The river press. [volume] (Fort Benton, Mont.) 1880-current, 1907-08-28
PLAYT|ME At PANAMA
Solution of the lsthmian Canal
Amusement Problem.
RECREATION FOR ALL HANDS.

Facilities For Many Amussments Fur
nishsd In Model Y. N. G. A. Club.
houses Now Open at cuisbra, cristo-
bal, Empire and oorsona.
With the opening Of the first Y. NJ.
@. A. building at Culebra, In Panama,
the Panama canal commission has SOW
ed completely the amusement problem
for it's employees, writes a PaAama
correspondent Of the New York Her
aid. Tue encouragement Of baseball
has been an important factor, but this
only provided for m days recreation
in each week, while the Y. N. G. A.
clubs furnish q place Tor the rest pc
Rod at meal hours ana for the even
ings-the time when It u most needed.
Ciubhouses Of uniform size have been
built at Culebra, Empire, Gorgona and
Cristobal. each building being commo-
dious and fenced in with the yer pres
ent copper screening to keep out the
mosquito.
The main structure is two stories,
with spacious verandas encirciing both
floors. The lobby contains a reception
hall, business office and soda fountain.
The billiard and pool room IL 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. 1t Is Of course
understood that nc gambling will be in
troduced. For the library, reading and
writing room a 600 volume library,
F with books selected to meet the local
needs, has been negotiated. One hun
| bred 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 s~tereopticon and piano are
included in the equipment. Lecturers,
musicians, entertainers and other tai
ent, both local and imported, will be
presented frequently. Local social
clubs are granted the use of this flOol
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 witt
the main building by two corridors. Il
contains two bowling alleys Of thu
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 calisthenic outfit o
dumbbells, Indian clubs and bar bells.
The ownership and control of tn
property by the commission is repre-
scented by a committee Of Ave, who ais,
hold an advisory relation to the entir,
organization. This committee Is ap
pointed by the commission and consists
Of four canal officials and the genera
secretary Of the Young Mems Christian
associations Of the zone The detailet
method Of conducting the work of eacl
association is charged to the secretar,
and executive council, appointed b.
the international committee.