The Calumet news. [volume] (Calumet, Mich.) 1907-1938, 1910-06-28
Fairgrounds
ARE POPULAR
MOVEMENT is GROWING coUN-
TRY OVER, AND CALUMET IN
TIME WILL ADOPT METH
obs USED ELSEWHERE.

Although no arrangements for for
nal program have ben made for the
Fourth of July at the Laurium play
ground this year, because of the recent
opening of the park and newness of the
playground idea in this part of the
country, II is nevertheless thought that
some program will be carried out for
the children next year. The move
ment for "sane Fourth" is gaining
ground all over the United States, and
as result means are being found for
the amusement OF children other than
the deadly firecracker. The public
playground has been suggested as the
substitute for the noisier form of cele-
bration, as in 1t a patriotic program
and gymnastic sports can be given by
the children.
The idea is to be tried out in New
York city this year and If 1t proves
success it will undoubtedly be copied
by other cities. Previously the play
grounds in the metropolis have opened
the day otter the Fourth for the sum-
mer term, but this year they will be
opened to the children on the Fourth,
with patriotic exercises and games.
This idea is part of the movement for
a quiet Fourth and was suggested by
Mayor Gaynor of New York city and
Supt. Maxwell of the public schools.
At 1890 a. m. next Monday morning
26O Fairgrounds of the city will open
the day with recitations, songs, and
addresses appropriate to the Fourth.
II is a feature never before tried in
the history of the public Fairgrounds,
and with the usual enthusiasm on the
part of the children ought TO prove
great success.
Concerning Winter Fairgrounds.
Mrs. c. NJ. williams of New York
city, now visiting in Calumet, who has
been in the work for more than ten
years, thinks that in time Calumet
will follow this and other ideas that
have proved beneficial In other cities
When told/of the proposed park be-
tween Calumet and Red Jacket she
said nothing could do more good to the
community than such park.
Speaking of the many boys and girls
of Calumet who must be provided with
amusement, Mrs. Williams spoke or
Fairgrounds conducted during winter
evenings in the public schools There
Is no age limit in any OF the play
grounds and they are as much for older
people as for the younger generation.
The evening recreation places are pri-
marily for the older boys and girls.
There are about 60 of these in New
York city, conducted in the school
buildings from 1880 until 10 o'clock
between the months of october and
May. They have principal and a
corps of teachers similar to the open
parks; teachers of physical training
and gymnastic games; a library teach
err: and a study room teacher. Fancy
dancing, gymnastics, athletic games,
singing, quiet games Checkers. par
chessi billiards, crokinole, etc) and
ball games are enjoyed by those at
tending and these places of recreation
are very popular. In conjunction with
the general program several clubs are
organized for special work both social
and intellectual. Sewing and cooking
clubs for girls, and trade clubs for
boys are very instructive and benet-
cial to the boys and girls, who must be
over Ia years of age to take part In
them. The cost of these schools aver
age $3.50 a month apiece.
"A school of this kind is needed III
Calumet for the boys at work in the
mines and the girls clerking at the
stores. 1t is really a wonderful thing
to see the benefit that community
derives from such an institution, and
IL will paw no matter what the ex-
pcnse," is the conclusion of Mrs. Will
liams.
Equipment is Complies.
The equipment of the New York
parks are sometimes very extensive.
The larger parks cover an area of a
whole block and allow plenty of room
for all sorts of games. such as football,
baseball basketball, medicine ball
tennis handball, and all other ball
games. The equipments of the parks
consist of all apparatus necessary to a
gymnasium, and everything conceiva-
BILE for the amusement of the little
folks.
DIR. Edw. w. Stitt. district superln-
tendent of schools, has entire charge