Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1902-03-31
ANNUAL EGG ROLLING
Children Of Washington on
White House Grounds.
HUNDREDS WERE THERE
MANY VISITORS IN THE CITY
WITNESSED THE EVENT.
The Small Boy and His Playmates En-
thusiastic-Music by the
Marine Band,

The weather Of today, which was more
like that of the late fall than Of early
spring, did not deter the youth of Wash
ington from duly observing "egg rolling
day. on the. White House grounds. For
weeks the children of the national capital
had been saving eggs and decorating them
for the great yearly event.
The chilling zephyrs-even the snow that
fell earlier in the day-did not tend to
dampen the ardor of the hundreds of
youngsters who participated in the sport
Age mingled with youth and entered into
the spirit of the occasion with equal zest.
or many years the day following Easter
has been one of rare interest to the youth
of Washington. There are few native
Neutrality-suspicious. whose memories do not
carry them back to the days when they
were wont to take an active part in the
egg rolling festivities
Throughout the country the day has come
to be known, and there are always to be
found large numbers of strangers among
the spectators. Today was no exception to
the rule. There is one excursion party of
$50 teachers from Ohio in the city, and
nearly every member was present some
time during the day.
Gates Open at 10 O'Clock.
The big iron gates to the White House
grounds. which are closed to the public
the greater part of the year, were thrown
open at 10 o'clock. For fully an hour be-
fore that hour there was a big crowd of
youngsters at each entrance.
The small boy was fortified with eggs
He carried them in baskets, in boxes, in
sacks and even in his trousers pockets
rush within and the fun was begun in
earnest. There was no waiting for for
matties.
From 10 o'clock until late this afternoon,
when the Marine Band gave concert
from stand erected in the center of the
grounds, there was scene of constant
animation.
The Roosevelt boys, who have inherited
their fathers love Of outdoor sport and ex-
ercise. Joined the throng of youngsters, and
their gleeful shouts were as vociferous as
those of their comrades.
Even the President could not resist the
temptation to witness the frolic of the lit
tie men and women. He came out on the
southern porch of the White House and re-
manned for time. pleased spectator.
There were with him several attaches Of
the executive mansion. The President
watched the youngsters with more than
ordinary interest and with a seeming de-
sire to join them in the sport.
The Philanthropist There.
An elderly man with philanthropic dis
tons of his youthful days. entered the gate
from the State, War and Navy building side
shortly after II o'clock. He carried with
Kim a huge basket heaping full of eggs Of
muti-colors.
By the time he reached the decline toward
the fountain he was surrounded by a howl
ing crowd of boys. They clamored for the
basket. He assured the youngsters that
each should be treated alike as far as the
eggs would go.
Give us a whack at them," one little
fellow yelled.
Let EN- come" cried another.
Were ready" still another yelled.
Disconnected, apparently ratified, by the
pandemonium, the old gentleman hurled
large handfuls of the eggs into the crowd.
The youngsters backed away in their eff
forts to catch the eggs. They surged back
and forth and pelted each other with the
remnants.
Some of the eggs had been neglected in
the boiling process, as was attested by
the besmeared condition of coats and trou-
sers Of the lads. But it was fun; good,
boyish fun. Every one was happy.
Indeed, 1t was more Of an 'egg throwing"
occasion than egg rolling The latter
sport was confined more particularly to the
little misses, who seemed to have just
as good a time as the boys.
Recalls Other Days.
The throng increased as the day length
ened. In the crowd was a party of sixteen
ladies from President Roosevelts Long
Island home. While the little folk romped
and played the older ones in the crowd
stood about in groups and recalled the days
when they were young and the participants
in such occasions.
The fountain was fascination for many,
who watched with interest the Potomac
water as 1t descended in sprays to the
basin. There was naturally an absence Of
prismatic effects, but it was interesting just
the same.
The White House grounds this afternoon
had the appearance Of having been swept
by a western cyclone. 1t will take the
gardeners a week to clear up the lawns
and restore the grounds to their usual
cleanliness. There was an extra detail of
policemen about the grounds, but no re-
strictions were placed upon the children.
They played to their hearts content.
Marine Band Program.
The program for the concert by the Ma
rine Band this afternoon was selected by
Lieut.. William H. Santelmann, the direc-
tor, with a purpose Of pleasing the young
folk. It is as follows:
March, Mother Goose" Sousa; overture,
Foster Children" Lindpainter; potpourri,
"soldateske," seidenglanz; waltz, "Hansel
and Gretel," Humperdink; selection, Flo
rodora," Stuart; lullaby, 'Rock-a-bye Ba-
by" Canning; caprice, Hearts Message"
Santelmann; patriotic hymn, Hail, Column
bia," Fyles.
The young folks Of Anacostia and vicini-
ty, according to the custom prevailing for
years, assembled in large numbers today
on the slopes and hills of Fort Stanton,
above the town. and engaged in egg-rolling
and other pastimes of the season.
The pleasure grounds of the fort were
occupied early by the little ones and their
elders. Many brought lunches. The crowd
became so large during the day that it was
deemed advisable by Sergt. Anderson to
have detail Of officers on hand to preserve
order. The grounds were later occupied by
number of base ball teams and games
were contested until evening.
The Choral Society.