Playing Progressively?
Playing Progressively?
Race, Reform, and Playful Pedagogies in the Origins of Philadelphia’s Starr Garden Recreation Park, 1857–1904
This chapter traces the origins of the playground movement in America by presenting the story of Philadelphia's Starr Garden Recreation Park. It first considers philanthropist Theodore Starr's support for kindergarten advocate Anna Hallowell and African American pastor Reverend Henry Phillips in their child-saving efforts by establishing Starr Garden Park, and how he built on the efforts of George Stuart and his Colored Mission Sabbath School to expand Starr Garden Park into the playground that it is now. It then describes Susan Wharton's commitment to African American children and families in the neighborhood through her work as a founder of the Starr Centre Association and its predecessors, the St. Mary Street Library and the Philadelphia College Settlement. Finally, it discusses the issue of race by citing the role of African Americans in the processes and organizations that led to the establishment of the Starr Garden Park/Playground.
Keywords: playground movement, Philadelphia, Starr Garden Recreation Park, Theodore Starr, Susan Wharton, African American children, Starr Centre Association, St. Mary Street Library, Philadelphia College Settlement, African Americans
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