The Bennington evening banner. (Bennington, Vt.) 19??-1961, 1916-09-26
RECREATION CONGRESS
Gathering 70 be Held ct Grand Rapids
Next Week.

NlNfNNAiAla ~ NC THU CO NAla ANe l@tA9
Next Week.
His Eminence. James Cardinal Glib
bons, one OF the Oldest and best be-
loved Of all the priests of the Catholic
church has written commencing the
playgroundrecreation movement and
urging attendance upon the Tecrea-
tiCn congress to be held at Grand
Rapids, Michigan, October to 8.
Cardinal Gibbons writes I'VE
feel that there is need of affording bet
ter means of recreation for children,
especially those who live in the
crowded districts of the large cities.
We are happy to note what big re-
suits are being brought about by the
Playground and Recreation associa-
tion Of America. We hope that their
work will meet with hearty approval
and cooperation, and that the needs
of the youth of the country in this re
spect will be attended TO, not merely
with an idea OF placing amusement in
their way, but with the Intention of
properly developing physical and NOR
al powers so that the resultant will be
a citizen OF whom the country may be
proud
The Secretary Of War Newton d.
Baker, has also signed letters to
great many people throughout the
country earnestly urging attendance
upon the Recreation Congress in Oct
ober and explaining that. The war
department is interested in building
up American life, citizenship, and the
humanity useful powers appropriate to
peace even more than war;
Secretary Baker quotes George FL
lots saying: Important as it is to
organize and direct the industry of
the world, it is more important to or
ganlZe and direct the leisure Of the
world The secretary also quotes
Maeterlinck: What use win human
ity make OF this leisure? On its en-
ployment may be said to depend the
whole destiny Of man 1t is the way
that hours Of freedom Oeisure) are
spent that determines, as much as
war or labor the moral worth Of
nation
AT this Recreation Congress- con-
tinues Secretary Baker there will be
assembled all the available experience
in the organization of leisure, through
Fairgrounds, physical education the
wider use of schools the larger hui
man usefulness OF parks, the prcmo.
ton Of popular games. sports. dra-
MATES, pageants, and through all the
recreational activities which develop
health, yigor, team play and good cit
izenshir.
1T is important writes Secretary
Baker that the cities, towns, and ru-
raj communities of America should
be well represented at this Recrea-
ton Ccngress--by philosophical
men and women. Their payment of
their own travelling expenses may
well be regarded as vital contribu.
ton to the Development of appropriate
recreational activities in their own To-
cal communicative the inspir-
ation and practical guidance which
they will bring home from the Con-
gress
Secretary Bakers letter con-
cludes: Whether or not you now be-
lieve YOU can attend the Recreation
Congress. may ! urge you to write to
the Playground and Recreation Asso-
citation OF America, Madison Avenue,
New York City for further informa-
ton and for a copy Of the inal pro-
gran"
This invitation. written By Secre.
tary Baker to a selected list OF lead
ing citizens throughout America, is
now repeated 10 all persons interest
ed in changing leisure hours from
liabilities to assets. There Is no
charge in any form for information
concerning the Recreation Congress
or for admission to its sessions from
October to 6, at Grand Rapids. Mica.