New-York tribune., 1901-05-28
n Y A C. EXTENDS PLANS.
FTRTHER IMPROVEMENTS MADE Al
TRAyERS IsLAND-HANDSOME PROF
IT'S EARNED-TO ENCOURAGE
PURE ATHLETICS.

RtIr,ors have been current for some time regard
ing contemplated changes in the New-forK Atm
letic Club First it was said that the clup Wouio
abandon Travers Island, its country home on Long
Island Sound. because Of the proximity OF Glen
Island and for other reasons. Then II was SAID
that the club had changes in its athletic affairs
in mind. J. r. Van Wormer. the president OF the
club when seen yesterday regarding the rumors'
said: y cannot understand how such stories get
started As far as Travers Island is concerned the
h has never had any idea of abandoning il. Instead
innportant improvements have been made there and
Others are 10 be made The improvements made at
the Potter House viii give better accommodations
to more peope than the case at the old club
house which was burned down omitting, or course.
lodging rooms In athletics the club will stand
firmly for the amateur and will not countenance
sern-professionalisn in any way. Athletes who pay
their dues 10 the club and live up 10 the regulations
are welcome members: others are not.
A meeting Of the governors Of the club was held
an Trayers Island Last Friday at the invitation Of
President Van Wormer, who wished to have the
approval Of the governors regarding the improve
nents being made At the country home OF the club
That the club has idea OF abandoning Its ;sland
home Is shown by the fact that much new ground
has been filed in recently. that the island to-
day is larger than ever before. The Improvements
10 the Potter House have made that place an
tdeal for the purposes intended wide veranda.
s. feet long by S2 feet wide. has been built. and
dining room storeroom. kitchen and sun parlor
added Much OF this has been inclosed in glass.
The excavations where the old clubhouse stood
have been leTelled off and Sodded. with the idea
os adding picturesQueness to the scene. The space
Of about twenty-five feet between the cinder track
and the waters edge has also been levelled of Ad-
ditonaI racks have been added for those who visit
the island their bicycles The governors OF
the club are confident that they will be able to
take care Of more people under the present con-
ditons than under the old before the clubhouse
was burned doWa. Il is doubtful II a country
club house viii be erected before 1893. when the
club expects 10 be In position 10 make lavish ex-
penditures upon a handsome new structure. The
property purchased from the Hunter estate
when William r. Travers was the president of the
club.
II said yesterday that both Richard Sheldon
and NJ. ". Long would take part in the coming
games AT TraYers Island. on June s. wearing the
winged foot emblem. but that certain Other cham
pions who have made records for the club would
not be seen at these games. In the absence of
John Flanagan, ii Is expected that J. R De Witt,
OF Princeton the intercollegiate champion with
the hammer. will prove be a hard beat.
According 10 reliable information the New
York Athletic Club has made great advances IN
club lost heavily On its restaurant and the
Travers Island property. Now, il is said that the
losses at the island viii be insignificant while the
profits Of the city clubhouse this year promise 10
break al records. The net prohts Of the club for
the four months OF this year from the restaurant
and bar, amount TO $1,000 The present member.
ship OF the club is 1880 active 800 life 600 non-res
dent 100 athletic and 100 junior members. The
club has added several new boats to its list. includ
ing eight-oared barge. a four-oared she'll and
Island.
The club will longer cater TO athletes who
have made regulations elsewhere. but the officials
Will use every effort to encourage athletics among
IN the club at present who are expected 10 do ex-
cellent work this year.