Evening star., 1941-06-26

CNCIlCudl uoC elo al CANNAAoAOAA Va
Independence avenue S.W., ac-
cording to F. F. Gillen, senior
assistant superintendent of Ma
tional Capital Parks.
Now, however, it has been given to
the Navy for an indefinite period, he
said, and undoubtedly with the
knowledge of Secretary of Interior
Ickes." A fortnight ago Mr.. Ickes
fatty refused to grant the Navy S
demand that areas of West Potomac
Park be converted into parking lots
for 1000 cars.
Il was aStonished that any Gov
ernment agency should seek to make
such use of the parks" he said at
that time.
Navy Pays for Improvements.
A Marine Corps captain in charge
of the area said today that he sup
posed the Navy would retain use of
the area at least for the emer-
gency." The Navy accepted the
roads with the understanding the
Navy Department would improve
them at its own expense. Resurfac-
ing has been completed and each
space numbered.
Many Navy and War Department
employees complained this morning
that their situation has been made
worse since they had previously
parked their cars along the two
roads. One Navy Department Off
cial explained that this area merely
replaces another which executives
lost by construction of a new rear
section on the Navy Department
Building. According to figures pub
lished in May, however. the new area
provides space for almost double the
245 cars reported displaced at that
time.
Some employees have been park
ing their cars as early as 6 am.
although not due at work until
8 am. or later. 1t is the only way
they can find a place, they told a
reporter. Now. as they see it, they'll
have to arrive even earlier.
First to arrive today was J. R.
Whiteman of Falls Church, Va,
Maritime Commission worker now
with the War Department. Be-
cause he arrived at 5:57 am, he
was able to get a good place be-
side the Navy Department Building.
Not wanting to waste his time, he
went to his office Immediately.
Army Major Arrives.
Almost Immediately behind him,
at 6:04 am, came an Army major
serving on the General Staff since
he was called from retirement re-
Gently. He said he was forced to
get up at las am. and drive in from
his Arlington (Va0 home. He said
he sits in his car until it is almost
time for him to report az 8:15
o'clock, listening to news bulletins
on his car radio and checking Off
cial papers.
Park police and the American Au-
tonobile Association reported that
some early parkers bring break
fast with them, drinking coffee from
thermos bottles. Others finished
their sleep at the curb, they say.
Joseph B. Moore of Arlington,
young employe of the Navy's Bureau
OF Ordnance, arrived at 7 am. so
late" that he had to park around a
far curve of the Tidal Basin. 1t
takes him Is minutes to walk from
his car to the Navy Building. He
spent the rest of his hours wait this
morning writing letter.
Pulling in at 6:07 am. were two
veteran employees, each with "a
years service at the War Depart
ment, Mrs. Percy E. Middleton of
Lyon Park, Va, and Miss Gladys H.
Morse OF 1920 Thirty eighth street
NV. Sometimes Miss Morse spends
her time after parking by feeding
squirrels. Today she and her friend
hurried in to work.
She Has to Get Up at am.
"This parking trouble is so bad"
Said Mrs Middleton, that if I leave
home at $50 am, I can't find any
place to put my car. I have had to
drive back home in Virginia, take
a bus in to K street, and walk or
taxi from there" To care for her
family and keep her hoVe in order.