Purdue University - Debris Yearbook (West Lafayette, IN)

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The Memorial Gymnasium f- A HE project of a Memorial Gymnasium was launchedpalmost immediately after that fatal thirtyfhist day of Qctober, Nineteen Hun- dred and Three, when sixteen loyal sons of Purdue were hurled to their death while on ' the way to fight for their Alma Mater. The idea was suggested by Mr. WV. Jones, '91, and was taken up by the LaFayette Journal who pushed the matter until it had gained sufficient headway to insure its being carried to completion as soon as the necessary funds could be raised. At first it was the opinion of all who were interested in the scheme, that since it was to stand as a memorial to those men who lost their lives in the wreck, it should be a building which would serve the highest interests of the entire student body. ln accordance with these ideas it was first planned to have thc building contain, besides the main gymnasium and locker rooms, a billiard and pool room, reading room, social rooms, and an auditorium. lt was soon found that if such a building were to be considered it would be several years before snfiicicnt money could be raised to insure its completion. The Building Committee in taking up their task took all these things into consideration, and came to the conclusion 'that a building which would serve only as a gymnasium would be en- tirely satisfactory to students, alumni and friends. And so acting at once on this decision they began to arrange for the plans and details of our Memorial Gymnasium. The building is one of the finest gymnasiums in the West, being spacious, handsome, conveniently arranged and equipped with everything necessary to a modern, up-to-date gymnasium. The materials used on the exterior are red brick with Bedford stone trimmings, and a red tile roof. In the interior the Wood- work is finished entirely in Qld Mission, which, taken with the light overhead finishings in the main gymnasium, makes an impression which will be long remembered. As to the ar- rangement of the gymnasium itself all that can be said is that every inch of space is used, and for some good purpose. The front annex contains a trophy room, lounging room and the offices for the Athletic Association and the Physical Director. On the first fioor is the main gymnasium with an unobstructed fioor space eighty by one hundred sixty feet. Above this and suspended from the ceiling is the running track, which measures fourteen laps to the mile and is ten feet wide. ln the south end of the basement is the swimming pool, thirty by sixty feet, four feet deep at one end and seven and one half at the other. The locker rooms occupy the central part of the basement and eventually will contain eighteen hundred thirteen lockers, though at present only seven hundred eighty six are in place. ln the north end of the basement are the quarters for the ,Varsity and visiting teams. These apart- ments are fitted with all modern appliances for carrying on systematic training. With' such advantages Purdue will surely forge to the front in athletics, and eventually be one of the big- gest of the Big Eight? 10