Repository: UIHistories Project: Board of Trustees Minutes - 1906 [PAGE 399]

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1906J

PROCEEDINGS OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES.

373

strictly forbidden during the first two years after the building was completed, a matter which was carefully considered and agreed on at the time the plans were being made. At that time it was considered objectionable to have any posts or obstructions on the main floor, so construction was made accordingly, but when proposals for the building were received, it was found necessary to make a reduction, in order to keep cost within the appropriation. This was done to the extent of something like five or six thousand dollars with the distinct understanding with the Committee on Buildings and Grounds, and with President Draper that the running track was made for running purposes only, and not for seating purposes in any way, though we allowed a maximum number of two hundred, equally distributed, during exercises in the building. Mr. Bullard wilj doubtless recall this fact, as the matter was talked over particularly with him. The running track is, in its present form, suspended from the roof. When loaded to its capacity it simply throws a heavy strain on the roof, which might, especially in time of wind, cause a serious accident. It should not be used this way in its present condition. If it is desirable to continue to use the track as a seating for spectators, it can be made safe by the addition of steel posts under the track, which in turn will cause additional strain on the girder below, which can easily be reinforced. I think the expense of strengthening as suggested would not exceed five hundred dollars and the obstruction would be so slight as not to be objectionable to work in the gymnasium. I have been prompted to lay this matter before you from the fact of having recently attended exercises in this building, when the running track was loaded far beyond the safe limit. I beg of you not to let this matter go unnoted. Very truly yours,

N. S. SPENCER.

Also a communication from Dean White, inclosing an opinion from Professor Dufour as to the condition of the running track. Voted that the Committee on Buildings and Grounds be directed to make such alterations in the gymnasium as will put the safety of the building beyond question, even when crowded to the utmost. HIGH SCHOOL CONFERENCE: VISITATION. 3. I submit herewith a communication from Professor H. A. Hollister, High School Visitor:

URBANA, May 17, 1906.

President Edmund J. James: DEAR SIR—As chairman of the Committee on High School Conference, and after consultation with other members of the committee, I wish to recommend that the appropriation for the conference of the ensuing year be $500.00, the same as for the past year. As High School Visitor, I would like to suggest, also, that the appropriation for expenses of my office, including cost of visitation, furniture, and supplies, printing, and postage, be the same as that of last year, viz.: $750.00. This sum will readily cover all expenses for the year 1906-07. Respectfuly submitted,

H. A. HOLLISTER,

High School Visitor.

Voted that the appropriations be made. The Board took a recess till 2 :oo o'clock p. m.