El Paso herald. (El Paso, Tex.) 1901-1931, 1919-01-25
Ell PGSO Built
FirStK. House
For The Troops
Little Buildings At Forts
Bliss and Baker Cost
But $1,000.
By L. c. MURPHY.


General Secretary knights Of COlum-
bus. FL PRsO District.
2 I'll PASO was the first city in the
l. United States TO erect a Knights OF
Columbus building for the use Of SOL
: diers. The plan was originated by
: the late Dan T. Long, for many years
I financial secretary Of the FL Paso
( council. knights Of Columbus With
{ the assistance Of other members Of
3 the local council, he raised $1,000,
and with this small sum erected sew
eral small buildings at Camp Cotton
/ and Camp Baker during the time that
the militia units were stationed on
the border.
From this modest beginning the
work grew. Il was later taken up BY
the national council, and more pre-
teutious buildings erected in every
camp and eantonment in this country
during the war, and when our boys
went TO Europe the Knights Of Co.
umbus went with them
Originally no secretaries were pro-
vided and the buildings simply al
lorded writing and reading rooms for
the militiamen but when the war
broke and the need OF bigger things
was decided upon, secretaries apd as
sistants we're placed in charge and
chaplains were provided
The first building at Fort Bliss
was erected during 1918 and formal
dedication services were held there
on September %. the hall being pre-
scented to the United States army by
Rev. Anthony j. Schiller. bishop OF
the Catholic diocese OF Fl PasO. Ac-
ceptance on behalf Of the military
was made by Brig Cen !. J. Horn
brook, the present commander at this
post
This building. which IS $50 feet
long and 70 feet wide, is located at
the northern extremity Of the post
proper. just behind the permanent
barracks Chased pOrches running
the whole length Of the structure. on
the south and north sides, admit
plenty Of light and along the sides
are spaces provided for letter writ
ing. These are SO extensive that 500
men may write at one time.
At the western end OF the building
IS a stage with folding doors at the
rear and behind these is an altar
which is used for masses Sunday
morning and other holy days Of obli-
ming services on Sunday ct Z o'clock
These are the only times that reli-
gious services are held here.
Jewish Secretary Is sheltered.
There are four secretaries, each
Of whom Is provided with sleeping
quarters on the upper floor at the
western end Of the hall. while on
this floor the Jewish welfare board I
worker also has sleeping quarters. !
and in addition to this is provided /
with a room on the main floor for /
his consultations.
IN the way Of amusements every 1
sort OF game is provided: checkers. I
chess, dominoes and such other IA Die I
Games as are popular with Americans. /
There is a Victrola, a player piano /
Nd he e
the most modern moving picture ma 4
chine Obtainable.
Dances and Books
The capacity OF the hall Is close ]
to 1000 and a hard wood floor, prop /
erly polished. makes it ideal for 4
dancing purposes. many Of the young
women OF FL Paso attending these 4
affairs. one being given each second |
week.
IN one corner IS a branch library /
q the American Library assocss tion /
with approximately 500 volumes on 4
he shelves and these are much used. 1
The building is open at all times. I
there always being at least one sec
Rotary there to attend TO the wants
Of the men, but the hours generally l
observed are from $3.50 a. m. to $50
D. n. ex-Aut on dance nights. when
the building is open an hour longer.
Thousands Are Entertained.
During the time the building has
De1n IN use. thousands OF men have
taken advantage Of the entertainment /
features provided and have always
found Il cosy place in which to
dance while the room Just off the !
entrance, furnished by the women Of
Fl PasO has been arranged 50 that
the mothers. wives and sweethearts
OF the soldiers can have a conven-
lent and well appointed sitting room ]
In which to entertain each other.
4 Weekly Program.
While the programs have been 4
changed from time TO time, and re-
visions viii be made in the future
whenever found advisable. the fol-
lowing has been the general order OF
Monday. Wednesday and Friday
evenings, Movies
uesdays-Athletic events, includ-
ing prize fights, wrestling matches
and similar sports.
hursdays-Entertain by e i
Pasoans and also by men OF the army,
including musicals, dances, vaude-
vile sketches. etc
Saturdays-Letter writing. reading.
etc. the chaplain being IN attendance j
for those wishing TO attend confess
sion
More Room Being Provided.
IN addition to this building, there