Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1914-12-31

Balance .-.....$ 93072
The use of this department is open
TO the public. both the general dining
room and the special banquet room,
but members are given a 10 per cent
discount through the use of coupons
The Athletic Equipment
The gymnasium is located on the
first floor. is As by as feet. we'll lighted
and ventilated, and equipped with
modern apparatus. 1t is free from
posts or other distractions and pro-
vides an ideal place for sSames and
class work. An exercise room is To-
Gated at one end. fitted with specia:
apparatus for individual exercise On
another floor is a spectators gallery,
and above that the running track. The
swimming pool is up-to-date in every
particular. is 20 by 60 feet, three to
seven and one-half feet deep and
lined throughout with ceramic tile.
The water is heated the year around
and is filtered daily. The locker rooms
are equipped with sanitary steel lock-
ers. Outside and to. the west of the
building are two tennis courts.
Boys Department.
When the building was built spe-
cial attention was given TO the needs
of the boys. The association has long
recognized that it is not only easier
but far better to form than il is to re-
form. This department seeks to sur
round the boys with wholesome enyi-
ronment and at the same time ITO di-
rect their energies along right chan
nels. The special report of this de-
partment appearing elsewhere in this
paper cannot fully convey to you the
value OF the work accomplished, but
serves to show the aims and scope OF
the work.
Religious Work.
The foundation OF the building itself
rests upon solid rock-nearly a thou !
sand charges of dynamite being used
in the process of excavation-and the
activities being conducted in the
building are based on a thorough and !
substantial religious work policy as
solid as the foundations of the build |
ing itself.
Ii is the policy of the association |
that religious atmosphere shall per
meate every department. The asso- |
citation is in no sense a competitor o. /
the church. but is a federation OF all |
churches. and seeks to enlist in its 1
service such men as desire mot to be |
unto. but to minister"
Through its religious work the asso-
citation endeavors to relate the boys |
and men of the entire community to |
the church-the only institution fitted
TO care for the permanent religious life
of men.
Social Work Comprehensive.
The social life of the association
centers about the attractive lobby,
with the reading room at one end and
the cafeteria NJ the other. The big
easy chairs invite one to rest, enjoy
a social chat or fill business appoint
ment Here will be found all the ad-
yantages of a comfortable but mex
pensive club. with many uplifting in
Huences and an atmosphere that !
breathes a welcome.
A young man away from home, in
The city perhaps for the first time,
needs Friendly sympathy and guild
lnce. Such men are always welcome
and for their benefit a register OF
boarding and rooming places is avail
lble free of cost.
City maps. directories and informa
ion of a general nature can always be
lad by inquiring at the office. The
Use of a correspondence table, with
writing materials, may De had for the
lsking. The reading room is supplied
With the leading magazines and daily
papers and is open to the public.
Frequent 'socials and receptions are
leld, as we'll as lunches and banquets.
III OF which add to the fellowship and
leIps one to get acquainted.
Educational. !,
The educational work of the associ- {
tion is planned to meet the needs OF
-oung men. Many young men have 1
,een denied the advantages of an ear I
v education. and it is to help these ]
Dung men that the work Is carried c
IN. II
Other young men who have had an |
ducation desire TO improve their con I
itions and the association offers them S
clip through a series of practical talks /
nd educational lectures. From time '
o time clubs of different kinds are /
romoted. and at all times an effort v
made TO help young men to discover S
themselves. d