In 1905, a committee of Bridgewater College alumni recommended the construction of a dedicated athletic building on campus to support men’s and women’s basketball. After some discussion, College trustees agreed to contribute up to $1,500 towards a gymnasium if the BC Athletic Association could raise at least another $2,000. They were successful, and the project began in October 1907. However, construction suffered a huge setback when what was described as “a windstorm of unusual intensity” destroyed most of the new building. Despite the damage, the gymnasium was reconstructed and completed by the summer of 1908, at a total cost of about $8,000.
Upon its completion, the 83.5 by 43-foot building contained a basketball court and space for gymnastics and other athletic exercises. Later lockers and bathrooms were added, as well as a balcony. In 1913, a stage was added for theatrical and other performances. The building was in frequent usage until the new gymnasium—today’s Nininger Hall—opened in 1958.
As part of Connections: The Campaign for Bridgewater College, funds are being raised to transform the Alumni Gym into a new Bridgewater College Center for Career Development while preserving some of the building’s historic details.
– Heather S. Cole
Bridgewater magazine, spring/summer 2024
