Atlanta Daily World

Uncle Remus At Mozley Park For Crippled Tots

Uncle Remus was at Mozley Park on Friday afternoon, telling the story about the Fox and the Grapes.

Uncle Remus had come to life again. A little boy sat at his feet enraptured. The animals and birds were there too, listening to this famous Georgia story teller.

What was unusual about Uncle Remus, the little boy, the animals and the birds? They were all physically handicapped youngsters who have been attending the Easter Seal annual summer day camp at Mozley Park.

The children were presenting their closing program of the Day Camp sessions. Cast as Uncle Remus was Charles Wilks. The little boy was portrayed by David Pippin; the Rabbits by Velia Wilson, Vickie Curtis and Thomas Yancey. The Fox was played by David Barnes and Johnny Watson. Cast as the possum were David Barnes and Johnny Watson. The birds were played by Willie Mae Bell and James Credell, and the bear by Richard Morgan and Calvin Peterson.

At 2:00 p.m. the Easter Seal campers began their program with a devotion led by Terry Sue Hill, followed by the singing of "Jesus Loves the Little Ones." Nellie K. Gainer led the prayer and chant and the hymn, "Fairest Lord Jesus, Ruler of All."

Camper Brenda Talley gave the welcome to all parents and guests present.

Another camper, Calvin Peterson introduced the program which began with pep songs sung by all 22 handicapped campers. This was followed by a choral reading of Peter Rabbit. A dance number, entitled "Trees" was then presented. Vela Wilson recited a poem called, "How Rabbits Travel."

The imaginary curtain then fell. When it rose, there was Uncle Remus, the little boy the animals and the birds.

When the skit ended, applause from the audience echoed across Mozley Park and dissipated into the warm summer afternoon air.

The Easter Seal Day Campers closed their program with a short talk by the camp director, Mrs. Musia White and the song, "Good-bye to You."

Youngsters attending the three-week session of the Easter Seal day camp were: Johnny Watson, Nellie K. Gainer, Roger Pines, Thomas Yancey, Whitlock Daniels, Blondine Walker, Cynthia Mills, Claudie Leslie, Velia Wilson, Charles Wilks, Calvin Peterson, Ralph Sullivan, David Pippin, Jerry Lee Hambrick, Richard Morgan, Judith Hill, Terry Sue Hill, David Barnes, James Credell, Willie Mae Bell, Vickie Curtis and Brenda Talley.

The Day Camp is co-sponsored by the Georgia Society for Crippled Children and Adults, the Easter Seal Society and the Atlanta Parks and Recreation Department.