Decatur Daily Democrat, Volume 53, Number 143, Decatur, Adams County, 18 June 1955 — Page 5

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Civic Effort Reaches Climax In Dedication of New Center , _ . ■■ • ' -■■■ > ““TT > — ——. , 1, B.Mwwy.MniMi.m 1, .■ ■ . ; , J ,

Community Project Features Biggest Fund Drive In City’s History ■ mini I -- -

Achievement Credited To Cooperation The week of program* beginning Sunday afternoon for the dedication of Decatur** new Youth and Community center will mark the climax of several years of effort on the part of Decatar citizens to acquire such a building. The story of the community center began about seven years ago when a group of high school students approached city officials and the Chamber of Commerce with an appeal tor an adequate youth center. In response to requests submitted by representatives of the two high schools, Mayor John Doan appointed a committee of prominent citizens headed by Ray Leite to make a preliminary atudy of the problem. The high school representatives were Robert Hansel of Decatur high and ißonald Smith of Decatur Catholic high, both of the 1949 graduating class. ThePwerk of the worn* mittee was financed threat worn tri but tons to the community fund. The B. Bllwood Allen organisation, park and recreation planners of New York City, was engaged to make an extensive survey of the community to determine its needs in a community center building. The first big step toward today’s reality came with the report of this New York firm which stated emphatically that Decatur needed a youth and community center and offered suggestions as to what the building should feature. The report also included an estimated cost of the building, the favored ■ sitb which would transform an eyesore of the city to' a place of beauty and also recommendations tor operating the proposed center. • Memorial Foundation From the mayor’s committee grew the board of directors for the Decatur Memorial Foundation which was to sponsor the community center and which went into action as early as 1849. Carl C. Pumphrey was initial president of the board. Officers under him were Mrs. Rqy Kalver, secretary, and Theodore Graliker, treasurer. Included in this first board of directors were the late C. B. Bell, J. W. Calland, Mayor John Doan, C. I. Finlayson, Glean Hill, the late Arthur R. Holthouse. E. W.

Mr *3 ;>. !<-._ ; , a . .^^^^^W^WMl^MMMMiM^|i|A^g||j^^^ v /z, f r <^ >i; s <i^i iß e u|| £ < ' •, -7 ‘ ; ■ ' ■ '■■ t^^EL|Mi( ■' ?#r* !; - • . • /■ "''• '■ • Here ii» one corner ot the gnnw end recreation ,roppi pt tye. Y.outtr wlnK-ot'tbp new Copter. There are pool tabloe, piug<poog tabled, reading facilities aigl » Iprge area tor iufbnlial'dancba.' 1 - • • ‘ , : ''■ '; ’ ( r ■ . ■ ~. ; -',■_ ~ . ■ 1 '■' . ' “'\,

| ■ * .1 Director O. M. McOeath is seated at his desk in the lobby of the Youth and Community Center. From this office he will plan and direct the programs of study an< recreation Toy both the young ■ people and the adults who take advantage of the many facilities of “Everybody*! Bfclldlht.” —-- J* . . ...» :. . -

■■ -1- T - ■ - Lankenau, R, F. Leite, Mrs. Stewart W. McMillen, the late Joseph E. Oelberg, Mrs. Leonard Saylors, Frederick Schafer and fames K. Staley. Plans for the building were ddfewn by Antonin, Raymond aftd L. L. Rado, New fWt CidHHWltecta. The estimated: eost of the project was 12 W, C00 and to the Memorial Foundation tell the gigantic task of raising this amount. The initial boost in the campaign was the pledge by D. W. McMillen of the Central Soya' company to give |1 tor each 62 raised among the citizens provided a minimum of 1160,000 was contributed by the community. Fend Campaign The Foundation, with the assistance of a tong list of civic leaders, went to work tn September, 1949, to organise the largest fund campaign in the history of the city. > . General chairman of thia campaign was Cart C. Psmphrey. Among the heads of the Various divisions were Cal K. Peterson, special gifts; Homa* H. Krweckeberg. commerce and professions; w. Guy Brown, yoeth-children division; Mrs. Roy Kalver, women* organisations; Glenn Manlier, induetryt Mrs. Stewart McMillen, all-Decatur, and Louis Jacobs, public information. Each division chairman had the help of many other Decatur residents. Behind the entire veluateet organization was Chester Smith Associates, fund raising advisers of Norotbn Heights, Conn.

■. — —— — "Community Center Today — Better Corttttnnity Tomorrow’* was the official slogan for the fund drive. Thls wa* the Wtanteg sloghn composed by Miss Dianne Linn Ih the contest among students of De echooto.'- " *The WW got uSserway officially Not. 3. I>4», with a kick-off dinner at the Moose home. Dale W. McMillen was principal speaker for the dihnhr. •" ©ver The Goal The intensive campaign which began then had. brought in a to-tal-qf >100,347 in pledges by Nov. 22, 1919. By Jan. ll,' 1960, the total had grown to 1114.U4. A check for 129,000 was presented by the General Electric company in February. Another large gift, $15,000, from the cemmunlty Fund, Inc., helped to push the fund oVer the goal on March 20, 1960. Decatur’s individuals, organisations, industries and huetnesses had pledged 6162,013.15 to qualify tor 111,001.57 from McMillen. . In the following three years the Memorial foundation pursued the task of collecting enough of the pledges to begin the buildiag program. . In June, 1952, volunteers began the job of filling in the area just east of the Monroe street bridge, city property which had previously been the dump and which had been selected as the site for the future community center. On Feb.' 64, 1963, the fund collectibn was short <«,Tw of the full, amount needed to begin con struction.’ A "save the community <ubiuim« m ft*, ffutf <

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PROGRAM f Sunday, June 19 “DEDICATION PROGRAM” “ 3:30 P. M. ®. W. Lankenau, Chairman ~ Ward Calland. Emcee "Aawte*".....,...,.,.. Audience, David Embler and G. E. Choir Invocation... Rev. b. G. Thomas, President Ministerial Association ?* ÜBIC ——- G. E. Choir welcome and Introduction of Distinguished Guests. Dedication Address — U. S. Senator Homer E. Capehart Presentation of The Center to the Citizens of Decatur ....Ward Calland, President Decatur Memorial Foundation, Inc. Public Invited n 0 Admission Charge Monday, June 20 “DEDICATION BANQUET” *2 6:80 P W* Chairman \ . Toastmaster Lowell Harper H. W. McMillen Invocation.. Rev. William C. Feller Singing—“ Star Spangled Banner ”.....Joe Seabold, Leader Dinner Served by Monmouth P. T. A. Piano Soto Girls Trio Introduction of Distinguished Guests. Speaker Dr, Kenneth McFarland One of the leading public speakers in America today. , Thia noted guest lecturer and educator appears through the courtesy of General Motors. Community Binging Joe Seabold. Leader Pro-Dinner’Muafc 1 Tickets 62.00 Organ—Robert Ehrman Instrumental—Ron Robinson Combo. Tuesday, June 21 “CHAMBER OF COMMERCE APPRECIATION PROGRAM” Luncheon—ll:3o-12:30—Buffet Style Chairman and Toastmaster Mike Pryor Invocation Rev. j o hn E chambers s P«*ker Lisle D. Hodell—"What Can We Give” 1:20 P. M. —..—.. inspection of Youth and Community Center 2:30 P, M. —.. Tour of Industrial Plants and City Parks, starting qt the Chamber of Commerce Office on North Second Street. (City Officials and Prominent Citizens of all our surrounding cities and towns have been invited to attend this appreciation program.) Tickets >1.25 “DEDICATION DANCE” - 9:30 P. M. to 12:30 Thia is a public dance, sponsored by all Sororities and Women's Business Clubs of Decatur. Orchestra—The Bel-Aires Dress: Optional with Charley Powell Exhibition Dancing and other entertainment Refreshments Hostesses—The Presidents of all Sororities, GeCode, and Business Women’s Clubs. Tickets 61.10 , . Wednesday, June 22 “WOMEN’S DAY” 2:00 P M Co-Chairmen—Louie Jacoba and Carl Gerber COOKING SCHOOL AT THE CENTER BUILDING Northern Indiana Public Service Co. and Local Dealers AU Woman Invited No Admission Charge Trained Demonstrators Gifts and Door Prizes will conduct the school. FREE “FAMILY NIGHT” 7:30 P. M. Co-Chairmen —Arthur Voglewede, Toastmaster Earl Caston, Chalmer Bollenbacher Hubbard Steiner Music by the combined Public and Catholic High School Bands Invocation Rev. O. C. Busse Music G. E. Choir Introduction of Distinguished Guests Speaker Herbert Philbrick Nationally known author of the book and documentary television series, "I Led 3 Lives." Question and Answer Period Song: “God Bless America” ...David Embler, Leader Every Family Invited No Admission Charge Thursday, June 23 “CIVIC, FRATERNAL, SOCIAL AND SERVICE ORGANIZATIONS BANQUET” 6:30 P. M. W. Guy Brown, Chairman Kenneth Hirschy, Entertainment L. C. Roth, Speaker Ethel May Sanmann. Reception Hubert J. Scbmitt, Jr., Tickets Invocation Rev. Virgil W. Sexton Community Singing — Lawrence Anspaugh and , K Robert Macklin. Leaders Dinner Music Ronnie Robinsonls Combo ' Greetings .... Ira E. LyOu. Slate Commander of American Legion ( ’■ ■ ■ - ■ - ■ ■ . ’ » ‘ . ~..1 -

A ,... . ' ■ ' ~~ r— — l,l — —— — < ‘'”xST!' IIT I TW : *' ■ ■/<'' i^'> fit »l? *1 ** w^ - ''- I It iir y^w#- '/--. I ; v ®sß 1 l 7 k£ Sag I Picmred above is a portion of the main auditorium and dining hall of the Youth and Community Center. The Modernfold doors are sound-proof and they close to make three rooms. The entire dining area will seat 750 people comfortably.

■ IB?IbL J. Ward Calland This is a proud and happy occasion for the people of Decatur. For many years, we have dreamed and hoped for a building where our young people could meet to work and play and where our men’s and women's organizations could hold their social gatherings. We have long dreamed of a place

Introduction of Distinguished Guests j.. Address ------------ Mr, Charles McCall, Governor of Moosehaven Singing—" America the Beautiful” This Banquet is for all members, wives or husbands, of all Decatur Organizations. Tickets <1.50 l ” •«!•- . . • ’ Friday, June 24 “YOUTH DAY PROGRAM” . Co-Chairmen: Dike Eddleman. Carl Braun and the Student Cpuncil 10:00 A. M. BICYCLE AND PET PARADE Committee: Steve Everhart, Deane Dorwin, Dave Terveer, and Orv Reed 10:30 A. M. JUNIOR OLYMPICS (Worthman Field) Committee: Bob Worthman, Neil Highland, and Chester Kleinknight 1:30 P. M. SPORTS DEMONSTRATIONS (Community Center) Master of Ceremonies —Hilliard Gates BASKETBALL—Andy Phillips, Charley Share, Jack Kerris, and Larry Foust, of the Zolluer Pistons BASEBALL — Allen Dairy Semi-Pro Baseball dub under direction of "Red”- Braden - —•—-——- Carol & Corky Popular Fort Wayne TV Entertainers Magic Show Don Brewer Refreshments—-Ice Cream, Courtesy of National Dairies, Inc., and Ideal Dairy Products Co. 2:30 P. M. Awarding prizes for Pet and Bicycle Parade and Junior Olympics. — — “TEEN-AGE DANCE” 8:30 to Midnight—Spec Hebble’s Orchestra Courtesy of Musician’s Union Exhibition Dances Mrs. Barney Brooks and Mr. Keys NO ADMISSION CHARGE TO THE DANCH OR TO ANY OTHER YOUTH DAY EVENT. Saturday Night, June 25 “AREA OPEN HOUSE NIGHT” Chairmen: Mr. & Mrs. JullUs Baker "SQUARE DANCE EXTRAVAGANZA" THE FIRST ANNUAL GINGHAM BALL 9 to Midnight Tickets 50c (Tax incl.) THIS WILL BE FUN NIGHT . . climaxing tire week-long dedication of the Youth and Community Center,. Recommended apparel 7 for the lady is her prettiest gingham dress and for the man, his gayest and most comfortable sport shirt. YOU WILL SEE AND HEAR: CARL GEELS (one of Indiana's leading callers and publisher Os the famous "Hoosier Square Dancers”), as Master of Ceremonies.’Plus —RAY KAYSER—SLIM ADAMS—DON HORNER—FRANCIS GEELS—pIu4— BOB TAYLOR (You know him and he knows you) with his exhibition Couples Dance Club. Plus—Another famous square dance club, THE PROMENADERS. Colorful matched sets —Exhibition squares under black light and as this goes’te press we have every reason to believe LES LYNN of the Miami (Florida) Square Dance Festival will be on hand to lead you down many happy trails. COME to DANCE or WATCH, but don’t uliss this great closing event! ".1 . '

where larger meetings for the purpose of culture and entertainment could KbS held. All these dreams are coming true now, with the dedication of the quarter million dollar Youth and Community Center. The building belongs to the people of Decatur. It is the result of hours of work; it is the result of the wonderful cooperation of the people and industry of Decatur, working hand-in-hand for a better Decatur. To get the most out of this wonderful building, the Decatur Memorial Foundation and the Board of Recreation of the city of Decatur have employed the services of a professional director, O. M. McOeath, who will prepare and have charge of planned programs the year around for both the young '' " l, ' f ■’ I .want to at this time for myself and for the board members of the Foundation, thank all who have helped. I want to thank each individual and all Decatur indus- ' tries for their splendid help and ' counsel. Let us all, beginning immediately, help make the Community Center a vital part of Decatur.

wfiWfl ■'& JmS s Carl Pumphrey > “I am happy to have played a i small part in the early organization of the Decatur Memorial I Foundation and to have served as ■president of that group while preliminary plans were being made for the raising -of funds and for the construction of today’s Youth and Community Center. Every brick in the beautiful new building represents the cooperation we have always had in Decatur among the people and the Industries. The people of our city again have proved that we can have anything we want, if we work together. In 1936 as president of the Decatur Centennial Association, I said: It has been hard but pleasant work. Lifelong friendships have been formed; valuable contacts have been made. A magnificent civic spirit has been engendered—4, spirit that. .will be lasting, that will carry Decatur ever forward.” “I believe that it is ntting tor me to repeat that statement on this occasion. because, as it did in 1936, it does now and always will express my feeling of and my belief in the people of Decatur.” Dianne Linn Is i ' First Contributor - Gives Slogan Contest Prize To Campaign Back in 1949, Miss Dianne Linn, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence Linn of this city, became the first official contributor to the Memorial Foundatiou building fund. Miss Linn, then a student iii Decatur high school won a contest held to obtain ,a slogan for the fund raising drive. Her winning words were; V Community Building Today. A Better Community Tomorrow” Miss Linn received a $25 United States saving bond and she immediately endorsed it back to the fund raising committee. This voluntary display of enthusiasm sparked the drive which -eventually raised more titan $225,000 for (•obstruction of the Youth and Community Center. Since that time, Miss Linn has been actively interested in the Me-: mortal Foundation project and numerous other cjyic efforts. She is active in the First Presbyterian church in Decatur and is regarded us an outstanding Decatur citizen.

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