Americus times-recorder. [volume] (Americus, Ga.) 1891-current, 1919-04-14
AND NOW THE AUDITORIUM.

The first biggest thing the future of Sumter
roads have passed. there remains only the carry
ing out of the plan approved by the people.
But there remains yet to be accomplished the first
biggest thing for Americas. That is, the realization
q its auditorium
When we began to talk about permanent roads, there
was no difference of opinion that they needed first
of things and vital to the interests of the com
munity Likewise with the auditorium it to all to
be the first and VITAL NEED of City Americas
For years Americas has been dreaming of an ade-
ouate structure where gatherings could be held
and where the best plays and entertainments could be
suitably presented Americas had such place.
and needs it acutey at this hour than ever
before in her history The Rotary Club, that organza
ton everywhere for its civic push and pride
few days ago naugurated the first real activity in behalf
of the auditorium that has been shown when its mem
bers in the course of very minutes their
lar luncheon subscribed approximately 100000 to the
building of such a structure Rotary thereby showed
that the Chamber of Commerce. which has sponsored
the movement the beginning, has able ally in
this undertaking
AS with permanent roads the differences of opinion
in the auditorium project lie only in the method of
acquiring the structure and not in the need demand
for it. Two possibilities present themselves in building
an audtorium-frst securing the funds by private do
nations making it a publicly owned structure and,
second creating corporation selling its stock to
local interests.
The objection to the first named plan is that it
omount needed to erect building that would the
demand in any respectif it could be done at all Fa-
voring latter plan is the fact that if properly To-
Gated and constructed the enterprise would be
an investment from which fair rate of income could
be reasonably expected, making actually paying in
vestmen besides adding greatly to the attracveness
of the city. This is matter of knowledge to few
who have been interested in the enterprise, there
now being standing offer from the largest amusement
enterprise in the South for longerm lease on the
building at figure that would insure making the
yestment paying proposition.
Even though the investors made profits, and re-
ceived from the auditorium only sufficient returns to
avoid loss, there is not business in Americas
would profit directly having the structure
in the city through increased trade: 1t requires little
imagination to realize how larger plays and world
known stars who would here, there suita-
BILE playhouse, would draw people from fifty miles
around. Americas would become far greater center
than it is now; people would get the habit of coming
Americas; it would become their city, because there
would be attractions special interest to bring them
here Often and eventually if not at they would
be doing their principal shopping other business
here.
An adequate auditorium-a structure costing $780,
G00 and certainly not less than $150,000-woud pay
Americas and every business in it big There isn't
the slightest doubt about 1t will pay good returns
the investment and vaster in increased rae
to the city 1t is the greatest lack in Americas today
And with the flying field repopulaed this winter with
soldiers, it is certain to be- Americas MUST have
szeable playhouse for them to see plays want
to come here
Americas and Sumter county have just accomplished
the greatest thing in their history with We
have just seen what we CAN do when all get our
shoulders to the wheel and push together. We are