New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1912-06-30
TALK Of ATHLETIC FIELD
Plan of Emanuel House Said 10
Involve a Whole Block.


Emanuel House has become an innuen-
tia organization in the lower part OF inc
Bedford district. Twenty years ago sew
eral young men interested in settlement
work started a reading room In an empty
store on Myrtle avenue, near Steupeh
street. few magazines, some books an
old table and some chairs were the only
fittings which were used In the beginning
The neighborhood took up the IDEA
Bows who never thought Of looking at
magazine wandered in to keep out OF the
cold. The place soon became so popular
as a meeting place that the organizers
were encouraged to plan for building
that would serve the varied needs OF the
young men seeking recreation there. Up
10 that time the street corners were gem
orally used as meeting places.
The Emanuel Baptist Church was inter-
ested Prominent members OF the church
watched the development OF the reading
room and in an unostentatious manner took
up the idea which the promoters OF the
reading room had in mind
Charles Pratt. the founder OF Pratt In
stitute, realizing the importance OF the
new work entered into II with great zeal.
Within two years after the first book en-
tered the little reading room a fine three
story and basement building, thoroughly
equipped with gymnasium and shower
baths took its place.
The Young Mems Association Of the
church took charge Of the institution. They
managed 1t about six years. The Rev. DR..
John Humpstone started several Sunday
school classes in the building. Church ser
vices also were held there occasionally.
but the church did not give a sectarian
tone to its activities at Emanuel House. IL
worked along the neighborhood plan OF set
Element work. number OF the young
people, made enthusiastic by the good
work the house was accomplishing, volun-
teered to aid. kindergarten work was then
undertaken. Lectures were delivered by
well known men Of New York. And then
one day the boys OF the gymnasium got
together and formed a social and literary
organization known as tho Central Clup.
1t was thirteen years ago that thirty
young fellows, realizing what good tho
Emanuel House was doing for them, de-
cided TO offer their services free at night
II the Young Mems Association wished to
have them assume the burden OF managing
the gymnasium and reading rooms. Secre-
tary Jones placed the matter before the
members OF the association, and together
with others II was favorably decided upon.
The Central Club prospered from the
start. But Il had not been in existence
more than six months when II struck
snag. An excursion was decided upon. The
plans grew too big. The affair seemed
- TogI, han fnpy ~ a
young men volunteered to finance the en-
tire affair. and they ST eeded. This was
IN. first demonstration OF the spirit for
which tho people OF the Emanuel Baptist
Church were looking. II was the first evil
dence OF the vital part the institution was
playing in the lives Of the young men Of
the section.
Every year thereafter the excursion was
looked for. Pool tables were bought the
basketball teams went out and played
games and soon the Emanuel House was
known on Long Island as real living
force In the community. Then came the
next step. which shows the manner in
which the Emanuel House IL managed. The
boys asked for the privilege OF using the
lecture rooms for dances. II was a seri-
but they gave their consent. The monthly
dances have become the means OF bringing
many young men and women together
under right influences.
And now, as "A fnal step. there Is talk OF
n big athletic field near by with an eight
lap track. No one knows how socn the
plan will be consummated. But many
buildings have been RACED In the immedi-
ate neighhorhood OF the Emanuel HOUSE
However. that is another story. for no one
,s willing 10 give officially the details.
The operation involves the use Of almost
n block OF ground. and II Is safe TO say
that when the plans are made known there
will be rejoicing.
The Emanuel House was erected az a cost
or 5000 IL has a hundred and nifty young
men and boys In its gymnasium class.
There are about three hundred children in
the several kindergarten and sewing
classes Cooking is also taught. A history
club. several bowling teams and the Sunday
school classes have a membership OF abou.
seven hundred and nifty young men. women
and children.