Clemyjontri Park is an oasis, preserved in perpetuity for everyone to enjoy. The park is the dream of our benefactor Mrs. Adele Lebowitz, who envisioned this playground and park and generously donated this 18-acre property.
The Lebowitz Family
Mr. Lebowitz started Morton’s Department Stores in 1935 in Washington DC and ran those stores for more than 50 years. In the 1930’s and 40’s, two decades before the civil rights movement, the specter of segregation was very much a part of the Washington landscape. However, Mr. Lebowitz refused to conform to the racial practices of the day and was one of the first to fully integrate his stores for customers and staff alike.
A very modest man, he was driven by a sense of fair play and justice. He joined the NAACP in 1942 and the Urban League in 1952, for which he served as President. As a civic leader, Mr. Lebowitz worked untiringly to improve the economic standard of the citizens of Washington DC.
And on the lighter side, Morton’s was the first sponsor of a local kids TV show—the Pick Temple Show—in the 1950’s. Many local children had the opportunity to be on television through this program featuring Piccolo Pony and a clown named Bozo. That clown went on to great things and has brought joy to many people. His name is Willard Scott.
The Clemyjontri Name
The name CLEMYJONTRI is derived from the donor’s four children: Carolyn (CL), Emily (EMY), John (Jon), and Petrina (Tri).
Here are some photos from the park when Sheridan and I took Lincoln back in February...the ground is made of the bouncy/soft material so if they kids fall they don't hurt themselves as bad
Lincoln absolutely LOVED it!!!
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