The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-03-20
BESSEMER NEWS

Bessemer. March 19.-( Special. )---One of the most interesting and enthu- siastic mass meetings ever held in the city was that held this afternoon at the Grand theatre in the interest Of a playground for the children of Bes- semer. There was large attendance and the meeting was presided over by Mrs. Gardner F. Goodwin, chairman or a committee composed of members of the federated women's clubs of this city, to take up the matter. The Rev. George Stoves, pastor of the First Methodist church. opened the meeting with prayer and after several selec- tions by a quartet Mrs. Goodwin opened the meeting and said in part; Ladies and gentlemen, we have met this afternoon to discuss public playground for the children of our city We are delighted with this gathering of representative citizens of Bessemer and feel assured of your hearty cooperation. l will ask MT. J. E. Hafner. who is one of the orig inal promoters of the playground move, to give us the benefit of his views on the need of a public playground for Bessemer and formulating plans for the same" MT. Hafner spoke for about 20 minutes most interestingly on this subject, after which Mayor I. A. Lewis was introduced by Mrs. Goodwyn and made a short but very interesting talk. The Rev George Stoves was next called on for talk which proved to be very entertaining. N. B. Parker next addressed the meeting and spoke of the need for the playground. One of the most enjoyable talks made during the meeting was that of Prof. W. l. Pittman, principal of the Bessemer High school. who spoke on The Ne cessity of Recreation in Education Is an Important Factor of the Play ground c. L. Odell made a good talk, as did Mrs. Kate Jones, who spoke on the many playgrounds in the city Of Birmingham and of those of the diff ferent corporations in this district An drew c. Mitchell spoke on The Ways to Raise the Necessary Funds to Build and Maintain a Playground He brought out many ways in which this could be done. At the conclusion of the many excellent talks J. E. Hafner made a motion that the chairman ap- point a committee, of which she should
 
 plans for the organization of the play ground. This committee is composed Of Mrs. John M. Martin. Mrs G. F. Goodwin and Prof. W. I. Pittman. They will hold meeting Monday afternoon at o'clock at the public library.
 The entire city is decorated in bunting flags and streamers. as next week will be gala week in Bessemer, when the Elks' tot mt D,t,x r;,,s, C.. [ensive arrangements have ben made for the county fair, and much interest is being manifested in same. The Elks' com committee in charge of the affair are: Wash A. Deason. E. A. Little and F. R. Mathews. The proceeds of same will go to the charity fund of the lodge.
 Everything is in readiness for the city democratic election, which will be held Monday, and for the first time n the history of this city there will be a voting place in each ward.
 The city registration books will be opend Monday at the city hall for the purpose of allowing those who have not registered m opportunity or doing so that they may rote in the city election.
 The Ladies' Aid society of the First Baptist church will meet in regular ses- sion Monday afternoon at o'clock. All members are urged to be present. The Woman's Missionary society of the First Methodist church will meet Monday aft srnoon at o'clock in the basement of the church, at which time all members are requested to be present
 Mrs. c. w. Nixon of Holt is the euest 3f friends in Besserner
 Miss Clara Ross is i'll at the home of her parents on Exeter avenue.
 The many friends of w. Smith Eidge will regret to learn that he is quite ill again at his home on Fourth avenue.
 Mrs. E. l.. Huey and little daughter Sarah, are visiting relatives in Anniston Or few days
 Detective J. C. Goodwin, who was shot -hree weeks ago, is able to be out on