Evening star., 1923-09-02

This column is conducted under the
auspices of the District of Columbia
branch of the National Congress of
Mothers and .Parent-Teacher Asso-
Citations.
Vacation time is drawing-to a close.
The different Fairgrounds are holding
contests. presenting exhibits and Civ
ing prizes. We are grateful 10 the
faithful directors and leaders OF the
supervised Fairgrounds. Where would
the children who through circum-
stances had to remain in the city dur
ing vacation be spending their time
if not at supervised playground?
Most likely the boys would be climb
ing over back fences. prowling into
other peoeple's back yards, hunting
what little fruit they could find.
throwing stones. riding on the back
of ice wagons. following a fruit
distance from their own home or TAX
ing risks that might cost their lives.
All children need supervised play and
recrea ton. What would the child in
the country seek Of his own accord?
They chase rabbits with dogs. poke
out" squirrels and screech Owls from
holes in trees, okill lizards with
rocks or catch a lizard. put a small
piece of tobacco in its mouth and
watch it have n chill; fight wasps
with handfuls of shrubs, play show
man on horses as they ride them TO
water chase the cats. climb all man
ner of trees and haylofts and many
other amusements that learn them to
take care of themselves. Natures S
playground offers constant variety,
endless play material and countless
things to do. 1t is just as necessary
for children and parents to have a
vacation as it is necessary for us TO
observe the seventh day of each
week Fathers and mothers need
group gatherings or opportunity for
display of individual talents as well
as the children.
Special attention should be given to
mothers. No group Of people needs
recreation more, and none have less
opportunity for relaxation and run
making. They are on the job twenty
four hours in the day, and often grow
old and worn at forty because they
always work and rarely play. The
play instinct In them often becomes IS
crushed out. and because or TINS fact
they deprive their children Of the play
rights which every child should have.
Time often hangs heavily on te hands
of grandfathers and grandmothers,
any they often grow sour ana lose
the exquisite charm which age ought
to possess because they have no place
where they may go and change from
the regular routine of work.
1t is the thing that person likes
to do that rests one. Last week, a
nom teaching principal. who taught in
our summer school, was asked when
she was going to take her vacation
She replied that she was taking her
vacation, as she enjoyed teaching,
and that she did not have the oppor-
tunity to have personal class work
during the winter.
Every neighborhood needs a COM
mon playground where all may turn
out occasionally for sports and con-
tests, and where differences may be
forgotten in the excitement of play
and friendly rivalry. II the COM
munity gathering does not appeal to
one, then let him or her seek the
quiet place or the things most inter-
esting that will give rest and peace
to the tired nerves, muscles and mind.
Welcome. Labor day!
Mrs. Susie Root Rhodes after ten
years of continuous service on the
board of education resigned in July,
1922, in order to have more time for
municipal playground work. Mrs.
Rhodes is to be congratulated upon the
success of the playground work. Ex-
listing conditions this summer speak for
themselves. More Fairgrounds have
been opened this summer than In any