James Q. "Stute" Allen Gymnasium

• The first gymnasium for Clinton Public Schools was built about the same time as the school in 1930. Coach Allen began his coaching/teaching career in that original gym in 1933. In that decade the gym was said to have been “state of the art” and was used as a model by other school districts. When the new gym was built in 1948, the original gym was converted to a school cafeteria.

• The new gym was built adjacent (just south of) the original gymnasium and was completed in 1948.

• In 1953, the high school student body voted unanimously to dedicate and rename the gym as The James Q. “Stute” Allen Gymnasium.

• The gym was equipped with coaching offices and team dressing rooms on either side.

• The gym has a Standard Basketball Court and hardwood flooring.

• The spectators enjoyed the game from 500 Cast Iron Wood Slat Seats on the east side of the court with ample standing room. Though in need of some repair and refinishing, the opera seats remain intact.

• The gym faces to the East and features a handsome brick façade with triple door entry typical of the 1930’s.

• The Allen Gymnasium has been used for storage since Clinton Junior High moved to its current location on Lakeview Drive. Lack of maintenance for more than a dozen years has resulted in leaks in the roof, which have caused the once beautiful hardwood floor to buckle in places.

• A walkthrough by building architects and contractors indicate the facility is solid structurally with only minor surface cracks in the walls which can be repaired.

• The most urgent need is to preserve the facility from further harm by either covering the holes in the roof or reroofing the building. Another urgent need is to clear the plumbing lines, which have been clogged from lack of attention.

• We know the Clinton School Board will share our concern for the proper upkeep of all public school property—including the Allen gymnasium.

STATS
James Q. Allen Gymnasium
Built 1948
Named for longtime teacher/coach James Q. “Stute” Allen
Standard Court with Hardwood Floors
500 Cast Iron Wood Slat Seats
Handsome Brick Façade
Period Triple Door Entry
Located along Clinton Parkway on the Old Junior High campus