New Business Block

NEW BUSINESS BLOCK PLANNED; PRESIDENT TO VISIT FAR WEST;ALUMNI COUNCIL ELECTIONS; ALUMNI COLLEGE ANNOUNCED

A new block of Main Street stores, replacing those between the Hanover Inn and Campion's clothing store, will be constructed by the College this summer. Of colonial architecture to harmonize with the College plant, the two-story building will be ready for occupancy with the start of the college year next fall.

Fire hazards, brought into bolder relief by the recent Main Street fire; were the major reason for the Board of Trustees' decision to go ahead this summer with plans that have been under consideration for a number of years. The new structure will be of fireproof construction. Improvement of the block also forms another step in the College's development of the area immediately adjacent to the Hanover Inn. When completed, the new block will inject an entirely new architectural note into the business section of the town.

Demolition of the wooden building now housing the electric company's office and Gillingham's grocery store will begin on June 1, and the remainder of the block, containing Coburn's jewelry shop and the Typewriter Shop, will be torn down immediately after Commencement. With plans and building materials in readiness, it is expected that the new building can be completed during the summer. Occupants of the present stores and offices will use temporary business headquarters elsewhere in town during the building period.

Although not completed in final detail, the architect's plans for the new block make provision for one large shop at the southern end of the row, four smaller shops, and a number of offices on the second floor of the building. A main entrance between the smaller shops will lead to the second floor. Of red brick with white trim, the building will be recessed along the front of the four smaller shops to form a shallow courtyard. The present alley between the Typewriter Shop and Campion's will remain as it is. James Campion, who on March 12 reopened part of the shop destroyed in the February fire, has signified his intention of transferring his clothing business to the new block.

The College acquired the business block adjacent to the Inn in 1929, when it made an exchange with A. W. Guyer, who received the Tontine Block gutted by the recent Main Street fire.

LEAVES ON WESTERN TOUR President Hopkins will go to the Coastthis month on a speaking tour of alumniclubs in the west.