The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1898-12-05
RAILROAD NEWS.
Work is Begun OH the Y. M. G..
A. Home At Argentine
To Be One of the Finest Of the
Kind in America.
SANTA FE GENEROUS.
Subscribes $4,000 and Pur-
chases the Site.
Building is 6Ox75 Feet and 3
Stories High.
SANTA FE GENEROUS.

Argentine, Dec. Sit was not until
recent years that railroad corporations
lent their aid, and, moreover, their
money, toward promoting the welfare
of and furnishing enjoyment for ats en-
ployes. The Atchison, Topeka & Santa,
F'e railway has been one of the most
liberal of railroad corporations an this
regard, and has spent much money in
providing for it's employees luxuries
which they could not otherwise enjoy.
BY its generosity the railroad men of
this city are enabled to erect one of the
finest Y. NJ. G. A. buildings in the west.
Ground was broken for the building last
week and by next spring the railroad
men of Argentine will have place
where they may spend their days and
nights off duty in reading, studying,
taking exercise, or, in fact, doing nearly
anything that modern conveniences
make possible
An establishment like a railroad Y. NJ.
c. A. building is particularly appro-
pirate at Argentine. 1t is the division
point of the Santa Fe and the majority
of the male population of the Silver City
is made up of men who depend on that
railroad for their living.
The idea originated with John Purcell.
master mechanic for the Santa Fe in
Argentine, over two years ago. When
a. number of the stockholders of the rail-
road were on a tour of inspection he
mentioned the matter to one of them
and the scheme met with the indorse-
ment of all. The matter was discussed
it was decided that the Santa F'e would
set a precedent for other railroads by
devOting a portion of it's earnings to
help its employees.
AccordingIy, in a letter received a few
days later by Mr.. Purcell, a proposition
was made that such a structure be built.
The officials of the company offered to
subscribe SO for every dollar contributed
bv the railroad men and when suffi-
cient amount was accrued to insure the
success of the movement they would
purchase the site.
A mass meeting of railroad men was
held and the announcement of the Santa
FEES offer was made. They were much
pleased with the idea and a committee
composed of several of their number,
with Mr.. Purcell as chairman, was i'm
mediately appointed to secure subscrip-
It took them but a short time to raise
SO, 600 which amount they thought would
be sufficient for the employees share of
the good work. Word to that effect
was sent to headquarters at Topeka,
and the answer was very prompt to ar
Consider the amount named large
total SIP. 600. Ground will be furnished
True to its word, the company soon
purchased the site for the building. It
Is a fine tract of ground, S0x100 feet.
situated just south of the Argentine
depot. Scores of railroad men live in
the vicinity, so the situation of the
building is probably the best that could
The next step was the awarding of the
contract for the building. This matter
was allowed to rest for a time in order
that everything else could first be put
bids were advertised for. Contractor
DroTinger Of Argentine, whose bid was
a little over $1,000 was given the con-
tract. He put large force of men at