Evening journal., 1918-07-06
NrEDED-A mon SCHOOL ATHLETIC rrELp.


VINLESS something OF remedial nature be done this
~ Summer, the Wilmington High School viii open
the Fall term without athletic ned and the athletic
spirit and usefulness OF that institution will be injured
coTespondingly
George B. Miller president Of the Board Of Educa-
tion and formerly prominent athlete calls attention
TO that fact In the following letter. which we re-
ceived today;
Board OF Public Education
Wilmington, Del, July g. i9s.
Mr; Heorse Carter, Editor THE EVENING JOURNAL.
Wilmington Del:
Dear Mr.. Carter-Ihe comments IN relation to the
wilmington High School and its various activities which
appear edtoriay and the fun reports OF what goes on
there in an educational and athletic way which appear
IN the columns Of THE EVENING JOURNAL lead me
TO believe that you deeply interested in the nsii-
tuition and in the boys and girls who pupils there
For this reason presume upon the interest displayed
10 can your attention to situation which consider
serious one because t Involves the future Of the
athletic activities Of the High School the fact that
uc boys VIII be without available athletic field next
Fan because OF the operations OF the Wilmington
Housing Company on the site OF the baseball grounds
az front and Union streets
Early this Spring when the eyes OF the National
uovernment became fixed that property for homes
for the additional shpbuders needed here took ND The
matter with William p Bancroft president OF The hoard
OF Park Commissioners. with the idea OF getting that
body TO set aside sufficiently large tract for an athletic
ned from the hundred or more acres IN the south
western section of the city acquired by Mr. Pierre s
uupont and Mr.. lrenee DUPONT which, through their
city.
The request of the Board Of Education was given
declined
wh sincere regret because the park board feels that it
has no right TO set aside any portion OF the park land
OF the city and grant the privilege OF enclosing &c and
allowing charge to be made for entrance to the grounds
feel that It is right in the position It takes
IL Is essential however, that the teams should have
an enclosed fed because II Is necessary to charge adj
mission In order to raise money to secure teams from
outside the city to come here to play, and pay the
expenses OF our teams on trips TO play other schools
Besides there many other expenses to be paid in
connection with maintaining the various athletic teams
IN up-to-date style.
write you at this time on this really important sub
Ject hoping that, through the columns OF our paper
VIII call attention 10 this real need OF the Whining
ton High School, We want to continue the high grade
OF athletic sports which prevails at our High School
as an Important part Of the physical education OF our
Doys ana girls which Is being urged upon all boards OF
education throughout the entire country by the National
Government.
We should have this matter settled at once so that
there VIII be field ready for the football teams when
the schools open the middle OF September
As representing the Board Of Public Edueation and
speaking Tor the Athletic Committe OF the High School
can say most heartily that will appreciate deeply
any support and assistance you give us through
lhe columns OF your paper 10 accomplish this much 4
desired result Yours very truly,
GEO. B. MILLER,
President.
That letter is both timely and important II should
bring quick response from publio-spirited Whining
tonians who appreciate the value physical training
as an accompaniment Of mental training and the added
value Of the intense school spirit that is aroused bv
properly equipped and conducted athletic department
, The matter referred to by Mr. Miller is one which
supplies to some wealthy Wlmingtonan an opportunity
to enshrne himself in the hearts Of the public school
children in this city by giving TO the High school Athletic
Department through the Board OF Education a suitable
tract Of land which may be put shape for use when
me approaching football season opens.