ROBINSON HALL
Robinson Hall, in contrast to the Gymnasium which is the center of athletic interests in the college, is a building which is destined to be the center of the non-athletic interests of the college. This magnificent building, fast nearing completion, is the gift of Wallace F. Robinson of Boston. Contrary to statements heard now and then, this building does not represent, on the part of Mr. Robinson any hostile attitude to the athletic interests of the college. Mr. Robinson's own words regarding the Hall are of especial interest in this connection : "Dartmouth's student organizations, with the exception of athletics, are in need of adequate quarters where their activities may be properly concentrated and efficiently controlled. As a man of affairs, with a long business experience, I believe that, suitably housed and provided with the means for the conduct of their business and for the social intercourse incidental to the activities of young men of similar tastes and abilities, these organizations would present a strong counterpoise to athleticism on the one hand, and to social cliques on the other. They would thus afford a just balance of intellectual and artistic expression as against bodily prowess and muscular skill.
"In order to insure the continued democracy of the college, I have stipulated that no organizations shall make use of the building except those in which the qualifications for membership is proved ability only."
It is, eminently fitting that this building should be erected this year, a year in which the achievements of the Dramatic Association have been greater than in any previous year, a year in which both Brown and Williams were defeated in debate, a year in which the Outing Club has been more prominent than ever, and finally a year in which the offices of The Dartmouth and the Bema were burned.
Robinson Hall, for which Mr. Robinson originally gave $100,000, will be formally dedicated at Commencement time. In order to furnish the building Mr. Robinson has made an additional gift of several thousand dollars.
To make room for this beautiful three-story building of brick and limestone, fireproof throughout, old Sanborn Hall has been moved down Sanborn Lane, where it has been used this year primarily as a dormitory for students in the graduate schools. In addition, the College acquired the bank building, which has been torn down and the grounds graded. Located next to College Hall, the center of college life. Robinson Hall is destined to play an important part in the life of the College. The building was built by the H. P. Cummings Construction Company of Ware, Mass. The architect was Mr. C. A. Rich of the class of 1875.
Opening out of the rotunda and hall on the first floor of Robinson Hall will be, in all probability, the offices of the college publications. These offices will be furnished with desks and office chairs and the remaining rooms in the building with furniture suitable to their use. Here, also, are some smaller rooms which will be used as offices for other organizations.
The second floor will be given over in part to the Dramatic Association. Interest here will center in the little theatre, an auditorium with a seating capacity of four hundred and twenty-five. The stage will be twenty-six and one-half feet wide and have a depth of fourteen feet. There will be balcony boxes and a place for an orchestra. The walls of the theatre are decorated. the prevailing tones being grey. The Prorations have been made under the personal direction of Mr. H. E. Keyes, Business Director of the College. The siZe of the auditorium can be increased by opening the large doors into a large hallway. The seats in the theatre are on a level and can be removed so that the hall may be used for dancing. In addition to the auditorium there will be other rooms to be used by the Dramatic Association. On this floor, also, will be a library and reading-room with a card room adjoining. On this same floor will be smaller rooms which may be used for literary and social societies. One of these rooms will doubtless be reserved partially for the Phi Beta Kappa Society.
On the third floor will be a soundproof room to be used by all of the musical organizations of the College, and in the basement will be dark rooms for photographic work. The Debating Union and Outing Club also will have adequate headquarters in the building.
The rooms on the first and second floors are finished in quartered oak, and the rooms in the basement and third floor in plain white oak.
It is thus seen that every student organization which represents a non-athletic activity will have a home here.
