The Athena Press

Fanned by a brisk wind, fire on the University of Oregon campus Saturday afternoon destroyed the women's gymnasium building, now housing part of the art department, and the annex adjoining, in which the School of Journalism and the infirmary are located.

The blaze also damaged the residence of Dean Sheldon. The total damage to college structures is estimated by President Campbell at more than $51,000.

This loss does not include the valuable Fairbanks art collection, which was housed in the gymnasium. This collection, consisting mainly of sculpted work, was destroyed.

The gymnasium building was erected some 30 years ago for the men of the college. For many years it was also the scene of university social activities. Later it was converted into a gymnasium for the women. Early day football scores and what were then state and coast track records were inscribed on honor rolls on the walls of the building.

During the height of the blaze embers were blown onto all roofs in the path of the wind and it was with great difficulty that the hundreds of volunteer fire fighters, aided by the fire department of Eugene, saved these buildings. Scores of students who were in Eugene at the time, hastened to assist in saving the school property.

One residence located nearly six blocks from the scene of the main blaze caught fire from sparks dropped on the roof, but prompt action prevented the destruction of this building. Sparks even lighted in Hayward field, one and a half miles from the campus.

The fire started about 4 o'clock and it was not brought under control until after 5 p. m. The cause of the blaze is yet to be determined.