The Washington times., 1914-06-30
AIexandrians to Open Plot
Where First Public School
in This Country Was Erected
and Still Stands.
Women Of Virginia Arrange Pro-
gram for Inauguration of
Work Tomorrow With Mrs.
Howard BeaII in Charge.

Alexandria Va, is one of the
pioneers among progressive cities
of its size in the introduction of
school Fairgrounds.
On the historic site of the first
public school building erected in
this country, and still standing,
there will be opened tomorrow the
first school playground in Ale1an-
dria.
Women of the Virginia city we're
responsible for this enterprise, and
they have engaged Washington
woman to direct the project.
By ]. R. HILDEBRAND.
On the grounds of the historic George
Washington School in Alexandria the
first public school erected in America.
the first playground in Alexandria Is to
For many years tourists In Alexandria
have had their attention called to a
small brick building, in the shadow OF
a large three-story school building. at
the corner of Washington and Wilkes
streets. This little building was erected
in 17s5. partly from money given by the
Father of his Country, who took a
deep interest in free school education.
Until the present time the large shad-
ed lawns. surrounding the little school
hrnf har hau hAa
religiously guarded from human in
trusion. This corner has been one of
the beauty spots of Alexandria
The children need this ground more
than do visitors to look at" was the
slogan of the women who started the
campaign for its use as a playground.
The enterprise Is the outcome of a long
campain by women OF the Parents and
Teachers Association. Opposition was
encountered from those who disliked
the breaking Of the traditions which had
kept the grounds merely to look at But
determined efforts on the part of the
women convinced the authorities that
there was a genuine need for a play
ground. Ehen they set about the work
of raising funds for the project
Practical Director Named.
Chairman Of the committee OF the as
ISOLATION which win supervise the play
ground is Ars. T. Clifton Howard Mrs
T. Marshall Jones IL -secretary ani
Taylor Surke Is teasufer. With per-
mission tn use the ground. and funds
to MAINTAIN their plans. these women
then set about finding a practical di-
rector OF playground work
Mrs. Howard Beall whose woik 1T
the Grcve- Cleveland Schoo, of this
city had attracted wide attention. was
their choice. Sc Mrs Beall was engaged
and fo- the past few weeks she has
been planning the program of work and
recreation to be carried on during the
summer.
When the playground opens there will
be little equipment. This will bs in
stress u7on industrial work Sne will
teaci. the girls sewing and crccheting,
while the boys will help make the play
ground their own by helping in the act
ual construction OF the swings AMI
benches and sand boxes for the younger
children
H. a Urge field adjoining the school
there viii oe a baseball diamond and
basket ball goals also will be erects:l.
Health Talks To Mothers.
The nav playground will not only be
place for play but a community
center. Tcr mothers will be invited to
bring their babies and Mrs Beall will
undertake the instruction Of these
mothers in simple matters of hygiene
and the care of their young during the
trying warm months Parents also Will
De trained to keep their older children
we'll, ard health talks will be given to
the older children.
Later in the summer the dramatic