Gymnasium

Name

When it was first built this building was known as the "new gymnasium," and in time it became known as simply the gymnasium and then later at the time of its destruction, the "old gym."  When the Swart Training School opened in 1929, women's athletics moved from the gymansium to the facilities at Swart and the building then became known as the Men's Gymnasium.  

Facts

Completion Date: 1909

Cost: $35,000

Demolition Date: 1961

Original Purpose of Building: Fitness education, athletic recreation center, intercollegiate athletic events and dance and party venue.

Current Use: Destroyed

History

When the gymnasium initially opened in 1909, it was the second largest in the state and was considered one of the best of any Normal School in the country. It featured an elevated track, and 23 showers.  Built to replace the aging 1888 gymnasium (known in this Wiki as the Auditorium) the new gym actually shared a wall with the old. After a fire destroyed the Normal Building in 1916, some classes were taught in the gym before it was restored to its original purpose. The gymnasium was torn down in 1961 to make room for the Polk Library.

Photos