The Barre daily times. (Barre, Vt.) 1897-1959, 1911-11-22
HOPE TO HAVE GYMNASIUM.
Citizens Got Together Last Evening and
Talked 1t Over.

The project Of erecting and equipping
municipal gymnasium for the use OF
men and boys in this city, which good
many public-spirited citizens have long
cherished, received new impetus last
night when some twenty-five representa-
tive business and professional men, as
well as the pastors OF the several
churches, gathered in the vestry of the
Universalist church to discuss plans for
carrying out this commendable idea.
The gathering was entirely Of an in
formal nature, and the action taken as
result of the meeting had to do only
with tentative plans, which may, how
ever with proper support and encour-
agement, become very tangible in the
near future.
DR. G. Y. Camp acting as chairman,
called the gathering to order at O'Clock
and Rev. Il. c. Downey, pastor of the
Uniyersalist church, outlined briefly
rough plan for the building and its main
tainance, subject to whatever sugges-
tons in the way Of changes or slipple-
ments the others might see fit to make.
Mr.. Downey said there Is crying need
for gymnasium IN Barre. Different
contractors about the city had placed
rough estimates on his idea of brick
building, the dimensions OF which might
be 40xl00 feet, with equipment, includ-
ing shower baths, lockers, etc Another
plan for a smaller structure to be erect
ed of wood had been estimated at a
smaller expenditure. Some believe, ac-
cording to The speaker, that II was with.
in the province OF the city &c furnish
funds for such an object, The speaker
emphasized the fact that the gymnasium
contemplated would be entirely non-sec-
tartan in character and that no hard and
fast rules as TO membership would be
formed
Added suggestions, methods for secur-
ing funds, the manner " maintaining
and plan OF government for the gym
nasium were among the diferent phases
OF the project considered IN the remarks
which followed. II was suggested that
a governing board chosen from the
churches would work 10 the advantage
OF the institution, not because it would
be conducted in connection with the
work of the churches. but rather for
the reason that all churches have al
ways eyinced a keen interest in the
physical welfare of men as well as their
moral betterment. A public gymnasium,
with public shower bath attached, a
spacious floor for basketball and other
indoor sports, and the added utility Of
reading room with well selected lit
enture at the disposal OF old and young
alike, place OF recreation, centrally 10
Gated where the tired business man
could obtain needed exercise, and above
all, a place where out,of town school
students and young people, who have
no other resource but TO the street for
amusement could seek diversion were
among the benefits to be diverted by con.
certed action, as outlined by the various
speakers.
Among those who made remarks dur
ing the evening were: Attorney M. NJ.
Gordon. Principal o. ID. Mathewson, Rev.
J. w. Barnett. pastor Of the Congrega-
tional church, Rev. p. NJ. McKenna, pas
tor of st. Moniea's church, Rev. w. J. NJ.
Beattie, rector OF the Church OF THE
Good Shepherd, II. G. Woodruff, John
Booth and r. r. Hutchinson.
1t was the unanimous sentiment Of the
meeting that committee be appointed
to investigate the feasibility of com
plotting the project at once along a we'll
defined plan. which is to suggest itself
to the members in their investigations.
The cost Of constructing a suitable build
ing. its equipment. the procuring Of a
desirable site. and the best method Of
maintaining the institution are among
the things which the committee will in
clltde in its report TO be given at
similar meeting called for December s,
the place TO be decided by the members
The following men were nominated to
constitute the committee; NJ. NJ. Cor
don, Rev. Z. G. Downey, H. G. Woodruff,
DIR. Joe w. Jackson, A. B. Lane, Rev. p.
NJ. NIcKenna and L. r. Hutchinson.
Lunch was served following adjourn
ment.
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