The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1889-06-13
DAVID J. M'cOMB.
The President Who Pushed the Build
ting scheme Through.


When David J. McComb was reelected
President OF the Amateur Athletic Associ-
alton in January, 1888, he took the office
upon tho condition that every member Of
the organization would cooperate with
him in furthering the interests OF the Club,
upon the basis which he had conceived,
provided, OF course, that his views met
with their approval. He desired that the
home OF the Club should be unsurpassed
by any like organization in the South, and,
while perhaps not so luxurious as some OF
the great athletic buildings OF the North,
II should BIO as complete in every detail;
that the main hall for exercising should be
replete with apparatus for the development
OF every muscle in the body; that the bath
rooms should DO conveniently arranged;
that the entertainment hall should possess
fine acoustic qualities; that the reading and
dining-rooms should be gems in appoint
ments, and that the parlors should be in
keeping with the completeness and at
tractyeness OF the rest OF the buildings.
II was grand conception, and doubt
less startled his associates, as the young
president drafted il in his enthusiastic way
before the assembled members. II was
high aim. II looked like an impossibility.
But his great faith and earnestness car.
ried such strength that II any OF them
had doubts about ever being 30 we'll quar-
tered, these were dispelled, and a deter
mination TO accomplish the end that
the president had in view took hold of
each and every member. Mr.. McComb
had won the first yictory-the co.opera-
ton Of the several hundred young men
over whom he presided.
With this strength behind him and the
subsequent encouragement, he went 10
work with Characteristic enthusiasm TO
formulate the plans OF the great work he
had undertaken. The very magnitude OF
il only added TO his energy, and no obsta-
Gle, however difficult, seemed too extern
sive TO be overcome. The goal was never
lost sight Of. lie took the axiom OF the
great Cardinal Richelieu: "In the bright
lexicon OF youth there's no such word as
fail"
lie proceeded on business principles.
The building was to be paid for by the
revenue Of the club, and not by charitable
subscriptions Not dollar was 10 be nc.
cepted as a gift, for Mr.. McComb saw that
the income Of the club was sufficient 10
pay tho interest on a large amount OF
bonds His associates readily appreciated
this and went 10 work with will. Ac-
cordngly the Amateur Athletic Building
Company, an independent organization,
was incorporated, with a capital stock OF
S25, 900, which was paid in at the rate Of
per cent per month until paid In full.
This was done in order to accommodate
the younger members, who hold most Of
the stock. An issue OF S3j, 900 in bonds
was made, out OF which $4,000
was appropriated 10 the purchase of
lot on the northwest corner Of
Union and Third streets. The lot
having been procured, the next thing was
the building. Mr. McComb before pro-
ceeding in this associated himself with Mr..
Joseph +. Pcnton, whose taste In archi-
lecture is well known. This committee
maturcd plan which, with proposal, was
submitted TO architects all over the coun-
try, offering premium OF $1,000 for tho
selected plans. Edbrook & Burnhan, OF
Chicago. who had just finished the Gcor-
gia State Capitol, were tho lucky compet-
itors. After these architects had made
several sketches the plan Of which The
ArPEAL presents a perspective this morn
ing was adopted.
This Is the victory OF Mr.. McComb.
That Il Is commendablo is self.evidcnt. lie
has been ceaselcss, tireless and undeiat.
| igable In the work. All his associates
readily conccde 10 him the first credit, and
declare that ho is a young man Of un.
| doubted executive ability, and Is capable
OF great things, and has before him a
bright and promising future. The club as
a body unhesilaiingly declare that without
him II would have been a long time before
Il would have had any prospects Of such a
magnificent clubhouse. Mr.. McComb Is
Of the proper material OF which flrst-raie
Taxing District Commissioner might be
made some OF these days.
Much credit Is also duo each ono Of the
Building Committee and tho club, for
nothing could have been done without
their assistance. Memphis is proud Of
the Amateur Athletic Association, OF Mr..
| McComb and of nil ia officers