Additional Games
- Chessgames
- Game, Jacob Levin vs. Frank J. Marshall, Marshall CC vs. Mercantile Library, October 21, 1934.
Jacob Levin
1904 - June 17, 1992
1942
May 04 1947
The Philadelphia Inquirer, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Sunday, May 04, 1947
Recreation Vista Widens For G.I.'s at Valley Forge.
A diversified program of recreation has been provided for convalescent soldiers and Wacs at Valley Forge General Hospital under a plan originated by a Philadelphia and supported by hospital authorities.
Weekly programs each Thursday night, which has been designated as “Club Night,” with games of chess, checkers and cards of all kinds, go on at the same time in the spacious recreation hall reserved for patients.
Experts Ready to Help
And instructing, or just plain “kibitzing,” are some of Philadelphia's outstanding players, who are assisting in providing entertainment features for the men and women.
Nearby, in a smaller, quieter room, a camera group gathers. Here again, the patients receive advice from visiting experts concerning their interests and problems in photography.
It all started last September when the Philadelphian, Leon Rosenfield, of the Veterans Administration Regional Office, sought to do something for the convalescents which would help in the development of initiative after they became ambulatory and able to choose their recreation.
Chess Group Formed
Rosenfield is especially interested in chess. With the approval and cooperation of the hospital authorities and the Red Cross, he organized a chess group.
“I decided that the chess program should be put on with the best talent,” Rosenfield said, “and found that experts in this area were willing to volunteer their time and ability to help the convalescents.”
The project appealed to the men, the Red Cross found it favorable, and the group grew.
Early in February the Red Cross organized club groups for checkers, cards and photography, then requested Rosenfield to assist in enlisting the help of experts to build up added interest for the soldiers. It was done.
Games and Refreshments
Now, on a Thursday evening, the recreation hall presents a scene of diverse activity. Soldiers come in wearing uniforms or denim convalescent suits. Some of the patients are still swathed in bandages. Others wear splints. Occasionally, one is wheeled in.
They form their partnerships, and then, depending on the game, find a visitor of top-notch ability to explain some of the fine points.
Midway during the evening, the Red Cross girls serve refreshments--sandwiches, cake, doughnuts, and strong, steaming coffee, or soft drinks.
Among those who have given chess instruction and demonstrations have been William A. Ruth, many-times champion of Pennsylvania and other States; Walter McHale, of Philadelphia, a veteran who played masters in France, and Ernest W. Strang, of Camden, also a veteran.
Others include Jacob Levin, of Philadelphia, fourth-ranking chess player in the United States; Harry Morris, of this city, Pennsylvania champion; Dale W. Schrader, a Philadelphian and a well-known analyst; William H. Stewart, of Lansdowne, former State champion, and Saul Wachs, junior Pennsylvania champion.
Albert Neff, Philadelphia checker champion, has contributed his efforts a number of times.
Carroll H. Sarles, of the Locust Bridge Club; Lewis L. Bucks, of the Philadelphia Bridge Club, and Mrs. Pauline Schmukler, a leading player of this city, have been among those who added their contributions in making “Club Night” click.
Interest Aroused
One hundred and fifty copies of Charles Solomon's “No Trump Bidding” were donated to the G. I. Bridge fans by The Philadelphia Inquirer.
The Antonelli Studios of Philadelphia have furnished the aid of their instructors or advanced students in the work of the camera group.
“We don't urge anybody to participate,” a spokesman for the Red Cross said. “We expect the men to join because they see others getting real enjoyment out of it. We publicize it and let the interest of the patients do the rest.”
Transportation of those here who help is provided through the Red Cross Volunteer Motor Corps.
