The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1896-06-27
Appeal in Behalf of Outdoor Schools.

Our public schools close this week and
the long vacation is at hand. After the
Fourth of July many Of the children will
leave the city TO enjoy the cool breezes Of
the seashore or the moutaips. But how
Will the children of the poor spend their
vacation? Where will they seek shelter
from the heat OF the summer months.
During the school year, while the parents
are at work in the factories, they are in
the care of the teachers OF, tie public
schools, but who is to look after them
while the schools are closed?
Sister municipalities have answered
this question by establishing summer
schools, which are not 50 much for the
purpose OF study as Of keeping the chill
dren out of the streets, and for the pro-
motion OF their health. The city OF Pro-
violence has made no provisions of this
kind. To partially meet this want the
undersigned committee, appointed by
the Union for Practical Progress and the
Free Kindergarten Association, Is en-
deavoring TO continue the work of the
summer Fairgrounds, which was carried
on year ago with most excellent sue
cess. Nine Fairgrounds were maintained
last season, where for three hours every
day an average OF 500 children were
looked after. Each ground wss superin.
tended by trained kindergarteners, and
moral lessons, such as cleanliness, respect
for the rights Of Others and a desire to
be helpful and orderly, were impressed
upon the minds of the children. Helpful
games were taught, thus-tending to their
physical, as well as moral Improvement.
The City Council has again given the
committee the use OF the school yards IN
those sections where the children most in
need OF them are located. An efficient
staf OF teachers has been engaged. and
arrangements.for some necessary improve
ments have been made; but while the
M m mi m NJ
ing the plan of work, il has not yet OBJ
tained the necessary funds. The treasurer
reports but 1900 in bis possession, while
II will require $500 to conduct tho work
properly.
The committee desire to bring the mat
ter before the public and appeals TO its
generosity. Twelve hundred dollars are
needed. This Is not large amount for
a city the size of ours TO raise. Let every
citizen bear in mind that the community
at large is benefited by the works of the
Fairgrounds in keeping the children
away from the evil influence OF the
streets, and he will freely give. 1t is q
charity when brings immediate returns.
Fifty cents each from 2400 persons would
furnish the required amount. Increase
the numbe of contributors and the size
of the donations could be decreased pro-
portionately. The smallest contribution
will be welcome.
Inc committee appeals especially 10
the children who will soon leave the
city. Let them, while enjoying their
vacation, think of their less fortunate
schoolmates who are not privileged to
participate in the.pleasure of the seashore
or the mountains, and contribute their
mite toward the maintenance of the play
grounds.
Who will place himself first on record?
Donations will. be gratefully received
ana duly acknow ledged in the columns OF
the press by Treasurer "A. W. Fairchild,
10 Arcade, or l02 South Angel street.
From the Union for Practical Progress: |:
Arthur j. Williams, DIR. Helen &. Put
nam, Sidney A. Sherman, Rev. Da-
vid Bianstein, Charles III. Philbrick.
From the Providence Free Kindergar
ten Association, Mrs. Alfred Stone,
Mre. Amasa NJ Eaton, Miss Char
lotte L. Tillinghast, Miss l.. q.
Field, committee.