The Washington times., 1906-03-22
MODEL PLAYGROUND
FOUND IN CHICAGO
Miss Mcdowell Describes
Davis Square.
IS HEAD OF THE MOVEMENT
Declares People Are Appreciative of
Efforts to Better Their
Conditions.
IS HEAD OF THE MOVEMENT

Miss Mary Y. Mcdowell. head of the
University Settlement. of Chicago. is in
Washington in the interest of a bill now
before Congress for an appropriation for
the investigation of conditions under
which women are obliged to work in
Chicago. The measure is now in the
hands OF the House Committee on In
Vestigstiors, and. il is expected that &C
ton Will be taken on it at an early Gate.
Friend of Jane Adams.
Miss Mcdowell is an intimate friend
Of Jane adams. of Hull House. and the
Dill IS the joint work OF Miss Adams
and Miss Mcdowell.
Miss Mcdowell will make an address
81 the First Congregational Church Sun
day evening at o'clock on settlement
work in general and tell especially of
the results which have been obtained BY
tho n. S. Davis square. a ten-acre PLAY
ground, which is similar to the ideal
reservation which the playground COM
nittee hopes 10 establish in Washington.
Speaking of this park. Miss Mcdowell
sad 10 Times reporter this morning:
The Davis Square is one Of the sys-
ten of small parks made by the South
Park Board. and was secured by the
back OF the stock yards.
Good Results of System.
This small park is the logical result
OF the little playground that for SIX
years was run by the settlement on bor-
rowed lots, and proved the need Of the
community Tor a place of recreation,
and of physical and social comfort The
square has artistic buildings. which
contain gymnasium for men and boys:
one Tor women and girls. a large social
hall. club, reading and refreshment
nails. and a swimming tank where he
I%gen e'po and s.ceo men, women. and
children battle each week The refresh
ment room serves the best icecream
and soft drinks. milk a. cents a glass
and modified milk for sick babies.
The social hall is used by local or
CARNATIONS a. meeting place and on
sundays and. evenings family groups are
seen enjoying the spacious rooms with
their attractively colored walls and
weIl-made furniture
No Depredations Committed.
1T is a fact worth recording that
this park, in the midst of colony Of
Slavic people. has not lost a shrub OF
vine, and no depredations have been
committed within the buildings or on
the Fairgrounds.
The settlement has for years worked
10 make the public schools center OF
social and educational activity. and has
secured a fellowship known as the John
Hamiine Fellowship
The interest Of seventy-five boys.
ranging in ages from ten to seventeen.
Is held throughout the whole winter in
the manual training classes. Not even
the gymnasium is so popular There
IS also A small sewing class for girls
Work has been selected for their Spe-
Cial needs. It has been well attended
and good results have been obtained"
Plans for Library
The playground committee in Wash
ington hopes 10 establish a library in
connection with one of the grounds.
and this feature. Miss Mcdowell says.
has been most successful in Chicago.
Miss Mcdowell said that feature OF
the University Of Chicago Settlement Is
that it has never taken an active part in
party politics, but that It has been q
distinct force in raising the political
rs well as the social standard Of the
citizen.
1T Is recognized said Miss Mcdowell.
''ss an influence by the voters. and by
ambitious political leaders of the ward
II is no uncommon experience 10 have
the nominee for office bid for the in
fiuence OF the settlement, although the
women residents have no votes TO offer.
The nonpartisan position has done
much toward emphasizing the claims OF
cial needs, above that Of the political
machine -