The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-03-22

other supplement, so there was no money for school Improvement. Mr. Purser pre- sented the matter to the men and asked eIal corps of men to work at the school- improvement fund. The Woodward Iron company made a generous contribution to the fund and other subscriptions ranged from S25 to 9 cents. thousand dollars was raised, and MT. Purser assigned sev- eral corps of men to work at the school house. An additional classroom was built and music room was added. These two rooms were built at either end of the sohoolhouse, making four rooms, cloak room and entrance to the stairway in front. with one recitation room behind these. The building was painted and minor repairs were made
 Music Room
 The music room is furnished with a view to fs being a library and recreation hall as well. A kranich & Bach piano was bought, pretty shades and curtains are at the windows and the floor is GOV cred with beautiful rugs. Chairs and library tables complete the furnishings. The room is heated by a stove and lighted with 6i-candle power electric bulbs. The clean, new room, with it's fresh, new fur nishings is very attractive and suggests the pleasure Of many afternoons, and evenings pastime
 The Playground
 A1r. Purser's interest did not stop at changing and adding to the interior. The greater changes have been made out of doors. Where there was only the bare ground there is now one of the most mod srn playgrounds to be found in the south, with the exception perhaps of those in a few large cities.
 Under the mine superntendents par sonal supervision there have been erected swings, giant strides, horizontal bars, see- saws and other equipment Every piece is as substantial as it can be made, The heavier parts are two four and sx-inch iron pipe, treated with a black finish. The few wooden parts, such as the boards of the seesaws, are very heavy, smooth boards. All the posts are set in concrete and all the movable parts are securely fastened in place, so that there is no un- expected slipping and sliding. At one end of the playground is the girls equipment, and at the other end is equipment for more violent exercise. On the girls play ground the most popular piece is the giant stride. This is made from a large piece of pipe about F feet high, set in concrete, with four chain swings suspended fro:n ballbearing wheel at the top of the iron post in the center.
 The whole playground and it's equipment makes a handsome appearance, yet it was not the most expensive part or tile recent improvements. All the equipment was made on the place from chains and pipes and bolts used at the mines The work was done by men already in the em- ploy of the company. It could be dupli- cated in a dozen towns in the county, and the wholesome recreation afforded would repay the expense and trouble.
 Under the horizontal bars and swinging rings a quantity of sawdust and other material has been placed so that fall is not @ serious matter The walks in the front yard have been covered with chert, and cement curbing has been added. The large cleared space in the rear of the building is just the place for running games.
 The playground has been immensely popular ever since it's completion. There are always groups of boys and girls at play during recesses and after school, and the men and older boys who work enjoy the equipment on Sunday afternoons and after work hours. Some of the boys are remarkably agile, although it is entirely new to them. They can vault, jump to a ring or a bar, hang by their feet, turn a and smiling by the observer, who has only had time to catch his breath and wonder if the boys have any bones.
 This playground has solved the ques- ton of idle time for the Dolomite chill dren. The teachers indorse it heartily and consider it one of the most satisfac- tory features of the school.