River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1909-06-24
a TRAINING CRAFT

ravine runs a bosterous stream of water. which is
pretty swollen in the spring year but which is
nearly dry during the summer.
At the bottom of the ravine one would have a hard
time to imagine himself in the center of large
institution. But following it toward the lake.
you are brought to the point where the ship basin
begins A sort of landlocked harbor dug out,
in which goodszed gunboas could be sheltered
in safety during the worst storms lake. large and
welequipped boathouse has been built at the point
where the basin connects with Lake Michigan, and
there abundant facilities for the housing of cutters
and other craft which will be used by the embryo
sailors in their practice maneuvers.
An artistic bridge has been constructed across the
about so feet above the stream of water which
connects with running directly into the center
reservation The high bluffs each side of the
basin give stately effect to the general view Ct the
reservation the lake. At the top of the highest
bluff, overlooking the lake and commanding ths widest
view of the entire surrounding country is the adminstra
ton building handsome structure built of pressed brick
In the center is high tower with windows at various
stages. side of the administration building
three smaller buildings which will probably be used for
officers instructors dwellings.
The main instruction buildings, lecture halls and
dormitores for the regular members of the institution
in close proximity to the administration building
The larger of these have been completed and
tcaly ready for would be possible for the
institution be opened this fall great has the prog
been made upon it. but it is likely that the formal
opening will not take place until July L. 1910, when Rear
Admiral Albert E. Ross who has been in charge of the
construction since its inception, will be completed.
1t is planned to for between 1000 and 5000
recruits for the navy at the training station, and
emergency. Several thousand wedriled sailors
be turned out each and the result will be greatly
increased efficiency among the rank and file composing
the United States navy.
Bids recently opened in Washington for new
work the Naval institute which will aggregate half
million dollars James Corse of Racine awarded the
contract for the construction of the officers houses which
include commandments house for $4,000 six junior
officers houses at $4,000.
The principal work of the coming year, however, will
be on the medical department buildings which will in
expenditure of $31SO0O and will be the finest of
their kind in the west They include a hospital which
will cost s234000 senior medical officers house, $4,000
junior medical officers houses $SS 000 hospital laun
dry $4,000. The Noel Construction Company of Balti
awarded this last important contract.
Before the station is completed the gunboat Nashville
will have arrived in Chicago, which will be utilized
training vessel by the Illinois naval militia Great prep
araons being made for the reception of the Nash
Vile it is likely that the vessel may
nection with the station when it is completed.
The ancient manofwar Wolverine formerly the
Michigan the oldest iron vessel in the United States