An address delivered before the Quest Club by Otto H. Adams, November 6, 1953, at the Chamber of Commerce, Fort Wayne, Indiana Prepared by the Staff of the Public Library of Fort Wayne and Allen County 1954 One of a historical series, this pamphlet is published under the direction of the governing Boards of the Public Library of Fort Wayne and Allen County. BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE SCHOOL CITY OF FORT WAYNE PUBLIC LIBRARY BOARD FOR ALLEN COUNTY The members of this Board include the members of th

The story of the Allen County War Memorial Coliseum began ten years ago. The progression of events between the first consideration of the memorial in 1944 and its completion in 1952 was by no means smooth and uninterrupted. The account of the solution of the problems involved in planning, financing, and constructing the memorial constitutes a community accomplishment. The source material for this publication originated in a speech delivered by Otto H. Adams at a meeting of the Quest Club, Novemb

Otto H. Adams was one of the first appointees to the War Memorial Commission, which was organized in 1946 to plan a coliseum. He served as a member until the commission was superseded by the Coliseum Board of Trustees; he was then appointed to this official governing body. In January, 1954, he was elected president of the board; previously he had been vice-president and secretary. The son of William C. and Sophia (Felger) Adams, Otto Adams was born June 5, 1894, in Allen County, Indiana. After c

James R. Fleming was elected president of the Board of Trustees of the Coliseum in 1952 prior to the dedication of the building. He retained that post until January, 1954. His term of office included a rather critical and very successful period in the operation of the Coliseum. James R. Fleming was born November 8, 1881, in Henry County, Indiana; his parents were George R. and Sarah (Cummins) Fleming. He completed his elementary and secondary education in local schools and was awarded the degree

Don L. Myers was chosen manager of the War Memorial Coliseum in 1951 prior to the completion of the edifice; he continues in that capacity at the present time. Wide recognition has been accorded him; he was awarded a trophy by the International Association of Auditorium Managers for his efficient and successful management during the 1952-1953 season. Mr. Myers was born in Wolcottville, Indiana, February 12, 1914. He accompanied his family to Fort Wayne in 1929, attended North Side High School, a

The Commissioners of Allen County selected A. M. Strauss, Incorporated, to design the War Memorial Coliseum because of the notable achievements of the firm and because that architectural corporation could complete all phases of structural planning. Thus, the need for employing architects from other cities would be obviated. Alvin M. Strauss, born April 8, 1895, at Kendallville, Indiana, was the son of Abraham and Frieda Strauss. After the completion of his secondary education in the city of his