Gymnasiums Sites

Adams Gym is a combination auditorium and gymnasium built of rubble masonry construction with a wood floor and steel trusses supporting the roof. The Works Progress Administration built the gym under official project number 65-66-4648.

Afton High School was constructed in late 1934 as a New Deal project. The Public Works Administration (PWA) provided an $18,000 loan and $7,507 grant for the project, whose total cost was $26,287. PWA Docket No. OK 1948. OKHistory: This "T" shaped (192' x 98') structure is constructed of brick which has been painted yellow. The school consists of two units: a classroom unit which has a flat roof with parapets and a gym unit, which forms the stem of the "T" and has an arched roof with stepped parapets. The double door front entry is arched with fanlight, framed by pointed...

The Allen Jay School Rock Gymnasium opened on November 21, 1939, on the school campus then outside High Point, North Carolina. Besides a gymnasium, the building had locker rooms, a library, and two classrooms. The project was completed using funds from the Works Progress Administration (WPA). Since the county school board could not fund school construction in 1937, the small community decided to build the gymnasium themselves with locally-donated materials and funding from the WPA. In the final plans, the gym needed to be masonry construction, which had not been figured into the initial project. The WPA had experience building...

The Russell Gymnasium at Amarillo College in Amarillo, Texas was undertaken with the assistance of funds provided by the Public Works Administration (PWA) during the Great Depression. Text From the state historical marker reads: "The administration building and the gymnasium were the first two permanent structures built for Amarillo College. Originally known as Badger Gymnasium for the school's athletic teams, this facility was renamed to honor Dr. Natalie Russell, who fostered women's physical education at the college. Architect Guy Carlander designed the building, erected in 1937-39 with Public Works Administration funding. The steel and brick gymnasium includes a two-story central space surrounded...

This high school gymnasium was constructed in Antelope, Texas during the Great Depression with the assistance of the Works Progress Administration. In addition to the native stone structure, the construction project included a septic tank, disposal field, and improved school facilities and employed approximately 20 laborers. $13, 622 of the total cost of $21,393 was provided by WPA while the local school district provided the remainder.

The Archer School Gymnasium was built by the Works Progress Administration (WPA) with funding from the Federal Emergency Administration of Public Works, as part of the New Deal Project 1189. The building was restored (with ADA updates) beginning with fundraising efforts in 2003. Construction commenced in 2007 and completed in 2011, and the building dedicated. It now serves as a multi-purpose center for the City of Archer. The condition of the Gymnasium Building is excellent; however the school was demolished in 1972. (New Deal Project 1189 also remodeled the auditorium of the school into classrooms.)

"The Ashwood School Gymnasium and Auditorium is situated south of Bishopville, South Carolina just off U.S. Highway 15 on Ashwood School Road near Ashwood Lake, all namesakes and products of the rural New Deal resettlement community of 'Ashwood Plantation.' The gymnasium/auditorium was completed in December of 1938 for a total cost of $63,888.81 by the Goode Company of Charlotte, North Carolina, contracted by the Farm Security Administration." (NRHP Registration Form)

This WPA project was described in the National Register of Historic Places Feature for African American History Month in 2012: "A combined elementary, junior high and high school, Attucks School was one of seven such schools that served African Americans in Vinita, Craig County, Oklahoma,  and was the only one that had a secondary school until after racial desegregation in the mid-1950s. Established in 1915-1916, Attucks School is also important for its association with the Works Progress Administration (WPA), a New Deal agency created in the 1930s to stimulate local, state and national economies during the Great Depression. In 1939 the...

An auditorium/gym construction project in Farwell, Texas was undertaken in 1935 with Public Works Administration (P.W.A.) funds. The P.W.A. provided a $15,000 loan and $7,800 grant for the project, whose total cost was $27,737. The exact location and status of the facility is presently unknown to Living New Deal. P.W.A. Docket No. TX 9428

An auditorium/gym construction project in Ulysses, Kansas was undertaken with Public Works Administration (P.W.A.) funds. The P.W.A. provided a $22,725 grant for the project, whose total cost was $52,847. The exact location and status of the facility is presently unknown to Living New Deal. P.W.A. Docket No. Kansas 1023

The Works Progress Administration (WPA) constructed a community building in Farmersburg, Indiana. Here and in Shelburn "combined gymnasiums and auditoriums are being erected as additions to school buildings to provide both educational and recreational facilities." Work was completed by 1936. The location and status of the structure is unknown to Living New Deal.

The Works Progress Administration (WPA) constructed a community building in Shelburn, Indiana. Here and in Farmersburg "combined gymnasiums and auditoriums are being erected as additions to school buildings to provide both educational and recreational facilities." Work was completed by 1936. The location and status of the structure is unknown to Living New Deal.

At least one source states that this historic combination auditorium / gymnasium building on 1st Street in Rulo, Nebraska was constructed as a Works Progress Administration (WPA) project in 1939. Per The Nebraska State Journal: With a $19,000 WPA grant, Rulo will turn its attention to a new gymnasium and community building. It is to be built of native stone, concrete, and steel and will be 102 feet long and 52 feet wide. The structure will have a basketball floor, 50 by 76 feet in size, a floor which will double for other purposes; stage and projection booth; and locker rooms. It...

The Avenue E School was built in the 1900s and the Works Progress Administration remodeled/built additions to it. There is a place on the building where a marker has been removed. A marker on the next door Gymnasium rock building reads: Copperas Cover Independent School District J.C. Culwell, Supt Trustees Louis Behrens, Pres. M.I. Walker, Sec'y R.C. Adams Leo M. Frase H.J. Leonhard M.Y. Stacy O.E. Urbantke W.P.A. Project No. 15511 1940

The old Avondale Elementary School building facing the street at 295 Western Ave., which is now an administrative building for the Avondale Elementary School District was built by the WPA, as is the school's current gymnasium. These are most likely two of the buildings referred to in a publication by the Three Rivers Historical Society stating that: "In 1937, with a school bond issue of $12,500 and $77,315 in W.P.A. labor, Avondale School added more classrooms." Several sidewalks around the school also bear circular stamps saying "USA WPA."

The federal Civil Works Administration (CWA) constructed a gymnasium at the old high school for the Bain school district in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina (now within the city limits of Mint Hill). The structure, whose exact location is unknown to Living New Deal, no longer exists. "The Long Creek High School Gymnasium was one of eight facilities of its general type constructed in Mecklenburg County under the arrangements outlined above, the others being at the high schools then in the local school districts of Huntersville, Paw Creek, Pineville, Sharon, Oakhurst, Berryhill, and Bain. Only the Long Creek Gymnasium survives from this...

The Works Progress Administration built the Baird High School gym, football field, and wall in Baird TX.

The Bald Creek Elementary School and accompanying gym were constructed in 1938 with the assistance of the federal Works Progress Administration (WPA).

The National Youth Administration built the Banneker Community Center Gymnasium in Bloomington IN. The gymnasium is now part of a Bloomington Parks and Recreation community center, in what was originally a segregated school, built in 1915, for African-American children.

Bardo Gymnasium, now a part of the Pennsylvania College of Technology, was originally built as part of Williamsport High School. Sometimes mis-attributed to the WPA, the gym was constructed in 1936-7 with the assistance of federal Public Works Administration (PWA) funds. PWA Docket No.  PA 1080.

The historic former Benton School Gymnasium was constructed, in part, as a WPA project. The building now houses a religious organization. WisconsinHistory.org: "A brick gymnasium structure that has a round arched roof. Round recessed arched areas that unite the two level, single windows decorate the arched front facade. White stone bands contrast with the brick to form a decorated pattern on the symmetrically designed frnot facade. The projecting central bay emphasizes the four doored entrance. The auditorium addition was constructed as a WPA project. This building is important as a visual landmark to the community and some architectural importance as a WPA...

The federal Civil Works Administration (CWA) constructed a gymnasium at the old high school for the Berryhill school district in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina (now within the city limits of Charlotte). The structure, whose exact location is unknown to Living New Deal, no longer exists. "The Long Creek High School Gymnasium was one of eight facilities of its general type constructed in Mecklenburg County under the arrangements outlined above, the others being at the high schools then in the local school districts of Huntersville, Paw Creek, Pineville, Sharon, Oakhurst, Berryhill, and Bain. Only the Long Creek Gymnasium survives from this initial...

The single story stone building was designed in a "Plain Traditional" style with "minimal Craftsman influences" and included a stone chimney on the western elevation (Story, 1992). The building was constructed by 50 local laborers employed by the WPA.

While the main buildings of Beverly Hills High School date to 1927, the unique "Swim Gym" was built by the Works Progress Administration (WPA) in 1939. Designed by Stiles O. Clements, the gym features a basketball court that can be opened to access a 25-yard swimming pool below. It has appeared in films such as It's a Wonderful Life and Clueless.  

The National Youth Administration constructed a school gymnasium in Big Flat, Arkansas in 1938-1941. The structure is a single story stone masonry building "designed in the Plain Traditional style with Craftsman influences." (NRHP) The interior of the gymnasium has been significantly altered.

"The Big Horn Academy Historic District includes the Big Horn Academy constructed in 1916 of rusticated sandstone and the Cowley Gymnasium/Community Hall built in 1936 of lodgepole pine logs. In 1936 the Gymnasium and Community Hall was constructed adjacent to the Cowley High School as part of a Works Progress Administration project." The log gym lies behind the old school building, which presently houses school district administrative offices.

Originally constructed as the Lumberton City Armory-Auditorium, what is now the Bill Sapp Recreation Center was constructed by the federal Works Progress Administration (W.P.A.). Postcard: "The Lumberton City Armory-Auditorium is one of the most handsome and best equipped buildings of its kind in North Carolina. It is the home of the famous Lumberton Coast Artillery Company and the war-time organization Home Guards."

Birmingham School #2 in Birmingham, Ohio received an auditorium/gymnasium addition in 1936 as a New Deal project, with funds from the Public Works Administration (PWA). The PWA provided a $11,371 grant for the project, whose total cost was $25,667. The building was demolished in 1995. PWA Docket No. OH 1185

The Works Progress Administration built the Blanchard gym/auditorium in Blanchard OK. Contributor note: "The Blanchard gym/auditorium was completed as a WPA project in 1941. This is a one-story red brick building with an arched roof. On the west end, two wings reach north and south. All windows have been boarded up. The west end of the building has been remodeled with a roof facade, and currently houses the Blanchard Alumni Association, addressed as 400 N. Harrison Avenue. Two brick pillars at curbside were placed by the Classes of 1939 and 1940. Above the windows on the rear portion of the building is a...

The Marie Heineke Memorial Gymnasium was built in 1938-40 by Blinn College and the Work Projects Administration.

The Works Progress Administration (WPA) constructed the stone gymnasium structure at Blowing Rock School. It was one of many educational facilities constructed by the WPA in Watauga County. The WPA also constructed a "well-planned" playground. The school facility has since been largely demolished and replaced, though the WPA gymnasium still remains.

The WPA built a new gymnasium for the high school in 1936. According to the school's website: "Students had saved their nickels and dimes and put them in a fund which covered some costs of the structure. The new gym replaced the cracker box located in the basement of the main building. The ceiling in the old gym was so low it interfered with the playing of the game of basketball. The WPA furnished the labor to build the gym." (https://boise.school.boiseschools.org)

"In Brigham City, the PWA sponsored another public building, the Box Elder High School Gymnasium. This was a more ambitious project, one of twenty Utah school gymnasiums built during the 1930s. Of red brick, the building cost $106,000. Its construction provided work not just for Brigham City laborers but for the Joseph Nelson architectural firm, an Idaho general contractor, a city building inspector, a Utah plumbing/heating/ventilating contractor, and a roofing/sheet metal specialist. The design, acceptable for the time, provided for two gyms: a 7,000-square-foot boys' gym with seating for 1,000 and a girls' gym one-fourth that size. There was also a...

"Constructed with locally available building materials in the traditions of the Rustic Style, the Brenham High School Gymnasium combines a native fieldstone veneer with metal factory-sash and massing reminiscent of the International Style. Ranging from 1 to 3 stories, the structure is composed of geometric building blocks which express the different functions housed within... The gymnasium was constructed by the Works Progress Administration (WPA) in 1939-40. It is similar to the WPA constructed gymnasium on the Blinn College campus. The property is an excellent example of Rustic architecture that characterized labor-intensive craftsmanship, government building in the 1930s. Its use of local stone...

In August 1935, the Burleson Independent School District (BISD) applied for a grant from the Public Works Administration (PWA) for the construction of a one-story, semi-fireproof combination auditorium, gymnasium and classroom school building. In October of the same year, the PWA offered a grant of $8,181 and loan of $10,000 for Project Docket Texas 1481-H, which the BISD accepted. Construction on the building began on April 1, 1936. BISD held a dedication ceremony on October 9, 1936. The auditorium is 122 x 68 feet with a 37 x 16 feet stage on one end. On each side of the stage are...

The facility served as Jasper (Indiana) High School Gym, 1939-1977 and Jasper Middle School gymnasium until 2009. It was named for the coach of the 1949 Jasper High School State Championship basketball team in 1984. It is still owned by the school corporation after the middle school moved, the building is now used for community activities. The facility hosted the high school teams in 2010 and 2011 after the roof of the 1977 gym collapsed.

The Cave Springs Public School is a K-12 school in rural Oklahoma. The main building was constructed in 1926. The WPA added this gymnasium in 1939: "This 'Y' shaped building measures 112' by 135' and is constructed from cut and rusticated, randomly laid native stone. The roof is gabled with cross gables and arched over the gym... The walls of the gym were constructed of double rock of about 18 inches in width. Concrete inlays create false arches on the front facade of the structure... The WPA's construction of the building has provided the community with an exceptional community resource... Massive double...

The Public Works Administration (PWA) funded the construction of the Centennial Building in Port St. Joe FL. Past Use: Auditorium/Gymnasium. Present Use: Civic Center. The 1996 National Register documentation notes that the Centennial Building has been the site of centennial celebration of the signing of Florida's first constitution, which ran from December 7th to December 10th, 1938. The building was dedicated on December 7, 1938. It was also used for other political events and civic functions. Also fund raising events, such as the Fireman's Ball and the March of Dimes President's Ball, have been held in the building. It has sometimes been used for community Fourth of July and...

The addition of an auditorium and gymnasium, since demolished, was completed for the 1924 Central High School building, along with improvements to the athletic field and athletic building. Architects N. W. Overstreet and A. H. Town designed the additions in 1936. Public Works Administration project 1148 was approved 7/21/1936 for $34,363 grant. Construction began 12/21/1936 and was completed 11/18/1937 for a total cost of $78,366.

CUSD: "In 1939, a new gymnasium was constructed on the high school campus, immediately southwest of the old gymnasium. Built at a cost of $70,000, the new structure had a cafeteria at the rear, with dressing rooms for boys and girls in the basement. An April 13, 1939 article in the Chandler Arizonan touted the new building as “one of the finest in Arizona … as modern as up-to-date builders and equipment furnishers can make it.” The work was funded by a $33,000 bond issue as well as a $27,000 federal grant from the Public Works Administration. The original gymnasium...