The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1909-08-04

An interested group OF between thirty
and forty mothers from the neighborhood
OF the Rosedale playground gathered IN
the pavilion IN the ground last evening
to listen to an informal talk by Mrs.
Mary Gale Davis. representing Mrs
Lucia Gale Barber's original work in
psycho-physical culture. or rhythm, as ap-
lied 10 natural development and express
sion
The methods employed by Mrs. Davis
were originated by her sister. Mrs. Bar
Der. and are based upon psychological
and physiological laws. having for their
aim a more complete adjustment OF tho
Individual 10 life.
The meeting last evening was arranged
by Mrs. c. T. Stewart, who Is in charge
Of the work among the girls at the Rose
dale playground. The aim OF the play
ground Is to cultivate the community
spirit. and last evenings meeting showed
that the aim had become a reality.
While the children were enjoying them
selves to the fullest in the various recre-
etions provided for them. the mothers
listened 70 talks by Mrs. Davis and Mss
Strong, the idea being 70 carry into the
homes correct principles FOR the govern
ment and development OF child-life-
Rhythm Underlying Principle.
The underlying principle OF Mrs. Davis
talk last night and OF all her talks
70 mothers on the Fairgrounds through
out the city, is rhythm-ths development
7 nd - - - i.
and complete expression. IN this connec-
ton the speaker considers the relation
OF body to mind. the Importance Of physi-
cal health for mental strength. and OF
right thinking for physical strength, en-
phasizing the necessity OF controlling
nerves and muscles, emotions, and men
tai processes for physical moral, and
: mental health, In short, she demon
strates the oneness and interdependencs
OF soul. mind. and body
Mrs. Davis Is al enthusiasm over the
work which Is being conducted at the
Fairgrounds. It is her aim 10 instruct
the mothers at informal gatherings 10 the
end that all that Is wholesome and
hygienic and beneficial from this out
door relaxation may be conserved 70
the advantage OF the child when the sea-
son Tor more restricted indoor LIE
comes.
her talk last evening was in part a
resume OF previous talks. Again she
emphasized that warm sleeping rooms
and warm living rooms, with their
vltated air, induce light breathing.
whereas cool. fresh air. and work with
the large muscles, induce deep breath
, ing. And L Is through rhythm that the
/, large muscles are exercised. With Mrs
Davis. rhythm IS the basis OF art and OF
life
When the principle OF rhythm has been
applied In the teaching Of music, the
Improvement has always been readily
dlscernible. II makes for natural physi-
cal development. nobility and harmony
OF movement, grace and dignity OF car
rage. a greater development OF the nusi-
p cal sense. and OF feeling and understands
Ing.
Mrs. Davis answered numerous ques-
lions propounded by her hearers. and
5 gave Illustrations OF correct breathing and
breathing exercises calculated TO prevent
and remedy abnormal conditions. such
as adenoids and the like She also gave
some practical suggestions TO be carried
out in chsdren's baths.
The Care OF Babies.
She was followed BY Miss Isabelle
: Strong. superintendent OF the Visiting
. Nurses Association. She spoke on tho
bathing and dressing OF babies
: Miss Strong made the significant state
ment that last year, IN Washington. one
infant IN every seven died To check In
FAINT mortality is the cause TO which she
and her colleagues have committed them
r selves. IN conclusion she spoke briefly
r on the chlld's nourishment. reminding her
F. hearers that NOEL House and Neighbor-
b hood House both dispense free OF cost,
I milk Tor babies. Mrs. Davis makes regu-
I lar rounds TO the eight Fairgrounds IN
e the city. giving physical culture exer-
e cises 10 the children personally and
through teachers. Then come the moth
@ ers' talks. IN order that the home and
( the playground may cooperate for the
health and development OF the child
Miss Strong viii continue 10 speak IN
connection with the mothers meetings
The girls Of the ROsedale ground VIII
= have q field day August Il, when from
- 5 20 s O'Clock they VIII give exhibitions
= Of the training they have received.
Arrangements are being completed by
e the Playground Association, whereby
two new municipal Fairgrounds ziu 10
b opened. one in Georgetown, The other IN
Columbia Heights. IN the near futue.
< a new playground at First stceet and
4 New York avenue northwest, for boys
under twelve years OF age, viii be opened
S to-day. The use of this ground has been
donated by Allison NailOr. J. J. Darling
ton. and John J. Edison. and has been
improved with money obtained from
Button Day"
Two trained teachers. Miss Olivia
Baker and Miss Minerva stern, win Be
on duty at all times, and the playground
viii be open from o'clock In the morn
ing until dark.
The Washington and Norfolk Steam
boat COmapny has placed the steamer
jamestown az the disposal OF the Play
ground Association for Wednesday. Au-
! gust Is All money from the tickets
, sold on this day Will be used to help in
keeping open the Fairgrounds, and vol
unteers are desired in all parts OF the
city TO sell tickets.