Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1914-07-20
THE SOCIAL CENTRE
Increase in Enthusiasm, sreT eiRS
andria's Playgroiat7.

During the past week there has
been "a marked increase of enthusl-
aSm over the social centre establish
ed two weeks ago at the Washington
School grounds.
From,;;a beginning, wrought with
greatest of difficulties, it has de-
veloped into one of the city's perma-
nent institutions. Mothers and
others interested have at last come
to a full realization of what it means.
1t required four years hard work
on the part of Mrs. T. Clifton How
ard, ably assisted by Mrs. DR.. Jones,
Mrs. John Leadbeater and others, to
accomplish the task of installing the
social centre. But it has come to
stay, and although not yet fully I'M
dcrstood by the majority, its advance
is now soaring with leaps and bounds.
The social centre, isr
at the Washington S "aat DAG
only mean a playgror or D. eas
dren. That it is to a gte.- 4.,ae@s
1T the present time. Children of ten
der years to the number of more than
hundred, gather there daily and
under the watchful eyes of Mrs.
Beall, the directress, and Miss Tack
cit, the assistant, enjoy the fresh
air and sunshine, the swings, see
saws and sand boxes to their hearts
content. But that is only the minor
part Of the work.
A visit to the centre will convince
the most skeptic. The girls are
taught to sew, weave and many other
domestic science arts, all of which
goes to prove the value of the work
carried on. Mrs. Beall, who has ac-
qurcd reputation in her chosen
Inc of work and done so much IN
Washington, is proving herself to
hc one of the best fitted for the task
set before her. She has made Won
derful progress in the two weeks of
her employment at the new institu-
ton, and the young children are
proliting by her instruction. In CIV
ing credit where it is due, Miss
Tackett must not be forgotten. She
has volunteered her services gratis,
and every day will find her with the
children, instructing them. Mrs.
Howard spends a great deal of her
time at the centre and is thoroughly
enthuscd with her work and what
she has accomplished for the children
of the city.
Preparations arc under way for the
enlargement Of the centre. c. G.
Smoot e Sons have donated the use
of his large plot of ground south of
the school grounds. This is now
being cleaned up and the grass cut
and it vii be utilized for tennis
courts, basket ball courts and base
ball diamond. Members of the Boy
Scouts, the Washington School and
others are at work fixing this latest
addition up, and this week will see
it recreation ground of merit.
Arrangements have been made to
add to the popularity of the social
centre. The local bands have agreed
TO give free band concerts on the
grounds two or three times week
and everything will be done to make
it a gathering place not only for the
children, but for the parents as well.
The work Of the social centre will be
gradually extended. A young
mothers club is to be formed with
instructions from nurse from the
Alexandria Hospital. The girls will
be taught the care Of their younger
brothers and sisters, and so instruct
cd that their mothers can trust tham
! with the younger offspring at any
time or place.
! The boys department of the social
centre has not been neglected. First
aid TO the injured" 100 iv been
started. Howard A,n3t& .i-E
and Paul Beall,, son Of tna".e"
have given one den "sar2,,a- .. g..
necessity at which hve
were treated. This course will alsu
be ENLARGED upon.
/ All in all, Mrs. Howard, through
her great efforts, has started the
social centre work in Alexandria
along the line which is sure to be
successful. The financing Of it for
the summer has been met without in
convenience to anyone. Sufficient