Rutgers has few mementos from early in its football history and the January 8, 1930 New York Times probably explained why. “Amid explosions of infantry ammunition and trench mortar shells the Robert F. Ballantine Gymnasium of Rutgers University was destroyed by fire early today (January 7)…The greatest single loss was that of the Reserve Officers Training Corp, which had its headquarters in the building. Its equipment was valued at $72,000 and included 700 Springfield rifles, half a dozen machine guns, several trench mortars and several hundred rounds of infantry ammunition. Other losses included class reunion uniforms, students’ lockers, and athletic uniforms valued at $15,000; the office equipment and medical supplies of the university medical department, temporary wooden bleachers used on Neilson Field for football and baseball games; the equipment of the council on athletics, and all equipment and supplies of the physical education department. Many athletic trophies were also destroyed… "
Back in the day, college gymnasium buildings also served as the armory in many places. The decision was made to build the Rutgers College Avenue Gymnasium (a.k.a. The Barn) on the site of the first intercollegiate football game. The fire was January 7, 1930 and The Barn opened on January 6, 1932 with Rutgers basketball team losing to Syracuse 20-19. On January 14th, the first concert was given by the same person who turned out to have given the last concert at Balllantine Gym - Paul Robeson.
Back in the day, college gymnasium buildings also served as the armory in many places. The decision was made to build the Rutgers College Avenue Gymnasium (a.k.a. The Barn) on the site of the first intercollegiate football game. The fire was January 7, 1930 and The Barn opened on January 6, 1932 with Rutgers basketball team losing to Syracuse 20-19. On January 14th, the first concert was given by the same person who turned out to have given the last concert at Balllantine Gym - Paul Robeson.
