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Show Over the hill Fort Douglas: a new war relic for U By Larry Hiller Collecting war relics can be a fascinating hobby. But only the University does it on a large scale. Small collectors must confine their efforts to collecting weapons, maps, medals, etc. But such souvenirs are usually a dime-a-dozen. Because there is stiff competition, it is the big collectors who get all the choice items. If the University's present efforts to obtain Fort Douglas are successful, there will be rejoicing in the Park Building. After an, how many collectors can boast of owning a whole army post? Annex-A Relic In the meantime, the University can be content in knowing that it possesses what is by far the most venerable and unique war relic in existence-the Annex. Considered as a physical entity, the Annex is far from beautiful to the eye of the average beholder. But the collector of war relics sees beauty in stark, cold functionality. It is in this light only that the Annex must be viewed. (In daylight, for example, it is simply a hideous old building.) Except for a few brief lapses (such as the Counselling Center) the University has seen fit to leave the Annex unrestored. Such restraint is the mark of the earnest, discerning collector. For the Annex could have been turned into a pleasant;, comfortable teaching facility like any other. But the unique character of the building would have: been lost. Such a move would be akin to making lamp bases out of mortar tubes, or wall decorations out of campaign maps- The serious collector leaves: such frivolity to dabbling dilettantes. As the University's collection of war relics. - 1 expands, it is almost certain that there will before "annexes." The first area of expansion-will beEithe , area of Fort Douglas, where there are many choir architectural relics. Rash R amors At any rate, there is no end in sight as tht University continues to collect relic after reu'e for its 1 already spectacular collection. It all began with it I acquisition of the Annex and its simple elegance. '. may go on the aquisition of Saigon or the Gaza Sir:. The possibilities are virtually unlimited. |