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Digitized by the Internet Archive 
in 2010 with funding from 
The Library of Congress 



http://www.archive.org/details/howfourthwasceleOOhanm 



No. 105 Health, Recreation, Education 



HOW THE "FOURTH" WAS 
CELEBRATED IN 1911 

Facts Gathered from Special Reports 



PREPARED BY 

LEE F. HANMER 




Published by the 

Department of Child Hygiene of the 

Russell Sage Foundation 

400 Metropolitan Tower, New York City 

Price, 10 cents a-u-as 



^■"-i:^ 

^^^ 



CONTENTS 



PAGE 



Progress of the " Sane Fourth " 3 

What was done to bring it about 5 

What the newspapers said about it the morning after 12 

Typical State laws and city ordinances ; model city ordinance . 21 

Typical programs — 191 1 31 

Suggestions for next time 48 



1-J 



ri 



PROGRESS OF THE "SANE FOURTH" 



THE RECORD FOR THREE YEARS 

1911 1909 



1910 



1909 



I 



1910 




20 91 161 

CITIES 



5307 2923 1603 
CASUALTIES 



- As the number of "sane " celebrations increased, the accidents 
on the "Fourth" decreased. 

There is still room for improverrent. Over iioo cities of 
5000 population or more have as yet done nothing about it. 

3 



WHAT WAS DONE TO BRING IT ABOUT 5 

WHAT WAS DONE TO BRING IT ABOUT 

• From the letters received, and from programs submitted, it 
is evident that there is an abundance of material available in 
any community to make the day full of interesting features. 
Here is a list of enough things to do, things to listen to, and 
things to watch, to keep Young America on tiptoe from sunrise 
to bedtime — too busy and iiiterested to bewail the absence of 
dangerous explosives and firearms. 

Many of the communities emphasize the need for starting 
the day early. One of the New England villages started at six 
in the morning with a Grand Salute, lasting for two minutes, 
of cannon, whistles, church bells, etc. Another town, less noisy, 
woke to the sound of patriotic airs played on the chimes of the 
churches. In Madison, Wis., they "began the day with water 
sports, taking the place of the early morning rackets." 

Patriotic exercises, parades, athletic sports, baseball games, 
plenty of band concerts and music, and fireworks were included 
in practically all of the programs. Floats representing im- 
portant events in American history were features of many of 
the parades, and in some cities the school children, G. A. R. 
Veterans, and various local organizations rode in decorated 
automobiles. The Boy Scouts figured actively in the celebra- 
tions, doing police duty, taking part in the parades, giving 
■drills, etc. 

The patriotic exercises included such features as choral 
•singing, flag raising, . the reading of the Declaration of Inde- 
pendence (often by someone in costume of that period), speeches, 
salute to the flag by the school children, and national salute of 
46 guns. In Florence, Ala., "the idea promulgated was that 
they could most patriotically celebrate the day by emphasizing 
the need and practising the art of peace, and the subject of 
'Good Roads' was chosen for emphasis. Distinguished speak- 
ers were secured As a result of the meeting, a County 

Highway Improvement Association was organized." 

Several cities report that they had pageants. It is possible 
to get much enjoyment and at the same time revive the history 
of a community by depicting the early events in its history and 
those of its subsequent development. This necessitates looking 
up all sources of local history and talking with the older residents 
about things that happened in the early days. In nearly every 



WHAT WAS DONE TO BRING IT ABOUT 7 

section of the country it is possible to find some event concerning 
the early settlers, scenes with the Indians, battles in the war for 
Independence, or the marshaUing of a company of soldiers, that 
would lend itself to this purpose. 

In one community, in the early days, when the food supply 
was exhausted, the friendly Indians up the river came down in 
canoes laden with corn, and thus saved the settlers from starva- 
tion. "The Coming of the Corn Fleet" was enacted at a cele- 
bration last year by boys and young men dressed as Indians 
coming down the river in canoes and arriving at a point opposite 
the city, where they were met by the "Colonists headed by the 
Governor" in Colonial costume. He received the corn and made 
presents to the Indians. 

Other cities had big picnics in parks, barbecues, street fairs, 
confetti carnivals, flower and baby shows, sham battles, "Cowboy 
Stunts," horse shows, riding events, and balloon ascensions. In 
Columbus, Ohio, small balloons were sent up by every child. 
In many city playgrounds there were organized play festivals, 
contests, and folk dances of different nations. An effective 
feature sometimes introduced in the exercises is to have the girls 
so seated on a grandstand or a hillside as to form an American 
flag. The colors may be secured by using red, white, and blue 
paper umbrellas, which may be made by the girls. To have 
the effect more striking, the umbrellas may be closed at first, and 
opened simultaneously at the proper moment during a song or 
salute to the flag. 

Water sports, regattas, motor boat races, and parades were 
held in some of the communities, and in the evening there were 
illuminations of water craft, etc., which in 'some cases took the 
place of fireworks. 

In Enid, Okla., the street-car company planned a celebration 
in a large park and paid all expenses. Burlington, Vt., provided 
free trolley rides to and from the park for those children who 
were not able to pay. 

■ The Safe and Sane Fourth film was shown in many of the 
cities to arouse public interest in the movement. In Indianapolis 
moving pictures were taken of the parade and historical pageant. 
In Topeka, Kansas, "Uncle Sam gave a birthday party for 
distinguished guests, among whom were Miss Columbia, boys 
and girls of '76 and '61, Betsy Ross, etc." This idea is capable 
of infinite development, and has the advantage of making it 



WHAT WAS DONE TO BRING IT ABOUT 9 

possible for all to take part. Another town gave a reception to 
new citizens. 

In many of the communities special instruction was given 
in the public schools before the vacation began as to the signi- 
ficance attached to the day, so that the children could more 
thoroughly enjoy and understand the historical references, floats, 
and costumes. In some instances the high-school students made 
posters advertising the celebration. 

Freeport, 111., held "a city picnic, in a large park on which 
there is a mile race track. There were track and field sports, 
baseball games, motor cycle and horse races, and a band concert 
all day and evening. Fireworks in the evening were handled 
by experts. Children brought their picnic baskets, and in addi- 
tion were supplied free of cost with peanuts and lemonade. 

At St. Paul, Minn., "All the children were invited to spend 
the day on Harriet Island (a combined park, playground, and 
public bath . . .). They were assembled at the city audito- 
rium, where each child was given a flag, then formed in line and 
marched to the island with martial music. . . . They were 
given on entering the grounds a small grape basket containing 
two sandwiches, two doughnuts, one orange, a handful of candy, 
a package of cracker- jack, a paper napkin, a paper drinking cup, 
and two packages of small harmless firecrackers. To each of 
the children confined in the city hospitals was sent a supply of 
ice-cream and cake and to each a toy balloon. . . ." 

M'acon, Ga., celebrated the day by opening its first municipal 

playground. 

In Everett, Mass., the committee hired the local theatre 
and talent for entire afternoon and gave free tickets to grammar 
school pupils. 

In addition to the program arranged by the local committee, 
Troy, New York, posted enlarged copies of ordinance on fire- 
works about city ; gave every child who entered Park an American 
flag, and distributed 5000 copies of Declaration of Independence. 
. Winnetka, 111., reports: "2.30 to 5 p. m. athletic contests of 
all sorts on village Common; all ages participated — very 
democratic. 8 p. m. moving pictures at the Common. Patriotic 
songs by audience, led by band and few good voices. 9 P. M. 
dancing on platform on Common." 

At Muskegon, Mich., "in the morning there was a parade 
at 9.30, at the close of which a sham battle was given by the 




Children in Games and Races at the Park, Winnetka, III. 




Potato Race, Winnetka., III. 



WHAT WAS DONE TO BRING IT ABOUT II 

Muskegon Rifles on Hackley Field. In the afternoon there were 
band concerts in different parts of the city. Athletic games on 
Hackley Field and an exhibition drill by the Hull House Boy 
Scouts. At the close of the games the play Alice in Wonderland 
was given in the open in one of the school groves. In the evening 
there were band concerts and a splendid exhibition of fireworks." 

In Fresno, Cal., there was a "large parade in the morning 
composed of Civic Bodies, Labor Unions, Lodges, Fire and 
Police Depts., with Mercantile Floats and various special floats. 
Band concerts throughout the day; also athletic sports and 
drills by the Fire Department and National Guard. Rough 
riding contests. Parade in the evening and public dancing on 
the street pavement; several blocks were roped off for this pur- 
pose." 

In Milwaukee, Wis., "seven celebrations, practically all alike, 
were held at seven different parks in the city, thus avoiding any 
transportation difficulties and overcrowding in any one place. 
The co-operation of all social, civic, religious, and labor organiza- 
tions was secured at the outset." 

Oshkosh, Wis., "games and contests, including water fight 
by firemen, industrial and civic parade, boat races, and evening 
fireworks." 

Pensacola, Fla., held a celebration for children at Waterfront 
Park. "Program included water sports of all kinds, story 
telling to younger children, the Captain John Smith story at the 
conclusion ; the children were divided into two camps and played 
the storv." 



WHAT THE NEWSPAPERS SAID ABOUT IT THE 
MORNING AFTER 
Atlanta, Georgia 

SAFE AND SANE FOURTH 
CELEBRATED IN ATLANTA 

Atlanta has celebrated her Fourth, and it was a celebration of an entirely 
different character from those of former years, when the noise of the firecracker, 
the glaring ascent of the skyrocket, and the clanging of the ambulance played 
the most important part. 

It was a sight for sore eyes to see the joyous children of Atlanta reveling 
in the public parks, playing merry games, and shouting with health and vigor, 
as only children can. The occasional pop of a cracker seemed lost in the 
general merriment that prevailed, and it seems certain that the death-knell of 
the firecracker has at last been sounded. 

Baltimore, Maryland 

"BEST FOURTH EVER" SAY ALL CONCERNED 

PROMINENT MEN CONGRATULATE BALTIMORE ON 

FRUITION OF PLANS 

ECLIPSED PREVIOUS NATIONAL HOLIDAYS 

DAY WAS REMARKABLE FOR ITS SMALL ACCIDENT LIST AND MANY. 

AMUSEMENTS 
Eclipsing in extent, elaborateness and interest and the genuine satisfac- 
tion which it gave all previous attempts of the people of Baltimore to celebrate 
the country's birthday, the safe and sane Fourth of 191 1 was a most magnificent 
success. 

Bethlehem, Pennsylvania 

HIGHLY SUCCESSFUL CELEBRATION 

ENTERTAINING FEATURES OF ALL KINDS FOR THE 

YOUNG AND OLD— THE GREAT PAGEANT 

IN THE EVENING 

CIVIC DEMONSTRATION THAT SURPASSED ALL EXPECTATIONS. 
FIREWORKS DISPLAY, WATER SPORTS, AUTO PARADE, 
ETC. 
Both young and old were tired last night after participating in what is 
regarded as the most successful Independence Day celebration ever held here. 
It was planned by the various committees to have a variety of entertaining 
features for young and old along lines that would make a sane and safe cele- 
bration of the greatest event in American history. As far as can be ascer- 
tained, not a single case of serious injury resulted in Bethlehem yesterday. 

12 



WHAT NEWSPAPERS SAID THE MORNING AFTER 1 3 

"GREAT" SAYS CROTHERS 

Governor Crothers said of the Fourth of July celebration: 

" It was a great and glorious success. It is a fine thing to get away from 

the use of fireworks with their attendant dangers. It was wonderful to see 

such an outpouring of people on such a hot day." 

Chicago, Illinois 

SANE FOURTH PARADE CROWNS DAY'S EVENTS 
PATRIOTIC OUTPOURING OF CHICAGO'S COSMO- 
POLITAN POPULATION IMPRESSES 

MANY NATIONS IN PAGEANT 
Inspiring and patriotic airs played by a score of military bands took place 
of the nerve-racking noise of the giant firecracker in Chicago's celebration of a 
"Sane" Fourth yesterday. In spite of the torrid temperature, thousands 
gathered in Grant Park and along Michigan Boulevard to witness the his- 
torical parade given under the auspices of the Sane Fourth Association. 

Cincinnati, Ohio 

CROWDS GATHER AT PLAYGROUNDS 

PATRIOTIC EXERCISES AND ATHLETIC EVENTS AT- 
TRACT THOUSANDS TO OPEN PLACES 

Nowhere was the popularity of the safe and sane Fourth shown more 
clearly than in the public parks and playgrounds yesterday afternoon. To 
make up for the absence of dangerous explosives the children and their parents 
flocked to the playgrounds, where the city had arranged patriotic exercises 
and games. 

The affairs at all of the parks were wonderfully free of all accidents, and no- 
place were any of the children reported injured. The absence of firecrackers 
was noticeable, and at all. of the places the crowds were unusually orderly and 
all of the officials were highly pleased with the results of the affairs. 

"This practically cinches a sane Fourth from now on," said one of the 
officials at Sinton Park after he had watched the spirit displayed at the cele- 
bration. 

Cleveland, Ohio 

OHIO EXPERIENCES SAFE, SANE FOURTH 
ENTIRE STATE CELEBRATES DAY WITHOUT TRA- 
GEDY FOLLOWING IN WAKE— NO DEATHS, FIRES, 
OR SERIOUS ACCIDENTS COME TO MAR 
PLEASURE 

Cities, towns,, villages, and hamlets all over the state were in common 
accord yesterday in their observance of the safest and sanest Fourth of July 
Ohio ever has experienced. In hundreds of communities big celebrations were 
carried out, but without the boom of cannon or the vicious crack of the danger- 



14 PROGRESS OF THE SANE FOURTH" 

ous dynamite rannon cracker. Tlu' Pnjgrams iiicliicled parades, picnic dinners, 
patriotic orations, field and tracic events, and in some instances firework 
displays ended the day of pleasure. 

Columbus, Ohio 

SANE FOURTHS PROVE POPULAR 

OHIO CITIES, WITH FEW EXCEPTIONS, DO WITHOUT 

USE OF GUNPOWDER 

ACCIDENTS ARE FEW AS RESULT 

The capital of Ohio safely passed its second safe and sane Fourth. Not a 
single fire resulted from any manner of Independence Day celebration, and 
there were no reports of demonstrations of patriotism involving the loss of 
fingers, eyes or toes, or other injuries. 

Fitchburg, Massachusetts 

SAFE AND SANE FOURTH 
FITCHBURG OFFICIALS AND CITIZENS WANT IT 

NEXT YEAR 

So pleased are Fitchburg ofificials and citizens with the recent safe and 
sane observance of the Fourth of July that already plans are being made for a 
grand observance of the day next year. 

Fort Worth, Texas 

SAFE AND SANE CELEBRATION IS AN UNQUALIFIED 

SUCCESS 

FULLY TEN THOUSAND HEAR BAND AND EAT BARBECUE AT TRINITY 

PARK 
A crowd conservatively estimated at approximately 10,000 men, women, 
and children, mostly women and children, lined up with the Fort Worth Feder- 
ation of Women's Clubs at Trinity Park Tuesday, endorsing the plan of the 
women for the first safe, sane and .sanitary Fourth this city has ever held. 

Hartford, Connecticut 

20,000 PEOPLE AT RIVERSIDE PARK 
BRILLIANT DISPLAY OF FIREWORKS ON EAST SIDE 

RIVER PRESENTS A SCENE RARELY EQUALED IN CITY's HISTORY 

BOULEVARD, PARK AND EAST HARTFORD SHORE 
CROWDED 

"And the rockets' red glare. 
The bombs bursting in air. 
Gave proof through the night 
That our flag was still there." 
The words of Francis Key's song, "The Star-Spangled Banner," exactly 
describe the scene at Riverside Park last night, where a crowd, estimated at 



WHAT NEWSPAPERS SAID THE MORNING AFTER 1 5 

between 20,000 and 25,000, people of all ages, nationalities, and stations in life, 
sat and walked in the cool breezes that floated up and along the Connecticut 
River through the paths of the park, along the Connecticut Boulevard, and on 
the East Hartford Shore, and witnessed one of the greatest events in the history 
of Fourth of July celebrations in the City of Hartford. 

Joliet, Illinois 

JOLIET SPENDS SAFE AND SANE FOURTH OF JULY 
THOUSANDS CROWD STREETS AND PARKS 

NO ACCIDENT MARS PLEASURE OF PEOPLE 

HEAT ONLY INTERFERES GREATEST PARADE OF KIND EVER SEEN 

IN THIS PART OF ILLINOIS — FLOATS AND AUTOMO- 
BILES BEAUTIFULLY DECORATED 

Joliet's first celebration of a Safe and Sane Fourth passed off in a highly 
satisfactory manner, every promise of the general committee being fulfilled, 
while the parade and firework features of the day were even better than were 
anticipated. The number participating in the parade is estimated at close to 
six thousand. 

Milwaukee, Wisconsin 

INSANE FOURTH THING OF PAST 

MILWAUKEE CELEBRATES INDEPENDENCE DAY 

WITHOUT MADNESS 

STRIKING CONTRAST BETWEEN ANNIVERSARY THIS YEAR AND 
LAST PATRIOTISM IS NOT LACKING 

The insane Fourth is dead. 

Successful celebrations of the anniversary of national independence with- 
out sacrifice of life, limb and property ranks Milwaukee with progressive cities 
that have adopted the sane Fourth idea. 

In 1910 every patrol wagon and ambulance in the city was busy all day 
carrying 'maimed and suffering to hospitals. The fire department was in- 
dustriously responding to calls from all quarters of the city. Patrolmen w'ere 
worked to the limit of endurance. 

Yesterday only seventeen minor accidents were reported. The fire de- 
partment received only one call. The police department had the quietest 
holiday in its history. 

New York City, New York 

INSANITY OF THE FOURTH CURED 

No great reform need now be despaired of since the "safe and sane" 
Fourth has replaced the old murderous variety, believe the New York Tribune, 
Evening Post, and many other papers. The idea that the Fourth could have 
its reason restored was "regarded with derision and incredulity," recalls the 
Tribune, but the thing has really been done, and nothing seems impossible 




i6 



WHAT NEWSPAPERS SAID THE MORNING AFTER 1 7 

after that feat. It was only a year or so ago that the crusaders for a sane 
Fourth were the butt of the humorists, says the New York Globe, but they 
"have already more than justified their attack upon a time-honored piece of 
absurdity which until their advent was becoming more dangerous every year." 



4TH OF JULY OF ALL NATIONS 

GRACEFUL OLD CITY HALL SEES A RAINBOW PARADE MOST OF 

THE RACES THAT HAVE REACHED OUR SHORES REPRESENTED 

IN IT ^WONDERFUL CHINESE DRAGON COMES FORTH 

AT NIGHT SHIMMER OF FIREWORKS 

The many peoples of New York came together yesterday at the City Hall 
and celebrated a crackerless Fourth. There was speechmaking in the com- 
parative coolness of the building, when the Mayor and his official family ob- 
served the hundredth birthday of the City Hall. There was a parade in which 
silk-robed Chinese, Italians in red uniforms, stiff -skirted Greeks, tawny haired 
Scandinavians, Japanese baseball players, Indians in feathered head-dress, 
bare-kneed Tyroleans, messengers of peace fram The Hague, and a Chinese 
dragon with twenty-five men to manage its writhings were mingled. But not 
once was fire set to dvnamite. ' 



Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 

SANE FOURTH IDEA NOW WIDESPREAD 

PHILADELPHIA AND WASHINGTON AMONG CITIES NOW IN MOVE- 
MENT TO PREVENT FATALITIES 

The movement for a safe and sane Fourth of Jul}', which has received 
nation-wide adoption, was put to its first practical trial in Philadelphia yester- 
day. The results are eminently satisfactory to advocates of the idea that a 
real and adequate celebration of the nation's birthday can be had without un- 
due sacrifice of life and limb. 



Reading, Pennsylvania 

CITY'S CELEBRATION WAS GREAT SUCCESS 

LARGE AUDIENCE ASSEMBLES IN CITY PARK — ^SPLENDID SINGING 

EXCELLENT ORDER MAGNIFICENT DISPLAY OF FIRE- 
WORKS 

Reading's first municipal celebration of a safe and sane Fourth of July, 
held on Penn Common, was a great success. 

As the initiatory step for the proper observance of the national holiday 
it more than accomplished its purpose. Notwithstanding the hot weather 
there was an excellent attendance and the program was carried out in full. 
The display of fireworks in the evening was magnificent. 



1 8 PROGRESS OF THE " SANE FOURTH" 

Rochester, New York 

FINEST AND MOST SATISFACTORY CELEBRATION 

NEIGHBORHOOD CELEBRATIONS FEATURE OF THE DAY — GAMES, 
CONTESTS, MUSIC, AND MARCHING 

Seldom if ever has so satisfacfory a celebration of Independence Day been 
held in Rochester as was yesterday's. Seldom if ever have there been fewer 
accidents and more pleasure afforded both to young and old on the anniversary 
of the signing of the first state paper of the American nation. And if reason 
for this progress in the development of a peaceful, a bloodless, and a generally 
enjoyed occasion be asked, let due credit be given to the evolution of the 
neighborhood joint celebration as well as to careful administration of a wise 
police policy. 

Saginaw, Michigan 

SANE "FOURTH" CLOSES WITH IMMENSE CROWD AT 
HOYT PARK DISPLAY 

THOUSANDS GATHER AT HOYT PARK TO VIEW FIRE- 

W^ORKS 

ONE OF THE MOST REMARKABLE GATHERINGS IN CITY's HISTORY 

LAST EVENING 
One of the greatest crowds in the history of Saginaw was massed in Hoyt 
Park last night to view the splendid exhibition of fireworks, and it is no re- 
flection on the display to say that the gathering was undoubtedly the big fea- 
ture of the celebration. All Saginaw was there apparently, and had the census 
man been present he would have been inclined to double the quoted population 
of this city. 

Santa Cruz, California 

COAST TOWNS CELEBRATE THE GLORIOUS FOURTH 

SANTA CRUZ PROVES ITS TITLE TO SLOGAN " NEVER A DULL 
MOMENT FOR VISITORS" 
As a culmination of the last day of the Fourth of July celebration Santa 
Cruz more than made good, and the city's slogan, "Never a dull moment" 
was fully justified. 

San Francisco, California 

SAN FRANCISCO ENJOYS SANE JULY FOURTH 

MUSIC, LITERARY EXERCISES, ATHLETIC EVENTS 

ALL OVER THE CITY 

ACCIDENTS VERY FEW 

San Francisco had a di\-ersified, safe and sane celebration of the Fourth 
of July yesterday. 



WHAT NEWSPAPERS SAID THE MORNING AFTER 1 9 

Music in the parks, athletic exercises, boat races at North Beach, harness 
races at the stadium, and fireworks in the evening made up the program of 
the day. 

Springfield, Ohio 

AFTER THE CRACKER . — 

The success of the celebration Tuesday, the progranK^eing carried out 
without a hitch, made for a spread of the sentiment favormg the safe and sane 
idea. The celebration was sane without being insan^ and there were public 
features to interest all. 

That is all there is to it. The safe and sane idea has sprung from the 
same source as other movements that have for their aim the betterment of the 
conditions in which we live. The safe and sane Fourth, the playgrounds move- 
ment, the babies' fresh-air camp, and other developments in the life of Spring- 
field are in line with what other cities are doing for the conservation of human 
life. And too much work along this line cannot be done, since the value of the 
childrenof to-day and the importance of an upright, physical, mental, and moral 
growth may not be estimated. 

Washington, D. C. 

CHILDREN ENJOY FOURTH IN PLAY 

THOUSANDS THRONG CHILDREN'S PARKS, FOLK DANCING AND 

GAMES REPRESENTATIVES' ADDRESSES EXPLAIN 

DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE 

Thousands of happy children yesterday assembled with their parents at 
the various playgrounds throughout the city to celebrate the 135th anniversary 
of the signing of the Declaration of American Independence. With inspiring 
addresses, soul-stirring music, fairy-like dancing, and exciting athletic events, 
throngs that gathered were delighted during the entire programs. 



TYPICAL STATE LAWS AND CITY ORDINANCES 

GOVERNING THE MANUFACTURE, SALE, AND 

USE OF EXPLOSIVES 

STATE LAWS 

ILLINOIS 

An act specifying the powers and duties of city councils and presidents 
and board of trustees in villages. 

(Enacted 191 1) 
Section i . The city council in cities, and the president and the board of 

trustees in villages, shall have the following powers: 
*********************** * 

Sixty-fifth. To regulate and prevent storage of gunpowder, tar, pitch, 
resin, coal oil, benzine, turpentine, hemp, cotton, nitro-glycerin, petroleum, or 
any of the products thereof, and other combustible or explosive material, and 
the use of lights in stableb, shops, and other places, and the building of bon- 
fires; also to regulate and restrain and prohibit the use of fireworks, firecrackers, 

torpedoes, Roman candles, sky rockets, and other pyrotechnic displays. 
****** ****************** 

NinetA'-eighth. To pass all ordinances, rules, and make all regulations 
proper or necessary, to carry into effect the powers granted to cities or villages, 
with such fines or penalties as the city council or board of trustees shall deem 
proper: Provided, No fine or penalty shall exceed $200.00, and no imprison- 
ment shall exceed six months for one ofifense. 

MASSACHUSETTS 
Laws and regulations governing the keeping,^ storage, transportation, 
manufacture, sale and use of fireworks and firecrackers. 

(Enacted 1910) 
Section i. It shall be unlawful for any person to sell or keep for sale any 
blank cartridge, toy pistol, toy gun or toy cannon that can be used to fire a 
blank cartridge; or to sell or keep for sale, or to fire, explode or cause to ex- 
plode any blank cartridge or bomb; or to sell or keep for sale, or to set off, 
explode or cause to explode any fireworks containing any picric acid or picrates, 
or any firecrackers exceeding two inches in length and three-eighths of an inch 
in diameter or of a greater explosive power than a firecracker of such size con- 
taining black gunpowder only; provided, that this section shall not apply to 
illuminating fireworks set off between the hours of seven o'clock in the after- 
noon and twelve o'clock midnight, excepting those containing picric acid or 
picrates, or to the sale of any article herein named to be shipped directly out 
of the state, or to the sale or use of explosives in the firing of salutes by official 
authorities, or to the sale or use of blank cartridges for a duly licensed show or 

21 



22 PROGRESS OF. THE SANE FOURTH 

theatre or for signal purposes in athletic sports, or to experiments at a factory 
for explosives, or the firing of salutes with cannon on shore or on boats where a 
permit has been secured from the chief of the district police or from some official 
desiijnated by him for that purpose, or to the sale for use, or the use by the 
militia, or by any organization of war veterans, or in teaching the use of fire- 
arms by experts on days other than holidays. 

Section 2. No building shall be used in any city or town for the manu- 
facture of fireworks or firecrackers without a license from the mayor and alder- 
man or selectmen, respectively, and a permit from the chief of the district 
police. Cities and towns, respectively, may by ordinances and by-laws pro- 
hibit the sale or use of fireworks or firecrackers within the city or town, or may 
limit the time in which firecrackers and torpedoes may be used. 

Section 3. The detective and fire inspection department of the district 
police may adopt and prescribe regulations not inconsistent with the first or 
second sections of this act, for the keeping, storage, transportation, manu- 
facture, sale and use of fireworks and firecrackers. 

Section 4. The chief of the district police may designate some official of 
each city and town who shall, when so designated, grant the permits, not other- 
wise provided for, that may be required by the regulations provided for in the 
preceding section, in accordance with such regulations, and shall keep a record 
of the same. A fee of fifty cents may be charged for each of said permits. 
The said chief may revoke any permit granted under the authority of this act, 
and a permit may be revoked for cause by any official who granted the same. 

Section 5. Whoe\er violates any provision of this act or any regulation, 
ordinance or by-law made under authority hereof shall be punished by a fine 
not exceeding one hundred dollars or by imprisonment for not more than thirty 
days, or by both such fine and imprisonment. 

Section 6. So much of any act as is inconsistent herewith is hereby re- 
pealed. 

Section 7. This act shall take effect on the first day of June, nineteen 
hundred and ten. 

PENNSYLVANIA 

An act to regulate the use of firecrackers, fireworks, blank cartridges, 
pellets, tablets, et cetera, in any county in this Commonwealth, and providing 
penalties for the violations thereof. 

(Enacted 191 1) 
Section i. Be it enacted, etc.. That it shall be unlawful for any person 
to set off, fire or make use of, for the purpose of explosion, any firecracker over 
six inches in length and any firecracker over three and one-half to six inches in 
length, over three-quarters of an inch in diameter, and any firecracker to the 
length of three and one-half inches in length, over one inch in diameter; or to 
set off, fire or explode, in any county in this Commonwealth, any firecrackers 
or fireworks containing picric acid or picrates, dynamite or other high explosive 
compound; or to explode any blank cartridge, pellet, or tablet containing 
dynamite or other high explosive compound, when used in pistols, hollow canes, 
or any toy for explosive purposes. Any one violating the provisions of this 
act shall, on conviction before any alderman, magistrate, or justice of the peace, 



TYPICAL STATE LAWS AND CITY ORDINANCES 23 

"be deemed guilty of disorderly conduct, and shall be fined not more than twenty- 
^five dollars, and, in default of the payment of said fine, be imprisoned not more 

than ten days. 

Section 2. All acts or parts of acts inconsistent v.'ith this act are hereby 

repealed. 

PENNSYLVANIA 

An act to restrain and regulate the sale and manufacture of certain fire- 
crackers, fireworks, and certain explosive materials used in canes, cannons, 
pistols, or any toy; and providing penalties for the violation thereof. 

(Enacted 191 1) 

Section i. Be it enacted, etc.. That it shall be unlawful for any person or 
persons, member of any firm or any partnership, or anyone in the employ of a 
■corporation, to sell or offer for sale, in any county in this Commonwealth, any 
firecracker or fireworks containing picric acid or picrates, dynamite, or other 
liigh-explosive compound. 

Section 2. Nor shall it be lawful, under the provisions of this act, for 
any person or persons, members of any firm or partnership, or the employes 
of any corporation, to sell, offer, or expose for sale any blank cartridge, pellet 
■or tablet composed of dynarnite or other high-explosive compound, to be used 
in pistols, hollow canes, or any toy for explosive purposes. 

Section 3. Nor shall it be lawful for any person or persons, member of 
any firm or partnership, or the employes of any corporation, to offer for sale, 
in any county of this Commonwealth, any firecracker, containing gunpowder 
or any other explosive material, over six inches in length; and no firecracker, 
from three and one-half inches to six inches in length, shall be more than three- 
quarters of an inch in diameter; and no firecracker, to the length of three 
•and one-half inches, shall be more than one inch in diameter. 

Section 4. Nor shall it be lawful for any person or persons, firm, partner- 
ship, or corporation, to manufacture, in any county in this Commonwealth, 
■any firecracker contrary to the provisions of section three of this act, or any 
species of pyrotechnics, fireworks, tablets, pellets, or cartridges, containing 
picric acid or picrates, dynamite, or any other high-explosive compound, con- 
trary to the provisions of section two of this act. 

Section 5. Any person or persons, member of any firm or partnership, or 
:in the employ of a corporation, violating any of the provisions of this act, shall, 
upon conviction thereof, be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor, and be fined not 
more than five hundred dollars, or be imprisoned not more than six months, or 
both or either, within the discretion of the court. 

Section 6. Provided, That this act is not intended to repeal acts of 
Assembly in this Commonwealth relating to and restraining the manufacture 
■of pyrotechnic fireworks and cartridges in any built-up portion with the pro- 
visions of the act of June twentieth, one thousand eight hundred and eighty- 
one (Pamphlet Laws ii-i), being an act, entitled "An act to prohibit the sale 
to any person under sixteen years of age of deadly weapons, gunpowder, and 
explosive substances in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania." Nor shall it 
be construed to repeal the act of June eleventh, one thousand eight hundred 
..and eighty-five (Pamphlet Laws iii), being an act, entitled "An act to pro- 




24 



TYPICAL STATE LAWS AND CITY ORDINANCES 25 

hibit the manufacture of toy deadly weapons in the Commonwealth of Penn- 
sylvania:" And provided further, That this act shall not interfere with the 
manufacture and sale of legitimate firearms or firecrackers or fireworks. 

All other acts or parts of acts, inconsistent herewith are hereby repealed. 

CITY ORDINANCES 

ALBANY, NEW YORK 
(Enacted 1909) 
Section i. It shall not be lawful for any person to fire or set off any gun- 
powder, squib, rocket, firecracker or fireworks, or to fire any cannon, gun or 
pistol in any part of the city, except upon that day set apart for the celebration 
of the anniversary of the Declaration of Independence of the United States, 
and fireworks may be fired or set ofi other than cannon, pistols with which 
blank or other cartridges may be fired, guns of any kind, firecrackers exceeding 
six inches in length, crackers containing picric acid, or torpedo canes made of 
cast iron. 

2. It shall not be lawful for any person to sell or offer for sale within the 
city limits of the city of Albany, any blank' cartridge, pistol, cannon, fire- 
cracker exceeding six inches in length, crackers or explosives containing picric 
acid, torpedo canes made of cast iron, or any large ammunition commonly 
known as "car track ammunition," except that wholesale dealers in the city 
of Albany may continue to sell the same to persons located out of said city, 
and all dealers may continue to sell other fire-arms, and explosives to persons 
located within and without said city. 

3. No person shall place upon any street or other railway or railroad track 
in the city of Albany any explosive of any sort whatsoever to be discharged by 
contact with the wheels or any portion of cars or vehicles passing thereover. 

4. Nothing in this ordinance contained shall be construed to prevent pyro- 
technical displays, or the firing of salutes under permits therefor to be granted 
by the Commissioner of Public Safety of the city of Albany. 

5. Any person violating any of the provisions of this ordinance shall be 
deemed guilty of a misdemeanor, and upon conviction thereof shall be punished 
by a fine of not less than five dollars not more than twenty-five dollars, and in 
case of failure to pay such fine may be confined in jail for one day for each 
dollar of said fine. 

6. All ordinances or parts of ordinances inconsistent with the provisions 
of this ordinance are hereby repealed. 

7. A copy of this ordinance shall be printed and posted in three con- 
spicuous places in each ward of the city of Albany for at least one week prior 
to the celebration of the anniversary of the Declaration of the Independence of 
the United States. 

CLEVELAND, OHIO 

(Enacted 1908) 
Section 1557. No person shall fire any cannon, gun, rifle, toy pistol, or 
firearms of any kind, or fire or explode any squib, rocket, cracker or Roman 
candle or other combustible fireworks or make use of any sling within the city. 



26 PROGRESS OF THE " SANE FOURTH" 

Section 1558. The proxi.'.ions of the last scctitMi shall not apply to any 
military company when drilling under command of any officer thereof, or to the 
use of firearms in the lawful defense of the person, family, or property of any 
person, or to the killing of any dog whose owner or possessor has not complied 
with the provisions of the ordinance relating to dogs, or to regular shooting 
galleries, or rifle or sporting clubs, having a permit from the Mayor to operate 
such galleries or erect targets for rifle practice. 

An Ordinance 

To supplement Section 1557 of the Revised Ordinances to amend Section 
1560 of the Revised Ordinances and to repeal Section 1559 of the Revised 
Ordinances relating to the sale and use of fireworks, firearms and explosives. 

Section i. (1557a) That no person, firm or corporation shall, within the 
city, sell, ofTer for sale, or have in his or its possession or custody an^^ toy pistol, 
squib, rocket, cracker, or Roman candle, or fire balloon, or other combustible 
fireworks, or any article for the making of a pyrotechnic display. Provided 
that nothing in this section contained shall be construed as to prohibit the 
Board of Public Service from giving pyrotechnic displays of fireworks in the 
public parks whenever said Board is thereunto directed by resolution of Council. 

Section 2. (1560) That any person violating any of the provisions of 
Section 1557, 1557a or 1558, shall on conviction thereof be fined in any sum 
not exceeding One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) or imprisoned in the workhouse 
not exceeding thirty days or both at the discretion of the court. 

Section 3. That section 1559 and 1560 of the Revised Ordinances be 
and the same are hereby repealed. 

Section 4. This ordinance shall take effect and be in force from and after 
its passage and legal publication. 

DERBY, CONN. 
(Enacted 1910) 

Section i. Fireworks (except as hereinafter prohibited) may be sold in 
the city of Derb}' on the three week days prior to the fourth day of July and 
on the fourth day of July when the fourth does not come on a Sunday, and on 
the fifth day of July when it does, but no person, firm or corporation shall sell, 
offer for sale, expose for sale or have in his or its possession with intent to sell 
any fireworks without first having obtained a written permit therefor from the 
Fire Commissioner countersigned by the mayor. 

Section 2. All applications for permits to sell fireworks must be made 
with the Fire Commissioner not later than five days prior to the date when 
under the provisions of section one of this ordinance it is lawful to sell fireworks 
and said application must contain: 

A. The name of the person or persons by whom the permit is desired. 

B. Location of premises in which goods are to be sold. 

C. Kind of building. 

D. Nature of applicant's business in said building. 

Section 3. No permit shall be granted for the sale of fireworks on any 
premises used for the following purposes: Where paints, oils, gasoline, tar, 
pitch, rosin, hay, cotton, hemp or other combustible fibre or stock are manu- 



TYPICAL STATE LAWS AND CITY ORDINANCES 27 

factured or kept for sale or in any carpenter shop, drug store or in any structure 
considered especially hazardous by the Fire Commissioner or where liquor or 
spirits are kept for sale. 

Section 4. No permit shall be granted for the sale of fireworks except m a 
store on the street grade floor thereof and no fireworks shall be sold or exposed 
for sale outside of the store and in no case shall fireworks be sold or exposed 
for sale on the sidewalks, streets, parks or public places of said city. 

Section 5. No person, firm or corporation shall sell, offer for sale, expose 
for sale, loan, give, fire, explode, or have in his or its possession with intent to 
sell, fire' or explode within the limits of the city of Derby any blank cartridges, 
blank cartridge pistol, cannon, toy cannon, detonating cane or any fire cracker ■ 
exceeding three and one-half inches in length and five-eighths of an inch^ m 
diameter or anv firecracker of any size loaded with dynamite or other high 
explosive or any potash and sulphur tablet or pellet or any device for exploding 
any potash and sulphur tablet or pellet or any torpedo exceeding one inch in 
diameter or of greater force than the commercial toy cap. 

Section 6. No explosives or fireworks of any character whatever shall be 
placed on the track of any railroad company and no explosives or fireworks 
shall be discharged from, in or upon any trolley car or moving vehicle within 
the Umits of the city of Derby. 

Section 7. Provided, however, that each year on the fourth day of July, 
when the fourth does not come on a Sunday and on the fifth day of July when 
it does, it shall be permitted between the hours of 4 a.m. and 11 p.m. (except 
as prohibited in Sec. 6 of this ordinance) to set off the following named articles , 
to wit: firecrackers not measuring over three and one-half inches in length and 
five-eighths of an inch in diameter and only such as contain common black 
powder without dynamite, chlorate of potash or other high explosive; tor- 
pedoes not larger than one inch in diameter; toy pistols when used to explode 
fiat paper caps; colored fire when not containing sulphur and chlorate of potash 
in admixture; pin wheels, triangles, rosettes, flower pots or fountains which do 
not contain explosive mixtures, sparklets, set pieces which have no explosive 
parts. In addition to the foregoing Roman candles and skyrockets may be 
set off outside of, but not within the fire limits. 

Section 8. No person shall set off any of the articles of fireworks permitted 
by Sec. 7 of this ordinance on any other day than the fourth day of July when 
the fourth day of July does not come on a Sunday and on the fifth day of July 
when it does, without first having obtained a written permit from the Fire 
Commissioner, countersigned by the Mayor. 

Section 9. Evers^ person, firm, corporation, who shall violate any of the 
provisions of any section of this ordinance shall upon conviction, pay a fine of 
not less than five nor more than one hundred dollars. 

KANSAS CITY, MO. 
(Enacted 19 10) 
Section i. That hereafter, within the limits of Kansas City it shall be 
unlawful for any person, firm or corporation to keep, sell or expose for sale, any 
fireworks, firecrackers, torpedoes, bombs, rockets, pin wheels, fire balloons, 
Roman candles, detonating canes, pistols or toy pistols, cannons or toy cannons, 
or any other fireworks of like kind; provided, however, that this ordinance 



28 PROGRESS OF THE " SANE FOURTH" 

shall not be construed as prohibiting the sale of fireworks in wholesale lots for 
use or sale outside the city limits or for use within the city limits within the 
provisions of Section 2 of this ordinance. 

Section 2. It shall be unlawful, within the limits of Kansas City, for any 
person to use, burn, explode or send off any fireworks, firecrackers, torpedoes, 
bombs, rockets, pin-wheels, fire balloons, Roman candles, detonating canes, 
pistols or toy pistols, cannons or toy cannons or any other fireworks of a like 
kind; provided, however, that public exhibitions of fireworks may be given in 
public, or private parks, or other public places, when in charge of competent 
persons, and under permit issued by the Mayor. 

Section 3. Any person, firm or corporation violating the provisions of this 
ordinance shall, upon conviction thereof, be fined not less than Five Dollars 
($5.00) nor more than One hundred Dollars ($100.00). 

Section 4. All ordinances or parts of ordinances, in conflict with this 
ordinance, are, insofar as they so conflict, hereby repealed. 

MINNEAPOLIS, MINN. 
(Enacted 1910) 

Section i. That no person, firm or corporation shall, within the city of 
Minneapolis, sell, or keep for sale or use, any fireworks, Chinese crackers, 
rockets, torpedoes or other explosive contrivances. 

Section 2. That it is hereby made the duty of every member of the police 
force of the city of Minneapolis to seize any and all fireworks. Chinese 
crackers, rockets, torpedoes, or other explosive contrivances sold or kept for 
sale or use by any person, firm or corporation within said city contrary to the 
provisions of this ordinance; and all such fireworks, Chinese crackers, rockets, 
torpedoes or other explosive contrivances seized as aforesaid, shall be destroyed 
under the direction and by authority of the Superintendent of Police of said 
city. 

Section 3. That any person who shall violate any provision of this or- 
dinance shall, upon conviction thereof before the Municipal Court of said city, 
be punished by a fine not exceeding One hundred dollars ($100), nor less than 
ten dollars ($10), or be imprisoned in the workhouse of said city for a period 
not exceeding ninety (90) days, nor less than ten (10) days. 

Section 4. That this ordinance shall take elTect and be in force from and 
after August ist, 1910. 

SUGGESTION FOR MODEL CITY ORDINANCE 

Section i. It shall not be lawful for any person to fire or set oft gun- 
powder, rockets, pistols, firecrackers or fireworks in any part of the city of 

except that on the day set apart for the celebration of the 

anniversary of the Declaration of Independence of the United States, and be- 
tween the hours of 12 and 12.15 noon fireworks may be fired or set oS except 
toy cannons, pistols with blank or other cartridges, firecrackers exceeding 6 
inches in length, firecrackers containing picric acid, or torpedo canes made of 
cast iron. 

Section 2. It shall be unlawful for any person to sell or offer for sale 
within the city limits of the city of , any blank cartridge, pistol, 



TYPICAL STATE LAWS AND CITY ORDINANCES 29 

cannon, firecracker exceeding six inches in length, crackers or explosives con- 
taining picric acid, torpedo canes made of cast iron, or any large ammunition, 
commonly known as "car track ammunition" except that wholesale dealers in 

the city of may continue to sell the same to persons located out 

of said city, and all dealers may continue to sell other firearms, and other ex- 
plosives to persons located within and without said city. 

Section 3. Nothing in this ordinance contained shall be construed to pre- 
vent pyrotechnical displays, or the firing of salutes under permits therefor to 
be granted by the proper authorities. 

Section 4. Any person violating any of the provisions of this ordinance 
shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor, and upon conviction thereof shall be 
punished by a fine of not less than five dollars, not more than twenty-five 
dollars, and in cases of failure to pay such a fine may be confined in jail for one 
day for each dollar of said fine. 




3° 



TYPICAL PROGRAMS 

CHICAGO, ILL. 

PARADE 

Division "A," with Band: 

Mounted Police, Marshall, and Staff. 
Governor. 

Escort to the Governor, — Troop F, 111. N. G. 
Division "B," Bohemian Section. 
Division "C," British Section. 
Division "D," Croation Sokal: 
Cavalry (Mounted Turners). 
Band. 

Croation Sokal (Uniform Turners). 
Float "United Croatia." 

Flags and Banners in automobiles and carriages. 
Division "E," German Section: 
Bahman's Band. 
Marshall and Staff. 
Forest of Banners and Automobiles. 
Sleeping Beauty Float. 
Aurora Turn Verein. 
Fife and Drum Corps. 
Turner Float. 
Division "F," Greek Section. 
Division "G," Irish Section. 
Division "H," Italian Section. 
Division "I," Lithuanian Section: 
Band. 

Marshall Paul Mazejko. 
U. S. Flag Bearer Mounted. 
Luthuanian Sign. 
Staff of Marshall. 

Float, "The Grand King of Lithuania." 
Prince Vituato Cavalry. 
Prince Algirdo Infantry. 
Prince Vitauto Infantry. 
Prince Mindaugio Infantry. 

31 




32 



TYPICAL PROGRAMS I9II 33 

Division "J," Norwegian Section: 

Band. 

Marshall Backer and Staff. 

Float "Ski Tournament." 

Uniform Turners. 
Division "K," Polish Section: 

Band. 

Marshall. 

Polish Cavalry Troops. 

General Pulaski at the Head of a Company of American 
Revolutionary Cavalry Detachments of Infantry in 
the Uniform of the regular regiments of Old Poland. 
Division "L," Swedish Section: 

Band. 

Marshall and Staff. 

Float. 
Division "M," Swiss Section: 

Band. 

Float. _ 

Marshall and Staff 

Fife and Drum Corps. 

Automobiles with Banners. 

Uniformed Turners. ' 

Division "N," Women's Club Float. 
Division "O," Committees' Floats: 

Band. 

Float, "Father Marquette." 

Float, "Leaving for the War." 

Float, "Washington Crossing the Delaware." 

Float, "Fort Dearborn Massacre." 

Float, "The Union." 

DISTRICT CELEBRATIONS 

SOUTH SIDE 

Jackson Park: 

Evening — Pageant illustrative of the Battle of Lexington 
arranged by Chicago Women's Club. ^ 

Washington Park: 

Afternoon and Evening — Tableaux illustrating the History 
of Ireland arranged by the Irish Societies of Chicago. 



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34 



TYPICAL PROGRAMS I9II 35 

Mark White Square, 29th and Halsted: 

Evening — Patriotic Program, Band Concert, and Stere- 
opticon Lecture. Henry C. Morris, Speaker. Band 
furnished by South Park Commissioners. 
Armour Square, 33d and 5th Ave.: 

Evening — Stereopticon Lecture. John H. Eally, Speaker. 
Davis Square, 44th and Hermitage: 

Afternoon — Program of athletic events, addresses, etc. 
Evening — Band Concert and Stereopticon Lecture. Frank 
Mice, Speaker. Band furnished by South Park Com- 
missioners. 
Bessemere Park, 89th and Muskegon Ave.: 

Evening — Band Concert. Band furnished by South Park 
Commissioners. 
Ogden Park, 63d and Center: 

Afternoon — Athletic events. 

Evening — Stereopticon Lecture. R. S. Illes, Speaker. 
Moseley Playground, 24th and Wabash Ave. (for colored 
people) : 
Afternoon — Program of athletic events, patriotic addresses, 

etc. 
Evening — Band Concert and Stereopticon Lecture. Elmer 
E. Rogers, Speaker. Band furnished by Sane Fourth 
Association. 
Hamilton Park, 72d and Wabash : 
Afternoon — Games. 

Evening — Playground Circus by children. Band Con- 
cert. Band furnished by South Park Commissioners. 
Cornell Square, soth and Wood Sts.: 

Evening — Playground Circus by children. Band Con- 
- cert. Band furnished by South Park Commissioners. 
No. 15 Park, South Deering: 

Afternoon and Evening — Old Fashioned Fourth of July 
Celebration. 
Russell Square, 83d and Bond: 

Afternoon — Prograrii of athletic events, addresses, sing- 
ing, etc. 
Evening — Stereopticon Lecture. Joseph R. Burres, 
Speaker. 
Palmer Park, hi th and South Park Ave.: 

Afternoon — Program of games and sports. 




36 



TYPICAL PROGRAMS I9II 37 

Evening — Band Concert. Band furnished by South 
Park Commissioners. 
McKiNLEY Park, 39th and Wester Blvd.: 

Afternoon — Program of athletic events, addresses, sing- 
ing, etc. 
Evening — Band Concert and Stereopticon Lecture. 
Judge E. K. Walker, Speaker. 
Bryn Mawr and Highlands: 

17th Annual Celebration of the residents, lasting all day, 
and including games, addresses, and dancing and 
refreshments in the evening. 
Sherman Park, 52d and Center: 

Evening^Band Concert. Band furnished by South 
Park Commissioners. 

WEST SIDE 
Garfield Park: 

Afternoon — Patriotic Program and Band Concert. Band 
furnished by West Chicago Park Commission. 
Humboldt Park: 

Afternoon — Patriotic Program and Band Concert. Band 
furnished by West Chicago Parks Commission. 
Douglas Park: 

Afternoon — Gymnastic Competition under Turner Organ- 
izations. Address by P. J. McGoorty. Band Concert. 
Band furnished by West Chicago Park Commission. 
Holstein Park, Ems St. and Irving Ave. : 

Afternoon — Program of athletic events, addresses, etc. 
Evening — Band Concert and Stereopticon Lecture. N. 
L. Piotrowski, Speaker. Band furnished by West 
" Chicago Parks Commission. 
Small Park No. i, Chicago Ave. and Noble St.: 

Afternoon— Play Festival by Playground Children. 
Evening — Program of addresses, singing, etc. Stereop- 
ticon Lecture. Henry B. Miller, Speaker. Address by 
Samuel Altershuler. Band concert. Band furnished 
by West Park Board. 
Small Park No. 2, Jefferson and 14th Place: 

Afternoon — Program of athletic events, addresses, etc. 
Evening— Band Concert and Stereopticon Lecture. Fred 
Loomis, Speaker. Band furnished by West Park Board. 




38 



TYPICAL PROGRAMS I9II 39 

Small Park No. 3, 20th and May Sts.: 

Afternoon — Program of addresses, athletic events, etc. 
Evening — Band Concert and Stereopticon Lecture. Peter 
Plotz, Speaker. Band furnished by West Park Board. 
Shedds Park, 23d and Millard Ave. : 

Afternoon — Program of athletic events, addresses, etc. 
Evening — Band Concert and Stereopticon Lecture. Thos. 
S. Hogan, Speaker. Band furnished by Sane Fourth 
Association. 
McCormick Playground, 28th and Sawyer Ave. : 
Afternoon — Patriotic program. 

Evening — Band Concert and Stereopticon Lecture. C. 
Arch Williams, Speaker. Band furnished by Sane 
Fourth Association. 
Chicago Hebrew Institute, Taylor and Sibley Sts. : 
Afternoon — Children's Play Festival. 

Evening — Band Concert, and address by Hugo Pam. 
Band furnished by the Institute. 

NORTH SIDE 
Lincoln Park: 

Afternoon — Annual City-wide Play Festival of the Chicago 

Playground Association. 
Evening — Band Concert and Stereopticon Lecture. Wm. 
Prentiss, Speaker. Band furnished by Lincoln Park 
Commission. 
Wrightwood Playground, Perry St. and Wrightwood Ave.: 
Afternoon — Patriotic Program. 

Evening — Band Concert and Stereopticon Lecture. Joseph 
B. Burtt, Speaker. Band furnished by Sane Fourth 
Association. 
Welles Park, Montrose and Western Ave.: 

Afternoon — Program of patriotic events. 
Evening — Band Concert and Stereopticon Lecture. 
George E. Wissler, Speaker. 
Stanton Park, Rees and Karrabee Sts. : 

Morning and Afternoon — Patriotic program under auspices 
of Olivet Institute. Band Concert. 
Hamlin Park, Robey and Wellington : 

Afternoon — Patriotic program arranged by Subdivision 

Improvement Club. 
Evening — Band Concert and Stereopticon Lecture. James 
Abbott, Speaker. Band furnished by Lincoln Park 
Commission. 




40 



TYPICAL PROGRAMS — I9II 4I 

Lake Shore Park, Chicago Avenue and Pumping Station : 

Evening — Stereopticon Lecture. Judge E. O. Brown, 
Speaker. 
Irving Park: 

Afternoon and Evening — Annual Celebration of the 
Irving Park Women's Club. 

CHATTANOOGA, TENN. 
FEATURES OF PARADE— FORMING AT 9 A.M. 

1. Mayor, Commissioners, and other City Officials and Invited 

Guests. 

2. Hamilton County Officials. 

3. Auditorium participants. 

4. "Spirit of Seventy-six." 

5. "George and Martha Washington." 

• 6. "Uncle Sam" and "Miss Columbia.' 

7. "Davy Crockett." 

8. "Signing of the Declaration." 

9. G. A. R. and U. C. V. 

10. Infantry. 

11. Troop B, Reserves. 

12. Tennessee Cavalry. 

13. Old Ladies' Home. 

14. Children from Orphanage. 

15. Children in Automobiles. 

16. Police and Fire Departments. 

17. Motor-cycles and Messengers. 

Morning Exercises, Auditoriu 
Beginning Promptly at ii o'clock 
. Mayor Presiding 
Invocation. 

Song Glee Club 

Reading of the Declaration of Independence 
Song Glee Club 

Patriotic Address 

Song — "America" Glee Club 

Assisted by Children of the City and the Audience 
Benediction. 



4- PROGRESS OF THE "SAXE FOIRTH" 

Evening Exercises, C'iiamherlain F'ield 
Beginning at 7.30 o'clock 
Participated in mv Children of City and Suburbs 
Overture Morrison's Orchestra 

1. Chorus Chattanooga Maennerchor Society 

2. Flower Drill Hill City Girls 

Accompanied b>' Boy Scouts 

3. (a) Pantomime. .Drafting of Declaration of Inde- 

pendence 
[b) Reading Declaration of Independence 

4. Chorus. 

5. Pantomime "Betsy Ross" 

Accompanied by Flag Drill and singing of "Star- 
Spangled Banner." 

Children from Centenary and Catholic Sunday 
Schools 

6. Patriotic May Pole Dance 

South Chattanooga Sunday School Children. 

7. Boy Scout Drill Camp Fire Scene 

Boys Allied Scouts 

8. Chorus — " Dixie " Maennerchor and Audience 

LYNN, MASS. 

6 A. M. Stroke of Fire Alarm and Ringing of Bells. 

7 to 8.15 A. M. Concert at Houghton Square, Lynn Cadet 

Band. 

7 to 9 A. M. Concert on the Common, American Band. 
8.30 to II A. M. Concert at Little River Playground. Lynn 

Cadet Band. Program at Little River 
Playground. 

8 A. M. Assembling of "Horribles." 

9 A. M. Patriotic exercises, raising of flag. National 

Salute by firing squad from Navy Yard, 
reading "Declaration of Independence," 
singing by audience, "America" and "Rally 
'Round the Flag." 
10 A. M. Sports at Little River as follows: 

One-mile run, one-half mile run (boys 
under sixteen years), old men's race, sack 
race (boys), potato race (girls), 100-yard 



TYPICAL PROGRAMS IQII 43 

dash, three-legged race, girls' race (once 

around), boys' race (once around, under 

thirteen years), shoe-string race, pie-eating 

contest, relay race; prizes ranging from 

50 cents to $8.00. 
10.30 A. M. Baseball Game (Girls' Uniformed Club). 

2 p. M. Baseball Games, Grammar School League, 

Burrill vs. Breed School. 
3.30 P. M. Baseball Game, Senators vs. Sailors of the 

Battleship "Rhode Island." 
9.30 to 11.30 A.M. Concert at Sluice Pond, American Band. 
9.30 A. M. Sports at Sluice Pond, as follows: 

Men's Rowing Race. 

Single Paddle Canoe Race. 

Ladies' Rowing Race. 

Double Paddle Canoe Race. 

Boys' Rowing Race (15 years). 

Four Paddle Canoe Race. 

Tub Race. 
Prizes ranging from $2.00 to $8.00. 
10 A. M. . Athletic Sports on the Common. 

50-yard dash. 

lOO-yard dash-For Boys. 

440-yard dash. 
Gold, Silver, and Bronze medals. 

lOO-yard dash. 

220-yard dash. 

440-yard. dash. 

Three-mile run. 

One-mile run. 
. Running Broad Jump. 

Running High Jump. 
Prizes, gold and silver watches, and silver 

watch fob. 
12 M. Stroke of Fire Alarm and Ringing of Bells. 

1 to 2.30 P. M. Concert at High Rock, Lynn Cadet Band. 
1.30 to 4 P. M. Concert at Goldfish Pond. 

2.30 p. M. Coaghing parade for children with souvenirs. 

Pantomime show for children after parade. 

2 p. M. Baseball Games, Grammar School League. 



44 PROGRESS OK THE "SANE EOL RTH " 

3 to 5 P. M. Concert at Flax Pond, Cadet Band. 

Sports at Flax Pond : 

Single Boat Race (Whitehall). 

Double Boat Race (Whitehall). 

Canoe Crawl. 

Swimming Race (Boys under i6 years). 

Greased Pole Climi). 

Log or Tub Race (Boys under i6 years). 

Duck Race (Boys under i6 years). 

Four Paddle Canoe Race. 

Two Paddle Canoe Race (Lady and Gentle- 
man). 

Single Canoe Race. 

Lady Diver. 
Prizes ranging from $4.00 to $12.00. 
4.30 to 6 p. M. Concert at Saugus River Bath House, Ameri- 
can Band. 
4.45 to 5.15 P.M. Sports at Saugus River Bath House: 

Handicap Motor Race. 

Dory Rowing Race, two in a boat. 

One-mile swimming contest. 

lOO-yard dash. 
Closed events: 

lOO-yard dash for girls. 

lOO-yard dash for boys (16 years). 

Diving Contest. 
Prizes ranging from $1.00 to $7.00. 
7.30 P. M. Stroke of Fire Alarm and Ringing of Bells. 

7.30 to 9.30 p. M. Concert at Meadow Park, Lynn Cadet Band. 
Fireworks. 

8 to 10 p. M. Concert at Goldfish Pond, Stiles Military 

Band. Fireworks. 

8 to 10 p. M. Concert on the Common, American Band. 

Electrical Fountain. Grand Illumination 
and electrical display at High Rock Tower. 



RIVERSIDE, CAL. 

Sunrise Salute at Crestmore 
7 to 9.30 A. M. Reception to incoming trains, Riverside Mili- 
tary Band. 



TYPICAL PROGRAMS — I9II 45 

940 A. M. Parade. 

First Division: 

Grand Army of the Republic — Post No. 
118. 

Marshall of the Day and Staff. 
. Redlands Band. 

President of the Day, Orator and Chaplain. 

Pioneer Stage Coach. 

Riverside Fire Department. 
Second Division: 

Santa Anna Band. 

Floats. 

Girls Representing the States. 

Decorated Carriages. 
Third Division: 

Riverside Military Band. 

Automobiles. 

Calithumpians. 
II A. M. Aviation: 

Preliminary Flight. 

Long Distance Flight. 

Fancy and Spiral Flying Demonstration. 

1 p. M. ■ Concert at Fairmount Park by Redlands Band. 

2 p. M. Patriotic Exercises: 

Selection by Redlands Band. 

Invocation. 

Introduction by Mayor. 

Oration. 

Chorus. 

Selections, by Redlands Band. 

3 p. M. Aquatic and Athletic Sports (near lake) : 

Hurry-Scurry Race, Tilting Contest, Tub 
Race, Greased Pole, Greased Pig, lOO-yard 
Dash for Boys, 100-yard dash (open). Sack 
Race for Boys, Egg Race for Girls, Running 
High Jump, Running Broad Jump, Three- 
legged Race for Boys, Wheelbarrow Race, 
Tug-of-war, Indoor Baseball. 
No entrance fee. Prizes for winners of every 
event. 



46 PROGRESS OF THE " SANE FOURTH" 

Sham Battle at Fairmount Park: 
Company G, Redlands. 
Company K, San Bernardino. 
Company L, Santa Anna. 
Company M, Riverside. 

3 to 4 p. M. Concert at Bandstand by Santa Anna Band. 

4 to 5 P. M. Concert at Bandstand by Redlands Band. 

7 to 8 p. M. Concert at Bandstand by Riverside Military 

Band. 

8 to 12 p. M. Dance, under (he auspices of the Riverside 

Military Band. (Five cents per dance.) 



SUGGESTIONS FOR NEXT TIME 

Begin preparations early. 

At the flag raising, little flags rolled up to drop out of the big one. 

Children's parade. 

Distribute cards on which patriotic songs have been printed. 

Sing these songs at the various exercises and gatherings. 

Let there be plenty of music everywhere — homes, streets, and 

parks. 
Industrial parade showing business resources and commercial 

enterprises. 
Automobile parade. 
Horse and pony races. 
Burlesque features. 

Drills by the Boy Scouts; also do police duty. 
Trolley rides for the children. 

Send up small balloons with "reward" post cards attached. 
Floral fetes. 
Pageant of the nations. 
Birthday party given by Uncle Sam. 
Living flags. 

Baseball games, athletic contests, races of all sorts. 
Swimming matches, canoe races, and other water sports. 

Wherever there is water have a water fete; illuminated parade 
of motor boats; canoes decorated with colored lanterns; 
bridges and rafts illuminated ; songs. 

Picnics in parks ; barbecues; street fairs; flower and baby shows. 

Folk dances a feature of the children's games at the park. 

Flower drill, a Patriotic May Pole Dance, singing, etc., by the 
girls. 

Free entertainments in the theatre, public hall, or schools. 

Children give a play or pantomime appropriate to the occasion. 

Motion picture exhibitions in parks and public squares. 

Independence Day party— the young people in costume repre- 
senting historical characters. 

Bonfires. 

Torchlight parades. 

Electric illuminations. 

47 




48 



SUGGESTIONS FOR NEXT TIME 



49 



A street carnival, using red, white and blue lights; a paved street 
roped off and prepared for drills and dancing. 

Good subjects for tableaux are: Signing of the Declaration of 
Independence; The Spirit of '76; Signing the Treaty; 
Washington's Farewell to his Officers; The Boston Tea 
Party; Garibaldi and his Followers ; TheVictory of Bannock- 
burn; Betsy Ross; Washington Crossing the Delaware. 

Athletics : 

Events should be provided for girls, as well as for the younger 
boys. An effort should be made to have several games on the 
list, as well as contests showing skill, so as to have the day 
provide as much amusement for all the people as possible. 
Bring the older people into the fun. 

For Girls — 

Egg and spoon race. 

Throwing baseball. 

Two-hand basket-ball throw. 

Potato race. 

Several of the athletic events may be m-odified to make 

it possible for girls to compete — 200 yd. relay race, 75 

yd. dash, etc. 



For boys weighing 80 lbs. and 
under — 

50 yd. dash. 

Running high jump. 

Standing broad jump. 
. 360 yd. relay race. 

75 yd. obstacle race. 
For boys weighing P5 lbs. — 

60 yd. dash. 

Running high jump. 

Standing broad jump. 

360 yd. relay race. 

75 yd. obstacle race. 



Games and Sports: 
Miscellaneous Games — 
Tug-of-war. 
Sack race. 



For boys weighing 115 lbs. — 
70 yd. dash. 
8 lb. shot put. 
Standing broad jump. 
Running high jump. 
440 yd. relay race. 
Free for all {no weight limit) — 
100 yd. dash. 
220 yd. dash. 
12 lb. shot put. 
Running high jump. 
.Running broad jump. 
Relay races. 
16 lb. hammer throw. 
Pole vault. 

Water Sports — 

Canoe, motor boat, sail 
boat races. 




50 



H 



SUGGESTIONS FOR NEXT TIME 5I 

Three-legged race. Tub races. 

Wheelbarrow race. Swimming races. 

Catching greased pig. Diving contests. 

Climbing greased pole. Motor boat and canoe 

Potato race. parade. 

Egg-and-spoon race. Riding Events — 

Foot-ball kick. Races. 

Running hop, step, and Bareback riding, 

jump. Cowboy stunts. 

Obstacle race. 

Steeplechase. 

Egg-and-spoon race. 

Tug-of-war, 

Pageants : 

The historical pageant offers splendid possibilities for the 
Fourth of July program. By working out the plans well in 
advance, say three or four months, it is possible to have a careful 
study made of the dramatic and historical incidents of the com- 
munity in which the celebration is to take place. These incidents 
may be dramatized and presented on Independence Day as a 
pageant of the growth and development of that community. 
The parts should be assigned far enough in advance to give each 
one time to study in detail the characteristics, and relation to 
the community as a whole, of the person whom he or she repre- 
sents. This brings together both adults and children in a study 
of their local history that must certainly have a wholesome 
effect in stimulating patriotic community pride. 

Detailed plans may be had by applying to the Division of 
Recreation, Russell Sage Foundation, 400 Metropolitan Tower, 
New York City. 

Organization Details — Safe and Sane Fourth. 
Organize Early — 

April is none too early to begin preparations for the cele- 
bration in a town of any size. 
The Committee — 

In many communities there are permanent Independence 
Day committees. In most of the large cities the committees 
appointed sub-committees for the different districts. In 
Cleveland, Ohio, the temporary Independence Day Associ- 
ation was selected from the following: 



2 1'K()(;ki;ss of tmh sank fourth 

City Officials. School Board. 

Board of Trade. Park Board. 

Clianibcr of Com- Federation of Labor. 

nicrcc. Medical Association — 
Women's Clubs. Other Organiza- 

Merchants' Associa- tions. 

tion. 

The sub-committees were: 

Finance. Music. 

Publicity. Pageant. 

Reception. Fireworks. 

Prizes. Floats. 

Sports. Transportation. 

These sub-committees could be varied to meet the differ- 
ing needs of smaller towns. 
Meetings — 

Meetings should be held once a week to receive reports 
and pass upon the outlines of the celebration as worked up 
by the sub-committees. 
Securing Funds — 

The money to cover the cost of the celebration was raised 
sometimes by city appropriations to cover the entire amount 
required, sometimes by city appropriation and private 
subscriptions, and — most frequently of all — by private sub- 
scriptions alone. 

In a few cases the sale of reserved seats for field and 
track events, baseball, fireworks, etc., added to the general 
fund. Some of the towns made a small charge for the pro- 
grams announcing the different events. 

In Cleveland, Ohio, the funds were secured by the sale of 
Sane Fourth seals, about one million of which were bought 
by the largest business houses and placed on out-going mail ; 
by subscriptions of individuals and business houses, and by 
the sale of memberships in the association. 

In Bloomfield, N. J., "the town, which has a population 
of 16,000, is laid off into districts, a lieutenant is appointed 
for each district, he in turn appoints his collectors (gener- 
ally one for each street in the district, or a portion of the 
street if it be a long one), a circular letter in blank is given 
to the collectors, which they fill out and have distributed 
to the residences and business places on their street. This 



SUGGESTIONS FOR NEXT TIME 53 

letter states that he has been appointed the official collector 
and advises them upon what date he will call to receive their 
subscription. This facilitates the work of the collectors to 
a great extent and saves them from wasting much time in 
explanation." 
Division into Districts — 

The plan of dividing a large community or city into dis- 
tricts, each of which manages its own celebration, was fol- 
lowed in several cases. In Philadelphia "there were 23 
sections and sub-sections, covering all but three wards of 
the city, and each section holding from one to five celebra- 
tions. The City Councils appropriated $5,000, which was 
apportioned on a basis of population to the various districts. 
Sectional committees were appointed, all working along 
the same general lines, but not hampered by absolute direc- 
tions (from the Central Committee) — all assisted financially 
to a certain sum — over that worked for themselves. . . ." 

In Minneapolis, the general committee induced the Com- 
mercial Club in each district to organize and manage the 
programs. 
Transportation — 

This sectional distribution avoids many transportation 
difficulties. When there is one large central celebration, the 
people come all through the day, at different times, and 
generally stay to watch the fireworks at night, and some- 
times the transportation facilities are inadequate to handle 
the immense crowds when it comes time for all to go home. 
In Pittsburgh, after one celebration at Schenley Park, the 
people were waiting until four o'clock in the morning to get 
home. 

In the reports of the 191 1 celebrations that have come in, 
city after city has said: "No accidents whatever. Formerly 
there were many serious accidents." "Not one accident." 
"No casualties of any kind, while in former years scores were 
hurt." In most of the reports the popular suggestion has been: 
"Do it again next year." The only dissatisfied ones were those 
who reported that prohibitive ordinances were put into force, 
but no substitute for the usual celebration was offered. One of 
these cities remarks that "the Fourth was safe and stupid!" 
An active committee with a definite plan for a live celebration 
can make it a safe and slorioiis Fourth. 



Independence Day Publications of the Division 
of Recreation, Russell Sage Foundation 

400 Metropolitan Tower, New York City 



Xo. 31. A Safer, Saner F"oirth of July. 

An illustrated bdoklct of the proceedings of the Conference of 
Municipal Representatives, at the Third Annual Congress of the 
Playground Association of America. It contains a suggested 
program and reports of how some of the cities celebrated previous 
to 1909. (31 pages.) Price, 5 cents. 

Xo. 60. A Safe and P.a,triotic Fourth. Mrs. Isaac L. Rice. 

Letters from Governors, Mayors, Fire Chiefs, Commissioners of 
Health, Heads of Po ice Departments, and Presidents of Colleges 
endorsing the movement for a better celebration of Independence 
Day. (20 pages.) Price, 5 cents. 

Xo. 62. Fourth of July Injuries and Tetanus. 

The Seventh Annual Compilation by the Journal of the Amer- 
ican Medical Association. It contains statistics of the number of 
deaths and injuries for all the states, and for the largest cities, from 
1903 to 1909. (27 pages.) Price, 5 cents. 

No. 70. Independence Day Celebration. Gulick, Orr, Ladies' Home 
Journal, Gardner, and Hanmer. 
A series of five articles giving suggestions for proper celebrations, 
together with reasons why they are more patriotic than the old 
style, which consisted of nothing but fireworks and firecrackers. 
There is also a program for celebrating the Fourth in large cities. 
(32 pages.) Price, 5 cents. 

No. 97. A Safe and P.\triotic Fourth of July. Mrs. Wallace J. Pfleger. 
Suggestions for the management of a celebration. The his- 
torical incidents here recorded furnish a wealth of suggestions for 
the arrangement of programs for celebrations. (24 pages.) 
Price, 5 cents. 

No. 98. A Sane Fourth of July. 

A leaflet telling the story of a motion picture having the above 
title. This film was produced by the Thomas A. Edison Inc. 
Company, in co-operation with the Russell Sage Foundation. It 
contrasts the old and new celebrations. The leaflet is illustrated 
with pictures taken from the film, and also contains a suggested 
program. (8 pages.) No charge. 

54 



RUSSELL SAGE FOUNDATION 
Division of Recreation 
400 Metropolitan Tower, New York City 
To the Editor : 

The press matter below is presented in three columns, each being 
a distinct part of the whole story, making possible combinations of three 
diflferent lengths. You will substantially aid the cause of wholesome 
recreation for young people by giving it as much space as possible. 

Lee F. Hanmer, 

Associate Director 



Released after 12 o'clock midnight, April 3, 1912 

SOCIAL CENTERS INSTEAD OF DANCE HALLS 

SAGE FOUNDATION PROMOTES USE OF SCHOOLHOUSES FOR DANCING 
BY MEANS OF PHOTOPLAY 



The social center in the public school 
is brought forward as an antidote to 
the dance-hall over the saloon by the 
Russell Sage Foundation in a motion 
picture drama which has just been pro- 
duced upon its initiative and with its 
co-operation. "Charlie's Reform" is 
name of this new Edison photoplay 
and its first exhibition in the "movies" 
will occur tomorrow. 

The astounding facts brought to light 
by the Chicago Vice Commission to- 
gether with the epidemic of "tough" 
dances this winter have created a tre- 
mendous interest in the subject of 
young people's amusements. Already 
nearly two score of cities have organ- 
ized opportunities for winter evening 
recreation in some of their public school 
houses. But social workers are now 
beginning to realize that it is the 
natural desire for companionship with 
the opposite sex which the dance-hall 
meets and for which provision is not 
usually made in the school recreation 
center. The social center depicted in 
this new photoplay makes it possible 
for young men and women to meet 
under wholesome conditions and it is 
this privilege which brings about 
"Charlie's Reform'' from a career of 
idleness and carousing. 

The announcement of the new film 
has attracted a widespread interest 
from social workers throughout the 
country. Over one hundred organiza- 
tions, mrstly national in scope, are aid- 
ing in the distribution of the announce' 
ments concerning it. These include 
the extension departments of twenty 
state universities, forty-three play- 
ground associations and commissions, 
the social service departments of four 
religious denominations, three national 
civic associations and other influential 
bodies of persons who are engaged in 
prornoting temperance, better morals 
and improved social conditions general- 
ly- 



The drama is based upon the follow- 
ing plot. Charlie, an athletic young 
bookkeeper and the mainstay of a wid- 
owed mother, is calling upon a sweet, 
womanly girl by whom his affections 
have been strongly aroused. The con- 
tinued interruptions from the small 
brother and two mischievous sisters 
make private conversation impossible. 
His patience finally became exhausted 
and when Helen's parents refuse to 
allow her to go out with him he leaves 
in high dudgeon. On the street Charlie 
encounters an acquaintance who invites 
him to a dance-hall. In a desperate 
mood he accepts, and at this resort 
takes his first steps in a downward 
career. His intemperance soon results 
in the loss of his position and he be- 
comes a loafer at the corner saloon. 

Meanwhile one of Helen's former 
teachers has persuaded the old folks 
to allow the girl to attend a nearby 
schoolhouse social center. At one of 
the weekly dancing parties she meets a 
young man who, subsequently, escorts 
her to various doings at the center. On 
one of these occasions Charlie's com- 
panions draw his notice to the couple 
as they pass the saloon window. The 
sight of a probable rival stirs up a 
jealous rage and, despite all efforts to 
hold him, he sets out in a half-drunken 
pursuit and thus comes to the social 
center. 

The doorkeeper, alarmed by his sin- 
ister appearance, attempts to prevent 
his entrance. After a brief struggle 
Charlie pushes him aside and rushes 
from one room to another in search 
of his sweetheart. He finally discovers 
her in the kindergarten dancing with 
— a girl. He begins to upbraid her 
when the director enters followed by a 
policeman. Helen explains matters to 
the director and to Charlie's astonish- 
ment he is cordially welcomed to the 
center. Learning that he is an athlete 
and out of work, the director engages 
him as an assistant in the gymnasium. 
Charlie's habits change and he is taken 
back by his old employer, to the great 
happiness of his mother and of Helen, 
whom he now regularly escorts to the 
social center doings. 



The plot of the drama was devised 
by Clarence Arthur Perry, a writer and 
investigator connected with the Divi- 
sion of Recreation of the Russell Sage 
Foundation. Commenting upon the 
purpose of the film Mr. Perry said: 

"Each year in Chicago nearly one 
thousand girls are wiped out of exist- 
ence by a life of shame. A large num- 
ber of them first came into contact with 
the influences which brought about their 
ruin at the vicious dance-hall or amuse- 
ment park. Most of them had gone to 
these places to satisfy a perfectly nor- 
mal and natural desire, — the desire for 
human companionship. If they had 
been daughters of the rich this need 
would have been met by balls and so- 
cial affairs arranged by their mothers 
and fathers. But being the daughters 
of the poor their heart-needs were left 
to the dance-hall proprietors to exploit, 
to trade upon and to debauch. 

"It isn't poverty mainly, but the lack 
of room, social skill and physical en- 
ergy that prevents parents from giving 
their young people adequate social op- 
portunities. 

"These three things can be supplied 
by the municipality just as easily and 
just as legitimately as protection from 
fires, burglars and contagious diseases. 
Put movable seats and desks into the 
schoolhouses and every classroom in 
the city can be used as a dancing parlor 
for some group of congenial people. 
Many buildings already have auditor- 
iums, gymnasiums and kindergarten 
rooms — now empty most nights of the 
year — which could "be utilized for social 
gatherings. Private schools give their 
pupils a social training, — why shouldn't 
the public schools do the same thing? 

"When employees of the school board 
develop the dances and form the ball- 
room manners of our young people it 
won't be possible for mercenary amuse- 
ment purveyors to awaken them to 
sexual precocity through the 'turkey 
trot' or to start them in a life of pros- 
titution through the 'bunny-hug.' 

"By adding a few specially trained 
leaders in recreation and social affairs 
to our educational corps every school- 
house in the land can be turned into 
a center of neighborhood life without 
harm to the school property or mate- 
rially increasing the burden upon the 
.taxpayers." 



No. 103. The Fireworks Manufacturer and the Sane Fourth. 

A Bulletin quoting a letter received by the Department of Child 
Hygiene of the Russell Sage Foundation from one of the leading 
fireworks manufacturers in this country giving his views on Inde- 
pendence Day celebrations. The provisions of the Pennsylvania 
laws are also quoted. (4 pages.) No charge. 

No. 105. How THE Fourth was Celebrated in 1911. Lee F. Hanmer. 

A pamphlet containing diagrams showing the increase in or- 
ganized celebrations and the decrease in accidents during the past 
three years; features of successful programs in 191 1; typical pro- 
grams and suggestions for coming celebrations. Also extracts of 
newspaper accounts and gleanings from reports showing what 
agencies carried out the program, how funds were secured, etc. 
In addition there are typical State Laws and City Ordinances 
dealing with the Fourth of July celebrations. (54 pages.) Price, 
10 cents. 

No. 114. Suggestions for Celebrating the Fourth of July by Means 
OF Pageantry. William Chauncy Langdon. 

This pamphlet includes a consideration of the practicability 
of the pageant or community-drama for the celebration of the 
Fourth of July, and two outlines, one of a celebration, the other 
of a general pageant which can be adapted to suit special condi- 
tions, with practical suggestions for their use. It also includes an 
article on Music for Independence Day Celebrations by Arthur 
Farwell, who for the past two years has been Supervisor of Muni- 
cipal concerts of New York City. 

The suggestions of this pamphlet are based on the writer's 
experience in pageant direction as Master of the Pageant of Thet- 
ford (Vermont), 191 1, and of the Pageant of St. Johnsbury (Ver- 
mont), 1 912, and on his study of the development of pageantry 
in the preparation of his book, "The Pageant in America" (Fred- 
erick W. Wilson, Publisher, 37 East 28th Street, New York City), 
which contains chapters defining the pageant, surveying the 
pageant field in America, describing four of the American pageants, 
and giving suggestions for starting a pageant. 







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