The Bismarck tribune., 1931-12-21
(Official City, State and County
Newspaper)
Foreign Representatives
SMALL, SPENCER, LEVINGS
& BREWER
uncorporated)
CHICAGO NEW YORK BosTor
A Community Asset


reational director, of the use being
made of the Burleigh county World
War Memorial building will warm
the hearts Of folks who sponsored
construction Of the building and who
are helping in the effort to make it
a real community asset.
It is q bit difficult to view the
building now In the roseate light Of
1929 and perhaps, If the project were
being initiated now it would meet de-
feat, just as a similar proposal re-
Gently was defeated at Huron, S. D.
The fact that the taxes assessed
for the structure may seem somewhat
onerous now, however. cannot dim
the fact that the structure is attain
ing the usefulness. which its sponsors
envisioned for 1t.
The benefits which it has produced
TOR the city by bringing people here
from other parts of the state to at
tend conventions and meetings can
not be denied. Some local business
men assert that these benefits alone
more than outweigh the additiona!
taxes which they are required to pay.
Other advantages which the city
has gained by reason Of possessing
this building are reputation for be-
ing progressive, forward looking
community and fame as city Of
relatively small population which Is
not afraid to tackle a big PROPOSE
ton. Practically every visitor who
comes to Bismarck sees the building
and marvels that q city Of this size
should be so well equipped to handle
public enterprises. He takes that
good impression away with him and
spreads 1t in his home community.
But over and above such benefits
Is the effect which the structure Is
having upon the social, physical and
moral development Of Bismarck's peo-
pie. Considered from these angles it
Is an unquestioned asset.
Reels report shows $3.50 persons
used the structure in September, 49,
GOO in October and 1880 in Novem-
Der. total Of $3.50. Most Of these
persons were Bismarck folk who came
not once but many times.
It affords facilities for men, wo-
men, boys and girls for both recrea-
ton and more serious pursuits. Nearly
every night one or more events Is
taking place somewhere beneath the
root Of the big structure.
The kitchen and dining room are
particularly In demand and, when
combined with the other facilities in
the building, offer . convenience
which no other building in this part
OF tho Northwest can boast.
But. gratifying and encouraging as
1t Is. the report Of the uses being
made Of the building indicates that
many persons who should take ad-
vantage Of its attractions are failing
to do 50. It's capacities and oppor-
tunities have not yet been fully real
lied and it may be some time before
they are.
The thing which will do most to
help the building managers to realize
their aim of having every Bismarck
citizen use the building to capacity is
an appreciation Of the fact by the
public that it is their building. They
built it and are paying for it. Their
money provides, directly and indi-
rectly for its upkeep. Only ii it is
used to the utmost will Burleigh coun-
ty and its citizens get full value fol
their investment.
A splendid start has been made
The good work should be continued
and improved upon. A happier
healthier, more congenial communit,
will be the result.