South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1916-03-13

who are classed as adults; practical
~ one-third OF the attendance Of all
the Fairgrounds was composed OF
those who were over Is years OF
age
Many and varied were the activ-
tiles conducted on the Fairgrounds.
ranging from the use OF the sand
bins. slides swings. teeter-totters,
giant strides and outdoor gym
nasium apparatus. to organized
leagues playing competitive games,
folk dancing. hikes into the country.
drills. etc.
Each playground had its char
acteristic organizations. all OF which
were Of the wholesome type. Prob
ably the phase Of organized work
which received the most attention
was the Playground leagues OF
which there were seven. Sc teams
enrolling $50 players and playing
40 matched games. There were
awarded silver trophies for the
championship in each Of the leagues.
Six Play Festivals.
AT the conclusion Of the sum-
mer season there were six play fes-
tivals one on each of the grounds,
and one final festival. at which all
the Fairgrounds presented the best
feature of their individual festival.
More than 1000 children took part
in these festivals. and the attend
ance was more than 5000.
Some OF the results which cannot
be measured by figures are as fol-
lows: A spirit OF helpfulness and
cooperation in the organization and
conduct OF the various activities.
Progress was made in self-govern-
ment. There was practically no
stealing of supplies. and in almost
every case where it did occur, the
boys found the guilty party and pre-
scribed the punishment.
The competitive games between
the various Fairgrounds brought
about a wholesome respect for boys
and girls who lived in different sec
lions Of the city and who were of
diversified nationality. AS the sea-
son progressed, there was a marked
improvement in the spirit of clean
sport and the square deal, and a reel
effort was made TO treat the visiting
teams as guests and honored op-
ponents. At the same time there
was developed a spirit of loyalty and
pride in their home teams.
The general impression, gained
from the police and court officials is
that there has been a marked de-
crease in arrests for Juvenile delin-
mn ~ IL 60
of the lettering about the railroad
yards, street corners, saloons, etc.
Several individuals with reforma-
tory records proved to be the best
boys on the grounds.
I'm the districts where the popu-
latiOn was largely made up of those
who were born in foreign countries
or the children of foreign born par
ents, there was at first, marked
shyness and suspicion; toward the
end of the season. however, this was
overcome and the children and
young people entered heartily into
the plans outlined by the directors.
Manufacturers, business men and
people who live In the districts
which have supervised play, are
unanimous in their approval and
lend their hearty support to the va
rious activities.
ITO many the Fairgrounds have
meant a complete change in the
outlook toward life. 1t has brought
happiness and joy not previously
conceived of 1t has made life in
many instances much more worth
while. This is particularly true Of
the great number of young people
who are employed in the industries
and who heretofore had nothing
worth while to look forward to after
the days work was over.
The committee believes that.
fundamentally, the whole problem
Of wholesome recreation is an edu-
cational one.
That all recreation should be so
conducted as 10 contribute TO the
development Of the body. mind and
character.
That the contact brought about
by properly supervised recreational
and educational activities is the one
great solvent or fusing medium for
both adults and children, the best
means of breaking down the bar
riers Of race, or prejudice and of
promoting sympathy, understanding
and democracy
That all organized play for chill
Dire should be supervised and that
results depend almost wholly upon
this supervision and not upon elab-
crate equipment.
That properly supervised recrea-
ton promotes fairness. courtesy and
honesty, while ii increases health,
efficiency. initiative and self-control.
That adults have the same need
of recreation as younger people and
that for them recreation should be
such as 10 mean recreation.
THAT the social center movement
has shown that we have large groups
Of citizens who are willing TO give
their services in promoting the gen.
eral welfare and that this force
should be utilized in this larger
movement 10 make leisure time a
constructive period.
The committee presents this out
line OF its plans for the considera-