Lantz, Christian

Christian Lantz was considered the father of the playground system in America.

Born in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania, Lantz came to Salem and was general secretary at the

Salem YMCA from 1900-1935.

As well as setting up playgrounds in Salem he was active in many civic organizations. He was a member

of the Salem Park Commission, trustee of the Salem YMCA, trustee of Salem Hospital, member

of Salem Rotary Club and vice-president of the Salem Savings Bank.

He helped set up Pioneer Village for the Tercentenary celebration of the state in 1939.

In 1955 the Salem YMCA broke ground on a new swimming pool named in his honor.

He also help found the Salem Philharmonic and was chairman of the Fire Relief Committee. He was drafted

by the Nation Red Cross in 1917 to set up rehab work in Halifax, Nova Scotia following an explosion of a

munitions ship.

Anonymous