The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1883-10-16
The Amherst Gymnasium.
Laying of the Corner Stone-Description
of the New Structure.

The ceremonies attending the laying of the
cornerstone of the new Pratt gymnasium
occurred on Saturday afternoon, and were of
simple and striking character. At 2 o'clock
President Seelye, with members of the faculty
and invited guests, took seats upon the plat
form. The senior class then formed in semi
circle in the rear. Within hearing distance
was an audience numbering 500. DIR. Hitch
cock, the pioneer in the physical training de-
partment, then spoke few words of congratu-
lation, and introduced Mr.. Charles NJ. Pratt,
'79, Of Brooklyn, the donor of the building.
Mr.. Pratt read carefully prepared statement,
in which he said that the best gymnasiums in
the country had been inspected and drawn
from in the matter of improvements, and
assured the college that the new gymnasium
should be all that could be desired. He closed
by expressing his great love for the profe ssors
and his Alma Mater, and feelingly alluded to
the motives which induced him to present the
college with this splendid gift HIS last words
consisted Of grateful tribute to Dr. Hitch
cock. His remarks were listened TO with
great interest, and we're frequently applauded
DR.. Hitchcock then spoke at some length
respecting the advantages that would be
derived from the new edi6ce and the progress
OF the college for the past quarter of
century He said: "Twenty-four years ago to-
day, and almost this very hour, a goodly COM
pany of 200 assembled at what was then the
northeast corner of the college grounds to
witness the laying of the cornerstone of our
good old Barrett gymnasium, which has
served us SO long. Today we assemble here to
lay the cornerstone of new gymnasium, pre-
sented by one of Amherst's youngest sons. The
vast improvement of the new over the old is
in fall accord with the progress the college has
made during the intervening time. Amherst
College is the mother; the students are the
children, and as the children beautify the old
home of their parents, so the alumni endow
the college with everlasting testimonials of
their love and esteem" He then called upon
the students to assist him in placing the stone
iu position, and committee of three from the
senior class, consisting of w. K. Parker, j.
n Spofford and j. H. Tufts, then lowered the
stone in its place, and DIR. Hitchcock pre-
claimed the stone as we'll and truly laid. The
stone is plain granite block with
1888 upon it in large characters.
exercises closed with singing the Doxology,
and three heaty cheers for Mr.. Pratt and Dr.
Hitchcock. The gymnasium when completed
will be substantial rather than elegant build
ing. The greatest length of the building will
be 121 feet, and the greatest width 81 feet, thus
making it the largest building connected with
the college. The foundation is of granite, and
just above it will be wall of broken ashlar
work, eight feet high. The facing will be
composed of pressed brick and Ohio stone trim
mings. The basement will contain batting
gallery, sparring, dressing and bath rooms, bowl
ing alleys, 300lockers and tennis court. On the
first floor there will be the main hall, S0x6O
feet, the doctors private office, dry-rubbing
and shower. bath rooms. Contingent with the
main hall will be the athletic room, 39x22 feet.
The floor will be of Southern pine, with an
deliberately finished black-walnut rod around
it. Thirteen feet above the first floor, and ex-
tending around it will be running track seven
feet in width. On the second floor will be the
visitors and students rooms, club-room and
billiard hall 24x2S feet. The main hall in the
centre of the building will be lighted by sky
light, but the other rooms will have an abun.
dance of windows. The gymnasium will be
under the care of three students. The build
ing will cost $4,000. and the fixtures S15,000
additional, which will be given by the college,
with the aid of the Hon. Frederic Billings.
The architect is Mr.. e. l.. Roberts of New
York, and he promises that the structure shall
be completed by June l, 1884.