“Ever heard about playground strikes?” That’s right. Even kids have stood up for what they believe is right. Here at Middleton Playground we can reflect on the history of play and childhood in New York City.
Playgrounds weren’t always around. At the turn of the 20th century child labor laws were not yet constitutional. Children often socialized with adults in dance halls and gambling dens. The play movement sought to remove children from the physical and moral dangers of the street. Trained play leaders supervised them.
The Playground Association of America formed in 1906. Theodore Roosevelt declared city streets unsatisfactory playgrounds. He cited dangers and the fact that good games were against the law. He also noted that streets were too hot in summer. Also in crowded sections they could be schools of crime.
Jacob Riis and Jane Addams were heavily involved in this movement. They spearheaded the campaign to provide safe spaces for socializing and sports. New York City’s demand for playgrounds began before the national campaign.
Early playgrounds were called pleasure resorts and vacation playgrounds. They aimed to restore children’s social morality. One article claimed playgrounds would lessen the need for hospitals. They would provide a chance to work out their own salvation. This would happen physically morally and mentally.
Playgrounds reclaimed children from evil influences. They broke up gang fights. They provided a road to good American citizenship. It was thought good for children to work off physical energy properly. It was better than among garbage cans and alleys.
Parks evolved. Instead of “keep off the grass” signs parks became outlets for sports. Playgrounds were constructed for poor tenement children. Balls bats dumbbells and tennis racquets were provided. Trained playground leaders were also on hand. Popular sports included lawn tennis baseball and football. Playgrounds had organized competitive teams. Junior clubs were for ages 7 to 14. Senior clubs were for ages 14 to 18. Playgrounds competed culminating in the Playground Games. By 1917 over 20000 contenders participated.
Now consider the playground strike. Some Bronx boys boycotted the Bronx House Playground. They did this because its playground leader was fired. A bold 10 year old led dozens of children to picket the playground. They threatened any potential play-goers.
The strikers yielded pickets with skull and crossbones. They showed terrifying pictures of boys with blackened eyes and missing teeth. Their tamest threats proclaimed “MR. BROWN OR PLAYGROUND CLOSED.” Mr Brown led children on unauthorized expeditions. The children succeeded in having his status reconsidered.
Looking around Middleton Playground today we see a safe space for fun. Remember the fight for playgrounds and the kids who took play seriously.