The Washington herald., 1907-09-04
RAIN HALTS GAMES
Colored Playground TOurna-
ment Comes to End.
MAY BE COMPLETED FRIDAY
Greaa Crowd Makes Rush for Shell
ter When Unexpected DownpOur
stops Athletic Events al Van Ness
Park - Announcement of Prize
WinBers-Prcsentad of Medals.

Rain put a sudden and unexpected
end to the athletic garses and fourth an
nual tournament of the Washington Col
Ored Fairgrounds at Van Ness Park yes
terday afternoon.
Commissioners West and Morrow were
there, as was also Cuno II. Rudolph,
president OF the Fairgrounds Associa-
ton, and Mrs. Ellen Spencer Mussey. of
the board of education. and everything
was lovely. and there was nothing to
mar the occasion until the rain broke
into the middle of the athletic pro-
gramme. There were. approximately, 800
persons, mostly c0lored, in the stands
surrounding the big oval. and with the
first patter of the big drops there was a
wild and indiscriminate rush for cover.
The Commissioners. Mr.. Rudolph, and
Mrs Mussey were on the wide porch and
they were swept in with the rush.
No definite arrangements for completing
the programme have been made but it
was announced by Mr.. Curtis that the
presentation of prizes would be made at
the Howard Playground Friday afternoon
at 4:S0 o'clock
Prizes Not Announced.
There was no speechmaking, but Com
missioner West was 20 have made the
presentation OF medals. Even this had to
be foregone, a number of the athletic
events being abandoned, and the awards
In the industrial exhibits were not pre-
pared, and viii not be until tomorrow.
Late In the afternoon. after the rain.
blue ribbons were pinned on the winning
pieces by the judges, Mrs K. W. Nal
colin, supervisor of industrial work; Miss
c. r. Watkins, director OF public play
grounds, and Mrs. G. A. Shewalter. but
Mrs. Malcolm said that the awards were
not ready. that final selection had nos
been made, and that the children had
not been informed of the winners and
she did not think 1t fair TO announce the
awards in the newspapers before they
were informed
The exhibits themselves. which were
hung on the big porch at the rear of the
old Van Ness mansion, were marvels OF
workmanship and design. They were
without exception well executed. and TOO
much praise cannot be given them and
the children who made them. The work
was varied. and speaks well for the in
struction received at the public and
school Fairgrounds. There were baskets
and mats Of reed, rafa, and mating. all
sorts Of crochet work, woOlen. and cotton.
Articles of All Kinds.
The articles were OF every descriptioYF
from DOH baby clothes TO hats for
humans. The knitting and crochet work
was striking, nearly every piece showing
the intense color, of WHICH the colored
children are inordinateIy fond. There
were many baby jackets and slippers
done in red green. purple. and blue Of
the richest hue. Many Of these were so
well done that d flaw could not be found
in them, at least by the lay mind
The basket and other work were equally
good, and it was said by Mrs. Malcolm
that in most instances the various pieces
represented only ten hours work. Many
articles were of original design. and we're
Ideas originated by the children them
selves. The work Of William Saunders
fourteen years old. was particularly no
uceable. He had several articles on ex-
hibit, including a girls and boys straw
hat, two or three baskets and mats. and
a quantity of crochet work and knitting.
He is said to be particularly bright and
original.
In the exhibit were also a number of
plaques. whisk-broOm holders. %and other
decorative articles.
Strong Rivalry shown.
The athletics, so far as they went.
were a great success. Van Ness Park
has seldom seen such enthusiasm. The
sectional spirit IN the events where rival
Fairgrounds participated. was strong. and
the favorites from every section Of the
city were given ardent support|by Iusty-
lunged cohorts, some Of whose antics on
the side lines we're excruciating. All,the
races had been run of and the indoor
baseball game started when the down
pour came
Following Is a list OF the officials.
Chairman OF the athletic committee and
referee, Lieut.. J. w. Crawford. L. S. N;
clerk Of course. W. P Montgomery;
starter. W. T. Jackson; director OF a.h-
letics and timer. Richard P. Williams.
In charge OF jumps. c. S. Shipper. James
Lee. Chestnut and Ralph c. Cook; judges
track events, French Tyson, John II. Wig
ington. and James Hunter; judges tether
ball, Miss E. V. Williams; judge croouet.
Miss l. B. Davis; umpires indoor base
ball, Lieut.. Crawford and c. e. Beckett:
umpire vOlley ball, Lieut.. Crawford; UNI
pire longball, r. P Williams.
White Tournament To-day.
Preparations are in full swing for the
tournament Of the white Fairgrounds,
which is to be held this afternoon, wealth
er permitting The Industrial exhibits are
all on hand in the Van Ness mansion,
and they will be hung this morning. The
programme OF athletic events is similar
70 that Of yesterday, but the entry list
is larger.
MONEY COMING FROM FAIR.
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