QA Living Memorial CHARACTERISTICS OF THE MEMORIAL BUILDING The Memorial Community Building, however much it may vary in its general plan and Show moreQA Living Memorial CHARACTERISTICS OF THE MEMORIAL BUILDING The Memorial Community Building, however much it may vary in its general plan and facilities in different towns and cities, should be dignified, beautiful and in- viting. This is not too high an ideal to be attained even in a community house of the most unassuming pro- portions, because the architecture of public buildings, unlike other forms of public art, has made rapid progress ~ in America. We have reached the stage where the average town or city will be able to achieve a building of good taste, beauty, and appropriateness to purpose. And not alone must the idea of beauty be incorporated into the build- ing itself, so that it speaks forth from the very stones of its structure, but the innate sense of beauty which we, in the newness of our national life, have done little to develop, must be cherished and fostered within its walls. Local music, painting, drama and literature should, in music clubs, in home talent exhibitions—and, yes, in a writers’ corner, find here such encouragement as they never found before. Thus, on its aesthetic side the _ building will bring into the lives of those it serves that “loveliness which is loved forever,” unchanging except to increase with the passing of time. The building is to be a memorial. By its very nature it must record the names and deeds of all who served, and especially those who gave their lives in the cause. There may be a hall of fame, embracing, together with the more personal records, a war museum of exhibits, trophies, battle flags, and other physical evidence of the tragic, glorious conflict. The larger buildings may con- 3 � Show less
Community Buildings as War Memorials man type, the majority of those erected would fail of thei, lofty purpose, and would in the main serve only to in Show moreCommunity Buildings as War Memorials man type, the majority of those erected would fail of thei, lofty purpose, and would in the main serve only to in- crease the amount of uninspiring public art which re. mains from other wars. Does not some form of memorial building offer a better way of keeping alive our sacred memories, of perpetuating the principles which animated the sacri- fices of our boys? A community house, a home o! democracy, a physical center in and out of which may flow all the vital currents of community life—would not that constitute a “living memorial” suitable to our present-day ideas? It could fitly be dedicated to the use of the returning men as well as to the memory of those who will not return. Statistics show that 96 per cent. of all the boys who went overseas have come back to us. To these and to the civilians the community house would furnish a per- manent means of conserving the fine “get together” spirit that was so apparent in the social buildings and huts within the camps, and in the service clubs, can- teens, and other meeting-places wherever uniformed men “went to town.” The war has taught soldiers and civilians the meaning of organized friendliness. The man who has resumed his civilian clothing and activi- ties will not cease to appreciate or expect friendly service, nor will those civilians in every community who labored so hard to re-establish home ties for uniformed men be willing to go back to the old, narrow routine of self-centered interest. � Show less
Community Buildings as War Memorials A series of bulletins published by the Bureau of Memorial Buildings of War Camp Community Service, 124 East 28th Show moreCommunity Buildings as War Memorials A series of bulletins published by the Bureau of Memorial Buildings of War Camp Community Service, 124 East 28th Street, New York, N.Y. Number 2 ! 1919 QQ Living Memorial ANNOUNCEMENT The National Committee on Memorial Buildings, established to assist in the promotion and guidance of the nation-wide movement to erect Community Buildings as war memorials, has merged its activities with those of War Camp Community Service. This Com- | mittee, composed of one hundred representative men and women from all parts of the country, has become the Advisory Committee on | Memorial Buildings of War Community Service. | The Bureau of Memorial Buildings is designed to serve as a clearing-house of information and service in regard to planning, erecting and administering community houses, auditoriums, recrea- tion centers and other “living” memorials. The Bureau does not undertake to erect or finance memorials anywhere; but by means of bulletins, exhibits, speakers and personal advisory service, it is ready to aid state and municipal memorial committees. The Bureau, through its Advisory Committee and through co- operation with national community service bodies, art and archi- tectural associations, etc., has brought together a large amount of expert opinion and knowledge concerning community buildings. This material is being published in the series of Bulletins entitled “Com- munity Buildings as War Memorials.” A list of these publications appears on the back cover. NOTE:—The article which appears in this Bulletin under the title “A Living Memorial” is based on a pamphlet called “Suggestions for a Living Memorial,’ published by War Camp Community Service in March, 1919, and reprinted as Bulletin No. 2 of the National Committee on Memorial Buildings, — ¥ � Show less
w Winning Design in Competition for Memorial Community Building to be Built in Plymouth, Mass. Little @ Russell, Architects. tain a chapel with votive Show morew Winning Design in Competition for Memorial Community Building to be Built in Plymouth, Mass. Little @ Russell, Architects. tain a chapel with votive tablets and memorial windows where family or friends may for a while go apart from the crowd to linger with the memory of their departed. One of the largest reported projects is of a community auditorium to have a great bronze star with an electric light representing each fallen hero, and these will burn without ceasing. Apart from its memorial feature, the building will hold many pleasure-giving facilities, for it will be de- signed to serve varied social and community interests and to be a general gathering-place for the young and light-hearted as well as the older and the more serious. Employers and employed, Republicans and Democrats, Catholics, Protestants, Jews, men, women and children , 4 � Show less
Veranda of the Mosswood Recreation Center, Oakland, Calif. Q Living Memorial 77 QW shall we pay tribute to our heroes of this war! It has been well Show moreVeranda of the Mosswood Recreation Center, Oakland, Calif. Q Living Memorial 77 QW shall we pay tribute to our heroes of this war! It has been well said that the erection of statues and shafts, arches and mausoleums rightly be- longed to the old era of struggle for physical supremacy. Certain it is that such monuments, even the best of them, fail to symbolize the idea of service to humanity and the ideals of brotherhood we now seek to perpetuate. So little progress has been made in memorial art, more- over, when compared with progress in other fields, that should the thousands of communities now turning their ~ attention to the provision of memorials decide upon this 1 ee � Show less
Bulletin Number Two a Libing emorial Entrance Piaitoaia Boston Liberty ACemorial Bureau of Memorial Buildings sel Tar Camp Community 4 Srerbice & Show moreBulletin Number Two a Libing emorial Entrance Piaitoaia Boston Liberty ACemorial Bureau of Memorial Buildings sel Tar Camp Community 4 Srerbice & � Show less
Community Buildings as GHar Memorials democratic social meeting-place in the heart of the city would be out of keeping with its environment; though if Show moreCommunity Buildings as GHar Memorials democratic social meeting-place in the heart of the city would be out of keeping with its environment; though if built by the people of a certain section of the city, it would serve that section much as the community house proper serves the smaller town, and it would make for the return of the old neighborhood spirit that was so de- lightful a thing in pioneer days. Such projects are re- ceiving consideration in several of the larger cities. But a large city’s central memorial building would necessarily be planned primarily for large civic needs and would take the form of a municipal auditorium, perhaps including an art gallery or peoples’ opera house. More than one city’s memorial committee, having started recently with the idea of such a building, has already enlarged it into a civic center or “Victory Square” with beautiful and spacious parks around the auditoriums, including ultimate plans for other build- ings, such as a fine arts building, a city hall, etc., to be added at some time in the future. In the small town the problem of deciding upon the most fitting type of building is comparatively simple. In addition to serving public needs, the house may, as heretofore stated, be the headquarters of such organiza- tions as the American Legion, Spanish War Veterans, GA Roth Ci¥e DA: RR. Ue DeC, Chamber of Com- merce, Rotary Club, Kiwanis Club, Civic League, Wo- men’s Literary Society, Red Cross Chapter, Associated Charities, Y. M.C. A., Y. W. C. A., Knights of Colum- bus, Y. M. H. A., Federated Labor Council, Grange, Farmers’ Cooperative Association, City Council, School 22 � Show less
Community Buildings as THar Memorials ical education school law has recently become effective, it may be desirable to use the gymnasium of the com- Show moreCommunity Buildings as THar Memorials ical education school law has recently become effective, it may be desirable to use the gymnasium of the com- munity house for certain daily periods for school pur- poses, but such use should always be made under the supervision of a physical director. Exception to calis- thenics and set forms of exercise is made in all such practical physical development systems, as Walter Camp’s “daily dozen.” These, dutifully practiced by so many professional men and women in their homes, may be expected to regain the group interest they at- tracted when first adopted by the members of the Cab- inet in Washington, and will be given added zest where ex-sailors are present to keep up the standards of the Navy in their practice. | : A program of handcraft activities, substituting or sup- plementing that given for wounded men will prove an attractive addition to the educational activities. Arts and crafts societies. all over the country have demon- strated the extent to which crafts work may be developed by amateurs, and it has been the experience of many playground directors that the parents and other older folks welcome an opportunity to participate in basketry, wood carving, kite-making, etc., as well as in sewing, carpentry, and the simple forms of manual training. In the study of agricultural and horticultural sub- — jects, which in many places will center at the community house, the Government will offer great assistance. Not only does the Department of Agriculture furnish printed booklets dealing with every phase of these subjects, but in many places the farm demonstrator will be available for talks and consultation. 16 � Show less
Community Buildings as Car Memorials drama, paintings, etc., which heretofore have been largely reserved for the pleasure of a favored few, must be Show moreCommunity Buildings as Car Memorials drama, paintings, etc., which heretofore have been largely reserved for the pleasure of a favored few, must be made accessible to all. Community singing, permanently established during the war, besides continuing to act as a promoter of good fellowship and an excellent medium for bringing people together, has already begun to make a valuable con- tribution to American music in surprising ways. Wher- ever it has been definitely organized, community choruses, orchestras, bands, and glee clubs have been formed and unsuspected talent uncovered. Some lead- ers report that the development of spontaneous leader- — ship in neighborhood and group sings is a phenomenon sometimes as surprising to the volunteer himself as to the crowd. The community entertainment committee, whose business it will be to plan weekly, monthly, and special entertainments, musicales, concerts, etc., open to the whole community, will be able to make good use of all available musical talent, which too often hereto- fore has lacked the encouragement of an appreciative audience. A theatre auditorium and stage designed by an ex- pert, rooms with walls especially arranged and lighted for exhibition purposes, and an assembly-room designed for musical recitals, can in many cases be incorporated into the plans of the building. When there is local in- terest in the drama as an art, the community house theatres, in addition to being the home of first-class “movie” shows, would provide homes for the local “little 18 (, � Show less
Q Living Memorial FITTING THE MEMORIAL TO THE CITY The needs of one community are not the needs of another. American communities, indeed, differ in Show moreQ Living Memorial FITTING THE MEMORIAL TO THE CITY The needs of one community are not the needs of another. American communities, indeed, differ in character almost as much as they do in size. It is there- fore obvious that no general plan can be evolved, and no one type of building can be advocated by an outside agency. Rather, the building must be designed to meet specific needs. Just what these are will be best de- termined by a comprehensive survey, made preferably by a trained investigator who will understand how to bring together all pertinent facts bearing upon the prob- lem. Some of the outstanding facts to be determined are: the existing social institutions which meet community needs, their facilities and character, and the extent and breadth of their appeal; the commercial recreation centers, the character, diversity, and distribution of the population; the financial resources of the community; the city statutes governing buildings, and the control of social institutions. A detailed outline for such a survey (put in the form of a list of questions) is in- cluded in Bulletin Number 3 of this series, issued by the Bureau of Memorial Buildings. The result of such a survey will show that the big city offers one problem and the little town another. In the large city a central building housing all the com- munity social activities is out of the question. The Y. M. C. A., the theatres, the commercial “movie” palaces, the libraries, the clubs, the settlement houses, etc., fairly meet certain needs. Moreover, a home-like 21 � Show less
~ Community Buildings as Tar Memorials heretofore been centered exclusively in a few large cities. Already such organizations as the American Show more~ Community Buildings as Tar Memorials heretofore been centered exclusively in a few large cities. Already such organizations as the American Federation of Arts and the Art Alliance of America have been in- terested in a plan to send out to community houses half a dozen exhibits each year. These traveling exhibitions would be representative of the best that American artists are creating in painting, sculpture, crafts work, in- dustrial arts, design, etc. They would reach a far wider audience than is now reached under any existing circuit or extension system. They would, indeed, make the best in art available to every community which has a community house and a responsible committee to han- dle the exhibits. By exhibits of local work, too, much could be accomplished in encouraging and developing the talent of resident artists and craftsmen. Permanent art exhibits would be added in time. By. sending out a questionnaire to all the people of the community, the Community House Committee can determine what specific activities will be of greatest in- terest. The recipient is asked to check from a printed list the forms of recreation in which he or she would take active part. Local directors of Community Service, Inc., have tried out such a scheme with great success, the demand for the formation of new tennis, billiard and bowling clubs, and dancing, music, and study clubs of various sorts coming from all ages and conditions of people. , | rs ee � Show less
Q Libing Memorial Proposed Me- morial Build- ing to be erect- ed in connec- tion with the Memorial Playground at Frankford, Philadelphia, Pa. WilliamF Show moreQ Libing Memorial Proposed Me- morial Build- ing to be erect- ed in connec- tion with the Memorial Playground at Frankford, Philadelphia, Pa. WilliamF. Gray, Archi- tect. Those in charge of the library or reading-room, which will find a place in most community houses, should get a complete catalog from the Government Printing Office, through which all manner of valuable printed material may be obtained either gratis or at a small cost. Such a library will render valuable service to the schools, as indeed will the entire community building with its fa- cilities, moving picture machines, and temporary and permanent art exhibits. ART ACTIVITIES There is a peculiar fitness in bringing the arts into the memorial program: if the war has really destroyed the old materialism and brought us an appreciation of things spiritual, then the arts, which in their highest form are essentially spiritual and creative, must have place in any balanced plan for the future. If the war has been one for democracy, then surely the music, 17 � Show less
FA Living Memorial Billiard Room in the Com- munity House, La Jolla, Cal. theatre” groups which are doing so much to bring dra- matic art back into Show moreFA Living Memorial Billiard Room in the Com- munity House, La Jolla, Cal. theatre” groups which are doing so much to bring dra- matic art back into the lives of the people. In them a new sort of community drama would soon develop; and this would also give impetus to the allied pageantry movement. It is not unlikely that circuits will be ar- ranged so that there could be an exchange of community theatre companies from town to town and special pro- grams to be given outdoors in rural communities. In- cidentally, with a nation-wide chain of community movie shows it does not seem too much to hope that we may eventually create a demand for more artistic mo- tion picture dramas. : By providing a room especially designed for art exhi- bitions or by arranging wall space properly lighted in one of the assembly rooms, much can be done towards bringing to the small town. some of the art life which has 19 � Show less
A Living Memorial cd A Children’s Christmas Banquet at the Community House, La Jolla, Calif. This educational work has been limited by the lack of Show moreA Living Memorial cd A Children’s Christmas Banquet at the Community House, La Jolla, Calif. This educational work has been limited by the lack of working centers. The community house will allow of its further development. There are thousands of women all over the country who became food specialists in military hospitals, canteens, clubs, etc., during the war, and who may naturally be expected to assume leadership in such programs, which may readily develop into child-feeding and school lunch experiment stations. Physical education activities in the community pro- gram will normally be included under the head of re- creation, since dull routine exercises are largely a thing of the past, except when they come under the head of corrective athletics. Where the new compulsory phys- 15 � Show less
Community Buildings as Gar Memorials Garfield Lodge, a Social and Recreational Center in a City Park, at Grand Rapids, Mich. Food study groups and Show moreCommunity Buildings as Gar Memorials Garfield Lodge, a Social and Recreational Center in a City Park, at Grand Rapids, Mich. Food study groups and domestic science classes under the auspices of women’s clubs, government demonstra- tion agents, etc., will in many places make the com- munity kitchen a practical asset. With the present world shortage of food, cooperative buying, cooking and canning merit careful study. Uneducated and un- trained mothers of families living in poorer sections of some of our cities have benefited greatly by coming to- gether in experiment kitchens, working under expert guidance, and carrying home with them products of their work which has cost them only the price of the raw material. | | 14 is F a : oF � Show less
Q@ Living Memorial be complete without reference to the importance of wide verandas. They add, moreover, the all-important touch of homelike Show moreQ@ Living Memorial be complete without reference to the importance of wide verandas. They add, moreover, the all-important touch of homelike attractiveness from an architectural point of view. Terraces and loggias are also features which may add greatly to the charm of the community building. | , RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES The more exacting modern life becomes, the more we realize the necessity for simple play, diversion, and or- ganized physical recreation. This is true not only for the man or woman at an office desk, but for the home and farm worker as well. We have just begun to sus- pect the place that folk-dancing and folk-games may play in community life, especially where various groups of foreign-born citizens appear in the costume of their native lands and in the dances and games of their fore- fathers. In addition to these, all sorts of physical re- creation activities for men and women may center around a gymnasium and a swimming-pool, billiard table, bowling alley and “rough house” room. The soldier will have pride in keeping up his high attainment of physical perfection and will furnish poten- tial leadership for a wide development of mass sports, athletics, and simple laughter-provoking games. Here is offered a splendid chance for the development of league tournaments, of business men’s and laboring men’s volley ball, indoor baseball, and bowling teams, which do so much to promote the spirit of comradeship among trade competitors. Here the growing girls and mature women may enjoy recreation facilities so much needed and so seldom found. They are eager to join 9 � Show less