University of Idaho - Gem of the Mountains Yearbook (Moscow, ID)

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and ownership of the new building after its completion. The site of the building on the north side of MacLean field was dedicated two years ago with the erection of a flagpole. Immediately following a formal ceremony of turning up the first spadeful of earth, in the summer of 1927, con- struction was begun and continued steadily tll the building was completed, in spite of a severe winter which materially handicapped the contractors. The pouring of concrete for the massive foundations and lower walls of the s tructure was completed during the winter of 1927-28. Coming of spring saw the heavy steel girders being hoisted into place and the brick walls gradually rise skyward. By June the new building had taken on definite size and shape, and work on the interior had begun. W hen the students returned to school in September, 1928, their new gymnasium was practically completed and ready for use, its beautiful walls and tower rising majestically above MacLean field. In addition to constituting a lasting memorial to Idaho’s war dead, the new edifice is an attractive addition to the beautiful buildings on the Idaho campus, and has become an important center in our student life. The completion of the much needed structure has made possible a very extensive program of physical education for all students, and has given Idaho’s athletic teams a home of which they

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THE MEMORIAL GYMNASIUM In the spring of nineteen twenty-three a joint committee consisting of members of the American Legion of the State and of University alumni was formed to consider plans for the erection of a war memorial on the campus of the University of Idaho. During the spring and sum- mer of the same year the project was put before the Legion convention and the alumni association, and the proposal to build a memorial in the form of a modern gymnasium was accepted by both. An association was formed and later incorporated under the laws of the state. The board of directors for the association were: R. D. Leeper of Lewiston, president; J. 5. Arner, vice president; Paul Davis, second vice president; George Horton, secretary-treasurer; Harry Einhouse and L. V. Patch. Paul Davis was commander of the Legion at this time and shortly thereafter was made director of the drive for funds which was conducted by counties throughout the state. Later, the corporation secured the services of the Ward Systems company to complete the drive, which fell short of the required amount. Slightly more than $100,000 was raised, the corporation bonding for the balance and enter- ing into a contract with the University concerning control

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are justly proud. The spacious gymnasium floor is one of the finest on the Pacific coast. Comfortable quarters are provided for a progressive military department. On November 3, 1928, preceding the annual homecoming game with Washington State College, Colonel L. VY. Patch, speaking in behalf of the Idaho War Memorial Association, officially presented the building to the University. The State was represented by Lieutenant-Governor Oscar E. Hailey. Mr. R. D. Leeper delivered the main address in which he explained the reason for the location, saying that in being here the Memorial was made useful, that it was a proper inspiration to the youth of the state, and a fitting honor to university students and faculty members who served and sacrificed in the Spanish-American and World Wars. He expressed his hope that “It would serve the people of our state in the spiritual conception out of which it had arisen.” In keeping with its purpose as a Memorial in honor of the war veterans who gave their lives to their country, a bronze tablet is to be installed in the building, giving the names of all veterans of Idaho who made the supreme sacrifice in service, some nine hundred being included. This memorial tablet, together with trophies of war, will be placed in the tower. A German fieldpiece will guard the main entrance.