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[aged, yellowed paper; black ink]
[top 1/4 of page sketches of various sports equipment and sports activities]

RECREATION IN ANACOSTIA [bold large type size center full page width]
(Barry Farms Center) [smaller type size center full page width]

[following text placed in 2 columns] 
[column 1]
   Recreation is constantly rising in importance
as a major aspect of life in Anacostia.  In this
area recreational facilities were first set up in the
rear of the old Birney School, on Shannon Place.
In the spring of 1925 Mr. John L. Young, who is
now Assistant Superintendent of the D.C. Recrea-
tion Department and Miss Mabel Dishman started
a recreational program which was of special ap-
peal to children.  Gradually, there arose a dire
need for more space and facilities.  In July, 1926,
the Barry Farms Playground was opened to ac-
commodate 200 children.  Later, through the ef-
forts of Mr. Elzie Hoffman, president of the Barry
Farms Civic Association for forty-six years, Green
Willow and Eureka Amusement Parks were our-
chased by the commissioners and named the
Barry Farms Playground.
   The present building is quite an improvement
over the small frame one room shelter, which was
the first field house built for Negroes of this area.
It was through the untiring efforts of such pip-
needs as Mrs. Florence S. Matthews, Messrs. 
Thomas Jackson, Vesta K. Randall, and Milton
Larry that great strides have been made in The
Barry Farms Playground.
   Because of its cultural as well as athletic acti-
vities, instead of the original 200 the Barry Farms 
Recreation Center now serves regularly more than
a thousand citizens of the Anacostia Community.
During the week interesting program such as
ballet, dramatics, square dancing, social dancing,
creative dancing, knitting, crocheting, and other
crafts are taught.  Of special interest to children 

[column 2]
of all age groups are the movies which are shown
twice each week.
   Every year the playground has several base-
ball leagues.  These leagues are composed of the
younger and older members of the community.
These leagues alone attracted more than 16,000
spectators from the community during the past
summer.  The other athletic activities - basketball,
boxing, tennis, and other group games - have at-
tracted as many as 600 Anacostia citizens. 
   The recreational program at the center is not
limited to the Barry Farms area, for various excur-
sions have been taken to the zoo, government
buildings in the downtown area, and even to Sky-
line Drive.  In addition, as part of its inter-com-
munity activities, The Barry Farms Recreation
Center presents concerts.  On such occasions
guests from other sections of Washington perform.
   Undoubtedly, the Barry Farms Recreation Cen-
ter is one of the main centers of activity in Ana-
costia.  Within twenty-five years it has developed
from one room to an extensive recreation center,
having a staff of four capable leaders an the
latest in playground equipment, games, movie
projectors, and intercommunication systems.  Its
program of activities is becoming so dynamic that
it has appeal and also support from children as
well as adults, to as many as 16,000 citizens in
Anacostia, and to other areas of Washington, D.C.
                        T. Booth and L. Head
   Interview with Mr. S. Anderson and Mrs. F.S.
Matthews of Barry Farms Playground.

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