New-York tribune., 1909-04-18
WALKING TRIPS
In CALIFORNIA
FIFTY BOY TR4NPERS IND
CAMPERS.
Hare Band and Gire Theatrical Per.
formanCes to Help Pay Expenses
Of Long Journey.
Nv Major Sidney :. Peirotto.

IEHcus,v. s--vIc- cnsrtt., and th- c.ninons P..,-
For the last ten years have mad. walking trips
10 the different parts of California. Ny first
spent walking with three boys from
Stockton to the Yosemite Valley, and after twelve
days in this wonderland We retraced our steps
to the city. In 1901 led party of twelve
boys into Yosemite, and my experience on this
trip caused 10 consider il as an impossible
future Journey for such a large party OF young
sters. II therefore. decided in the summer OF
1895 20 take long overland journey to the north
tbs objective point 10 be the city Of Eureka THIS
route would lead US through the coast counties Of
the state through the great redwood lumber for
ests. and eventually home along the Pacific Ocean
1t IS delightful and attractive journey. but the
roads are very steep and difficult for the horses
The nrst party that made this trip consisted =
eighteen members. From this time the walks be
gan 70 take more dehnfte and organized charac-
ter The next summer I enlarged the group 70
tVenty-rour We walked from San Josa Eve hun
dred miles 70 the south following the old Kings
Highway through the Mission country Of Gait
fornta This makes trip most attractive 70 bows
The entire countrv along tie southern ocean coast
IS through populous town. and well titled valleys
and on our way the journey was made delightful
and attractive by the attention which Ne received
from the numerous towns where were often
guests OF the residents
The next summer enlarged The party 20 thirty
six persons. and We retraced our steps to Eureka
inoSs VINO were interested in the DEVELOPMENT 81
these walking trips began 10 remind ne that Va
orerstepping my abilities By enlarging the part,
TO this number Of boys. Il was argued that the
Individual work became secondary uher the mum
bHr vas increased 70 such large group To a
certain extent this true but nv desire vas
70 give greater number Of boys the privileges y
enjoying these beautiful outings and gain the
beneficial results which we're so apparent in build
ing UP physical and moral character IN every boy
who had had the privilege Of being member of
previous walking parties
These summer trips interrupted BY the
fire and catastrophe OF 1905 The following wear
forty-1ve boys were prepared and taken on a sec
ond Journey to Los Angeles. Last year. 1905 We
again went the Eureka trip with party of
fifty boys. and not only did make the journey
in harmony and with the utmost order and good
spirit in camp but achieved success IN
all departments of camp life which makes the
memory Of this trip the banner year of the ten
which l have spent walking with the boys
The summer trips of the Columbia Park Boys
club have certainly developed beyond my fondest
dreams. In the 1901 trip the expenses became so
formidable a feature that ! thought. the last
moment of giving a little show passed
through the various towns and cities along the line
OF our march 1t was a hastily arranged even
ing's performance. but entertaining had been
much part of club life in the years gone by
that We decided put best singers and
best comedians the stage and let them in a
simple way. entertain with their accomplishments.
We always had a costume closet part OF our
club equipment and from this We picked out some
OF the incest things and arranged simple pro-
gramme The starting off disappoin tment-
The audiences small and discouragng. but
toward the end, entered the country far
away from the metropolis. the interest became
greater and rewarded with success in
our theatrical ventures. The receipts taken in
at the theatre doors more than paid for the sum
mer outing for the party OF eighteen members.
During this summer. to attract the audiences TO
the theatres. the boys gave a marching drill in
the streets just before the theatre opened 1t was
a military drill of excellent quality and with the
drum and bugle corps, made a very interesting
impression a prelude to our evening perfor-
nance
The next summer the Los Angeles trip,
again arranged q theatrical performance The
show greatly improved. 1t was well thought
out and We'll acted. 1t received praise and appro-
baton everywhere and there hundredfold
Increase in the receipts at the theatre doors. The
following year band music began to be introduced
the club and when the summer time came it
possible form a band and drum corps in
place of the military drill. This found be a
greater help than any other feature that we had
introduced and the bard of that year a power
7u addition the summer trips and to the success
of our shows The band has developed in these
years the musical organization which made the
journey last year to the city Eureka and down
the This crack band would be able walk
through the streets of any metropolis and attract
the highest praise. The band, consisting of every
member of the party, fifty III ALL whose music
above the ordinary and whose work was
exceptional. made deep impression all along the
route and undoubtedly packed the houses to the
doors.
AS 4 marching organization it worthy of
mention. for its drills and street work were Of the
highest character. 1t ought to he added that the
theatre side is Of no more importance to the club
than their baseball their dails- camp life. After
the first two evening performances, little atten-
ton IS given 70 further lettering the show