PUBLIC PLAYGROUND

PUBLIC PLAYGROUND. The children of Dubuque were given their first public playground in 1910. The board of education granted the use of one of the school yards and the woman's hygienic committee was placed in change of setting it up.

The idea originally was based entirely on furnishing children living in congested areas space to play. The activity was supported by the idea it would provide for the development of "mental and moral discipline." As stated in the Telegraph Herald:

         The development of modern city life has, during the past century,
         greatly restricted the opportunities for play by children, with
         all the physical and social benefits which go with it. It is the
         aim ... to devise means which shall provide for children both
         places and plans for playgrounds under modern conditions--places
         that shall aid not only in the development of physical health and
         stamina, but at the same time aid in the growth of that ethical
         self-control and regard for the rights of others that are
         essential to true democracy.

         The playground is the true home of democracy, there it is that
         brawn and brain properly mixed win the day. The owner of a stout
         heart and a strong body lords sit over the owner of mere
         superficialties (sp) like good clothes, automobiles, bicycles
         and such. (1)

In June, the Hygienic Committee received its first financial contribution toward establishing and operating the playground. The Dubuque Women Teachers' Club donated fifty dollars to be used to hire a supervisor for the playground during the summer months. The site of the playground had not been announced. (2)

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Source:

1. "Public Playground for the Children," Telegraph Herald, May 24, 1910

2. "Playground Fund Has Been Started," Telegraph Herald, June 12 1910 Part II, p. 1