The Phoenix index., 1940-12-14
Structure
Is Worth
100000
Thirty White
Schools Had Bid
For Building

RICHMOND, Va. - (SNS) -
From a field of thirty white col
leges and universities, historic
Virginia Union University, here,
was selected last week by the Eu-
ropean country of Belgium as the
recipient of it's beautiful and
spacious 100000 Worlds Fair
building, President William J..
Clark announced officially Friday.
Long a pioneer in Negro edu-
cation and rated nationally for
its hibh academic standing, Vir-
ginia Unions acquiring of the
mammoth structure will begin a
new era in the life of the school,
if present plans materialize.
The spacious structure which
was one of the most beautiful at
the recent Worlds Fair, was de-
signed under the direction of
Henry Van De Velde, famous Bel
gium architect, as model col
lege building. Original plans
were that the super--structure be
dismantled and transported to
Belgium to be used at one of the
schools. War in Europe prevent
ed this.
APPROACH COLLEGE
BOARD
Belgium Embassy officials ap-
preached the American Board of
Colleges and made proposal
that attracted over thirty colleges
and universities, Union begin the
only Negro school. For weeks,
President Clark of Virginia Union
University, worked on the idea,
making contacts with Influential
persons and laying the ground
work in case Union should be
favored.
A month ago, officials of the
Belgium Embassy visited Union
and observed the conditions here.
The library for which a 100000
campaign is in progress now to
replace was pointed out to the
distinguished visitors.
The need for gym to house
the plant of the fighting Panthers
athletic denartment was explain
ed. The visit concluded with an
elaborate tea given by President
Clarke and the Trustee Board.
MENTIONED AT CHAPEL
Before packed Coburn Chap
el audience Friday, two weeks
ago, President Clark introduced
Mr.. S. E. Hening, treasurer of
the board of trustees and of the
American Baptist Home Mission
Society. who limited the surprise
Gift. Efforts were made to keep
the news from newspapers since
school officials left that prema-
ture publicity would endangef
the schools chances.
The expense OF dIsmantling the
huge structure and transportat'na
it to Richmond, Va.will come with
in the neighborhood of 100000.
Work will begin at once. 1t ls
not known at this time how addl-
tioral money will be raised.
The facade of the Pavilion is
composed of plate glass as are
two complete sides of the unique
structure.
PREDICTED PAVILION
USES
Since the Pavilion is COM
prised of ten sections, there will
be an abundance of space fol
Union students who will make a
haven of the beautiful structure.
Following is list of the ten sec
tions and premature guess as tc
the usage:
1-Altrium-Most likely will be
used as a reception hall as it is
more like a vestibule to other
compartments.
2-Hall of Honor-Being ar
area of $500 SO. ft. and 40 ft
high, this section would serve the
purpose of a library handily. AL
so interesting is the rubber carpet
ed floor, framed in black May
marble, which would make this
part an ideal site for library
purpose, but indirect lighting
might cause school officials to
use this as domestic science de-
partment or music department
to train the famous school choir
3-Arts and Craft Hall-HaS
floor space of 2,8S0 so. TT. OF
polished glass. One entire wall
is of glass, thus making light an
easy proposition. Might be used
for library.
reception Hall-The most
predictable usage of this section
is for administrative offices
which it might turn out to be be-
cause of the nParness to the en-
trance of Pavilion. Has beautl-
ful wall and ceilipo decorations
5-Elevated Gallery-A read
ing room for library purposes