The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1893-03-04
GYMNASTIC EXHIBITION
M MEMBERS OF THE JUNIOR DE-
PxRTMExr OF THE INCA.
Crowded House Witnesses tho Entertain
naeut-An Attractive Programme We'll
Executed by Citizens OF the Future.

A very large audience assembled last
evening in the large hall OF the Youns
Mems Christian Association to witness
the first annual gymnastic display. given
by the members Of the junior department
under the direction of MIR. Clifton Mahon.
assistant physical director.
The beginning OF 1.-THE entertainment
was announced for $50 o'clock p. NJ.
but long before that time every seat was
taken, and later on even standing room
was at a premium. The boys were very
largely represented in the audience, ana
managed to make themselves heard TO
such an extent that Professor Horace r..
Smith was compelled to appear before the
footlignts just before the opening of the
gymnastic uisplay. and ask the young
element to bride their Impetus. rms
appeal had the desired effect. and perfect
Quiet and order reigned during the en-
tertaipment.
Az the very moment when the first num-
her Of the programme was about 10 De
executed the electric lights In the buiidine
went out. but thanks 90 the thougnttui-
ness Of Mr.. George r. Tibbitts. the gen.
VI
early in the evening, and no interruption
was occasioned by that incident.
AR. Joseph Il. Montgomery, or the
hoard OF directors. was booked TO open
the entertainment with few appropriate
remarks. but he was unavoidably pre-
vented from being present. Mr.. Iibpltts
announced this fact. and added that
state Secretary II. o. Williams would
briefly address the audience.
Mr.. williams. In a neat speech. pointed
out how important II was for the Asso::
citation 10 give attention TO the boys, ana
train them so that they might become
useful members OF the Association In
the various requirements of life.
A special class OF boys was then intro
duced by Mr.. Clifton Mahon to give an
exhibition on parallel bars The boys
wore white shirts, black stockings, ana
slippers, and made n very good appear
ance. They went through the same exer-
cises which heretofore had been exhibited
BY adults. and deserved great credit Tor
the smooth and prompt execution OF the
various movements. They showed that
they could master simple exercises, as
well as take part In the more diihcuit
work OF pyramid building.
The entire class OF juniors next gave
a practical exhibition OF their knowledge
OF the first part of the Roberts dumb
bell drill. demonstrating the various
health movements, so essential TO the
development OF the human body.
The next number introduced Masters
Victor SheIburne and Stewart Cooke in
Indian-club swinging and wand twisting.
The boys executed their work so well
that they had TO give an encore, and
when they finally retired. they were
awarded prolonged applause.
81
exhibition on the vaulting buck. One lit
tie boy, dressed in a red suit, initiated
a clown. and while at first his exhibition
was considered by many as extremely
awkward, he soon convinced them that
he was only "bluffing." and that he could
do his part just as well as the other
boys.
Master Frank Cunningham, Jr. next
sang a solo, and was loudly cheered.
Everybody was waiting for an encore.
but young Cunningham, who was anxious
20 take the night train for Washington
20 witness President Clevelands In
nuguration, could not be disturbed. He
had made up his mind not to miss the
train and while the audience was still
applauding. he marched through the hail
in great haste to reach the depot on time.
Professor Horace F. Smith gave n fine
exhibition OF his mastery skill on the
horizontal par, ana greatly e@Clteu tus
audience. Before retiring he gave an
imitation of a green man, who for the
first time tries his luck in q gymnasium.
His antics were very comical and created
grea. merriment.
Mr.. Clifton Mahon gave an exhibition
OF rare skill in handling Indian clubs. He
went through the most difficult move
ments with the greatest ease and earned
well deserved applause.
A special class with Mr. Mahon as
leader next gave a number of exhibits
on the Roman ladders. and produced q
number OF beautiful tableaux.
The programme Of the evening was
brought TO close with an exhibition OF
MAT Work" executing a collection of
various Jumps on mats interspersed with
numerous pyramids and tableaux.
The whole entertainment was a decided
success and reflects great credit upon
Mr.. Mahon as well as the participating
members Of the junior department. The
result. no doubt, will be. that to-day
every boy who witnessed the perform
ance. will implore his parents 10 permit
him to join the gymnasium of the Young
Men'H Christian Association.