This Day in History: 1940-06-03
A variety of criticisms were leveled at the proposed auditorium and gym to be built next to the Mahwah School at the School Board meeting. The architect Edward W. Helms of Ridgewood explained its features, illustrating his points with lantern slides. There was considerable criticism about the size and nature of the stage. Helms said that much could be done with a curtain and side drops, but that these were not included in the basic contract price of $75,000. To a suggestion from the audience that wall and roof expense could be saved by putting the gym under the auditorium, Helms replied that state law prohibited the putting of a gym below ground level, and that the added cost of substantially stronger floor trusses would offset the savings. There were criticisms of the fact that folding chairs were to be used on the sloping floor. This was seen as unsafe in case of a fire or emergency. Others believed that the money could be better used to rehabilitate the existing facilities in the school. Still others complained that not enough consideration had been given to community groups who might wish to use the stage or gymnasium. The Board assured them that only a nominal fee of $5 would be charged to outside groups. R. F. Dator, local realtor, supported the project. He said he was ashamed to tell people considering moving to the community that there was no public auditorium or indoor recreation floor. Board President Havilah Smith urged the public to support the vote scheduled for June 24th. (Bristow)