University of California Los Angeles - Bruin Life / Southern Campus Yearbook (Los Angeles, CA)

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Mech anic Arts Tucked away at the far north end of the campus is a low flat structure known as the Mechanic Arts Building. Small as it is, it is the scene of con- tinuous activity. This building serves as the teaching ground for courses touching the trades. Here the buzzing of saws denotes the shops in wood- work, the belching of flame and smoke from large hot chimneys indicates the forge and foundry, and the grinding and whirl of machinery marks the pres- ence of the machine shops. In a large room, around tall tables, sit men learning the art of mechanical drafting. The halls serve as a sort of museum where everything mechanical, from a needle to a battleship hangs on the walls or rest in velvet-lined display cases. The Mechanic Arts Building is the headquarters of the Federal Board of Vocational Training at the Southern Branch. Here, under the direction of Mr. Mansfield, the injured World War veteran makes his plans, receives his instruc- tions, learns his trade, and gets his pay which is all sufficient. The Federal Men accept this structure as their home, and, as a result, the place hums with industrious activity. At the entrance of this building where the men collect at all times, for the sake of recreation and amusement, there has been erected a volley-ball court. During the noon hours, these shell-shocked, gassed and wounded ex-soldiers spend an exciting and happy time in their sport. As for the building of the Mechanic Arts itself, nothing can be said in favor of its beauty of architectural design. It is a low-squatting structure, wooden, with simple, ungraceful lines. The exterior sides, toward the track field and the Men ' s Gym is quite dirty, with piles of scrap iron and broken, rusted machinery laying about. The old adage as regards the deceit of appearances holds true in respect to this building, for unattractive as it is externally, as a place of utility, no other building on the campus surpasses it. 20

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i lllfi t ocience When, in the course of Botany, Physics, Zoology and similar studies, it becomes necessary to attend classes, one must needs enter the Science Build- ing. This edifice graces a prominent position in the center of the campus. Here the student wrestles with unsolvable problems in Physics, unspellable names in Zoology and Botany, inexplicable phenomena in Bacteriology and similar activity in like phases of scientific study. Besides the faculty and stu- dents which engage in the search for scientific knowledge, this building houses many other strange creatures, live or otherwise. Scattered here and there are cages, cupboards and cabinets containing live birds, chipmunks, rattlesnakes, and other reptiles; great varieties of stuffed birds, animals and fish; pickled snakes, toads, lizards and bones and skeletons of animals, some thousands of years old. Hence, the Science Building is an attractive feature of the Southern Branch, its collection of natural specimens interesting not only the students engaged in work therein, but others as well. The Science of the Military in the So uthern Branch first received its birth in this building. The fact that the personnel of the military department was first stationed among the bones of weird, prehistoric animals has caused no small wonder to the students. The Colonel and his staff first planned the activities of the Military Department in a section of the Science Building. Later, however, the executive section of our War Department saw fit to leave the portals of this edifice and sought more palatial quarters elsewhere. Even now, however, the clerical division occupies a part of the building, and the hum of typewriters and the click of heels announces that in this quarter there is much activity. The building itself, however, is a very modest affair, although it takes up a very prominent position on the campus, and is of the same simple architecture as the adjoining buildings. ■ 19

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sical Education The home of those specializing in the physical education courses, yet the gymnasium building, entertains women students from every course in the University. From eight o ' clock in the morning, when the young Amazons take recreation in the form of outdoor sports, to four o ' clock in the afternoon, when the dancers practice for the annual May Festival, this Temple of Health is alive with people. Young women rushing from Millspaugh Hall with bundles under their arms disappear into dressing rooms and come forth in neat black and white gym suits and race up the runway to the gym floor. Minor details are hastily put on duri ng roll call. On the second floor most of the indoor work is carried on. Apparatus of all kinds lines the walls and the large polished floor is used for regular gymnasium work, folk and aesthetic dancing, basketball games, corrective work and University dances. Adjoining this room is a kitchen where refreshments are prepared for social affairs. Nearby are smaller rooms equipped with bars and mirrors for corrective work. Physical examinations for new students are conducted on this floor, and the doctor ' s and nurses ' offices are places of advice in trouble and help in accident. On the third floor are rest rooms, daintily furnished in wicker and cre- tonne. The balcony overlooks the gymnasium room and is used by visitors in classes and spectators at games. The physical education department offers a four-year course with a high school teacher ' s certificate. It also sponsors the Women ' s Athletic Associa- tion, which provides systematic, organized recreation for women students in all branches of sports; hiking, swimming, tennis, track, dancing, apparatus, basketball and baseball. The physical education building serves as a center for athletics and recreational activities of all the women on the campus. 21