Otto H. Adams

“ Since at least a portion of the cost of a coliseum would be financed by property taxes, in 1946 it was decided to submit the question to the electorate of Allen County in the form of a referendum. After the county commissioners had agreed to place the question on the ballot, the Junior Chamber of Commerce organized and carried out an extensive publicity campaign to secure public approval. The War Memorial Commission, a group organized with the encouragement of the Junior Chamber of Commerce, assumed responsibility for the planning and co-ordination of the campaign. ”

“ One problem in the construction of a great building arises from discrepancies in the rates of expansion and contraction of various materials used. In the Coliseum the concrete seating construction is attached to the steel frame of the building by a device operating on the principle of a hinge. It is so designed that when the steel and concrete expand at different coefficients, the hinge moves to adjust to the disparity. ”

“ Otto Adams served as chairman of the Allen County Chapter of the National Foundation for Infantile Paralysis for seven years. He has served on the directorates of numerous civic organizations, including the Fort Wayne Chamber of Commerce, the Allen County Chapter of the American Red Cross, and the Y.M.C.A. He has held office as president of the Lakeside Northeast Community Association and as treasurer of the Anthony Wayne Council of Boy Scouts. He was also a member of the organizing committee of the United Fund. ”

“ The Coliseum has brought many benefits to Fort Wayne. Local organizations have better facilities for their activities. For example, the 4-H Clubs held their annual fair in the Exhibition Hall and were untroubled by uncertainties of weather. Recently, the Board of Trustees leased sixteen acres adjacent to the building to this group. The Boy Scouts served 1,500 guests at their annual recognition dinner in the Coliseum. During the Christmas season, the Christ Child Festival is held there. Now the regional high school basketball tournaments can be held in Fort Wayne. ”

“ The necessarily massive size and isolated location might have resulted in an ill-proportioned and bulky building. Fortunately, the judicious adaptation of a contemporary modern style by the architects has achieved a dignified building that is both functional and beautiful. ”

“ Ida Dick of the Dick Piano and Organ Company donated the organ in memory of her husband.
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a southwest view of the Coliseum showing the entrance to the Exhibition Hall.
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The Exhibition Hall occupies the lower level of the building and covers an acre and a quarter in area. The hall provides ideal accommodations for agricultural and industrial exhibits such as the 4-H Club Fair and the Automobile Show. Because the level has its own separate box office, lobby, and concession stand, events can be scheduled concurrently with those in the Sports Arena without interference. ”