Lantz, Christian

Christian Lantz (1867-1955) 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, and a member

of Salem Rotary Club. He was also vice-president of the Salem Savings Bank.

He married Henrietta in 1919.

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

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

He died on Oct. 16, 1955.

Anonymous