The Bismarck tribune. [volume] (Bismarck, N.D.) 1916-current, 1920-09-21

| Grand Rapids, Mich, Sept 21.--
! Grand Rapids has taken an unusual
step in public park use and advanced
! an idea so novel and successful that
there are plans afoot in many cities to-
/ day to pattern parks and park houses
after it, 49,.
In an effort to encourage commun-
! ity interests, and make the best use
of their park so that it can be enjoyed
! by everyone, the park commissioners
erected a Lodge" at Garfield park, a:
! cost of approximately $2,50O.
It is a cement-plaster and frame
two-story construction, and is situ-
ated in the center Of a grove of trees
on the banks of a beautiful wading
pool. On the first floor is hall for
dancing, with several small lounging
and rest rooms. The second floor was
modelled into living apartment.
Garfield Lodge.
This house, which is known as Gar
field Lodge, is given over free to be
| used for parties not to exceed thirty
persons, on application to the secre-
tary of the board. A piano is part
of the furniture, and parties not car
ing to go to the expense of hiring 4
! small orchestra, find it economical for
members to furnish the music. The
light and heat are furnished gratis,
and it is possible for party to in
dulge in very satisfactory entertain
ment without a cent of expense.
The caretaker of>the park, who has
a family, is housed in the upper story,
and the cost of his maintenance is
thus materially decreased. His wife
is an excellent cook, and with proper
notice will concoct refreshments for a
party at moderate cost.
The only requirements which are in
sisted upon by the board are that each
guest shall register, that boisterous
conduct be Taboo and that smoking
shall be forgotten. Since the estab-
lishment of the Lodge, only one party
has violated the rules they succeed
ed in breaking several chairs before
the caretaker exercises his special po-
lice powers. The name Of each men,
Der was secured from the register, and
all were served with polite, yet
forceful, notice not to ask for second
privilege.
In the winter time the Lodge is al
ways in use. Dancing parties are not
the only function, although they are
predominant. Frequently Sunday
School classes stage socials there, and
mothers meetings are often held.
1t is the center of the minor social
life in the vicinity, and favorite
place for gatherings of all descrip-
tions. In the summer it furnishes
an ideal place around which lawn So
cials and other events of similar ma
ture may be centered
The success of the Lodge is unques-
toned. The money saved on the ex-
pense of maintaining the caretaker
will soon pay off the original cost.
The expense for light and fuel is pro-
portionately small. And it has en-
couraged social activity and commun'
ity interest to such an extent that Off
Gals declare the benefit easily remun-
crates for the expenditure. The Lodge
has grown to be as much part OF the
community as the park itself and
without it, the children and young
folks would be heavily handicapped.
From a moral standpoint the Lodge
is indispensable" said Z. E. Pulte,
president of the board. 1T creates a
desire for wholesome, clean entertain.
ment and fun, which is just what ev-
cry growing child and young person
needs. It gives them place to go IL
the evenings, where they meet their
friends and acquaintances and enjoy
innocent pleasures. Without it they
would be at a loss to know what to
do, and as result they would drift in.
to dangerous channels"
In the near future, it is anticipated
that special bond issue will be vot-
ed upon, which will provide a fund
sufficient to build lodges in all the
wards of the city.