Wilkes-Barre in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
The Old Gymnasium
Remembering Agnes: 50 Years After The Flood
— Walking Tour Stop 12 —
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., June 27, 2022
1. The Old Gymnasium Marker
The Old Gymnasium was built on property that mimicked the architectural style of Miner Hall at 274 South Franklin Street. It was purchased by Wilkes College in 1948, but wasn't completed until September of 1950. It cost about $250,000 to build using 125 tons of steel. By 1950, it was considered to be one of the most modern buildings in the state. The gym was large enough for three basketball courts and to seat over 1200 people. However, after Hurricane Agnes flooded the building, the entire gym floor was washed and buckled out into five-foot waves. The building was sound but the entire flooring needed to be replaced and reconstructed. The damages were estimated to be $125,000.
Erected 2022 by Wilkes University.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Disasters • Sports • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical month for this entry is September 1950.
Location. 41° 14.552′ N, 75° 53.449′ W. Marker is in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, in Luzerne County. Marker is on Franklin Street north of Ross Street, on the right when traveling
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Class of 1999 Senior Class Gift (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); New Men's Dormitory (about 700 feet away); American yellowwood (about 700 feet away); William Camp Gildersleeve (about 700 feet away); Zebulon Butler House (about 700 feet away); The Wilkes Labyrinth (about 700 feet away); John Wilkes (approx. 0.2 miles away); E. S. Farley Library (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Wilkes-Barre.
Also see . . .
1. Wilkes University. (Submitted on June 29, 2022, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)
2. 50th Anniversary of Hurricane Agnes (USGS). (Submitted on June 29, 2022, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., June 27, 2022
2. The Old Gymnasium Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on June 29, 2022. It was originally submitted on June 29, 2022, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 159 times since then and 104 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 29, 2022, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.
