Repository: UIHistories Project: Board of Trustees Minutes - 1918 [PAGE 726]

EXTRACTED TEXT FROM PAGE:

720

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

[March 12,

the cost of conducting the work in the department of domestic science and in the department of physical culture for women. It may put certain departments of work out of commission altogether during the war. The Government, however, is, very desirous of carrying through this plan, and I am not at all sure that it would be willing to carry on the School of Aeronautics here at the University unless this plan can be adopted, The Commandant, while acknowledging with regret the inconvenience occasioned to the University by such an arrangement, does not see any other possible plan for making efficient the work of the School of Aeronautics. I received the following letter from the President of the Board of Trustees February 26, 1-918, which explains itself. I understand that I already have authority to assign University Hall for barracks and to make the changes in the building, the adjustment in the location of departments, and to erect a mess hall. If I obtain authority to assign the Woman's Building I shall be in a position to act as circumstances may determine. February 2% 1918 President Edmund J. James, University of Illinois, Urbma, Illinois

DEAR SIJU

This; morning you called me on the tog distance telephone- stating that the War Department is considering increasing the attendance at the Aviation; School, in which case it would need additional building space for barracks and recitation; rooms* To meet this prospective demand you suggested that we turn over to the School of Aviation the Old University Halt and build a mess hall, at an estimated cost ox£ $25,000^ on the campus in the rear of that buitdiitg, the understanding being that if they were given these additional facilities', the Aviation School would vacate the Woman's Residence Hall. i ; ! - ; . j \ \4$9$g^ I put this proposition up to the other members of the Executive Committee, Mr. Carr and Mr. Holt, and they each said in sutbstance that if the University ea» be of considerable aid to the- Aviation School by the means you propose, it should make the required sacrifice. You* may therefore take this matter mp w&fo the Government officials with the understanding that you have the approval ©I the Executive Committee to enter i&to art agreement as outlined. Very truly yours,

W* L. ABBOTT

At this point, the Executive Committee adjourned. AFTERNOON SESSION; March 12, 1918 When the Board convened at 2:3a p.. m. on Tuesday, March 12, 1918, pursuant tq the recess taken at the (morning session, the following members were present: Mr. Abbott, Mrs. Busey, Mr. Carr,, Mrs. Evans, Mr. Hoit, Mr. Taggart, Miss, Watson. President James was present.