First Holiday Fete At Ablett Village Is Big Success

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By Ida Mae Roeder
It was a tired but happy crowd of youngsters—and oldsters—who left the playground of Ablett Village Housing Project at State st. and River ave. on the Fourth of July.
An entire afternoon of free refreshments, contests and prizes will live a long time in the memories of the children who helped make the first annual affair a success.
It was the first official act of entertainment of the newly organized Auxiliary Police Department of the Village. The two sergeants and 18 patrolmen who make up the force worked day and night for the past week to give the youngsters a really good time.
And to make the running of the races worthwhile, merchants throughout the city donated prizes of real value. There wasn't one child or adult who won a race who wasn't surprised and delighted with the award.
Valuable Prizes
Prizes to adults included such articles as permanent waves, gold cuff link sets, electric broiler; dinners at leading restaurants, and costume jewelry.
Children walked from the prize table happily clutching big league baseballs and bats, wind-up toys, a big magnetic set, books, dolls and cash awards.
The refreshment stand at the close of the day was liberally sprinkled with mustard from sizzling hot dogs; dixie cups, chocolate milk glasses and empty soft drink bottles—all evidence of a free and happy time.
And for the small fry there was a little brown and white pony who did more than his share in carrying cartloads of laughing tots—all free.
Winners of Events
Winners and races they won are, 200-yard dash, Buddy Falcon and Frank Dougherty; 100 yards for girls, Patricia Rogers and Peggy Vickery; for boys, Richard Pervical and Leonard Baldyga; 75-yards for girls, Mildred Benton and Charlote Wartman; for boys, James McFay and Frank Valora; 50 yards, three awards, Leonard Adams, Shirley James and John Wilson; 25 yards for 6-year-olds, "Sonny" George Piech, who was one of the Courier-Post "babies" in the paper's recent birthday celebrations; Johnny Lacco and Carol Dwyer.
Balloon blowing contest for women, Mrs. Audrey Reilly, with runners-up Mrs. Anne Ollis and Mrs. Christine Adams. Potato and spoon race for adults, Elmer Johnson. Wheelbarrow race for men and their wives, John Kercher, whose wife pushed him to victory.
Three-legged 50-yard race for adults, Mrs. Frances Gaylord and Mrs. Mary Binder. Same race for men, John Simon and Frank May. Potato sack race for women, Mrs. Audrey Reilly and Mrs. Frances Gaylord. Fifty-yard dash for women over 25, Mrs. Audrey Reilly and Mrs. Marie Arble.
Races for the teen-agers to Ruth Manning, Buddy Falcon and Frank McFay. For girls and boys 11 to 14, Anita Light, Joanna Dougherty, Laura Van Horn and Richard Percival.
Wheelbarrow race for six to eight years, Eleanore Trykowski, Nancy Binder, Joseph Gerber and Robert Daisey. Twenty-five yards for five to six years, Richard Ollis and Harry Watson.
Peanut scramble for tots, Raymond Vickery, Frank Dougherty and Donna Arble. Chewing gum scramble for five to six years, Robert McFay and Bruce Ollis. Taffy scrimble for six to eight years, Theresa Piech, Harry Watson and Barry Littleford. Penny scramble to Barry Littleford, John Stinsman and Daniel Joie.
Grand prize of an electric broiler went to George May.