The Coeur d'Alene press. (Coeur d'Alene, Idaho) 1906-1907, 1907-07-01
At PANAMA
Solution Of the IsthmlaIi Canal
Amusement Problem.
RECREATION FOR ALL HANDS.

aoiIities For Many Amussmsnts Fur.
1 nIshsd In Model Y. M. C. A. Club
houses Now Open at culSbra, cristo-
bal, Empire and oOrSOna.
With the opening of the first Y. M.
G. A. building at Culebra, In Panama,
the Panama canal commission has sOlv-
ed completely the amusement problem
for its employees, writes a Panama
correspondent of the New York Her
aid. The encouragement of baseball
has been an important factor, but this
only provided for one days recreation
In each week, while the Y. NJ. G. A.
clubs furnish a place for the rest pc
nod at meal hours and for the even
ings-the time when 1t Is most needed.
Clubhouses Of uniform size have been
built at Culebra, Empire, Gorgona 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 encirclihg both
aoors. The lobby contains a reception
hall, business office and soda fountain.
The billiard and pool room 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 ls provided for chess, checkers,
carom and card playing. 1t is of course
understood that no gambling will be in
roduced. For the library, reading and
writing room a 600 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
clubs are granted the use of this floor
for dancing on application for certain
evenings.
A committee and class room will ac-
cOmmodate small groups. Educational
classes will be organized upon appllca-
ton Of six or more members, provid-
ing competent instructors can be OBJ
tanned. The annex Is connected with
contains two bowling alleys Of the
best grade, In charge OF an attendant;
shower baths, lavatories and lockers;
also 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 Of
dumbbells, Indian clubs and bar bells.
The ownership and control of the
property by the commission is repre-
sented by a committee OF Eve, 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 zone The detailed
method Of conducting the work Of each
association is charged to the secretary
and executive council, appointed by
the international committee.