enjoying  a  richer, 
fuller  life,  you  can't  pass  it  on  to  the  children,  can  you? 
There  are  too  few  people  today  enjoying  life.  At  supper 
tonight,  I  said  to  somebody,  "I  wish  there  weren't  so  many 
people  in  the  world  today  who  obviously  hate  their  jobs." 
That  is  pitiful. 

I  think  that  you  must  love  people;  you  must  really  love 
people — just  like  to  work  with  them,  put  up  with  all  their 
little  idiosyncrasies,  look  and  see  the  best  in  them — of  all 
ages. 

You  must  make  a  sensible  budgeting  of  your  time.  It 
isn't  at  all  to  your  credit  to  stand  up  and  announce  that 
you  are  hurried  from  morning  to  night;  that  you  have  no 
leisure;  that  you  don't  even  see  your  family.  Now,  that 
isn't  creditable.  It  is  just  bad  budgeting.  You  won't  stand 
up,  and  you  won't  be  able  to  stand  here  when  you  are 
as  old  as  I  am  and  boast  about  your  health,  because  you 
probably  won't  be  here.  Do  budget  your  time  sensibly  so 
that  you  relieve  the  wear  and  tear,  and  don't  expend  your- 
self ruthlessly  and  needlessly  because  you  only  are  lessen- 
ing your  value.  You  must  somehow,  if  you  haven't  already, 
work  round  to  a  solid,  philosophical  base. 

We  have  almost  conquered  matter.  We  have  conquered 
everything  but  ourselves.  That  is  the  one  thing  needful.  We 
still  have  that  to  do.  It  is  a  life  job,  it  is  part  of  our  edu- 
cation. 

I  am  going  to  close  with  lines  from  a  poem  by  Mr.  Louis 
Untermeyer,  which  have  always  seemed  to  me  to  be  a  de- 
scription of  the  kind  of  person  that  a  teacher  or  a  recrea- 
tion worker  should  be: 

Ever  insurgent  let  me  be; 
Make  me  more  daring  than  devout; 
From  sleek  contentment  keep  me  free, 
And  fill  me  with  a  buoyant  doubt. 

Open  my  eyes  to  visions  girt 
With  beauty,  and  with  wonder  lit — 
But  let  me  always  see  the  dirt, 
And  all  that  spawn  and  die  in  it. 

Open  my  ears  to  music;  let 

Me  thrill  with  spring's  first  flutes  and  drums — • 

But  never  let  me  dare  forget 

The  bitter  ballads  of  the  slums. 

From  compromise  and  things  half-done, 
Keep  me,  with  stern  and  stubborn  pride; 
And  when,  at  last,  the  fight  is  won, 
God,  keep  me  still  unsatisfied. 


459 


Ill-  p.  r-.imu  I.  of  ihe  l.luar- 
I.  r ni.i-i,  r '-  Rrmouiil  Sta- 
tion, pul  un  -|,<  ,  i.il  -linv>-  for 
our  .  lolilr.  M  free  of  rhargr. 


Doris    \\  ori-ell    Barth 


OVER  an  eighty-mile  diameter,  bounded  on 
the  north  by  mountains,  on  the  south  and  west  by 
ocean,  and  east  by  towns  which  in  turn  reach  past  Orange 
grove.  |,.  (I,,.  de-.-M.  I.,,-  \nL'e|e-  pie-rnt-  p  i,  ,1,1,  -in-  ,,f.  and 
possibilities  for,  recreation  not  found  in  more  compact 
areas.  In  line  with  the  growing  tendency  to  use  school 
buildings  and  facilities  for  recreational  purposes  outside  of 
school  In,  in-,  tlir  idea  developed  in  this  community  that 
school  buses  also  should  not  stand  idle  all  summer  but 
should  be  used  for  the  expansion  of  recreation  horizons. 

Their  use  for  rn  re.ili,,n  puip,,-,--  wa-  llieiefore  inaugu- 
rated as  part  of  the  Youth  Services  program  of  tin-  l.o- 
Angeles  City  Board  of  Kduralion  during  tin-  summer  <>f 
I'MT.  \  iiilin^  w.i-  -'•'  ill'-,  I  from  the  i.,unl\  i  oun-,-1  |.,  the 

•  •If.-.  I    lll.lt.    IrgalK.    III!-,--    i  olllll    In-    l|-i'd    f,,I     lilli.llioll    |i|-|>- 

grams  sp«.n-..r,-cl  l,\   tin-  I..  '  h,n,|   Di-liiet. 

\  l.inL-i-t  f.,i  thi-  purpo-e  wa-  approved  l>y  thr  board  ,>f 
eduralion  and  four  l.u-e-  w,-i,-  .1  —  ignrd  for  the  -imimrr 
month*  on  an  exjx-iiiiK-nt.il  l,a-i-  I  .n-h  lui-  wa»  !••  !•<•  in 

•  h.ii-r  ,,f  .in  .-\,  ur-i"M  dire,  tin  a  —  i-le<|  In  adult  \oluni 
—  onr  for  r\rr\  li-n  i  hildrrn  who  went  mi  thr  trip. 

Trip*  were  scheduled  t..  tin-  loaches  and  mountains.  At 
thr  L>«  i'it\  Mmiii  i|ial  Rr<  n-al  ion  Department 

•ill..   Ib-iirh.   there  is  safe  nwinuning   in«idr  the   lir,  .ik 

\I  riloR  M  .ili/wvi  nof  ,>/  )  nuth  >'Vi/<r>.  Itnniiin  nf  Ulr- 
mtntnr  >  t'.ilui-almn  o\  Lot  An$elet  City  Board  of  Education. 


water  under  lifeguard  supervision,  and  the  Marine  Museum 
offers  an  opportunity  for  the  study  of  marine  life.  Crab 
hunting  and  fishing,  as  well  as  looking  for  sholls.  can  add 
to  the  day's  fun.  Hardly  a  trip  passed  that  a  star  fish  or 
other  fish  did  not  go  with  a  rhild  on  the  homeward  journey. 
On  every  trip  there  was  at  least  one  child  and  often  more 
who  had  never  seen  the  ocean  although  it  is  .,nl\  twenty- 
Cue  mile-  from  the  !.«,-  \iiiielo  (!il\  Hall.  One  little  -;irl 
repeated!)  went  to  the  director  with  the  word*.  "I-  thi- 
really  and  trul\  the  IVilie  Ocean?"  As  other  beach  areas 
were  developed  by  I-os  Angeles  City  and  I^os  Angrle- 
County  Park  and  Recreation  Department-.  Xuma  Hrach  on 
I'.H  id,  Coast  Highway  and  Alondra  Park  were  added  to 
the  ilinriaiN. 

Mountain  de-linalion>.  on  thr  other  hand.  ..tiered  .1 
variety  of  scenri\  from  a  mountain  brook  to  pine  trees 
whirl)  grow  al»>\e  the  (i.IMM)  foot  Irvel.  Heie  again  it  w.i- 
the  fii-(  experien,  e  for  man\  children  and  it  wa-  inlerolin;.- 
I,,  w.ileh  their  prolilrm  of  adjustment-  theii  anvietie-  t,, 
not  grt  loo  far  from  the  lni-r».  llicii  one  familiar  i  "iila,  I 
with  ,  il\  life  a*  the\  km-w  it.  Thrir  lark  of  uml'T>landing 
and  appre,  ialion  of  their  surroundings,  owing  I"  tin 
strangeness  of  the  -ilualion.  wa-  r\  ident  on  fir  -I  tiip- 
llowr\rr.  .1  deliinte  i.iri\-"M-i  wa-  noli-d  in  that  it  was 
found  <  hildren  per-n.ided  llr-ir  paienl-  t,,  \i-it  these  same 
i,.  national  'i,  ,  the  I.,,-  \ngi-le-  Til\  ><  hool 

Di-lii't    i-   -pread   out    "\er    -,.me    7.V)   square   mile-    from 


460 


l!n  Ml  \TION 


ocean  to  foothills,  a  definite  effort  was  made  to  take  the 
children  from  the  beach  area  to  the  mountains  and  the  foot- 
hill children  to  the  beach. 

One  purpose  of  the  trips  is  to  acquaint  children  with 
government  parks  and  facilities  which  are  available  free 
to  the  public.  Emphasis  is  placed  on  the  proper  use  and 
care  of  these  facilities.  For  example:  "We  do  not  cut  cor- 
ners on  trails  or  roll  rocks  down  mountains"  or  "We  leave 
picnic  areas  clean — no  loose  papers." 

A  teacher-consultant  in  science  and  nature  study  prepared 
an  altitude  guide  of  flora,  complete  with  leaf  specimens 
which  could  be  found  at  different  altitudes  along  the  bus 
route,  as  well  as  of  geological  information.  This  material 
was  placed  in  the  hands  of  the  excursion  directors  as  inter- 
pretive aids  to  "what  we  see." 

Snow  trips  were  particularly  popular  with  our  southland 
children,  since  many  Californians  (even  adults)  have  never 
been  in  snow  or  experienced  a  snow  storm.  As  one  little 
boy  in  his  "thank  you"  letter  expressed  it,  "We  had  snow 
fights,  we  slid  down  the  hill,  we  had  fun  and  I  wasn't 
ascaird  a  bit  on  the  bus."  His  reference  to  not  being 
"ascaird"  on  the  bus  is  understandable  when  one  thinks 
how  overwhelming  the  first  experience  of  looking  over  the 
edge  of  a  winding  mountain  road  down  into  canyons  sev- 
eral thousand  feet  deep  can  be  to  one  who  is  accustomed  to 
flat  areas.  The  vastness  of  one  range  peering  above  the 
next,  as  far  as  the  eye  can  see,  is  in  itself  an  awesome  sight. 

During  the  early  years  of  recreational  trips,  other  groups 
were  the  recipients  of  the  gracious  hospitality  of  the  Quar- 
termaster's Remount  Station  at  the  Kellogg  Horse  Farm 
in  Pomona.  Laying  aside  their  daily  duties,  the  personnel 
in  charge  waived  the  usual  admission  charge  and  put  on 
special  shows  for  our  children.  One  of  these  was  given  in 
the  driving  rain.  After  months  of  drought,  the  heavens 
suddenly  opened,  letting  forth  a  deluge  reminiscent  of  the 


days  of  Noah's  Ark.  So  while  the  children  sat  snugly  in 
covered  grandstands,  the  Shetland  ponies  skidded  the 
chariot  wheels  through  flying  mud,  amid  excited  cheers, 
and  Arabian  horses  performed  their  acts.  "We  couldn't 
disappoint  all  those  children,"  said  the  major  as  he  left  the 
field  to  change  his  muddy,  soaked  uniform. 

There  is  a  "Days  of  49'ers"  ghost  town  replica  built  on 
the  premises  of  the  famous  Knott's  Berry  Farm.  This  too 
has  been  visited,  and  the  "Sheriff"  had  his  liveliest  day 
since  the  town  was  built  keeping  the  over-curious  from 
over-exploring  interiors  of  wagons  and  other  intriguing 
attractions. 

The  Youth  Services  Section  scheduled  trips  by  school  bus 
to  the  Griffith  Park  Zoo  and  Planitarium,  to  concerts, 
swimming  and  skating  parties,  and  inter-school  play  days, 
as  part  of  the  recreation  program. 

These  trips  have  become  so  popular  that  the  Los  Angeles 
City  Recreation  Department  now  leases  school  buses  for 
similar  trips  for  the  children  attending  the  municipal  play- 
grounds. The  use  of  school  buses  for  recreational  purposes 
also  has  made  possible  the  splendid  day  camping  program 
offered  by  the  elementary  division  of  Youth  Services.  One 
hundred  fifty-eight  children  a  day  from  various  sections  of 
greater  Los  Angeles  are  taken  from  school  playgrounds  to 
Griffith  Park  where  the  day  camp  program  is  held. 

The  safety  factor  of  transportation  of  children  is  of  great 
concern  to  the  Los  Angeles  Board  of  Education  and  its 
employees.  Los  Angeles  school  buses  have  had  an  enviable 
record  of  accident-free  trips.  They  have  transported  nearly 
100,000  children  since  1947,  in  Youth  Services  sponsored 
programs,  without  a  single  injury  enroute.  This  factor 
alone  gives  parents  a  sense  of  security  in  permitting  their 
children  to  participate  in  school  conducted  activities.  This 
fine  transportation  record,  coupled  with  excellent,  alert 
supervision  and  a  challenging  program,  spells  success  for 
this  portion  of  the  Youth  Services  program. 


School  buses  should  not  be  idle  during  the  summer.  Their 
use  for  recreation  purposes  began  in  1947  as  part  of  the 
Youth  Services  program  of  Los  Angeles  City  School  District. 


We  planned  sea  coast  destinations  for  those  children  who 
had  never  seen  the  ocean  and  who  could  not  believe  that 
this  was  the  Pacific,  although  it  is  so  close  to  their  homes. 


JANUARY  1953 


461 


RECREATION  EXECUTIVE 


>  I  am  a  recreation  executive.  That's  what  I  am 
called.  And  1  have  nobody  but  myself  to  blame  for  it.  I 
wanted  to  be  a  locomotive  engineer  or  a  cowboy  but  I 
turned  off  the  track  somewhere,  and  here  I  am.  So  I 
hereby  resolve  to  make  the  best  of  it  and  have  some  fun. 

Executive;  execution;  to  execute.  ...  I  will  not  hang 
the  public,  behead  my  board,  electrocute  the  ideas  of  my 
staff  or  kill  the  program  through  neglect.  I  will  choose 
another  definition:  to  perform,  to  fulfill,  to  complete.  I 
will  try  also  to  learn  (he  meaning  of  recreation  and  figure 
out  how  these  thiii-:*  should  lx-  blended.  This  will  be  my 
project  for  1953. 

Prior  to  becoming  a  recreation  executive  I  was  a  human 
being.  I  had  a  family,  interests  of  my  own.  time  to  my- 
self, privacy,  and  other  good  things  long  since  forgotten. 
I  resolve  that  I  will  try  to  get  some  of  them  back.  In  my 
spare  moments  I  will  practice  saying  the  word  "no." 
gently,  firmly,  convincingly.  I  will  taste  some  of  the  medi- 
cine I  have  been  dispensing  so  lil>erall\  ami  -ce  how  it 
affect*  me.  I  shall  try  to  become  more  a  part  of  my  fam- 
il\.  and  not  l>e  pullt-d  away  from  home  and  children. 

/  resolve  to  pretend,  once  in  awhile,  that  I  am  a  stranger 
in  my  town  and  take  a  fresh  look  at  its  people,  its  politics 
and  its  prejudices.  In  those  moments  I  will  forget  what 
can't  be  done  and  why  and  remember  the  promise  it  once 
hrlil  licforr  I  a«e|.leil  tin-  l-»  al  facN  of  life. 

If  Dnfruntlfti  Taxpayer,  Irate  Mother,  or  Disappoint/id 
-hi.ulti  turn  their  attention-  cl-cwlicre.  I  will  still  remem- 
l.cr  that  tin-  -  •ommiiiiilv  i-  in.nl.-  up  of  individuals  and 
that  my  job  i-  to  cultivate  anil  |n»l-<  I  their  indi\  idualitv 
diirinir  their  lei.nurr.  This  goes  double  for  boys  and  girls 
out  at  thr  military  ramp,  and  realizing  that  their  trans- 
planted roots  rannot  go  down  verv  deep  in  that  -toil.  I  will 
help  our  commiinitv  provide  the  rich  warmth  for  which 
ill-  v  hunger. 

462 


/  resolve  not  to  trod  the  straight  and  narrow  pathway  of 
self-interest  and  single-mindedness.  Instead  I  will  explore 
the  broad  highway  of  community  cooperation.  I  will  seek 
out  comrades  in  other  agencies  like  my  own  and  will  widen 
my  circle  to  include  the  workers  for  housing,  education 
and  social  welfare. 

/  intend  to  repaint  the  welcome  sign  and  cordially  in\  ite 
my  staff  and  those  with  whom  I  work  to  come  into  my 
confidence.  I  shall  seek  to  return  their  calls.  Together  we 
will  share  the  pleasure  of  deciding  where  we  are  going, 
after  we  have  reflected  on  where  we  have  been.  Evaluation 
will  be  a  part  of  our  regular  order  of  business.  Change 
will  be  recognized  as  one  of  the  constants. 

/  re-resolve  to  tighten  up  the  loose  nuts  and  bolts  in  my 
own  machinery.  1  will  delegate  responsibility,  and  not  as 
an  Indian  giver.  I  will  tackle  the  hard  unpleasant  tasks 
lir-l.  I  will  graft  the  thick  skin  around  the  tender  heart.  I 
will  look  up  synonyms  for  those  worn-out  words  in  m\ 
vocabulary.  I  will  glance  in  the  mirror  to  see  if  my  mission 
is  showing  too  much. 

Although  I  often  may  be  caught  performing  the  work 
of  a  clerk,  coach,  plumber,  maintenance  man,  practical 
nurse,  solicitor,  reporter  or  bouncer,  I  know  that  my  job 
is  a  profession  and  I  resolve  to  he  more  professional. 
Aware  that  the  world-wide  recreation  moxcment  is  made 
up  of  many  pait«.  nf  which  my  program  is  one.  1  will  make 
it  contribute  to  the  strength  of  the  whole.  Therefore.  1 
will  dip  ilio«<-  -|iie-tionnaires  out  of  the  wa-teki-ket  and 
answer  them  conseientioii-K.  F  will  get  going  on  those 
i  ..miniMee  assignment-.  I  will  renew  in\  memberships  in 

inv  professional  ami  -ei\  i rganizations.    I  will  parti,  i 

pate  in  the  cmifci  •!  work-hops  and  encourage  inv 

staff  and  associate*  i..  .1..  lik.-wi-e.  I  will  look  out  for 
young  rerruits  and  encourage  them  t..  I. ike  the  path  I  took. 
Mavbc  il  wa-n't  a  wrong  turn  after  all.  It  certainly  has 
Ix-en  fun.  /  rr<i>lr<'  to  krrp  il  that  un\. 

Hi  i  in  Uinv 


tyetvi  4 


RECREATION  PROGRAM  LEADER 


\  I  am  a  recreation  program  leader,  or  at  least  I  think 
I  am  a  leader,  and  I  hope  the  programs  are  recreation. 
Maybe  with  the  New  Year  staring  me  in  the  face  I  had  bet- 
ter take  a  good  close  look.  What  kind  of  leader  am  I  anyway? 
I  know  that  there  are  leaders  and  teachers  who  are  re- 
membered for  years — favorably.  I  can  even  remember  some 
who  treated  me  with  courtesy  and  good  humor  and  patience 
and  understanding.  Am  I  one  of  these?  /  hereby  resolve 


I  am  a  human  being,  and  other  people  are  also  human 
beings.  Do  I  act  like  one  and  do  I  treat  others  as  if  they 
were?  Am  I  aware  of  children  or  members  of  my  groups — 
whatever  age — as  individuals?  Do  I  know  their  interests, 
their  likes  and  dislikes,  their  wants  and  needs?  Am  I  help- 
ing them  live  their  lives — and  am  I  living  my  life?  / 
hereby  resolve 

Have  I  become  mechanical,  perhaps  even  slipshod  and 
thoughtless,  following  blindly  the  lines  of  least  resistance? 
Or  do  I  still  carefully  plan  programs  which  stand  out,  good 
times  that  are  so  attractive  that  no  one  can  resist  them, 
happy  occasions  which  help  establish  new  and  exciting  in- 
terests which  carry  over  into  the  precious  lives  of  those 
who  follow  where  I  lead?  /  hereby  resolve 

Do  I  share  my  program  planning,  remembering  that  the 
more  a  program  calls  upon  its  participants  for  ideas, 
planning  and  leadership,  the  more  effective  it  becomes? 

Do  I  work  with  children  in  a  group  rather  than  with  a 
group  of  children?  There  is  a  difference.  I  shall  open  my 
eyes  and  ears  and  heart,  so  that  I'll  never  neglect  the  shy, 
the  rejected,  the  unruly.  /  hereby  resolve 

Do  I  keep  lots  of  good  new  activity  ideas  and  informa- 
tion at  my  fingertips  and  strive  constantly  to  brush-up  my 
own  leadership  techniques?  Whenever  possible,  I  shall  take 
advantage  of  any  training  opportunities  that  come  my  way 
and  achieve  real  growth  in  my  job.  I'll  stop  making  the 
excuse  that  I  don't  have  time  to  read.  Good  leadership 
standards  will  be  as  familiar  to  me  as  my  own  right  hand, 
and  will  be  used  as  much.  /  hereby  resolve 

Do  I  keep  constantly  in  mind  that,  as  long  as  I  am  a  rec- 

JANUARY  1953 


reation  leader  I  am  a  member  of  a  profession?  And  do  I 
realize  that  one  of  the  characteristics  of  my  profession  is 
service  to  others?  Am  I  keeping  pace  with  the  movement, 
even  if  I  have  to  buy  a  book  or  pamphlet  out  of  my  own 
pocket  once  in  a  while  and  spend  some  of  my  own  time  at 
a  library  digging  out  new  material?  /  hereby  resolve  .  .  . 


I  have  a  boss  who  has  some  problems  himself.  He  needs 
my  help  as  I  need  his — from  time  to  time.  Do  I  take  respon- 
sibility gladly  for  at  least  my  share — and  then  do  something 
about  it?  Do  I  keep  the  boss  well  informed  of  develop- 
ments so  that  he  can  answer  unexpected  questions?  Do  I 
give  the  kind  of  cooperation  up  that  I  expect  to  get  down? 
/  hereby  resolve 

Our  program  is  judged,  our  entire  agency  is  judged,  by 
what  people  see,  whether  they  participate  or  not.  Judging 
is  done  at  unexpected  moments,  not  just  when  all  is  as- 
sembled for  inspection.  And  by  and  large  people  make 
judgments  on  the  basis  of  what  they  see  other  people 
doing.  Am  I  careful  to  help  create  as  good  an  impression 
of  our  program  and  agency  as  I  can  at  all  times,  even  when 
I'm  worn  out?  And  do  my  telephone  voice  and  my  tele- 
phone manner  help  me  out?  /  hereby  resolve 

Hard  as  I  work,  and  I  admit  it,  I  am  only  one  member 
of  a  great  team  of  recreation  workers.  There  is  more  to  do 
than  all  of  us  can  do  right.  Am  I  helping  all  I  can  to  share 
with  other  leaders  what  I  have  learned?  And  does  my 
pride  let  me  learn  a  few  things  once  in  a  while  from  them? 
Am  I  taking  the  fullest  advantage  of  every  opportunity  to 
improve  my  skills?  Am  I  watchful  of  the  ways  I  spend  my 
working  hours?  Do  I  use  as  much  care  in  budgeting  my 
time  as  I  do  my  money?  /  hereby  resolve 

I  am  working  at  one  of  the  important  jobs  of  my  genera- 
tion. Play  hours  are  priceless,  not  so  much  because  they 
are  scarce  as  because  they  are  so  easily  misspent.  Man  was 
not  made  to  work  so  much  as  he  was  made  to  live.  I  have 
an  important  place  in  living.  And  if  I  can,  with  help,  keep 
these  resolutions  I  will  have  an  even  more  important  place. 

463 


Sfatt  4, 


iiiumiu  Hum 


Wm.  Paul  Bricker 


of  the  most  natural  habits  of 
mankind  and  of  many  other  living 
things  is  the  habit  of  collecting.  The 
small  boy  collects  odd  looking  stones, 
toads,  snakes,  and  other  things,  gen- 
erally to  his  mother's  despair.  The 
small  girl  collects  dolls  and  tries  to 
become  a  little  mother.  As  they  grow 
older,  their  collecting  habits  change. 
The  stones  take  a  more  selective  form, 
with  -oniciinie-  an  Indian  arrowhead 
added.  The  toad  gives  way  to  a  pair  of 
goldfish  and  the  dolls  are  supplemented 
1>\  sewing  and  crocheting.  Our  collect- 
ing habits  change  many  times  during 
the  early  years  and,  except  for  that 
period  when  "boy  meets  girl"  and  the 
romance  of  the  young  adult  overpowers 
all  other  interests,  there  is  always  room 
for  gome  interesting  pastime. 

Where  man  differs  from  the  ape  is 
in  applying  intelligence  and  usefulness. 
The  animal  will  collect  anything  that 
attracts  him.  whether  il  has  any  useful 
purpose  or  not.  The  accumulation  of 
nuts  and  other  food  by  squirrels  is  a 
form  of  i  olle<  ting,  but  it  is  primariK  a 
safeguard  against  a  long  winter.  In 
the  same  fashion,  man  saves  nione\ 
against  the  time  uh.  n  lie  will  need  it. 
If  the  money,  that  man  saves,  happens 
to  be  Indian-head  |>erinie..  llien  •  ..llei  I 
in::  l>erome»  a  hohhv. 

A  hobby  can  br  ,m\  tlim-  that  a  man 
will  dti   in  hi-  lei-nre  time  for   relaxa- 
tion  or   plea-ure  to  take  his  mind   oil 
tli-    trial*  and  tril.ulalioiis  of  everyday 
life.      I  In-    dive,  -I..M    i  .in   take   s. 
fonro— collet-ling,  games.  -p. 
li\e  work,  and  other«.    At  len«t  one  of 
theae  forms  is   indulged   in   l>\    m-.irK 
e\i-r\one  .it  «o?n'-  |n-rioil  in  his  life 


the  form  adopted  depends  on  the  phy- 
sical and  mental  make-up  of  the  person 
involved. 

Everyone  thinks  that  his  own  pet 
hobby  is  the  best  and  often  belittles  the 
other  fellow's.  The  tennis  player  can't 
figure  out  why  anyone  would  hit  a 
little  white  ball  all  around  a  lot  of 
acreage  with  a  long  stick.  The  bridge 
fiend  scorns  the  canasta  addict.  The 
antique  collector  considers  stamp  col- 
lecting a  waste  of  time.  This  could  go 
on  and  on,  but  they  all  have  one  thing 
in  common  —  they  are  hobbyists.  One 
of  the  most  pitiful  sights  is  that  of 
someone  without  anything  to  do  after 
punching  the  time  clock  at  five  P.M. 
You  may  say  that  the  movies,  tele- 
vision, prize  fights,  baseball,  and  so  on 
answer  this  need  for  something  to  do, 
but  you  are  wrong  since  these  diver- 
sions are  mass  entertainment  in  whieh 
your  participation  is  passive-amuse- 
ment at  no  expense  to  your  brain  and 
energy. 

Everyone  should  have  a  personal 
hobby  and  it  is  not  haphazardly  that 
doctors  prescribe  such  a  thing  for  the 
overwrought,  overworked,  business 
man.  This  might  give  you  the  idea 
that  the  care  and  feeding  of  a  hobby 
horse  is  a  rich  man's  pastime.  This  is 
far  from  the  ease.  You  mav  not  l>e 
able  to  afford  the  collecting  of  eigh- 
teenth renliirv  porcelains.  Imt  vou  .  ,m 
.  ..licet  the  various  mineral-  in  the 


quarry. 

Don't   wait    for   the   doctor   to    pie- 
-omeihing   for  your   ul'cr-.    U- 

lieve   me.   ihev    .ire  not    worth   collecting. 
\\llen    he   tell-    \  oU   to   take    lip   8   holll.V  . 

don't   growl  at   the  hill  In-  -end-.    The 


peace  of  mind  that  you  will  attain  by 
paying  attention  to  him  is  worth  many 
times  the  fee  for  his  advice. 

Pick  the  hobby  in  which  you  can 
become  most  interested.  Also  consider 
others  in  the  household.  Don't  be  like 
the  man  who  took  up  fossil  collecting 
and  absentrnindedly  placed  an  Indian 
skull  on  the  bedroom  dresser  without 
first  having  warned  his  wife.  He  is  now- 
collecting  butterflies. 

There  are  dealers  who  cater  exclu- 
sively to  the  desires  of  the  particular 
collector.  Many  worthwhile  hobbies 
have  given  rise  to  national  organiza- 
tions, and  all  of  them  have  local  clubs 
where  fellow  enthusiasts  can  get  to- 
gether and  compare  notes. 

To  assist  you  in  getting  a  hobby 
started  in  the  right  direction,  with  the 
minimum  amount  of  effort.  I  suggest 
the  following  simple  rules  of  procedure. 

Selection  of  a  Hobby 

There  are  many  things  to  be  taken 
into  consideration. 

1.  TEMPERAMENT.  Some  people  re 
act  primariK  to  beauty  and  like  t» 
have  beautiful  things  around  them. 
Tlic-e  collectors  should  go  in  for  the 
accumulation  of  items  that  attract  the 
I-M-.  -in  h  as  porcelains,  buttons,  and 
prints.  Other-  prefer  a  hi-lmiial  l>.n  k 
ground  and  then-fore  -l>,.ul.l  collect 
thing-  that  -how  evolution,  -uch  as 
antique  furniture,  printing,  and  -o  on. 
For  the  mii -hanii  allv  inclined  there  ,,rc 
nice  li.mical  banks,  antique  automobile-, 
and  clock-.  Km  lho-e  who  an-  awed  liv 
the  wondrous  work-  of  nature,  there  i- 
mineralogy  and  in-ei  I  collecting.  For 
ear  ap|>eal.  there  i-  nni-ie  and  the  ml- 


I'. I 


lecting  of  rare  phonograph  records. 

2.  SPACE    AND    LOCATION.     Before 
selecting  a  hobby  it  would  be  well  to 
consider  whether  or  not  we  can  con- 
tinue it,  owing  to  certain  limitations. 
If  you  live  in  a  small  apartment  you 
are  limited  by  space.  You  may  want  to 
collect  bulky  things,  but  you  would  be 
much  wiser  if  you  would  stick  to  hob- 
bies that  lend  themselves  to  a  confined 
area,  such  as  stamps,  coins,  first  edi- 
tions, phonograph  records,  prints,  and 
so  on.    If  you  live  in  the  country  you 
have  room  to  spread  out. 

3.  FINANCIAL.   Cost  can  be  very  im- 
portant.    Everyone    has    a    good    idea 
about  what  he  can  afford  to  spend  on 
a  hobby.   There  are  many  hobbies  that 
require  very  little  money  to  get  started. 

For  every  millionaire  specialist,  there 
is  a  vast  army  of  ordinary  collectors, 
like  you  and  me,  whose  sole  pleasure  is 
in  accumulating  the  things  we  like,  that 
we  can  afford.  When  you  start  envying 
the  wealthy  collector,  you'd  better  start 
another  hobby.  It  is  the  same  as  the 
amateur  and  professional  in  sports. 
The  amateur  loves  his  sport  for  the 
pleasure  he  gets  out  of  it,  while  the 
professional  is  interested  in  the  finan- 
cial return  involved.  Of  course  there 
are  exceptions.  Therefore  a  good  rule 
to  follow  in  collecting  is  to  be  an  ama- 
teur at  heart.  Then  if,  in  your  quest, 
you  do  happen  to  pick  up  a  sleeper 
(an  object  with  no  apparent  value  that 
turns  out  to  be  valuable) ,  you  will  ex- 
perience great  satisfaction. 

After  the  Hobby  is  Selected 

We  have  now  come  to  the  point 
where,  through  careful  thought,  you 
have  made  your  selection.  It  is  often 
the  case  that  the  embryo  collector  will 
become  interested  in  more  than  one 
hobby  at  the  same  time,  which  might 
have  a  tendency  to  become  confusing. 
When  such  a  thing  occurs,  follow  the 
line  of  least  resistance.  Accessability 
and  ease  of  obtaining  additional  speci- 
mens is  an  important  factor.  Soon  by 
the  process  of  elimination,  you  will 
find  yourself  specializing  in  one  line. 
Many  people  have  more  than  one  hob- 
by, but  usually  one  is  well  on  the  way 
before  another  is  started.  Even  in  the 
hobby  you  finally  select,  it  is  possible 
to  specialize  on  a  particular  phase. 


There  are  two  methods  of  learning 
all  about  your  hobby.  First,  by  start- 
ing your  accumulation,  and  through 
trial  and  error  you  learn  about  it.  You 
can  then  buy  or  borrow  books  on  the 
subject  as  you  go  along,  or  consult 
with  experts  to  increase  your  knowl- 
edge. The  other  method  is  to  read  first 
everything  in  sight  about  the  subject 
and  govern  your  collecting  accordingly. 
Since  I  have  followed  both  courses  in 
starting  various  collections,  I  find  that 
the  first  method  is  considerably  more 
interesting  and  educational  and,  when 
the  time  comes  to  buy  the  more  special- 
ized books,  you  are  more  apt  to  under- 
stand what  the  writer  is  talking  about. 
Of  course  I  do  not  include  magazines 
in  this  category  as  they  are  a  "must" 
right  from  the  beginning. 

There  are  certain  orderly  steps  to  be 
taken : 

1.  Familiarize  yourself  with  the  eye 
appeal  of  the  subject.    Visit  museums, 
browse  around  shops  that  cater  specifi- 
cally   to    your    wants.     The    classified 
section  of  the  telephone  book  will  list 
them.    Visit  the  homes  of  friends  who 
have  the  same  hobby   and  look   over 
their  collections. 

2.  Investigate     the     companionship 
involved.   Find  out  if  there  is  a  group 
of  fellow-enthusiasts  in  the  neighbor- 
hood who  meet  regularly   for  mutual 
enjoyment  and  attend  one  of  the  meet- 
ings.   The  dues  of  these  organizations 
are  usually  small  in  comparison  to  the 
good     obtained     from     them.      These 
groups  occasionally  have  experts  lec- 
ture to  them  on  the  subject.    Outings 
are  often  arranged  and  periodically,  in 
conjunction  with  other  clubs,  an  exhi- 
bition is  held  which  attracts  wide  pub- 
lic interest.    If  you  have  attended  one 
of  these  you  probably  have  noticed  a 
ribbon  or  award  attached  to  a  certain 
entry.     Only    a    hobbyist    knows    the 
thrill    of   earning    this    distinction.     If 
for  no  other  reason,  the  good  fellowship 
among     brother    collectors     is    worth 
everything. 

3.  Subscribe  to  magazines  that  spe- 
cialize in  your  hobby.  There  are  many 
avocations    that    have    periodicals    de- 
voted exclusively  to  them.  Some  maga- 
zines have  several  classifications  in  the 
same  issue,  but  there  is  hardly  a  hobby 
that   doesn't   have   some   regular   pub- 


lication for  enthusiasts  even  though  it 
may  be  only  the  monthly  report  of  a 
society. 

4.  In  order  to  conduct  a  hobby  in- 
telligently it  must  be  done  in  an  orderly 
fashion.  Some  hobbies  can  need  equip- 
ment to  help  in  the  collecting.  For  ex- 
ample, to  collect  minerals  you  need  a 
stone  mason's  hammer  and  a  sack  to 
carry  your  specimens,  and  for  collect- 
ing insects  you  need  a  net.  However, 
all  hobbies  require  equipment  for  hous- 
ing and  study  whether  it  is  a  shelf, 
cabinet,  or  album.  Naturally  each  in- 
dividual hobby  has  its  own  particular 
list  of  accessories. 

There  is  nothing  more  to  do  now 
except  go  ahead  and  collect  to  your 
heart's  content.  The  possibilities  are 
many.  For  the  studious  there  is  re- 
search in  the  many  fine  specialized 
books  on  the  subject  and  the  excellent 
collections  in  the  museums.  There  is 
also  the  possibility  of  turning  your 
hobby  into  a  livelihood.  During  the 
early  part  of  the  depression,  I  knew  a 
man  who  lost  his  job  when  his  firm 
collapsed.  He  had  been  a  stamp  col- 
lector all  of  his  life  and  had  a  very 
fine  collection,  so  much  so  that  he 
rented  a  "hole-in-the-wall"  and  became 
a  stamp  dealer. 

There  is  another  case  of  a  woman 
i 

who  bought  broken-down  music  boxes 
and  repaired  them.  She  found  out  that 
her  hobby  became  profitable.  Making 
money  out  of  your  hobby  is  not  to  be 
confused  with  putting  money  into  it  for 
the  purpose  of  having  the  finest  collec- 
tion in  existence.  Always  remember 
that  no  one  has  a  complete  collection  of 
anything,  so  get  some  fun  out  of  it  and 
be  an  amateur.  If  you  are  able  to  make 
some  money  out  of  it,  all  well  and  good, 
but  don't  make  this  your  primary  pur- 
pose. 

The  nervous  tension  under  which 
most  of  us  live  has  to  be  balanced  by 
an  outside  interest.  The  money  spent 
for  phenobarbital  can  just  as  easily  be 
spent  on  some  worthwhile  pastime  and 
instead  of  relieving  a  case  of  nerves  by 
drugs,  prevent  them  by  taking  up  a 
hobby.  Don't  have  butterflies  in  the 
stomach — collect  them. 


Reprinted  from  The  Complete  Booh  of  Col- 
lecting Hobbies,  through  the  courtesy  of  the 
author  and  Sheridan  House,  New  York. 


JANUARY  1953 


465 


*  (JOOI)  GROOMIM 


PROGRAM 


Monte  Melamed  and  Seena  Salziuaii 


N  >-\c  fllfiit  opportunity  exists  for  the  development  of  a 
good  grooming'  program  in  community  centers  and  social 
recreation  agencies,  where  boys  and  girls  meet  in  social 
situations.  In  fact,  good  grooming  has  a  definite  place  in 
almost  any  agency  program  or  setting  where  work  with 
young  people  is  undertaken,  such  as,  the  4-H  Clubs,  the  Girl 
Scouts,  YM  and  YWCA,  the  YW  and  YMHA,  the  Campfire 
Girls,  and  the  social  settlement  houses  and  neighborhood 
centers. 

During  the  1952  programming  season,  the  Teen-Age 
Council  of  the  Grand  Street  Settlement 2  planned  and  spon- 
sored a  good  grooming  and  charm  course  for  teen  age  girls. 
Aside  from  being  of  immeasurable  help  to  the  fifteen  girls 
who  attended  the  class  regularly,  the  course  also  served  as 
a  \'-i\  positi\e  influence  in  motivating  better  personal  care, 
hygiene  and  dress  among  the  other  members  and  club 
groups  in  the  settlement  house.  Many  members,  including 
staff  workers,  suddenly  became  good  grooming  conscious. 

It  was  the  writers'  good  fortune  to  work  closely  with  the 
Teen-Age  Council  in  planning  the  good  grooming  program. 
The  members  of  the  Planning  Committee  of  the  council 
readily  agreed  that  the  course,  if  it  were  to  be  effective, 
would  have  to  be  made  very  interesting  and  colorful  in 
oriler  to  appeal  to,  and  retain  the  attention  «f.  ihe  member- 
-hip.  To  that  end,  we  planned  each  of  the  six  sessions  very 
carefully  and  thoroughly,  used  a  great  deal  of  imagination 
in  publicizing  the  course,  resorted  to  the  use  of  colorful 
visual  aid  materials  and  films,  distributed  freely  a  wide 
\.iri.tv  of  pamphlets,  charts  and  fashion  magazines,  and 
inxil.-d.  a-  "c.utside"  speakers,  experts  who  were  up  to  date 


'Good  grooming.  ••  uncd  herein,  may  !>••  .kfni.-.l  •»  involving 
general  filnr»«,  body  eleanline**  am)  iocial  hygiene.  Uriel  kkin  care, 
care  of  hanil*  ami  hair,  good  pocture  and  proper  clothing. 

'Thr  (iran.l  Street  Settlement.  293  Kivinglon  Street,  i»  a  non- 
•rrtarian  neighborhood  hoiMC  anil  community  center,  located  in  a 
ome  area  of  the  I  ..»er  Kan  Side  of  New  York  • 

MM.  \IH.\MKO  is  now  u-ilh  Federation  of  Jewish  Philanthrn- 
inn.  ilirrrlttr  nf  Henry  Kaufman  Campgrounds.  MlSS  SALZ- 
M*N  it  group  work  supervisor  of  Criinil  Sim-i 

466 


on  the  newest  techniques  and  styles  on  hair,  clothes  and 
fashion. 

A  typical  six-week   good  grooming   and  charm  course 
may  be  set  up  in  the  following  manner: 

A  Good  Grooming  and  Charm  Course  for  Teen-Agers 
How  to  be  Attractive  in  Six  Easy  Lessons 

First  Session 

Part  I     Introduction 

(a)  Get  acquainted 

( b)  Brief  discussion  of  the  contents  of  the  course 

(c)  Individual  and  group  photographs  by  the  Photog- 
raphy Club  of  the  center  for  "before  and  after" 
comparisons 

Part  II     Personality  as  a  Factor  in  Beauty 

la)    Personality  analysis 

•hi    Distribution  of  literature  and  good  grooming  aids 

Second  Session 

I'.irl   I     Poise  and  posture 

(a)  Standing  and  walking,  posture  and  carriage 

(b)  Sitting  and  rising 

(c)  Ascending  and  descending  steps 
Part  II     Glamorize  your  figure 

(a)  Appropriate  setting-up  exercises  for  body  develop- 
ment (Members  are  urged  to  come  properly  attired 
in  gym  shorts  or  "jeans"  and  athletic  shoes,  so  that 
they  can  more  readily  participate  in  the  exercises.) 

Third  Session 

Part  I     Care  and  hygiene  of  hair 

(a)    General  hair  care  cquipim-nt 

1 1>>    ('mulling,  lun-liiiij;.  cutting,  and  styling  of  hair 

(c)    Shampooing,  u.nmu.  .mil  >ftliiig  of  hair 

Part   II      Modern  im-thnd*  of  make-up 

(a)  Care  of  skin,  face,  and  hands 

(b)  Make-up  technique* 

(c)  How  to  give  oneself  a  manicure  as  professionals 
do  it 

(d)  Discussion  of  skin  care  equipment  and  products 

RECREATION 


Fourth  Session 

Part  I     Personal  hygiene 

(a)  Body  cleanliness 

(b)  Dating  and  social  etiquette 
Part  II     Good  grooming  films 

(a)  Miss  Dunning  Goes  To  Town 

(b)  Are  You  Popular? 

Fifth  Session 

Part  I     Clothes  and  fashion 

(a)  The  proper  care  of  clothes 

(b)  Wardrobe  recommendations  and  accessories 

(c)  Discussion  of  fashion  and  how  to  make  last  year's 
clothes  conform  to  current  styles 

Part  II     Review 

(a)  Poise,  personality,  and  posture 

(b)  Make-up  and  hair  care 

(c)  Clothes  and  fashion 

Sixth  Session 

Part  I     Show  and  modeling 

(a)  Modeling  techniques 

(b)  Wearing  of  clothes 

(c)  Certificates  for  satisfactory  completion  of  the  course 


Some  suggestions,  which  grew  out  of  our  experience  from 
the  course  at  Grand  Street,  plus  some  resource  material 
which  we  found  to  be  most  helpful,  are  summarized  herein 
for  those  group  leaders  who  may  be  interested  in  setting 
up  similar  good  grooming  programs  for  teen-agers  in  their 
respective  centers. 

Some  Guiding  Principles 

1.  Individual  and  group  photographs  should  be  taken  of 
the  class,  preferably  by  the  members  of  the  center  photog- 
raphy club  for  before  and  after  comparisons. 

2.  The  local  press  should  be  invited  to  cover  the  course 
and  publicize  it.    At  the  same  time,  send  out  your  own 
publicity  releases  to  the  press. 

3.  Invite  representatives  from  well  known  beauty  salons 
and  schools  of  fashion  to  serve  as  guest  speakers,  demon- 
strators and  resource  people. 

4.  From  the  very  beginning,  try  to  create  a  relaxed, 
friendly  atmosphere;    arrange  the   room   informally   with 
appropriate  charts  and  literature  displayed  for  each  session. 

5.  Present  the  classroom  material  in  an  impersonal  man- 
ner;   try  to   avoid   making   any   individual   feel   too   self- 
conscious.    Members   of  the   group   seeking   special   help 


Good  photographs  can 
help  in  the  promotion 
of  such  a  course.  These 
appeared  in  the  \ric 
York  Daily  Netvg  with 
the  following  caption : 
When  seated,  try  to  pre- 
sent a  picture  of  poise, 
not  an  awkward,  sloppy 
posture,  as  at  right. 


Part  II     Social  and  party 

(a)  Friends  and  parents  invited 

(b)  Photographs    (Individual   and   group   photographs 
taken  by  the  Photography  Club  of  the  center.) 

(c)  Social   dancing    and    refreshments    (Prepared    and 
served  by  the  members  of  the  class.) 

The  class  would  meet  weekly  for  ninety-minute  sessions 
consisting  of  a  thirty-minute  informal  presentation,  fol- 
lowed by  approximately  ten  minutes  of  questions  and  dis- 
cussion. A  five-minute  recess  would  follow,  and  then  the 
second  part  of  the  evening  would  begin  with  a  thirty- 
minute  presentation,  followed  by  another  ten-minute  ques- 
tion and  discussion  period  with  group  participation.  The 
session  would  end  with  a  brief  summary  of  the  evening, 
followed  by  some  pertinent  announcements  regarding  the 
next  meeting  of  the  group. 


should  be  handled  through  individual  conferences  or  ap- 
pointments. 

6.  As  much  as  possible,  demonstrate  what  you  are  talking 
about  and,   whenever   possible,   use  the  students   as  par- 
ticipants. 

7.  Include  the  membership  in  the  planning  and  conduct 
of  the  good  grooming  program,  for  only  then  are  you 
certain  that  your  material  will  be  geared  to  the  needs  and 
interests  of  the  group. 

Helpful  Resource  Material 

1.  Better  Start  .  .  .  With  Good  Grooming,  a  general 
grooming  unit  for  use  in  junior  and  senior  high  schools, 
colleges  and  teen-age  clubs.  A  teaching  manual,  Guide  For 
A  Good  Grooming  Program,  is  part  of  a  good  grooming 
unit  which  includes  the  following  material:  colored  poster, 


JANUARY  1953 


467 


"Honor  Your  Partner":  wall  chart,  "Facts  about  Perspira- 
tion"; wall  chart,  "Grooming  For  Girls  and  Boys";  good 
grooming  leaflets,  Now  Is  The  Time  and  Give  Yourself  a 
Boost.  Available  free  upon  request  from  the  Educational 
Service  Department,  (R-l-3).  Bristol-Myers  Compam.  l.~> 
Rockefeller  Plaza,  New  York  20. 

2  }  oung  Beauty,  a  thirteen-page  booklet  containing 
many  excellent  good  grooming  aids  on  looks,  skin.  hair, 
figure,  weight,  hands,  smile,  eyes,  and  make-up.  Each  $.10, 
three  for  $.25.  Write  to  the  Reader  Service  Department. 
Seventeen  magazine,  488  Madison  Avenue,  New  York  22. 
You  may  also  obtain  a  "Magic  Mirror"  beauty  quiz  by 
writing  to  Seventeen  at  School,  at  the  same  address,  for 
$.05  per  copy,  ten  for  $.25,  twenty-five  for  $.50. 

3.  Instructional  folders  and  brochures:  Correct  Selection 
of  Make-up;  Correct  Application  of  Make-up;  and  Fashion 
Color  Chart,  are  available  free  to  teachers  and  leaders  from 
the  Revlon  Products  Corporation,  Educational  Department, 
7  l.~>  Fifth  Avenue,  New  York  Citx . 

4.  Three   informative   teaching   aids   are   available   free 
upon  request  from  the  Barbara  Gould  Corporation,  35  West 
34th  Street,  Vw   York  City.   The  leaflets  are:  Dry  Skin; 
Oily  Skin;  and  What  Is  Your  Skin  Problem? 

5.  Teacher  copies  of  the  booklets,  Your  Skin  and  You 
and  y  our  Complexion  Care  are  free.    Write  to  Ponds'  Ex- 
tract Company,  60  Hudson  Street,  New  York  City. 

6.  An  appealing  brochure.  Boys  On  The  Beam,  dealing 
with  the  etiquette  of  dating,  is  available  for  $.05  from  the 
American    Social    Hygiene    Association.    1790    Broadway. 
New  York  19. 

7.  The    following    booklets,    excellently    prepared,    are 
available  free  from  the  New  York  Tuberculosis  and  Health 
Association.  Inc..  386  Fourth  Avenue,  New  York  1(>:  Knoti 
Your  Son;  Know  Your  Daughter;  Preparing  For  Marriage; 
Parents — Tell   Your  Children;    Your  Child's   Questions — 
How  To  Answer   Them;    and   Group   Workers'   Guide   on 
Social  Hygiene  llimitril  -upply  available  for  organizations 
within  New  York  Cil\  i . 

8.  A  rating  scale  and  chart  for  taking  a  personal  inven- 
tors entitled  "You  and  Your  Charm"  is  available  free  from 
The  Mom'-  l.i  otioniii •-  Department.  Maltex  Company.  Bur- 
lington. \  rrinonl. 

9.  The  day  by  day  details  of  a  four-week  "Beauty  and 
<  h.irm  Coui-e."  prepim-il  In    \nita  Collix.  and  pnlili-lieil  in 
the  Aupti-t    i— ue.    ITil.   of  Cosmopolitan   magazine,   57th 
Nreet  and  Eighth  Avenue,  New  York  19. 

10.  A  magazine  article.  "S-rret*  of  Charm  for  the  Plain 
Girl."  pnl>li-hed  in  the  March  i--ne.  I  Til.  of  Cnronrt  mapa- 
/ine.  65  East  South  Water  Street,  Chicago  1. 

11.  A    pamphlet   entitled    Ti-rn    Timr    i-   one   of   .1    scries 

-'•yen    booklet-    pllhli-hed    midrr     the    i.lptloll    nf    "(.ilide- 

pout*    to    Mental    Health"    1.x     tin-    I  >•  |..n  lin.-nl    of    Mentnl 

llxL'l.-nc.    Sl.lle   of    New     V'lk.    -M.ilr    Uflicr    BlliUlillg.    AlbaM\. 

New  V.ik.    Available  free  upon  tc.juest. 

12.  An    inlere-ijni:   l>n»  linn-  on  eleiinlinrM  entitled   Th<- 
lltilh  ami  )  mi  is  available  free  from  the  Clcanlinc**  Bureau. 
Department  li.   _">">  M.idi-on    \\enne.   New    ^ork  Cilx. 

I  '.      \  fealiin-  -lorx  of  thcCirund  ^li..l  -•  Illcmrnt  Charm 


Course  by  Antoinette  Donnelly.  The  New  Y'ork  Daih  \en\t. 
Sunday  Editions.  May  18,  May  25  and  June  1.  1952. 

14.  Selected  magazines  and  periodicals,  such  as  Made- 
moiselle, Charm.  McCalls,  Seventeen.  The  Family  Circle  all 
have  special  fashion  and  grooming  features  and  editions 
from  time  to  time,  which  make  interesting  reading  and 
good  class  reference  material. 


A  good  IIO-IIHI  ronlri- 
Imii  -  In  In  .ilih.  a*  "ill 
as  to  IHH-I-  and  tx-aulv. 
I  In-  ran  In-  arhir\nl 
through  M'ltiiiK-up  ex- 
erri»«-»  and  practice. 


Some  Selected  Film  Resource- 

1.  Miss  Dunning  Goes  To  Town,  a   Idmm  sound  color 
film,  running  time  27  minutes,  may  lie  borrowed  without 
charge  from  Association  Films.  347  Madison  Avenue.  New 
York  17.   An  appealing  introduction  to  the  subject  of  pood 
grooming. 

2.  You  and  Your  Friends,  a  16mm  sound  film,  running 
time  7  minutes,  may  be  also  borrowed  free  of  charge  from 
Association  Film-. 

3.  Are  You  Popular?  a  Idmm  -ound.  color  film,  running 
time  10  minutes  is  available  from  Coronet  Film-.  Chicago. 

4.  Body  Care  and  Grooming,    a    16mm    sound    film,    i- 
available   for   a    rental    fee  of  $5.(X)    from    the    New    York 
I  niveiMU    Film  I.iliran.  \\a-hin^lon  Square.  New  York  3. 
This    him    dexelops    the    theme    that    iiood    uroomini;    l«-j;iiis 
with   personal  care.    Men  and   women  of  college  ape  are 
shown  demonstrating  pood  practice-  for  tin-  care  of  the  skin. 
hair  and  teeth. 

5.  A  Modern  Guide  to  Health,  a    16mm   sound   film,    i- 
ax tillable  for  a  rental  fee  of  $2.0(1  from  the  Columbia  1  in 
xei-nx   Film  l.il.rarx.   tl.'t  \\i--l  1 1  7(h  Mie.-t.  N,-»  ^olk  27. 
This  i  a  i  toon  film  pi  ox  ide-  .1  few  i  mnmon  -en-«-  health  nili-- 
which  can  be  e.i-ilx   .nlopted  b\   anxone.      Mllloiiph  the  tic. it 
inenl    i-   humorous,   lln-  -uppe-ti»n-   for  comliatinp   -loxenlx 
po«lurr.  unsuitable  clothinp.  and   nerson-  ten-ion   are  \ci\ 
-ound.     Pn. iliii  cil    hx    1'iiiii-h    Information   Service*. 


Hi  I  HKATION 


COMMUNITY  CEITER 
HOUSEKEEPING 


The  first  of  a  series 
of  badly  needed 
articles  on  this 
subject. 


•  When  we  work  in  a  place,  day  after 
day,  we  become  accustomed  to  our  sur- 
roundings and  often  immune  to  many 
of  the  things  which,  to  the  outsider, 
immediately  stamp  our  center  as  well- 
kept  and  efficiently  managed  or  untidy, 
disorganized,  and  in  the  charge  of  a 
careless  housekeeper.  The  first  time  we 
notice  a  small  tear  in  the  stage  curtain, 
a  loose  rung  on  a  chair,  a  tilted  lamp 
shade,  a  dimly  lighted  hallway,  or  an 
electric  cord  that  is  frayed,  a  mental 
note  registers  "That  must  be  fixed." 
However,  with  so  many  other  duties  to 
be  performed,  many  of  these  little  "odd 
jobs" — the  stitches  in  time — are  by- 
passed; and  then  gradually  we  look  at 
the  faulty  objects,  and  are  so  used  to 
seeing  the  defects,  they  no  longer  make 
an  impression  upon  us. 

Now  is  the  time!  Take  an  inspection 
tour  of  your  center;  and  look  at  every- 
thing anew — with  the  eyes  of  a  visitor 
seeing  the  place  for  the  first  time. 
Carry  a  scratch  pad  and  jot  down  every 
little  thing  which  needs  attention.  Keep 
these  notes  handy  where  they  will  be  a 
constant  reminder,  and  check  off  the 
items  as  the  required  repairs  and 
changes  are  made. 

Here  is  a  basic  list  of  things  to  watch 
for;  add  other  items  which  are  perti- 
nent to  your  own  center. 

1.  Windows.  Are  they  clean  and  clear, 
washed  regularly?    Do  any  panes  need 
repair  or  replacement?    Is  there  loose 
putty  which  should  be  replaced  before 
more  serious  damage  results?    Do  they 
fit  closely,  open  and  close  easily,  lock 
properly? 

2.  Curtains,  drapes,  shades.    Do  they 
hang   neatly   and    correctly,    hems    all 
the  same  distance  from  the  floor,  rods 
inserted    properly,    gathers    or    pleats 
evenly   spaced?     Are   they   clean    and 
well  pressed?    Would  inexpensive  tint- 

JANUARY  1953 


ing  or  dyeing  improve  their  appear- 
ance? Are  any  minor  repairs  needed? 
(Have  you  tried  block-printing  on 
plain  colored  drapes  to  rejuvenate 
them;  or  using  rows  of  tape  or  braid 
to  reinforce  weak  places;  or  applique- 
ing  designs  to  cover  holes?) 

3.  Pictures,    wall   hangings,    placques, 
and  other  wall  decorations.    Are  they 
clean,  have  they  been  taken  down  and 
thoroughly  dusted  recently?    Are  they 
securely  and  safely  fastened  to  the  wall? 
Are  any  repairs  needed?    Do  they  have 
a  purpose  or  contribute  to  the  attrac- 
tiveness of  the  room?     Do  they  "be- 
long" where  they  are?    Are  they  prop- 
erly  placed  —  hang   straight,    right 
height,   well  grouped?     Is  the   subject 
matter   interesting   or   attractive?     (If 
you  have  monstrosities  which  are  gath- 
ering dust  on  your  walls  for  no  rhyme  or 
reason,  why  not  remove  them  and  re- 
place them  with  fresh,  decorative  ones 
— a  project   for  your   art  groups — or 
murals,  or  the  new  scenic  wall  paper?) 

4.  Light  fixtures,  lamps,  electrical  out- 
lets, switches,  cords.    Are  outlets  ade- 
quate in  number  and  conveniently  lo- 
cated?   Are  lamp  cords  out  of  the  way 
so  they  won't  be  tripped  over,  stepped 
on,  or  converted  into  a  fire  hazard  be- 
cause of  undue  wear  or  strain?    Are 
switches  all  in   good   working  order? 
Are  light  fixtures  and  lamps  placed  so 
as    to    give    adequate    illumination 
throughout  the  center?   Are  light  bulbs 
all  serviceable  and  the  proper  size  to 
give  maximum  efficiency?    Is  metal  on 
fixtures    polished?     Are    shades    on 
straight?   Do  they  need  washing,  clean- 
ing, repairing,  re-trimming,  replacing? 
(Re-vamping  the  shades  would  make  a 
good  club  or  craft  group  project.) 

5.  Furniture.    Is  upholstered  furniture 
clean  and  in  good  condition?  Are  there 
soiled  spots  which  should  be  removed 


with  cleaning  fluid?  Are  there  small 
tears  or  holes  which  need  mending? 
Are  there  any  pieces  with  springs 
which  are  loose  or  beginning  to  sag? 
Are  there  pieces  which  should  be  re- 
moved from  use  until  they  can  be  fixed 
so  that  the  damage  does  not  become  ir- 
reparable? Do  leather  pieces  need  sad- 
dle soaping  or  other  treatment  to  pre- 
serve them?  If  slip  covers  are  used, 
do  they  fit  neatly  and  well,  are  there 
adequate  fasteners  and  are  they  secure? 
Would  dyeing,  re-cording,  or  trimming 
them  improve  their  appearance  and 
length  of  wear?  Are  pieces  made  of 
wood  or  composition  well  polished?  Are 
the  undersides  of  chairs  and  tables  serv- 
ing as  parking  places  for  old  chewing 
gum  which  should  be  removed?  Are 
chairs  and  tables  sturdy  and  firm?  Do 
screws  or  bolts  need  tightening  or  re- 
placing? Are  there  spots  which  are 
slivered  and  need  to  be  sanded,  or 
cracks  and  holes  which  should  be  filled 
and  refinished?  (One  of  the  older 
boys'  clubs  or  woodworking  classes 
could  make  many  of  the  required  re- 
pairs.) Are  the  pieces  arranged  con- 
veniently and  attractively  in  the  rooms 
to  give  maximum  usage  and  comfort? 
6.  Baseboards,  moldings,  window 
ledges,  and  other  woodwork.  Are  they 
clean?  Have  all  vestiges  of  old  party 
decorations  (nails,  thumbtacks,  pins, 
bits  of  paper,  scotch  tape,  wires,  string) 
been  completely  removed?  Are  any 
minor  repairs  needed — protruding  nails 
and  screws  driven  in,  missing  ones  re- 
placed, loose  pieces  securely  fastened, 
broken  sections  replaced?  Are  there 
cracks  or  holes  which  need  to  be  filled? 
Does  paint  or  varnish  need  re-touching? 
(A  minor  repair  now  may  save  a  costly 
major  repair  later.) 


(To  be  continued  in  February] 


469 


One  advantage  of  this  sport  is  its 
appeal  to  all  age  group-,  not  to  teen- 
agers alone.  Todav's  statistics  show 
there  are  1 7.000.0OO  annual  follower!.. 


R 


te  *%ene  to.  Stay! 


W.  I,.  <  liil.l- 


•  This  has  been  enthusiastically  ac- 
claimed by  the  2,400  students  at  New 
Trier  Township  High  School,  located 
in  \\  innetka,  Illinois.  The  sound  of 
rnlliT  skates,  laughter,  and  musk- 
blend  harmoniously  in  the  school  gym- 
nasium. Students,  faculty,  and  parents 
have  united  in  ardent  support  of,  and 
participation  in,  this  relatively  new 
i-ii i rr prise;  and  the  results  have  been 
worth  noticing! 

Roller  skating  has  proved  itself  t<> 
be  one  of  the  answers  to  the  age-old 
problem  of  providing  adequate  physi- 
cal activity  for  the  bumper  crop  of 
children  now  taxing  existing  f.i<  ilitir-. 
At  the  moment,  although  this  acli\il\ 
is  not  completely  wiihuut  precedent,  it 
is  certain!)  untried  in  many  school 
system*.  While  roller  skating  is  still  in 
tin-  exjN-rimental  stage  at  New  Trier. 
having  started  only  two  years  ago,  it 
ha*  met  with  such  popular  acclaim  that 


MR.  \\  I  (MIII..  u  the  Athletic  Di- 
rrrinr,  Kmrrilus,  of  New  Trier  Town- 
Ilifh  >«/!/!«/.  H  innrlkn. 


it  is  now  a  very  permanent  and  worth- 
while feature  in  the  school's  curricu- 
lum. There  is  a  good  chance,  therefore 
that  other  schools  and  organizations 
OM-I  the  country  may  be  able  to  profit 
from  this  example. 

The  plan  originated  twenty-five  years 
ago  when  Mr.  Clerk,  then  superintend- 
ent of  the  school,  notified  Mr.  W.  L. 
Childs,  Head  of  the  Physical  Educa- 
tion Department,  that  he  would  have 
to  do  something  to  keep  the  students 
from  disturbing  classes  during  the  last 
part  of  their  lunch  room  period.  Some 
ac|i\ii\  «;i-  needed  that  did  not  need 
promotion,  did  not  require  a  change 
of  costume,  mid  in  which  a  large  group 
could  be  in  < •nimnodated.  Roller  skat- 
ing seemed  to  offer  an  answer  to  tlr 
problem,  but  stool  and  fibre  skate 
wheel-  -kiilileil  on  and  marked  the 
floor,  so  contact  was  made  with  a  rub- 
!•••!  <  iimpany  in  an  attempt  tu  make  a 
rubber  tireil  wheel  that  would  nut  skid 
or  mark  the  (lour.  Severn!  sets  of  these 

itieil  out.   Init.  before  a  sali-f.i' 
lnr\    wheel    was    perfected,    tin-    lunch 


room  problem  was  solved  by  shorten. 
ing  the  lunch  room  period  and  the 
skate  project  was  dropped  but  not  for- 
gotten. 

A  few  years  ago  roller  ~kaiin-  \\.i- 
again  suggested  as  a  recreation  actix- 
il\.  Taking  the  leading  role  for  the 
students  in  the  promotion  of  skating 
parties  was  Martin  H.  Burns,  Jr.,  of 
VI  innetka.  a  senior  and  head  of  tin- 
Student  Recreation  Committee  of  the 
Student  Council. 

Space  presented  no  problem.  New 
Trier's  gymnasium  floor  is  90  feet  by 
1  .'•  I  feet,  an  ideal  size  for  roller  skat- 

ing.  There  H.I-.  ne\  el  tlidc—  .  a  problem 

involved  in  the  issuing  and  storing  of 
skates,  because  New  Trier  has  no 
equipment  room  in  connection  with 
the  gymnasium.  Since  the  gym  is  often 
used  as  an  assembly  hall.  ho\\e\ei. 
there  are  built-in  storage  closets  for 
chairs:  and  it  was  decided  that  these 
would  answer  the  problem.  Mthough 
the  do-el-  were  full  of  chairs,  above 
ihcm  and  directU  In-hind  (lie  il..n|.l. 
then-  wa-  -ullii  ient  space  to  in 


470 


Ml  i 


stall  two  especially  built  cabinets,  each 
holding  one  hundred  pairs  of  skates. 
Each  has  one  hundred  pigeonholes 
five  by  five  inches  by  fifteen  inches 
deep,  in  five  horizontal  rows  of  ten 
pigeonholes  each.  Doors  of  the  skate 
cabinets  are  closed  and  locked  when 
not  in  use. 

The  next  step  was  to  arrange  and 
mark  the  skates  by  size  so  that  they 
could  be  issued  efficiently  and  quickly. 
Smaller  skates  were  issued  from  one 
cabinet,  the  larger  skates  from  the 
other.  In  each  cabinet  the  skates  were 
arranged  with  smallest  skates  at  one 
end.  Every  pigeonhole  was  numbered, 
and  each  skate  was  marked  with  the 
number  of  the  pigeonhole  where  it 
belonged.  In  the  beginning  numbers 
were  stamped  on,  but  this  proved  so 
difficult  and  slow  that  a  new  plan 
of  using  typewritten  numbers  under 
scotch  tape  was  elected.  This  method 
works  fairly  well,  but  an  even  better 
system  is  still  being  sought.  Students 
approach  the  skate  cabinets  in  rela- 
tively short  and  rapidly  moving  lines 
rather  than  one  long  and  unwieldy  line. 

At  first,  individual  students  did  not 
know  what  size  skate  they  should  have, 
and  obtaining  skates  was  very  slow. 
To  meet  this  dilemma,  a  quick  and 
simple  system  of  finding  their  skate 
sizes  without  individual  fitting  of  skates 
was  devised.  By  using  a  flat,  wooden 
stick  marked  off  according  to  sizes, 
similar  to  those  used  at  shoe  stores, 
students  could  determine  their  proper 
size.  All  skates  are  passed  out  by  the 
attendant  in  exchange  for  the  student's 
activity  ticket,  which  goes  into  the 
pigeonhole  where  the  skates  were.  The 
procedure  is  reversed  when  the  skates 
are  returned.  For  gymnasium  classes, 
where  students  arrive  at  the  same  mo- 
ment, the  skates  are  arranged  on  a 
table,  each  size  grouped  together.  A 
student  returns  the  skates  to  the  same 
place  when  he  is  through.  There  is  no 
difficulty  in  getting  skates  back  into  the 
small  pigeonhole  if  the  skates  are  laid 
on  the  table  with  the  wheels  together 
and  the  heels  together.  The  heels  are 
inserted  first,  the  straps  do  not  pro- 
trude nor  interfere  with  shutting  the 
cabinet  door. 

The  students  skate  to  records,  the 
most  popular  of  which  are  waltzes  and 

JANUARY  1953 


organ  music.*  At  the  first  Hallowe'en 
Party  over  one  thousand  students  par- 
ticipated in  the  various  activities  pro- 
vided. Of  course,  everyone  could  not 
skate,  but  the  majority  could  and  did. 
Thanks  to  its  initial  success,  roller 
skating  has  become  much  more  than 
just  one  of  the  activities  at  a  gym-jam. 
Sponsored  by  the  New  Trier  Parents 
Teachers  Association  with  no  charge  to 
the  students,  the  gymnasium  was 
opened  to  students  every  Saturday 
afternoon  for  the  Saturdays  preced- 
ing spring  vacation.  The  attendance 
was  estimated  from  one  hundred  fifty 
to  three  hundred  skaters  per  session. 


In  addition,  a  local  church  used  the 
gymnasium  for  roller  skating  parties 
for  their  young  people's  society  on 
Sunday  evenings.  Since  then  many 
other  groups  have  followed  suit. 

The  popularity  of  roller  skating 
made  it  a  part  of  New  Trier's  co- 
recreational  physical  education  classes. 
During  one  week,  all  the  boys'  physical 
education  classes  roller  skated.  The 
entire  week  before  spring  vacation 
about  one  hundred  fifty  boys  and  girls 
skated  together  every  period. 

Without  doubt,  the  roller  skating 
program  has  been  enthusiastically  re- 
ceived and  participated  in  by  nearly 
100  per  cent  of  the  student  body.  Mr. 
Gaffney  has  stated  that  it  is  one  of  the 
best  projects  ever  undertaken  and  inau- 
gurated at  New  Trier. 

One  of  the  major  reasons  for  roller 
skating's  success  here  is  the  fact  that 
it  was  initiated  and  organized  by  the 
student  body.  Whenever  the  gym- 
nasium is  used  for  skating,  the  students 
themselves  supervise  the  activity  and 
organize  its  promotion.  It  is  the  old 
story  of  getting  out  of  something  just 
what  one  puts  into  it.  The  students 
have  contributed  much  time,  effort  and 
enthusiasm  in  building  up  their  roller 

*  See  RECREATION,  December  1951,  p.  402, 
for  list  of  records  for  skating. 


skating  program.  As  a  result,  they  re- 
ceive a  great  deal  of  fun  and  whole- 
some enjoyment  from  it. 

Also  on  the  positive  side  of  the 
ledger  is  the  relatively  low  cost  and 
inexpensive  maintenance  needed  for 
this  program  activity.  After  the  initial 
investment  in  the  purchase  of  the  skates 
and  a  few  good  dance  records,  there  is 
no  added  expenditure,  providing  un- 
used gymnasium  space  is  simply  con- 
verted to  roller  skating.  It  needs  little 
supervision.  The  only  overhead  in- 
volved is  the  electricity  used  for  the 
lights  and  for  the  record  player.  In 
addition  to  these  encouraging  factors 
is  the  fact  that  roller  skating  can  be- 
come a  possible  source  of  income  and 
be  completely  self-supporting.  A  nom- 
inal entrance  fee  can  help  to  defray 
costs  and  to  provide  a  profit  for  the 
purchase  of  new  equipment. 

Any  activity  which  brings  boys  and 
girls  together,  provides  them  with 
laughter  and  fun,  and  also  alleviates 
the  awkwardness  so  often  encountered 
between  teen-agers  when  they  try  to 
meet  on  a  casual  basis  is  bound  to  be 
a  success  over-night! 

As  every  parent  and  teacher  knows, 
the  teen-ager  usually  has  time  on  his 
hands  over  the  week-end.  Girls  and 
boys  often  band  together  with  the  hope 
of  finding  something  to  do.  With  roller 
skating  open  to  all,  they  can  meet  with- 
out any  difficulty,  and  the  net  result  is 
an  evening  of  happiness  for  all  con- 
cerned. This  activity  meets  the  appro- 
val of  educators  and  recreation  direc- 
tors, who  find  it  keeps  youngsters  off 
the  streets  and  provides  them  with  a 
healthful  activity. 

Dancing  is  always  popular  with  the 
average  high  school  student,  the  roller 
skating  has  the  same  underlying  prin- 
ciples of  rhythm,  coordination,  and 
music  which  both  skaters  and  dancers 
enjoy.  Inhibitions  and  awkwardness 
are  forgotten. 

It  is  an  activity  with  unlimited  and 
unexplored  possibilities;  because  of  its 
general  appeal  to  all  age  groups,  it  can 
be  used  not  only  by  high  schools  but 
also  by  YMCA's,  YWCA's,  the  Amer- 
ican Legion,  and  other  service  organ- 
izations, the  recreation  departments  of 
cities,  junior  chambers  of  commerce, 
and  many  others. 

471 


This  is  the  second  of  a  series  of 
articles  on  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Thomas  E. 
Rivera'  trip  around  the  world  to  pro- 
mote the  National  Recreation  Associa- 
tion's global  recreation  service.  Part  /, 
u-hich  told  of  the  visits  to  Portugal, 
Spain,  Italy,  and  Greece,  appeared  in 
the  December  issue  of  the  magazine. 


PART  II 


Egypt 

Recreation  in  Egypt,  as  we  understand  it,  is  in  its  early 
~l.ii;'-  .mil  i-  carried  mi  li\  fmir  different  iitiniMrrir-  nf  tin- 
government.  Two  items  stand  out: 

1.  The  very  significant  work  being  dune  iti  the  villages 
of  Kgypt  which,  according  to  a  four-year  study  recently 
completed  by  the  Rockefeller  Foundation  and  reported  in 
the  \eu-  York  Times,  are  the  most  unsanitary  places  to  live 
found  in  any  part  of  tin-  <  i\ili/ed  world.    The  experiment 
being  carried  on  was  the  use  of  high  school  students  to 
develop  social   and   recreation   programs   in   the   villages. 
During  the  vacation  period,  boys  and  girls  from  sixteen  to 
nineteen  years  of  age,  after  a  period  of  training,  go  and 
live  in  the  villages,  and  there  furnish  leadership  for  games, 
dramatics,  handcraft,  music  and  social  work  in  the  homes. 

2.  Outside  the  schools,  in  the  cities,  the  recreation  pro- 
gram-is carried  on  by  a  Department  of  Sports  and  Leisure 
Time  Activities.    We  talked  with   Amin  Sadik,  and  later 
•pent  the  evening  at  one  of  his  playgrounds  where  we  saw 
a  demonstration  which  included  a  basketball  game,  wrest- 
ling, tumbling,  boxing  and  exercises.    This  playground  is 
lix-Hted  in  ;i  tiiliai-rn  factory  district  where  they  work  hard 
and  are  very  poor;  and  the  boys  and  young  men.  according 
to  Sadik.  "do  not  have  to  be  here;   they  come  from  the 
heart."    This   program   started    in    1941,    with    one   play- 
ground:  thrre  are  now  seventeen.    Those  who  attend  be- 
•  mm-  iiH-ml.i-r-    i  there  is  no  fee).    It  started  with  tliiit\ 
inriiil.. -rs.  There  are  now  twenty-five  hundred.  Sadik  knows 
thi-ni  all.  by  sight  or  by  name. 

My  trilmie  tn  him  as  I  spoke  to  his  group  brought  a 
warm  response,  showing  their  admiration  for  his  leader- 
ship. 

A  Fulliright  leader.  Joe  Nygaard — former  baseball  coach 

MR.  RlVF.IU,  Assistant  r\>;  niin-  l>ir,;t,,r  of  the  National 

Rrcrration    A\\<n  inlinn.    M    al*n    irrrrlary    i>j  thf    \iilionnl 

Music  Wrrk  C.itmmitlrr.    Fnr  many  years  he  has  lirrn  the 

•••MM   "i  tli>-    \atiiinnl  Rr>-rrnti,m  <'»nf,rr*>  Commitl'-r. 


.  in. .-i  popular  -iinimi-r  -port  at  the  American  I  ni- 
verxilv    of    Iteirut.    li.i-    only    rerriilh    IMTOIIK-    ...-,, In,  :iii,,n.il. 


of  St.  Olafs  College,  Minnesota — has  introduced  baseball 
to  Kgypt  and  it  it  getting  underway  with  much  enthusiasm. 

Jordan 

Having  entered  the  Moslem  land  through  Fg\pt.  we  ll<-\\ 
around  Palestine  into  the  Hashemite  Kingdom  of  Jordan. 
Road  blocks.  harl>ed  wire,  bombed  buildings,  and  sentries 
along  no  man's  Intnl.  reminded  us  that  the  Jordan-Israeli 

problem  is  not  \i-t  settled.  This,  phis  \cr\  large  uncmploy- 
mi-iit.  and  the  presence  of  innumerable  refugees — living  on 
n-lii-f  in  tents  and  caves — made  it  easy  to  understand  when 
several  different  Arabs.  (  liriMi.m  and  Moslem,  said  to  me: 
"I  In  re  is  little  or  no  recreation.  The  people  are  too  sad 
and  ImniM  \ ." 

\Ve  su\\  seiei.il  liaie  |ila\in»  fields  adjoining  schools. 
One  s.ni'ei  field  was  left  In  the  liritish.  but  it  is  IKIV\ 
seldom  used.  The  YMC.A.  in  tin-  mid-t  of  all  this,  is  an 
'..i-i-  ilueiteil  li\  an  Aral)  llni-lian.  On  an  impto\iM-il 
|..i-k.-l|..ill  ...ml  in  tin-  ilini-\v.i\.  nulil  uii, I. -i  ..in  wiinl..u. 
we  ualehed  a  basketball  game.  A  fine  looking  group  of 
\,.iiii);  men  Arabs.  Armenians,  and  other-  were  in  tin- 
game  mom  listening  lo  music,  and  in  the  exening  watching 
an  American 


m 


I{|  •  tit   Ulc'N 


T.  E.  Rivers 


In  front  of  the  "Y",  an  athletic  field  75  by  300  feet,  is 
being  constructed.  At  5:30  A.M.  I  looked  out  the  window 
and  saw  Arabs  crushing  rock  with  hand  tools,  and  donkeys 
four  feet  high — with  loads  of  dirt  and  crushed  stone — 
being  hurried  along  by  Arabs  in  red  and  white  headpieces. 

Labib  Nasir's  eyes  shone  as  he  visualized  what  this  addi- 
tional facility  would  mean  to  his  program.  We  talked 
several  hours  about  the  needs  of  his  people  and  what  rec- 
reation could  do  to  help  relieve  the  tension  that  is  under- 
mining the  mental  stability  of  this  ancient  land. 

In  addition  to  the  limited  supply  of  literature  I  had  with 
me,  I  gave  him  Joe  Nygaard's  book  in  English  and  Arabic 
on  baseball  and  Softball;  probably  the  first  copy  to  be  in 
Jordan,  as  I  had  brought  it  from  Egypt  where  it  had  just 
been  printed  in  Arabic. 

One  Arab  told  me  he  feared  for  Arabic  youth,  whose 
idleness  and  frustration  might  lead  them  to  welcome  Com- 
munism on  the  basis  that  anything  would  be  better  than 
what  they  had. 

Lebanon 

From  Jerusalem  we  flew  over  the  Bicaa  Plains — said  to 
be  one  of  the  richest  soils  on  earth — into  Lebanon.  Leb- 
anon, unlike  some  of  the  other  Near  East  countries  is  85 
per  cent  literate.  The  American  University  of  Beirut  and 
the  Beirut  College  for  Women  have  had  a  real  influence, 
and  there  are  sports,  folk  dancing,  music  and  other  recrea- 
tion activities  in  the  city;  but,  for  the  country  as  a  whole, 
the  recreation  program  is  in  its  infancy. 

We  had  a  two-hour  conference  with  a  staff  of  govern- 
ment officials  responsible  for  recreation.  An  attractive 
young  Arab  woman  from  Palestine,  who  had  studied  in 
England,  was  our  interpreter.  They  questioned  us  eagerly 
on  theory  and  methods,  told  of  their  need  for  technical 
assistance,  and  welcomed  the  literature  we  brought. 

In  answer  to  a  question,  I  summarized  the  recreation 
development  in  America,  and  showed  them  the  NRA  year- 
book. Wadik  Haddad  jumped  to  her  feet  and  exclaimed: 
"Oh,  it  sounds  like  heaven!  When  will  it  be  like  that 
here?  We  are  poor  and  there  is  little  money."  She  hesi- 
tated a  moment  and  then  added,  "But  we  also  know  that 
where  it  is  willed,  a  thing  can  be  done." 


Mrs.  Thomas  E.  Rivers,  with  Mr.  Rivers  standing  by,  presents 
trophy   to  winner  of  table  tennis  tournament,   Delhi,   India. 


We  went  away  feeling  that  an  idea  had  fallen  on  Bicaa 
soil. 

Pakistan 

We  flew  across  the  Arabian  sands  to  Karachi,  the  capitol 
of  Pakistan,  five-year-old  Moslem  state  set  up  on  the  parti- 
tion of  India.  We  arrived  in  a  full-fledged  monsoon,  but 
the  meeting  of  leaders  was  held  on  schedule  and  we  had 
representation  from  the  army,  navy,  air  corps,  boy  scouts, 
Ministry  of  Education,  the  local  school  system,  and  several 
key  laymen.  For  two  hours  we  discussed  recreation,  their 
problems,  their  resources,  their  leadership — or  lack  of  it 
primarily.  Their  questions  dealt  with  immediate  pressing 
problems  which  were  obvious  on  every  hand  in  this  new 
struggling  nation. 

The  Deputy  Educational  Advisor  for  Pakistan  received 
our  recreation  literature,  told  us  a  man  had  just  been 
appointed  to  head  up  physical  education  and  recreation. 
We  also  commended  him  on  the  selection  of  Miss  Rachid,  a 
brilliant  young  Moslem  woman  who  had  visited  our  office 
in  New  York  just  before  I  left,  as  a  member  of  his  staff. 

In  the  American  Embassy  we  discussed  with  Ray  Lee, 
our  cultural  attache,  the  recreational  needs  of  Pakistan. 
Mr.  Lee,  a  six-foot  Texan  from  Austin,  said,  "Mr.  Rivers, 
what  this  country  needs  is  not  buildings  but  a  few  Jim 
Garrisons  turned  loose  on  them.  Before  you  know  it,  you 
would  have  recreation  all  over  the  place.  He  is  a  man 
trained  by  the  National  Recreation  School."  I  replied. 
"Yes,  I  know  Jim.  We  trained  him  and  three  hundred 
others."  That  kind  of  training,  the  results  of  which  Mr. 
Lee  had  seen  in  Texas,  was  what  he  felt  was  needed  today 
in  sorely  pressed  Karachi — a  city  originally  of  a  quarter- 
million  now  swollen  to  one  and  a  half  million,  filled  with 
refugees,  many  of  whom  are  living  in  mud  shacks  in 
hunger  and  frustration. 

Here  is  seed  bed  for  revolution.  Here  also  is  fertile  soil 
for  any  program  that  will  give  a  modicum  of  hope  and 
some  assurance  that  the  democratic  world  does  care  for 
human  needs  in  whatever  part  of  the  world  they  arise. 


JANUARY  1953 


473 


India 

On  the  other  side  of  the  line  lies  India.  Four  hundred 
million  people — now  free  and  independent — conscious  of 
their  need  for  technical  leadership,  short  on  food  and  water 
and  houses,  but  proud  both  of  their  new  freedom  and  their 
traditions  and  culture  rooted  in  antiquity.  They  have  set 
about  bravely  to  reconcile  the  two;  and  in  our  field  of 
recreation,  this  is  coming  about.  I  am  happy  that  our  \  I!  V 
at  this  psychological  moment,  could  have  had  a  share  in 
that  magnificent  process. 

India  does  not  have  one  central  recreation  organization 


M.I rlil.    iMMii  I-   and    lion-   -<-r\r   a«   pluy   equipment    for  little 
Hindu   rliililrrn    in    lemple    plat  ground    U|    >,.H    Delhi,    India. 


as  we  understand  it;  but  many  agencies — public  and  pri- 
vate— are  related  in  one  way  or  another  to  the  recreation 
life  of  the  people.  There  are  organizations  especially  in- 
terested in  reviving  traditional  games,  dances,  and  festi- 
vals. I  especially  commended  this. 

In  addition  to  individual  conferences  and  tours  of  rec- 
reation facilities,  there  were  four  significant  gatherings  in 
Delhi: 

1.  Our  mission  was  honored  at  a  reception  attended  by 
a  distinguished  group  of  Indian  educators,  and  political 
and  social  leaders.    This  helped  to  launch  our  week  on  a 
high  level. 

2.  At  an  evening  meeting  at  Delhi  College,  a  special  dem- 
i.n-tr.ilion  was  put  on  for  us  IPX  (  hildren  of  the  Balkan-Ji-Ki- 
Bari  and  the  National  Cultural  Association.  The  programs, 
beautifully  staged,  consisted  of  a  chorus;  an  orchestra  with 
ancient   in-trmneril.H — guitar*,  tanpura,  jal-tal-rang   (bowls 
of  water  played  by  sticks),  violins  and  a  bamboo  flute; 
Indian  dances — one  classical,  one  peasant;   and  a  lovely 
pantomine  production  of  Ali  linlia  and  the  Forty  Thieves. 
All  tin-  ro-lurii'--  wne  mndr  by  the  children   from  things 
they  had. 

3.  The  next  evrning  in  a  two-hour  session  we  met   with 
•bout  twenty-five  rum  rarrying  on  recreation  program*  in 
various  public  and  private  agencies.    We  discussed  their 
problems,  needs,  possible  solution*,  .mil  the  import. m< .    ..f 
h.ning  n  Mrong  central  private  organization  \«  rm-li  r'-' Tea- 
lion  and  srrvp  local  operating  agencies. 


Lovely  ILIUM    il.iin.-r-.  temple*  of  gold,  pugoduw  «tu 
colored   ..  I.IIIM,  -   help   to  five    li.iii-k.ik    n-   .  \..|i. 


idded  \>itli 
.  li.n  .1.  I.  r. 


4.  The  fourth  significant  meeting  was  a  small  luncheon 
given  us  by  Dr.  Sushilla  Nayar,  State  Health  Minister  and 
Director  of  Rehabilitation,  a  charming  and  able  leader. 
Here,  with  several  ministers,  including  the  Chief  Minister 
of  Delhi  State,  we  faced  at  this  top  government  level  what 
might  be  done  to  help  recreation  leadership  in  India,  and 
together  worked  out  essential  steps. 

We  were  surprised  and  delighted  to  learn  that  at  Brila 
Irmjilr.  where  Hindu  and  Buddha  religions  are  merged, 
a  play  and  recreation  program  is  carried  on.  We  visited 
the  Bhangi  Colony,  the  village  of  untouchables;  we  stood 
barefoot  at  the  simple  memorial  to  Gandhi  and  recalled  tin- 
part  he  played  in  leading  India  into  her  modern  era.  We 
frit  the  beauty  of  the  Taj  Mahal.  \\  i-  -,i«  thousands  of  re- 
fugees packed  in  lent*  ami  -li.uk-. 

\-  \M'  left,  a  lar^e  firoup  of  Bari  girls  who  had  performed 
for  u-  i-arliiT  in  tin-  week,  and  to  whom  wr  spoke,  rarne 
to  our  hotel  room  and  placed  garlands  of  fresh  flowi- 
about  our  no  U  and  bade  us  farewell. 

Thuilantl 

In  Bangkok  at  the  National  Stadium,  where  Thailand's 
college  for  (mining  physical  education  ami  if  ir.ition  lead- 
ers now  has  350  shxli-nl-  in  their  third  year,  we  had  a  t«" 
hour  M^MOM  on  recreation  with  the  faculty,  officials  of  the 
department,  ami  willi  n  pn  -  ni.iii\i--  of  various  other  agen- 
cies, public  and  pii\.it<-. 

We  saw  a  demonstration  of  games  and  dances,  old  and 


474 


RECREATION 


new.  A  hurried  tour  revealed  small  playgrounds  here  and 
there;  soccer  fields,  tennis  courts,  and  very  frequently  a 
small  playground  connected  with  the  temples.  One  very 
large,  well-equipped  playground  was  donated  by  a  Chinese 
industrialist. 

We  were  in  Thailand  just  long  enough  to  realize  how 
facinating  a  place  is  Bangkok.  The  people  were  friendly, 
efficient,  and  eager  for  ideas.  They  are  independent  and 
their  eyes  are  to  the  West.  Recreation  will  help  to  keep 
them  there. 

We  arrived  at  the  right  moment,  and  the  Thai  leaders 
were  warm  in  their  appreciation  of  the  NRA  literature  we 
brought,  the  help  on  specific  problems,  as  well  as  the  time 
we  had  given  to  observing  and  commenting  on  the  facilities 
and  discussing  the  relationship  of  the  recreation  program 
to  democracy. 

Philippines 

In  the  Philippines  we  were  in  competition  with  a  typhoon 
but  we  were  able  to  have  several  conferences  and  a  meet- 
ing, obtain  some  information  and,  I  think,  be  of  some  help. 

Some  thirty-five  years  ago,  Ellsworth  Brown  had  intro- 
duced softball,  basketball  and  volleyball  into  the  Phil- 
ippines; and  a  foundation  was  laid  that  has  formed  an  im- 
portant part  of  the  recreation  and  sports  program  of  that 
nation. 

Perhaps  the  most  significant  development  that  came  to 
our  attention,  in  its  effect  on  the  life  of  the  Philippine  peo- 
ple for  the  future,  was  in  the  Ministry  of  Education.  Sera- 
fin  Acquino,  who  attended  the  Boston  Recreation  Congress, 
told  of  the  definite  concept  of  using  the  schools  for  both 
the  education  and  recreation  life  of  the  people.  Last  sum- 
mer 1,796  teachers  were  brought  to  Manila  for  a  six-weeks 
training  course  in  physical  education,  recreation,  folk  danc- 
ing, music  and  games.  They  carried  this  program  back  to 
their  pupils  and  their  communities.  The  department  also 
sends  out  institute  teams  of  three  people  of  different  skills 
to  give  in-service  training  for  one  week  in  folk  dancing, 
athletics  and  games.  We  were  told  that  these  teams  have 
covered  forty-nine  out  of  fifty-one  provinces. 

The  schools  are  community  centered.  Children  are  given 
projects  that  involve  the  parents.  PTA's  are  reported  as 
being  active  throughout  the  islands,  and  several  examples 


of  their  leadership  were  cited  as  community  projects.  The 
Adult  Education  Division  is  encouraging  the  revival  of 
Philippine  songs  and  folk  dances.  Here  the  American  in- 
fluence is  strong. 

Hong  Kong 

Hong  Kong  is  a  keg  of  dynamite.  Two  and  a  quarter  mil- 
lion to  three  million  persons  are  crowded  into  a  limited 
space.  I  walked  through  one  section  reported  to  be  the  most 
densely-populated  area  in  the  world.  The  housing  shortage 
is  acute;  water  is  rationed;  unemployment  is  serious.  It  is 
reported  to  be  honeycombed  with  communists.  Tension 
grips  these  people.  Leaders  are  conscious  that  they  are  liv- 
ing in  one  of  the  last  outposts  of  freedom  in  that  part  of 
the  world.  With  this  setting,  to  have  some  of  Hong  Kong's 
leading  citizens  publicly  declare  that,  along  with  the  urgent 
needs  being  faced,  the  "need  for  parks  and  recreation  is  of 
the  utmost  importance,"  should  make  all  of  us  who  have 
devoted  our  lives  to  recreation  feel  a  glow  of  pride. 

A  Children's  Playground  Association,  organized  twenty 
years  ago  runs  in  high  gear.  It  now  operates  nine  play- 
grounds, and  is  supported  by  voluntary  contributions. 

I  talked  to  Colonel  Clague,  one  of  Hong  Kong's  leading 
businessmen,  who  has  given  outstanding  leadership  to  Hong 
Kong's  recreation  program.  Colonel  Clague  said,  "The  only 
way  we  can  get  land  is  to  remove  a  mountain  or  fill  in 
the  sea.  We  are  doing  the  latter."  He  showed  me  plans  for 
a  reclamation  project  which  would  make  available  a  five 
and  a  half-acre  recreation  area  literally  made  from  the  sea. 

The  Hong  Kong  Amateur  Sports  Federation,  a  Chinese 
organization  which  has  twelve  thousand  members,  is  put- 
ting on  a  campaign  right  now  to  raise  one  million  Hong 
Kong  dollars  to  complete  a  stadium.  There  are  numerous 
private  sports  clubs. 

We  left  Hong  Kong  greatly  stimulated  by  the  fact  that 
here,  in  one  of  the  most  troubled  spots  of  the  world, 
thoughtful  leaders  were  giving  time  and  attention  to  recre- 
ation because  of  what  it  could  mean  to  the  human  spirit 
in  times  of  stress. 


Our  most  extended  service  was  in  Japan.   On  this  we  shall 
report  more  fully  in  the  February  issue  of  RECREATION. 


Location  of 
Social  Centers 

Preliminary  to  a  referendum  on  Lighted  Schools,  the  Chi- 
cago Recreation  Commission  made  a  study  of  the  needs  of 
communities  for  social  centers.  Its  recommendations  for 
the  location  of  social  centers  in  the  schools  are : 

1.  Neighborhood    Basis — Each    neighborhood    should    re- 
ceive some  form  of  recreational  service.    Duplication  of 
services  or  the  piling  up  of  services  in  one  community,  at  the 
cost  of  services  to  others,  is  to  be  avoided. 

2.  Functional  Basis — Each  center  should  be  housed  in  a 


facility  which  is  functionally  adaptable  to  the  program  to 
be  offered.  For  example,  it  is  impractical  to  use  a  room 
with  low  ceiling  for  active  games  and  sports. 

3.  Basis  oj  Relative  Social  Need — A  higher  priority  is  given 
to  those  neighborhoods  where  social  conditions  present  an 
urgent  need  for  a  constructive  youth  program  to  offset  nega- 
tive influences.   Areas  of  high  population  density,  of  poor 
living   standards,    and   similar   conditions   will   be   shown 
higher  priority. 

4.  Basis  of  Community  Support — Centers  are  recommended 
only  in  those  neighborhoods  where  it  can  be  demonstrated 
that  there  exists  a  high  degree  of  local  interest  and  support 
for  the  program.    Funds  will  not  be  wasted  in  areas  where 
people  do  not  wish  to  be  served. 


JANUARY  1953 


475 


Sylvia 


The  MAORI 


STICK 


GAME 


L^ST  si'MMEK  I  took  four  sticks  to 
the  Winnetka-Glencoe  Girl 
Scout  Camp  and  proceeded  to  turn  it  in- 
to an  uproar.  A  few  months  later,  im 
-enior  troop  had  the  same  experience 
The  phenomenon  that  cast  the  magic 
•  pell  wa>  tin-  Maori  stick  game  from 
New  Zealand,  in  whirh  two  players  tap 
and  toss  sticks  in  time  to  a  rhythmic 
chant.  The  -\  n.  ..palion  of  the  routines. 
l>lu-  the  unusual  coordination  r.-.pnr.-.l. 
make  it  challenging  a<ti\il\  for  Inter- 
mediate and  Senior  Scouts  (and  their 
leaders).  Once  the  girls  learn  how.  it 
is  hard  to  stop  them  from  playing  it. 
Hi.-  urn-  rrc|iii«ite  for  the  game  is  a 
pair  of  slicks  for  each  player.  The 
ideal  sticks  are  those  that  the  girls  find 
in  the  woods  and  cam-  or  paint  in 
their  own  designs.  'I  hc\  -li.uild  be 
straight,  one  to  (nic-and-a-half  inches 
in  diameter  and  twelve  li>  eighteen 
in.  In--  long,  and  free  from  anv  rough 
edges.  Holh  player*  -hoiilcl  have  -tick. 
..f  approximately  the  same  size.  In  the 


Joy  Carter  and  Gwrn  Rankin  of  the  New  Zealand  (iirl  i.m.l,  -   A— <>- 
riation  denioit>triitin|c  the  Maori  Slirk  ((ante,  wearing  Maori  costume*. 


(  \~i  M   M  n  i,;i.i,-,  ,'i  „  tmim 

Girl  Si  mil    imi>i>.    U'iiiHi-ika.    Illinois. 
I.K.I  Hg.2  Fin.  3 


absence  of  natural  branches,  old 
1m "  unsticks  or  dowel  rods  from  a  lum- 
beryard may  be  cut  to  size.  Beginner*, 
can  use  rolled  up  new -papers,  but  these 
are  not  satisfactory  for  long  becaUM 
ih.  \  do  not  make  enough  noise  to  em- 
phasize the  interesting  rhvthmic  pat- 

lel  n«. 

One  movement  of  tin-  -ticks  is  made 
fi.i  i-ach  beat  of  the  chant.  There  are 
(i\e  basic  increments: 

Clap:  hit  own  sticks  together,  up- 
right (Fig.  1). 

Tap:  hit  tip  ends  of  -licks  on  floor 
one'  at  each  side  of  player  I  Fig.  2K 

Drum:  hit  -tick-  c.n  floor  beyond  the 
knee.  holdini:  them  the  wav  a  drum- 
mer hits  a  drum-lick  i  Fig.  31. 

Flip:  to--  -I  i.k-  in  air.  turning  them 
once,  ami  cat.  h  other  end  t  Fig.  1  i  . 

Throu-:  throw  -lick  I.,  partner  with 
an  upward  motion  -..  th.it  the  slick 
ill..).,  into  her  hand  ea-il\.  The  -ti.  k- 


are  thrown  gently  in  a  vertical  position 
(Fig.  5). 

Taps,  claps,  flips,  and  drums  are 
done  with  both  hands  at  the  same  time. 
Both  players  do  the  same  thing.  Thiow- 
are  done  with  either  the  rifiht  lK'  or 
left  I  Li  hand,  or  as  doubles  (D)  with 
both  hands. 

Players  kneel,  sitting  back  on  their 
heel-,  facing  each  other,  their  knees 
about  a  foot  apart.  In  throwing  stic-k- 
lo  her  partner,  each  playr  must  throw 
her  stick  straight  across,  so  that  the 
two  sticks  do  not  collide  in  mid-air. 
Thus  in  a  right  throw,  playr  t  would 
ihmw  straight  across  from  her  right, 
and  player  B  would  iln»u  -traight 
,i.  rOM  from  her  own  ri»hl  i  l-'ij:  <>l.  On 
the  double  throw .  one-  pl.iv  .-i  mii-t  throw 
both  of  her  -liek-  in  tin-  center  while 
the  other  player  throw-  hers  oiil-nl 

(Fig.  7t.  They  decide  beforehand  who 

ihlow-   to  tin-  (filter. 


i  I..,.  Tap  l»rin 


II.,. 


17., 


1 1. ml. I.-  Throw 

RK<  10  ML  IN 


TITI-TOREA 


s\_ 


ta-ku      nei  ma->ii  ta-ku    nei  ma-hi-he  tu-ku  roi-ma-ta- 


tu-ku  roi-ma-ta. 


E    au  -         e         e  ka      ma-te 


E      hi—  ne         ho-ki  i-ho          ra-  -- 


Ma-ku     e  kau-te-c  hi-koi          ta-nga,  Ma-kue  kau-ie-o  hi-koi  ta-nga,  ta-nga. 

Adapted  from  the  arrangement  by  Hemi  Piripata,  by  kind  permission  of  the  copyright  owners,  Charles  Beeg  and  Co.,  New  Zealand 


'P>    1 

;»•    I 


8  times 


8  times 


Patterns  for  five  routines  are  given 
below,  using  the  terms  that  have  been 
defined.  Once  your  girls  have  mastered 
the  basic  movements  I  which  won't  be 
hard  after  you  have  mastered  the  in- 
structions), they  will  think  up  many 
new  routines.  So  protect  your  knees; 
here  we  go: 
Music  A 

1.  Tap,  clap,  R  throw, 
tap,  clap,  L  throw. 

Music  A  or  C 

2.  Tap,  clap.  D  throw.       16  times 

3.  Drum  R,  flip,  clap, 
drum  L,  flip,  clap. 

4.  Drum,  flip.  R  throw,! 

>   8  times 
drum,  Hip,  L  throw.  J 

Music  B  (chorus) 

Tap,  clap,  clap.    (Repeat  to  end.) 

EDITOR'S  NOTE 

"Titi-Torea"  is  one  of  the  songs  the 
Maori  sing  with  their  stick  games.  It 
was  taught  at  an  international  gather- 
ing last  summer  at  the  Edith  Macy 
Training  School  by  two  New  Zealand 
trainers,  Miss  Joy  Carter  and  Miss 
Gwen  Rankin. 

Beginners  at  the  game  may  start  with 
some  familiar  three-four  tune,  but  all 
players  should  also  learn  the  beautiful 
Maori  song  with  its  characteristic  har- 
mony. (In  music  A,  the  main  tune  is 
carried  by  the  lower  notes  and  the  har- 
mony is  indicated  by  the  small  notes 


The  Maori  people  of  New  Zea- 
land are  closely  related  to  the 
Hawaiians.  They  are  tall,  brown 
and  wavy-haired.  The  Maori 
are  noted  for  their  intricate  de- 
signs and  beautiful  woodcarv- 
ings.  Gateways  and  meeting 
houses  may  be  elaborately 
carved.  The  design  at  the  left, 
at  the  top  of  the  preceding  page 
was  taken  from  a  stick  made  by 
a  Maori.  Readers  of  Kon-Tiki. 
by  Thor  Heyerdahl,  will  be  in- 
terested in  knowing  that  the  de- 
sign at  the  right  is  the  head  of 
a  tiki,  a  charm  worn  around  the 
neck. 


above.   In  music  B  and  C,  the  top  notes 
carry  the  tune.) 

Maori   vowels   are   pronounced   like 
Latin  vowels: 

a  as  in  father 

e  as  in  they 

i  as  in  machine 

o  as  in  hope 

u  as  in  ruby. 

Wh  is  pronounced  as  f — otherwise 
the  consonants  are  the  same  as  ours. 
The  New  Zealand  Guiders  have  also 
given  us  the  traditional  opening  of  the 
game.  One  player  says  "Timata"  (tee- 
mah-tah  I  and  the  players  put  sticks  in 
tap  position.  The  other  counts  to  four: 


"Tahi.  rua,  toru,  wha"  (ta-hee,  roo-ah. 
to-roo,  fah)  as  the  players  bring  sitcks 
up  before  them.  Then  the  song  and 
game  begin. 

Miss  Beverly  Robbins,  district  direc- 
tor in  Pittsburgh,  Pennsylvania,  points 
out  the  several  program  fields  the  stick 
game  may  open  up:  "It  is  a  game  that 
fits  into  the  troop's  outdoor  program 
very  nicely.  Practice  the  game  in  the 
meeting  place.  Then  when  you're  on 
your  next  hike,  cut  your  own  sets  of 
four  sticks  each.  The  sticks  should  be 
dried,  sanded,  and  waxed  or  varnished, 
and  painted  or  possibly  even  carved  in 
original  designs.  (Carving  or  painting 
should  be  done  before  waxing) .  A  new 
area  of  design  and  carving,  and  per- 
haps other  natural  crafts,  may  be 
opened  up  to  the  troop.  The  game  may 
also  lead  into  campcraft  skills  and  na- 
ture when  the  girls  are  preparing  to  go 
to  the  woods  to  cut  their  own  sticks. 
It  may  stimulate  interest  in  singing 
games,  or  be  a  jumping  off  point  into 
the  international  friendship  field.  These 
are  just  a  few  of  the  program  possi- 
bilities." 

By  the  way:  the  stick  game  is  some- 
times called  "lemmi  sticks"  among 
United  States  Girl  Scouts,  but  the  term 
was  unknown  to  the  New  Zealand 
trainers. 


Reprinted    through    courtesy 
Scout  Leader,  October,  1952. 


if   The   Girl 


JANUARY  1953 


477 


how  To  Do  T  I 


The 


i 

C£7/7  you  throy;a.u;Qy  can  be  wade  info 

an  attractive 

ANDLE    STICK 


For  Tools: 
Ruler  and  Pencil 
Jin  Snips  or  Sc/ssors 

for  Materials: 

Tin  Can  and  Steel  Wool 


76  Make  The  Candle  Stick  \ 

1.  Remote  -fop  and  bottom  of  can. 

2.  Cuf  can  near  seam  -  -f  laHen  . 
3. Cut  out  square  shape  -S^o  D  sa. 
4.  Mark  square  shape  as  shown 

in  Diagram  A-  Cut  solid  lines. 
5.  Bend  -four  shaded  areas 
upcuard-Rub  all  cut  edqes 
unth  steel  u>ool . 


DIAGRAM  A 


G. Cut  fop  of"  each  upturned,  area,     (.shaded  area*  in 
jo  suit"  your  dcsiqn  ne«d».  Four  base  shapes  and  -four  upriqhf 
shapes    may   be  bent'  as  desiretX  . 

SUGGESTIONS    FOR    BASE   flND  UPTURNED  SHAPES. 


BASE  SHAPE 
6CNT- 

•+-ct/r. 


UPRIGHT  SHAPE 
-  bt 

ct/r 


i::; 


KK  UK  \T10N 


From  Discussion  Meeting,  34th  National  Recreation  Congress 


A  Well -Rounded 
Indoor  Center  Program 


I 


N  discussing  the  building  of  a  well-rounded  program 
for  indoor  recreation  centers,  a  group  at  the  Seattle  Con- 
gress favored  the  following  ideas: 

1.  The  community  center  should  serve  all  age  levels  and 
all  groups  with  a  broad  program  covering  many  interests. 

2.  There  should  be  sound  planning  and  cooperation  with 
the  school  and  such  school-community  groups  as  the  PTA. 

3.  There  should  be  planning  and  cooperation  with  com- 
munity youth  serving  agencies  and  a  policy  established  for 
use  of  the  center.  The  center-directed  programs  should  take 
precedence  in  use  of  the  center.  These  need  to  have  dignity 
and  to  be  worthwhile  in  order  to  merit  this  precedence. 

4.  Planning  should  be  properly   initiated,   so   that   the 
director  need  not  do  all  the  leg  work. 

Principles  Involved  in  Program  Planning 

1.  Community  groups  should  participate  in  the  planning. 

2.  Youth  should  plan  with  adults. 

3.  Volunteer  leaders  should  be  given  the  consideration 
of  having  a  special  activity  at  a  given  time. 

Specific  Problems 

Problem  1 — What  program  can  be  offered  to  teen-age 
groups,  in  addition  to  dancing,  in  a  facility  on  third  floor 
of  city  hall,  in  a  city  of  19,000? 

(a)  Take  the  young  people  into  the  planning  and  give 
their  ideas  serious  consideration.  Study  the  many  reference 
books  on  recreation  activities.  The  National  Recreation  As- 
sociation publishes  many  reasonably  priced  pamphlets  of- 
fering program  ideas.    Send  for  their  list  of  publications. 
(Read  RECREATION  magazine. — Ed.)   The  New  York  Youth 
Commission  is  soon  releasing  a  booklet  on  youth  activities. 

(b)  Various  indoor  parties  can  be  devised  around   a 
special  theme,  such  as  an  indoor  beach  party,  circus  party, 
and  so   on.    Adapt  games,   stunts,  to   theme.    Use   circle 
dances,  ice  breakers.   Let  committees  of  young  people  plan 
appropriate  decorations  and  refreshments. 

(c)  Teen  Town  Theatre  and  children's  theatre  organiza- 
tions should  be  considered;  also  festivals  and  carnivals. 

(d)  High  school  students  might  like  to  plan  parties  to 
take  place  after  school  games. 

(e)  Special  recreation  events  can  be  planned  in  coop- 
eration with  school  centers  and  with  representatives  from 
the  church,  PTA,  and  other  local  agencies.   Sit  down  with 
them  in  conference,  get  their  ideas,  see  what  cooperative 
projects  can  be  developed. 


Problem  2 — What  programs   are   being   offered   for   pre- 
school children? 

Activities  can  be  successfully  planned  for  pre-schoolers 
and  their  mothers.  "Tiny  tots"  groups  receive  leadership 
in  games,  dancing  and  other  rhythms,  while  mothers  are 
left  free  for  their  own  recreation.  "Tot  Lots"  have  been 
developed  on  many  playgrounds. 

Problem  3 — Should  there  be  programs  every  evening  for 
school  age  children? 

This  can  best  be  solved  by  close  planning  with  school, 
home,  and  church  groups.  We  should  not  be  competing 
for  the  time  of  children  nor  draw  them  out  of  the  home 
every  night.  Except  on  very  special  occasions,  evening  ac- 
tivities should  take  place  on  weekends. 
Problem  4 — Can  we  teach  dancing  in  community  centers 
without  conflicting  with  commercial  dance  studios? 

There  is  an  obligation  on  the  part  of  a  recreation  depart- 
ment to  offer  good  recreation  opportunities  for  all,  and  there- 
fore we  should  teach  the  fundamentals  of  dancing  to  those 
who  want  them,  and  expose  others  to  an  opportunity  to 
try  them  and  to  develop  an  interest  in  them.  Those  who  care 
to  continue  special  emphasis  may  then  choose  to  go  to  a 
studio.  Professional  studios  can  cooperate  by  furnishing 
volunteer  leaders  for  the  teaching  of  fundamentals,  in  rec- 
reation centers. 

Problem  5— What  are  you  doing  for  young  adults? 

(a)  In  one  city,  where  some  of  the  young  adults  live 
in  dormitories,  assistance  is  given  to  the  young  people  in 
forming  their  own  organizations.    The  recreation  director 
helps  the  group  to  obtain  the  use  of  many  school-community 
facilities,   such   as   gymnasiums   and   bowling  alleys,   and 
helps  them  to  develop  game  rooms  in  the  dormitories.   As- 
sistance is  given  young  married  couples  in  obtaining  re- 
sponsible baby  sitters. 

(b)  A  roller  skating  rink  appeals  to  this  age  group, 
as  well  as  to  other  ages.  Special  skates  can  be  used  on  your 
gymnasium  floor  without  doing  any  damage.    (See  "Roller 
Skating  Is  Here  To  Stay,"  page  470.— Ed.)    Set  aside  two 
evenings  a  week  for  the  whole  family,  and  provide  a  place 
and  care  for  babies  in  order  to  free  parents  for  skating. 
Problem  6 — How  many  operate  programs  in  exclusively 
school  facilities?    In  their  own  center?    Both? 

A  poll  of  the  group  resulted  approximately  as  follows: 
in  schools,  25  per  cent;  in  their  own  facilities,  75  per  cent; 
in  both,  60  per  cent. 


JANUARY  1953 


479 


A  STAGE  FOR  PUPPETRY 


Shotting     hoH      tin-     -IririK      in.ii  inn.  ll< - 
are  opcralctl  on  a   multiple   u»«- 


II.  r..  ili, 1. 1  »r.i.l.  pii|iil-  nf  Mr-.  I  >. 
Niiiiuir  manipulatr  li.m.l  pupprl*  from 
umli-r  ihr  l.ilili  .  lliroii(li  >parr  CTT- 
»lnl  by  ihr  rrmoval  tif  .omr  flooring. 

I"," 


A  SATISFACTORY  stage  for  puppetry,  a  long-felt  want,  was 
•^*-  devised  for  Mrs.  KM-  Nulling,  of  Eugene  Field  School, 
Park  Ridge.  Illinois,  by  her  husband  who  made  an  all- 
purpose  stage  suitable  not  only  for  hand  puppets,  but  for 
siring  marionettes,  pupil-created  "movies."  and  even  dio- 
ramas for  the  display  of  special  projects. 

The  four-purpose  device  that  he  designed  and  constitu- 
ted could  easily  be  duplicated  by  boys  who  have  had  some 
vocational  arts  work  or  by  anyone  who  can  use  a  saw  and 
hammer.  Fully  equipped  with  a  backdrop,  curtain,  foot- 
lights and  other  appurtenances,  the  stage  cost  only  $15. 

The  stage  is  quite  small — 32  inches  wide.  20  inches  deep 
and  25  inches  high.  It  is  light  in  weight,  sturdy,  and 
durable.  The  proscenium  gives  a  rectangular  view  just  24 
inches  wide  by  17  inches  high;  yet  there  is  ample  room 
for  as  many  as  three  or  four  marionettes. 

Several  features  give  the  stage  its  versatility.  The  back 
and  sides  easily  slide  out.  depending  on  the  stage's  function. 
Thus  there  is  great  accessibility.  A  portion  of  the  floor, 
21  '/•:  inches  long  and  ')  inches  wide,  at  the  hack,  is  remov- 
able to  make  room  for  hand  puppeteers.  The  backdrop, 
sii*pi mlt-d  on  a  :ls  inch  brass  curtain  rod,  lifts  out  nf 
notches  in  wooden  block-  when  the  stage  must  be  cleared 
for  string  marionettes.  Half-inch  dowels,  having  saw  rul- 
llinuigh  their  centers,  serve  as  spools  for  threading  the  18 
inch  shelf  paper  on  which  pupils  have  drawn  "nun  i' 
pictures. 

Hecausc  of  its  compart  -i/e  .mil  lijilit  weight,  the  stage 
i-  readily  moved  on  and  off  its  location  a  incdiiiin-si/ed 

table. 

•-.•I,-,  liim  i.f  materials  f.u  the  mill  wa-  important  because 
it  was  |n  |>c  built  for  permanence.  »afet\.  and  ap|x%arain  <• 
The  craftsman.  Holw-rl  Nutting,  fm  lln-»e  ir.i»<ni»  <  Imse  a 
good  <|iialil\  of  pine  luml>cr  for  the  fianiewnrk  and  mason- 

ile  le.itheiw I.  .in  IIM|I..--.I|  liaiillinard   with  the  ap|K-ar- 

am  i-  "f  >|Miiiih-finiin  Icalhci.  (m   the  panel*.    The  flmir  is 

inch    pl\Mood.     The    Icalherw I.    Ix-sides    its    pleasing 

ap|M-.n.ini  ••  .mil  ilui.iliiliU.   i-  fn-c  »l  -plinlei*.  ,md  that  is 
im|>iii!.iiit.  nf  i.iui-r.  uhi-i i-  i  hililien  ait MfBML 

RK<  HI  \III>N 


Concealed  dowels  are  turned  by  Marjorie  and  David  to  unroll 
a  "movie,"   drawn  on   a   fifteen-foot   length   of   shelf   paper. 


Hardboard  back  panel  and  rear  portion  of   floor  slide  out. 
Note  the   backdrop   curtain   and    dowel    sticks    on   table   top. 


Here  are  some  construction  details.  Lumber  for  the 
framework  is  1  inch  by  2  inches,  nailed  together.  Screws 
are  an  alternative  method  of  fastening.  The  leatherwood 
panels,  forming  the  sides  and  back,  slide  in  grooves  formed 
by  a/4  inch  lumber  strips  nailed  to  the  framework. 

Chalk  line  was  used  to  pull  the  curtain.  At  the  ends,  to 
keep  the  string  down,  lead  sinkers  were  attached. 

As  a  footlight,  a  20-watt  counter  light  provides  ample 
illumination  of  the  tiny  characters.  The  cord  was  extended 
through  the  framework  at  one  side,  with  the  switch  hang- 
ing underneath  for  the  operation  of  a  youthful  electrician. 

The  dowels,  23  inches  long,  fit  into  holes  bored  at  either 
side  of  the  stage.  They  are  held  steady  at  the  top  by  a 
simple  clamping  arrangement.  Turning  of  the  dowels  is 
simplified  by  a  wooden  collar  on  each.  Shelf  paper  in 
lengths  of  12  to  15  feet  is  needed  for  each  "movie."  Ends 
of  the  roll  are  tapered  to  the  center  to  allow  easy  threading 
on  the  dowels. 

For  curtain  material,  Mrs.  Nutting  used  green  Indian- 
head;  the  backdrop  is  the  same  material  in  gray. 

Instead  of  the  leatherwood,  the  panels  could  have  been 
made  from  masonite  %  inch  tempered  presdwood,  which 
is  smooth  on  one  side  and  finely  textured  on  the  other.  A 
hardboard  with  two  smooth  faces  now  is  available,  too,  at 
most  lumber  yards. 

The  entire  ensemble  was  painted  a  gray  to  match  the 
backdrop — an  undercoat  and  two  finish  coats.  On  the 
proscenium,  which  is  masonite  presdwood  with  a  per- 
fectly smooth  surface,  Mrs.  Nutting  painted  some  Pennsyl- 
vania Dutch  designs  in  oil  to  add  a  touch  of  color  and 
gayety.  Stencils  or  decalcomanias  could  be  used  effectively 
also.  To  protect  the  finish  from  fingermarks,  a  flat  varnish 
was  applied.  When  that  was  completely  dry,  a  coat  of  wax 
was  applied  and  polished. 

An  interesting  variation  of  the  solid  color  on  leather- 
wood  is  tone-on-tone.  To  achieve  this  rich  effect,  a  neutral 
undercoat  is  first  applied.  Over  that  goes  the  selected  color 


which  will  predominate.  After  the  first  color  is  dry,  the 
contrasting  color  is  brushed  on  and  allowed  to  set  for  just 
a  minute  or  two;  then  it  is  rubbed  off  with  a  clean  cloth 
wrapped  around  a  block  of  wood  or  a  sponge.  The  first 
color  will  remain  on  the  high  spots  and  the  contrasting  one 
will  appear  in  the  depressions. 

"Movies"  provide  opportunity  for  participation  by  each 
member  of  the  group.  In  preparing  a  movie  about  a  circus 
parade,  every  youngster  in  Mrs.  Nutting's  third  grade  drew 
a  scene,  working  directly  on  the  shelf  paper  which  was 
taped  for  convenience  to  the  blackboard.  Two  pupils  were 
needed  to  operate  the  movie,  and  there  was  a  need  also 
for  curtain  pullers  and  an  electrician. 

Recreation  workers  may  be  interested  in  the  formula  Mrs. 
Nutting  used  for  the  puppet  heads — a  recipe  furnished  by 
the  Park  Ridge  public  school  art  consultant,  Edward  I. 
Reasor. 

The  following  ingredients  are  sufficient  to  make  twenty- 
five  units  of  sawdust  plastic.  Five  pounds  of  flour,  water, 
salt,  and  sawdust.  Place  flour  in  a  large  pan  and  add  water 
until  it  is  just  covered.  Bring  the  mixture  to  a  boil,  stirring 
constantly.  Add  salt.  Cook  until  most  of  the  moisture  has 
evaporated.  Sift  sawdust  and  place  it  on  an  open  news- 
paper. Remove  some  of  the  dough  and  knead  it  into  the 
sawdust  until  the  ball  becomes  firm  and  plastic. 

Each  of  her  pupils  made  a  puppet  head  by  moulding  the 
mixture  on  a  clothespin.  Then  the  clothespins,  with  their 
strange  assortment  of  heads,  were  attached  to  the  classroom 
ventilator,  where  they  dried  out  in  a  couple  of  days.  A 
light  twist  permitted  the  removal  of  the  clothespin  without 
damage  to  the  head. 

As  a  pattern  for  the  costumes,  the  children  used  cutouts 
from  shirt  cardboards.  From  this  basic  pattern,  they  used 
their  imaginations  to  create  embellishments.  Cut  stones 
(dime  store  variety)  were  used  as  the  eyes  of  the  leading 
characters  they  had  created.  Eyes  of  some  puppets  were 
merely  painted.  Hats  were  fastened  with  thumbtacks. 


JANUARY  1953 


481 


SUGGESTION 


Parties  Plucked  From  Thin   Air 

\  »\i  remember  the  song  that  was 
popular  a  couple  of  years  ago  that 
went  Miincthing  like  this: 

"Dili  you  ever  see  a  dream  walking. 
Well,  I  did.  .  ." 

Have  you  ever  been  browsing 
through  the  five  and  ten  cent  store 
looking  ill  tin-  children's  hooks,  read- 
ing cards  at  the  card  counter,  when  all 
of  a  sudden  your  eyes  landed  on  a  card 
that  gave  you  a  splendid  idea  for  a 
p.nlx.'  "Well.  I  have."  Immediately 
you  begin  to  weave  around  that  card 
••\er\ thing  that  could  he  done  for  an 
e\  en  ing's  entertainment;  how  old 
L-.tmcs  could  l>e  made  new  with  new 
till.--  adapted  to  the  party's  theme; 
decorations  and  oh,  ever  so  many 
other  things  that  could  he  done  to 
carry  out  the  "title"  of  your  card. 

I  hi.  is  a  good  way  to  plan  a  Val- 
i-iitin.-  I'art)  thiil  i-  ju-t  ;i  little  "difler- 
i-nt."  In  one  such  instance  a  leader 
made  a  vi.it  to  the  card  shops  and 
[mind  a  valentine  called  "Cupid's 
• '"mi."  Around  this  she  built  her 
party.  Karh  (•ami-  -elected  became  a 
"case"  for  tin-  court,  and  took  on  an 
apropos  name  such  as:  Heart  I)i\oi.e. 
Cupid'-  Mi.ii.  -\.  .ind  so  on.  Why  not 
lr\  il  tin-  \.-.n:  .mil  1>\  all  means  send 
|.>  id.-  National  !!>•.  r.-alion  Association 
for  ...in.-  good  party  or  garnr  tn.ii.-ii 
.il-.  MI.  h  .1-  the  following:  I'nrlies  for 
.il  Days  of  the  Year.  $.50;  Par- 
lies from  A  to  Z,  $.7.">;  ll>-<ni\  I  nli-n- 
Party,  *.!.".:  or  ..ihrra? 

Thank  I 

A  re<  r.-.ilion  center  has  reccnlK  ..-nl 
,i  /  /mill,  I  (,rinn  to  all  volunteers,  in- 
ter, -led  ,  i:  .|l-..|.  .111.1  llel|.<  I -. 

as  •  message  of  appreciation  and  a 
grateful  acknowledgment  for  n»«i«t- 
.iiii  >•  during  thr  year.  It  reail-:  "In 
recognilion  of  the  :•,...•(  \oii  II.IM-  .1.. in- 


to establish  a  sound  recreation  pro- 
gram for  the  enjoyment  of  the  citizens 
of  Ephrata,"  and  is  signed  Ephrata 
Recreation  Center,  B.  J.  Gaugnini,  Di- 

r.-i  tor. 

Why  Buy  Them? 

Every  child  likes  to  wear  a  printe.l 
shirt.  If  you  have  any  doubt  about  it 
just  take  a  look  at  the  chain  store  dis- 
plays of  this  item. 

Recreation  department  leaders  of 
Auburn  and  Lewiston,  Maine,  had 
long  wanted  to  use  T-shirts  im- 
printed with  the  department  insignia. 
but  any  budget  would  be  too  small  to 
buy  shirts  for  hundreds  of  youngster-. 
Therefore,  the  arts  and  crafts  super- 
visor suggested  silk  screening  shiil- 
right  on  the  playground,  the  shirt-  t» 
be  furnished  by  the  children. 

At  the  playground  director'-,  train- 
ing course  we  screened  T-shirts  and 
sweat  shirts  for  the  Lewiston  leaders, 
and  asked  the  children  if  they  would 
like  them.  The  answer  i.  .>l>\i..us.  By 
the  time  a  half  dozen  were  screened, 
the  leaders  were  beseiged  with  re- 
quests. In  a  matter  of  minutes  there 
w.i-  .1  -leadx  -treain  of  children  run- 
ning home  for  shirts  and  waving  them 
as  the\  i. -tin  M. -d  through  the  gal.-. 

Cirl-.  I.....  wanleil  them:  and  some 
girl-  who-.-  mothers  did  not  appt»\>- 
of  T-shirts  brought  cotton  blouses. 
In  a  matter  of  hours  the  department 
in-ivnia  was  appearing  on  the  Mr..-!-. 
Ky  the  linn-  we  had  visited  all  the 
playground..  .  iti/.-i  i\  ing  "we 

didn't  rcali/e  ih.-i.-  were  so  many 
\oiing-t.-r-  on  our  plii\gr»imd-." 

On  the  Sunday  trip-  around  ll 
sorts   and    h.-ai  h.--   throogboOl    Maine 
we  began  l»  -pot  tin-    \ulniiii  oi    I  •  u 

l-l.'ll     |e<  le.llloll     -hill..       >»iiii-     of     our 

•..iin.i   ,  hildien   an-   .iiinmer    n  -i 
d.iil.    iind    we    printed    .hut-    thai    will 


be  worn  in  New  ^  ,,rk.  Michigan.  New 

J.-I-e\.    \l.|.-.irhu-etl-   and    inaiiv    olhei 

states  this  fall. 

This  mass  advertising  was  achieved 
without  making  a  visible  dent  in  our 
budget.  Our  maintenance  department 
made  a  wood  frame  22  by  1  I  inche- 
hinged  to  a  piece  of  ;*.i-inch  plywood. 
The  art-  and  crafts  supcn  isor  cti\ered 
this  frame  with  a  No.  !!  silk  screen 
and  cut  the  design  on  Nufilm.  then  ad- 
hered it  to  the  silk.  This,  with  a  screen- 
ing squeegc.  textile  screen  paint,  a  half- 


dozen  pieces  of  pressed  wood  forms 
cut  to  fit  inside  the  shirts,  is  all  the 
equipment  needed. 

Departments  that  have  arts  and 
crafts  leaders  who  know  -ilk  screening 
i  .in  make  their  own  equipment  as  we 
did.  If  \oiir  -luff  i-  iml  familiar  with 
this  art  medium  you  can  purchase  the 
..•teen  ready  made  from  any  -ilk 
screen  supply  hoii-c.  .1-  well  as  the 
paint  and  squeege.  and  lh.-\  ran  tea.  h 
you  how  to  run  the  shirt-  in  fifteen 
minutes.  If  the  screen.  .11. •  piopeiN 
cleaned  after  each  run  and  not  cut  or 
broken  the\  will  la-l  -.\.i.il  season-. 
making  thousands  of  runs  each  \.-.u. 
The  .  o-l  of  equipment  \,ui<--  in  dif- 
ferent part-  of  the  eounlix.  but  -hoiild 
not  co-l  o\er  fifteen  dollars  including 
ill.-  paint.  \-  members  of  the  dep.nl 
incut  furnished  the  labor,  we  paid  out 
I'lil  eight  dollar-  in  each  cil\  foi  in.i 
l.-ii.il-.  -.  i.  cued  roughh  a  thoii-an.l 
-liiil-  in  cadi  comiiiunity.  and  the 

-     .11.      ic,id\      for     next     \.-.u 
\\lu-ie  ..in  \..u  find  a  chea|M-i    \\.i\    i.. 
aibdli-e     \"in     -iimmei     piogiam?— 
< '-.  Mt  G.  HOLT,  Supervisor  of  Arts  <unl 
Crafts,  Author. 


HK<  .RKATION 


First  Report,  Sub-Committee  on  Graduate  Education,  National  Advisory  Com- 
mittee on  Recruitment,  Training,  and  Placement  of  Recreation  Personnel. 


GRADUATE  STUDY 
IN  RECREATION 


Gerald  B.  Fitzgerald 


The  report  of  the  sub-committee  on  Graduate  Education 
is  based  upon  letters  received  from  seven  of  the  eleven 
members  who  replied  to  the  request  of  the  chairman  to  re- 
cord their  present  thinking  as  to  what  the  most  pertinent 
issues  are,  with  which  the  sub-committee  should  be  con- 
cerned. It  includes  some  references  to  the  recreation  sec- 
tion of  the  publication,  Graduate  Study  in  Health,  Physical 
Education  and  Recreation,  developed  at  the  national  con- 
ference on  graduate  study  in  these  areas  held  at  Pere  Mar- 
quette  State  Park,  Illinois,  in  January,  1950,  and  financed 
by  the  Athletic  Institute.  Three  of  the  members  of  the  sub- 
committee were  included  in  the  conference  membership. 
The  sub-committee  report  also  includes  data  from  an  an- 
nual study  of  recipients  of  degrees  in  recreation. 

Present  Extent  of  Graduate  Work  in  Recreation 

The  most  recent  findings  of  an  annual  study  conducted 
by  the  University  of  Minnesota  Leadership  Training  Divi- 
sion for  the  Training  Committee  of  the  American  Recrea- 
tion Society  reveal  that  about  twenty  of  the  some  fifty  col- 
leges and  universities  which  grant  undergraduate  degrees 
in  recreation  also  confer  master's  degrees  in  recreation, 
that  five  of  them  also  offer  doctor's  degrees  in  recreation 
and  that  one  of  them  in  addition  offers  the  director's  degree, 
a  mid-point  between  the  master  and  the  doctoral  level. 

Of  the  some  2,000  total  recreation  students  enrolled  in 
the  fifty  institutions  approximately  20  per  cent,  or  400,  are 
graduate  students.  In  1950-51,  3  persons  received  doctor's 
degrees,  6  director's  degrees  and  some  130  master's  degrees. 
New  York  University  and  Indiana  University  lead  in  num- 
bers of  graduate  degrees  conferred.  Approximately  10  per 
cent  of  those  receiving  bachelor's  degrees  in  recreation 

DR.  FITZGERALD,  Director  of  Recreation  Training,  Univer- 
sity of  Minnesota,  is  author  of  LEADERSHIP  IN  RECREATION. 


enter  graduate  study  almost  immediately. 

Those  upon  whom  the  master's  degree  was  conferred  in 
1950-51  received  a  median  beginning  salary  of  $3,741  in 
a  range  from  $3,000  to  $5,000. 

It  is  estimated  that  there  are  over  400  persons  holding 
graduate  degrees  in  recreation  at  the  present  time  and  it 
is  assumed  that  the  large  majority  are  practicing  profes- 
sionally. 

Suggestions  from  Committee  Members 

A  compilation  and  an  analysis  of  replies  from  members 
of  the  sub-committee  reveals  a  close  association  between 
them  and  the  major  topics  treated  by  the  Pere  Marquette 
Conference  of  1950,  although  but  three  of  the  members,  as 
indicated  previously,  were  present  at  the  conference.  This 
fact  is  encouraging  for  it  supports  the  validity  of  the  con- 
ference report  and  also  indicates  that  the  sub-committee 
members  who  have  read  the  report  may  have  been  influ- 
enced by  it. 

The  following  items  were  mentioned  by  one  half  or  more 
of  the  sub-committee  members  who  sent  in  suggestions: 

1.  Recruitment  procedures. 

2.  Admission  requirements,  with  particular  reference  to 
scholarship  and  experience  requirements. 

3.  Internship  plans,  including  possibility  of  pre-degree 
service  plans  involving  the  specific  agency  in  which  the 
student  expects  to  take  employment. 

4.  Solicitation  of  suggestions  from  key  practitioners  in 
the  field  as  to  the  content  of  graduate  training. 

5.  Studies  of  placement  and  of  placement  opportunities 
for  recipients  of  graduate  degrees,  and  consideration   of 
follow-up  plans  on  the  part  of  the  college  or  university. 

6.  Administrative  location  of  the  graduate  program  in 
the  individual  college  or  university. 

7.  Principles  upon  which  graduate  study  should  be  based 


JANUARY  1953 


483 


and  accreditation  of  institutions. 

8.  Implementation   of   the    Pere   Marquette   Conference 
report. 

9.  Curriculum  areas  including  appropriate  specializations 
at  the  graduate  lex,  el. 

10.  Differentiation  between  undergraduate  and  graduate 
work,  including  effects  of  tin-  fi\e-\ear  program  upon  the 
sixth-xear  program  and  upon  the  doctoral  sequence. 

Several  additional  suggestions  were  made  by  individual 
iiii-nil.rrs  nf  the  Rtb-commilicc  hut  the  above  appear  to  be 
most  pertinent. 

Some  of  the  factors  such  as  recruitment  and  placement 
ni'Tlup  with  the  work  of  other  sub-committees,  but  it  can 
be  assumed  that  the  total  Advisory  Committee  will  coordi- 
nate or  eliminate  these  overlaps.* 

Ml  of  the  ahoxc  item*  were  discussed  at  the  Pere  Mar- 
quette conference  and  recommendations  were  made  regard- 
ing them.  Thus  one  of  the  first  tasks  of  the  sub-committee 
i-  t«>  re-examine  these  recommendations  and  to  possibly 
amplify  them  and  certainly  to  develop  means  of  imple- 
menting them. 

In  addition  to  what  has  been  listed  above,  it  appears  that 
the  following  must  be  included  as  important  items  for  sub- 
committee consideration: 

1.  Qualifications  of  the  graduate  faculty. 

2.  Research  grants  for  faculty  and  students  and  scholar- 


-hips  and  graduate  as-i-tantships  for  students. 

Plan  of  Action 

The  task  of  the  sub-committee  needs  to  be  organized  on 
the  basis  of  a  plan  of  action  and  a  division  of  work  among 
the  members.  Dr.  Harry  Edgren,  Professor  of  Recreation 
at  George  \\  illiams  College,  has  accepted  the  vice-chairman- 
ship of  the  Bub-Committee  and  a  secretary  will  soon  lie 
selected. 

Committee  M.  inln  i- 

Dr.  Gerald  B.  h'it/gerald.  I  nixersitx  of  Minnesota 
Dr.  Jackxm  M.  Anderson.  Purdue  I  ni\er-it\ 
Kditli  Hall.  New  York  I  ni\er-it\ 
Dr.  \V.  C.  Batchelor,  Ohio  State  t'ni\cr-itx 
Fred  M.  Chapman.  Stale  Division  of  Public  Instruction. 
Minnesota 

Dr.  H.  D.  Edgren,  George  Williams  College 

Francis  W.  Hartzell.  Chambersburg 

William  J.  Tail,  Florida  State  University 

Charles  F.  Weckwerth,  Springfield  College 

Sterling  S.  Winans,  Sacramento,  California 

Dr.  A.  E.  Weatherford.  North  Carolina  State  College 


*  Dr.  Paul  Douglass  chairman  of  the  National  Advisory  Commit- 
tee, appointed  Dr.  John  Htitchinson,  vice-chairman,  to  act  a*  projrri 
coordinator.    The   chairman   of   the   five   sub-committee-   ha*' 
a-krcl  to  -iiliniir  their  proposal  li-t-  of  assignments  to  Dr.  llutrhin- 
•"ii  who  will  advise  when  duplication  appears. 


Girls'  and  Women's  Recreation  Activities 


It  is  generally  agreed  that  girls  everywhere  have  certain 
basic  needs.  Many  of  these  which  can  be  met  through  our 
recreation  programs  are: 

1.  The  need   for  understanding  counsel  and   firm   friend- 
ships from  adults  whom  they  like. 

2.  The  need  to  understand  themselves  and   win    they  act 
and  feel  as  they  do,  especially  in  the  early  teen  years. 

3.  The  need  to  understand  rahtkmhipl  with  others — par- 
ent-, brothers  and  sisters,  girl  friends,  boy  friends. 

I.  The  need  to  lie  considered  responsible,  useful  and  im- 
portant. 

.1.  The  H,., I  for  identification  with  their  own  community. 
(».  The  nerd  for  skills  and  the  "know  how"  which  gives 
self-con hdence  and  -ocial  poi--. 

7.  The  need  for  -citing  up  goals  for  the  future  and  in 
understanding  iheir  role  a-  women  in  the  world. 

\\  .iv-   of    M.  .  Im-     I  lie-.     Need. 

Through  a  rich  and  varied  program  of  ph>-ical  .1-  lixi- 
rhxthmx  .it  tix  ilic-.  cre.itne  C\|NT  icnrro  in  the  nalrn 
of  inii-ii  .  drama,  arts  ami  •  rafts  and  nature  m  lixilie-;  for 
all  ihrrr  develop  -kilN  .md  luiild  for  future  interest*. 

Through  -<n  ial  program-  which  bring  |x»rsonality  de- 
velopment anil  the  al.illlx  to  get  on  well  with  other-. 


Helen  M.  Daunccy 

Through  service  projects  which  develop  consideration  for 
others  and  a  sense  of  community  responsibility . 

1  brought  serving  on  committees  and  councils  which  de- 
velop a  sense  of  personal  responsibility  and  an  appreciation 
for  democratic  procedures. 

Through  discussion  groups  which  provide  an  opportunity 
to  talk  over  some  of  their  problem-. 

Through  developing  a  program  which  emphasizes  the 
role  of  homcmaker. 

Tli<-  Jolt  of  a  I  e.nlci 

I,,  .-inornate  participation  in  the  earlv  \eai-.  \\  .  need 
main,  rnam  more  program-  for  tin-  sc\en-  to  lw<-l\e-\ear- 
old  girls.  The  -round  work  laid  in  childhood  determines 
to  a  ".real  extent  whether  llic  teen  ages  are  happx  or  un- 
happx  one-.  'I  hex  can  l.e  xcar-  of  fun  and  high  adxenture 
or  of  unhappine—  and  despair.  These  adolr -,  cni  years  are 
ileti •imining  what  kind  of  a  woman  is  being  dexelopcd 

Our  goal  -hoiild  hi-  richer  living  and  extended  hori/oiis 
for  all  girls  and  women  in  our  program-. 

Our  job  i-  to  proxide  ariixiiies  and  programs  so  attrac- 
lixe  and  MI  nuiteil  to  their  needs  that  they  will  lake-  it.  like 
it  and  c  onie  bac  k  for  mme. 

Hooks  and  meetings  will  never  do  it.  It  will  conn-  onlx 
through  real  leadership. 


IUc  HKATION 


WE  INVITE  you  to  enlist  with  us 
where  it  will  do  the  most  good, 
on  the  conservation  side,  in  a  campaign 
to  insure  the  fertility  of  our  land,  the 
productivity  of  our  forests;  to  protect 
our  rivers  and  seashores  from  pollution 
and  preserve  our  natural  beauty  and 
interesting  wild  life.  These  are  the  nat- 
ural resources  which  you  have  enjoyed 
and  which  have  attracted  and  sustained 
millions  of  men,  women  and  children. 
But.  .  .  . 

Our  great  resources  are  dwindling 
because  we.  the  citizens  to  whom  they 
belong,  have  been  wasteful  and  destruc- 
tive beyond  belief.  Thoughtlessness, 
carelessness,  ignorance  and  selfishness 
have  been,  and  are,  the  great  destroy- 
ers, the  cause  of  wanton  waste,  dis- 
order and  ugliness.  Two  wars  and  the 
present  rearmament  and  foreign  aid 
programs  have  created  unprecedented 
demands  upon  both  renewable  and  non- 
renewable  resources.  Forced  produc- 
tivity is  usually  uneconomical  and 
wasteful.  Various  extra-ordinary  gov- 
ernmental programs  have  been  devised 
for  promoting  or  controlling  produc- 
tion of  mines,  oil  wells,  agricultural, 
forest  and  grazing  lands,  and  the  dis- 
tribution of  water  and  power.  Some 
programs  have  been  very  beneficial, 
others  have  become  the  tools  of  the  sel- 
fish, or  of  those  who  do  not  remember 
that  they  must  plan  for  the  greatest 
good  for  the  greatest  number  for  the 
longest  time. 

Assurance  has  been  given,  by  lead- 
ers in  their  fields,  that  conditions  can 
be  greatly  improved;  this  being  so,  we 
believe  that  we  must  not  continue  to 
lose  assets  which  cannot  be  replaced. 
We  must  not  neglect  matters  of  the  ut- 
most importance  to  us,  to  our  children 
and  to  the  ultimate  destiny  of  the  coun- 
try in  which  we  live. 

Let's  Co-operate 

Experience  has  shown  that  volunteer 
citizen  groups  with  high  standards 


or 


Conservation 
Please! 


AUTHOR  is  executive  vice-president  of 
the    California    Conservation    Council. 

JANUARY  1953 


have  much  to  contribute  to  conserva- 
tion movements — including  Soil  and 
Water  Conservation,  Fire  Prevention, 
Safety  and  Outdoor  Good  Manners — 
both  at  the  state  and  at  the  local  level, 
by  encouraging  co-ordination  of  plan- 
ning and  cooperative  effort.  Govern- 
mental agencies  may  be  compared  to 
the  spokes  of  a  wheel;  from  a  central 
hub  each  gets  its  authority,  the  scope 
of  its  activity  and  its  financial  support; 
but  the  central  government  does  not 
provide  a  rim  to  the  wheel  which  will 
insure  smooth  operation,  that  is,  coop- 
eration between  different  departments 
or  divisions  of  departments  at  the  op- 
erating level. 

An  alert  and  representative  citizen 
group  including  parents,  teachers,  bus- 
iness men,  agriculturists,  leaders  of 
youth  organizations  and  outdoor  clubs, 
club  women,  officials  and  others  inter- 
ested in  community  welfare,  can  bring 
representatives  of  administrative  agen- 
cies together.  Under  competent  and 
interested  leadership,  all  can  work  to 
promote  better  understanding,  long- 
term  planning,  more  effective  service, 
and  at  the  same  time  develop  citizen 
support  for  worth-while  projects. 

You  are  urgently  requested  to: 

1.  Make  every  effort  to  increase  at- 
tention to  conservation  education  and 
activities. 

2.  Encourage   and   cooperate   with 


Pearl  Chase 


others  of  similar  aims  in  school  and 
community. 

3.  Take  advantage  of  Conservation 
Week  to  tell,  by  every  means  of  publi- 
city at  your  disposal — meetings,  press, 
radio  and  exhibits — the  importance  of 
the  conservation  of  natural  resources 
to  the  state,  community  and  family. 

The  California  Conservation  Coun- 
cil, for  example,  includes  leaders  of  or- 
ganizations concerned  with  the  conser- 
vation of  natural  resources,  educators 
and  federal  and  state  officials.  Anyone 
interested  is  welcomed  as  a  member. 
It  is  non-political,  and  neither  proposes 
nor  endorses  legislation.  Its  objects  are 
to  promote  conservation  education  and 
encourage  cooperation  in  conservation 
efforts.  It  sponsors  conferences,  Cali- 
fornia Conservation  Week,  a  Conserva- 
tion Education  Committee  and  a  year- 
round  outdoor  good  manners  campaign. 
It  prints  and  distributes  numerous  leaf- 
lets, which  cost  but  one  or  two  cents 
apiece.  If  you  care  to  send  ten  cents  in 
stamps  or  coin,  to  the  Council  at  912 
Santa  Barbara  Street,  Santa  Barbara. 
California,  you  will  receive,  in  return, 
the  latest  Program  Guide  and  Leaflet 
List,  and  at  least  three  selected  pam- 
phlets, such  as  Soil  Conservation,  Out- 
door Good  Manners,  State  Emblems  or 
Common  Land  Birds. 


From  "Conservation  Please!"  by  Pearl 
Chase,  California  Parent  Teacher,  January, 
1952. 

485 


A  Pattern  Program 
for  Rural  Areas 


Don  Keown 


IIKM.VER  non-metropolitan  counties 
on  our  country's  West  Coast  decide  to 
set  up  a  wholesome  recreation  program 
for  their  young  people,  without  exor- 
bitant costs,  they  are  likely  to  look  to- 
ward California's  Merced  County  for 
their  model. 

This  progressive  county  is  located 
in  the  fabulously  fertile  San  Joaquin 
Valley,  an  area  which  has  seen  an 
amazing  agricultural  and  industrial  de- 
velopment in  recent  years.  With  this 
growth  has  come  an  influx  of  popula- 
tion, and  a  resulting  problem  of  juve- 
nile delinquency. 

The  county's  board  of  supervisors, 
a  couple  of  decades  ago,  had  set  up  a 
parks  and  recreation  commission  with 
advisory  powers  to  aid  them  in  pro- 
moting play  facilities.  Later,  a  recrea- 
tion director  was  appointed  to  coordi- 
nate the  program.  But,  by  early  1949, 
it  was  apparent  to  the  supervisors  and 
tli'-ii  Commission  that  these  efforts  sim- 
ply were  not  enough  to  meet  growing 
recreation  raqidnaMnta. 

Therefore,  board  members  announced 
that  a  special  recreation  levy  would 
be  tacked  on  the  1949-50  county  prop- 
erly taxes;  and  it  H.I-  ,\,-,  i.l.-rl  that 
this  additional  l>-w  would  lie  set  at 
nl»  on  each  on.-  hundrrd  dollars 
of  assessed  valuation.  Funds  thus 
raised  would  be  earmarked  for  capital 
outlay  expenditure  for  n-.  i.-.ilir,n  pur- 
pose* only. 

'Mir  ,irmoim<  fluent  of  ihr  additional 
\'-\\  i  nine  at  a  lime  when  the  farmers 
of  thr  routilv  w.-re  .ili.  .i<ly  up  in  arms 


over  their  growing  property  tax  load. 
Some  observers  were  predicting  a  small- 
scale  rebellion;  but,  surprisingly 
enough,  the  special  recreation  tax  gave 
rise  to  practically  no  protest.  Most 
farm  leaders  were  in  agreement  that 
there  was  one  thing  upon  which  they 
could  not  afford  to  economize — the 
welfare  of  their  children. 

At  this  time  the  supervisors  also  em- 
ployed a  new  recreation  director — an 
energetic  young  home  town  man  named 
Pat  Cosentino  who  lost  no  time  in 
mapping  out,  with  the  recreation  com- 
missioners, a  blueprint  for  the  spend- 
ing of  the  special  funds. 

First,  the  county  was  marked  off  into 
fourteen  recreation  areas.  Boundaries 
were  so  drawn  that  each  area  included 
one  principle  town,  or  unincorporated 
community  center  and  the  territory  for 
which  it  served  as  a  trading  center. 

Next  came  the  touchy  problem  of 
ili-tril.nting  the  capital  outlay  funds 
among  these  areas.  It  was  finally 
agreed  that  tin-  fain--!  uu-tlmd  would 
be  to  allocate  to  each  of  the  areas  the 
amount  which  was  being  raised  by 
the  ten-cent  levy  upon  the  assessed 
valuation  within  its  i-ontim--. 

Cosentino  then  plunged  into  the  ar- 
duous task  of  setting  up  local  recrea- 
tion i  ommilti-i--  in  i-ach  of  the  fourteen 
areas.  I'M -« .miions  were  taken  to  make 
(•retain  that  all  sections  of  the  area, 
mti.in  and  rural  alike,  had  repie-enla- 
lion  on  tin-  •  "iiiiniltees.  To  tin -c  w.i- 
li.mil.-il  ihr  powri  of  artu.ilh  dei  iiling 
how  tlifir  area's  capital  outlay  alloca- 


tion was  to  be  spent.  Over-all  plans 
were  required  to  be  submitted  to  the 
county  commission  for  approval.  How- 
ever, that  body's  interest  was  directed 
primarily  toward  making  certain  that 
the  expenditures  were  limited  strictly 
to  capital  outlay,  and  were  within  the 
realms  of  practicality. 

This  ten-cent  levy  raised  approxi- 
mately 863,000  for  capital  improve- 
ments in  1949-50.  In  addition,  the 
county  spent  another  $18,600  on  the 
salaries  of  the  director,  his  secretary, 
and  his  assistants,  and  for  materials 
and  supplies  for  the  regular  recreation 
programs. 

An  important  principle  of  the  capi- 
tal improvements  program  was  the  re- 
quirement that  all  the  areas  sharing 
in  the  benefits  also  show  an  inclination 
to  help  themselves.  Before  spending 
their  county  allocations,  the  people  re- 
siding within  the  areas  were  instructed 
to  first  raise  local  matching  monies,  or 
to  donate  labor  of  an  equivalent  value. 
It  is  interesting  that  the  residents  of 
i-\.-i\  one  of  the  recreation  areas 
pill  lied  in  enlliu-i.i-lii  ally  to  raise 
funds  or  set  up  labor  pools. 

An  impriiM-inent  in  the  county's  rec- 
reation offerings  to  its  youth  became 
almost  immediately  apparent. 

Two  of  the  larger  rilie-  u-cd  their 
allocations  to  help  finance  the  con- 
-Inn  lion  of  -wimining  pools.  Preyi- 
oii-l\.  lln-re  had  been  lull  one  public 
pool  in  the  entire  counl\.  New  base- 
ball and  s<>fll>all  diamonds  sprang  up. 
and  li;:)il-  were  pto\ided  for  fields  al- 


1.;-, 


RECREATION 


ready  in  existence,  to  make  night  play 
possible. 

Tennis  courts  were  constructed,  re- 
paired, and  lighted.  Playground  equip- 
ment was  installed  in  parks  and  on 
school  grounds.  Picnicking  areas  re- 
ceived new  barbecue  pits,  tables  and 
benches.  Empty  buildings  were  re- 
modeled to  serve  as  teen-age  canteens. 

It  was  recommended  to  the  local 
committees  that  the  spending  be  largely 
concentrated  on  the  principal  commu- 
nity center  located  in  each  area,  be- 
cause too  wide  a  dispersal  of  the  spend- 
ing might  defeat  the  purpose  of  the 
program.  On  the  other  hand,  rural 
school  grounds  and  the  smaller  popu- 
lation centers  were  allowed  a  small 
proportion  of  the  county  grants. 

So  successful  was  the  program  that 
county  supervisors,  in  the  1950-51  fis- 
cal year,  once  again  levied  the  ten-cent 
tax  for  special  recreation  purposes.  In 
addition,  board  members  indicated  that 
they  planned  to  continue  the  appropria- 
tions for  a  five-year  period,  during 
which  time,  they  stated,  the  county's 
recreation  facilities  would  be  built  up 


to  the  point  where  the  needs  of  the 
growing  population  could  adequately 
be  met. 

Those  recreation  areas  which  did 
not  spend  all  of  their  1949-50  alloca- 
tions were  allowed  to  carry  such  monies 
over  into  the  next  fiscal  year.  Some  lo- 
cal committees  thus  decided  to  allow 
their  appropriations  to  accumulate  over 
a  period  of  several  years,  so  that  they 
could  engage  in  improvements  on  a 
major  scale. 

Also  the  spending  of  the  local  rec- 
reation committees  during  1950-51, 
was  sharply  slowed  down  by  the  fed- 
eral government's  construction  controls. 
Even  so,  these  bodies  are  continuing 
as  best  they  can  under  the  circum- 
stances to  provide  for  the  recreation 
requirements  of  their  people.  The  em- 
phasis continues  to  be  upon  improve- 
ments which  will  be  of  particular  serv- 
ice to  the  county's  smaller  fry. 

How  effective  has  the  program  been? 
Asserts  the  director:  "We've  reached 
the  point  now  where  every  community 
in  the  county,  regardless  of  size,  has 
something  to  offer  to  its  children  and 


young  people  in  the  way  of  wholesome 
recreation.  As  a  result  our  youngsters 
find  it  possible  to  have  fun  without  be- 
ing destructive  or  reckless." 

Says  Vic  Reich,  Merced  newspaper 
publisher  who  heads  the  county  recre- 
ation commission:  "I  think  the  pro- 
gram is  a  wonderful  example  of  democ- 
racy at  work,  with  the  county  giving 
a  helping  hand  to  those  communities 
first  willing  to  donate  their  own  money 
and  time  to  the  cause." 

Harry  Schmidt,  chairman  of  the 
board  of  supervisors,  and  himself  a 
prominent  farmer,  states  that  com- 
plaints from  taxpayers  over  the  funds 
spent  for  recreation  facilities  "have 
been  just  about  non-existent.  I  wish  we 
could  get  the  same  kind  of  public  sup- 
port behind  all  of  our  actions." 

Sheriff  N.  L.  Cornell,  however,  has 
the  last  word:  "Law  officers  of  the 
county  realize  that  because  of  these  ex- 
penditures we  are  saving  money  on 
our  own  budgets.  If  those  kids  weren't 
playing  basketball  or  baseball,  some  of 
them  would  most  certainly  be  in  our 
juvenile  detention  home  instead." 


International  Theatre  Month* 


The  production  of  dramatic  scripts, 
concerned  with  immediate  interna- 
tional issues  and  aimed  at  a  better 
understanding  among  the  peoples  of 
the  world,  was  a  part  of  the  nation- 
wide pattern  of  International  Theatre 
Month,  March  1952.  Between  Califor- 
nia and  New  York  lie  three  thousand 
miles  of  varied  terrain.  No  less  varied 
were  the  ways  in  which  hundreds  of 
theatres  across  these  miles  emphasized 
the  fact  that  "the  theatre  serves  inter- 
national understanding"  and  brought 
to  an  ever-widening  public  that  sense 
of  community  which  contributes  to  the 
building  of  peace. 

ITM  was  launched  in  1949  by  the 
joint  action  of  the  American  National 
Theatre  and  Academy  and  the  Panel 
on  Dramatic  Arts  of  the  U.  S.  National 


Commission  for  UNESCO  to  provide 
a  framework  for  nation-wide  partici- 
pation among  theatre  groups  in  UNES- 
CO activities.  Because  it  is  both  simple 
and  flexible,  the  idea  was  immediately 
successful,  and  in  each  succeeding  year 
an  increasing  number  of  community, 
college,  university,  high  school,  and 
children's  theatres  have  taken  part. 

The  variety  and  scope  of  community 
participation  and  of  ingenious  ideas 
for  emphasizing  the  basic  note  of  in- 
ternational understanding  are  described 
in  Curtain  Call*. 

What  Recreation  Leaders  Can  Do 

1.  Send  for  information  on  promo- 
tion,  play   lists  to   ANTA,   245   West 
52nd  Street,  New  York  19,  New  York. 

2.  Send  for  the  stunning  ITM  poster 


to  display  in  the  lobby  of  your  cen- 
ter, also  for  pamphlets,  listing  of 
scripts,  film  strips  and  so  on,  to: 
UNESCO  Relations  Staff,  Department 
of  State,  Washington  25,  D.  C. 

3.  Produce  a  play,  pageant,  or  pro- 
gram involving  music,  dance,  cinema, 
radio,  or  television  in  any  of  the  cate- 
gories enumerated  in  these  materials. 

4.  Cooperate    with    other    organiza- 
tions   in    your    community    concerned 
with   UNESCO   activities,   such   as   li- 
braries,   museums,    and   civic    groups. 

5.  Publicize   your  production   as   a 
part  of  ITM,  stressing  visual  displays. 
Get  your  arts  and  crafts  groups  busy 
making  ITM  posters. 


*  From  Curtain  Call  for  '53,  U.  S.  National 
Commission  for  UNESCO,  Department  of 
State,  Washington  25,  D.  C. 


JANUARY  1953 


487 


People 


Events 


•  Henry  D.  S-hiibcrt.  Mipcriiitendenl  of  the  recreation  divi- 
sion,   Dearborn.    Michigan,    is   spending   four   months    in 
Germany  this  winter,  assigned  by  the  L'nited  States  State 
Department  to   inspect,   review   and   report   on  recreation 
programs  in  German  cities.  On  leave  of  absence  from  Dear- 
born. he  will  be  stationed  at  Frankfort  and  Munich,  in  the 
office  of  the  United  States  High  Commissioner  for  Germany. 
Mr.  Schubert  has  served  in  his  present  position  in  Dear- 
l>.irn.  since  1930.    After  World  War  I,  he  helped  organize 
recreation  programs  in  many  states,  as  a  member  of  the 
National  Recreation  Association  field  staff. 

•  Dr.  Howard  G.  Danford,  director  of  physical  education 
for  men  at  Florida  State  University  in  Tallahassee,  has  been 
elected  president  of  the  College  Recreation  Association,  a 
national  organization  of  colleges  and  universities  offering 
recreation  courses  in  their  curriculum.    He  will  serve  dur- 
ing the   1952-53   year,   and  succeeds   Dr.   John   Hutchin- 
son  of  Columbia  University.    During  the  current  year  Dr. 
Danford  served  as  association  secretary-treasurer.    He  has 
a  wide  background  in  recreation  education  and  served  as 
president  of  the  Florida  Recreation  Association  in   1951. 
He  is  a  member  of  a  number  of  national  honorary  and  pro- 
fessional groups  and  author  of  several  books  and  many  pa- 
pers in  the  field  of  collegiate  recreation. 

•  Wm.  W.  Wells,  has  been  recently  promoted  by  Governor 
Kennon.   from  assistant  director  to  director  of  Louisiana 
State  Parks  Commie-ion.    Hi-  -.-r\.-il  previously  as  director, 
following  World  War  II. 

•  Delegates  to  the  Seattle  Recreation  Congress  will  be  es- 
pecially interested  to  know  that  Rill  Shumard.  representa- 
tive of  the  National  Recreation  Association  in  the  Pacific 
North  we-i    I>I-IMI|.  and  his  wife  Doltie  announce  the  ar- 
rival of  Joseph  Scott  Shumard  on  Armistice  Day.   1952. 

•  Tarn  Deering,  former  director  of  recreation  in  Cincin- 
nati, retiirni-c)  from  an  extended  assignment  in  Austria  for 
the  I  nited  >t.iti-»  »,..w-inm.-iit.    He  has  established  his  nun 

•ri  i  oiiMjItalion  «.-r\  ice  ill  Seattle.  Washington. 


\  |>|M  Hill  III.    Ill- 

\moin:  appointment!!  to  new   position*  a«  re.  r.-.ilioti  su- 
prrinlrnilrnK  dire,  l..i  -l.inl   flu.  •<  lor-,  during   « 

lol.er     in.  I   V.vi-mlxT      ai  reported   |i\    the   National   He.  i.- 
•lion  AsJMx-ialion  I'er-onnel  *-cn  n  ••  .  J.im.--  I!.  Tvli-r.  King- 
-Inn.  IUn.de  Island;  JIIMP--  I     N  td.i».i\.  l!il..\i.  Mi--i--i|>pi; 
Arthur  1    i..-ni.-i.  H..W.-II.  Mi.  Kigali:  Paul  H.  \\  irth.  <  I 
\»-r  Falls,  Manwhn-  it-  .  I.  mill.    I     --i.-wart.  Los  Anp. 


California;  Ralph  M.  Studebaker.  Pulaski.  Virginia:  Rich- 
ard W.  Ferguson,  Leadville.  Colorado;  Charles  J.  Reitz. 
Yuma,  Arizona;  Stanley  H.  Coulling.  Moorestoun.  New 
Jersey;  Harry  H.  Feldman,  Port  Huron,  Michigan. 

A  few  among  many  other  appointments  are:  \\illiam  J. 
Bub — executive  director.  Corning  Youth  Bureau  and  Rec- 
reation Commission,  New  York;  Everett  E.  Peel — athletic 
director,  recreation  department,  Iowa  Cit\.  Iowa;  Phyllis 
Johnson — recreation  worker,  recreation  department.  \\  in- 
ston-Salem.  North  Carolina;  Shirley  M.  Bessey — recreation 
specialist,  Kansas  State  Agricultural  College;  William  D. 
Barbour — athletic  director,  Crispus  Attucks  Association. 
York,  Pennsylvania;  Mary  J.  Albert — ARC  aide.  Anm- 
Yt\\  Hospital.  Hot  Springs,  South  Dakota;  Ksther  E. 
Mizell — service  club  director,. U.  S.  Army  Special  Services; 
Doris  E.  Taylor — girls'  worker.  Lincoln  Center.  Pough- 
keep-ie.  New  York;  Helen  M.  Quigley — nature  speciali-t. 
recreation  department.  Danville.  Virginia;  and  two  recrea- 
tion supervisors  for  community  recreation  department! 
Grover  C.  Keeton,  San  Antonio,  Texas,  and  June  Blair. 
Fort  Lauderdale,  Florida. 

Honored  for  Ser\  ice 

\\  illiam  G.  Robinson,  who  in  September  retired  from 
active  recreation  service  as  an  assistant  in  community  organ- 
ization for  the  extension  service,  University  of  Michigan, 
was  honored  by  the  Michigan  Recreation  Association  at 
their  meeting  in  Flint,  December  A — 5.  The  association 
presented  him  with  a  plaque  and  a  scroll  in  appreciation 
of  his  many  years  of  fine  recreation  serxice  to  the  cities  of 
that  state.  "Robbie,"  as  he  is  known  in  the  recreation  field, 
served  on  the  staff  of  the  National  Recreation  Association 
from  August,  1919.  to  September.  1911,  during  which  time 
he  was  instrumental  not  only  in  making  more  recreation 
opportanitiei  available  for  many  people  but  in  the  training 
of  recreation  executives. 

I  in  "I"  .m  Trip 

A  European  trip  for  Ford  employees  is  bein;;  sponsored 
by  the  Ford  Kmploxec-  Recreation  V— ocialion;  and  tin- 
constitution  of  this  group  is  elastic  enough  to  include  all 
Ford  employees  throughout  the  country— also  those  mem- 
bers of  their  immediate  families  Hxing  in  the  same  house. 
The  fiftccn-dax  trip  i*  -clicdmYd  I.,  begin  April  10.  1" 
with  a  return  date  of  April  26. 

There  are  three  plans  available,  the  mo-l  c\|>ensive  of 
which  will  total  $550  for  the  round  trip  and  n  two  \\.-.k'- 
tour  in  Europe. 

K cereal  ion  Yrtrran  I>i«f« 

Mi--  ri..i.-n.e  I..  Illani  hard.  -upcr\i-ot  »f  women'-  and 
girls'  actixilie-  for  tin-  <'anl»ii  Recreation  Koaid  i-  mourned 
in  Tol'-d...  Ohio,  wheie  she  died  recently  from  ...I.MI.IIN 
llii..ml".-i-.  Mi--  Klaiidiaid  li.i.l  I..-.-M  a— ...  ialcil  with  the 
n-«  lealion  I....II.1  -line  1'lJT.  .in.l  it  w a-  lliioiigh  herefloil- 
that  women'*  and  girls'  a<li\il«--  w.-n-  -..  -in  .  .-— fill  in 
that  ritx. 


IM 


RECREATION 


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W.  C.  Sutherland 


Personnel 


•  The  National  Advisory  Committee 
on  Recruitment,  Training  and  Place- 
ment had  a  busy  afternoon  at  its  first 
annual  meeting,  at  the  National  Recrea- 
tion Congress  in  Seattle.  Dr.  Paul 
Douglass,  Chairman,  complimented  the 
forty  members  present  on  the  amazing 
accomplishment  which  had  been  made 
in  a  few  short  months  with  the  work 
being  handled  entirely  through  cor- 
respondence. Mr.  Prendergast  wel- 
comed the  group  and  explained  that  the 
committee  belonged  to  its  members 
and  could  become  just  as  important  as 
they  cared  to  make  it.  Mr.  Sutherland 
analyzed  the  make-up  of  the  member- 
ship and  reviewed  its  organizational 
structure  and  method  of  operation. 

The  main  purpose  of  the  meeting  was 
to  hear  the  reports  from  the  five  sub- 
committees. This  was  important  for 
several  reasons.  First,  it  was  necessary 
to  eliminate  duplication,  and  second,  to 
decide  on  priority  projects  and  clear 
the  way  for  the  committees  to  proceed 
with  their  work.  Because  the  commit- 
tees supplement  each  other,  there  is 
bound  to  be  overlapping  and  duplica- 
tion. To  lake  care  of  this  problem,  Dr. 
Douglass  appointed  Dr.  John  Hutchin- 
son,  as  vice-chairman  of  the  committee 
to  serve  as  project  coordinator.  The 
five  sub-chairmen  will  submit  their  lists 
of  assignments  to  him,  and  he,  in  turn, 
will  advise  when  duplication  of  any 
kind  appears. 

The  sub-chairmen  gave  excellent  re- 
ports which  are  being  published  in 
RECREATION  magazine.  Dr.  Douglass's 
article,  in  the  November  issue,  inter- 
preted the  over-all  purpose  of  the  com- 
mittee. The  report  of  the  sub-com- 
mittee, Undergraduate  Education,  by 
C.  K.  Brightbill,  appeared  in  Decem- 
ber. The  statement  for  the  sub-com- 

MR.  SUTHERLAND  is  the  director  of  the 
Recreation  Personnel  Service  of  NRA. 


mittee,  Graduate  Education,  by  Gerald 
B.  Fitzgerald,  will  be  found  in  this 
issue  on  page  483. 

Reports  by  Verna  Rensvold,  Garrett 
Eppley  and  Russel  Foval,  working  re- 
spectively in  the  fields  of  recruiting, 
in-service  training  and  placement,  will 
follow  in  later  issues.  A  number  of 
very  urgent  and  timely  projects  are 
under  way  and  small  units  and  task 
forces  are  hard  at  work  on  a  variety 
of  special  assignments. 

Other  items  on  the  agenda  were  dis- 
cussed, some  of  which  will  require  con- 
siderable follow-up  and  exploration. 
For  instance,  it  was  decided  to  explore 
the  possibilities  of  having  direct  repre- 
sentation from  the  recreation  field  on 
the  Accrediting  Committee  of  the 
American  Association  of  Colleges  for 
Teacher  Education.  Also,  Dr.  Douglass 
will  meet  with  us  soon  to  consider  the 
possibility  of  a  National  Inventory  on 
Personnel.  Mr.  Fitzgerald  has  been 
urging  this  and,  during  his  presidency 
of  the  American  Recreation  Society, 
appointed  a  committee  to  consider  such 
a  project.  The  National  Recreation 
Association  several  years  ago  met  with 
a  committee  which  resulted  in  such  a 
study  for  the  field  of  social  work.  At 
that  time,  we  discussed  with  represen- 
tatives of  the  Bureau  of  Labor  Statistics 
the  possibility  of  their  helping  with  a 
similar  study  for  recreation  and  we 
have  been  encouraged  since  to  believe 
that  assistance  could  be  secured.  The 
Southern  Regional  Study  now  being 
conducted  by  the  association  includes, 
among  other  major  items,  a  personnel 
inventory  for  the  fourteen  southern 
states.  It  is  generally  agreed  that  a 
National  Inventory  on  Personnel  would 
be  most  helpful  at  this  time  because  so 
many  other  personnel  projects  depend 
upon  this  basic  study.  This  is  a  major 
undertaking  which  will  require  co- 
operation between  the  association,  the 
American  Recreation  Society  and  sev- 
eral other  groups. 

We  were  authorized  to  consult  with 
the  Public  Administration  Service  in 
an  attempt  to  get  personnel  standards 
in  recreation  leadership  accepted  more 
generally  by  those  making  classifica- 


tion studies  for  cities  which  include 
recreation  positions.  Since  the  Con- 
gress, personal  conferences  have  been 
held  with  representatives  of  Louis  J. 
Kroeger  and  Associates  and  the  Pub- 
lic Administration  Service.  Also,  the 
recommendation  by  Mr.  Eppley's  com- 
mittee was  acted  upon  favorably.  This 
has  to  do  with  a  cooperative  project 
between  the  In-Service  Training  Com- 
mittees of  the  National  Recreation  As- 
sociation and  the  American  Institute  of 
Park  Executives  in  the  preparation  of  a 
manual  on  in-service  training.  Work 
has  already  begun  on  this  project. 

The  educational  committees  will  have 
much  to  report  later  since  work  has 
been  under  way  for  some  time  on  such 
subjects  as  curriculum,  campus  recrea- 
tion, resources,  placement  and  field 
work.  The  Recruiting  Committee  has 
started  on  a  number  of  special  assign- 
ments and  the  Placement  Committee  is 
dealing  with  civil  service  matters  and 
will  develop  materials  which  should  im- 
prove standards  of  selection  and  place- 
ment. 

It  was  particularly  helpful  to  have 
Dr.  Douglass  with  us  throughout  the 
Congress.  As  you  would  expect,  he  did 
a  superb  job  chairing  the  meeting  of 
the  Advisory  Committee  on  Personnel 
and  the  College  Training  Session.  Also 
he  made  one  of  the  major  addresses  at 
the  evening  general  session  and  spoke 
on  the  work  of  the  Personnel  Com- 
mittee at  the  general  assembly  Thurs- 
day morning.  In  all  we  had  a  good 
week.  The  National  Advisory  Com- 
mittee on  Personnel  is  moving  forward 
with  such  effectiveness  that  it  should 
give  real  encouragement  to  those  con- 
cerned with  and  interested  in  the  ad- 
vancement of  all  personnel  standards 
and  in  the  improvement  of  personnel 
administration  for  recreation. 

The  appointment  of  the  National  Ad- 
visory Committee  on  Personnel  is 
another  indication  of  the  importance 
and  concern  for  the  "human  element" 
in  our  attempt  to  improve  the  quality 
of  recreation  services  and  programs. 
Personnel  is  the  beginning  and  the  end 
of  our  problems,  of  our  failures  and  of 
our  successes. 


JANUARY  1953 


491 


•  One  of  the  m.-i  stimulating  chal- 
lenges in  recreational  work  is  the  devis- 
ing of  new  games  for  eager  young-tei.. 
Hundreds  of  original  games  and  new 
pieces  of  equipment  appear  every  year. 
Few,  however,  stand  the  test  of  time. 

It  isn't  easy  to  invent  a  sound,  ap- 
pealing, competitive  game.  It  requires 
a  great  deal  of  ingenuity  and  know- 
how.  A  game,  to  endure  for  any  length 
of  time,  must  require  just  the  right 
amount  of  skill  to  make  it  neither  too 
hard  to  master  nor  too  easy  to  learn — 
to  make  a  youngster  happy  to  play  it 
and  to  challenge  an  adult  to  try  it. 

Several  games,  which  seem  to  pos- 
sess this  combination  of  qualities,  have 
recently  been  developed  after  exlensi\e 
experimentation  among  large  health 
education  and  recreation  groups.  Close- 
ly allied  to  popular  individual  sports, 
they'll  soon  become  available  to  every- 
one interested  in  promoting  games  with 
carry-over  value. 

Chute  Golf — One  of  these  games, 
Chute  Golf,  is  the  answer  to  hard-hit- 
ting golf,  without  a  cage,  in  small  areas 
like  gyms  and  backyards.  The  basic 
device  is  a  regular  golf  ball  hooked  on- 
to a  small  parachute  (an  eight-inch 
square  piece  of  nylon  with  four  short 
nylon  rip  conl-i  which  opens  in  flight 
and  keeps  the  ball  from  traveling  far. 

In  the  beginning,  every  time  a  ball 
was  hit  too  often  or  too  hard,  it  would 
break  away  from  the  chute  and  go  fly- 
ing a  hundred  yards  or  more.  This 
weakness  was  traced  to  a  direct  pull  on 
the  chute,  which  loosened  the  staple 
connecting  the  chute  and  ball. 

Additional  experimentation  prodin  "I 
tin-  solution,  \\lien  the  rhlltc  was  si-- 
i  ui.-.l  with  a  type  of  centrifugal  attach- 
mi-ill  that  made  tin-  pull  conn-  from  the 
-iilc.  and  a  set  screw  was  used  to  rivet 
ill.  kill  ;ni(l  chute  together,  the  device 
i  ould  tlx-n  take  all  sorts  of  punishment. 

\\  illi  the  new  attachment,  a  student 
...iiM  hit  the  most  powerful  sort  of 
-hot  -using  any  club — in  any  -i\i\ 

,irea.  The  ball  look  off  with  the 
chute  leading!  the  flight  and  descended 
in  iciriilar  parachute  fashion,  with  the 
i  hutr  above  and  the  ball  IM-|OW. 

DODD  COPF.LAND  is  the  physical  educa- 
tion in\lrurti>r  <>/  ihf  I'mhittf  Jun- 
ior Hifh  School,  Brooklyn,  Nrif  )  «rk. 


OLD  games  made  NEW 


Its  action  was  so  true  and  its  flight 
so  easy  to  follow  that  it  put  all  the 
other  types  of  practice  balls  to  shame. 
Naturally,  the  size  of  the  parachute 
controlled  the  distance  of  the  shot — 
the  larger  the  chute,  the  shorter  the 
shot.  We  found  that  a  ten-inch  chute 
proved  just  about  right  for  a  forty-  to 
fifty-foot  area. 

Our  next  problem  was  a  target  for 
the  shots.  We  experimented  with  many 
different  types  until  we  hit  upon  a 
large  canvas  backdrop  with  rectangu- 
lar-shaped, recessed  pockets.  This  t>pc 
of  suspension  could  catch  and  hold  the 
hardest  hit  chute  ball. 

With  the  addition  of  numbers  on  tin- 
pockets  for  scoring  and  rubberized  mat 


(toil,      l.iilf     n-.-«     lli«lil  <  .nilri.lli  ,1     li.ill-. 


Dodd  Copeland 


tee,  the  game  was  complete.  Chute 
Golf,  after  a  short  demonstration,  made 
an  instantaneous  hit. 

Since  the  boys  had  to  meet  the  chute 
ball  well  to  raise  it  off  the  tee  and  land 
in  one  of  the  pockets,  the  game  devel- 
oped real  golfing  ability.  By  choosing 
sides  and  alternating  the  equipment,  as 
many  as  eight  players  learned  to  swing 
a  club  while  enjoying  the  competition. 

Skidpins — This  is  another  fine  game 
dc\  doped  after  a  long  period  of  cvpci 
{mentation,  and  it  closeK  simulates 
howling.  It  is  played  in  a  small  area 
with  a  fast  eleven-foot  linoleum  alley, 
ten  small  quick-stop  candle-pins  (six- 
inch  long  wooden  dowels  with  metal 
rings  fixed  in  the  center),  and  two 
skid-disks  (five-inch  wooden  disk-  with 
two-inch  handles) . 

The  player  slides  the  skid-disks  down 
the  linoleum  alley  at  the  ten  candle- 
pins  set  up  regular  ten-pin  style.  Owing 
to  the  true  action  of  the  disks  on  the 
linoleum.  Skidpins  furnishes  good  train- 
ing for  the  regular  game. 

It  accommodates  from  four  to  eight 
lio\  -.  and  possesses  a  simplified  scoring 
-\-teui  which  enable-  the  ^reciiest  tyro 
to  keep  score.  Each  frame  is  alwa\- 
..,,1,, I  ,i~  .1  separate  cnliu.  There  is 
no  can  \-OMT  to  the  next  frame  in  case 
of  it  strike  or  -pan-,  a-  in  howl'' 

The  pla\ei  L-et-  two  ch.uice-  in  eai  h 
frame.  If  he  knock-  down  lc—  than  ten 
pin-  in  hi-  two  chance-,  the  total  num- 
ber knocked  down  compii-e-  hi-  score 
for  the  frame. 

If  In-  make-  a  -hike  he  uds  a  "ten" 
for  the  frame  plus  two  additional 
chance-.  Hi-  -"re  f"r  each  exli.i 
ih.inie  i-  maiked  in  the  upper  corner 
of  the  frame.  It  is  thn-  p..-ible  to 
thirty  points  in  one  frame. 

On   a   -p.ue.  the  boy   gels  only  one 

RECREATION 


Skidpins   is  similar  to  regular  bowling. 

additional  chance,  and  his  score  may 
thus  read:  ten  plus  seven. 

An  inexpensive  game,  Skidpins  elim- 
inates the  need  for  padded  backstops 
and  special  ball  racks.  The  equipment 
is  made  so  that  the  disks  and  pins  stop 
quickly  in  any  small  area.  The  pin  boy 
sits  at  the  end  of  the  alley  and  merely 
blocks  the  pins  and  disks  with  his  feet. 

On  Guard — A  new  type  of  fencing 
activity,  this  is  another  of  the  recently 
developed  individual  games.  It  con- 
sists of  spearing  flying  disks,  of  various 
sizes,  with  long  wooden  rapiers. 

There  are  six  fibreboard  disks,  in  the 
the  shape  of  large  flat  rings,  which  vary 


in  size  from  eight  to  four  inches  and 
possess  a  value  ranging  from  five  to 
fifty  points,  depending  upon  their  size. 
The  largest  ring,  being  the  easiest  to 
catch,  has  a  five-point  value;  while 
the  two-inch  ring,  being  the  hardest  to 
spear,  is  worth  fifty  points. 

Fine  hand-and-eye  coordination  is 
needed  to  spear  these  high-flying  ring- 
shaped  disks,  and  we  may  safely  as- 
sume that  this  can  carry  over  to  fencing 
with  its  quick  lunges  and  thrusts 
through  openings. 

The  game  may  be  played  in  singles 
or  doubles.  When  played  as  doubles, 
the  partners  work  together,  sailing  the 
disks  back  and  forth  to  build  up  their 
score. 

The  game,  incidentally,  has  just  been 
put  on  the  market  by  General  Sport- 
craft  Company  of  New  York. 

Pingminton — This  handball  in  the 
air  is  the  fourth  game  developed 
through  experimental  recreation.  Its 
purpose  is  to  promote  interest  in  skilled 
racket-type  games,  through  natural 
swinging  movements  with  either  hand. 
No  difficult  backhand  shots  are  needed 
to  play  the  game,  since  both  right  and 
left  hands  are  in  action. 

A  paddle  is  attached  to  each  palm 
by  means  of  elastic  straps,  and  the 
players  use  nothing  but  forehand 
swings  to  keep  a  shuttle  ball  going 
back  and  forth  through  a  rectangular 
frame  suspended  eight  feet  from  the 
ground. 

The  shuttle  is  simply  a  ping-pong 
ball,  equipped  with  a  short  tail  to  as- 
sure control.  The  frame  is  a  two-by- 
four  open  net  which  keeps  the  play  in 
close,  for  accuracy.  Since  play  ends 
when  the  shuttle  fails  to  go  through  the 


Pingminton  is  form  of  handball  in  air. 

frame,  there  is  no  need  for  elaborate 
game  boundaries. 

The  simplicity  of  the  game  makes  it 
easy  enough  for  any  youngster  to  play. 
It  may  be  played  equally  well  in  a  liv- 
ing room  or  in  any  small  outdoor  space 
protected  from  the  wind. 

Magnecast — Fishing  is  one  sport 
that  everyone  tries  sooner  or  later.  But 
the  thrill  of  casting  a  line  is  never  ex- 
perienced by  the  drop  line  fishermen 
who  merely  wait  for  a  bite  rather  than 
strike  out  for  one. 

Magnecast  develops  casting  ability 
with  a  miniature  rod  and  line  to  which 
a  magnet  is  attached  to  catch  metal 
fish.  The  quick  action  reel  attached  ver- 
tically to  the  rod  makes  possible  an  ac- 
curate ten-  to  fifteen-foot  cast.  The 
magnet  is  then  maneuvered  to  attract 
large  and  small  tin  fish  out  of  a  shal- 
low, wide-mouthed  fish  bowl. 

Since  the  fish  are  numbered  accord- 
ing to  size  and  difficulty  in  handling 
when  being  reeled  in,  youthful  casters 
can  compete  for  score. 

The  magnets  are  the  rounded  bar 
type,  and  are  simply  tied  to  the  end  of 
the  lines.  Their  weight  is  just  right 
for  short  casting  and  they  possess  just 
enough  strength  to  raise  the  tin  fish. 

Box  Soccer — Little  equipment  is 
needed  for  this  last  game,  other  than  a 
soccer  ball  and  a  ten  by  fifteen  foot 
court  divided  in  half  by  a  center  line. 
As  in  regular  soccer,  the  use  of  the 
hands  is  forbidden. 

Actually,  Box  Soccer  resembles  a 
miniature  game  of  tennis  played  with 
the  feet.  The  ball  is  returned  on  the 
bounce  or  volley  with  head,  knee,  and 
foot.  A  fifteen-point  match  provides  a 
half  hour  of  interesting  fun  for  young- 
sters, who  never  realize  they  are  learn- 
ing the  finer  points  of  such  a  rugged 
international  game  as  soccer. 


On  Guard,  a  fencing  game,  is  played  with  flying  disks  and  long  wooden  rapiers. 

JANUARY  1953 


Reprinted  by  permission   of  Scholastic 
Coach,  October,  1952. 

493 


ThU  rla>-itirati»n  of  the  recreation  need-  of  hoopital  patients  is 
.  \.  .  i  pi.  .1  from  Mr-.  Hill's  new  book.  Starling  a  Recreation  Pro- 
gram in  a  Civilian  Hutpilal.  A  National  Recreation  A--.M  ialion 
publiralion. 


RECREATION  NEEDS  IN  A  CIVILIAN  HOSPITAL 


Beatrice  II.  Hill 


i  LL  people  need  some  recreation,  and  all  patients  are 
•^^  people.  Hence,  all  patients  need  recreation  to  some 
degree. 

The  ultimate  goal  of  hospital  recreation  is  to  function 
for  every  patient,  whatever  his  needs.  An  ideal  set-up 
would  provide  bedside  diversion  even  for  short-term  resi- 
dents. We  must,  however,  recognize  the  budgetary  and  per- 
sonnel limitations  presently  confronting  recreation  in  ci- 
vilian hospitals,  and  accordingly  gear  our  efforts  to  "first 
things  first,"  by  endeavoring  to  bring  recreation  to  those 
patients  who  need  it  most.  Therefore,  let  us  concern  our- 
selves here  only  with  the  following  types  of  patients: 

Tuberculosis  Long-Term 

Chronic  Child 

Ni-umpsyrhialric  Patient  Undergoing  Rehabilitation 

THK  TUBERCULOSIS  PATIENT — Typically,  the  tuberculosis 
patient  may  be  retarded  in  his  cure  because  of:  excessive 
boredom  and  lack  of  mental  stimulation;  concern  for  the 
future  of  loved  ones  and  for  their  financial  security;  con- 
i  '-Miration  on  his  own  illness  to  the  exclusion  of  all  other 
intere-i-. 

\l-ii  t\pi<  ally,  and  for  one  or  more  of  the  above  reasons, 
a  tuberculosis  patient  may  defy  the  physical  limitations  of 
hi*  e-omlilion:  often,  he  will  discharge  himself  from  the 
hospital  without  medical  approval  and  jeopardize  his 
chance*  for  an  eventual  cure.  Therefore,  from  a  recreation 
standpoint.  //  is  essential  to  keep  him  occupied  within  the 
physical  range  oj  his  ailment. 

THE  CHRONIC  PATIENT — The  chronic  patient  is  separated, 
more  or  less  permanentlv.  from  his  family  and  community, 
and  must  be  compensated  for  these  losses.  It  is  the  function 
<>f  recreation  in  make  this  patient  feel  useful  and  wanted 
again,  not  only  for  his  own  sake,  but  to  make  him  more 
cooperative  towards  tin-  members  of  the  hospital  staff. 

The  less  time  the  chronic  patient  has  to  dwell  on  hLi 
Ulnet*  ami  ennfinemenl.  tin-  iVv<  ti  ill  hi-  his  u»rr\.  tin-  leiiei 
his  rtimpltthit*.  ninl  thr  greater  hi*  niopenitinn  nitli  felliiii 
patients  and  staff. 

THK  Nn  mir-M  HIATRIO  PATIENT— Thi-  [Mii.ni  i-  usually 
hospitalized  because,  unable  to  adjust  to  the  world  of  ?> 
alrty,  he  has  retreated  to  another  world  "f  hi-  own  making. 
Ili-ri-  tin-  function  of  rn  re.ilion  i»  to  ln-l|i  entice  the  patient 
bark  In  thr  rrnl  world  l>\  encouraging  him  In:  niter  uroup 
.Hiiiitie-  .in,!  ihn-  ie-e.i.ili|i.|i  c., nt. ic  I  with  his  surround- 


\i  niiiR  n  (.ortMillant  for  K"i>-nii,,n  Rehabilitation  >• 

liulilulr    i>l    l'h\<n-itl     Meiliiine    nnil    Rehabilitation. 
\1fmorial and  Bellevue  HotpittU,  \'-u  )  •"/.  (  n\ 


ings;  arrive  at  a  better  understanding  of  the  nature  of  a 
group  and  how  to  get  along  with  it;  find  self-expression 
and,  if  possible,  a  normal  creative  urge.  Recreation  can  be 
of  enormous  assistance  to  the  neuropsychiatric  patient  in 
re-channeling  his  energies  toward  constructive  and  health- 
ful mental  and  physical  outlets. 

THE  LONG-TERM  PATIENT — The  long-term  patient  differs 
from  the  chronic  patient  in  that  there  is  a  definite,  foresee- 
able limit  to  the  period  of  his  hospital  expectancy.  A  pa- 
tient with  a  broken  leg,  who  knows  that  he  will  leave  when 
the  limb  is  fully  mended,  is  a  long-term  patient.  One  with 
a  permanent  injury  to  his  spine  is  a  chronic  patient. 

Recreation  is  the  morale  builder  for  the  long-term  pa- 
tient. It  affords  him  opportunities  of  occupying  his  time 
with  interesting  and  entertaining  activities.  It  also  prepares 
him  physically  and  emotionally  for  his  return  to  out-of- 
hospital  living.  Recreation  plays  a  definite  role  in  the  ad- 
justment of  the  long-term  patient  to  his  situation  ami  tin- 
subsequent  speeding-up  of  his  recovery. 
THE  CHILD  PATIENT — The  child  has  a  particular  need  for 
happy  and  healthful  play  adi\it\  when  confined  by  illno- 
or  injury.  He  often  suffers  an  emotional  shock  when  lir-t 
hospitalized — a  feeling  of  being  cut  off  from  his  normal 
world. 

The  problem  here  is  to  provide  warmth  and  understand- 
ing to  replace  loss  of  the  love  and  security  of  the  child's 
home  environment,  and  to  alle\  iale  liis  natural  fear  of 
the  hospital.  Games  and  toys  can  be  as  valuable  as  an  added 
tneilii-ine  to  a  child.  It  is  up  li>  MHI  to  make  it  GOOD 
medicine.' 

THE  PATIENT  UNDERCOIM.  1!  in  \HII.ITATION — Rehabilitation 
i-  tin-  restoration  of  the  handicap|>cd  to  the  fulle-l  ph\sical, 
mental,  social.  \oratimial  and  economic-  u-efuliie-s  of  \\hieh 
ilie\  are  capable. 

Kc  •  reation  for  the  rehabilitation  patient  has  important 
raori.ili/.ition  a-perl-.  The  patient  -pencU  hi-  time-  re- 
learning  the  pi  en-ess  of  group  living,  and  is  taught  how 
i  lh.  ni.iMiiiiim  out  of  the  ph\-ieal  ahilitie-  remaining 
to  him.  Thi-  work  i»  -irenunii-  ami  often  cli-c  mil  .tiling  to 
the  patient  at  the  outset.  Then-fore,  recreation  •.hmilil  slriv.- 
lo:  relax  the  patient  after  his  c\han>ting  ila\  «ith  the 

learmn;;    ploce--;    rnllllletae  t    lllc-    ili*rii|iragcllient-    Ic'-lllling 

from  ihi-  pro<  < — :  prox  icle  him  with  new  and  healthful  in- 
tc-i.-.t-  linlh  for  hi-  -ta\  in  the  lio-pital  and  for  hi-  return 
In  the-  c  ..ininiiniu.  R<;r<;ilii>n  run  n^i^l  llir  ii-lmhililiilion 
IMilirnl  iininriiM-l)  in  itn-n  uminf  his  self-run^  i.unn.-><  and 
/IM  frar  of  mi\inf:  ttith  firnftlf  liolh  itnidr  anil  OI//M//C  the 
lin<l>ittil  i  omniniuli . 


IU  c  HI   \  I  IciN 


Senior  Citizen  Activity 

Membership  in  the  Golden  Age  Club 
of  Greenville,  Pennsylvania,  has  in- 
creased from  fifty-one  on  December  19. 
1951,  to  over  three  hundred  and  fifty, 
and  attendance  at  each  of  the  club's 
two  monthly  meetings  averages  two 
hundred  and  twenty.  On  the  third  Sat- 
urday of  each  month  the  meeting  is  a 
birthday  party,  honoring  all  members 
whose  birthdays  have  occurred  during 
the  month.  The  local  radio  station 
sends  an  engineer  to  record  the  pro- 
gram for  re-broadcast  on  Sunday  af- 
ternoon. Featured  on  the  programs  are 
monthly  hobby  exhibits  and  a  volun- 
teer orchestra,  whose  leader  is  eighty 
years  old. 

City  Park  Improvements 

The  Columbus,  Ohio,  Metropolitan 
Park  Board  is  endeavoring  to  suit  the 
city's  parks  to  the  needs  of  the  pub- 
lic. As  a  result  of  requests  for  permis- 
sion to  hold  council  fires  in  the  parks, 
the  board  has  constructed  a  "council 
ring"  in  a  secluded  spot  in  Blendon 
Woods.  The  circular  stone  fireplace  is 
four  feet  in  diameter  and  surrounded 
by  inner  and  outer  rows  of  log  seats, 
anchored  to  the  ground — twenty  and 
thirty-two  feet  in  diameter,  seating 
twenty-five  and  fifty  people,  respective- 
ly. Because  a  barred  owl  hooted  im- 
pressively when  the  first  fire  was  kin- 
dled, the  new  facility  has  been  named 
"Barred  Owl  Council  Ring."  It  is  avail- 


able for  use  by  reservation  only,  and 
adult  supervision  of  children's  groups 
using  the  ring  is  required. 

After  careful  consideration,  the  board 
is  permitting  groups  to  make  advance 
reservations  for  certain  facilities,  spe- 
cifically large  picnic  areas.  Most  pic- 
nic tables  have  been  anchored  to  the 
ground.  Construction  of  one  hundred 
and  twenty-five  new  tables  is  planned, 
including  several  extra-long  twenty-foot 
tables  for  large  groups.  This  is  an  ex- 
periment, as  the  six-  and  eight-foot  ta- 
bles are  the  popular  and  standard  sizes. 
Barbecue  pit-type  stoves  for  group  and 
family  use  are  also  being  considered. 

"Save — It's  Your  Future" 

This  slogan  will  be  used  in  celebrat- 
ing the  thirty-sixth  annual  National 
Thrift  Week,  January  17  to  23,  1953. 
Program  materials  may  be  obtained 
through  local  thrift  institutions  which 
are  members  of  the  National  Thrift 
Committee,  or  from  the  committee  it- 
self—121  West  Wacker  Drive,  Chicago. 
In  previous  years,  outstanding  local 
celebrations  have  been  promoted  by 
committee  members  in  Tulsa,  Minne- 
apolis, Atlanta,  Salt  Lake  City  and 
other  communities. 

One  specific  type  of  saving  is  high- 
lighted in  the  fall  issue  of  the  School 
Savings  Journal,  published  by  the 
United  States  Savings  Bonds  Division, 
Treasury  Department,  which  outlines 
recent  changes  and  improvements  in 
Series  E  Defense  Bonds.  Free  material 
is  described  which,  although  primarily 
for  the  use  of  teachers  and  school 
classes,  might  be  utilized  by  leaders  in 
a  thrift  program.  A  new  handbook, 
Teaching  Thrift  Through  School  Sav- 
ings, is  available  from  local  state  sav- 
ings bonds  offices. 

A  Triumph  for  Cooperation 

The  success  of  the  third  annual  In- 
ternational Square  Dance  Festival,  held 
in  Chicago  on  November  8,  was  at- 
tributed to  the  smoothness  with  which 
its  sponsors  worked  together  and  with 
the  recreation  leaders  of  the  interested 
colleges  and  midwestern  cities.  And 
the  spirit  of  fellowship,  which  was  the 
keynote  of  the  festival,  was  a  direct 
result  of  the  five  pre-festival  dances. 


These  were  an  innovation  in  1952,  in- 
troduced by  the  Chicago  Area  Callers 
Association,  in  cooperation  with  the 
Chicago  Park  District.  Admission  to 
the  dances  was  free  to  out-of-town 
visitors,  and  visiting  callers  were  in- 
vited to  do  most  of  the  calling.  Chi- 
cago Park  District's  Walter  Roy,  gen- 
eral chairman,  reported  a  total  attend- 
ance at  the  festival  of  more  than  six 
thousand  persons,  only  one  thousand 
of  whom  were  "spectators  only."  As 
many  as  twenty-five  hundred  dancers 
filled  the  three  halls  of  the  Interna- 
tional Amphitheater  at  once. 

Random  Notes 

The  recreation  department  of  Austin, 
Texas,  is  celebrating  its  twenty-fifth  an- 
niversary this  year.  .  .  .  Extra-long 
twenty-four-foot  picnic  tables  are  prov- 
ing popular  in  public  parks  in  Miami, 
Florida.  Two  are  used  in  conjunction 
with  an  especially  designed  barbecue 
pit  in  Crandon  Park,  available  to  large 
groups  by  reservation  and  subject  to  a 
service  fee.  .  .  .  Off-season  classes  of 
sports  instruction  are  conducted  in 
Welledey,  Massachusetts,  so  that  be- 
ginners may  learn,  the  fundamentals  be- 
fore a  season  starts.  Indoor  ski  classes, 
using  sawdust  or  borax,  were  started 
about  November  1,  and  tennis  clinics 
start  this  month.  .  .  .  The  Louisiana 
State  Park  and  Recreation  Commis- 
sion was  established  by  legislative  ac- 
tion and  approved  by  the  governor  of 
the  state  in  July,  1952. 

Operation  Flash  Bulb 

Armed  with  cameras,  film  and  flash 
bulbs,  photo-teams  of  members  of  the 
Toledo,  Ohio's  Local  Twelve,  UAW- 
CIO,  Camera  Club  took  off  recently  on 
a  novel  scavenger  hunt.  The  goal  was 
completed  eight-by-ten  enlargements  of 
six  assignment  shots  by  10:30  P.M. 
The  subjects  assigned  were  an  Aero 
Willys  in  a  gas  station,  a  man  in  navy 
uniform,  a  man  fishing,  a  canoe  ride 
and  an  old  fashioned  barber  pole.  The 
club  meets  every  Monday  and  recently 
sponsored  a  two  hundred  dollar  prize 
photo  contest,  with  subject  matter  re- 
stricted to  the  local's  own  activities. 
(How  about  trying  this  out  on  your 
group  of  camera  fiends?  It  sounds 
like  fun. — Ed.) 


JANUARY  1953 


495 


Evaluation  of  the  1952  Summer  Recreation  Program 


What  the  People  Think 


(Sheet  given  to  leaders  at  last  staff  meeting  of  summer) 

1  —  Did  the  training  periods  adequately  meet  the  specific  needs  of  you 

as  a  leader?    Give  reasons  for  your  answer. 

2  —  Which  activities  do  you  think  need  more  supervisory  help? 

3  —  Of  what  value  did  you  find  music  in  your  program? 

4  —  List  five  activities  which  took  place,  according  to  their  popularity. 

5  —  Which  age  group  made  up  your  largest  attendance  this  summer? 

6  —  Which  craft  activities  were  most  popular  on  your  playground? 

7  —  What  equipment  was  needed  for  your  program  this  summer  and 

not  made  available  to  you? 

8  —  Of  what  value  did  you  find  registration  cards? 

9  —  How  many  of  the  parents  of  your  children  did  you  meet? 

10  —  If  there  was  any  criticism  of  your  program,  what  was  the  chief  one? 

11  —  Do  you  think  your  playground  program  was  varied  enough  to  hold 

the  interest  of  all  the  children  in  attendance? 

12  —  In  how  many  events  could  children  use  simple  costumes? 

13  —  How  important  do  you  feel  the  weekly  summary  of  activities  is  to 

the  development  of  the  program? 

14  —  Approximately  how  many  new  games  did  you  teach  this  summer? 

15  —  Was  your  program  planned  to  include  all  ages  on  your  playground? 

If  sou  left  out  a  group,  which  one  was  it? 

16  —  What  events  did  you  plan  and  conduct  for  adults  on  your  play- 

ground? 

17  —  What  are  your  suggestions  for  improving  the  1953  summer  recrea- 

tion program? 

18  —  How  would  you  improve  discipline  if  you  worked  another  summer? 

19  —  Have  you  any  suggestions  for  improving  teen  activities  throughout 

the  summer  and  winter  months? 

20  —  What  plan  did  you  follow  in  trying  to  get  children  to  come  to  your 

playground  who  had  never  been  there  before? 

21  —  Would  you  like  to  work  (check  below) 

1.  Next  summer 

2.  An  evening  for  part-time  recreation 

3.  After  school  for  part-time  recreation 

4.  Check  activities  which  would  interest  you 


•port* 

,  r.ifi 


rrrrratinn  <lr«mi 

-ipurr  lUnring  linv  lot  activities 


- 

22  —  Do  you  want  to  make  recreation  your  career?  Wrilc  to  the  Na- 
tional !<•-.  i.-.iiioii  Association  for  pamphlet.  Rrcrratinn  —  A  New 
I'mfemiinn  in  a  Changing  World.  It's  free! 


496 


Mary  Lowe  Smith 


HAVING  repeatedly  seen  in  RECREA- 
TION magazine  and  in  the  Sum- 
mer Playground  Notebook  suggestions 
on  evaluation  of  the  recreation  pro- 
gram by  parents  and  children  (see 
Leadership  Evaluation — A  Check  List. 
$.25.  National  Recreation  Association. 
— Ed.),  we  thought  we  might  try  it  this 
summer  in  a  small  way.  At  least  the 
attempt  was  not  a  complete  failure  be- 
cause we  made  both  youth  and  parents 
feel  we  cared  what  they  thought. 

For  the  parents  we  used: 

How  do  you  feel  about  the  summci 
recreation  program? 

1.  Do  you   feel  that   your  children 
benefitted  by  the  playground  program? 
"Yes"— 100  per  cent. 

2.  Have  your  children  learned  any- 
thing new  and  good?    "Yes"— 100  per 
cent. 

3.  Do  your  children  get  along  better 
with  other  children?    "Yes"— 973  per 
cent. 

4.  Do  your  children  play  at  home 
any  games  learned  on  the  playground? 
"Yes"— 90  per  cent. 

5.  \\h;it     ne\>     activities    would    you 

lik.  your  child  to  have  next  summer? 
Satisfied  u-ith  the  program  as  it  was 
— 675  per  cent.  There  were  32.5  per 
cent  who  wanted  some  of  the  follow  in^ 
activities: 
Swimming  on  the  playground 

MRS.  Mun  I.MWK  SMITH,  program 
dim-inr  oj  the  recreation  commission 
of  Frederick.  \far\l<in,l  /or  Irn  rears. 

RK<  m  \rinN 


Special  leader  for  tiny  tots  on  grounds 

where  all  ages  attend 
More  swings  for  tiny  tots  and  for  older 

children 

Weaving  and  more  sewing 
Children  taught  to  plait  rugs 
A  merry-go-round  and  jungle  gym 
More  dancing  and  singing 
More  sports  activities 

Two-thirds  of  the  questionnaires 
given  out  were  returned.  We  tried  to 
keep  the  number  given  out  down  to  a 
minimum  because  the  leaders  were  so 
busy  with  other  activities. 

For  the  youth  we  used: 

1.  Did  you  have   fun?     "Yes"— 99 
per  cent. 

2.  Did  you  make  anything  in  crafts? 
"Yes"— 92  per  cent. 

3.  Did  you  learn  five  new  games? 
"Yes"— 70  per  cent.    (The  other  30  per 
cent  were  made  up  from  a  playground 
where  the  leaders  were  a  bit  on  the 
weak  side.) 

4.  Did  you  learn  three  new  songs? 
"Yes" — 54  per  cent.     (Here  is  some- 
thing on  which  we  must  work  next  sum- 
mer!) 


5.  Did    you    play    in    the    rhythm 
band?   "Yes" — 67  per  cent.   (This  was 
a  good  percentage.) 

6.  Did  you  learn  any  new  dances? 
"Yes"— 56  per  cent.    (This  we  felt  re- 
sulted from  the  fact  we  taught  some 
dances   the    children   had    learned    in 
school.) 

7.  At  home  do  you  play  any  of  the 
games  you  learned  on  the  playground? 
"Yes" — 75  per  cent.    (This  we  felt  was 
very  gratifying.) 

8.  Did    you    like    the    playground 
leaders?     "Yes"— 97   per   cent.     (The 
leaders  collected  the  papers  so — maybe 
the  children  weren't  honest  about  it.) 

9.  What  would  you  like  to  do  next 
summer  that  you  didn't  do  this  sum- 
mer?   Satisfied  with  the  program  as  it 
was — 40  per  cent.   There  were  51  per 
cent  who  wanted  some  of  the  following 
activities : 

More  girls'  Softball  teams 
Free  swimming  pools 
Swimming  lessons 
Suit  making 
Weaving  classes 
Dancing 


More  boys'  Softball  (We  had  a  teen-age 
league  and  a  midget  league.) 

More  singing 

Painting  on  glass  (Most  playgrounds 
did  some  of  this.) 

Modeling 

A  baseball  team  (We  are  not  permitted 
to  have  hard  ball  on  playgrounds.) 

Making  rag  dolls 

More  plays  (This  can  certainly  be  cor- 
rected.) 

A  wading  pool 

A  swimming  party 

A  man  instructor  (How  we  would  like 
to  find  some  men,  God  bless  'em, 
but  our  salaries  are  too  low.) 

More  paddle  tennis 

More  square  dancing 

Straw  rides 

In    summary   we   might    say,    from 

these  requests,  that  we  are  not  doing 

too   good   a   job   with  the  teen-agers, 

with  dramatics,  nor  with  music. 

We  changed  the   questionnaire   for 

youth  a  bit  from  the  one  published  in 

the  Summer  Notebook  because  some  of 

the  above  information  was  vital  to  our 

planning  for  1953. 


NRA   1953  DISTRICT  CONFERENCE  SCHEDULE 

District 

Location 

Hotel 

Dates 

DR 

Pacific  Southwest 
Co-sponsored 
by  California 
Recreation  Com- 

Long   Beach, 
California 

Wilton 

February  10-13 

Rodney 

mission  and 

California  Rec- 

reation Society. 

Southeast 

Macon,  Georgia 

Dempsey 

March  11-13 

Van  Fleet 

Middle  Atlantic 
(including  New 
York  State) 

Buck  Hill  Falls, 
Pennsylvania 

The  Inn 

March  18-21 

Faust  —  Westgate 

Great  Lakes 

Fort  Wayne, 
Indiana 

Van  Orman 

April  8,  9,  10 

Collier  —  Homey 

Midwest 

Omaha,  Nebraska 

Paxton 

April  8-11 

Todd  —  Lathrop 

Southwest 

Austin,  Texas 

Driskill 

April  9-1  1 

Van  Arsdale 

Pacific  Northwest 

Great  Falls, 
Montana 

To  be 
announced 

April  13-15 

Shumard 

Southern 

Mammoth   Cave, 
Kentucky 

Mammoth  Cave 

April  29-May  2 

Preece 

New  England 

Newport,   Rhode 
Island 

Viking 

May  12-15 

Hainsworth 

JANUARY  1953 


497 


•en*- 


MARKET  NEWS 


Rex-Glo 

Rex-Glo  lace,  the  craftstrip  that 
glows  in  the  dark,  was  introduced  at 
the  National  Recreation  Congress  ex- 
hibit at  the  Olympic  Hotel,  Seattle, 
Washington. 

Rex-Glo  is  a  development  of  the  Rex 
<  '.tporation,  and  the  new  craft  lace 
was  greeted  with  enthusiastic  approv- 
al by  recreation  leaders  attending  the 
congress.  Mr.  Cy  Vaughn,  craft  ex- 
pert of  the  corporation,  demonstrated 
the  use  of  Rex  Lace,  Rex  Cord  and 
l!c\  (ilo  at  the  booth  during  the  con- 
gress, and  is  available  for  demonstra- 
limi-  !ii-f<>rr  interested  groups  through- 
out the  country.  Requests  for  demon- 
strations, further  information,  catalog 
sheets,  prices  on  products,  should  be 
addressed  to  the  Rex  Corporation, 
Hayward  Road.  West  Acton,  Massa- 
chusetts. 


Glare-Out 

\  new  product  which  makes  it  easy 
and  m.  \IX-H-IM-  to  coat  window!*  and 
skylights  with  a  clear,  transparent 
bluc-green  tint  ii>  iin  mine  visual  com- 
f«.rt  i»  now  available.  This  new  prod- 
IK  t  i  .in  be  sprayed  or  rolled  on  w  in- 
dow-  or  «kylight.«  lo  i  nl  down  hrat 
and  glare  from  the  MIII.  Where  for- 
inerU  .in  c\|M-ii-i\i-  linli-i)  gla««  in-l.il 
lalion  wa*  required.  Glare-Out  ran 
n..w  br  uwd  p««ilv  anil 


It  is  permanent  and  will  not  peel,  chip 
or  wash  off,  so  that  the  tinted  windows 
may  be  safely  washed  in  the  ordinary 
way.  One  gallon  covers  up  to  four 
hundred  square  feet  and  can  be  put  on 
with  a  spray  gun  or  mohair  paint 
roller.  The  use  of  a  paint  roller  creates 
an  attractive  mottled  effect. 

Glare-Out  is  available  only  in  gallon 
cans  and  costs  $9.95  per  gallon. 

Additional  information  may  be  ob- 
tained by  writing  to  the  manufacturer, 
Fade-Proof  Corporation  of  America, 
3520  North  Spaulding  Avenue,  Chi- 
cago 18,  Illinois. 

TIPS  FROM  OUR  READERS 

Getting  Them  Home  Safely 

"Get  home  safely."  How  often 
have  you  said  these  words  to  groups 
of  children  leaving  the  recreation  cen- 
ter after  an  evening's  activity.  We 
hope  they  get  home  without  mishaps; 
and  efforts  should  be  encouraged  to 
reduce  accidents  for  these  youngsters. 
I '.I'M  !<•  riding  is  a  major  form  of 
transportation  for  boys  and  girls.  A 
bike  safety  program  thus  assumes 
greater  importance  in  our  efforts  to 
reduce  accidents. 

Anyone  who  has  ever  driven  an  au- 
tomobile has  gone  through  the  har- 
rowing ex|>ericnce  at  lea-t  OIK,-,  and 
probably  many  times,  of  having  to 
-werve  sharply  or  jam  on  the  brake- 
when  .1  1. 1.  M  list  riding  without  lights 
or  red, -i  l. it-  looms  up  in  the  car'- 
path.  It  has  been  said  that  it  is  diffi- 
cult to  put  experienced  heads  on 
youngsters  and  it  is  perhaps  too  much 
I..  e\|n-i-t  tin-in  to  reali/e  tin-  daiiL'ei  "I 
pedaling  their  bikes  on  |.u-\  .  it\ 
-t !•••!-  or  on  the  highway  at  night 
without  li 

\\  illi  .ill  the  -.if.-i\  .  .itnp.ii:.-!!-  that 
are  waged  constantly,  we  often  won- 


der wh\  there  hasn't  been  more  em- 
phasis on  bicycle  safety  measures.  As 
part  of  its  bicycle  safety  program, 
members  of  the  recreation  staff  of  the 
I  n ion  ('it\.  New  Jersey.  Board  of  Kd- 
ucation  organized  a  "Lite- \-l5ikc" 
campaign.  More  than  260  school  -in- 
dents brought  their  two-wheelers  to 
Roosevelt  Schoolyard  to  be  equipped 
with  Scotch-Lite,  a  reflecting  tape. 
which  is  visable  as  much  as  a  qu.m.  i 
of  a  mile  away  when  pin-pointed  by 
an  auto's  light. 

Lt.  Barney  Halloran,  operator  of 
the  police  department's  "Voice  of 
Safety"  car  and  director  of  the  I  nimi 
C.\\\  school  safety  patrols,  cooperated 
liv  instructing  the  children  in  safe  bi- 


c\de  riding  procedures  and  the  city 
laws  for  bicycles.  The  students  then 
applied  the  tape  to  their  bikes.  The 
material  was  put  on  the  front  forks, 
handle-bars,  and  front  and  rear  fend- 
en,  Mm-  tin-  bike  became  visable  to 
the  motori-i  when  the  headlights  re- 
flected light  back  to  him.  He  had 
pleiitx  of  lime  to  -low  down  and  avoid 
a  collision  with  the  bike  and  rider. 

Cost  of  the  project  is  inex|x-iisive. 
A  fifty-foot  roll  costs  $9.30— about  ten- 
rents  per  liikc. 

The  "Lite-A-Bike"  campaign  can 
aid  in  the  recreation  program,  not 
only  from  the  ptihliciu  the  department 
iecei\c-.  but  in  providing  a  worth- 
while project  which  aid-  in  our  s.if,  t\ 
program.  Getting  them  home  safely 
-hoiild  be  -cri,,ii-l\  coii-idercd  l'\  <•'' 

1C. 111. .11     le.ldcl-. 

HvHoi.n  HAINKII  i  n. 
Iti-jxtrlmrnt   <>l   f-'.iliiraliitn. 
Roosrrrll    V/KIO/.     I'ninn 
(Hi.   N'-II   !••• 


l«l  '  IIKATION 


Listening  and  Viewing 


Aids  to  Drama  Program 

Produced  by  the  National  Film 
Board  of  Canada,  with  technical  ad- 
vice from  the  Physical  Fitness  Divi- 
sion,* Department  of  National  Health 
and  Welfare,  Ottawa,  Curtain  Time  is 
a  16mm,  thirty-minute,  black  and 
white,  sound  film  of  interest  to  com- 
munity groups  or  leaders  planning  an 
amateur  theatrical  program.  The  film 
carries  the  action  through  casting,  con- 
struction of  scenery,  rehearsals,  cos- 
tuming, make-up,  the  performance  it- 
self, details  of  ticket  sales  and  pro- 
grams and  final  arrangements  when 
the  performance  is  over.  Distributed 
by  Encyclopaedia  Britannica  Films, 
Incorporated,  Wilmette,  Illinois;  rent- 
al for  three  days  (film  discussion  guide 
included)  is  $5.50  plus  shipping  costs. 

Produced  by  the  same  source  are 
two  film  strips,  Simplified  Staging  and 
Simplified  Stage  Lighting,  each  with 
manual,  $5.00  each.  Distributed  by 
The  Stanley  Bowmar  Company,  513 
West  166th  Street,  New  York  32.  This 
company  lists,  in  a  special  leaflet,  ad- 
ditional teaching  and  reference  mate- 
rials in  the  theatre  and  dramatic  arts 
fields,  featuring  filmstrips  and  slides. 
Available  on  request. 

Other  filmstrips,  slides,  records  and 
audio-visual  equipment  are  described 
in  the  company's  catalogue,  Aids  to 
Visual  Education,  available  with  a 
1952-53  supplement,  which  is  a  valu- 
able reference  source  for  educational 
filnistrips  on  many  subjects. 

Amateurs  and  professionals  alike 
will  be  interested  in  an  experimental 
series  of  three-hour,  Saturday  after- 
noon programs  which  will  be  pre- 
sented by  WNBC  beginning  on  Janu- 
ary 3.  The  dramatizations  and  musical 
interludes  which  will  make  up  the  pro- 
grams for  four  weeks  were  originally 
carried  by  the  British  Broadcasting 
Corporation's  radio  network.  A  com- 
plete performance  of  The  Lady's  Not 
for  Burning  and  a  discussion  of  the 
contemporary  theatre  by  the  play's 
aulhor,  Christopher  Fry;  Twelfth 
Night  and  a  discussion  of  Shake- 


*  Sre  "First  Steps  in   Producing  a  Play," 
on  page  405,  December  RECREATION. 

JANUARY  1953 


speare's  plays  by  Alec  Guinness;  Mo- 
zart's Don  Giovanni;  and  The  Beggar's 
Opera  will  be  presented. 

TV  Note 

Announcement  has  been  made  by 
the  American  Telephone  and  Tele- 
graph Company,  owner  of  the  micro- 
wave and  co-axial  cable,  that  Frank 
Capra,  well-known  Hollywood  film  di- 
rector, has  been  signed  to  produce  a 
series  of  thirteen  one-hour,  semi-docu- 
mentary science  films  for  television. 
The  first  film  of  the  series,  The  Sun, 
will  be  released  in  the  fall.  The  moon 
and  other  celestial  bodies  will  be  the 
subjects  of  following  films. 

Radio  Program  for  Teen-Agers 

One  of  the  most  successful  of  local 
radio  programs  produced  by  a  recrea- 
tion department  goes  on  the  air  every 
Saturday  morning  from  the  recreation 
center  in  Baton  Rouge,  Louisiana. 
The  master  of  ceremonies  is  "Raven" 
Dave,  local  WIBR  disc  jockey.  "Teen- 
Town  Rally  in  Dave's  Alley"  is  built 
around  the  amateur  talent  of  teen- 
agers and  attracts  a  "live"  audience  of 
between  two  and  three  hundred  teen- 
agers for  each  hour-long  broadcast. 
Any  local  youngster  with  talent  can 
get  on  the  program  by  getting  in  touch 
with  the  recreation  department.  The 
Recreation  and  Park  Commission  and 
the  master  of  ceremonies  have  devoted 
time  and  effort  to  arranging  novel 
events  and  obtaining  guest  artists  of 
special  interest  to  teen-agers.  Top 
radio  stars,  prominent  sports  figures, 
well-known  "jive"  bands,  and  even  a 
young  lady  who  hypnotized  the  mas- 
ter of  ceremonies,  have  appeared  on 
the  programs.  Free  courses  in  voice 
training  have  been  offered  to  any  am- 
ateur vocalist  winning  a  weekly  con- 
test. Convincing  proof  of  the  radio 
show's  value  as  a  public  service  pro- 
gram, and  of  its  popularity  with  the 
radio  audience,  was  demonstrated 
when,  after  several  months,  it  acquired 
a  sponsor — a  local  bakery.  Recently, 
a  half-hour  of  the  program,  has  been 
sponsored  by  a  local  merchant  to  pre- 
sent a  style  show  which  has  drawn 
over-flow  audiences. 


REPRINTS 


The  following  articles  which  have 
appeared  in  RECREATION  are  avail- 
able: 

COMMUNITY  RECREATION  CENTER  Quiz, 
October  and  November,  1945 — $.25 

FRIENDS  THROUGH  RECREATION,  Janu- 
ary and  February,  1946 — $.25 

SPACE  FOR  PLAY,  Harold  L.  Ickes,  July 
1946—  $.10 

RECREATION  GUIDANCE,  S.  R.  Laycock, 
November  1 946— $.10 

STUDY  FOR  THE  DEVELOPMENT  OF  A 
NEIGHBORHOOD  PLAYGROUND,  April 
1948— $.15 

STANDARDS  FOR  MUNICIPAL  RECREATION 
AREAS,  George  D.  Butler,  July  and 
August,  1948— $.50 

RECREATION  AND  THE  SMALL  COMMU- 
NITY —  Suggestions  for  Organizing 
the  Program  for  It,  September,  1948 
— Free 

SCHOOL  GROUNDS  DESIGNED  FOR  COM- 
MUNITY USE,  George  D.  Butler,  Jan- 
ler,  January  1949— $.15 

THE  GROUP  WORKER  IN  THE  RECREA- 
TION CENTER,  Dr.  Grace  L.  Coyle, 
March  1951— $.10 

AMERICAN  Music  FOR  Music  WEEK,  Dr. 
Philip  Gordon,  January  1952 — $.10 

BLACKTOP  FOR  APPARATUS  AREAS? 
April  1952—  $.10 

PHOTOGRAPHY  IN  THE  RECREATION  PRO- 
GRAM (P  110),  Irma  Webber,  April, 
May,  June,  7952— $.50 

RECREATION  SALARIES  (P  69),  Septem- 
ber 7952— $.35 

ARE  HIGHLY  COMPETITIVE  SPORTS  DE- 
SIRABLE FOR  JUNIORS  (P  164),  De- 
cember 7952— $.15 


NATIONAL  RECREATION  ASSOCIATION 
315  Fourth  Avenue,  New  York  10,  N.  Y. 


499 


Advance  Sale  of 

GROUP  REDUCTION  TICKETS 

for  the 

NATIONAL  SPORTSMEN'S 
&  VACATION  SHOW 

GRAND  CENTRAL  PALACE,  NEW  YORK 
FEBRUARY  21— MARCH  1,  1953 

•  A  REAL  SAVING  (1/3) 

•  A  REAL  SERVICE  TO  EMPLOYEES 

•  CONVENIENT,  SAVES  WAITING  IN  LINE 

•  GROUP  VISITS  ARE  FINE  FOR  MORALE 

•  TICKETS  CAN  BE  USED  INDIVIDUALLY 


Entertainment  •  Exhibits  •  Vacation  Planning  at  the  Resort  Exhibits  •  Contests 


In  lots  of  10  or  more,  full  adult  admission  tickets,  good  for  any  day  or 
night  of  the  Show,  at  $1.00  each,  tax  incl.  The  regular  box  office  admis- 
sion is  $1.50.  tax  incl. 

Quantities  of  100  or  more  can  be  taken  on  consignment  by  respon- 
sible plant  officers.  This  is  a  full  paid  ticket,  not  an  exchange  coupon. 
This  is  an  advance  sale. 


FOR  FOLDER  WITH  EVENTS.  FEATURES  AND  HOURS.  OR  FOR  TICKETS.  APPLY  TO: 

NATIONAL  SPORTSMEN'S  SHOW,  Inc.  •  139  ^  ™  ».  -  ».  York  22.  N.  Y.  •  PU»  8-1259 


."<l 


Betty  W.  Jacob 


International  Note 

At  the  end  of  the  fall  term,  Mr. 
Marshall  L.  Walters,  professor  of  phys- 
ical education  and  director  of  the  YM- 
CA  majors  at  Springfield  College,  will 
join  the  staff  of  the  International  Com- 
mittee of  the  YMCA.  His  primary  re- 
sponsibilities will  be  in  Mexico,  where 
he  will  organize  a  special  educational 
program  in  administration  and  physi- 
cal education  at  the  University  of  Mex- 
ico. He  will  serve  as  special  consultant 
in  sports  and  physical  education  for 
the  Mexican  YMCA  and  the  Mexican 
government.  The  move  was  effected 
through  the  efforts  of  a  Springfield  Col- 
lege graduate,  Enrique  C.  Aguirre,  now 
president  of  the  Mexican  YMCA.  Mr. 
Walters  hopes  to  work  out  a  student 
exchange  program,  and  to  experiment 
with  extension  Springfield  College 
courses  in  Mexico.  He  will  also  train 
officials  for  the  coming  Central  Ameri- 
can games  in  1954. 

RECREATION  Magazine  Honored 

The  editors  of  the  7953  Farewell  and 
Hail,  the  Austin  Peay  State  College 
(Clarksville,  Tennessee)  annual,  have 
requested  one  of  the  magazine's  covers 
for  use  with  others  in  carrying  out 
their  book's  theme  for  this  year.  The 
college  offers  one  course  in  community 
recreation,  and  sponsors  a  campus- 
wide  recreation  program  under  a  social 
committee. 

New  Recreation  Course 

George  Washington  University,  De- 
partments of  Physical  Education  for 
Men  and  Women,  has  announced  a 
course  in  recreation,  to  be  led  by  Mr. 
Milo  F.  Christiansen,  superintendent  of 
the  District  of  Columbia  recreation  de- 
partment. The  course  is  designed  to 
give  actual  skills  training  to  profes- 
sional recreation  leaders  and  to  indi- 

MRS.  JACOB  is  secretary  of  the  edito- 
rial department,  RECREATION  magazine. 

JANUARY  1953 


viduals  who  wish  to  serve  as  volunteers 
in  recreation  fields. 

Local  News  Items 

From  the  Physical  Education  Alumni 
Newsletter,  published  by  the  School  of 
Physical  Education  and  Athletics  of 
Pennsylvania  State  College,  comes  news 
that  the  students  who  graduated  in  the 
recreation  curriculum  last  June  have 
received  the  following  appointments: 
Patricia  Barfield,  assistant  director  and 
supervisor  of  girls'  activities,  recrea- 
tion commission,  Easton,  Pennsylvania ; 
Donald  M.  Cook,  recreation  director, 
Carlisle,  Pennsylvania,  on  military 
leave;  Naomi  R.  O'Neil,  assistant  direc- 
tor, community  centre,  recreation  de- 
partment, Pittsburgh,  Pennsylvania ; 
Hope  Powell,  in  charge  of  Y  teen  and 
camping,  YWCA,  Grand  Rapids,  Mich- 
igan; Mary  L.  Transue,  camp  and  pro- 
gram director,  YWCA,  Washington, 
Pennsylvania;  Marilyn  Williams,  in- 
structor in  recreation  and  rural  recre- 
tion  specialist,  University  of  New 
Hampshire. 

Recipient  of  a  Master  of  Science  de- 
gree in  recreation  in  1952,  was  Francis 
Hartzett,  who  is  director  of  recreation 
in  Chambersburg,  Pennsylvania.  Mr. 
Hartzell  is  the  author  of  "At  Peace  with 
Yourself,"  which  appeared  in  RECREA- 
TION, November,  1951. 

A  third  Newsletter  note  concerns  still 
another  RECREATION  author — Joel  C. 
Holiber,  who  wrote  "It's  a  Cold  Day 
for  Hiking,"  January,  1952.  Mr.  Holi- 
ber has  been  appointed  assistant  in  the 
School  of  Physical  Education  and  Ath- 
letics. He  was  also  one  of  three  per- 
sons named  to  represent  the  School  of 
Physical  Education  on  the  Graduate 
Students'  Council,  plans  for  which  were 
outlined  in  September,  at  the  first 
Graduate  School  convocation  at  Penn 

State. 

*          *          * 

Wont  you  send  us  your  local  notes? 
Personal  items  and  news  of  recreation 
curriculum  activities  on  your  campus. 


roller ' -.? 

•         •  •  A 


for  health  and 
recreation 


A  WONDERFUL  SPORT 

at  low  cost  and  upkeep 

It's  easy  to  start  a  roller  skating  program! 
It's  a  healthful  exercise  and  the  popular 
way  to  build  strong  bodies.  A  favorite 
with  boys  and  girls  and  budget  planners, 
too  .  .  .  roller  skating  makes  a  grand  co- 
recreational  activity.  Handles  the  largest 
groups  quickly  and  easily.  Halls,  gyms, 
or  any  large  floor  area  make  fine  roller 
rinks.  Invest  in  health  and  fun  this  season. 

r— Rubber  Tire  Skates— 

FOR  USE  ON  WAXED  FLOORS  IN 

Gyms,  Ballrooms  or  Halls 


WHEELS 
ABSOLUTELY 
GUARANTEED 
L-  NOT  TO  MAR,  SCRATCH  OR  DAMAGE- 

Rink  clamp  skates  developed  by 
CHICAGO  specially  for  skating  on 
waxed  floors.  The  rubber  wheels 
are  ideal  for  use  on  tile,  ballroom 
floors  or  any  highly  waxed  surface. 
Will  not  harm  or  mark. 

Write  Now  to  the  Leader  in  Kink 
Skates  on  Howto  Start 

tHlCAGti 

ROLLER  SKATE  COMPANY 

The  Choice  of  Champions  ...  for  over  45  Years 

4490  West  Lake  Street — Chicago  24,   Illinois 


501 


Books  Received 


>k.i-apiii}i.  K.  P.  Dutton  and  Com- 
pany. Incorporated,  New  York. 
1750. 


BLOCK  PRINTING  O.N  FABRICS,  Florence 
Harvey  Pettit.  Hastings  House.  In- 
corporate I.  \(  «  York.  85.00. 

CHILD  AND  His  PLAY,  THE,  Hazel  Kep- 
li-r.  Funk  &  \Vagnalls  Company,  New 
York.  $3.75. 

CHILD  PSYCHOTHERAPY,  S.  R.  Slav-son. 
Columbia  l'ni\rr>ily  Press,  .\r\\ 
York.  $4.50. 

COINOMETRY,  Robert  V.  Masters  and 
Fred  Reinfeld.  Sterling  Publishing 
Company,  Incorporated,  New  York. 
Popular  edition  $2.50;  de  luxe  edi- 
tion $3.50. 

CREATIVE  DRAMATICS  FOR  CHILDREN, 
Frances  Caldwell  Durland.  The  An- 
tioch  Press.  Yellow  Springs,  Ohio. 
Cloth  $2.75;  paper  $1.50. 

FIRST  BOOK  OF  BRIDGE,  Alfred  Shein- 
wnld.  Sterling  Publishing  Company, 
New  York.  $2.00. 

HISTORY  OF  VALENTINES,  A,  Ruth 
Webb  Lee.  The  Studio  Publications. 
Incorporated,  New  York.  $5.75. 

JIIIIN  \ND  THE  CHESS  MEN,  Helen  Weis- 
senstein.  David  McKay  Company, 
Incorporated,  New  York.  $2.75. 

NK\\  <;  \MF.S  FOR  TWEEN-ACERS,  Al- 
lan A.  MacFarlan.  Association  Press, 
New  York.  $3.00. 

OFFICIAL  ALL  SPORTS  RULE  BOOK, 
THE,  edited  by  H.  V.  Porter.  A.  S. 
Barnes  and  Company,  New  York. 
Paper,  $2.00. 

ONI  HUNDRED  AND  ONE  BEST  GAMES 
FOR  I.IRI.S,  Lillian  and  Godfrey 
Frankel.  Sterling  Publishing  Com- 
pany, New  York.  $2.00. 

ROBERT  MOSES:  Hi  MUF.R  FOR  DEMOC- 
RACY, Cleveland  Rodger-*.  Henry 
Holt  and  Company,  New  York. 
$6.00. 

MNI.  A  SONG  OF  MANNERS,  Marion  Jol- 
II-.M.  II. ni  Pnlili-liing  Compan\. 
Incorporated.  New  ^ork.  ?2.<M>. 

Mum.  \\F.I.F\KF.  FOHIM.  1952.  Offi- 
cial Proceed  ing*,  79th  Annual  Meet- 
ing National  ConSennOC  of  >"<  ial 
\\nrk.  Columbia  I  ni\er-]|\  Press, 
N.-w  York.  $4.7.-.. 

M-iiRfS  FOR  RF.'  IK  UI'iN.   edited    |.\     I 

D.  Mih  hell.    \.  S.  Barnr*  and  Com- 
pany.  $5.1  Hi. 

•MM  I'l  H   IHMNI..  John   Ill-lup  1111(1  Jnhll 


Pamphlets 


ACTION!  FOR  A  BETTER  COM  MI  \m. 
National  CIO  Community  Service 
Committee,  1776  Broadway,  New 
York.  $.25. 

ACATIZED  RAINBOWS:  A  STORY  OF  THE 
PETRIFIED  FOREST,  Harold  J.  Brod- 
rick.  Petrified  Forest  Museum  As- 
sociation, Holbrook,  Arizona.  $.25, 
by  mail  $.30. 

FIFTY  TERRIFIC  TRICKS,  Joseph  P. 
Todd.  Hart  Publishing  Company, 
New  York.  $.50. 

Doc  CARE.  Boy  Scouts  of  America,  2 
Park  Avenue,  New  York  16.  $.25. 

FRIENDS  AROUND  THE  TOWN,  Besse 
KI.UI/.  Girl  Scouts  of  the  U.S.A., 
155  East  44th  Street,  New  York  17. 
US. 

GROUP  PROCESSES  IN  INTERCROUP  EDU- 
CATION, Jean  D.  Grambs.  The  Na- 
tional Conference  of  Christians  and 
Jews,  381  Fourth  Avenue,  New  York. 

S.L'.-,. 

ICE  HOCKEY.  Amateur  Hockey  Asso- 
ciation of  the  United  States,  New 
York.  $1.00. 

IT'S  YOUR  HOSPITAL  AND  YOUR  LIFE, 
Lucy  Freeman.  Public  Affairs  Com- 
mittee, Incorporated,  22  East  38th 
Street,  New  York  16.  $.25. 

LEGEND  OF  THE  NAHA  STONE,  THE. 
translated  by  Reverend  Stephen  De- 
sha.  Sr.  Hawaii  Natural  History 
Association,  Hawaii  National  Park, 
Hawaii.  $.25. 

MUNICIPAL  LIABILITY  INSURANCE  As 
IT  APPLIES  TO  PROGRAMMES  OF  REC- 
iii  VTION.  Community  Programmes 
Branch,  206  Huron  Street,  Toronto. 

\  i  \  \»A  STORIES  IN  PICTURES,  Hamil- 
ton A.  and  An  L.  Higbie.  Silver 
Mali-  l'ii-".  Inenrpnrated.  Reno,  Ne- 
vada. $1 

I'MIM  liu  \-.  Nina  .mil  linn-  Xn  k.-tl. 
204  West  Newark  Simt.  Ithaca, 
Mi.-liijMii.  $2.50. 

I'l   III  H       III  I    \TIHNs     FOR     G<>\HIN\UM 

EMPLOYEES:  AN  ACTION  PROGRAM, 

i    S.    Kulil.    (li\  il   S-t\  i.  i-    \- 

senil.K.   1. 113  East  60tli  MI.-.-I.  (  In 


cago  37.  $2.00. 

Si  FFKK  1 .11  II  K  CllILDRF.V  Marion  Pal- 
fi.  Oceana  Publication^,  l.'l  \\  e>t 
l(.th  Sir.-.-l.  N,-»  York  11.  81. -"><>. 

TRAILSIDE  PLAN  i  -  ot  ||  \\v  vii  NATIONAL 
PARK.  Douglass  H.  Hubbard  and 
Vernon  R.  Bender,  Jr.  Hawaii  Na- 
tural lli~ioi\  \—ui  iation.  $.25. 

TIUIMM.  \l\\ivi..  <-ompiled  by  For- 
»lry  and  Landscape  Division.  De- 
partment of  Parks  and  Recreation. 
1214  Griswold  Street,  Detroit  26. 

VOLCANOES  OF  HAWAII  NATIONAL  PARK, 
Gordon  A.  Macdonald  and  Douglass 
H.  Hubbard.  Hawaii  Natural  His- 
tory Association.  $.50. 

WORKING  WIVES  AND  MOTHERS,  Stella 
B.  Applebaum.  Public  Affairs  Com- 
mittee, Incorporated,  22  East  38th 
Street,  New  York  16.  $.25. 

YOUR  SAFETY  HANDBOOK,  Ned  H. 
Dearborn  and  Bill  Andrews.  Science 
Research  Associates,  Incorporated, 
Chicago.  $.40. 


Magazines 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  AMERICAN  ASSOCIA- 
TION FOR  HEALTH,  PHYSICAL  EDUCA- 
TION, RECREATION,  October  1952 

Guides  for  Action— 1952-54,  Recrea- 
tion, Ben  W.  Miller. 

Leisure  Time  Sports  for  Senior  High 
School,  Martin  A.  Rodgers. 

Don't  Rush  Your  Kids,  Morty  Mor- 
ris. 

Recreation  and  Local  Autonomy. 

How  We  Do  It. 
November  1952 

Football  Belongs  in  College,  Thomas 
F.  Johnson. 

American  Sports  from  the  Sidelines, 
Frederick  W.  Cozens  and  Florence 
Stiimpf. 

Playground  Equipment  Maintenance. 

AAHPER  Rerrealion  Polio  State- 
niriil.  Part  I.  J.  Hetlrain  Ke»*el. 

Recreation  As  Your  Career,  Gerald 
B.  Fitzgerald. 

P\HK>  \M>  Hi  i  iii  vims  <><  tuber.  1952 
Origin    ami    l)i-\eln|niient    of    Parks, 

I'.ut  I.  (  li.i-    I     IW11. 
I  In   Human  Value  of  Parks,  His  Ex- 

c  i-llencv  Jean   Dcsy. 
I  In-    I'ntMiil    of    Hiippui'  --.    Yithan 

I      Malli-iin. 


iOQ 


RECREATION 


Singing   Time 

Arranged  by  Ruth  Heller  and  Walter 
Goodell.  Hall  and  McCreary  Com- 
pany, Chicago.  $.50. 
This  is  a  collection  of  one  hundred 
and  fifty  of  the  best  known  and  loved 
songs  of  our  people,  with  new  settings. 
The  addition  of  such  features  as  des- 
cants, humming  accompaniments,  echo 
and  answering  effects,  and  vocal  imi- 
tations, should  make  the  book  espe- 
cially interesting  to  the  recreation 
leader.  The  editors  had  in  mind,  par- 
ticularly, "the  rousing  community  sing, 
the  church  get-together,  the  camp 
gathering  and  the  little  knot  around 
the  piano  at  home,"  and  they  have 
carried  out  their  purpose  with  taste 
and  discrimination. 

All  the  songs  may  be  sung  in  unison, 
but  the  majority  lend  themselves  also 
to  four-part  singing  with  mixed  voices. 
Included  in  the  collection  are  folk  and 
home  songs  of  America;  songs  inheri- 
ted from  other  countries;  hymns,  sa- 
cred songs  and  carols;  spirituals;  pa- 
triotic and  national  songs;  songs  by 
famous  composers;  bits  from  minstrels 
and  the  Gay  Nineties;  songs  of  senti- 
ment, college,  fellowship  and  fun  songs. 

Dictionary  of  Games 

J.  B.  Pick.  Philosophical  Library,  In- 
corporated, New  York.  $4.75. 
Here  is  a  unique  addition  to  your 
games  library — a  collection  of  458 
games  and  how  to  play  them,  as  selec- 
ted and  played  in  England!  Many  of 
them  are  familiar,  but  with  English 
names  and  variations.  Many  will  be 
new  to  you,  and  will  thus  add  variety 
to  your  indoor  and  outdoor  game  pro- 
gram. 

The  book  is  divided  into  three  major 
sections.  The  first  contains  outdoor 
games,  and  is  sub-divided  into  "in- 


new  Publications 


Covering  the 
Leisure-time  Field 

formal"  games  (games  of  low  organi- 
zation) and  "full-dress  games"  (high- 
organized  games) .  The  latter  section 
contains  some  fascinating  games  sel- 
dom, if  ever,  heard  of  here — bicycle 
polo,  shinty  (a  Scotch  game  more  vio- 
lent and  exciting  than  hockey),  and 
Korfball,  a  basketball-type  game  that 
can  be  played  with  mixed  groups,  and 
which  has  become  the  second  most 
popular  game  (after  Association  Foot- 
ball) in  the  Netherlands. 

The  former  includes  ball  games, 
"race  and  romp"  games,  outdoor  tag 
and  tug  games,  and  outdoor  tool  and 
toy  games,  including  English  variations 
of  marbles,  hopscotch,  quoits,  and  some 
often  read  about  in  English  novels, 
such  as  "Conkers." 

The  second  major  section  gives  the 
rules  and  history  of  many  games 
like  basketball,  badminton,  water  polo, 
rackets,  and  so  on,  and  includes  a 
special  section  on  gymnasium  games, 
including  ball  games,  "romp  and  re- 
mainder" games  and  tag  games. 

The  section  on  indoor  games  in- 
cludes many  of  the  card  games  (even 
Canasta)  variations  of  dice,  domino 
and  dart  games,  parlour  games,  pencil 
and  paper  games  and  word  games. 

The  background  material  given  is 
very  interesting,  and  the  collection  is 
written  in  a  good-natured,  informal 
style.  The  book  is  a  nice  size  and  at- 
tractively bound.  You'll  like  it! — Vir- 
ginia Musselman,  Program  Service, 
National  Recreation  Association. 

Party  Fun  for  Boys  and  Girls 

Lillian  S.  Graham  and  Marjorie  Wac- 
kerbarth.    Prentice-Hall,   Incorpora- 
ted, New  York.  $2.95. 
A  real  find,  this  party  book!    First, 
because  it's  fun  to  read.    Second,  be- 
cause   it's    practical!     Yes,    all    these 
parties  have  been  tested.   And  they  are 
nicely  organized — parties  for  small  fry, 


for  girls,  for  boys  (even  roughnecks) 
and  parties  for  special  holidays. 

The  last  section  of  the  book  has  short 
but  well-prepared  chapters  on  back- 
yard play,  travel  games,  picnic  fun  for 
family  groups,  play  activities  for  the 
sick  child  and  other  phases  of  home 
play. 

Excellent  for  parents,  and  full  of 
good  ideas  for  recreation  leaders  look- 
ing for  good  party  ideas  for  clubs,  or 
other  groups  of  youngsters. 

Handbook  for  Teaching 
Piano  Classes 

Prepared  by  the  Piano  Instruction 
Committee.  Music  Educators  Na- 
tional Conference,  Chicago,  1952. 
$1.50. 

This  little  paper  covered  book  of 
eighty -eight  pages  was  prepared  for  the 
use  of  schools;  but  it  also  presents 
numerous  points  of  value  to  the  recrea- 
tion leader  who  is  considering  the  in- 
troduction of  group  music  instruction 
for  young  people  or  adults.  Chapters 
on  preparation  of  the  teacher,  class- 
room equipment,  care  of  the  piano  and 
evaluation  of  teaching  materials  should 
be  especially  useful.  In  a  lesser  degree 
the  chapters  devoted  to  levels  of 
achievement  for  different  age  groups 
should  be  of  service,  too,  since  they 
can  be  adapted  to  the  needs  of  non- 
school  pupils.  The  book  includes  a 
comprehensive  list  of  colleges  and  con- 
servatories in  all  parts  of  the  country 
which  now  offer,  or  are  planning  to 
offer,  courses  in  class  piano  instruc- 
tion and  class  piano  methods.  One  of 
the  eleven  illustrations  shows  a  group 
of  school  principals,  supervisors  and 
teachers  participating  with  the  students 
in  a  summer  school  piano  class  at  the 
University  of  Houston,  Houston,  Texas. 
— Gertrude  Borchard,  Correspondence 
and  Consultation  Service,  National  Rec- 
reation Association. 


JANUARY  1953 


503 


COMING  EVENTS 

i » .?  :i 

"These  are  the  times  when  what  we  do  today  will  make  tomorrow.  On  the  shoulders  of  today,  t" 
morrow  is  borne.  Yes,  on  your  shoulders — you  who  lead,  you  who  give,  conscious  of  the  confusion 
and  guilt  of  today — is  borne  the  child  of  tomorrow,  free  to  work,  free  to  speak,  sing  and  dance, 
free  to  learn  and  free  to  join  with  ntli.-r-  fur  the  good  of  all.  Upon  your  shoulders,  then,  the  new 
world  is  lifted  ...  by  you  who  have  so  much  to  teach,  so  much  to  give." — From  the  39th  Annual 
Report  of  Greenwich  House,  New  York  City. 

JANUARY 

Start  the  New  Year  right.  Circle  the  important  dates  on  your  calendar  so  that  you  won't  forget  them.  Be  sure  to 
include  the  date  to  renew  your  RECHEATION  subscription  or  National  Recreation  Association  membership  and  the 
1953  National  Recreation  Congress  which  will  be  held  September  28 — October  2. 

1  New  Year's  Day  Check  the  resolutions  in  this  issue  on  pages  462-3  before  you  make 

make  your  own. 
2-21  March  of  Dimes  You  Can  Help — Join  the  March  of  Dime*. 

6  Twelfth  Night  Have  yon  planned  a  "Burning  of  the  Greens"  ceremony?    See  De- 

cember l!i  i  in  \  ION.  page  420. 

13  Stephen  Foster  Memorial  Day  Plan  a  program  of  Stephen  Foster  music. 

17-23  .National  Thrift  Week  Save— It's  Your  Future.  Check  your  budget.  Plan  your  spending 

wisely. 

20  Inauguration  Day  It  is  appropriate  to  give  consideration  to  the  meaning  of  the 

Presidency — if  you  have  a  television  set  in  your  center,  make  this 
important  ceremony  available  to  your  members. 

24  Cold  discovered  in  California  (1848)  llnw  about  a  Gold  Miner's  Frolic? 

25-Feb.  1  National  YMCA  Week  Enlist  volunteer  leaders. 

FEBRUARY 

Start  early  to  plan  some  gala  events  for  this  month  of  many  gay  holidays  and  patriotic  events.  Set  up  a  corner  some- 
place in  your  center  where  the  nimble-fingered  can  make  their  own  Valentines;  use  your  bulletin  boards  and  dis- 
play cases  extensively  to  keep  people  aware  of  their  great  American  heritage. 

1  National  Freedom  Day  "Those  who  deny  freedom  to  other-  ilr-.-r\.-   it  not  for  thi-niM-lvi- 

and  under  a  just  God  cannot  long  retain  it." — Abraham  Lincoln. 

2  Ground  Hog  Day  Will  the  ground  hog  see  his  shadow?    Try  some  shadow  puppets 

with  your  junior   groups. 

7  Babe    Idiili'-   Birthday  Start  your  plans  for  the  baseball   season  early.    A   good   baseball 

i|iii/  will  make  a  bit  with  boys'  groups. 

7-13  National   Boy  Scout  Week  The  Scout  Family— All  Scouts. 

8-14  American  Heart  Week  Help  Your  Heart  fund  Help  Your  Hrnrl. 

11  Thomas  Edison's  Birthday  Plan  a  special   interest  bulletin  board  or  exhibit  featuring   IIIM-M- 

lions,  biographical  notes,  quotations  of  this  man  who  contributed 
so  much  to  our  leisure  and  recreation. 

12  Abraham  Lincoln's  Birthday  An   occasion   for   a    commemorative   celebration    in    honor   of    this 

great  and  beloved  humanist. 

12-22  Americanism   Week  Reaffirm    \m.  M..IM   nlf.il-   in  this  period  between  the  birthdays  of 

two  of  our  greatest  American   statesmen. 

14  Valentine's  Day  Hearts   and   cupids,   gay   parties   and   sweetheart    contests   are   the 

order  of  the  day. 

15-22  Brolherhi»od  Week  "We  have  committed  the  golden  rule  to  memory;  let  us  now  com- 

mit it  to  life." — Edwin  Markham. 

17  Mardi  Gras  Carnivals  and  costume  ball-  in. irk  ihi-  pre-Lenlen  celebration. 

22  George  Washington's  Birthday  A  legal  holiday,  widely  .,l.-.-t\,-.l.  the  birthday  of  the  father  of 

onr  country  calls  for  dignified  observances. 

MARCH 

Thr  iniintli  nf  thr  I. inn  ami  thr  I  ,iinl>.  Get  out  all  that  outdoor  equipment  to  be  sure  it's  in  working  order  it 
won't  IK-  long  now! 

1-31  International  Theater   Month  The  Theater  Serve*  International  l'nder*tandinf.    See  page  487  of 

this   issue  for  program   idr.i-. 
I -.11  Red  OOM  Fund  Drive  By  Presidential    proclamation,  a   time  set   for  collection   of   fiin.l- 

to  promote  Red  Cross  services. 

8  JoM-ph    Ifr'f    Birthday  This  i*  not  National  Joseph  Lee  Day,  which  is  celebrated  July   ", 

but   let  u«  p. in-.-  to  rrmrnibrr  him. 

12-19  Girl  Scout   Week  '.if/  >•  ••»'»       (  f.'rowinjt  Force  for  Freedom. 

!.">  2t  i    .in,.   Fire  i. it  I-    II. .  id. I..-    Week  !>..„,<  to  F.arth. 

17  St.  Patrick'*  Day  A  party  occasion,  of  course,  and  with  thr  wealth  of  folk  lorr  and 

iri.lnn.M    surrounding    tin-    day    it    i*   easy   to   plan   a    go... I.    h\.K 

celebration. 
20  r'irnt  Day  of  Spring  It  will  soon  lie  time  to  move  your  arli\iti.--   mil   of  doors.    Have 

you  planned  your  spring  program? 


1 1 1  RECREATION 


Recreation  Leadership  Courses 

Sponsored   by  the   National    Recreation   Association 

and 
Local  Recreation  Agencies 

January,  February  and  March  1953 


HELEN  M.  DAUNCEY    Flint,  Michigan 

Social  Recreation  January  5-6 

Lansing,  Michigan 
January  7-8 

Detroit,  Michigan 
January  12-13 

State  of  North  Carolina 
January  19 — February  5 


Henry  A.  Lacy,  Chairman,  Program  Committees,  P.O.  Box  4746, 
The  Michigan  Association  of  Children's  Institutions,  Detroit 

Henry  A.  Lacy,  Chairman,  Program  Committees,  P.O.  Box  4746, 
The  Michigan  Association  of  Children's  Institutions,  Detroit 

Henry  A.  Lacy,  Chairman,  Program  Committees,  P.O.  Box  4746, 
The  Michigan  Association  of  Children's  Institutions 

James  S.  Stevens,  Jr.,  Acting  Director  of  North  Carolina  Recreation 
Commission,  Education  Building  Annex,  Room  134,  Raleigh 


ANNE  LIVINGSTON         Salisbury,  North  Carolina  (tentative)         Miss  Dorothy  Morefield.  Program  Director,  Community  Building. 
March  2-5  P.O.  Box  453 


Social  Recreation 


Greensboro,  North  Carolina  (tentative)     Miss  Mabel  Smith,  Recreation  Department 
March  16-19 


MILDRED  SCANLON        Double  Springs,  Alabama 
Social  Recreation 

Guntersville,  Alabama 

January  12-15 

Rockford,  Alabama 
January  19-22 

Chatom,  Alabama 
January  2-29 

Winston-Salem,  North  Carolina 
February  2-5 

Greenville,  Pennsylvania 
February  9-13 

Oak  Park,  Illinois  (tentative) 
March  10-14 

Lanett,  Alabama 
March  23-26 

Natural  Bridge,  Virginia 
March  30-31 


C.  B.  Campbell,  County  Board  of  Education 
M.  G.  Rains,  County  Board  of  Education 
Hubert  L.  Street,  County  Board  of  Education 
T.  B.  Pearson,  County  Board  of  Education 


Loyd  B.  Hathaway,  Superintendent  of  Recreation,  Department  of 
Recreation 

Dunham  V.  Reinig,  Director,  Greenville  Recreation  Association 

Miss   Lilly   Ruth   Hansen,   Acting   Director   of   Recreation,   Lake 
Street  and  Taylor 

Fred  W.  Caswell,  Director  Lanett  Recreation  Department 


L.   E.  Kibler,  Assistant   Supervisor  Health   and  Physical   Educa- 
tion, Safety  and  Recreation  State  Board  of  Education,  Richmond 


FRANK  STAPLES 
Arts  and  Crafts 


Chattanooga,  Tennessee 
January  5-15 

Chattanooga,  Tennessee 
January  19-29 

Paducah, Kentucky  (tentative) 
February  2-12 

Louisville,  Kentucky 
February  16-26 


Francis  A.  Bishop,  Director  of  Recreation,  Department  of  Public 
Utilities,  Grounds  and  Buildings 

Francis  A.  Bishop,  Director  of  Recreation,  Department  of  Public 
Utilities,  Grounds  and  Buildings 

S.  R.  Dunn,  Director  McCracken  County  Recreation  Association 


Kirby  M.  Skill.  Special  Activities  Supervisor,  Department  of  Pub- 
lic Parks  and  Recreation,  Central  Park 


GRACE  WALKER 

Creative  Recreation 


A  rnes,  Iowa 
February  16-19 

Minneapolis,  Minnesota 
February  20-26 


Mrs.   Elizabeth   Kiser,   Extension   Associate   in   Recreation,   Iowa 
State  College  of  Agriculture. 

Mrs.  Helen  Parker  Mudgett,  Ass't  Professor  of  Inlercultural  Edu- 
cation, University  of  Minnesota. 


Attendance  at  training  courses  conducted  by  National  Recreation  Association  leaders  is  usually  open  to  all  who  wish  to  at- 
tend. For  details  as  to  location  of  the  institute,  contents  of  course,  registration  procedure,  and  the  like,  communicate  with 
the  sponsors  of  the  course  as  listed  above. 


RECREATION 

H5  Fourth  Avr,  New  York  10,  N.  Y. 


Rim  «N    POSTA«.I    til   1«*>TEED 

Entered  as  »erond  cla»»  matter 


PFE1FFFR  LIBRARY 
MAC  MURRAY  COLL 
JACKSONVILLE  ILL 
NOV  53 


Sgt.  1st  Class 
Einar  H.  Ingman 
U  S.  Army 

Medal  of  Honor 


HE  REDS  IN  AMBUSH  on  the  ridge  had 
Iain  concealed,  withholding  their  fire.  Now 
they  opened  up.  The  two  squads  were 
trapped.  Their  leaders  were  wounded; 
others  were  dropping. 

Sergeant  Ingman  took  command.  He  re- 
organized the  survivors,  assigned  fields  of 
fire,  encouraged  the  men  to  fight.  A  red 
machine  gun  opened  fire.  The  sergeant 
charged  it  alone,  hit  it  with  a  grenade. 

Then  he  tackled  another  gun.  A  grenade 
and  a  burst  of  fire  knocked  him  down, 
badly  wounded.  He  got  up,  reached  the 
gun,  and  dispatched  the  entire  crew.  When 
his  squad  reached  him,  they  found  Ser- 
geant Ingman  unconscious—  but  100  of 
the  enemy  fleeing  in  panic. 

"Bucking  the  Communists,"  says  Ser- 
geant Ingman,  "takes  an  awful  lot  of 
staying  power.  The  C.I.'s  have  got  it.  You 
have,  too,  when  you  invest  part  of  your 
hard-earned  pay  regularly  in  U.  S.  Defense 
Bonds." 

Bonds  are  first  of  all  a  cash  saving  for 
you.  But  they're  also  back  of  our  country's 
production  power.  Which  couples  up  with 
G.  L  fire  power  to  keep  the  peace  for  all. 

Peace  is  for  the  strong! 

For  peace  and  prosperity  save  with 

US.  Defense  Bonds! 

Now  E  Bond*  par  3%!  Now,  improved 
Srrim  E  Bond*  Mart  paying  inlrrr-i  after  6 
month*.  And  average  3%  interest,  compounded 
«-m  i  annually  wlirn  held  to  maturity!  Aluo. 
all  maturing  E  Bond*  automatically  go  on 
earning—  at  the  new  rale—  for  10  more  year*. 
Today,  Mart  inventing  in  S»-rir«  E  Drfrnne 
Bond*  through  the  Payroll  Saving*  Plan. 


._  __  n,v.s. 

TB^^B    fjr^rnt^mfml.  tl  ti  4i**tfd  I, 


"The  sergeant  charged  alone  .  .  .* 


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f*^nlle. 

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hUAL     ffECRIEATION     ASSOCIATION      . 


• ,-  •  *  • 


Drama  Publications 


from  National  Rirrcalion  Association 
315  Fourth  .Irniiir.  Mew  York  10 


Basic  Scenery  for   Dramalic  Publications 
(MB  1933)   lOc 

A  discussion  of  the  components  needed  for  a 
unit  set  and  suggestions  for  adapting  it  for  various 
production*. 

Brides  of  Yesler-Vear  <  P  32 1   lOc 

A  plan  for  conducting  a  pageant  of  wedding 
gowns  that  have  been  worn  by  brides  in  the  com- 
munity. 

Charminade  <P  48)    lOc 

An  amusing  rhymed  playlet  for  twenty-two 
adults.  The  running  time  is  about  nine  minutes. 
Children  of  the  Americas  <P  117)  lOc 

A  historical  pagent  with  music,  suitable  for 
presentation  by  playground  children. 

The  Children  If  rite  a  Play  IP  9>   lOc 

An  account  of  an  acting  and  playwriling  project 
actually  conducted  with  a  group  of  eight  to  thir- 
teen-year-old children. 

The   Community    Theater   in    the   Recreation   Pro- 
from  I  P  63 1  25c 

A  discussion  of  the  organization  and  program 
of  the  community  theater,  suggesting  Mirh  pra«  - 
lical  ways  of  overcoming  space  and  time  problems 
as  arena  and  script-in-hand  presentations. 

A  Day  at  Nottingham   <MP  131   15c 

A  Robin  Hood  festival  for  children  ami  t.-.-n- 
agcrs,  suitable  for  presentation  at  any  lime  during 
the  playground  season  but  especially  appropriate 
for  May  Day. 

Dramn  unit  the  Hospital  Kn-reation  Leader 
IP  901    IT..- 

Suggests   many   dramatic   activities  that   are   par- 
lii  iil.irK    suited  for  Use   in  the   hospital   recreation 
program. 
Dramatics  fur  the  Camp  Community  IMP  4201  25r 

A  stimulating  di-cu-.ion  of  the  problems  of  the 
cump  drama  counsellor,  with  a  host  of  imagin:il  i\  .• 
suggestions  for   making  much  out   of   little. 
Knlertainmenl  Stunts  IMP  1701    15c 

Simple  -liinl-  r>-i|iiiring  little  or  no  preparation, 
-iiilahle  for  lian<|iiel-.  coiiiiiiiinily  gathering-,  stage 
or  i •  I. it f ..MI i 

A  Feu-  References  on  Chttric  Spedking  and  Speech 
Improvement  I  MB   IM<-'    lOc 

A  useful  bibliography  on  a  subject  that  .I.--.  i\.  - 
far  more  attention  than  it  usually  receives  in  the 
community  drama  program. 

finder  Puppet:,  I P  1121   3Sc 

Illn-ii  ii.'.l  ilir. .  lion-  for  making  several  types  of 
finger  puppets,  and  a  short  puppet  play. 

fun  »  ilh  Charades  lK  10 1    lOc 

Charades  i«  an  excellent  leiid-up  game  fi.r  lli. 
tin-\|irrii-iif  i-d  drama  group,  and  gives  valuable 
pr.niii-i-  ill  ihr  art  of  paiilinniine.  These  brief  and 
•  implf  in-irii- it'in-  will  enable  any  group  to  play 
the  Ic--  rnniplicaled  forms  of  the  game. 

Him   l»  Prudurr  11  l'ln\  ">0c 

-i>-|i.  in  play  production  from  choosing  the 
plav  to  the  final  check-up,  with  sugge.tions  for 
make-up,  costuming,  lighting  and  trencry. 


Inexpensive    Costumes    for    Plays,    Festivals    and 
Pageants  I  MP  41  )   25c 

A  detailed  explanation  of  man\  practical  meth- 
ods of  producing  inexpensive  costumes  that  \>ill 
give  an  illusion  of  authenticity. 
Informal  Dramatics—  #2  in  the  "Playground  S«- 
ri,;"  (P  100)  50e 

A  booklet  designed  to  interpret  to  the  play- 
ground  leader  the  forms  of  drama  appropriate  to 
the  playground  and  to  show  him  how  simple  these 
can  be.  It  contains  a  wealth  of  valuable  suggestions 
on  techniques  and  methods. 
A  List  of  Plays  for  Children  from  Five  to  Fifteen 
(MP  4161  lOc 

A  list  of  more  than  fifty  play-  suitable  for 
young  actors  and  actresses. 

Masks—  Fun  to  Make  and  Wear   (P  10?)    ISc 

Masks  may  be  an  excellent  introduction  to  dra- 
matic activity  for  young  people.  This  bulletin 
contains  explicit  directions  for  making  many 
masks,  both  simple  and  elaborate. 
An  Operetta  in  the  Making  (Reprinted  from  REC- 
RKATION.  October.  1949)  ISc 

How  the  Girls'  Club  in  Worcester,  Massachusetts 
produces  its  annual  operetta. 
Planning  anil  Producing  a  Local  Pageant 
IP  461    35e 

Production  suggestions,  a  pageant  outline,  and 
ideas  from  eommunitie-  which  have  actually  pro- 
duced their  own  pageant-. 

Plays   and    Pageants    Hased    on    American    History, 
Citizenship  and  Other  Patriotic  Themes  IP  'Mi    10e 

\  list  of  more  than  seventy-five  one-act  .m.l 
full-length  plays,  pageants  and  operettas. 

7'fnv  Production  Made  F.asy  ">()c 

A    guide    for    the    fcMKperienced    pi.  IN    producer. 
In.  linl.--    a   few    p.niiMiiiiiiii-.    -kits    and    \rr>    -li..il 
plays  that  can  be  used  for  group  training. 
Program  Suggestions  for  F.asler   iMP  -Hi    l">c 

A  list  of  pageants.  worship  ser>ir.--.  pl.i^-  .unl 
pantomimes. 

A  Selected  List  of  Plays  Suitable  for  Church   l'r»- 
duclion  IMP  230  1    l">c 

Play-  with  a  spiritual  import,  representing  ihe 
three  major  faiths. 

Shadow  PiipiiHs  I  MP  241  )   ISc 

Directions     for     ron-lrinting     and     o|teraling     a 

•  imple   shadow   puppet   and  for   making   a   sh.idoM 
puppet  stage. 

Silver  IMIs  and  Cockle  Shells  3Sc 

>.-M-H  plays  and  a  pageant  for  children. 

»,<    No,    Driinintit   Stunts  IP  122)    T.()c 

>i\     -Imrl     -kit-    requiring    little    rehenr«al. 

properties  and  easily    inipn.%  i-nl    ...-HMH. 

Sir  .More  Uramnli,    Stunts    iP  87  1    50c 
••ix   more  -horl   -kil-. 

Suggested  Constitution   for  a  Community 

•  p  i:,»>  ioc 

Tlii-  .ugge-led  consliiiilion  will  serve  as  a  use-i 
fill  guiile  I"  loiiiiiiimilt  groups  in  setting  up  il»-ir 
own  organisation. 


fe 


IMMEDIATE   DELIVERY! 


PORTER 


no.  38  combination 


Varied  as  a  3-ring  circus— yet  oh!  so  compact  and  so  economical! 
That's  the  Porter  No.  3  8  Combination — a  playground  unit  that 
packs  six  different  kinds  of  funful,  healthful  recreation  into  a 
ground  area  of  only  20  x  30  feet!  Just  look  at  the  variety- 
Two  Standard  See-Saws,  one  Horizontal  Bar,  two  Swings,  a 
pair  of  Flying  Rings,  one  Trapeze  and  one  16-ft.  Porter 
Safety  Slide— plus  the  sturdy  10-ft.  steel  frame  that  is  galva- 
nized inside  and  out  and  held  rigidly  together  with  Tested  Mal- 
leable Iron  fittings  of  exclusive  Porter  design.  Write  today 
for  the  surprisingly  low  price,  and  complete  specifications. 

write  for  illustrated  bulletin  on  Porter's 
streamlined  line  that  will  save  you  money ....  time! 


THE    J.    E. 


PORTER 


CORPORATION 

OTTAWA,     ILLINOIS 


MANUFACTURERS    OF    PLAYGROUND,    GYMNASIUM    AND    SWIMMING    POOL    EQUIPMENT 


Exclusive  MAKERS  OF  THE  WORLD-FAMOUS     JUNGLEGYM 


*R«9.  U.  S.  Pot.  Off. 


CLIMBING 
STRUCTURE 


FEBRUARY  1953 


505 


It's 


If  /»'» 


HENRI 

GYM  EQUIPMENT 

•  Gymnasium  Equipment 

•  Telescopic  Gym  Scats 

•  Basketball  Scoreboard* 

•  Basketball  Backstops 


•  Steel  Lockers,  Lockerobes 
and  Grade-Robes 


Witt*  fr* 

FRED  MEDART  PRODUCTS,INC. 

3566  DE  K  ALB  ST.       ST.  LOUIS  18,  MO. 


For  78  r*ari 

Tn«  Standard  Of    Quality 


SQUARE   DANCING 


CAN 
BE 


to  teat*  . 


fo 


With  these  Square  Dance  Records  with  Progressive 

Oral  Instructions  and  Calls  fay   fD  DURlACHfR. 
Here   is  the  easy  and  economical   way  to   HUM!   tin- 
ever-growing    demand    for    square    dancing   in   your 
community  .  .  .  the  HONOR  YOUR  PARTNER  series 
of  square  dance  records. 

*          •          * 

Each  record  in  albums  1  to  4  starts  with  simplified 
progressive  oral  instructions  by  Ed  Durlacher — in- 
structions easily  understood  by  dancri>  of  all  ages. 
Following  a  brief  pause,  giving  the  dancers  time  to 
squarr  their  sets,  the  music  and  calls  begin.  The 
TOP  HANDS,  directed  by  KKVNK  NOVAK,  offer  the  best  in  scintillating  and  foot 
tapping  square  dance  music.  The  calls  are  delivered  by  one  of  the  nation's  most  out- 
standing square  dance  authorities,  ED  DURLACHER. 

The  fifth  album  in  the  series  contains  music  only,  without  rail-  or  instructions — -"The 
Square  Dance  Caller's  Delight". 

*          *          * 

COUPLE  DANCES  AND  MIXERS 

Album  6:  Full  oral  "walk-through"  instructions  for  six  couple  dances  and  mixers  .  .  . 
all  popular  favorites.  Includes  a  12"  record  of  music  for  all  six. 

RHYTHMS 

Album  7:  Designed  to  aid  in  the  teaching  of  rhythms  to  the  very  young.  Popular  chil- 
dren's favorite  tunes  are  used  to  illustrate  many  rhythmic  movements.  Just  the  album 
you've  wanted  for  so  very  long. 


All  records  guaranteed 
against  breakage. 
In  normal  use. 


HONOR  VOUR  PARTNER 


Learn  more  about  the 

HONOR  YOUR  PARTNER  albums. 

Write  for  a  descriptive  folder. 


SQUARE   DANCE   ASSOCIATES 


DEPT.  R-13 


FREEPORT,  NEW  YORK 


NOW  AVAILABLE  .  .  .  The  Perfected 


OWc.al  ipringboord  lor  AAU  and  NCAA 
diving  competition,  and  now  in  lit*  in 
nearly  *v«ry  college  and  univertity 
where  competitive  diving  meet*  or*  held. 


AND  THE 

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The  "BUCK BOARD  is  the 
only  aluminum  spring- 
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and  drawn  tube*  for  lift- 
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light  and  heavy  weight  divers. 

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achieved;  thus  better  form. 


The  "BUCKBOARD'  practically  eliminate)!  tpringboard  maintenance  It'l 
the  only  tprlngboord  ever  designed  to  permit  replacement  of  any  of  th* 
integral  uniti  in  event  of  accidental  damage.  Out-pertormi  any  other 
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Manufactured  and   Sold  f xc/uilvefy   By 

NORMAN  BUCK  MFC.  CO. 


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RECREATION 


FEBRUARY,  1953 


THE      MAGAZINE       OF      THE       RECREATION       MOVEMENT 


Editor  in  Chief,  JOSEPH  PRENDERGAST 

Editor,  DOROTHY  DONALDSON 

Editorial  Assistant,  AMELIA  HENLY 

Business  Manager,  ROSE  JAY  SCHWARTZ 

ASSOCIATE   EDITORS 

Recreation  Administration,  GEORGE  BUTLER 
Program  Activities,  VIRGINIA  MUSSELMAN 


Vol.  XLVII 


Price  35  Cents 


No.  9 


On  the  Cover 

Mr.  Groundhog  comes  out  for  his  annual  weather 
observation.  He  seems,  however,  to  be  ignoring  his 
shadow.  This  picture  is  one  of  four  hundred  illus- 
trations appearing  in  a  new  book,  Photography 
Afield,  by  Ormal  E.  Springman,  camera  editor  of 
Sports  Afield,  published  by  Stackpole  Company, 
Harrisbnrg,  Pennsylvania,  at  $7.50,  which  will  be  re- 
viewed in  the  March  RECREATION.  Photo  courtesy 
of  Mr.  Springman  and  the  Pennsylvania  Angler. 

Next  Month 

The  March  issue  of  RECREATION  carries  material 
on  festivals  and  community-wide  celebrations,  for 
spring  is  the  season  which  turns  our  thoughts  to 
these  matters.  The  story  of  a  novel  show  wagon, 
and  of  what  other  communities  are  doing  with  this 
device,  is  told  for  those  who  are  planning  ahead 
for  summer  programs;  while  "Where  to  Get  More 
Money  for  More  Recreation  Services"  and  "Adult 
Recreation  Clubs,"  will  be  of  interest  to  everyone. 

Photo  Credits 

Page  509,  University  of  Minnesota  Laboratory; 
515,  Department  of  Municipal  Recreation  and 
Adult  Education,  Milwaukee  Public  Schools;  518, 
519,  Allan  J.  de  Lay,  The  Oregoniun;  520,  521 
(art  work),  Association  Press,  New  York;  528. 
Maddrey  of  Norfolk  Ledger  Dispatch;  529,  Joe  A. 
Hernandez,  Jacksonville,  Florida;  530,  United 
States  Navy;  532,  Maurey  Garber  Studio,  New 
York  City;  533,  Dow  Chemical  Company;  549, 
Washington  Post  photo;  564  (right),  Evanston 
Photographic  Service,  Evanston,  Illinois;  565,  J. 
Lindqniat,  Deratur.  Illinois. 


RECREATION  is  published  monthly  except  July  and 
August  by  the  National  Recreation  Association,  a 
service  organization  supported  by  voluntary  contribu- 
tions, at  315  Fourth  Avenue,  New  York  10,  New 
York;  is  on  file  in  public  libraries  and  is  indexed  in 
the  Readers'  Guide.  Subscriptions  $3.00  a  year. 
Canadian  agency,  G.  R.  Welch  Company,  Ltd.,  1149 
King  Street  West,  Toronto  1,  Ontario;  Canadian  sub- 
scription rate  $3.85.  Re-entered  as  second-class  matter 
April  25,  1950,  at  the  Post  Office  in  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. 

Space  Representatives:  H.  Thayer  Heaton,  415  Lex- 
ington Avenue,  New  York  17,  New  York;  Mark 
Minahan,  168  North  Michigan  Avenue,  Chicago,  Illi- 
nois; Keith  H.  Evans,  3757  Wilshire  Boulevard,  Los 
Angeles  5,  and  593  Market  Street,  Suite  304,  San 
Francisco  5,  California. 

Copyright,   1952,  by  the 
National  Recreation  Association,  Incorporated 


Printed  in  the  U.S.A.  -fcsS«"  1  a 

*  Trade   mark  registered    in   the   U.    S.    Patent   Office. 


CONTENTS 

GENERAL  FEATURES 

My  Philosophy  of  Recreation  (Editorial),  Gerald  It.  Fitzgerald  509 

Education  in  Play William  M.  Lainers   515 

Philosophical  Aspects  of  Recreation Arthur  M.  Kipnis  516 

Family  Centered  Activities Dr.  Ernest  G.  Osborne  520 

Practical  Music Howard  Barlow  532 

A  Global  Look  at  Recreation,  Part  III T.  E.  Rivers  536 

Youth  and  the  Services G.  Ott  Romney  545 

Boeing  Goes  Fishing John  E.  Friars   547 

Pet  Ideas 550 

Community  Center  Housekeeping,  Part  II 562 

AIIMI.MSTII.VriO> 

Recreation  for  Everyone Kraus   Earhart  524 

Court  Petition  Dismissed 526 

Notes  for  the  Administrator 531 

Enlist  the  Support  of  Women 534 

We  Sell  Public  Recreation Ernest  B.  Ehrke  542 

Are  You  Progressive  ? 546 

Significant  Findings  from  the  1950  Census 552 

Personnel  Placement R.  J.  Foval   565 

PROGRAM 

Creative  Activities  in  a  Junior  Museum Mary  Alice  Reed  518 

How  to  Tell  a  Good  Golden-Age  Club James  II.  Woods  522 

Vochestra John    T.    Connors   527 

Oldsters  Rummage  in  Attics Elsie  Rietzinger  528 

A  Great  American  Team Tom  King   529 

Pointers   for  Party   Month 541 

Science  as  a  Recreation  Activity 556 

REGULAR  FEATURES 

Letters    510 

Things  You  Should  Know 512 

Editorially    Speaking 514 

People  and  Events ' 535 

Suggestion  Box 549 

A   Reporter's    Notebook 555 

On  the  Campus Betty  W.  Jacob  558 

Recipes  for  Fun — Paper  Folding 559 

Personnel — Recreation  Leadership  Training  Programs 561 

How  To  Do  It!  Decorate  Fabrics,  Wood,  Paper, 

l-'rinili  E.  Staples  563 

Recreation    Market    News 564 

Listening  and  Viewing 566 

Books  Received,   Magazines,   Pamphlets 567 

New  Publications 568 

Recreation  Leadership  Courses Inside  Back  Cover 


FEBRUARY  1953 


507 


NATIONAL     RECREATION     ASSOCIATION 

A  Service  Organization  Supported  by  Voluntary  Contributions 
JOSEPH  PRENDERGAST,  Executive  Director 


OFFICERS 


OTTO  T.   MAIXEAY 
P.n    Mooaa.    J.. 
Mu.  Oco.*  L.  Miua 
Suun  If.  La... 


I    M.    IIAUII 

Cnrira  T.  KIMT 
Jo«ErM    P 


l.hairman   ol   the   Board 

Firat    Vice-Preaident 

Second  Vfce-Preaident 

Third  Vice-Preaident 

and    Secretary   of   the   Board 

Treaaurer 

.Treasurer  Emeritui 
Secretary 


HOARD  OF  DIRECTORS 


W.  H.   ADAM. 

Cncc  Baxta  . 
.  Roacar  Wooo*  BUM 
.  ARTHUR  C.  CUMUia 
ILLIAM   H.   DATU 

IRY  P.  DATUON 

TLOBA    DONNULXY 
.   PAUL  GALLAGHER 

asar  GAaaarr 
.  NORMAN  HAaaown  .  , 
.  CUARLU  V.  HICKOX   . 


New  York.  N.  V. 

Boalon.  Maaa. 

Washington.  D.  C. 

Jacksonville,   Fla. 

New    Yurk.    N     •»  . 

N«w  York,  N.  Y. 

Chicajo.   HI. 

Omaha.  Nebr. 

Baltimore.  Md. 

Fitchburf,  MAM. 

Michifan  City.   lad. 

Knr.Dr.IUCK.     M.    WARBURG     . 


Mu.  JOHN  0.  JAMUOK. 

SliAK    M.    1.II 

Ono  T.  MALURY 
CAM.  F.  MILUKKH 

Mu.  OCOE.X  L.  MILU 

PAUL  MOO.I.  1,. 

JoaipK   PuNDSacAaT   

Mu.    SlCML'ND    STEEW 

GRAHT   TirawoaTii 

Mu.  WILLIAM   VAX  Am 

J     I      W'Aian 

,N>»    York.    N     V 


Bellport.  N.  Y. 

New  York.  N.  Y. 

Philadelphia.  Pa. 

Aufuala.  Me. 

New  York,  S     1 

Jereey  City.  N.  J. 

New  York.  N.  Y. 

San  Franciaeo.  Calif. 

Noroton.    Conn. 

Philadelphia.    Pa. 

Yonken.   N.   Y. 


Kirruti.r    Dlroelor'a    Olfire 

Gtoacx  E.  DICKIE  THOMAS  K.  Rivm* 

HILDA  HARRI»ON  AtTHta  WILLIAM* 

Atnuu>  H.  WtLaoit 

CmrreaponoVnee   and   Coniullallon 

Set".  If.- 

Gtoacc  A.  Niaitrr 
CERTRLM  BOUCHARD  EDNA   BRAL'CHBR 

Program  Servlee 

VIRGINIA  MUUBJ.MAN 

Reereatlon    Maffaarine 

DOROTHY    HnriilMnn  AMELIA   HKNLY 

Special    Publication. 
Roat  JAY  ScuwAari  MURIEL  McCANN 


HEADQUARTERS   STAFF 

Prr»«nnrl    Srr*  irr 

V,  It  I  *KD  C.    St'THBHLAND 

MAKT  CiTBUtMAT  ALntBo  B,  JKKKN 

I!.   -•  -in-li     l>i-|'.it  Inn  tit 

CKORCB  D.   BUTLKI 
DAVID  J.  DUKOI*  BITTT  B.  FLOWKM 

Work  witk  \  i.lunit-rr. 

E.   BCATH.CE  STEARNS 
MABY  QUIRK  MARCAUBT  DAKKWMTH 

Flrld    H.  ].jt  1.11.  1,1 

CHABLBS  £.  RBED 

C.  E.  BBBWBB  JAMB*  A.  MADIMM 

KOBBRT  R.  GAMILB 


Serrice  to  Statet 
WILUAM  M.  HAY 


HAROLD  LATHROP 


Atf*i  amj  Facilities — Planning  and  >'(,ri«-.j 

LB*UB  LTKCM 

Kmihrrin*  F.  Btrktr  Mrmorimt 

S*crrf*i7  for  Womrn  and  Girl* 

HKUCN  M.  DAt-itOT 

Recreation  Leadtr$ktp  Training  Counet 
KITH  tnucRi  v s M.  IJVIKCSTON 

Mtt.DKin   >«  «.s     «x  K- *NK   A.   Si4nrt 

GRAO  WALKU 


N«-«    Ennland   IM.lr.ri 

WALDO  R.  HAiNtworm  Bocton,  MBM. 

(PrMent  addri-w       New  York) 

Mlddl.  All.nlle  lii.tri.  i 
JOHN  W.  FAIST  K  —  i  Onnfr,  N.  J. 

RICMAIO  S.  WMTCATI        New  York,  N.  Y. 

Crval    I  .k. .   DUtrlcl 

JOHN  J.  COLUU  Toledo,  Ohio 

ROM*T  I..  HMNBT  Madivon,  WU. 


DISTRICT  REPRESENTATIN  I  ^ 

Southorn  IH.irirt 


Mi«i  MARION  Puses 
RALFN  VAN  FLBBT  . . 


Alfundru.   V«. 
ClearwBtrr,   FU. 


Midw«.it  Pi.ni.  i 
I  niiii  K«n»«»    City.    Mu. 


-..nil.*..  -I      lh.fr  i.  t 

HAROLD   VAN    AUSPAI*  DilU*.   Tn 

Parifir    N.iriu«..t    Hi. tn.  i 
WILLARD    H.    SHIUABD  Snlllr.    W»«h 

Patrlfir    Southwrftt     Iti.lr.rl 

I  >\->   S.  RODNBT  Lot  Anfelet,  Calif. 


Ml. It.. i.      M.  .,,!-.  r-l.ip 

AAIUU  wrmberabip  la  the  NBtlooil 
Recr.Mt.Mi  AMorU.ioa  !•  oD*n  to  all  BOB- 
profct  print*  «ml  public  orfjntut.oM 
wboM  UiiclioM  I*  wboll.  or  priRunly  lb* 
proriatlo*  of  pfWRMrtio*  of  rwrealloii  MTV* 
(CM  or  which  ivcUd*  r*cr««tto«  M  «n  i» 
poruol  part  of  th*lr  loul  procram  and 
who**/  cooperation  In  Ih«>  work  of  lh«  M.M. 
ri.tioo  would,  in  th*  opinion  of  the  utmn- 
Board  of  Dirvcton.  further  the 
of  Ike  n«ticn«l  rr«ri>alina  matwmtmt. 


Active  BMwiate  tnrmbrrvhip  in  the 
National  Recreation  AMocfation  U  open  tn 
all  IndividuaU  who  irr  arti\rl*  rncage.! 
oa  •  full-time  or  part-time  employed  ba*U 
or  aa  volunteer*  in  a  Donpront  private  or 
public  recreation  organiiation  and  who** 
rouperalion  in  th*  work  of  the  a*aocialion 
would.  In  the  opinion  of  the  aMoriatinn'a 
Board  of  Director*,  tnrlhrr  thr  enil*  of  thr 


<  Contributors 

Tb*  continuatioa  of  tha  work  of  thr 
National  Recreation  Aaaociation  from  year 
to  year  la  made  po**ible  by  the  tplendid 
cooperation  of  »eT*ral  bundred  voluntr^r 
•pooton  tkrou«hout  the  country,  and  the 
ieneroti»  contribution*  of  Ibonaanda  of  »ap- 
porter*  of  tbii  movemeat  to  brine  health, 
happint-M  an«l  rrraiiTf  living  to  the  boy* 
and  (irla  and  tb*  men  aad  women  of 
\rnrrn  ...  If  you  would  Ilka  to  join  in  the 
•upport  of  ihi«  movement,  you  mar  *Ti.l 
your  contributloa  direct  to  the  aa»ori«tii>n. 


Thr  National  Rrrrmt.on  Anwiciation  in  a  nation- 
wiilr,  nonprofit,  nonpolitical  and  nnnvrtarian  civic 
organization,  rMahli^hrii  in  1906  and  Mippnrted  by 
voluntary  contributions  and  drdiratrd  to  thr  trnr- 
i.  '•  ..f  all  rrrrralioo  exectrtiwt,  Icadern  and  agrn- 


ihlir  and  private,  to  thr  rnd  that  every  child 
in  America  fthall  have  a  place  to  play  in  »afety  and 
thai  every  perton  in  America,  young  and  old.  shall 
have  an  opportunity  for  the  be<4  and  moM  *atiafy. 
ing  u»e  of  hi-  expanding  leinurr  timr. 


For  further  information  regarding  the  association  *  servim  and  membership,  ftlrasf  write  to  the 
'  Director.  National  Recreation  Association,  315  Fourth  ,4trnur.  New  York  10,  New  York. 


RECREATION 


Gerald  B.  Fitzgerald 


First  of  a  series  of  editorials,  in  which  outstanding  leaders 
in  the  field  of  recreation  will  offer  their  personal  phil- 
osophy of  recreation,  as  a  contribution  to  the  over-all 
philosophy  of  the  recreation  movement. 


What  follows 
here  is  composed 
not  of  words 
which  have  been 

written  for  this  particular  occasion 
alone,  but  rather,  it  is  a  grouping  of 
thoughts  and  beliefs  which  I  have  ex- 
pressed many  times  through  the  spoken 
or  written  word. 

Recreation  as  we  know  it  today  is  a 
product  of  our  social  and  economic 
development.  It  is  closely  related  to 
but  not  synonymous  with  leisure, 
which  is  also  an  outcome  of  the  pro- 
gress of  our  society.  In  pioneer 
America  one  first  looked  forward  to  a 
few  hours  of  leisure,  later  to  a  day 
of  leisure,  then  to  free  weekends,  and 
to  vacations — and  now  the  older  age 
people  to  years  of  leisure  after  retire- 
ment. People  use  their  leisure  in  a 
variety  of  ways,  but  chiefly  in  the  pur- 
suit of  recreation  interests.  All  leisure 
activities  thus  are  not  recreation.  To 
be  such  they  must  be  morally  sound, 
mentally  and  physically  upbuilding, 
respectful  of  the  rights  of  others,  volun- 
tarily motivated,  and  provide  a  sense 
of  pleasure  and  achievement. 

A  descriptive  definition  is  that  rec- 
reation is  the  natural  expression  of 
certain  human  interests  and  needs  seek- 
ing satisfaction  chiefly  during  leisure. 
Recreation  today  is  a  part  of  living, 
in  all  communities.  Because  it  is  this 
it  prospers  in  war  and  in  peace,  in 
illness  and  in  health,  in  depression  and 
in  prosperity,  and  in  disaster  and  in 
tranquility.  We  have  developed  rec- 
reation in  America  to  the  point  where, 


in  both  its  organized  and  unorganized 
aspects,  it  is  a  mirror  of  our  beliefs, 
our  characteristics,  our  democratic 
processes,  the  progress  of  our  culture, 
and  our  moral  philosophy  as  a  people. 

People  are  possessed  of  two  basic 
types  of  needs — those  related  to  sur- 
vival and  those  related  to  personality. 
Recreation  is  primarily  related  to  the 
personality  of  developmental  needs,  al- 
though it  also  has  some  relationships 
with  survival  needs.  Recreation  can- 
not be  used  as  a  substitute.  It  becomes 
truly  meaningful  when  basic  survival 
needs  have  been  satisfied. 

The  fundamental  purpose  of  recrea- 
tion, however  stated,  is  to  retain  or 
recapture  for  the  adult  the  joy  of  life 
as  the  child  knows  it.  It  is  to  help 
the  adult  to  retain  the  insatiable  cu- 
riosity of  the  child,  the  zest  for  living, 
his  joy  in  new  adventure,  his  pride  in 
creating  things,  his  joy  of  companion- 
ship, his  sense  of  imagination,  and  his 
desire  to  learn. 

Recreation  may  have  certain  by- 
products such  as  improved  health  and 
lower  indices  of  delinquency,  but  these 
are  additional  dividends  and  are  not 
foundational  purposes. 

Recreation  ranks  alongside  work  as 
one  of  two  of  the  several  fundamental 
activities  of  life.  As  the  character  of 
work  has  changed  so  has  the  meaning 
of  recreation.  Invention,  science  and 
technology,  and  their  effects  upon  the 
nature  of  work  for  many  millions  of 
people,  have  placed  a  greater  responsi- 
bility upon  leisure  and  recreation  for 
providing  opportunities  and  expres- 


sions for  realizing  the  creative  and 
achievement  needs  of  man.  A  simple 
illustration  of  the  loss  of  artistry  in 
work  is  that  of  the  barber  who  shaves 
himself  with  an  electric  razor  in  full 
view  of  passersby. 

Thus,  to  understand  recreation,  its 
meaning  and  its  potentialities,  we  must 
first  understand  the  society  in  which 
we  live,  for  recreation  is  nothing  if  it  is 
not  a  product  of  our  social  and  eco- 
nomic culture. 

Recreation  means  different  things  to 
different  people  and  different  things 
to  the  same  person  at  different  times. 
Whatever  the  choice  of  recreation  may 
be,  it  is  certain  that  through  it  the 
individual  is  seeking  to  satisfy  some 
inner  need.  The  activity  is  merely  the 
vehicle  that  one  uses  to  travel  to  his 
destination  of  a  sense  of  satisfaction 
and  achievement.  To  devote  at  least 
a  portion  of  one's  leisure  to  doing 
something  for  someone  else  is  one  of 
the  highest  forms  of  recreation. 

Although  recreation  is  chiefly  a  lei- 
sure activity  there  are  some  fortunate 
persons  who  find  their  means  of  liveli- 
hood to  be  a  part  of  their  recreation 
pattern.  Attitudes  toward  required 
duties  and  chosen  occupations  are  the 
factors  that  render  indistinct  the  lines 
of  demarcation  between  work  and  rec- 
reation. A  basic  distinction,  however, 
is  that  work  is  compulsory  and  recrea- 
tion is  voluntary.  Those  professions 
which  are  accompanied  by  a  sense  of 
social  serviceship  are  most  likely  to 
possess  some  recreation  values.  Thus 
many  recreation  leaders  find  many  of 
the  personal  joys  of  recreation  in  their 
work.  To  me  one  of  those  joys  is  the 
sense  of  satisfaction  and  achievement 
that  I  receive  in  writing  about  recrea- 
tion, and  this  opportunity  has  given 
me  an  additional  chance  to  practice 
one  of  my  recreations. 

DR.  FITZGERALD,  Director  of  Recrea- 
tion Training,  University  of  Minnesota, 
is  interested  in  many  phases  of  recrea- 
tion. He  has  served  as  the  chairman 
of  the  recreation  section  of  The  Na- 
tional Conference  on  Graduate  Study 
in  Health  Education,  Physical  Educa- 
tion and  Recreation  (see  his  report  in 
January  RECREATION).  He  is  also  ac- 
tive in  the  field  of  hospital  recreation. 


FEBRUARY  1953 


509 


Directory 

Sirs: 

Several  years  back,  your  magazine 
published  the  names  of  superintendents 
or  heads  of  recreation  for  the  various 
departments  in  the  United  States,  and 
it  surely  was  a  grand  help  to  all  of  us 
when  we  were  attempting  to  correspond 
with  our  fellow  workers.  That  publi- 
cation has  been  eliminated  and  1  miss 
it;  and  I  voice  the  opinion  of  many 
others.  When  someone  comes  up  with 
the  question  "Who  is  the  director  of 
Fort  Wayne,  Indiana,  or  Hong  Kong?" 
it's  kind  of  nice  to  answer  as  to  how 
the  person  may  be  reached.  Some  day 
when  the  NRA  has  a  surplus  amount 
of  paper.  I  wish  they  would  publish 
one  of  the  monthU  Imlletins  with  the 
names  and  addresses  of  the  heads  of 
the  departments. 

ALICE  DIETZ,  Assistant  Director, 
Recreation  Division,  Board  of  Park 
Commissioners,  Minneapolis,  Minn. 

•  The  1951  Directory  of  Affiliate  Mem- 
bers and  Active  Associate  Members  of 
the  National  Recreation  Association 
carries  some  of  this  information.  In- 
dividuals are  listed.  Their  titles  are 
not  included,  but  may  be  in  the  future 
if  this  proves  to  be  desirable. — Ed. 

Who  Are  You  Kidding? 
Sirs: 

I  don't  know  if  Florence  Anderson, 
author  of  "Oil  Painting.  Why  not  try 
it  yourself?"  is  still  writing  for  you, 
or  if  she  is  still  around  to  listen,  but  I 
would  like  to  say  something  myself, 
concerning  her  article,  and  the  general 
line  of  thought  in  articles  of  its  kind. 

I  happened  to  be  perusing  some  back 
copies  of  RECREATION  and  came  across 
a  black  and  white  print  of  a  Daumier. 
Next  to  it  is  Florence  Anderson's  ar- 
ticle on  oil  painting.  The  copy  is  Feb- 
ruary 1948. 

At  the  impart  of  the  Daumier  I  was 
carried  hack  to  my  wonderful  art- 
school  days  and  for  a  moment  enjoyed 
.1  nostalgic  feeling  of  bliss.  The  bliss 
that  come-  from  lifinj;  surrounded  by 
other  student  artists  and  full-fledged 
artist  instructors,  exhibits,  getting 
one's  first  picture  hung  and  so  on.  But 
my  moment  of  bliss  was  short  lived  for 
I  began  to  read  Florence  Anderson's 
arlii  Ic. 

"•In-  s.ivs;  "Many  a  wouM  !>•  •  .uh-t  i- 

inlimid.it>  .1  |.\  tin-  thought  of  oil  paint- 

IJciiet    in. it   thev    s|,.,uld  remain 

intimidated  rather  than  !„•.  ,,mi-  one  of 

Id...,.      -,.|f-s.,|j,fi,  d      Mmil.1%       |>.iintci« 

-inli    .is     Win-Inn    Churchill     one    of 

whosr  taste  ends  with  a  bowl  of 

|ite|tv    flower-   or   a   tugan    land-cape. 

A  little  later:  "A  little  courage 
mined  with  paint  may  even' result  in  a 

•Hter-pirrr.    who    knows?"    ....    If 

510 


Daumier  heard  you  say  that  you  would 
know  in  short  order.  He  would  have 
guffawed  at  you  through  the  medium  of 
one  of  his  more  sarcastic  cartoons. 

Si  ill  later:  "Painting  is  not  difficult." 
Who  is  Florence  trying  to  kid?  Renoir 
painted  with  arthritic  fingers.  Yes, 
after  years  of  grueling  practice. 

And  the  tools.  Do  you  realize  that 
it  costs  close  to  $100  to  set  yourself 
up  for  oil  painting? 

"There  are  no  set  rules  in  painting." 
Maybe  not  so  straightforward  as  black 
is  black  and  white  is  white,  but  rules 
all  the  same,  and  procedures  and  tech- 
niques. 

I  can't  bear  to  go  through  the  whole 
article.  And  I  can  make  my  point  with- 
out all  that.  People  can  have  fun  paint- 
ing without  being  artists.  Sure.  But 
thev  won't  have  much  fun  if  they  go  at 
it  in  a  half-cracked  way.  You  would 
be  much  better  off  to  use  four  pages  of 
your  magazine  showing  people  how  to 
go  about  forming  a  painting  class  and 
getting  a  proper  instructor.  Or  else 
just  print  a  few  Daumier's  so  that  I 
can  at  least  look  at  them  without  be- 
ing assaulted  by  a  lot  of  half-truths. 

JIM  JOHNSTON,  Recreation  Superin- 

ti-mli-nt.   Moose  Jaw,  Saskatchewan. 

•  We  appreciate  Mr.  Johnston's  point, 
but  we  still  maintain  that  you  can  have 
a  lot  of  fun  with  painting  for  your 
own  amusement.  c\cn  though  you  can 
never  hope  to  l>e  a  Daumier  or  a  Ren- 
oir  —  and  without  great  expense  too! 
Anyone  else  have  any  comments?  —  Ed. 

I  clc\  i-ion 


I  am  Ix-ginning  a  thesis  on  the  gen- 
eral subject.  "I'sc  of  Television  by  Or- 
^iini/ed  Community  Recreation  Pro 
grams."  I  would  like  to  gather  as  much 
information  on  this  subject  as  pos-iM--. 


in  order  to  (1)  educate  myself  for 
service  in  this  field  in  the  future  and 
(2)  leave  a  report  here  at  Syracuse 
University  which  can  be  used  as  a 
starting  point  for  later  student  re- 
search, both  in  the  television  and  rec- 
reation schools.  Do  you  know  of  any 
similar  reports  or  articles?  Has  your 
association  done  much  in  this  line? 
Have  you  any  examples  showing  how 
city  recreation  departments  are  using 
TV?  Have  you  the  names  of  some 
people  in  recreation  who  might  be  able 
to  supply  additional  information? 
JOHN  JARSTAD,  933  Maryland  Ave- 
nue. Syractise.  New  York. 

•  This  whole  subject  of  television  in 
public  recreation  programs  is  one 
which  has  been  of  great  concern  and 
interest  to  us,  as  well  as  to  public  rec- 
reation departments.  Actually,  there 
are  several  angles  to  it.  Evidently,  Mr. 
Jarstad  is  attacking  it  from  the  angle 
of  public  recreation  departments  actu- 
ally promoting  and  extending  their 
services  through  the  medium  of  tele- 
vision — in  other  words,  actually  put- 
ting on  recreation  programs  including 
the  teaching  of  skills  in  simple  hand- 
crafts,  games  that  can  be  played  at 
home  or  in  the  backyard,  the  making 
of  favors  and  decorations  for  holiday 
celebrations,  storytelling,  dramatics, 
musical  programs,  square  dancing  and 
other  forms  of  dancing,  and  the  like. 
Another  side  of  this  question  is  the 
effect  that  television  has  had.  and  is 
having,  upon  the  programs  in  com- 
iminilv  recreation  building*-.  We  have 
heard,  for  example,  that  some  leaders 
have  found  that  their  attendance  has 
jumped  considerably  when  a  television 
set  has  hcen  placed  in  the  lounge. 
Other  recreation  leaders  have  com- 
plained that  while  more  children  and 
adults  may  come  to  watch  the  tele- 

RECREATION 


vision,  the  other  activities  offered  by 
the  center  have  suffered.  We  have  felt 
that  if  the  latter  is  true,  then  the  lead- 
ers in  those  community  recreation 
buildings  have  failed  to  use  the  tele- 
vision programs  as  motivations  for  the 
other  activities,  or  have  not  scheduled 
the  activities  properly,  or  have  failed 
to  exercise  proper  control  over  the  use 
of  the  television  set.  RECREATION  has 
carried  a  number  of  articles  about  tel- 
evision and  the  public  recreation  de- 
partments. We  refer  to  the  following 
issues:  August,  1940;  February,  1949; 
January,  1950;  March,  1950;  Decem- 
ber, 1950;  June,  1951.— Ed. 

Baseball  Billiards 

Sirs: 

Speaking  of  "Old  Games  Into  New", 
(see  January  1953,  RECREATION),  I, 
many  years  ago,  was  confronted  in  a 
youth  center  with  two  pocket-billiard 
tables  that  were  forever  busy  and  a 
regular  billiard  table  that  was  rarely 
used.  The  boys  felt  that  too  much  skill 
was  required  for  the  latter  game. 

Anxious  to  see  that  every  facility 
was  used,  I  tried  to  devise  a  number 
of  variations  of  the  game,  hopeful  that 
I  might  develop  interest  in  billiards, 
but  the  youngsters'  response  was  dis- 
couraging. Finally  one  day,  while 
watching  one  boy  idly  practicing  shots, 
and,  noting  that  he  was  sincerely  try- 
ing with  but  little  success,  I  began  to 
toy  with  a  new  idea.  As  it  took  form, 
I  became  enthusiastic  myself  and 
called  several  boys  over  to  outline  my 
new  game. 

Taking  a  cue,  I  told  the  boy  who 
had  been  practicing  that  he  and  I  were 
going  to  play  a  game  of  "baseball"  and 
that  the  other  boys,  in  watching,  could 
evaluate  the  game  for  us. 

I  pointed  out  to  the  group  that  the 
reason  for  their  lack  of  interest  was 
that  they  missed  so  often,  and  that  our 
game  would  make  use  of  that  fact. 
Also,  that  the  two  basic  games  of  bil- 
liards were  straight  or  baulk-line  and 
three  cushion,  and  that  they  could 
adapt  themselves  to  either. 

Then  came  the  first  rules,  two  boys 
to  play.  Each  had  nine  turns  (at  bat) 
at  the  table.  They  had  to  shoot  until 
they  had  three  misses  (outs)  for  a  turn 
(inning). 

Successfully  making  a  billiard,  mak- 
ing the  cue  ball  hit  first  one,  then  the 
other,  constituted  a  single.  If  the  cue 
ball  hit  one  cushion  after  hitting  the 
first  object  ball  and  then  hit  the  other, 
it  was  a  double;  a  two  cushion  shot 
was  a  triple,  and  a  three  cushion  bil- 
liard was  a  home-run. 

The  new  approach  to  the  game  fasci- 
nated the  boys  and  they  quickly  re- 
alized that  they  could  simulate  sacri- 


fices as  in  baseball  by  deliberately 
missing  in  order  to  set  up  the  object 
balls  for  easier  billiards. 

The  response  was  terrific;  before 
that  day  was  over  we  were  starting 
leagues;  later,  as  skills  improved,  we 
set  up  classes  as  in  baseball  with  the 
top  players  in  major  leagues  and  the 
others  in  minor  leagues  waiting  to 
move  up,  but  playing  regularly. 

With  so  many  eager  to  play,  we  de- 
veloped changes  from  the  individual 
game  and  formed,  first,  teams  of  three, 
each  to  shoot  in  their  inning  until  they 
had  made  an  out.  Then  it  changed 
again  to  teams  of  four,  five,  even  up 
to  nine,  each  to  shoot  once  in  his  turn 
for  a  hit,  or  an  out.  And  the  interest 
developed  to  the  extent  that  they 
wanted,  and  some  did  keep,  (batting 
averages)  scoring  averages!!! 

Many  variations  were  tried,  but 
some  four  of  the  above  were  the  most 
popular.  The  table  was  always  in  use, 
and  for  awhile,  the  pocket  billiard 
tables  were  ignored.  Soon,  interest 
leveled  off  and  these  tables  again  re- 
sumed normal  play,  but  never  once  was 
the  billiard  table  idle — being  occupied 
with  a  baseball  game,  or  even  better, 
with  billiard  players  who,  because  of 
the  skills  they  had  acquired  in  the  im- 
promptu game,  saw  that  billiards  could 
be  a  challenge  to  them  and  a  source  of 
satisfaction  in  accomplishment. 

That  was  twenty-eight  years  ago. 
Some  form  of  this  game  is  still  played 
in  my  home  town,  but  it  has  never 
been  popularized  elsewhere.  My  only 
reason  for  writing  this  now  is  that 
two  weeks  ago  I  attended  a  meeting  in 
a  youth  center,  saw  an  idle  billiard 
table,  some  boys  sitting  around — and 
took  off  my  coat  and  started  again. 

As  I  left  the  center,  I  looked  back 
and,  seeing  the  crowd  around  the  table 
cheering  the  players  in  the  game,  re- 
alized that  possibly  YOU  might  be 
able  to  use  this  game  in  YOUR  center. 

MYRON   N.    HENDRICK,   Director  of 

Recreation,    Department    of    Parks 

and  Recreation,  Niagara  Falls,  New 

York. 

Radiant  Heating 

Sirs: 

I  notice,  in  your  November  issue,  a 
reference  to  the  radiant  heating  being 
used  in  Miami  University's  new  nata- 
torium.  The  statement  which  appears 
on  page  372  would  indicate  that  this  is 
the  first  recorded  use  of  radiant  heat  in 
present  day  swimming  pool  construc- 
tion. 

You  might  be  interested  in  knowing 
that  two  pools  were  constructed  with 
radiant  heat  here  in  Oakland  in  1949 
and  are  proving  very  successful. 

JAY  M.  VER  LEE,  Superintendent  of 

Recreation,  Oakland,  California. 


Michael  Herman, 
Editor  of  Folk  Dance 
Magazine  and  one 
of  America's 
foremost  Teachers 
of  Folk  Dancing 


Talking  about 
P.  A,  Systems 
for  Square  Dance  Callers 
and  Folk  Dance  Teachers, 

MICHAEL  HERMAN 

says: 

"When  you  invest  in  a  P.  A.  System 
for  teaching  and  calling,  you  want  a 
machine  that  u'ill  help  you  in  your 
work. ..not  merely  play  your  records! 

"Your  machine  must  be  able  to  PLAY 
ANY  RECORD  AT  ANY  SPEED 
. . .  slow  up  or  increase  the  beat  of 
your  music.  Your  machine  should  give 
your  records  and  your  voice  good  re- 
production . . .  must  be  easy  to  operate 
without  a  lot  of  gadgets  to  get  in  your 
way.  Your  P.  A.  System  must  be  so 
sturdily  built  that  it  can  take  a  beating 
day  in  and  day  out  .  .  .  and  it  should 
have  a  powerful  speaker  and  amplifier 
to  handle  a  large  group,  OUTDOORS 
AS  WELL  AS  INDOORS!" 

"Of  all  the  P.  A.  Systems  avail- 
able to  our  profession,  only  the 


can  fill  these  requirements" 

The  RHYTHMASTER  is  the  world's  most  ver- 
satile portable  phonograph  and  is  fast  becom- 
ing the  choice  of  recreation  directors  for 
every  kind  of  indoor  and  outdoor  activity  .  .  . 

•  INDOORS:  Powerful  amplifier  and  speaker 
accommodates  1000  people  in  auditorium, 
gymnasium,   ballroom,  etc. 

•  OUTDOORS:     Simply    plug    your    trumpet 
speakers  directly  into  your  RHYTHMASTER 
for  use  on  athletic  field,  etc. 

•  By  plugging  a  microphone  into  input  pro- 
vided, the  recreation  director  can  super- 
impose his  voice  over  the  selection  being 
played,  and  ac- 
cent the  record 

with  personal 
comments  and 
instructions. 


decreases   speed 
of  ANY  RECORD 
(without  slopping 
the   machine). 


Model 
RP-43VC 
$269.95 

Write  for  FREE  Catalogue 


REK-O-KUT  CO. 

38- 19  Out' ens  Blvd. .Long  bland  Cit) 


FEBRUARY  1953 


511 


^  THE  CENSUS  BUREAU  has  issued  state- 
by-state  figures  giving  estimates  of  the 
population  sixty-five  years  old  and 
older.  About  one  in  every  twelve  per- 
sons in  the  U.  S.  on  July  1,  1951,  was 
sixty-five  years  or  over,  as  compared 
with  only  one  in  every  twenty-five, 
fifty  years  ago.  The  report  suggests 
some  explanations  for  this  increase.  For 
a  free  copy,  write  Bureau  of  the  Cen- 
sus, Commerce  Department.  Washing- 
ton 25,  D.C.,  and  ask  for  a  copy  of 
"Series  P-25,  No.  66." 

p  HIGHER  SALARIES  THAN  EVER  BE- 
FORE are  being  offered  to  college  grad- 
uates by  American  industry,  according 
to  the  annual  survey  released  by  the 
placement  bureau  of  Northwestern 
University.  However,  there  still  will 
not  be  enough  of  them.  In  an  effort  to 
meet  the  demand,  repre-entatives  of 
176  companies  will  visit  on  an  average 
twenty  colleges  and  universities.  Sev- 
enteen companies  say  they  will  visit 
from  fifty  to  one  hundred  campuses. 
ami  eleven  will  contact  more  than  one 
hundred  schools. 

p  TMK  DKI-UITMKM-  OK  THE  AIR  FORCE 
has  requested  the  National  Recreation 
Association  for  technical  recreation  as- 
sistance in  making  overseas  service  a 
more  rewarding  ex|>crience  for  our 
men  and  women.  Mi-«  Virginia  Mus- 
sclman,  of  the  association's  staff,  has 
left  for  England  to  act  as  program 
to  the  U.  S.  Air  Force. 


p  I  MI  i  }  i  \MI  C\M  |,'M  i  MM  l.i  in  n 
»c\cntv-h'ie  of  the  citizens  of  Pine 
Milk  New  Jersey,  to  a  council  meet- 
ing, the  larire-t  niiinlier  c\cr  In  attend 

nl.ir  -i-—  ion.  Mending  to  the 
}  ork  Tinir.i.  The  serving  of  re. 
fre-hnienN  was  adopted  to  encourage 
.illendnncc  and  therein  im  ri-a-e  inter- 
rst  in  municipal  affairs.  Previously, 
only  two  or  thrrr  citizen*  had  attended. 
This  good  device  has  been  used  at 
board  meeting*  l>v  -..me  re,  i.  .ilion  di- 
re, i,.,.  ,,r,d  i-  highly  recommended  for 

Othe 

p  PROMOTION  or  GOOD  Kf  i  \r  KINSHIPS 
512 


between  American  military  personnel 
and  the  Japanese  people,  and  the  plans 
of  the  joint  recreation  committees  set 
up  by  Tom  Rivers  of  the  National  Rec- 
reation Association  while  in  Japan, 
have  received  the  personal  endorsement 
of  General  Mark  Clark.  He  says,  "Joint 
recreational  endeavors  between  Japa- 
nese and  Americans  should  prove  in- 
valuable in  expanding  common  inter- 
ests in  activities  which  tend  to  cultivate 
international  good  will." 

p  A  NEW  OFFICE  FOR  ITS  INTERNA- 
TIONAL RECREATION  SERVICE,  will  be 
opened  by  the  National  Recreation 
Association  during  March  or  April.  It 
will  be  located  in  the  International 
Center,  constructed  by  the  Carnegie 
Endowment  for  International  Peace. 
The  building  is  on  the  United  Nations 
Plaza  in  New  York  City. 

p  A  PROPOSAL  TO  PENALIZE  PARENTS 
for  their  children's  acts  of  vandalism 
in  city  parks,  has  given  rise  to  stren- 
uous oppo-ilion  in  New  York  City. 
The  bill,  which  would  fine  them  up  to 
twenty-five  dollars,  was  passed  by  the 
cilv  council  on  December  23,  by  a  vote 
of  sixteen  to  eight.  A  tie  vote  of  eight 
to  eight  in  the  Board  of  Estimate  was 
admittedly  influenced  by  the  coin-i'- 
Board  of  Justices,  which  opposed  the 
measure.  It  comes  up  for  reconsidera- 
tion at  the  Board  of  Estimate's  regular 
meeting  on  January  29lh. 

p  PUBLIC-PRIVATE  RESPONSIBILITIES 
FOR  GROUP  WORK,  RECREATION  AND 
INFORMAL  EDUCATION  will  be  the  topic 
of  a  discussion  panel  at  the  \ali.m.il 
Conference  of  Social  \\ork.  to  be  held 
in  Cleveland.  Ohio.  May  31 -June  .">. 
Mr.  Joseph  Prendergasl.  I. \cculi\e  |)i 
rector  of  the  National  Id  <  r.-ali.ni  \-- 
-01  ialion  has  accepted  an  in\  ilalimi  In 
lie  on  the  program. 

^A  \\ltlll  MfltSK  CoNMKKMI  "\ 
IU-,,1  IK  I  -  Kl»  Till  I  I  1  I  111  .  will  lie 

held  in  Washington  on  Mat,  li  25-27 
with  the  approval  of  President  Kisen- 
howi-r.  and  under  the  ^pori-or-hip  of 
Resources  for  thr  Future.  Incorpora- 


ted. This  is  a  non-profit  organization 
recently  established  by  a  committee 
of  citizens  interested  in  the  wise  use 
of  our  resources  for  the  nation's 
growth,  welfare  and  security.  The  ac- 
tive participation  and  assistance  of  the 
M\  \  have  been  specifically  requested. 
The  association  will  be  taking  leader- 
ship with  reference  to  the  recreation 
resources  of  the  nation. 

p  THE  CURRENT  MAILING  of  an  Active 
Associate  Membership  Letter  inaugu- 
rates another  service  of  the  NRA  to 
its  Associate  Members.  The  letter  will 
carry  special  news  and  information  of 
importance  and  interest  to  members 
as  active  workers  in  the  recreation 
field.  Consideration  is  also  being 
given  to  an  Affiliate  Membership  Bul- 
letin. 

t  Two  MEMBERS  WHO  HAVE  BEEN  AD- 
DED to  the  editorial  committee  for  the 
American  Guide  Series,  being  pub- 
lished by  the  National  Recreation  As- 
sociation, are  a  representative  of  the 
American  Association  for  State  and 
Local  History  and  a  representative  of 
the  National  Trust  for  Historic  Preser- 
vation. 

p  CHAIRMEN  HAVE  BEEN  SELECTED  for 
pre-workshop  committees,  for  a  second 
National  Workshop  on  Recreation, 
sponsored  and  financed  by  The  Athle- 
tic Institute  of  Chicago,  to  be  held  in 
late  1953  or  early  1954.  The  purpose, 
of  the  ten-day  or  two-week  session,  will 
be  to  develop  a  book  setting  forth  "the 
principles  behind  and  the  content  of  a 
modern  program  of  recreation  oppor- 
tunities in  the  community  setting."  For 
further  information  see  "People  and 
Events"  in  the  next  issue  of  RECREA- 
TION. 

>  \NY  VILLAGE  IN  MINNESOTA  max  en- 
ter into  a  recreational  program  with  a 
-<  honl  district,  without  vole  of  the 
people,  according  to  a  recent  issue  of 
•MimoM  .1/MmVi/Ki/iVies.  Opinion  to 
Robert  G.  Lampe,  Dundas  village  .it- 
lorney,  October  30,  1952.  (159-B-l) 

pTiiE  ANNUAL  OBSERVANCE  of  Bro- 
therhood Week  falls  on  February  15- 
22  this  year.  Sponsored  by  the  Na- 
limial  Conference  of  Christians  and 
Jew-,  this  will  mark  the  25th  anniver- 
sary of  the  founding  .,(  ili.it  organiza- 
lion.  The  theme  i-  "Mobilizing  Our 
Moral  and  Spiritual  Resources  for 
Brotherhood." 

p.li-i  <>t  i-  Tin  I'KKSS — a  new  pamph- 
let. I'lnni -Centered  Recreation  for  De- 
i<-n\r  Workers — Organization  and  Ad- 
ntinintralion.  which  is  a  companion- 

RECREATION 


Things  You  Should  Know 

(Continued) 

piece  to  Community  Recreation  for  De- 
fense Workers;  both  are  published  by 
the  National  Recreation  Association. 
This  is  fourth  in  a  series  of  special 
defense  publications  sponsored  by  the 
association's  department  of  Defense 
Related  Activities. 

^  The  following  district  recreation  con- 
ferences, sponsored  by  the  NRA,  will 
be  attended  by  Joseph  Prendergast, 
Executive  Director  of  the  association: 
Pacific  Southwest,  Southern  and  Pa- 
cific Northwest. 

^  Returning  from  leave  of  absence, 
Mrs.  Anne  Livingston,  of  the  NRA 
staff,  resumes  her  duties  with  the  asso- 
ciation on  March  first.  Mrs.  Ruth 
Ehlers,  also  a  training  specialist,  will 
once  again  be  able  to  give  more  time 
to  the  association's  training  program. 

^  Applications  are  being  received  for 
the  position  of  Executive  Director  of 
West  End  Neighborhood  House  in 
Wilmington,  Delaware.  We  understand 
that  the  salary  range  is  $4,00044,500 
or  possibly  higher,  depending,  of 
course,  upon  qualifications  of  appli- 
cant. For  more  detailed  information 
write  Recreation  Personnel  Service, 
National  Recreation  Association. 


Recreation  Therapists  Sought 
In  California 

A  nationwide  civil  service  exami- 
nation will  be  held,  March  17,  to 
obtain  qualified  recreation  thera- 
pists for  California  state  institu- 
tions. 

College  graduates  who  have  ma- 
jored in  recreation  or  recreation 
therapy  may  apply,  providing  their 
major  has  included  supervised  field 
work.  Graduates  with  minors  in 
recreation  or  recreation  therapy, 
certain  types  of  majors  and  those 
with  a  year  of  group  recreation 
work  experience  may  also  apply,  as 
may  applicants  who  have  completed 
graduate  work  in  a  school  of  social 
work.  Qualified  applicants  should 
file  applications  by  February  24. 

The  monthly  starting  salary  is 
$310.  Therapists  receive  a  five  per 
cent  increase  at  the  end  of  six 
months'  satisfactory  service,  and  an- 
nual increase  thereafter  to  a  maxi- 
mum of  $376. 

Detailed  information  and  applica- 
tion forms  may  be  obtained  from: 
State  Personnel  Board,  Sacramento, 
California. 


Sim  Aired  Bag  Co. 


8669  Fenwick  Street 


Rat.   2581675 


Sunland,  California 


TABLE  TENNIS  •  NET  AND  POST  SETS 

Nets  with   a   Money  Back  Guarantee 

If  they  do  not  outlast  any  cotton  net 

Seven  years  ago  we  developed  and  since  sold  75,000  clothes  checking  bags  for 
swimming  pools.  The  material  is  so  strong  and  durable  it  was  suggested  that  a 
table  tennis  net  be  made  of  it.  A  screen  plastic  or  plastic  screen  net  has  lasted  18 
months  out  in  the  open.  We  have  tested  the  net  to  hold  a  weight  of  490  Ibs.,  and 
not  stay  stretched.  It  comes  back  to  place  like  elastic. 
Our  specially  made  clamps  will  last  5  or  10  years. 

So  its  NO  WONDER  we  will  guarantee  our  products.    We  have  bags  out  in 
Our  specially  made  clamps  will  last  5  or  10  years.   Over  200  schools  and  play- 
grounds are  NOW  using  them. 

San  Aired  Bag  Co. 

Prices  F.O.B.  Los  Angeles 

Retail  Price  $2.25  Clamps,  per  set 

Recreation  Centers  &  YMCA's  (No  Discount)  2.90 

less  than  1  dor.       .    1.75  ea. 

One  Dozen  Nets  Adaptors  to  fit 

(Discount  30%)  or  17.40  doz.  any  clamp          each      .10 

All  nets  are  5'-3"  unless  otherwise  specified 
DISTRIBUTORS  WANTED 


REMINDER... 


cAtnletic  Equipment 


IS  BUILT  BY 


FOR  CATALOG  WRITE: 
W.  J.  Voit  Rubber  Corp. 
1600  East  25th  Street 
Los  Angeles  11,  Calif. 


New  York  10,  Chicago  10,  Los  Angeles  1 1 


AWARDS    YOU     CAN    AFFORD 


OVER  100  RECREATION 
DEPARTMENTS  USING 
OUR  PLASTIC  TROPHYS 


WRITE   TODAY   FOR       FREE     SAMPLE 


W.  R.  MOODY 


704    N.    MARIPOSA 
BUR  BANK,     CALIF. 


FEBRUARY  1953 


513 


A  Moment  of  Decision 

A  few  weeks  ago  I  witnessed  an  im- 
promptu little  drama  which  demon- 
strated that  ways  can  be  found  of 
bridging  the  gap  between  children  of 
different  backgrounds  and  different  cul- 
tures. 

On  a  clear  moonlight  night,  I  stepped 
off  one  of  two  big  trucks  which  had 
brought  American  Girl  Scouts  and 
their  leaders  from  Heidelberg  to  a 
German  youth  activities  camp  forty 
miles  from  the  city.  The  German  girls 
were  to  give  a  dramatic  program  for 
the  entertainment  of  their  American 
guests.  As  the  American  teen-agers 
hopped  to  the  ground,  they  found 
themselves  face  to  face  with  German 
girls  waiting  to  receive  them.  For  a 
moment  both  groups  hung  back,  con- 
scious of  the  barriers  that  separated 
them.  Then  one  Girl  Scout  saw  a 
friend  in  the  German  group  and 
started  moving  toward  her.  In  a  mat- 
ter of  seconds,  the  ice  was  broken  and 
both  groups  rushed  together,  found 
partners,  and  together  enjoyed  the  pro- 
gram and  songs  around  a  huge  camp- 
fire. 

It  is  a  reasonable  assumption  that 
these  children,  when  they  become 
adults,  will  not  yield  readily  to  easy, 
damaging  generalizations  about  other 
races  and  other  cultures,  but,  remem- 
bering their  friends  and  acquaintances 
of  rhildhood.  will  think  of  those  basic 
qualities  of  humanness  that  bind  us 
rather  than  of  the  learned  differences 
that  separate  us. 

"And  a  little  child  shall  lead  them." 
— Dorothy  C.  Stratton,  National  Ex- 
ecutive Director,  Girl  Scouts  of 
America. 


Editorially  Speaking 


Comic  Book  Rating 

Although  comic  books  have  become 
established  as  a  new  media  of  com- 
munication (sales,  as  reported  in  1951, 
totaled  80,000,000  copies  per  month) 
— there  still  remains  a  controversy  on 
what  effect  they  may  have  upon  the 
juvenile  mind.  In  this  connection, 
Parents  Magazine  reports  in  their  No- 
vember, 1952,  issue,  an  annual  rating 
prepared  by  a  Cincinnati  Committee  on 
ill-  (-'.valuation  of  Comic  Books.  This 
>:ri'w  out  of  the  nerd,  felt  by  a  group 
of  parents,  for  help  with  thr  o.niic 
book  pr«.l.|i  in 

Their  evaluation  shows,  among  other 
thing*,  that  the  proportion  of  romie 
books  dealing  with  i-rirnc  has  remained 
about  lh'-  -.inn-  "\<T  thr  last  fi-w  vcar«. 
but  that  today  there  is  a  sharp  increase 
in  war  comics — nearly  all  of  which  are 
poor,  according  to  ihr  ' 

Mandard*. 


After  months  of  work  the  committee 
was  ready  to  group  these  books  into 
four  categories:  those  to  which  there 
was  no  objection,  some  objection,  ob- 
jectionable and  very  objectionable.  On 
this  basis,  only  sixty  per  cent  were 
judged  suitable  for  children  and  young 
teen-agers. 


Congressional  Hearings 

According  to  The  Publishers' 
Weekly,  the  Gainings  Committee  in- 
\ litigating  "immoral,  obscene  or 
otherwise  offensive  matter"  and  "im- 
proper emphasis  on  crime,  violence 
and  corruption"  in  books,  magazines 
and  comic  books  was  scheduled  to 
go  into  action  on  the  first  of  Decem- 
ber, 1952. 

A  similar  committee,  a  subcom- 
mittee of  the  Interstate  Commerce 
Committee,  has  held  hearings  in  New 
York  and  Washington  on  the  inci- 
dence of  juvenile  delinquency  in 
relation  to  radio  and  TV  programs. 

The  American  Book  Publishers 
Council  has  announced  that  it  will 
closely  follow  the  Gathings  commit- 
tee hearings. 


Games 

Why  play  games  at  all?  Games  in 
the  remote  past  had  religious  signific- 
ance; for  some  they  remain  a  cult  if  not 
a  religion.  Later  they  were  looked 
upon  as  a  form  of  military  training; 
for  many  they  are  still  a  battle.  A  book 
on  games  would  not  be  worth  writing  if 
games  had  no  real  meaning  here  and 
now.  It  is  interesting  that  the  secret  of 
both  enjoyment  and  success  in  games 
is  concentration.  A  man  is  happy  not 


BROTHERHOOD  WEEK, 
FEBRUARY  15-22,  1953 

^pon-ored   by   tin- 
National    <  olll.-l  ,  II.  .      of 

Christian*  and  Jews 

I  -hall  pa««  through  lhi«  world  but  oner. 

.Any  good,  thrrrforr.  that  I  ran  do 

Or  any  kintlnr-««  that  I  ran  -how 

To  any  human  bring 

Ix-t  mr  <!.>  it  now.    I/et  m* 

N..t  ilrfrr  il  or  nrglwl   il  f..r 

I  fthall  not  paiw  thil  way  again. 

— A  Quaker  Prayer 


when  he  says  "I  am  happy,"  but  when 
he  forgets  himself  altogether  and  con- 
centrates entire  attention  on  work  or 
play.  Then  time  ceases  to  exist.  A  man 
wins  a  game  not  when  he  says  "I  must 
win,"  but  when  he  concentrates  ruth- 
lessly on  the  point  to  be  won.  the  ball 
to  hit  or  the  pieces  to  be  moved  on  the 
board.  The  happy-go-lucky  player  en- 
joys his  game  and  as  long  as  he  remains 
lucky  remains  happy,  but  he  would 
enjoy  it  more  should  he  forget  his  mask 
of  happy-go-lucky.  The  essence  of  a 
game  is  individual  or  team  competi- 
tion. It  is  not  unsporting  to  try  to  win, 
it  is  irrelevant  not  to,  an  insult  to  an 
individual  opponent  to  fail  in  concen- 
tration and  sabotage  to  a  team  of  which 
you  are  a  member.  The  phrase  "he 
takes  his  games  too  seriously"  is  silly, 
for  every  good  player  takes  his  game 
seriously;  the  better  player  you  are 
the  more  enjoyment  you  give  and  gain. 
No,  the  player  who  is  angry  when  he 
loses  doesn't  concentrate  enough — that 
is,  he  doesn't  take  his  game  seriously 
enough — and  that  is  why  he  loses.  To 
the  true  games-player  the  game  iSelf. 
the  changing  pattern,  the  playing  of 
each  shot,  is  all-important,  not  "I  win- 
ning" or  "I  losing."  Afterwards,  per- 
haps, when  he  emerges  from  the  game 
he  may  feel  disappointed  that  he  has 
lost  and  may  remember  with  rage  or 
amusement  incidents  whirh  were  brief 
irrelevancies  at  the  time.  But  that's 
afterwards,  and  to  the  worker  who  loves 
his  work  and  the  player  who  loves  his 
game,  afterwards  is  unimportant.  Con- 
centration, plus  sheer  spontaneous  ex- 
uberance, makes  the  best  kind  of 
games-player. 

Games  after  all  are  not  only  games, 
they  are  games,  just  as  an  elephant  is 
not  only  an  elephant,  it  is  an  elephant. 
Games  are  also  rituals,  patterns  and 
symbols  of  life  itself,  and  as  such  have 
a  meaning  beyond  "my  enjoyment." 
"your  enjoMiirnt,"  teaching  a  great 
•  leal  more  than  the  psychology  of  op- 
ponents and  all  the  methods  of  play. 
A*  symbol*  they  can  at  once  be  rejoi.  .-<! 
in  and  treated  with  respect  as  the 
nn-terious  providers  of  that  intense 
peace  which  is  both  action  and  contem- 
plation.— From  f)ii-tinnar\  nf  Camn, 
bv  J.  B.  Pick.  Philosophical  Library, 
i  For  review  of  this  new  I'.nrli-li  book 
see  page  503.  RECREATION,  January 
1953.) 


514 


RECREATION 


Education 
in  Play 


William  M.  Lamers 


/Messed  are  those  who  have  learned 
to  season  the  meat  of  labor  with  the 
salt  of  play;    for,   eating   well,   they 
shall  live  long  upon  the  earth. 

Blessed  are  those  with  developed  in- 
ner resources,  for  they  shall  inherit 
the  joys  of  the  spirit. 

Blessed  are  those  who  can  fill  their 
earned    leisure    pleasantly,    for    they 
shall    possess    abundant    hours    and 
days. 

B  lessed  are  those  with  skillful  hands, 
for  their  substance  and  joys  shall 
know  rich  increase. 

B  lessed  are  those  who  can  bridge  the 
empty  minutes  with  happy  work,  for 
they    shall   not   fall   into   the  pit    of 
boredom. 

Blessed  are  those  who  have  learned 

to  love  the  arts,  who  live  in  constant 

contemplation  of  high  thoughts,  for 

they    shall    know    exaltation    of   the 

spirit. 

B  lessed  are  the  companiable,  for  they 
shall  discover  companionship. 

JL  ea,  thrice  blessed  are  those  who  in 
making  a  living  shall  find  time  and 
ways  to  live  a  life,  for  only  one  is 
given  to  each  of  us  here  and  here- 
after. 


Y ea,  thrice  blessed  are  they,  for  they 
shall  find  peace,  which  is  the  Kingdom 
of  Heaven. 


DR.  LAMERS  is  assistant  superintend- 
ent of  the  Milwaukee  Public  Schools. 


Reprinted  from  Teaching  Progress,  No- 
vember, 1950,  published  by  Milwau- 
kee Public  Schools. 


FEBRUARY  1953 


515 


Excerpts  from  a  research  project 


Philosophical 


HE  search  for  a  philosophy  of  recreation  is  much  like 
the  hunt  for  the  elusive  "Scarlet  Pimpernel."  The  logi- 
cal sequence  of  such  a  search  entails  the  primary  need  of  a 
definition,  for  which  we  turn  to  Webster's  New  Interna- 
tional Dictionary;  unabridged,  1951,  which  states: 

RECREATION  [ME  recreacioun,  fr.  OF  recreation,  fr.  L. 
recrealio.]  2.  Act  of  recreating,  or  state  of  being  recre- 
ated; refreshment  of  the  strength  and  spirits  after  toil; 
diversion;  play;  also  a  mode  or  means  of  getting  diversion 
or  refreshment.  Synonym:  see  Play.  Antonym:  see  Work. 

It  is  easy  to  see  that  there  is  a  vastness  to  the  subject 
which  would  enable  us  to  venture  into  the  fields  of  every 
imaginable  occupation  of  man.  The  ramifications  are  aptly 
described  in  the  classic  of  recreation  thought,  Viscount 
Grey's  speech  on  recreation  before  a  group  of  Harvard  un- 
dergraduates after  the  first  World  War.1  Grey  spends  much 
time  discussing  the  manifestations  of  recreation,  pointing 
out  that  recreation  is  that  which  each  man  considers  his 
most  pleasurable  diversion,  and  he  mentions,  as  an  ex- 
ample, the  fact  that  the  deep  profound  study  of  philosophy 
has  been  his  own  recreation  on  many  occasions. 

The  separation  of  recreation  from  work  is  a  principle 
which  many  leading  educators  oppose,  pointing  out  that 
lliiTe  are  many  instances  where  men  love  and  enjoy  their 
work,  and  having  created  no  tension  through  their  work 
are  not  in  need  of  recreation  as  it  commonly  applies  to 
others.  Joseph  Lee,  one  of  the  fathers  of  recreation,  also 
disagrees  in  that  he  maintains  that  play  is  recreation  for 
adults  since  it  is  a  renewal  of  life,  whereas  it  is  a  gaining 
of  life  for  children,  thus  being  a  creation  rather  than  a 
recreation.  But  in  both  cases  he  holds  that  the  term  recrea- 
tion must  include:  music,  drama,  crafts  and  all  free  activ- 
ity, especially  rrrative  artivity  which  enriches  life. 

Mr.  Butler*  points  out  that  whereas  building  a  boat  may 


'Vinoount  Grey  of  Fmllomlon,  Recreation  (Boston:  Houghton- 
Miffln,  1920).  (Reprinted  in  1945  by  National  Recreation  Auocia- 
tion  with  a  foreword  by  Howard  Braucber,  $.60,  copies  Mill  avail- 


'George  D.  Rnllrr.  Introduction  to  Community  Recreation   (2nd 
ed.;  New  York:  Mc-Craw-Hill,  1949). 


MR.  KIPNIS,  New  York  University  graduate  and  former  rec- 
reation director  in  a  veterans'  hospital,  has  spent  four 
years  in  thr  nir  corps  and  is  now  acquiring  his  master'* 
degree  under  Dr.  Joseph  J.  Tigert  at  University  of  Miami. 

516 


be  one  man's  hobby,  it  is  another  man's  work.  Still  further 
he  maintains  that  the  element  of  physical  preparedness 
enters  the  matter  a  great  deal,  citing  as  an  example  the  fact 
that  ordinarily  dancing  may  be  a  form  of  recreation,  but  if 
the  parties  participating  in  the  dance  have  reached  a  point 
of  fatigue,  the  activity  takes  on  the  aspects  of  work. 

It  is  plain  that  definitions  of  recreation  vary;  and  though 
there  is  agreement  on  its  nature  and  function,  there  is  con- 
fusion in  formulating  the  definitions.  Since  the  lines  of  de- 
marcation between  recreation  and  ordinary  types  of  occu- 
pation are  not  always  clear,  we  try  to  interpret  its  mean- 
ing by  saying  that  it  is  not  always  what  someone  does, 
but  rather  it  is  the  motive,  attitude  and  value  of  the  doing, 
to  the  individual,  that  gives  the  activity  a  recreational  sig- 
nificance. 

Historical  Background 

Recreation  reaches  back  to  the  beginning  of  man,  in- 
creasing in  scope  and  importance,  through  the  unrolling  of 
the  centuries,  as  work  became  more  arduous  and  leisure 

time  more  plentiful When  the  scientific  period  arose 

in  philosophy,  its  counterpart  arose  in  recreation  and  play. 
A  greater  desire  for  understanding  of  the  workings  of 
man's  mind  and  body  brought  out  a  more  scientific  and 
philosophic  approach.  Health  came  to  be  more  important. 
Great  thinkers  and  educators  of  the  period  made  play  and 
recreation  part  of  their  plans  for  better  living. 

The  present  period  of  social  relationship  is  the  highest 
plane  reached  by  recreation  since  the  golden  age  of  Greece. 
Though  there  is  considerably  less  emphasis  placed  on  the 
aesthetic  approach  of  the  Greeks,  it  is  by  far  more  encom- 
passing, fostering  more  of  the  spirit  of  democracy.  As  the 
social  sciences  have  caught  up  with  the  natural  sciences, 
recreation  and  play  have  come  to  be  more  than  a  set  of  con- 
ditioners  for  the  body  or  for  the  state.  Man  and  his  rela- 
tionship with  man  has  come  to  be  the  outstanding  feature 
of  recreation  in  this  period. 

JuHtiiirution  of  Recreation 

The  late  President  Roosevelt,  in  a  1942  report  to  Con- 
gress, included  among  the  basic  freedoms  the  following: 

I  HE  RIGHT  to  rest,  recreation  and  adventure;  the  op- 
|H.rtunily  to  enjoy  life  and  to  take  part  in  an  advancing 
i  i\  ili/.itinii."  Seldom  given  adequate  notice  or  emphasis, 
this  freedom  is  as  important  as  education  itself.  In  fact 

RECREATION 


Aspects  of  Recreation 


Arthur  M.  Kipnis 


there  are  increased  tendencies  to  give  recreation  a  place  in 
the  collegiate  physical  education  curriculum  as  a  basic 
course.  One  need  only  to  pick  up  any  standard  physical 
education  textbook  to  find  among  its  aims  a  list  which  will 
always  contain  a  provision  for  the  preparation  of  the  child 
for  the  use  of  leisure  time  in  later  life.  Mortimer  J.  Adler 
explains  its  relation  to  education  very  aptly  when  he  says: 

It  is  a  mark  of  wisdom  in  Greek  political  thought  that  the 
form  and  content  of  education  receive  primary  consideration 
from  those  who  are  concerned  with  the  nature  and  the  welfare 
of  the  state.  Education,  is,  of  course,  broadly  conceived ;  it  is  not 
limited  to  the  problems  of  a  school  system,  to  the  administration 
of  official  pedagogues  and  the  curriculum  of  instruction.  What- 
ever can  be  taught  is  educational  matter;  anything  that  shapes 
the  body,  forms  character  or  gives  knowledge  or  discipline  to  the 
mind,  is  an  agency  of  education,  whether  or  not  its  human 
medium  is  a  person  having  the  social  status  of  a  teacher,  whether 
or  not  the  environment  in  which  it  occurs  is  a  school." 

Adler  further  enlightens  the  path  of  recreation's  cause  by 
a  quote  from  Aristotle's  Politics: 

Life  ....  is  devoted  to  labor  and  rest.  The  politician  who 
composes  a  body  of  laws  ought,  therefore,  to  extend  his  views  to 
both.  The  citizens  should  be  fitted  for  rest  and  peace,  as  much 
as,  if  not  more  than,  for  labor  and  war.  It  is  to  these  objects  that 
the  education  of  children  ought  to  tend. 

The  legislator  who  did  not  teach  his  citizens  how  to  rest 
would  be  greatly  at  fault ;  many  social  disorders  arise  from 
this  failure.  However  there  is  a  word  of  caution  espoused 
by  Plato,  when  he  warns  that  seeing  that  the  means  of  rec- 
reation may  have  an  educational  influence  should  not  pre- 
vent one  from  seeing  that  they  are  means  of  recreation. 
The  aims  of  recreation  are  not  the  same  as  those  of  educa- 
tion, though  the  same  means  may  serve  both  ends  and 
though  both  recreation  and  education  are  necessary  for  a 
good  life. 

Lebert  H.  Weir  expresses  the  matter  well  when  he  says: 

Recreation  in  an  intelligently  ordered  life  needs  no  excuse  or 
reason  for  its  existence.  It  is  merely  a  fundamental  part  of  a 
rhythm  of  daily  existence.  It  was  not  a  problem  among  so  called 
primitive  people.  It  became  a  problem  only  when  society  be- 
came more  highly  organized  (civilized),  and  motives  of  material 
gain  became  dominant,  leading  to  an  over  emphasis  of  work. 
This  was  not  so  unfortunate  in  itself  until  science  and  invention 
placed  into  the  hands  of  the  materialists  the  tools  which  took 
much  of  the  joy  and  satisfaction  out  of  work.  Recreation  then 
became  a  social  problem.  It  represented  an  element  of  life  that 
needed  to  be  recaptured.  .  .  .* 


"Mortimer  J.  Adler,  Art  and  Prudence  (New  York:  Lonkmans- 
Green,  1937),  p.  3. 

'Lebert  H.  Weir,  Europe  at  Play  (New  York:  Barnes  &  Co., 
1937),  p.  1. 

FEBRUARY  1953 


The  Pragmatic  Viewpoint 

The  pragmatist  is  not  primarily  interested  in  the  high 
sounding  moral  phraseology  of  the  idealist  or  in  the  scien- 
tific hodge-podge  of  the  realist,  but  is  desirous  of  obtaining 
a  way  for  man  to  live  at  peace  with  and  in  his  environment. 
Basically  he  believes  recreation  should  satisfy  desires  and 
give  immediate  and  direct  satisfactions.  The  doing,  rather 
than  the  competition,  is  the  important  thing.  In  no  other 
philosophy  is  the  individual  of  greater  importance.  The 
late  Howard  Braucher,  pioneer  in  the  recreation  movement 
and  late  president  of  the  National  Recreation  Association, 
stated: 

The  recreation  movement  is  founded  on  the  recognition  of  the 
dignity  and  the  worth  of  the  individual  human  being;  ....  this 
makes  it  impossible  for  the  recreation  worker  to  plan  to  violate 
the  individual's  personality  by  trying  to  fix  facilities  and  leader- 
ship so  that  the  person  is  not  free  to  be  the  person  he  wants  to 
be,  to  do  the  things  he  wants  to  do,  in  time  that  is  supposed  to 
be  free. 

Emphasis  on  the  value  of  doing  is  further  pointed  up  by 
Professor  Mary  Whitley  when  she  says,  "In  brief,  any 
play  through  which  a  child  is  led  to  acquire  information, 
to  develop  skill,  to  exercise  aesthetic  judgment  or  to  gain 
practice  in  solving  problems  may  be  said  to  be  educative — 
to  the  degree  that  the  facts  learned,  or  the  power  produced, 
have  values  in  themselves."5 

High  school  curriculums  are  becoming  increasingly  al- 
tered to  include  games,  crafts,  dances  and  other  means  of 
recreation  which  can  be  used  well  into  the  later  years  in 
life.  As  mentioned  before,  the  college  curriculum  is  be- 
coming increasingly  aware  of  the  need  of  recreation,  with 
the  result  that  some  few  now  offer  doctorates  in  recreation. 
It  is  the  pragmatic  school  that  is  pushing  recreation  into 
the  spot  of  prominence  wherein  it  now  stands. 

John  Dewey,  our  foremost  pragmatist  said,  "If  educa- 
tion does  not  afford  opportunity  for  wholesome  recreation, 
and  train  the  capacity  for  seeking  and  finding  it,  the  sup- 
pressed instincts  will  find  all  sorts  of  illicit  outlets 

Education  has  not  more  serious  responsibility  than  mak- 
ing adequate  provision  for  enjoyment  of  recreative  leisure; 
not  only  for  the  sake  of  the  immediate  health,  but  still 
more,  if  possible,  for  the  sake  of  its  lasting  habits  upon 
the  mind." 


•"'  Michael   O'Shea,  Ed.,  The  Child:  His  Nature  and  His  Needs, 
(New  York:  The  Children's  Foundation,  1924),  p.  68. 

S17 


(  In  Mi  •  u  learn  tin-  difference  between  playing  with 
.inim.il-  and  I.  .I-IM-  (In  in.  We  love  to  watch  Sugar, 
the  groundhog,  eating.  An  admirer  holds  her. 


•\  ccrmnir  piece  from  ihr  pioneer  projeel  under- 
taken II.T  Richard,  age  twelve,  attract*  mii-runi  M-- 
ilur-.  The  complete  project  fill*  a  inu«cum  ca*e. 


c 


iinim: 


518 


alk  about  excitement!  This  morning  a  kinkajou  ar- 
rived at  the  Junior  Museum.  Children  greeted  her  uith 
open  arms  and  how  she  enjoyed  filling  them.  Koko  and 
Moko  immediately  protested  her  taking  up  her  abode  in 
the  animal  room.  They  are  our  adorable  and  badly  spoiled 
ringtail  monkeys.  They  insist  upon  getting  much  more 
than  their  share  of  the  attention.  They  are  not  fond,  either, 
of  Sugar,  the  groundhog,  for  we  all  love  to  play  with  her 
and  watch  her  sit  up  very  straight  when  she  eats.  With 
children  watching  them,  Sugar  and  Nibbles,  our  white  rab- 
bit, may  run  all  over  the  museum,  upstairs  and  down.  They 
need  to  be  guided  away  from  such  things  as  African  vio- 
lets, which  Nibbles  does  enjoy  munching  on,  or  ferns  which 
Sugar  eats  in  a  hurry.  They  both  are  given  plenty  of  green 
salads  in  their  daily  menus  but  they  somehow  prefer  the 
museum  plants. 

If  thcv  \ future  downstairs,  they  like  to  investigate  the 
wet  clay  things  wrapped  up  on  the  workroom  shelves.  Cer- 
amics is  one  of  our  specialties  at  the  Junior  Museum. 
Though  we  do  all  crafts,  clay  work  is  preferred  because  it  is 
easily  approached  from  the  creative  viewpoint.  Everything 
done  in  our  workshop  is  entirely  creative.  No  green  ware 
is  brought  in,  no  rubber  molds  for  plaster  objects,  no  de- 
signs to  be  traced  or  copied.  Our  purpose  is  to  help  <  lul 
ilren  live  creatively,  to  help  them  to  explore  and  to  realize 
what  a  wonderful  world  we  do  live  in,  how  much  there  i- 
to  do  and  learn  in  their  leisure  time,  and  that  it  is  so  thrill- 
ing that  it  can  not  be  left  alone.  We  hope  to  tense  them 
with  a  little  knowledge  in  a  lot  of  fields  so  that  they  may 
further  pursue  those  of  most  interest  to  thrin.  We  hope  we 
are  teaching  a  way  <>f  living.  Though  *uch  an  approach 
is  iniii  h  more  diflicult.  we  have  found  that  the  rewards  are 
satisfying.  What  youngsters  make  and  take  home  may  not 

Miss  REED  u  director.  Junior  Museum,  Portland,  Oregon. 

RECREATION 


ACTIVITIES  II A  MM  MUSEIM 


Mary  Alice  Reed 


be  as  perfect  as  though  it  were  made  with  a  well  worked 
out  pattern  and  decorative  design  by  the  instructor;  how- 
ever, parents  of  our  youngsters  quickly  get  the  idea  and 
realize  that  what  happens  to  their  youngsters  is  more  im- 
portant than  the  articles  they  bring  home. 

Richard  and  Kenneth,  twelve  and  fourteen,  have  been  do- 
ing a  project  for  the  museum  that  is  startling  to  tourists 
and  extremely  interesting  to  all  who  see  it.  Both  boys  have 
worked  for  several  years  in  ceramics.  They  have  recently 
completed  two  elaborate  scenes,  each  made  entirely  of  clay. 
Each  scene  fills  a  regular  size  glass  museum  case.  One  is 
prehistoric  Oregon,  the  other  pioneer  Oregon.  Kenneth 
studied  prehistoric  animals  and  vegetation  and  made  them 
most  realistically.  Richard  has  a  covered  wagon,  stockade, 
and  pioneers  sitting  around  a  campfire;  Mt.  Hood  shows 
in  the  distance.  The  ideas  are  entirely  their  own. 

When  Nibbles  gets  into  our  doll  room  she  really  has  to 
be  watched,  for  she  likes  to  nibble  on  the  little  reed  rocking 
chair  holding  one  of  our  big  dolls.  We  have  a  wonderful 
doll  house  with  electric  lights,  electric  elevator  and  a  large 
yard  with  a  swimming  pool.  The  furniture  is  very  elabo- 
rate and  beautiful.  Children  never  tire  looking  at  it. 

Our  usual  museum  exhibits  are  in  low,  attractive  cases 
so  that  children  may  enjoy  them.  We  have  many  school 
groups  coming  during  the  school  year.  They  often  take 
back  to  school  with  them  a  guinea  pig,  a  baby  alligator,  or 
a  bird  for  a  two-week  visit. 

Often  an  excited  youngster  dashes  up  to  one  of  the  staff 
with  the  information  that  a  mother  hamster  is  having  ba- 
bies or  that  little  rabbits  are  arriving.  Valuable  lessons  are 
learned  in  a  natural  way  in  the  animal  room. 

Continual  teaching  and  plenty  of  patience  seem  to  be 
necessary  to  make  adults  and  children  realize  the  difference 
between  playing  with  animals  and  teasing  them.  Teased 
animals  become  mean  very  quickly  and  we  could  not  have 


them  around  the  children,  nor  could  we  play  with  them.  It 
is  important  that  children  learn  such  lessons  early  and  we 
find  they  are  the  best  teachers  for  parents,  and  other  adults, 
along  this  line. 

We  often  have  exhibits  of  children's  work  from  other 
places — right  now  a  most  fascinating  one  of  Japanese  chil- 
dren's paintings  from  Kumamoto. 

We  are  fortunate  in  our  administrative  heads  in  Port- 
land. They  have  found  the  real  values  of  recreation  which 
have,  in  every  activity  or  field  of  interest,  been  kept  simple 
and  sincere,  cooperative  rather  than  competitive.  They 
have  kept  statistics  in  their  proper  place  and  have  stressed 
the  importance  of  quality  and  real  accomplishment  rather 
than  exhibitionism.  Our  museum,  as  it  is  now,  could  not 
function  under  any  other  administrative  philosophy. 


The  prehistoric  Oregon  exhibit,  planned  and  executed  by 
Kenneth,  fourteen  years  old,  was  made  after  he  had  studied 
prehistoric  animals  and  vegetation.  It  is  amazingly  realistic. 


FEBRUARY  1953 


519 


E»r«n>t"i    »'•>•»    Tkf   Fmmil*   Srrmpbook,   publi.hrU 
br  Aw.ri.Hoo  Prau,  .New  Ycrfc  Cltr,   I«S1.  »3.9S. 


Family  "At-Homes" 

Ifs  the  "good  old  days"  families  used 
to  play  games  together  in  front  of 
the  fireplace  or  stay  at  home  for  other 
family-centered  activities.  There  seems 
to  be  little  of  this  today.  We're  all  too 
busy  belonging  to  organizations  that 
take  us  out  of  the  home. 

Naturally,  we  can't  go  back  to  fifty  or 
one  hundred  years  ago,  nor  would  we 
want  to  do  so.  But  some  families  have 
found  that  spending  a  few  evenings  to- 
gether every  month  is  a  lot  of  fun.  .  .  . 

Perhaps  ten-year-old  Billy  has  just 
discovered  a  scientific  experiment  that 
he  wants  to  show  the  rest  of  the  family. 
Lucille  is  anxious  to  put  on  a  puppet 
show.  Dad's  got  some  new  shots  with 
his  color  camera  for  all  the  family  to 
look  at. 

Some  families  have  set  aside  certain 
c\  niirigs  when  the  informal  program  is 
designed  especially  for  the  younger 
children.  Then,  every  one  pitches  in 
and  makes  it  fun  for  the  small  fry. 
Other  evenings  are  beamed  at  the  in- 
terests of  the  older  children.  The 
younger  ones  may  stay  for  a  while  and 
then  go  off  to  bed. 

Dad  and  Mother  have  their  evenings, 
too.  Perhaps  Mother  reads  some  short 
stories  she  likes  particularly.  Dad  may 
have  the  rest  of  the  family  help  him 
with  his  stamp  collection.  Yes,  there 
can  be  many  exciting  things  to  do  to- 
gether in  these  "at-home"  evenings  if 
one  keeps  on  the  lookout  for  them. 


DR.  OsBORNE  u  professor  of  education 
at  Teachers'  College,  Columbia  Lnirn- 
«i/>.  His  book  derii'-i  ii\  name  from 
his  daily  syndicated  nm  <;«/«•'•  column. 

m 


FAMILY 

CENTERED 

ACTIVITIES 


Homemade  Table  Croquet 

A  set  of  checkers,  a  few  pieces  of 
pliable  wire,  a  dozen  and  a  half  corks, 
and  some  glue  are  all  the  ingredients 
you  need  for  making  the  equipment  for 
table  croquet. 

Single  checkers  are  used  in  place  of 
balls.  Five  checkers  are  glued  to- 
gether for  each  of  the  two  pegs  needed 
at  the  end  of  the  croquet  "court." 
Wickets  are  made  from  wire  inserted  in 
corks. 

The  game  is  played  on  a  bare  dining 
room  table,  the  ping-pong  table,  or 
some  other  suitable  surface.  For  active 
children  who  don't  mind  getting  down 
»n  hands  and  knees,  the  floor  makes  a 
suitable  court. 

Checkers  are  used  just  as  balls 
would  be,  and  are  propelled  with  the 
index  finger.  You  and  the  youngsters 
may  be  surprised  to  disc-over  how  simi- 
lar the  game  will  seem  to  full-blown 
croquet.  It  can  be  a  lot  of  fun  for  a 
rainy-day  activity  or  for  other  time- 
when  rliililn-n  must  play  indoors. 

The  Mutch  and  Bottle  Came 

Here's  a  game  of  skill  for  "old 
fnlk«"  and  children.  It  takes  a  lot  of 
patience  as  well  as  a  steady  hand.  But 
it's  a  lot  uf  fun. 

Ml  iln-  .  .|III].MI.  ni  needed  is  a  milk 
bottle  and  a  supply  of  woodrn  kitchen 
matches.  The  trick  is  to  see  how  many 
ni.it'  In--  (an  !«•  piled  on  top  of  tin- 
open  lioiilenei  k  in  a  long-cabin  fashion. 

Each  player  is  gi\m  tin  -.HIM-  num- 
ber of  matches.  Twenty-five  to  fifu  i- 
a  good  number  with  which  I"  Mart. 
1 1»-  first  player  places  one  of  his 


Dr.  Ernest  G.  Osborne 


matches  over  the  bottleneck.  Then,  in 
turn,  all  the  other  players  do  the  same 
until  one  gets  rid  of  all  his,  thus  win- 
ning the  game. 

Anyone  who  knocks  matches  off  the 
bottle  is  penalized  by  having  to  take 
all  those  that  drop.  Should  a  player 
drop  a  match  inside  the  bottle  he  must 
accept  a  "gift"  of  one  match  from  each 
other  player. 

Poprorn  Balls 

Popcorn  balls  have  been  a  favorite 
with  youngsters  for  a  good  many  gen- 
erations. Some  times  we  forget  what 
fun  we  had  making  them  when  we 
were  children,  and  deprive  our  young- 
sters of  the  experience. 

Do  you  remember  how  to  make 
them?  Add  a  half-cup  of  sugar  to 
three-quarters  of  a  cup  of  molasses. 
Cook  the  mixture  until  it  makes  a  soft 
ball.  Pour  over  popcorn  and  with  but- 
tered hands  mold  mixture  into  balls. 

An  <'oM--aiid-Endn  Treasure  Client 

Rainy  days  come  surprisingly  often. 
Youngsters  find  themselves  without 


amthing  to  do.  Or  the\  p-i  into  mi- 
ehief  because  they're  bored  with  ilieii 
games  and  toys. 

RECREATION 


Here's  a  suggestion  that  may  help 
meet  these  situations.  Get  a  sturdy 
wooden  box  and  hinge  a  cover  on  it. 
With  the  help  of  the  children,  it  can 
be  decorated  with  paint  and  brass- 
headed  tacks  so  that  it  looks  as  though 
it  were  a  treasure  chest.  Then  begin  to 
collect  odds  and  ends  that  can  be  used 
for  toys  that  youngsters  like  to  make 
and  play  with. 

A  piece  of  broomstick  from  which 
wheels  can  be  sawed,  spools,  paper  salt 
boxes,  paraffined  milk  containers,  bits 
of  yarn.  These  are  but  a  few  of  the 
many  things  that  can  be  stored  away 
for  the  rainy  day  or  the  idle  hour.  A 
scroll  saw,  tack  hammer,  a  couple  of 
small  carving  tools,  nails,  tacks,  and  a 
tube  of  glue  provide  the  tools  needed. 

You'll  be  surprised  and  the  young- 
sters pleased  with  the  autos,  boats, 
houses,  and  a  thousand  and  one  other 
small  toys  that  can  be  made  from  such 
simple  things.  A  few  cans  of  enamel 
paint  and  some  cheap  paint  brushes 
can  be  used  to  add  color  and  finish  to 
the  treasure  chest  products. 


Hoops  With  Bells 

Did  you  ever  play  with  a  hoop  when 
you  were  young?  One  doesn't  see  too 
many  today.  Somehow  they  seem  to 
have  become  old-fashioned.  But  it's  a 
pretty  sure  thing  that  even  modern 
young  children  will  get  a  lot  of  fun  out 
of  hoop  play. 

The  Association  for  Childhood  Edu- 
cation tells,  in  one  of  their  bulletins, 
how  to  make  a  very  attractive  hoop. 

Get  a  wooden  hoop  from  a  large 
sugar  or  flour  barrel.  File  down  the 
nails  and  sandpaper  the  hoop  until  it  is 
smooth.  Paint  the  outside  red,  divide 
the  inside  into  sections  and  paint  them 
alternately  with  red,  white,  and  blue. 
You  can  work  out  other  color  combina- 
tions, too.  Get  some  small  metal  bells 


and  fasten  them  inside  the  hoop  with 
metal  staples. 

A  stick  about  twenty  inches  long, 
also  painted  and  with  a  bell  fastened  to 
its  outer  end,  completes  an  attractive 
and  funful  piece  of  play  equipment 
that  is  both  lively  and  musical. 

Backyard  Play  Materials 
for  the  Young  Child 

Boxes  and  barrels,  available  from  the 
corner  grocery,  can  be  used  to  equip 
the  backyard  for  the  under-fives  in  a 
most  satisfactory  way.  Children  of 
these  years  can  hardly  have  enough 
boxes. 

Small  crates,  such  as  those  in  which 
dried  prunes  or  apricots  are  packed, 
make  fine  wagons  or  sleds  to  be  dragged 
about  with  dolls  or  toy  soldiers  as  pas- 
sengers. Larger,  sturdier  ones,  after 
they  are  well  smoothed  and  sanded  to 
avoid  splinters,  will  serve  as  boats, 
trains,  and  airplanes — almost  anything 
in  the  imaginative  play  that  young 
children  enjoy  so  much.  A  barrel  open 
at  both  ends  is  lots  of  fun,  too.  It  can 
be  rolled  around,  crawled  through, 
stood  on  end,  used  as  a  hiding  place. 

A  broad  flexible  plank  an  inch  and 
a  half  in  thickness  and  ten  to  twelve 
feet  long  is  another  useful  and  fascinat- 
ing piece  of  equipment.  Supported  on 
two  low  boxes,  it  makes  a  fine  jumping 
board.  It  also  can  be  used  as  an  incline 
down  which  wheeled  toys  can  be  rolled. 
Children  will  find  many  other  uses  for 
such  a  board,  along  with  the  boxes 
and  barrels. 

Other  "junk"  too,  makes  excellent 
play  material  for  older  children.  Old 
bricks  which  the  youngsters,  them- 
selves, can  clean  of  mortar,  two-foot 
lengths  of  telephone  poles,  lengths  of 
pipe,  a  set  of  assorted  boards,  packing 
cases,  empty  wooden  boxes  and  tin 
cans  are  "tops"  for  the  building  ac- 
tivity the  school-age  child  loves  to 
carry  on. 

Backyard  Merry-Go-Round 

A  homemade  merry-go-round  needn't 
cost  you  more  than  a  dollar,  and  it  will 
bring  endless  fun  to  your  youngsters. 
All  you  need  is  an  old  wagon  wheel  of 
generous  width,  one  which  is  still  at- 
tached to  its  axle. 

For  the  smaller  fry,  the  axle  itself 
can  serve  as  the  upright.  Dig  a  hole 


that  will  accommodate  half  the  length 
of  the  axle.  Then  pour  cement  around 
the  upright  axle,  grease  the  bearing  so 
that  it  turns  easily,  and  it's  done. 


Youngsters  love  to  sit  on  the  spokes 
as  the  wheel  is  turned  by  accommodat- 
ing playmates.  Alternatively,  they  can 
hang  from  the  spokes  and  propel  them- 
selves around. 

Older  children  will  have  more  fun  if 
the  wheel  is  rigged  on  a  taller  upright. 
Ropes  may  be  attached  so  that  several 
children  can  swing  themselves  out  into 
space  as  they  run  full  tilt  around  the 
pole.  This  is  not  dangerous,  and  is 
loads  of  fun. 

Clock  Golf  in  the  Backyard 

Even  a  small  yard  can  be  used  for  a 
game  that's  lots  of  fun  for  the  whole 
family — clock  golf. 

The  setup  is  simple.  First,  draw  a 
circle  twenty-four  feet  across.  It  can 
be  smaller  if  necessary.  Then  sink  a 
tin  can  in  the  center.  If  you're  going 
to  use  a  golf  ball,  the  can  need  only  be 
a  small  one.  If  a  croquet  ball  is  what 
you  have,  you'll  naturally  need  one  of 
these  large  cans.  Now  on  the  rim  of 
the  circle  you  have  drawn,  drive  in 
twelve  stakes  at  the  spots  where  the 
numbers  on  a  clock  would  fall.  It's  a 
good  idea  to  paint  the  tops  white  so 
they  can  easily  be  seen,  for  the  stakes 
should  be  driven  in  until  they  are  level 
with  the  ground. 

The  first  player  starts  at  one  o'clock 
and  tries  to  drive  his  ball  with  a  golf 
club  or  croquet  mallet  into  the  can. 
Should  he  succeed  the  first  time,  he 
goes  on  to  stake  number  two.  If  not, 
it  is  the  next  player's  turn.  Later, 
when  skill  develops,  the  game  can  be 
made  harder  by  roughing  up  the 
ground  or  putting  obstacles  in  the  way. 

The  winner,  of  course,  is  the  person 
who  first  completes  all  twelve  shots. 


FEBRUARY  1953 


521 


Jaiiii--    H.   \\  IKK!- 


How  to  Tell  a  Good 

GDLDEN-AGE  CLUB 


O  ocial  clubs  and  organized  recreational  activities  for 
older  people  are  now  appearing  in  most  of  America's  com- 
munities. The  indications  are  that  this  trend  will  increase 
in  the  future.  As  yet  we  have  no  definite  standards  by 
whirh  we  can  assess  the  success  or  failure  of  these  pro- 
grams. It  is  entirely  possible  that  activities  may  be  so  con- 
ducted as  to  do  more  harm  than  good  to  the  older  men  and 
women  who  take  part  in  them.  Professional  recreation 
workers  are  sensitive  to  the  needs  of  children  because  this 
is  an  area  in  which  a  great  deal  of  study  has  been  done. 
These  same  workers  are  sometimes  uncertain  of  the  needs 
of  older  people  and  as  a  result  the  goals  for  their  program 
planning  in  this  area  may  be  vague  or  nonexistent. 

Do  you  believe  that  seventy-  or  eighty-year-old  persons 
are  capable  of  growth,  of  benefiting  from  new  experiences? 
Do  you  think  they  are  still  able  to  learn?  If  they  have  not 
reached  full  emotional  maturity  at  their  advanced  age,  do 
you  believe  that  it  is  still  possible  for  them  to  achieve  it? 
Even  if  your  answer  is  "yes"  do  you  believe  that  it  is  worth- 
while trying  to  do  something  about  it  in  view  of  the  rela- 
tively short  amount  of  time  they  have  left  at  their  disposal? 
Do  you  see  recreation  and  social  group  work  as  a  means  of 
achieving  these  ends? 

Your  answer  to  these  questions  will  determine  the  con- 
tent of  your  program  for  older  people  and  the  manner  in 
which  it  will  be  conducted.  A  lot  of  activities  for  older 
people  now  provided  at  community  expense  are  merely 
ways  of  helping  them  pass  the  time.  This  is  better  than 
nothing  because  many  old  people  are  bored  and  need  sug- 
gestions and  assistance  in  doing  this.  Is  it  enough?  Is  the 
community  getting  its  money's  worth  when  it  provides  staff 
time  and  physical  facilities  for  such  an  elementary  type 
of  u|HT!iti'iM .'  Mori-  ini|>nrlnnt  -lill.  i~  the  older  person  be- 
ing cheated  and  deprived  when  all  he  gets  are  endless 
game*  of  bingo,  pinochle  and  occasional  community  sing- 
ing? These  items  have  a  place  but  they  ought  not  to  be  the 
whole  program.  When  they  are  used  it  ought  to  be  with  a 
•  •.n-.  i..u«  knowledge  of  why  they  are  used. 

MR.  JAMES  WOODS  u  the  director  of  the  Recreation  Project 
for  Older  People  of  the  Welfare  Federation  of  Cleveland. 

522 


It  is  true  that  many  older  people  ask  for  a  simple  t\|><- 
of  program  because  they  are  not  familiar  with  anything 
else.  Some  of  them,  as  a  result  of  long  years  of  habit,  ap- 
pear to  be  satisfied  with  very  passive  activity.  If  this  were 
the  only  test,  then  recreational  planning  and  group  guid- 
ance would  be  unnecessary  skills.  If  these  are  really  treated 
as  skills  the  recreation  worker  will  take  his  clients  at  what- 
ever level  he  finds  them  and  then  go  on  to  enlarge  their 
imaginations,  their  emotional  resources  and  their  abilities 
to  get  more  out  of  life. 

The  older  person  will  have  needs  of  which  the  program 
advisor  may  be  more  conscious  than  they.  He  will,  through 
his  program,  find  ways  of  meeting  those  needs  that  will 
prove  more  satisfying  than  anything  they  could  devise  un- 
aided. It  is  a  step-by-step  process  like  any  other  piece  of 
education.  There  is  nothing  dictatorial  or  patronizing 
about  it.  We  accept  this  as  standard  practice  in  working 
with  children  and  youth.  Why  shouldn't  the  same  principle 
be  true  in  working  with  the  golden-agers'  groups? 

The  reason  for  these  remarks  is  that  so  much  time,  effort 
and  good  intentions  go  into  our  golden-age  programs  that 
it  seems  a  sad  waste  of  these  valuable  commodities  not  to 
let  them  function  at  their  best.  The  last  years  of  life  ought 
not  to  be  thought  of  as  a  period  of  marking  time  until  death 
comes.  They  are  given  to  us  for  living  just  as  much  as  in 
the  earlier  half  of  life. 

A  visitor  from  abroad  once  made  this  comment  about 
our  recreational  programs  for  older  people:  "I  have  got 
I  In-  impression  that  sometimes  you  in  America  treat  your 
old  people  as  though  they  were  something  in  a  circus  or 
sideshow.  If  they  are  capable  of  doing  anything  at  all  you 
|iiil>lii -i/.e  and  parade  them  around  like  prize  horses  for 
everyone  to  see."  That  criticism  seemed  unfair  at  the 
lime,  lnil  I  wonder  if  it  did  not  touch  on  a  very  common 
weakness  to  be  found  among  the  general  public  and  sonn 
limes,  even,  among  professional  workers.  Too  many  people 
regard  older  men  and  women  as  somewhat  in  the  nature 
of  curiosities,  different  from  the  rest  of  human  kind.  When 
they  fall  in  love,  do  a  good  job  of  work,  show  tli.-ni-.  ]\ , - 
inirmtrd  in  thr  name  things  thai  bring  pleasure  to  the 
n--t  of  ill.-  w.  it  M.  it  is  looked  upon  as  a  matter  of  surprise 

HH  HI  vri<>N 


and  wonderment.  Community  attitudes  towards  older 
people  need  to  be  changed.  Does  your  recreation  program 
help  to  provide  this  kind  of  education? 

Here  are  some  questions  to  ask  yourself  about  the  gold- 
en-age clubs  or  club  with  which  you  may  be  connected. 
The  purpose  of  setting  them  down  here  is  to  emphasize  the 
structure  and  function  of  these  groups. 
(1)    IF  ho  makes  the  club  decisions? 

Does  one  person  make  them  or  does  everyone  have  a 
chance  to  express  opinions?  Strong  personalities  always 
have  a  lot  of  influence  in  a  group;  but  no  club,  in  the  long 
run,  will  be  a  strong  one  if  it  is  dominated  by  the  advisor, 
the  president  or  one  of  the  members.  Even  when  members 
are  willing  to  sit  back  and  let  one  individual  run  the  show, 
it  will  prove  harmful  if  it  is  continued. 

In  a  new  club  it  usually  takes  a  little  time  for  the  mem- 
bers to  learn  about  group  discussion  and  how  to  arrive 
at  a  group  decision.  It  can  be  learned. 


Jovial  dancers  from  the  Cleveland  Golden-Age  Club  have  a 
good  time  while  they  entertain  their  fellow  club  members. 

(2)  /5  there  a  varied  program? 

Does  the  program  appeal  to  many  different  interests, or 
do  the  card  and  bingo  players  have  everything  their  own 
way?  Do  the  members  help  to  plan  the  program  through 
the  use  of  a  committee  or  a  program  chairman? 

(3)  What  kind  of  atmosphere  is  there  in  the  club  meeting? 
Is  it  apparent  that  the  members  like  each  other?    Do 

they  welcome  strangers  in  a  friendly  way.  When  a  mem- 
ber returns  after  an  absence  is  he  made  to  feel  that  he  has 
been  missed  and  that  the  members  are  glad  to  have  him 
back?  How  does  the  group  take  disagreement  among  the 
members  regarding  some  piece  of  club  procedure?  Are 
they  willing  to  accept  the  results  of  democratic  proced- 
ures? Do  people  cooperate  with  each  other  or  do  you  find 
the  same  people  preparing  the  refreshments,  arranging  the 
chairs  and  doing  other  chores? 

(4)  Does  the  club  have  its  own  officers? 

Does  the  club  have  periodic  elections  of  its  officers  or 
does  it  rely  completely  on  the  advisor  or  one  member  who 


stays  perpetually  in  office? 

(5)  Does  the  club  ever  do  anything  for  anybody  else? 
What  happens  when  the  Community  Fund  drive  comes 

along?  Or  the  Red  Cross  drive?  Do  the  members  feel 
that  they  have  a  concern  in  the  problems  of  the  community 
or  are  they  only  concerned  about  receiving  things  them- 
selves? The  gesture  of  giving  is  more  important  than  the 
amount.  Do  any  of  the  members  ever  give  their  time  to 
short-term  volunteer  service? 

(6)  How  independent  is  the  club? 

Who  pays  for  the  club  refreshments  and  who  serves 
them — the  members  or  well-meaning  outsiders?  Letting 
others  help  is  all  right  for  the  first  few  meetings  until  the 
club  is  organized  and  on  one  or  two  occasions  throughout 
the  year.  A  club  can  easily  be  killed  by  kindness.  Are  out- 
siders permitted  to  pauperize  the  members  by  doing  too 
many  things  for  them  for  nothing? 

(7)  What  happens  when  the  club  is  invited  out? 

When  the  club  receives  an  invitation  to  do  something  out- 
side of  the  regular  club  meeting  is  the  response  apathetic 
or  enthusiastic?  It  is  possible  for  a  club  to  get  so  ingrown 
that  it  loses  all  interest  in  events  other  than  its  own  meet- 
ings. Lack  of  interest  in  outside  events  is  often  preliminary 
to  lack  of  interest  in  the  club  itself. 

(8)  What  happens  ivhen  a  speaker  is  invited  to  the  club? 
Speakers  who  have  gone  to  golden-age  clubs  sometimes 

complain  that  members  have  been  known  to  play  cards  be- 
fore the  talk  was  over,  or  that  members  sometimes  carry 
on  conversations  while  the  talk  was  in  progress.  What  this 
comes  to  is — how  considerate  are  they  toward  others? 
Does  your  club  remember  to  send  a  "thank  you"  letter 
when  something  is  done  for  it? 

(9)  Does  the  club  remember  its  sick  members? 

Is  there  a  sick  committee  to  make  periodic  visits  to  the 
ill  members  and  then  report  back  to  the  club?  Are  the  ab- 
sent ones  remembered  with  cards?  Is  there  someone  in  the 
club  who  is  responsible  for  sending  letters  of  condolence? 

(10)  What  kind  of  publicity  does  the  club  receive? 
Does  it  portray  them  as  strange  specimens  of  humanity 

or  as  normal  human  beings  who  want  to  enjoy  life?  Is 
the  publicity  dignified  or  is  it  oversentimental ?  Does  it 
hold  the  old  folks  up  to  ridicule  under  the  disguise  of 
humor  or  pretended  surprise  that  they  should  like  certain 
kinds  of  activities? 

The  aims  of  your  program  for  older  people  should  in- 
clude these  things: 

(a)  To  increase  their  feelings  of  security. 

(b)  To  expose  them  to  interesting  and  stimulating  ex- 
periences, including  education. 

(c)  To  provide  them  with  opportunities  for  making  new 
friends. 

(d)  To  provide  them  with  situations  that  relieve  their 
feelings  of  frustration  and  uselessness. 

(e)  To  develop  their  recreational  resources  so  that,  in 
addition  to  enjoying  the  present,  they  will  have  something 
in  the  event  they  become  more  physically  handicapped. 

(f)  To  convince  them  that  joy  and  old  age  can  go  to- 
gether. 


PRRTTAUV 


A  talk  given  at  the  1952  Southwest 
Regional  Conference  of  the  National 
Recreation  Association. 


Kraut*  Karliart 


RECREATION— 


for  Everyone 


An  interesting  example  of  hoic  to  arouse 
citizen  support  of  a  community  program 


II 


Louetonians  have  had  much  to  keep 
them  busy  recently.  In  addition  to  the 
daily  responsibilities  of  job  and  home, 
they  have  been  hard  at  work  building 
a  metropolitan  community — one  which 
will  keep  pace  with  the  living  needs  of 
a  rapidly  increasing  population.  In 
1940  Houston  counted  some  384,000 
residents  and  covered  73  square  miles. 
In  1950  the  count  was  almost  600,000 
people  in  a  city  enlarged  to  some  160 
square  miles.  On  January  1  of  this 
year,  the  estimated  population  was 
640,000 — representing  an  average  pop- 
ulation increase  of  more  than  2,000  per 
month. 

Our  problems  are  much  the  same  as 
those  of  any  other  city  except  for  one 
difference — we  cannot  keep  up  with 
our  growth.  We  are  paving  streets, 
laying  sewers,  installing  traffic  signals, 
enlarging  our  police  force,  establishing 
new  fire  stations,  building  new  schools 
(and  erecting  portable  rooms  next  to 
thi-m  before  the  grass  has  had  a  chance 
to  get  started),  urging  thr  purchase  of 
Mir*  for  neighborhood  parks,  worrying 
about  bayou  pollution,  educating  for 

MR.  KARHART,  the  author,  it  chairman 
of  the  Recreation-Informal  Education 
Section  of  the  Community  Council  of 
Houston  and  Harris  County  in  Texas. 


health,  trying  to  get  a  juvenile  court, 
and  so  on  and  on. 

Our  community  council,  charged 
with  the  responsibility  of  planning 
community  services  for  health,  welfare 
and  recreation,  has  accepted  the  chal- 
lenge. In  its  short  history  of  ten  years 
it  has  capitalized  on  the  enthusiasm  of 
a  new  town,  stimulated  the  imagination 
of  its  residents  to  make  their  commu- 
nity a  better  place  in  which  to  live, 
channeled  the  many  interests  and 
helped  create  plans  for  proper  welfare 
development.  These  plans  are  called 
"blueprints."  One  of  these  is  "Recrea- 
tion for  Everyone,  a  Citizen  Created 
Recreation  Development  Plan  for  Met- 
ropolitan Houston." 

Citizen  interest  in  community  recrea- 
tion is  riding  high  in  Houston,  Texas. 
The  reasons  are  many  and  varied.  To 
some  people  it's  a  matter  of  civic  pride 
to  have  the  most  and  best  of  everything 
— recreation  included.  Others  think  of 
recreation  as  a  way  to  prevent  delin- 
quency. Still  others  just  want  a  place 
to  send  their  youngsters,  take  their 
families,  or  to  go  themselves  for  a  good 
tint'-.  Essentially,  all  want  to  make 
ll'.ii-lon  .1  bolter  place  in  nhirh  to  live. 
These  diverse  though  related  intcrr«t* 
jiiinr<)  fun  >•*  in  thr  rrrrratinn  develop- 
ment project  of  the  community  council 


to  improve  community  recreation. 

Three  basic  steps  must  be  taken  in 
any  successful  planning  job.  First 
come  the  facts,  then  a  plan  is  created 
based  on  those  facts,  and  on  the  ex- 
pressed needs.  And  third,  the  plan 
must  be  sold  to  the  community  if  the 
results  are  to  be  accomplished. 

Our  recreation  development  project 
followed  that  pattern.  Back  in  May  of 
1948  a  fact-finding  committee  was  ap- 
pointed in  the  recreation-informal 
education  section  of  the  community 
council.  It  made  an  inventory  of  our 
recreation  programs  and  facilities  and 
summarized  the  essential  population 
data.  The  council's  research  bureau 
did  the  job  as  defined  by  the  commit- 
tee. About  a  year  later  the  material 
collected  was  published  under  the  tide, 
Recreation  Facilities  and  Resources  in 
Houston  1948-49.  Information  was 
organized  according  to  nineteen  city 
areas. 

The  second  phase  of  our  planning 
then  started.  In  September  1949,  • 
steering  committee  was  appointed  to 
create  a  recreation  development  plan 
for  the  whole  city.  The  job  was  big — 
too  big  for  any  one  committee.  It  was 
decided  to  divide  the  work  and  get 
each  neighborhood  to  take  stock  of  its 
own  recreation  and  make  recommenda- 


.V'l 


lire 


tions  for  improvement.  Committee 
members  went  out  to  enlist  the  help  of 
neighborhood  leaders.  Recreation  was 
discussed  over  the  clatter  of  factory 
machines,  in  the  comfort  of  a  living 
room,  amid  the  books  and  files  of  a 
lawyer's  office,  alongside  a  busy  gaso- 
line pump,  in  the  quiet  of  a  pastor's 
study,  and  in  many  other  places. 

Twelve  recreation  planning  districts 
were  designated,  and  the  neighborhood 
leaders,  with  the  help  of  agency  staff 
workers,  recruited  additional  neighbor- 
hood people  to  help  get  the  job  done. 
It  was  not  long  before  more  than  four 
hundred  persons  were  busy  making 
plans  for  recreation  through  the 
twelve  district  committees. 

This  community-wide  planning  job 
was  officially  launched  with  an  all- 
afternoon  workshop  program  on  mini- 
mum standards  for  community  recrea- 
tion. The  five  discussion  groups  had 
over  two  hundred  interested  particip- 
ants and  professional  leaders.  They 
tried  to  answer  the  questions  of  what 
kind  and  how  much  recreation  should 
be  the  minimum  for  any  neighborhood. 
We  discovered  that  established  and 
accepted  standards  have  not  been  fully 
developed.  Our  conclusions  were, 
therefore,  limited  and  tentative,  but 
nevertheless,  they  were  put  to  good  use 
by  the  twelve  district  committees  as 
they  undertook  their  assignments. 

Public  understanding  of  the  entire 
project  was  essential  from  the  start. 
Newspapers  carried  stories  of  the  plan- 
ning job  under  way  with  maps  showing 
district  boundaries.  Speakers  told  the 
story  to  civic  and  service  clubs,  church 
groups,  and  other  organizations.  Bro- 
chures explaining  the  project  were 
distributed  widely. 

In  June  of  1950  the  twelve  district 
reports  were  presented  during  three 
days  of  public  meetings  called  by  the 
steering  committee.  The  press  covered 
those  hearings  and  carried  daily  sum- 
maries of  the  recommendations  made. 
During  the  summer  months,  the  steer- 
ing committee  carefully  studied  the  dis- 
trict reports  and  summarized  the  major 
recommendations.  These  dealt  with 
improvements  in  tax-supported  recrea- 
tion, use  of  schools  for  recreation, 
needed  expansions  in  voluntary-sup- 
ported recreation  and  further  develop- 
ment of  the  cultural  services.  The  first 


draft  of  the  final  report  was  approved 
by  the  community  council  in  October 
of  1950. 

By  that  time,  the  third  phase  of  our 
planning  job  was  well  under  way. 
Gathering  facts  and  creating  a  plan 
were  not  enough,  for  the  plans  had  to 
be  sold  to  the  entire  community.  The 
Community  Chest  appropriated  $3,500 
to  publish  the  final  report,  prepare 
pamphlets,  and  produce  a  local  sound 
and  color  film  on  recreation.  (See  May 
1952,  RECREATION,  page  96. — Ed.) 
These  tools  were  designed  to  bring  the 
story  of  recreation  development  to  all 
groups  in  our  community.  By  Novem- 
ber of  1951,  a  sixty-page  report,  with 
maps,  was  published;  and  a  thirteen- 
minute  sound  and  color  film  was  pro- 
duced. Since  then,  we  have  been  busy 
selling  our  product. 

Our  report  contained  two  major 
recommendations:  first,  school  facilities 
should  be  used  in  developing  commu- 
nity recreation ;  second,  the  city  should 
be  divided  into  twenty  recreation 
service  districts,  each  with  a  council  of 
neighborhood  residents  and  agency 
representatives  to  plan,  coordinate  and 
develop  recreation  on  a  neighborhood 
basis. 


The  second  section  of  the  report 
deals  with  development  plans  for  public 
recreation.  According  to  National  Rec- 
reation Association  standards,  Houston 
has  only  fifty-four  per  cent  of  the  park 
acreage  suggested,  and  operates  its 
recreation  department  at  twenty  per 
cent  of  the  $2.25  per  capita  budget 
considered  standard.  The  report  makes 
major  recommendations  for  the  im- 
provement of  these  and  other  defi- 
ciencies. 

Voluntary  agency  plans  for  expan- 
sion are  discussed  in  the  third  section 
of  the  report.  Standards  are  not 
strictly  defined,  but  a  number  of 
general  recommendations  are  made,  in- 
cluding further  decentralization,  more 
community  support,  emphasis  on  pro- 


grams for  small  groups  and  clubs, 
aggressive  recruiting  and  training  of 
volunteers,  and  closer  working  relation- 
ships with  service  and  civic  clubs 
sponsoring  recreation  projects. 

Cultural  services  are  featured  in  the 
fourth  section.  General  recommenda- 
tions for  these  services  were:  more 
publicity  about  the  services  now  avail- 
able; better  maintenance  of  certain 
facilities,  including  the  increasing  of 
staff;  extension  of  service  to  neighbor- 
hoods; and  more  financial  support 
from  both  voluntary  and  tax  sources. 

The  final  section  of  the  report  is 
designed  to  focus  the  recommendations 
of  the  entire  report  on  each  neighbor- 
hood. It  identifies  and  describes  the 
twenty  recreation  service  districts, 
along  with  appropriate  maps,  charts 
and  data.  This  basic  information  will 
be  the  starting  point  for  the  continuous 
planning  to  follow  as  district  recreation 
councils  are  organized. 

We  have  officially  presented  the  re- 
port and  movie  before  the  city  council, 
the  board  of  education,  and  the  county 
commissioners.  Before  these  groups  we 
emphasized  those  portions  of  the  re- 
port coming  under  their  own  jurisdic- 
tion. Plans  are  under  way  for  a 
similar  hearing  with  the  United  Fund 
Board. 

Our  speakers  have  so  far  met  with 
more  than  fifty  organizations,  with 
attendance  totaling  several  thousand 
persons.  We  have  shown  the  movie, 
given  the  highlights  of  the  total  report, 
discussed  the  recreation  needs  of  in- 
dividual neighborhoods  and  urged  all 
to  work  with  their  neighbors  to  see 
that  the  job  of  recreation  development 
gets  done. 

Our  whole  planning  project  is  based 
on  neighborhood  interest  and  support. 
The  plan  was  created  in  the  neighbor- 
hoods and  the  real  strength  for  success- 
ful accomplishment  remains  therein. 

You  may  say,  "So  far  your  story 
sounds  good.  But  what  happens  now? 
How  can  you  be  sure  that  the  recom- 
mendations will  get  favorable  action?" 
We  cannot  be  sure,  but  we  have  sub- 
stantial reasons  for  confidence.  Here's 
what  has  happened  thus  far: 

1.  One  of  our  original  district  chair- 
men ran  for  the  city  council  last  year 
and  injected  recreation  into  the  cam- 
paign. Other  candidates  followed  suit, 


FEBRUARY  1953 


525 


and  for  the  first  time  in  history,  recrea- 
tion became  a  campaign  issue.  He  and 
some  other  recreation-minded  men  were 
elected,  and  we  feel  that  a  favorable 
situation  has  been  created  for  major 
improvements  in  city-supported  rec- 
reation. We  gave  very  careful  study 
to  the  1952  budget  allocations  to  city 
departments  to  see  that  recreation  and 
libraries  receive  equal  consideration 
with  other  city  services.  The  mayor 
and  city  council  have  now  approved  the 
1952  city  operating  budget.  It  includes 
about  $262,000  more  for  parks  and 
recreation  than  was  spent  in  1951. 
This  is  an  increase  of  thirty-nine  per 
cent — substantially  higher  than  for  any 
other  city  department.  An  additional 
$45,000  for  the  public  library  was  also 
approved.  Public  hearings  on  the  city 
budget  were  set  for  the  middle  of 
M.iri-h.  We  were  on  hand  with  a  dele- 
gation to  support  the  recreation  budget 
as  proposed  and  to  get  the  additional 
funds  for  the  library  included. 

2.  The  use  of  schools  for  recreation 
was  one  of  our  major  recommenda- 


tions. Last  spring,  during  the  school 
board  election,  this  became  one  of  the 
campaign  issues.  As  a  result  of  our 
formal  hearing  on  this  subject  with 
the  board  of  education,  they  agreed  to 
appoint  representatives  from  the  schools 
to  sit  down  with  representatives  of  the 
city  and  the  community  council  to  pre- 
pare a  workable  plan. 

3.  Interest  and  support  for  this  entire 
project  resulted  in  $1,000.000  in  bonds 
for  recreation,  libraries  being  included 
at  the  last  minute,  in  last  year's  $30.- 
000,000  city  bond  issue.    Both  passed 
with  substantial  majorities. 

4.  The  project  played  a  part  in  the 
Chest  campaign  in  the  fall  of  1950  and 
in  the  successful  United  Fund  drive  in 
the  fall  of  1951.   Many  who  served  on 
district  recreation  planning  committees 
were   new   to    the   field   of   organized 
welfare.     They    learned    many    things 
about  their  community.    Some  of  the 
improvements   they   wanted    for    their 
neighborhoods  meant  increased  budgets 
for  the  voluntary  agencies.    Chest  and 
United  Fund  campaigns  took  on  a  new 


meaning,   and  many   worked  hard   to 
make  them  successful. 

In  summary,  the  major  character- 
istics of  this  planning  project  are: 

1.  It  is  a  self-study  by  lay  and  pro- 
fessional recreation  leaders  of  our  own 
community.    Outside  consultants  were 
used  at  certain  points,  but  the  recom- 
mendations are  our  own. 

2.  We  followed  the  three  basic  steps 
in   community   planning — facts,   plans 
and  promotion. 

3.  We  are  capitalizing  on  neighbor- 
hood interest  and  support  through  all 
phases  of  the  project. 

4.  We  are  placing  as  much  emphasis 
on   the  sale  of  the  product  as  in   its 
creation. 

5.  We  have  set  up  the  necessary  ma- 
chinery through  our  community  coun- 
cil to  see  that  the  job  gets  done. 

The  community  council  has  pro- 
vided the  vehicle  through  which  the 
citizens  of  Houston  have  done  this  job. 
Ultimate  success  is  assured,  because 
this  has  been  and  will  continue  to  be  a 
cooperative  community  project. 


Court  Petition  Dismissed 


•  Recently  a  petition  was  brought  into 
riuirt.  by  the  School  District  of  the 
borough  of  Columbia,  Lancaster  Coun- 
ty, Pennsylvania,  for  leave  to  sell  real 
estate  conveyed  to  it  by  David  L.  Glat- 
fi-liiT  and  Anna  Clatfelter,  in  a  deed 
providing  that  the  land  be  henceforth 
held  and  supervised  for  the  lasting 
benefit  and  happiness  of  the  youth  of 
the  community.  Exceptions  to  the  pro- 
posed sale  were  filed  by  seven  taxpay- 
en,  their  reasons  contending:  (1)  the 
proposed  sale  will  be  a  detriment  and 
injury  to  the  youth  of  the  community 
in  that  it  will  reduce  the  athletic  and 
itinnal  facilities  presently  avail- 
able to  them  without  providing  any 
.i.l.  .pi, ill-  and  substantial  substitute 
therefor;  (2)  the  trustee's  opinion  that 
it  i-  urgently  necessary  to  -«-ll  the  real 
estate  to  prevent  a  failure  of  thr  tru»t 
is  without  support  that  the  proposed 
sale  will  in  any  manner  n-im-iK  the  al- 
leged lack  of  funds  for  maintenance, 
upkeep  or  repair  of  the  facilities;  and 

S26 


1 3)  the  proposed  sale  cannot  be  made 
without  injury  or  prejudice  to  the 
trust. 

Reduced  to  their  essentials,  the  rea- 
sons for  approval  advanced  by  the  trus- 
tee were  that :  ( 1 )  the  land  in  question 
is  not  needed  for  the  purposes  of  the 
trust;  (2)  in  its  capacity  as  trustee, 
the  School  District  has  no  funds  for 
the  maintenance  of  the  athletic  field; 
and  (3)  the  proceeds  of  the  sale  are 
needed  for  the  repairs  set  forth  in  the 
petition,  or  for  the  production  of  in- 
come for  maintenance. 

In  this  connection  G.  Leslie  Lym-h. 
a  recreation  planner  of  the  National 
Recreation  Association,  was  called  by 
pxceptants.  He  testified  that  thr  mini- 
mum standards  established  by  the 
Yiimiial  Recreation  Association  are  at 
least  one  acre  of  playground  and  one 
.11  «•  i.f  |.l.i\  lii-lil  for  each  eight  hundred 
of  population,  and  that  the  generally 
accepted  standard  for  all  recreation. 
including  parks,  is  ten  acres  for  each 


one  thousand  of  population.  He  t.-ti 
fied  that  on  March  28,  1952.  he  made 
a  recreation  survey  of  Columbia.  He 
concluded  that  Columbia  (having  a 
population  of  approximately  twelve 
thousand)  should  have  a  minimum  of 
three  playground  areas  and  one  play- 
field  comprising  at  least  a  total  of 
thirty  acres.  The  court  record  states, 
"While  these  standards  doubtless  re- 
present the  ideal  of  what  recreational 
areas  should  be.  it  would  -ccm  that  as 
to  any  given  community  there  are 
present  factors  which  make  the  ideal 
impossible  of  attainment  ....  But  by 
any  standard,  we  conclude  from  the 
testimony  that  the  development  of 
recreational  areas  in  Columbia  has  not 
reached  the  point  when  it  can  be  said 
that  a  reduction  in  the  size  of  such 
areas  is  advisable.  Specifically,  here, 
the  proportion  proposed  to  l>c  -.old  i- 
npproxirnately  one-fifth  of  the  total 
area  .  .  .  ". 

The  court  found  for  reasons  set  forth 
that  "the  proposed  sale  would  not  be 
t<>  the  Ix-st  interests  and  advantage  of 
the  trust  and  all  those  interested 
therein."  The  petition  was  accordingly 
ili-mi— -eil. 

RECREATION 


John  T.  Connors 


"17~OCHESTRA  is  exactly  what  the  term 
*  implies,  a  combined  chorus  and  or- 
chestra. The  word,  which  has  a  War- 
ing background,  was  used  originally  to 
mean  a  chorus  humming  with  the  or- 
chestra. It  has  been  adopted  in  Au- 
burn, New  York,  to  cover  the  whole 
musical  organization,  including  male 
and  female  voices,  strings,  wood-winds, 
percussion,  and  brass  sections  of  the 
orchestra. 

In  1942,  when  the  war  was  begin- 
ning to  have  its  first  effects  on  civilian 
life,  and  Auburnians  were  casting 
about  for  "gasless"  amusements,  the 
superintendent  of  recreation,  Joseph 
Huther,  who  is  now  the  Vochestra's 
business  manager,  organized  a  glee 
club  of  male  voices  which  met  weekly 
at  the  local  YMCA.  Specializing  in 
watered-down  Waring,  the  men  sang 
more  for  their  own  amusement  than 
with  any  idea  of  acquiring  professional 
skill.  To  their  director,  perfectionist 
Harold  Henderson,  such  a  situation 
was  anathema.  The  original  forty  or 
fifty  members  were  weeded  out  until 
twenty-four  remained.  Six  carefully 
selected  girl  voices  were  added  in  a 
cluster  about  the  mike  to  give  the  nec- 
essary overtone.  Now  Fred  Waring 
arrangements  could  be  attacked  with 
justice. 

Meanwhile,  fate  and  Mr.  Henderson 
were  preparing  to  blend  in  a  bit  of 
orchestral  background  for  the  finish- 
ing touch.  For  many  years  Auburn 
had  enjoyed  the  offerings  of  an  Or- 
chestral Society  whose  members  stuck 
to  a  rather  formal  and  classical  pro- 
gram. The  draft  board  skillfully  re- 

MR.  CONNORS  is  the  resident  director 
of  the  Neighborhood  House  at  Auburn. 


moved  the  backbone  of  this  group,  and 
those  who  remained,  plus  a  few  mu- 
sicians recruited  from  Auburn's  vicin- 
ity, were  invited  to  join  the  chorus. 
The  Vochestra  was  born. 

Popular  reaction  to  the  new  organi- 
zation was  spontaneous  and  enthusias- 
tic beyond  the  wildest  dreams  of  its 
members.  On  their  first  concert  these 
musicians  and  singers  drew  a  capacity 
crowd  to  the  local  high  school.  So 
great  was  the  demand  for  tickets  that 
a  repeat  concert  was  given.  Again  the 
Vochestra  played  to  a  standing-room- 
only  audience.  A  precedent  was  es- 
tablished that  has  never  been  broken. 
The  Vochestra  has  never  in  its  four- 
year  history  given  a  performance  that 
was  not  a  sell-out.  By  presenting  a 
program  that  is  a  combination  of 
classic  and  popular  melodies,  an  ap- 
peal is  made  to  all  types  of  music 
lovers.  It  has  been  the  philosophy  of 
Vochestra,  however,  as  Mr.  Henderson 
puts  it,  "To  appeal  to  the  masses  rather 
than  to  the  symphonic  few." 

If  the  Vochestra  sends  its  audience 
away  humming  the  tunes  they  have 
heard,  the  performers  are  satisfied. 

The  Vochestra  is  still  made  up  of  a 
mixed  group  of  non-professionals  who 
sing  and  play  for  the  fun  of  it.  As 
all  of  these  people  have  regular  day- 
time jobs,  their  practice  schedule  has 
to  be  sandwiched  into  evenings  and 
weekends.  Yet,  according  to  the  di- 
rector, attendance  is  excellent,  with  a 
waiting  list  for  every  section  of  the 
chorus.  The  usual  procedure  is  to  re- 
hearse the  vocal  section  on  Mondays 
and  the  orchestra  on  Tuesday  nights. 
About  a  month  before  each  concert 
the  two  sections  begin  rehearsing  to- 
gether. "At  least  once  before  every 


concert  I  blow  up,"  the  director  con- 
fides, admitting  that  his  musicians  are 
usually  good  sports  about  their  scold- 
ings. By  doing  many  of  the  arrange- 
ments himself,  Mr.  Henderson  is  able 
to  bring  out  the  special  talents  of  each 
member,  at  the  same  time  building  up 
a  music  library  for  future  perform- 
ances. 

The  sight  of  this  unusual  organiza- 
tion as  the  curtain  goes  up  always 
leaves  the  audiences  slightly  breath- 
less. All  the  members  are  seated  in 
tier  effect,  with  the  orchestra  on  the 
right  and  chorus  on  the  left  side.  Vis- 
ability  is  perfect;  no  one  has  to  crane 
his  neck  to  see  a  relative  or  favorite 
performer  in  the  back  row.  Orchestra 
and  male  choristers  are  dressed  in 
white  jackets  and  black  skirts  or 
trousers.  The  women  singers,  among 
whom  are  a  mother  and  daughter 
team,  are  a  complete  contrast  in  filmy 
gowns  ranging  from  pastels  to  deep 
purples.  The  setting  blends  with  the 
occasion.  At  the  last  Christmas  con- 
cert, for  instance,  a  black  curtain  was 
used  as  a  backdrop,  with  multi-colored 
sequin  snow  flakes  in  front,  suspended 
from  the  ceiling,  to  throw  dancing 
lights.  When  the  footlights  went  out 
as  the  choir  sang  Christmas  carols,  the 
effects  were  unforgettable. 

Stage  setting  is  only  a  minor  part 
of  the  performance,  however.  The  big- 
gest miracle  of  showmanship  is  the 
way  in  which  the  audience  is  put  com- 
pletely at  ease  before  the  end  of  the 
first  number.  As  no  printed  programs 
are  used,  each  listener  must  take  his 
cue  from  the  introductions  given  to  the 
songs  by  Director  Henderson.  He 
manages  to  have  a  style  of  his  own, 
an  infectious  enthusiasm  that  is 


FEBRUARY  1953 


527 


caught  by  players  and  listeners  as  the 
evening  progresses. 

Despite  the  full-time  jobs  held  by 
all  members  of  the  Vochestra  they 
manage  to  find  time  for  a  rigorous 
concert  schedule.  The  1951-52  pro- 
gram included  concerts  in  Auburn, 
Port  Byron,  Sampson  Naval  Air  Base, 
Cornell  University,  Oneida,  and  Cort- 
land.  Altogether  ten  concerts  were 
given.  Probably  the  highlight  of  the 
season  was  the  performance  for  the  air 
force  at  Sampson.  As  the  cadets  were 
being  shepherded  into  their  seats  by 
their  officers,  one  of  the  big  brass 
moaned  to  Harold  Henderson,  "It's  a 
shame  you're  having  an  intermission. 
The  boys  will  probably  get  outside  and 
forget  to  come  back."  It  seems  this 
had  happened  the  week  before  when  a 


big  name  band  had  been  on  stage.  But 
contrary  to  expectations  the  boys  went 
out  and  spread  the  word  to  the  rest 
of  the  camp.  When  the  Vochestra  be- 
gan the  second  half  of  its  program, 
cadets  were  standing  in  the  aisles. 

As  an  example  of  a  community-par- 
ticipated and  community-sponsored 
recreational  activity,  the  Vochestra  has 
been  an  invaluable  asset  to  Auburn 
and  its  vicinity.  Strictly  a  non-profit 
organization,  the  band  and  chorus  give 
one  concert  a  year,  at  Christmas,  to 
pay  the  year's  expenses.  Other  con- 
certs are  presented  for  some  civic  en- 
terprise or  charity  and  are  usually 
sponsored  by  service  clubs  like  Ki- 
wanis,  Lions  or  Rotary  clubs.  These 
clubs  have  made  several  thousands  of 
dollars  for  Auburn  charities  with  the 


Vochestra's  help — not  to  mention  other 
thousands  made  outside  the  city. 
Money  isn't  everything,  though.  The 
pleasure  given  to  music  lovers  of  all 
types,  as  well  as  the  civic  pride  engen- 
dered by  the  Vochestra  can't  be  mea- 
sured in  dollars  and  cents.  The  idea 
seems  to  be  spreading,  too.  Several 
communities  in  the  country  have  writ- 
ten Mr.  Henderson  expressing  a  desire 
to  organize  similar  groups.  Fred  War- 
ing probably  paraphrased  this  interest 
best  in  a  letter  to  Harold  Henderson: 
"Since  music  is  a  universal  language 
not  restricted  to  any  race,  creed,  or 
profession  it's  always  gratifying  to  see 
a  group  of  music  lovers  coming  from 
every  walk  of  life  such  as  in  this  one. 
That's  American — and  a  wonderful  ac- 
complishment." 


Elsie  Rietzinger 


Oldsters 


Rummage 


in  Attics 


Mii-ir.il  KrouP  of  Three  Score  and  Ten  I'.lub 
found  old  ••mi...  for  the  exhibit.  Sonir  of 
the  inliTi-linjc  entries  are  shown  on  the  left. 


A  recent  project  of  the  "Three 
Score  and  Ten  Club,"  of  Norfolk,  Vir- 
ginia, was  a  hobby  and  craft  show  that 
was  "different."  Plans  for  the  display 
of  "old"  articles  sent  members  scurry- 
ing to  attic  trunks  to  dig  for  treasure. 
Excellent  exhibit  space  was  made  pos- 
sible and  exciting,  by  the  donation  of 
a  store  window  for  this  purpose  by  one 
of  the  largest  local  department  stores. 
Another  merchant  gave  two  trophies  to 
be  awarded  for  the  oldest  articles  actu- 
ally made  by  Hub  members. 

The  winning  articles  were  a  hand 
crocheted  baby  rap  made  by  the  rlul. 

MRS.   RIF.TZI.NCF.R   u   Program  Super- 
visor  of  Norfolk  Recreation  Bureau. 


mother  in  1891,  and  an  album  of  old 
postal  cards  started  in  1891.  Other 
articles  on  exhibit  were  a  figurine  from 
the  Campbell  family,  brought  to  this 
country  two  hundred  years  ago,  a 
Stradivarius  two  hundred  and  eighty 
years  old,  and  another  violin  made  by 
Rubes  of  Germany.  There  was  also:  a 
bathing  suit,  made  on  a  spinning  wheel 
and  dyed  with  walnut  stain  in  1868; 
many  crocheted  bed  spreads,  table  cov- 
ers, scarves;  old  guns,  one  of  which 
was  used  in  1812,  and  one  patented  in 
1R58;  and  valentines  sent  to  the  owner 
in  1883. 

The  club,  for  men  and  women  of 
sixty-five  years  and  over,  was  organ- 
ized in  1935  by  Mr.  S.  M.  Smith,  a  re- 


tired professor  of  Elon  College,  and  is 
co-sponsored  by  the  Norfolk  Recrea- 
tion Department  and  the  Park  Place 
Methodist  Church.  It  is  organized  with 
a  president,  vice-president,  secretary- 
treasurer,  chaplain,  hostess,  and  board 
of  directors,  and  has  a  weekly  attend- 
ance of  seventy-five.  Mrs.  Louise 
Cropsey  Chapman  is  the  only  living 
charter  member. 

Regular  weekly  meetings  are  sched- 
uled each  Wednesday  between  the 
hours  of  11  A.M.  and  2  P.M.  Other 
special  projects  have  included  a  Gay 
Nineties  Revue  and  a  demonstration 
drill  in  which  the  group  wore  colonial 
costume  and  were  led  by  an  eighty-two- 
year-old  lady  member. 


H8 


RECREATION 


Tom  King 


A  GREAT 

AMERICAN 

TEAM 


dictionary  definition  of  the  word  cooperation  is 
"work  or  act  together;"  but  in  Jacksonville,  Florida,  the 
definition  should  read,  "work,  act  or  play  together."  Here 
the  spirit  of  cooperation  between  the  recreation  depart- 
ment and  all  branches  of  the  navy  within  and  adjacent  to 
the  city  limits  is  cordial  and  beneficial  to  all  parties. 

The  city's  department  works,  acts  and  plays  harmoni- 
ously with  the  Navy  Recruiting  Station  in  the  Federal 
Building,  the  Naval  Reserve  Training  Center  located  in  the 
Armory  on  the  St.  John's  River,  the  Jacksonville  Naval  Air 
Station,  Cecil  Field  Naval  Air  Station  at  Mayport,  Flor- 
ida, Naval  Auxiliary  Air  Station,  Green  Cove  Springs 
Naval  Station,  Inactive  Fleet  at  Green  Cove  Springs  and 
navy  ships  of  all  types  that  dock  in  the  St.  John's  River. 
It  also  can  be  truthfully  said  that,  insofar  as  recreation  is 
concerned,  the  city  of  Jacksonville  does  not  make  a  dis- 
tinction between  navy  personnel  and  civilians. 

Day  after  day,  navy  men  and  women  are  seen  using  the 
many  facilities  and  areas  supervised  by  the  Jacksonville 
recreation  department  and  engaging  in  all  types  of  activi- 
ties promoted  by  the  department. 

A  resume  of  the  department's  softball  and  baseball  pro- 
gram, during  the  recently  concluded  1952  season,  illustrates 
this  spirit  of  cooperation.  The  department  sponsored  ten 
major  softball  leagues  and  one  major  baseball  league. 
Nine  navy  teams  participated  in  the  softball  competition 
and  two  navy  clubs  were  members  of  the  baseball  league. 

Among  the  nine  navy  softball  teams  were  three  champi- 
onship outfits.  Cecil  Field  triumphed  in  the  Men's  City 
League,  Naval  Reserve  scored  in  the  Independent  League 

MR.  KING  is  on  Jacksonville's  recreation  department  staff. 
FEBRUARY  1953 


Navy  men  and  a  civilian  get  together  for  informal  practice 
match.  L.  to  r.:  E.  L.  Lloyd,  veteran  Jacksonville  player, 
and  L.  Wilson,  D.  Williamson  and  B.  Sobieraj  of  the  navy. 


and  Jacksonville  Naval  Air  Station  Overhaul  and  Repair 
was  victorious  in  the  Metropolitan  League.  Jacksonville 
Naval  Air  Station  copped  the  pennant  in  the  City  Baseball 
League. 

A  neat  bit  of  cooperation  was  worked  out  in  the  City 
Baseball  League,  loop  games  being  played  on  one  of  the 
city's  diamonds  and  on  the  fields  at  Cecil  Field  and  Jack- 
sonville Naval  Air  Station.  All  of  the  softball  play  was  on 
city  owned  areas. 

Navy  teams  were  also  prominent  in  the  Florida  Amateur 
Softball  Association  Second  District  Tournament  and  the 
Duval  County  Softball  Tournament.  Cecil  Field  added  the 
county  title  to  its  City  League  championship. 

The  fall  season  included  three  navy  teams  in  the  Men's 
City  Volleyball  League,  and  one  Wave  team  in  the  Girls' 
City  Volleyball  League,  which  had  just  been  organized  by 
the  municipal  recreation  department. 

Also  during  this  past  summer,  a  well  balanced  team  from 
Jacksonville  Naval  Air  Station  was  crowned  champion  of 
the  annual  City  Swimming  and  Diving  Championships 
sponsored  and  conducted  by  the  Jacksonville  recreation 
department.  At  this  same  meet,  a  group  of  bluejackets 
from  Jacksonville  Naval  Air  Station  stole  the  hearts  of  the 
capacity  audience  with  a  great  exhibition  of  comic  diving. 

During  the  past  several  months,  two  athletes  from  Jack- 
sonville Naval  Air  Station,  Leon  Wilson,  ADC,  and  Ben 
Sobieraj,  AN,  have  played  prominent  roles  in  tennis  tour- 
naments sponsored  and  conducted  by  the  recreation  de- 
partment. Early  in  the  summer,  Sobieraj  won  the  men's 
singles  title  in  the  Duval  County  Tennis  Championships, 
and  in  September  he  went  to  the  finals  in  the  men's  singles 
division  of  the  City  Tennis  Championships  and  teamed 

529 


with  Wilson  to  gain  the  men's  doubles  diadem. 

The  Jacksonville  Golden  Gloves  Boxing  Tournament, 
staged  in  the  Gator  Bowl  last  winter,  was  practically  an 
all-service  event,  particularly  in  the  open  division.  In  this 
part  of  the  meet,  Jacksonville  Naval  Air  Station  had  three 
champions  and  two  runners-up.  Green  Cove  Springs  Sta- 
tion had  one  champion  and  three  runners-up.  The  long 
entry  list  from  the  navy  installations  was  mainly  respon- 
sible for  the  recreation  department's  permitting  white  and 
Negro  fighters  to  meet  in  the  same  ring  for  the  first  time 
in  Jacksonville  history. 

To  be  frank,  had  it  not  been  for  the  navy  and  other 

service  entries,  it  would  have  been  impossible  for  the  local 

recreation  department  to  have  had  a  worthwhile  open  divi- 

'  sion  and  to  send  a  representative  team  to  the  Golden  Gloves 


A I  Kogero.  rrprr-riil-  Vitul  |{«-«i-r\<-  Training  Outer,  to  re- 
I-I-IM-  trophy  of  rity  linl.-p<-ii(l<-nl  Softball  Ix-ugiu-  ehampioii- 
•liip.  <  li.irl.  -  Roger*,  supervisor  of  athletics,  makes  award. 


Vm.llnr    troplit     «<K-«    to    thr    Nu»»!     Tom    King.    left,    of    ril» 
ri-rri  .Hum   id  II.IIIMII  nl.   n»nril«  ihi     1').".^   I   il>    I!.-.  I., II    I  .  ,|«U4- 

rhmiii i-ln|.   I..   I  I.   <  iiulr.    K.   Donahue,  uperial   nrrtiri-   nlli 

i  IT.     <  i  ulrr.   K.    Meljiffrf.  ri»ilinn   who   munucril   tin-    Hii-r«. 

.:.. 


Championships  in  New  York  City. 

Yi\  y  personnel  quite  frequently  make  up  a  large  portion 
of  the  crowds  attending  recreation  department  sponsored 
fictits,  particularly  those  of  a  sports  nature.  At  most  of 
ihe  activities  sponsored  by  the  recreation  department  navy 
spectalors  are  admilled  free;  ihis  includes  admission  to  all 
of  the  major  Softball  and  baseball  games,  tennis  tourna- 
ments, swim  meels  and  Irack  meels. 

With  thousands  of  young  men  and  women  wearing  navy 
uniforms  stationed  in  and  around  Jacksonville  community, 
sports  are  greally  influenced  by  navy  athletes. 

The  fine  cooperation  exhibiled  between  the  Jacksonville 
recreation  department  and  Jacksonville  Naval  Air  Slalion 
is  exemplified  in  the  annual  Baseball  Training  Camp  for 
Boys.  Each  spring  this  event  attracts  hundreds  of  teen-age 
boys,  the  camp  being  held  at  the  Jacksonville  Naval  Air 
Station,  with  Mason  Baseball  Field  serving  as  the  hub  of 
activity.  The  Naval  Air  Station  supplies  the  field,  neces- 
sary equipment  such  as  ball  and  bats,  plans  and  conducts 
ihe  program,  furnishes  ihe  biggesl  part  of  the  coaching 
staff  and  arranges  transportation  to  and  from  the  station. 
The  recreation  department's  major  part  in  the  program  is 
to  sign  up  the  boys  for  the  school  on  the  public  play- 
grounds. 

The  recreation  department  and  the  various  branches  of 
the  navy  in  and  outside  the  city,  also  pull  together  in 
many  activities  other  than  sports.  Several  wearers  of  Uncle 
Sam's  blues,  both  men  and  women,  are  members  of  the 
Philharmonic  Symphony  Orchestra  which  is  sponsored  by 
the  department. 

One  of  the  civic  duties  assumed  by  members  of  the  activi- 
ties staff  of  the  department  is  the  task  of  conducting  pa- 
rades of  diversified  natures.  No  parade  is  complete  with- 
out a  navy  color  guard,  and  officials  of  the  recreation  de- 
partment are  always  assured  of  full  cooperation  from  the 
Navy  Recruiting  Station  across  the  street  in  the  Federal 
Building.  This  color  guard  also  officiates  at  big  football 
games  such  as  the  annual  Gator  Bowl  football  classic. 

Mechanically  inclined  sailors  oftimes  pursue  their  hob- 
hif-  by  joining  with  civilian  members  in  the  activities  of 
the  Jacksonville  Model  Airplane  Club  and  the  Jacksonville 
Miniature  Auto  Racing  Association,  both  affiliated  with  the 
Jacksonville  recreation  department. 

Navy  personnel  and  members  of  their  families  belong  to 
tin1  department's  Hobby  Club,  and  obtain  non-mechanical 
handicraft  instruction  in  the  classes  held  at  its  handicraft 
center,  Hobbyland. 

Children  of  navy  families  participate  in  the  city's  recrea- 
tion :n  ti\  it  Irs  in  many  ways.  They  enroll  in  tennis  clinics, 
|i.nticipate  in  midget  and  junior  swim  meets,  softball.  base- 
ball, basketball,  and  touch  football  leagues,  junior  tennis 
loin ii. miriil-  and  rlubs,  model  airplane  clubs  and  meets, 
-|M-I  i.il  programs  such  as  the  annual  observance  of  Joseph 
Ijce  Day,  kite  tournaments  and  all  of  the  other  events  of  the 
\\i-ll  rounded  program  conducted  by  the  department  Navy 
fliililn-n  may  be  found  every  day  playing  on  all  twenty-five 
of  tin-  >.II|M-I \i-.-il  playgrounds. 

The  Jacksonville  recreation  department  and  the  navy  are 
one-  fur  all  and  all  for  one — a  great  American  team! 

KK<  RKATION 


the  Administrator 


Goals  for  the  Modern  City 

At  the  1951  National  Conference  on  Government,  Mr. 
Henry  Bruere,  currently  president  of  the  National  Mu- 
nicipal League,  made  an  address  entitled  "Goals  for  the 
Modern  City,"  according  to  an  article  in  the  National 
Municipal  Review.  A  number  of  his  statements  are  of 
vital  interest  to  the  recreation  field: 

"The  great  American  need  is  for  intelligence,  courage 
and  care  in  developing  practical  but  bold  programs  for 
the  betterment  of  municipal  conditions.  We  have  raised 
our  standards  of  living  and  our  expectations  from  life 
but  we  have  not  put  our  minds  to  designing  and  manag- 
ing our  communities  so  as  to  help  us  fulfill  these  expec- 
tations. 

"During  the  past  two  decades  in  England,  government 
officials,  guided  by  special  commissions  and  expert  stud- 
ies, have  had  the  courage  to  look  at  the  problem  of  re- 
modeling the  out-moded  city  not  as  a  hopeless  set  of  in- 
surmountable difficulties  but  as  an  urgent  task,  prerequi- 
site to  healthy  and,  I  may  add  with  underscoring,  plea- 
sant living.  I  have  recently  had  an  opportunity  to  study 
these  plans  and  the  resultant  programs  and  I  found  them 
eminently  worth  while  for  Americans  to  examine.  To 
those  Britishers  who  have  taken  a  long  and  critical  look 
at  their  country's  urban  conditions,  it  is  obvious  that 
modern  traffic  must  be  provided  for,  that  recreation  is 
essential  to  well-being,  that  access  to  the  countryside  is, 
for  a  Britisher  at  least,  a  fundamental  need,  that  decent 
housing,  attractive  schools,  playfields,  transportation,  easy 
access  to  work,  are  all  indispensable  to  what  we  call  the 
American,  and  they  the  British,  way  of  life." 

In  commenting  on  developments  in  Great  Britain  he 
stated,  "What  I  found  most  significant  was  the  purpose  to 
deal  with  housing  and  other  urban  redevelopment  as  a 
project  in  building  pleasant  livable  communities  with  an 
adequate  supply  of  what  the  British  call  the  amenities. 
They  have  taken  a  good  long  look  at  their  cities  and  have 
decided  to  change  things  for  the  better." 

"I  come  back  to  my  original  point.  The  essential  thing 
about  the  city  is  its  character  —  how  people  live  in  it,  how 
they  work  in  it  and  how  they  can  bring  up  their  children 
in  it.  The  city  should  not  be  centrifugal,  scattering  its 
people  over  long  stretches  of  suburban  territory.  It  should 
be  livable  and  controlled  in  the  interest  of  good  living. 
How  to  do  this?  I  do  not  know  but  I  stand  on  the  propo- 
sition that  a  way  will  be  found  if  there  is  adequate  study 
given  to  the  matter." 


Department  Adopts  Policy  on  Personal  Expenses 

The  board  of  directors  of  the  Chambersburg,  Pennsyl- 
vania, recreation  department  has  authorized  that  the  su- 
perintendent of  recreation  be  reimbursed  for  personal  ex- 
penditures incurred  in  connection  with  his  official  duties, 
and  an  item  of  four  hundred  dollars  was  approved  in  the 
department's  budget  for  1952.  Expenses  for  the  use  of 
the  superintendent's  private  car  and  for  meals  and  lodging 
while  on  official  business  are  accepted  as  personal  expenses 
and  are  subject  to  reimbursement.  Official  business  is  de- 
fined as  any  and  all  business  expected  of  the  superintendent 
while  discharging  the  duties  of  his  office,  or  representing 
the  department  of  recreation,  or  accepting  an  invitation 
to  appear  on  conference  programs  —  previously  approved 
by  the  board  of  directors  of  the  department.  The  scale  of 
reimbursement  is  as  follows: 

1.  Use  of  private  automobile  —  $.08  per  mile. 

2.  Meals  —  $.75  for  breakfast  maximum;  $1.25  for  lunch 
maximum;  $1.75  for  dinner  maximum. 

3.  Lodging  —  $4.50  per  night  maximum. 

4.  Gratuities  —  not  to  exceed  ten  per  cent  of  lodging  or 
meals  expenses. 

5.  Miscellaneous  —  not  to  exceed  $1.00  per  day,  provided 
the  expense  report  carries  an  itemized  list  of  miscellaneous 
expenses. 

A  monthly  form  for  recording  expenses  has  been  ap- 
proved and  is  submitted  at  the  end  of  each  month  by  the 
superintendent.  The  need  for  incurring  expenses  for  meals 
and  lodging  must  appear  on  an  accompanying  page,  and 
receipted  bills  for  lodging  must  accompany  the  report.  The 
superintendent  must  seek,  in  advance,  approval  from  the 
board  of  directors  for  any  expenses  anticipated  while  ab- 
sent from  his  office  for  two  working  days  or  more. 

Rest  Rooms  with  Pay  Toilets 

The  department  of  recreation  and  parks  of  Los  An- 
geles has  entered  into  a  contract  with  a  company  for  the 
installation  of  coin  locks  on  part  of  the  doors  in  rest  rooms 
at  certain  facilities.  The  person  in  charge  of  the  facility 
is  responsible  for  the  collection  of  the  money  and  for 
turning  it  in  to  the  department  cashier.  Special  report 
forms  are  submitted  in  duplicate  each  week,  and  on  the 
last  day  of  each  month,  by  the  company  making  the  in- 
stallation. After  the  cost  of  installing  the  doors  has  been 
collected,  the  money  is  to  be  divided  on  a  seventy-thirty 
basis.  The  seventy  per  cent  will  be  the  department's  share 
and  the  thirty  per  cent  is  paid  to  the  company. 


FEBRUARY  1953 


531 


PRACTICAL  Music 


TJ  radical  music  is  not  as  cold  and  unimaginative  as  it 
•••  sounds.  Some  of  the  greatest  musicians  of  the  past  were 
practical  musicians.  Bach  wrote  his  great  organ  music  as 
practical  music.  It  was  the  style  of  his  day  to  write  fugues, 
so  he  gave  his  listeners  what  they  wanted.  Mozart  wrote 
operas  for  the  theater  on  order.  These  operas  played  hun- 
dreds of  performances  before  their  runs  were  over.  Haydn 
wrote  his  one  hundred  and  four  symphonies  for  the  salary 
he  received  from  his  royal  sponsor.  Verdi  wrote  for  the 
theater  of  his  day  as  a  practical  composer.  His  great  opera 
A  iila  was  written  to  order  for  an  agreed  upon  amount  of 
money.  We  could  go  on  indefinitely  citing  examples  of 
great  composers  who  worked  within  a  practical  frame  but 
who  composed  beautiful  music  even  though  restricted  to  a 
set  formula. 

To  me,  "practical  music"  ia  music  which  fills  a  definite 
need.  Impractical  music  is  music  for  which  there  is  no 
general  craving  or  need. 

Music  is  an  exact  science.  Mathematics  play  a  very  de- 
cisive role  in  its  creation  as  well  as  its  performance.  How- 
ever, the  fugitive  character  of  a  performance  adds  an  ele- 
ment which  does  not  exist  in  most  other  art  forms.  This 
characteristic  has  proven  to  be  an  economic  handicap  in 
some  cases  and  a  benefit  in  others.  A  performer  can  sing 
or  play  the  same  material  again  and  again  and  reap  rich 
rewards  if  his  performance  pleases  his  audiences.  Although 
recording  devices  have  captured  a  part  of  this  elusive  char- 

Th«-  Doctor'*  OrrhcMral  Society  of  New  York  is  an  example 
of  prnrliral  niunir  in  that  it  Nil-  a  need.  I  .  to  r. :  Doctors 
S.  Bobbin*,  C.  Gottlieb  and  S.  Gardner,  all  society  members. 


Mr.  linrlini .  musical  director  of  the  NBC  "Firestone 
Hour"  presented  this  address  at  a  state  convention 
of  the  Ohio  Music  Education  Association. 


Howard  Barlow 


acteristic,  they  can  never  equal  the  "live"  performance. 
This  is  owing  to  the  fact,  first,  that  no  mechanical  device 
has  yet  been  discovered  which  is  as  sensitive  as  the  human 
ear,  and,  secondly,  the  visual  stimulus  or  personality  of  the 
performer  cannot  be  captured. 

Once  in  a  generation  the  world  produces  a  Haydn,  a 
Mozart,  a  Beethoven,  a  Liszt,  a  Berlioz,  a  Wagner,  a 
Brahms,  a  Joachim,  a  Kreisler,  a  Heifetz.  Out  of  all  the 
millions  of  Occidentals  of  the  past  generation,  one  great 
conductor  emerged — Arturo  Toscanini.  In  the  generation 
before  him  came  Weingartner,  before  him  Richter,  before 
him  Von  Bulow,  and  of  course  Wagner.  Great  singers  are 
more  plentiful.  Usually  they  are  not  profound  musicians 
and  in  some  cases  are  deplorably  ignorant  of  the  funda- 
mentals of  music. 

With  the  odds  so  heavily  against  your  community  pro- 
ducing a  musician  who  will  win  world-wide  acclaim,  it 
seems  to  me  far  better  to  try  to  cultivate  a  love  for  and 
understanding  of  music  than  to  try  to  find  and  train  great 
talents.  By  all  means,  do  not  stop  looking  for  great  talents 
and  training  them  if  you  find  them,  but  do  not  be  disap- 
pointed if  you  do  not  find  any. 

I  believe  that  the  most  practical  way  to  serve  the  cause 
of  music  is  to  make  music.  I  mean  ensemble  playing — the 
forming  of  groups  who  make  music  together  because  they 
love  music,  or  because  they  want  to  earn  a  livelihood. 
I  lirsn  groups  can  be  all  professional.  As  I  understand  it. 
the  amateur  musician  is  one  who  performs  or  composes 
music  for  the  pleasure  he  derives  from  his  efforts.  The  pro- 
fessional musician,  while  he  may  also  derive  pleasure  from 
labors,  makes  his  living  thereby.  There  is  nothing  wrong 
in  either  case.  In  many  instance*,  the  so-called  "amateur" 
is  more  highly  proficient  than  the  professional. 

I  wish  that  there  were  more  amateurs  in  music  because 
it  is  the  amateur  who  keeps  the  desire  for  better  music 
growing.  The  amateur  can  afford  to  be  an  idealist — while, 
all  too  often,  the  professional  cannot.  The  amateur  musi- 

RECREATION 


The  symphony  orchestra  of  the  Dow  Chemical  Company  is  an  outstanding,  non-professional  group 
which  brings  a  wealth  of  orchestral  music  to  the  community.    Above,  guest  soloist  Ruth  Freeman. 


cian  is  the  only  one  who  can  enjoy  "art  for  art's  sake" — 
such  a  thing  does  not  exist  in  professional  music. 

Community  Orchestras 

In  smaller  towns  and  cities  I  believe  that  the  professional 
musician  does  not  have  a  very  easy  time  of  it.  He  loves 
music  and  enjoys  making  it.  However,  his  economic  situa- 
tion does  not  allow  him  to  devote  his  entire  time  to  it. 
Consequently,  he  has  to  find  other  employment  to  provide 
the  major  portion  of  his  income.  This  condition  does  not 
allow  him  to  practice  sufficiently  and  he  can  seldom  pro- 
gress much  further  than  his  initial  talent.  However,  when 
a  group  of  these  men  and  women  get  together  and  form  a 
symphony  orchestra,  it  is  not  only  commendable  but  de- 
serves the  greatest  possible  support  of  the  local  community. 
The  music  they  make  may  not  be  as  beautiful  as  that  made 
by  a  great  symphony  orchestra  of  one  of  our  large  cities, 
but  that  is  of  little  consequence.  The  important  fact  is  that 
they  have  organized  an  orchestra  and  play  symphonic  mu- 
sic. If  you  try  to  organize  an  orchestra,  do  not  be  dis- 
couraged if  it  is  difficult.  It  does  not  matter  if  you  have 
only  two  horns  instead  of  four,  or  if  you  have  no  basses  at 
all.  You  can  procure  reduced  orchestrations  where  the 
piano  fills  in  for  the  missing  parts.  Use  four  pianos  if  you 
want  to.  Every  publishing  house  sells  such  orchestrations 
for  very  moderate  prices.  These  orchestrations  are  another 
example  of  practical  music.  Do  not  be  discouraged. 

The  professional  musicians  in  our  largest  cities  are  the 
most  proficient  in  the  world.  This  applies  principally  to 
New  York  and  Hollywood  because  those  two  cities  are 
where  the  most  money  can  be  made.  In  Hollywood,  it  is 
the  moving  picture  industry.  In  New  York,  it  is  radio, 
opera,  symphony,  motion  pictures  and  now  television. 
Sooner  or  later,  nearly  every  professional  musician  in  the 
smaller  communities  tries  out  one  of  the  large  cities.  If  he 
succeeds  in,  let  us  say,  Cleveland,  he  may  then  try  New 
York.  And  here  is  where  he  finds  real  competition.  The 


New  York  union,  Local  802,  has  some  twenty  thousand 
members — of  these,  only  about  four  or  five  thousand  are 
employed  more  or  less  regularly. 

Sooner  or  later  the  local  orchestra  which  you  have  or- 
ganized will  progress  to  the  point  where  you  will  need  out- 
side players  to  satisfy  the  demands  of  your  audiences. 
Then  is  when  you  come  to  New  York  to  get  your  players. 
New  York  contains  a  reservoir  of  players  which  supplies 
practically  every  major  symphony  orchestra  with  some  of 
its  finest  players.  Before  I  became  the  conductor  of  the 
Firestone  orchestra,  I  travelled  all  over  this  country  and 
Canada  as  guest  conductor  for  the  major  symphonies.  In 
nearly  every  city  I  would  meet  one  or  more  players  whom 
I  had  known  in  New  York. 

Subsidies 

As  your  local  orchestra  grows  and  raises  its  standard  of 
performance,  you  will  find  that  you  need  more  money  to 
keep  yourselves  going.  Everything  costs  money — programs, 
rehearsal  halls,  performance  halls,  advertising,  soloists. 
Here  is  where  the  insidious  and  sinister  word  "subsidy" 
comes  in.  Subsidy  is  dangerous  because  it  tends  to  pauper- 
ize the  recipients  and  give  the  control  of  the  organization 
to  the  subsidisor.  If  your  benefactor  is  a  wise  and  under- 
standing person  who  loves  music  and  is  willing  to  help 
you  without  interfering  with  the  artistic  side  of  the  orches- 
tra, you  are  very  fortunate.  Such  a  benefactor  is  difficult 
to  find.  Before  you  accept  a  subsidy,  I  would  exhaust 
every  other  possible  source  of  income. 

In  Buffalo,  New  York,  the  orchestra  plays  Saturday 
night  "pop"  concerts.  At  these  concerts,  the  audience  is 
served  light  drinks  and  the  orchestra  plays  for  dancing 
after  the  concert.  They  make  money  this  way  to  help  pay 
for  the  more  serious  concerts  of  the  symphony  series.  Play 
whenever  and  wherever  you  can  for  a  profit  if  you  need  to 


Reprinted  from  the  Music  Educators  Journal,  January  1952. 


FEBRUARY  1953 


533 


finance  a  deficit  on  your  more  serious  series.  If  you  find 
that  your  original  and  local  conductor  is  not  adequate  to 
your  growing  needs,  go  to  one  of  our  great  conservatories 
and  take  a  young  man  of  talent  who  is  willing  to  come  to 
your  city  and  become  a  part  of  the  community.  Do  not 
take  a  man  who  thinks  he  is  ready  to  conduct  the  New 
York  Philharmonic — whose  ideas  are  too  big  for  his  capa- 
bilities. Take  one  who  is  willing  to  accept  the  challenge 
of  making  a  success  of  a  small  town  orchestra. 

To  go  back  to  the  subject  of  subsidy  again.  If  you  can- 
not find  a  way  of  making  your  orchestra  self-supporting 
and  are  forced  to  accept  a  subsidy,  try  to  get  a  large  num- 
ber of  small  donations  instead  of  one  or  two  large  ones. 
Keep  the  costs  of  your  performances  down.  Use  local  solo- 
ists as  much  as  you  can  until  they  cease  to  draw  houses 
for  you.  When  you  are  forced  to  use  so-called  "name  solo- 
ists," buy  names  who  will  draw  their  fee  at  the  box  office. 
One  of  my  best  friends  in  the  concert  business  had  a  hard 
and  fast  rule.  If,  when  he  sang  a  concert  on  a  fee  basis,  he 
did  not  draw  his  fee  at  the  box  office,  he  returned  his  check 
to  the  local  manager  who  would  otherwise  have  lost  money 
on  his  concert.  You  can  understand  why  this  singer  was 
always  in  demand  until  the  day  he  retired.  There  are  still 
a  few  such  soloists  around. 

With  radio  and  television  bringing  fine  artists  into  your 
living  room  each  week,  you  can  easily  choose  your  artists 
yourselves.  Extravagant  claims  of  managers  and  paid  ad- 
vertising should  no  longer  sway  you.  You  can  now  hold 
your  auditions  in  your  own  living  room. 

Critics 

Now  a  word  about  the  critical  profession  and  your  local 
newspaper.  Anyone  who  embarks  on  a  performing  career 
must  face  the  possibility  of  adverse  criticism.  He  must  be 
prepared  to  go  right  ahead  regardless  of  what  the  press 
may  say  about  his  performance.  You  must  remember  that 
your  press  criticisms  reflect  the  opinion  of  only  one  person 
in  the  audience.  The  fact  that  he  has  the  power  to  print 
what  he  thinks  is  beyond  your  control.  I  cannot  under- 
stand the  process  of  thinking  of  a  person  who  makes  his 


living  by  writing  about  music  in  a  community,  and  then, 
by  criticisms,  kills  the  music  he  is  writing  about.  Enlist 
your  local  scribe  in  your  project.  Engage  him  to  writr 
your  program  notes — elect  the  editor  of  your  local  paper  to 
your  executive  board.  Make  it  one  big  "team  for  music." 

The  Composer 

The  most  impractical  of  all  musicians  is  the  composer. 
He  has  always  been  that  way.  I  fear  he  will  remain  so. 
A  composer  feeds  upon  his  inner  self.  He  is  by  nature  sub- 
jective. He  does  not  know  where  his  ideas  come  from. 
The  great  majority  of  these  people  slave  their  lives  away 
writing  music  which  will  never  be  performed.  This  is 
largely  their  own  fault.  To  be  a  successful  composer,  you 
must  have  a  dual  personality. 

Only  in  the  popular  field  are  the  composers  repaid  for 
their  efforts.  And,  strangely  enough,  when  "Romeo  and 
Juliet"  by  Tsc-haikowsky  becomes  "Our  Love"  in  the  popu- 
lar field,  "Romeo  and  Juliet"  becomes  a  sell-out  on  rec- 
ords. When  the  first  movement  of  Tschaikowsky's  piano 
concerto  became  "Tonight  We  Love" — the  concerto  under- 
went a  new  revival  in  concert  popularity.  The  thievery  of 
ideas  employed,  unashamedly,  by  Tin  Pan  Alley  composers 
is  breathtaking  in  its  bold-faced  knavery.  I  am  speechless 
when  confronted  by  one  of  these  burglars — and  yet.  it  is  a 
blessing  in  disguise  because  I  know  that  as  soon  as  the 
stolen  property  has  become  popular  as  a  song,  I  can  play 
it  in  its  original  form  as  the  thieves  will  have  taught  the 
melody  to  the  general  public.  Nothing  can  be  done  to  stop 
this.  The  copyright  law  says  such  a  practice  is  not  illegal. 

I  am  told  that  the  big  name  dance  band  business  is  con- 
trolled by  several  agencies.  Their  method  of  operation  is 
quite  simple.  They  find  a  ni'-e  looking  boy  playing  in  a 
dance  band  and  put  him  under  contract  at  a  figure  which  is 
so  much  more  than  the  amount  he  is  earning  as  a  player, 
that  he  is  glad  to  sign  a  long-term  agreement.  Then  they 
recruit  for  him  a  dance  band  of  his  own.  They  hire  ar- 
rangers, pick  the  tunes  to  be  played.  If  the  band  catches 
the  public's  fancy  another  name  band  is  launched  but  it  is 
very  largely  controlled  by  the  agency. 


the  Support   <»!'  \Voill4MI 

A  full-page  advertisement,  recently  sponsored  by  the  Woman's  Home  Com- 
panion, referred  to  the  women's  club  program  which  the  magazine  had  prepared 
relating  to  the  article  entitled,  "Rut  Suppose  She  Falls!"  This  article,  which 
appeared  in  an  early  1952  issue,  attacked  boards  of  education  for  surfacing  their 
playgrounds  with  black-top.  According  to  the  advertisement.  27<>  wntncn  -  cluli- 
have  presented  the  surfacing  program,  and  89  clubs  have  voted  to  make  safe 
-iirfin  iiiL-  for  playgrounds  a  club  project. 

The  magazine  undoubtedly  performed  a  scr\  ice  in  stimulating  an  interest  on 
the  part  of  the  women's  organizations  in  thr  condition  of  their  playground. 
Local  i' •  M  .limn  authorities  may  well  i.ik.  adxanlage  of  tin-  interest  in  enlisting 
support  for  a  program  of  play  ground  improvement-.  It  is  unfortunale.  how- 
I-MT.  that  in  thr  program  material  issued  for  use  by  the  women's  clubs,  stati-ii'  - 
on  school  playground  accidents  were  included  which  indicate  a  much  larger 
\.ilumi-  of  a"  idcMi*  than  have  been  reported  1>\  the  school  authorities  in  tin- 
cities  cited  in  thr  program. 


V.I 


RECREATION 


People 


Events 


•  I.   Robert   M.    Shultz,   superintendent   of   recreation   in 
Bridgeport.  Connecticut,  has  been  granted  a  three-months 
leave  of  absence  to  assist  in  establishing  a  democratic  youth 
program  in  Germany.   Under  the  sponsorship  of  the  U.  S. 
International  Administration  of  the   Department  of  State, 
he  has  been  assigned  to  Munich,  where  his  job  will  be 
that  of  a  consultant  and  advisor  to  the  youth  program.   He 
will  conduct  surveys  and  assist  in  designing  facilities,  pro- 
gram planning  and   financing,   and  the   recruitment   and 
training  of  leaders.    Mr.  Shultz  is  the  third  New  England 
person  who  has  been  selected  for  this  type  of  work. 

•  Carl   Bozenski,    program    director   for   the   Torrington, 
Connecticut,    recreation    department    was    interviewed    by 
Mary  Margaret  McBride  on  her  radio  program  recently. 
Carl   told   about   Torrington's   famous   Christmas   Village 
(RECREATION,  November  1949),  Hallowe'en  week  festivities 
(RECREATION,  September  1952).  special  activities  conduc- 
ted during  Public  Founders'  and  Donors'  Week  in  memory 
of  Joseph  Lee  and  others,  and  several  of  the  other  events 
during  the  year  for  which  Torrington  is  so  renowned. 

•  The  retirement  of  Jerome  C.  Dretzka,  executive  secretary 
of  the  Milwaukee  (Wisconsin)   County  Park  Commission, 
has  been  announced.    Mr.  Dretzka,  who  has  reached  the 
mandatory  retirement  age  of  seventy  years,  has  been  in  the 
park  service  for  more  than  thirty  years  and  is  recognized 
as  one  of  the  leaders  in  that  field.    His  successor,  as  gen- 
eral manager,  is  Alfred  L.  Boerner. 

•  Julian  Smith  of  the  State  Department  of  Public  Instruc- 
tion, Lansing,  Michigan,  has  succeeded  Arthur  C.  Elmer, 
chief  of  the  Parks  and  Recreation  Division,  Department  of 
Conservation,  as  the  chairman  of  the  Michigan  State  Inter- 
Agency  Council  on  Recreation. 

•  Edward  McGowan,  director  of  recreation  in  Detroit,  is 
the  1953  president  of  the  Michigan  Recreation  Association. 
Other  officers  are:  Chase  Hammond,  Muskegon,  first  vice- 
president;  Malcolm  Elliott,  Saginaw.  second  vice-president; 
Lina  Tyler,  Flint,  third  vice-president;  Harry  Burns,  Grand 
Rapids,  secretary;  and  Ross  Kressler,  Ypsilanti,  treasurer. 
Harold  Manchester,  Dearborn,  is  the  retiring  president. 

Bret  McGinnis  Day 

By  mayoral  proclamation  a  special  day  was  set  aside,  in 
Neosho,  Missouri,  to  give  recognition  to  a  local  recreation 
director  who  has  done  an  outstanding  job.  Bret  McGinnis 
was  the  man  so  honored.  On  "Bret  McGinnis  Day,"  people 
of  the  community  and  civic  organizations  all  joined  in 
paying  tribute  to  this  man  who,  through  his  untiring  efforts, 


contributed  so  much  to  the  welfare  and  recreation  activities 
of  his  community. 

Our  Northern  Neighbors 

•  J.   K.   Tett,    director    of   the    Community   Programmes 
Branch  of  the  Ontario,  Canada,  Department  of  Education,  . 
is  on  a  leave  of  absence  from  that  position,  for  a  period  of 
two  years,  for  special  duty  establishing  recreation  welfare 
services  with  the  Royal  Canadian  Air  Force.    Wing  Com- 
mander Tett  was  awarded  the  D.F.C.  while  serving  as  a 
pilot  with  the  R.A.F.  Bomber  Command.    During  his  ab- 
sence, K.   L.  Young   will   be  the   acting   director   of  the 
Programmes  Branch. 

•  Dr.  Doris  W.  Plewes  has  resigned  from  her  position  as 
assistant  director  of  the  Physical  Fitness  Division,  Depart- 
ment of  National  Health  and  Welfare,  Canada. 

Recent  Appointments 

Appointed  to  positions  as  superintendents  or  directors  of 
parks  and  recreation  departments  are:  G.  R.  Felton,  Jr., 
Texarkana,  Texas;  Joseph  G.  Renaud,  Oceanside,  Califor- 
nia; and  George  Cammack,  Phenix  City,  Alabama. 

New  recreation  superintendents  and  directors  include: 
Willis  Baker,  Lincoln,  Illinois;  Stuart  P.  Brewbaker,  Lex- 
ington, Virginia;  Fred  Erdhaus,  Beverly  Hills,  California; 
James  E.  Fearon,  Chatham,  New  York;  G.  Fletcher,  Ports- 
mouth, Virginia;  George  Gentry,  Griffin,  Georgia;  Robert 
E.  Kresge,  Charleston,  West  Virginia;  Russell  Rolandson, 
Alexandria,  Minnesota;  David  Russell,  Martinsville,  Vir- 
ginia ;  W.  H.  Wallace,  Hanford,  California ;  and  Bill  Woods, 
Clinton,  Tennessee. 

Other  recent  appointees  are:  Audrey  A.  Cooper,  Recrea- 
tional Therapist,  Maryland  State  Training  School,  Owings 
Mills,  Maryland;  Marjorie  Glass,  Recreation  Center  Super- 
visor, Salinas,  California;  Milton  Hagen,  Community  Cen- 
ter Director,  Kansas  City,  Missouri;  and  Francis  W.  Hart- 
zell,  Director  of  Pilot  Program,  Kansas  City,  Missouri. 

Britton  F.  Boughner 

Flags  in  Wellesley,  Massachusetts,  were  lowered  to  half- 
mast  in  mourning  for  Britton  F.  Boughner,  superintendent 
of  the  Park  and  Recreation  Commission,  who  died  sud- 
denly in  December  of  a  heart  attack. 

During  his  years  as  superintendent,  Mr.  Boughner,  in- 
augurated a  wide  variety  of  recreation  facilities  and  activi- 
ties in  his  community — activities  for  people  of  all  ages, 
all  interests.  He  was  instrumental  in  arranging  community- 
wide  programs  and  musical  organizations,  supervised  play- 
grounds and  playfields,  classes  in  crafts,  sports,  drama  and 
dancing. 

He  was  a  member  of  the  New  England  District  Advisory 
Committee  of  the  National  Recreation  Association,  presi- 
dent of  the  Eastern  Massachusetts  Recreation  Association, 
member  of  the  American  Recreation  Society,  and  of  several 
other  professional  groups. 

The  untimely  passing  of  this  young  executive,  who  was 
forty-eight  years  old,  has  caused  great  sorrow  among  his 
multitude  of  friends. 


FEBRUARY  1953 


535 


•>i|imr<-  dancing  has  become  a  popular  rcrrenlion  acli>ily  in 
Japan.  Here  purliripiinl->  demonstrate  their  uileplnen*.  a»  part 
of  the  program,  during  the-  "Welcome"  party  held  at  Mara. 


LR  TRIP  to  Japan  was  fabulous.  We  arrived  on  Sunday, 
August  10,  at  five  o'clock  in  the  morning,  and  were 
met  at  the  airport  by  a  delegation  of  important  leaders. 
His  Royal  Highness  the  Prince  of  Mikasa.  the  Emperor's 
youngest  brother,  drove  fifty  miles  from  his  summer  home 
to  greet  us  personally.  A  press  conference  at  the  Imperial 
Hotel  announced  to  the  nation  our  recreation  mission. 

We  left  Tokyo  the  next  morning  and  started  on  one  of 
the  most  strenuous  and  most  rewarding  assignments  I 
have  ever  undertaken.  We  spent  thirty-nine  days  and 
nights  packed  full  of  activities,  in  twenty-five  prefectures 
or  states. 

Before  we  left  Tokyo,  the  Prince  of  Mikasa  entertained 
us  at  Korinka-Ku,  the  home  of  his  elder  brother,  Prince 
Takamatsu.  In  addition  to  the  royal  brothers  and  their 
princesses,  several  Japanese  cabinet  members,  our  own 
Ambassador  Murphy  and  his  family,  representatives  of 
the  Army,  board  members  of  the  Japanese  NRA,  chief 
executives  of  radio  and  press  associations,  and  others  were 
among  the  guests  to  start  off  our  recreation  mission. 

We  were  accompanied  constantly  by  committees  repre- 
senting the  national  association,  and,  in  each  state,  by 

MR.  RIVERS,  Assistant  Executive  Director  of  the  National 
Recreation  Association,  is  also  secretary  of  the  National 
Music  Week  Committee.  For  many  years  he  has  been  the 
secretary  of  the  National  Recreation  Congress  Committee. 


Mr.  Riter«.  with  llir  uirl  of  iiilrrprrlrr. 
MINI,  lii  Koba,  (poke  in  l.i  li.ill  of  rerrr- 
.n. in  to  inaiiv  m. I--  in.  ilinit-  during 
In-  l..irii-i-.i  mini:  lour  of  tin-  Kiiiiiiiiiioli.. 
k-ii.hu,  arm  with  lli«-  I'riiirr  of  Mikii-n. 


iinl  enjntnblr 
nine  MH«  «|n-nl  al  a  tvpiral  Ju|»aiu-«r  fiim- 
II*  "at  homr"  iliiuirr  part*  with  ^..i.ln 
Sailo,  |.r.  -i'l.  MI  of  Japan'*  MI  V  ami  lu- 
rhilflrrn  and  kimonn-rlud  gr:indrhildrrn. 


Part  III — Mission  to  Japan 


t 


representatives  of  the  governor,  the  mayor,  and  various 
ministries  related  to  recreation. 

The  pattern  generally  was  the  same.  Upon  arrival  in  a 
town,  we  were  met  by  officials,  had  press  interviews,  con- 
ferred with  selected  groups  of  leaders,  made  one  or  more 
public  addresses,  distributed  literature,  showed  the  motion 
picture  film,  A  Chance  to  Play,  visited  recreation  facilities, 
and  had  a  series  of  individual  conferences.  This  went  on, 
literally,  throughout  our  stay  in  Japan. 

While  in  Japan  we  gave  considerable  attention  to  the 
problem  of  recreation  for  our  military  personnel  on  leave. 
In  addition  to  touring  throughout  Japan,  we  attended  the 
National  Recreation  Congress  in  Kumamoto.  It  was  very 
impressive,  and  showed  a  vitality  and  a  purposefulness 
that  augurs  well  for  recreation  in  Japan. 

Sixteen  hundred  delegates  from  outside  of  the  state 
attended.  Another  2,500  within  Kumamoto  and  surrounding 
cities  made  a  total  of  about  4,000  participants.  They  had 
general  sessions,  discussion  meetings  and  exhibits;  and 
many  of  their  topics  were  similar  to  ours.  Square  dancing 
filled  the  roped-off  streets  and  vacant  lots  in  various  parts 
of  Kumamoto.  Speaking  at  a  general  session  in  a  packed 
auditorium,  I  extended  the  greetings  of  American  recrea- 
tion leaders,  explained  our  own  recreation  movement  fully, 
its  values  and  relationship  to  citizenship  in  a  democracy, 
gave  in  detail  the  organization  and  services  of  our  NRA, 
and  offered  our  cooperation  and  good  will. 

We  awarded,  in  behalf  of  the  National  Recreation  Asso- 
ciation of  the  U.  S.  A.,  a  special  medal  to  the  Prince  of 
Mikasa  and  to  fifteen  other  Japanese  leaders  who  had 
helped  in  building  the  national  recreation  movement  in 
Japan.  Those  receiving  the  medals  and  citation  were: 


His  Highness  Prince  of  Mikasa 

Mr.  Soichi  Saito 

Mr.  Shunzo  Yoshisaka 

Mr.  Yoshihiko  Kurimoto 

Mr.  Masayuke  Asakura 

Mr.  Masazo  Ikeda 

Mr.  Eiichi  Isomura 

Mr.  Kenkichi  Oshima 


Mr.  Shinichi  Sato 
Mr.  Yoshiteru  Shiratori 
Mr.  Genzaburo  Shirayama 
Mr.  Taisuke  Nishida 
Mr.  Jinzaburo  Fukuyama 
Mr.  Tatsuro  Misumi 
Mr.  Akira  Miyama 
Mr.  Toru  Yanagita 


The  Japan  recreation  mission  was  an  excellent 
example  of  a  cooperative  approach  to  a  fundamental 
problem — leisure  time  and  its  constructive  use.  Pri- 
vately supported  agencies  on  both  sides  of  the  Pacific 
shared  in  the  planning  and  execution,  and  are  now 
following-up  the  findings.  This  project  had  the  ap- 
proval of  both  the  American  and  Japanese  governments 
though  it  was  a  non-governmental  mission. 

In  preparation  for  our  trip,  the  interest  of  organiza- 
tions and  individuals  was  enlisted  in  the  project,  their 
cooperation  and  support  secured,  and  funds  raised  to 
finance  America's  part  of  the  project.  In  Japan,  the 
Japanese  NRA  planned  and  financed  a  nation-wide 
tour  which  made  it  possible  to  present  our  message  of 
good  will  and  cooperation  to  the  Japanese  people. 


On  one  side  of  this  medallion  appears  in  relief  a  group 
of  hurdlers  fashioned  by  Tail  McKenzie,  one  of  America's 
great  sculptors  of  youth.  It  is  called  The  Joy  of  Effort. 


It  is  symbolic  of  the  joyous  vitality  of  the  recreation  move- 

ment, not  only  in  its  physical  aspects,  but  in  all  of  the 

varied  activities  which  make  up  the  recreation  program. 

On  the  other  side  appears  the  following  inscription: 

For  enriching  the  human  spirit  through  recreation. 
National  Recreation  Association,  U.S.A. 

With  the  medallion  was  presented  a  certificate,  signed  by 
Otto  T.  Mallery,  Chairman  of  the  Board  of  Directors,  and 
Joseph  Prendergast,  Executive  Director  of  the  National 
Recreation  Association  of  America,  which  stated,  in  part: 

"The  National  Recreation  Association  is  proud  of  what 
its  services  have  meant  to  America,  and  believes  that  its 
proper  counterpart  in  other  nations  can  contribute  greatly 
to  the  enrichment  of  life  for  their  people.  It  is  our  hope 
that  this  recognition  of  leaders  in  other  lands,  who  share 
our  aspirations,  may  serve  to  bring  about  a  closer  fellow- 
ship and  an  exchange  of  ways  and  means  of  enriching  the 
human  spirit  through  recreation. 

"We  welcome  the  opportunity  —  within  the  limits  of  our 
resources  —  to  share  with  others  our  information  and  ex- 
perience." 

In  addition,  we  presented  to  the  NRA  of  Japan  a  basic 
library  of  our  NRA  literature  and  certain  other  publica- 
tions characteristic  of  American  life,  presented  a  magnifi- 
cent exhibit  of  arts  and  crafts  donated  by  the  recreation 
department  of  Portland,  Oregon,  and  gave  another  showing 
of  the  motion  picture  film,  A  Chance  To  Play. 

On  one  of  the  days  at  the  Congress  there  was  a  session 
on  international  recreation.  Colonel  Caum,  Colonel  Ogden, 
Colonel  Davenport,  Colonel  Moore  and  several  other  men 
and  women  representing  the  U.  S.  Army  were  on  the  plat- 
form participating  in  the  discussion  with  representatives 
from  Canada  and  China. 

While  at  Kumamoto,  Colonel  Ogden,  commander  of 
Camp  Wood,  located  nearby,  invited  us  and  a  group  of 
officials  of  the  Japanese  NRA  to  Camp  Wood.  Here  we 
discussed  the  desirability  of  the  closer  collaboration  of 
Army  officials  and  Japanese  leaders  in  providing  recreation 
for  both  the  servicemen  and  the  Japanese  people.  Colonel 
and  Mrs.  Ogden  showed  us  through  the  splendid  recreation 


FEBRUARY  1953 


537 


At  tin  Tokyo  Rotary  Club  with  rluli  president  J.  Furusuwu. 
the  Prince  and  Princess  of  Mikasa,  and  Saichi  Saito. 

Mr.  River*,  the  Prince  of  Mikaiia  and  Saichi  Saito  with  the 
lacqurr  lamp*  pre-wnlrd  at  tin-  .Snyonara  (farewell)  party. 

facilities  provided  for  our  men  inside  the  camp.  We  watched 
a  demonstration  of  games  and  sports  by  our  soldiers  and 
Japanese  civilians — an  example  of  the  collaboration  we 
were  discussing.  Colonel  Ogden  is  deeply  concerned  for 
the  welfare  of  the  young  men  in  his  charge.  He  has  made 
Camp  Wood  a  place  of  beauty;  and  those  who  return  to  it 
fr<>rn  Korea  come  back  to  a  bit  of  America  tucked  away  in 
the  Japanese  hills. 

The  Prince  of  Mikasa  and  his  Princess  attended  the 
Congress  and  took  an  active  part  in  it.  President  Soichi 
Saito,  board  chairman  Y.  Kurimoto,  G.  Shirayama,  T. 
Mi-iimi.  T.  Yanagila  and  others  gave  outstanding  leader- 
ship to  it. 

On  two  of  the  days,  the  Congress  broke  up  into  groups 
and  visited  nearby  cities,  industrial  plants,  fishing  villages 
and  rural  districts.  The  Prince  and  I  barnstormed  the 
area  in  behalf  of  recreation,  speaking  both  to  groups  of 
leaders  and  to  mass  meetings  indoors  and  out.  We  also 
worked  together  in  this  way  at  other  times  and  in  other 
parts  of  Japan. 

Now,  what  came  out  of  our  visit  to  Japan?  At  a  formal 
dinner  >ri\cn  |,\  iln-  Prince  of  Mika«a  for  a  group  of 
important  leaders  in  Tokyo  a  few  days  before  we  left.  we 
<\t-<  uwd  what  had  come  mil  of  this  cooperative  mii»«ion. 

!  ii -i.  |i;t  me  remind  you  that  here  is  a  nation  of  cij_'lii\- 
five  million  people,  recently  defeated  in  a  disastrous  war, 
on  land  smaller  in  area  than  California,  fare.)  with 


pressing  economic,  political  and  social  problems,  their 
government  completely  reorganized,  their  way  of  life 
radically  changed,  and  their  acceptance  back  into  the  family 
of  nations  less  than  six  months  old  when  we  were  there. 

Japan's  open-armed  welcome  to  the  recreation  move- 
ment is  an  outstanding  example  of  how  a  tense  world  is 
turning  to  recreation  for  relief. 

At  the  meeting  mentioned  above  it  was  generally  agreed 
that  among  the  results  could  be  listed  these: 

1.  The  concept  of  recreation  in  Japan  has  broadened. 

2.  Government  leaders  on  all  levels  have  faced  recrea- 
tion as  one  of  the  important  national  problems,  and  edu- 
cators and  officials  have  given  consideration  to  it. 

3.  Recreation  in  Japan  has  had  a  better  and  more  wide- 
spread coverage  by  press  and  radio  than  ever  before. 

4.  A  very  considerable  interest  in  home  and  family  play 
was  developed. 

5.  There  was  a  general  acceptance  on  the  part  of  officials 
of  the  importance  of  leadership. 

6.  There  was  an  acceptance  of  the  need  for  strengthen- 
ing and  expanding  the  National  Recreation  Association  of 
Japan  as  a  service  agency  for  local  groups.   It  is  now  being 
reorganized  and  plans  laid  for  a  larger  financing. 

7.  There   was   a   recognition    by   many   leaders   of  the 
necessity  of  including  girls  and  women  more  generally  in 
the  recreation  life  of  the  people. 

8.  Attention  was  focused  upon  the  problem  of  recreation 
for    our    own    American    service    personnel    stationed    in 
Japan.    We  all  know  how  acute  is  the  problem  of  men  in 
the  armed  forces  away  from  home,  even  in  this  country. 
In  the  Far  East  it  is  much  more  serious.    I  found  high 
ranking  officers  of  the  Army  and  the  Japanese  leaders  con- 
cerned about  our  men  on  leave  from  camp  or  from  the 
Korean  front.   We  took  time  to  have  a  series  of  conferences 
with    them,    including    General    Harrold,    Commander    of 
U.  S.  Forces  in  Japan. 

These  conferences  culminated  in  a  joint  session  in  Tokyo 
just  before  we  left,  at  which  time  a  definite  program  was 
set  up  and  plans  made  for  an  organization  to  bring  about 
a  closer  liaison  between  the  Army  and  the  Japanese,  and 
a  more  wholesome  recreation  program  for  our  servicemen 
and  for  the  Japanese  people.  Since  our  return  to  America, 
letters  received  from  the  Far  East  Command  report  steps 
already  taken  to  implement  the  program. 

9.  One  of  the  things  that  impressed  us  while  in  Japan, 
and  which  has  grown  upon  us  since  our  return  because  of 
comments  and  letters  from  leaders  in  America  and  Japan, 
is  the  fact  that,  in  addition  to  the  specific  service  to  the 

•••.nil in  movement,  the  mission  had  value  in  building 
I.,  it.  i  international  understanding.  It  can,  and  I  believe 
will,  continue  to  have  this  effect  because: 

a.  We  have  gained  a  first-hand  knowledge  of  Japan — the 
country,  the  people,  the  customs,  the  spirit. 

b.  We  ha\e  liiiiuuht  bark  a  feeling  of  admiration  for  the 
pro^ie-s  which   In-   liecn   made   in   the   post-war   period   in 
industry,  in  local  government,  in  education,  in  rebuilding 
nf  c -iiie-.  iii  iccrealion  dc\  elopmcnt,  and  in  looking  forward 
rather  than  )>.n  k. 

•     \\  ••   km-  c\|>ciiciii  ed  and  know  the  extent  of  good 


It  I  <  KKATIOM 


feeling  that  exists  in  Japan  for  America.  Our  trip  was 
filled  with  evidence  of  this. 

The  international  understanding  and  closer  relations 
established  through  this  bringing  together  of  the  recreation 
forces  of  the  two  countries  have  contributed  to  the  total 
effort  of  strengthening  Japan  for  a  place  on  the  team  of 
free  nations. 

I  am  sure  you  will  understand  that  in  listing  these  things 
and  other  evidences  which  I  shall  cite,  we  are  talking  not 
in  personal  terms,  but  in  terms  of  the  recognition  of  the 
project  itself  which  was  completely  a  cooperative  effort 
between  America  and  Japan,  and  which  was  an  expression 
and  extension  of  the  services  of  the  National  Recreation 
Association  and  of  the  whole  American  recreation  move- 
ment itself. 

Some  of  the  evidence  upon  which  we  base  our  conclu- 
sions: 

1.  We  had  the  status  of  "national  guests"  and  received  a 
friendly  reception  everywhere  we  went. 

2.  Governors,    mayors    and    legislative    representatives 
expressed  to  us  personally  the  intention  of  giving  more 
time  and  money  to  recreation. 

3.  In  Osaka  we  were  awarded  the  silver  medal  given  to 
those  who  make  a   contribution  to  the  Advancement  of 
Culture  in  Japan. 

4.  A  series  of  lectures  which  we  had  prepared,  plus  cer- 
tain other  information  about  the  recreation  movement  in 
America,  was  published  in  a  special  booklet  which  is  being 
widely  distributed  in  Japan. 

5.  Statements,  letters  from  the  Prince  of  Mikasa,  officials 
of  the  Japanese  NRA  and  other  leaders  have  expressed 


Mrs.  Rivers  listens  as  the  Prince  of  Mikasa  reads  the  citation 
presented,  along  with  the  lamps,  in  appreciation  of  the  suc- 
cessful completion  of  their  international  recreation  mission. 


gratitude  and  appreciation  for  the  progress  made  in  the 
public  understanding  of  recreation.  His  Highness,  in  his 
capacity  as  Honorary  President  of  Japan's  NRA,  made 
two  public  statements  about  the  recreation  mission,  one 
in  the  form  of  a  letter  which  he  read  at  the  Sayonara  party 
at  the  home  of  our  host,  T.  Kato,  the  other  at  the  gather- 
ing of  national  leaders  at  Korinka-ku.  The  latter  follows: 

"After  the  war,  interest  in  square  dancing  swept  the 
country.  Some  people  in  Japan  thought  recreation  meant 
only  square  dancing.  Mr.  Rivers  has  broadened  our  con- 
cept of  what  recreation  is  and  what  it  can  mean  to  our 
country.  His  visit  has  been  especially  helpful  in  getting 
our  governors,  mayors  and  other  officials  to  understand 
recreation  and  its  importance.  His  concrete  help  on  our 
specific  recreation  problems  has  been  much  appreciated. 

"We  have  received  much  help  from  America.  Since  the 
war  we  have  had  many  visitors  who  have  tried  to  help  us. 
In  a  few  cases  their  plans  appeared  to  be  either  too  ideal- 
istic or  not  applicable  to  the  Japanese  situation.  They 
were  confusing  rather  than  helpful  in  spite  of  good  inten- 
tions. However,  those  who  were  connected  with  recreation 
have  been  helpful  and  constructive. 

"Mr.  Rivers'  analysis  of  our  situation  was  clarifying  and 
his  suggestions  and  advice  have  been  very  practical.  Our 
people  are  accepting  them.  Steps  are  being  taken  to  carry 
many  of  them  out.  The  Rivers'  insight  into  Japanese  psy- 
chology, their  friendliness  and  their  frankness  make  us 
feel  grateful  to  them  and  closer  to  America.  From  our 
point  of  view,  their  mission  has  been  a  complete  success. 
We  appreciate  all  they  have  done." 

6.  In  Tokyo,  just  prior  to  leaving,  a  whole  series  of 
farewell  gatherings,  luncheons  and  cocktail  parties,  was 
held  in  our  honor.  Among  them,  a  surprise  square  dance 
party  featuring  224  dancers,  each  chosen  to  represent 
square  dance  societies,  in  the  metropolitan  area  of  Tokyo, 
having  a  total  membership  of  500,000  people. 

Included  was  a  luncheon  party  given  by  Governor  Yeasui 
in  Tokyo.  The  presidents  and  representatives  of  forty- 
eight  different  recreation  associations  came  together  to 
greet  us  and  bid  us  farewell. 

I  wish  there  were  space  to  share  with  you  some  of  the 
conferences  we  had  with  certain  individuals  throughout 
Japan  and  to  describe  some  of  our  experiences  in  that  pic- 
turesque country.  I  remember  the  grand  old  man,  Miki- 
moto,  the  pearl  king  who  is  ninety-four  years  old,  who  sat 
kimona-clad  fanning  himself  and  listened  eagerly  as  I  an- 
swered his  question,  "What  are  you  doing  in  Japan?" 
When  I  finished  telling  him  he  leaned  forward,  tapped  me 
on  the  knee  with  his  fan  and  said,  "Good,  you  should  stay 
here  a  year.  Japan  needs  your  message." 

I  recall  our  several  talks  with  Dr.  Morito,  former  cabi- 
net minister,  who  helped  to  write  the  new  constitution  for 
Japan  and  who  now  serves  as  president  of  Hiroshima  Uni- 
versity. He  told  me,  "Japan  needs  a  new  spiritual  founda- 
tion for  its  forward  look,  and  recreation  will  help." 

I  would  like  to  tell  you  more  about  Tatsuya  Kato,  also 
a  former  cabinet  member,  now  president  of  the  Nippon 
cinema,  and  a  leading  businessman  of  Japan.  He  was  our 
host  while  we  were  in  Tokyo.  He  put  at  our  disposal  his 


FEBRUARY  1953 


539 


home,  his  office,  his  car,  and  placed  our  mission  first  upon 
his  list  because  he  thought  it  was  contributing  to  a  clearer 
understanding  between  Japan  and  America  and  would  re- 
sult in  more  friendly  relations. 

I  wish  there  were  space  to  tell  you  of  our  visits  to  Japa- 
nese homes  and  our  sharing  of  Japanese  family  life,  our 
inspection  of  farms  and  factories  large  and  small,  our  visits 
to  temples  and  shrines,  our  rides  in  cars,  on  boats  and 
trains  and  rickshaws,  of  our  stay  in  Japanese-style  hotels, 
sleeping  and  eating  as  the  Japanese  did — all  sandwiched 
into  a  busy  schedule.  All  of  these  contributed  to  an  under- 


Tatsuya  Kalo.  one  of  Ja- 
pan's leading  businessmen, 
was  a  helpful,  gracious  host 
during  the  slay  in  Tokyo. 


Yoshihiko  Kurinioto,  is 
chairman  of  the  board  of 
Japan's  Mt  V  and  a  very 
enthusiastic  square  dancer. 


standing  of  the  people  and  their  problems  and  gave  us  per- 
spective for  fitting  recreation  into  the  total  picture. 

There  were  many  moving  experiences.  I  recall  standing 
on  the  top  of  the  City  Hall  in  Hiroshima,  where  the  first 
atom  bomb  practically  wiped  out  a  city  of  400,000  people, 
and  listening  to  the  officials  tell  with  pride  of  their  rebuild- 
ing this  former  war  center  into  a  city  of  peace — where 
recreation  i»  to  have  an  important  place.  Rich  in  our 
memory  is  the  visit  to  Tenriko,  home  and  headquarters  of 
the  Tenri  religion — where  worshippers  at  sunrise  and  sun- 
set dance  to  colorful  music,  and  where  we  swam  in  a  mod- 
ern pool  and,  after  dining  with  the  Grand  Patriarch  Shozen 
Nakayama,  joined  his  family  in  square  dancing. 

On  one  day  we  visited  International  Christian  Univer- 
sity, a  fifty-year  dream  now  being  realized  for  an  experi- 
ment in  international  Christian  education.  We  attended 
the  annual  board  meeting  and  later  Dr.  George  Togasaki, 
chairman  of  the  board,  and  S.  Saito  showed  us  the  cam- 
pus. There  is  belief  in  recreation  here  and  it  will  become 
a  source  of  leadership. 

Here  is  a  brief  statement  pointing  up  the  strong  points 
of  recreation  in  Japan  a*  I  saw  it: 

1)  The   development   of   sports.    This    is   wide-spread, 
and  wherever  I  went  I  saw  baseball,  volleyball,  swimming, 
track,  and  ping  pong. 

2)  Fishing,   hiking,   and   mountain   climbing.    Interest 
and  participation  in  these  is  evident  all  over  Japan. 

3)  Folk  and  square  dancing.    Interest  in  and  develop- 
ment of  them  is  phenomenal,  has  swept  the  country. 

4)  Use  of  school  facilities.    I  was  delighted  to  see  some 
examples  of  the  use  of  school  facilities  for  community  rec- 
reation in  cities  and  in  villages. 

540 


5)  The   National    Recreation   Congress   in    Kumamoto. 
This  was  extraordinarily  good,  and  showed  a  vitality  and 
a  purposefulness  that  augers  well  for  recreation  in  Japan. 

6)  Industrial    recreation    programs.     Examples    I    saw 
were  good  and  excellent  results  were  being  achieved. 

7)  Study  and  research.    There  is  much  earnest  think- 
ing, questioning,  and  some  research  going  on.  This  is  very 
healthy.    Questions  raised  at  meetings  on  techniques  and 
standards  showed  real  thought. 

8)  Leadership    of    Prince    Mikasa.     His    interest    and 
understanding,  his  devotion,  his  ability  and  his  influence 
make  him  a  great  asset  for  the  recreation  movement  in 
Japan.  Prince  Mikasa  is  the  Joseph  Lee  of  Japan. 

Recommendations  and  suggestions  for  the  Japanese  to 
which  we  gave  greatest  emphasis  were: 

1)  Wide-spread  interest  in  pachinko  (pin  ball  machine 
fad  now  sweeping  the  country)    shows  a  hunger   in  the 
hearts  of  the  Japanese  for  recreation.   This  is  a  challenge 
to  recreation  leaders  and  other  thoughtful  Japanese  men 
and  women  to  provide  more  and  better  forms  of  recreation 
for  the  people. 

2)  Trained    leadership    is    essential;    more    attention 
should  be  given  to  leadership  and  more  funds  should  be 
made  available  for  it. 

3)  Children's  playgrounds  should   be   better   planned; 
the  number  should  be  increased  and  leaders  provided — 
volunteer  and  paid. 

4)  Home   and   family  play   are   almost   an   unexplored 
field  and  offer  great  possibilities — there  is  a  need  to  spell 
out  how  and  what  to  do. 

5)  Girls  and  women  should  be  brought  more  actively 
into  recreation  programs  as  participants  and  as  leaders. 

6)  There  is  much  interest  in  camping.    It  should  be 
carefully    studied    and    people — children    and    families — 
should  be  given  opportunities  to  enjoy  it.   Bold  statesman- 
like leadership  is  needed  to  make  camping  in  Japan  an 
asset  instead  of  a  liability. 

7)  Schools  and  citizens'  halls  should  be  more  widely 
used  as  centers  for  community  recreation,  building  on  the 
excellent  start  made. 

8)  Educational  work  needs  to  be  done  on:  what  com- 
munities can  do  for  themselves;  use  of  what  they  have  now 
in  facilities;  how  recreation  can  be  provided  with  limited 
funds;  values  of  recreation. 

9)  Need  for  strong  National  Recreation  Association  of 
Japan  with  funds  and  personnel  to  serve  local  groups.  The 
leadership  should  be  broadened  to  include  women  and  lay- 
men with  broad  interests. 

Those  of  you  reading  this  report,  who  are  looking  for- 
ward to  service  in  this  profession,  can  have  the  added  as- 
surance that  this  movement  in  the  future  will  increasingly 
be  of  value  to  the  world  at  large,  as  it  has  been  to  Amer- 
ica; that  it  can  be  an  important  factor  in  building  the  kind 
of  international  understanding  which  is  necessary  if  our 
world,  as  we  know  it,  is  to  survive. 

A  heavy  burden  rests  upon  those  whose  public  and  pro- 
fessional responsibility  is  to  brighten  the  lives  of  people. 
Never  was  recreation  service  more  important;  never  was 
thr  opportunity  for  the  philanthropic  dollar  greater. 

RECREATION 


Pointers  for 
PARTY  MONTH 


Party  Plans 

GOOD  party  leader  always  plans  for 

more  games  or  activities  than  prob- 
ably will  be  used.  This  enables  him  to 
switch  to  something  different  as  often 
as  is  desirable.  No  game  should  be 
played  until  interest  begins  to  lag  but, 
rather,  should  be  terminated  while  fun 
is  still  at  its  height. 

Balance  the  program  with  both  ac- 
tive and  quiet  games.  All  equipment 
or  properties  needed  should  be  assem- 
bled and  made  ready  in  advance. 

Plan  some  get  acquainted  or  other 
activities  that  can  start  as  soon  as  the 
first  guests  arrive.  When  the  party  is 
large,  divide  into  smaller  groups,  as 
well  as  into  partners.  This  device 
makes  for  easier  handling  of  games, 
helps  people  get  acquainted,  and  also 
lends  itself  to  "progressive"  parties,  in 
which  the  winners  move  on  to  another 
group  and  another  activity. 

Do  not  overstress  competition,  or 
the  awarding  of  prizes,  but  let  your 
attitude  be  that  of  playing  the  game 
for  the  fun  of  it.  If  prizes  are  used 
award  them  to  the  group  or  to  part- 
ners wherever  possible,  rather  than  to 
individuals;  and  be  sure  that  they  are 
inexpensive  and  humorous.  If  the  lat- 
ter, they  can  add  fun  to  the  festivities. 

Your  Valentine  Party 

For  decorations  —  hearts,  cupids, 
bows  and  arrows.  All  paper  and  pencil 
games  will  seem  more  in  keeping  with 
the  season  if  you  provide  your  guests 
with  red  pencils  and  heart  shaped  pa- 
per. 

As  a  finale  just  before  refreshments, 
why  not  try  the  following: 

Impromptu  Living  Valentines — If 
possible,  prepare  in  advance  a  large 
picture  frame,  about  four  feet  by  seven 
feet.  Construct  of  boards  four  inches 


wide  and  wrap  with  yellow  paper  to 
simulate  a  gold  frame,  or  with  red 
paper  to  represent  the  edges  of  a  valen- 
tine. A  curtain  can  be  arranged  to 
slip  easily  on  a  rod  attached  to  the  top 
of  the  frame.  If  this  is  not  possible, 
however,  or  your  party  is  a  small  one, 
the  game  can  be  played  just  the  same. 

Divide  the  guests  into  partners,  or 
groups,  depending  upon  the  size  of 
your  party.  Present  each  group  with 
a  title,  for  which  they  are  to  compose 
and  present  a  living  valentine  in  the 
form  of  a  tableau,  while  the  remain- 
ing guests  act  as  the  audience.  Place 
a  time  limit  on  this  preparation — five 
or  ten  minutes  will  do.  If  the  party  is 
not  a  large  one,  provide  crepe  paper, 
doilies,  feathers,  scissors,  pins,  and 
other  odds  and  ends  of  scraps  from 
which  they  can  improvise  costumes.  If 
desired,  prizes  can  be  awarded  for  the 
best,  funniest,  and  so  on. 

Further  zest  can  be  added  to  the  fun 
by  turning  each  tableau  into  a  guessing 
contest.  Choose  the  titles  of  the  val- 
entines from  titles  of  well-known  senti- 
mental songs,  for  instance,  such  as 
Little  Gypsy  Sweetheart,  Annie  Laurie, 
and  so  on,  or  from  book  titles,  or  from 
famous  sweethearts,  such  as  Priscilla 
and  John  Alden,  Romeo  and  Juliet, 
Cupid  and  Psyche,  and  let  the  audi- 
ence guess  what  is  being  depicted.  In 
this  event,  the  actors  must  be  careful 
to  display  some  unmistakable  clues. 

Your  President's  Parly 

If  you  are  giving  a  Washington's  or 
Lincoln's  birthday  party,  why  not  drop 
the  cherries,  hatchets  and  colonial  sil- 
houettes from  the  decorations  this 
year?  Center  the  flag — or  several  of 
them — with  a  spotlight  upon  them  if 
possible.  (Remember  that  flags  are 
not  to  be  draped.)  For  other  decora- 
tions, use  red,  white  and  blue. 


Some  "Whys"  Behind  the 
Planning 

— Claire  Jeanne  Weubbold 

A  well-planned  evening  can  over- 
come barriers — guests  arriving  in 
cliques,  unfamiliar  location,  strangers 
in  the  group — to  a  good  time  for  all. 

Use  tags  as  a  means  of  team  divi- 
sion. Alternate  the  distribution  of  four 
different  colored  tags.  There  is  value 
in  this  method  when  a  clique  arrives. 
As  each  member  receives  a  different 
colored  tag,  the  clique  will  be  broken 
as  soon  as  teams  are  used,  the  "yel- 
lows" being  on  one  team,  the  "reds" 
on  another,  and  so  on. 

Use  a  game  to  overcome  the  self- 
consciousness  of  people  in  a  new  loca- 
tion. We  all  know  that  feeling  of  "at 
home"  when  we  are  familiar  with  our 
surroundings.  A  group  can  readily 
acquire  that  good  feeling  through  a 
hunting  game.  Teams  are  organized 
in  the  suggested  manner.  Hidden 
around  the  room  are  squares  of  colored 
paper.  Team  members  roam  around 
the  room  in  search  of  these  for  their 
team's  credit.  While  doing  this  they 
are  becoming  acquainted  with  their 
environment ;  and  the  remainder  of  the 
evening  they  will  have  lost  that  feel- 
ing of  strangeness. 

Play  several  team  games,  so  that  the 
members  of  the  teams  gain  a  feeling  of 
allegiance.  Team  spirit  can  result  in 
the  making  of  new  friendships. 

Singing  games  and  just  old  fashioned 
community  singing  draw  the  "whole 
crowd  together  for  a  happy  ending. 


FEBRUARY  1953 


541 


T>  ecreation  is  the  sugar  and  spice  which  makes  life  nice, 
*•*•  it  involves  just  about  all  the  real  fun  on  earth!  Those 
of  us  who  work  professionally  in  the  field  of  recreation, 
and  who  are  loyal  to  the  finer  philosophies  of  leisure,  are 
convinced  that  we  do  indeed  have  the  very  best  jobs  in  all 
the  world.  Public  recreation  has  swiftly  taken  its  rightful 
place  as  a  newcomer  among  worthy  professions,  for  here 
is  a  public  service  founded  on  the  good  things  of  life. 

\Ve  have  come  a  long,  long  way  since  those  early  days  of 
the  sand  lots  in  Boston,  or  of  the  original  Jane  Addams' 
Hull  House  in  Chicago;  and  great  strides  forward  are 
easily  within  the  memories  of  most  of  us.  We,  who  are 
engaged  in  this  vocation,  are,  in  reality,  "public  engineers 
of  human  happiness." 

But  even  so  meritorious  a  movement  is  completely  de- 
pendent upon  the  understanding  and  support  of  the  people. 
Their  good  will  is  a  prerequisite  to  their  approval,  at  the 
polls,  of  the  vital  bond  issues  or  tax  funds  which  are  so 
necessary  for  the  job. 

In  most  departments  the  proof  of  the  pudding  is  gen- 
erously evidenced  in  the  happy  faces  of  participating 
patrons.  These  are  the  satisfied  customers  of  public  recre- 
ation. the  friendly  boosters,  who  are  enlightened  as  to  its 
benefits. 

But,  how  may  we  reach  those  throngs  of  uninformed 
citizens  who  remain  aloof  and  who  apparently  never  make 
use  of  our  services?  How  can  we  rightfully  expect  that 
these  strangers-to-our-cause  shall  cheerfully  pay  taxes  to 
support  a  service  of  which  they  know  little  or  nothing? 
Many  of  these  goodly  people  are  your  neighbors  and  mine; 
many  of  them  doubtless  still  think  of  a  recreation  center 
as  an  unsupervised  place  in  which  to  play  ball,  a  hangout 
for  underprivileged  children,  or  a  public  cure-all  for  ju- 
venile delinquency. 

Let  us  not  ever  be  so  naive  as  to  assume  that  public 
recreation  departments  can  effectively  function  for  long 
without  the  promotion  and  maintenance  of  good  public 
relations.  It  is  imperative  that  we  seek  the  good  will  of 
Mr.  John  Q.  Taxpayer,  and  that  we  shall  confide  in  him 
at  all  times,  for  it  is  he  who  sits  in  the  driver's  seat.  He 
should  always  know  whither  we  are  going  and  why.  Then, 
and  only  then,  will  he  be  our  friendly  partner  and  our 
-Linn,  li  -ii|i|iorter.  It  is  as  simple  as  that! 

And  just  exactly  how  may  this  best  be  accomplished? 

It  is  my  earnest  plea  that  we  develop  a  greater  under- 
standing of  the  principles  of  good  salesmanship,  and  that 
we  learn  to  apply  those  principles  universally  in  our  work. 
We  must  actually  sett  our  philosophies,  just  as  surely  as  if 
we  wen-  -filing  tangible  commodities.  That  is  the  magic 
formula.  \jrl  us  see  how  it  works. 

First,  consider  the  aspects  of  salesmanship  in  a  more 
ii-ihnir.il  sense,  n-  btcrpntod  l«\  ilf  le.idn-  "f  the 
liii-im--  world. 


'I  In-   Inurrilii-nli  of  <><MH|   Sul«-Mii;m»lii|> 

-  ii.  •-•!,  ii   -ln|i     I-    -Inij.K      .111     i.|itiiill-ll'      f.ilin     ..(     .i|i|<Ih  il 

II-M  liolof\  .    That  i*  to  -.n.  it  i-  p-y  hology  so  applied  as 

MH.  F.IIRKK.  is  director  of  the  Harbor  District,  Department 
of  Recreation  and  Park$,  City  of  IMS  Angeles,  California. 


WE  SELL 


PUBLIC 
RECREATION 


Ernest  B.  Ehrke 


to  win  friendly  reactions  and  to  influence  people  to  our 
way  of  thinking.  But  salesmanship  is  also  a  thoroughly 
practical  science,  the  successful  use  of  which  requires  that 
we  shall  observe  a  few  simple  laws  that  govern  it. 

Sales  experts  of  the  business  world  tell  us  that  all  real 
salesmanship  embodies  a  standard  pattern  of  procedure 
which  clearly  distinguishes  it  from  the  more  commonplace 
type  of  transaction  known  as  order-taking.  A  few  basic 
steps  are  always  observed  in  the  conduct  of  any  genuine 
sale,  regardless  of  what  we  are  selling;  for  certain  charac- 
teristics invariably  exist  in  any  sale,  regardless  of  whether 
our  transaction  is  completed  in  five  minutes  or  five  years, 
and  regardless  of  whether  we  are  selling  a  visible  article 
or  an  intangible  idea. 

Here  then  are  these  basic  fundamental  steps  or  element  - 
which  are  apparent  in  any  ethical  sale: 

1.  The  Approach   (Attracting  Attention) — The  sales- 
man makes  a   friendly  contact  with   his  prospective  cus- 
tomer, and  attempts  to  capture  willing  attention. 

2.  The  Appeal   (Stimulating  Interest) — The  salesman 
focuses  the  customer's  attention  upon  the  quality,  the  func- 
tion, the  value  and  the  desirability  of  the  merchandise  <>r 
idea  which  is  being  sold.   This  demands  a  tactful  explana- 
ion  or  presentation  of  related  facts  with  po-- il>lv  a  prac- 
tical demonstration.    The  customer's  imagination  is  slimu- 
I. iied.  and  he  gains  just  enough  information  or  knowledge 
lo   further  whet  his  curiosity;    and  many   questions  race 
through  hi>  mind. 

"Mow  iniieh  will  this  cost  me  and  can  I  afford  it/  Do  I 
reall),  need  it  or  want  it,  and  how  does  il  compare  with 
the  eniM|H-titivr  product  which  some  other  person  or  or- 
gani/alioM  i-  lr\iiiL-  I.,  -ell  me?  Why  should  I  rush  into 
il:  ina\l>e  I  should  I. ike  IM\  lime  and  look  around." 

This  is  the  salesman's  golden  opportunity  to  pain  the 
•  onfidcnec  and  trust  of  his  customer,  and  to  motivate  in 


•I.' 


KM  HKATION 


him  a  strong  interest  in  the  merchandise  or  idea.  All  ques- 
tions, all  doubts,  and  all  objections  are  met  with  courteous 
assurance  and  with  a  satisfactory  explanation.  This  is  the 
friendly  duel  of  pros  and  cons. 

3.  The  Favorable  Response  (Desire  Is  Aroused)— 
Now  comes  that  most  critical  moment  when  the  customer 
mentally  surrenders  to  the  suggestions  of  the  salesman. 
Actually  he  has  been  so  guided  in  his  thinking  as  to  agree 
with  the  salesman's  proposition  inwardly  if  not  orally.   His 
actions  and  speech  will  now  indicate  to  the  salesman  that 
all  sales-resistance  has  been  lowered  or  reduced  to  a  mini- 
mum.  The  customer  has  sold  himself  on  the  idea  of  being 
sold.    Now  he  is  willing  or  ready  to  buy,  perhaps  even 
eager  to  complete  the  transaction.   Now  he  desires  to  pos- 
sess that  which  is  offered  for  sale! 

The  expert  salesman  is  quick  to  recognize  these  symp- 
toms as  being  signals  inviting  action.  Thus  far  he  has 
done  his  work  well,  but  can  he  finish  the  sale? 

4.  The  Deal  Is  Closed  (Action  is  Produced) — Now  he 
seeks  to  complete  the  deal  while  the  "iron  is  hot."   Strange- 
ly, perhaps,  this  last  step  is  often  the  most  difficult  of  all 
for  the  salesman.    He  knows  that  the  sale  is  never  com- 
pleted until  the  final  details  are  concluded. 

This  requires  that  there  must  be  a  mutual  accord  be- 
tween salesman  and  customer,  in  these  final  moments  of 
suspense,  if  we  are  to  achieve  a  happy  ending.  But,  be- 
cause action  is  the  normal  outgrowth  of  desire,  the  deal  is 
ultimately  closed,  and  we  should  have  a  satisfied  customer 
and  a  highly  pleased  salesman.  A  sale  has  been  made. 

Note:  In  actual  practice  several  of  these  steps  may  often  be 
combined  or  mixed  together,  or  we  may  witness  one  of  them 
strongly  overshadowing  the  others.  But  their  individual  identity 
is  never  completely  lost. 

The  foregoing  analysis  reveals  that  a  sale  is  possible  of 
completion  only  if  and  when  the  customer  is  ready  to  buy. 
In  other  words,  any  sale  is  in  reality  first  completed  in  the 
mind  of  the  customer.  He  must  like  what  he  sees  and  hears, 
or  there  can  be  no  transaction. 

The  consistently  successful  salesman  of  the  business 
world  is  keenly  aware  of  this.  In  fact,  his  entire  strategy 
is  planned  and  conducted  with  this  one  question  constantly 
in  mind,  "How  may  I  encourage  in  the  customer  a  strongly 
impelling  desire  to  possess  that  commodity  or  idea  which 
I  am  trying  to  sell?" 

Characteristics  of  a  Consistently  Successful  Salesman 

There  are  many  theories  for  success  in  selling,  but  the 
basic  formula  boils  down  to  the  application  of  a  few  quali- 
ties or  skills  which  are  universally  known  to  produce  de- 
sired results.  Thus,  whether  we  are  selling  automobiles,  or 
whether  we  are  selling  our  services  in  public  recreation, 
our  effectiveness  will  depend  upon  our  proficiency  in  keep- 
ing within  these  simple  axioms  of  good  salesmanship: 

A.  The  good  salesman  has  a  thorough  knowledge  of  the 
merchandise  or  the  idea  which  he  is  trying  to  sell.   There 
is  no  substitute  for  being  well  informed  as  a  means  of 
commandeering  the  respect  of  the  customer. 

B.  The  good  salesman  has  good  personality-traits.    His 
appearance,  manner  of  speech,  actions  and  behavior  must 
meet  with  the  approval  of  the  customer.    Physically,  men- 


tally, morally  and  emotionally  he  must  "pass  inspection." 

Much  has  been  written  on  this  subject,  emphasizing  the 
many  personal  qualities  of  an  ideal  salesman.  He  will  be 
tactful,  cheerful,  honest,  punctual,  reliable,  courteous,  and 
so  on.  The  list  is  long  indeed. 

But  all  authorities  agree  that  the  one  indispensable  qual- 
ity, above  all  else,  is  that  conscientious  loyalty  to  the  cause, 
which  we  know  as  a  good  attitude.  His  attitude  must  re- 
veal that  he  loves  his  work,  and  that  he  is  personally  very 
much  sold  on  what  he  is  doing.  He  implicitly  believes  in 
the  merits  of  the  merchandise  which  he  would  sell  to  others. 
Thus  is  generated  the  contagious  spark  of  enthusiasm. 

And  further,  a  good  attitude  should  clearly  indicate  that 
the  salesman  has  the  interests  of  his  customer  sincerely  at 
heart  at  all  times.  For  that  very  important  person  is  at 
once  the  judge  and  the  jury  of  this  dramatic  episode. 

C.  The  good  salesman  must  have  a  generous  capacity  for 
hard  work,  intelligently  organized  to  produce  results.  In 
other  words,  he  must  have  the  mental  ability  to  plan  a  log- 
ical campaign,  and  the  physical  energy  to  carry  it  through 
to  completion.  He  knows  what  to  do,  and  so  he  does  it. 

Likewise,  it  is  important  that  he  must  know  what  not  to 
do.  For  example,  his  enthusiasm  should  never  be  overly 
excessive,  or  artificial,  lest  he  be  suspected  of  ulterior  mo- 
tives (high-pressure  tactics).  Too,  he  will  refrain  from 
talking  too  much  and  for  too  long  a  time,  as  this  is  called 
"overselling"  and  can  quickly  nullify  all  chances  of  a  sale. 
Similarly  he  knows  full  well  the  utter  futility  of  arguing 
with  those  to  whom  he  would  like  to  sell  his  idea. 

The  successful  salesman  has  the  "know-how"  of  getting 
along  with  people;  and  he  leaves  no  ethical  stones  un- 
turned in  attempts  to  motivate  the  reactions  of  customers. 

Fine  words  these,  for  the  hard-boiled  world  of  business. 
But  just  exactly  what  has  all  this  to  do  with  our  work  in 
public  recreation?  Surely  we  are  not  to  be  concerned  with 
such  highly  technical  theories  of  salesmanship? 

Where  and  When  Do  We  Sell  Public  Recreation? 

Everything  we  do  in  our  field  of  public  recreation  in- 
volves opportunities  for  us  to  help  our  citizens  achieve 
greater  happiness;  and  our  success  in  this  regard  may  de- 
pend very  largely  upon  the  manner  in  which  we  apply  the 
basic  principles  of  salesmanship  in  our  tasks. 

Whenever  we  talk  on  the  telephone,  whenever  we  con- 
verse or  correspond  with  others,  whenever  we  meet  with 
citizens  individually  or  in  groups,  whenever,  wherever  and 
however  we  contact  people,  we  are  the  potential  salesmen 
and  they  are  the  potential  customers. 

We  are  selling  ourselves,  our  services,  our  department, 
our  ideals  and  the  objectives  for  which  we  stand.  The  rec- 
reation center  or  playground,  the  swimming  pool  or  pub- 
lic beach,  the  sports  field  or  craft  center,  the  park  or  the 
city  hall — these  are  the  fox-holes  of  public  opinion,  where 
each  and  every  taxpayer  is  ready  to  evaluate  the  depart- 
ment by  what  he  sees  and  hears. 

The  Recreation  Worker  as  a  Salesman 

Our  professional  recreation  worker  is  steeped  in  the  high 
ideals  of  his  calling,  but  he  is  also  a  thoroughly  practical 


FEBRUARY  1953 


543 


person,  skilled  in  the  art  of  being  helpful  to  others.  Always 
and  in  all  ways  he  is  meeting  people  and  more  people. 
He  captures  their  attention,  he  stimulates  their  interest, 
thus  arousing  their  desires  to  participate  in  the  benefits  of 
public  recreation,  and  then  he  produces  opportunities  for 
action,  which  represents  "closing  the  deal."  The  standard 
familiar  pattern  of  salesmanship  is  clearly  evident  through- 
out the  day's  activities. 

It  requires  a  lot  of  real  salesmanship  to  develop  high 
standards  of  sportsmanship  among  those  who  play  on  the 
athletic  field;  or  to  encourage  timid  beginners  to  learn  the 
skills  of  swimming  and  diving;  or  to  prove  that  it's  a 
happy  experience  to  make  things  with  one's  own  hands;  or 
to  organize  a  club,  direct  a  community  sing,  call  a  square 
dance,  and  to  stimulate  active  participation  for  all.  It 
takes  a  salesman  to  effectively  organize  a  recreation  pro- 
gram with  due  regard  for  the  needs  of  the  local  com- 
munity. 

Also,  we  might  ask  ourselves  what  happens  when  a  de- 
partmental representative  appears  as  guest  speaker  before 
some  local  service  club  or  civic  group  or  parent-teachers' 
association,  or  when  one  of  the  top-flight  administrators  or 
executives  of  your  department  meets  with  a  citizens'  com- 
mittee to  discuss  the  pros  and  cons  of  some  knotty  prob- 
lem involving  public  recreation.  Surely  these  are  occa- 


OSBORN  OFFERS  YOU  .  .  . 

BIG  ILLUSTRATED  SUPPLY  FOLDER 

Shows  many  easy-to-moke  camp  projects 
ready  to  put  together,  such  as  beautiful 
belts,  bags,  purses,  cigarette  cases  and 
hundreds  ol  other  items. 


"CAMP   SPECIAL"    MOCCASIN 

Genuine  leather  with  composi- 
tion soles.  All  sites  for  all  ages. 
Ideal  for  the  beach,  in  the 
woods,  along  paths  and  for 
lounging. 

Per  Pair — $3.25 

$3.00  In  6  pair  l»t« 
t?  e J  In  1]   pair  Ml 

it   68 -PAGE   UATHIUCBAFT  SUPPLY   CATALOG  —  ONLY   J5c 
tttmtatm    «ll    lrv«    «'    HatolM    «nd    iMlher    Itrnu    of    lnl-t«t 
..mm*  mmr..  eM4eUn  Mb.  U«i»t».  IMiMtte.  book.  I., 
craft 


CLIP  AND  MAIL  NOW! 


OSBORN  BROS.  SUPPLY  CO., 

373  W.  Jackson  Blvd.,  Chicago  6,  III. 

Dow  n>k  D  'me  lllutir.ir.l   S»j>t>l»   Folder:  D  ld«- 

pertrt  M-PM*   UethMcrah   Sippllw  feulof    lor   »kiek 

I   *•*!•*•    2.V    in    mm. 


-I  Ml 


sions  which  call  for  salesmanship  of  the  highest  degree. 

The  list  of  examples  is  endless  indeed,  revealing  the 
needs  for  the  continuous  application  of  the  basic  prin- 
ciples of  salesmanship  in  all  the  many  phases  of  our  work. 

Our  professional  recreation  worker  is  not  expected  to  do 
the  total  job  singlehanded  or  alone,  however.  Our  mythi- 
cal sales-manager  leaves  no  stones  unturned  in  his  efforts 
to  muster  a  one  hundred  per  cent  sales-team ;  for  we  should 
be  content  with  nothing  less  than  a  maximum  in  salesman- 
ship on  the  part  of  each  and  every  employee  on  the  payroll. 

Moreover,  an  employee  may  not  necessarily  be  one  of 
our  professional  recreation  workers,  but  could  be  any  staff 
employee — any  clerk,  janitor  and  so  on — in  the  department. 

The  positive  attitude  and  spirit  of  good  salesmanship 
should  permeate  every  nook  and  cranny  of  the  organiza- 
tion. It  is  not  enough  that  the  truck  driver  shall  know 
how  to  drive  a  truck.  It  is  not  enough  that  the  stenog- 
rapher shall  be  skilled  in  typing  and  shorthand.  It  is  im- 
perative that  all  employees  in  any  public  recreation  de- 
partment shall  know  why  their  services  are  needed;  that 
they  understand  something  of  the  philosophies  and  func- 
tions of  their  departments,  and  that  they  themselves  shall 
be  acquainted  with  the  basic  traditions  and  objectives  of 
our  work.  In  other  words,  we  first  of  all  must  sell  ourselves 
on  what  we  are  doing,  before  we  can  successfully  hope  to 
sell  our  ideas  to  others  with  maximum  effectiveness. 

Thus,  even  the  humblest  employee  can  be  made  to  feel 
that  he  belongs  on  our  sales-force,  that  his  task  is  a  vital 
part  of  a  great  public  service.  This  is,  of  course,  the  ideal 
goal,  when  all  employees  of  the  department  discover  that 
we  are  working  together  in  a  common  cause,  and  when 
this  spirit  is  reflected  in  the  positive  attitude  of  each  and 
every  human  being  on  the  payroll. 

The  Private  Citizen  as  a  Salesman 

Who  is  the  all-powerful  third  man  on  our  team?  An  in- 
dispensable member  of  our  sales-staff  is  he,  his  salesman- 
ship spells  the  word  "a-c-t-i-o-n".  We  refer  of  course  to  the 
enlightened  citizen  who  seeks  the  good  things  of  life,  and 
who  knows  the  value  of  wholesome  activity  for  his  family 
and  for  himself,  for  his  friends  and  neighbors,  and  for  his 
community.  He  has  tasted  the  "samples",  and  he  wants 
more — bigger  and  better  playgrounds  and  parks,  with  pro- 
fessional leadership  on  the  job,  plus  an  adequate  financial 
budget  to  make  all  this  possible. 

His  sales-talk  may  be  heard  informally  over  the  back- 
yard fence  on  a  Sunday  afternoon,  it  might  be  voiced 
more  vigorously  at  the  local  chamber  of  commerce,  or  it 
might  be  expressed  more  formally  within  the  cloisters  of 
the  city  council.  But  wherever  and  whenever  he  has  the 
slightest  opportunity,  this  willing  worker  sings  the  praises 
of  public  recreation. 

It  is  this  type  of  volunteer  who  becomes  our  super-sales- 
man, and  arouses  a  public-recreation-minded  citizenry  to 
approve  recreational  bond  issues  at  the  polls,  and  to  elect 
those  political  leaders  to  office  who  respect  public  recrea- 
tion as  a  truly  essential  service. 

Surely  we  should  scrutinize  and  utilize  all  potentialities 
in  this  our  task  of  selling  public  recreation.  It  is  up  to  us! 


Ml 


RECREATION 


* 

* 
* 
* 


G.  Ott  Romney 


YOUTH 


******* 


Today's  Challenge  to  the  Community  Leader 


I 


F  OUR  best  educated  guessers  are  cor- 
rect we,  in  America,  may  be  in  the 
process  of  defending  —  with  our  re- 
sources and  manpower  —  our  demo- 
cratic form  of  free  soeiety  for  at  least 
one  decade,  and  perhaps  for  several. 
If  the  free  people  of  the  world  are  to 
defend  the  democratic  way  of  life, 
against  communism  and  against  those 
who  would  force  their  ideology  upon 
the  world,  we  must  anticipate  that  the 
young  people  of  today,  and  of  genera- 
tions yet  unborn,  will  serve  some  of 
the  most  impressionable  years  of  their 
lives  in  a  military  environment.  They 
will  eventually  become  alumni  of  the 
"University  of  the  Military."  Such  cit- 
izen soldiers,  coming  from  the  civilian 
communities  of  the  country,  will  re- 
turn to  civilian  life  and  become  the 
American  citizen  of  tomorrow.  What 
happens  to  them  during  their  military 
service  can  not  help  but  be  reflected  in 
this  nation's  future  culture. 

Every  insurance  must  be  taken  to 
keep  alive  in  these  young  men  and  wo- 
men the  essence  of  our  democratic  so- 
ciety —  our  freedom  and  our  American 
way  of  life.  It  would  be  mockery  and 
tragedy  if  that  freedom,  which  we  pre- 
pare to  defend,  were  lost  in  the  process 

MR.  ROMNEY  w  Chief,  Community  Serv- 
ices Branch,  Special  Services  Divi- 
sion of  the  Department  of  the  Army. 


of  preparation  and  training  for  defense. 

During  the  past  wars,  we  were  re- 
conciled to  the  fact  that  the  civilian 
soldier  was  taking  "time  out"  from  the 
usual  flow  of  his  life,  and  we  antici- 
pated and  expected  casualties,  among 
the  men  in  service,  in  education  and 
certain  other  fields.  It  is  now  more 
generally  accepted  that  military  service 
can  be  and  must  be  a  "plus-time"  in  the 
lives  of  the  young  men  and  women  who 
make  up  this  large  civilian-military 
force  within  our  democracy.  We  are 
becoming  more  and  more  convinced 
that  it  can  not  be  a  time  of  negative 
experience  or  one  that  demoralizes. 

Obviously,  there  is  a  responsibility, 
not  only  for  the  military  commander 
but  for  the  civilian  leader,  to  keep 
alive  the  virtues  of  our  society  and  to 
encourage  during  both  on-duty  and  off- 
duty  hours  the  growth  and  development 
of  our  youth  as  future  citizens.  Their 
morale  in  the  service  must  be  high,  and 
their  usefulness  as  citizens  of  the  fu- 
ture increased.  We  believe  that  they 
can  be  sent  back  to  their  communities 
better  developed  human  beings  and  bet- 
ter citizens  than  when  they  entered  the 
service.  Therefore,  such  a  responsibil- 
ity can  not  be  assumed  by  the  military 
commander  alone.  It  must  be  shared 
by  the  national  organization  directors 
and  the  community  and  civic  leaders. 

American  communities  have  in  the 


past  adjusted  themselves  to  new  respon- 
sibilities, and  established  community 
organizations  to  meet  the  challenges  of 
their  section  and  of  the  day.  It  is  rea- 
sonable to  assume  that,  given  insight 
into  the  long-range  responsibility  of 
this  problem,  they  will  understand  and 
undertake  their  obligations.  In  creat- 
ing a  wholesome  and  hospitable  en- 
vironment for  the  youthful  stranger 
away  from  home,  all  our  community 
leadership  and  resources  must  be  en- 
listed. This  includes  the  organizations 
in  education,  religion,  health,  safety, 
recreation,  welfare,  and  housing  as  well 
as  the  open  door  of  hospitality  into  the 
best  of  our  family  life.  The  American 
communities  near  our  posts  and  camps 
realize  they  can  not  put  barriers  around 
their  customary  way  of  life,  nor  do  they 
expect  to  build  a  stockaded  reservation 
in  the  form  of  a  service  club  in  the  cen- 
ter of  the  city  to  avoid  a  penetration 
of  service  personnel  into  the  usual  way 
of  life  within  the  community. 

They  know  that  the  golden  rule 
should  be  operative.  In  the  real  sense, 
the  communities  have  loaned  their 
youth  to  other  communities  —  who 
should,  in  turn,  greet  cordially  the  op- 
portunity to  accept  as  youthful  guests 
these  men  and  women  of  the  services, 
who  have  been  brought  to  the  military 
installation.  There  is  a  continuing  need 
of  integrating  the  military  installation 


FEBRUARY  1953 


545 


and  the  nearby  communities  where  the 
youth  in  the  services  will  be  spending 
their  free  time.  Communities  need  to 
organize  their  leadership  and  resources 
to  do  a  completely  effective  job.  This 
community  leadership  includes  the  tax- 
supported  governmental  agencies  in  rec- 
reation, education,  health  and  welfare. 
The  voluntary  services  of  the  civic, 
patriotic,  fraternal,  welfare,  the  reli- 
gious and  special  interest  groups  of  the 
neighborhood  should  play  an  impor- 
tant part  in  the  program.  The  commer- 
cial recreation  sen' ices  such  as  motion 
picture  theatres,  bowling  alleys,  skat- 
ing rinks,  and  so  forth,  are  important 
facilities  for  this  off-post  recreation. 
The  doors  of  hospitality,  of  the  humble 
and  the  affluent  alike,  should  be  thrown 
open  for  the  innumerable  home-like 


events  that  mean  so  much  to  the  men 
and  women  in  the  service.  When  the 
community  has  strained  its  own  re- 
sources to  the  limit,  and  meets  prob- 
lems beyond  the  range  of  its  commu- 
nity resources,  then  the  outside  assist- 
ance from  voluntary  and  governmental 
agencies  should  be  called  upon.  These 
resources  will  be  found  in  the  many 
national,  private  or  voluntary  organi- 
zations, as  well  as  in  our  public  agen- 
cies. (They  include  United  Service  Or- 
ganizations. United  Community  De- 
fense Services.  National  Recreation  As- 
sociation, American  Legion,  Federal 
Security  Agency,  Public  Health  Serv- 
ice, the  Office  of  Education,  and  the 
Federal  Housing  Agency.) 

The  Army  and  the  Air  Force  Com- 
munity Services  have  organized  a  field 


staff  to  work  with  military  commanders 
and  community  leaders  to  interpret, 
counsel,  stimulate  and  advise  in  the 
better  use  of  off- post  leadership  and  re- 
sources: for  furthering  the  program; 
for  better  facilities  and  services  within 
the  community  for  the  recreation  and 
welfare  of  service  personnel.  The  job 
is  so  large  that  there  is  a  place  for  all 
organizations  and  individuals  who  care 
to  join  the  team.  There  is  no  time  or 
place  for  jurisdictional  jealousies  or 
agency  conflicts.  No  time,  effort  and 
ingenuity  can  be  wasted  to  defend  im- 
aginary professional  borderlines.  The 
Community  Services  Program  affords 
the  opportunity  for  integrating  all  the 
forces  in  recreation  and  welfare  in  a 
united  effort  for  the  youth  of  America 
who  will  be  our  future  citizens. 


Are  You  Progressive? 


More  and  more  community  recrea- 
tion departments,  these  days,  are  using 
an  excellent  device  to  educate  the 
local  public  recreation-wise,  to  set 
forth  the  year's  accomplishments  and 
plans  for  the  future,  and  to  promote 
current  activities.  Each  year,  they 
utilize  a  full  page,  or  more,  of  the 
local  newspaper  to  either  present  their 
annual  report  to  the  community,  or  t<> 
issue  an  invitation  to  citizens  to  par- 
ticipate in  recreation  department  ac- 
tivities. Attractive  layouts,  artwork 
and  photographs  are  used  in  many 
caws.  The  project  is  financed  through 
the  cooperation  of  community  mer- 
chants, whose  names  appear  some- 
where on  the  page. 

In  Manhattan.  Kansas,  for  example. 
where  community  cooperation  i-  tin- 
ki-MM.tc  of  the  whole  presentation, 
headlines  annoiitnc  to  readers,  "This 
i«  Your  Invitation  to  Participate  in 
Your  Recreation  Activities!  School 
Year  1950-51  Recreation!"  Line 
drawings  of  rci-rcalion  activities  are 
used,  anil  the  «hr«-l  i*  he.iileil  1,\  .1 
I.  it.  r  to  riti/cn«.  «ignrd  by  the  super- 
intendent of  recreation  and  his  as- 


sistant, which  says  in  part,  "Listed 
here  are  some  of  the  activities  spon- 
sored by  the  various  organizations  of 
our  city.  .  .  .  Cooperation  rather  than 
competition  will  enable  our  people  to 
have  a  full,  happy  and  worthwhile  sea- 
son. Watch  the  newspapers  for  special 
events."  Boxed  notices  describe  the 
variety  of  activities,  giving  perlim-nt 
information  as  to  time,  place  and 
sponsor.  In  the  center  of  the  page, 
under  the  caption,  "Progressive  Com- 
munities Cooperate,"  a  list  of  the  local 
hobby  groups  and  clubs,  is  followed 
by  these  three  suggestions: 

•  In   order   for   your  child   to   obtain 
the  best  from  his  school  year  we  urge 
\»ii  lo  join  and  take  an  active  part  in 
your  Parent-Teachers  Assoriation. 

•  To  receive  the  full  value  of  religion 
we  feel  that  it  i*  good  for  you  to  take 
advantage   of   all   the   social    program 
offered  l>v  the  church  of  your  rhoirr. 

•  Do  what   you  can   to  provide   \..in 
tininr.  your  bark  yard  and  your  living 
room  with  the  best  you  can  for  your- 
self and  your  family  to  enjoy  together. 
Hemernlier.  families  that  play  togrthet. 
stay  together. 


The  page  is  signed  by  the  merchants 

who  sponsor  the  advertisement. 

Other  community  recreation  depart- 
ments from   which   we   have  received 

notice    or    samples    of   similar    pages, 

most    of   them    presenting    an    annual 

report,  are: 

Berkeley,  California,  four  pages. 

Iowa  City,  one  half-page. 

Leavenworth,  Kansas,  one  page. 

Las  Vegas,  \rratia.  four  pajie-  devoted 
to  parks  and  recreation  as  a  part  of 
the  city  manager's  report. 

Concord,  North  Carolina,  separate 
stories  and  items  of  information 
scattered  throughout  entire  edition 
of  paper. 

Charlotte,  North  Carolina,  fourteen- 
page,  special  section,  shared  with 
regular  advertising. 

Altoona,  Pennsylvania,  two  pages. 

Pottstown,  Pennsylvania,  one  page. 

Houston,  Texas.   Items  spotted  through 
whole  section  devoted  to  report  of 
m.i\  in  i -ouneil    i.f"v  eminent. 
If  you  have  not  already   done  so, 

\\\\\  not  try  this  as  a  cooperative  com- 

nmnilv    venture? 


}{}••  KKATION 


John  E.  Friars 


BOEING 


=~£2=ss^  GOES  FISHING 


Fish  caught  in  the  one-day  der- 
by are  examined  by  both  spec- 
tators and  contestants.  Prizes  to 
be  awarded  are  displayed  in  the 
plant  cafeteria.  Lower  right, 
proud  fishermen  holding  silver 
salmon,  are  winners  of  first, 
second,  third  and  fourth  prizes. 


J_  HERE  will  be  lots  of  salmon.  The  kings  are  in  now; 
and  the  silvers  will  be  arriving  in  large  numbers.  I  pre- 
dict good  weather,  good  fishing,  and  the  most  amazing 
crop  of  alibis  ever  heard  by  mortal  ears."  With  these 
deathless  words  from  Frank  Braile,  Supervisor,  Personnel 
Relations,  and  also  the  publicity  director  for  the  event,  the 
Boeing  Employee's  Annual  Fishing  Derby  was  off  to  a 
racing  start  again  this  year. 

The  derby,  sponsored  each  year  by  the  Boeing  Airplane 
Company  for  its  employees,  is  only  one  of  the  special  events 
in  a  regular  program  of  recreation  activities  initiated  and 

JOHN  FRIARS  is  with  the  company's  recreation  department. 
FEBRUARY  1953 


run  by  Boeing  employees  with  the  sponsorship  and  help 
of  management.  It  is  generally  considered  to  be  the  largest 
one-day  salmon  derby  in  the  world.  Participation  seems 
to  be  limited  only  by  the  number  of  boats  available.  This 
year  1,500  ardent  anglers  cast  their  lines  from  some  750 
boats.  Over  5,000  employees  vied  for  the  honor.  Because 
of  the  high  interest  and  the  limited  number  of  boats  avail- 
able, a  ticket  drawing  was  held  and  the  lucky  1.500  were 
selected.  The  suspense  during  this  drawing  is  so  great  each 
year  that  it  threatens  to  become  as  big  an  event  as  the 
derby  itself. 

From  the  opening  gun  at  sunup  until  10:30  A.M. — the 
eager  fishermen  match  wits  with  the  silvery  salmon.   They 

547 


fish  on  either  of  two  large  bay  areas  on  sparkling  Puget 
Sound,  which  borders  the  west  portion  of  Seattle.  Various 
commercial  boathouses  surrounding  the  fishing  areas  sup- 
ply the  boats,  with  one  boathouse  on  each  bay  designated 
as  official  weighing  station.  All  fish  caught  must  be 
weighed  in  at  one  of  these  official  stations  in  order  to  qual- 
ify for  a  prize.  After  the  weighing-in  ceremonies,  and  a 
moderate  amount  of  milling  around  and  gnashing  of  teeth, 
all  contestants  and  spectators  are  invited  to  repair  to  the 
main  cafeteria  at  the  Boeing  Plant  No.  2.  There,  at  noon, 
prizes  are  awarded  to  those  gold-plated,  shot- with -luck 
characters  who  have  caught  the  biggest  fish. 

Through  the  courtesy  of  Boeing  Airplane  Company,  and 
through  receipts  from  ticket  sales,  more  than  fifty  prizes, 
amounting  to  nearly  $5000  worth  of  merchandise,  are 
awarded  annually.  This  year's  prizes  included:  a  16-foot 
boat  with  16  h.p.  outboard  motor,  21-inch  television  set, 
deep-freeze  unit,  coffeemaker,  garden  tools,  fishing  equip- 
ment, power  lawnmower,  household  wares,  and  others. 

A  novel  feature  is  the  annual  awarding  of  the  thirteenth 
place  mystery  prize.  The  possessor  of  the  thirteenth  largest 
fish  caught  in  the  derby  receives  the  mystery  prize,  the 
identity  of  which  is  kept  "top  secret"  until  the  crucial  mo- 
ment of  award.  This  year  the  "lucky  thirteenth"  was  a 
work  bench  complete  with  hand  tools  and  five  different 
power  tools. 

In  the  1952  Derby,  a  man  who  had  never  been  fishing 


FREE 


THIS  BIG  ILLUSTRATED 

LEATHERCRAFT 

CATALOG  AND  GUIDE 


LARSON  LEATHERCRAFT 
FOR    CRAFTS    CLASSES 


Complete  Stock 


Prompt  Shipment 


Lealhercrafl     It     our     only     bu  *lneM,     and 


Mork     1*     lh« 


r«r.l  and  mo.  I  eomplete  In  Amerlra.  That  i-  why  you 
n  al«ay»  depend  upon  Immediate  and  ramplet*  *hip< 
rnt  of  order*  *ent  to  M«.  » hetber  your  requirement*  ar« 
r  beginner*'  kit*  needing  no  tool*  or  cxperlencr,  for  »rr» 
•unit  boy*  and  d»rU,  or  tooling  leather*.  **ppll««  and  tool* 
r  alder,  more  *<l»*nrr.)  aladenl*  or  hobbyl-t*.  bo  *ure  to 
Ib*  LARSON  IT.ATUKKCKArT  TATALOG  fir.t.  Wrlle 
day  for  yoar  FHEE  ropy  of  our  biff  Illustrated  ritaloR 
id  <-ui.lr  to  latest  Leatherrraft  project*. 

J.    C.    LARSON    COMPANY 

Thr   f orpmoir  Nome  fn  laofhercroff 
820  S.  Tripp  Ava.,  Dept.  2105,  Chicago  24,  III. 


J.  C.  LARSON  CO.,  Drpt.  2101 
820  S.  Trlpp  Av«.,  Chicago  24,  III. 

I'l-.w   — •«<)   mtf   m   IllfX  r.pr   ft  r»mr  l.lr.t    lllu>- 
!,.!.. I    I   ...!..«    ....I    «.«IH.    t.    l-. 


cmr_ 


-I   Ml 


before  took  first  prize,  a  woman  who  had  never  fished  be- 
fore won  the  thirty-third  prize,  and  a  man  who  caught  a 
seagull  won  the  mystery  prize  (he  also  caught  a  12-pound 
7-ounce  salmon).  An  adept  swoop  with  a  dip  net  fur- 
nished him  with  the  careless  seagull  which  he  brought 
along  to  the  prize  awarding  for  luck. 

In  all,  168  salmon  were  boated  this  year,  ranging  from 
16  pounds  on  down.  The  winning  fish  in  the  '51  Derby 
was  a  35-pound  king  salmon. 

Anticipation  runs  high  for  months  beforehand  among 
the  employees.  The  thrill  of  tying  into  one  of  these  thrash- 
ing, twisting,  powerful  titans  of  fishdom  is  an  experience 
easy  to  dream  of  and  very  hard  to  forget.  And  the  lure 
of  the  prize  displays  for  the  lucky  winners  does  not  in  any 
sense  tarnish  the  dream.  Preparations  are  exactingly  made. 
Equipment  and  conditions  must  be  right  for  the  big  day. 
Even  the  date  of  the  derby  is  carefully  selected  by  "ex- 
perts" in  the  field  of  salmon  prognostication.  Strangely 
enough,  and  fortunately,  the  past  two  derby  dates  have 
fallen  precisely  on  days  of  large  salmon  runs.  The  experts, 
of  course,  immediately  claimed  mystic  powers,  and  for 
months  were  heard  to  mutter  darkly  of  spawning  cycles, 
tidal  conditions,  herring  schools,  and  quarters  of  the  moon. 

When  derby  day  arrives  the  water  is  dotted  with  boats 
and  the  docks  are  crowded  with  excited  spectators  watch- 
ing the  fishermen  as  they  weigh  in  their  prize  catches.  The 
air  is  filled  with  good  fellowship  such  as  only  fishing  com- 
panionship can  bring;  and  everyone,  labor  and  manage- 
ment together,  has  a  whale  of  a  time. 


There  are  two  good  reasons  why  your  recreation 
program  should  include  Dairy-Vend  ice  cream 
venders. 

1.  The  people  who  participate 
in  and  benefit  from  your  recrea- 
tion program  wilt  welcome  thii 
addition  to  the  refreshment  serv- 
ice you  now  hove.  Ice  cream 
not  only  makes  rut  periods  more 
enjoyable,  but  provide!  basic 
food  requirement!  which  most 
vended  product!  lock. 

1.  Profit  possibilities,  loo,  are 
inherent  wherever  Dairy-Vend 
machine!  ore  placed.  And  what 
recreation  program  would  not 
benefit  by  additional  revenue? 

More  Dairy-Vend  machines  have  been  sold  than  any 
other  make.  Write  today  for  details  on  how  easy 
you  can  arrange  for  this  ice  cream  service. 


THE  VENDO  COMPANY 

7400   loil    12th   Street         •          Konios   City,   Missouri 


RECREATION 


SUGGESTION 


Concrete  Floors 

Surface  treatments  for  concrete 
floors  are  presented  in  an  excellent  in- 
formation sheet,  put  out  by  the  Port- 
land Cement  Association — a  national 
organization  limited  to  scientific  re- 
search. This  covers  not  only  the  fun- 
damental rules  for  making,  placing, 
curing  and  finishing  the  concrete,  but 
also  the  following  topics:  Cleaning 
the  New  Floor,  Hardener  Treatments, 
Fluosilicate  Treatment,  Sodium  Sili- 
cate Treatment,  Aluminum  Sulphate 
Treatment,  Zinc  Sulphate  Treatment, 
Oil  Treatment,  Coverage,  Painting  and 
Waxing.  It  is  available  free  from  the 
Portland  Cement  Association,  346 
Madison  Avenue,  New  York  17. 

Symphony  Orchestra 

If  you  listen  to  the  Philharmonic 
Symphony  Concert  over  CBS,  on  Sun- 
days, you  will  have  noticed  that  the  in- 
termission is  often  given  over  to  a 
story  about  the  activities  of  some  spe- 
cific community  symphony  orchestra. 
We  called  Mr.  James  Fassett,  super- 
visor of  music  at  CBS,  who  acts  as 
commentator  for  the  program,  to  find 
out  where  and  how  he  obtains  his  in- 
formation for  this  program,  and  to 
tell  him  a  bit  about  community  recrea- 
tion department  activities.  Most  of  his 
information,  to  date,  has  come  from 
the  American  Symphony  Orchestra 
League. 

He  assures  us,  however,  that  he  is 
interested  in  receiving  reports  of  any 
symphony  orchestras,  amateur  or 
otherwise,  which  are  sponsored  by 
any  recreation  departments,  private  or- 
ganizations, communities,  and  so  on, 


particularly  those  in  sections  of  the 
country  where  there  is  no  regular  mu- 
sical program,  or  where  the  orchestra 
travels  to  rural  sections  of  the  country 
to  bring  music  to  those  who  would 
otherwise  not  hear  "live"  music.  He 
tries  to  use  news  of  programs  that  are 
different  or  unusual,  and  is  interested 
in  receiving  specific  information  as  to 
how  the  group  was  organized,  how  it 
functions,  who  bears  the  responsibil- 
ity, how  it  is  financed,  and  any  infor- 
mation that  might  prove  useful  to 
others  wishing  to  initiate  similar  proj- 
ects. 

There  is  no  regular  series  planned, 
nor  are  specific  dates  set  for  using  the 
information,  in  the  intermission  talks, 
and  of  course  he  cannot  promise  to 
use  all  of  the  material  sent  to  him. 

If  you  have  a  symphony  orchestra 
in  your  town,  which  is  in  any  way 
unusual  or  outstanding,  here  is  a 
chance,  at  least,  to  give  it  national  rec- 
ognition. Why  not  write  the  details  to 
Mr.  Fassett  at  CBS  Radio,  485  Madi- 
son Avenue,  New  York  City,  with  the 
understanding  that  he  may  be  free  to 
use  any,  or  all,  or  none  of  the  material, 
as  he  sees  fit? 

Mass  Ball 

Special  events  on  our  playground 
during  a  Thanksgiving  Field  Day,  in- 
cluded Mass  Ball.  A  five-foot-high,  air- 
filled,  canvas  ball,  which  is  used  in 
army  programs  to  condition  the  sol- 
diers, was  on  loan  from  the  nearby 
army  post  at  Fort  Belvior,  Virginia. 
Excited,  dungaree  clad  youngsters 
were  divided  equally,  into  teams,  ac- 
cording to  age  and  sex,  with  approxi- 


mately twenty-five  participants  on  each 
team.  The  ball  was  placed  in  the  cen- 
ter of  a  football  field;  the  respective 
team  members  were  back  twenty  yards 
from  the  ball;  the  referee  blew  his 
whistle,  and  away  they  went,  pushing, 
lifting,  kicking,  in  an  attempt  to  move 
the  ball  across  the  goal  line.  After 
twenty  minutes  of  unrestrained  effort 
the  contest  was  called  a  draw. 

Among  other  activities  on  our  special 
program  was  the  always  popular  tug-of- 
war.  The  children  were  excited,  be- 
cause at  the  end  of  the  line  a  water- 
soaked  mud  hole  awaited  the  team  who 
didn't  quite  have  enough  "oomph"  in 
their  pull.  A  muddy  time  was  enjoyed 
by  all! 

Then  came  the  gathering  around  the 
grandstand  for  the  drawing  of  the 
lucky  numbers  for  the  door  prizes. 
Everyone  had  received  a  numbered 
ticket  upon  entering  the  playground. 


Huge  canvas  pushball,  borrowed  from  a 
nearby  army  post,  is  used  in  a  spirited 
game  of  Mass  Ball,  one  of  the  special 
events  at  Sousa's  Thanksgiving  Field  Day. 


"Miss  Thanksgiving",  in  pigtails,  plaid 
shirt,  and  dungarees,  drew  the  lucky 
numbers  from  the  box.  The  grand 
prize  was  a  bushel  basket  of  food;  and 
ten  other  lucky  winners  received  free 
tickets  to  nearby  theaters.  These 
prizes  were  donated  by  the  recreation 
council,  a  volunteer  group  of  parents 
in  the  community. 

HERBERT  RATHNER,  recreation  direc- 
tor of  the  Sousa  Recreation  Center, 
Washington,  D.  C. 


FEBRUARY  1953 


549 


Presenting  a  j etc  pet  ideas  that  have  icorked  successfully,  as  reported 
h\  recreation  executives  at  the  34th  National  Recreation  Congress. 


Pet  Ideas 


Teen  Age  Advisory  Council.     (K. 

Mark  Cowen,  Department  of  Parks  and 
Recreation,  Elkhart,  Indiana.)  His  de- 
partment has  had  a  thirteen-member 
Junior  Advisory  Council  for  four  years. 
Composed  of  teen-agers,  it  sponsors  a 
variety  of  activities,  some  of  which  re- 
quire the  raising  of  funds.  Among 
them  is  an  annual  meeting  with  the 
city  council  and  the  superintendent  of 
schools.  This  affair  is  a  free  dinner 
for  the  city  and  school  officers  and  is 
financed  by  money-raised  by  the  Ad- 
visory Council.  Teen-age  members  pre- 
side at  the  meeting,  which  is  unre- 
hearsed, and  tell  what  they  think  about 
civic  and  school  planning.  Originally, 
the  council  was  selected,  with  the  as- 
sistance of  the  dean  of  boys  and  the 
dean  of  girls  at  the  local  high  school, 
from  among  the  sophomore,  junior 
and  senior  classes — four  from  each 
rlass  and  one  member  at  large.  At  the 
outset  it  was  indicated  that  the  recrea- 
tion department  wanted  young  people 
wilh  ideas,  and  with  energy  and  initi- 
ative, who  might  not  fit  into  the  usual 
"mold."  These  young  people  now  as- 
sist in  selecting  new  members  for  the 
council  as  they  are  needed. 

Playground  Advisory  Councils. 
(Jack  M.  Hoxsey,  Department  of  Parks 
and  Recreation,  San  Diego,  California.) 
They  have  advisory  councils  for  all 
playgrounds,  to  help  in  planning  the 
programs  for  those  areas.  Members 
of  a  council  include  representatives 
from  PTA's,  school  official*,  private 
ies,  churches  and  other  groups 
interested  in  the  "business  of  recrea- 
tion." They  meet  at  least  three  times 
•  year,  previous  to  each  seasonal  pro- 
gram, to  plan  and  schedule  ncti\itic* 
to  mi-rt  the  need*  of  the  playground 

550 


community.  They  also  help  to  estab- 
lish priorities  in  the  use  of  equipment, 
in  the  scheduling  of  activities,  and  rep- 
resent their  playground  at  meetings 
held  by  the  city  recreation  department. 
They  are  also  a  coordinating  group  for 
special  events.  They  have  no  budget. 
This  is  their  third  year  of  operation. 

"Buck"  Contest.  (Guy  Wertz,  Wau- 
kesha,  Wisconsin.)  Every  child  arriv- 
ing on  the  playground,  as  the  program 
began,  was  given  a  "buck"  of  special 
paper  money  printed  by  the  recreation 
department.  This  carried  notations 
about  the  department  on  one  side  and 
was  labeled  "One  Buck"  on  the  other. 
The  child  could  also  receive  an  addi- 
tional buck  for  doing  "chores"  on  the 
playground.  At  the  end  of  the  season, 
the  department  collected  old  pieces  of 
equipment,  and  many  local  merchants 
contributed  additional  items,  for  an 
auction  at  which  the  children  were 
given  opportunity  to  purchase  any  of 
the  items  that  appealed  to  them  with 
the  bucks  they  had  earned  during  the 
season. 

ChriHtmaH  Institute.  I  Margaret  Wil- 
son, Board  of  Parks  and  Recreation, 
Winnipeg,  Canada.)  Before  Christmas, 
the  department  sponsors  a  Christmas 
institute,  at  which  women  in  the  com- 
munity teach  each  other  Christmas 
crafts  traditional  with  their  families  or 
nationalities.  Since  Winnipeg  has  a 
large  foreign-born  population,  this  pro- 
vides a  socializing  activity  of  great 
value.  The  only  specification  is  that 
the  craft  taught  must  use  odds  and  <-n<l- 
of  materials.  Now  in  its  third  year. 
tin-  institute  i-  so  large  that  more  of 
llidii  will  have  to  be  scheduled. 

Men's  Cake-Baking  Contest.     (Sel- 


wyn  Orcutt,  Recreation  and  Parks 
Department,  Fayetteville.  North  Caro- 
lina.) This  community,  near  Ft.  Bragg, 
has  just  held  a  men's  cake-baking  con- 
test in  which  there  were  sixty-two  en- 
tries. Prizes  were  offered  by  two  com- 
mercial concerns  which  cooperated 
with  the  local  recreation  department  in 
conducting  the  contest — Sears  and  Roe- 
buck and  General  Mills.  The  first  prize, 
an  electric  cooker  donated  by  Sears, 
was  won  by  a  chaplain,  while  the  sec- 
ond prize  went  to  a  local  citizen,  and 
third  prize  to  a  lieutenant  colonel  from 
the  base.  (As  is  usual  with  acti\iti<-> 
of  this  kind  in  this  community,  because 
of  the  proximity  of  such  a  large  mili- 
tary reservation,  the  activity  was  a 
joint  military -civilian  one.)  The  old- 
c-i  participant  was  seventy-two  \<-.n> 
of  age.  The  contest  was  advertised 
through  use  of  posters,  spot  ads,  and 
radio  announcements.  Cakes  were 
judged  on  the  basis  of  taste.  ti-\tnrc. 
and  looks,  with  home  economics  teach- 
ers, housewives  from  the  city  and  the 
base,  and  the  mayor  acting  as  judges. 
Cakes,  had  to  be  baked  at  home  by  the 
men.  Women  were  allowed  to  super- 
vise but  not  assist  in  the  baking.  It 
was  felt  that  entrants  were  honest  in 
their  entries.  The  prize-winner  gave 
his  recipe  over  the  radio  after  awards 
were  presented. 

Men's  Cake-Baking  I  Im.ination 
<  'uiiii-i.  (  Fran  Hart/ell,  Department 
of  Recreation.  Chambersburg.  Penn- 
sylvania.) Chambersburg  also  holds  a 
men's  cake-baking  contest,  but  con- 
ducts eliminations  in  the  various  clul>< 
of  the  city  first.  \Vimiers  then  meet  for 
the  "bake-ofis"  at  the  V.F.W.  club- 
roiim-.  with  General  Klectric  Company 
supplying  the  stoves,  General  Mills  the 

RECREATION 


home  economists  for  judging.  An  ad- 
mission fee  of  ten  cents  per  person  is 
charged  and  cakes  are  auctioned  at 
the  end  of  the  contest.  Funds  thus  ob- 
tained go  to  the  department  for  other 
activities. 

Mother-Child   Swimming  Lessons. 

(Keith  McDonald,  Vallejo,  California.) 
A  series  of  classes  is  offered  for  moth- 
ers of  children  of  about  two  and  a  half 
years  and  older.  Both  mother  and  child 
get  into  the  pool  at  the  same  time, 
learn  basic  swimming  skills,  and  the 
mother  is  prepared  to  go  on  from  there. 

Little   Decatur   Basehall   Leagues. 

(R.  J.  Foval,  Superintendent  of  Recre- 
ation, Decatur,  Illinois.)  Twenty-four 
teams  participated  in  the  Leagues  in 
1952.  These  are  conducted  on  a  strict- 
ly local  competition  basis,  with  no  out- 
of-town  trips  or  other  competition. 
This  fact  was  established  and  adver- 
tised at  the  outset  so  there  could  be  no 
complaints  later.  Definite  regulations 
were  also  established.  There  were  no 
uniforms  unless  the  boys  wanted  to 
buy  them,  and  then  the  purchase  was 
restricted  to  a  hat  and  T-shirt.  Because 
of  publicity  about  little  leagues  in  gen- 
eral, many  service  clubs  have  wanted 
to  assist  in  the  program;  so,  in  1953, 
four  different  service  clubs  have  been 
designated  as  sponsors  of  the  four  dif- 
ferent leagues,  and  each  club  is  limi- 
ted to  a  hundred  dollar  expenditure. 

Playground    Safety    Signs.      (Mrs. 

Martha  Turner,  Supervisor  of  Recrea- 
tion, Memphis,  Tennessee.)  Painted 
signs  providing  a  space  for  keeping  a 
playground  safety  tally  are  hung  under 
playground  bulletin  boards.  These  give 
information  on  the  number  of  days 
without  accident  on  each  playground. 


Statistics  are  brought  up-to-date  each 
morning  at  the  time  of  the  flag-raising 
ceremony. 

Today  in  Recreation — Bulletin 
Board  Showcase.  (Tom  Belser,  Su- 
perintendent of  Parks  and  Recreation, 
Montgomery,  Alabama.)  A  5  foot  by 
10  foot  bulletin  board  showcase,  about 
4  inches  deep,  was  attached  to  a  build- 
ing located  on  one  of  the  most  promi- 
nent corners  in  the  city  this  summer. 
It  was  equipped  with  a  sliding  glass 
door.  The  background  was  white.  In- 
side the  case  in  huge  letters  were  the 
words  "Today  in  Recreation."  Under- 
neath the  heading  were  listed  current 
facts  on  the  recreation  program  in  the 
city.  These  were  changed  once  or 
twice  a  day  to  keep  the  board  up-to- 
date.  Although  it  was  not  locked  dur- 
ing the  first  half  of  the  summer,  there 
was  no  vandalism.  The  board  was  very 
popular  and  two  or  three  businesses 
in  the  city  have  already  adopted  the 
same  method  of  reaching  the  public. 
One  of  the  problems  involved  in  such 
a  project  is  the  matter  of  keeping  the 
board  up-to-date  over  a  long  period  of 
time. 

Tom  Sawyer  Day.  (Thelma  Wicke, 
Superintendent  of  Aquatics,  Honolulu.) 
On  the  Saturday  before  the  beginning 
of  the  annual  "learn-to-swim"  program 
the  children  gather  on  the  beaches  for 
"Tom  Sawyer  Day."  Approximately 
1,800  children  "comb"  the  beaches  for 
materials — the  purpose  being  to  get 
them  clean  for  swim  week.  The  activ- 
ity is  also  a  treasure  hunt,  for  the  chil- 
dren collect  all  kinds  of  things,  some  of 
real  value,  in  addition  to  debris.  Any 
money  which  the  department  obtains 
from  the  items  found,  goes  into  a  fund 
which  is  used  in  the  program.  It  has 
been  noted,  however,  that  the  children 
would  be  willing  to  participate  even  if 
they  did  not  find  any  real  treasure 
simply  because  it  is  fun. 

Cheering  Corps  as  a  Dance  Activ- 
ity. (Mrs.  Elsie  Allen,  Friends  of  the 
Dance,  Tacoma,  Washington.)  Partic- 
ipants get  partners  and  divide  into 
groups.  Each  group  elects  a  director 
who  comes  to  the  leader  for  directions 
on  lining  up  a  "cheering  corps"  in  his 
group.  Each  person  in  the  group  leads 


a  cheer.  If  they  do  not  know  a  cheer, 
they  get  together  first  for  a  "growl" 
and  get  into  the  spirit  of  the  activity. 
After  each  person  has  led  a  cheer  in 
his  group,  one  person  is  selected  to 
represent  the  group  and  the  chosen 
ones  from  each  group  compete  with 
each  other,  the  "winner"  then  being 
given  opportunity  to  lead  the  entire 
assembly. 

Talent  Programs.  (Mrs.  Mildred 
Hughes,  Recreation  Director,  City  Park 
Bureau,  Portland,  Oregon.)  Different 
age  groups,  having  special  interests, 
join  together  and  practice  for  talent 
programs.  When  they  have  their  pro- 
grams worked  up,  they  go  out  for  pub- 
lic appearances  before  civic  groups. 
Most  of  the  groups  are  composed  of 
teen-agers,  and  these  appearances  help 
to  make  them  civic-minded.  All  races 
participate. 

Free  Swimming  Lessons  for  Play- 
ground Attendants.  (George  Mark- 
ley,  Director  of  Recreation,  St.  Joseph, 
Missouri.)  A  plan  for  exchanging 
services  on  the  playground,  for  play- 
ground attendants,  with  one  lesson  for 
each  service  session,  resulted  in  the 
giving  of  3,000  free  lessons  last  sum- 
mer to  such  attendants. 

Youth  Honor  Day.  (George  Mark- 
ley,  Recreation  Director,  St.  Joseph. 
Missouri.)  The  young  people  in  the 
community  sign  pledges  not  to  destroy 
property  on  Halloween.  Those  who 
sign  the  pledge  are  given  a  free  party 
in  a  central  spot.  About  4,000  children 
participated  last  year.  The  Moose 
Lodge  was  the  cooperating  agency. 

For  further  "Pet  Ideas"  see  34th 
National  Recreation  Congress  Proceed- 
ings, published  by  the  National  Rec- 
reation Association.  $2.25. 


It  has  been  suggested  that 
"Pet  Ideas"  might  become  a  reg- 
ular department  in  RECREATION. 
We  would  like  to  hear  from  all 
those  who  are  interested.  Can 
we  be  assured  of  a  steady  sup- 
ply of  such  "ideas"? — Ed. 


FEBRUARY  1953 


551 


Many  of  these  facts  cover  implica- 
tions which  are  significant  for  the 
recreation  field.  Among  the  needs 
that  demand  study  and  action  by 
leaders  in  the  recreation  movement, 
as  pointed  up  by  the  figures,  are  the 
needs  to: 

Provide,  near  the  homes  of  chil- 
dren, more  recreation  facilities  such 
as  play  lots  in  large-scale  housing 
developments,  or  sections  for  young 
children  in  neighborhood  play- 
grounds to  serve  the  increasing  num- 
ber of  children  of  pre-school  age. 

Make  plans  for  recreation  areas, 
facilities  and  leadership  to  take  care 
of  the  needs  of  the  increasing  num- 
ber of  children  of  elementary  school 
age  in  the  years  ahead. 

Set  aside  recreation  areas  in  su- 
burban communities  near  large 
population  centers,  in  anticipation 
of  the  rapid  rise  in  population. 

Study  the  amount  and  types  of 
recreation  areas  most  appropriate  to 
the  central  portions  of  our  large 
cities  that  are  losing  population. 

Develop  programs  for  the  increas- 
ing percentage  of  the  population 
over  sixty  years  of  age  who  have 
much  leisure. 

Make  sure  that  the  need  for 
greatly  increased  funds  for  school 
sites  and  classrooms  results  in  co- 
operative planning  on  the  part  of 
school  and  city  authorities  and  does 
not  result  in  elimination  in  new 
school  building*  of  facilities  suit- 
able for  community  recreation  use. 

Give  more  consideration  in  rec- 
reation programs  to  the  needs  of 
women  and  girU. 

Recognize  that  the  need  for  com- 
munity provision  of  play  opportuni- 
ties for  young  children  is  increasing 
as  the  size  of  families  decreases. 

The  fact*  revealed  by  the  1950  cen- 
sus, with  n-frrrnrr  to  changes  in  tin- 
composition  of  our  population  and  va- 
rious other  population  trends,  havr 

552 


much  interest  tor  all  who  are  concerned 
with  planning  for  recreation  in  the 
years  ahead.  The  census  figures  will 
be  useful  to  professional  and  lay  lead- 
ers in  the  field  of  recreation,  to  the 
extent  that  regional  and  national  char- 
acteristics revealed  by  the  figures  are 
correctly  interpreted  and  adapted  to 
local  situations.  An  excellent  summary 
of  significant  census  data,  issued  by 
the  Research  Division  of  the  National 
Education  Association  of  the  United 
States,*  affords  the  basis  for  the  state- 
ment that  follows. 

The  1950  total  population  of  the 
Continental  United  States  was  150,697,- 
361,  an  increase  of  more  than  19,000,- 


sulted  quite  largely  from  natural  in- 
crease rather  than  from  net  gains  from 
immigration.  Beginning  in  1941,  the 
birth  rate  began  to  climb,  reaching  25.8 
per  1,000  in  1947,  the  all-time  high 
since  the  birth-registration  areas  have 
functioned.  There  have  been  slight  de- 
clines since  1947,  but,  according  to 
the  best  estimate,  the  rate  in  1950  was 
23.5  per  1,000  population.  This  ap- 
proximates the  rates  for  the  period 
1917  to  1921. 

The  increase  in  birth  rate  since  1940 
has  been  relatively  much  greater  for 
the  urban  population  than  for  the  rural. 
The  actual  birth  rate  for  urban  resi- 
dents since  1947  has  been  higher  than 


siii.wimi  minus 


000  persons  over  1940.  It  represents  a 
rate  of  increase  twice  as  rapid  as  that 
which  occurred  between  1930  and 
1940,  and  it  brought  the  nation's  total 
population  almost  to  the  figure  which, 
in  1940,  had  been  predicted  for  1980— 
a  full  generation  hence.  Thus  the  to- 
tal population  figure  for  1950  itself  in- 
dicates a  sharp  acceleration  in  the  ex- 
pected growth  trend.  The  sharp  up- 
turn between  1940  and  1950,  to  an  in- 
crease of  14.5  per  cent  was  unexpected 
by  most  students  of  population  trends. 

During  the  past  half-century,  be- 
tween 1900  and  1950,  the  population 
has  approximately  doubled.  This  fact, 
together  with  the  doubled  rate  of  in- 
crease of  the  past  decade,  strongly  in- 
dicates that  the  era  of  a  static  popula- 
tion is  not  yet  at  hand.  Economic  and 
social  planning,  including  plans  for 
public  education,  must  be  geared  to  the 
idea  of  growth  and  expansion,  at  least 
for  the  years  immediately  ahead. 

Only  four  states  —  Arkansas.  Missis- 
sippi, North  Dakota,  and  Oklahoma  — 
had  net  losses  in  population  between 
1940  and  1950,  in  each  case  very  slight 


Birth  and  Death  Rates  —  The  popula- 
tion  growth   of   recent  years  has  re- 

•  "Schools  and  the  1950  Cen»u»".  Keirareh 
Bulletin.  IW^mhrr.  1951. 


the  rate  for  the  rural  people.  The 
birth  rate  for  the  non-white  population 
runs  consistently  higher  than  that  for 
whites.  Another  significant  trend  dur- 
ing the  past  decade  is  the  relathdy 
greater  increase  in  the  reproduction 
rate  for  well-educated  women  than  for 
those  of  low  educational  attainment. 

During  the  past  decade  the  death 
rate  has  continued  to  decline.  Mortal- 
ity statistics  go  back  only  to  1900,  but 
in  the  half-century  just  ended  the  death 
rate  has  been  cut  almost  in  half.  For 
1900,  the  death  rate  was  17.2  per  1,000 
population.  The  rate  has  gone  on  down 
to  an  estimated  9.6  per  1,000  for  1950 
— an  all-time  low  since  mortality  sta- 
tistics have  been  reported.  Infant 
death  rates  are  slightly  higher  in  rural 
areas  than  in  urban,  33.1  as  compared 
with  31.2  in  1948. 

General  Population  Characteristics — 
Among  the  characteristics  of  popula- 
tion of  special  significance  for  recrea- 
tional planning  are:  age  distribution, 
racial  distribution,  marital  status,  size 
of  families,  and  rural-urban  distribu- 
tion. A  shift  in  the  sex  distribution  of 
the  population  is  pointed  nut  as  a  mat- 
ter of  general  interest.  In  1950,  for 
the  first  time  in  census  history,  thr 
number  of  women  exceeded  the  number 
..f  tm-ti  li\  MMT  a  million,  bringing  the 

RECREATION 


sex  ratio  to  98.1  men  per  100  women. 
In  rural  areas,  men  outnumbered  wo- 
men, but  in  urban  areas  the  ratio  was 
only  94.1  men  per  100  women.  At 
present  an  appreciable  excess  of  fe- 
males over  males  is  found  only  in  age 
groups  beyond  fifteen  years. 

The  rate  at  which  the  average  age  of 
the  population  of  the  United  States  is 
rising  was  checked  slightly  by  the  re- 
cent upturn  in  the  nation's  birth  rate, 
but  has  not  been  halted.  The  increase 
between  1940  and  1950  in  the  per  cent 
of  the  population  under  five  years  of 
age  (from  8.0  per  cent  to  10.8  per 
cent)  just  about  offsets  the  ten-year  de- 
crease in  the  per  cent  of  the  popula- 


from  the  195 


tion  between  5  and  19  years  of  age. 
The  per  cent  of  20-  to  44-year-olds  re- 
mains substantially  unchanged.  The 
two  age  groups  above  44  show  a  slight 
increase.  An  upward  climb  of  the  me- 
dian age  for  the  total  population  dur- 
ing the  past  100  years  is  noted,  from 
18.8  years  in  1850  to  30.1  in  1950. 

The  figure  for  life  expectancy  had 
climbed  by  1948  to  67.2  years — within 
striking  distance  of  "three-score  years 
and  ten."  Within  a  decade,  the  average 
had  pushed  upward  by  nearly  4  years. 
The  life  expectancy  for  women  is  about 
5.5  years  greater  than  that  for  men. 
Life  expectancy  for  the  white  popula- 
tion is  68  years  as  compared  with  60 
years  for  non-whites. 

Time  has  produced  only  minor 
changes  in  the  proportion  of  the  white 
and  non-white  population.  In  1850  the 
white  population  accounted  for  84.3 
per  cent  of  the  total.  By  1900  this 
proportion  had  grown  to  87.9  per  cent. 
Since  1920  it  has  remained  virtually 
constant  at  just  under  90  per  cent. 

Of  the  nation's  nearly  forty  million 
families,  about  half  are  families  with- 
out any  children  of  their  own  under 
18  years  of  age.  One-fifth  have  one 
own  child  under  18  years  of  age;  one- 
sixth  have  two  own  children;  only  14.1 
per  cent  have  three  or  more  children 


under  18.  Despite  the  recent  upturn 
in  birth  rate  there  was  no  child  under 
6  years  of  age  in  70.5  per  cent  of  the 
nation's  families  in  1950,  and  only  one 
child  under  6  in  18.5  per  cent  of  them. 
The  effects  of  the  high  birth  rate  were 
more  than  offset  by  the  effects  of  the 
high  marriage  rate  and  other  factors 
that  tended  to  increase  the  number  of 
households.  As  a  result  the  average 
number  of  persons  per  household  in 
1950  was  only  3.39  as  compared  with 
3.67  for  1940  and  4.01  in  1930. 

Urban  • —  Rural  Communities  —  For 
the  1950  census  a  new  definition  of  ur- 
ban communities  was  developed  which, 
in  a  word,  included  some  unincorpora- 


ted  but  densely  populated  areas  that 
had  heretofore  been  omitted.  Many  of 
the  new  urban  areas  brought  in  by  this 
definition  are  fringe  areas  or  unincor- 
porated suburbs  of  large  cities.  Almost 
two-thirds  of  the  total  population — 
more  than  two-thirds  of  the  people  in 
both  the  West  and  the  Northeast  re- 


ulation  is  approximately  half  of  the 
nation's  urban  population  and  nearly  a 
third  of  its  total  inhabitants. 

The  1950  census  designates  168 
"standard  metropolitan  areas."  Each 
such  area  contains  one  or  more  cities 
over  50,000  in  population,  known  as 
the  "central  city"  (or  cities),  and  cer- 
tain "outlying  parts"  which  are  densely 
populated  and  closely  integrated  in  so- 
cial and  economic  matters  with  the 
central  city.  Growth  in  the  central  cit- 
ies of  the  metropolitan  areas  between 
1940  and  1950  was  only  13.0  per  cent, 
but  the  rate  of  growth  in  the  outlying 
parts  was  34.7  per  cent.  Population 
growth  in  the  United  States  during  this 
period  was  largely  growth  within  the 
168  metropolitan  areas,  and  nearly 
half  the  population  increase  of  the  en- 
tire country  took  place  in  the  outlying 
parts  of  these  areas. 

Mobility  of  Population — During  the 
seven-year  period  1940  to  1947  over 
13,000,000  people  moved  from  one 
county  to  another  within  their  respec- 
tive states,  and  over  12,000,000  crossed 
state  lines.  The  Bureau  of  the  Census 
has  stated  that  probably  never  before 
in  the  history  of  the  United  States  has 
there  been  internal  population  move- 
ment of  such  magnitude  as  in  the  past 
eventful  years. 

In  April  1947  more  than  4,000,000 


Population  by  Age  Group 

Each   figure   represents   five   per   cent   of  the   population. 


^X^Wi^^ 


UNDER   5      I  5-19 


gions — are  urban  dwellers.    Less  than 
one-sixth  live  on  rural  farms. 

There  are  now  4,270  urban  places  of 
2.500  inhabitants  or  more.  All  but 
397  of  them  are  incorporated.  The 
106  cities  over  100,000  in  population 
constitute  only  2.5  per  cent  of  all  the 
urban  places,  but  their  combined  pop- 


of  those  who  were  living  on  farms  had 
not  lived  on  farms  in  1940.  But.  con- 
versely, 7,500,000  persons  who  were 
living  on  farms  in  1940  were  no  longer 
on  the  farm  in  1947.  In  other  words, 
between  1940  and  1947  the  farm  pop- 
ulation showed  a  net  loss  from  migra- 
tion of  approximately  3,235,000  per- 


FEBRUARY  1953 


553 


sons,  or  approximately  12  per  cent  of 
the  1940  farm  population.  The  similar 
net  loss  between  1930  and  1940  was 
only  about  2,000,000  persons.  Because 
of  defense  industry  and  other  social 
and  economic  factors,  the  tempo  of 
in.  A  cinent  from  farm  to  city,  which  was 
checked  by  depression  circumstances, 
has  been  accelerated  again  until  it 
stands  out  as  one  of  the  important 
trends  of  the  past  decade. 

The  center  of  population  for  1950  is 
located  eight  miles  northwest  of  Olney, 
Illinois — some  forty  miles  farther  west 
than  the  center  of  population  in  1940. 

The  Labor  Force— In  the  1950  pop- 
ulation of  more  than  150,000,000  per- 
sons there  were  111,915.000  who  were 
14  years  of  age  or  older — the  group 
for  which  labor  force  statistics  are 
compiled.  Only  53.2  per  cent  of  this, 
approximately  59,500,000  persons, 
constitute  the  1950  labor  force.  This 
number  is  12.9  per  cent  greater  than 
the  total  labor  force  in  1940.  Although 
the  labor  force  during  the  past  ten 
years  has  increased  more  rapidly  than 
the  adult  population  (the  population 
over  14  years),  it  has  grown  a  little 
less  rapidly  than  the  nation's  total  pop- 
ulation. 

The  amount  of  unemployment  at  the 
lime  i>f  the  census  enumeration  in  1950 
was  quite  low  in  comparison  with  that 
reported  in  1940,  a  little  less  than 
38,000.000  as  compared  with  7,500,000. 

Technological  changes  during  more 
than  the  past  half-century  have  re- 
sulted in  marked  changes  in  industrial 
and  occupational  patterns.  One  of  the 
major  shifts  has  been  an  actual  de- 
crease in  the  number  of  agricultural 
workers  since  1900.  Agricultural  work- 
er*, who  in  1900  accounted  for  nearly 
half  the  entire  labor  force,  now  com- 
prise only  7.138,000.  Manufacturing 
has  lx-<  omr  the  largest  field,  with  near- 
l\  twice  the  number  of  workers  as  are 
now  engaged  in  agriculture,  and  com- 
prise* a  fourth  of  the  entire  labor  force. 
The  vr\  ice  industries  run  fairly  clow 
to  manufacturing,  with  <>\cr  12,000,000 
worker-.  \\  liolesale  and  retail  trade 
has  grown  to  the  point  where  it  now 
employ*  in-. n-  than  10.000.000  workers. 

As  for  men  engaged  in  various  types 
of  work  in  l'».V).  the  largest  classes  of 
worker*  arr:  operative*  and  kindred 
workers:  (raftsmen,  foremen,  and  kin- 

554 


dred  workers;  managers,  officials  and 
proprietors  other  than  farm;  farmers 
and  farm  managers;  and  unskilled  la- 
borers other  than  farm  and  mine.  For 
women  the  largest  classes  of  workers 
are:  clerical  and  kindred  workers;  op- 
eratives and  kindred  workers:  profes- 
sional, technical,  and  kindred  workers; 
-'•i  \  ice  workers  other  than  in  private 
households:  private  household  work- 
ers; and  sales  workers. 

School  Enrollments — In  October 
1950  the  Bureau  of  the  Census  re- 
ported that  school  enrollment  in  all 
schools  and  colleges  stood  at  an  all- 
lime  high  of  slightly  over  30,000,000 
persons  5  to  29  years  old.  This  was 
a  fifth  of  the  nation's  total  population, 
and  half  of  the  population  between  5 
and  29  years  of  age.  The  enrollment 
in  elementary  schools  reported  for  the 
same  date  was  over  21,000.000  and  ac- 
counted for  70.5  per  cent  of  the  total. 
High  school  enrollments  of  nearly 
6,750,000  accounted  for  22.3  per  cent, 
and  college  enrollments  of  more  than 
2,000,000  for  the  remaining  7.2  per 
cent  of  the  total.  More  than  900,000 
children  5  and  6  years  old  were  in  pub- 
lic or  private  kindergartens. 

In  1947  there  still  were  2,750.000 
Americans  over  14  years  of  age  who 
could  not  read  or  write  in  any  lan- 
guage. Moreover,  the  per  cent  of  il- 
literacy among  the  non-white  popula- 
tion was  11.0  per  cent  as  compared 
with  2.7  per  cent  for  all  adults — and 
for  the  residents  of  rural  farm  areas  it 
was  5.3  per  cent.  In  1947  the  median 
years  of  school  completed  was  9.6  as 
compared  with  8.7  in  1940. 

Implications  for  Education — In  the 
concluding  pages  of  the  Research  Bul- 
letin, a  number  of  basic  implications, 
which  the  population  facts  present  for 
persons  concerned  with  school  plan- 
ning, are  discuswd  briefly-  It  is  pointed 
out  that  an  expansion  of  22  to  30  per 
ii-ni  in  the  total  capacity  of  the  na- 
I  inn's  elementary-school  facilities  must 
be  accomplished  within  the  pn--ent 
decade.  The  wave  of  additional  high- 
-chool  students  that  will  follow  is  esti- 
mated to  require  nn  expansion  of  25  to 
40  per  cent  in  high-school  facilities, 
with  the  crest  of  this  second  wave 
scarcely  more  than  a  decade  away. 
Ijirge  wale  construction  of  new  school 
buildings,  therefore,  become-  impera- 


tive and  prompt  planning  and  action 
are  essential  to  provide  them.  Other- 
\\i-r.  millions  of  boys  and  girls  will  be 
denied  the  advantages  of  acceptable 
schooling. 

Other  needs  include  large  increases 
in  school  staffs  and  enlarged  expendi- 
tures for  adequate  equipment,  facilities 
and  instruction.  In  view  of  the  growth 
in  life-expectancy  the  need  for  adult 
education  is  inevitable.  Even  the  most 
effective  public  school  system  needs  the 
supplementary  support  of  a  good  pub- 
lic relations  program.  Migration  into 
fringe  areas  and  general  neglect  of 
rural  schools  present  additional  prob- 
lems. Shifting  patterns  of  occupation 
point  to  the  growing  importance  of  the 
school's  guidance  function. 

Finally,  the  adaption  of  population 
facts  to  local  needs  is  pointed  out  as 
essential.  Each  community  is  advised 
to  compare  the  characteristics  and 
trends  of  its  own  population  with  the 
general  trends.  Suggested  questions 
are:  Is  its  own  population  growing 
rapidly,  or  is  it  reasonably  static.' 
Does  it  have  the  problem  of  ser\ini: 
immigrants  or  migrants?  Is  the  birth 
rate  high  or  low?  What  proportion  of 
the  population  is  made  up  of  older  citi- 
zens? Is  the  school  system  affected  by 
any  sizable  amount  of  rural-urban 
migration?  How  much  transiency  is 
there  in  the  local  community;  among 
what  groups;  from  what  region?  What 
is  the  local  pattern  of  employment;  of 
unemployment?  What  is  the  income 
level  of  its  people?  What  part  of  the 
community's  total  inhabitants  are 
served  by  the  school?  Does  any  age 
•j i <>HI i  have  educational  needs  that  the 
-chool  system  has  failed  to  meet? 
Questions  such  as  these  must  be  the 
points  of  departure  in  local  planning. 

The  statement  concludes:  "One  com- 
munity will  focus  attention  on  one  set 
of  needs,  another  on  some  other  prob- 
lem-. If  each  has  correctly  appraised 
its  own  situation,  progress  will  come 
where  the  need  i-  most  urgent.  Then-  i- 
no  way  to  plan  intelligently  for  school 
improvement  except  in  relation  to  pre- 
vailing social  changes,  and  thi-  implies 
an  acimale  and  clear  understanding 
of  significant  population  trends  in  the 
localiu.  ic^ion.  -i. ite.  and  nation." 
Them-  comment-,  largely,  arr  equally 
applicable  to  community  recreation. 

RECREATION 


Apropos  of  the  Time  Machine* 

A  special  meeting  of  the  parks  and 
recreation  commission  in  Pittsfield, 
Massachusetts,  is  arranged  each  year 
by  Vincent  Hebert,  superintendent,  to 
which  all  living  past  members  are  in- 
vited. Each  ex-member  is  asked  to 
reminisce  a  bit  about  his  own  past  ex- 
periences in  parks  and  recreation  work, 
to  comment  on  present  accomplish- 
ments and  to  outline  his  views  as  to 
future  developments. 

Another  "Bowl"  Game 
Not  televised  or  broadcast,  but  in- 
teresting to  the  residents  of  Jefferson, 
Louisiana,  was  the  first  "Cookie  Bowl" 
football  classic  between  the   Jefferson 
Doughboys    and   the    Kingsley    House 
Gingersnaps,    held    on    December    28. 
The  Doughboys  represented  the  Com- 
munity  Center    and   Playground    Dis- 
trict 5,  sponsors  of  the  game,  a  public 
agency  which  has  offered  a  recreation 
program  to  its  community  only  since 
the  appointment  of  its  director  Dave 
Scheuermann  in  May,  1952.   The  Gin- 
gersnaps were  recruited  from  Kings- 
ley    House   community   center,    a   pri- 
vate agency  with  fifty  years  of  service 
to  its  credit.    Members  of  both  teams 
were  twelve  years   old   or   younger- 
maximum  weight,   ninety-five  pounds. 
At  a  preliminary  meeting  at  the  play- 
ground, with  ninety  girls — members  of 
the  Funville  group — cheerleaders  and 
pep     squads     were     chosen     for     both 
teams,    and    a    queen    and    maids    of 
honor  were  elected  to  reign  over  the 
festivities.   The  trophy  awarded  to  the 


*  See   page   451    in   January   RECREATION. 


winning  team  was  the  largest  bowl  ob- 
tainable, filled  with  all  kinds  of  de- 
licious cookies.  Cookies  were  available, 
too,  for  the  hundreds  of  children  who 
participated  in  and  attended  the  event. 

Archeological  Notes 
•  Employees  of  North  American  Avia- 
tion, Incorporated,  Inglewood,  Cali- 
fornia, who  are  interested  in  mining 
and  prospecting,  may  now  find  com- 
panionship with  kindred  spirits  by 
joining  the  new  prospecting  club,  to 
be  known  as  the  North  American  Pros- 
pectors. Tentative  plans  call  for  an  in- 
formal organization  —  one  luncheon 
meeting  and  one  field  trip  a  month, 
no  dues.  The  field  trips  will  consist  of 
prospecting  for  gold,  lost  mines,  min- 
eral deposits  and  semi-precious  stones. 
•  Interesting  events  in  the  archeo- 
logical  world  have  been  taking  place  in 
one  of  the  city  parks  in  Rice  Lake,  Wis- 
consin. The  state  is  financing  the  ex- 
cavation of  Indian  mounds,  under  the 
supervision  of  the  state  archeologist 
from  the  University  of  Wisconsin.  Bits 
of  pottery  and  weapons  found  near  the 
top  of  the  burial  chamber  have  pro- 
vided evidence  to  prove  that  burials 
took  place  there  at  least  three  hundred 
years  ago.  The  university  feels  that 
the  complete  history  of  the  mounds 
will  be  a  valuable  addition  to  their  re- 
search library.  A  copy  of  the  history 
will  be  presented  to  the  city  of  Rice 
Lake,  and  a  large  historical  marker  will 
be  placed  near  the  mounds  in  the  park. 
Park  and  recreation  officials  anticipate 
that  the  excavations  will  attract  many 
tourists. 

Facts  and  Figures 
Sixty  acres  of  hilly,  lake-side  land, 
belonging — with  its  buildings — to  the 
city    of    Shreveport,    Louisiana,    have 
been  improved  at  a  cost  of  $8,000  and 
made  available,  by  the  recreation  de- 
partment, to  Negro  golfers  of  the  city, 
as  a  par  thirty-four,  public,  park  golf 
course.  .  .  .  Private    contributions    of 
$1,500   have   made   it   possible   to   go 
ahead    with    the    development    of   the 
twenty-acre   community   park   in   Car- 
lisle, Pennsylvania,  the  plan  for  which 
was    drawn    five    years    ago    by   Alan 
Burritt,  recently  retired  from  the  staff 
of  the  National  Recreation  Association. 
.  .  .  The  office  of  the  recreation   de- 
partment of  Beloit,  Wisconsin,  is  now 


located  in  the  new  four  million  dollar 
memorial   high    school,    which   is    de- 
signed  so   that  the   building   may   be 
used    for    recreation    activities    after 
school.     Facilities    include    an    audi- 
torium   with    stage,    a    little    theatre, 
music   room,   club   rooms,    visual   aid 
room,  cafeteria,  gymnasium  with  eight 
basketball  courts.  .  .  .  Sled  slides  are 
being  constructed  in  two  or  three  parks 
in  Muskegon,  Michigan,  to  replace  the 
street  slides,   which  have  become  too 
difficult  to  operate  because  of  increased 
traffic.  .  .  .  Free  Christmas  trees  were 
available  to  churches,  schools  and  or- 
phanages in  Cincinnati,  Ohio,  when  the 
Hamilton  County  Park  district  found 
it  necessary  to  remove  pine  trees  for  a 
new  park  road  and  did  it  before  in- 
stead   of    after    Christmas.  .  .  .  Over 
141,000,000  visits  were  made  in  1952 
to   New   York   City's   parks   and   584 
playgrounds  by  persons  seeking  active 
recreation,    4,000,000    more    than    in 
1951.    The  city's  estimated  population 
is  now  8,053,000. 


17 —  .     i  nco 


"Foward  on  Liberty's  Team" 

The  annual  Boy  Scout  week,  Febru- 
ary 1  to  14,  marks  not  only  the  forty- 
third  birthday  of  the  organization,  but 
the  half-way  point  of  the  movement's 
three-year  program,  under  the  slogan, 
to  "help  make  and  keep  America  physi- 
cally strong,  mentally  awake  and  mor- 
ally  straight."    During  the  past  year 
two    nation-wide    projects    have    been 
carried  on  by  the  almost  three  million 
members  of  the  Boy  Scouts  of  America 
— a  "Get-out-the-Vote"  campaign  and 
a  "Blood  Donor"  campaign.    Schools, 
civic  organizations,  churches  and  other 
interested  groups  may  join  the  Scouts 
in  observing  their  anniversary  by  dis- 
playing the  1953  posters,  arranging  for 
scouting    exhibits    or    demonstrations, 
or    presenting    special    programs    and 
films.     Assistance   and   materials   may 
be  secured  from  local  Boy  Scout  execu- 
tives.  The  third  national  Jamboree  for 
more  than  fifty  thousand  Scouts  and 
their  leaders  will  be  held  on  the  Irvine 
Ranch    in    southern    California,    from 
July    17-23.    Boys  from  all   walks   of 
life,     including    representatives    from 
fifty  other  lands,  will  cook  their  food 
over  charcoal  fires  and  live  in  a  "city" 
of  thirty   thousand  tents — a   practical 
demonstration  of  democratic  living. 

555 


A  recreation  department  develops  hobby  interest* 


3      SCIENCE  as  a 
RECREATION 
ACTIVITY 


While  recreation  boards  have  long  been  acknowledged 
leaders  in  the  fields  of  sports,  playground  activities,  and 
more  recently  in  sponsoring  community  concerts  and  an- 
nual displays  of  fireworks,  they  have  in  too  many  instances 
left  untourhed  the  great  number  of  students  and  adults 
who  are  not  athletically  inclined.  In  Greenwich,  Connecti- 
cut, the  recreation  board,  in  trying  to  broaden  the  scope 
of  its  program,  has  aided  in  the  development  of  a  group 
which  is  worthy  of  rather  special  note,  the  Greenwich  As- 
sociation for  the  Development  of  Scientists  (G.A.D.S.). 

This  organization  had  its  beginning  in  the  spring  of  1944 
when  several  fourteen-year-old  students  in  Greenwich 
banded  together  to  promote  their  interest  in  chemistry.  At 
meetings  every  Saturday  morning  one  of  them  would  talk 
on  some  chemical  topics  such  as  the  theory  of  solubility,  the 
chemistry  of  some  element,  or  some  new  industrial  develop- 
ment. They  used  their  meager  financial  resources  to  build 
up  stocks  of  chemicals  and  apparatus,  and  over  a  period 
of  time  they  bought  books  and  magazines  not  locally  avail- 
able until  they  owned  a  small  library.  Right  after  the  war 
they  undertook  the  manufacture  of  I  >.  I ).'!'..  but  before  they 
got  around  to  selling  their  product  the  market  price  for  the 


new  insecticide  dropped  and  they  turned  to  other  activities. 
Among  them  was  soilless  growth  of  tomato  plants,  study 
of  chemicals  a  thousand  times  sweeter  than  sugar,  and  at- 
tempts to  make  penicillin  chemically.  It  is  interesting  to 
realize  that  they  managed  all  this  without  any  adult  super- 
vision, although  they  often  invited  scientists  and  school 
instructors  to  give  talks. 

In  the  eight  years  since,  the  G.A.D.S.  has  grown,  its  in- 
terests have  broadened;  it  has  matured,  and  it  has  evolved 
ideas  of  real  significance. 

We  know  that  teachers  are  often  too  busy  with  their 
routine  obligations  to  be  able  to  give  the  special  encou- 
ragement which  is  often  needed  to  develop  students  with 
scientific  ability.  It  is  this  fact  which  is  central  to  the 
reason  for  the  existence  of  G.A.D.S.  Its  members  seek  out 
their  classmates  who  express  an  interest  in  science  and  in- 
vite them  to  join  activities  designed  to  arouse  a  deep  en- 
thusiasm for  research.  Members  encourage  each  other,  and 
they  try  to  find  experts  in  the  community  who  can  help  in- 
dividuals with  special  problems  on  their  research  projects. 
G.A.D.S.  serves  another  valuable  function,  too.  It  brings 
together  students  who  have  already  started  studying  sci- 
ence on  their  own,  and  who  would  ordinarily  draw  off  by 
tli.-mselves  because  people  their  own  age  would  not  care 
about  what  they  were  doing.  Far  too  often  in  such  case* 
people  of  ability  have  missed  the  personal  development 
which  re-nits  from  social  contacts,  and  as  a  result  we  have 
the  type  often  pictured  as  the  typical  scientist:  a  shy  genius 
at  home  only  with  his  test  tubes. 

As  anybody  knows,  a  lot  of  know-how  is  required  if  a 
group  is  to  accomplish  its  aims  efficiently.  G.A.D.S.  has 
found  techniques  which  are  successful  in  il-  community. 
For  one  thing,  it  is  vital  that  an  organization  Mich  as  this, 
if  it  is  to  grow,  must  have  adequate  facilities  for  holding 
meetings.  In  the  past  it  could  meet  in  private  homes  or  in 

RECREATION 


the  school  during  the  school  year.  Now  it  has  members  of 
high  school  age,  college,  and  a  few  graduate  student  mem- 
bers, and  since  many  members  are  in  Greenwich  only  dur- 
ing the  summer,  the  summer  program  is  usually  the  most 
active.  The  recreation  board  was  approached  therefore, 
and  a  plan  worked  out  to  enable  these  young  people  to  use 
a  community  center  building.  Activities  of  the  group  are 
of  four  types. 

Lectures— Guest  lecturers  are  invited  to  give  talks  once 
every  month  or  so.  G.A.D.S.  also  has  been  fortunate  in 
finding  a  number  of  research  laboratories  nearby,  in  addi- 
tion to  an  Audabon  center,  museums,  and  a  good  science 
department  in  the  high  school. 

Education  Program — Part  of  the  G.A.D.S.  objective  in 
assisting  members  in  their  scientific  projects  is  carried  out 
through  an  education  program.  Subjects  of  interest  to  high 
school  students,  which  they  would  have  difficulty  in  learn- 
ing themselves,  are  offered  by  the  college  members  when 
there  is  sufficient  demand.  Currently  three  such  courses 
are  in  progress:  organic  chemistry,  calculus,  and  electron- 
ics. Normally  students  would  have  to  wait  until  college  for 
these  subjects;  however,  experience  has  shown  that  high 
school  students  with  a  sincere  interest  are  able  to  maintain 
work  on  a  college  level.  As  a  result,  a  much  larger  field  of 
projects  is  open  to  students  who  have  completed  such 
courses  in  their  field  of  interest,  and  they  are  able  to  enter 
college  with  a  superior  academic  background. 

Individual  Projects — All  members  are  encouraged  to  un- 
dertake projects  on  their  own  and  report  on  them  to  the 
membership  at  regular  meetings.  The  list  of  accomplish- 
ments of  individuals  is  quite  varied.  Among  the  chemists 
of  the  group  we  find  one  who  has  discovered  a  cleaning  de- 
tergent which  is  as  good  as  those  on  the  market  now,  but 
without  the  disadvantage  of  corroding  aluminum  parts  in 
washing  machines.  Another  is  developing  new  methods  for 
growing  crystals  of  a  material,  cadmium  sulfide,  which  are 
used  in  electronic  equipment.  Speaking  of  electronics, 
there  is  one  member  who  is  building  a  television  station. 
As  you  might  imagine  this  would  normally  involve  a  vast 
outlay  of  money.  He  has  been  able,  fortunately,  to  obtain 
the  television  camera  tube,  called  an  orthicon  (costing 
thousands  of  dollars  new) ,  for  free  after  the  tube  had  been 
used  to  the  limit  of  professional  use  but  was  still  good 
enough  for  amateurs.  This  same  fellow  constructed  a  div- 
ing apparatus  from  a  gas  mask,  rubber  hose,  and  air  pump 
which  has  been  used  in  exploration  of  underwater  life  to 
depths  of  over  forty  feet,  for  periods  up  to  half  an  hour. 
The  landlubber  biologists  have  been  keeping  bee  hives. 
While  one  studies  nutrition  problems  of  bees  another,  who 
is  a  talented  photographer,  takes  pictures  of  bees  in  flight 
so  that  he  can  answer  questions  about  this  phenomenon. 
Still  another  photographer  is  using  his  skill  to  record  the 
life  and  times  of  tiny  microorganisms  under  the  micro- 
scope. A  meteorologist  became  interested  in  the  fact  that 
it  often  rains  heavily  right  after  a  flash  of  lightning,  and 
to  study  this  he  built  a  cloud  chamber  and  a  high  voltage 
machine. 

Group  Projects — Some  members  have  joined  together  in 
group  projects  combining  newly  learned  theories  to  serve 


practical  purposes.  Flowing  directly  past  the  community 
house  where  they  hold  their  meetings  is  the  Mianus  River 
with  a  problem  in  pollution.  The  G.A.D.S.  is  starting  a  pro- 
gram which  will  involve  investigating  this  from  both  a  bio- 
logical and  a  chemical  angle. 

Another  group  project,  now  under  way,  has  definite  lo- 
cal color.  About  twelve  miles  from  Greenwich,  in  Bedford, 
New  York,  is  an  abandoned  quarry  from  which  small  quan- 
tities of  uranium  minerals  can  be  obtained.  The  group 
constructed  a  Geiger  counter  which  they  use  to  locate  the 
general  area  of  uranium  concentration.  They  then  return 
at  night  with  a  home  built  ultraviolet  light  which  causes 
the  mineral  to  fluoresce  with  a  brilliant  yellow-green  glow. 
Having  located  the  uranium  exactly,  they  remove  it  and 
separate  it  chemically  from  the  mineral.  Of  course,  Green- 
wich is  in  no  danger  of  being  atom  bombed,  since  the 
actual  quantities  are  small. 

While  undertaking  projects  such  as  these,  members  of 
the  G.A.D.S.  learn  much.  Jane  Addams,  founder  of  Hull 
House  in  Chicago,  had  a  theory  that  the  best  way  to  learn 
a  subject  was  to  pursue  it  as  a  hobby.  Many  a  self-edu- 
cated man  will  testify  to  the  soundness  of  this.  The 
G.A.D.S.,  with  the  help  of  the  Greenwich  Recreation  Board, 
has  worked  on  this  principle.  Should  a  program  such  as 
theirs  be  in  operation  throughout  America,  the  scientific 
and  inventive  future  of  democracy  would  be  strengthened 
— through  mass  encouragement  of  men  and  women  to  un- 
dertake scientific  training. 


ATHLETIC  EQUIPMENT 


Fineii  In  Th.  World 
For  The  World'. 
Gr«at«lt  AtM.l.i 


FEBRUARY  1953 


557 


Belly  W.  Jacob 


Theory  Inlo  Action 

Practicing  classroom  principles  and 
methods  in  a  community  setting  is  a 
privilege  of  the  six  professional  stu- 
dents of  George  Williams  College  who 
are  chosen  for  the  annual  fall  recrea- 
tion tour,  sponsored  by  the  Division 
of  Youth  and  Community  Services  of 
the  Department  of  Welfare  of  Spring- 
field, Illinois.  Under  the  leadership  of 
Dr.  Harry  D.  Edgren,  professor  of 
education  at  the  college,  the  1952  tour 
was  conducted  from  October  16  to  19, 
the  students  demonstrating  recreation 
programs  in  nine  different  communities 
and  conducting  two  leadership  train- 
ing courses.  The  programs  included 
skits,  singing,  arts  and  crafts,  square 
dancing,  and  games  and  relays  with 
groups  ranging  from  children  in  first 
and  third  grades  to  high  school  stu- 
dents and  adults.  Five  different  adult 
and  youth  planning  groups  were  also 
aided  in  evaluating  their  present  pro- 
grams and  developing  plans  for  the 
future.  Honored  by  being  chosen  for 
this  sixth  annual  tour  were  Joretta 
Chermak,  Joan  Motz,  Sue  Frost,  Ken- 
neth Clarke,  Robert  Brunken  and  OIlie 
Todd. 

"Voila  Lea  Femmes" 

Under  this  title,  songs,  dances  and 
vaudeville  skits  were  presented  on  De- 
cember 15  by  the  Boston  University 
seniors  at  the  Sargent  college  of  phy- 
sical education.  An  efficient  ticket-sell- 
ing campaign  was  waged  among  stu- 
dents, faculty  and  the  public;  its  aim — 
sufficient  funds  to  send  as  many  seniors 
as  possible  to  the  national  ronx.-niion 
of  thr  American  Association  of  Health, 
Physical  F.ducation  and  Recreation,  to 
be  held  in  Pittsburgh  in  April  of  this 
year. 

Education   for  Leisure  Time 

From  campuses  here  and  there,  come 
notes  on  studies  not  in  the  recreation 
•  urrii •tilum,  but  closely  allied  to  recrea- 


tion: "Touring  the  National  Parks 
with  a  Park  .Naturalist,'  at  the  Univer- 
sity of  Cincinnati,  under  J.  Herbert 
Heger,  offers  one  professional  credit. 
The  eight  two-hour  lecture  sessions 
attracted  on  enrollment  in  1952,  the 
second  year  of  the  course,  of  162 
business  and  professional  people.  The 
parks  are  studied  from  the  standpoint 
of  geological  formations,  historical 
backgrounds,  their  value  as  outdoor 
laboratories  and  their  available  rec- 
reational activities.  The  use  of  films, 
slides,  maps,  biographical  material  and 
National  Park  Association  literature 
supplements  the  lectures. 

"The  Fishing  Clinic,"  sponsored  by 
the  University  of  Tennessee  Physical 
Education  Department,  was  presented 
last  June  and  will  probably  be  repeated 
this  year.  Professor  A.  W.  Hobt  con- 
ceived the  idea  and  Dr.  George  F. 
Brady  arranged  the  program.  It  is 
believed  to  be  the  first  in  the  south  to 
stress  public  fishing  instruction.  With 
features  of  a  sportsman's  show — costs 
were  borne  by  exhibitors — the  clinic- 
sessions  were  devoted  to  fishing  tech- 
niques, care  of  tackle,  water  safety, 
fish  propagation  and  conservation. 

Recreation  Director  Leads 
Seminar 

A  three-week  seminar  in  recreation 
leadership,  sponsored  by  the  YMCA 
and  YWCA,  was  conducted  at  Kansas 
State  College  in  December  by  Frank  J. 
Anneberg  of  Manhattan,  Kansas.  Par- 
ticipating were  about  fifty  students 
whose  interests  lay  in  recreation  leader- 
ship in  churches,  youth  groups  and 
small  rural  community  organizations. 
I  \|..  i-mi.-iii.il  Field  Trip 

The  time — February  4  and  5;  the 
place — New  York  City.  Five  senior 
students  and  one  graduate.  University 
of  Massachusetts,  accompanied  by  Dr. 
William  M.  Grimshaw,  adviser  in  rec- 
ri-.iiioii  education,  will  lx-  wrlrom.-il 
at  NRA  headquarters,  when-  tln-\  plan 


to  spend  most  of  one  day.  Interviews 
have  been  scheduled  with  representa- 
tives of  a  number  of  social  agencies, 
including  the  YWCA,  Girl  Scouts  and 
Boy  Scouts.  Visits  to  several  recrea- 
tion centers  are  also  on  the  agenda. 

Local  News  Items 

The  present  positions  of  recipients 
of    1952    Bachelor    and    Master    of 
Science  degrees  in  recreation,  from  the 
Indiana   University  School  of  Health, 
Physical  Education  and  Recreation,  are 
listed   in   the   Christmas   issue  of  the 
school's  AUunni  News  Letter:   Laura 
Kindt,  assistant  director  of  recreation, 
Battle  Creek,  Michigan;  Marjorie  Ann 
Rogers,     recreation    director,     Forest- 
Strawn-Wing,    Unit    District,    Forrest, 
Ilinois;  Nancy  Wood,  director  of  girls 
activities,   Community   Center,    Evans- 
ville,  Indiana;  Harry  Feldman,  super- 
intendent of  recreation,   Port  Huron, 
Michigan;  Julian  Golubski,  field  secre- 
tary,  Boy  Scouts  of  America,   White 
River  Council,  Bloomington,  Indiana; 
Wallace  Hirsch,  teacher  and  recreation 
worker,  Crystal  Falls,  Michigan;  Helen 
C.  Marshall,  instructor  in  physical  edu- 
cation,   Tougaloo    College,    Tougaloo, 
Mississippi;  Gretchen  Moore,  teacher, 
Mt.     Carmel,     Indiana;     Jay    Schaff, 
teacher  and  coach,  Williamsfield,  Illi- 
nois; Robert  L.  Freeman,  physical  edu- 
cation teacher  and  coach,  Athens,  Illi- 
nois;   Theodore   F.    Heiney,    assistant 
secretary,    YMCA,    Bloomington,    In- 
diana;   Robert  C.  Goodrich,  Richard 
Burch,    Walter    LaMaster    and    James 
Bonahoom  are  in  the  armed  services. 
Robert  E.  Abbuehl  and  Serena  Arnold 
are  continuing  their  graduate  studies 
at  the  university,  Miss  Arnold  as  grad- 
uate assistant. 

Director  of  Recreation  degrees  were 
earned  by  Arthur  Bland.  Theodore 
Deppe  and  Clifford  Seymour,  who  are 
also  continuing  graduate  studies  at 
the  university,  the  latter  as  graduate 
assistant;  Israel  Hniton.  chairman  of 
lion  division  and  associate  pro- 
fessor of  physical  education.  Utah  State 
Agricultural  College,  Logan,  Utah; 
Charles  Parks,  Baltimore  department 
of  recreation;  Bret  McGinnis,  director 
of  recreation,  Neosho,  Missouri;  Harry 
Ffldman,  suj>erintendent  of  recreation. 
Port  Huron.  Michigan. 


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Recreation  Leadership  Training  Programs 


Information  regarding  short-term  recreation  training  opportunities,  available  throughout  the  country  during  the 
spring  and  summer  of  1953,  is  presented  in  the  following  listing.  Fall  and  winter  training  projects  will  be  listed  in  the 
September  1953  issue  of  RECREATION.  All  those  who  wish  to  have  their  workshops,  institutes,  and  conferences  included 
should  send  them  to  the  NRA  Personnel  Service  by  June  1,  1953. 


Date 
February  7-April  25 

February  23-27 
March  7-29 


March  8-14 
March  9-11 


March  12-14 
(Approximately) 
March  27-29 


March  30- April  3 
April  4-25 

April  8-11 
April  10-11 

April  16-18 
April  16-18 

April  23-29 

April  27-May  1 
May 

May  12-17 
May  13-20 

May  29-June  4 

June   (late) 

June   (last  two  weeks) 

July  3-August  26 

August  16-29 
August  (third  week) 

FEBRUARY  1953 


Location 

Cooperative  Recreation  Workshop 
University  Settlement,  New  York  City 
(Survey  and  special  courses) 

Great  Lakes  Park  Training  Institute, 
Pokagon  State  Park,  Angola,  Indiana 

Cooperative  Recreation  Workshop 
New    York    City     (Folk    Songs    and 
Dances — short  course) 

Great  Plains  Recreation  Laboratory, 
Nysted,  Nebraska 

Mid-Continent  Regional  Park  and  Rec- 
reation Conference,  University  of 
Minnesota  Center  for  Continuation 
Study,  Minneapolis,  Minnesota 

Recreation  Conference,  University  of 
Massachusetts,  Amherst,  Mass. 

Second  Annual  National  Square  Dance 
Convention,  Kansas  City,  Missouri 

Group  Work  Institute,  Boston  Univer- 
sity, School  of  Social  Work,  Boston, 
Massachusetts 

Cooperative  Recreation  Workshop,  New 
York  City  (Introduction  to  Art — short 
course) 

18th  Annual  National  Folk  Festival, 
St.  Louis,  Missouri 

Kentucky  Folk  Festival,  University  of 
Kentucky,  Lexington,  Kentucky 

Mountain  Folk  Festival,  Berea  College, 
Berea,  Kentucky 

Institute  on  Group  Work  and  Recreation 
with  the  Aged,  Western  Reserve 
University,  Cleveland,  Ohio 

South  Central  Jurisdictional  Recreation 
Workshop,  Turner  Falls  Methodist 
Camp  Ground,  Oklahoma 

Kansas  State  Recreation  Workshop, 
Hutchinson,  Kansas 

Minnesota  Recreation  Conference,  Uni- 
versity of  Minnesota,  Minneapolis. 
Minnesota 

Hoosier  Recreation  Workshop,  Meron. 
Indiana 

"Chatcolab"  Northwest  Recreation  Lead- 
er's Laboratory,  Camp  Heyburn,  Lake 
Chatcolet,  Idaho 

Missouri  Recreation  Workshop 

Camp  C-2,  Lake  of  the  Ozarks,  Mis- 
souri 

Plavground   Leaders'  Institute 
County  Center,   White   Plains,   N.   Y. 

Michael  Herman  Folk  Dance  Camp, 
Pioneer  Camps,  Bridgton,  Maine 

Perry-Mansfield  Camps  and  School  of 
the  Theatre,  Steamboat  Springs,  Col- 
orado 

E-=tern  Cooperative  Recreation  School, 
State  College,  Stroudsburg,  Pa. 

Recreation  School,  Clear  Lake  Metho- 
dist Camp,  Iowa 


For  Further  Information 
Miss  Gladys  Schortz,  125  Sullivan  Street,  New  York  City 


Garrett  G.  Eppley,  Department  of  Recreation,  Indiana  Univer- 
sity, Bloomington,  Indiana 
Miss  Gladys  Schortz,  125  Sullivan  Street,  New  York  City 


Duane  E.  Loewenstein,  Assistant  State  4-H  Club  Leader, 
College  of  Agriculture,  Lincoln,  Nebraska 

Mrs.  M.  B.  Kannowski,  Superintendent  of  Parks  and  Recrea- 
tion, Grand  Forks,  North  Dakota 


Lawrence  V.  Loy,  University  of  Massachusetts,  South  College, 

Amherst,  Massachusetts 
Robert  L.  Black,   Community   Recreation   Assistant,   Missouri 

Division    of    Resources    and    Development,    Jefferson    City, 

Missouri 
Saul    Bernstein,    Boston    University,    School    of    Social    Work, 

264  Bay  State  Road,  Boston  15,  Massachusetts 

Miss  Gladys  Schortz,  125  Sullivan  Street,  New  York  City 


Miss  Sarah  G.  Knott,  Lowell  Apartments,  4041  Washington 
Avenue,  St.  Louis,  Missouri 

Dr.  James  S.  Brown,  Chairman,  Kentucky  Folk  Festival,  c/o 
Rural  Sociology  Department,  University  of  Kentucky,  Lex- 
ington, Kentucky 

Frank  H.  Smith,  Box  1826,  Berea  College,  Berea,  Kentucky 

Miss  Esther  Test,  School  of  Applied  Social  Sciences,  Western 
Reserve  University,  Cleveland  6,  Ohio 

Dr.  Paul  D.  Womeldorf,  805  Colcord  Building,  Oklahoma  City, 
Oklahoma 

Miss    Mary    R.    Von    Skyke,    County   Extension    Office,    lola, 

Kansas 
H.  R.  Giles,  Cooke  Hall,  University  of  Minnesota,  Minneapolis 

14,  Minnesota 

Gordon  F.  Jones,  State  Club  Office,  Purdue  University,  Ex- 
tension Work,  Lafayette,  Indiana 

Mrs.  Louise  Richardson,  Experiment  Station,  Corvallis,  Mon- 
tana 

Robert  L.  Black,  Community  Recreation  Assistant,  Missouri 
Division  of  Resources  and  Development,  Jefferson  City, 
Missouri 

Miss  Vivian  0.  Wills,  Room  242,  Count  Office  Building,  White 
Plains,  New  York 

Michael  Herman,  Box  201,  Flushing,  Long  Island,  New  York 

Miss  Portia  Mansfield,  135  Corona  Avenue,  Pelham,  New  York 


Mrs.  Ruth  Norris,  62  West  82nd  Street,  New  York  24,  New 

York 
Reverend  C.  0.  Strohl,  615  Tenth  Street,  Des  Moines,  Iowa 

I 

561 


CENTER 


The  second  of  a 
srries  of  articles 
on  this  subject. 


This  is  a  continuation  of  a  tour  of 
the  community  center  to  note  necessary 
minor  repairs  and  alterations  which 
can  be  made  now  to  save  major  repairs 
later.  Last  month's  check  list  included 
(1)  windows,  (2)  curtains,  drapes, 
shades;  (3)  pictures,  wall  hangings, 
plaques,  and  other  wall  decorations; 
(4)  light  fixtures,  lamps,  electrical  out- 
lets, switches,  cords;  (5)  furniture; 
and  (6)  baseboards,  moldings,  window 
ledges,  and  other  woodwork. 

1.  If  alls.  Are  there  places  where  patch- 
ing plaster  is  needed  to  fill  cracks,  nail 
holes,  and  so  forth?  (Many  good,  sim- 
ple-to-use   commercial     products    for 
minor  repairs  are  available  on  the  mar- 
ket.)   Does  paint  need  re-touching  in 
spots?     (It's  a  good   idea   to  have  a 
little  extra  paint  mixed  and  held  in  re- 
serve when  an  area  is  painted,  to  be 
used  for  these  repair  jobs.)     Do  the 
walls  need  to  be  dusted  or  washed?  Are 
there  spots  which  should  be  removed? 
( Most  stains  and  marks  are  much  easi- 
er  to   remove  before  they  "set";   and 
rearranging  the  furniture  occasionally 
helps  to  prevent  excessive  wear  and  soil 
to  wall  areas  around  chairs  and  divans.) 

2.  Ceilings.    Are  ceilings  free  of  cob- 
webs, smudges,  soot,  scaling  paint  or 
loose  wallpaper?    Are  there  unsightly 
•nd  unnecessary  wires,  metal  or  wood 
stripping,  or  other  superfluous  materi- 
.il«  whii  li  eoiild  be  removed  to  improve 
the  appearance  of  the  ceilings?    Have 
old    decorations    been    completely    re- 
inmrd?  Are  there  stains  which  signify 
•  roof  or  plumbing  leak  which  need* 
repair? 

3.  Doors.    Do    they    open    and    close 
easily?     Do   hinges   need    oiling?     Is 
hardware  all  securely  fastened,  in  place? 

562 


Do  locks  work  properly  and  easily? 
Are  they  badly  marked  or  damaged 
around  the  door  knobs  or  frames?  (Use 
of  plastic  or  metal  shields  or  an  extra 
coat  of  paint  will  protect  these  areas 
and  simplify  keeping  them  clean.) 

4.  Storage   Spaces.     Is    storage    space 
adequate?    (It  usually  isn't,  but  rear- 
ranging   and    adding    shelves,    putting 
things  away  neatly  and  compactly,  with 
seldom  used  items  in  the  back  or  up 
high  and  out  of  the  way,  helps  to  make 
the  most  of  the  space  you  do  have.)  Is 
it   neat  and   orderly?    Are  often-used 
items  easily   accessible?    Are  shelves, 
drawers,  racks  and  bins  clearly  labelled 
to  show  where  all  supplies  belong?  Are 
supplies  returned  to  their  proper  places 
as   soon    as   possible   after   they   have 
been  used?    Is  an  up-to-date  inventory 
maintained?    Is  there  a  special  place 
fur  items  needing  repair?    Is  lighting 
adequate?     (See   "Does   Your    Stock- 
room Pay   Dividends?"  by  Lerton  S. 
Krushas  in  RECREATION,  June  1951.) 

5.  Stairways.   Are  they  kept  clean  and 
constantly  free  from  rubbish  or  spilled 
materials  which  could  cause  a   s.ifih 
hazard?    Are  they  clear  of  all  unneces- 
sary   materials   and   equipment   which 
cause    traffic    obstructions?     Are    iln-\ 
well  lighted?    Do  they  have  handrails 
where    necessary?     Are    there    loose 
boards   which    should   be   fixed,    weak 
ones    which    need    reinforcing    or    re- 
placing?    Are    there    non-skid    treads 
win- re     needed?      Are    they     securely 
fastened  and  in  good  condition? 


Suggrationii 

•   An  i-\i  i-lli-iii  how-lo-do-it  manual  on 
|nil.li<  building  housekeeping  and  main- 


tenance is  The  School  Custodians 
Housekeeping  Handbook  by  Henry  H. 
Linn.  Leslie  C.  Helm,  and  K.  P.  Gra- 
barkiewicz;  published  by  the  Bureau  of 
Publications,  Teachers  College,  Colum- 
bia University,  New  York  in  1948.* 
While  this  book  is  written  specifically 
for  the  school  custodian,  so  much  of 
thf  material  in  it  is  pertinent  to  coni- 
munity  centers  that  it  should  prove  an 
invaluable  source  of  information  to 
those  responsible  for  recreation  build- 
ings. 

•  Many  of  the  manufacturers  of  clean- 
ing compounds,  waxes,  polishes,  paints, 
flooring  materials,  lighting  equipment, 
and  so  forth,  have  available  pamphlets 
and  instruction  sheets  on  proper  meth- 
ods  for  the  use  of  their  products;  on 
refinishing  of  floors,  walls,  and  furni- 
ture; and  other  good  practical  sugges- 
tions to  simplify  your  housekeeping.  A 
list  of  these  will  appear  on  the  April 
"Market  News"  page. 

•  Maintain  a  "clip  and  save"  folder 
when-  you  can  file,  for  future  reference, 
articles  containing  good  ideas  on  dec- 
orating,   painting,    care    of    furniture, 
rugs,  draperies;   on  new  products  on 
the  market  for  cleaning  and  repairing 
and  any  other  items  which  might  prove 
useful  in  the  task  of  keeping  your  i  cu- 
ter clean  and  attraeti\e  with  minimum 
expenditure  of  time  and  money. 

•  If  you  have  a  special  "gimmick"  or 
labor  saver    which   works  successfully 
for  you,  take  a  moment  to  write  it  down 
and  send  it  on  to  us — it  may  be  jn-t  the 
helpful  hint  needed  to  solve  a  problem 
of  a  fellow  recreation  worker. 

•  Available  from  ihr  pul.lMirr  for  $3.75 


RECREATION 


how  To  Do  IT  I 


Angle  Iron 


DECORATE 

Curtains  -  Luncheon  5ete  -Tablecloths  -Scarfs  - 
Pillow  Covers- Chair  Covers- Cabinets- Lamp  Shades- 
and  mani^  other  articles  of  wood, cloth  and  paper 
by  using  gadgets  such  as  shown 
in  -the  sketches  on  this  page. . 


Objecf- 

METHOO 

1.  Place   object" to 

be  decorated  on  ncwspaper- 

2.  Mark  location  of  design  units  uMh  chalk.. 

3.  Spread  thin  layer  of  enamel  paint  on  cardboard- 
4. Press  gadget  in  paint  on  cardboard . 

Note :  Lightly  place  gadget 
on  paper  -fowelto  remove 
surplus  point,  i 
Tumbler-* 


MATERIALS 

NIWSPAPCR  -  CARD&OARD- 
ENAMCL  PAINT- 1" BRUSH - 
TVRPeNTINE  anet  GADGETS. 


dottle. 


L  shape 
made  by 
angle 
iron 


•Circular  part  of 
design  made  bu 
rim  of  glass,   j 
Chalk  marks  that 
give  locations  where 
to  place  gadgets-j 

To  DECORATE  WOOD 

I  .Paint  object  with  -flat  coat. 
2.Applq  design -use  the  same 
method  as  used  in  cloth  decorating. 
NOTE.:  Press  metal  qadgets  firmly  and  qlass  objects  lightly. 


Cardboard 

5.  Press  gadgets  on  object  to  be 
decorated  -  chalk  marks  will  give 
location  -for  placing  each  gadget 

to  complete  the  design  u-nits. 
Note:  The  four  gadgets  usecf 
in  illustrated  design  examp/e. 
are :  tumbler  -  bottle  -jelly  glass  - 
and  angle  iron . 


Wooden 
Box 


FEBRUARY  1953 


563 


MARKET  NEWS 


Bird  Feeder 

A  novel  wild  bird  feeder  with  an 
automatic  feed  hopper  having  a  ca- 
pacity of  two  pounds  is  sold  through 
garden  clubs,  pet  shops,  seed  stores, 
and  other  retail  outlets.  Packaged  in 
an  envelope,  the  E-Z  Fill  Wild  Bird 
Feeder  is  made  of  Mason ite  hard- 
board  pieces  which  may  be  assembled 
without  fasteners  in  a  few  minutes. 
The  hopper  is  filled  by  sliding  up  the 
roof  on  the  wire  serving  as  a  hanger. 
Designed  for  long,  trouble-free  service, 
the  feeder  is  manufactured  by  Green- 
field Wood  Products,  Youngs  Creek. 
Indiana.  It  is  available  in  four  sizes 
that  retail  from  $1  to  $3. 


M.I-..III  \    Paint 

All  masonry  surfaces  —  including 
-tin  i-i>.  cement,  building  blocks,  asbes- 
tos-cement shingles  and  brick — can  be 
mated  in  decorator  styled  colors  and 
given  certified  weatherproof  protection 
with  new  Sapolin  Mason-Dri. 

This  new  rubber  based  ma*"in\ 
paint  permit]*  full  protection  against 
the  deatrurtiie  ••!•  MI--HI-  of  lime,  alkali 
and  moisture  present  in  masonry.  Its 
durable  non-lustrous  finish  keep*  ma- 


sonry surfaces  free  from  stains,  streaks 
and  mildew.  It  is  able  to  retain  its 
full  color  appearance  even  in  the  face 
of  damp  alkali  conditions  and  driving 
rains. 

Sapolin  Mason-Dri  contains  chemi- 
cal properties  that  prolong  the  life  of 
masonry  surfaces  since  it  seals  against 
moisture  and  freezing.  Its  insulating 
qualities  allow  a  surface  to  "breath" 
sufficiently  to  permit  the  escape  of  ex- 
cessive moisture. 

Simple  to  apply  by  brush,  roller  or 
spray,  Mason-Dri  will  not  crack,  peel 
or  flake  even  in  the  face  of  sharp 
temperature  changes.  Quick  drying,  it 
is  available  in  ready  mixed  decorator 
colors.  Special  inter-mixtures  can  be 
obtained  according  to  color  prefer- 
ences. 

Sapolin  Mason-Dri  is  available  at 
paint,  hardware  and  department  stores 
cxciywhere  and  is  manufactured  by 
Sapolin  Paints,  Inc.,  229  East  42nd 
Street,  New  York  Ciu. 

1953  Voit  Catalog 

W.  J.  Voit  Rubber  Corporation  has 
announced  the  publication  of  its  new 
7953  athletic  equipment  catalog.  The 
colorful  32-page  booklet  includes  all 
of  the  Voit  items  for  individual  and 
team  sports  the  year  around.  There 
are  several  new  items,  such  as  the  golf 
master,  a  home  practice  device;  the 
all  rubber  putting  cup;  nose  clips  in 
regular  and  junior  sizes;  junior  sports 
kits  of  various  assortment*:  ;in<l  others. 
In  addition,  a  number  of  standard 
Voit  items  have  Ix-en  improved  such  as 
IM  Niling  and  appearance  of  fooll>.ill- 
.inil  basketballs;  stainless  steel  hard- 
ware on  all  swim  masks  and  goggles; 
a  new.  improved  design  on  adjustable 
»u  mi-fin*:  a  new,  easier-to-use  Latex 


repair  unit,  and  other  modification- 
Interested  individuals  may  obtain 
copies  of  this  new  catalog  by  writing 
to  the  firm  at  1600  East  25th  Street, 
Los  Angeles  1 1 ;  350  West  Ontario 
Street,  Chicago  10;  or  251  Fourth  \\.-- 
nue,  New  York  10. 

Floor    I  •  n  n  ;  - 

A  fast,  new.  competitive  sport  has 
been  born  and  the  United  States  Floor 
Tennis  Association  has  copyrighted  the 
rules  and  regulations  in  order  to  super- 
vise and  conduct  official  Floor  Tennis 
tournaments.  Floor  Tennis  is  played 
on  any  floor  surface  on  an  8  by  16 
foot  court  with  a  2  foot  high  net.  Base, 
side,  and  center  lines  are  :Vj  inch  wide, 
painted  on  the  floor,  or  a  special  plas- 
tic type  tape  developed  for  this  purpose 
may  be  used.  A  regulation  table  tennis 
ball  is  used  and  the  bats  are  slightly 
larger  and  longer  than  table  tennis 
racquets.  Table  tennis  scoring  is  used 
and  the  play  is  quite  similar;  houe\er, 
there  is  a  greater  chance  for  an  aver- 
age player  to  return  hard  smashes  and 
to  carry  on  sustained  rallies  which 
makes  the  game  more  interesting. 

This  game  should  appeal  to  schools, 
clubs,  gyms  and  social  centers  since 
it  can  be  played  on  almost  any  kind  of 
floor  and  the  minimum  of  equipment 
needed  makes  it  relatively  inexpensive. 


Pictured  on  the  left  is  Coleman 
('.lark.  National  Table  Tennis  Cham- 
pion 1932.  now  associated  with  Floor 
Tennis.  On  the  right  is  Dr.  H.  A. 
II. ill-lii. in.  well  known  pilfer  and 
bowler  (author  of  Golf  Aflrr  Forty), 
•  n-.itor  of  the  game. 

For  information  write  to  the  I'nited 
•-l.ilc-  I  -'loot  T.-nm-  \"<M  i.ition,  1724 
Sherman  Avenue,  Evanston.  Illinois. 


564 


KM  KKATION 


Report  of  Sub-Committee  on  Placement,  National  Advisory  Committee 
on  Recruitment,  Training,  and  Placement    of    Recreation    Personnel. 


Personnel 
Placement 


R.  J.  Foval 


M« 


Lembers  of  the  Sub-Commiltee  on  Placement  of  Recrea- 
tion Personnel  met  for  the  first  time  at  the  National  Recrea- 
tion Congress  in  Seattle  and  discussed  various  aspects  of 
the  program.  Before  that  time  we  had  laid  the  ground 
work  for  this  meeting  by  correspondence.  We  asked  all 
members  of  the  committee  to  make  suggestions  as  to  the 
most  important  things  that  should  be  studied.  We  were 
warned  repeatedly  by  members  of  the  sub-committee 
against  duplicating  work  that  had  already  been  done  by 
the  National  Recreation  Association,  American  Recreation 
Society,  colleges  and  other  groups.  The  thought  was  ex- 
pressed, however,  that  our  committee  might  bring  together 
some  of  the  loose  ends.  We  also  might  be  able  to  complete 
and  improve  upon  projects  that  have  been  partially  done  by 
other  groups. 

Suggestions  coming  from  members  of  the  sub-commit- 
tee included  the  following  needs: 

Certification  of  recreation  personnel. 

Up-grading  of  civil  service  examinations  for  recreation 
positions. 

More  complete  information  regarding  job  vacancies. 

A  constant  revision  and  bringing  up  to  date  of  recreation 
standards. 

Awards  for  years  of  service  such  as  they  do  in  industry. 

Closer  relations  with  personnel  directors  of  industry,  col- 
leges, state  recreation  associations,  municipal  officials 
and  recreation  departments. 

MR.  FOVAL  is  superintendent  of  recreation  in  Decatur,  III. 
FEBRUARY  1953 


Other  suggestions  were  made  but  those  above  seemed  to 
be  the  ones  listed  most  often.  The  meeting  was  attended  by 
nine  of  the  nineteen  members  of  the  committee.  We  were 
also  able  to  meet  with  Dr.  Paul  Douglass,  our  general 
chairman,  John  Hutchinson,  coordinator,  and  W.  C.  Suth- 
erland, secretary  to  the  committee.  These  men  helped  us 
in  our  thinking.  After  considerable  discussion  it  was 
agreed  to  start  working  on  the  following  three  projects: 

Civil  Service:  That  the  civil  service  departments  of  the 
nation  be  advised  as  to  the  qualifications  and  the  type  of 
work  involved  in  the  various  classes  of  recreation  positions. 
Prior  to  contacting  the  civil  service  departments  it  was 
suggested  that  the  committee  prepare  a  brief  statement  as 
to  the  recreation  classifications  and  a  guide  list  of  qualifi- 
cations pertinent  to  the  recreation  field,  which  could  be 
used  merely  as  a  guide  in  setting  up  examinations ;  that  the 
attention  of  the  examining  authorities  should  be  drawn  to 
up-grading  the  placement  examination;  that  resident  re- 
quirements be  removed  when  possible;  and  that  the  exam- 
ination include  both  a  written  test  and  an  interview. 

Dorothea  Lensch,  director  of  recreation  in  Portland, 
Oregon,  was  named  chairman  of  this  committee.  She  has 
chosen  the  following  people  from  the  Northwest  to  work 
with  her :  Willard  H.  Shumard,  Mary  F.  Quirk,  Ben  Evans, 
Kenneth  Fowell,  Thomas  W.  Lantz,  Carl  S.  Munson,  and 
S.  G.  Witter. 

Certification  of  Recreation  Personnel:  That  the  Califor- 
nia certification  standards  be  studied  in  terms  of  their 
adaptability  to  a  national  standard.  Pauline  des  Grange, 
superintendent  of  recreation  in  San  Diego,  California,  was 
appointed  chairman  of  this  committee  with  the  privilege  of 
choosing  members  of  her  own  committee. 

Public  Relations:  That  there  need  to  be  streamlined  bro- 
chures for  mass  distribution  on  the  following:  (1)  how  to 
select  recreation  executives  (qualifications,  et  cetera)  ;  (2) 
the  essentials  of  a  good  recreation  department;  (3)  how  to 
select  recreation  personnel;  and  (4)  recreation  policies  and 
practices.  These  materials  should  be  made  available  to 
mayors,  city  recreation  boards  and  others  to  serve  as  a 
constant  reminder  that  "there  are  standards"  for  recreation 
personnel.  Stuart  Richter,  superintendent  of  parks  and 
recreation  in  Colorado  City,  Colorado,  was  appointed 
chairman  of  this  committee  with  the  power  to  choose  mem- 
bers of  his  committee. 

The  Sub-Committee  on  Placement  of  Recreation  Person- 
nel has  received  many  other  suggestions  but,  for  the  time 
being,  feels  that  it  might  be  well  to  concentrate  on  the 
above.  Placement  of  recreation  personnel  covers  many 
fields.  The  committee  was  in  agreement  that  it  should  move 
slowly  and  be  sure  of  its  ground.  It  is  hoped  that  within 
the  next  few  months  this  committee  will  have  something 
more  definite  to  report.  (Continued  on  page  566.) 

565 


(Continued  from  page  565) 
Committee  Members 

E.  Stuart  Richter,  Colorado  Springs, 

Colorado 

Dorothea  Lensch,  Portland,  Oregon 
Gerald  P.  Burns,  New  York  City 
R.  Wayne  Cunningham,  Hammond, 

Indiana 
Mrs.  Pauline  des  Granges,  San  Diego, 

California 

Kenneth  Powell,  Great  Falls,  Montana 
Alan  L.  Heil.  Montclair,  New  Jersey 
L.  B.  Houston,  Dallas,  Texas 
Ralph  B.  McClintock,  Omaba. 

Nebraska 

Ben  W.  Miller,  Los  Angeles,  California 
William  P.  Mott,  Jr.,  Oakland, 

California 
Joseph  D.  Owens,  Kansas  City, 

Missouri 

Walter  Roy,  Chicago,  Illinois 
Willard  B.  Stone,  Albany,  New  York 
Alfred  P.  Strozdas,  Paducah,  Kentucky 
Clarence  L.  Thomas,  Dayton,  Ohio 
Robert  Turner,  Lanett,  Alabama 
Harold  S.  Wagner,  Akron,  Ohio 
Russell    Foval    (Chairman),    Decatur, 

Illinois 


Listening  and  Viewing 


JUST  OFF  PRESS 

PROCEEDINGS 

of  the 

'.  lid    National   Recreation   Congress 

82.25 

NATIONAL 
RECREATION    ASSOCIATION 

3IS  Fourth  Avenue      New  York  10.  N.  Y. 


COSTUMES    TO    RENT 

tar  — 

CONVENTIONS  •  PARADES  •  PACEANTS 
MINSTRELS    •    PLAYS    •    OPERAS,  ETC. 

VAN  HORN  *  SON,  PHILA.  7,  PA. 

Coilum.n      .       !•«.    1133      .       S«n<f   far   foU»r. 


CRAFT 
CATALOG 


1JO  PAOIS...  Complete 
Craft  Supplie*.  T» 
•  i«n«.  In«trurtion  Booka 
from  America 'a  Moat  Com- 
plat*  Stock.  Include* 
Leather  Craft,  Clove  Mak- 
ing-. Lamp  Shade*,  Metal  L^__ 
Tooling.  Cork  Craft.  Lataat  "  VP 

Tutile  Paint*.  Shell  Craft.  Ba*ketry.  Glaa* 
Kuhinv.  Kaffia.  Kubber  Mold*.  Ka*cmatm« 
New  Picture  Craft  and  Many  Other*. 

Sena1  far  Te«r  I»H  Copy  MOW.  .  . 

GRIFFIN  CRAFT  SUPPLIES 

5626 1  Tilagrtpk  lit.  •  Otklind  9,  Cilll. 


New  Films 

Educational  and  entertainment  sub- 
jects of  Walt  Disney  Productions,  ani- 
mated, technicolor:  History  of  Avia- 
tion— 18  minutes,  from  Kitty  Hawk  to 
the  American  Airliner,  $6.00;  The 
Alaskan  Eskimo — 27  minutes,  first  of 
a  "People  and  Places"  series,  $9.00; 
Behind  the  Scenes  of  Walt  Disney  Stu- 
dio— 26  minutes,  with  Robert  Bench- 
ley's  humorous  guidance,  $9.00;  Dis- 
ney Cartoon  Parade  #1 — 26  minutes, 
three  animated  cartoons,  $8.00,  which 
may  also  be  obtained  as  individual 
films — 9  minutes,  $3.00.  From  Asso- 
ciation Films.  Incorporated,  347  Madi- 
son Avenue,  New  York  17,  or  Ideal 
Films  Corporation,  65  East  South 
Water  Street,  Chicago  1,  Illinois. 

Over  one  thousand  16mm  entertain- 
ment features,  including  Hollywood 
favorites,  shorts,  serials  and  Westerns, 
listed  in  the  Ideal  Films  7953  Enter- 
tainment Catalogue.  Rentals  for  fea- 
tures, mounted  in  ninety-minute  pro- 
grams, are  from  $7.50  to  $25.00  on  a 
one-day  basis,  subject  to  discount  on 
eight  or  more  feature  programs  re- 
served in  one  year.  A  separate  listing 
of  $4.95  bargain  features  is  available. 

"Fitness  Through  Recreation"  films, 
produced  by  Information  Services  Di- 
vision, Department  of  National  Health 
and  Welfare.  Ottawa:  Fitness  is  a  Fam- 
ily Affair — 15  minutes,  a  group  of 
neighbors  providing  their  own  recrea- 
tion facilities,  $3.00;  When  All  the 
People  Play — 20  minutes,  fine  and  ac- 
tive recreation  project,  including 
sports,  arts  and  crafts,  developed 
through  community  -pirit,  $4.50.  From 
National  Film  Board  of  Canada,  1270 
.\\eniie  of  the  Americas.  New  York  20. 

TV  in  California 

•  Now  in  it-  -ri-oiid  year  of  bringing 
craft  demon-!  r;it  ion*  In  the  homes  of 
thousand*  of  southern  California  resi- 
<li-iiK  is  the  TV  program,  "Playcraft- 
ei-  Club."  The  telecast,  on  channel 
fur.  from  KTLA.  at  5:00  P.M..  Monday 
through  Friday.  i>  presented  by  five 
public  re.  rr.it ion  agencies  in  the  Los 
An f ties  ari-.i.  in  cooperation  with  thr 


Southern  Section  of  the  California 
Teachers  Association.  Each  agency 
and  school  is  assigned  one  complete 
daily  program.  Under  L.  Arnold  Pike, 
as  coordinator,  the  programs  have  pre- 
sented cigar  box  crafts,  "Zulu  warrior" 
cork  project,  a  one-bug  zoo,  scrap 
crafts,  printing  with  potatoes  and  many 
"how-to-makes,"  such  as  puppet  stage, 
pocket  observatory,  table  loom,  and  so 
on.  Other  Los  Angeles  TV  and  radio 
programs  were  listed  in  "Taking  Ad- 
vantage of  Television,"  in  the  October, 
1951,  issue  of  RECREATION. 
•  Residents  of  San  Mateo,  California, 
and  college  students,  many  with  lunch 
in  hand,  attended  the  World's  Series 
last  fall  through  the  efforts  of  the  rec- 
reation department  and  a  local  electric 
shop.  A  large  TV  set  was  installed  in 
the  grandstand  of  the  city  baseball 
park.  The  regular  concessionaire  dis- 
persed hot  dogs,  peanuts  and  "Cracker 
Jack,"  thus  creating  a  true  baseball  at- 
mosphere. Five  hundred  spectators  at- 
tended the  final  game  of  the  series. 
Both  the  recreation  department  and  the 
local  merchant  felt  well  repaid  for  their 
efforts.  In  fact,  the  electric  house  is 
allowing  the  antenna  installation  to  re- 
main to  be  used  for  future  similar  at- 
tractions. 

Radio  in  South  Carolina 

The  use  of  state  parks  as  out-door 
classrooms,  as  well  as  places  of  quiet 
recreation,  is  the  goal  of  the  Ranger 
Parks  "school-of-the-air"  radio  broad- 
casts. For  the  third  year,  the  South 
Carolina  state  parks  division  is  pre- 
senting twenty-eight,  fifteen-minute, 
weekly  programs  in  nature,  science. 
history  and  conservation,  through  t.-n 
radio  stations  in  the  state.  The  setting 
for  most  of  (he  programs  is  in  the  state 
parks,  where  the  narrator  point-  out 
things  of  mti-ir-i  along  the  nature 
study  trails.  A  special  Ranger  Parks 
I'-.i'  her-'  manual,  which  supplements 
the  broadcasts,  has  been  mailed  to  .ill 
intermediate  and  junior  high  schools 
in  the  state.  A  teacher  may  obtain  a 
copy  from  the  Stale  Commission  of 
Forestry  in  Columbia. 


RECREATION 


Books  Received 


ANIMAL  FAIR,  THE,  Alice  and  Martin 
Provensen.  Simon  and  Schuster, 
Inc.,  New  York  13.  Pp.  76.  $2.50. 

COMMUNITY  WELFARE  ORGANIZATION, 
Herbert  Hewitt  Stroup.  Harper  and 
Brothers,  New  York  16.  Pp.  612. 
$6.00. 

DICTIONARY  OF  DISCARDS,  Frank  M. 
Rich.  Association  Press,  New  York 
7.  Paper  bound.  Pp.  143.  $3.50. 

HOLIDAY  PROGRAMS  FOR  BOYS  AND 
GIRLS,  Aileen  Fisher.  Plays,  Inc.,  7 
Arlington  Street,  Boston  16,  Mass. 
Pp.374.  $3.60. 

LIVING  IN  THE  LATER  YEARS.  Univer- 
sity of  Florida  Press,  Gainesville, 
Florida.  Paper  bound.  Pp.  176. 
$2.50. 

RHYTHMIC  PROGRAM  FOR  ELEMENTARY 
SCHOOLS,  THE,  Grace  Fielder.  The 
C.  V.  Mosby  Co.,  St.  Louis.  Paper 
bound.  Pp.  244.  $3.50. 

RUG  HOOKING  AND  BRAIDING,  Dorothy 
Lawless.  Studio-Crowell,  New  York 
16.  Pp.  208.  $4.50. 


Pamphlets 


1952.  Chicago  Recreation  Commis- 
sion, 100  North  Central  Park  Boule- 
vard, Chicago  24.  Pp.  14. 

SCHOOL  HOUSING  FOR  PHYSICALLY 
HANDICAPPED  CHILDREN,  Romaine 
P.  Mackie.  Superintendent  of  Docu- 
ments, Washington  25,  B.C.  Pp.  26. 
$.15. 

STRENGTHENING  OUR  FOREIGN  POLICY. 
Public  Affairs  Committee,  Inc.,  New 
York  16.  Pp.  28.  $.25. 

THE  1952  "PR"  GUIDE.  Division  of 
Press  and  Radio  Relations,  National 
Education  Association  of  the  United 
States,  1201  Sixteenth  Street,  N.W., 
Washington  6,  D.C.  Pp.  32.  $.15. 

USING  YOUR  HIGH  SCHOOL  LIBRARY, 
Martin  Rossoff.  The  H.  W.  Wilson 
Co.,  New  York  52.  Pp.  75.  $.70. 

WHEN  CHILDREN  FACE  CRISES,  George 
J.  Mohr,  M.D.,  Science  Research 
Assoc.,  Chicago  10.  Pp.  49.  $.40. 

YOUNG  WORKERS  IN  1952,  Annual  Re- 
port, the  National  Child  Labor  Com- 
mittee, 419  Fourth  Avenue,  New 
York  16.  Pp.  23. 

YOUTH  AND  THE  COMMUNITY,  Part  I. 
Community  Chests  and  Councils  of 
America,  Inc.,  8  West  40th  Street, 
New  York  18.  Pp.  64.  $.90. 

YOUTH  AND  THE  COMMUNITY,  Part  II 
— For  Schools.  Community  Chests 
and  Councils  of  America,  Inc.,  8 
West  40th  Street,  New  York  18. 
Pp.76.  $.90. 


ALCOHOLISM — A  SICKNESS  THAT  CAN 
BE  BEATEN,  Alton  L.  Blakeslee.  Pub- 
lic Affairs  Committee,  Inc.,  22  East 
38th  Street,  New  York  16.  Pp.  32. 
$.25. 

CINCINNATI  REPORT,  THE.  Council  of 
Social  Agencies.  312  West  Ninth 
Street,  Cincinnati  2.  Pp.276.  $2.00. 

EXPLORING  YOUR  PERSONALITY,  Wil- 
liam E.  Henry.  Science  Research  As- 
sociation, Inc.,  57  West  Grand  Ave- 
nue, Chicago  10.  Pp.  49.  $.40. 

FOLK  DANCE  GUIDE.  Paul  Schwartz, 
Box  342,  Cooper  Station,  New  York 
3.  Pp.  16.  $.50. 

FOREST  FIRE  FIGHTING  FUNDAMENTALS. 
Department  of  Natural  Resources, 
Division  of  Forestry,  Sacramento  14. 
Pp.  59. 

HEALTH  SERVICES  IN  CITY  SCHOOLS,  H. 
F.  Kilander.  Superintendent  of 
Documents,  United  States  Govern- 
ment Printing  Office,  Washington 
25,  D.  C.  Pp.  68.  $.25. 

HEALTHY  PERSONALITY  FOR  EVERY 
CHILD,  A.  Health  Publications  In- 
stitute, Inc.,  216  North  Dawson 
Street,  Raleigh,  N.  C.  Pp.  197.  $1.00. 

LEISURE  ACTIVITIES  OF  YOUTH  IN  BER- 
KELEY, Davis  McEntire.  Berkeley 
Council  of  Social  Welfare,  City  Hall, 
Berkeley  4,  Calif.  Pp.  53.  $1.25. 

REVIEW  OF  DAY  CAMPS  IN  CHICAGO,  A, 


BEACH  AND  POOL,  November  1952 
Pool  Volume. 

Three  Prize  Winning  Pool  Projects. 
JUNIOR  LEAGUE,  November  1952 

Children's  Museums.    How  Leagues 

Aid  the  Field. 

PARKS    AND    RECREATION,    November 
1952 

Outdoor  Education  in  City  Living, 

Dr.  J.  B.  Kirkpatrick. 
Origin  and  Development  of  Parks, 

Part  II,  Chas.  E.  Doell. 
How  a  Small  Town  Built  a  Recrea- 
tion Area. 

Park  District  Runs  a  Work-Recrea- 
tion Camp,  Richard  E.  Walpole. 
The   Park-School  System  in  Grand 

Rapids.  Frederick  C.  See. 
Maintenance  Mart. 
December  1952 

Playfield    Drainage    and    Construc- 
tion, W.  H.  Warren. 
Maintenance  Mart. 
PARK  MAINTENANCE,  December  1952 
Golf    Course    Studies    Reveal    How 

Municipals  Are  Doing. 
Old  Barn  Foundation  Now  Serves  in 
Park   as  Unique  Type  of  Picnic 
Center. 


Magazines 


AMERICAN  CITY,  December  1952 
Dade   County's    New    Marinas    and 
Boat  Lift. 


TENNIS  FOR  TEACHERS 

Enlarged  Edition,  227  pp.  .  .  .  $3.50 
MEN  AND  WOMEN  TENNIS  COACHES— This 

book  gives  stroke  mechanics  and  strategy;  teaching 
methods  for  handling  large  groups  of  pupils  on  one 
court.  Included  are  73  action  photos  and  dia- 
grams; Official  Tennis  Rules;  graphic  wall  chart 
with  18  sketches. 

TENNIS  SELF-INSTRUCTOR 

A   handbook  for  player*,  1O9  pp.   ...  $1  .SO 

PLAYERS    WHO    WANT    TO    IMPROVE— This 

self-instruction  handbook  gives  simple  directions 
for  learning  the  nine  tennis  strokes  and  improving 
your  court  strategy  in  both  singles  and  doubles. 
43  action  photos  and  illustrations  that  show  how 
champions  play  their  shots. 

Send    for    these    books    on    approval :    Helen 
Driver,   Frost  Woods,   Madison   4,  Wis. 


WANTED  PROFESSIONAL  WORKERS 

Camp  Fire  Girls  is  interested  in  you. 

The  opportunity  for  which  we  wish  to  consider  you  is  that  of  a  pro- 
fessional staff  member  in  a  local  Camp  Fire  Council. 

We  believe  this  is  a  good  job  because: 

1.  You  will  utilize  immediately  every  bit  of  knowledge  and  skill  you  have  attained. 

2.  Your  position  is  one  of  great  significance  for  the  world  of  today  and  tomorrow.    You 
will  have  a  part  in  the  development  of  girls  for  the  democratic  way  of  life. 

3.  You  will   hove   immediate  status   in   the   community   in   which   you    work   by   virtue   of 
association  with  a  respected,  national  organization. 

4.  You  will  benefit  by  progressive  personnel  practices,  with  a  salary  in  keeping  with  the 
best  standards  of  social  agencies. 

This  job  can  be  an  exciting  experience  you  may  wish  to  enter  or 
it  can  become  your  lifetime  career. 

For  a  personal  response  please  write  about  your  background  and 
interests  to: 

Edna  d'lssertelle,  Director 

Department  of  Personnel  and  Training 

Camp  Fire  Girls,  Inc. 

16  East  48th  Street,  New  York  17,  New  York 


FFRTJTTARV    1Q53 


567 


new 


Covering  the 
Leisure-time  Field 


Recommended  Standards 

for  the  Group  Care  of  Children  of 

Elementary  School  Age. 

Play    Schools   Association,    119   West 

57th  Street,  New  York  19.    Pp.  15. 

$.25. 

A  play  school  program  is  devised 
specifically  for  children  from  five  to 
twelve  years  of  age.  In  it.  the  children 
are  assigned  to  groups  according  to 
age  and  emotional  maturity,  with  a 
continuity  of  regular  attendance,  and 
assignment  of  each  child  to  his  own 
homeroom  and  leader. 

This  small,  blue  pamphlet,  based  on 
play  school  experiences  throughout 
the  country,  sets  certain  minimum 
standards  on  program,  required  staff, 
staff  qualifications,  material  and  equip- 
ment, space,  records,  work  with  parents 
and  families,  and  health  and  safety,  the 
latter  including  such  details  as  room 
temperature,  toilet  facilities  necessary 
and  amount  of  lighting  needed. 

Departments,  organizations  and 
leader*  working  with  children  from 
five  to  twelve  will  wish  to  become  fa- 
miliar with  these  standards,  even 
though  their  program  may  not  be  in 
a  play  school  setting.  Certain  basic 
standards  are  necessary  in  any  good 
program,  and  these  will  add  to  the  con- 
siderable literature  now  being  <l< 
veloped  on  this  subject.  The  Play 
S.-hools  Association  must  be  congratu- 
lated on  it-  -implc.  carefiilK  pr.-patcd 
statement. — Virginia  Musselman,  Pro- 
gram Ser\i'>-.  Vitinnal  Recreation  As- 
sociation. 

\mi-ricaii    School    and    I  nivrr-it\ 
Volume  24,  1952-53 

\Mieri.an     School     Publishing     Corp.. 

New  York.    Pp.  1007.   $5.00. 

Like  earlier  editions,  the  I1' 
\oliiine  of  \MICI  iciin  School  and  Uni- 
\er-it\  i..nlain«  iiiiH-li  information  that 
i-  of  inli-rcM  and  value  to  IMT-TIS  con- 
lemed  with  the  field  of  recreation. 
'I  hi-  profii-clv  illustrated  volume  .  on 
tains  main  photographs  and  plans  of 
recreation  facilities  indoors  and  out 
and  many  article*  which  relate  to  the 
planning  of  rrcrcntion  feature*  in  <  «n- 
ii.-,  lion  with  school  plants. 

568 


Of  special  significance  is  the  article 
by  Dr.  N.  L.  Engelhardt,  Sr.,  describ- 
ing the  Sunset  Community  Center  of 
San  Francisco,  an  outstanding  example 
of  cooperative  planning  on  the  part  of 
school  and  city  authorities.  "School 
and  College  Swimming  Pools,"  by  R. 
Jackson  Smith,  is  an  exceptionally  fine 
discussion  of  principles  in  the  design 
and  construction  of  indoor  pools.  The 
"Symposium:  Good  Maintenance  Prac- 
tices" affords  many  suggestions  for  the 
care  of  recreation  buildings  and 
"Trends  in  Multi-Purpose  Rooms"  like- 
wise offers  ideas  for  indoor  recreation 
facilities.  Of  major  interest  is  the  ar- 
ticle. "Facilities  for  School  Camping," 
by  George  and  Louise  Donaldson. 

Many  of  the  other  articles  point  out 
the  increasing  provision  of  recreation 
facilities  in  school  buildings  and  the 
enlistment  of  communitv  cooperation 
in  planning  these  facilities.  These  tend- 
encies are  especially  illustrated  in  an 
article  describing  the  new  Negro  Ju- 
nior High  School  in  Temple,  Texas, 
which  contains  a  number  of  features 
that  are  specifically  designed  to  afford 
a  recreation  center  for  the  Negro  com- 
munity. 

The  voluminous  section  describing 
various  products  of  interest  to  school 
officials  affords  a  source  of  information 
on  a  great  variety  of  materials  that 
are  needed  in  the  development  and 
maintenance  of  a  municipal  recreation 
-\-tein. — George  f).  Butler.  Re-e.mli 
Department.  National  Recreation  As- 
sociation. 

Rerreiition    I  i-.nl.-i  -hip 

Walter  L.  Stone  and  Charles  G.  Stone. 

The   William-Frederick   Pre»,   New 

V.rk.   Pp.  81.   $2.00. 

This  publication,  under  father -on 
.nith«r>hip.  i-  de-igncd  to  »ci\e  as  "a 
manual  of  program  planning,  philoso- 
phy, and  development,  ami  of  the  skilU 
of  leader-hip  needed  ill  the  use  of 
leisure  time  that  makes  for  fullness  of 
life  through  leisure,  and  makes  for 
,  i.  iti\e.  <!•  moi  t.itic  living." 

The  manual  Ix-gins  with  an  over-all 
\  icw  of  the  need  for  planning  for  the 
leisure  of  a  dem<»  ralic  |H-ople  and 


what  should  be  included  in  that  plan- 
ning. It  describes  the  duties  of  the 
recreation  leader  and  the  qualities, 
skills  and  techniques  required,  the 
training  necessary,  and  closes  with  an 
over-all  view  of  the  field  of  recreation 
and  its  relation  to  other  fields  of  hu- 
man and  social  welfare. 

The  volume  contains  many  valuable 
suggestions  as  to  functions,  duties  and 
procedures  of  recreation  leaders,  pre- 
sents an  interesting  discussion  of  the 
nature  and  significance  of  recreation 
and  affords  much  material  which 
merits  study  by  individuals  looking 
toward  service  in  the  recreation  field. 
It  would  be  more  readable  and  effec- 
tive, however,  if  it  contained  illustra- 
tions of  the  method  by  which  general 
principles  are  applied  in  specific  sit- 
uations, or  examples  affording  evi- 
dence that  the  authors  were  actually 
drawing  upon  their  own  varied  ex- 
periences. To  a  greater  extent  than 
would  seem  necessary  or  advisable, 
the  authors  have  drawn  upon  other 
sources  for  their  material. 

In  many  respects  the  purpose  of 
helping  present  and  potential  recrea- 
tion leaders  has  been  achieved.  One 
might  question  however  the  validity 
of  such  -tatements  as:  "Our  most  \ital 
spiritual  problem  is  the  problem  of 
leisure":  "The  schoolroom  is  devoted 
primarily  to  the  study  of  books";  "The 
wa\  society  is  at  the  present  time, 
there  is  no  adequate  place  for  our 
youth";  "All  important  administrative 
decisions  should  be  made  by  the  par- 
ticipants who  are  effected" ;  or  of  such 
comments  as:  "Recreation  should  be 
social  and  not  discriminatory  ':  and 
"Recreation  l>elie\c«  in  intelligence" 
to  name  only  a  few. 


Student    Aid    for    Recreation 
Major* — P  162 

Copies  of  thi-  booklet  listing 
scholarships,  fellow-hip-  and  as- 
sistantships  are  still  available 
from  the  National  Recreation  As- 
sociation. Fifteen  cents — free  to 
active  Associate  Mi-mb.-i-. 


RECREATION 


Recreation  Leadership  Courses 

Sponsored  by  the  National  Recreation  Association 

and 
Local  Recreation  Agencies 

February,  March  and  April  1953 


HELEN  M.  DAUNCEY     Shelby,  North  Carolina 

c-     •  i  r>  .  February  2-5 

social  Kecreation 

Pasadena,  California 
February  16-19 

San  Leandro,  California 
March  9-12 

Chico,  California 
March  16-19 


Ralph  J.  Andrews,  Director,  North  Carolina  Recreation  Commission, 
Education  Building  Annex,  Room  134,  Raleigh 

Cecil  F.  Martin,  Director  of  Recreation,  Jefferson  Recreation  Center, 
1501  East  Villa  Street 

Ross  Cunningham,  Director  of  Recreation 


L.  L.  Seifert,  Executive  Director,  Chico  Area  Recreation  Department, 
117  Broadway 


ANNE  LIVINGSTON 

Social  Recreation 


Salisbury,  North  Carolina 
March  2-5 

Greensboro,  North  Carolina 
March  16-19 


Miss  Dorothy  Morefield,  Program  Director,  Recreation  Commission, 
Community  Building,  P.  O.  #453 

Miss  Mabel  Smith,  Greensboro  Recreation  Department 


MILDRED  SCANLON 

Social  Recreation 


Winston-Salem,  North  Carolina 
February  2-5 

Greenville,  Pennsylvania 
February  9-12 

Butler,  Pennsylvania 
February  24-26 

Portland,  Maine   (tentative) 
March  2-5 

Oak  Park,  Illinois 
March  11-14 

Lanett,  Alabama 
March  23-26 

Natural  Bridge,  Virginia 
March  30-31 


Loyd  B.  Hathaway,  Superintendent,  Department  of  Recreation 


Dunham  V.  Reinig,  Director,  Recreation  Association,  Riverside  Rec- 
reation Center 

Miss  Dora  Jane  Frangona,  Supervisor  of  Girls  and  Adult  Activities, 
Department  of  Public  Recreation,  City  Building 

Julin  II.  Grain,  Jr.,  Director  of  Recreation,  260  Congress  Street 


Miss  Lilly  Ruth  Hanson,  Acting  Director,  Stevenson  Playground,  Lake 
Street  and  Taylor  Avenue 

Fred  Caswell,  Director,  Lanett  Recreation  Department 


L.  E.  Kibler,  Assistant  Supervisor  Health  and  Physical  Education, 
Safety  and  Recreation,  State  Board  of  Education,  Richmond 


FRANK  A.  STAPLES 

Arts  and  Crafts 


Amarillo,  Texas 
February  9-12 

Louisville,  Kentucky 
February  17-26 

Kingsport,  Tennessee 
April  13-23 


Miss  Marian  Thompson,  Executive  Secretary,  Community  Council, 
1008  Jackson 

Kirby  M.  Stoll,  Special  Activities  Supervisor,  Department  of  Public 
Parks  and  Recreation,  Central  Park 

W.  C.  McHorris,  Director,  Department  of  Recreation 


GRACE  WALKER 

Creative  Recreation 


Asbury  Park,  New  Jersey 
February  9-12 

Ames,  Iowa 
February  16-19 


Mrs.  Lola  Robinson,  West  Side  Community  Center 


Mrs.  Elizabeth  Riser,  Extension  Associate  in  Recreation,  Iowa  State 
College  of  Agriculture 


Attendance  at  training  courses  conducted  by  National  Recreation  Association  leaders  is  usually  open  to  all  who  wish  to  at- 
tend. For  details  as  to  location  of  the  institute,  contents  of  course,  registration  procedure,  and  the  like,  communicate  with 
the  sponsors  of  the  courses  as  listed  above. 


f     I     £.    *   t     t 


,  p  •»  **  n  4 


RECREATION 

315  Fourth  Ave_  New  York  10.  \.  V 


Y     COLL 
JACKSOKV1LLE    ILL 
KCV    53 


Rrn  IN  POSTAGE  GUARANTEED 
Entered  •>  terond  class  mailer 


He  Asked  Permission  to  Stay 

Major  IM/fam  /.'  ffarfirr.  I  M/( '     ']  ^ 
Medal  of  f/onor 


I'j  n.ii  i  THOUSAND  weary  marines  lay  be- 
sieged at  Yu<lam-ni  ;  three  thousand  more 
were  at  Hagaru-ri,  preparing  a  break- 
through to  the  sea.  Guarding  a  frozen 
mountain  pass  between  them.  Major 
Barber,  with  only  a  company,  held  their 
fate  in  his  hands.  Encirclement  threat- 
ened him;  he  was  ordered  to  withdraw. 
But  he  asked  permission  to  stay,  and  for 
five  zero-cold  days  the  company  held  the 
pass  against  attack.  The  Major,  badly 
wounded,  was  carried  about  on  a  stretcher 
to  direct  defense.  When  relief  came,  only 
eighty-four  men  could  walk  away.  But 
Major  Barber's  action  had  been  decisive 
in  saving  a  division. 

"I  know."  says  Major  Barber,  "that  you 
at  home  realize  what  hard  jobs  our  -nn- 
and  brothers  are  doing  in  America's  armed 
forces.  Maybe  you  haven't  realized  that 
you're  helping  those  men  —  whenever  you 
invest  in  U.  S.  Defense  Bonds.  True.  Bonds 
are  personal  financial  security  for  you.  But 
they  also  strengthen  our  economy—  to  pro- 
duce the  good  arms  and  food  and  medical 
care  that  make  our  men  -ei-urc." 

Peart-  is  for  ihi'  slroiin.' 

For  jHtict-  and  [inisfnril\  «/»<•  nith 

U.  S.  Difrnw  llonds! 


Now  E  Bond*  pay  3%!  Now.  improved 
Serie*  E  Bonds  mart  paying  inlere-l  after  6 
mmilh-.  Ami  average  3r',  int.  rr-i.  <  •imi|miin<lril 
wmiannually  when  held  lo  maturity  !  Al«o. 
all  maturing  E  Rondn  automatically  /to  on 
earning  -at  the  new  ralr  f»r  10  more  year*. 
Today,  "tart  inveMinp  in  S.-rii-«  E  Oefenw 
Bond*  through  the  Payroll  Saving*  Plan. 


on  Hal  |»r   for 
JnnmlfJ   hi    **<• 

mi*    '*' 


I*    rf*frt*M*    mi*    '*'    Atr*t<\u*t 
rU    ml   ll>'     »•!•>••>'    fnUttltn    •/ 


NATIONAL  RECREATION  ASSOCIATION   • 


A 

TT 


a+td 


NO.  2  in  the  Games  Series,      *~^ 
SINGING  GAMES  is  just  off  the  press! 

•  Wondering  what  to  do  with  a  group  of  five-to-sevens?  Here's 
the  answer!  Singing  games  that  will  keep  them  happy  for  hours 
and  bring  them  back  for  more.  The  summer  playground  leader, 
the  camp  counselor,  the  volunteer  leader  will  find  that  this  collec- 
tion bridges  the  gap  between  the  safe  harbor  of  the  sand  box  and 
the  faster  tempo  and  competitive  spirit  of  the  active  play  area. 
Music  and  action,  as  well  as  the  words,  are  given  for  each  game. 
Some  are  old  favorites,  others  will  be  less  familiar  to  most  leaders; 
all  have  been  carefully  chosen  for  their  appeal  to  the  small  child. 
Outdoors  or  indoors,  in  the  home,  recreation  center  or  play  area, 
in  fair  weather  or  when  it  rains,  wherever  the  just-started-to- 
schoolers  are  gathered,  these  games  will  be  played — and  played 
again. 

SINGING  GAMES  (P.  21) — Price  50  cents 


\  The  first  issue  of  THE  PLAYGROUND  SUMMER  NOTEBOOK 

will  be  out  on  April  24th! 

•  Sure  signs  of  Spring  —  the  first  crocus  —  the  first  robin  —  and  the 
first  issue  of  THE  PLAYGROUND  SUMMER  NOTEBOOK! 

Just  as  colorful  as  the  crocus  —  it's  printed  in  bright  colors  and 
bedecked  with  gay  illustrations. 

Just  as  busy  as  the  robin  —  it's  so  full  of  ideas  and  suggestions 
about  all  phases  of  the  summer  playground  program  that  they 
almost  tumble  off  the  pages. 

More  useful  than  cither  one  —  even  the  most  experienced  leader 
will  find  stimulation  for  his  thinking  in  THE  PLAYGROUND 
SUMMER  NOTEBOOK.  The  novice  leader  will  find  its  twelve  week- 
ly issues  packed  with  practical,  workable  hints  that  can  be  adapted 
to  fit  any  playground  program. 

Subscribe  now  —  and  be  ready  for  Summer! 

THE  SUMMER  PLAYGROUND  NOTEBOOK  —  Twelve  issues  for  $1.50 
NATIONAL  RECREATION  ASSOCIATION  313  FOURTH  AVENUE,  NEW  YORK  10 


NOW  AVAILABLE 


The  Perfected 


Official  springboard  for  AAU  and  NCAA 
diving  competition,  and  now  in  use  in 
nearly  every  college  and  university 
where  competitive  diving  meets  are  held. 


AND  THE 

ONE  METER 
STAND 


The  "BUCKBOARD"  is  the 
only  aluminum  spring- 
board on  the  market.  It  is 
constructed  of  uniform  air- 
craft aluminum  extrusions 
and  drawn  tubes  for  lift- 
ing and  long-lasting  quali- 
ties. 


The  ONLY  springboard  that  cre- 
ates uniform  performance  for 
light  and  heavy  weight  divers. 

Official  springboard  at  Hel- 
sinki during  1952  Olympic 
Games. 

Divers  report  more  height 
achieved;  thus  better  form. 


The  "BUCKBOARD"  practically  eliminates  springboard  maintenance.  It's 
the  only  springboard  ever  designed  to  permit  replacement  of  any  of  the 
integral  units  in  event  of  accidental  damage.  Out-performs  any  other 
type  board — outlasts  any  other  type  board  by  YEARS! 

Manufactured  and  Sold  Exclusively   By: 

NORMAN  BUCK  MFC.  CO. 


2332   EASTLAKE 


SEATTLE  2,  WASHINGTON 


Made  Right 
to  Perform  Right! 


OUISVILLE    SLUGGER 

Choice  of  the  Champions  in  every  league 


MARCH  1953 


569 


for  play  capacity  and  SAFETY . . .  choose 


Reg.  U.  S.  Pal.  Off. 


Climbing  structure 


•  No  other  playground  device  provides  so 
much  play  capacity  per  square  foot  of  ground 
area  and  per  dollar  of  cost  as  JUNGLEGYM! 
That  plus  JUNGLEGYM'S  safety  record 
of  more  than  one  hundred  million  child-play- 
hours  without  one  single  serious  accident 
are  two  reasons  why  you  should  give 
the  children  of  your  playground  the  advantage 
of  JUNGLEGYM. 


Write  for  Illustrated  Bulletin  on  PORTER'S  Streamlined  Line  that  will  Save  You  Money . . .  Time 

You  eon  rely  on  PORTER  for  the  basic  units  you  need 
for  your  playground  ... 


No.    1M  Stratosphere    See-Saw 

Sensationally  new.  Gives  "ups-a-daisy" 

ride    33'/3%  higher    than    conventional 

••••saw,    but  with    greater    safety. 


I 


No.    38    Combination    Set 
Compact,    economical    unit    that's    ideal 
for    limited    ground   areas.    Six    varieties 
of   funful,    healthful   activity. 


No.   105  S.x-Swine,  Set 
Sturdy    12-ft.   frame   held  rigidly   togeth- 
er   with    exclusive    Porter    fitting*    moke 
this   a    permanent,    safe    unit. 


No.  SB-F  Playground  Basketball  Backstop 
All-steel  fan-shaped  bank  rigidly  mount* 
ed  on  steel  mast  and  braced  for  per- 
manent service. 


No.    240 

Will  safely  accommodate  30  children  at 
one  time.  Noiseless,  no- wobble,  no- 
sway  operation.  An  en- 
gineering marvel. 


PORTER 


CORPORATION 

OTTAWA.    ILLINOIS 


MANUFACTURERS    OF    PLAYGROUND.    GYMNASIUM    AND    SWIMMING    POOL    EQUIPMENT 


Exclusive  MAKERS  OF  THE  WORLD-FAMOUS 


JUNGLEGYM* 

l.g    U.  5    Pol   Off 


CLIMBING 
STRUCTURE 


RECREATION 


MARCH,   1953 


THE       MAGAZINE       OF       THE       RECREATION       MOVEMENT 


Editor  in  Chief,  JOSEPH  PRENDERCAST 

Editor,  DOROTHY  DONALDSON 

Editorial  Assistant,  AMELIA  HENLY 

Business  Manager,  ALFRED  H.  WILSON 

ASSOCIATE   EDITORS 

Recreation  Administration,  GEORGE  BUTLER 
Program  Activities,  VIRGINIA  MUSSELMAN 


Vol.  XLVI 


Price  35  Cents 


No.  10 


On  the  Cover 

The  mischievous  young  clowns  on  the  cover  an- 
ticipate a  rollicking  good  time  ahead — and  help 
to  set  the  scene  for  this  issue  featuring  spring  fes- 
tivals, pageants  and  drama.  Photo  courtesy  of  the 
Long  Beach,  California,  Recreation  Commission. 

Next  Month 

April  RECREATION,  the  annual  playground  issue, 
will  really  be  crammed  from  cover  to  cover  with 
suggestions  and  ideas  for  making  your  1953  sum- 
mer program  a  huge  success.  "A  Children's  Vil- 
lage," "Know  Your  Children,"  "Backyard  Play- 
ground Contests,"  "Playground  Projects  and 
Games"  and  "Try-Outs  for  Little  Leagues"  are  but 
a  few  of  the  titles.  There  is  also  a  section  devoted 
to  hobby  month  activities,  an  article  on  school-city 
cooperation  in  the  planning  of  recreation  areas 
and  facilities,  and  some  good  tips  on  stretching 
your  arts  and  craft  budget. 

Photo  Credits 

Page  573,  Office  of  Public  Information,  Department 
of  Defense;  575,  Pace  Studios,  Guntersville,  Ala- 
bama; 582,  583,  The  New  York  Times;  589,  Edgar 
Readling,  Concord,  North  Carolina;  590,  Bill  Con- 
ver,  The  Peoria  Star;  599,  Willis  Photo,  Thousand 
Palms,  California ;  600,  Alex  de  Paola,  Burbank, 
California;  601,  Don  Cooper,  Detroit;  604  (top), 
left,  Chicago  Park  District,  right,  Colonial  Studio, 
Richmond,  Virginia;  605  (top),  left,  Colonial  Stu- 
dio, Richmond,  right.  The  Milwaukee  Sentinel, 
(bottom)  right,  The  Seattle  Times;  609,  Philadel- 
phia Convention  and  Visitors  Bureau;  616,  Indi- 
ana University  News  Bureau;  632,  Warren,  Ohio, 
Recreation  Commission. 


RECREATION  is  published  monthly  except  July  and 
August  by  the  National  Recreation  Association,  a 
service  organization  supported  by  voluntary  contribu- 
tions, at  315  Fourth  Avenue,  New  York  10,  New 
York;  is  on  file  in  public  libraries  and  is  indexed  in 
the  Readers'  Guide.  Subscriptions  $3.00  a  year. 
Canadian  agency,  G.  R.  Welch  Company,  Ltd.,  1149 
King  Street  West,  Toronto  1,  Ontario;  Canadian  sub- 
scription rate  $3.85.  Re-entered  as  second-class  matter 
April  25,  1950,  at  the  Post  Office  in  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. 

Space  Representatives:  H.  Thayer  Heaton,  415  Lex- 
ington Avenue,  New  York  17,  New  York;  Mark 
Minahan,  168  North  Michigan  Avenue,  Chicago,  Illi- 
nois; Keith  H.  Evans,  3757  Wilshire  Boulevard,  Los 
Angeles  5,  and  593  Market  Street,  Suite  304,  San 
Francisco  5,  California. 

Copyright,   1952,  by  the 
National  Recreation  Association,  Incorporated 

Printed  in  the  U.S.A.  •(gS^'  I  e 

•  Trade   mark  registered    in   the  U.    S.   Patent   Office. 


MARCH  1953 


CONTENTS 

GENERAL  FEATURES 

My  Philosophy  of  Recreation  (Editorial) G.  Oil  Romney  573 

Professor  Rizzuto's  Baseball  Academy Lawrence  Lader  581 

Recreation  for  Neuropsychiatric  Patients, 

Bernard  I.  Kahn,  Janet  Reese,  Maryles  Nahl  584 

National  Hobby  Month 587 

Across-the-Border    Jamboree Richard    Kraus  592 

Square  Dancing  on  the  Home  Front Arthur  Katona  594 

Desert  People  Weave  a  Magic  Spell.  .Lenelle  Marsh  Kanthack  599 

Community  Drama  Marches  On 604 

".  .  .  and  the  pursuit  of  Happiness" 609 

Charcoal   Grill 614 

Community  Center  Housekeeping,  Part  III 624 

Index  to  Volume  XLVI,  RECREATION  Magazine 

April  1952 — March  1953 636 

ARM  IMSIIl\IU» 

Adult  Recreation  Clubs Russell  /.  Foval  578 

We  Pool  Our  Efforts  for  Children M.  H.  Thorsen  606 

Where  to  Get  More  Money  for  More  Recreation  Service 

Dr.  Ernest  H.  Campbell  612 

In-Service  Training Garrett  G.  Eppley  616 

Surfaces  for  Multiple-Use  in  Recreation  Areas 618 

PROGRAM 

Recreation  on  Wheels William  H.  Ridinger  588 

Other  Community  Show  Wagons 591 

A  Folk  Festival  Guide 596 

A  Trip  to  Mexico 600 

Community-wide  Celebrations Alfred  Stern  601 

A   Playground   Pageant Nicoletta    Urciuoli  603 

Signposts  for  the  Summer  Season Abe  Bonder  610 

Music   in  Recreation Gertrude  Borchard  615 

REGULAR  FEATURES 

Things  You  Should  Know 574 

Letters    575 

Editorially  Speaking   (On  Writing  for  Recreation) 577 

How  To  Do  It!    A  Brush  or  Broom  Made  Out  of  a  Stick  of 

Wood Frank  E.  Staples  622 

People  and  Events 623 

Listening  and  Viewing 625 

A   Reporter's   Notebook 626 

Recipes  for  Fun — Between  Season  Activities 627 

On  the  Campus Betty  W.  Jacob  631 

Recreation   Market   News 632 

Books  Received,  Magazines,  Pamphlets 633 

New    Publications 634 

Recreation  Leadership  Courses Inside  Back  Cover 

571 


NATIONAL     RECREATION     ASSOCIATION 

A  Service  Organization  Supported  by  Voluntary  Contributions 
JOSEPH  PRENDERGAST,  Executive  Director 


OFFICERS 


Ono  T.   MALLEEI 
Pain.  Moon.    J». 
MX.  OCKX  L.  MILU 
Sou  M.  Lu 

AOBJAN  M.  MAUIE 
GosTaTG*  T.   KIBBY 
Josirn    P 


Chairman   of   the   Board 

Fir»l    Vice  Pmiden! 

••econd    Vic*-Pre»ident 

Third  Vice-President 

and   Secretary  of  the   Board 

Treasurer 

Treasurer   Emeritui 
Secretary 


HOARD  OF  DIRECTOKS 


F.  w.  H.  Ao«*i 

F.  CBECC  BBMII 

Uu.  Ronrr  WOOM  Bun 

Uaa.  ABTHII  C.  CDMMEB 

WILUAH   H.   Davia 

HABBT  P.  DitiaoM . . 

GAYLOMO   DONNELLEY 

MM.  PAUL  GALLACHEB 

ROBEBY  GABBETT 

MB*.  NOBMAN  HABBOWEB 

MB*.  CHABUU  \  .  HICKOX 


New  York.  N.  V. 

BO.IOD,  Max. 

Wathington.  D.  C. 

Jacksonville,   Fla. 

N-w    York.    N.   Y. 

New  York.  N.  Y. 

Chicago.    111. 

Omaha,  Nebr. 

Baltimore.  M.I. 

FitchburE.  Mat*. 

Michigan  City.  Ind. 

FBCDEBICK   M.  WABBUBC  . 


Maa.  JOHN  D.  JAMESON 
SHEAR  H.  LEE 
Ono  T.  MALLEBT 
CAUL  F.   MIIIICIN 
Maa.   OCDEN   L.   MlLU 
PAUL  MOOBE.  Ja. 
JOBEFH   PBENDEBCUY  .... 

Maa.  SICMUND  SYEBN 

GBANT  TIYBWOBTB 

Mai.  WILLIAM   VAX  ALEN 
J.   C.    WALJH 

New   York.   N.   Y. 


Bellporl.  N     V 

New  York,  N.  Y. 

Philadelphia.  Pa. 

Auguftta,    Mr. 

New    Y\,lk.    N      1 

Jeraey   City.   N.    J. 

...New  York,  N.  Y. 
San  Francitco,  Calif. 

Noroton,    Coon. 

Philadelphia.    Pa. 
Yonken,   N.    Y. 


Kxrrull.r     Ulrertor'a    OSre 

CEOBCE  K.  DICKIE          1  tioMAa  E.  RIVEBI 

HILDA  HABBIBON  ABYHUB  WILUAMB 

ALTBED  H.  WILBON 

I  Mrrri|">nilrnrr    and    <  on.ullallmi 

Scrrlt. 

CEOHCE  A.  NEMITT 
(.uratDE   RoaCHABo  EtmA   BBAVCHEB 

Pronram  Service 

VIBCINIA  MuaaELUAN 

Reerealloo    Mairailnr 

DoBOTHT     DONALMOH  AMELJA    Hl^lV 

Sp«elal    Pul.liraiion. 
Roaa  JA*  SCNWABTZ  MUBIEL  McGANN 


HEADQUARTERS   STAFF 

I1.  .  ...nn.  I     Service 
WlLLAHD  C.   SUTHEM-AND 

MAKT  CUIEMNAT  ALFRSD  B.  JKMSIM 

Kr.«-*r.  h   Department 

CBOBCI  D.  Bintx* 
DATID  J.  Dtaoi*  Bimr  B.  FLOW  KM 

Work  with  \  ..l.n.i.-.  r  - 
E.    BKATWCI    STBUKHS      MABY    QL-IRK 
MAHCAKKT   DANKWOBTM     ELJZAIITH    SHIM 


Strticf   to  Stales 
WILLIAM   M.   Ho 


Arfat  and  Fmcilitit* 

I   1*11 


Planning  mud  Surirj* 

I     .  M  H 


Field    Drparlmrnl 

CHARLCS  E.  Rno 

C.  E.  BKCW.U  JAMU  A.  MADISON 

KoBtHT  R.  GAMBLB 


Kalhffine  F.  Barker  Memorial 

Secrttmrjr  for  W  omen  and  Gtrti 

Huts  M.  DACNCBT 

Recreation  Leaderthip  T  reining  Courirt 
Hi  IH  EHLKBS  ANN*  |J«INC«TON 

MILOHBD  SCAYION  FRAKK   \.  Sunn 

CBACB  WAUCBH 


New   I  niiUti.1   DUtriri 

WALM  R.  HAINBWMTH  Boiton,  MBM. 

(PreMnt  «.l.lre».       New  York) 

MUldl*  Atlantic  Dlrtricl 

JOHN  W.  F*I»T  Eut  OrBDfc.  N.  J. 

RICHARD  S.  WBBTCATI        N«w  York,  N.  Y. 

t.ri-mt    Lake*    DUtrlrl 

JOHN  J.  COLLIBM  Toledo.  Ohio 

KOMRT  I..  HontttT  M.diMO.  WU. 


DISTRICT  REPRESENTATIVES 

Southern  IH.in.-i 

MIM    MARION   PRKKCK     Wtuhlnfion.   D.    C. 
KALPM   VAN  FLEBT   Clearwater,  Fla. 


Mldwecl    Hi.tr..  t 
ARIMIR   TODD 


r.  Mo. 


Southwect    Ih-it  i.  i 
HAROLD   VAN   ARID  ALB  Dalian,   Tex. 

ParISc   Nmrthwetl   DUlrlcl 

WILLARD    H.    SMLMABD        .    Seattle,    Wa«h. 

Pacific  S«ytkwr«t  DUtriri 

LTNM  S.  ROONBT  Lo»  Antel««.  Calif. 


Affiliulr    Membership 

Aftliau  mrmbrnh.p  ID  th«  Nallonal 
Rrrreation  Ajaociatlon  I*  op«ii  to  all  non- 
profit pri*ftU  and  public  orfaaitaiionf 
vkoa*  ttwcUoM  la  wholly  or  primarily  th« 
proTUion  or  promotion  of  recreation  aarv- 
ieaa  or  which  Include  rrcreafion  aa  an  im- 
portant part  of  their  total  profram  and 
whoce  cooperation  In  Ine  work  of  the  aaao- 
would.  In  ike  opinion  of  tke  aaao- 
Board  of  Director*,  farther  the 
>  of  tke  national  recreation  moTeiacat. 


Active  awociate  membenhip  in  the 
National  Recreation  Aaaociation  U  open  to 
•II  individual*  wko  are  actively  enBaced 
on  a  full-time  or  part-time  employed  baaU 
or  aa  volunteer*  in  a  nonprofit  private  or 
publie  recreation  orfaniiatlon  and  wboae 
cooperation  In  the  work  of  tbe  aMoclalion 
would.  In  Ike  opinion  of  the  aeaociiifnn'i 
Board  of  Director*,  further  the  end*  nf  the 
national  recreation  movement. 


Contributor* 

The  continuation  of  the  work  of  the 
National  Recreation  Aiwoclation  from  year 
to  »e«r  it)  made  poaalble  by  the  iplendid 
cooperation  of  eeveral  hundred  volunteer 
•ponton  throughout  the  country,  and  the 
cenerou*  contributions  of  thoueandi  of  tup- 
ptirtrr*  of  thla  movement  to  bring  health. 
happine«a  and  creative  llvinf  to  tbe  nor* 
and  firU  and  the  men  and  women  of 
America.  If  you  would  like  lo  imn  In  the 
•upport  of  thii  mntrmrnl.  you  may  tend 
your  contribution  direct  lo  the  aaaoclatlon. 


Thr  National  Kcrrralion  A««<iriation  i«  •  nation- 
wide, nonprofit,  nonpolitiral  and  nonwctariui  civic 
organization,  mtalilinhed  in  1906  and  supported  by 
w'luntary  rontriluiiiiin*.  and  dedicated  to  the  MTV- 
.ilion  executive*,  leaden  and  agen- 

For  further  information  regardinf  thr  astoriation'i 
Director,  Natinnnl  Krrrralion  Association, 


.  i-  -.  puliltr  and  privatr.  to  the  rnd  that  rvrry  child 
in  America  *hall  have  a  place  lo  play  in  *afriy  and 
that  rvrry  person  in  America,  young  and  old.  ahall 
have  an  opportunity  for  the  beat  and  mo»t  *ati*fy- 
ing  iiw  of  In-  expanding  leisure  timr. 


services  and  membership,  fdrate  write  to  the 
315  Fourth  A\*nuet  New  York  10,  New  York. 


Hi  '  UKATION 


Editorial 


G.  Ott  Romney 


G.  Ott  Romney 


S    CLIMB 

'  from  the  mud 
up  the  rugged  slope 
of  civilization  is  the 
story  of  a  struggle 
for  self-expression. 
It  is  the  record  of  a 
never-ending  fight 
to  discover  more 
and  more  creative  talent  within  him 
and  to  release  its  power.  Intrinsic  to 
this  progress  has  been  the  constantly 
tighter  clutching  of  the  doctrine  of  the 
personal  dignity  and  individuality  of 
the  human  being. 

The  degree  to  which  self-discovery 
and  self-expression  have  developed  in 
the  time  dedicated  to  survival,  as  dis- 
tinguished from  the  time  available  for 
pursuit  of  personal  desires,  has  varied 
with  the  rung  of  the  ladder  to  which 
man  has  advanced  as  well  as  with  his 
material  and  spiritual  achievements, 
the  relative  amounts  of  required  work- 
ing and  resultant  self-choosing  time, 
and  the  limitations  set  by  economic, 
sociological  and  political  factors. 

Those  pursuits  which  the  individual 
chooses  in  his  earned  leisure,  with  the 
primary  motivation  the  gratification  in 
the  doing,  are  called  recreation.  It  is 
thus  apparent  that  it  is  not  the  what 
but  the  why,  when  and  how  that  iden- 
tify recreation.  For  recreation  is  not  a 
matter  of  the  motions  but  of  the  emo- 
tions. The  activities  (physical,  men- 
tal, emotional,  spiritual,  social)  are 
but  the  tools  of  the  trade,  the  outlets 
of  creativity.  They  provide  the  satis- 
factions of  the  desire  for  self-expres- 
sion, the  longing  for  recognition  and 
belonging,  the  appetite  for  competi- 
tion, the  hunger  for  adventure — hun- 
gers as  real  as  those  for  food  and  sex 
and  security,  hungers  for  which  grati- 


fication, sometimes  to  an  alarming  de- 
gree, is  denied  in  working  hours  and 
by  regimented  experience,  hungers 
which  must  be  satisfied  to  insure  per- 
sonality and  character  growth,  social 
adjustment  and  balanced  living. 

Recreation  is  an  end  unto  itself  in 
that  it  is  indulged  in  for  its  own  sake, 
not  primarily  for  its  dividends  in  spe- 
cified kinds  and  amounts.  Although 
recreation  pays  off,  sometimes  hand- 
somely, in  numerous  valuable  curren- 
cies, the  paycheck  of  satisfaction  in 
the  doing  provides  its  motivation  and 
form  of  compensation. 

Recreation  is  a  universal  need,  a 
rightful  expectation  in  a  democratic 
society.  It  is  part  and  parcel  of  demo- 
cratic living.  It  is  of  the  essence  of 
the  American  way  of  life. 

And  in  the  present-day  high-speed 
society  dominated  by  the  magic  of  ma- 
chines and  the  miracles  of  science — an 
era  of  mechanization,  specialization, 
standardization,  urbanization  and  ma- 
terialism in  which  the  symbols  gener- 
ally worshipped  are  the  dollar,  fire- 
power, horse-power,  miles  per  hour 
and  revolutions  per  minute — each  turn 
of  the  clock  accentuates  the  responsi- 
bility of  society  to  prepare  its  citizens 
from  the  cradle  on  for  the  arts  of 
leisure. 

For,  with  all  their  blessings,  ma- 
chines are  frightening  civilization 
with  their  manufacture  of  a  plethora  of 
leisure  hours  which  the  people  are  ill- 
prepared  to  accept.  Rich  in  recreation 
time,  poverty-stricken  in  recreation  at- 
titudes, aptitudes,  skills  and  habits,  so- 
ciety must  mobilize  for  war  against 
the  evils  of  its  materialism  and  mech- 
anization. This  it  must  do  by  prepar- 
ing its  members  to  live,  by  providing 
more  adequate  recreation  opportunities 


through  its  public  and  voluntary  agen- 
cies and  social  institutions,  and  by  giv- 
ing wise  direction  and  applying  dis- 
creet control  to  its  profit-motive  com- 
mercialized recreation,  a  strong  and 
necessary  ally. 

The  right  to  choose  one's  pursuits 
in  one's  own  free  time  is  democracy's 
Fifth  Freedom. 

Recreation's  purpose  is  not  to  kill 
time  but  rather  to  make  time  live;  not 
to  help  the  individual  serve  time  but 
to  make  time  serve  him;  not  to  en- 
courage people  to  hide  from  themselves 
but  to  help  them  find  themselves. 

Recreation  may  be  basking  in  the 
splash  from  a  sunset  or  capturing  its 
color  and  mood  on  canvas. 

It  may  be  that  well-executed  putt 
and  the  volunteered  praise  of  a  friend- 
ly competitor. 

It  may  be  scaling  a  peak  and  in 
breathless  triumph  surveying  the 
stretching  spaces  and  enjoying  one's 
insignificance. 

It  may  be  the  drawing  of  a  bow 
across  the  violin  strings  or  surrender  to 
a  moving  symphony. 

It  may  be  strolling  through  the 
woods  and  noting  the  Dolichonyx  or- 
yzivorus  or  just  startling  the  bobolink, 
or  surprising  that  "little  bird  with  a 
dozen  bright  colors." 

It  may  be  the  dance  step  or  finding 
and  polishing  pretty  rocks,  reading  a 
book  or  conversing  with  a  friend. 

It  may  be  picnicking — the  mothers 
spreading  the  contents  of  the  baskets 
to  the  shouting  laughter  of  playing 
youngsters  and  the  bragging  by  the 
men. 

But  never  is  it  measured  by  what  the 
participant  does  to  or  with  the  object 
or  situation.  Instead,  recreation  is 
concerned  with  what  the  doing  does  to 
the  doer. 

For  recreation  is  an  important  seg- 
ment of  the  living  process.  By  their 
recreation  peoples'  lives  and  personal- 
ities are  shaped,  communities  take  on 
complexion,  nations  develop  cultures. 
Recreation  takes  its  place  with  work, 
religion  and  education  as  the  living 
areas  which  add  up  to  life. 

MR.  ROMNEY  is  Chief,  Community  Ser- 
vices Branch,  Special  Services  Divi- 
sion, Office  of  the  Adjutant  General, 
Department  of  the  Army,  Washington. 


MARCH  1953 


573 


\  A  JOINT  PUBLISHING  PROJECT  of  the 
National  Recreation  Association  and 
Hand  MrYilly.  publishers,  will  appear 
in  bookstores  throughout  the  country 
in  April,  under  the  title  Your  Rand 
McNally  Vacation  Guide.  Filled  with 
travel  and  vacation  information  on  all 
parts  of  the  country,  copiously  illus- 
trated and  including  helpful,  up-to- 
date  road  maps,  this  will  be  one  of  the 
most  complete  guides  of  its  kind  avail- 
able this  spring,  and  well  worth  the 
retail  price  of  $1.50.  This  publication 
replaces  Summer  Vacations  —  USA, 
this  year. 


E  DANCERS  WHICH  CHILDREN  FACE 
when  playing  in  unauthorized  play 
spaces  are  discussed  in  detail  in  a  new 
bulletin  recently  published  by  the  Na- 
tional Safety  Council.  Among  hazard- 
ous areas  are  open  pits,  excavations, 
abandoned  mines,  construction  work 
and  industrial  property,  empty  houses, 
railroad  property,  dumps  and  junk 
yards.  According  to  the  bulletin. 
teachers,  educators,  playground  and 
municipal  authorities  —  as  well  as  pa- 
rents —  have  serious  responsibilities  "to 
provide  and  maintain  attractive  and 
adequate  places  for  recreation." 

^  LETTERS  ARE  Now  GOING  OUT  from 
the  National  Itecreation  Association  to 
a  number  of  leaders  and  recreation 
workers,  suggested  by  field  representa- 
tives of  the  association  as  having  a 
deep  concern  for,  and  a  special  com- 
petence in,  the  recreation  program 
field  —  as  a  first  step  in  tin-  formation 
of  a  national  advisory  committee  on 
recreation  program  and  acii\itie.. 
This  is  a  part  of  the  association's  ex- 
pansion of  services  and  its  establish- 
mi-iil  of  closer  working  relationship 
with  the  recreation  leader-  in  il-  \ari- 
ous  dislrii  I-. 

t    V    lit  I-'IKT  TO  TIIK  C\I.IMiHM\   I.M.I- 

i  MI  lit.  presented  by  Slate  Director  of 
Natural  Resources.  Warren  T.  Hannum 

and  Slate  Dire.  tlir  of  I'ul.lir  Works, 
Frank  B.  Durkce,  proposed  a  »\-I-M, 
of  roail-ide  park.*,  or  wayside  areas, 
for  the  motoring  public.  Tin-  Dm-ion 
of  Highway*,  while  recommending  that 
an  agency  with  park  experience  handle 
the  job.  rmph.i-i/i--  tli  -I  lo.  aiion  nnd 

574 


design  must  be  subject  to  Division  of 
Highways  approval,  to  insure  integra- 
tion with  long-range  highway  planning 
and  the  free  and  safe  movement  of 
traffic.  The  plan  followed  in  some 
states  of  building  a  large  number  of 
small  roadside  rests,  or  parking  turn- 
outs, with  one  to  three  picnic  tables 
and  a  trash  container,  is  analyzed  in 
the  report  but  -is  opposed  on  the 
grounds  of  safety  and  economy  of 
maintenance.  It  is  considered  prefer- 
able to  build  a  smaller  number  of 
strategically  located  installations  with 
complete  facilities  for  off-highway 
parking,  four  to  eight  tables,  sanita- 
tion, water  supply  and  perhaps  fire- 
places. 

^  THE  VOICE  OF  AMERICA  has  broad- 
cast, throughout  the  world,  news  of 
the  International  Service  of  the  Na- 
tional Recreation  Association,  and  in- 
teresting letters  are  coming  to  the  asso- 
ciation as  a  result.  The  Voice  of 
America  also  quotes  from  RECREATION 
magazine. 

^  THE  SEATTLE  ADDRESS  OF  THOMAS  E. 
KINKHS,  on  his  around-the-world  rec- 
reation mission  has  been  reprinted.  b\ 
the  way,  together  with  other  material 
about  the  International  Service,  in  an 
attractive  pamphlet,  Recreation  Around 
the  World. 

I A  RESOLUTION  ADOPTED  by  the 
American  Municipal  Association,  at  a 
December  meeting  was  "Allocate  ten 
per  cent  of  National  Forest  receipts 
for  use  on  public  recreation  facilities 
in  National  Forests." 


t  ERRATA.  On  the  contents  page  of  the 
February  1953  RECREATION,  the  Vol- 
ume Number  under  the  masthead, 
should  be  XLVI. 

Job  Openings 

State  of  Minnesota.  Division  of  Tub 
lie  Institutions  announces  openings  in 
a  nation-wide  competition,  for  patient 
activities  leaders  in  two  classifications: 
Patient  Activities  Leader  I:  Patient 
Activities  Leader  II. 

Desirable  background  for  classifi- 
cation I  includes  college  graduation 
with  specialization  in  recreational 
training  or  other  major  skill  areas 
plus  the  equivalent  of  nine  months 
internship  in  hospital  training  or  equi- 
valent experience  in  group  activitie- 
work.  For  classification  II.  applicants 
should  have  additional  extensive  ex- 
perience in  an  institutional  program, 
with  at  least  one  year  in  a  supervi-or\ 
capacity. 

Salary  #1— $252  to  $292 
Salary  #2— $292  to  $332 
Applications  will  be  accepted  until 
further     notice.      Address     Minnesota 
Employment  Service,  or  the  Minnesota 
Civil  Service  Department,  State  Office 
Building.  St.  Paul  1.  Minnesota. 

National  Board  of  the  YWCA  offers 
careers  for  young  women  in  local 
YWCA's  in  all  parts  of  the  country. 
There  is  a  need  for  workers  in  teen-age 
program,  young  adult  program,  indus- 
trial, health  and  ]>h\sical  education 
programs  as  well  as  in  other  areas  of 
program  work.  Salaries  range  from 
$2,600  to  $4,000  a  year. 

Write  to  Personnel.  National  Board 
YWCA,  600  Lexington  Avenue,  New 
York  22.  New  York. 


Itn  «!•  VTION  TRAINING  OPPOR- 
ii  Mills  that  were  not  -nit  in  to  us 
early  enough  to  bo  included  on  page 
."•(.I  of  Kcbruar\  i--ii.  ..(  I!)  '  1:1  vimv 
.in  Ihduhapi  Recreation  Lab.  YMC\ 
(lamp,  l.oretlo.  Minnesota.  April  16- 
23.  I1  >."•:!.  \\iit'-  Ihduhapi  Recreation 
Leader-  Laboratory.  BOX  I'M.  Min- 

•polis.  Minnesota. 

Hmke\e   Recreation   Lab.   Mclhodi-l 

(  I,,,,,!,.     I   tbana.    Ohio.       \pril     19-25. 

\\iile  Professor  Bruee  Tom.  Sociology 

•Imenl.     Ohio     Slat.-     I  ni\er-itv. 

Columbus.  I  >hio. 


Important  Notice 
Tins  issue  of  RECREATION  carries 
our  annual  index,  which  completes 
Volume  XLVI.  Hen-after.  howe\er. 
the  annual  index  will  appear  in  the 
December  i— ur  of  the  mapa/ine 
thus  terminating  each  ralriular  year. 
In  order  to  accomplish  this  change 
of  publication  date,  each  issue  of 
lii  <  liKVTiON  for  the  remainder  of 
1953  will  IM-  designated  as  Wong- 
ing  to  Volume  XLVI  (A),  and  Vol- 
ume VIA  II  will  start  with  the  Janu- 
ary I'l.'iJ  i  — ue.  Tin-  mean-  that 
Volume  XLVI  (Al  will  be  a  sup- 
plementary Volume  of  -e\cn  ]«uc- 
ratlier  than  the  usual  ten.  We  hope 
that  this  will  IM-  clear  to  lho-e  of 
\oii  who  are  having  your  year's 
issu.-s  In.und  for  \oiir  professional 
library  and  purposes  of  easier  refer- 
ence. If  there  are  any  i|iie-tioii- 

•'inj!    this,    ple.i-e    do    not    hesi- 
tate lo  write  us  about  them. 


RECRKMHCX 


Ski  Tow  Safety 

Sirs: 

I  read  with  interest  Mr.  Sieker's  let- 
ter in  the  December  issue  of  the  REC- 
REATION magazine  discussing  safety  de- 
vices which  should  be  attached  to  all 
ski  tows. 

I  don't  know  how  I  neglected  to 
mention  this  in  my  article,  but  we  very 
definitely  have  a  safety,  which  auto- 
matically comes  with  our  ski  tow,  of 
the  gate  variety.  We  use  our  tow  at 
the  bottom  of  the  hill,  therefore,  do 
not  need  the  gate;  but  at  the  top  of  the 
hill  our  pulley  is  thirty  feet  in  the  air, 
and  twenty  feet  beyond  where  they  get 
off. 

Besides,  the  motor  is  geared  so  that, 
if  any  obstructions  stop  the  rope  for  a 
second,  the  motor  will  automatically 
shut  off.  Therefore,  I  feel  that  we  have 
definitely  covered  all  necessary  safety 
angles  with  our  tow. 

I  was  glad  to  see  that  Mr.  Sicker 
brought  this  important  item  to  the 
readers'  attention,  as  it  is  a  very  nec- 
essary part  of  operation. 

JAMES  F.  HEROIC,  JR.,  Superinten- 
dent of  Recreation,  Rutland,  Ver- 
mont. 

"How  To  Do  It"  Booklet 

Sirs: 

I  have  seen  some  of  your  "How  To 
Do  It"  sketches  in  RECREATION,  and 
am  wondering  if  you  have  more  of 
them  assembled  in  any  form  for  gen- 
eral distribution?  I  think  they  would 
be  very  valuable  for  our  boys'  camp 
program. 

LsRoY  CONGDON,  Camps  Executive, 
YMCA,  St.  Louis,  Missouri. 
•  A  booklet,  made  of  these  sketches, 
will  be  published  sometime  in  the  near 
future. — Ed. 

For  Framing 

Sirs: 

We  are  interested  in  securing  some 
pictures  that  would  be  suitable  for 

MARCH  1953 


framing  and  using  in  our  recreation 
office.  The  very  attractive  covers  of 
RECREATION  magazine  would  be  excel- 
lent if  we  could  obtain  from  you:  (1) 
permission  to  use  the  pictures  in  this 
manner,  and  (2)  cuts  of  certain  cover 
pictures  so  that  we  might  have  them 
made  larger. 

Since  the  covers  are  so  attractive,  it 
might  be  that  National  Recreation  As- 
sociation has  already  had  large  prints 
made  of  these  that  would  be  suitable 
for  framing. 

BETTY  D'Lucos,  Supervisor  of  Play- 
grounds, Recreation  Department, 
Pensacola,  Florida. 

Schwertz  Article 

Sirs: 

In  your  December  issue  there  is 
an  article  by  Mrs.  L.  Schwertz  entitled 
"I  Am  a  Professional  Recreation  Lead- 
er." Is  it  possible  to  obtain  a  couple 
of  copies  of  this  article,  suitable  for 
framing? 

JIM  WOLF,  Dunbar  Association.  In- 
corporated, Syracuse,  New  York. 
*          *         * 

Sirs: 

The  staff  members  of  the  Police  Ath- 
letic League,  Incorporated,  of  the  City 
of  New  York  were  quite  impressed  by 
Lillian  Schwertz's  article  in  the  De- 
cember 1952  issue  of  RECREATION. 

It  is  hereby  requested  that  the  Po- 
lice Athletic  League,  Incorporated,  be 
permitted  to  reprint  this  article  in  its 
entirety  for  distribution  to  its  profes- 
sional recreation  workers. 
LIEUTENANT  ANTHONY  P.  RAGONET- 
TI.  Director,  Recreation  Unit,  Police 
Athletic  League,  Incorporated,  New 
York. 

Maori  vs  Lummi 

Sirs: 

It  was  a  pleasant  surprise,  indeed, 
to  find  Miss  Cassell's  description  of 
the  ''Maori  Stick  Game"  in  RECREA- 


TION magazine  for  January,  1953.  For 
many  years  recreation  leaders  of  the 
Pacific  Northwest  have  been  enjoying 
and  teaching  essentially  the  same 
game,  calling  it  "Lummi  Sticks"  after 
the  Lummi  Indian  tribe  of  Puget 
Sound.  They  were  reputed  to  have 
played  it  as  a  gambling  game  using 
deer  bones  or  elaborately  carved  sticks 
which  they  manipulated  with  great 
skill. 

Whether  the  game  is  of  Lummi  or 
Maori  origin  is  secondary  to  the  fact 
that  it  is  a  wonderful  socializer  for 
people  of  all  ages  and  learning  the 
game  usually  is  a  hilarious  experience 
for  all  the  participants. 

One  variation,  we  have  used  with 
success  is  the  playing  of  the  game  in 
foursomes  (we  call  it  doubles).  One 
set  of  partners  sits  at  right  angles  to 
the  other  as  in  a  card  game.  The  first 
twosome  begins  the  game  and  the  song 
while  the  second  set  starts  its  rhyth- 
mic pattern  two  beats  later.  All  four 
players  sing  in  unison.  This  results  in 
a  continual  pattern  of  sticks  being 
thrown  across  the  "no  hand's  land"  in 
the  center  of  the  square  and  requires 
previous  practice  in  pairs  or  "singles." 
The  variations  of  routines  and 
rhythmic  patterns  are  many  and  the 
participant's  ingenuity  and  coordina- 
tion are  challenged  in  playing  it. 

Many  thanks  for  giving  us  more 
background  on  "Maori  Sticks"  and  the 
additional  words  and  music. 

HANS  A.  THOMPSON,  Recreation  Di- 
rector, Santa  Rosa,  California. 

•  The  game  of  Lummi  Sticks  is  used 
by  a  number  of  recreation  depart- 
ments. Below,  a  group  of  leaders  re- 
ceiving instruction  from  Mildred  Scan- 
Ion,  social  recreation  specialist  of  the 
National  Recreation  Association,  at  a 
recent  leadership  training  session  in 
Guntersville,  Alabama. — Ed. 


From  India 

Sirs: 

Thank  you  very  much  for  sending 
the  pamphlet  Homemade  Play  Appara- 
tus which  I  am  returning  to  you.  We 
cannot  use  homemade  play  equipment, 

575 


FISHING    ROD    KITS 

to  jimp/e  any  child  can  assemble 

All  PARTS  NECESSARY  TO  MAKE  A  FINE  ROD 

Writ*    for   fr*«    catalog,    HMM    and   oth«r    craft    it»m» 

SCHOOL  PRODUCTS  CO. 

D.pl     t,    HI    HUDSON    ST.,    NEW    YORK    13,    N.    Y. 


COSTUMES    TO    RENT 

fa 

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MINSTRELS    •   PLATS   •   OPERAS,  ETC. 

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Coitum.ri      •      lit.    18J2      .      Send  for  Folder. 


ANNUAL  SPRING 

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•  for  leaders,  teachers,  recreation  workers 

•  covering   all   basic   dances,   plus   contras 
and  special  work  on  the  Kolo  and  Hambo 

•  to  be  taught  by  Michael  Herman 

APRIL  6-11,  1953 
at  FOLK  DANCE  HOUSE 

1 08  West  1 6  St.,  New  York  City  1 1 

Wailcint  9-0644 
SEND      FOR      LEAFLET 


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as  anything  we  put  up  is  used  con- 
stantly. We  just  put  up  a  swing  in  our 
back  yard  and  at  least  fifty  children 
use  it  every  day,  so  you  see  that  it 
must  really  be  something  sturdy.  Gau- 
liali  is  a  town  of  about  80,000  and 
there  is  not  one  other  swing  in  it  and 
absolutely  no  play  equipment  for  chil- 
dren, or  a  park  area  for  them  to  play 
in.  We  go  home  on  our  furlough  in 
April  and  so  have  decided  to  wait  un- 
til we  come  back  to  try  to  set  a  play- 
ground up  here.  We  hope  to  get  di- 
rections for  putting  up  park  play 
equipment  while  we  are  home. 

I  wish  that  we  had  known   of  the 
visiting    recreation    people    (Mr.    and 
Mrs.  Thomas  E.  Rivers)    so   that  we 
could  have  asked  them  to  come  here. 
Gauhati  is  a  two  hour  plane  ride  from 
Calcutta  and  perhaps  they  would  have 
found  it  possible  to  make  us  a  visit. 
ANN  BEERS,  American  Baptist  Mis- 
sion, Gauhati,  Assam,  India. 

Activity  Ideas 

Sirs: 

We  are  enjoying  RECREATION  tre- 
mendously; the  articles  are  stimulat- 
ing, the  ideas  for  craft  and  other  ac- 
tivities of  great  help  to  our  program. 
Right  now  we  are  in  the  midst  of  the 
winter  sports  program  with  about 
forty-four  hockey  teams  in  our  park 
leagues  and  a  beginning  class  of  ski 
jumpers,  including  some  girls,  num- 
bering seventy-five. 

FRANCES  KANNOWSKI,  Publicity 
Chairman,  Mid-Continent  Regional 
Park  and  Recreation  Conference, 
Grand  Forks,  North  Dakota. 

Professional  Responsibility 

Sirs: 

In  speaking  of  a  really  professional 
attitude  in  the  recreation  field,  which 
would  naturally  result  in  each  worker 
assuming  personal  and  individual  re- 
sponsibility for  the  growth  of  his  pro- 
fession. I  would  like  to  say,  among 
other  things,  that  I  feel  that  too  few 
of  us  subscribe  to  RECREATION.  I  sus- 
pect that  your  circulation  is  negligible 
with  reaper  t  i.,  uhat  it  really  should 
be;  and  I  think  every  recreation  work- 
ii  »h<>uld  have  easy  access  to.  or  -\\\<- 
scribe  to,  your  magazine.  I  find  that 
almost  none  of  our  field  workers  do 
-ul.-.ribe  to  RECREATION.  All  of  this 
led  me  to  openly  so  comment  to  our 
superint"  lull-ill,  saying  that  I  would 
lii-l  money  that  there  are  not  mn  twi-n- 
iv  [x-rsons  in  our  department  v%lni  read 
mis  fine  magazine  and  that  the  mini- 
I.IT  of  individuals  in  our  department 
who  subscribe  for  it  could  probably  be 
•  -Hinted  on  the  fingers  of  two  hamU. 

Further.  I  felt  that  we  should  be 
:i-h.imerl  of  the  fact  that  so  many  of  us 


576 


call  ourselves  professional  workers 
when  we  don't  even  read  or  subscribe 
to  the  one  magazine  which  is  our  me- 
dium of  expression.  I  stated  that  I 
would  bet  that  the  national  circulation 
of  RECREATION  is  much  lower  than 
most  of  us  would  assume;  and  that  it's 
about  time  we  gave  the  magazine  a 
boost  by  encouraging  and  stimulating 
a  healthy  eagerness  to  read  it. 

And  of  course  our  superintendent, 
William  Frederickson,  Jr.,  called  my 
bluff  by  asking  me  if  I  would  like  to 
speak  before  the  next  meeting  of  our 
city-wide  staff  of  recreation  directors — 
in  behalf  of  RECREATION?  Would  I  do 
a  "pitch-talk"'  for  the  purpose  of  stim- 
ulating a  more  active  interest  in  the 
magazine?  And  of  course  I  agreed 
wholeheartedly  to  do  so — in  fact  I  am 
looking  forward  to  the  opportunity. 
ERNEST  B.  EHRKE,  Recreation  Direc- 
tor, Harbor  District,  Los  Angeles. 

•  Mr.  Ehrke  has  said,  in  a  later  letter, 
that  informal  discussions  of  this  sub- 
ject with  recreation  workers  have  elic- 
ited variations  of  the  following  answers 
as  to  reasons  why  the  worker  does  not 
subscribe  to  RECREATION:  (1)  "I  have 
never  been  asked;"  (2)  "I  cannot  af- 
ford it;"  (3)  "The  magazine  is  geared 
for  the  top-flight  administrator,  rather 
than  for  us  who  work  in  the  field." 

In  answer,  we  would  like  to  say:  I  1  i 
Please  extend  our  invitation  to  sub- 
scribe to  all  members  of  your  depart- 
ment! Mr.  Ehrke  answers  the  other 
two  points  as  follows:  (2)  "Can  you 
afford  not  to  subscribe,  if  you  are  will- 
ing to  assume  responsibility  for  your 
own  professional  growth;"  (3)  "Let 
us  raise  our  sights,  and  our  standards, 
so  that  we  can  consider  ourselves  as 
professionals  every  bit  as  much  as  the 
superintendent  or  supervisor.  This 
publication  should  be  regarded  as  '<uir' 
magazine,  and  if  there  is  something 
we  would  like  editorially,  we  can  sure- 
K  write  a  letter  and  so  request  article* 
of  that  nature.  Or  belter  si  ill — why  not 
write  an  article  along  the  lines  you 
have  in  mind  and  submit  it  to  Rr  <  HI 
ATION  yourself?  Anyone  can  rritici/e. 
but  the  professional  person  realizes 
that  he  helps  himself  if  he  helps  others. 
Let's  all  pitch  in.  thereby  increasing 
circulation,  thereby  increasing  adver- 
tising appeal,  and  thus  in  turn  creating 
more  funds  for  RECREATION  magazine 
to  work  with." 

We  would  like  to  add  that  RE«  HI  \ 
i  n  IN  carries  one  whole  section  for  pro- 
-i Mm    liMilei-.    See   any   issue  of  the 
magazine. — F.d. 


-  In  ihr  Editor  shmilil   lir  iHHrcMrd  to 
HHHHTIO*    maguinr.   315    Fourth   Avenur. 

V-*    Y.,rk    I".   V«    York. 

HECRE  ATION 


Editorially  Speaking 


On  Writing  for  Recreation 

You,  who  are  interested  in  the  field 
of  recreation,  know  that  RECREATION  is 
your  magazine.  You  can  help  to  make 
it  ever  better  by  submitting  material 
for  possible  publication.  Take  advan- 
tage of  the  opportunity  to  pass  on  to 
recreation  leaders  the  things  that  you 
have  learned  from  your  own  valuable 
experience  in  recreation!  The  maga- 
zine uses: 

1.  Stories*  about  new,  unusual  or  success- 
ful   programs    or    facilities — 1600    to    2400 
words  in  length.    Action  photographs,  to  be 
used  as  illustrations. 

2.  How-to-do     articles*  — 1000     to     2000 
words.     Photographs,    art    work    or    sugges- 
tions for  sketches. 

3.  Short  articles*— 600  to  700  words. 

4.  News  items  of  interest  to  others  in  the 
recreation  field. 

5.  Humorous  incidents. 

6.  Pet    Ideas — short   items   about    favorite 
devices,   techniques,    equipment    or    program 
activities.    This   department   will    be   estab- 
lished as  a  regular  feature  when,  as  and  if 
we  begin  to  receive  a  steady  stream  of  con- 
tributions.      Please      label      material,     "Pet 
Ideas." 

7.  Letters,   for   the   "Letters"   page,    com- 
menting on,  supplementing,  taking  issue  with 
any  material  appearing  in  the  magazine;   or 
discussing  any  subject  which  affects  all  read- 
ers;  or  answering  any  letter  which  has  pre- 
viously appeared.    (See  "Letters"  in  any  is- 
sue of  RECREATION.) 

8.  College  recreation  news  items  for  "On 
the  Campus,"  particularly  about  projects  and 
activities  of  students  majoring  in  recreation. 

9.  Good  action  photographs — 8  x  10  glossy 
prints — that  we  may  hold  in  our  photograph 
pool  ami  use  as  the  opportunity  arises.    We 
need   pictures — unposed — which  tell  a  story, 
on    the    following    subjects:    dramatics,    pag- 
eants,   creative    activities,    square    and    folk 
dancing,   children    with    happy  faces,    music 
participation,  picnicking,  girls'  and  women's 
programs,  outdoor  sports  and  athletics,  sum- 
mer activities,  and  so  on.     (See  back  issues 
of  RECREATION   for  the  type  of  picture  we 
like  to  use  for  illustrations  and  covers.) 

Instructions 

MANUSCRIPTS — Please  send  us  original 
typewritten  copy  (not  a  carbon),  dou- 
ble-spaced, with  generous  margins. 


*  See  also  under  Subjects. 

MARCH  1953 


Type  your  name,  address,  your  pro- 
fessional title  or  a  line  or  two  of  bio- 
graphical material,  in  the  upper  left- 
hand  corner  of  the  first  sheet.  If  you 
wish  to  have  your  manuscript  returned, 
if  not  used,  enclose  a  self-addressed, 
stamped  envelope. 

Keep  in  mind  the  seasonal  aspects, 
if  any,  of  your  material  and  remember 
that  each  issue  of  RECREATION  is  made 
up  two  months  in  advance.  Write  up 
special  events  immediately  after  they 
happen,  while  details  are  still  fresh  in 
your  mind.  Send  in  the  article  at  once 
so  that  we  may  consider  it  in  our  ad- 
vance planning  (see  Consideration). 
PHOTOGRAPHS — Paste  a  strip  of  paper 
on  the  bottom  of  each  photograph, 
giving  identification  and  information 
which  can  be  used  in  a  picture  caption. 
Be  specific.  Note,  on  the  back  of  each, 
any  credit  which  should  be  given. 

Subjects 

A  few  of  the  many  specific  subjects 
on  which  RECREATION  welcomes  good 
articles,  are: 

•  Techniques  of  program  planning;   leader- 
ship techniques. 

•  Women's   and   girls'   recreation   programs, 
under  trained  leadership. 

•  Selection  and  preparation  of  materials  for 
television  programs.    Activities. 

•  Planning  and  preparation  of  good  season- 
al programs,  parties  and  special  events. 

•  Special  playground  projects. 

•  Adult    programs,   and/or   community-wide 
programs,  on  the  playground. 

•  How-to-do  of  crafts  projects. 

•  Sports  and  athletics,  indoors  and  out. 

•  New  games,  or  "new  games  from  old." 

•  Day  camping,  overnight  camping,  hiking, 
nature  activities. 

•  Short     original     skits,     plays,     pageants, 
scripts,   which   have   been   used   successfully. 

•  Personnel  standards,  evaluations,  training, 
practices. 

•  Recruiting,      training,      supervising      and 
keeping  volunteers. 

•  Community  center  housekeeping. 

•  Maintaining   good   recreation    program   li- 
braries, files,  reports. 

•  Cooperation    with    military    personnel    in 
providing     off-base     recreation     for     service 
people. 


•  Successful  teen-age  parties,  stunts,  activi- 
ties. 

•  Community  drama — how  to  plan  it,  get  it 
started,  carry  it  on. 

•  Hobbies,  family  recreation. 

•  Clubs — their  organization,  leadership,  pro- 
gram planning,  activities,  problems. 

•  Programs   for  young   adults,  just  out   of 
their  teens. 

•  Recreation   for  the   handicapped,  hospital 
recreation,  other  special  groups. 

•  International  programs. 

•  Administrative   problems  and   procedures. 

Consideration 

It  is  not  often  possible  for  the  editor 
to  come  to  an  immediate  decision  re- 
garding the  use  of  a  manuscript.  Many 
things  must  be  taken  into  consideration 
when  we  are  concerned  with  the  pres- 
entation of  a  well-balanced  issue — 
timeliness,  specific  plans  for  future  is- 
sues and  the  total  program.  A  play- 
ground article,  for  instance,  if  submit- 
ted in  the  fall  or  winter,  when  more 
seasonal  interests  are  paramount,  may 
be  more  effective  if  held  until  spring, 
when  thoughts  are  turning  to  the  ap- 
proaching playground  season. 

Remuneration 

Recreation,  as  the  monthly  publica- 
tion of  a  non-profit,  service  organiza- 
tion, cannot  pay  for  the  material  it 
publishes.  It  must  depend  for  free  con- 
tributions upon  the  leaders  who  wish 
to  share  their  experience  with  others 
in  the  field,  and  upon  friends  of  the 
recreation  movement.  It  should  be  ap- 
parent that  this  fact  imposes  limita- 
tions upon  the  solicitation  of  materials, 
and  it  is  why  we  do  not  publish  more 
articles  on  certain  subjects.  We  do, 
however,  try  to  meet  the  needs  of  rec- 
reation leaders  for  materials  to  help 
them  to  better  carry  out  their  respon- 
sibilities, to  grow  professionally,  to 
keep  up-to-date  on  news  and  trends, 
methods  and  techniques,  new  program 
ideas — and  we  strive  to  give  them  am- 
munition to  help  them  to  interpret  the 
needs  for  recreation  to  local  citizens 
and  lay  groups. 

As  the  May,  1952,  issue  of  Social 
Education  state  so  well,  "The  best  an- 
tidote for  what  a  reader  considers  lack 
of  balance  in  the  magazine  is  for  that 
reader  himself  to  write  or  to  encourage 
the  writing  of  what  he  feels  is  more 
appropriate  material.  That,  and  letters 
to  the  editor!" 

577 


ADULT  RECREATION 


A  DULT  RECREATION  CLUBS  are  the  backbone  of  the  play- 
-^*-  ground  and  recreation  movement  in  Decatur,  Illinois. 
They  provide  the  grass  roots  function  that  we  hear  so  much 
about  but  so  seldom  see.  They  are  made  up  of  people  of 
all  walks  of  life — railroad  workers,  foundrymen,  industrial 
workers  of  all  kinds,  school  teachers,  lawyers,  clerks,  insur- 
ance men  and  even  those  who  are  retired.  The  first  club 
was  organized  in  1935  as  a  community  club  in  a  heavily 
populated  district  with  a  small  park.  The  area  needed  to  be 
developed  and  it  was  felt  that  such  a  club  could  be  of  vital 
importance.  Two  cities  where  similar  organizations  ex- 
isted were  studied  and  their  good  features  used  in  setting 
up  the  first  club. 

Its  objects  were  "to  cooperate  with  the  recreation  board 
and  the  park  board  in  encouraging  neighborhood  unity 
for  the  purposes  of  obtaining,  for  that  community,  oppor- 
tunities for  wholesome  recreation  throughout  the  year;  to 
promote  neighborliness  and  sociability;  and  to  make  a 
united  effort  toward  the  advancement  of  the  playground 
and  recreation  movement  in  Decatur."  More  directly  the 
purpose  of  the  club  was  to  arouse  community  interest 
enough  so  that  it  would  be  a  source  of  help  to  the  recrea- 
tion movement.  Tax  supported  recreation  had  been  voted 
down  twice  by  Decatur.  Recreation  had  been  conducted 
only  on  a  piecemeal  basis.  Money  to  run  the  recreation 
program  had  been  secured  from  tag  days,  schools,  the  city 
government  (very  small  amounts),  the  Community  Chest, 
private  individuals,  industries,  lodges,  firemen's  associa- 
tions and  others.  The  tax  question  was  to  be  proposed 
again  and  the  organization  of  adult  recreation  clubs  <  mild 
help  focus  attention  upon  the  need  for  recreation.  The 
Hubs  could  help  !»•-!  1>\  l>i-iii}:  interested,  by  having  a 
•  li.illenge  before  tin-in.  It  was  much  i-.i-ii-r  fur  them  to 
see  the  needs  of  their  own  immediate  neighborhood  than 
to  see  the  need-  <>f  tin-  i-ntin-  •  n\.  'Ihn-  tin-  first  Hub  was 
born.  Its  immediate  projects  included  raising  money  for 
floodlights  for  (hi-  lull  diamond. 

Other  Hulis  followed  and  with  the  help  of  all  of  them. 
plus  WPA  money  for  a  demonstration  program,  the  first 
tax  for  recreation  in  Decatur  was  voted  in  1  l)'Mt.  \<  in- 
ally  the  club*  have  been  more  useful  since  the  program  was 


MR.  FOVAL  M  the  superintendent  of  recreation  in  Deratur. 
178 


tax  supported  than  they  were  in  getting  it  passed.  Their 
number  has  varied  from  five  to  eleven.  Over  a  period  of 
\ears  some,  for  reasons  beyond  their  control,  have  had  to 
cease  functioning.  Some  have  disbanded  because  their 
playground  was  on  private  property  which  was  eventually 
used  for  building  purposes.  Others  have  closed  because 
larger  parks  were  built  in  adjoining  neighborhoods  and 
interest  was  focused  in  those  directions.  New  clubs  have 
been  organized  to  take  care  of  new  parks  so  that  at  pres- 
ent there  are  eight  active  clubs.  They  are  operating  under 
the  same  objectives  that  were  set  down  in  1935,  although 
the  methods  and  techniques  used  in  attaining  these  ob- 
jectives have  changed.  It  is  interesting  to  note  that  all 
clubs  have  agreed  upon  a  standard  set  of  by-laws  which 
have  the  approval  of  the  recreation  and  park  boards. 

Membership  is  open  to  any  person  over  eighteen  years 
of  age  who  resides  in  the  neighborhood  and  is  actively  in- 
terested in  the  objectives  of  the  organization.  No  dues  are 
permitted.  The  park  and  recreation  boards  have  always 
in-isled  that  membership  be  free  and  open  to  all.  Partisan 
politics,  religion  or  labor  questions  are  not  discussed.  The 
sole  job  of  the  Hubs  is  to  improve  the  recreation  facilities 
and  programs.  The  latter  includes  all  that  goes  with  a 
good  recreation  program — sociability,  neighborhood  unity, 
helpfulness  to  others  and  so  on.  Each  club  elects  officci-. 
and  no  member  can  hold  office  for  more  than  two  years 
in  >ini  ession.  This  prevents  the  same  people  from  run- 
ning the  clubs  year  after  year,  and  forces  them  to  contin- 
ually search  for  new  members.  Monthly  meetings  are  held, 
at  which  time  financial  reports  are  given,  new  members  are 
\M-leomed  and  projects  for  the  playground  are  di-  u>-ed. 
Board  members  or  staff  worker-  from  both  the  p;irk  and 
nrieation  boards  are  well-nine  at  these  meelin;:-.  which 
usually  take  the  form  of  a  "pot  luck"  meal.  This,  again, 
m. ike-  for  friendliness  and  sociability. 

Kadi  club  is  uiven  peimi  — ion  to  operate  a  conce— ion 
stand  in  their  park  in  order  to  make  money  for  projects. 
All  rules  of  the  cit\  health  ilc|i.iilnieul  inii-t  be  observed. 
as  well  as  all  park  onlinaiK  ••-  \d\cili-iii}:  in  the  paik-  i- 
fiirbiililen.  Clubs  are  not  permitted  to  sell  tobacco  or 
.il<  olnilie  hexeiagra,  or  to  peddle  their  goods  to  bleachei 
ile-.  all  -.ile-  1>.  in;:  made  at  the  mine— ions.  Parent-  max 
l>m  llieir  children  refreshment-  if  th.-v  wi-h  1ml  they 

RECREATION 


This  story  is  particularly  interesting  in  the  light  of  Mr.  Prendergasfs  editorial, 
"Recreation  in  America  Today,"  in  the  December  1952  issue  of  RECREATION. 


CLUBS 


Russell  J.  Foval 


needn't  be  bothered  by  having  someone  hawking  his  wares 
in  front  of  them,  or  by  the  possibility  of  a  bottle  being 
thrown  from  the  crowd  at  the  umpire.  Again  by  park 
board  rule  no  one  is  allowed  to  be  paid  for  working  in  the 
concession  stands.  This  places  considerable  responsibility 
on  the  members  of  the  clubs  as  they  operate  their  stands 
five  to  seven  nights  a  week.  They  work  hard  to  get  enough 
members  so  that  no  one  has  to  work  more  than  one  eve- 
ning a  week.  Usually  two  couples  will  agree  to  work  one 
night  a  week;  and  if  anyone  of  them  cannot  work,  it  is 
their  responsibility  to  get  a  replacement.  As  a  final  word 
on  concession  stands,  it  is  required  that  all  clubs  turn  in 
financial  reports  to  the  park  and  recreation  boards  imme- 
diately after  their  annual  meeting  in  September. 

In  order  to  obtain  permission  to  operate  a  concession 
stand,  the  clubs  agree  that  all  money  made  must  go  back 
into  the  park,  either  in  program  or  facilities.  All  projects 
must  be  approved  by  the  park  and  recreation  boards.  Rec- 
reation activities  that  clubs  have  paid  for,  or  assisted 
with,  include  movies,  dances,  picnics,  crafts,  parents'  night, 
ball  games,  play  days  and  tot  lots.  They  never  pay  lead- 
ership costs  as  this  is  a  responsibility  of  the  recreation 
board.  However,  they  join  hands  with  the  recreation  board 
and  supply  money  for  the  rental  of  movies — about  fifty- 
five  dollars  per  season  for  each  club — and  extra  supplies 
for  the  craft  program.  They  secure  musicians  for  dances 
and  provide  transportation  for  intra-city  events.  They  as- 
sist (never  financially)  in  securing  outstanding  ball  teams 
for  their  parks.  They  have  picnics  in  the  summer  and 
parties  in  the  winter  for  their  neighborhood  youngsters 
and  adults,  and  do  many  other  things  to  help  the  recrea- 
tion leader. 

While  all  such  help  has  been  important,  the  big  boost  to 
the  recreation  movement  has  come  from  money  invested 
in  facilities  and  equipment.  Over  $80,000  has  been  put 
into  permanent  playground  facilities  and  equipment  since 
the  clubs  were  organized.  Some  of  the  things  they  have 
paid  for  include  floodlights,  swings,  slides,  climbing  appa- 
ratus, basket  and  volley  ball  equipment,  cyclone  fencing  for 
backstops  and  safety  fences  along  base  lines,  bleachers, 
circle  ball  courts,  storage  buildings,  tot  lot  fencing  and 
equipment,  roller  skating  areas,  scoreboards,  public  ad- 
dress systems,  fireplaces,  blacktop  under  basketball  goals 


and  around  concession  stands,  dust  settlers  for  the  ball 
diamonds,  concession  stands,  spray  pools  and  bicycle  racks. 

The  procedure  followed  when  a  club  undertakes  a  proj- 
ect is  first  to  get  in  touch  with  the  superintendent  of  rec- 
reation. He  knows  the  park  board  policies  and  can  help 
the  clubs,  particularly  if  they  are  asking  for  some  facility 
that  will  be  hazardous,  a  nuisance  or  too  costly.  He  knows 
pretty  well  what  each  park  needs  to  make  it  a  better  recre- 
ation area  and  many  times  is  asked  for  suggestions.  He 
tours  the  parks  several  times  annually  with  the  park  super- 
intendent, and  they  are  in  agreement  as  to  what  each  park 
needs.  Each  club  is  encouraged  to  plan  projects  five  years 
in  advance  and  to  follow  the  plan  as  closely  as  possible. 
After  preliminary  meetings  and  numerous  phone  calls,  the 
clubs  present  their  requests  in  writing  to  the  park  board. 

The  two  superintendents  many  times  visit  the  parks  with 
special  committees  from  the  adult  recreation  clubs  to  dis- 
cuss the  projects,  such  as  the  location  of  a  tot  lot  or  a 
spray  pool.  The  park  board  agrees  to  furnish  the  labor 
for  installation  of  new  equipment  if  the  club  pays  for  ma- 
terials. Therefore,  if  the  park  board  approves  the  written 
request,  the  go  ahead  signal  to  the  park  superintendent  is 
given.  The  park  superintendent  orders  the  materials  that 
are  needed  and  bills  the  clubs  for  them.  Clubs  are  asked 
to  submit  their  projects  in  the  fall  of  the  year  so  that  the 
park  board  can  order  all  materials  and  get  work  started. 
Many  times  such  articles  as  tot  lot  tables,  bicycle  racks 
and  spray  pool  pipe  can  be  assembled  during  the  slack 
winter  months  and  be  ready  for  installation  when  the  sum- 
mer season  gets  under  way.  Projects  are  undertaken  in 
the  order  in  which  the  park  board  receives  them,  thereby 
getting  away  from  the  question  as  to  who  comes  first. 
Most  projects  can  be  completed  before  the  summer  season. 
Each  year  the  clubs  will  average  spending  from  $3,500  to 
$4,500  on  much  needed  improvements.  Small  clubs  will  do 
well  to  clear  $300  in  one  season  while  large  ones  will  clear 
as  much  as  $800  or  $900.  Sometimes  a  club  will  save  its 
money  for  one  or  two  years  in  order  to  complete  a  particu- 
lar project.  This  is  discouraged  as  much  as  possible,  how- 
ever, as  clubs  seem  to  get  into  arguments  as  to  how  to 
spend  their  money  when  the  balance  gets  too  large. 

The  Adult  Recreation  Council  is  an  outgrowth  of  the 
adult  recreation  clubs.  After  seven  or  eight  years,  it  was 
found  that  the  clubs  were  changing  their  by-laws  to  suit 
themselves.  Some  clubs  were  antagonistic  toward  the  park 
or  recreation  board  and  sometimes  both.  Club  members 
expressed  dissatisfaction  over  not  knowing  the  "what  and 
why"  of  policies  that  were  set  up  by  the  two  boards.  In 
short,  a  clearing  house  was  needed,  a  place  where  adult 
club  members,  park  board  members  and  recreation  board 


MARCH  1953 


579 


members  could  get  together  and  discuss  their  problems. 

As  a  result  the  Adult  Recreation  Council  was  organized. 
The  objectives  set  up  are  the  same  as  those  of  the  adult 
recreation  clubs  except  for  one  which  is  similar  but  more 
definite.  It  is  "to  strive  for  the  best  of  recreational  facili- 
ties and  leadership  for  Decatur  and  cooperation  with  every 
adult  recreation  club,  the  Decatur  Park  District  Board  and 
the  Playground  and  Recreation  Board  of  Decatur."  This 
pin  pointed  the  problem — the  lack  of  wholehearted  coop- 
eration on  the  part  of  all  three  groups  concerned.  Actually 
the  desire  to  cooperate  was  present  but  lack  of  knowledge 
of  what  the  problems  were  made  it  difficult  to  work  to- 
gether successfully. 

The  council  consists  of  two  delegates  and  the  president 
from  each  adult  club  (the  two  delegates  to  be  appointed 
annually  by  the  incoming  president  of  each  club).  All 
clubs  are  entitled  to  three  voting  delegates.  In  addition, 
one  member  of  the  park  board  and  one  from  the  recreation 
board  are  members.  The  recreation  chairman  of  the  PTA 
Council  is  a  member  as  well  as  the  superintendent  of  parks 
and  the  superintendent  of  recreation ;  the  officers  are  presi- 
dent, vice-president,  secretary  and  treasurer.  The  execu- 
tive committee  is  composed  of  the  officers  of  the  council, 
one  member  of  the  park  board,  the  superintendent  of 
parks,  one  member  of  the  recreation  board  and  the  super- 
intendent of  recreation. 

The  council  meets  four  times  a  year,  in  February,  May, 
September  and  November.  New  officers  are  elected  in  No- 
vember. Meetings  consist  of  discussion  of  policies,  pro- 
grams and  projects  of  the  clubs  and  the  park  and  recrea- 
tion boards.  They  present  an  opportunity  for  adult  club 
members  to  question  any  policy  that  they  don't  approve  of 
or  don't  understand.  Short  sessions  are  set  aside  to  train 
new  officers  of  the  clubs  in  order  that  they  may  more  fully 
understand  their  duties  and  responsibilities.  Many  times, 
misunderstandings  are  avoided  or  straightened  out  because 
of  such  gatherings.  Adult  club  members  find  out  that  their 
park  board  member  is  trying  to  help  them  and  that  the 
recreation  board  member  is  thinking  of  their  welfare  and 
their  interests.  Likewise  board  and  staff  workers  get  to 
know  adult  club  members  and  their  problems.  Quite  often 
members  of  one  club  answer  the  problems  of  another. 
Once  in  awhile  speakers  are  brought  in,  but  not  often. 
The  judge  of  the  county  court,  a  former  playground  leader, 
and  the  president  of  the  recreation  board  have  spoken  to 
the  council.  Recreational  movies  are  occasionally  shown. 
The  best  work  of  the  council  is  done  when  refreshments 
are  served  after  the  official  business  of  the  evening  has 
been  transacted.  This  is  the  time  when  people  get  ac- 
quainted and  can  really  talk  over  their  problems  in  a 
friendly  atmosphere.  The  eight  adult  clubs  and  the  rec- 
reation staff  take  turns  at  being  host  to  the  council  mem- 
bers. 

Advantages  of  having  such  clubs  are  many.  They  en- 
courage neighborhood  unity  as  they  bring  together  people 
with  a  common  interest,  promote  neighborliness.  New 
people  in  the  neighborhood  are  made  welcome.  The  clubs 
have  helped  recreation  develop  much  faster  than  it  could 
have  without  this  community  interest  and,  by  working  with 

BO 


the  park  and  recreation  boards,  have  resulted  in  a  united 
movement  for  more  and  better  recreation  in  Decatur.  They 
live  up  to  their  objectives  very  well;  and,  they  work  so 
hard  for  improvements  in  their  parks  that  they  are  bound 
to  take  pride  in  their  accomplishments.  It  is  really  and 
truly  a  grass  roots  program.  Members  are  constantly  look- 
ing for  ways  and  means  to  improve  their  areas  and  their 
programs.  They  want  the  best  for  their  children. 

Parents  spend  many  hours  at  the  park  with  their  chil- 
dren. For  one  thing  they  know  where  their  children  are. 
The  children  are  playing  in  the  park  while  Mother  and  Dad 
are  working  in  the  stand  or  watching  the  ball  game  or  the 
movies.  Parents  often  play  such  games  as  horseshoes  or 
Softball  with  their  children;  or  at  other  times,  simply  visit 
with  them.  This  is  a  fine  example  of  family  recreation. 

The  members  of  the  clubs  take  a  tremendous  interest  in 
the  community  in  which  they  live.  They  not  only  take 
great  interest  in  their  neighborhood  recreation,  but  also 
the  recreation  of  the  entire  city.  The  Adult  Recreation 
Council  helps  bring  this  feeling  about  by  keeping  its  mem- 
bers informed  about  city-wide  recreation. 

The  recreation  board,  park  board  and  their  professional 
workers  have  a  feeling  of  confidence  when  they  know  that 
they  are  not  working  alone  in  their  efforts  to  do  a  good 
job. 

The  clubs  help  focus  public  attention  on  the  work  that 
is  being  done  or  on  the  work  that  needs  to  be  done.  With 
the  publicity  that  they  receive,  the  public  gets  a  good  pic- 
ture of  what  is  going  on  in  recreation.  Budget  cuts  would 
be  difficult  indeed,  with  so  much  neighborhood  interest. 
With  an  average  of  fifty  members  in  each  club,  it  means 
that  an  organization  of  over  four  hundred  people  is  vitally 
interested  in  what  happens  to  the  recreation  movement  in 
the  city.  Their  voices  will  do  much  more  good  for  recrea- 
tion than  that  of  the  paid  staff  workers. 

The  clubs  are  a  source  of  help  to  the  playground  lead- 
er and  the  administrative  staff.  Having  someone  to  go  to 
for  assistance  is  very  encouraging.  A  compliment  from  a 
citizen  and  a  tax  payer  accomplishes  wonders.  Knowing 
that  someone  in  the  vicinity  is  interested  in  the  program 
spurs  the  leaders  to  greater  efforts  and  achievements.  They 
aren't  hurt  by  having  someone  "look  over  their  shoulder" 
once  in  a  while.  Money  is  made  available  to  them  for 
things  that  the  recreation  department  cannot  furnish.  The 
support  of  the  clubs  gives  them  a  feeling  of  confidence. 

The  community  comes  in  for  its  share  of  benefits.  Good 
citizens  make  good  neighborhoods  and  good  neighbor- 
hoods make  good  communities.  The  community  needs  to 
be  proud  of  its  assets.  Decatur  has  much  to  be  proud  of, 
but  at  the  top  of  the  list  is  its  park  and  recreation  program. 
The  adult  recreation  clubs  are  the  backbone  of  the  recrea- 
tion program. 


AMERICAN  SQUARES  BOOK  &  RECORD  SERVICE 

1139  Brood  Sirrn    N.worb  5,  N.  J. 
CornpUtc  Stock   of  Folk   A   Square  Dane*   Recordi  and  Booki 

OfFICIAl    SUPrllEM   TO 
CITY  IECIEATION  DEPARTMENTS  4  COLLEGES 

S*nd   foe  Fr««  Catalog!   I   A  Sompt*  Copy  «f 
AMERICAN  SQUARES The  Mogoilnt  ol  American  Folk  Dancing 


lit'  KKATION 


Professor  Rizzuto's 
BASEBALL  ACADEMY 


Lawrence  Lader 


•  Baseball  clinics  of  this 
kind  are  conducted  each 
year  by  an  increasing  num- 
ber of  recreation  depart- 
ments throughout  the 
country.  They  are  a  means 
of  bringing  local  boys  to- 
gether for  practical  lessons 
in  good  sportsmanship  and 
democracy,  as  well  as  for 
training  in  the  game  of 
their  choice. 


They  were  some  of  the  toughest  kids  in 
New  York.  They  came  from  the  tenements  of 
Harlem,  Brooklyn  and  the  East  Bronx,  from 
street-corner  gangs,  from  broken  homes.  Most 
of  them  were  in  danger  of  becoming  serious  cases  of  de- 
linquency. But  instead  of  running  wild  on  the  streets  dur- 
ing fall  and  winter  afternoons,  the  last  two  years  they  have 
flocked  to  a  new  kind  of  school — started  by  Professor  Phil 
Rizzuto  of  the  American  Baseball  Academy. 

At  Rizzuto's  school  twenty-four  hundred  boys  from  thir- 
teen to  eighteen,  divided  between  the  New  York  and  Brook- 
lyn branches,  do  nothing  but  learn  baseball.  Each  boy  gets 
five  one-hour  lessons  in  pitching,  catching,  batting,  first 
base,  infield  and  outfield  play,  thirty  lessons  in  all.  The 
faculty  is  every  fan's  dream.  Headed  by  Rizzuto,  one  of 
the  great  short-stops  of  all  time,  it  includes  such  stars  as 
Gene  Woodling  and  Gil  McDougald  of  the  Yankees,  Gil 
Hodges  and  Ralph  Branca  of  the  Dodgers,  Sid  Gordon  of 
the  Braves,  and  Saul  Rogovin  of  the  White  Sox.  The  whole 
school  is  free;  for  the  American  Baseball  Academy  is  a 
non-profit  philanthropic  institution  which  not  only  keeps 
thousands  of  boys  out  of  street-corner  gangs  and  pool 
rooms,  but  also  provides  its  pupils,  regardless  of  race, 
creed  or  color,  with  a  practical  workshop  in  democracy. 

"An  extraordinary  school!"  New  York  District  Attor- 
ney Frank  Hogan  exclaimed  at  the  opening  day  ceremo- 
nies. "The  teachers  are  heroes  to  the  pupils.  The  boys 
come  early,  batter  at  the  door  to  get  in,  and  stay  as  long 
as  permitted." 

The  classrooms  are  the  two  huge  armories  of  New  York's 
165th  Infantry  and  Brooklyn's  II  Corps  Artillery.  Classes 
are  held  each  afternoon  at  3:30  and  4:30,  starting  in  No- 
vember and  running  for  twelve  weeks.  Many  pupils  travel 
over  an  hour  to  get  there.  Carfare  means  so  much  that 
they  often  walk  miles  to  save  a  dime. 

Walk  into  the  huge,  block-long  New  York  armory  any 
afternoon  and  you  see  six  courses  going  on  simultane- 
ously. At  one  end  of  the  floor,  Woodling's  class  works  at 
the  batting  "tee."  In  another  corner  a  semi-circle  of  boys 

MR.  LADER,  a  Giant  fan,  is  author  of  many  magazine  arti- 
cles. He  is  president  of  Harvard  Radio  Alumni  Association. 


watches  McDougald  demonstrate  the  pivot  at  second  base. 
Classes  under  Ralph  Branca,  Sal  Yvars  and  Gene  Her- 
manski  are  scattered  in  other  corners  of  the  armory. 

Dick  Kryhoski  of  the  St.  Louis  Browns  has  his  first  base 
pupils  making  the  double-play  throw  to  second,  then  hus- 
tling back  to  the  bag.  "Come  on,  big  man,"  he  shouts  to 
little  thirteen-year-old  Frankie  Leffernan.  "Don't  waste  all 
that  motion."  He  stops  the  play  and  calls  the  class  around 
him.  "You  boys  are  doing  the  same  thing  I  did  when  I 
started.  When  the  ball's  hit  to  first  and  you're  fielding  it 
for  the  double,  don't  take  those  little  steps  getting  the  ball 
off.  Just  pivot  on  your  right  foot,  swing  your  left  foot 
toward  second,  and  throw." 

Kryhoski  sends  the  ball  to  Leffernan  again,  and  the  kid 
scoops  it  and  throws  in  one  easy  motion.  "Now  you're 
getting  it!"  Kryhoski  shouts. 

At  the  batting  "tee"  sixteen-year-old  Raymond  Bur- 
roughs takes  a  hard  swing  at  the  ball,  which  is  suspended 
from  a  pulley,  and  misses.  "Keep  that  left  foot  in  place  and 
swing  easily,"  Woodling  instructs.  "Don't  try  to  murder 
it."  The  kid  takes  his  cut  again  and  hits  the  ball  squarely. 
"Now  you're  swinging  easy,"  Woodling  says.  "Watch  the 
way  Johnny  Mize  does  it.  He  doesn't  have  to  swing  hard 
to  get  it  out  of  the  park.  It's  good  to  have  a  model.  I 
learned  a  lot  from  Mize." 

In  another  corner  of  the  armory  the  catching  class  under 
Sal  Yvars  of  the  Giants  is  throwing  out  runners  stealing 
second.  "Wait  a  minute,"  Yvars  shouts  to  a  chunky,  dark- 
haired  youngster  making  his  fourth  throw.  "You're  all 
doing  the  same  thing,  wasting  motion.  You  get  up  from 
your  crouch  and  take  a  couple  of  lunging  steps  forward. 
It's  got  to  be  done  in  one  simple  motion.  Just  move  your 
left  foot  over  in  line  with  second  base  and  get  your  throw 
off  with  a  snap  of  the  wrist.  Don't  rush  it.  It's  all  in  the 
wrist." 

The  boys  try  it  again.  "Much  better!"  Yvars  shouts. 
"You  keep  on  improving  like  that  and  in  a  couple  of  years 
you'll  be  giving  me  passes  to  the  Polo  Grounds." 

There  are  hundreds  of  boys  on  the  floor,  but  the  armory 
is  quiet,  each  pupil  awed  by  the  privilege  of  working 
shoulder  to  shoulder  with  baseball  stars  he  had  previously 
only  been  able  to  idolize  from  afar.  When  the  Baseball 


MARCH  1953 


581 


Academy  decided  to  accept  whole  gangs,  trouble  was  ex- 
pected. But  there  has  not  been  one  fight  in  two  years,  not 
even  shoving  for  a  place  in  line. 

This  adulation  of  its  major  league  stars  is  what  makes 
the  Baseball  Academy  such  a  strong  force  in  combatting 
juvenile  delinquency.  A  leader  of  one  of  the  toughest  East 
Bronx  gangs  applied  for  admission  last  year  through  his 
local  community  center.  "But  you'll  just  break  windows 
and  raise  hell  like  you  do  here,"  said  the  center's  skeptical 
director. 

"Naw,"  said  the  kid.  "If  me  mother  says  'shut  up,' 
maybe  I  don't.  If  you  tell  me  'shut  up,'  maybe  I  don't. 
But  when  Phil  Rizzuto  says  'shut  up,'  I  shut  up." 

'  Kids  like  that  look  up  to  baseball  players,"  Rizzuto 
said  recently.  "It's  very  flattering  but  it's  also  a  respon- 
sibility. We  major  leaguers  can  help  a  lot  of  boys  do  right 
instead  of  wrong." 

This  is  the  real  challenge  before  the  Baseball  Academy — 
how  to  direct  such  adulation  toward  constructive  ends. 
One  step  is  to  insist  that  the  boys  maintain  passing  marks 
at  high  school  and  junior  high  school.  Dick  Kryhoski  of 
the  St.  Louis  Browns,  for  instance,  makes  a  regular  prac- 
tice of  checking  his  boys'  marks  every  few  weeks.  "Every 
big  leaguer  knows  he  has  to  have  something  to  back  him 
up,"  Kryhoski  told  his  class  recently.  "I'm  studying  for  a 
college  degree  now.  If  you  get  those  A's  and  B's  at  school, 
you  can  do  it  too." 

One  of  Rizzuto's  pupils  last  year,  a  seventeen-year-old 
youngster  from  Harlem,  was  cutting  high  school  contin- 
uously. "He  wasn't  a  dumb  kid,"  Rizzuto  said.  "There 
was  something  worrying  him.  Finally  he  told  me  his  par- 
ents were  so  poor  he  had  to  go  to  school  in  dungarees.  He 
wanted  to  quit  and  go  to  work.  I  told  him  how  tough 
things  were  in  my  youth.  Even  when  my  father  was  on 
relief  in  the  depression,  he  made  me  stick  out  high  school. 
Gradually  I  got  the  kid  to  work  at  his  grades.  They  got 
better,  and  he  graduated.  He  was  a  pretty  good  ball  player 
so  I  got  a  Yankee  scout  to  look  him  over.  They  never 
signed  him,  but  that  little  attention  did  wonders  for  his 
self-confidence.  Now  he's  got  a  job  and  is  doing  fine." 

Leonard  Panessa,  a  sixteen-year-old  student  at  Machine 
and  Metals  School,  was  getting  forty's  last  year  until  Gene 
Woodling  took  an  interest  in  his  case.  "Gene  really 
Mraif-'lii'-ni-il  me  out,"  said  Panessa  who  returned  to  the 
•Baseball  Academy  again  this  year.  "He  made  me  see  that 
uli.-n  you  try  to  get  out  of  work,  you  only  make  things 
harder  for  yourself.  Now  I'm  specializing  at  cabinet-mak- 
ing in  school.  I  .still  want  to  be  a  ball  player  but  I'm  go- 
ing to  graduate  first." 

The  Baseball  Academy  can  get  results  like  these  because 
its  instructors  have  been  picked  not  just  for  their  reputa- 
tions on  the  diamond  but  thrir  ability  to  handle  boys. 
Many  of  them  came  from  poor  families  and  faced  the 
same  problems  in  their  youth.  Rizzuto  grew  up  in  Brook- 
I  MI  and  sold  papers  during  ofl-hours  from  school  whilr  ln- 
molhrr  took  in  sewing.  He  used  his  first  check  from 
professional  baseball  to  buy  food  that  went  on  tin-  f.mnh 
table  that  night.  Ralph  Branca  was  one  of  seventeen  <  hil 
drrri  in  a  family  struggling  to  keep  its  head  above  water. 


Ralph    111. in.  . i.    of   the   Brooklyn    Dodger*.   denionMrales   the 
fine    points   of    pitching   In    a    group    in    Manhattan    Armory. 


Monte  Irvin  and  Hank  Thompson  are  Negroes  who  faced 
all  the  problems  of  prejudice  and  city  slums  in  their  youth. 

The  Baseball  Academy  was  launched  by  Rizzuto  almost 
accidentally.  Dining  with  Malcolm  Child,  author  of  many 
baseball  books,  at  the  height  of  the  juvenile  delinquency 
and  narcotics  investigations,  he  complained  that  there  was 
so  little  a  man  like  him  could  do  to  keep  kids  from  going 
wrong.  "Why  not  teach  them  baseball?"  Child  su;i}:i>ted. 
"Your  name  alone  could  take  plenty  of  kids  off  the  streets." 

Ki//uto  saw  the  possibilities — not  just  himself  but  a 
whole  staff  of  baseball  stars  for  the  faculty.  He  spoke  to 
other  ball  players.  They  were  enthusiastic.  Child,  an  ex- 
perienced organizer,  drew  up  the  plan  for  the  Academy 
and  sent  it  to  Bernard  Baruch.  Baruch  not  only  liked  it 
but  spoke  to  other  prominent  New  Yorkers  to  enlist  their 
support.  Today,  many  of  these  men  head  the  Academy's 
board  of  directors.  The  chairman  is  John  J.  Bergen  of 
Child's  and  Louis  Sherry,  Incorporated;  the  treasurer,  Jack 
I.  Straus  of  Macy's.  The  directors  and  sponsors  include 
Alfred  Gwynne  Vanderbilt,  James  A.  Farley,  Eddie  Can- 
tor, Newbold  Morris,  Bernard  Gimbel,  Ward  Melville  of 
Thorn  McAn  and  Herbert  Barchoff  of  Eastern  Brass  and 
Copper  Company. 

The  Baseball  Academy  operates  on  a  budget  of  845,000. 
Its  only  paid  executive  is  Child  who  is  in  full  charge  of 
the  school.  Last  season  Rizzuto  taught  el.i~.r-  <-\<-\\  day. 
Handicapped  by  an  ulcer  this  season,  he  teaches  only  oc- 
casionally but  works  on  curriculum  problems  with  the  staff. 
The  I \M-|\C  major  league  instructors  are  paid  a  small  week- 
ly salary  only  because  the  Academy's  directors  fell  the\ 
should  be  compensated  in  part  for  the  more  lucrative  win- 
I*  i  jobs  they  have  had  to  sacrifice.  The  armories  arc  lent 
free  by  the  National  .Guard.  Bats  and  gloves  are  donated 
l.\  ilieir  manufacturers. 

l>i-iermined  that  the  Baseball  Academy's  classes  should 

IN-  filled  h\   IMI\-  who  ureded  help  m<»\.  Hi/7illn  and  Child 

set  up  a  cooperative  plan  with  102  welfare  agencies  and 

settlement  hoii-e*.  including  the  Young  Men'-.  Christian 
and  Hebrew  Associations,  Catholic  Youth  Organization. 
1'i.lne  Athletie  League,  Grand  Street  N-itl.-iiie.nt  and  Forest 


HK  itKvnos 


Slugging  Gene  Woodling  of  the  world  champion  New  York 
Yankees,  using  batting  tee  to  explain  proper  batting  forms. 


Neighborhood  House.  Boys  can  apply  to  the  Academy 
only  through  one  of  these  organizations.  With  each  appli- 
cation the  organization  writes  a  detailed  memorandum  of 
the  boy's  special  problems  at  home,  school  or  in  the  fields 
of  behavior,  personal  relations  or  delinquency.  This  en- 
ables the  Academy  to  pinpoint  its  help. 

Cases  sent  by  the  agencies  range  from  the  most  undis- 
ciplined boys  on  the  verge  of  real  trouble  to  those  suffer- 
ing from  serious  inferiority  and  deprivation.  Of  one  thir- 
teen-year-old kid  with  six  brothers  and  sisters,  and  an  un- 
employed father  who  had  left  the  house,  the  agency  wrote: 
"This  is  a  shy  child  who  needs  to  gain  confidence  and 
have  help  in  growing  up." 

At  the  other  extreme,  the  Stuyvesant  Community  Center 
noted  on  the  records  of  another  youngster  from  a  broken 
marriage  and  a  family  crowded  into  a  cold  water  flat:  "He 
is  sneaky  and  foxy,  needs  to  be  constantly  watched." 

The  Academy  knows  that  its  major  league  instructors 
must  spend  nearly  all  their  time  teaching  baseball.  To 
handle  such  social  and  psychological  problems,  therefore, 
it  has  hired  a  staff  of  social  service  experts.  Four  social 
workers  are  on  the  classroom  floor  each  day  at  both  the 
Manhattan  and  Brooklyn  armories.  But  words  like  "social 
work"  are  never  mentioned.  This  special  staff,  known  to 
the  boys  as  "counselors,"  tackles  its  problems  quietly  and 
unobtrusively. 

At  the  Brooklyn  armory  recently,  case  worker  A.  C. 
Sterling  noticed  one  boy  standing  at  the  fringe  of  his 
class,  afraid  to  take  his  place  in  line  for  batting  instruc- 
tion. Checking  the  records.  Sterling  found  the  boy  came 
from  an  orphan  asylum,  was  marked  as  withdrawn,  inse- 
cure and  needing  serious  attention. 

"The  youngster  seemed  more  interested  in  Gil  Hodges 
than  the  instruction  itself,"  Sterling  said.  "Later  when 
Gil  ran  out  of  balls,  I  asked  the  kid  if  he  could  lend  his  to 
the  class  for  a  while.  He  ran  over  and  gave  it  to  Gil  with 
a  big  smile.  Just  being  able  to  do  a  favor  for  his  hero 
did  that  boy  good.  Later  Gil  told  him  that  because  he  was 
so  conscientious  he  had  been  selected  to  come  early  each 
day  to  take  charge  of  the  bats.  That  boy  was  so  happy 


you'd  think  Gil  had  just  made  him  first  baseman  of  the 
Dodgers." 

One  of  the  most  difficult  cases  last  year  was  an  over- 
weight, flabby  kid.  He  ran  and  threw  like  a  girl  and  never 
mixed  with  the  others.  The  case  worker  got  in  touch  with 
his  mother  and  found  that  the  family  lived  in  a  tough 
Lower  East  Side  district.  To  shield  him,  the  mother  had 
kept  him  at  home,  made  him  almost  afraid  of  contact  with 
the  world.  The  case  worker  spent  many  sessions  talking 
with  her,  making  her  realize  how  important  it  was  for  her 
son  to  be  accepted  by  his  friends  and  mix  in  neighborhood 
activities. 

In  addition,  Sid  Gordon,  whom  the  kid  especially  ad- 
mired, got  the  youngster  to  understand  that  although  he 
might  never  become  an  expert  ball  player,  he  could  chan- 
nel his  interests  to  other  fields.  Soon  he  was  organizing  a 
ball  team  in  his  own  neighborhood  with  the  backing  of  lo- 
cal merchants.  He  began  to  write  sports  for  the  school 
paper  and  became  its  star  reporter.  At  the  end  of  last  sea- 
son's classes  he  was  awarded  the  trophy  for  "the  most  im- 
proved boy  of  the  year." 

But  the  real  proof  of  whether  the  Baseball  Academy  has 
helped  "boys  do  right  instead  of  wrong,"  as  Rizzuto  ex- 
pressed it,  comes  after  they  have  finished  the  course.  What 
happens  to  them  then?  "Last  year  we  sent  a  particularly 
difficult  group  of  boys,"  said  Miss  May  Mathews  of  Hartley 
House.  "They  were  trouble-makers  at  high  school  and  run- 
ning wild  in  the  neighborhood.  The  Academy  seemed  to 
tone  them  down.  But  that  summer  when  a  hotel  man 
asked  me  to  send  up  some  boys  for  a  few  months  to  work 
as  caddies,  I  told  him  I  couldn't  recommend  them  without 
reservations.  He  took  them  anyway,  and  the  boys  made 
good.  Not  once  all  summer  did  they  cause  the  slightest 
trouble." 

The  Baseball  Academy  may  soon  be  helping  thousands 
of  other  boys  stay  out  of  trouble  in  congested,  tenement- 
ridden  cities  all  over  the  country.  The  Boston  Post  has 
already  come  out  in  favor  of  a  school  there.  Chicago  and 
Elizabeth,  New  Jersey,  are  investigating  the  possibilities  of 
establishing  branches.  "Why  shouldn't  every  city  have  a 
school  like  this?"  Bernard  Baruch  asked  recently.  "When 
you  can  do  such  wholesome  things  at  so  little  expense?" 
Most  of  the  boys  at  the  Academy  have  their  own  dream 
of  going  on  to  the  major  leagues.  Two  of  the  boys  are 
already  on  their  way.  Last  year  Teddy  Brown,  who  had 
only  played  Softball  until  he  came  to  the  Academy,  was 
signed  by  Sunbury,  a  Class  B  team  of  the  New  York  Giants. 
This  year  another  Academy  boy  was  signed  by  Oshkosh, 
a  Giant  Class  D  team.  Their  fame  has  already  spread 
through  the  sandlots  of  the  city — practical  proof  to  every 
pupil  that  hard  work  at  the  Baseball  Academy  gets  results. 
For  the  youngest  pupils,  who  have  to  wait  to  reach  this 
magic  circle,  the  Baseball  Academy  has  its  special  rewards. 
"Yuh'd  always  get  cheated  playing  baseball  in  the  park," 
twelve-year-old  Ronnie  Sparaco  said  recently.  "The  older 
boys  would  bat  twice.  Yuh  couldn't  do  anything  about  it 
because  they'd  sock  yuh.  But  next  summer  it'll  be  differ- 
ent. Wait'll  they  find  out  that  Phil  Rizzuto's  been  coach- 
ing me." 


MARCH  1953 


583 


From  a  talk  by  Bernard  I.  Kahn,  Commander,  MC,  USN, 
presented    at    the    34th    National    Recreation    Congress. 


Recreation  for 


BEST  understand  how  to  use  rec- 
reation  as  a  therapeutic  tool  for 
the  mentally  ill  or  emotionally  dis- 
turbed, it  is  essential  to  understand 
how  normal  people  use  recreation  for 
emotional  enrichment.  Once  knowing 
this,  we  should  apply  the  same  prin- 
ciples to  those  we  seek  to  help.  In 
short,  recreation  should  be  an  index 
of  exercise  tolerance,  commensurate 
with  age  and  maturity,  a  concept  of 
imagination;  freedom  to  use  ideas  and 
images,  all  of  which  are  unfettered  by 
the  immediate  data  of  living.  This 
brings  us  precisely  to  the  question, 
"What  is  recreation?" 

Recreation  is  the  application  of  en- 
ergy to  meaningful  activity  in  one's 
leisure  time.  Flugel,1  Erikson,2  Wald- 
er,'  and  others,  point  out  that  the  use 
of  leisure  to  enhance  well-being  is  a 
desirable  social  aim.  It  is  recognized 
that  the  individual  ability  to  handle 
ami  tolerate  meaningful  activities, 
other  than  the  particular  work  which 
brings  one  economic  and  social  sup- 
port, might  well  be  considered  as  an 
index  of  an  individual's  cultural  at- 
tainment. 

1 J.  C  Fliifcel,  Man,  Morals  and  Society 
Ynrk:  Itiirmational  Univer«itiet  PTCM, 
1945). 

1  F.rik  II.  Krikwm,  Childhood  and  Society 
(Nrw  York:  W.  W.  Norton  and  Company. 
Incorporated,  1950). 

•Robert  Waldrr.  "The  Psychoanalytic 
TVory  of  Pity,"  Ptychoanolytic  Quartrrli, 
II.  No.  2.  I 

COMMANDER  KAHN,  senior  author,  is 
nttarhrd  in  the  US.  Naval  Hospital 
at  Oakland.  JANKT  HKKSE  u  a  social 
worker,  and  MARYI.KS  NAHL  is  an 
Amrrirnn  Rrtl  Crosi  recreation  worker. 


Neuropsychiatric 
Patients 


By  Bernard  I.  Kahn,  Janet  Reese,  Maryles  Nahl 


Erikson  states  further  that  play  is 
that  activity  which  the  individual  does 
not  have  to  do;  and  from  a  scientific 
point  of  view,  recreation  should  be 
play.  At  the  same  time,  it  should  be 
a  means  of  using  reality.  From  a  ther- 
apeutic view  in  an  institutional  set- 
ting, recreation  may  be  defined  as  a 
pleasurable  flight  from  the  immediate 
realities  of  tension-inspired  situations 
or  conflicts.  Therefore,  to  adequately 
understand  recreation  as  a  treatment 
tool,  it  is  essential  to  understand  the 
nature  and  scope  of  psychiatric  prob- 
lems as  we  see  them  within  one  frame 
of  reference. 

The  human  organism  from  the  mo- 
ment of  birth  until  the  moment  of 
death  is  under  a  state  of  tension.  The 
individual  reacts  to  this  tension  by 
massive  or  at  least  partial  withdrawal 
from  undesirable  situations.  He  re- 
acts to  conflicts  by  an  emphasis  on  de- 
pendency needs  or  he  may  react  by 
.iUTii-"i\'-  .11  lie. ii  in  ;ui  i-IToit  In  run 
quer  the  conflict-inspiring  situation,  or 
he  might  withdraw  completely.  His  re- 
sponse might  be  naive,  ridiculous,  or 
utterly  inappropriate  —  e.g..  running 
fmm  school  for  fear  of  bein^  i-on-id- 
ered  exhihilioniMir,  asking  for  help  in 
making  a  decision  over  the  choice  of 
a  necktie,  or  swearing  vigorously  at  a 
faulty  engine.  The  ability  to  use  <«»•'- 
tension*  in  any  of  these  three  n- 


of  behaviors  is  indicative  of  one's  ma- 
turity. A  child  expresses  its  need  for 
food  by  crying;  this  is  normal  depen- 
dency, but  a  thirty-year-old  adult  who 
needs  his  mother  to  select  his  next  date 
is  expressing  an  immature  dependency 
need. 

If  we,  as  normal  human  beings  are 
to  derive  satisfaction  from  recreation, 
it  must  furnish  the  same  aspects,  in 
fun  and  pleasure,  that  we  find  in  liv- 
ing.4 We  all  have  constant,  certain, 
numerous,  unswerving,  aggressive 
needs.  Some  of  these  are  realistic  and 
some  are  not.  The  childish  motorist 
who,  to  satisfy  his  need  to  dominate, 
dashes  out  ahead  of  traffic,  is  ncillu-i 
realistic  nor  mature.  Recreation  then 
must  provide  a  form  of  socially  ac- 
ceptable aggressiveness.  The  depen- 
dency needs  of  people  are  of  tremen- 
dous import  and  recreation  inu-i  <  HH- 
tain  certain  forms  of  socially  accept- 
able <lr|i<-ndciic\  ni-i-<U.  IWan-r  w  ;ill 
-liMiiM  have  a  bi-sexual  orientation. 
1 1. 'ii  should  furnish  patterns  of 
socially  acceptable  erotic  response!. 

It  should  be  pointed  out  that  not 
one  of  us  has  now,  nor  will  ever  at- 
tain or  accomplish  all  tin-  Bgo4aMB 
we  once  set  for  ourselves  as  i  hildn-n. 
\\  ••  have  all  done  things  of  which  we 

'  William  C.  Menniger,  "Rrrrralion  and 
Mrnul  Health,"  RECREATION,  November 
1948. 

RECREATION 


feel  ashamed  and  wish  we  could  relive 
many  areas  of  our  lives.  For  this  rea- 
son, we  all  possess  more  or  less  feel- 
ings of  guilt  which  gnaw  mercilessly 
and  needlessly  at  our  personalities;  so, 
recreation  must  then  be  an  escape  from 
guilt.  Because  mankind  has  within 
him  the  matrix  of  numerous  animal 
attributes,  instincts  which,  as  an  adult, 
he  might  think  are  repugnant,  there  is 
always  present  the  thin  edge  of  fear 
that  we  might  lose  control  of  ourselves; 
in  which  case  the  impulses  and  hostile 
instincts  might  be  acted  out  in  our  im- 
mediate society.  Therefore,  recreation 
should  provide  an  opportunity  for 
modified  release  of  self-control.  Be- 
cause of  all  these  human  attributes, 
recreation  must  be  such  that  it  will  en- 
hance the  self-esteem;  and  the  activity 
must  be  so  acceptable  to  the  individ- 
ual and  his  group  that,  irrespective  of 
the  limits,  there  should  be  no  fear  of 
reprisal  for  the  pleasure  which  follows 
the  relief  of  tension.  This  is  why  foot- 
ball played  in  the  mud  is  considerably 
more  acceptable  in  youth  and  adoles- 
cence than  all  the  glittering  uniforms 
the  players  would  be  able  to  wear  if 
the  contest  were  woven  around  tiddly- 
winks. 

Therapy,  irrespective  of  its  type,  that 
is  aimed  at  the  disease,  rather  than  at 
the  person,  is  invariably  doomed  to 
failure.  In  terms  of  using  the  tools  of 
recreation  for  therapy,  we  tend  to  fo- 
cus on  the  release  of  tensions  woven 
about  the  patient's  problems,  relative 
to  his  maturity  level.  The  principal 
problems  which  afflict  our  patient  stem 
from  his  inability  to  handle  emotional 
maturity  with  satisfaction.  Rather 
than  face  reality  with  its  normal,  hu- 
man limitations,  he  tends  to  retreat  to 
a  more  primitive  type  of  emotional  ex- 
istence to  recapture,  at  least  in  fan- 
tasy, a  world  in  which  he  can  do  and 
say  and  feel  things  that  once  gave  sat- 
isfaction. This  might  be  a  partial  re- 
treat to  an  adolescent  stage,  or  a  com- 
plete retreat — to  the  level  of  a  gurgling 
infant. 

To  be  effective,  recreation  should 
then  be  permissive;  it  should  enhance 
creativity,  by  an  atmosphere  in  which 
interpersonal  relationships  are  stressed 
as  a  desirable  goal  in  mental  health: 
it  should  give  status  without  demean- 
ing another's  dignity. 


Recreation  coordinators  should  be 
able  to  provide  the  patient  with  an 
awareness  of  himself  as  an  individual 
in  society.  Recreation  should  be  de- 
signed to  make  the  patient  subtly  aware 
that  his  status  needs  may  be  excessive, 
or  his  dependency  needs  too  painful. 
Consequently,  to  be  successful,  the  rec- 
reational program  cannot  be  tossed 
into  a  ward.  Careful  orientation 
around  the  diversity  of  cultural  levels, 
attitudes  and  values  must  be  thor- 
oughly recognized.  The  therapist  must 
possess  sufficient  maturity  and  mobil- 
ity to  sense  the  prompt  changes  in 
mood  and  fugue  of  the  patients,  recog- 
nize the  mercurial  changes  in  tempo 
and  beat,  and  with  unity  of  purpose, 
bring  them  to  a  harmonious  whole 
with  only  the  subtlest  hint  that  the 
alteration  was  scientifically  designed. 

Recreation  in  an  institutional  set- 
ting, such  as  a  naval  hospital,  must  be 
grossly  designed  about  the  manifold 
cultures  from  which  our  patients  come. 
Naval  personnel  represent  every  edu- 
cational, economic  and  social  level  in 
our  nation.  These  officers  and  men. 
therefore,  are  subject  to  the  reactions, 
fears,  worries,  tensions,  aggressions 
and  dependency  needs  that  from  time 
to  time  afflict  all  humanity;  and  when 
their  reactions  to  these  become  so 
great  that  they  can  no  longer  function 
within  our  society,  they  become  pa- 
tients and  are  subsequently  transferred 
to  the  psychiatric  service  of  a  naval 
hospital.  Here  they  meet  and  work 
with  recreation  coordinators  who  use 
their  skill  to  help  them  to  integrate 
their  needs,  attitudes  and  values  to 
those  of  American  society.  Psychiatric 


patients  are  people  who  distort  normal 
human  values  attached  to  thoughts, 
feelings,  actions,  cultural  attainments, 
and  erotic  needs.  Again,  we  reiterate 
that,  in  order  to  be  successful,  it  is  im- 
perative that  we  treat  the  patient,  not 
the  disease. 

Within  this  frame,  let  us  turn  now 
to  the  way  recreation  is  used  thera- 
peutically  in  our  institution.  First  of 


all,  we  attempt  to  weave  treatment 
about  the  basic  personality  of  the  pa- 
tient. This  implies  a  knowledge  of  the 
patient's  emotional  maturity.  Matur- 
ity implies  one's  ability  to  see  himself 
as  an  individual  with  respect  to  past 
and  present  interpersonal  relation- 
ships. To  reach  maturity  implies  emo- 
tional growth.  We  all  recognize  there 
is  considerable  difference  between  the 
strenuous  competition  of  two  wrestling 
youngsters  and  the  thoughtful  discus- 
sions of  middle-aged  men;  and  we  ap- 
preciate, too,  the  difference  between 
the  varied  goals  of  an  adolescent  and 
those  of  a  child. 

Patients  are  admitted  to  a  hospital 
because,  in  many  instances,  they  are 
unable  to  stand  the  threat  of  maturity. 
Because  recreational  activities  are  wo- 
ven around  emotional  growth,  it  is  im- 
portant that  we  understand  the  stages 
of  maturity.  There  are  successive 
stages  of  development  which  John  C. 
Whitehorn  so  beautifully  brings  out  in 
his  clinical  personality  studies,  and  we 
try  to  use  this  guide  in  the  hospital 
here  as  an  index  of  the  activities  best 
suited  for  the  patients.  Once  the  na- 
ture and  scope  of  emotional  growth  is 
clearly  understood,  it  is  possible  to 
manipulate  maturity  goals  more  rapid- 
ly and  with  greater  effectiveness 
through  adequate  recreation.  The 
stages  of  emotional  growth  are  in- 
fancy, childhood,  youth  and  adoles- 
cence, each  of  these  stages  possessing 
patterns  of  emotional  development. 
These  are  clearly  evident  to  the  dis- 
cerning mature  adult,  the  finished 
product. 

Infancy  is  characterized  by  great 
oral  needs.  Infants  are  demanding;  in- 
tolerant to  frustration,  they  throw 
things  and  beg  for  recognition  from 
others.  Their  affectionate  demands,  as 
we  know,  are  tremendous.  They  are 
quick  to  perceive  visual  and  auditory 
responses  in  others.  A  frown  of  an- 
noyance can  provoke  tears. 

A  twenty-year-old  male,  who  has  re- 
treated to  this  phase  of  development, 
is  treated  as  an  infant.  We  try  to  give 
him  a  great  deal  of  solicitous  atten- 
tion. He  is  encouraged  to  look  at  pic- 
ture books.  We  try  to  create  a  feeling 
of  permissiveness  in  ward  situations 
where  he  can  throw  things,  if  he  so  de- 
sires. He  is  reached  through  his  oral 


MARCH  1953 


585 


needs;  and  the  warmth  of  a  maternal 
atmosphere  is  recaptured  by  ward 
waffle  and  candy  parties.  He  is  per- 
milted  to  externalize  his  destructive 
tensions  to  a  limited  degree,  by  ex- 
ploding paper  bags,  balloon-blowing 
contests,  and  cloth-tearing  as  part  of 
simple  activities. 

The  childish  stage  of  emotional  de- 
velopment is  the  "why"  stage  familiar 
to  every  parent.  The  normal  child  is 
filled  with  tremendous  curiosity  about 
his  world.  To  him,  this  world  is  an 

•  •\-ti-i  which  awaits  his  opening  so  that 
he    may    swallow    with    delight.     A 
healthy,  happy  child  has  a  great  deal 
of  aggression.   Yet,  from  time  to  time. 
he  quickly  withdraws  from  unfamiliar 
situations.    Possessing  no   strong  sex- 
ual differentiation,  it  is  sufficient  that 
the  world  is  brilliant  and  colorful,  cre- 
ated solely  to  satisfy  his  own  omnip- 
otent pleasures. 

Patients  in  this  stage  are  exposed  to 
crayon  coloring  games  and  similar 
means  of  identifying  themselves  with 
others  in  situations  comparable  to 
those  experienced  in  childhood.  As 
children,  they  enjoyed  frightening 
themselves  and  others  with  grisly  tales 
and  fearsome  masks.  On  our  wards 
they  make  their  own  masks.  Simple 
contests,  where  games  are  based  upon 
their  own  limited  awareness  of  them- 
selves with  respect  to  others,  are  en- 
couraged by  small  prizes.  Because  at 
this  stage  victory  is  more  important 
than  the  game,  the  child's  pre-t !•_•.• 
needs  are  voracious.  Motor  games  like 
ping-pong  and  horseshoes  are  impm- 
tant.  Croup  singing,  too,  at  this  stage. 
recaptures  the  warmth  and  comfort  of 
a  family  situation.  Birthdays  are  cele- 
brated with  ward  parties. 

The  youth  stage  is  assert  i\e.  demon- 
strative, athletic,  possessing  strmi;_' 
iilciiiifii  .iliini  llopalong  CassiiK 

•  •ompeirx   with   Buck   Rogers  and    !'»• 
I'alooka.     Youth    recognizes    itself    a- 
pOMessing  sex  but  actually  denies  ill, 
aims  of  het.  r'.-.-\ii.ilil\ .    KI-.  ii- ilinii  at 
llii-    «l;if;e    is    f.,i  us,-d    on    the    patient', 
who  plan  mil  li-.nl  others  to  parti< ipate 
in  garni-.    Mechanical  devices  Mich  as 
record-making    machines    an-     impor- 
tant, and   the   normal   youth   ln-i-iin  to 
apply  himself  to  more  and  more  nun 
plex    activities.      ll"M'ie-    l>ci..mc    im- 
portant— stamp-collecting    and    model- 

586 


building  take  on  high  emotional  val- 
ues.  Youth,  too,  desires  to  know  the 
limits  of  the  world,  to  understand  or- 
derly living.  Men  in  this  particular 
stage  of  development  have  ward  rules 
which  are  strict  and  relatively  relent- 
less. Social  activities  take  on  more 
and  more  meaning.  Youth  sees  itself 
as  a  dramatic  poseur;  thus,  our  pa- 
tients are  offered  dramatic  activities — 
they  become  a  part  of  rhythm  bands 
and  participate  in  ward  plays.  Coop- 
erative enterprise  develops  at  this  stage 
of  living;  and  patients  are  encouraged 
to  form  themselves  into  games  with 
teammates.  Because  the  child  tests  the 
rules,  and  at  the  same  time  tests  his 
own  assertiveness  in  horse-play,  these 
contests  of  skill  take  on  an  ever  in- 
creasing importance.  Youth  also  be- 
gins to  see  itself  for  the  first  time  as 
part  of  a  greater  world.  The  good  par- 
ent takes  his  children  on  outings — pic- 
nic-, visits  to  various  industrial  plants 
and  museums.  We  attempt  to  repro- 
duce this  same  relationship.  Our  pa- 
tients are  taken  on  picnics,  barbecues, 
and  tours  of  industries,  thus  drawing 


their  interests  from  themselves  to  an 
outside  world  so  they  can  see  the 
meaning  of  functional  living  in  our  so- 
ciety. It  is  at  this  stage  that  occupa- 
tional therapy  is  most  effective. 

The  normal  adolescent,  the  next 
stage,  demands  tremendous  indepen- 
dence; possessing  strong  drives  to 
break  from  parental  influence,  he  ar- 
gues for  rights  and  prirUegM  that  are 
at  times  frightening  to  parents.  The 
heallhv  ad..lesrcnt  vanes  from  an 
aiii-Tv  atheism  to  a  lofu  humanistic 
idealism.  At  the  satin-  linn-,  there  is  a 
frightening  hcti-n.-'-Mi.il  orientation. 
appearing  to  emph.i-i/c  mercurial 
i  hanaes  in  mood. 

Love  appear*  for  the  first  time  .1* 
an  idealistic  theme  menac in>:  the  ad- 
olescent development,  and  bnshfullv  he 
turns  to  bunks  mi  poetry  and  ruminates 
over  his  tiwn  cherished  one.  The  nor- 


mal adolescent  is  highly  antagonistic 
to  prohibitions;  he  vehemently  de- 
nounces parental  values;  defiantly  de- 
mands the  world  heed  his  protest-. 
\\  lien  he  reluctantly  recognizes  the 
world  will  not  alter  centuries  of  man- 
ner and  conduct  to  please  him,  he  be- 
comes impatiently  hostile.  He  hates 
others  with  vigor  and  venom,  for  he 
feels  deprived  of  his  rights. 

The  recreation  workers  with  this 
stage  are  really  tested,  for  the  patients 
must  be  treated  with  tolerance  tow  aid 
their  assertiveness;  they  must  be  ac- 
cepted for  their  mercurial  value 
changes;  they  must  be  given  greater 
permissiveness  for  their  independent 
needs  and  at  the  same  time  be  given 
support  and  understanding  if  they  fail 
to  adapt.  Entertainment  must  be  so- 
cially appealing  and  games  must  have 
a  cooperative  enterprise  and  strong 
competitive  spirit.  Play  in  the  game 
is  now  more  important  than  vi<t»r\ 
itself — volley  ball  more  acceptable  than 
ping-pong.  Red  Cross  hostess  parties 
at  this  time  are  essential.  Such  wo- 
men must  be  sufficiently  mature  to  be 
able  to  impart  an  air  of  uncalculateil 
spontaneity  that  is  such  an  a-p--ct  ••! 
the  asexual  seduction  of  adolescence. 
It  is  imperative  that  the  patient  see 
himself  for  the  first  time  as  a  meml>ei 
of  one  sex  to  be  oriented  to  that  of  an- 
other without  shame  or  fiuilt.  Folk- 
dancing  and  group  sinpinu.  then,  take 
on  a  new  significance.  The  presence  "f 
voiing  women  at  parties  also  adds  \i- 
orous  meaning  to  the  heated  arguments 
about  goals  concerning  the  opposite 
sex  that  are  such  a  part  of  adolescen.  e, 
For  the  opposite  sex  must  be  able  to 
uive  approval,  to  give  self-esteem, 
which  is  infinitely  more  important  than 
is  recnuni/ed  in  our  present  high 
schools.  However,  when  hostility  is 
easier  to  bear,  and  antagonism  to  an- 
thoriu  more  welcome  than  being  tol- 
eialeil  |i\  others,  the-  patient  comes  In 
hale,  lie,  .111-1-  tic  hates  s,,cicl\.  it  is 
•  •nl\  natural  for  him  to  assume  that 
-o,  ielv  hal-s  him.  At  this  s|;,o,..  ,,nr 
principal  L'".il  i-  I"  cnab'e  llii-  patient 
to  recognize  that  he  no  longer  need 
himself  .1-  i  haled  member  of  s<«  id\ 
and  to  rei-oyni/e.  too.  that  there  is  no 
need  to  hale  others  -if  he  is  to  a<  •  epl 
the  ii-spoiisiliility  thai  accompanies 
m.ilmilv  without  fear  or  venom. 

RECREATION 


In  a  happy  childhood,  there  are  no 
antagonisms   to    one's    self   for    being 
alive,  nor  is  there  hatred  for  others. 
The  child  is  delighted  at  his  own  feel- 
ings of  omnipotence  and  the  warmth 
he  gets  from  making  friends  and  re- 
ceiving friendship  and  affection  from 
others.    Unless  they  are  carefully  in- 
doctrinated  by   parents,   educators   or 
other    frightened    people,    Negro    and 
white,    Jewish    and    Gentile,    Catholic 
and  Protestant  children  can  play  to- 
gether with  no  awareness  of  difference 
nor    feeling    of    enmity.     One    of   the 
themes  we  attempt  to  inculcate  is  that 
recreation  can  teach  that  the  unreason- 
ing enmity  between  adults  is  pathetic 
and  unnecessary.    Progression  to  emo- 
tional   maturity    carries    with    it    the 
knowledge  that  blame  is  futile  and  that 
the  dull  rage  in  the  pathologically  hos- 
tile individual  is  really  a  mask  for  a 
quaking  fear  of  failure.    The  mature 
individual  recognizes  one  desire  above 
all,  that  we  accept  people  as  they  are — 
even  in  a  psychiatric  institution. 

One  social  activity  that  is  almost  uni- 
versal to  all  mankind  is  that  of  music. 


Music  was  man's  first  interpersonal  re- 
lationship.   The  first  sound  we  really 
listened  to  was  music,  the  soaring  lilt 
of  a  mother's  song.    The  serenade  is 
the    wooing    of    adolescence.     Group 
singing  captures  the  mood  of  earlier 
and  more  pleasant  years  for  our  pa- 
tients.   Transposed  and  translated  we 
thus  use  this  method  of  expression  to 
bring  about  healthy  growth   in  those 
who  have  retreated  or  have  been  ar- 
rested   in    their    developing    maturity. 
The  goal  of  therapy  is  maturity.    We 
try  to  work  with  our  patient  so  that  he 
comes  to  learn  that  he  can  become  an 
adult,   with   mature    goals;    and   that, 
whether  he  be  a  ditch-digger  or  a  sales- 
man, there  is  no  longer  need  to  punish 
himself  by  feeling  a  desperate  desire 
for   approbation,   approval   or   accept- 
ance. Nor  does  he  need  to  rely  on  men- 
dacious maneuvers  to  gain  respect  be- 
cause he  has  not  lived  up  to  the  goals 
which    he    set   for    himself   in    earlier 
years. 

We  seek  to  teach  these  men  that  the 
geography  of  themselves  is  infinitely 
more  important  than  an  impossible  at- 


tainment of  goals  based  upon  a  cloy- 
ing hunger  for  the   respect  they  feel 
they  would  receive  if  such  goals  had 
been  attained.    A  man  can  see  himself 
as    a    human    being    who    has    needs, 
whose  wishes  to  be  admired  and  re- 
spected  do   not   have  their   origin    in 
some  pseudo-lofty   concept   of  accom- 
plishment that  has   no   real   meaning. 
They  should  stem  from  his  own  recog- 
nition of  himself  as  a  human  being. 
Therefore,  it  is  imperative  that  the  rec- 
reation   worker    recognize    that    what 
really    counts   for    effective    results   is 
that  the  patient  be  recognized  for  what 
he  is,  so  that  in  the  worker  there  can- 
not be  the  slightest  hint  of  detectable 
snobbery;  there  can  be  no  thin  shellac 
of     stupid     or     pseudo-sophistication. 
The  concept  of  working  with  the  pa- 
tient and  not  for  him  is  the  aphorism 
that  makes  for  effective  therapy.  Goals 
should   be   comparable  to  that  which 
the  good  parent  tries  to  give  his  child 
when  he  says,  "We  have  tried  to  guide 
and  counsel  you  so  that  you  can  find 
your  goals.    We  have  not  worked  for 
you  to  find  ours." 


National  Hobby  Mouth 

APRIL 

The  month  of  April  has  been  designated  as  National  Hobby  Month,  spon- 
sored by  The  Hobby  Guild  of  America  in  coordination  with  the  National 
Hobby  Month  Committee.  The  over-all  slogan  is:  "Get  More  Out  of  Life 
With  a  Hobby,"  with  two  keynote  themes  "Send  a  hobby  kit  to  a  hospitalized 
veteran,"  to  encourage  sharing  hobbies  with  war  veterans,  and  "More  hob- 
bies— less  crime,"  an  effort  to  combat  juvenile  delinquency. 

Four  week-long  hobby  observances  which  will  be  featured  during  the  month 

April  1-7 — National  Arts  and  Crafts  Week. 
Relax  with  handicrafts — a  wholesome,  healthy  hobby. 
April  8-15 — National  Collectors  Week. 
April  16-23 — National  Gardening  Week. 

Plant  a  hobby — watch  it  grow. 
April  29-30— National  Sports  Week. 

Magazines  in  the  field  of  gardening,  sports,  art,  crafts  and  collecting  are, 
planning  special  features;  and  many  stores,  libraries,  schools  and  clubs  are 
preparing  hobby  exhibits,  displays  and  contests.  April  RECREATION  will  also 
contain  special  hobby  articles. 


MARCH. 1953 


587 


William  H.  Ridinger 


RECREATION 


A  Novel  Show  Wagon 


fFHK  RECREATION  COMMISSION  in  Concord,  North  Carolina 
1  has  developed  a  show  wagon  which  is  unique.  Exten- 
sive inquiry  convinces  us  that  our  separate  unit,  built  on  a 
special  chassis  and  small  enough  to  be  used  in  almost  any 
situation  as  well  as  adaptable  to  the  largest  demands,  is 
different  from  anything  existing  today. 

The  city  recreation  commission  was  established  in  1947, 
and  by  mid-1951  was  ready — with  a  large  majority  of 
Concord  citizens — to  launch  a  full-time  year-round  pro- 
gram. With  the  completion  of  its  new  quarter-million  dol- 
lar center  they  were  in  a  splendid  position  to  render  real 
service  in  public  recreation,  especially  in  the  realm  of  in- 
door activities.  Soon,  however,  it  became  apparent  that 
indoor  facilities  alone  were  not  sufficient.  The  crying  need, 
now,  was  for  outdoor  play  areas  which  would  be  adequate 
to  serve  the  recreational  interests  of  young  and  old  of  the 
various  neighborhoods. 

Concord,  like  many  of  her  sister  cities,  developed  with- 
out planning  for  parks,  playgrounds  and  open  play  spaces. 
Today,  as  a  result,  the  city  owns  little  or  no  land  suitable 
for  these  purposes  within  the  present  municipal  boun- 
daries; consequently,  the  recreation  commission  realized 
that  it  would  have  to  seek  unusual  and  drastic  means  to 
provide  the  people  of  this  far  flung  community  with  rec- 
reational facilities.  From  this  realization  came  the  policy 
and  determination  to  use  every  means  available  in  order  to 
develop  neighborhood  programs.  The  response  to  this  de- 
cision was  quick  and  gratifying.  Within  a  short  time  the 
Locke  Cotton  Mill  and  the  local  Public  Housing  Authority 
provided  several  excellent  playgrounds  in  their  neighbor- 
hoods. These  additions  to  the  city's  over-all  recreation  fa- 
cilities were,  of  course,  a  great  blessing  but  the  problem 
remained — to  a  great  extent  because  there  were  so  many 
other  neighborhoods  without  any  play  space  available 
whatsoever.  At  this  stage,  the  recreation  commission  de- 
cided to  experiment  with  the  show  wagon  idea.  Of  course 
this  idea  was  not  new  and  certainly  was  not  an  invention 
nor  a  monopoly  of  Concord's.  However,  it  is  not  very 

WILLIAM  RIDINCER  is  the  director  of  recreation  in  Concord. 
588 


i •uiiiinon  and  reports  have  it  that  there  are  not  more  than 
eight  or  ten  of  these  units  in  the  entire  United  States. 

Already  we  have  had  numerous  inquiries  about  size, 
construction,  costs,  over-all  use,  and  so  on.  Ours  is  the 
experience  of  only  one  community,  however,  and  we  are 
aware  that  there  must  be  countless  ways  of  presenting  this 
type  of  program  and  constructing  units  such  as  these. 

.Nevertheless,  we  are  sure  of  several  important  things. 
Our  show  wagon  has  proved  to  be  one  of  the  finest  public 
relations  and  publicity  mediums  that  we  have  ever  experi- 
enced. The  very  fact  that  it  visited  every  neighborhood 
and  could  operate  in  streets,  lawns,  driveways,  playgrounds 
or  almost  anywhere  gave  us  an  opportunity  to  bring  nv- 
reation  literally  to  the  door  steps  and  the  back  yards  of  our 
people.  We  also  know  that  this  novel  wagon  with  its  gay 
decorations  appealed  to  people's  imaginations  and  at- 
tracted them  by  the  thousands  during  the  course  of  the 
summer;  and  for  the  first  time,  our  dramatics  rivaled  our 
athletic  program  in  publicity  and  general  interest.  Neigh- 
borhoods, which  before  had  felt  neglected  and  far  removed 
from  the  recreation  center,  now  became  a  part  of  recrea- 
tion and  identified  themselves  with  the  program. 

We  are  convinced  that  the  small  cost,  which  did  not 
greatly  exceed  eight  hundred  dollars,  was  one  of  the 
finest  investments  that  we  have  ever  made.  Certainly  it 
yielded  one  of  the  greatest  it-turns  in  our  experience.  In 
fact,  we  are  so  sold  on  this  idea  of  "recreation  on  wheels" 
that  we  are  planning  to  construct  and  operate  a  prairir 
schooner  type  of  covered  wagon,  as  a  craft  wagon  for  next 
summer.  With  a  simple  adjustment  this  ran  become  a 
"chuck"  wagon,  to  use  as  the  central  unit  for  our  new 
hostcling  and  travelling  camp  program.  We  hope  that  the 
following  information  will  stimulate  you  into  taking  a 
thrilling  adventure  along  one  of  recreation's  new  horizons. 

The  Production  of  Show  Wagon   Programs 

1.  Publicity 

I  In-  Pri---.  \c\v-|>.i|wr  publicity  is  nn>-l  helpful.  I  «n 
ally  the  show  wagon  announcements  appeared  along  with 
the  daily  playground  programs.  When  something  special 

Rr<  IUMKIN 


was  being  featured,  the  Concord  Tribune  treated  it  as 
news,  with  a  special  article  about  it.  On  several  occasions 
the  local  paper,  and  nearby  community  dailies,  ran  fea- 
ture stories  and  pictures.  In  the  larger  cities  there  would 
perhaps  be  morning  dailies  which  would  offer  the  best 
medium  of  advertising  for  the  show  wagon  evening  pro- 
gram. 

Radio.  Station  WEGO  in  Concord  was  most  cooperative. 
We  nearly  always  could  depend  upon  it  for  either  spot  an- 
nouncements or  special  mention.  The  dramatics  depart- 
ment also  conducted  a  bi-weekly  radio  workshop,  and  often 
used  this  time  to  further  advertise  the  show  wagon. 

Playground  and  Park  Bulletin  Boards.  We  coordinated 
our  show  wagon  program,  to  a  very  great  extent,  with  all 
of  our  playground  activities.  All  shows  were  announced 
through  the  medium  of  posters  or  flyers  on  the  playground 
bulletin  boards.  Playground  leaders  announced  the  pro- 


Back   of   stage,    showing   doors    right    and    left,   and    portable 
steps    which    are    used    for    the    stage    entrances    and    exits. 


grams  at  all  their  gatherings,  especially   when   the   show 
wagon  was  due  in  their  vicinity. 

2.  Location  of  Show  Wagon 

The  Concord  show  wagon  was  especially  designed  as  an 
independent  trailer  unit,  not  to  exceed  fourteen  feet  in 
length,  so  that  it  could  be  used  almost  anywhere.  Because 
most  of  our  neighborhoods  are  well  built  up,  with  few 
open  areas  and  almost  entirely  lacking  in  playgrounds,  it 
was  necessary  to  have  a  vehicle  which  could  be  parked  in 
narrow  streets,  on  lawns,  small  vacant  lots  and  even  in 
backyards.  Of  course,  it  goes  without  saying  that  if  the 
wagon  was  adaptable  to  these  situations  it  could  quite 
easily  fit  into  larger  playground  and  park  areas.  When- 
ever possible  the  wagon  was  parked  at  the  foot  of  an  in- 
cline in  the  street  or  the  lawn.  This  natural  slope  provided 
an  ideal  surface  on  which  to  set  the  approximately  one 
hundred  chairs  which  were  carried  with  the  wagon. 

The  chairs  were  arranged  in  ten  rows  in  front  of  the 


stage  after  it  had  been  folded  out  from  the  wagon  and 
readied  for  the  performance.  These  were  seldom  adequate 
for  the  crowds  that  gathered  but  served  as  a  stationary 
core  for  the  audience,  with  the  overflow  going  to  the  sides 
and  the  rear.  Every  effort  was  made  to  encourage  young- 
sters to  leave  the  chairs  for  the  adults  and  especially  the 
older  people.  A  roped-off  area  around  the  wagon  and  its 
stage  protected  the  amplifying  equipment  and  other  elec- 
trical devices  used  in  production.  Much  of  this  equipment 
was  kept  either  in  the  back  of  the  jeep  which  tows  the 
wagon,  or  in  the  volunteer  technician's  station  wagon. 

3.  Lights 

Electricity  for  the  show  wagon  is  furnished  free  of 
charge  by  Concord's  light  and  water  department.  In  the 
early  stages  of  show  wagon  planning,  seven  neighborhood 
areas  had  been  selected  as  sites  for  performances.  This  in- 
formation was  given  to  the  light  and  water  department  and 
they  proceeded  to  extend  wires  from  the  electric  lines  down 
the  poles  nearest  to  the  show  wagon  sites.  After  this  was 
done  it  was  a  simple  thing  for  the  show  wagon  line  to  be 
connected. 

The  show  wagon  lighting  is  very  simple  and  consists 
primarily  of  footlights  made  up  of  a  battery  of  twelve  col- 
ored lights  hooked  in  three  series  and  worked  indepen- 
dently of  each  other.  These  are  seventy-five  watts.  Over- 
head there  are  two  one  hundred  and  fifty-watt  spotlights 
mounted  on  long  flexible  arms  which  can  slide  back  into 
the  roof  of  the  wagon  so  as  to  be  out  of  the  way  for  travel- 
ing. Reinforcing  these  extended  spotlights  are  two  one 
hundred  and  fifty-watt  white  floodlights  which  are  mounted 
in  two  light  weight  aluminum  shields  with  adjustable 
clamps.  The  clamps  enable  these  floodlights  to  be  attached 
to  various  parts  of  the  show  wagon  so  that  the  light  can  be 
used  to  the  greatest  advantage  wherever  needed.  There  are 
also  two  small  fifty-watt  lights  over  the  rear  doors,  and 
on  the  center  rear  of  the  stage  several  floor  sockets  which 
enable  still  further  lighting  on  the  stage  when  necessary. 


Stage  folds  out  from  the  front  and  is  ready  for  use.  Chairs 
are  arranged  in  ten  rows,  and  serve  as  core  for  audience. 

The  switches  which  control  all  of  this  are  found  in  a  panel 
on  the  lower  front  rear  of  the  wagon,  readily  accessible 
to  the  stage  technician  and  yet  almost  completely  removed 
from  the  sight  of  the  audience. 

We  run  off  of  one  hundred  and  ten-volt  a.c.  and  find  that 
we  must  be  very  careful  not  to  set  up  too  far  from  the 
source  of  our  electrical  supply.  Any  connection  in  excess 
of  fifty  feet  will  cause  a  voltage  drop  and  subsequent  loss 


MARCH  1953 


589 


of  sound  and  light.   Therefore  it  is  imperative  to  keep  the 
wagon  close  to  the  original  connection. 

4.  Sound 

Not  having  a  special  sound  truck,  we  have  had  to  rely 
upon  several  of  our  public  address  systems.  As  can  be  ex- 
pected, there  were  times  when  none  of  these  were  as  satis- 
factory as  they  might  be.  Our  best  results  were  achieved 
by  placing  one  large  horn  on  the  top  of  the  show  wagon. 
Actually,  for  perfection,  several  different  types  of  mikes 
should  be  used,  and  in  the  case  of  a  dramatic  production 
at  least  two  mikes  should  be  used  on  the  stage.  A  ceiling 
mike  for  all  purposes  would  be  better  than  the  standard 
pedestal  mike  because  of  the  necessity  of  moving  the  mike 
back  and  forth  to  meet  the  various  requirements  of  differ- 
ent acts.  In  any  case  the  average  sound  system,  properly 
conditioned  and  operated,  will  satisfactorily  serve  the 
usual  neighborhood,  crowd.  It  is  only  when  the  crowd 
exceeds  four  or  five  hundred,  and  is  spread  out  over  a 
larger  area,  that  special  attention  should  be  given  to  the 
production  of  better  sound. 

5.  Pre-Show  Time 

We  find  that  despite  good  publicity  it  is  necessary  to 
play  records  to  attract  people,  and  to  entertain  the  waiting 
audience  before  show  time.  Good  marches,  popular  num- 
bers, circus  music  tend  to  reduce  audience  restlessness. 
Experience  has  shown  us  that  every  effort  must  be  made  to 
have  the  wagon  set  up  and  ready  to  go  at  least  half  an  hour 
before  show  time.  This  leeway  may  not  be  enough  during 
the  first  several  performances,  and  we  cannot  emphasize 
its  importance  too  strongly.  Until  the  show  wagon  crew- 
becomes  experienced  and  adept  in  setting  up  the  "Big 
Top"  there  will  be  many  delays,  hitches  and  failures  which 
will  consume  time  and  unless  allowed  for  will  hinder  the 
show. 

6.  Location  of  Shows  and  Auditions 

Before  the  season  began,  seven  locations  in  seven  dif- 
ferent neighborhoods  were  selected.  In  almost  every  case 
these  were  not  close  to  existing  playground  facilities.  Au- 
ditions were  held  by  the  dramatic  department  on  the  play- 
grounds, or  in  the  neighborhood  schools  which  are  used  as 
dramatic  centers  during  the  summer.  Personnel  were  re- 
cruited and  tested  in  this  manner  and  eventually  organ- 
ized into  four  separate  shows. 

When  streets  were  used  as  locations,  production  permis- 
sion was  always  secured  from  the  police  department,  and 
the  streets  were  barricaded  at  each  end.  The  barricades 
carried  an  explanatory  sign;  and  flares  were  used  on 
either  side  as  a  safety  precaution.  Needless  to  say  there 
was  not  one  traffic  accident,  nor  any  other  mishap,  in  con- 
nection with  the  show  wagon  performances. 

7.  Scheduled  Performances 

Each  show  ran  for  two  weeks  in  which  time  all  MM-M 
of  the  areas  were  covered  unless  inclement  weather  caused 
a  cancellation.  While  one  show  was  in  progress  the  next 
was  being  worked  on  by  the  dramatic-  department  during 
the  afternoons.  In  this  manner  one  followed  another  with- 
out any  break  in  the  program. 


8.  Special  Shows  and  Performances 

The  popularity  of  the  show  wagon  developed  to  such  an 
extent  that  several  special  shows  had  to  be  held  in  other 
sections  of  the  city.  Likewise,  the  show  wagon  paid  vi~il~ 
to  several  of  our  playgrounds  as  part  of  their  special  ac- 
tivities. On  several  occasions  the  stage  served  as  a  plat- 
form for  orchestras,  special  ceremonies  and  other  public 
affairs.  Since  summer,  the  show  wagon  has  been  in  at 
least  one  community  parade  and  probably  will  be  in  others 
as  well  as  see  possible  use  as  an  advertising  medium  for 
Little  Theatre  productions. 

9.  Season's  Finale 

This  year  the  summer  recreation  program  finale,  or 
round-up,  had  a  circus  theme  and  the  show  wagon  served 
as  the  center  "ring"  for  the  Concord  Community  Circus. 
The  wagon  fitted  beautifully  into  this  situation  and  served 
as  a  foundation  upon  which  the  entire  three-ring  circus 
was  developed.  Much  of  the  talent  uncovered  by  the  show 
wagon  activities  during  the  summer  took  part.  Over  fi\e 
thousand  people  witnessed  the  pageant  and  more  than  a 
dozen  community  organizations  entered  booths  on  the 
circus  midway. 

As  this  was  our  first  experience  with  show  wagon  work 
we  realize  that  we  don't  know  all  the  answers  and  have 
much  to  learn.  To  date  we  have  held  four  different  types 
of  shows:  a  musical  variety  show  with  "A  Vacation  Across 
the  Nation"  as  the  theme;  a  one-act  comedy;  puppet  show  : 
playground  talent  show. 

There  are  a  number  of  other  forms  of  entertainment 
which  would  fit  in  very  well  with  the  wagon.  We  hope  to 
use  it  in  another  season  for  a  series  of  street  dances  cou- 
pled with  outdoor  movies.  Our  Little  Theatre  is  hoping  to 
use  it  at  least  once  for  an  outdoor  production  during  the 
coming  summer.  Several  local  private  dancing  schools  are 
also  contemplating  borrowing  it  for  outdoor  entertainment^ 
in  the  neighborhoods  in  which  they  are  located.  Of  course 
this  is  only  scratching  the  surface,  and  as  time  goes  along 
we  are  sure  there  will  be  many  more  uses  and  adaptions 
available. 


IV. .11.1.  Mllll..!-.  W.MI.IlT 

\\.ici.n      li.nil-     equipment. 
ronvrrt*  <-u«il»  into  a  Mage. 

A  light  trailer  carriage,  with  a  pine  floor  and  hinged 
sides  which  fold  down  to  form  a  stage,  is  the  basis  of  the 
Wonder  Wagon  which  was  built  at  a  cost  of  just  $270.  The 
multiple-purjx.-c  \chide  >ei\c-  ;i-  .1  Map-  for  movies  and 
shows,  a  games  platform,  a  basic  unit  for  areas  without  a 
playground,  and  even  dons  skis  for  sleigh  rides. 


590 


RECREATION 


Madison's  Stagecoach,  once  a  farm  wagon. 


Show  Wagon  in  Omaha  is  a  compact  unit. 


Other  Community  Show  Wagons 


Traveling  Marionette  Show  pro- 
vides entertainment  in  Norfolk. 


A  few  of  the  many  recreation  programs  on  wheels 
which  have  been  developed  throughout  the  country. 


Madison,  Wisconsin 

THE  STAGECOACH,  or  travel  theatre,  is  used  as  part  of  the 
summer  playground  program  in  Madison.  A  jeep  truck 
carries  a  cast  of  from  twelve  to  fifteen  boys  and  girls  and 
furnishes  the  power  to  pull  the  Stagecoach  to  the  various 
playgrounds  where  plays  are  put  on. 

It  was  built  in  one  of  the  high  school  machine  shops 
from  a  farm  wagon,  with  a  flat  bed  seven  by  fourteen  feet, 
equipped  with  a  trailer  hitch  and  mounted  on  automobile 
tires.  When  it  is  opened  up  it  makes  a  stage  approximately 
fourteen  feet  square. 

The  work  was  done  by  teachers  and  boys  enrolled  in  the 
machine  shop  class.  The  wagon  itself  cost  about  $350  and 
approximately  $1,000  was  used  for  supplies  and  equipment 
to  complete  the  job.  The  only  other  cost  is  the  salary  of 
a  man  to  drive  the  truck  and  take  charge  of  setting  it  up 
and  taking  it  down  at  each  performance.  The  directors  of 
the  playgrounds  assist  with  this  operation  after  it  arrives 
at  the  playground;  and  it  takes  about  ten  minutes  to  put 
it  up  and  the  same  amount  of  time  to  take  it  down. 

The  boys  and  girls  who  make  up  the  cast  are  of  junior 
and  senior  ages  and  are  part  of  another  summer  program, 
namely,  Summer  Youth  Theatre.  There  is  a  director  in 
charge,  and  the  Stagecoach  and  its  activities  are  part  of 
this  summer  theatre. 

Omaha,  Nebraska 

A  mobile  stage  unit  for  the  presentation  of  outdoor  tal- 
ent shows  was  presented  to  the  children  of  Omaha  by  the 
World-Herald  Good  Fellows  Charities,  Incorporated.  The 
interest  of  the  World-Herald  was  aroused  by  the  "Play- 
ground Follies"  which  were  put  on  at  the  end  of  each  play- 
ground season  with  a  cast  composed  of  the  best  talent  se- 
lected from  each.  Formerly  these  shows  were  put  on  with 
just  a  platform,  lights  and  a  public  address  system.  They 
were  so  popular  that  the  paper  readily  saw  the  need  for 


such  a  vehicle  and  also  recognized  the  good  will  that  could 
be  created  by  such  a  gift  to  the  children.  The  name,  Show 
Wagon,  was  selected  through  a  contest;  and  the  vehicle 
was  turned  over  to  the  park  and  recreation  department 
which  agreed  to  maintain  and  operate  it. 

The  Show  Wagon,  which  cost  in  excess  of  $4,000,  is 
complete  in  every  detail.  It  is  arranged  so  that  one  side  of 
what  would  normally  be  a  van,  fifteen  feet  long  and  seven 
feet  wide,  drops  down  and  becomes  a  part  of  the  stage. 
The  wagon  is  mounted  on  a  four-wheel  trailer  unit  which 
can  be  fastened  to  the  back  of  an  ordinary  truck  and 
moved  from  playground  to  playground.  It  is  equipped  with 
its  own  sound  system,  a  piano  and  a  5,000  watt  generator 
for  use  when  regular  power  is  not  available.  There  are 
electrical  outlets  at  strategic  locations  in  the  walls  and 
floor  for  foot  lights.  The  unit  is  available  to  community 
organizations  who  book  it  for  specific  dates. 

Norfolk,  Virginia 

A  Traveling  Marionette  Show,  which  presented  half-hour 
performances,  was  one  of  Norfolk's  most  popular  summer 
playground  attractions  last  year.  A  maintenance  truck  was 
used  to  transport  the  equipment,  which  included  the  stage, 
organ,  and  portable  address  system,  and  also  served  as  the 
base  for  the  stage  during  the  show. 

The  stage  was  designed  by  the  arts  and  crafts  supervisor 
and  constructed  from  a  portion  of  an  old  ping  pong  table 
with  folding  legs.  The  colorful  lime  backdrop  and  rose 
draw-curtains  were  made  of  monk's  cloth.  Scrap  materials 
mostly  were  used  for  the  marionettes  and  scenery  which 
were  made  during  the  winter  at  one  of  the  community 
centers. 

The  show  was  well-received  by  the  many  audiences  who 
sat  on  the  ground  under  shade  trees  during  the  perform- 
ances; and  it  served  as  an  inspiration  to  other  centers 
which  are  now  planning  their  own  traveling  puppet  shows. 


MARCH  1953 


591 


Richard  Kraus 


ACROSS  -THE  -  BORDER 


THE  revival  of  popular  interest 
in  square  dancing,  many  large  fes- 
tivals and  jamborees  have  been  held  in 
cities  throughout  the  United  States. 
Houston,  St.  Louis,  Omaha,  Chicago, 
and  a  number  of  California  cities, 
have  all  been  host  to  spectacular 
events  —  with  dozens  of  star  callers  and 
hundreds  of  participating  clubs  and 
groups. 

This  surge  of  square  dance  enthusi- 
asm has  not  been  limited  to  the 
I  niied  States,  however.  Following  the 
visit  of  then-Princess  Elizabeth  to  this 
country,  and  the  many  published  pho- 
tographs of  her  square  dancing,  there 
has  been  a  definite  square  dance  craze 
in  Great  Britain.  For  a  number  of 
years,  American  occupation  forces  in 
Japan  have  been  square  dancing,  with 
the  result  that  many  Japanese  are  now 
swinging  their  partners  and  doing  the 
do-si-do!  Down  under,  New  Zealand- 
ers  have  caught  on  too. 

To  the  north,  in  the  provinces  of 
western  Canada,  there  has  been  a  com- 
parable amount  of  square  dance  activ- 
ity, probably  influenced  by  the  enthu- 
siasm in  Washington  arid  Oregon.  But. 
strangely,  there  has  been  very  little 
outward  display  of  interest  in  this 
form  of  recreatimi  in  eastern  Canada. 
particularly  in  the  populous  Quebec 
Province.  While  a  number  of  group- 
have  existed  there  for  years,  most  of 
these  have  danced  to  records  and  in 
small  muni"  r-  Little  co-educational 
square  dancing  has  existed  in  the  Kiig- 


KRAI.S.  author  of  the  book 
•*<>i  \RE  DANCES  OF  TODAY,  was  guest 
rallrr  and  workshop  chairman  at  ih:\ 
ftrtl  Mnnlrral  Square  Dnru-r  r'rstival. 


I i>h -speaking  schools  of  Montreal,  ami 
none  at  all  in  the  French,  according  to 
J.  G.  Lang,  director  of  physical  edu- 
cation for  boys  in  the  Protestant 
schools  of  that  city. 

So,  in  June,  1951,  when  Dr.  Stew- 
art Davidson  returned  to  Montreal 
from  Teachers  College,  Columbia  I  ni- 
versity,  where  he  had  obtained  his  doc- 
tor's degree  in  the  field  of  physical 
education,  he  found  considerable  curi- 
osity about  square  dancing  in  the 
United  States.  He  was,  therefore, 
quickly  called  upon  to  conduct  iiislnn 
lion  sessions  for  prospective  ca'lers. 
These  classes,  sponsored  by  the  Great 
er  Montreal  Branch  of  the  Canadian 
Association  for  Health,  Physical  Edu- 
cation  and  Recreation,  were  held  in 
the  Montreal  schools,  and  were  ex- 
tremely well  attended. 

Emphasizing  group  learning  tech- 
niques, he  found  tremendous  interest 
displayed  by  teachers  and  recreation 
leaders.  And.  when  the  series  came  to 
a  close,  everyone  was  sayiin-'.  "Let'- 
run  a  festival!" 

Organizing  To  Do  The  Jolt 

As  they  have  for  many  groups  that 
have  tackled  the  same  assignment  in 
the  United  States,  a  number  of  \  it.il 
questions  immediately  presented  them- 
selves to  the  Canadians: 

Should  the  e\ent  lie  l>x  in\  italion.  or 
open  to  the  public? 

\\li.il  -i/i-  attendance  max  ic.i-»n- 
.||>I\  lie  expected  ? 

\\li.n  hall  will  be  available— and 
what  about  acoustics? 

How  can  interested  group-  In- 
reached? 

Shall   participation   I"    the   kexnote. 


or  should  demonstration  and  competi- 
tion be  emphasized? 

How  -can  the  event  be  widely  publi- 
cized, if  it  is  decided  to  make  it  open 
to  all? 

A  group  of  physical  educators  and 
recreation  leaders  soon  banded  to- 
gether to  solve  these  problems.  Dr. 
J.  B.  kukp.itrick  and  Miss  \\inona 
\\ood.  both  of'McGill  University,  J.  G. 
Lang,  Dr.  Davidson  and  others  set  up  a 
I  r-tival  Committee.  Davidson  was 
elected  chairman.  Rapidly,  sub-com- 
mittees were  formed  to  handle  the  fol- 
low ing  functions:  publicity,  sponsors, 
facilities,  program  and  tickets.  Lionel 
Foiirnicr.  former  Olympic  track  star 
and  a  community  recreation  director. 
was  chosen  to  be  in  charge  of  a  xxnik- 
shop  to  lie  held  on  the  day  following 
the  festival. 

The  sub-committees  functioned  in- 
dependently. reporting  at  regulai 
meetings  to  the  main  committee,  I'li.m 
man  Davidson  acted  as  coordinator. 
arranging  meetings  and  keeping  each 
-iil>-committee  aware  of  the  progress  of 
the  others.  Many  physical  education 
-liiilcnts  at  McGill  were  -0011  drawn 
into  semii-:  on  these  -nl>-i  nmmitti-c- 

Publicity 

The   people    who    were    working   on 

pnliln  ilx  .....  n  -truck  p.ix-dirt  —  in 
quantities.  As  soon  as  the  date 
u.i-  -cli-  tfil.  \o\cmlicr  I  I.  the  three 
large*!  department  -ton--  in  Montreal 
loopeiatcil  wliole-hearteillx.  arranging 
window  displays  to  play  up  the  fe-ti- 
v.il.  Mii-n  -I  window  dis- 

plays too.  and  a<l\irti-e,l  the  cxenl 
oxer  their  sponsored  radio  -how-  for 
the  week  preceding  the  event.  Vari- 


M 


|{|i  III    XII.  IN 


ous  recreation  organizations  that  were 
represented  on  the  planning  committee 
cooperated  in  the  advance  ticket  sale. 
Both  local  and  national  radio  stations 
agreed  to  record  the  festival  on  tape,  and 
then  to  re-broadcast  it.  Throughout, 
Montreal  newspapers  carried  articles 
and  releases  prepared  by  the  publicity 
committee,  including  pictures  and  fea- 
ture articles  prepared  by  staff  writers 
assigned  to  the  festival  and  workshop. 
The  possibilities  of  television  and  film- 
ing were  also  explored,  but  technical 
difficulties  prevented  them  from  being 
carried  out. 

At  the  same  time,  when  Flying  Of- 
ficer Frank  Lynch,  active  in  Canadian 
armed  forces  recreation  and  a  class- 
mate of  Stewart  Davidson's,  heard  of 
the  festival,  he  determined  to  make  use 
of  it.  Plans  were  quickly  laid  to  fly  in 
uniformed  men  and  women  from  out- 
lying posts  to  attend  both  the  festival 
and  the  leaders'  workshop.  Their  pur- 
pose? To  gather  new  materials  and 
ideas,  in  the  area  of  square  dancing, 
which  they  might  use  as  a  supplement 
to  the  athletic  programs  already  estab- 
lished for  all  ranks  at  their  stations. 

Setting  Up  The  Program 

Meanwhile,  the  planning  committee 
found  that  a  number  of  square  dance 
groups,  which  had  been  meeting  for 
years,  knew  little  about  other  such 
clubs  in  the  vicinity.  Many  of  them 
expressed  astonishment:  "Why  we 
thought  we  were  the  only  ones  square 
dancing  in  Montreal!" 

Under  the  direction  of  J.  G.  Lang, 
who  was  to  serve  as  master  of  cere- 
monies for  the  evening  program,  a 
number  of  these  groups  prepared  dem- 
onstrations. They  included  one  young 
French  folk  dance  group,  led  by  Si- 
mone  Voyer.  Lang  also  arranged  to 
have  a  number  of  the  local  callers  on 
the  program,  and  for  a  band  to  play- 
through  the  evening,  featuring  Jean 
Corrigan,  champion  French  Canadian 
fiddler.  In  addition,  the  author  of  this 
article  was  flown  up  from  New  York, 
to  act  as  featured  guest  caller  at  the 
festival  and  to  conduct  the  leaders' 
workshop  the  next  morning. 

Bob  Wilkinson  and  Howard  Ryan, 
faculty  members  of  the  McGill  School 
of  Physical  Education,  were  placed  in 
charge  of  facilities.  Certain  problems 


arose  here.  The  question  of  concession 
rights  was  not  fully  explored  by  the 
committee,  resulting  in  loss  of  revenue 
from  refreshments.  Exemption  from 
the  amusement  tax  was  not  applied 
for  early  enough,  resulting  in  another 
loss.  There  was  disagreement  among 
committee  members  concerning  the 
displays  that  were  to  be  put  up,  as  well 
as  other  responsibilities.  But,  by  and 
large,  they  worked  together  extremely 
well  through  the  weeks  preceding  the 
festival. 

The  Big  Event 

Friday,  November  14,  turned  out  to 
be  a  dark  and  rainy  day — a  gloomy 
omen!  Committee  members  gathered 
early  in  the  Sir  Arthur  Currie  Me- 
morial Gymnasium  at  McGill.  The 
huge  hall,  vaster  than  most  armories 
and  with  an  excellent  floor  for  danc- 
ing, had  been  gaily  decorated.  The 
bandstand  was  garlanded  and  bedecked 
with  corn  shucks,  pumpkins  and  cos- 
tumed dummies  as  ornaments.  A  huge 
painted  sign  with  details  of  the  pro- 
gram towered  over  the  stand.  Acous- 
tics, arranged  by  the  local  radio  sta- 
tion's technician,  were  fine.  At  one 
end  of  the  floor,  empty  rows  of  bleach- 
ers waited. 

Eight  o'clock,  the  announced  begin- 
ning time,  came  and  went!  Only  a 
few  people  were  scattered  about  the 
sides  of  the  hall.  How  many  would 
attend?  Many  people  had  worked 
long  and  hard  on  this  event,  the  first  of 
its  kind  in  eastern  Canada's  recreation 
history.  For  it  to  prove  a  dud — a 
flop — would  be  heartbreaking. 

Then  the  dancers  began  to  swarm 
in;  some  of  them  dressed  in  their  Sun- 
day best,  others  in  plaid  shirts  and 
dungarees.  They  came  in  couples,  sets 
and  clubs.  Most  were  English  speak- 
ing, but  there  were  a  number  of  French 
Canadians  too.  And,  as  the  callers 
strutted  their  stuff,  as  the  demonstra- 
tion groups  performed,  they  kept  com- 
ing. Newspaper  and  magazine  writers 
scurried  around,  taking  notes.  Photo- 
graphers and  radio  technicians  clogged 
the  steps  to  the  bandstand  .... 

At  the  high  point  of  the  evening, 
the  attendance  was  estimated  at  be- 
tween 1,200  and  1,400,  far  exceeding 
all  expectations! 

From  a  dancing  point  of  view,  the 


program  proved  not  too  different  from 
what  might  be  seen  south  of  the  bor- 
der. Most  of  the  dances  were  fairly 
simple;  many  were  like  traditional 
New  England  and  Midwestern  figures. 
The  majority  were  called,  patter-style, 
rather  than  sung.  The  style  of  the 
dancers  was  not  highly  polished;  most 
of  them  skipped  throughout  the  eve- 
ning and  swung  wildly.  No  folk  dances 
or  mixers  were  presented,  except  those 
taught  by  the  author.  Interestingly 
enough,  three  of  the  younger  callers 
presented  dances  similar  to  those  from 
the  American  Southwest,  both  in  call- 
ing style  and  the  pattern  of  the  move- 
ments. With  the  exception  of  one 
caller,  who  had  visited  the  United 
States  recently,  they  had  learned  this 
material  from  books  and  records. 

Next  morning  over  150  school  teach- 
ers, recreation  workers  and  callers  at- 
tended the  leaders'  workshop.  On  the 
crest  of  enthusiasm  engendered  by  the 
success  of  the  festival,  they  voted  unan- 
imously to  form  a  Square  Dance  As- 
sociation, to  carry  on  the  work  that 
had  been  begun  and  help  spread  square 
dancing  throughout  Quebec  Province 
and  beyond. 

Summing  Up 

In  reviewing  the  week-end,  Dr.  Da- 
vidson, who  is  at  present  Director  of 
Physical  Education  at  Strathcona 
Academy,  Outremont,  Quebec,  says: 

"I  feel  that  our  strength  lay  in  the 
excellent  publicity  we  received,  at  no 
cost,  .  .  .  The  weaknesses  lay  in  the 
acceptance  of  responsibilities  by  indi- 
viduals who  were  already  overbur- 
dened with  work  and  were  unable  to 
fulfill  the  additional  tasks  imposed  by 
the  festival.  .  .  ." 

He  adds,  "As  a  whole,  though,  the 
experience  was  a  tremendous  one  for 
us.  The  radio  station,  for  instance,  re- 
ceived so  many  favorable  comments 
about  their  broadcast  of  the  festival 
that  they  want  to  air  a  regular  square 
dance  program  weekly.  Many  people 
came  in  from  distant  communities  to 
find  out  how  to  build  square  dancing 
in  their  areas;  other  people  are  eager 
to  know  about  future  callers'  courses. 
The  schools  are  planning  to  introduce 
much  more  of  it  on  a  co-educational 
basis.  Square  dancing  is  on  its  way 
in  Eastern  Canada!" 


MARCH  1953 


593 


\IHUI;  Ihuiu 


HAT  HAVE  promoters  done  to 
our  great  American  square 
dance  here  at  home?  Have 
they  taken  it  from  the  folksy  trail  and 
entrenched  it  on  Snob  Hilly 

Recreation  leaders  who  believe  in 
the  fellowship  values  at  one  time  in- 
herent in  the  folk  and  square  dance 
are  deeply  concerned  with  the  present 
situation.  The  latest  expressions  of 
this  concern  may  be  found  in  such  ar- 
ticles as  Kd  Durlacher's  "Quo  Vadis," 
reprinted  in  The  Midwest  Dancer  for 
September  1952,  in  surveys  like  Don 
Armstrong's  "Let's  Pause  for  Refresh- 
ment," in  American  Squares  for  Oc- 
tober 1952,  and  in  admonitions  like 
Pappy  Shaw's  "Let's  relax  and  dance 
for  fun  and  not  for  the  Joneses."  Dur- 
lacher  points  out  how  the  craze  for  in- 
tricacy— the  rash  of  twisters  and  mazes 
— seems  bent  on  destroying  the  square 
dance.  Armstrong  notes  with  alarm 
the  lack  of  mixers  which  he  says,  in  a 
previous  artirli-.*  seems  prevalent  in 
thr  HcMrm  -t.ili-. 

Are  square  dancers  and  callers,  in- 
creasingly infected  by  a  showy  com- 
mercialism and  its  unfortunate  conse- 
quences, going  to  heed  these  voices? 

The  decline  of  the  old  mixer  and  the 
increase  in  the  new  maze  concoction, 
particularly  in  the  west,  as  noted  by 
Don  Armstrong  and  others,  are  signs 
of  the  snob  times.  The  inevitable  ra- 


•  "F.n.l  ..f  tli-  Good  Will  Tour,"  Amrn.  ,,n 
Squarti  (or  September  1952. 

DR.  KATONA  has  written  other  articles 
for  RECREATION,  including  "Let's  Have 
Workshops  for  fellowship."  Nov.  1951. 

594 


tionalizations  have  come  up  to  explain 
away  the  trend,  and  they  would  be 
amusing  were  it  not  for  their  deadly 
effect  on  sociability. 

Two  stock  arguments  against  mixers 
were  repeated  in  effect  in  a  letter  in 
American  Squares  for  November  1952 : 
(1)  We  stay  by  ourselves  for  protec- 
tion; (2)  We  don't  want  to  get  stuck 
with  somebody  all  evening.  Now, 
there  may  be  occasional  situations 
where  these  reasons  are  genuine,  and 
we  are  granting  the  sincerity  of  the 
letter  writer,  but  in  the  overwhelming 
majority  of  cases  these  excuses  are 
merely  rationalizations  for  snobbish- 
ness. Let  us  briefly  examine  them. 

Regarding  the  "protection"  refrain, 
if  a  dance  is  rough,  there  is  no  protec- 
tion staying  in  one's  own  set.  One  will 
get  jostled,  stepped  on,  or  kicked  by 
dancers  in  one's  own  or  adjacent  sets. 
More,  the  horseplay  will  send  other 
dancers  careening  into  one  another's 
sets.  The  immediate  solution  is  to  go 
home  and  not  come  back  again. 

It  is,  however,  in  the  square  dance 
clubs,  where  all  are  supposed  to  be 
friends  and  skilled  dancers,  that  the 
most  extreme  exclusiveness  is  prac- 
lit  i-d.  In  some  clubs,  dancers  not  only 
stay  in  their  original  sets,  but  dance 
on  the  same  spot  on  the  floor,  and  not 
one  mixer  is  danced  all  evening. 

The  "get  stuck"  argument  has  CM-N 
less  ground  to  stand  on.  In  the  first 
place,  no  mixer  lasts  all  night,  but 
usually  only  a  few  minutes.  One 
changes  partners  continually  in  a 


It  is  a  great  pleasure,  of  course,  for 


a  skilled  dancer  to  dance  with  another 
skilled  dancer,  especially  a  good 
friend,  or  in  a  set  of  skilled  dancers. 
It  is  also  a  great  pleasure  to  share 
one's  skills  with  those  less  skilled — to 
help  others  acquire  these  skills  and  en- 
joy them  too.  Pleasure,  then,  is 
spread.  More  and  more  people  share 
the  joy  of  life  to  be  found  in  the  folk 
and  square  dance.  It  is  a  form  of  so- 
cial generosity  to  mix  with  others,  and 
to  help  them  get  the  exhilarating  lift 
out  of  the  folk  dance  that  we  have 
learned  to  get.  On  the  other  hand,  it  is 
sheer  selfishness  to  stay  with  one  part- 
ner or  in  one  set. 

Dancing  that  is  shared  in  a  helpful 
manner  becomes  a  good-neighbor  ac- 
tivity, a  mutual  enjoyment  of  fun,  and 
the  folk  dance  is  carried  on,  as  it 
should  be,  as  a  recreational  means  to 
a  fellowship  end.  That  is  its  original 
and  true  function.  Sociability  comes 
first,  then  dancing  skill.  The  very  word 
folk  means  "of  the  people." 

Ideally,  to  be  sure,  sociability  and 
skill  go  together.  Skilled  dancers  in  a 
balanced  program  have  both.  Theirs  is 
the  joy  of  a  shared  art,  a  truly  folk 
art.  And  by  giving  of  their  skill  to 
others,  the  level  of  dancing  is  raised 
for  all  in  a  sociable  manner.  Even 
granting  the  protection  argument  for 
a  moment,  dancers  would  proic.  t  tlirm- 
-flvc-s  by  teaching  others. 

It  seems  that  a  balanced  program 
would  be  fifty  per  cent  mixers.  One 
dances  with  his  partner,  and  in  his  set 
if  he  wishes,  half  the  time,  and  with 
others  half  the  time.  Of  course,  indi- 
viduals and  sets  may  mix  more  often 

RECREATION 


Sociability  and  Simplicity  or  Snobbery  and  Intricacy? 


oi  THE  HOME  FRONT 


Arthur  Katona 


if  they  want,  in  the  scheduled  or  di- 
rected program.  In  this  way  one  en- 
joys himself  with  his  neighbors,  makes 
new  friends,  discovers  compatible  part- 
ners. 

For  to  be  "out  of  the  world,"  to  be 
"in  the  groove,"  as  our  jazz  devotees 
would  say,  is  a  glorious  release  for 
troubled  and  untroubled  souls.  The  re- 
lease is  happiest  when  it  is  shared. 
The  folk  and  square  dance  is  a  most 
exhilarating  means  to  this  social  re- 
lease. It  is  a  gladsome  example  of  that 
great  humanitarian  principle  —  one 
finds  himself  by  losing  himself. 

While  the  snobbery  and  intricacy 
now  evident  in  the  American  folk  and 
square  dance  are  symptoms  of  a 
shoddy,  competitive  commercialism 
that  plagues  this  day  and  age,  square 
dance  callers — and  from  now  on  I  am 
referring  mainly  to  so-called  western 
callers — must  bear  a  substantial  share 
of  the  responsibility  for  it.  Too  many 
string  along  with  the  tide,  making  ex- 
cuses that  they  must  keep  up  with  the 
times,  that  they  will  lose  their  crowds 
if  they  buck  the  trend,  that  they  must 
give  the  public  what  it  wants,  and  so 
on.  This  is  the  language  of  advertising 
promoters,  not  recreation  leaders. 
Thus  callers,  who  fancy  themselves 
recreation  leaders,  by  their  own  un- 
witting admission,  are  ruining  social 
recreation. 

An  interesting  rationalization  used 
by  callers  is  that  mixers  are  too  much 
extra  work.  Calling  squares,  they  say, 
is  in  itself  plenty  for  a  night's  stand. 
This  excuse  is  absurd,  for  mixers  by 
their  very  nature  are  relaxing  for  both 


dancers  and  leader.  If  callers  choose 
to  shirk  their  social  duties,  they  should 
quit  the  business. 

By  following  the  frantic  fads  of  the 
day,  callers  and  dance  instructors  aid 
and  abet  them.  Worse,  they  become  a 
means  of  instigating  them. 

The  trend  is  so  insidious  that  in 
some  quarters  it  is  taken  for  granted. 
Callers  pooh-pooh  the  cries  of  critics 
as  alarmist  or  exaggerated,  and  at  the 
same  time  cannot  see  what  is  happen- 
ing under  their  own  noses.  Like  the 
case  of  the  caller  who  spent  a  discus- 
sion period  preaching  simplicity  and 
then  proceeded  to  teach  complicated 
square  dance  figures  usable  only  for 
exhibition  sets. 

It  is  interesting,  and  disconcerting, 


This  article  analyzes  antisocial  trends 
that  are  threatening  to  destroy  the 
American  square  dance  as  a  folk 
dance.  Recreation  leaders  and 
square  dance  callers  who  believe  in 
the  fellowship  values  of  folk  and 
square  dancing  should  rally  together 
to  stem  the  tide.— A.  Katona. 


to  note  that  the  merry  old  mixer,  the 
Circle  Two-Step  or  Paul  Jones,  prob- 
ably the  best  get-acquainted  mixer  of 
all,  is  treated  with  blase  scorn  in  the 
urban  areas  of  the  West.  But  not  so  in 
rural  areas  comparatively  untouched 
by  "western"  dance  influences.  I  have 
seen  rural  folk  enjoy  the  neighborly 
exchange  that  is  the  Circle  Two-Step 
for  fifteen  minutes  and  yell  for  more. 
To  be  sure,  in  some  parts  of  the  urban 


West  a  type  of  mixer  called  Scatter 
Promenade  is  being  used.  But  it  is 
called  so  fast  and  furiously,  like  the 
western  hash  calls,  that  the  frantic 
changes  allow  no  time  for  becoming 
acquainted. 

Now  we  can  understand  the  why  of 
the  tremendous  turnover  in  the  mem- 
bership of  square  dance  clubs  that  Don 
Armstrong  writes  about.  We  can  un- 
derstand why  dancers  are  quitting  ur- 
ban square  dance  clubs  in  disgust  and 
going  to  the  country  to  find  the  so- 
ciability and  simplicity  they  crave. 
This  going  to  the  country  is  a  healthy 
sign  in  a  diseased  situation.  If  en- 
larged and  continued,  it  may  help 
bring  about  a  much  needed  change 
Perhaps  the  sociability  of  the  country 
will  be  blended,  in  time,  with  the  skill 
of  the  city. 

I  heard  this  from  a  couple  who  had 
attended  a  western  folk  and  square 
dance  camp:  "Never  again.  We  looked 
forward  to  a  nice  vacation  there.  We 
wanted  to  relax,  have  fun,  learn  a  few 
dances,  and  meet  congenial  people.  In- 
stead, we  were  driven  like  mad  through 
a  lot  of  complicated  stuff  we'll  never 
do  again.  The  callers  who  went  there 
from  our  part  of  the  country  can  use 
only  about  one-tenth  of  what  was 
dished  out.  The  crowds  where  we 
come  from  won't  stand  for  that  sort  of 
thing." 

This  couple  represents  the  great  ma- 
jority of  plain  folk  for  whom  the 
square  dance  is  traditionally  social 
recreation.  It  is  this  large  majority, 
dancers  and  nondancers,  who  want  so- 
ciability and  simplicity,  which  recre- 
ation leaders  should  serve — and  not 
the  small  minority  of  glamor  boys  and 
girls  who  race  through  every  new 
dance  number  concocted  by  cash- 
minded  callers. 

Let  us  get  back  on  the  folksy  trail. 
Let  us  be  good  neighbors  and  relax 
and  enjoy  each  other's  company.  Let 
us  keep  the  folk  and  square  dance  so- 
ciable and  simple. 


MARCH  1953 


595 


T^WGUIDE 


THE  PEOPLE  of  a  commu- 
nity,  of  a  state,  of  a  nation,  or 
of  many  nations  meet  together  in  one 
place  to  celebrate  with  their  own  na- 
tive songs  and  dances  in  the  spirit  of 
pride  and  enjoyment,  we  have  all  the 
good  makings  of  a  folk  festival.  In  in- 
formal ways,  they  can  be  said  to  occur 
in  the  life  of  every  town — those  times 
when  you  and  your  neighbors  get  to- 
gether for  an  evening  of  singing  the 
old  songs,  dancing  the  old  dances.  But 
usually  these  "community  sings"  and 
"socials"  are  alike,  one  with  the  other, 
in  that  the  same  favorites  make  up  the 
evening.  It  is  when  you  sing  or  play 
the  music  (almost  always  unwritten, 
having  been  handed  down  generation 
to  generation)  and  perform  the  dances 
that  are  native  to  your  community,  or 
have  been  brought  into  it.  that  a  true 
festival  is  begun. 

Why  a  Community  Festival? 

From  the  number  of  reasons  why  it 
is  worth  while  for  a  community  to  hold 
a  festival,  perhaps  the  best  is  that  it 
fosters  a  new  respect  in  the  town, 
neighbor  for  neighbor.  A  fair  may 
show  thfc  rest  of  the  county  what  ex- 
cellent farmers  live  there.  A  commer- 
cial exhibition  may  show  how  keen 
and  forward  arc  tin-  l>u-iin-««fiii-ti.  But 
a  folk  festival  brings  all  together.  It 
is  the  expression  of  a  community — 
expression  of  the  people  through  song 
,iinl  dance  and  what  we  shall  call  |>1. tin 
native  spirit.  Nothing  reaches  more 
directly  to  the  roots  of  a  people  than 
their  songs,  music,  dances,  legends  and 
art  of  all  kinds. 


from   The  folk  Festival  Hand- 

linnh,  pnlili>hr<l  \<<f  Thr  Kvming  Itiillrlin 
Folk  Kr.iivil  A»*oriatinrt,  Thr  Ki-rning  Bui- 
Iflin.  1'lnl.nMprii.i,  IVnn.yKanii.  (Out  of 
print.) 


Planning  the  Folk  Festival 

Let  us  say  that  the  idea  of  a  folk 
festival  has  been  suggested  in  your 
community,  discussed,  accepted.  You 
are  ready  to  go  ahead  with  your  plans. 
It  is,  of  course,  to  be  an  important 
event  and  it  is  to  be  particularly  your 
community's  own. 

At  the  outset  it  is  far  preferable  to 
start  in  a  small  way  with  a  few  dances 
and  songs  rather  than  to  reach  for  the 
moon.  You  might  be  limited  in  your 
selection  of  talent.  Plan  a  festival  so 
il  will  reflect  plainly  the  spirit  of  your 
own  townspeople,  their  lives,  cultures 
and  traditions. 

SELECTING  A  CHAIRMAN  AND  COM- 
MITTEE— There  is  no  need  to  form  a 
large,  cumbersome  organization  for 
the  presentation  of  a  community  festi- 
val; but  it  does  need  leadership.  A 
requisite  for  a  successful  festival  is  the 
proper  choice  of  a  general  chairman. 

He  should  understand  the  commu- 
nity. Since  the  chairman  is  to  be  the 
guiding  spirit  of  this  and  future  fes- 
tivals, he  should  also  be  familiar  with 
the  purpose  of  such  festivals.  The  gen- 
eral chairman  will  have  the  responsi- 
liility  of  staging  the  presentation,  seek- 
ing and  selecting  the  participants,  ar- 
ranging and  supervising  all  details.  It 
goes  almost  without  saying  that  he 
must  have  the  respect  of  the  commu- 
nity. Necessary,  too,  is  the  ability  to 
bring  many  types  of  people  together — 
and  to  keep  them  together  in  hanni>n\. 
The  chairman  is  the  leader:  but  it's  a 
job  for  a  diplomat,  not  for  a  high- 
pressure  dictator  who  engenders  ill- 
feeling  in  a  project  meant  to  create 
good  will  among  all. 

If  the  program  is  an  ambitious  -me. 
the  chairman  can  appoint  separate 
leaders  or  committees.  Individuals  or 


committees  can  be  selected  to  look 
after  business  and  program  details. 
Others  may  be  made  responsible  for 
auditorium  arrangements,  ticket  sale 
and  publicity.  Each  division  of  the 
program  can  be  put  in  charge  of  one 
person  best  acquainted  with  the  par- 
ticular type  of  folk  expression  repre- 
sented: a  person  who  is  active  in 
square  dancing  would  be  the  proper 
one  to  interest  other  dancers,  a  fiddler 
to  enlist  other  fiddlers,  and  so  on. 

It  should  be  the  business  of  the  gen- 
eral chairman  to  coordinate  the  efforts 
of  all.  To  do  this,  meetings  of  the 
leaders  are  necessary.  The  number  of 
meetings  depends  upon  the  special 
problems  found  in  your  community.  A 
good  plan  is  to  have  at  least  one  gen- 
eral meeting  held  early  so  that  each 
divisional  leader  will  get  the  general 
picture,  and  another  one  just  before 
the  festival  for  final  instructions. 

THE  BUDGET  AND  SPONSORS — One  of 
the  reasons  that  the  community  festival 
is  a  logical  activity  is  because  it  can 
be  both  recreational  and  inexpensive. 
Indeed  most  small  foli\;il-  arc  held 
with  little  or  no  expense.  If  the  audi- 
torium or  open-air  theater  is  made  fiee 
to  the  festival,  and  no  admission  is 
charged,  no  tickets  or  programs  print- 
cil.  there  is  no  reason  for  great  ex- 
pense, since  these  are  the  only  large 
item*  to  be  taken  into  consideration. 
Participants  should  not  be  paid.  Those 
who  play  a  part  should  do  so  with  a 
feeling  that  they  are  making  a  conlri- 
luitinn  which  is  of  value  to  them. 

If  your  festival  is  to  involve  cx|x-ii-r. 
ili'-  i  h. linn. in  makes  out  a  budget.  The 
next  step  is  to  get  some  rc-|»>n>il>lc 
individual  or  group  to  guarantee  such 
a  budget  before  plans  are  begun.  It 

>-lloul<l    ]}f    under-loud     Iwioichlind    ex- 

RECREATION 


actly  what  financial  arrangements  are 
necessary.  When  a  sponsor  guarantees 
funds  and  expects  to  be  repaid  after 
the  ticket  sale,  every  effort  is  then 
necessary  to  see  that  repayment  is 
made. 

It  is  suggested  that  wherever  pos- 
sible responsible  sponsorship  be  se- 
cured, even  when  there  is  little  or  no 
expense  connected  with  the  festival.  A 
sponsoring  committee  might  be  ob- 
tained from  educational  institutions, 
civic  organizations,  newspapers,  busi- 
ness groups  or  local  chamber  of  com- 
merce. Another  suggestion  is  to  add 
as  well  a  citizens'  sponsoring  commit- 
tee. 

THE  PLACE  AND  THE  TIME — Spring 
has  always  been  a  natural  festival  time. 
The  date  you  choose,  however,  might 
be  one  which  is  already  established  as 
a  time  of  importance  in  your  area. 
This  might  be  during  the  harvest  sea- 
son; it  might  be  the  date  of  the  found- 
ing of  the  town.  Fourth  of  July, 
Thanksgiving,  or  any  national  or  local 
holiday  celebration  could  well  be  your 
festival  time. 

Most  towns  and  village  festivals  are 
contained  in  one  performance  an  hour 
or  more  in  length.  Larger  city  and 
community  performances  (usually 
after  several  years  of  development) 
often  are  spaced  over  two,  three  or 
more  days,  with  programs  given  in  the 
afternoon  and  evening. 

TICKETS — Many  of  the  community 
festivals  are  given  without  charge.  If 
possible,  they  should  be. 

When  it  is  necessary  to  make  a 
charge  because  of  expenses  involved, 
the  price  of  the  admission  should  be 
nominal.  After  all,  money-making  is 
not  the  objective  of  a  folk  festival — nor 
should  it  be. 

If  there  is  a  ticket  sale,  it  should  be 
started  several  weeks  before  the  festi- 
val date.  When  a  considerable  number 
of  tickets  are  to  be  sold,  a  ticket  com- 
mittee may  be  appointed  to  include  a 
representative  of  each  group  in  the 
program. 

PUBLICITY— A  folk  festival  is  worth 
telling  people  about.  The  more  ambi- 
tious program  may  have  a  publicity  di- 
rector appointed  to  do  most  of  the 
telling.  Such  a  director  would  make 
available  to  the  press  all  details  of  in- 
terest concerning  the  festival,  its  pro- 


gram and  participants.  He  may  be 
called  upon  to  explain  the  significance 
back  of  each  individual  presentation  as 
well  as  how  each  single  part  of  the 
program  fits  into  the  folk  story  of  the 
community. 

For  practical  help  in  preparing  news- 
stories,  your  local  newspaper  editor 
is  the  best  person  to  consult.  The  first 
publicity  release  prepared  for  a  large 
community  festival  is  usually  general 
in  tone,  stressing  the  objectives  and 
scope  of  the  program.  "Follow"  stor- 
ies may  then  deal  with  the  individual 
groups,  including  background  history. 
Such  stories  can  be  prepared  not  only 
with  the  idea  of  drawing  an  audience, 
but  of  explaining  and  interpreting  the 
festival,  and  to  help  find  those  who 
might  have  a  contribution  to  make  to 
the  program. 

Such  stories  go  to  the  leading  news- 
papers, but  don't  overlook  smaller  pub- 
lications, especially  those  of  different 
language  groups  if  they  happen  to  ex- 
ist in  your  community.  It  is  often 
practical  for  the  publicity  director  to 
have  a  committee  made  up  of  a  person 
from  each  division  of  the  program. 
The  leaders  in  the  separate  divisions 
have  the  contacts  necessary  to  reach 
their  own  people  directly. 

In  addition  to  newspaper  releases, 
consideration  may  be  given  to  radio 
programs  and  talks  before  civic  and 
educational  groups  of  all  kinds.  Stores 
may  cooperate  by  special  window  dis- 
plays. All  such  activities  are  under 
the  supervision  of  the  publicity  direc- 
tor. 

ABOUT  THE  LAW — If  there  is  a  pub- 
lic ticket  sale,  remember  to  check  with 
your  local  authorities  on  the  tax  laws — 
the  Collector  of  Internal  Revenue  on 
the  federal  admissions  tax  and  local  of- 
ficials as  to  other  such  taxes  as  may  be 
imposed.  If  your  festival  is  to  be  pre- 
sented in  a  hall  or  theater,  it  may  be 
necessary  to  get  special  entertainment 
permits  or  to  meet  other  legal  con- 
siderations under  your  local  laws. 
It  is  best  to  have  someone  investigate 
early  and  thus  save  a  possible  head- 
ache at  the  last  minute — such  as  having 
the  fire  marshal  declare  you  have  dis- 
regarded the  maximum  seating  ca- 
pacity of  a  certain  auditorium. 

USHERS — Again  if  your  planned  fes- 
tival is  to  be  a  sizeable  one  with  a 


large  audience,  a  member  of  the  com- 
mittee should  be  given  the  responsi- 
bility of  arranging  the  seating  so  that 
there  will  be  a  minimum  of  confusion 
when  the  audience  arrives.  In  audi- 
oriums  with ,  established  seating  ar- 
rangements and  a  regular  staff  of  ush- 
ers, this  is  a  passing  matter.  Where 
special  seating  arrangements  are  made, 
as  at  an  outdoor  festival,  this  becomes 
quite  another  matter.  Seats  and  rows 
should  be  clearly  marked,  and  ushers 
who  understand  the  arrangement 
should  be  detailed  to  guide  the  audi- 
ence. 

PROGRAM  NOTES — A  worthy  sou- 
venir of  a  memorable  festival  is  the 
printed  program.  If  possible,  notes 
should  be  prepared  as  an  explanatory 
background  to  the  music,  songs,  dances 
and  other  presentations. 

Building  a  Program 

As  pointed  out  earlier,  the  customs, 
talent  and  folklore  of  your  community 
are  to  give  your  festival  a  character 
of  its  own.  No  one  comprehensive 
sample  program  will  serve  for  any  one 
locality,  since  the  character  of  the  tal- 
ent will  be  different  in  each  commu- 
nity. 

To  build  a  program,  study  the  types 
of  folk  representation  and  find  out 
about  the  talent  available  in  your  sur- 
roundings. Then  you  are  ready  to  ar- 
range to  have  such  individuals  and 
groups  prepared  for  the  festival  date. 

TALENT  HUNT — In  smaller  commu- 
nities where  nearly  everyone  knows  his 
neighbor,  you  will  be  aWe  to  plan  a 
program  without  searching  very  far, 
for  your  festival  probably  is  to  be  an 
economical  one  of  very  informal  na- 
ture. In  larger  towns  and  cities,  a  tal- 
ent hunt  poses  more  of  a  problem.  Be- 
come familiar  with  all  the  groups  in 
your  area  which  might  be  represented. 
Walk  and  talk  festival.  Go  to  the  edi- 
tors of  newspapers,  to  oldsters  in  the 
community  whose  memories  may  put 
you  on  the  track  of  valuable  festival 
material.  Schools,  too,  should  be  in- 
cluded in  the  search  for  talent.  News- 
paper publicity  may  also  aid  in  locat- 
ing individuals  and  groups  who  should 
be  represented. 

Do  make  it  a  point  that,  wherever 
there  are  different  types  of  groups 
available,  all  are  given  the  opportunity 


MARCH  1953 


597 


to  take  part. 

FOLK  Music — The  general  plan  puts 
folk  music  into  two  divisions: 

1.  The    rendering    of   original    folk 
music  performed  by  individuals  or  by 
a  group,  vocal  or  instrumental  or  ac- 
companied, to  include  the  songs  and 
music  of  the  Indians,  early  settlers  and 
later  arrivals,  as  well  as  the  fascinating 
lore    found    in    sea    chanteys,    river, 
canal,   lumberjack,   mining    and   cow- 
boy songs,  Negro  spirituals  and  work 
songs.    In  these  presentations,  appro- 
priate instruments  such  as  the  fiddle, 
dulcimer,  banjo,  guitar,  harmonica  and 
accordion  should  be  used. 

2.  The     presentation     of     arranged 
compositions — choral    or    instrumental 
— based    on    original    folk    music    but 
which    are    adaptions    or    departures 
from  the  original  form. 

FOLK  DANCES — Folk  dancing  is  one 
of  the  most  popular,  colorful  and  in- 
teresting phases  of  a  festival,  giving  it 
action  and  vitality.  The  general  plan 
also  creates  two  divisions  here: 

1.  Characteristic  dances  which  have 
been  handed  down  in  their  traditional 
forms.    Again  the  accent  should  be  on 
authenticity.   Among  the  forms  includ- 
ed are  Indian  dances,  square  dances, 
singing  games,  English,  Scottish,  Irish. 
Spanish-American,    French   and   other 
dances  performed  in  early  days.    And 
we  have  the  Russian,  Italian,  Czecho- 
slovakian,  Lithuanian,  Ukrainian,  Chi- 
nese, Filipino  and  other  dances  more 
recent  to  America. 

2.  The  presentation  of  dances  devel- 
oped from  the  above  basic  forms. 

FOLK  PLAYS — Traditional  folk  plays 
or  those  recently  written,  utilizing  folk 
materials,  may  be  presented  when  it  is 
possible  to  fit  them  into  the  program. 
If  such  a  play  is  available — short  in 
form  and  common  to  your  locality — it 
would  be  interesting  to  include  it,  as 
this  is  rather  a  rare  festival  event  in 
most  communities. 

OTHER  FEATURES — Two  other  fea- 
tures appropriate  to  a  program  are 
handicraft  exhibits  and  the  recounting 
of  local  legends,  folk  tales  and  super- 
-titionf. 

The  handicraft  exhibit  displays  craft 
creations  of  the  groups  represented  on 
the  festival  program  or  found  in  the 
community.  This  includes  sculpture, 
wood  and  metal  work,  woven  blankets. 

598 


quilts,  rugs,  bead-work,  pottery,  wood- 
carving,  paintings  dealing  with  folk 
themes,  and  other  arts  and  crafts  of 
the  folk.  This  is  arranged  as  a  sepa- 
rate part  of  the  festival,  the  display 
adding  much  to  the  "atmosphere"  of 
the  stage  presentations.  Demonstra- 
tions of  weaving,  spinning,  pottery- 
making  and  other  creative  efforts  also 
may  be  included. 

The  legends,  folk  tales  and  supersti- 
tions are  something  "different"  when 
part  of  a  program  and,  like  folk  plays, 
should  be  common  to  your  locality. 

Know  your  community — learn  about 
it — and  then  build  your  program. 

Presentation 

GROUP  REHEARSALS  —  After  the 
chairman  knows  what  is  to  be  included 
on  the  program,  attention  can  be  given 
to  the  actual  presentation.  If  the  pro- 
gram includes  a  variety  of  groups,  now 
is  the  time  to  plan  their  efforts  so  that 
there  will  not  be  too  many  songs  to- 
gether, or  too  many  dances  following 
each  other.  The  longer  the  program, 
the  greater  the  need  for  attention  to 
variety.  Consider  your  audience  and 
prepare  for  them  by  planning  as 
smooth-running  a  festival  as  you  can. 

Timing  is  another  important  consid- 
eration when  the  program  is  to  extend 
for  an  hour  or  more.  It  is  hard  for 
some  groups  to  realize  that  if  the  pro- 
grams are  continued  all  through  the 
afternoon  or  evening,  the  audience 
grows  tired.  If  your  program  is  to  run 
more  than  an  hour,  a  definite  time  lim- 
it should  be  given  to  each  group  or 
individual  early  so  that  the  various 
parts  of  the  program  can  be  fitted  cor- 
rectly within  the  performance  sched- 
ule. This  is  difficult  to  do  unless  all 
groups  cooperate  by  rehearsing  to  the 
time  allotted  in  advance.  If  one  or 
two  participating  groups  take  too  much 
linn-,  the  whole  program  is  thrown  out 
of  balance. 

COSTUMES — In  presentations  where 
special  costumes  are  used,  leaders 
should  see  that  they  are  either  originals 
or  faithful  reproductions. 

SCENERY — Little  scenery  is  neces- 
sary. A  single  background  of  a  neu- 
tral nature  will  suffice.  It  is  not  cus- 
tomary to  mount  folk  festivals  with 
elaborate  stage  sets  or  to  present  each 
folk  group  with  a  special  effort.  The 


stage  is  most  simply  planned  so  as  to 
present,  through  one  setting,  a  sur- 
rounding which  will  complement  all 
types  of  groups. 

DRESS  REHEARSAL — If  possible,  a 
full  dress  rehearsal  of  the  festival  pro- 
gram should  be  held  shortly  before  the 
actual  performance.  This  will  give  the 
director  a  golden  opportunity  to 
smooth  the  timing  of  all  the  various 
groups,  to  acquaint  all  the  participants 
at  first  hand  with  their  part  in  the  pro- 
ceedings and  with  the  stage  arrange- 
ments. 

ON  STAGE — When  perhaps  a  dozen 
or  more  groups  participate,  a  smooth- 
er presentation  is  assured  if  a  stage 
manager  is  behind  the  scenes  with  a 
production  schedule  in  hand  to  see 
that  the  proper  group  takes  the  stage 
at  the  proper  time — and  with  the  right 
properties. 

In  many  festivals,  one  group  follows 
another  to  the  stage  platform  or  floor 
where  the  performances  are  to  be 
given.  Another  method  is  to  have  all 
the  participants  brought  together  and 
seated  on  the  stage  before  the  program 
begins.  They  are  seated  on  chairs  in 
rows  arranged  on  "riser"  strips  so  that 
a  background  of  festival  folk  is  on 
view  during  the  whole  program.  Un- 
less there  is  a  space  limitation,  this 
latter  method  seems  to  offer  the  best 
plan.  Time  is  saved  because  partici- 
pants are  near  the  place  where  they  are 
to  perform  and  each  one  does  not  have 
to  make  a  separate  entrance.  In  this 
way.  all  participants  are  a  part  of  the 
program  all  during  the  performances, 
which  adds  both  color  and  order. 

THE  FESTIVAL  Is  ON — Your  audi- 
ence is  seated.  On  the  stage,  or  wait- 
ing in  the  wings  off  the  platform,  your 
folk  musicians,  singers  and  dancers  are 
ready.  Backstage  assistants  stand  by 
their  jobs.  This  is  a  moment  for  which 
many  people  have  been  working  dur- 
ing weeks  of  time.  Yet  this  moment  is 
not  a  tense  one,  as  it  is  before  the  cur- 
tain goes  up  on  a  new  play.  For  this 
is  a  festive  occasion.  It  is  a  moment 
for  the  people  to  make  merry,  to  dance 
and  sing  their  songs  as  their  father* 
did  and  their  forefathers  before  them. 
Here  in  our  free  country  is  again  be- 
ing played  our  part  as  preservers  and 
guardians  of  the  traditional  heritages 
of  many  land*. 

RECREATION 


The  outdoor  stage  depicts  an 
authentic  Arabian  castle  with 
its  domed  roofs  and  minarets. 


A  Spring  Festival 

The  Caliph,  in  all  his  splendor, 
looked  out  over  the  crowd  milling  be- 
fore him.  This  is  where  he  belonged. 
These  were  his  people.  He  thought  of 
the  great  desert  with  her  heat  and  sand 
dunes;  her  date  trees  with  their  tall 
pillar-like  trunks,  topped  with  graceful 
fronds  which  brought  forth  such  names 
as  Mecca,  Caleb  and  the  Garden  of 
Allah.  It  seemed  to  the  settlers  and 
visitors  that  some  magic  carpet  had 
whisked  them  half-way  around  the 
world  into  a  bit  of  oriental  East,  for 
this  was  not  Arabia,  but  the  little  des- 
ert town  of  Indio,  California. 

His  thoughts  flashed  back  to  the  be- 
ginning of  date  culture  in  America, 
nearly  fifty  years  ago,  when  the  De- 
partment of  Agriculture  imported  trees 
from  North  Africa,  Persia  and  Arabia. 
Since  it  was  ideally  suited,  an  experi- 
mental station  and  date  garden  was  es- 
tablished in  Mecca.  The  dates  thrived 
and  the  first  festival  was  held  in  1922. 
Today  there  are  several  thousand  acres 
in  dates,  and  Choachella  Valley  has 
become  the  date  raising  center  of 
America. 

The  crowd  before  the  Caliph  was 
swelling.  Men,  women  and  children 
dressed  in  Arabian  costumes  of  blue, 
yellow,  red,  green  and  gold  mingled 
with  those  in  regular  attire.  Many  had 
taken  their  seats — entire  families  from 
the  baby  in  arms  to  grandmother  and 
even  great-grandfather.  Some  pushed 
through  carrying  handfuls  of  pungent 
smelling  hot  dogs.  The  barkers  from 
the  booths  along  the  midway  called 
out  their  wares,  pigs  squealed  and 
cows  mooed  from  their  headquarters 
where  they  were  bedded  for  the  night, 
because  this  was  the  Riverside  County 
Fair  and  Date  Festival. 

Thousands  of  people  waited  for  the 
Arabian  Nights  Pageant  to  begin, 

LENELLF,  M.  KANTHACK,  whose  main 
hobby  is  writing,  has  had  her  stories  and 
articles  published  in  many  magazines. 

MARCH  1953 


DESERT  PEOPLE 
WEAVE  A  MAGIC  SPELL 


Lenelle  Marsh  Kanthack 


jammed  the  seats  and  overflowed  onto 
the  lawn.  The  fabulous  outdoor  stage 
depicted  an  authentic  Arabian  cast'e 
and  the  street  before  it.  According  to 
Moslem  tradition,  the  minarets  denote 
the  portion  occupied  by  the  Caliph, 
while  the  domed  roof  identifies  the 
servants  quarters.  Flanking  the  stage 
was  a  realistic  Arabian  market  scene. 
The  pageant  was  an  outgrowth  of 
something  that  had  been  trying  to  ex- 
press itself  since  the  valley  was  first 
settled  and  the  date  trees  planted.  The 
Caliph  recalled  the  first  pageant  held 
in  1948 — of  how  they  worked  to 
arouse  interest  through  an  extensive 
publicity  program.  Each  issue  of  the 
newspapers  carried  write-ups  on  activi- 
ties of  the  various  committees  and  their 
needs.  Talks  were  made  before  clubs 
and  other  gatherings.  Personal  ap- 
peals were  made  in  the  high  school  for 
boys  and  girls  to  come  to  the  tryouls. 
It  was  advertised  extensively  that  here 
was  an  excellent  opportunity  to  receive 
expert  instruction  from  the  talented 
dance  director.  The  idea  finally  took 


hold  and  it  has  become  something  for 
the  high  school  students,  as  well  as 
older  people,  to  vie  for. 

Every  year,  stories  are  written  on 
some  tale  of  the  "One  Hundred  and 
One  Nights"  and  submitted  to  the  lo- 
cal pageant  committee  in  August.  Each 
one  must  have  a  Caliph,  a  genie  and 
a  magic  lamp.  These  are  the  basic  ele- 
ments around  which  the  story  must  be 
built — a  simple  story  where  right  al- 
ways prevails.  With  beautiful  costum- 
ing and  exotic  lighting  they  weave  a 
spell  that  takes  everyone  back  to  the 
days  when  he  dreamed  of  being  a 
prince  and  rescuing  the  lady  of  his 
heart.  That  is  where  the  fascination  of 
this  pageant  lies.  It  is  the  reason  why 
many  people  find  themselves  weeping 
and  cannot  tell  why. 

The  story  chosen  by  the  committee 
is  broken  into  scenes,  the  pantomime 
worked  out,  and  suitable  music  written 
and  selected  by  the  dance  and  music 
directors.  The  cast,  soloist  and  dancers 
are  chosen  from  the  tryouts  that  take 
place  in  October.  The  dance  rehearsals 

599 


begin  in  November.  Combined  re- 
hearsals are  commenced  some  time  late 
in  January  and  the  pageant  is  present- 
ed in  February. 

The  costumes  are  designed  by  local 
artists  and  are  made  in  the  sewing 
rooms  at  the  rear  of  the  stage  and 
dressing  rooms.  The  material  is  pur- 
chased through  local  stores  and  seam- 
stresses make  them  according  to  the  de- 
signs. 

A  few  weeks  before  the  perform- 
ance, Queen  Scheherazade  is  chosen 
from  contestants  in  the  eleven  high 
schools  in  Riverside  County  High 
School  District.  The  winners  are  sent 
to  Indio  and,  on  the  first  day  of  the 
fair,  competent  judges  from  outside 
the  area  choose  the  queen.  The  others 
-in-  members  of  her  court.  They  reign 
over  the  fair  and  have  a  small  part 
in  the  pageant  each  night,  which 
brings  out  the  people  from  the  com- 
munities they  represent. 

The  Caliph  thought  of  the  job  of 
putting  on  the  pageant.  The  greatest 
problem  had  been  to  find  the  general 
chairman.  He  or  she  must  be  capable, 
dependable  and  full  of  understanding 


The  simple  -IMI  \  must  always  include 
a  beautiful  princess  who  will  he  rescued. 

for  his  fellowman.  One  who  will  rec- 
ognize what  working  under  tension 
means  and  will  control,  but  at  the  same 
time  make  allowance  for,  human  differ- 
ences. This  is  no  easy  matter  since 
there  are  over  one  hundred  members 
in  the  cast.  He  remembered,  for  only 
an  instant,  some  of  the  other  prob- 
lems— of  the  time  the  organist,  who 
had  rehearsed  for  all  the  special  num- 
bers, was  suddenly  taken  ill  three  hours 
before  dress  rehearsal,  and  of  the  time 
that  the  flash  powder,  to  be  used  for  the 
appearance  of  the  genie,  failed  to  work, 

A  Trip  to  Mexico 


and    many    other    memorable    quirks. 

He  smiled  now  when  he  thought  of 
the  hours  of  rehearsal  and  how,  as  each 
pageant  came  to  an  end,  the  cast  re- 
alized they  had  had  fun  and  delightful 
association.  They  would  miss  it! 

But  this  is  the  present.  The  pageant 
is  about  to  begin.  The  Caliph  turned 
to  look  at  the  cast  assembled,  waiting 
for  the  curtain.  The  transformation 
from  everyday  people  is  little  short  of 
miraculous.  The  awkward  teen-age 
|MI\-  in  levis,  the  meat  cutter  at  the 
local  market,  the  optometrist,  the 
rancher  who  raises  carrots,  a  judge  of 
Mecca  Township,  the  owner  of  an  in- 
surance agency  and  the  secretary  of 
the  chamber  of  commerce,  who  i>  tin- 
lordly  Caliph  himself  —  all  trans- 
formed after  days  of  rehearsal  into 
characters  of  the  East. 

Nowhere  can  you  find  a  better  ex- 
ample of  community  spirit.  Here, 
ranchers  and  their  wives,  business 
men  and  women,  service  station  opera- 
tors, school  teachers,  boys  and  girls, 
young  and  old  alike,  labor  in  love  to 
make  possible  this  community  project, 
the  Arabian  Nights  Pageant. 


A  PARTY  given  at  Oregon  State  College,  Corvullis,  for  150  members  of   Associated  Women  Students. 


Passport  to  Mexico:  As  each  guest 
arrived  she  was  given  a  name  tag 
(eight  different  colored  tags  were 
used)  and  a  passport  slip  which  had 
to  be  autographed  by  specified  types 
of  people  before  she  could  go  into  tin- 
next  large  room  for  a  "tour  through 
Mexico."  Autographs  required  were  of 

.111    I    .1-1    i.M-l    Illi-llllxT    nf    till'    ^rmip.    »f 

the  shortest  person  in  the  room,  of  a 
new  A.W.S.  officer,  of  a  blond,  of 
someone  who  had  already  been  to  Mex- 
!•  •>.  and  so  on  for  fifteen  items. 

Bean  Guess:  Two  jars  of  beans  were 
on  display.  There  was  a  place  on  the 
purport  for  recording  guesses;  and  a 
prize  was  presented  during  refreshment 
time  (can  of  baked  beans)  for  guest 
who  guessed  nearest  to  the  correct 
number  of  beans. 

Crossing  The  Border:  Leaving  iln-ir 
passport*  behind  to  be  checked  and 
hi'  'I.  the  guests  went  into  an  adjoining 
room  where  thrv  formed  a  large  single 


circle  for  several  rounds  of  "Ack  Ja," 
a  German  folk  dance. 

Games  in  yarious  Cities  (progres- 
sive games) :  Eight  tour  leaders,  wear- 
ing arm-bands  corresponding  to  the 
colors  of  the  name  tags,  led  lln-ir 
groups  in  "choo-choo"  formation  to 
their  proper  cities  (designated  by  col- 
ored signs  posted  on  the  walls  such  as 
Mexico,  City,  and  so  forth) .  Here  they 
were  met  by  the  "city  mayor"  and  in- 
troductions were  performed,  after 
which  tin-  tour  leader  and  mayors 
taught  the  groups  their  assigned 
games.  Croups  rotated  to  the  next  city 
••MTV  five  and  a  half  minutes.  Games 
were: 

1 .  Travel  to  Guatamaln  and  Ru::. 

2.  Pass  the  Shoe  and  Three-Deep. 

3.  Does  She  Cackle?  and  Poor  Pussy. 

4.  Balloon    Relay    and    Raisin    and 
Toothpick  Relay. 

5.  Nose  Bap,  l)ramatir\. 

(>.    Travel  to  Duluth  and  The  Prince  of 


Wales. 

8.  Stunts.  Partners'  wrists  were  tied 
together  with  string  which  they 
tried  to  get  off  without  untying, 
and  "Kerchief  Knot-tie." 

La  Raspa:  All  players  rejoined  in  a 
circle  and  danced  "La  Raspa,"  a  Mex- 
ican folk  dance,  for  four  minutes. 

Break  The  Pinata:  Winners  of  the 
passport  autographing  game  were 
blindfolded  and  given  first  chances  to 
break  the  pinata. 

Refreshments:  Guests  returned  to 
first  room  where  cheese  bits  and  coffee 
or  fruit-ade  were  served. 

(Most  of  the  games  used  for  this 
party  may  be  found  in  E.  0.  Harbin's 
The  Fun  Encyclopedia  and  in  many 
other  games  collections.) 

Send  us  a  description  of  YOUR  sue- 
<;-^/iiI  ;xir/i    m  games  actiriti'  • 
"r.ifitorially  Speaking"  on  page  577  of 
this  issue. 


600 


RECREATION 


Community  and  Industrial  Showmanship  as  promoted 
by    the    American    National    Theatre    and    Academy 


COMMUNITY-WIDE 

ClLllilTllIS 


Alfred  Stern 


Theme   Center   of   Detroit's    250th    Birthday   Festival   was    located    in    the 
downtown  area.    Free  entertainment  was  presented  for  twenty-four  nights. 


THEATRICAL  TECHNIQUES  are  playing 
an  ever-increasing  constructive  role 
in  American  community  life.  When 
properly  conceived,  produced  and  pre- 
sented such  activities  invariably  result 
in  sociological  and  economic  benefits 
to  the  sponsoring  community,  organi- 
zations and/or  industries. 

Whether  a  historic  anniversary  or  an 
annual  festival,  all  major  community 
celebrations,  because  of  their  very  na- 
ture, gather  together  people  from  ev- 
ery walk  of  life;  often  those  who  pre- 
viously had  no  occasion  to  meet  are 

MR.  STERN  has  produced  many  com- 
munity, institutional  and  industrial 
projects.  He  directed  Detroit's  year- 
long festival  and  "The  Maine  Event." 

MARCH  1953 


now  working  together  toward  a  com- 
mon objective.  Such  experiences  af- 
ford an  opportunity  for  these  individ- 
uals and  groups  to  understand  and  ap- 
preciate each  other's  point  of  view  and 
obviously  tend  to  build  for  a  better, 
more  integrated  community  life. 

Detroit's  Automotive  Golden  Jubilee 
in  1946  serves  as  a  fine  example.  This 
celebration,  largely  financed  by  the 
community-minded  automotive  indus- 
try, marked  the  sesquicentennial  of 
Detroit  and  the  50th  anniversary  of 
the  automobile.  From  the  civic  stand- 
point Detroit  had  been  the  scene  of 
much  racial  unrest,  anti-Negro  riots 
which  shocked  the  nation  and  the  city's 
administration.  As  a  prime  objective 
the  committees  concerned  with  the 


celebration  determined  to  combat  this 
deplorable  condition.  As  a  device  they 
chose  to  produce  a  huge  historic  spec- 
tacle especially  written  for  the  occa- 
sion and  entitled  "Song  of  Our  City." 
Some  nine  hundred  local  actors,  sing- 
ers and  dancers  participated  in  three 
jam-packed  performances  in  Detroit's 
Olympia  Arena,  where  close  to  sixty 
thousand  persons  saw  and  heard  the 
story  of  their  own  community  and  the 
people  who  built  it.  Detroit's  history 
was  related  not  alone  in  terms  of  great 
men  and  stirring  events,  but  more  par- 
ticularly, the  day  to  day  contributions 
of  the  many  and  varied  nationality  and 
racial  groups  which  together  built  the 
community.  For  the  first  time  in  the 
history  of  the  city,  white  and  Negro 
choirs  sang  together.  Because  of  the 
war,  the  splendid  voices  of  Detroit's 
German  singing  societies  had  not  been 
heard  in  public  for  several  years,  but 
in  "Song  of  Our  City"  these  Americans 
of  German  extraction  once  more  re- 
joined the  community  and,  incidental- 
ly, were  greeted  by  an  ovation.  Ham- 
tramck,  a  suburb  of  Detroit,  with  per- 
haps the  largest  Polish  population  in 
the  United  States,  had  been  the  scene 
of  bitter  disputes  between  Polish  fac- 
tions. "Song  of  Our  City"  persuaded 
these  groups  to  get  together  and  their 
differences  were  soon  forgotten  in  a 
brilliant  swirl  of  boots  and  elaborately 

601 


embroidered  skirts  as  in  a  single  unit 
they  presented  a  series  of  robust  and 
delightful  folk  dances.  The  I'nit.-d 
Automobile  Workers  Union  and  the 
glee  clubs  of  many  individual  indus- 
tries participated  and  there  were  scores 
of  instances  of  individuals  and  com- 
munity organizations,  normally  with 
little  or  no  contact  among  each  other, 
working  in  happy,  creative  harmony. 

A  week  later,  as  the  culmination  of 
Detroit's  Automotive  Golden  Jubilee, 
massed  choirs  from  the  city's  churches 
and  temples,  totalling  some  five  thou- 
sand voices,  assembled  in  Briggs  Sta- 
dium for  a  special  Sunday  service  and 
concert.  The  star  soloist  was  Limit/ 
Melchior  and  the  great  Negro  choral 
groups  were  featured.  An  audience  of 
fifty-eight  thousand  heard  speaker  of 
the  day,  Trygve  Lie,  then  Secretary 
General  of  United  Nations,  who  de- 
clared in  essence  that  events  of  this 
nature  produce  united  communities 
and  inevitably  united  communities 
must  result  in  united  nations.  Thus 
those  who  participated  and  those  who 
witnessed  were,  through  essentially 
theatrical  techniques,  motivated  to  act 
for  the  mutual  benefit  of  all. 

In  Pennsylvania,  Reading's  year- 
long Bicentennial  in  1948  is  another 
case  in  point.  Predominately  a  rather 
drab  industrial  city,  Reading  was 
founded  a  little  more  than  two  cen- 
turies ago  by  the  two  sons  of  William 
Penn,  Thomas  and  Richard.  Its  Quaker 


The  Nineteenth  Annual  National 
Folk  Festival  will  !><•  held  in  Si.  Louis, 
Mi--ouri.  April  8-11.  This  year,  as  part 
<>f  lh<-  ol.-crxanre  <>f  the  Louisiana  Pur- 
chase Srsquicenlrnnial.  state*  in  the 
area  of  the  original  pun  ha«e  will  IN- 
especially  featured. 

The  nlijei  ii\e.  ..f  this  national  fe-ti 
val,  which  is  sponsored  by  the  St.  l.mii\ 
(,l«lir-l)rmnrrnt.  nre: 

To  encourage  the  UM  of  (oik  tongs,  nm«n 

602 


origin,  the  coming  of  the  Mennonites, 
Amish,  Dunkards  and  Moravians,  the 
Pennsylvania  Germans  or  "Dutch"  as 
they  are  popularly  miscalled,  gave 
early  Reading  a  particularly  rich  her- 
itage in  folklore  and  folk  arts  which 
wrie  preserved  only  in  the  local  his- 
toric society,  a  handful  of  private  col- 
lections and  between  the  covers  of 
books,  or  debased  and  commercialized 
in  the  form  of  badly  designed,  mass 
produced  souvenirs.  Those  in  charge 
of  the  celebration,  while  paying  ap- 
propriate attention  to  the  community's 
contemporary  industrial  enterprise,  de- 
termined to  revive  the  picturesque 
customs  and  crafts  throughout  the  Bi- 
centennial year.  Pageants,  parades, 
street  decorations,  special  events,  win- 
dow displays,  exhibits  and  even  pri- 
vate social  functions  all  reflected  the 
colorful  traditions  of  the  community. 
A  further  note  of  contemporary  'liter- 
national  significance  was  added  In  the 
arrival  of  the  Lord  Mayor  of  Read- 
ing, England  and  his  bewigged  Town 
Council,  who  as  special  guests  of  the 
Bicentennial  Committee  convened  in 
joint  session  with  the  Mayor  and  City 
Council  of  Reading,  Pennsylvania. 
Here  again  a  united  community  worked 
together  to  create  a  renaissance  of 
their  best  traditions  and,  as  a  natural 
by-product,  achieve  national  publicity 
and  all  the  attendant  benefits. 

In  1949,  Winston-Salem,  North  Car- 
olina,   celebrated    the    100th    anniver- 


sary of  the  birth  of  Forsyth  County. 
The  community  produced  a  historic 
spectacle  entitled  "A  Lantern  in  the 
Pines"  which,  in  terms  of  drama,  mu- 
sic and  dance,  related  the  story  of  the 
development  of  that  area.  Film  star 
Kathryn  Grayson,  a  local  girl  who 
made  good,  was  induced  to  return  as 
the  leading  lady,  but  of  far  greater 
importance  was  the  participation  of 
more  than  six  hundred  local  citi/ei>. 
\\oiking  together  on  a  voluntary  ba- 
sis, the  cast  included  several  organ- 
ized choral  groups,  the  city's  depart- 
ment of  recreation  teen-age  and  adult 
square  dance  groups,  massed  bands 
from  the  VFW,  American  Legion  and 
five  high  schools.  Little  theatre  mem- 
bers and  several  Negro  actors  served 
as  principals.  Here  again  a  happy 
precedent  was  established  when  the 
Negro  school  band  appeared  with  tin- 
others  for  the  first  time  in  the  history 
of  this  southern  tobacco  capital.  It  is 
of  significance  to  note  that,  on  the 
evening  of  the  presentation,  Winston- 
Salem's  Bowman  Gray  Stadium  drew 
a  capacity  crowd  of  twelve  thousand, 
more  than  four  times  as  many  people 
as  Bob  Hope  played  to  in  the  same 
arena  two  weeks  earlier. 

Among  other  outstanding  events  of 
this  type  are  Detroit's  year-long  Birth- 
day Festival,  1951;  The  Maine  Event. 
1952;  North  Carolina's  "The  Lost  Col- 
ony"— a  pageant  drama  produced  an- 
nually: and  many  others. 


Folk  Dances  Featured 


dances  legends  and  other  lore  through  folk 
festivals  and  other  activities  to  help  meet  pn •-- 
enl  day  recreational  needs  for  lioth  urban  and 
country  folk*. 

To  hejp  preserve  and  keep  flourishing  the 
traditional  expression-  wliirh  reflect  life  as  it 
has  been  lived,  in  the  I'nited  Slates,  and  in 
the  other  countries  from  wliirli  our  people 
have  come. 

To  uiili/e  the  wealth  nf  inherited  cultural 
legacies  which  have  poured  into  our  country 
in  such  a  way  as  in  ereale  lietti-r  nnder-i.ind- 
ing  and  stronger  unity  of  the  |>e<iple  of  our 
<  •onnlrjr. 

To  help  develop  a  more  genuine  apprecia- 
tion of  the  fundamental  cultures  of  our  world 
neighbor-  liy  *>howing,  through  dcmon-ira- 
lion-,  the  IIIIIM  r-.il  -imilarihi  -  of  the  dceplv 
rootf.j.  i|m-i-.  folk  tradition*  of  our  |»»pl. 
of  diverse  cultural  background-. 

Plans  and  information  about  this 
event  are  available  from  the  dirc.tor. 
Sarah  Gertrude  Knott.  .National  Folk 
l'-ii\al.  Si.  Louis  Globc-Di-moi-nil. 
1133  Franklin  Avenue.  St.  l.oui*  1. 


Tampa,  Florida,  will  be  the  setting 
for  the  First  Annual  Statewide  Florida 
Square  and  Folk  Dance  Festival  on 
April  11.  Sponsored  by  the  Florida 
Square  and  Folk  Dance  Callers  and 
'I  earlier-  \--oriation  and  the  City  of 
'lani|>a  Itcrrcation  Department,  tlii-  fc-- 
tival  will  feature  nationally  known  >  .ill 
ers  Fred  and  Mary  Collrite.  MOM  \rm 
strong,  Jimmy  Clossin,  and  Ed  Dur- 
larlier.  For  further  information,  write 
Don  Armstrong,  Festival  Committee 
Chairman.  Recreation  Center.  214  N. 
Boulevard.  Tampa. 

•        •        •        • 

Square  dancing  will  also  IK*  one  of 

I  lie  principal  features  on  the  program 
of  the  Sixteenth  Annual  American  and 
Canadian  Sport-men'-  Vacation  and 
Ifoal  Show  in  Cleveland.  March  2U-L"'. 

RECREATION 


Notes  from  a  talk  given  by  Mrs.  Nicoletta  Urciuoli  at  a 

State  Conference  of  the  New  York  State  Public  Recreation  Society. 


A  Playground  Pageant 


SPECIAL  EVENTS  are  always  an  impor- 
tant part  of  any  recreation  program 
— they  enrich  it,  give  it  a  goal,  and  are 
a  wonderful  publicity  medium.  A 
natural  outgrowth  of  the  everyday  pro- 
gram, a  project  wljich  correlates  all  the 
dance  and  dramfe. activities,  is  a  pag- 
eant. The  "Land  of  Make  Believe" 
opens  magic  doors  to  all— and  all  love 
an  opportunity  for  rhythmic  response. 

A  wide  choice  of  material  is  avail- 
able; however,  the  most  popular 
themes  are  familiar  fairy  tales,  Mother 
Goose  stories,  or  historical  events. 

After  the  choice  of  pageant  is  made, 
committees  should  be  set  up  by  the  di- 
rector with  designated  groups  respon- 
sible for  costumes,  properties,  stage 
sets,  music,  lighting,  make-up,  and  so 
on.  It  is  important  to  have  detailed 
work  and  cue  sheets  for  all  committees 
and  frequent  meetings  so  that  each  one 
is  familiar  with  the  pageant  as  a  whole. 
The  costume  committee  should  design 
appropriate  costumes  and  prepare  sam- 
ples, if  possible;  but  the  bulk  of  cos- 
tumes should  be  made  by  children  on 
each  playground  with  the  help  of  rec- 
reation leaders,  parents,  or  other  inter- 
ested volunteers.  Stage  sets  and  props 
should  be  the  responsibility  of  the 
handcraft  supervisor  and  committee. 
Again  many  of  the  small  props  and 
decorations  can  be  made  with  the  help 
of  playground  participants.  Meetings 
with  the  director  of  the  orchestra  or 
accompanist  are  necessary  to  outline 
the  theme  music  for  the  pageant  and 
cues  and  music  for  the  various  groups 

MRS.  NICOLETTA  URCIUOLI  is  the  su- 
perintendent of  recreation  at  Syracuse. 

MARCH  1953 


and  scenes.  Details  on  any  special 
make-up  should  be  cleared  with  the 
make-up  director. 

Use  special  interest  groups  in  your 
pageant  and  give  assignments  to  indi- 
vidual staff  members  for  the  responsi- 
bility of  games,  dances,  songs  or  any 
other  activities  to  be  included.  Through 
the  daily  story  hour,  skits  and  panto- 
mimes produced  on  individual  play- 
grounds, and  the  daily  dance  sessions, 
much  interest  and  talent  can  be  stimu- 
lated for  the  event.  Every  child  who 
is  interested  should  be  given  an  op- 
portunity to  "be  in  the  big  show."  In 
working  with  children  whose  voices  are 
not  strong,  pantomime  should  be  done 
to  correlate  with  a  narrative  read  by 
an  adult  or  child  with  a  good  voice. 

A  central  meeting  place  for  re- 
hearsals is  necessary  and  the  narrator 
should  be  in  attendance.  After  being 
told  the  story  of  the  pageant  and  just 
where  their  group  will  fit  in,  each  unit 
can  be  rehearsed  separately,  but  one 
dress  rehearsal  with  all  the  groups 
should  be  planned.  Arrangements  for 
transportation  should  be  made  both 
for  the  dress  rehearsal  and  the  per- 
formance; and  a  recreation  leader 
should  accompany  each  group.  Each 
leader  should  have  a  carefully  planned 
work  sheet  with  direct,  clear,  instruc- 


tions giving  the  time  and  place  for  the 
dress  rehearsal  and  pageant;  instruc- 
tions on  the  place  and  the  order  in 
which  the  group  should  be  awaiting  the 
entrance  call;  and  which  entrance  and 
exit  they  should  use. 

On  the  night  of  the  pageant  the 
groups  should  arrive  in  costume  and 
each  recreation  leader  should  be  re- 
sponsible for  the  make-up  of  his  group. 
Dressing  room  facilities  and  make-up 
rooms  should  be  made  available  for 
the  main  characters,  if  possible.  It  is 
most  important  to  have  assistants  who 
are  thoroughly  familiar  with  the  pag- 
eant to  man  the  entrances  and  exits  to 
keep  them  clear,  and  to  see  that  the 
groups  and  main  characters  are  in 
their  proper  places  and  ready  to  make 
their  entrance  at  the  proper  time.  If 
possible,  reserve  a  place  in  the  audi- 
ence where  groups  who  have  finished 
their  parts  can  go  to  watch  the  re- 
mainder of  the  performance. 

It  is  possible  to  include  as  many  as 
three  hundred  children  in  a  pageant 
of  this  kind  if  the  director,  committees, 
and  activity  supervisors  plan,  co-ordi- 
nate, and  work  together. 

One  thing  to  keep  in  mind  is  that 
your  performance  must  be  well  done. 
No  one  is  happy  about  a  slipshod  per- 
formance— least  of  all  the  participants. 

603 


In    Iniliun   page 
>r.iin,t    flourish* 


•  iluiTil    li>    tin-    (.liir.icn    P.irk    District. 
11    of    the    ilt-partnirnl's    field    houses. 


n.-.f..nrth     «.f     the    wardrobe     section     of     the     O.ikl.m.l.     California, 
creation    department,    with    chief    container,    Mrs.    Hettie    Wollen. 


Easier    puRrant    put    on    1»>    it»-    <l>-partinent    "f    rrrriMlion    in 
dik    lii.U-..     |.  iiiir-.rc.     Note    original    anil    rffi-i-live    ncfniT). 


U  holi'    fiiniilifs    roinr.    the    dog.    too.    to    (he    wooded    outdoor 
thratrr     inaiiitaiiii-il     liy     the     Kii-hniond.     Virginia,     deparlm<-nt. 


Scene  from  A/y  Away  Home,  acted  by  the  Town  Park  Players  in 
Charlotte,  N.  C.    Sponsored  by  park  and  recreation  commission. 


A     Hawaiian     dance    in    one    of    the    acts    in    a    production    by 
the     Jefferson      County      Playground     and      Recreation      Hoard. 


Old    Pipes   and   the   Dryad   as    presented    by    young    Richmond, 
Virginia,     actors     in     the     perfect     setting     of     Dogwood     Dell. 


Rehearsing  the  play,  Queen  Esther,  is  drama  outlet  for  golden- 
agers  in  Milwaukee.  Members  of  group  made  their  own  costumes. 


Community  Drama  Marches  On 

The  drama  section  of  the  community  recreation  program  is  an  important  one. 
Not  only  does  it  give  satisfaction  to  all  those  would  be  actors,  provide  fun  and 
excitement — and,  for  large  groups — a  means  of  creative  expression,  cooperative 
activity  and  adventure,  but  it  can  be  one  of  the  best  means  of  advertising,  and 
promoting  interest  in  the  recreation  department.  Furthermore,  well  chosen 
dramatic  material  can  go  far  toward  building  positive  community  attitudes.  It 
follows,  therefore,  that  this  part  of  the  program  calls  for  a  clear-eyed  and  fear- 
less planner! 


Three   elves   are   ready   to   "go    on,"   to   take   care   of   their 
share    of    mischief    in    a    Long    Beach,    California,    pageant. 


A  chorus  line  that  vies  with  the  Rockettes.    Local  "show  girls"  com- 
plete  the   finishing   touches   for   a   summer   performance   in   Seattle. 


WE  POOL  OUR  EFFORTS 


TN  MANY  COMMUNITIES  in  our  country 
•^  the  citizens  are  aware  that  whole- 
some recreation  for  children  builds 
strength  for  living.  In  these  communi- 
ties the  closing  of  the  school  day  and 
of  the  school  year  heralds  the  opening 
of  doors  to  many  opportunities  for 
children  of  all  ages.  The  citizens  in 
these  communities  have  joined  forces 
and  pooled  resources  to  meet  the  rec- 
reation needs  of  children.  Community- 
wide  planning  has  made  possible  a 
continuous  year-round  program  of 
leisure  time  activities  for  all. 

In  1946  a  city-wide  recreation  pro- 
gram was  put  in  operation  in  Ham- 
mond, Indiana,  under  a  newly  organ- 
ized plan.  In  the  past,  some  recreation 
had  been  offered  but  there  was  much 
to  be  desired  in  the  way  of  a  thorough- 
ly coordinated  program  utilizing  all 
school  and  park  facilities.  Little  had 
been  done  to  bring  into  the  total  pic- 
ture many  other  organized  groups  and 
agencies  which  operated  more  or  less 
as  individual  units.  Formation  of  the 
recreation  commission  set  in  motion 
what  today  offers  Hammond  children 
a  wide  range  of  recreational  opportu- 
nity. 

Recreation  School  for 
Small  <liiUi.il 

One  important  part  of  the  summer 
program  is  the  recreation  school  de- 

MR.  TIIORSKN  1.1  chairman  of  the  Recre- 
ation Commission  in  Hammond,  1ml. 


signed  for  small  children.  This  pro- 
gram is  carried  on  at  fifteen  school 
sites  which  afford  close  proximity  to 
the  home  from  which  the  smaller  chil- 
dren come.  Teachers  from  the  regular 
school  staff  are  employed  and  carry  on 
activities  in  games,  arts,  crafts,  dra- 


to  learn  through  voluntary  participa- 
tion, because  they  want  to  learn.  This 
program  continues  for  six  weeks,  from 
nine  to  twelve  noon  each  day,  and  is 
supervised  by  one  of  our  elementary 
school  principals. 

One  needs  only  to  observe  the  chil- 


ArU    and    rrnftn    develop    apprceinlinn    and    -kill.     Abmr.    the    boy* 
and  ciil-   of   <  uliiiiiliii-.   Ohio,  are  making  head*  of   papier  iitarhe. 


in. iin  -.  music,  excursions,  and  other 
interesting  things.  Attendance  is  en- 
tirely voluntary.  A  \--i\  -mall  charge 
is  made  to  provide  materials  for  the 
program.  In  addition  to  being  a  fine 
program  for  children  it  has  proved  to 
be  excellent  in-service  training  for 
teachers.  It  stimulates  that  invaluable 
teaching  technique  of  getting  children 


as  (hey  set  out  in  chartered  buses 
for  a  trip  to  the  farm,  the  zoo,  or  a 
museum  to  sense  their  enthusiasm  for 
the  recreation  school.  The  plays  they 
plan  and  give,  the  exhibits  of  art  and 
craft  products,  and  the  gusto  with 
\»hii-h  lliry  sing  are  excellent  tr-timom 
of  llinr  genuine  interest. 

The  real  test  of  the  program  is  the 


006 


RECREATION 


The  recreation  program  provided  for  chil- 
dren in  Hammond,  Indiana,  illustrates  the 
variety  of  agencies  serving  children  hi  a 
community,  and  points  up  how  a  pooling 
of  effort  to  meet  local  needs  may  lead  to  the 
creation  of  a  public  recreation  department. 


FOR  CHILDREN 


M.  H.  Thorsen 


reaction  of  parents.  Their  whole- 
hearted support  and  cooperation  indi- 
cates that  they  believe  the  recreation 
school  meets  a  real  community  need. 

The  Park  Program  for 
Older  Children 

The  program  in  the  parks  is  one  of 
similar  variety  for  older  children.  Cro- 
quet, horseshoes,  ping-pong,  little  the- 
ater, crafts,  and  athletics  are  some  of 
the  activities  sponsored.  There  is  a 
complete  baseball  program  for  boys  in 
the  eight  to  twelve  and  thirteen  to  six- 
teen age  groups.  Leagues  are  formed 
and  the  several  service  clubs  help  fi- 
nance and  support  the  small  boys' 
baseball  program.  The  Legion  Posts 
aid  the  teen-age  group.  The  program 
is  so  organized  that  high  school  boys 
are  able  to  continue  playing  baseball 
after  the  school  season  closes  in  June. 

Interested  parents  usually  manage 
the  small  boys'  baseball  teams,  thus 
adding  tremendous  interest  and  sup- 
port to  the  total  program.  The  num- 
ber of  adults  who  come  out  to  watch 
the  boys  play  causes  one  to  wonder 
whether  the  boys  or  their  fathers  are 
more  enthusiastic  about  the  leagues. 

The  park  program  operates  from 
noon  to  8:00  P.M.  Most  of  the  sum- 
mertime activity  leaders  are  selected 
from  among  the  teachers,  coaches,  and 
college  students.  The  director  is  given 
authority  to  select  his  personnel  on  the 
basis  of  merit.  The  recreation  commis- 
sion passed  a  resolution  that  the  rec- 
reation program  is  to  be  free  of  poli- 


tics. Heads  of  other  governmental 
units  in  the  city  have  given  fine  coop- 
eration in  this. 

Other  Centers  Included  in 
Program 

The  nucleus  of  the  total  program 
centers  about  the  Civic  Center,  a  large 
community  building  with  a  big  gym- 
nasium, swimming  pool,  several  game 
and  hobby  rooms,  and  the  recreation 
department  offices.  Here  the  depart- 
ment cooperates  with  many  community 
groups  in  helping  promote  such  activi- 
ties as  industrial  and  church  league 
basketball,  instrumental  music  and 
choral  groups,  high  school  basketball 
games  and  tournaments,  school  music 
festivals,  school  safety  patrol  parties, 
hobby  clubs,  instruction  in  arts  and 
crafts,  square  dancing,  social  dancing, 
teen-age  "soc-hops,"  and  other  youth 
and  adult  activities. 

An  excellent  swimming  program  is 
offered  in  the  Civic  Center  for  all  age 
groups.  Swimming  instruction  is  given 
by  an  American  Red  Cross  trained  in- 
structor. Plans  are  in  process  to  con- 
struct three  additional  pools,  in  other 
parts  of  the  city,  which  will  allow  ex- 
pansion of  the  swimming  program. 

School  gymnasiums  throughout  the 
city  are  scheduled  by  the  recreation 
director  for  various  local  community 
activities  through  the  winter  months. 
Many  of  these  activities  are  similar  to 
those  held  at  the  Civic  Center.  For 
example,  in  one  particular  school  the 
recreation  department  and  the  Opti- 


mist Club  carry  on  an  excellent  ac- 
tivity program  for  boys.  This  is  su- 
pervised by  two  teachers  in  that  school 
who  know  the  boys.  A  great  variety  of 
wholesome  activities  are  provided.  The 
principal  cooperates  by  coordinating 
his  school's  intramural  program  with 
these  activities.  At  the  same  school, 
a  PTA  sponsors  an  activity  called  the 
"Stugen"  for  junior  high  students,  in 
which  boys  and  girls  hold  square 
dances  and  other  fun  activities.  A 
similar  program  is  conducted  in  an- 
other outlying  school  area  with  the 
support  of  interested  parents. 

Hammond  Fresh  Air  Camp 

One  very  fine  project  that  ties  in 
with  the  over-all  set  up  is  the  Ham- 
mond Fresh  Air  Camp.  This  project 
gives  special  attention  to  those  chil- 
dren from  homes  with  decidedly  lim- 
ited means.  We  might  say  underprivi- 
leged children,  but  that  phrase  has  a 
broad  connotation  and  often  may  ap- 
ply to  children  from  homes  with 
means.  Children  are  selected  from  the 
public  and  parochial  schools  by  the 
nurses,  principals,  teachers,  and  the 
child  welfare  department.  These  chil- 
dren are  given  a  two-week  outing  at 
Camp  Okalona  on  a  lake  in  a  beauti- 
fully wooded  area  in  northern  Indiana. 
There  they  are  given  good  food  and 
many  experiences  in  working  and  play- 
ing together.  They  are  taught  self-re- 
liance and  responsibility  in  caring  for 
their  own  cabins  and  mess  halls.  They 
are  given  opportunity  for  a  well-super- 
vised program  of  games,  swimming, 
boating,  arts,  crafts,  and  music.  Em- 
phasis is  placed  upon  spiritual  values, 
in  non-sectarian  activities.  This  pro- 
gram is  -financed  by  the  Community 
Chest.  Facilities  and  trained  personnel 
are  provided  by  the  Brooks  House  of 
Christian  Service  which  conducts  its 
own  summer-long  camping  program 


MARCH  1953 


607 


simultaneously. 

The  children  are  selected  before  the 
school  year  ends.  Before  the  camping 
period  begins  a  staff  member  of  the 
school  attendance  and  child  welfare 
department  visits  every  home  and  ac- 
quaints parents  and  children  with  the 
purpose  of  the  camping  project  and 
discusses  what  things  each  child  should 
take  to  camp.  Its  excellent  school  pub- 
lic relations  value  carries  over  into  the 
regular  school  year,  shaping  whole- 
some attitudes  toward  school  and 
school  attendance.  It's  a  wonderful  ex- 
perience to  see  these  children  as  they 
return  from  camp  with  rosy  cheeks, 
filled  out  bodies,  and  the  sparkle  of 
health  in  their  eyes. 

Other  Cooperating  Groups 

One  of  the  finest  organizations  in  the 
rity  is  the  Brooks  House  of  Christian 
Service.  Located  in  a  community  rep- 
resenting many  nationalities,  creeds, 
and  races,  it  offers  an  excellent  pro- 
gram of  informal  education  and  recre- 
ational activities.  Opportunities  in  a 
variety  of  hobby  clubs  for  all  ages  and 
all  types  of  athletics  are  offered.  Ser- 
vices to  individuals  in  the  form  of 
counseling,  library  reading,  and  game 
room  activities  are  available.  A  nursery 
school  is  conducted  to  help  working 
mothers.  A  community  service,  based 
on  the  town  hall  principle,  provides 
many  groups  with  the  privilege  of 
holding  meetings  and  discussing  cur- 
rent topics  in  a  true  democratic  spirit. 
Religious  activities  are  conducted  for 
all  who  wish  to  participate.  Brooks 
House  conducts  its  own  summer  camp 
whii-h  is  staffed  with  trained  personnel 
and  in  which  the  children  earn  their 
way.  Perhaps  the  finest  part  of  this 
total  program  is  that  all  is  achieved 
through  volunteer  participation.  City 
authorities  praise  it  highly,  for  delin- 
quent conduct  is  at  a  minimum  in  the 
>  <>nimunily. 

Recreational  facilities  are  also  made 
available  to  the  Boy  Scouts  and  Girl 
Scouts.  Many  of  these  groups  hold 
their  meetings  in  the  several  schools 
and  the  Civic  Outer.  Through  tin  ,  ,, 
operation  of  ihr  recreation  department, 
tin-  'iirl  Si  "Hi  organization  ha*  l»-'-n 
given  rooms  in  the  Civie  Outer  a« 
headquarters  with  access  to  recreation 
facilities  there.  Both  of  these  organ!- 

608 


zations  conduct  their  separate  summer 
camps  for  a  summer  program.  Also, 
day  camping  experiences  are  provided 
in  the  Hammond  parks  for  the  Cub 
Scouts  and  Brownies. 

In  addition  to  the  varied  program 
available  through  the  recreation  de- 
partment, and  other  agencies  already 
mentioned,  many  of  the  forty-five 
churches  in  the  city  provide  recrea- 
tional opportunities  for  their  young 
people.  Game  rooms,  social  groups,  va- 
cation schools,  and  similar  programs 
are, carried  on. 

How  It  Began 

To  develop  this  project  necessitated 
much  effort  in  planning,  organizing, 
and  cooperating.  In  April  of  1942  the 
PTA  Council  called  a  meeting  of  all 
local  PTA  presidents  and  school  prin- 
cipals for  the  purpose  of  encouraging 
a  thorough  recreation  program  for  this 
city  of  ninety  thousand  population. 
The  nation  was  mobilizing  for  a  sec- 
ond world  war  and  there  was  great 
concern  for  the  educational  and  recre- 
ational opportunities  for  our  children 
and  youth. 

History  has  taught  us  that  during 
and  following  a  war  there  has  always 
been  an  increase  in  delinquent  con- 
duct. We  were  anxious  to  offer  young- 
sters opportunity  for  wholesome  activ- 
ity to  counteract  this  tendency.  How- 
ever, a  good  recreation  program  is  in 
reality  much  more  than  prevention  of 
delinquency.  It  is  an  educational  pro- 
gram and  part  of  wholesome  commu- 
nit\  living.  No  community  can  evade 
caring  for  its  young  people  and  still 
make  progress. 

To  establish  a  city-wide  recreation 
program  demands  complete  coopera- 
t  i< in  of  all  community  groups,  profes- 
sional and  lay.  In  this  case  a  commit- 
tee was  formed  by  the  PTA  Council 
and  the  school  principals  to  contact 
tin-  mayor.  The  mayor  in  turn  ap- 
pointed a  committee  which  gave  rep- 
resentative support  from  lalmt.  schools. 
.  liun  In--.  -i-r\  ire  clubs,  merchants,  and 
industrial  group*.  The  local  chamber 
of  i  ommerce  lent  support  to  the  pn>j 
This  organization  l»-f  ame  known 
as  the  Central  Committee  on  !!• 
lion. 

The  first  step  was  the  gathering  of 
information  from  other  cities  on  thr 


organization  of  a  recreation  program. 
Many  valuable  suggestions  and  ideas 
were  gleaned  from  visits  to,  and  lit- 
erature from,  such  cities  as  Decatur, 
Illinois,  Madison  and  Milwaukee.  Wis- 
consin, Fort  Wayne,  Indiana,  and 
other  Midwest  cities.  Only  those  ideas 
which  lent  themselves  best  to  our  local 
situation  were  considered.  It  was 
agreed  that  all  facilities  should  be  util- 
ized, which  meant  that  school  and  park 
facilities  should  be  put  to  use  in  a  co- 
ordinated plan.  This  resulted  in  so- 
liciting the  cooperation  of  the  park 
board,  school  board,  and  the  city  coun- 
i-il.  In  1945  the  state  legislature  passed 
a  law  permitting  the  school  board  to 
levy  a  two-  to  ten-cent  tax  to  join  with 
other  governmental  units  in  providing 
more  recreational  facilities.  This  leg- 
islation was  timely  and  removed  the 
question  of  any  legal  barrier. 

From  this  background,  a  governing 
board — a  city  recreation  commission — 
of  five  members  was  formed.  A  mem- 
ber of  the  school  board,  a  member  of 
the  park  board,  a  member  of  the  city 
council,  and  two  lay  members  make 
up  the  present  five-member  commis- 
sion. This  commission  functions  in  an 
advisory  and  policy  making  capaciu. 

The  first  important  duty  of  the  com- 
mission  was  to  select  a  competent  rec- 
reation director.  We  were  careful  to 
select  a  person  who  was  trained  for 
and  experienced  in  recreation  work 
both  in  schools  and  in  parks.  The  di- 
rector is  employed  and  paid  jointly  by 
the  park  board  and  school  board,  each 
of  whom  levy  a  tax  and  appropriate 
money  to  support  the  recreation  pro- 
gram. By  well-planned  and  eareful  ex- 
penditure these  appropriations  provide 
an  excellent  program. 

The  quality  of  any  recreation  pro- 
gram is  in  direct  proportion  to  the 
quality  of  leadership  and  personnel  re- 
sponsible. In  this  respect  Hammond 
has  been  fortunate.  The  complete  o» 
operation  of  our  superintendent  of 
srhonls  has  made  an  invaluable  eon- 
Intuition  to  the  sueeess  of  our  pro 
LT.im.  Men  with  a  sinecre  ei\ie  spirit 
sei  \iiiL-  "II  tin-  two  Imaids  li.i\e  -Mxen 
-t.il.ilitv  to  the  project  and  eneoiiraged 
pill. 'it  eoiifidrnce. 

Rrprinlrd    from    Childhood   f'./uinfmn.    M»y 
llimiiKh    iiiurl.->     <il      \-Mirialion    for 
I  Inl'lli I   I  .|in»tinn  Inl'-rnalinnal. 

RK<  Id  MH IN 


The  35th  National  Recreation  Congress 
will  visit  another  historical  site. 


t6 


Independence  Hall,  Philadelphia,  where 
the  Declaration  of  Independence  and  the 
Constitution  of  United  States  were  born. 


"PHILADELPHIA,  where  some  interesting  words  about  the 
pursuit  of  happiness  were  written  177  years  ago,  is 
preparing  to  hear  some  more  interesting  words  about  the 
pursuit  of  happiness  when  the  35th  National  Recreation 
Congress  convenes  there  September  28. 

Suggestions  for  the  Philadelphia  Congress  began  com- 
ing in  almost  as  soon  as  the  Seattle  Congress  closed.  Ad- 
visory committees  are  being  formed,  topics  are  being  stud- 
ied and  ideas  are  being  sought  wherever  they  may  be 
found. 

A  questionnaire  was  sent  to  all  delegates  to  the  Seattle 
Congress  and  the  response  has  been  exceptionally  good. 
The  comments  of  the  delegates  at  Seattle  will  prove  help- 
ful in  working  out  the  final  program  plans  for  Philadelphia. 

The  Recreation  Congress  Committee  will  welcome  sug- 
gestions from  all  who  will  send  them  to  T.  E.  Rivers,  Sec- 
retary, Recreation  Congress  Committee,  315  Fourth  Ave- 
nue, New  York  10,  New  York.  The  Committee  is  especial- 
ly anxious  to  know  what  topics  should  be  included  on  the 
Philadelphia  program,  the  names  of  outstanding  speakers 
who  should  be  invited  to  address  the  Congress,  and  the 
names  of  recreation  leaders  in  public  and  private  agencies 
who  can  make  contributions  to  the  sec- 
tion meetings.  Ideas  with  reference  to 
special  program  features  are  always 
welcome.  The  Congress  is  by  nature  a 
thoroughly  cooperative  venture  and  ev- 
ery effort  is  made  to  try  to  make  it  the 
kind  of  meeting  which  will  be  of  real 
and  lasting  value  to  all  who  attend. 


Skyline  seen  from  terrace  of  Museum  of 
Art.  Benjamin  Franklin  Parkway  ahead 
ushers  motorists  to  heart  of  the  city. 

MARCH  1953 


....and  the  pursuit 
of  Happiness 


Of  unusual  interest  to  the  Recreation  Congress  Commit- 
tee was  the  response  to  that  part  of  the  questionnaire  which 
dealt  with  expenses  at  the  Congress.  The  Committee  has 
studied  the  matter  of  expenses  a  number  of  times,  most  re- 
cently in  1947  and  before  that  in  1940.  In  1940,  61  per 
cent  of  those  who  answered  the  question  reported  that  at 
least  some  of  the  expenses  relative  to  attending  the  Con- 
gress were  paid  by  the  department  or  agency  sending  the 
delegate  and  34  per  cent  reported  reimbursement  of  all 
expenses. 

In  1947,  78  per  cent  reported  reimbursement  in  whole 
or  in  part  for  expenses  of  executives,  30  per  cent  for  ex- 
penses of  other  members  of  the  staff,  and  almost  27  per 
cent  for  expenses  of  board  members. 

In  1952,  85  per  cent  reported  some  reimbursement,  with 
53  per  cent  reporting  100  per  cent.  Almost  77  per  cent  of 
the  delegates  answering  the  question  reported  receiving 
more  than  half  of  their  expenses  and  66  per  cent  reported 
receiving  three-fourths  or  more. 

In  an  earlier  study  of  this  question,  several  ways  were 
listed  for  handling  costs  of  attending  the  congresses  when 
the  agency  or  department  did  not  include  such  an  item  in 
the  budget  or  when  the  amount  included  was  not  sufficient. 
Among  these  were:  getting  assistance  from  interested  citi- 
zens, drawing  on  special  funds,  putting  on  a  benefit  pro- 
gram of  some  kind  and  using  the  proceeds  for  this  purpose. 

In  some  cities  the  professional  workers  themselves  have 
financed  one  or  more  representatives'  attendance. 

Make  a  note  now  of  the  dates — September  28 — October 
2,  1953 — and  begin  making  plans  to  attend!  Plan  to  bring 
one  or  more  members  of  your  board.  And  remember,  too, 
that  wives  are  always  welcome. 


Jl 


Each  summer,  youngsters — like  these  wailing  fur  the  Camp 
Dearborn,  Michigan,  bus — spend  happy  hours  at  day  camp. 


\  RECENT  years  there  has  been  a  definite  trend  toward 
increased  summer  programming  in  Jewish  community 
centers.  There  have  been  more  activities  organized  and  a 
greater  attempt  made  to  serve  all  age  groups.  Obviously, 
this  is  a  very  desirable  development  since  the  community 
center  is  primarily  a  leisure-time  agency  and  should  offer 
maximum  program  when  the  membership  is  most  free  to 
participate. 

Determine  Program  Emphasis 

Al'iii^  uiili  this  trend  there  has  been  an  almost  auto- 
matic tendency  to  label  every  summer  program  provided 
for  children  a  Day  Camp.  This  has  led  to  considerable 
confusion  and  misinterpretation,  both  for  the  membership 
and  for  the  functioning  of  the  professional  workers.  In 
order  to  develop  a  more  orderly  and  consistent  framework 
for  summer  programming,  serious  consideration  should  be 
given  to  defining  the  various  types  of  programs  which  may 
IK-  offered  and  to  setting  limitations  upon  the  use  of  titles 
related  to  these  programs. 

The  title  of  an  activity  does  not  necessarily  indicate  the 
quality  of  the  experience  or  its  value  to  the  participants. 
Almost  every  activity  in  the  center  can  and  should  be  op- 
erated on  the  basis  of  sound  educational  and  group  work 
procedures.  Most  activities  lend  themselves  to  creative  ex- 
pressjun  |i\  tin-  i  liildren  involved.  In  every  instance,  it  is 
important  that  the  leaders  be  trained  and  able  to  under- 
stand the  psychology  of  children  and  to  work  with  them 
in  an  informal  and  <  •mistrin  li\e  manner.  The  following  are 
tin-  xuggrMrd  titles  and  definitions  for  summer 
which  might  be  used  in  community  centers. 


MK.  IJ'iMif  H.  formerly  camp  consultant  for  the  National 
/'•a  i*h  Welfare  Roard,  is  now  the  supervisor  of  the 
Ynulh  Adult  Services  Division  anil  the  director  of  Camp 
Wise,  Jewish  Community  Centers  of  Cleveland.  Ohio. 


The  Summer  Center 

The  Summer  Center  program  may  consist  of  a  variety 
of  groups,  primarily  the  individual  interest  type  such  as 
crafts,  dramatics,  dancing,  games,  swimming,  and  so  on. 
Such  groups  are  operated  independently  of  each  other 
with  no  attempt  to  organize  an  over-all  or  integrated  pat- 
tern or  framework  for  the  activities.  Children  may  enroll 
in  any  number  of  groups  depending  upon  the  number  of 
activities  available  and  the  amount  of  time  the  child  de- 
votes to  the  program. 

Such  activities  may  be  scheduled  in  a  variety  of  ways. 
They  may  be  concentrated  in  morning  periods  or  in  after- 
noon sessions.  Some  activities  may  be  offered  daily ;  others 
once,  twice  or  three  times  a  week.  The  summer  center  pro- 
gram may  take  advantage  of  facilities  and  leadership  under 
whatever  conditions  they  may  be  available.  It  does  not 
necessarily  require  the  employment  of  leaders  on  a  full- 
time  basis  throughout  the  summer. 

Summer  Play  Clubs 

The  Summer  Play  Clubs  or  Summer  Fun  Clubs  program 
consists  of  groups  organized  into  clubs  which  are  based 
upon  age  or  interest  groupings.  These  groups  may  possess 
some  of  the  usual  elements  of  clubs  in  that  they  may  elect 
officers  and  committees  to  help  plan  their  program.  The 
activities  of  the  groups  within  this  type  of  program  may 
be  restricted  to  special  interest  activities  such  as  dramat- 
ics, photography,  newspaper,  crafts;  or  the  clubs  may 
wish  to  develop  a  broader  variety  <>f  activities  similar  to 
that  carried  on  during  the  rest  of  the  program  year.  Hope- 
fully, the  program  will  take  advantage  of  the  weather  and 
try  In  iiu-lmli-  a-  many  outdoor  activities  a-  possible,  de- 
pending upon  available  time  and  facilities.  Here,  too,  there 
is  generally  no  integrated  organization  for  the  groups;  but 
it  may  be  possible  to  develop  a  club  council  which  ran 
plan  and  sponsor  inter-group  activities  such  as  outings, 
festival  celebrations,  and  so  on. 

The  play  club  program  is  flexible  in  the  use  of  linn-, 
facilities  and  leadership.  Some  clubs  may  meet  dniK. 
some  on  the  basis  of  other  schedules.  The  organ  i/al  ion 
into  clubs  can  provide  a  basis  for  the  socialization  of  the 
children  and  may  afford  club  experience  for  those  not 
available  for  ccnti-r  activities  during  the  winter  season. 


610 


RECREATION 


Considerations  for  All  Community  Center  Leaders  Who  Plan  Ahead 


t&e  S 


tMtm&i 


Abe  Bonder 


Summer  Hobby  Town 

A  Summer  Hobby  Town  or  Summer  Play  Town  pro- 
gram may  consist  of  a  variety  of  interest  groups  and  club 
groups  tied  together  by  a  simple  governing  structure  which 
is  patterned  after  the  form  of  government  in  the  particular 
city.  The  children  elect  representatives  from  each  of  their 
groups  to  form  a  City  Council.  They  may  also  elect  a 
mayor  or  a  city  manager  and  whatever  other  officials  are 
required  to  provide  a  framework  for  the  program.  The 
functions  of  these  officials  would  be  to  help  develop  inter- 
group  activities  and  to  assist  with  the  over-all  development 
of  the  program.  The  summer  hobby  town  program  pro- 
vides a  valuable  experience  in  democratic  self-government 
and  community  participation.  Such  a  program  also  pos- 
sesses considerable  flexibility  in  the  variety  of  activities 
and  the  time  schedule. 

Summer  Play  Schools 

The  general  pattern  of  organization  of  a  Summer  Play 
School  might  parallel  the  philosophy  and  approach  de- 
scribed by  Mrs.  Adele  S.  Mossier,  director  of  the  Play 
Schools  Association: 

The  philosophy  for  the  play  school,  which  has  been  developed 
especially  for  children  of  school  age,  is  evolved  from  the  field  of  edu- 
cation with  its  concepts  of  experiential  learning;  from  group  work 
with  its  emphasis  on  group  dynamics;  from  recreation  with  its  em- 
phasis on  fun,  the  use  of  outdoor  and  special  interests;  and  from  the 
mental  health  field  with  its  concept  of  the  importance  of  play  in  the 
emotional  growth  of  the  child. 

The  summer  play  school  is  an  organized  group  program  carried 
on  all  day,  five  days  a  week.  .  .  .  Centers  appropriate  for  this  type 
of  activity  require  both  indoor  and  outdoor  space.  The  framework 
includes  intake  interviews  with  parents,  medical  reviews,  continuity 
of  regular  attendance,  assignment  of  each  child  to  the  same  group 
(according  to  his  age  and  emotional  development),  to  the  same  home 
room,  and  to  the  same  leader,  facilities,  equipment  and  play  materials 
especially  designed  for  these  age  levels. 

Among  the  basic  essentials  are  indoor  and  outdoor  play,  alternat- 
ing quiet  and  active  periods5  scheduled  routines  of  lunch,  rest,  show- 
ers and  snacks,  the  selection  of  leaders  whose  qualifications  meet 
specified  standards,  and  the  writing  of  individual  and  group  records. 
Play  schools  work  closely  with  the  home  through  parent  participation 
in  the  program,  individual  counselling  and  group  discussion. 

Summer  Day  Camps 

Unlike  the  approaches  to  summer  programming  for  chil- 
dren mentioned  above,  the  Summer  Day  Camp  is  an  organ- 
ized group  program  conducted  in  a  natural  outdoor  set- 


ting.  In  the  summer  day  camp,  which  is  limited  mainly  to 
daytime  hours,  the  campers  are  organized  into  groups  com- 
parable to  the  living  groups  in  the  resident  camp;  but 
they  return  to  their  homes  at  the  end  of  each  day's  pro- 
gram. In  order  to  be  most  effective,  a  day  camp  requires 
considerable  organization.  It  also  requires  continuity  of 
attendance  by  the  children,  and  most  important,  by  the 
counselors.  The  general  program  parallels  that  of  the  resi- 
dent camp  with  emphasis  upon: 

1 — Cooperative  planning  of  the  daily  program  by  camp- 
ers and  staff. 

2 — Activities  related  to  the  natural  outdoors,  such  as  na- 
ture lore,  hiking,  exploration,  woodcraft,  campcraft, 
and  so  on. 

The  site  for  such  programs  would  of  necessity  be  rural 
camp  sites  within  a  short  travel  distance,  farms,  or  state, 
county  or  municipal  parks  which  have  sufficient  area  and 
natural  resources  to  make  possible  a  variety  of  outdoor 
activities.  Centers  have  long  recognized  that  such  sites 
are  most  desirable  for  their  programs.  Chicago,  Perth 
Amboy  and  the  Irene  Kaufmann  Settlement  of  Pittsburgh 
use  the  facilities  of  state  or  county  parks.  In  many  com- 
munities such  as  Charleston,  Detroit,  Rochester,  Passaic 
and  Worcester,  the  centers  have  been  successful  in  renting 
or  using  suitable  camp  sites  on  the  outskirts  of  the  com- 
munity as  a  basis  for  enriching  their  day  camp  programs. 
In  recent  years,  many  Jewish  community  centers  have  pur- 
chased suitable  out-of-town  property  for  their  own  day 
camps. 

In  a  day  camp  program  there  is  considerable  opportu- 
nity for  the  inclusion  of  additional  program  elements,  such 
as  arts  and  crafts,  music,  folk  dancing,  stories  and  others. 
However,  no  such  program  can  legitimately  be  called 
camping  unless  it  is  based  to  a  considerable  degree  upon 
activities  related  to  nature,  for  which  outdoor  living  is 
essential. 

With  the  understanding  that  it  is  possible  to  conduct 
varied  types  of  summer  programs  simultaneously  for  dif- 
ferent age  groups,  community  centers  ought  to  reconsider 
the  basic  form,  content  and  facilities  for  each  program 
and  attempt  to  revise  the  descriptive  titles  to  make  them 
conform  more  closely  with  the  desired  program  approach. 


Reprinted  through  the  courtesy  of  Jewish  Center  Program  Aids, 
June  1952. 


MARCH  1953 


611 


A  talk  presented  at  34th  National 
Recreation  Congress  in  Seattle, 
September,  1952. 


IN  VIEW  of  the  impact  of  inflation 
upon  our  economy  and  the  reduc- 
tion in  the  purchasing  power  of  the 
dollar,  municipalities  across  the  nation 
are  experiencing  difficulty  in  obtaining 
necessary  funds  to  carry  on  their  gov- 
ernmental functions.  They  therefore 
find  it  necessary  constantly  to  search 
for  additional  sources  of  revenue.  The 
influence  of  these  factors,  with  the  at- 
tendant mounting  costs  of  operation 
and  maintenance,  also  are  being  keen- 
ly felt  in  the  conduct  of  municipal 
recreation  programs.  Recreation  sys- 
tems for  the  nation  as  a  whole  are  in- 
adequately financed.  During  1951,  lo- 
ral  tax  support  continued  to  be  spotty. 
Some  cities  showed  stronger  support 
than  others,  and  within  this  range 
there  were  many  variations.  Although 
a  majority  showed  budget  increases, 
with  some  exceptions  they  were  suf- 
ficient only  to  meet  increased  salaries 
and  operational  costs,  and  did  not  per- 
mit significant  increases  in  services. 

Recreation,  A  Governmental 
Function 

Significant  progress  has  been  made 
throughout  the  country  in  creating  a 
general  climate  of  thinking,  both  in 
official  circles  and  among  voters,  which 
is  now  recognizing — to  an  ever  in- 
creasing extent — the  importance  of 
recreation  in  contemporary  society  and 
that  recreation  constitutes  an  essential 
governmental  function.  Nevertheless,  as 
we  view  the  current  national  scene,  it 
is  apparent  that  much  remains  to  be 
done  to  impress  upon  officials  and  leg- 
islative bodies  on  all  levels  of  govern- 
ment, as  well  as  upon  voters  generally, 
the  great  contribution  that  recreation 
is  in  a  position  to  make  in  terms  of 
both  short  and  long  range  objective-, 
if  it  is  truly  supported  adequately 

Tm  M  rnoR  1.1  militant  director.  Bu- 
rr,tn  of  Governmental  Research  and 
l'ni\rnit\  of  Washington. 


financially  as  an  essential  governmen- 
tal function;  and  it  is  also  clear  that 
this  function  may  no  longer  be  re- 
served for  private  philanthropy  alone. 
About  ninety  per  cent  of  the  funds  for 
recreation  and  park  services  now  come 
from  public  funds;  six  per  cent,  from 
fees  and  charges;  and  about  four  per 
cent  from  private  funds. 

Available  Sources  May  Vary 

It  is  recognized  that  a  number  of 
rather  novel  sources  of  revenue  for 
recreation  exist  in  some  municipalities 
of  the  United  States,  ranging  from  the 
sale  of  oranges  from  trees  in  the  park 
system  at  Winter  Haven,  Florida,  to 
the  allocation  of  proceeds  from  park- 


into  account  to   improve  the  revenue 
picture  for  recreation: 

1.  The  assessed  valuation  of  real 
and  personal  property  in  many  mu- 
nicipalities is  much  too  low,  and  there- 
fore the  property  tax  is  not  yielding 
the  revenue  that  it  should.  For  exam- 
ple, in  the  state  of  Washington,  the 
assessed  valuation  of  such  properly  is 
required  to  be  "fifty  per  cent  of  its 
true  and  fair  value,"  but  the  ratio  of 
the  assessed  valuation  to  true  and  fair 
value  is  only  slightly  over  sixteen  per 
cent  and  is  not  uniform  in  the  various 
counties  of  the  state.  A  comparable 
situation  exists  in  many  cities  and 
counties  of  the  United  States.  Asses- 
sors' offices  need  to  be  staffed  ade- 


Where  To  Get  More 


ing  meters,  over  and  above  the  main- 
tenance cost,  to  recreation  at  Moores- 
ville  and  Selby,  North  Carolina,  and 
Bellows  Falls,  Vermont;  a  municipal 
payroll  tax  in  Toledo,  Ohio;  a  one- 
half-cent  retail  sales  tax  for  recreation 
purposes  at  Oceanside,  California;  and 
a  number  of  others.  However,  certain 
taxes  and  sources  of  revenue  for  rec- 
reation that  are  available  in  cities  in 
some  states  may  not  be  available  in 
cities  in  other  states  because  of  pro- 
visions of  the  state  constitution,  by 
reason  of  the  preemption  of  certain 
areas  or  fields  by  the  state,  at  least  un- 
til such  time  as  the  state  legislature 
may  be  induced  to  vacate  such  areas, 
or  because  of  judicial  decisions  in  a 
given  state  or  the  background  of  a 
given  state  or  the  local  situation. 
Therefore,  it  may  not  be  feasible  to  at- 
tempt to  rely  upon  certain  sources  of 
re\rrme  that  may  exist  in  other  eitie< 
in  the  countn. 

How  To  Obtain  More  Revenue 

Without  attempting  to  particularize 
the  varimi*  sources  of  revenue  for  re<-- 
f.iiiiin.  which  may  or  may  nol  !«• 
available  in  many  cities  and  town*. 
there  are  some  OOMkhntitMM  of  more 
application  that  may  be  taken 


quately  with  qualified  appointive, 
rather  than  elective,  assessors  who  will 
make  a  scientific  appraisal  of  property 
on  a  professional  basis.  The  issuance 
of  manuals,  by  state  tax  commissions, 
containing  standards  to  guide  asses- 
sors in  the  discharge  of  their  respon- 
sibilities would  be  of  material  assist- 
ance in  developing  greater  uniformitv. 
2.  An  effort  should  be  made  to  have 
the  federal  government  completely 
withdraw  from  the  admissions  tax  field 
so  that  state  and  local  governments 
may  be  able  to  look  to  admission  taxes 
as  a  source  of  revenue  for  recreation 
programs.  It  is  recognized  that,  by 
virtue  of  a  recent  act  of  Congress, 
namely,  the  Federal  Revenue  Act  of 
1951  (26  U.S.C.A.  [1951  P«>-  In 
Supp.]  Sec.  1701),  swimming  pools, 
bathing  beaches,  skating  rinks,  or  oth- 
er places  providing  facilities  for  phy- 
-ii  .il  exercise  operated  by  a  state  or  a 
political  subdivision  thereof,  if  the 
proceeds  therefrom  inure  exrlusUelv 
I.'  ill--  Item  III  <>f  the  state  of  political 
-iil.cliv  i-ions,  are  exempt  from  the  fed- 
eral admissions  tax,  but  federal  ad- 
mi-Mon  taxes  are  still  imposed  in  a 
mmil>er  of  areas  that  might  Iwtler  be 
reserved  for  state  and  local  povern 

Ilient. 


612 


3.  A  substantial  number  of  cities  in 
the    United    States    today    have    con- 
cluded    that     all     municipal     utilities 
should     be     operated     on     a     service 
charge    basis    and    accordingly    have 
sewer  service  charges  and  garbage  col- 
lection     charges,      thereby      releasing 
money   in   the  general   fund  formerly 
allocated  for  these  services  for  other 
purposes.    If  this  were  done  in  cities 
in  which  sewer  and  garbage  collection 
charges  are  not  being  made,  perhaps 
more  funds  could  be  allocated  to  rec- 
reation.   Each  city  or  town  must  de- 
cide  for   itself   whether    it   desires   to 
have    sewer    and    garbage    collection 
charges. 

4.  Business    and    occupation    taxes 


many  of  the  special  districts,  and  their 
transfer  to  the  legislative  body  of  the 
county  or  city,  would  be  more  com- 
patible with  sound  public  administra- 
tion. At  the  present  time  there  are 
thirty-four  different  types  of  special 
districts  in  the  state  of  Washington, 
and  something  in  excess  of  sixteen 
hundred  special  districts.  In  view  of 
the  restriction  on  ceiling  on  the  num- 
ber of  mills  for  which  taxes  may  be 
levied  on  real  property,  and  since  most 
of  the  mills  are  earmarked  for  cer- 
tain purposes,  the  number  of  floating 
mills  to  pro-rate  among  the  special 
districts  is  limited  and  the  amount  that 
can  be  allocated  to  each  is  frequently 
uncertain.  In  urban  areas  of  the  state, 


reational  or  playground  facilities  or 
structures,  as  well  as  for  the  improve- 
ment of  particular  drives,  parkways,  or 
boulevards.  (Revised  Code  of  Wash- 
ington 35.43.040  and  35.43.110.) 

7.  Fees  and  charges  for  the  use  of 
recreational    facilities    should    be    re- 
viewed from  time  to  time   (1)   to  de- 
termine   whether    fees    should    be    in- 
creased because  of  higher  maintenance 
and  operation  costs;   (2)  to  determine 
whether  a  fee  is  tending  to  reduce  or 
restrict,  unduly,  participation  in  an  ac- 
tivity;   (3)    what   recreation   facilities 
should  be  free  to  children  under  a  cer- 
tain   age;     and     (4)     what    facilities 
should  be  free  to  all. 

8.  Further  federal  legislation  should 


Money  For  More  Recreation  Service 


on  gross  receipts  of  business  are  be- 
ing utilized  by  municipalities  to  an 
ever  increasing  extent  to  obtain  addi- 
tional revenue,  particularly  with  ref- 
erence to  utilities,  such  as  light  and 
power,  gas,  and  telephone  companies, 
but  such  taxes  on  utilities  may  be 
passed  on  to  the  rate  payers. 

5.  Another  source  of  revenue  for 
recreation  is  possible  through  the  en- 
actment of  enabling  legislation  pro- 
viding for  the  creation  of  park  and 
recreation  districts  to  include  unincor- 
porated areas  and  the  whole  or  any 
portion  of  any  city,  exclusive  of  metro- 
politan park  districts,  if  the  legislative 
body  of  the  city  consents  thereto.  A 
bill  (S.  B.  No.  252)  was  introduced 
for  this  purpose  at  the  1951  regular 
session  of  the  Washington  State  Leg- 
islature; it  passed  the  Senate,  but  died 
in  the  House.  The  multiplication  of 
taxing  districts  has  been  viewed  with 
strong  disfavor  in  many  quarters  be- 
cause of  the  overlapping  of  taxing  jur- 
isdictions, the  resulting  lack  of  central 
analysis  of  need  and  priority  of  over- 
all needs  of  a  community,  the  need  for 
coordination  in  tax  structure,  and  the 
desirability  of  keeping  the  number  of 
elections  to  a  minimum.  It  therefore 
has  been  urged  that  the  abolition  of 


the  forty  mills  is  allocated  as  follows: 
fifteen  mills  to  cities,  ten  mills  to  coun- 
ties, twelve  mills  to  school  districts, 
two  mills  to  the  state,  leaving  only  one 
floating  mill,  while  in  rural  areas  the 
forty  mills  is  allocated  as  follows:  ten 
mills  to  counties,  twelve  mills  to  school 
districts,  two  mills  to  the  state  and  ten 
mills  for  road  districts,  leaving  six 
floating  mills.  Perhaps,  however,  a 
case  can  be  made  for  park  and  recrea- 
tion districts  because  of  the  varying 


be  enacted  to  make  adequate  provi- 
sion for  payments  in  lieu  of  taxes  by 
reason  of  the  acquisition  of  property 
by  the  federal  government  within  the 
corporate  limits  of  cities  and  towns, 
thereby  placing  such  property  in  a  tax 
exempt  status.  True,  some  federal  leg- 
islation provides  for  some  payments 
in  lieu  of  taxes,  but  much  more  ade- 
quate provision  is  needed  therefor 
than  exists  at  the  present  time. 

9.  In  addition  to  current  appropria- 


Dr.  Ernest  H.  Campbell 


needs  of  unincorporated  areas,  if  they 
were  financed  by  special  levies  at  pe- 
riodic intervals  as  distinguished  from 
participating  in  the  pro-rating  of  the 
floating  millage  that  is  not  earmarked. 
6.  Local  Improvement  District  leg- 
islation should  be  reviewed  to  deter- 
mine if  it  should  be  amended  to  pro- 
vide for  park  and  recreation  improve- 
ments on  the  basis  of  special  benefits 
to  certain  areas  in  both  incorporated 
and  unincorporated  areas.  For  exam- 
ple, in  the  state  of  Washington,  the 
L.I.D.  statutes  provide  for  special  as- 
sessments to  finance  field  houses,  gym- 
nasiums, swimming  pools,  or  other  rec- 


tions,  in  borrowing,  general  obligation 
bonds  continue  to  be  of  real  impor- 
tance; the  amount  thereof,  however, 
that  can  be  issued  is  restricted  by  debt 
limits  and  sometimes  by  the  necessity 
of  securing  referendum  approval,  and 
often  a  certain  prescribed  number  of 
votes  must  be  cast  and  a  certain  per- 
centage of  votes  thereon  must  be  fa- 
vorable. Because  these  bonds  are  sup- 
ported by  general  taxes,  they  com- 
mand the  most  favorable  interest  rates. 
It  is  gratifying  to  note  that  there  have 
been  a  number  of  substantial  general 
obligation  bond  issues  for  capital  im- 
provements for  recreational  facilities 


MARCH  1953 


613 


in  American  cities  during  the  past 
year.  To  circumvent  the  restrictions 
on  general  obligation  bonds,  revenue 
bonds  are  being  used  to  finance  recre- 
ational facilities  that  are  self-support- 
ing, but  enabling  legislation  usually  is 
necessary  to  make  revenue  bonds 
available  for  recreation.  Usually  there 
is  no  statutory  limitation  on  the 
amount  of  revenue  bonds  that  can  be 
issued.  The  only  practical  limitation 
is  determined  by  economic  feasibility. 
This  type  of  issue  commands  an  inter- 
est rate  slightly  less  favorable  than 
general  obligation  bonds,  but  consid- 
erably better  than  L.I.D.  bonds.  It  is 
interesting  to  note  that  the  first  reve- 
nue bond  issued  by  any  city  in  the 
United  States  was  issued  by  the  city 
of  Spokane  to  finance  a  municipal 
water  system. 

Another  device  that  is  employed  to 
avoid  the  restrictions  on  general  obli- 
gation bonds  is  a  lease  with  an  option 
to  purchase,  but  generally  the  interest 
charges  thereunder  are  greater  than  on 
general  obligation  bonds. 

10.  Annual  excess  levies  also  may 
be  voted   by  cities  and  counties,   but 
usually  a  certain  number  of  votes  must 
be  cast   and  a  certain  percentage  of 
votes    thereon    must    be    favorable    in 
order  for  excess  levies  to  be  approved 
(RCW    84.52.052).     It    is    suggested 
that  the  legislation  of  some  states,  in- 
cluding  the   state  of  Washington,   re- 
garding the  number  of  votes  that  must 
be  cast  at  such  an  election  should  be 
relaxed.   For  example,  the  word  "state" 
could  be  deleted  by  amending  Wash- 
ington's forty-mill  statute  so  that  the 
requirement  that  at  least  forty  per  cent 
of  the  voters  must  vote  at  an  election 
for  excess  levies  who  participated  at 
the  last  "general  election"  would  ap- 
l>l\  t»  the  number  of  persons  voting  at 
a  municipal  election  rather  than  at  a 
"general  state  election."  thereby  mak- 
ing the  approval  of  annual  excess  lev- 
ies muc-h  less  difficult. 

11.  Cumulative   reserve   funds   may 
be  established  fur  park  and  recreation 
capital  improvements  by  having  a  cer- 
tain amount  provided  for  in  the  Inn! 
get  each  year  as  long  as  a  cumulative 
reserve  fund  is  desired. 

In  order  to  avoid  bring  vulnerable 
fur  n»t  having  sound  administration  in 
utilizing  public  funds  for  recreation. 

614 


l><'--iule  economies  that  may  be  ef- 
fected through  improved,  sound,  long 
range  recreation  planning  and  full  co- 
ordination of  all  community  recreation 
forces  are  also  essential.  Thus  in  the 
interest  of  efficient  and  economical  op- 
eration of  recreation  programs,  consid- 
eration should  be  given  to  having 
schools,  parks,  and  other  agencies  hav- 
ing recreation  facilities  work  together, 
to  avoid  duplication  of  facilities  and 
unnecessary  expenditures.  During  the 
past  year,  closer  cooperation  has  been 
evident  between  city  and  school  au- 
thorities and  between  cities  and  coun- 
ties. 

A  number  of  corporations  have  been 
incorporated,  under  the  laws  relating 
to  charitable,  non-profit  corporations, 
to  receive  gifts,  subscriptions,  and  be- 
quests for  recreational  purposes;  and. 
assuming  such  foundations  do  not  at- 
tempt to  dictate  policy  in  a  manner 
incompatible  with  the  public  interest, 
they  frequently  can  be  of  material  as- 
sistance to  state  and  local  governments 
in  financing  recreation  programs. 

Selling  the  Recreation  Program  to 
Public  Officials  and  to  Voters 

In  order  to  finance  municipal  rec- 
reation programs  adequately,  the  fi- 
nancial needs  in  recreation  must  be  in- 
terpreted and  pointed  up  effectively 
and  realistically  to  public  officials,  mu- 
nicipal legislative  bodies,  and  the 
voters;  and  the  funds  appropriated  or 
allocated  for  this  purpose  must  be 
wisely  administered.  Citizens  should 
be  induced  to  cooperate  with  profes- 
sional recreation  personnel  in  present- 
ing the  program  to  the  city  legislative 
body  and  to  the  public  generally.  It 
is  important  to  stress  that  not  only 
funds  for  equipment  and  necessary 
capital  improvements  are  needed,  but 
also  funds  for  the  necessary  trained 
l>ersormel  ;ire  essential  to  provide  the 
requisite  leadership  for  a  sound  and 
well-administered  program. 

The  contributions  that  recreation  is 
in  a  position  to  make  to  society,  if  it 
is  adequately  financed,  should  be  em- 
|ili.i«i/ed  in  requesting  funds  from  leg- 
islative bodies  and  from  the  voters  in 
order  to  obtain  the  requisite  funds  for 
ition  that  will  meet  tin-  m-cd-  ..f 
a  community;  and  both  the  legislative 
of  cities  and  the  voter*  should 


be  alerted  to  the  fact  that  the  expendi- 
ture made  for  recreation  results  in 
great  savings  to  the  community.  The 
funds  allocated  to  recreation  are  small 
when  viewed  against  the  contribution 
recreation  is  in  a  position  to  make  in 
effecting  great  savings  to  society,  and 
in  enabling  citizens  generally  to  live 
more  healthful,  happy,  constructive, 
and  useful  lives. 

These  constitute  some  of  the  major 
considerations  in  the  municipal  fi- 
nance picture  today,  especially  with  re- 
spect to  obtaining  more  money  for 
more  recreation  service. 


New  Charcoal  Grill 


Some  of  Tennessee's  state  parks  are 
experimenting  with  new  charcoal  fire 
grills  which,  it  is  expected,  will  save  tre- 
mendously on  the  number  of  tin-  work 
hours  formerly  required  to  provide 
wood  for  the  outdoor  fireplaces.  Char- 
coal for  use  in  the  grills  is  packaged  in 
three-pound  sacks  and  sold  to  the  pub- 
lic at  reasonable  prices  in  the  parks. 

An  announcement  about  this  new 
type  grill  in  the  October.  I''.~>J.  I'arks 
and  Recreation  Newsletter  of  the  T.-n- 
nessee  Department  of  Conservation.  Di- 
vision of  State  Parks,  aroused  much 
comment  and  many  requests  for  fur- 
ther information  from  agencies  both 
throughout  and  outside  the  state.  The 
j-rill.  pictured  uhovc.  wa-  designed  l>y 
M.itio  R.  Seta,  State  Park  Planner  of 
the  division.  Of  all  steel  construction, 
the  top  is  fifteen  \<\  twelve  indies  and 
is  mounted  on  a  pedestal  thirtv-six  in- 
ches high. 

Detailed  specifications  for  construc- 
tion of  the  grill  may  l>e  obtained  by 
writing  to  tin-  Dm-,  lor  of  the  Tennessee 
Divi-ion  of  State  Parks.  Nashville. 

RECREATION 


Take  Advantage  of  National  Music  Week 


'Wfatic  w  ^ecneatuw, 


Gertrude  Borchard 


Every  recreation  department  operating  or  planning  a 
musical  activity  can  use  the  occasion  of  National  Music 
Week  to  promote  that  activity.  This  would  include  dance 
groups,  too.  for  Music  Week  programs  are  not  limited  to 
the  art  of  sound  alone. 

Dates  of  the  observance  this  year  are  May  3-10;  the 
keynote  is  "Enrich  Your  Life  With  Music."  A  secondary 
keynote,  which  has  been  used  since  the  inception  of  the 
synchronized  observance  in  1924,  is  "Foster  American 
Music." 

Recreation  workers  in  so  many  places  are  now  putting 
into  practical  application  the  enrichment  of  life  through 
music,  among  children,  young  people  and  adults,  that  it 
would  surely  seem  that  the  public  should  get  the  story — 
should  realize  that  music  making  and  profitable  listening 
are  a  wholesome,  appropriate  and  socially  valuable  com- 
ponent of  a  balanced,  well  adapted  recreation  program. 

The  ways  of  taking  advantage  of  Music  Week  are  too 
numerous  to  list,  but  here  are  a  few  recommended  by  the 
National  Recreation  Association.  (The  association  is  one 
of  thirty-two  national  organizations  sponsoring  National 
Music  Week  and  has  been  giving  the  National  Music  Week 
Committee  special  facilities  for  its  work,  including  office 
space,  since  1943.) 

(1)  Present  your  best  musical  group  in  a  concert,  radio  or  tele 
vision  program.    See  that  there  is  also  a  talk  on  the  need  of  the 
work  and  press  publicity   for  its  future  plans.    If  program   cannot 
be  carried  by  your  group  alone,  cooperate  with   others  in   a   com- 
munity night  program. 

(2)  Obtain  a  mayor's  proclamation,  or  join  with  others  in  doing 
so.    The  document  should  incorporate  a  reference  to  the  advance- 
ment of  music  in  recreation. 

(3)  Get  one  or  more  newspapers  to  run  a  page  spread  the  open- 
ing Sunday  of  Music  Week,  illustrated  with  pictures  of  recreation 
music  groups,  alone  or  among  other  groups. 

(4)  Announce  your   summer  musical   opportunities  for   children. 
The  dual  purpose  here  might  be  to  enlarge  participation   for  this 
year  and  to  pave  the  way  for  use  of  the  groups  in  the  Music  Week 
celebration  next  year. 

(5)  See  if  one  of  the  city's  leading  musical  organizations  would 
be  willing  to  organize  a  Music  Week  benefit  concert,  with  proceeds 
to  go  to  recreational  music  activities. 

Other  ideas  will  be  found  in  the  1953  Letter  of  Suggestions  of  the 
National  Music  Week  Committee.  This  may  be  obtained  by  sending 
a  three  cent  stamp  to  the  committee  at  315  Fourth  Avenue,  New 
York  10,  New  York. 

Music  in  the  recreation  program  today  ranges,  on  the 
vocal  side,  all  the  way  from  untrained,  group  singing  to 
the  artistically  acceptable  glee  club  and  mixed  chorus,  and 
on  the  instrumental  side,  from  the  rhythm  band  and  the 

The  author,  Miss  GERTRUDE  BORCHARD,  is  assistant  secretary 
of  the  National  and  Inter-American  Music  Week  Committee. 


ukulele  group  to  the  symphonic  orchestra  and  band.  This 
adaptability  to  needs  and  conditions  can  be  made  to  serve 
well  in  planning  for  Music  Week.  Thus,  a  harmonica  band 
can  be  used  as  take-off  point  in  a  campaign  for  a  fretted 
instrument  group,  or  even  a  children's  orchestra;  a  barber 
shop  quartet  may  be  used  to  promote  a  male  chorus,  and 
so  on. 

In  communities  in  which  a  citizens'  Music  Week  Com- 
mittee is  functioning,  the  recreation  department  should  be 
included  in  the  membership,  or  should  aim  for  inclusion 
in  the  near  future.  Better  provision  for  musical  facilities 
in  the  department  should  become  an  objective  of  the  com- 
mittee. 

Where  there  is  no  central  committee,  but  participation 
has  been  announced  by  one  or  more  prominent  musical, 
civic,  religious  or  youth  organization,  an  effort  might  be 
made  to  have  the  program  so  arranged  that  attention  shall 
be  called  to  the  place  of  music  in  recreation. 

Certainly  the  national  observance  is  a  time  to  enlist  in 
the  cause  the  aid  of  radio,  television  and  newspaper.  Sing- 
ing, playing  and  dancing  by,  say,  a  club  of  young  adults 
will  be  a  strong  TV  attraction  in  the  region,  regardless  of 
technical  perfection.  A  radio  series  will  provide  more  op- 
portunities, if  less  visual  appeal.  Newspapers  can  help  not 
only  with  editorials  and  pictures,  as  suggested  above,  but 
also  with  articles  on  the  progress  of  music  and  the  plans 
for  Music  Week  participation. 

The  United  States  defense  forces  are  utilizing  the  Music 
Week  observance  to  acquaint  the  country  more  generally 
with  the  importance  placed  upon  music  in  the  work  and 
leisure  of  servicemen.  This  year  the  national  committee 
is  recommending  that  all  communities  near  training  camps, 
air  and  naval  bases,  provide  special  opportunities  in  music 
for  servicemen  and  women.  Appearances  on  programs, 
and  free  or  nominal  priced  tickets  to  the  observances,  are 
among  the  suggestions.  Similar  opportunities  should  be 
offered  servicemen  who  are  home  on  leave. 

In  addition  to  its  Letter  of  Suggestions  the  national 
committee  has  available  a  number  of  publications,  most 
of  which  are  useful  for  year-round  work  as  well  as  for 
Music  Week.  Some  of  these,  issued  by  the  National  Rec- 
reation Association,  are:  Music  Week  and  the  Recreation 
Department  (reprint  from  this  magazine,  $.15)  ;  Songs  for 
Informal  Singing,  $.15;  Roads  to  Music  Appreciation, 
$.35;  Starting  and  Developing  a  Rhythm  Band,  $.35; 
Stephen  Foster  Program,  $.20;  Bibliography  for  Music 
Leaders  in  Camps  and  Playgrounds,  $.15;  Directing  an 
Olde  Folkes  Concert,  $.15.  Two  publications  helpful  in  se- 
lecting compositions  by  Americans  are:  America  in  Amer- 
ican Music,  $.15,  and  American  Music  for  Music  Week, 
$.15. 


MARCH  1953 


615 


Report  of  Sub-Committee  of  National  Advisory  Committee  on  Recruitment. 
Training  and  Placement  of  Recreation  Personnel 


IN-SERVICE  TRAINING 


Garrett  G.  Eppley 


TS  YOUR  in-service  training  program 
-*•  adequate?  If  every  employee  has 
reached  his  maximum  of  efficiency, 
and  if  your  department  and  program 
has  the  fullest  active  support  of  the  en- 
tire community,  including  the  various 
news  media,  the  related  governmental 
officials,  private  agencies,  commercial 
interests,  the  so-called  taxpayers,  em- 
ployees of  your  department  and  what 
remains  of  the  general  public,  you  can 
sit  back  for  a  few  minutes  and  feel 
satisfied  with  it. 

In-service  training  is  receiving  a 
tremendous  amount  of  attention  on 
the  part  of  industry,  the  military, 
health  and  welfare  agencies,  govern- 
ment and  education.  New  techniques 
of  jn->eiiice  training  are  being  devised 
almost  every  day.  In  the  rapidly 
growing  area  of  use  of  audio-visual 
materials,  new  techniques  of  interpre- 
tation and  presentation  are  being  dis- 
covered constantly.  A  large  portion  of 
these  techniques  are  being  utili/ecl  in 
in-service  training  programs. 

Some  of  the  objectives  of  an  in-ser- 
•.!•••  training  program  are  to: 

1.  Develop    a    professional    iitiiiu.l'- 
on  the  part  of  all  employees — a  fei-lin^ 
that  they  belong  to  an  organization  to 
whirh  they  ran  point  with  pride. 

2.  Improve  employee  relations. 

3.  Improve  good  relations  with  the 

MR.  KPPLF.Y  u  chairman  of  the  depart- 
mrnl  nf  recreation,  Indiana  Vnivrr\il\ . 


public. 

4.  Develop   incentives   for   self    im- 
provement on  the  part  of  employees. 

5.  Improve    the    personal    develop- 
ment of  the  individual  staff  member. 

6.  Properly    orient    the    recreation 
employee  to  his  position. 

7.  Improve  job  skills. 

8.  Lower  operating  costs. 

9.  Reduce  accidents. 

10.  Reduce  turnover. 

11.  Prepare  employees  for  advance- 
ment. 

12.  Give  the  employees  specific  help 
in  solving  the  problems  that  are  con- 
stantly confronting  them. 

13.  Develop  a   familiarity  with   the 
history,     scope,     objectives,     policies, 
regulations  and  ordinances  of  the  de- 
partment. 

14.  Familiarize  employees  with  the 
place  and  importance  of  recreation  in 
the  community. 

15.  Raise  the  professional  status  of 
the  department. 

Early  this  year,  at  about  the  same 
time  that  the  National  Recreation  As- 
sociation established  a  National  Ad- 
visory Committee  on  Recruitment. 
Training  and  Placement  of  Recreation 
IVrsonni-l.  with  Dr.  Paul  Douglass  as 
chairman,  the  American  Institute  of 
Park  F.v-c  utives  appointed  a  commit- 
tee on  In-Service  Training.  John  J. 
Considinr.  General  Superintendent  of 
Parks  and  Recreation  for  Detroit,  was 
appointed  chairman,  the  writer  rfefr 


chairman.  This  committee  held  a  two- 
day  workshop  in  Detroit  last  June  and 
prepared  a  preliminary  brochure  on  in- 
service  training  which  is  being  dis- 
tributed to  the  membership  of  that  or- 
ganization. Representatives  of  these 
two  national  committees  on  in-ser \  ii  <• 
training  will  meet  during  the  winter  to 
prepare  a  manual  on  the  subject.  \t 
a  meeting  of  the  Sub-Committee  on 
In-Service  Training  of  the  National 
Recreation  Association,  held  in  Seattle 
during  the  National  Recreation  Con- 
gress, concurrence  was  given  to  the 
following  recommendations  presented 
by  the  committee  of  the  American  In- 
-tiiute  of  Park  Executives: 

1.  That  in-service  training  be  made 
an  integral  part  of  all  park  and  recre- 
ation programs. 

2.  That  in-service  training  >e--iiin-. 
to  be  effective,   be  conducted  during 
working  hours. 

3.  That  encouragement  be  given  to 
supervisory   and   professional  employ- 
ees to   further  their  training   through 
short  courses,  night  classes,  institutes, 
and  correspondence  courses. 

4.  That  employee*  in  various  classi- 
fications  be  given   an   opportunity  to 
attend  institute-,  conferences,  and  oth- 
er l\|>es  of  meetings  of  a  training  and 
tilii'  .itional  nature. 

5.  That  recognition,  in  the  form  of 
certificates  or  diplomas,   he  given  for 
satisfactory     completion     of     training 
programs. 

RECREATION 


6.  That  a  library  be  created  by  each 
organization,  to  contain  books,  maga- 
zines, pamphlets,  films,  and  other  ma- 
terials on  various  phases  of  the  work, 
as  an  aid  to  employees. 

In-service  training  should  not  be 
limited  to  a  short  period  of  intensive 
training,  but  should  be  a  continuous 
process.  Supervisors,  in  their  con- 
tacts with  employees,  can  do  much  to 
assist  the  employees  to  develop  skills 
and  grow  professionally.  Through  per- 
sonal interviews  of  supervisors  with 
employees,  visits  by  employees  to 
other  programs,  and  suggestive  read- 
ings, the  employee  gains  knowledge, 
skills  and  understanding. 

The  in-service  training  program 
should  not  be  limited  to  the  lower  rank 
of  employee.  In  the  rapidly  growing 
field  of  recreation  the  executive,  and 
his  supervisors,  must  be  constantly  on 
the  alert  for  information  not  only  in 
his  immediate  field  but  also  in  related 
fields.  He  should  be  familiar  with  the 
best  practices  and  techniques  of  ad- 
ministration and  supervision.  The 
growing  popularity  of  the  regional 
training  institute  for  administrators  is 
evidenced  by  the  hundreds  of  people 
who  each  year  attend  the  Great  Lakes 
Park  Training  Institute  at  Pokagon 
State  Park,  Angola,  Indiana,  the  Flor- 
ida Park  Institute  at  Highland  Ham- 
mock State  Park,  Florida,  the  New 
England  Institute  of  Park  and  Recrea- 
tion Administration  at  Springfield, 
Massachusetts,  and  the  Mid-Continent 
Park  and  Recreation  Institute  at  Min- 
neapolis. Workshops  largely  for  rural 
leaders  are  being  held  in  more  than 
twenty  states.  The  National  Recreation 
Association  has  for  many  years  con- 
ducted effective  in-service  training  pro- 
grams throughout  the  entire  United 
States. 

Colleges  and  universities  are  begin- 
ning to  offer  a  variety  of  courses  in 
the  form  of  workshops  of  from  one-to 
two-weeks  duration.  Students  may  en- 
roll in  these  for  credit  or  non-credit. 
Some  local  departments  are  granting 
leaves  for  supervisory  and  administra- 
tive personnel  to  take  advanced  train- 
ing at  institutions  of  higher  learning. 

Administrators  should  have  their  in- 
service  training  programs  evaluated 
periodically. 

All  employees  need  in-service  train- 


ing. To  be  specific,  there  is,  for  ex- 
ample, the  receptionist  or  secretary 
who  often  serves  in  that  capacity.  Does 
she  know  how  to  answer  the  telephone 
properly?  Does  she  know  what  to  do 
when  a  request  is  made  for  informa- 
tion? Does  she  know  how  to  receive 
a  caller?  Is  her  office  neat  and  at- 
tractive? Is  she  dressed  appropriate- 
ly? The  use  of  the  army  film,  Tele- 
phone Efficiency,  or  the  Bell  Telephone 
film,  Telephone  Techniques,  can  do 
much  to  improve  the  public  relations 
of  our  office  which  is  the  only  contact 
many  people  have  with  our  depart- 
ment. These  films  can  be  secured  from 
those  organizations  or  from  the  audio- 
visual departments  of  state  universi- 
ties. 

There  are  many  other  resources 
available  which  can  be  utilized  effec- 
tively in  an  in-service  training  pro- 
gram; and  it  is  hoped  that  the  forth- 
coming manual  on  in-service  training 
will  bring  these  to  your  attention.  All 
recreation  departments  are  invited  to 
send  in  copies  of  materials,  or  a  listing 
of  references  which  can  be  utilized  by 
the  Sub-Committee  on  In-Service 
Training  in  the  preparation  of  this 
manual.  Address  to  the  author  of  this 
article,  Department  of  Recreation,  In- 
diana University,  Bloomington. 

Committee  Members 

Mrs.  Alta  S.  Bunker,  Oakland,  Cali- 
fornia 

Dr.  Howard  G.  Danford,  Florida 
State  University 

Don  Dyer,  Milwaukee,  Wisconsin 

Robert  E.  Everly,  Waterloo,  Iowa 

James  H.  Grooms,  Auburn,  Maine 

Stephen  H.  Mahoney,  Cambridge. 
Massachusetts 

W.  H.  Orion,  Director,  Special  Ser- 
vices, Veterans  Administration 

Earl  H.  Regnier,  University  of  Illi- 
nois 

John  G.  Scherlacher,  West  Virginia 
University,  Morganton,  West  Vir- 
ginia 

Beverly   S.   Sheffield,   Austin,  Texas 

Mrs.  Beth  W.  Yates,  Sylacauga,  Ala- 
bama 

Forest  V.  D.  Gustafson,  Detroit, 
Michigan 

Garrett  G.  Eppley,  Indiana  Univer- 
sity (Chairman) 


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MARCH  1953 


617 


Surfaces  for  Multiple-Use 


r|1HE  SUITABILITY  of  existing  multiple-use  areas  for  vari- 
•*•  ous  recreation  activities  was  the  subject  of  a  question- 
naire sent  to  park  and  recreation  authorities  in  December; 
1951,  by  the  National  Committee  on  Surfacing  Recreation 
Areas.  Of  some  250  questionnaires  returned,  175  provided 
ratings  on  concrete  or  bituminous  areas  or  both.  A  total 
of  220  paved  multiple-use  areas  were  rated,  of  which  92 
were  concrete  and  128  were  asphalt  or  other  bituminous 
surfaces. 

Authorities  rated  their  multiple-use  areas  according  to 
the  degree  to  which  they  had  proved  excellent,  satisfactory, 
fair  or  poor  for  each  of  twelve  recreation  activities.  A  to- 
tal of  1,413  activity -surface  ratings  were  submitted.  The 
replies  did  not  afford  sufficient  basis  for  the  committee 
to  develop  recommendations  for  surfaces  for  a  multiple- 
use  area.  The  information  in  this  article  represents  an  ac- 
counting to  all  who  cooperated  or  are  interested,  and  is 
in  no  sense  a  committee  report  on  the  subject. 

Summary  of  Ratings 

The  1,413  activity-surface  ratings  are  summarized  by 
surface  and  type  of  activity  in  the  accompanying  Table  I. 


This  reveals  that  537  ratings  were  submitted  for  concrete 
multiple-use  areas,  or  an  average  of  six  per  area,  as  com- 
pared with  876  asphalt  area  ratings,  or  an  average  of  seven 
each. 

Analysis  of  the  cases  where  multiple-use  areas  were  rated 
"excellent"  reveals  that  concrete  far  outranks  asphalt  in 
the  percentage  of  cases  receiving  this  rating.  Concrete 
areas,  for  example,  are  rated  "excellent"  for  roller  skating 
and  shuffleboard  by  a  majority  of  the  authorities  report- 
ing; asphalt  failed  to  receive  a  comparable  percentage  of 
top  ratings  for  any  activity,  although  nearly  half  of  the 
ratings  for  volley  ball  and  basketball  are  "excellent." 

The  extent  to  which  concrete  and  asphalt  areas  received 
"excellent"  ratings  was  determined  for  each  activity.  Be- 
cause different  individuals  have  different  rating  standards, 
and  since  some  surfaces  may  have  been  rated  "satisfac- 
tory" that  another  individual  would  have  rated  "excellent," 
all  "excellent"  and  "satisfactory"  ratings  have  also  been 
combined  for  each  activity.  The  results  appear  in  Table 
II.  The  combined  ratings  undoubtedly  give  a  fairer  pic- 
ture of  the  opinion  which  park  and  recreation  authorities 
hold  than  do  the  "excellent"  ratings  alone.  The  percent- 


TABIE  I 


SUMMARY  OF  RATINGS  BY 
Concrete  Areai 

TYPE 

OF  SURFACE  AND  ACTIVITY 
Aiphalt  Areai                       Total 

Areai 

Activity 

192) 

11281 

Grand 

E 

S 

F 

P        T 

E 

S 

F 

P        T 

E         S 

F 

P 

Total 

Botketboll 

19 

27 

6 

2      54 

55 

55 

8 

1     119 

74      82 

14 

3 

173 

Hondboll 

12 

10 

1 

0      23 

15 

17 

5 

3      40 

27      27 

6 

3 

63 

Ice  Skating 

7 

8 

1 

3      19 

10 

5 

7 

13      35 

17      13 

8 

16 

54 

Low  Organized  Garnet    16 

14 

8 

5      43 

29 

52 

11 

4      96 

45      66 

19 

9 

139 

Roller    Skating 

36 

17 

9 

1      63 

14 

23 

11 

28      76 

50     40 

20 

29 

139 

Shuffleboord 

35 

17 

6 

2      60 

12 

14 

18 

22      66 

47      31 

24 

24 

126 

Social   Dancing 

25 

24 

16 

3      68 

15 

22 

30 

16      83 

40      46 

46 

19 

151 

Softball 

0 

1 

0 

8        9 

2 

14 

14 

20      50 

2       15 

14 

28 

59 

Square    Dancing 

25 

33 

11 

1      70 

17 

36 

19 

12      84 

42      69 

30 

13 

154 

Tennil 

31 

27 

6 

0      64 

33 

37 

12 

6      II 

64      64 

18 

6 

152 

Touch    Football 

0 

1 

0 

10      11 

1 

4 

9 

23      37 

1         5 

9 

33 

48 

Volley   Ball 

19 

28 

5 

1      53. 

51 

45 

5 

1    102 

70      73 

10 

2 

155 

Tolali 

225 

207 

69 

J6    537 

254 

324 

U9 

149   176     479  531 

218 

185 

1413 

Key, 

E—  Excellent 

S  —  Satitlaclory 

F  —  Fair 

p—Poor 

T  —  Total 

618 


RECREATION 


Recreation  Areas 


age  of  "excellent"  ratings  in  Table  II  indicates  the  degree 
to  which  the  surfaces  are  considered  exceptionally  well 
suited  to  the  activity;  the  combined  ratings,  the  degree  to 
which  they  are  generally  satisfactory.  The  apparent  ad- 
vantage of  concrete  over  asphalt  areas  for  the  activities  as 
a  whole  would  be  less  had  more  authorities  reporting  on 
concrete  areas  submitted  ratings  for  Softball  and  touch 
football. 

TABLE  II 


RANKING    OF    SURFACES,    BY    ACTIVITIES,    ACCORDING    TO 
PERCENTAGE   RATED   EXCELLENT  AND   SATISFACTORY 

Concrete  Areas 

Excellent  Excellent  and 

Activity                                                   Ratings  Satisfactory   Ratings 

Roller  Skating                                  .59%  85% 

Shuffle-board                                         58  88 

Handball                                               46  96 

Tennis  46  89 

Ice  Skating  .   45  76 

Basketball     .                              39  91 

Volleyball                                   39  89 

Low    Organized    Games  38  74 

Social   Dancing   37  71 

Square    Dancing    37  80 

Softball                                                    0  11 

Touch    Football    0  9 

Average                                       34%  71% 

Asphalt  Areas 

Excellent  Excellent  and 

Activity                                                   Ratings  Satisfactory   Ratings 

Volleyball      .                                        48%  94% 

Basketball                                             46  93 

Tennis     40  82 

Handball     .                                          36  76 

Low    Organized    Games              ..    35  85 

Ice  Skating                                           29  40 

Roller  Skating                                      21  49 

Shuffleboard   18  41 

Square    Dancing                                  18  61 

Social   Dancing                       17  50 

Touch    Football    ..                                  3  14 

Softball     .                                               2  31 


Average 


26% 


60% 


Comments  on  Concrete  and  Asphalt  Surfaces 

The  reasons  for  the  various  ratings  and  also  a  brief  ap- 
praisal of  the  various  surfaces  from  the  standpoint  of  their 
suitability  for  a  multiple-use  area  were  reported  by  many 
authorities.  In  studying  the  questionnaire  replies,  it  is  im- 
portant to  remember  that  many  varieties  of  concrete  and 
bituminous  surfaces  are  found  in  localities.  The  specifica- 
tions used  and  the  nature  of  the  playing  surfaces,  which 
vary  widely,  especially  for  bituminous  areas,  determine  to 
a  large  degree  the  suitability  of  the  areas  for  particular 
types  of  recreation  activities.  The  replies  indicate  clearly 
that  some  of  the  surfaces  were  rated  as  "unsatisfactory" 
not  because  of  the  type  of  material  of  which  they  were 
constructed,  but  because  of  difficulties  in  their  construction 
or  in  the  specifications  used.  A  number  of  comments  are 
summarized  as  follows. 

Concrete 

Several  authorities  expressed  a  general  preference  for 
concrete  areas,  and  satisfaction  in  their  use;  for  example: 

Arizona:   "Works  best." 

Florida:  "Can't  be  beat."  "No  better  surface  has  been 
found." 

California:  "The  best  we  know."  "This  area  has  more 
participation  of  a  free-play  nature  than  any  other." 

North  Carolina:  "The  best  answer  we  have  found." 
"The  most  satisfactory  surface  we  have  found." 

Minnesota:    "Excellent  for  many  activities." 

Texas:  "Prefer  it  (brush  finish)  to  all  other  types." 
"We  find  ours  most  excellent." 

Among  the  reasons  for  rating  concrete  areas  highly, 
were  the  following  qualities: 

Sure  footing  Usable  in  all  weather 

Lines  painted  easily  Players  like  it 

Accurate  bounce  Easily  cleaned 

Long  life  Little  or  no  maintenance 

Good  under  lights  Can  use  any  type  shoes 

Drains  and  dries  rapidly  Not  injured  in  hot  weather 

Permits  fast  play  Can  get  type  of  finish  desired 

A  number  of  authorities  expressed  dissatisfaction  with 
concrete  areas;  in  some  cases  merely  stating  that  they  are 
not  favored,  and  in  other  cases  listing  reasons  why  they  do 
not  like  concrete  for  multiple-use  areas.  Relatively  few 
authorities,  however,  indicated  a  general  dissatisfaction 
with  them.  Among  the  reasons  listed  as  disadvantages  were 
the  following: 

High  initial  cost  Wear  on  shoes  and  clothing 

Lack  of  resiliency  Tendency  to  chip  and  crack 

Hardness  on  feet  Abrasive  on  personal  contact 

Interference  caused  by  expansion  joints 

Following  are  a  number  of  comments  on  the  suitability 
of  concrete  surfaces  for  specific  activities : 

Basketball — Most  comments  were  favorable. 

Handball — Practically  all  comments  were  favorable. 

Ice  Skating — Advantages  cited  were  that  the  surface 
holds  water  in  case  of  a  thawing  and  it  can  be  frozen 
quickly.  On  the  other  hand,  caulking  is  a  problem  and  one 
or  two  claim  the  surface  retains  too  much  heat. 

Low-Organized  Games — Most  comments  were  favorable, 
but  some  believe  the  surface  is  not  suitable  for  the  play  of 


MARCH  1953 


619 


young  children. 

Roller  Skating — Most  comments  were  favorable,  but  it 
was  reported  too  slick  after  being  used  for  dancing:  that 
lines  are  erased;  and  that  expansion  joints  interfere. 

Shuffleboard — Very  favorable  comments,  but  broom  fin- 
ish is  stated  to  be  too  rough. 

Social  and  Square  Dancing — Most  comments  favorable, 
but  some  claim  the  surface  tires  feet  and  calf  muscles  in 
social  dancing. 

Softball — No  favorable  comments. 

Tennis — Majority  of  comments  favorable,  but  one  claims 
court  accumulates  heat. 

Touch  Football — No  favorable  comments. 

Asphalt 

A  few  general  comments  on  asphalt  surfaces  are: 
New  York:  "Adaptable  to  90  per  cent  of  activity."  "Ex- 
cellent." 

California:  "Has  been  highly  satisfactory."  "Best  and 
most  widely-used  surface."  "Excellent  results." 

Illinois:    "Has  proven  the  best  surfacing  material." 
Maryland:    "Very  desirable  and  successful." 
Massachusetts:   "Best  found  to  date." 
Factors  resulting  in  favorable  ratings  were: 
Easy  maintenance  Courts  marked  readily 

Ix>w  initial  cost  No  glare 

Good  ball  bounce  Free  from  dust 

Easy  on  feet  and  legs  Dries  fast 

Stands  up  well  Any  shoes  can  be  used 

(lard,  clean  surface  Cracks  filled  easily 

Popular  among  players  All-weather  surface 

Facilitates  supervision  Good  footing 

There  are  few  general  adverse  comments,  although  as- 
phalt was  often  pointed  out  as  unsuitable  for  specific  ac- 
tivities. A  frequent  criticism  was  that  it  gets  soft  in  hot 
weather  and  is  damaged  by  high-heeled  shoes  or  children's 
play.  The  major  unsatisfactory  factors  are: 
Lines  wear  off  Hard  on  shoes 

Surface  softens  in  hot  weather  Marked  by  heels  when  soft 

Falls  result  in  abrasions  Hard  on  balls 

The  following  are  comments  on  the  use  of  asphalt  for 
specific  activities: 

Basketball — Very  favorable.  "Practically  equal  to  indoor 
facilities." 

Handball — Generally  favorable,  but  some  comment  that 
hall  is  not  alive  and  reacts  more  slowly  than  on  concrete. 

Ice  Skating — Frequently  rated  "good"  because  it  holds 
water  if  surface  is  scaled,  but  the  ice  tends  to  melt  too  rap- 
idly— although  this  can  be  retarded  by  application  of  a 
sand  base. 

Low-Organized  Games — Many  favorable  comments,  but 
several  report  on  injuries,  bruises  and  burns,  and  some  do 
not  approve  for  small  children's  use. 

Roller  Skating— Many  unfavorable  comments.  Slower 
than  concrete.  Friction  on  wheels,  and  skates  cut  the  sur- 
face in  summer. 

Shuffleboard — Many  unfavorable  comments,  but  some 
say  satisfactory  if  waxed. 

Social  Dancing — Hard  on  shoes  and  less  favorably  re- 
ported than  concrete.  Satisfactory  if  waxed. 


Softball — Majority  comments  unfavorable;  surface  is 
hard  on  bats,  makes  game  too  fast,  presents  hazard  in 
sliding,  balls  roll  too  far. 

Square  Dancing — Better  than  for  social  dancing,  but 
many  unfavorable  comments  due  to  traction  and  wear  on 
ibow. 

Tennis — Generally  favorable  and  players  like  it,  but  sur- 
face blackens  balls  and  tends  to  slow  them,  especially  in 
hot  weather. 

Touch  Football — Definitely  unfavorable. 

Volley  Ball — Almost  universally  favorable. 

Concrete  versus  Asphalt 

A  few  specific  comments  were  made  with  reference  to 
the  relative  satisfaction  on  asphalt  and  concrete  courts.  A 
few  follow: 

Arizona:  "Can  use  concrete  for  more  things  than  as- 
phalt." 

Iowa:  "Prefer  asphalt  to  concrete  for  all  uses  except 
ice  skating." 

Indiana:    "Concrete  better  than  asphalt." 

Washington  and  Maryland:  "Asphalt  more  resilient 
than  concrete." 

California:  "Where  ground  shifts,  asphalt  rolls  or  raises 
but  does  not  crack  like  cement." 

Colorado:  "Concrete  in  this  climate  gives  better  contin- 
uous use  and  needs  no  attention." 

Michigan  and  New  York:  "Concrete  more  desirable  for 
most  activities  but  original  cost  much  higher." 

Michigan:  "Does  not  chip  and  crack  as  concrete  does 
and  is  easier  on  eyes." 

Wisconsin:  "Concrete  and  asphalt  too  hard  for  multiple 
use." 

Others  commented  that  asphalt  is  as  good  as  concrete, 
but  requires  more  maintenance;  that  lines  do  not  show  up 
as  well  on  asphalt  as  on  concrete,  and  that  concrete  is  not 
as  good  as  asphalt  for  tennis. 

The  majority  of  the  authorities  submitting  information 
did  not  identify  the  specific  type  of  concrete  or  asphalt 
surface  although  it  was  requested  that  this  be  done.  Fail- 
ure to  do  so  minimized  the  value  of  the  reports  and  made 
it  impossible  to  compare  fairly  the  relative  merits  of  tin- 
different  types  of  concrete  or  asphalt  surfaces. 

The  relative  effectiveness  .if  tin-  u\.>  surfaces  for  various 
purposes  is  stated  in  a  letter  from  California  as  follows: 

"We  believe-  tlii~  type  of  installation  should  be  classilii-.l 
in  two  groupings:  High  velocity-deflection  and  low  ve- 
locity-deflection— the  former  covering  such  activities  as 
tennis  and  handball,  the  latter  basketball  and  volley  ball. 

"In  the  high  velocity-deflection  group  there  is,  in  our 
opinion,  no  substitute  for  cement  concrete  with  rotary 
finish  and  impregnated  color.  The  specifications  for  this 
type  of  installation  are  often  too  loose,  particularly  when- 
large  area  slabs  are  in\nl\ed.  The  tightening  of  specifica- 
tions, from  establishing  subgrade  through  aggregate,  rein- 
furrrnieni.  pour  and  finish,  has  IKTU  most  effective. 

"In  the  low  velocity -ilellertinn  group,  the  use  of  asjili.il 
In    concrete,  either  hot  or  cold  lay.  has  proved  adequate 
and  durable  oxer  long  period*  Men  \enrs  and  mote, 


690 


\\\  <  ii  K  vnoN 


hot  lay,  in  our  case)  at  low  installation  and  maintenance 
cost.  The  formula  and  thickness  are  secondary  to  com- 
paction of  subgrade,  a  common  failing  being  to  accept 
virgin  soil  as  an  adequate  base.  Oxidation  is,  of  course, 
the  worst  enemy  of  asphaltic  concrete  and  to  our  knowl- 
edge no  effective  curative  has  been  developed." 

Summary  By  Regions 

A  summary  of  the  ratings  was  made  according  to  geo- 
graphical regions  in  order  to  determine  to  what  extent,  if 
any,  the  various  types  of  surfaces  had  proved  satisfactory 
in  different  parts  of  the  country.  Table  III  summarizes  the 
ratings  according  to  five  sections  of  the  United  States. 

TABLE  III 


SUMMARY  OF  RATINGS  FOR  CONCRETE  AND  ASPHALT  AREAS 
BY  GEOGRAPHICAL  REGIONS 

Region 

No.  of  Ratings  for 
Concrete  Areas 

No.  of  Ratings  for 
Asphalt  Areas 

E 

S 

f 

P 

T 

E 

s 

F 

P 

T 

Northeast 

22 

18 

2 

1 

43 

82 

97 

40 

30 

249 

South    

.    87 

66 

30 

17 

200 

17 

57 

27 

24 

125 

Midwest 

53 

53 

17 

11 

134 

67 

84 

34 

32 

217 

Southwest 

47 

43 

15 

6 

1  1  1 

64 

51 

37 

59 

21  1 

Northwest 

16 

25 

5 

1 

47 

24 

35 

11 

4 

74 

Total 

225 

205 

69 

36 

535 

254 

324 

149 

149 

876 

Key:  E  —  Excellent    S  —  Satisfactory 

F  —  Fair 

P  —  Poor 

T  —  Total 

Judged  by  the  number  of  replies,  asphalt  is  much  more 
widely  used  than  concrete  for  multiple-use  areas  in  the 
Northeast;  somewhat  more  widely  used  in  the  Southwest, 
Midwest  and  Northwest.  Concrete  is  somewhat  more  wide- 
ly used  in  the  South. 

In  each  of  the  five  regions,  concrete  received  a  higher 
percentage  of  favorable  (excellent  and  satisfactory)  ratings. 

The  highest  percentage  of  favorable  ratings  for  concrete 
was  in  the  Northeast  (93  per  cent),  where  only  six  areas 
were  rated;  the  lowest  (77  per  cent)  was  in  the  South. 
The  highest  percentage  of  favorable  ratings  for  asphalt 
was  in  the  Northwest  (80  per  cent)  ;  the  lowest  (55  per 
cent)  in  the  Southwest. 

In  the  South  and  Southwest,  a  majority  of  the  asphalt 
areas  were  reported  as  unsatisfactory  for  roller  skating, 
shuffleboard,  social  dancing  and  square  dancing.  This  was 
not  the  case  in  the  Northeast  and  Northwest  or,  except  for 
shuffleboard  and  social  dancing,  in  the  Midwest. 

Excellent  ratings  on  concrete  for  roller  skating,  shuffle- 
board,  social  dancing  and  square  dancing  exceeded  the 
sum  of  the  other  three  ratings  in  the  South.  This  was  not 
true  of  the  Midwest,  Southwest  and  Northwest  ratings. 

Summary  of  Findings 

Observations  with  respect  to  the  frequency  of  use  and 
the  suitability  of  paved  areas  for  various  kinds  of  recrea- 
tion activity  as  revealed  by  the  study  are  as  follows: 

1.  Asphalt  is  used  more  widely  and  generally  than  con- 
crete for  multiple-use  areas,  judged  by  the  number  of  areas 
on  which  reports  were  submitted.  For  example,  asphalt 
areas  were  rated  more  than  twice  as  often  as  concrete  for 


basketball  and  low-organized  games  and  nearly  twice  as 
often  for  volley  ball. 

2.  Of  all  the  ratings  on  concrete  areas,  73  per  cent  were 
"excellent"   or  "satisfactory."    On   asphalt  areas,   60  per 
cent  were  "excellent"  or  "satisfactory." 

3.  At  least  75  per  cent  of  the  ratings  on  both  concrete 
and  asphalt  areas  were  "excellent"  or  "satisfactory"  for 
basketball,  handball,  tennis  and  volley  ball;   on  concrete 
areas  alone,  for  shuffleboard,  roller  skating,  square  danc- 
ing and  ice  skating;  on  asphalt  areas  only,  for  low-organ- 
ized games. 

4.  Judged  by  the  percentage  of  combined   "excellent" 
and  "satisfactory"  ratings,  asphalt  was  rated  higher  for 
five  activities,  volley  ball,  basketball,  low-organized  games, 
touch  football,  softball;   concrete  higher  for  other  seven. 

5.  Concrete  areas  did  not  receive  a  single  "excellent" 
rating  for  softball  and  touch  football;  they  did  not  receive 
a  single  "poor"  rating  for  handball  and  tennis. 

6.  More  than  half  the  concrete  areas  received  an  "ex- 
cellent" rating  for  roller  skating  and  shuffleboard.   Asphalt 
areas  did  not  receive  a  50  per  cent  "excellent"  rating  in 
the  case  of  any  activity. 

7.  Basketball  and  volley  ball,  the  most  frequently  re- 
ported activities,  are  played  extensively  and  satisfactorily 
on  multiple-use  areas,  with  a  slight  preference  for  asphalt. 

8.  Roller  skating  and  shuffleboard,  the  most  frequently 
reported  activities  on  concrete  areas,  are  carried  on  satis- 
factorily on  concrete,  but  not  on  asphalt. 

9.  Ice  skating,  not  too  frequently  reported,  is  generally 
successful  on  concrete.    Not  so  on  50  per  cent  of  the  as- 
phalt areas. 

10.  Paved  areas  are  generally  satisfactory  for  low-organ- 
ized games,  but  asphalt  more  so  than  concrete. 

11.  Social  dancing  and  square  dancing,  frequently  re- 
ported, are  more  satisfactory  on  concrete  than  on  asphalt. 
Concrete  is  somewhat  more  highly  rated  for  square  danc- 
ing than  for  social  dancing.    A  majority  report  asphalt 
"satisfactory"  for  square  dancing,  but  not  for  social  danc- 
ing. 

12.  Tennis  is  generally  successful  on  both  concrete  and 
asphalt,   although  more  cities  report  asphalt  "unsatisfac- 
tory" for  tennis  than  concrete. 

13.  Concrete  areas  were  seldom  rated  for  softball  and 
touch  football  and  most  of  these  received  a  "poor"  rating. 
Many  rated  asphalt  areas  for  these  two  activities  and  a  ma- 
jority of  the  ratings  were  likewise  "poor,"  although  soft- 
ball  is  played  on  it  with  satisfaction  in  several  cities. 

An  obvious  conclusion  from  the  information  summarized 
above  is  that  no  one  type  of  surface  has  proved  highly 
satisfactory  for  all  forms  of  recreation  activity.  A  com- 
munity deciding  to  build  a  multiple-use  area  will  do  well 
to  determine  the  activities  for  which  the  area  will  be  used 
and  to  select  the  type  of  surface  that  will  be  most  suitable 
for  the  activities  to  be  carried  on  most  frequently  and  for 
the  largest  number  of  people.  It  may  well  prove  desirable 
to  construct  more  than  one  type  of  multiple-use  area  if  the 
variety  of  desired  activities  is  such  as  to  require  various 
types  of  surfaces. 


MARCH  1953 


621 


how  To  Do  IT  / 


A  BRUSH  or  BROOM 

MADE   OUT  OF  A   STICK  OF  WOOD- 


AH  YOU    NEED    is  o.   knife  ,  some  sYronq 
core*   and  a  -freshly  cut  stick  of   ASH, 
WICH-HAZEL  or  SASSAFRAS. 


METHOD 

1.  Cut  stick  desired  lenqth .  Stick  is 
about ^inch  diameter  for  brush  and 
^•fb  I  inch  diameter  -for  broom. 

2.  Cutaway  the  bark  in  shaded  areas 
shoujn  in  DiaqramA. 

NOTE.  :  FOR  LOM6ER  LENGTHS 

PROPORTIONATE  g> 


An  Excellent  Hear+h  brush 

or 

Broom  for  cement  or  dirt. 


3.  At  brush  end  peel  wood  fiber  in 
small  bristles  back  -to  £* area- 
Peel  round  and  round  the  stick  until 
all  the  end.  is  stripped  irrfo  bristles. 
sketch  /. 


BRUSH  CND 


Sfarr 


End 

(Pee/  with  knife) 

3. Pull  fibers  peeled  in  louver  handle 
area  over  brush  end  fibers  and  bind 
tiqhtly  u/ith  stronq  cord.  See  sketch 3. 
'  can  be  painted  or  shellacked. 


SKETCH  3. 


DIAGRAM  A 


4.Next  peel  lower  handle  area- 
(3jj  shaded  area).  Peel  toaiards 
brush  end.  Peel  about  half-way 
thru  the  sh'ck . 
See.  sketch 


LOU/fft  HANDLE 
END  FI&CRS  KIN6- 
Pt/llCD  OV&f 

CNO 


OU/fR  HANDLE  END 

cover*  MUSM 

tfCLD  W 
PLACC  WITH  COAD  . 


5KETCH2. 


LOU/CR  HANOLt  [NO  H&CRS 
PC.CLCD  TDUMfUU  S*Wf  £NO. 
-HANDLE  END 


RECREATION 


People 


Events 


The  National  Recreation  Association  feels  keenly  the 
recent  loss  of  two  very  good  friends,  Edwin  C.  May  and  J. 
Thompson  Brown,  and  gratefully  acknowledges  the  part 
that  they  have  played  in  helping  to  build  the  Association  to 
its  present  position  of  influence  in  America,  and  in  their 
foresight  in  helping  to  provide  for  its  future. 

Edwin  C.  May,  whose  brother,  Walter  May,  served  on 
the  board  of  directors  for  many  years,  made  yearly  con- 
tributions to  the  Association  for  forty  years  and  left  a 
bequest  of  $3,000.  For  two  generations  many  other  mem- 
bers of  the  May  family  have  been  contributing. 

J.  Thompson  Brown,  a  director  of  the  E.  I.  duPont 
de  Nemours  Company  Finance  Committee  and  a  former 
vice-president  of  the  company,  was  deeply  interested  in  the 
work  of  the  Association.  He  began  to  contribute  to  it  in 
1923  and  continued  to  do  so  yearly  for  thirty  years.  Ap- 
proximately twenty  years  ago,  Mrs.  Brown  also  became 
interested  and  began  to  contribute  and  to  help  raise  money 
for  the  Association.  She  was  elected  as  an  Honorary 
Member.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Brown  together  have  been  the 
means  of  helping  to  interest  a  great  many  people  in  the 
work  of  the  NRA. 

The  Association  has  been  most  fortunate,  through  the 
years,  in  the  generous  and  continuous  interest  and  support 
of  outstanding  men,  such  as  these,  who  have  believed  in 
the  purposes,  the  spirit,  and  the  effectiveness  of  the  Asso- 


*Y/ 

There  are  two  good  reasons  why  your  recreation 
program  should  include  Dairy-Vend  ice  cream 
venders. 

1.  The    people    who    participate 
in  and  benefit  from  your  recrea- 
tion   program    will    welcome    this 
addition  to  the  refreshment  serv- 
ice   you    now    have.      Ice    cream 
not  only  makes  rest  periods  more 
enjoyable,    but    provides    basic 
food     requirements     which     most 
vended  products  lack. 

2.  Profit    possibilities,    too,    are 
inherent    wherever    Dairy-Vend 
machines   are   placed.   And   what 
recreation     program    would     not 
benefit    by    additional    revenue? 

More  Dairy-Vend  machines  have  been  sold  than  any 
other  make.  Write  today  for  details  on  how  easy 
you  can  arrange  for  this  ice  cream  service. 


THE  VENDO  COMPANY 

7400   East    12th   Street         •          Kansas   City,   Missouri 


ciation  in  the  growing  field  of  recreation. 

Alexander  Isabel,  the  superintendent  of  recreation  for 
the  city  of  Amsterdam,  New  York,  recently  died  of  a 
heart  attack.  He  was  appointed  acting  superintendent  in 
1944  and  received  his  permanent  appointment  in  1947.  In 
1950  he  received  an  award  for  "Outstanding  Service  to  the 
Youth  of  Amsterdam" — the  third  award  of  its  kind  to  be 
given  in  a  fifteen-year  period — from  the  fraternal  Order 
of  Eagles. 

Mr.  Isabel  also  served  as  athletic  director  for  St.  Mary's 
Institute  in  Amsterdam  and  as  up-state  New  York  scout 
for  the  Brooklyn  Dodgers  baseball  team. 

Bert  and  Stella  Swenson,  of  Stockton,  California, 
were  recently  honored  when  Swenson  Park,  the  newly 
opened  city  public  park  and  golf  course,  was  named.  The 
Swensons  have  been  leaders  in  civic  betterment  since  they 
came  to  Stockton  more  than  thirty  years  ago.  Through 
their  interest  and  efforts,  the  growth  of  numerous  youth 
and  welfare  activities  has  been  accomplished. 

•  The  following  chairmen  of  the  Pre- Workshop  Com- 
mittees for  the  Second  National  Workshop  on  Recreation, 
sponsored  and  financed  by  The  Athletic  Institute  of 
Chicago,  are  announced:  Music — Dr.  Max  Kaplan,  Uni- 
versity of  Illinois;  Arts  and  Crafts — Frank  Staples,  Na- 
tional Recreation  Association;  Sports  and  Games — Vern 
Herlund,  Chicago  Park  District;  Hobbies — John  Sher- 
lacker,  West  Virginia  University;  Drama — Sybl  Baker, 
District  of  California  Recreation  Department;  Nature  Lore 
and  Camping — Reynold  Carlson,  Indiana  University.  Dr. 
Gerald  B.  Fitzgerald.  University  of  Minnesota,  is  director 
of  the  workshop  and  coordinator  of  committees  and  Walter 
Roy,  Chicago  Park  District,  is  chairman  of  the  Executive 
Committee. 


MARCH  1953 


623 


COMMUNITY  CENTER 
HOISEKEEPIH 


The  third  of  a 
series  of  articles 
on  this  subject. 


Tips  on  Care  of  Floors 

•  Know  the  composition  of  the  floor 
and  use  a  cleaning  compound  which  is 
suited  to   it.    A  cleaner  which  works 
well  on  a  wooden  floor  may  contain 
chemicals  which  are  harmful  to  lino- 
leum, terrazo,  or  other  types  of  floors. 

•  I.:IIL-I-    amounts    of    water    should 
never  be  left  for  a  long  period  of  time 
on  any  floor;  and  all  types  of  surfaces 
should  be  dried  as  quickly  and  thor- 
oughly as  possible. 

•  Floors  should  always  be  swept  or 
dry  mopped  to  pick  up  all  loose  dirt 
and  grit  before  wet  mopping.    This  is 
time  and  labor  saving  in  the  long  run 
as  it  makes  the   mopping  easier  and 
cuts  down  on  the  number  of  times  the 
mop  water  needs  to  be  changed. 

•  Use  of  a  "tote-tray" — a  flat  wooden 
or   metal   box   or  tray   with   a   sturdy 
handle  over  the  top — to  carry  various 
special  cleaning  compounds,  basic  tools 
and  repair  materials  on  daily  cleaning 
rounds  will  save  many  steps  and  sim- 
plify keeping  up  with  minor  repairs. 
Sandpaper,    steel    wool,    and    a    putty 
k n iff.   to  he  used  to  remove  wads  of 
chewing    gum    and    other    sticky    sub- 
stances and  to  smooth  rough  spots  in 
the  floor  before  mopping,  are  essential 
tote-tray  items.  , 

•  To  avoid  unnecessary  marring  and 
marking    of    floors    which    have    been 
fre-hly    wi-i    mopped,  do   not  slide  or 
replace   furniture   on   tin-in    until   t)i>-\ 
are  thoroughly  dry. 

•          •         •         • 

A  new  handbook,  prepared  by  thr 
Charlotte.  North  Carolina,  Park  and 
Recreation  Commission  for  the  infor- 
mation and  guidance  of  their  commu- 
nity center  staff  workers,  is  the  source 


of  the  two  following  excerpts  on  care 
of  equipment  and  janitorial  duties 
which  may  prove  helpful  to  other  cen- 
ter directors  in  setting  up  policies  on 
these  phases  of  community  center 
housekeeping. 

Care  of  Equipment 

The  care  of  equipment  is  the  respon- 
sibility of  the  community  center  staff 
through  enforcement  of  building  rules 
and  through  a  maintenance  and  care 
program  of  their  own.  Here  are  some 
tips  on  equipment  care: 

Instruct  the  janitor  to  periodically 
clean  balls. 

Allow  only  those  persons  who  have 
been  carefully  instructed  to  operate  the 
public  address  system. 

Do  not  permit  persons  to  sit  on 
tables  or  on  the  arms  of  chairs. 

Have  arts  and  crafts  classes  repair 
ping  pong  nets,  paddles,  badminton 
nets,  and  so  on. 

Explain  to  each  individual  that  he 
is  responsible  for  the  equipment  he 


Explain    the   care   of   equipment   to 

participant-. 

Keep  the  piano  locked,  let  only  qual- 
ified persons  play  it. 

Turn  in  all  broken  and  unusable 
equipment  to  the  maintenance  shop 
immediately.  Turn  in  seasonal  equip 
mi-ill  when  it  is  not  needed. 

Dulicn  of  the  Community  Outer 
Janitor 

Maintain  thr  building  and  ground-. 

Keep  the  building  and  grounds  clean. 

Maintain  equi|)inen|  and  furniture. 

Follow  work  -'  heiluli-H  a«  planned  l>\ 
the  director. 
Jtnil\  Untie*: 

Sweep  all  floors  (morning  and  after- 


noon) ;  wax  floors  as  needed. 

Dust  all  furniture  and  ledges. 

Wipe  bleacher  seats. 

Empty  trash  cans. 

Empty  ash  trays. 

Wet  mop  auditorium  floor. 

Wet  mop  floors  in  rest  rooms. 

Clean  lavatories,  urinals,  stools,  and 
shower  stalls. 

Fill  towel  dispensers. 

Replace  soap  in  rest  rooms. 

Pick  up  all  trash  and  paper  on  com- 
munity center  grounds. 

Remove  trash  from  reflector  pools. 

Sweep  all  walks  and  entrance* 
(morning  and  afternoon). 

Fill  drink  machines. 

Clean  water  fountains. 

Keep  liuilding  clean  through  con- 
stant watchfulni---. 

Check  all  doors  to  see  that  they  work 
properly. 

Set  up  equipment  as  directed. 

Weekly  Duli<-s: 

Wet-wipe  all  furniture  and  bleac  li 
ers. 

Wet  mop  all  floors. 

Clean  halls. 

Rake  trash  from  reflector  pool. 

Scrub  rest  room  floors. 

\olif\  director  of  supplies  needed 
and  work  needed. 

Work  ground  around  shrubbery. 

U'-pair  equipment. 

"-wi-ep  down  cobwebs. 

Check  and  report  oil  level  to  diiec 
tor. 

Monthly  Duties: 
Wa>h  windows. 
I  Iran   wall-. 

Clean  Mendier  mechanism. 
Clean  equipment  shelves. 
Wax  office  furniture. 


684 


I!  I  .  KKATION 


Listening  and  Viewing 

Folklore  Audio-Visual  Library 


RECORDINGS — FOR  LISTENING  : 

International  Musical  Eisteddfod,  West- 
minster, WAL  209,  two-record  album, 
33*4  rpm,  $12.40.  Musical  documen- 
tary, sponsored  by  UNESCO,  of  festi- 
val held  in  Wales  in  July,  1952. 
One,  Two,  Three — and  a  Zing,  Zing, 
Zing,  Folkways  FP  703,  10-inch  LP, 
$4.45.  Children's  games  and  street 
cries,  recorded  on  New  York  streets. 
American  Folk  Songs  and  Ballads, 
Frank  Warner,  Elektra  EKLP  3,  10- 
inch  LP,  $4.45. 

English  Folk  Songs,  Folkways  FP  823, 
10-inch  LP,  $4.45.  Songs  from  many 
English  counties,  by  Wallace  House. 
Voudoun  Rituals,  Elektra  EKLP  5,  10- 
inch  LP,  $4.45.  Recorded  on  location 
in  Haiti  by  Mya  Deren. 

RECORDINGS — FOR  DANCING: 

Folk  and  Square  Dance  Educational 
Series,  RCA  Victor  45-6169—45-6184, 
78  rpm,  with  instruction  sheet,  $1.16 
each.  The  best  of  old  dances,  includ- 
ing Bingo  (American  Play  Party)  and 
Tra-la-la,  Ja  Saa  (Norwegian  Singing 
Game)  and  a  useful  Virginia  Reel 
(First  Part,  Reel  and  March). 


Songs  and  Dances  of  Switzerland,  Folk- 
ways FP  809,  10-inch  LP,  $4.45. 
French,  German,  Swiss  dances,  with 
calls. 

Folkways  recordings  include  notes. 

FILMS: 

Square  Dance  Reunion,  11  minutes, 
color;  sale,  $90.00,  rental  $5.00.  Quad- 
rille to  "The  Texas  Star,"  by  a  group 
of  Western  square  dancers. 
Dance  Festival,  10  minutes,  black  and 
white;  sale  $36.00,  rental  $3.00.  Rus- 
sian dance  groups  filmed  in  London 
at  an  international  dance  festival. 
Films  from  D.  D.  Livingston,  220  Clin- 
ton Street,  New  York  2. 

FILM  STRIPS: 

Sioux  and  Navajo,  Folkways,  FMS  40, 
63  frames,  black  and  white,  $10.00. 
Documentary  with  text  and  foreword. 
The  Ancient  Maya,  Folkways,  FMS 
802,  54  frames,  color,  $10.00.  Excava- 
tions, temples,  artcraft,  writing,  with 
notes  by  G.  F.  Ekhohn.  Film  strips 
from  Folkways  Record  and  Service 
Corporation,  117  West  46th  Street. 
New  York  19. 


AWARDS    YOU     CAN    AFFORD 


OVER  100  RECREATION 
DEPARTMENTS  USING 
OUR  PLASTIC  TROPHYS 


WRITE   TODAY   FOR       FREE     SAMPLE 


W.  R.  MOODY 


704    N.     MARIPOSA 
BURBANK,     CALIF. 


REMINDER... 

c4merica6 
c4tkletic  Equipment 


IS  BUILT  BY 


FOR  CATALOG  WRITE: 
W.  J.  Voit  Rubber  Corp. 
1600  East  25th  Street 
Los  Angeles  11,  Calif. 


New  York  10,  Chicago  10,  Los  Angeles  1 1 


NEW 

RECREATION 

BIBLIOGRAPHY 

Recreation   Bibliography.    Washington 
6,  D.C.    AAHPER,   1201-16th  St.,  N.W., 


1953. 


71  pp.  $1.00 


A  comprehensive  and  new  bibliogra- 
phy. Includes  books  under  the  head- 
ings of  theory,  history,  philosophy,  or- 
ganization, administration,  leadership, 
areas,  facilities,  research,  institutional, 
older  people,  programs,  dancing,  dra- 
matics, music,  hobbies,  crafts,  games, 
storytelling,  sports,  parties,  and  camp- 
ing. 

A  complete  list  of  publishers  and 
their  addresses  appears  in  the  appen- 
dix. 


Desirable  Athletic 
Competition  for  Children 

Guiding  principles  for  recreation  lead- 
ers, administrators,  teachers  and  par- 
ents conducting  programs  of  athletics 
for  elementary  school  age  children. 
Report  is  based  on  recommendations 
of  competent  pediatricians,  cardiolo- 
gists, physiologists  and  orthopedic 
surgeons. 

Price  single  copy  50c 

2-9    copies    35c   each;    10-99   copies    25c 
each;  100  or  more  copies  20c  each 


AMERICAN  ASSOCIATION  FOR  HEALTH, 

PHYSICAL  EDUCATION,  AND  RECREATION 

1201—  Sixteenth  St.,  N.W.,  Washington,  D.C 


MARCH  1953 


625 


Birthday  News 

•  Coinciding  with  their  forty-first  an- 
niversary (March  12),  the  Girl  Scouti 
of  the  United  Stales  of  America  An- 
nounce a  new  proficiency  award,  "My 
Government."    Requirements  for  earn- 
ing the  badge  include  the  study  of  our 
basic   American   documents;    the   me- 
chanics    of     registration,     primaries, 
local  and  national  balloting;  issues  of 
the  coming  elections;    public  services 
and  their  tax  support;  the  duties  and 
obligations  of  citi/ens:  comparison  of 
our    democratic    election     procedures 
with  the  practices  of  a  Girl  Scout  troop 
government.    The  basic  outline  of  tin- 
requirements  was  prepared  by  a  volun- 
teer   group    of    League    of    Women 
Voters,  in  cooperation  with  educators 
and  representatives  of  national  organi- 
zations and   government   departments. 
Earning  the  "My  Government"  badge 
will  constitute  a  post-graduate  course 
in  the  "Community  Life"  field  of  the 
Girl  Scout  program. 
•  To    mark    the   anniversary    of    their 
organization's  founding,  the  Camp  Fire 
Girls  annually  select  a  national  service 
project  for  the  coming  year.  The  I'1  >  '• 
project  will  !«•  "Down  i<>  Karih."  t»  In- 
announced     during     their     forty-third 
"birthday"  week,  March  15  to  21.  The 
more    than    370,000   members   of  the 
organization     will     discover     through 
"Down  to  Earth"  explorations  how  tl" 
-,,il    affects    their    health,    wealth    and 
happiness    «n<l    how     man's    progress 
toward  Ix-ll'-r  living  depend-  upon  tin- 
land   and   what   prows  on   it   and   in  it. 

Latent  Adiliiion- 

Devrlopiiicnt  of  th.-ir  r.-,  rc.ilion  pro 
gram"    to    includr    new    aridities    and 
,er\e     i.l.lilional    group*    in    the    ">in 
inunit\      milrstonr-  of  progress — have 
Inrn  reported  by: 

Oakland,  California—  A   cultural    arts 
program    for    six-to-twelve-year    old-. 

r,2f> 


Music  is  made  tangible  through  listen- 
ing to  recordings  and  piano  composi- 
tions, using  rhythmic  instruments — 
gongs,  symi>als,  bells,  drums,  and  so 
on.  The  children  then  express  how 
they  hear  and  feel  through  finger  paint- 
ings, line  and  free  form  drawings.  A 
few  notes  are  learned  at  a  time  and 
used  in  song  and  on  instruments,  and 
the  youngsters  are  then  encouraged  to 
make  their  own  music.  Two  Saturday- 
morning  classes  are  conducted  in  the 
recreation  center  where  the  children 
may  later  take  part  in  classes,  especially 
planned  for  their  age  group,  in  pot- 
tery, painting  and  design,  dramatic- 
and  modern  dance. 

•  A  "30  to  40  Club"  for  young  adults. 
A  social  recreation  program,  including 
dancing,  card  playing  and  partu-. 
planned  by  the  group  itself,  is  being 
sponsored  by  the  recreation  depart- 
ment. A  glass-enclosed  clubroom  in 
the  Lake  Merrill  boathouse,  equipped 
with  piano,  phonograph,  public  ad- 
dress system  and  a  kitchen,  is  available 
from  seven  o'clock  to  midnight  on  the 
first  Friday  and  third  Saturday  of  each 
month.  There  are  no  officers  and  no 
dues,  bul  a  small  fee  is  charged  for 
refreshment. 

Son  Angela,  Texas— A.  Toastmaster 
Club.  A  group — kept  small  deliber- 
ately— of  young  folks  meels  once  a 
week  for  inslruction  and  training  in 
the  intricacies  of  being  masters  of 
ceremonies.  Their  services  are  used 
in  many  departmenlal  programs. 
ff'illamalane  Park  Recreation  District. 
Oregon— A  family-nile  program.  Band 
concerts,  communily  sings  and  square 
dance  exhibitions  in  the  park  are 
planned  for  grown-ups,  and  special 
events,  games  and  races  are  mended 
for  the  children. 

Grand  Rapids,  Michigan— \  Junior 
Kennel  Club.  Over  thirty  youngsters, 
under  sixteen  years  of  age,  meet  on 
the  first  Saturday  of  each  month  and 
.in-  taught,  by  two  advisors,  the  train- 
ing, grooming  and  care  of  their  dogs. 
A  ii  n  MI*  (.'I'M.  Missouri — A  Downtown 
Recreation  Center.  Classes  in  weav- 
ing, ceramics,  leather  crafts,  wood 
carving,  many  types  of  painting  and 
•  rafts  for  leaders  of  children's  groups. 
iindi-r  tin-  »u|H-r\i-ion  of  the  arts  and 
craft-  sii|M-r\isor  of  tin-  recreation  di\i- 
sion.  an-  open  t»  clerk-  and  office- 
workers.  The  renter  i-  <-|H-n  five  da\- 
a  week  ami  many  a  lunch  hour  is 
I  there.  Golden- \pe.  \oiinp  adult 
ami  music  groups  also  make  u f  the 

center. 

Concord,  North  Carolina  \nnual  rec- 
ii. .u  and  award  night.  \  bampiei 
and  program  are  -|,..n-..rcd  1>\  the 
roiniiii--ion.  during  which  honor 
award-  Hn  local  organizations  and  lay- 


men), special  and  professional  awards 
are  conferred  upon  those  who  have 
cooperated  in  the  cause  of  recreation. 

Drama  "Festival" 

The  first  three  months  of  the  year  are 
|.ii-\  ones  for  the  amateur  drama 
groups  in  the  thirteen  regions  into 
which  Canada  is  divided  for  the  pur- 
poses of  their  Dominion  Drama  Festi- 
val.* They  compete  in  the  final  re- 
gional drama  festivals,  the  last  of 
which  will  be  held  this  year  in  New- 
foundland from  March  26  to  28.  From 
May  4  to  9,  the  best  productions  chosen 
from  each  region  will  be  presented  in 
the  final  annual  festival  at  Victoria. 

The  adjudicator  for  the  1952  finals 
is  Mr.  John  Allen,  actor-author-pro- 
ducer, Chairman  of  the  International 
Theatre  Institute  Conference  on  Youth 
and  the  Theatre,  UNESCO,  presently 
on  leave  from  the  British  Broadcasting 
Company.  Executives  of  the  Dominion 
Drama  Festival  feel  that  Mr.  Allen's 
advice  and  help  will  be  most  valuable, 
in  connection  with  the  increasing  num- 
ber of  children's  theatre  companies 
which  are  now  producing  in  Canada, 
inasmuch  as  he  was  for  several  years 
the  administrator-producer  for  a  chil- 
dren's theatre  presenting  twelve  pro- 
ductions and  two  hundred  and  fifty 
performances  yearly. 

Mr.  Richard  MacDonald.  the  Festi- 
val's executive  secretary-treasurer,  re- 
ported in  the  January  issue  of  Domin- 
ion Drama  Festii'al  News  Letter,  that 
his  recently  completed  tour  of  Canada 
had   discovered   plans   for   many   new 
drama     leagues,     better      attendance 
and  organization  of  meetings  of  exist- 
ing groups,  more  serious  thought  being 
given  to  the  selection  of  plays.  He  also 
reported  an  increased   interest  in  the 
theatre,    particularly    on    the    part    of 
Ini-incss  men  as  to  the  place  drama 
should  hold  in  national  and  communiu 
growth.    He  suggested   that  the  latter 
deM-lopnient    max    haxe    resulted   from 
the  generous  cooperation  with  the  fes- 
tival   of    Calvert    Distiller-.    Limited, 
whose  |in>\  i-ion  of  an  annual  contribu- 
tion  of  SLS.OOO  toward-  the  ..|M-ration 
of  the   Fe-tix.il    wa-   announced   in   de- 
tail in  July.   1'>;S2.    A  Calxert   regional 
trophx  an.l  cash  award  of  $100  xvill  be 
uixen  to  the  winning  group  in  each   of 
the    thirteen    regional    fc-ti\al-.    and    a 
liophx     and     *1.(H»0     in    ca-h     will     he 
awarded    to    the    group    presenting    the 
|,c-t   full-length   plax    at   the  final   festi- 
val.      The     companx's      n-pieseiitalixe* 
haxe    been    ill'. -I    coopei  ali\  e    and    help- 
ful   to    the    indixidual    drama    I, 
throughout  Canada. 


,.idUn    Dr«m«    Krmival"    in    ihr 

N,,»r,,,|..-t.    I  ".'.I.    i-iir   ..(    RHKHHOV 

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CHANGE  OF  ADDRESS 

If  you  are  planning  to  move, 
notify  us  at  least  thirty  days  be- 
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sible, in  order  to  receive  your 
magazines  without  interruption. 
Send  both  your  old  and  new  ad- 
dresses by  letter,  card  or  post 
office  form  22S  to : 

SUBSCRIPTION  DEPARTMENT 
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315  FOURTH  AVENUE 
NEW  YORK  10,  N.  Y. 

The  post  office  will  not  forward 
copies  unless  you  provide  extra 
postage.  Duplicate  copies  cannot 
be  sent. 


Coed  young  adult  camp  seeking  staff,  with 
vital  interest  in  working  with  18  to  28  year 
olds,  to  develop  creative  and  full  social 
group  work  program.  Skills  and  experience 
necessary.  State  details. 

CAMP   LEHMAN 
1395   Lexington  Ave.,  N.Y.C. 

Phone — ATwater    9-0568 


CHAMPION 

TOT  LOT 

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ALL   GALVANIZED    HEAVY    DUTY 

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Highland  Park,   Illinois 


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also  minimizes  conditions  that  breed  and  spread  infectious  germs. 
Simply  sprinkle  a  little  Saf-T-Klenz  Powder  on  the  damp  surface, 
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Please  send  free  sample  of  Saf-T-Klenz. 
Please  send  quantity  prices. 


NAME 

FIRM 

STREET 

CITY  &  STATE 


CAN 
BE 


SQUARE   DANCING 

to  foot*.  .  .  .  So  eaty  to 

With  these  Square  Dance  Records  with  Progressive 
Oral  Instructions  and  Calls  by  CD  DURLACHIR. 

Here  is  the  easy  and  economical  way  to  meet  the 
ever-growing  demand  for  square  dancing  in  your 
community  ...  the  HONOR  YOUR  PARTNER  series 
of  square  dance  records. 

*          *          * 

Each  record  in  albums  1  to  4  starts  with  simplified 
progressive  oral  instructions  by  Ed  Durlacher — in- 
structions easily  understood  by  dancers  of  all  ages. 
Following  a  brief  pause,  giving  the  dancers  time  to 
square  their  sets,  the  music  and  calls  begin.  The 
TOP  HANDS,  directed  by  FRANK  NOVAK,  offer  the  best  in  scintillating  and  foot 
tapping  square  dance  music.  The  calls  are  deb'vered  by  one  of  the  nation's  most  out- 
standing square  dance  authorities,  ED  DURLACHER. 

The  fifth  album  in  the  series  contains  music  only,  without  calls  or  instructions— "The 
Square  Dance  Caller's  Delight". 

*          *  * 

COUPLE  DANCES  AND  MIXERS 

Album  6:  Full  oral  "walk-through"  instructions  for  six  couple  dances  and  mixers  .  .  . 
all  popular  favorites.  Includes  a  12"  record  of  music  for  all  six. 

RHYTHMS 

Album  7:  Designed  to  aid  in  the  teaching  of  rhythms  to  the  very  young.  Popular  chil- 
dren's favorite  tunes  are  used  to  illustrate  many  rhythmic  movements.  Just  the  album 
you've  wanted  for  so  very  long. 


All  records  guaranteed 
against  breakage, 
FOREVER! 


HONOR  VOUR  PARTNER 


Learn  more  about  the 

HONOR  YOUR  PARTNER  albums. 

Write  for  a  descriptive  folder. 


SQUARE  DANCE  ASSOCIATES 


DEPT.  R-14 


FREEPORT,  NEW  YORK 


MARCH  1953 


629 


NOW— boys  and  girls  of  all  ages  find 
good  reading  is  good  fun! 


,,«.* 


CHILDREN'S  DIGEST — The  best  of  the  old  and  new — 
in  children's  literature — for  boys  and  girls  from  5  to  12 

CHILDREN'S  DIGEST  is  a  must  in  every  children's  library!  Each  issue  brings  132  color- 
fully illustrated  pages  with  reprints  of  the  well  loved  classics — Dickens,  Stevenson, 
Kipling,  Milne,  and  stories  of  present  day  authors,  like  Bianco,  Dr.  Suess,  Mitchell, 
Bourn,  as  well  as  pages  of  good  comics,  puzzles,  things  to  do.  Widely  acclaimed  by 
librarians,  teachers,  parents  and  boys  and  girls  themselves,  it  is  a  delightful,  instruc- 
tive magazine  that  mokes  good  reading  good  funl 


1  year  (10  issues)   $3 


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HUMPTY  DUMPTY'S  MAGAZINE       for  little  children  3  to  7 

Here,  at  last,  is  a  sparkling  magazine  to  delight,  instruct  and  entertain  little  children. 
Designed  for  the  child  from  3  to  7,  every  story  and  activity  in  the  132  colorful  digest- 
size  pages  will  give  the  child  the  joy  of  doing  things,  and  instill  a  love  for  good 
reading.  Each  issue  will  bring  Tell-Me  Stories,  Read-Aloud  Stories,  Stories  for  Begin- 
ners, all  by  leading  children's  authors,  plus  ingenious  pages  of  coloring,  drawing, 
cutouts,  puzzles,  games,  stimulating  things  to  do.  A  treasure  for  busy  little  hands 
.  .  .  for  active  little  mindsl 


1  year  (10  issues)   $3 


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COMPACT — The  Pocket  Magazine  for  Young  People 
Now  published  monthly  and  available  by  subscriptions! 

Each  164  page  lively  issue  will  include  two  condensations  of  the  best  books  for  young 
people,  a  selection  of  the  best  articles,  features,  fiction,  romance,  adventure;  a 
monthly  fashion  report  and  departments  on  movies,  personalities,  careers,  everything 
that  will  moke  COMPACT  the  counsellor  and  companion  of  teen-age  boys  and  girls. 


1  year  (10  issues)   $3 


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Published  by  the  Publishers  of  Parents'  Magazines 


PARENTS'  MAGAZINE -the  indispensable  reference 
for  every  group  worker 


Today,  thousands  of  group  workers  everywhere  use  and  refer  to  this  practical, 
authoritative  reference  on  child  care  and  training.  PARENTS'  MAGAZINE  is  the  only 
publication  that  covers  the  newest  trends,  the  up-to-date  thoughts  on  the  everyday 
problems  of  rearing  children  from  crib  to  college.  Group  workers  find  so  much  help 
in  the  Important  articles;  the  reviews  of  new  books  for  children  and  parents;  the  free 
study  programs  for  parents  groups.  The  departments  on  movies,  recreation,  family  fun, 
mak*  it  an  invaluable  guide  for  everyone  interested  in  children  of  any  age. 


•  child  cere 

•  health 

•  uhool  udjuitm»nti 

•  behavior  problems 

•  ton  09*  probltmi 


•  atfoltsctnce 

•  family  relations 

•  community  living 

•  family  departments 
en  loodi,  heme,  etc. 


1  year  $3  2  years  $5  3  years  $7 


Parents'  Institute,  Inc.,  52  Vanderbilt  Ave.,  N.  Y.  17,  N.  Y. 


ltl<  IIKATION 


Betty  W.  Jacob 


Town  and  Gown  Cooperation 

Students  in  the  Community  Recrea- 
tion course  at  Elmira  College  (New 
York)  have  obtained,  for  several 
years,  valuable  experience  in  leader- 
ship, through  field  work  provided  by 
the  department  of  recreation  in  Elmira. 
They  serve  as  assistants  from  six  to 
nine  o'clock,  Monday  through  Thurs- 
day evenings,  in  the  city  school  build- 
ings, where  recreation  is  provided  for 
children,  five  years  old  and  over.  Other 
students,  under  Student  Fellowship, 
serve  as  volunteer  teachers  at  the  neigh- 
borhood settlement  house. 

Milestone — and  Analysis 

The  granting,  by  the  University  of 
Minnesota,  of  the  200th  degree  in  recre- 
ation in  December,  1952,  prompted 
Dr.  Fitzgerald,  Director  of  Recreation 
Training,  Department  of  Physical  Edu- 
cation and  Athletics,  to  send  us  a  bit  of 
statistical  analysis: 

Bachelor's  degree  (instituted  1938, 
first  awarded  1940) 161 

Master's  degree  (instituted  1946, 
first  awarded  1947) 36 

Master's  degree  in  hospital  recreation 

(instituted  1950,  first  awarded  1951) ....      3 


(93  to  men — 107  to  women) 


200 


Present  registration: 

Undergraduates  90 

Graduates — general  recreation  12 

Graduates — hospital  recreation  8 


(53%  women-^17%  men)  110 

Folk  Activities  on  a  Campus 

Folklore  enthusiasts  on  the  campus 
of  Springfield  College  have  been  pre- 
sented with  an  opportunity  to  share 
ideas  on,  and  participate  in,  folk  dances, 
music  and  games,  through  the  good 
offices  of  the  Circle  and  Square  Com- 
mittee. This  student-led  group,  spon- 
sored by  the  Recreation  and  Youth 
Leadership  Division,  formerly  limited 
its  program  to  providing  square  dances 
for  the  campus  community.  Recently, 
however,  they  have  widened  the  scope 
of  their  activities  to  include  folk  recre- 
ation. The  result  is  a  weekly  workshop 


a  "laboratory" — in  which  leadership 

techniques  may  be  practiced  and  reper- 
tories enlarged.  The  group  plans  to 
continue  operation  of  campus  dances, 
present  a  folk  festival  and  to  cooperate 
with  various  ethnic  groups  in  local  ac- 
tivities. Membership  invitations  have 
been  extended  to  the  entire  campus,  and 
members  of  the  physical  education  staff 
of  the  Springfield  public  schools  have 
also  been  invited  to  take  part  in  and 
use  the  workshop  as  a  resource  for  their 
in-service  training  program. 

West  Coast  News 

Two  three-unit,  Saturday  morning 
courses,  are  being  offered  this  spring 
at  the  new  campus  of  San  Francisco 
State  College — Group  Work  Leadership 
in  Recreation  and  Camping  and  Out- 
door Education  Programs,  with  Dr. 
Hedley  S.  Dimock  as  consultant. 

Student  Aid 

Have  you  seen  Your  Opportunity? 
It  is  the  new  edition  of  an  annual  cata- 
logue of  grants,  fellowships,  scholar- 
ships, awards,  prizes,  loan  funds,  com- 
petitions— thousands  of  financial  op- 
portunities available  in  colleges  and 
universities,  through  foundations,  busi- 
ness and  educational  institutions.  Edit- 
ed and  for  sale  by  Theodore  S.  Jones, 
73  Adams  Street,  Milton  87,  Massachu- 
setts. Paper-bound,  $3.95.  (See  also 
Student  Aid — P162,  National  Recrea- 
tion Association,  described  on  page  447 
of  January  RECREATION.) 

Lost — One  Correspondent ! 

We  heard  that  Miss  Ila  Schoonover, 
recreation  student  at  Utah  State  Agri- 
cultural College,  might  be  our  On  the 
Campus  "correspondent."  However,  no 
news  yet!  In  1951-52  a  cleverly  illus- 
trated little  Handbook  of  welcome  and 
activities  was  issued  by  the  U.S.A.C. 
Women's  Athletic  Association  to  incom- 
ing students.  Was  there  a  1952-53  edi- 
tion? 


CRAFT 
CATALOG 


120  PAGES. ..Complete 

Craft  Supplies,  Tools,  De- 
signs, Instruction  Books 
from  America's  Most  Com- 
plete  Stock.  Includes 
Leather  Craft,  Glove  Mak-  , 
ing.  Lamp  Shades,  Metal  I 
Tooling,  Cork  Craft,  Latest 
Textile  Paints,  Shell  Craft,  Basketry.  Glass 
Etching,  Rama,  Rubber  Molds,  Fascinating 
New  Picture  Craft  and  Many  Others. 
Send  for  Your  FREE  Copy  NOW. . . 

GRIFFIN  CRAFT  SUPPLIES 

5626-R  Telegraph  Ave.  •  Oakland  9,  Calif. 


The  National  Society  for 
Crippled    Children    &    Adults,    Inc. 
11    S.   LaSalle,   St.,   Chicago   3,   III. 


.or  a 


Gymnasium 


•   Gymnasium  Equipment 
•  Telescopic  Gym  Seats 
•   Basketball  Scoreboard's 
•   Basketball  Backstops 

•   Steel  Lockers,  Lockerobes 
and  Grade-Robes 


FRED  MED  ART  PRODUCTS,  INC. 

3566  DE  KALB  ST.        ST.  LOUIS  18,  MO. 

For   78    Years 

The    Standard  Of   Quality 


MARCH  1953 


631 


MARKET  NEWS 


Line  Marker 

Ryan  Manufacturing  Company, 
known  to  the  recreation  industry  for 
many  years  as  makers  of  fine  line 
marking  equipment,  has  recently  an- 
nounced their  new  line  of  four  wheel 
visual  line  markers. 

The  "New  Olympic"  is  made  of 
galvanized  steel  hopper  construction 
with  four  aluminum  alloy  wheels  for 
lighter  weight  and  ease  in  handling. 
The  total  weight  of  the  marker  is  only 
42  pounds  and  it  has  a  capacity  of  100 
pounds  of  any  line  marking  substance 
including  talc,  gypsum,  marble  dust, 
lime,  chalk,  and  so  on.  For  informa- 
tion write  directly  to  Ryan  Manufac- 
turing Company  "R",  3463  Motor  Ave- 
nue, Los  Angeles  34,  California. 


Zip  Clip 

Zip  Clip  is  a  drive-in  metal  clip 
which  enables  anyone  to  put  up 
shelves,  partitions,  and  so  on,  in  a 
jiffy  with  no  other  tool  than  a  ham- 
mer. It  is  driven  in  like  a  nail,  and 
forms  a  rigid  slotted  support  without 
the  use  of  nails  or  screws. 


Made  of  22  gauge  heat-treated  hard- 
ened Mcel,  Xip  Clips  are  in  the  funu 
of  channel  pn-.  .  .  In-*  in  length. 

5/16  inch  deep  and  5/16  inch  wide. 
Kxt<-ii<ling  from  the  back  are  four 
sharp  prong*  which,  when  the  unit  i- 


pounded  in,  provide  a  support  for 
shelves  or  partitions.  The  channels  are 
designed  to  take  up  to  quarter-inch 
plywood,  regular  wood,  masonite, 
glass,  cardboard,  sheet  metal,  and  so 
on;  however,  shelves  of  material  too 
thick  to  fit  into  the  channels  may  be 
supported  by  resting  it  on  top  of  the 
clips.  To  install  a  shelf,  all  that  is 
necessary  is  to  pound  a  few  Zip  Clips 
into  the  vertical  sides  where  the  shelves 
are  to  extend  across,  slip  the  shelving 
into  or  on  top  of  the  channels  and  the 
shelf  is  up.  They  can  also  be  used  as 
supports  for  drawer  dividers,  bin  divi- 
ders and  pigeon  holes  in  stock  rooms, 
tool  and  supply  compartments  for  hob- 
by shops,  and  so  forth. 

Zip  Clips  are  sold  in  stores,  six  for 
$.25,  or  available  postpaid,  twenty- 
four  for  SI. 00,  from  the  manufacturer, 
Asa  D.  Scott  Industries,  Incorporated, 
5447  Wayne  Avenue,  Chicago  40,  Illi- 
nois. 


Fleckel  Glaze 

Fleckel,  a  new  glaze  with  tiny  specks 
of  color  in  it,  has  just  been  announced 
by  the  Pemco  Corporation.  It  is  a 
clear  gloss  glaze  with  a  choice  of  pink. 
blue,  blue-green,  brown  or  black  specks 
which  come  out  in  firing  as  tiny,  in- 
dividual flecks  of  color;  or  when  fm-<l 
slightly  higher,  the  s|ieck-  in  the  glaze 
will  flow  or  "feather."  This  means 
that  two  effects  are  possible  with  each 
color. 

Fleckel  provides  a  multitude  of  deco- 
r.ilnc  possibilities  for  craft  potters. 
Tin- 1  olot«  i  .in  be  combined  for  spatter- 
dash  patterns  or  both  the  clear  *|M-<  k- 
and  the  feathery  effects  can  be  used 
on  a  single  piece  by  an  extra  firing. 
It  can  !•••  used  over  a  white  or  colored 
body  or  it  can  be  applied  over  under- 
glaze  colors.  It  can  )><•  combined  with 
other  glazes  as  an  artistic  border,  band 
<>r  medallion  and  used  on  figurines  as 
a  ipiick  and  easy  method  of  providing 
patterned  areas  for  dresses,  hats,  and 


so  on.  This  new  glaze  is  supplied  in 
liquid  form,  packed  in  four-ounce  jars 
which  cost  $.85  each.  It  is  made  up  in 
two  series;  one  for  clay  bodies  that 
mature  at  cone  010  and  one  for  those 
that  are  regularly  fired  to  cone  06. 
Distribution  will  be  through  regular 
Pemco  dealers.  For  further  informa- 
tion write  to  the  Pemco  Corporation, 
Pottery  Arts  Division,  5601  Eastern 
Avenue,  Baltimore  24,  Maryland. 

Tru-Swing  Batting  Instructor 

Several  recreation  departments  have 
been  using,  with  success,  the  Tru- 
Swing  baseball  batting  instructor  or 
tee,  a  device  which  simplifies  the  teach- 
ing of  batting  fundamentals  and  speeds 
up  the  game  for  eight-to-ten-year-olds. 
In  ordinary  baseball,  with  this  age 
group,  much  of  the  playing  time  is 
wasted  in  waiting  for  a  young  pitcher 
to  get  a  ball  into  the  strike  zone.  Tru- 
Swing  eliminates  this  wasted  time  and, 
as  a  result,  youngsters  get  more  fun 
out  of  the  game.  Use  of  this  batting 
tee  also  teaches  the  batters  to  hit 
properly,  keeping  their  eyes  on  the 
ball  and  hitting  only  good  pitches  by 
keeping  a  level  swing. 

The  base  of  the  Tru-Swing  is  a  regu- 
lation home  plate,  made  of  rubber  and 
weighing  14  pounds,  with  ten  holes  in 
which  one  of  the  flexible  uprights  may 
be  inserted  to  simulate  any  given  pitch. 
There  are  four  uprights  of  different 
lengths  with  each  tee  and  these,  with 
the  various  positions  of  the  holes  in 
the  base,  permit  the  ball  to  be  placed 
as  an  inside,  outside,  or  right-down- 
the-alley  pitch  at  four  different  heights 
between  knee  and  shoulder.  The  ball 
used  is  a  regulation  hardball;  and  it 
is  placed  on  the  top  of  the  selected 
upright. 

In  the  picture,  one  of  the  tees  is 


shown  in  use  during  a  game  at  War- 
ren, Ohio. 

(Mailed  information  about  the  Tru- 
Swing  batting  instructor  may  be  ob- 
tained by  writing  to  Tru-^wing.  Post 
Oflicc  Box  623.  Warren.  Ohio. 


682 


HK«  KK\T|(I\ 


Books  Received 


ANIMALS  UNDER  YOUR  FEET!  Ivah 
Green.  Grosset  and  Dunlap,  New 
York  10.  Pp.  129.  $2.75. 

APPOINTED  EXECUTIVE  LOCAL  GOVERN- 
MENT, John  C.  Bollens.  The  Haynes 
Foundation,  2324  South  Figueroa 
Street,  Los  Angeles  7.  Pp.  250.  Pa- 
per, $3.00;  cloth,  $3.75. 

CORPORATION  GIVING,  F.  Emerson  An- 
drews. Russell  Sage  Foundation, 
New  York  22.  Pp.  361.  $4.50. 

CULTIVATION  OF  COMMUNITY  LEADERS, 
THE,  William  W.  Diddle.  Harper 
and  Brothers,  New  York  16.  Pp. 
203.  $3.00. 

ESSENTIALS  IN  INTERVIEWING,  Anne  F. 
Fenlason.  Harper  and  Brothers, 
New  York  16.  Pp.  352.  $4.00. 

JOY  OF  DANCING,  THE,  Charlotte  Hess. 
Dance  Books,  811  Carnegie  Hall, 
New  York.  Pp.  107.  $5.00. 

METROPOLITAN  Los  ANGELES:  ONE 
COMMUNITY,  Mel  Scott.  The  Haynes 
Foundation,  Los  Angeles  7.  Pp.  208. 
$5.00. 

METROPOLITAN  Los  ANGELES:  ITS  GOV- 
ERNMENTS, Helen  L.  Jones  and  Rob- 
ert F.  Wilcox.  The  Haynes  Founda- 
tion, Los  Angeles  7.  Pp.  232.  $5.00. 

RECREATION  LEADERSHIP,  H.  Dan  Cor- 
bin.  Prentice  Hall,  Inc.,  New  York 
11.  Pp.  465.  $6.65. 


Pamphlets 


ANNUAL  REPORT  FOR  1951-52.  The 
Fund  for  the  Advancement  of  Edu- 
cation, 575  Madison  Avenue,  New 
York  22.  Pp.  45. 

FERNS  OF  HAWAII  NATIONAL  PARK, 
Douglass  H.  Hubbard.  Naturalist 
Division,  Hawaii  National  Park,  Ha- 
waii. Pp.  40.  $.50. 


FIRST  BOOK  OF  CHESS,  I.  A.  Horowitz 
and  Fred  Reinfeld.  Barnes  and 
Noble,  Inc.,  New  York  3.  Pp.  126. 
$1.25. 

MAMMALS  OF  YOSEMITE,  Harry  C. 
Parker.  Yosemite  Natural  History 
Association,  Inc.,  Box  545,  Yosemite 
National  Park,  California.  Pp.  105. 
$.50  plus  $.10  mailing  charge. 

No  WORK  TODAY!  Varden  Fuller.  Pub- 
lic Affairs  Committee,  Inc.,  22  East 
38th  Street,  New  York  16.  Pp.  28. 
$.25. 


Magazines 


BEACH  AND  POOL,  December  1952 

How  to  Finance  Your  Pool. 

Pool  Depths. 

Keep  Your  Swimming  Pool  Clean, 
Spencer  Turbine  Company. 

Wading  Pools. 

Three  Prize  Winning  Pool  Projects. 
January  1953 

One  City's  Beach  Development  Pro- 
gram (Escanaba,  Michigan). 

Get  'Em  Young  and  Keep  'Em 
Swimming,  Howard  Ploessel. 

Pool  Maintenance  —  Your  Safety 
Program. 

Design  Portfolio  V.    Size  of  Pool. 

Three  Prize  Winning  Pool  Projects. 
CAMPING  MAGAZINE,  February  1953 

Coeducational  Program  in  Brother- 
Sister  Camps,  Hedley  G.  Dimock. 

Use  a  Camper  Interest  Inventory, 
Richard  E.  Stultz. 

Interesting  Nature  Activities  With 
a  Real  Purpose,  V.  E.  Vivian. 


CREATIVE  CAREERS 
IN  THE  YWCA 

Require  Bachelor's  degree  and  experience,  such 

as  RECREATION — GROUP- WORK — TEACHING. 

Write  to  PERSONNEL   SERVICES, 

NATIONAL   BOARD,    YWCA 
600    Lexington    Avenue,    New    York    11,    N.    Y. 


BURKE  BETTER  BUILT 

PLAYGROUND  EQUIPMENT 


Ask  for  special  literature:  catalog  and  price 
list,  complete  specifications  and  drawings 
booklet  "Planning  Your  Playground" 


COMPLETE   LINE  OF 

PLAYGROUND,    HOME 

PLAYSCHOOL 


PLAY   DEVICES 

Write  Dept  C 


THE  J.  E.  BURKE  CO.,  Fond  du  Lac,  Wis. 

Factory  Branch,  Box  986  New  Brunswick,  N.  J. 


MARCH  1953 


History  and  application 
of  artificial  respiration 

ADVENTURES  in 
ARTIFICIAL  RESPIRATION 

by  PETER  V.  KARPOVICH,   M.P.E.,  M.D. 

For  the  first  time,  here  is  the  complete 
story  of  artificial  respiration,  from  the 
crude,  often  cruel  methods  of  prehis- 
toric man  to  the  most  modern  scien- 
tific and  humane  techniques. 
Revival  from  drowning,  smothering, 
asphyxiation,  electrical  shock  and 
other  causes  of  apparent  death  are  cov- 
ered. The  author  tells  how  to  apply 
the  Nielsen  method  of  manual  artifi- 
cial respiration  in  every  situation,  with 
special  reference  to  injuries  and  the 
victim's  location.  Original  tables  make 
this  vital  information  clear  at  a  glance. 
Dr.  Karpovich  provides  22  tables  in 
all,  plus  127  illustrations,  many  of 
them  from  contemporary  prints. 
For  all  aquatic  leaders,  camp  leaders, 
and  everyone  concerned  with  life  and 
safety,  this  book  should  be  required 
reading!  $7.50 


New  ideas  to  enliven 
every  kind  of  occasion 

The 

HANDBOOK 

of  SKITS 

and  STUNTS 

by  HELEN 
and  LARRY 

EISENBERG 

Recreation  leaders  in  every  field — 
adult  and  child,  indoor  and  outdoor, 
school,  camp,  church,  or  what  have 
you — will  find  a  wealth  of  ideas  in  this 
big,  new  stunt  book.  Over  400  new 
and  favorite  skits  and  stunts  are  in- 
cluded. Just  a  glance  at  the  book's 
lively  table  of  contents  indicates  its 
wide  range  of  interest: 
1.  Introduction  (including:  How  to 
Do  a  Stunt  Night,  and  How  to  Start 
a  Drama  Club) .  2.  How  to  Make  Up 
Your  Own  Skits  and  Stunts.  3.  Stunts 
for  One  Individual  ("The  Life  of  the 
Party").  4.  Quickies  and  Longies  (lit- 
tle rehearsal  needed).  5.  Stunts  and 
Dramatic  Games.  6.  Longer  Stunts 
(requiring  script  and  rehearsal).  7. 
Stunts  Using  a  Narrator.  8.  Physical 
Feats  and  Stunts  ( Can  You  Do  This? ) 
9.  Skits  from  Foreign  Lands.  12.95 

at  your  bookstore  or  direct 

ASSOCIATION  PRESS 

291  BROADWAY    •    NEW  YORK  CITY  7 


633 


new  Publications 


Covering  the 
Leisure-time  Field 


Masters  Theses  in  Health, 
IMi \  -ical  Education  and  Recreation 

Thomas  K.  Cureton.    American  Asso- 
ciation for  Health,  Physical  Educa- 
tion   and    Recreation.    Washington, 
D.C.  Pp.  292.  83.00. 
The  purpose  of  this  book  is  to  serve 
as  a  convenient  index  for  writers  and 
research  workers  in  education,  recrea- 
tion  and   related   fields.    It   lists   and 
classifies  3,878  masters  theses  and  is 
complete  through  the  year  1946.    The 
list  includes  some  theses  completed  in 
other  academic  departments  on  a  topic 
in  physical  education,  health  or  recrea- 
tion which  was  sponsored  or  advised 
by  a  member  of  the  physical  education 
staff. 

The  topics  are  classified  in  the  same 
manner  as  was  the  index  of  doctorate 
theses  prepared  by  Dr.  Cureton  and 
published  in  the  Research  Quarterly 
for  March,  1949.  Theses  are  classified 
according  to  topics,  the  principal  em- 
phasis in  research  method,  and  the 
institution  in  which  they  were  sub- 
mitted. 

The  summary  of  the  fields  covered 
indicated  2.265  theses  under  the  gen- 
eral heading.  "Health,  Physical  Educa- 
tion and  Recreation,"  as  compared 
with  only  four  in  the  field  of  recrea- 
tion. The  individual  theses  are  classi- 
fied by  number  under  a  variety  of 
topics  such  as  "Recreational  Time." 
"Playground  F;i<  ililic-."  "Recreational 
Facilities."  ••Mrt.MMi/alioii  of  Play- 
ground Program;*."  "Interest  Prefer- 
ences," and  so  on.  Although  a  ma- 
jority of  the  topics  listed  are  not  <li- 
rc«  ilv  related  to  recreation,  the  volume 
indicate--  the  nature  and  extent  of  the 
masters  theses  that  have  been  prepared 
in  recreation  and  related  field-. 

Art  School — Self-Taught 

Matlack  I 'rice  and  A.  Thornton  Hi-hop. 
••nberg:  Pul.li-her.  New  York  22. 
Pp.   U'J.    SHUN). 

An   unusual   book,   written    for   the 

m.in\  people,  \onny  .mil  old.  who  cither 
wi-h  to  ir.iin  themselves  for  an  art  ca- 
reer or  to  make  some  field  of  art  their 

654 


hobby.  Major  art  courses,  as  taught 
in  leading  schools,  are  covered  amaz- 
ingly well.  Fine  Arts  subjects  include 
Hi-lory  of  Art.  Art  Appreciation, 
Drawing,  Color,  Painting,  Methods  and 
Materials.  Illustration,  Techniques; 
while  the  Design  Arts  section  of  the 
book  covers  Design  in  General,  Adver- 
tising, Art,  Lettering,  Typography, 
Photography,  Packaging,  Industrial 
Design,  Decorative  Painting,  Interior 
Design,  Fashion,  Planning  Your  Art 
Career.  No  other  book  like  this  has 
been  published  for  art  students.  It 
could  also  be  very  valuable  to  teach- 
ers, and  to  leaders  of  art  and  crafts 
groups.  Matlack  Price  has  spent  eight- 
een years  teaching  at  Pratt  Institute 
and  the  Rhode  Island  School  of  De- 
sign; while  A.  Thornton  Bishop  has 
been  both  a  practicing  art  director  of 
an  advertising  agency  and  a  teacher  at 
the  Grand  Central  School  of  Art  for  a 
number  of  years.  Both  authors  have 
published  other  art  books. 

Community  Uses  of  Public 
School  Facilities 

Harold  H.  Punke.  King's  Crown  Press. 

Columbia  University,  New  York.  Pp. 

243.   $3.75. 

Recent  decades  have  seen  a  marked 
extension  in  the  use  of  public  school 
facilities  by  community  groups.  Mr. 
Piiiike  has  rendered  a  valuable  service 
by  his  anaK-i-  of  judicial  opinions  re- 
garding community  uses  of  school  fa- 
cilities. Hi-  I k  represents  a  study  of 

238  cases  on  the  subject  which  have 
come  In-fore  the  nation's  higher  state 
and  federal  court-. 

Cases  have  been  grouped  for  anal- 
ysis under  several  headings,  such  as 
"Uses  for  Which  School  Authorities 
May  Acquire  Facilities,"  "Religious 
and  Parochial  Uses,"  "Cultural  and 
I  ntcrlaimricnt  Uses,"  and  other-. 

In  summarizing  tin-  u-cs  for  which 

-I I  authorities  may  acquire  facili- 

Mr.  Punk.-  -t.ilo.  "Land  for  play- 
ground-  .if,. I  athletic  fields  ma\  IK-  ac- 
quired |,v  -,  I I  biiiinl-.  under  their 

f.il  authorilv  I"  maintain  schools. 


although  there  may  be  dispute  regard- 
iiii:  the  amount  of  land  which  may  be 
acquired  for  the  purpose."  Man\  <  .in- 
cited relate  to  such  questions  as  tin- 
location  of  a  playground,  the  purchase 
of  bleachers  for  a  high  school  athletic 
field,  or  the  provision  of  a  stadium. 

The  use  of  school  facilities  for  com- 
mercial  profit-making  purposes  i.m-ti- 
tutes  a  type  of  community  use  on  which 
courts  are  divided.  Wide  variation  is 
also  noted  in  the  decisions  relating  to 
the  cultural  and  entertainment  uses  of 
school  facilities.  "This  range  and  de- 
viation are  particularly  significant  in 
revealing  judicial  attitudes  on  general 
community  uses  of  school  facilities. 

Of  special  interest  to  recreation 
workers  is  the  chapter  entitled  "Tort 
Liability  of  School  Districts  in  Connec- 
tion with  Community  Uses  of  School 
Facilities."  The  materials  in  this  chap- 
ter show  that,  for  the  United  States  as 
a  whole,  there  has  been  a  gradual  shift 
from  governmental  immunity  in  tort. 
Non-school  cases  seem  to  reflect  this 
shift  more  clearly  than  school  cases. 
To  some  extent  this  shift  has  taken 
place  through  judicial  reasoning.  In 
the  npinion  of  the  author,  "In  several 
respects  a  change  in  legal  framework 
to  provide  generally  for  tort  liability 
of  school  district-  for  injuries  resulting 
from  emploM-i-  negligent  e  might  be  im- 
portant in  ntaomag  communil\  n--s 
..f  school  facilities.  An  important  t\|n- 
of  i  omnuinilv  use  of  such  facilities  re- 
late- to  pla\  ground  and  recreational  ac- 
|j\  i|\  &  ••-lions  are  ofTcicil  .1-  to 
safeguards  which  might  minimi/c  in 
juiies  to  persons  using  school  proper- 
ty. One  of  the  conclusions  readied  is 
that  ordinarih  where  -ch.,ol  ili-li  id- 
are  liable  in  tort  for  injuries  sustained 
|.\  pupils  |hc\  are  also  liable  to  adults 
injured  when  IcgilimateK  "ti  the  picm- 
ises  for  some  authorized  comrnunitv 

ll-c. 

The     concluding     chapter      pi« 
opinion-    with    reference    (..    the   social 

implii  ali.'Ti-   growing   out    of   th n 

rnunilv  u»c  .,f  -.  h.»,l  facilities.  The 
importance  of  their  u-e  \~\  the  .  .-m- 
miinilv  i*  fell  to  be  .-)«••  iallx  great  in 

KK  KK \TION 


rural  areas. 

The  wide-spread  authorization  for 
the  use  of  school  property  for  a  recre- 
ation program  under  the  auspices  of 
a  public  recreation  department  and  the 
general  approval  of  such  use  by  the 
public  are  implied  by  the  fact  that  no 
case  was  cited  in  the  volume  relating 
to  such  use  of  schools  for  a  community 
recreation  program. — George  D.  But- 
ler, Research  Department,  National 
Recreation  Association. 

Kites 

H.   Waller   Fowler,   Jr.    A.   S.   Barnes 

and   Company,   New   York   16.     Pp. 

95.   $1.75. 

Subtitled  a  "practical  guide  to  kite 
making  and  flying,"  this  latest  addition 
to  the  Barnes  Sports  Library  is  the 
kind  of  easy-to-understand  resource 
material  all  recreation  departments 
should  have.  Professional  and  volun- 
teer leaders  working  with  older  ele- 
mentary-school-age children  will  find 
a  wealth  of  information  in  this  volume 
to  help  them  conduct  kite  activities. 

Mr.  Waller  is  obviously  a  man  who 
enjoys  his  kite  flying.  He  wants  others 
to  have  fun  also.  Most  of  the  book  is 
concerned  with  how-to-do-it  explana- 
tions, but  the  introductory  pages  give 
enough  of  the  history  of  kite  flying  to 
add  some  real  zest  to  making  and  fly- 
ing even  a  basic  three-sticker.  With  a 
little  imagination  a  ten-year  old  might 
consider  himself  Ben  Franklin  bring- 
ing electricity  out  of  the  sky.  Or  he 
might  be  hoisting  a  fellow  soldier  a 
hundred  feet  off  the  ground  to  see 
what  was  going  on  behind  enemy  lines 
— a  use  to  which  Mr.  Waller  tells  us 
kites  were  once  put. 

For  the  small-fry  interested  in  air- 
planes, kite  making  and  kite  flying  can 
make  him  conversant  with  the  lingo  of 
pilots.  Mr.  Waller  starts  his  brief 
chapter  on  theories  of  kite  flying  with 
the  statement  that  "both  airplane  and 
kite  stay  aloft  because  of  the  move- 
ment of  air  against  or  across  or  around 
a  nearly  plane  surface.  The  kite  is 
really  an  anchored  airplane.  .  .  ." 

Even  the  recreation  leader  who  is  all 
thumbs  will  find  the  chapters  on  kite 
construction  simple  to  follow.  And  if 
the  interest  in  kites  progresses  as  it 
should,  by  the  end  of  April — the  close 
of  the  kite  season — the  kite  maker  may 
be  going  in  for  the  box  kites,  tetra- 
hedral,  combination  and  novelty  kites 
described  by  Mr.  Waller. 

A  valuable  final  chapter  in  the  book 
has  special  interest  for  recreation  lead- 
ers. Common  classifications  are  given 
for  kite  contests;  and  simple  direc- 
tions for  organizing  and  administering 
kite  contests  are  spelled  out.  Since  kite 
flying  requires  the  kind  of  open  space 

MARCH  1953 


that  is  found  only  in  public  parks  and 
recreation  areas  in  most  cities,  kite 
flying  really  should  come  under  the 
special  interest  and  promotion  of  the 
municipal  recreation  and  park  agency. 
There  are  a  number  of  other  things 
which  could  be  said  about  this  book, 
but  time  doesn't  permit — we're  on  our 
way  to  buy  some  kite  making  materi- 
als.— David  J.  DuBois,  Research  De- 
partment, National  Recreation  Associ- 
ation. 

Photography  Afield 

Ormal  I.  Sprungman.  The  Stackpole 
Company,  Harrisburg,  Pennsylvania. 
Pp.  449.  $7.50. 

In  the  preface  to  this  beautiful  book 
Mr.  Sprungman,  camera  editor  of 
Sports  Afield  since  1934,  says:  "Pho- 
tography is  a  great  and  wonderful 
hobby.  As  a  companion  to  hunting  and 
fishing  and  outdoor  life.  ...  it  can 
capture  momentarily,  and  without 
bloodshed,  the  little  creatures  that  race 
over  the  land,  live  in  trees,  swim  the 
lakes  and  trace  their  patterns  across 
the  sky."  His  chapters,  in  which  he 
proves  this  assertion,  convey  the  zest 
and  thrill  of  such  an  activity.  In  addi- 
tion, they  present  detailed  information 
on  the  hows  and  whys  of  the  planning 
and  the  taking  of  a  good  photograph; 
and  they  range  from  a  discussion  of 
the  sportsman's  camera  to  movie  tak- 
ing and  presentation.  They  also  in- 
clude such  intriguing  topics  as  "Un- 
expected Camera  Thrills,"  "Compos- 
ing the  Scene,"  "Camera  Gunning," 
"Bird  Photography,"  "Filming  Big 
Game,"  "Filming  at  Night,"  "Camera 
Pot  Shots,"  "Color  Work,"  "Dark- 
rooms Afield,"  "Travelogs,"  "Close- 
up  Story  Telling,"  "Movie  Tricks," 
and  many  others.  In  fact  the  author 
seems  to  have  covered  every  aspect  of 
the  subject;  and  he  has  liberally  illus- 
trated the  publication  with  his  own 
stunning  photographs,  some  of  which 
are  in  color.  We  suggest  that  all  cam- 
era fans,  or  would-be  fans,  make  their 
way  to  the  nearest  bookshop  and  look 
this  over  for  themselves. 

Mr.  Sprungman's  stills  have  ap- 
peared in  many  magazines  of  national 
circulation,  including  Life;  and  he 
served  in  the  navy  as  photographic  of- 
ficer. His  photograph  of  a  groundhog 
was  used  as  the  cover  picture  for  the 
last  issue  of  RECREATION — February 
1953. 

One-Pot  Cookery 

Eidola    Jean    Bourgaize.     Association 

Press,  New  York.    Pp.  126.    $2.50. 

It  will  not  be  long  before  campfires 

are  once  more  aglow,  and  the  aroma 

of  good  things  to  eat  will  lure  campers 

down  the  trail  of  outdoor  cookery — 


from  the  mountains  of  Maine  to  the 
coast  of  California.  This  book  on  the 
subject,  therefore,  is  an  appetizing 
foretaste  of  things  to  come.  It  goes 
into  detail,  first  of  all,  about  the  build- 
ing of  good  cooking  fires  and  how  to 
divide  the  cook-out  jobs,  and  there- 
after presents  a  collection  of  delicious 
and  well-tried  recipes  gathered  from 
all  corners  of  the  country.  These  are 
not  of  fancy  dishes,  but  of  the  simply 
prepared,  inexpensive,  tasty  fare  which 
goes  so  well  with  a  campfire  especially 
when  well-spiced  with  hunger  and  with 
laughter.  Just  published! 

Summer  Magic 

Kenneth  B.  and  Susan  H.  Webb.  As- 
sociation Press,  New  York.  Pp. 
Anyone  interested  in  camping,  from 
whatever  viewpoint,  will  find  this  ex- 
cellent pre-season  reading  as  well  as 
useful  for  reference  later.  It  deals  with 
the  values  obtained  from  and  offered 
by  the  well-planned  camp  program — 
and  with  the  building  up  of  those 
precious  and  enduring  memories  of  the 
campfire  or  of  other  enchanted  mo- 
ments. 

Parents  like  to  weigh  the  benefits  of 
a  summer  camp  very  carefully,  before 
sending  their  offspring  out  of  reach  of 
their  own  supervision.  This  book  will 
not  only  help  them  to  do  this,  but  will 
give  them  ideas  as  to  how  to  discrimi- 
nate among  good  camps  when  looking 
for  particular  values. 

It  can  be  especially  helpful  to  coun- 
selors, too,  in  reaching  an  understand- 
ing of  their  own  responsibilities  and 
in  using  resourcefulness  in  the  plan- 
ning of  their  programs. 

The  experiences  of  two  camp  direc- 
tors are  given  in  running  narrative 
form — as  are  the  points  of  view  of  two 
parents.  The  book  makes  for  interest- 
ing as  well  as  informative  reading. 
Don't  hesitate  to  add  it  to  your  camp- 
ing library. 

Profile  of  a  Folk  Dancer 

Interesting  reading  for  folk  dance 
enthusiasts  is  Angelica  Gibbs'  "Lilt," 
an  entertaining  and  informational  bio- 
graphical sketch  of  May  Gadd,  the  na- 
tional director  of  the  Country  Dance 
Society  of  America  and  an  outstanding 
folk  dance  authority,  in  "Profiles"  in 
the  February  7,  1953  issue  of  The  New 
Yorker. 


INDEX 


The  Index  for  Volume  XLVI,  which 
ends  with  this  issue,  appears  on  the 
following  pages.  See  "Things  You 
Should  Know",  page  574,  for  informa- 
tion about  the  new  plan  for  future  vol- 
ume numbers  and  indexes. 

635 


Recreation 


Index  to  Volume  XLVI 


April   1952  —  March   1953 


Administration 

Executive:  How  the  Recreation  Executive  Appraise? 

His  Own  Performance 
Why  Do  Recreation  Executives  Fail?  Ctorlti  K.  Bright- 

Hll 

New  Year's  Resolutions  of  the  Recreation  Executive 
Finance:  Local  Recreation  Expenditures 
Recreation  and  the  Virginia  Economy 
Where  to  Get  More  Money  for  More  Recreation  Service. 

Dr.  Ern,st  H.  Compkill 
Notes  for  the  Administrator: 

Admissions  Tax   Laws  .............. 

Administration  Under  City  Manager 

Building  Costs 

Case  of  Legality,  A  ....................... 

City  Employee's  Code  of  Ethics  .............. 

Court  Petition  Dismissed 

Department  Adopts  Policy  on  Personal  Expenses 

Goals  for  the  Modern  City 

Insurance  —  Softball 


Monlb        Year      Pag, 


September    19)2     219 


An 


Recreation  Areas  in  Subdivisions 

Rest  Rooms  with  Pay  Toilets  ...................... 

School   Expenditures  Upheld       ................................. 

Size  of  Baseball  Diamond*  .............. 

Subdivisions  ................................ 

Trends  and  Forecasts  in   Planning 

What  Recreation  Means  to  My  Community  (panel) 

Wisconsin   Recreation  Association   Survey 

(  See    also    under    Areas.    Facilities.    Layout; 

Community-wide     Programs;    Indoor    Centers; 

Personnel.    Philosophy   and   Theory;    Program 

Planning;   Publicity) 


.May 

January 

June 

October 

March 

April 
May 

.September 

December 

December 

.February 

.February 

February 

May 

December 

.February 

.December 

.December 

.September 

September 

September 

September 


Aged 


Adult  Recreation  Clubs.  Runt/1  ].  Foral 

America  Alerts  Her  Senior  Citizens.  Cbarlts  E.  Roto! 

Fun    Doesn't    Stop    at    Sixty 

How  to  Tell   a  Good  Golden   Age  Club.  lam,i  H. 

Voodi 

National  Committee  for  the  Aged 
New  York  Adult  Education  Council  Study 
Oldstets   Rummage    in    Attics.   Kin,   Ritlangfr 

Senior    Citizen     Activity  

Sign  Up.  Grandma'   Morgary   W,Ui  Stnr 
Their  Own  Onter.  Morgor,t  R.  Congrr 


.March 
May 

December 

February 

November 

April 

February 

January 

November 

June 


Areas,    Facilities,  Layout 

Asphalt  and  Concrete  Surfaces  September 

Blacktop   for   Apparatus    Areas?  April 

September 

Campos  Grass  Gets  Chance  May 

Construction  of  Swimming  Pools  November 

Court  Case  on  Blacktop  September 

Development  of  Vacalionland  June 

Enlist  the  Support  of  Women  February 

Fourteen  Acres  of  Pun.  S,l»tn  Ortutt  October 

Land-Use    Policy  May 

Master  Plan  for  Recreation   in  Maryland  January 

Maryland  to  Develop  Rivet   Valley  Park  M.v 

National  Committee  on   Surfacing  Recreation  Areas 
National    Pruductn 


Playground    Surfacing 

September 

Puget  Sound  Study 

Rubber  Bates 

Rubber   Isn't    Enough 
Safe  Playground  for  Every  Child.  A.   filliam  F 

Ktlltr 

Sluing  Need  Not  Be  Expensive,  lam,,  F   II,- 

Something  New   in  Playgrounds.   H,lna  Broddotk 
Lamp 

May 

April 
',    anfcaj 
January 

...April 

Surfa<n   for   Multiple    IV    in   Recreation   Areas 
Surfacing   Under   Fixed  Apparatus 
Swimming   Pool   Operation.   Marltn    Noding   and    Sam 

Wanted     Safe  Sliding  Areas  for  Our  Children 
(See  also  uader  Equipment) 

Mjr    h 

June 

May 
December 

1952 
1953 
1952 
1952 


1953 
1952 
1952 

1953 
1952 
1952 
1953 
1953 
1952 
1952 


118 
462 
131 
266 


1953  612 


1952 
1952 
1952 
1952 
1952 
1953 
195} 
1953 
1952 
1952 
1953 
1952 
1952 
1952 
1952 
1952 
1952 


10 
72 
220 
410 
410 
526 
531 
531 
112 
410 
531 
410 
410 
220 
220 
220 
220 


578 

97 

414 

522 
320 
10 
528 
495 
366 
172 


1952  230 

1952  19 

1952  189 

1952  108 

1952  322 

1952  189 

1952  171 

195}  5}4 

1952  287 

1952  72 

1953  447 
1952  88 
1952  320 
1952  131 
1952  189 
1952  320 
1932  165 
1952  74 

1952  58 

1952  341 

1953  449 

19)2  53 

195}  618 

1952  164 

1952  Its 

1952  430 


Films   on   Art 

Recreation  Through  Art,  EJuard  Ktrr 
Sunday    Painters 

Ways  and  Byways  on  the  Road  to  Painting,  Rub  HOI 
Wmt 


Month       Yur     Pig, 


November  1952  373 

May  1952  77 

May  1952  89 

December  1952  417 


November 

April 

December 


Arts  and   Crafts 

Candle  Making 

Crafts   in   the  Recreation   Program.    Vita   Wbilnrj 

Glue  Tips  

How  To  Do  It!  frank  E.  Slofltt: 

Make  Sandals  for  Beach  and  Swimming  Pool   April 

Nut  Cup  from  a  Tin  Can  Top  June 

Make  a   Magazine   Rack  September 

Plan  an  Arts  and  Crafts  Room October 

Tin   Can    Candle   Stick       January 

Decorate  Fabrics,  Wood.   Paper  February 

A  Brush  or  Broom  Made  of  a  Slick  of  Wood  March 

It's  a  Natural.  Miry  Virginia  Vaughn October 

Knee  Pads.  Cbarlts  Dorian April 

May    Baskets April 

Prizes  Can  Be  Fun.   Harry  D.   Edgran  April 

Recipes  for  Fun:     Handcrafts — Leaf  Printing  September 

Simplified     Decorations  December 

Paper  Folding   February 

Things  to  Make .March 


Audio-Visual  Materials  and  Program 

Films:  Aids  to  Drama  Program  January 

Atiif  to    Visual  Education   January 

Boys  Railroad  Club    (film)  October 

Dinciory  of  2002  Film  Ubrarits  November 

Educator's    Gutd,   10   frn   films  October 

Educator's  Guutt  to  Fn,  Slid,  films  October 

Films  on   Art  November 

Fitness  Through  Recreation   (films) ..  February 

Folklore — films  and  film  strips  March 
Handbook  on   16  mm  Filmi  tor  Mtuic  Education         November 

ld,al  Films    19)3   Enlartoinmm   Catalog**  February 

Motion  Pitturts  on  Child  Li/,  June 

Movies  for  Recreation  Programs  October 

National    Children's    Film    Library  December 

Recreation   for   Everyone    (film)  June 

Safety    Films  December 

3434    Vmttd    Stalls    Gorarnmanl    Films  November 

Walt  Disney  Productions   (films)  February 

Radio:  Carnival  of  Books  Ounbrr 

Jeffertonian   Heritage.   The  December 

People    Act.    The  Dn  ember 

Radio  in  South  Carolina  February 

Radio  Program  for  Teen-Agers  January 
WNBC  Re-broadcasts  from  British  Broadcasting  Cor 

poraljon   (drama)  January 


Recordings:  Enrichment  Records 

Folklore — for    listening;    for    dancing  March 

"Golden"    Records  November 

Tape  Rnording  into  Sound  Film  November 

Television:  Non-commercial   Educational  Programs       December 

Television    Note — Better    Business    Bureau  December 

TV    in   California  February 

TV   Note    (science   films)  lanuary 

•oats   and   Boating    ( Sco   Sports:   Water) 


•ooks    and    Reading 


1952  333 
1952  26 
1952  435 


1953  499 

1953  499 

1952  276 

1952  323 

1952  302 

1952  302 

1952  373 

1953  566 
1953  625 
1952  373 
I'm  566 
1952  171 
1952  J02 
1952  436 
1952  171 
1952  436 
1952 

566 

1952  302 

1952  436 

1952  436 
I'm  566 

1953  499 


I'm 
1953 

1952 
1952 
1952 
1953 
1953 


499 
302 
625 

\T, 

436 
436 
566 
499 


Book  Reviews — See  New  Publications 
Books   Received.    Magazines.    Pamphlets 


April 
September 

55E 


March 


686 


UK<  Ht  UIIIN 


Month 

Book  Week  Materials October 

Carnival  of  Books October 

Comic   Book   Rating February 

Congressional   Hearings February 

Enrichment    Records October 

Foreign  Books  for  Children,  Dorothy  Barclay October 

I    Hate   Reading October 

Reading  is  Recreation,  Robert  Kresge October 


Year 
1952 
1952 
1953 
1953 
1952 
1952 
1952 
1952 


Camping 

Camp  Programs  of  Public  Recreation  Departments 

Camp    Survey,    A 

Hollywoodland— Camp  for  Girls,  Minnette  B.  Spector 
National    Camping    Convention    (1952).. 

Organized   Camping 

Outdoor  Education  Notes 

Part  of  My  Life,  A,  Jacob  Twersky 

Place  of  Organized  Camping  in  State  Parks,  Reynold 

E.  Carlson  

Pointers  for  Parents  (day  camping) 

School    Camping — Michigan 

Seven  Steps  to  Easy  Camp  Cookery,  John  A.  MacPaee 
Signposts    for   the    Summer    Season    ( day   camps ) , 

Abe  Bonder 

Thinking   of   Sending   Junior   to   Camp? 

(See  also   under   Parks;   Playgrounds) 


May 

.December 
June 
April 
June 

November     1952 
June  1952 


1952 
1952 
1952 
1952 
1952 


.January 
April 
October 
June 

March 
June 


College  Campus  Activities 

Education    for    Leisure   Time    (University   of   Cincin- 
nati; University  of  Tennessee)  ................................... 

Extension  Courses    (University  of  Florida)  ................... 

"Help  Week"  Versus  "Hell  Week"   (Omaha)  ............... 

Hockey  Camp   (Wilson  College)  ...... 

International    Note    (  Springfield    College)  ........... 

In   the   Field    (University   of  Massachusetts)  ................. 

Note  for  Travelers    (Student  Exchange)  ..............  .  ........ 

Outdoor  Education   Notes    (  Southern  Illinois  Univer- 


February 

October 

October 

.December 

January 

December 

.December 


1953 
1952 
1952 
1952 

1953 
1952 


1953 
1952 
1952 
1952 
1953 
1952 
1952 


sity;   Antioch   College)  ....................................  . 

ctor    Leads     Seminar     (  Kansas    State 
College) 


Recreation    Direct 

College)    ................................................................... 

Recreation    Magazine    Honored     (Austin    Peay    State 

College)     ..........................  »  ...................................... 

Student    Aid  ................................................................. 

Thirteenth  Annual   Delaware  Dramatic  Conference 

(University    of   Delaware)  ......................................... 

Recreation  Curriculum: 

Courses:  George  Washington  University  ....................... 

San  Francisco  State  College  ............................................ 

State  Teachers  College,   Cortland,   New  York  .............. 

University  of  British  Columbia  .......................... 

University  of  Minnesota    (Milestone  and  Analysis)  ....... 

(See  also  under  Personnel) 
Student  Activities:   Boston  University    ("Voila  Les 

Femmes"  )     ........................................ 

Elmira  College   (Town  and  Gown  Cooperation)  ........... 

Florida    State   University  ................................................. 

George   Williams   College    (Theory   Into   Action)  ........ 

Indiana  University    (Conference)  ...................... 

(Roy  and  Avis  Leilich)  ............................................. 

(John  MacPhee  —  Thesis)  ........................................... 

(Recreation  Degrees)  ................................................ 

Lewis   and  Clark  College    (Community  Studies) 
Pennsylvania  State  College   (Francis  Hartzell);    (Rec- 

reation Degrees);   (JoelC.  Holiber)  ............  ............. 

State  Teachers  College.  Cortland,  New  York 

(  Recreation  Workshop,  Stanley  Silver)  ... 

(Successful   Project,   A)  ..................................... 

Springfield  College   (Students  Are  Missed)  ........... 

(Folk  Activities  on  a  Campus)  ...............  .  ..........  .  ...... 

University  of  Massachusetts  (Experimental  Field  Trip) 
Utah   State   Agricultural   College  .................................... 


January 
March 


.January 

.March 

November 

November 

.March 


February 

March 

October 

February 

June 

November 

December 

February 

October 


Page 
291 
302 
514 
514 
302 
294 
257 
269 


72 
381 
146 

10 
138 
352 
137 

452 
10 

253 
162 

610 
142 


558 
304 
304 
437 
501 
437 
437 


November    1952     352 
February       1953      558 


1953 
1953 


1953 
1953 
1952 
1952 
1953 


1953 
1953 
1952 
1953 
1952 
1952 
1952 
1953 
1952 


November 

December 

November 

March 

February 

March 


1952 
1953 
1952 
1953 
1953 
1953 


Community  Centers — See  Indoor  Centers 


Community-wide  Programs 

Action  in  Arlington,  Ellen  Anderson 

Are  You   Pulling  Your  Own  Weight?   Mortimer  H. 

Morris   •  ••• 

Cooperation — at  Its  Best,   Keith  A.   Macdonald... 
Cooperation    is   King   in    King   County,   Robert   C. 

Stephens    

Graduate  Workshop   in  Community  Studies    (Oregon 

City)      

Great  American  Team,  A,  Tom  King 

"Help   Week"    Versus    "Hell   Week"    (Omaha) 

Leisure   Time    Interests    and    Activities 

Pattern  Program  for  Rural  Areas,  A,  Don  Keown 

Recreation  Capital  of  Canada,  Philip  H.    Godsell 

Recreation — for    Everyone,    Kraus    Earhart 

Recreation  Workshop,   Stanley  Silver 

We  Pool  Our  Efforts  for  Children,  M.  H.  Thorsen 
What   Community  Recreation   Programs  Can   Do    for 

Service  Women,  Oveta  Gulp  Hobby 


.November    1952 
November    1952 


.May 

October 
.February 
October 
September 
January 
October 
February 
.November 
March 

April 


501 
631 


October        1952     304 


501 
631 
352 
352 
631 


558 
631 
304 
558 
181 
352 
437 
558 
304 


January         1953      501 


360 
437 
352 
631 
558 
631 


October    1952  277 


362 
351 


1952   87 


1952 
1953 
1952 
1952 
1953 
1952 
1953 
1952 
1953 

1952 


304 
529 
304 
205 
486 
258 
524 
360 
606 

5 


Dancing 

Across  the  Border  Jamboree,  Richard  Kraus 

Folklore  Recordings  and  Films 

International  Square  Dance  Festival 

Let's  Check  Up  on  Square  Dancing,  Persis  Leger 

Reality — Through  the  Dance,  Richard  Kraus 

Square  Dance  Crosses  the  Sea,  The:  Letters  to  the  NRA 
Square  and  Folk  Dancing  in  Japan,  Dorothea  B. 

Munro  t 

Square  Dancing  on  the  Home  Front,  Arthur  Katona  .. 
Teen-Age  Rhythms,  Anne  Livingston 

(See    also    under    Games,    Holidays,    Parties) 


Month       Year     Page 


.  March 
..March 
.January 
.  September 
.  November 
September 


1953 
1953 
1953 
1952 
1952 
1952 


592 
625 
495 
207 
326 
210 


September     1952      209 
March  1953     594 

September    1952     222 


Defense 

National    Roster   of   Recreation   and    Park    Personnel, 

The  September    1952     233 

Special  Service  Openings — See  Personnel  Opportunities 

Sports  and  War,  S.  L.  A.  Marshall September     1952      192 

Statement  Drafted    (National  Advisory  Committee  on 

Defense   Related    Activities) December     1952     418 

(See  also  Servicemen  and  Servicewomen) 


Dramatics 

Aids    to    Drama    Program  January  1953  499 

Community    Drama    Marches   On March  1953  604 

Community  Theatre   "Box  Office,"   The November  1952  339 

Drama  "Festival"  (  Dominion  Drama  Festival) March  1953  626 

First  Steps  in  Producing  a  Play,  Blanch  M.   Hogg December  1952  405 

International    Theatre    Month January  1953  487 

National    Children's    Theatre   Conference April  1952  10 

Our  Way   (one  act  play) April  1952  39 

San  Francisco  Municipal   Children's  Theatre June  1952  171 

Show  Wagons — See  Special  Events 

Thirteenth  Delaware  Dramatic  Conference October  1952  304 

Town   Park  Players    (Charlotte,  North   Carolina) May  1952  112 

Festivals,  Community  Celebrations:  Community- 
wide  Celebrations,  Alfred  Stern March  1953  601 

Desert  People   Weave  a  Magic  Spell,   Lenelle   Marsh 

Kanthack   March  1953  599 

Folk   Festival   Guide,    A March  1953  596 

Lantern  and  Float  Parade,  Freda  Combs June 

Pageants:  Dearest  Wish,  The,  Daniel  H.  Wagner May  1952  106 

Playground  Pageant,   A,   Mrs.  Nicoletta  Urciuoli March  1953  603 

Puppetry:  Stage  for  Puppetry,  A January  1953  480 

Volunteer   Leader April  1952  46 

(See   also   under  Dancing,    Holidays,    Music) 


Equipment 

Charcoal  Grill 

Coasting  Chute,  A,  H.   S.   Kennedy 

Equipment   for  Tot  Lots 


Filing    Equipment    for    Playgrounds 

How   to   Keep   Children   in   Their   Own    Back   Yard, 

Dr.  Joseph  E.   Rowland 

New  Ideas  for  Playground  Equipment,  A.  J .  Gatawakas. 
Please,  Mister,  May  I  Have  a  Ball?  Ernest  B.  Ehrke  .. 

Stage    for    Puppetry,    A 

Turtle  for  Ride,  Slide  or  Straddle,  A,  Charlotte  Battle. 

Family 
Family  Centered   Activities,   Dr.   Ernest   G.    Osborne.. 

Family  Recreation 

How   to   Keep   Children    in   Their   Own    Back   Yard, 

Dr.  Joseph  E.   Rowland 


..March  1953  614 

.November  1952  330 

..December  1952  426 

.April  1952  22 


June  1952 

..April  1952 

April  1952 

..January  1953 

.November  1952 


February 
.November 

June 


1953 
1952 


Games 


Baseball   Billiards 

Games    (Recipes  for  Fun). 


Games,  /.  B.  Pick 

Krazy    Kolympics    (Reading,    Massachusetts) 
Maori   Stick  Game,  The,   Sylvia  Cassell 


Mass  Ball.   Herbert   Ralhner 

New    Body-Contact    Game    Offers    Fewer    Hazards, 

George    W.    Haniford 

Old  Games  Made  New,  Dodd  Copeland 

Skits  and  Stunts    (Recipes  for  Fun) 

Teen    Activities 

Teen-Age  Rhythms,  Anne  Livingston 

Try    Something    Different 

Uncle  Elmer's  Star  Ball,   Elmer  E.   Heft 

( See  also  under  Holidays,   Parties,  Sports ) 


Girls  and   Women 

Aids  for  Your  Sports  Program  for  Girls, 

Helen  Dauncey 

Girls'    and   Women's  Recreation   Activities, 

Helen  M.  Dauncey 

Women's    and    Girls'    Program 


February       1953 

..April  1952 

March  1953 

February       1953 

November    1952 

..January 

March 

February 


1953 
1953 
1953 


October  1952 

January  1953 

.May  1952 

October  1952 

September  1952 

November  1952 

June  1952 


152 

38 

20 

480 

329 

520 
340 


1952      152 


511 
51 
627 
514 
370 
476 
575 
549 

303 
492 
113 

285 
222 
342 
167 


.November    1952      359 


January 
January 


1953      484 
1953     450 


Conservation 

Conservation  Please!   Pearl  Chase January         1953      485 

Forest  Preserve  Services December     1952     419 

Keep  America  Beautiful October         1952      300 

National  Forest  Receipts March 

Water    Policies — Wisconsin January        1953     447 

(See    also    under    Areas,    Facilities,    Layout; 

Nature;  Parks) 


Handicapped 

Hobbies  Made  Profitable  for  the  Disabled. 

Dr.   Herbert   Rusalem 

Inspiring   Publication 

Part  of  My  Life,  A,  Jacob  Twersky 

Play   Center    (Ogden,   Utah) 

Successful    Project,    A 

(See    also    under    Hospitals;    Mental    Health) 


..November  1952  346 

..April  1952  39 

.June  1952  137 

..November  1952  370 

..December  1952  437 


MARCH  1953 


637 


On  the  Trail.  Thmn  Mytri 
( See  *lx>  under  Nature) 


Hiking 


Hobbies 


Month        Ytar     fjgi 
June  1952      139 


International 


Monib        Yrar     Page 


How  10  Scan  >  Collecting  Hobby.  V'm.  Paul  Bricker     January         1953     464 
Hobbies  Made  Profitable  for  the  Disabled, 

Dr.    Herkert  Rnialrm  November    1952     346 

Hobby  Show  at  Boeing.  Arthur  D.  Scon  April  1952        33 

National  Hobby  Month  March  1953     587 

Successful  Hobby  Program  December     1952     430 

(See  also  under  Photography;  Special  Activities 

and  Events) 


Holidays   and   Special   Occasions 


1953 

504 

Christmas:  Burning  of  the  Greens,  The 

1952 

420 

Candle    in    the   Window,    A.    A   Carol   at   the   Door, 

U"    ]    CM  boit  H 

October 

1952 

290 

1952 

334 

Junior    Santa    Claus    Workshop.    Helen   Madeleine 

1952 

396 

1952 

370 

Ornaments  on  Your  Tree,  V'trgittu  Ntlit  Wilson  

December 

1952 
1952 

385 
395 

Santa  Claus   in   a   Trailer     "  
Halloween:  Community-  wide  Halloween  Planning  Es- 
tablishing New  Customs  
Halloween    Comes    to   Torrington,    Connecticut 

December 

September 
September 
.October 

1952 

1952 
1952 
1952 

430 

214 
216 
300 

.  .October 

1952 

261 

1952 

213 

October 

1952 

305 

1952 

212 

Who  is  "Mr    Jack-o'-Lantern"*  Carl  Boztntki 

1952 

215 

May 

1952 

102 

See  also  —  Influence  of  Joseph  Lee.  The, 
-jbttb    Clarkt 

1952 

398 

1952 

171 

1952 

370 

1953 

549 

1953 

555 

March 

1953 

626 

CAR  E    Holiday    Packages 

1952 

361 

October 

1952 

291 

March 

1953 

626 

.January 

1953 

487 

March 

1953 

587 

April 

1952 

10 

National    Thrift    Week 

January 

1953 

495 

.  .September 

1952 

223 

..September 

1952 

224 

(See    also    under    Dramatics  —  Festivals    and 
Celebrations;  Parties) 

Hospitals 

Hospital  Bed  Recreation,  Barney  B.  Malicka 
Reality  —  Through   the  Dance.   Richard  Kraut 
Recreation   in   a  Children's   Hospital, 

October 
November 

1952 
1952 

1952 

284 
326 

331 

Recreation  Needs  in  a  Civilian  Hospital,  Beatrice  H. 
Hill 

1953 

494 

(See  also  under  Handicapped:  Mental  Health) 

Indoor  Centers 
Community    Center    Housekeeping 

Community  Center   Activity   Survey    (Chicopee,   Mas- 
sachusetts) 
Educational    and    Cultural    Activities    in    Community 
C  enters.    Ploydelh    Anderton 
Location  of  Social  Centers 
.  t  Patk  Recreation  Center 
Their  Own  Center.  Margaret  K.  Cnnt.tr 
Tom  A-Hawk  Club  for  Teens.  John  A.  Ijppold 

Well  Rounded  Indoor  Center  Program.  A 

Industrial 

Boring  Goes  Fishing.   John  B.   Priori 
Community-  Wide  Celebrations.   Alfred  Stern 
Country  Club  With  Your  Job.   A 
Etso   Company  —  Preparation    for   Retirement 
Ford    Employees     Trip 
Hobby  Show  at  Boeing.  Arthur  D.  Scon 
North   American   Aviation,   Incorporated  —  Prospector's 
C  lub 
Seventh   Annual  Industrial   Recreation  Conference 
To  Attract   Industry  —  Be   Attractive 
We  Make  Our  Own  Musk.  Bo*  Mi  K,  liar 

January 
February 
March 

November 

September 

January 
November 
June 
(Xtc.bcr 
January 
January 

February 
March 
September 
April 
January 
April 

February 
(Xtober 

M.. 

1953 
1953 
1953 

1952 

1952 
1953 
1952 
1952 
1952 
1953 
1953 

1953 
1953 
1952 
1952 
1953 
1952 

1953 

;.,-   | 

1952 
1952 

469 
562 
624 

352 

197 
475 
336 
172 
297 
448 
479 

547 
601 
202 
10 
488 

3)5 

;u 

80 

Institutions 

Creative   Activities  in   a  Junior  Museum. 

Mar,    Aim    Ktt» 
Value  of  Play  in  Children's  Hornet.  The. 

lltlrn    Dafucrt 

(Set  also  under  Hospital.) 

638 


February       1953     518 
September    19)2     227 


Foreign  Books  for  Children,  Dorothy  Barclay 

October 

1952 

294 

Global  Look  at  Recreation,  A,  T.  £.  Riteri 

December 

1952 

402 

January 

1953 

472 

February 

1953 

536 

International   Note 

January 

1953 

501 

International   Activities    (Recipes  for  Fun)    . 

October 

1952 

295 

International    Recreation    Service.    Joseph   Prendergalt 

October 

1952 

International  Square  Dance  Festival  

January 

1953 

495 

Note  for  Travelers    (  Student   Exchange  )    .... 

.December 

1953 

437 

Square  Dance  Crosses  the  Sea,  The: 

Letters  to  the  NRA 

**t  ;  '<  :;  :n  ' 

1952 

210 

Square  and  Folk  Dancing  in  Japan. 

Dorothea  B.   Munro    .                                  

September 

1952 

209 

Toward    International    Understanding  

October 

1952 

280 

United  Nations  Day 

September 

1952 

224 

United    Nations    Playground 

October 

1952 

257 

World    Youth 

October 

1952 

298 

Memorials 

Florence    L.    Blanchard 

January 

1953 

488 

Britton  F.  Boughner 

February 

1953 

535 

J.  Thompson  Brown 

March 

1953 

623 

Dorothy    Enderis  

September 

1952 

206 

Judge  Austin  E.  Griffiths 

October 

1952 

264 

Mary  C.  Hogle  

December 

1952 

421 

Helena    G.    Hoyt  

.November 

1952 

348 

Alexander  Isabel 

March 

1953 

623 

Edwin  C.  May  .. 

March 

1953 

623 

Paul    Nelson                                                          

>cpft  M-'S-  r 

1952 

232 

William  Church  Osborn  Memorial  Gate    

May 

1952 

112 

Richard   Montgomery  Tobin  

May 

1952 

84 

Weldon  B.  Wade  

10^2 

7*2 

Arthur  Rindge  Wendell 

September 

1952 

232 

Alfred   H.   Wyraan 

December 

1952 

421 

Mental  Health 

Reality  —  Through  the  Dance,  Richard  Kraut  

.  November 

1952 

326 

Recreation  for  Neuropsychiatric  Patients, 
Bernard  1.   Kahn.  Janet  Reese,  Marylei  Nahl 

March 

1953 

584 

9 

Miscellaneous 

Councils  and  Societies:  American  Recreation  Society 

May 

1952 

72 

November 

1952 

320 

Council  on  Social  Work  Education 

April 

1952 

10 

Council    on    Student    Travel 

December 

1952 

437 

Educational  Council  of  One  Hundred 

November 

1952 

352 

Metropolitan  New  York  Recreation  Society 

October 

1952 

253 

Michigan    Inter-Agency   Council  

September 

1952 

189 

Pennsylvania    State    Recreation    Council  

December 

1952 

381 

Tennessee  Recreation    Society  

Octobct 

1952 

253 

(See  also  under  Holidays  and  Special  Occasions) 

Facts  and   Figures    (A   Reporter's  Notebook) 

October 

1952 

30) 

November 

1952 

370 

December 

1952 

430 

January 

1953 

49) 

Notes  for  the  Administrator  —  See  Administration 

Referendum^  (Voted)  

.June 

1952 

131 

December 

1952 

381 

January 

1955 

447 

Significant  Findings  from  the  1950  Census  

February 

1953 

552 

Time    Machine,     The    

January 

1953 

451 

Vote    Campaign  

October 

1952 

260 

What  Good  Is  One  Vote? 

November 

1952 

358 

Music 

Act  Nobody  Can  Buy.  The.  Herkert  Dalmai 
Cultural  Arts  Program  (Oakland,  California) 
Folklore    Recordings 

June 
March 
March 

1952 
1953 
1953 

140 
626 
62) 

Horseback   Serenade.   Richard  Hani 

November 

1952 

344 

Making  Music  Tangible.  Dr.  Elm  K.  Jonenten 
Music  in  Recreation.  Gertrude  Borchard 

MarcT 

1952 
1953 

349 
61) 

Operettas  Are  the   Answer,   Jane  Dale 

October 

1952 

270 

Practical    Music,    llouard    Barlou- 

February 

1953 

)32 

Symphony   Orchestra 

February 

1953 

549 

Vochestra.  John  T.  Connors 

February 

1953 

527 

Weave  in  Some  Singing.  Arthur  Todd 
We  Make  Our  Own  Music.  Bo*  McKellar 

April 
May 

1952 

17 
80 

(See  also  under   Dramatics.   Holidays.   Parties) 

National    Recreation    Associa 

tlon 

Committees:  Disttict  Advisory 

June 

19)2 

12) 

National   Advisory  Committee  on  Defense  Related 

Activities 

December 

1952 

418 

National  Advisory  Committee  on  Recreation  Research 

September 

19)2 

189 

National  Advisory  Committee  on  Rectuitment.  Train- 

ing and  Placement  of  Recreation  Personnel 

!une 
anuarv 

1952 

126 

491 

Graduate  Study  in  Recreation,  Gerald  B.  PiltteraU 

anuary 

In  Service  Training.  Garretl  G    Ffiplay 

March 

1953 

616 

Personnel   in   Recreation.   Paul  P.   Doutlaii 

November 

1952 

Personnel  Placement.  K.   /.  forai 

February 

1  0^  ^ 

565 

Undergraduate  Training.  Chariet  K.  Bri,htk,ll 
Congress  (1952):  At  Your  Service 
Cocutreu  CaDsuIn 

December 
September 
December 

1952 

200 
393 

• 
Congress  Committees 
Evening  Speakers 

StfL 

September 

1952 

199 

Heading  for  Seattle? 
New   Congress    Arrangements 
Recreation    and    the    Richer    Lire,    Henrietta    A.    K. 
Anderien 

January 

1952 
19)2 

19)3 

ml 
201 

4)8 

Recreation  for  Nturopsychiatiic  Patients. 
Bernard  1.   Kahn.  Janet  Reeie,  Marylet   Nahl 

March 

19)3 

584 

RECREATION 


Month 

Seattle  Plans June 

Statement    Drafted     (Defense) December 

Spititual  Aspects  of  Play,  The,  Stephen  P.  Bayne,  Jr January 

Thirty-fourth    National    Recreation    Congress — in    Re- 
view  December 

True    to    Form December 

Well-Rounded  Indoor  Center  Program,  A January 

(1953)  "...  and  the  pursuit  of  Happiness" March 

General:  Discounts  September 

District  Conference   Schedule    (1953) January 

Great  Lakes  Training  Institute  for  Playground  Super- 
visors   April 

Leadership     Training     Programs Inside  Back 

National  Park  Service  Contracts June 

Services:  Defense  Related  Services December 

National  Roster September 


United  States  Air  Force  Recreation   Directory 

In   the  Field 

Personnel    Services,    W.   C.   Sutherland 

Personnel — Job   Mart,   Registration    for    Placement, 

W.   C.  Sutherland 

(See  also  under  Personnel) 
Recreation   Program   Service    (new) 

Services — 1951    


.October 
.  .December 
.April 


Year  Page 

1952  132 

1952  418 

1953  445 

1952  388 

1952  408 

1953  479 
1953  609 

1952  211 

1953  497 

1952  10 
Covers 

1952  131 

1952  418 

1952  233 

1952  253 

1952  437 

1952  44 


.September    1952     233 


.October 
March 
..June 


Nature 

Archaeological    Notes February 

Education  for  Leisure   Time February 

Forestry    ( Omaha,  Nebraska ) May 

Hunts  and  Hikes;  Nature  Lore  (Recipes  for  Fun) March 

It's  Garden   Time!   Barbara  Shaluca May 

Nature  Trails  in  State  Parks,  John  C.  Orth June 

Outdoor  Education  Notes November 

Photography    (Cincinnati,   Ohio) May 

Walk  With  Nature,  James  H.   Hamilton,  Jr. May 

f  See  also  under  Conservation;  Hiking) 


1952  253 

1953  574 
1952   124 


1953  555 

1953  558 

1952  112 

1953  627 
1952  90 
1952  154 
1952  352 
1952  112 
1952  85 


New   Publications    (Book   Reviews) 

All  Through  the  Year,   Florence  O'Keane   Whelan October 

American   School   and   University February 

Art  School — Self  Taught,  Matlack  Price  and 

A.  Thornton  Bishop March 

Betty  White's  Teen-Age  Dance  Book November 

Bibliography  of  Railway  Literature,  Association  of 

American  Railroads October 

Book  of  Games,  The,  G.  S.  Ripley April 

Community  Planning  for  Human  Services, 

Bradley  Buell  and  Assoicates ..June 

Community  Services  for  Older  People October 

Community  Uses  of  Public  School  Facilities,  Harold  H. 

funke    March 

Conservation  in  Camping,  American  Camping  Asso- 
ciation   June 

Creating  an  Industrial  Civilization,  edited  by  Eugene 

Staley     October 

Creative  Dramatics  in  Home,  School  and  Community, 

Ruth  Gonser  Lease  and  Geraldine  Brain  Siks September 

Dance   and    Play   Activities   for  the   Elementary   Grades, 

Lois  M-  Bauer  and  Barbara  A,  Reed April 

Dictionary  of  Games,  /.  B.   Pick January 

Do  It  Yourself!  Tricks,  Stunts  and  Skits, 

Beatrice   Wells  Carlson ; October 

Folk  Dance  Guide,  Paul  Schwartz October 

Garden  We  Planted  Together,  A,  United  Nations  De- 
partment of  Public  Information October 

Growing  With  Art,   Maud  Ellsworth  and  Michael  F. 

Andrews    June 

Handbook  for  Teaching  Piano  Classes,  Piano  Instruc- 
tion Committee,  Music  Educators  National  Confer- 
ence   January 

Hand  icraft,   Lester   Griswold October 

Here's  How  and  When,  Armilda  B.  Keiser September 

History  of  Popular  Music  in  America,  A, 

Sigmund  Spaeth   April 

Homespun  Crafts,  E.   Kenneth  Bailie September 

How  to  Use   Hand   Puppets   in  Group   Discussion, 

Jean    Schick    Grossman April 

Kites,    H.    Waller   Fowler,    Jr March 

Let's  Be  Merry,   Vytautas  F.  Beliajus May 

Making    Hand   Wrought   Sterling    Silver   Jewelry, 

Craft  Service  Department,    Handy  and  Harman November 

Manual  of  Corporate  Giving,  The,  National  Planning 

Association     October 

Masters    Theses    in    Health,    Physical    Education    and 

Recreation,  Thomas  K.   Cureton March 

Measurement  and  Evaluation  in  Physical  Health  and 
Recreation  Education,  Leonard  A.  Larson  and 

Rachel  Dunaven  Yocom September 

Mother,  May  I  Go  Out  Dancing? October 

Music  for  Early  Childhood,  Mary  Jarman  Nelson  and 

Gladys  Tipton November 

One-Pot  Cookery,  Eidola  Jean  Bourgaize March 

Party  Fun  for  Boys  and  Girls,  Lillian  S.  Graham  and 

Marjorie   Wackerbarth  January 

Photography  Afield,  Ormal  1.  Sprungman March 

Prisoners   Are   People,    Kenyan   J.    Scudder May 

Recommended  Standards  for  the  Group  Care  of  Chil- 
dren of  Elementary  School  Age 

Recreation  for  Community  Living,  National  Recreation 

Workshop    November 

Recreation  for  the  Blind,   Charles  E.   Buell September 

Recreation    Leader,    The,    E.    O.    Harbin  December 

Recreation  Leadership,  Walter  L.  and  Charles  G.  Stone.. February 

Recreation  Through  Music,   Charles  Leonhard June 

Reducing    Juvenile    Delinquency,    What    New    York 

State  Schools  Can  Do,  Dr.  Ralph  B.  Spence 

Rique    Ran,    collected    and    translated    by    Mary    L. 

Goodwin  and  Edith  L.  Powell May 

School  Camping,   George  W.   Donaldson May 

Selected  Papers  in  Case  Work May 


1952 
1953 

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1953 
195". 
1952 


311 
568 

634 

376 

276 
64 

184 
312 

634 

171 
311 
248 

64 
503 

312 
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312 
184 

503 

312 
248 

64 
248 

64 
635 
120 

367 
311 
634 


248 
307 

376 
635 

503 

635 
120 


February   1953  568 


1952 
1952 
1952 
1953 
1952 


376 
248 
439 
568 
184 


December     1952     381 


Month 
Selected    Papers    in    Group    Work    and    Community 

Organi  zations     May 

Sineing   Time,   arranged   by   Ruth   Jeller  and   Walter 

Goodell   January 

Sones   to   Sing  with   Recreational  Instruments,   Irving 

Cheyette  and  Albert  Renna December 

Starting  a  Recreation  Program  in  a  Civilian  Hospital, 

Beatrice  H.  Hill December 

Stories  to  Dramatize,    Winifred   Ward October 

Study  of  Salaries   and  Working  Conditions  in   Social 

Work,  The,  American  Association  of  Social  Workers.. April 

Summer  Magic,  Kenneth  B.  and  Susan  H.  Webb March 

Travel  Games,  Edmund  Beaver May 

Understanding    Children's    Play,    Ruth    E.    Hartley, 

Lawrence  K.  Frank,  Robert  M.  Goldenson September 

Vitalized   Assemblies,  Nellie  Zetta  Thompson November 

Whole  World  Singing,  compiled  by  Edith  Lovell 

Thomas   October 

Your  Opportunity,  Theodore  S.  Jones March 


Year  Page 

1952  120 

1953  503 
1952  439 

1952  439 

1952  312 

1952  10 

1953  635 
1952  120 

1952  248 

1952  376 

1952  312 

1953  631 


Parks 

City    Park    Improvements 

Community   Park,   Batesville,   Arkansas 

Maryland  to  Develop  River  Valley  Park 

National   Conference  on   State   Parks 


National   Park  and  Recreation  Week 

Nature  Trails  in  State  Parks,  John  C.  Orth 

Place    of   Organized    Camping    in    State    Parks,    The, 

Reynold    E.    Carlson 

Public  Opinion   Aids  Park  Officials 

Relationship   of   Parks  and   Recreation,    Charles   E. 

Doell  

Roadside    Parks 

(See   also    under    Areas,    Facilities,    Layout; 
Camping;   Conservation) 


..January 
.  November 
..May 

.  .September 
November 
.  April 
.June 

January 
.  September 

.  June 
.  March 


1953  495 

1952  370 

1952  88 

1952  189 

1952  320 

1952  10 

1952  154 

1953  452 
1952  229 

1952  143 

1953  574 


Parties 

"Giving"  Parties   (Recipes  for  Fun) November 

Handkerchief  Party  for  Christmas,  A December 

Parties  Plucked   from  Thin  Air January 

Parties    (Recipes  for  Fun) April 

Pointers  for  Party  Month February 

Trip  to  Mexico,  A March 

( See    also    under    Dancing;    Games;    Holidays 

and  Special  Occasions) 


Personnel 


1952 
1952 
1953 
1952 
1953 
1953 


Education  (Recreation  Curriculum):  Colleges  Re- 
porting   Major    Curriculums    in    Recreation,    W.    C. 

Sutherland  

New   Training    Program 

(See  also  College  Campus  Activities) 

Leadership  and  Training:  I  am  a  Professional  Rec- 
reation Leader,  Lillian  Schwertz 

In-Service    Training    Program 

Leisure   Leaders   Leisure  Lodge,   Marion   C.    Sparrow 

New   Year's   Resolutions   of   the   Recreation    Program 
Leader    

Place  of  Supervision   in   a  Recreation   Program,  The 
Gertrude   Wilson 

Recreation    Training   Leadership   Programs 


Southern  Regional  Recreation  Study,  W.  C.  Sutherland 

Training  Playground  Leaders,   W.   C.   Sutherland 

(See  also  under  Administration;  National  Rec- 
reation Association,  Committees) 

Recruitment  and  Placement:  A  Job  in  a  Chang- 
ing World,  Jane  Johnson 

Authority   to   Hire   and   Fire  Recreation  Workers 

(Study)      

National  Advisory  Committee  on  Recruitment,  Train- 
ing and  Placement  of  Recreation  Personnel — (See 
National  Recreation  Association,  Committees) 

Playground  Personnel  

Placement   Opportunities — Camp   Fire   Girls 

Leaders    

Jobs   in   the  Far  East 

Jobs    in    Korea 

Job   Mart 

Landscape  Architectural   Scholarship 

Patient  Activities  Leaders  (Minnesota) 

Position    Open     (Los    Angeles) 

Recreation  Therapists 

Service  Club   Directors 

Special  Club   Work    (Japan)  

YWCA  Careers   

Salaries:  Recreation  Salaries  (Study) 


September 
September 


December 
.November 
June 


1952 
1952 


1952 
1952 
1952 


June 

June 

September 

February 

October 

April 


December 
June 

June 

April 
October 
May 

September 
October 
.March 
September 
June 

.December 
October 
.March 
.September 


1952 
1952 
1952 
1953 
1952 
1952 


1952 
1952 


Personalities 


1952 
1952 
1952 


120 
120 
120 


Herman  Beringer   (Tough  Job  Well  Done) April 

Josephine    Blackstock    Retires October 

Carl   Bozenski  '. February 

John   J.    Considine September 

Dr.  Howard  G.  Danford January 

Arthur  E.  Demaray September 

Tom  Deering January 

Jerome  C.   Dretzka February 

V.     W.     Flickinger September 

Matt  C.  Huppuch Septembei 

Adrian  M.  Massie  Elected January 

Dewey  Clifton  McAIpin    (Letters) January 

Earl  J.  McFarlane  (My  Maintenance  Man,  Thomas  C. 

Miller)     -. November 

Brett  McGinnis  Day February 


363 
412 
482 
51 
541 
600 


233 
234 


401 
338 
145 


January         1953     46} 


129 
170 
243 
561 
299 
42 


427 
169 


1952   171 


1952 
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1952 
1953 


43 
299 

72 
233 
253 
574 
189 
131 
381 
253 
574 
237 


293 
535 
232 
488 
232 
488 
535 
232 
232 
456 
448 

353 
535 


MARCH  1953 


639 


Month 

Year 

Pjtt 

Edward  McGowan  . 

February 

1953 

535 

People  and  Events  —  Elections    . 

December 

1952 

421 

—  New  Appointments  
—  Recent  Appointments  ... 

January 
February 

1953 
1953 

IM 
535 

£ 

1952 

79 

September 

1952 

234 

October 

1952 

299 

December 

1952 

421 

Dr.    Doris   W.    Plewes  

.February 

1953 

535 

C  E.  Reed.  T.  E.  Riven.  W.  M.  Shumard  (Behind 

the  Scenes) 

September 

1952 

201 

William  G.  Robinson 
Carl    L.    Schrader 

January 
December 

1953 
1952 

488 
421 

Henry  D.  Schubert 

.January 

1953 

488 

1     Robert   M     Shultz 

i  t  b"  i.  IT  • 

1953 

535 

February 

1953 

535 

Paul  Stacker 

December 

1952 

421 

Swenson   Park 

June 

1952 

148 

J.    K.    Ten 

February 

1953 

535 

Philosophy   and  Theory 

Importance  of  Play.  The 

October 

1952 

257 

Influence  of  Joseph  Lee.  The.  Elizabeth  Clarke 

December 

1952 

398 

Know   How   to  Play?   Irving  R.   Murray 

November 

1952 

317 

My  Philosophy  of  Recreation,  Gerald  B.  Fitzgerald 

February 

1953 

509 

My  Philosophy  of  Recreation,  G.  Oil  Romney 

March 

1953 

573 

New  Year's  Resolutions  of  the  Recreation  Executive  . 

January 

1953 

462 

New   Year's  Resolutions   of   the  Recreation   Program 

Leader 

January 

1953 

463 

Philosophical  Aspects  of  Recreation,  Arthur  M.  Kipnis 
Recreation  and  the  Richer  Life.  Dr.  Henrietta  A.  R. 

February 

1953 

516 

Anderson 

January 

1953 

458 

Recreation    in    America  Today,   Joseph    Prendergjsl 

December 

1952 

383 

Recreation.  The  Fulfillment  of  Human  Needs, 

Dr.  S.  R.  Laycoct 

May 

1952 

69 

Spiritual  Aspects  of  Play,  The.  Stephen  P.  Bayne,  Jr. 
Understanding  Each  Other,  Rosalee  Greenfield 

January 
October 

1953 
1952 

445 

2-') 

Photography 

Operation  Flash  Bulb     

..January 

1953 

495 

Photographic  Group,  The.  Irma  Webber 

April 

1952 

36 

May 

1952 

94 

June 

1952 

149 

Photography    (Nature) 

May 

1952 

112 

Playgrounds 

Let's  Have  More  Play  on  Playgrounds. 

Helen  M.  Dauncey                                

April 

1952 

40 

Look   at   Our    Playgrounds,   A  
Playground  Echoes  (Evanston,  Illinois,  Ogden.  Utah) 

April 
November 

1952 
1952 

13 

370 

Playground  Hours 
Playground  Pageant,  A.  Nicolelta  Vrciuola  

April 
March 

1952 
1953 

50 
603 

Playground    Personnel 

June 

1952 

171 

Safe  Playground  for  Every  Child.  A.  William  F.  Keller 

April 

1952 

58 

Signposts   for   the  Summer  Season,   Abe   Bonder  

March 

1953 

610 

Something  New  in   Playgrounds,  Helena  Braddock 

Lamp 

April 

1952 

53 

Special  Events  Improved,  Doreen  O.  Kirkland 

April 

1952 

30 

Summer  Recreation 

April 

1952 

47 

Summer   Playground   Production,   A,   John    V.    Smith, 

Minnj    B     Reicbelt 

.April 

1952 

23 

Training  Playground  Leaden,  W.  C.  Sutherland  

April 

1952 

42 

Weave  in  Some  Singing.  Arthur  Todd 

April 

1952 

17 

What  the  People  Think,  Mary  Louie  Smith 

January 

1953 

496 

(See  also  under  Area,  Facilities.  Layout;  Camp- 

ing:   Equipment;    Parks;    Special    Activities    and 

Events  )             , 

Puppetry — See  Dramatics 


Month       Year     Page 


Poetry 


Christmas.   Robert  Merrill  Rjrilrti 
Christmas  Wish,  A.  A***  II    Hayes 
Declaration  of  Brothers.  Willed  Etpy 


.December 
December 
April 
May 

Education  in  Play.  VUUam  M.  Lanuei  February 

On  Oar  Knees.  Dorothy  Ashb,  Pott-nail  November 

Scottish  Grace.  Robert  Burnt  November 

Tree.   A.   Ern.,1  V.   Blohm  June 


Program   Planning 

institutional 


See  under  individual  activity,  group  and 

headings- 
New   Year's   Resolutions  of  the  Recreation   Program 

Leader 

Place  of  Supervision   In  a  Recreation   Program.   The. 
Genmde  Vilion 

(See    alto    under     Administration;     Community- 
wide  Programs) 


Publicity 

Are    You    Progressive? 

Bulletin  Boards   (  Recipes  for  Fun) 

Community  Theatre   '  DO*  Office." 

Gnnd   Promotion 

Importance  of  Good   Public  Relations.  The. 

K    f.    Brnu-n.    I' 
Let  Folks  Know  ' 

Recreation  on   Wheels.    V,ll,am   H.   Riding 
Recreation—  for  Everyone.  Kraut  tarbart 
"Undemanding     Through  Disctuaioa.   WUUam  G. 


January 
June 


1952 
1952 
1952 
1952 
1953 
1952 
1952 
1952 


19)3 
1952 


387 

383 

11 

72 

515 

321 

318 

J57 


463 
129 


February  I'm  546 

January  I'm  489 

November  1052  J39 

November  1952  367 

October  1952  288 

May  1952  96 

March  1953  588 

February  195»  524 


Rural — See   under  Community-wide   Programs 


Safety 

National  Safety  Council  Bulletin                                     March  1953  574 

Never  Too  Early  to  Learn                                                   October  1952  262 

Safe  Playground  for  Every  Child,  A,  Wtlliam  F.  Keller  April  1952  58 

Safety  Report                                                                                December  1952  430 
t  Sec  also  under  Areas,  Facilities,  Layout) 


Servicemen  and  Servicewomen 

Air  Force  Takes  to  the  Farm,  The,  Corporal  Con  me 

Alexander  May 

Great  American  Team,  A,  Tom  King  February 

Program  Survey   by  USO June 

Servicemen    in    the   Community    Program   October 

Sports  and  War,  5.  L.  A.  Martball September 

\Vhat  Community  Recreation   Programs  Can  Do  For 

Service  Women.  Of  eta  Culp  Hobby  April 

Youth  and  the  Services.  G.  Oil  Romney  February 

( See  also  under  Defense ) 


Special  Activities  and  Events 

Between  Season  Activities  (Recipes  for  Fun)  March 

Latest    Additions March 

Model  Railroading.  lames  P.  Htrdic,  Jr.  ..October 

Model   Train  Races.  Francis  Donnon  October 

Pet  Ideas  .  ..  February 

Science  as  a  Recreation  Activity  .  .,          February 

Show  Wagons — Other  Community  Snow  Wagons March 

Recreation  on  Wheels.  William  H.  Ridinger  March 

Show  Wagon,  Omaha,  Nebraska  October 

Special  Events  Improved,  Dorten  O.  Kirkland     April 

Symbol  of  Peace  (East  Baton  Rouge  Parish)  October 

Try  Something  Different'  November 


1952  92 

1953  529 
1952  131 
1952  306 
1952  192 

1952  5 

1953  545 


Whistling   While   You   Play,    Richard  Montgomery          October 
Wider   Horizons,  Doril   Worrell  Earth        January 

( See  also   under    Hobbies   and   other  activity 

headings) 


1953 
1953 
1952 
1952 
1953 
1953 
1953 
1953 
1952 
1952 
1952 
1952 
1952 
1953 


Sports 


627 
626 
275 
274 
550 
556 
591 
588 
289 
30 
305 
342 
301 
460 


We  Sell   Public   Recreation.    Fme,i   fl     I  hrke 


February 


350 
$42 


General:    Aids   for   Your   Sports   Program    for  Girls, 

Helen  Dauncey   

November 

1952 

359 

Are  Highly  Competitive  Sports  Desirable  for  Juniors? 

June 

1952 

131 

September 

1952 

!  S" 

December 

1952 

422 

Sports  and  War.  S   L.  A.  Marshall 

September 

1952 

192 

Sports   of   Presidents 

September 

1952 

196 

Symbol  of  Peace  (football  award) 

October 

1952 

305 

Tournament  Tips    Monty   Morris 

I  line 

1952 

177 

Baseball  for  bovi  Under  Twelve,  John  H.  Crain,  Jr. 

November 

1952 

355 

Baseball-Softball   Skill  Contests,   Sterling   Gasman 

May 

1952 

110 

Hot  Dog.  This   is  It!    Barnard  Ballanlinf 

April 

1952 

55 

Professor  Rizutto's  Baseball  Academy,  Laurence  Ladtr 

March 

1953 

581 

We  Had  a  Baseball  League.  Robtrt  W.  Rube 

April 

I&J2 

n 

Baiketball—  the  Game  Way 

V  ;  't  i;  ..'••<  • 

1952 

225 

Football,  Rules  —  Five  Man.  Jamtt  J.  Rafftnj 

September 

1952 

208 

Softball  —  1953 

1952 

416 

Volleyball,   Paddle 

June 

1952 

179 

Golf 

April 

1952 

50 

June 

1952 

171 

Golf    Administration 

May 

1952 

109 

Study  of  Public  Golf  Course  Operation.  A 

May 

1952 

115 

September 

1952 

189 

Riding:  Horseback  Serenade.  Richard  Hani 

November 

1952 

344 

Rlflery:  Family  Turns  to  an  Age-Old  Sport.  The.  Ruth 

Jacquemine 

November 

1952 

365 

Roller  Skating  »  Here  to  Stay!  V    1.   C.htU, 
Water:  American  Red  Cross  Aquatic  Schools 

January 
May 

1953 
1952 

470 
112 

Boeing  Goes  Fishing.  John  E.  Friars 

February 

I'm 

547 

Boy  and  Girl  Anglers  by  the  Million 

V... 

1952 

104 

Cooperation    in    Aquatics 

May 

1952 

82 

Education  for  Leisure  Time   (fishing) 

February 

I95J 

558 

Sailing  the  "Sailnsh."  Harold  S.  and  Robert  G. 

DtGroat 

June 

1952 

158 

Swimming  Meet  (Recipes  for  Fun) 

June 

1952 

175 

VV  .irrr,   Seattle's   Staff  of  Life.   Lou   Efant 

April 

19JJ 

34 

Young  Anglers.  Frank  W.  Bramhall 

April 

1952 

29 

Winter:  Quitinc  Chute.  A.  H.  5.  Kenned} 
Hockey   Camp    (Wilson    College) 
Skiing  Need  Not  Be  Expensive.  James  F.  Htrdic.  Jr. 

September 
November 
December 

\   ^  i     '  '  • 

1952 
1952 

191 

41? 
341 

January 

1953 

449 

March 

1953 

575 

Skiing  Around  New  York.   Stephen  Baker 

January 

1953 

457 

(See  also  under  Games) 

Youth 

Handy   Helps 

November 

1952 

J67 

Planning  a  Good  Grooming  Program  for  Teen-Agers. 
Monte    .\\elamed.    Seena    Saltmam 

January 

19V 

466 

Radio   Program    for   Teen-Agers 

January 

I'm 

.     ' 

Teen  Activities 

n  .,  >.  . 

Teen-Age  Rhythms.   Anne  Lirrntiton 
Tom  A  Hawk  <  lub  for   Teens.  John  A    Lippold 

September 
October 

222 
297 

lanuary 

l<m 

448 

World    Youth 

October 

11V 

298 

Youth  Council.  A.  K    /    MacDonald 

September 

195 

Youth  and  the  Services.  C,    On  Romney 

February 

1953 

545 

RF.CFU  UIIIN 


Recreation  Leadership  Courses 

Sponsored  by  llic  National  Recreation  Association 

and 
Local  Recreation  Agencies 


HELEN  M.  DAUNCEY 

Social   Recreation 


ANNE  LIVINGSTON 

Social  Recreation 


MlLDRKD  SCANLON 
Social   Recreation 


FRANK  A.  STAPLES 

Arts  and  Crafts 


March,    April    and    May    1953 


San  Leamlro,  California 
March  9-12 

Chico,  California 
March  16-19 

Nacogdoches,  Texas 
March  27-28 

Kingsville,  Texas 
March  30- April  2 

Edinburg,  Texas 
April  13-16 

San  Marcos,  Texas 
April  20-23 

Edgewood,  Texas 
April  27-30 

Borger,  Texas 
May  11-14 

Salisbury,  North  Carolina 
March  2-5 

Greensboro,  North  Carolina 
March  16-19 

Manchester,  Georgia 
March  23-26 

LaGrange,  Georgia 
March  30-April  2 

Danville,  Virginia 
April  13-16 

Raleigh,  North  Carolina  (tentative) 
April  20-23 

Oak   Park,  Illinois 
March  11-14 

Lanett,  Alabama 
March  23-26 

Natural   Bridge,  Virginia 
March  30-31 


Grand  Haven,  Michigan 
March  2-5 

Stamford,    Connecticut 
March  9-12 

Kiugsporl,   Tennessee 
April  13-23 

Marshalllown,  Iowa 
May  11-21 

Missouri    Ifccrcation   Workshop 
May  23-29 


Ross  Cunningham,  Director  of  Recreation 

L.  L.  Seifert,  Executive  Director,  Chico  Area  Recreation  District 

Earle  Meadows,  Consultant  on  Recreation,  State  Youth  Develop- 
ment Council,  808  Tribune  Building,  Austin 

Eldon    D.    Brinley,    President,    Kingsville    Community    Council, 
Box  2213,  Station  1,  A  and  I  College 

Earle  Meadows,  Consultant  on  Recreation,  State  Youth  Develop- 
ment Council,  808  Tribune  Building,  Austin 

Earle  Meadows,  Consultant  on  Recreation,  State  Youth  Develop- 
ment Council,  808  Tribune  Building,  Austin 

Earle  Meadows,  Consultant  on  Recreation,  State  Youth  Develop- 
ment Council,  808  Tribune  Building,  Austin 

Earle  Meadows,  Consultant  on  Recreation,  State  Youth  Develop- 
ment Council,  808  Tribune  Building,  Austin 

Miss    Dorothy    Morefield,    Program    Director,    Recreation    Com- 
mission, P.O.  453 

Miss  Mabel  Smith,  Greensboro  Recreation  Department 

A.    C.    Kerby,    Jr.,    Industrial    Relations    Department,    Callaway 
Mills  Company,  La  Grange,  Georgia 

A.    C.   Kerby,    Jr.,    Industrial    Relations    Department,    Callaway 
Mills  Company 

V.  C.  Smoral,  Recreation  Department 

James  Chambers,  Director  of  Recreation,  City  Hall 


Miss  Lilly  Ifiilli  Hanson,  Acting  Director,  Playground  and 
Recreation  Board 

Fred  Caswcll,  Director,  Lanett  Recreation  Deportment 

L.  E.  Kibler,  Assistant  Supervisor,  Health  and  Physical  Educa- 
tion, Safety  and  Recreation,  Stale  Board  of  Education,  Rich- 
mond 16 

Ray  C.  Schaubel,  Director  of  Recreation,  Grand  Haven  Public 
Schools 

Edward  J.  Hunt,  Superintendent  of  Recreation,  Haig  Avenue 
W.  C.  Mellorris,  Director  of  Recreation 

A.  Edmunil  Olseu,  Recreation  Director,  Playground  and  Recrea- 
tion Commission 

Robert  L.  Black,  Community  Recreation  Assistant,  Department 
of  Business  and  Administration,  Jefferson  City,  Missouri 


District  Conferences 

Members  of  the  National  Recreation  Association  leadership  training  staff  will  be  attending  the  following  district  confer- 
ences where  they  will  have  some  part  in  the  conference  programs  and  where  they  will  be  available  for  consultation  on  leader- 
ship training  problems. 

Miss  Dauncey:  Southwest  District  Conference,  April  9-11,  Hotel  Driskill,  Austin,  Texas;  Mrs.  Livingston:  Southeast 
District  Conference,  March  11-13,  Hotel  Dempsey,  Macon,  Georgia;  Miss  Scan/on:  Middle  Atlantic  District  Conference, 
March  18-21,  The  Inn,  Buck  Hill  Falls,  Pennsylvania;  Midwest  District  Conference,  April  9-11,  Paxton  Hotel,  Omaha,  Neb- 
raska; New  England  District  Conference,  May  12-15,  Hotel  Viking,  Newport,  Rhode  Island;  Miss  Walker:  Great  Lakes  District 
Conference,  April  8-10,  Van  Orman  Hotel,  Fort  Wayne,  Indiana. 


Attendance  at  training  courses  conducted  by  National  Recreation  Association  leaders  is  usually  open  to  all  who  wish  to  attend. 
For  details  as  to  location  of  the  institute,  contents  of  course,  registration  procedure,  and  the  like,  communicate  with  the  sponsor 
of  the  course  as  listed  above. 


RECREATION 
315  Fourth  Ave.,  New  York  10,  N.  Y. 


RETVBM  POSTAGE  GIAKA.NTEKD 
Entered  a§  second  cla--  matter 


PFEIFFER  LIBRAE* 
MAC  MURRAY  COLL 
JACKSONVILLE  ILL 
NOV  53 


He  Went  Out  to  Meet  Them 


WITH  FLARES  AND  WHISTLES  and  blaring 
bugles,  the  Reds  had  been  attacking  fanati- 
cally all  night.  Wave  after  wave  they  came,  in 
overwhelming  numbers. 

By  dawn,  Jerry  Crump  could  see  that  his  posi- 
tion alone  was  keeping  them  from  overrunning 
L  Company.  Twice  he  went  out  to  meet  the^i  with 
his  bayonet.  Once  lie  retook  u  captured  machine 
gun.  And  four  times  he  left  shelter  to  bring  in 
wounded  comrades. 

Now,  an  enemy  soldier  crept  close  unobserved. 
He  lobbed  a  grenade.  It  landed  squarely  among 
the  wounded  men.  Without  a  second's  hesitation. 
Corporal  Crump  threw  himself  upon  it, smothered 
the  explosion  wtih  his  own  body,  and  saved  his 
four  companions'  lives.* 

"I  got  hurt,"  says  Jerry  Crump, 
"but  I  got  back  alive.  Because  our 
armed  forces  have  the  finest  medi- 
cal equipment  in  the  world— even 
at  the  front.  And  you  helped  put  it 
there  by  investing  in  U.  S.  Defense  Bonds." 

Bonds  are  savings.  But  they  mean  production 
power,  too.  Helping  provide  the  arms  and  equip- 
ment .mil  cure  of  every  kind  that  give  a  fighting 
man  more  than  a  fighting  chance! 


Corpora/Jerry  C'ruwf)  f, 

U.S.Army 
Medal  of  Honor 


Now  E  Bonds  pav  3%!  Now.  improved  Series  E 
I '...ml-  start  pa)  inn  interest  after  6  months.  And  aver- 
age 3%  ini.t.-l.  r<nii|Hiiiiiil'-il  M-niiannually  uli.  n 
held  lo  malurily!  \l-o.  all  maturing  E  Bond*  a»«W 
malically  go  on  earning-al  the  new  rale— for  10  more 
years.  Today,  Mart  itvesting  in  I  ^  S«iM  I-  I  M>-n«r 
r...inl«  through  the  Payroll  Savings  Plan  at  work. 

Peace  is  for  tin1  strong!  For  peace  and  prosperity 
save  with  U.S.  Defense  Bonds! 


Tkf  V.S-  CmfftnmeHl  Jn*i  mot  MV  for  lltU  •mrtttitr- 
mrml.   ll  II  •!•  n,I,J  l,r   /*..    /Hihlifmllalt   i»  raaftltllo» 
I/A    !»•    44*trtltl*f    I  atitfll    *T,J   Ik,   MtfulHt 
of  Amtrtcm.