The river press. [volume] (Fort Benton, Mont.) 1880-current, 1907-08-07
PLAYT|ME At PANAMA
Solution of the Isthmian Canal
Amusement Problem.
RECREATION FOR ALL HANDS,

Facilities For Many Amussments Fur.
nished In Model Y. N. c. A. Club.
houses Now Open at cuIsbra, cristo-
bal, Empire and Gorgona.
With the opening Of the first Y. NJ.
G. A. building at Culebra, In Panama,
the Panama canal commission has solv-
ed completely the amusement problem
for its employees, writes a Paaama
correspondent of the New York Her
aid. The encouragement Of baseball
has been an important factor, but this
only provided for n days recreation
in each week, while the Y. n. G. A.
clubs furnish a place Tor the rest pc
Rod at meal hours and for the ogen-
ings-the time when it 10 most needed.
Clubhouses Of uniform size have been
built at Culebra, Empire, 0orgona and
Cristobal. each building being commo-
dious and fenced in with the ever pres
ent copper screening to keep out the
mosquito.
The main structure Is two stories,
with spacious verandas encircllng both
floors. The lobby contains a reception
hall, business Office and soda fountain.
The billiard and pool Is equipped
with four tables and accommodations
for spectators. An experienced attend
ant is In charge.
The smoking, lounging and small
game room Is Furnished with easy
chairs, settees and game tables. Equip
ment is provided for chess, checkers,
carom and card playing. It IL Of course
understood that no gambling will be in
troduced. For the library, reading and
writing room a 900 volume library,
with books selected to meet the local
needs, has been negotiated. One hun
dred standard magazines and papers
are provided. Tables with writing
equipment and stationery are furnished
for use Of members.
The entertainment hall accommo-
dates about 800, aside from veranda
space. A stereopticon and piano are
included in the equipment. Lecturers,
musicians, entertainers and other tai
ent, both local and imported, will be
presented frequently. Local social
CAuOS 0AC SAoAlcO IAC uoC VI LIS AVO
for dancing on application for certain
evenings.
A committee and class room will &C.
commodate small groups. Educational
classes will be organized upon applica-
ton Of six or more members, provid-
ing competent instructors can be OBJ
tanned. The annex is connected with
the main building by two corridors. 1t
contains two bowling alleys Of the
best grade, in charge of an attendant;
shower baths, lavatories and lockers;
also a gymnasium with first class
equipment, including parallel bars,
horizontal bar adjustable for vaulting,
horse, swing board, flying rings, punch
ing bag, boxing gloves, fencing foils,
pulley weights for individual exercis-
ing, mats and c%alisthenic outfit of
dumbbells, Indian clubs and bar bells.
The ownership and control of the
property by the commission Is repre-.
scented by a committee Of five, who also
hold an advisory relation to the entire
organization. This committee Is ap-
pointed by the commission and consists
Of four canal officials and the general
secretary Of the Young Mems Christian
associations Of the m The detailed
method Of conducting the work Of each
association Is charged to the secretary
and executive council, appointed by
tho ntornqtiOna m