Evening star., 1949-12-17
RockCreekPark
.Amphitkeater
Takes Form
Chapman Dedicotes
$500, 900 Project
For Sesqui Fete
By WiIIiom A. MiIIen

The new amphitheater in Rock
Creek Park, near Sixteenth street
and Colorado avenue NV, began
taking form today with Interior
Secretary Chapman turning the
first spadeful of earth for it's con-
struction. It will cost between
100000 and $4,000 and is to be
completed by June Is, mostly by
private contract.
AS the principal speaker at the
ceremony, Mr.. Chapman dedicated
the amphitheater not only to the
-Four Freedoms, but "the princi-
pie that only free men can
achieve the full Towering of the
human spirit" Washington cele-
brates its 150th birthday next
year. and the National Capital
Parks are building the amphi-
theater for the National Capital
Sesquicentennial Commission as
a permanent addition to the park
system. 1t will seat 1000.
The cabinet officer spoke to a
gathering of some 500 guests that
included Miss Claudia PIMA, Met
ropolitan star, who sang; Paul
Green, dramatist, and high Gov
eminent officials.
'Flowering of Spirit"
In dedicating this celebrat ton
to freedom, we dedicate ourselves
to the principles of the Four
freedoms - freedom of speech
and expression. freedom of every
person to worship God in his
own way, freedom from want
and freedom from fear, said Mr..
Chapman. But more than this,
we dedicate ourselves to the prin-
ciple that only free men can
achieve the full Towering of the
human spirit"
He said the lob of maintain
ing the principle of freedom
must also be carried on in the
conduct of our daily lives" He
declared "our national parks are
not restricted for the few" but
are open to all to enjoy their
beauty and inspiration. He pointed
out this Capital City itself pre-
sents many examples of the va
riety of our origins"
"Hoban, who designed the White
House, was an Irish immigrant;
Andrei. who helped decorate the
Capitol, was an Italian immigrant.
and Enfant, who planned this
great city, was a French immi-
, grant" said Mr.. Chapman.
Symbol of Freedom.
so, too, this amphitheater,
built by workmen who derive
from many lands and races, will
be a lasting symbol of our faith
in freedom and equality. Let its
continued use serve as an example
that the principles of freedom and
equality. handed down to us by
the founding fathers, are not
merely ideals but are working
principles of our democracy"
The program was preceded by
a brief concert by the Army Band.
Joseph c. McGarraghy, chairman
OF the executive committee Of the
National Capital Sesquicentennial
Commission, was master of cere-
Edward Boykin, commits
sion director, addressed the group.
Mr.. Green outlined plans for
the symphonic drama he has been
commissioned to write and which
will be produced. under commits
sion auspices, next summer in the
amphitheater. 1t will center
around George Washington.
Miss Pima sang the song which
her father, Ezio Pima, star Of
South Pacific" has made famous
Some Enchanted Evening"
She also sang "The Star-Spangled
Banner" and other selections.
The audience included repre-
sentatives of the District govern.
ment, National Park Service,
Washington Board of Trade. Fed
eral agencies and civic, theatrical
and educational groups.