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Constructed: 1901
Location: site currently occupied by Youngchild Hall of Science
Destroyed: in 1963 to make room for Youngchild Hall
In the fall of 1889 the Trustees decided to erect a "first-class gymnasium"; but the means came slowly. On the Sunday before Thanksgiving of 1900, $2,000 was collected or pledged in the Methodist Church in Appleton. Soon after this, Lewis M. Alexander promised $5,000; but as late as April, 1901 only $10,000 had been raised. By commencement in June, 1901 excavation had been completed, and the building was dedicated on November 19. About that time five Trustees, among them Mr. Alexander, gave $500 each. Many other persons gave smaller amounts, and thus the building was cleared of debt.
Alexander was the president of Nekoosa-Edwards Paper company for 24 years and president of Lawrence’s Board of Trustees for 35 years. He was also one of the national founders of the Chamber of Commerce and one of the seven charter members of the Institute of Paper Chemistry.
After the construction of the "new" Alexander Gym across the Fox River in 1929, it was called either the little gym, campus gym, or women's gym, since most physical classes for women were held there. Final exams were held in this gym until the introduction of the honor code. Seats were assigned and the room was proctored by faculty members.