New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1914-08-09
Being Erec ed at Jerome
Az. and Kingsbridge
Road.
DIRT FLOOR FOR
VAST DRILL HALL
Building, Largest of Its Kind in
the World, Will Be Ready
Next Year.

'a time Of peace, prepare for war
With an Europe at war this state and
sity are needing the famous epigram OF
Patrick Henry. in rushing TO compile
zion what will be the largest and most
completely equipped armory IN the
world. Itis destined for the use Of the
sth Coast Artillery Of the \. 6. S. y. T.
This gigantic structure occupies part
Of the site Of the Jerome Park reser-
volr. a. Jerome av. and kingsDrldge
Road. m The Bronx, which was ac-
CURED By the city several years ago 70
handle the Croton water supply ana
subsequently, abandoned in favor OF the
Ashokan Dam project. 1t IS being
erected on an area of 225,000 square
feet. or about three times the area OF
he Madison Square Garden block, on
plot 80 By BOT feet. .
The vsstness Of this great structure
may be better understood when IL Is
taken into consideration that II the
drill shed was provided with chairs IL
would afford room 70 seat 10000 per
sons. while the gallery would PROVIDE
room for 5000 more. In circumference
So will provide a four-lap track 10 the
nile. ,-
rbe drill hall is about 100 feet high,
and there are two central towers lou
feet high. The faeades are OF brick
and terra Gotta trimmings. On the
framework 5000 tons of steel has oeen
used. The city's share in the project
includes the building OF a retaining
wall. costing about $4,000. The plans
i0- the structure were prepared ny
Pitcher 8 Tachau, the well known
architects, Of this city.
The new building viii prooaOIy %
finished early next summer. Mean'ii 1te
the regiment will continue 70 use Ies
old armory. az esd ST. ana faIh
Since the announcement was maui va -
The srnorv was 20 have new nome IN
III. pronx il has attracted many new
member The officers hope 70 have
She full complement OF men "neh wv
removal takes place. -, 10
the lsst word In a building Of its kin9;
IN fact IL can safely be said, II VIII
be more than the name implies. IL WIZ
have the working conditions TO be
found az fort
The drill hall will have q dirt foor.
Major General John +. Organ, com
handing the national guard, believes
the time has gone by when armorles
should be used as bathrooms. In re,
cent report General Organ advocated
the ripping az Of all polished board
floors In the infantry armories, and the
substitution Of dirt, clay or tanbark.
he does not believe that the troops can
be- trained properly in all the rudii-
ments Of field service when their drlll-
ing is confined 20 marching on wa&ed
floor
Those. however, who are fond OF
dancing need not worry about the DIRT
floor, Tor the regiment IS 10 have a
lcrge mess room and lecture hail.
which, IL is believed, can be used for
such purpose.
The dirt floor will allow the men TO
pitch tents, use the heavy guns ana
give other opportunities which hereto
fore could be only enjoyed at camp.
Each company will have its separate
parlor. lockers and toilets. The lock-
ers and toilets will be IN the basement
% the building, where room is TO be
provided for the first sergeant OF each
company. The psrlors will be on the
gallery floor, where the captain and
ieutensnts OF each company will also
be provided with q room. Each COM
psny il 20 have a separate storeroom
and q stairway from the basement 70
The upper part Of the building.
The srmory will be equipped for SIX