Evening star., 1949-10-18
'Sesqui Officials
Plan Early Start
On Construction
To Name Architects,
Engineers Soon for
Race Against Time

The National Capital Sesqui-
centennial Commission took steps
today to have a well-knit organ
ization rolling smoothly in 10
days
Carter T. Barron, executive vice
chairman of the commission, said
that among the first acts will be
the appointment of architects and
engineers to complete designs for
the buildings for the Freedom
Fair in Anacostia Park and to
get the construction under way.
This is one of the main hurdles
in the commissions race against
time. Only six months remain
before the celebration of the 150th
anniversary of the ablishment
of the Capital in Washington is
scheduled to begin.
The initial event next April IS
is scheduled to commemorate the
placing of the cornerstone of the
District. This actually occurred
on April Is. 1871. in Alexandria,
but it was the first step in the
work started by George Washing
ton OF laying out the Capital.
July 4 Opening.
While this and other events will
be marked by ceremonies, the
actual opening of the Freedom
Fair is planned for July 4. Mr..
Barron said tests already have
been made of the Anacostia Park
site and have demonstrated the
necessity of driving piles to obtain
a secure footing for the buildings.
Cold weather will not interfere
with this work.
Mr.. Barron said other early
steps will be the appointment of
directors for exhibits and special
events. Another thing to be done,
Mr.. Barron said. is the organiza-
ton OF a non-proflt corporation,
if the law will permit it. He said
he considers this necessary for the
proper management of the project
because of its scope and the re-
sponsibilities of the commission.
Two moves advancing the plans
Will be made Thursday. In the
morning Paul Green, who is writ
ing the symphonic drama to be
presented in connection with the
sesquicentennial celebration, will
be here from Chapel Hill, N. c., to
go over the plans for the amphi-
theater to be built in Rock Creek
Park.
To Get Plans Approved.
In the afternoon the commission
will go before the National Capital
Park and Planning Commission to
get its approval of the plans for
the Anacostia Park construction,
Edward Boykin, executive direc-
tor for the commission, said it is
hoped to break ground for the am
phltheater within four weeks, and
fhe is confident work on it can 20
ahead during the winter so it can
be completed for June Is OPEN
ing. 1t will be west of Sixteenth
street and Colorado avenue NV.
in Rock Greek Park.
Mr.. Boykin said there will be
an opportunity for 200 or 300
students of the WASHINGTON area
to take part in the drama Mr..
Green is writing, centered about
George Washington. In tha
Common Glory" also by Mr..
Green, which is produced at Will
llamsburg, Va. students from
the State are recruited, given try
outs and. if successful, are paid
to take parts.
VINO is to compose the music
for the symphonic drama is an
other question to be decided. A
producer also will have to be
selected. and Mr.. Green will work
with him closely. Mr.. Boykin
said.
Slater Named Boykin Aide.
Other plans discussed with the
Fine Arts Commission yesterday
concerned the holding of an ex-
hlblt of historical American
paintings and sculpture in the
Corcoran Gallery.
The Sesquicentennial Commits
sion yesterday named Lawrence
B. Slater as assistant to Mr.. Boy-
kin. Mr.. Slater was field director
OF the Lions international for 20
years and in the last year has
been export director for a WASH
ington concern.
Also announced was the ap-
polntment of Robert E. Fowler
Associates, Inc, as public rela-
tions counsel.