Evening journal., 1908-07-29
MAYOR OPENS
FINE PLAYGROUND
With Music and Speeches
French Street Place is
Given TO Children
A GIFT OF THE
MESS2S MUNDY

Another link in the chain Of Fairgrounds
which it is the desire OF the civic i'm
provement committees Of the New-cen-
tury Club and the Board Of Trade 10
establish throughout the city, was forged
this morning when the new playground on
French street. between Second and Third.
donated by Cornelius and Patrick Mum
dy. was opened by Mayor Horace Wilson.
Following so shortly the opening Of the
playground at Fifth and Pine streets,
this mornings opening gave further hope
TO those who desire to see Wilmington the
"chfdren's playground city" The play
ground was the pilgrimage for several
hundred children and city officials and
prominent women interested in play
grounds.
State and city officials we're the speak
ers. The program had been arranged by
Hownrd D. Ross, city treasurer. and
Mayor Wilson, presided. Music was pro-
vided by Henry and Young's Band, em-
ployed by the managers Of Shellpot Park
Besides Mayor Wilson, the speakers
were Attorney General Richard H. Rob
erts. Peter J. Ford, water commissioner;
l.. Irving Handy John +. Malloy and
Miss Elizabeth Talley. Of the New-Cen-
tury Club, who has volunteered TO act
as supervisor of the playground.
A selection by the band shortly after
1890 O'Clock sent scores Of excited young
sters scurrying toward the flag draped
speakers stand I'm corner Of the play
ground. Following the music Mayor Will
fars s.Ir In s4fIff q
praised the generosity OF Nessrs. Mundy
and alluded to the new era Of play and
health for the children Of the district
He then introduced Attorney General
Richards whose remarks were summed
up Enthusiastically in the epigram;
Nothing exhibits the characteristics Of
a man more than what he does for chill
dren: generosity TO children viii STAMP
a man as a good citizen no matter what
his other traits may be-
I'VE want a new Wilmington, new
Wilmington founded not on a lot of idle
talk. but on actualties. such as this play
ground backed by men Of heart with d
little money to follow It up" was Pete
J. Fords tribute to the donors
''The only way to do anything right IS
TO do something for somebody else" sale
L. Irving Handy. He viewed the play
ground as a remedy In a measure, for the
handicaps with which children reared II
the city We're confronted. Sunshi<e an,
play should be the heritage Of all chill.
dren, he declared. and it was particularly
due them to be given the opportunity e
grow into strong active men as they wer,
to become the nations future citizens.
Every shout Of laughter on this play
ground will be a tribute TO the donors. y
said John +. Malloy.
Mayor Wilson then turned the play.
ground over 70 Miss Talley. who ac-
cepted it on behalf OF the children, in a
brief speech in which she expressed the
hope that with the help Of philanthropical
citizens and the police department, tho
park playground would become the idea
breathing place for boys and girls
The band played "The Star Spanglet
Banner" and the children then tool
charge OF their new possession.
The playground is ln by 116 feet and is
inclosed. It IS thoroughly equipped witt
gymnasium apparatus and for qyoits
see-saws. springs. basketball and othe
games. John Ryan, OF Philadelphia, vii
be physical instructor and there viii L,
a keeper. A frame building in one end oi
the playground will shelter the chidrei
during rain. An ice cooler and cups hav
been contributed by William Iawton
ice by the Consumers Ice and Coal Com
pany and sand for the sand pile b,
Charles H. Ten Weeges.