Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1911-10-20
CHILD WORK EXHIBIT
Many Articles Made by Little
Ones at Fairgrounds.
NOT USED ONLY FOR GAMES
Display at Franklin School Shows
They Are Taught Useful Things.
FANCY WORK AND FARMING"
Specimens of What Children Accom-
plish During Past Season Con-
sists of Large Variety.

| For those who believe the school play
grounds of Washington are devoted solely
| to games and athletics there is d big
prise in the Fairgrounds exhibit being
| held at the Franklin School 18th and *
streets northwest. There may be seen all
manner of useful articles all made on
the school Fairgrounds during the sum-
mer season just closed. Also an exhibit
ton of vegetables and flowers which is
being held in conjunction with the play
grounds exhibit. shows that Washington
boys and girls are progressing in their
knowledge OF farming and the utilza-
ton of back and front yards by reason
OF their attendance at the school gardens.
The playground exhibit is in charge of
DR.. Rebecca Stoneroad. director of phys-
cal training and the Fairgrounds, and her
assistant Miss 4. J. Turner, who is d-
rectly in charge of the colored school
Fairgrounds. The gardening exhibit is
being held under the direction of Miss
Susan B. Sipe. who has charge of garden
ing in the schools
Besides the exhibit of the results of the
work on the Fairgrounds, many photo
graphs show the children engaged in
their various activities. They are shown
making the articles which are on exhibit
ton, racing. jumping. playing tether and
volley ball. basket ball and ring games,
as well as folk dancing.
Fancy Work Predominates.
The exhibit of the Fairgrounds proper
is divided into three parts: Fancy work,
basketry and metal work. The first part
of the exhibit-the fancy work-argely
predominates. Neckpieces prettily en-
broidered and belts similarly decorated
show what may be done by skillful hands
with a small piece of goods. an embroid-
cry needle and skein or two of silk.
The use of worsted is shown in the nu
merous pairs of baby land one or two
adult slippers. baby coats, shawls. cord
holders and pincushions.
Many specimens of Irish lace, which
have been pronounced "excellently done"
by those who know, are included also
embroidered do;ies and aprons, lace ends
for towels, opera glass bags and wash
cloths. These last are made by the chill
dren who are just learning the different
stitches. Heretofore it was customary
for child who was learning the differ
ent kinds of stitches to make small
squares. which when finished were use
less BY slightly charging these squares.
however. good wash cloth is made and
the child has something to take home as
it is said, are better than many bought
ones.
Basket and raffia work comes next.
Baskets ranging in size from fifty-cent
piece to waste basket size are shown.
They are of many patterns: some wholly
plain, others of Indian types. and still
others having touch of the oriental.
Mats, whisk broom holders and cushions
work on the Fairgrounds is quite practi-
cal. Small straw hats, also woven from
raffia. show that dolls can be furnished !
with the latest styles at little expense.
Metal work evidently found least favor
in the eyes of the little ones. What there
is of this work. however. Is pronounced
as we'll done work in the other depart
ments One or two small ornaments and
several small lamps complete this portion
of the exhibit
Several other pieces of miscellaneous
work are shown. including hammocks,
lamp shades and chair Gaming.
Designs in Good Taste.
One point which seems to stand out to
a striking degree is the good taste dis
played by the children in design, pro-
portion and color combinations. Although
this is primarily due to the instruction of
the teachers, the children soon learn how
to make the prettiest things, it Is ex-
planned.
The cost of materials for the articles
made is slight seldom If ever exceed
ing % cents. Usually the cost is much
lower, and quite often the material Is
furnished free. The cost in time is like
wise slight, ranging. of course, in pro-
portion to the kind of work and the size
of the article being made. The children
who work at the grounds are from six to
fifteen or sixteen years old. Not only
do the children gain by the instruction
they get, but many of them have been
able to sell pieces of their work at a fair
price. while others, expert in chair can
Ing. have been able to get quite a little
money Gaming chairs for their parents
and neighbors.
Cotton plants and peanuts are novelties
Of note in the exhibition of the crops of
the school gardens. Lima beans string
beans, tomatoes, beets and corn show
that the children have much respect for
the Inner man" Their "eye for beauty
Is shown by the bouquets OF cosmos as
tiers. marigolds and other fall flowers
which supplement the vegetables.
Industrial work on the Fairgrounds is
strongly advocated by many of the school
officials. At T. Stuart. director of in
termediate instruction, terms il ''the adj
mirable idea
1T is the logical thing to connect play
grounds with industrial work." he said
today.
Assistant Superintendent Of Colored
Schools r. c. Bruce declared it to be a
promising aspect.
II hope the work will be extended"
said he. ut is certainly worthy of en-
cOura gement.'