Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-06-09

Central Park, half block away, they, did
not thrive as when they lived In the coun-
try. The mother could not understand 1t.
They are in the open all day now. just
as they were when we lived on Long Is
land" she said.
After some Inquiry, DR.. NorthrHp discov-
cred that ''all day was really an hour
and half In the morning, and an hour IN
the afternoon. They were very duh and
listless hours, too" he said. spent. for
the most part, sitting stiffiy on iron benches.
because warning signs kept them OFF the
grass Before they were taken to the park
they had to be dressed up. They were irri-
tated and tired In the process. and thus In
no frame of mind to enjoy the outing"
Casting about for way to give them
.'air with ease" and give IT to them all
day long. DIR. Northrup happily thought of
the roof OF their new home.
Their house faced south, on rising
ground, was five stories high. and upon
the top half story for the servants.
In front of this half story. and facing
south. was tin roof 24x24 feet. The vent
pipes opened above the half story.
Here was an area of 576 square feet, 90
to 70 feet in the air. flooded with sunshine,
above the dust line. free from noise and
confusion. There was an unbroken horizon,
south. west and east. and permaninet pro-
lection from the north.
Building the Roof Garden.
Carpenters were put to work to cover
the tin roof. laying floor of narrow strips
boards four inches wide, with space of a
quarter Of an inch between. The floor was
laid In sections. which could be taken up
as desired. to repair the tin roof or recover
lost toys. The open flooring allowed the
boards to dry quickly.
THE floor once laid, the area was sur
rounded with wire net, and the Enclosure
pen. or chicken house. as some friend
named 1t, was ready for USE This inclos-
quickly and ippyn sivelv
structed.
I'm anticipation of winter, a permanent
partition was raised on the northern half
OF the west side, nearest the half story
the deck house. Canvas slides were adj
JGsted in such way that, at will, the
chicken house could be converted into a
pen. Cold winds could thus be shut of,
while the sun could always shine In.
IAN awning was spread over the northern
side. rolling down from the house cornice
upon frame. This could be put up OF
let down at will. In of drizzling
weather, an apron was ready to be ex-
tended from the point where the awning
ended on the north nearly to the southern
limit.
THE result of this was that the children
could play out In all weather. The strong
awning protected eight or nine feet of the
north end and kept 1t dry. the permanent
board partition protected from the prevail,
ing west wind. In light. drizzllng rain the
apron protected nearly the whole floor.
THE roof playground has stood the test
and proved available in all weathers" In
deed, the children regained their former
vigor so speedily after being put up on the
roof that DR.. Northrup at once took up
the private roof garden idea enthusiastical-
ly, and its vogue has been largely due to
his efforts.
Many hooks and corners are easily
adapted to the purpose of a playground In
an inexpensive way he declares. There
are but two essentials: the sun must come
in and the harsh winds stay out. A pen
with canvas sides answers the purpose
The total cost of the first of DIR. North
rups private roof gardens was $50 One