Rome Free Academy - De O Wain Sta Yearbook (Rome, NY)

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THE DE-O-WAIN-STA 17 architecture. The architecture in the auditorium is modified English, while the arched corridors, and the entrances signify the Renaissance. The new building has not only stimulated our sense of artistic con- struction and made convenient our various activities, but has also had a decidedly beneficial effect on our school spirit and enthusiasm in our work. We have an increased appreciation of the truth that school is not a con- tinuous grind of books and studies but a place where we may develop our character, considering studies and activities a pleasure. Within the front doors, one finds a wide staircase on either side of GYMNASIUM sl'hoto by C. B. Howland, Commer cial Photographer. the entrance hall, two luminous lanterns which serve to light the hall, and nearby, a ticket office. Directly ahead and across the corridor one may descend to the spacious gymnasium. This is equipped with all kinds of gymnastic apparatus, which will be of utmost benefit to the physical exer- cise classes in the future. We are confident that the standard of our athletics will be raised to a higher plane because of more adequate facilities to carry on that phase of school life. In the gallery, around three sides of the gymnasium, are chairs for three hundred fifty-five spcetators. Back of the gymnasium there are locker rooms and shower rooms to accommo- date both the boys' classes and girls' classes. We were delighted to find such a wonderful gymnasium when we 1 l

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16 THE DE-O-WAIN-STA The New R. F. A. Building The class of 1926 is sensible of the background provided by our his- toric city. Our i reverence for the past we have endeavored to ex- press in the main theme of the De-O-Wain-Sta. We desire, in addition, to show our gratitude to the community for their generous gift of our new school home. This sentiment has been embodied by our artists in their de- signs framing the historical drawings found in the pages which succeed. Our artists have followed the wall-tracery of the front entrance and of the ornamental panels. In some drawings they have incorporated the net- NEW R. F. A. -Photo by C. B. Howland, Commercial Photographer. work of some of the windows. Thus, in symbols, do we express the merg- ing of ourselves into the larger life that fosters and nourishes us. Close examination of the building reveals the fact that decorative treatment is confined almost exclusively to the main entrance, the win- dows, and to the blank walls on the front of the end pylons. This decora- tion is faithfully worked out in Gothic detail, although the entire building is merely an adaptation of the Gothic, showing both Egyptian and modern American influences. Its construction also typifies the Renaissance in some details. The end pylons and the impressed panels on either end of the building typify Gothic architecture. The vastness and the plainness of the building typify Egyptian architecture, while the lions' heads which cap the piers between the windows suggest the gargoyles of medieval

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18 THE DE-O-WAIN-STA entered our new halls of knowledge and were as much interested in the auditorium. The auditorium is located on the second floor, directly above the gymnasium. It has greatly improved our weekly assemblies and special meetings, and will be of even greater interest when the moving picture machine is installed, which is already provided for. It has a seating capacity of nine hundred thirty-three opera chairs and is beautifully lighted with eight chandeliers, having a total of ninety-six lights. The large stage is equipped with various colored footlights and a very attractive curtain. On each end of the stage there are two dressing rooms. Last, but by no means least, is our Latin motto which is written over the very center of the stage. This, translated, is Truth Conquersf' ASSEMBLY HALL -Photo hy U. li. Howland, Commercial Photographer Likewise our library will be used to great advantage in preparing lessons, especially English and history. The machine shop is also a new feature which will be of interest to many boys. Although cooking and sewing have been carried on for years in the high school course, classes have had to be accommodated in the Fort Stanwix School. The girls who desire to take up the work will now find it more efficiently presented in their own building. We hope that more girls will become interested in these branches, carried on more extensively as they will be. The cafeteria will also be of great value, especially to the non-resident pupils. A tele- phone, installed in each room, will enable the principal to get in touch