Evening journal., 1911-07-20
Peoples Column
URGES SUPPORT FOR
PLAY GROUND ASSOCIATION

Editor Of THE EVENING JOURNAL.
desire TO call the attention of the
citizens of Wilmington to one of the
most potent agencies in this city for
the conservation of the health and
morals of the children of our city.
and ] trust that | may be able to in
terest them to such an extent that
they will at once give their financial
and moral support 10 the Play Grounds
Association of Wilmington which is
endeavoring in an effective manner TO
cooperate with the Park Commission
20 secure the very best results from
those grounds now in operation.
II is needless to dwell upon the
great good to be derived from the
standpoint Of health. We sll know
that this is the day when the open
air both by day and night is conceded
to be the great health preserver.
Therefore, our city should furnish
every opportunity to get out into II.
IN places where It is as pure and
fresh as can be found, TO those chill
dren who need IT, We who are so
fortunate as TO have yards with green
grass and bright flowers, and who
are able to leave the city to seek even
more comfortable spots than those we
have at home, should remember those
not so fortunately situated. and should
lay aside something to help supply
this need.
To play is the inherent right of
children, and the fullest opportunity
should be given to them TO do so under
the best conditions. Play is the safety
valve by which the surplus energy of
our boys and girls escape without It
doing harm to themselves and the
community. II we provide them with
properly equipped play grounds. di-
rected by interested and intelligent
instructors. our boys will be influ-
enced to go to them, and will not be
tempted to do those things which get
them into trouble and which fire..
quently involves the breaking Of the
law.
During the past two weeks I have
noted with deep regret that about
twenty boys under the age of seven.
teen years have had to appear before
our city and juvenile courts. Whei
the subject of establishing the juvenile
Court was being sgitated it was stat
ed quite empbatically by persons Wit
thought they knew, that theer woul'
not be more than two or three case
per week for the attention of tn
court As It is Probation officer Farri
has his hands more than full. Now
! believe and / think experience il
playground work in other cities vii
prove IL, that the number of thes
cases Of juvenile delinquency will b
greatly decreased, as the city is abb
to extend its Fairgrounds system.
And is It not worth while TO try
do this? Is It not an economic as We
as a humanitarian work for us to dc
For If we are able 10 help our boy
! and girls to become strong and health
members of society both PHYSICAL
and morally, is it not going to max
il easier TO administer the governmer
OF the city.
! Our superintendent Of playground
Miss Weaver, is getting good result
D from the Fairgrounds now In oper'
y ton. over 10000 children took 81
= vantage of them from the 5th to II
). Sth inst She is anxious, however,
81 extend their usefulness, hut is hand
capped for the lack Of funds.
want to appeal to the citizens
Wilmington to contribute to this goo
work. A few of our good friends wi
can ALWAYS be counted upon to he
the cause of the child, have contribu
ed already. But the necessity al
: righteousness of this cause should a.
, peal 10 all, whether they can contr
4 butte In small or large amounts. Ser
! your contributions to me either
/ 900 Park Place or 500 Equitsb
q Building, and I shall be glad to 81
3. roll you as members of the Pla
v grounds Association of Wilmington.
] Yours truly.
t George B. Miller, Treas
Il Wilmington. Del. July 10