Evening star., 1938-07-05
HORSE TR0UGHS
THEIR ONLY POOL
Children in Central Area
to Have Real Swimming
If Money Is Raised.

There's probably regulation filed
prohibiting use of horse troughs as
bathing pools, but what's kid going
to do when the pavement gets too
hot for bare feet?
Yes. of course, the youngster can
60 take a dip in the river. but that's
too dangerous. Swimming pools?
Yes, that's the answer Plans where
a kid can splash and swim under
the watchful eyes of older persons.
All very well and good-if you've
got the swimming pool. But take the
case of Washingtons hot and teem-
ing central area, with its hundreds of
underprivileged children who are
forced to jump in statue fountains or
rain-swelled cutters for relief from
the heat.
The other day. photographer
mapped small group making a new
use of one of those vanishing land
marks once reserved solely for horses
man would have had the heart to ask
those kids to get out of that watering
trough
A few blocks away. in the Young
Women's Christian Association Build
ing at 614 E street NV, is a SWIM
ming pool, showers and all, where
these youngsters and hundreds of
others can play as soon as s640 is
raised to reopen the tank The Star
is collecting this money for the Central
Neighborhood Council of the Council
Of Social Agencies
Third of Money Raised.
More than one-third of the neces-
sary fund-S286. .50-had been raised
today. but quicker response is needed
Each summer day without swimming
facilities in this area is increasing
health and delinquency hazards.
A number Of organizations through
out the city, realizing the Importance
of this project, are offering their aid
to make this campaign quick sue
cess. One Of these, the District
Congress Of Parent and Teachers,
which is always interested in the well
fare of all children. sent The Star the
following letter:
'Inclosed find check for $50 which
Is a contribution of the D. c. Congress
of Parents and Teachers, to be used
for the opening Of the swimming pool
at the E Street Y w. c. A. We hope
this contribution will help swell the
fund and that you will soon have
enough money to take care of this
project, which is quite worthwhile and
really necessity for the children in
this neighborhood." The letter was
sent by Louise R. Fry, president of the
organization
The Star also has contributed $50
TO the pool fund
1t is estimated the sum of S46l IS
is needed to open and operate the
pool for one month. This will cover
the cost Of painting. cleaning and re-
pairing. insurance on children, laundry
and rent. Officials want to keep it
open at least two months, however,
and at least S640 will be needed to do
this.
Strong Endorsement of the project
came today from Arthur Clarendon
Smith. prominent business man and
president of Opportunity House, which
is located within the central section.
Mr.. Smith said the pool is one of the
finest things the city has ever had"
Urges Early Opening.
He pointed out that the tank has
been operated during the last three
summers by means of campaigns SINH
lar to the one being conducted at pres
ent, and urged Washingtonians to help
get it open before another week
is up"
Recreation leaders of the central
area are working out plans for a CO.
operative program under which all the
underprivileged children in this sec
ton. bounded by the Mall North
Capitol, Eleventh and o streets, can
make use of the pool
approximately 100 children at the
Temple Center of Temple Baptist
Church and large number from Op-
portunity House are among those who
would benefit. in addition to hundreds
from the various Fairgrounds It is
estimated that in previous years more
than 100 youngsters have used the
pool every day
The Star cashier cage in the lobby
OF The Star Building, at Eleventh
street and Pennsylvania avenue NV,
is receiving contributions. On this
page, for your convenience, is a dona-
ton coupon.