The Birmingham age-herald., 1913-08-28
SHOOK DESCRIBES
BIG AUDITORIUM
IN OAKLAND, CAL.
Citizens Voted Half Million
Bond Issue to Provide
for Its Erection
BIG CONVENTIONS
ALREADY PLANNED
Local Committee viii Urge Campaign
for Birmingham Auditorium
From Now Until Election
Day in September

In a statement issued yesterday with
intent to show the great and lasting
value of an auditorium, p. G. Shook,
chairman of the auditorium committee OF
the Chamber of Commerce. tells in detail
about the auditorium of Oakland, Cal.
The bond issue question which is to be
answered by the voters in the election
next month is one to which is attached
the greatest Importance and the committee
headed by Mr. Shook will launch from
now until the election an active campaign.
The auditorium in Oakland was built in
the same way as it is proposed to build
one in Birmingham, that is to say by SELL
Ing municipal bonds to get the money.
The voters are to say next month wheth-
er the commissioners shall order an cleo
ton for the purpose of passing the bonds,
As to the auditorium in Oakland Mr..
Shook says;
zone of the FIRST cities on the Pacific
coast to provide for a municipal audi
torium on a magnificent scale was OAK
land. Cal The idea originated with the
Chamber of Commerce and was carried to
successful issue in a bond election May
16, 1911, by the progress and prosperity
committee of that organization
Voted Big Bond Issue
| The citizens of Oakland not only voted
s50O,050 for an auditorium, but at the
same time authorized an expenditure Of
81, 600 600 for additional schoolhouses and
sites, and S5Oo000 for a manual training
and commercial institution.
Work is now in progress on the con-
struction of the auditorium, upon plans
prepared by John j. Donovan, who is also
the architect on Oaklands new s2,OOO000
city hall.
THE plans provide for an imposing,
classic structure, the main feature OF
which is a great convention hall. The
building is to be 400 feet in length by l9S
feet in width. 1t will form the central
feature OF group of municipal buildings
including museum, art gallery and library,
fronting on Lake Merritt. water pask
| in the heart of Oakland, covering 40
lacres The building is to be Class \
steel frame structure, with walls of rem
forced concrete. j
Two Main Assembly Rooms
"rhe interior is to be divided into two
main assembly rooms; one of these to be
used for theatrical and operate purposes
will seat from 24O0 to POO persons. This
will be SO arranged that it can be thrown
into the main auditorium, consisting OF
, a large arena which will accommodate
loo coo persons Between the two will be
| a level stage measuring 40xl00. Asbestos
curtains separating the stage from the
arena or auditorium, it may be utilized
bv either or both required.
.Tbe roof will be supported by massive
! trusses. doing away with columns, so that
there viii be no obstruction to the vision
OF any person on the main floor or In
the galleries.
Associated with the theatre or audi
torium are dressing rooms FOR the stage
| There are smaller audience rooms which
may he used for minor gatherings. AT
the rear Of the building will be shower
and hath rooms for the use of those
participating in the outdoor games and
physical exercises in the park and play
ground adjoining.
''Whie The population within the cor
norate limits is approximately 100000, Oak
land is the center of the civic, Industrial
and commercial interests of a commun-
ity Of 100000 people
Already Arranging SohFehllohs
1.-THE city of Oakland. which is situated
! on the bay of San Francisco, opposite
the Golden Gate. has already arranged
to hold during the Panama Pacific ex-
nostion number of important con-
crosses in this auditorium including the
, meeting of the National Educational as
ISOLATION. Oakland. aims to become the
convention city of California. because OF
! its central location and convenience of
/ la
"rhe city is also planning series of
musical festivals to be held in this audi
torium upon completion. and will arrange
4 for annual exhibits, such as horse shows,
automobile shows. agricultural and horti-
| cultural displays.
'Although the auditorium, is not yet
/ completed, many events are already be-
! ing arranged for the new auditorium
/ D...II...o.