Alexander Gymnasiums I and II Collection

Collection

Identifier: LU-RG08-002

Staff Only

This collection is comprised of materials documenting the history of Alexander Gymnasiums I and II. The first gymnasium was built in 1901, and the second one was built in 1929. Correspondence, newspaper clippings, programs, and photographs are included in the collection.

Dates

1905-2007

Creator

Lawrence University (Organization)

Conditions Governing Access

Collection is open for research.

Conditions Governing Use

Property rights and copyright reside with Lawrence University. For uses beyond those allowed for fair use under U. S. Copyright Law (Title 17, U.S.C.), please contact the University Archivist.

Extent

0.80 Linear Feet (2 Boxes)

Additional Description

Biographical or Historical Information

Alexander Gymnasium, located where Youngchild Hall of Science is now, was built in 1901. Funding for the gymnasium was provided by Lewis M. Alexander, president of the Lawrence Board of Trustees. After the construction of Alexander Gymnasium II in 1929, Alexander Gymnasium I was used solely by female students. The first gymnasium was also where students took final exams. Each student had an assigned seat and the rooms were proctored by faculty. Alexander Gymnasium I was razed in 1963. Alexander Gymnasium II, Lawrence's current gymnasium, was built as the first Alexander Gymnasium became too small to accommodate the growing student population. The land where the second gymnasium was built was purchased by Lewis M. Alexander, who also provided funding to build the gymnasium. The architects of Alexander Gymnasium II were Frank A. Childs and William J. Smith of Chicago. When Alexander Gymnasium II was completed in 1929, the speaker at the dedication ceremony was Jesse Feiring Williams of Columbia University. Alexander Gymnasium II continues to be used by the Lawrence community for athletic events to this day.

Arrangement Note

The collection is arranged alphabetically by subject and type of material, then chronologically at the file level.

Method of Acquisition

Materials on Alexander Gymnasiums I and II were collected and placed in the Archives vertical file prior to 2005. The donor and source of the materials, as well as who collected them and arranged them in the vertical file is unknown.