Page:American Journal of Sociology Volume 4.djvu/180

 l62 THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF SOCIOLOGY

Jumping ropes, jackstones, faba-gaba, ringtoss were games supplied, beside blocks, etc., for the youngest tots. And this matron advocated slate and colored chalk as an infinite source of amusement and a saving of fences and steps from decoration more appropriate to the slate.

When I was leaving the yard I saw a tot of perhaps three and a half years carrying a child about two inches smaller than herself. As I looked at the matron, she said: "Yes, many such come, and for them it means so much. They sit with the babies in their arms and watch others play. Occasionally I take the child for a while when I can, and they are so grateful ; they play a while, and I never have to call them back — they come of their own accord." Can we do enough for such as these ? The playground committee of the Civic Club, of which Mrs. Lundy is chairman, has done much to further and perfect these grounds and constantly visits them, suggesting, aiding, cheering on the children and matrons.

In addition the Culture Extension League has opened a playground in Dickenson square, the equipment of which cost about Si 2,000. It has separate shelters for boys and girls, with shower baths ; has running track, swings, sand bins ; but a lack of grass and shade which certainly impairs its usefulness. Another playground is maintained by them on ground recently con- demned and cleared by the city and immediately adjoining the college settlement. This has the .supervision of the settlement workers and one or two paid assistants, and is open from 8 A. m. to 6 p. M., and is used by children of all ages.

Chicago, in 1897, had one such playground in the Washing- ton School yard, maintained by the West End District of the Associated Charities, and in addition has had for five years, supported by Hull House, a large playground in an empty lot, equipped with swings, see-saws, giant stride, and sand bins, where older children, too, were allowed to play. In 1896, under the auspices of the university settlement of the Northwestern University, a large and splendidly equipped playground was opened, which will accommodate 3,000 or 4,000 children, the necessary funds being contributed by several gentlemen desirous