New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1908-09-05
FRESH AIR RECORD WORK.
More than 1000 Children Sent to
Cour1trY-Ldst Parties Out.

More than nine thousand children have been sent
20 the country this season by the Tribune Fresh
Air Fund, and the last OF the parties now in
the full swing of their out-of-doors experiences
Money is coming IN to pay the final expenses Of
the work but not fast enough TO insure against
deficit II is desired that the last bill incurred in
the conduct OF this lfesaving and character-hep-
ing mission be paid when the last party returns.
One Of the homes where children have been en-
tertained for years will be part OF the great bed
Of the Ashokan Reservoir, IN the Catskils. when
that work is completed This is Krom's Farm
near Shokan. There 104 girls, from thirteen
sixteen years of age, there now, the last Of
FIVE hundred entertained this season. 1t sth-
Ietic day for them yesterday, and the Rev. DR..
Montgomery, assistant to the Rev. Dr. Parkhurst,
Of the Madison Square Presbyterian Church, the
superintendent, in charge with his wife and
four attendants helpers. Kroms Farm is in the
valley. but well UP the slope of one of the big
heights In that region. About two hundred yards
from the house is a field, and there the athletic
events were held.
Keen competition marked every contest. The vic
tors were cheered with the enthusiasm of Polo
Ground rooters. The spirit Of fair play upper
most
There were potato races junior 50-yard DASH
senior DASH junior and senior 10o-yard dashes high
jumping and relay racing. Two prizes were award
ed TO the first and second in each event The spec
tators lined up gentle slope well out
OF the way OF the contestants. There came mighty
near being miniature riot when in the 100 yard
dash OF the girls. who looked likely winner,
revealed the fact that under her short skirts were
boomers. According to the girls this gave her a
great advantage, and cries of Not farr' rose to
a shriT clamor DR. Montgomery did not inter
fere. explaining that boomers could be worn by
any of the Contestants But there were murmurs
and many side remarks hurled at the bloomer girl
When she lost first and second place, though by q
narrow margin. there was tumult Of JOY But
she did not TO about it bit saying
in answer to the cries of Hello, Boomers
Don't YOU wish you had them?"
That was the only stir in the smooth conduct Of
the games. A yellow haired, red checked girl of
fourteen the high jump, beating the boomer
girl ny en- inch. In the potato nearly every
girl took part, and there few who did not
the first time how difficult 1T to carry
q big tuber tablespoon There was not a pro-
test Some of the girls who lost. having seen the
attractive prizes displayed in of the windows
OF the home vept. but It was disappointment that
brought the tears.
The farm is near the Esopus Creek. Apple
orchards many, and they line the way TO the
bathing pool. TO the picnic grounds the long walks
and the creek banks. The girls still believe that
an apple is an apple, and should be under
any and all circumstances The girls in each new
party have thought and believed the sane-on the
first days of their vacation About the fourth day
they know the potentiaties of a green apple and
learned distinguish the ripe. eatabe fruit.
At the beginning of the season DIR. Montgomery
confronted by the aople problem in another
way. \ farmer objected strongly to supplying the
girls with apples without price. This orchard
at the doors OF the farm. and altogether too en-
ticing So the privilege Of using all the fruit they
wanted purchased for $40 Thus apples for
pies, for sauce for the table and for the numerous
walking and picnic parties were obtained and Of
course there no further friction. AS at two
OF the other homes Japanese employed in the
kitchen, and with the success. The children
receive well cooked food and all they eat.
Krons will be used, if possible. just long il
remains out OF water, which will good many
years.