23/09/2024
On February 27, 1950 the Dublin School Board met and announced they were going to buy materials for new seats at the football stadium. It would allow for a total of 1500 seats, 1000 on the Dublin side and 500 on the visitors side of the field. Steel was purchased for the framework and wood was purchased for the seating announced Lee White, president of the board. The improvements would cost $6500 dollars. The money came from bonds that were voted on by the citizens two years before. They only had enough to pay for the materials and didn’t have money for the construction. Instead, they had faith that the citizens of Dublin would come forward and help make the dream a reality.
The Dublin War Memorial Committee was organized for memorial stadium, with members of local civic organizations. 160 concrete footings were arranged for, since the cost was minimal. The committee said they would be asking for funds and free labor for the construction.
Football Coach Dillard Adair was hired as a coordinator of the project. He would make sure that any volunteers showing up for work would be assigned a job. All tools would be engraved so they could be returned to their owners.(Dublin Progress, June 2, 1950)
By June 16, about half of the metal on the east side of the stadium was up. Foundation holes needed to be dug as well as fence post holes and the tearing down an of old fence. By July 7th $3437.16 had been collected in donations while a total of $10,000 was the goal for the stadium.
On July 14, all of the steel structure was up. The lumber was ordered and expected to be in place on time. The foundation for the restrooms and concession stand was in place.
By August 11 the stadium was complete with the exception of the lumber that was to be delivered any day. The tile was up in the dressing rooms, the concession stand and rest rooms. Coach Adair said that the field was in the best shape he had seen, since he first came to Dublin. He was looking forward to a wonderful year of football.
Local rock mason, Jim Davis, was the one who rocked the exterior of Trinity Episcopal Church in 1947. He also bricked the front entrance of Memorial Stadium.
The Stadium was dedicated on Friday September 15, 1950 by President E. J. Howell of Tarleton State College. The Tarleton Guard of Honor gave the honor salute. Superintendent W.D. Raley presided over the dedication. The first game of the season took place with a match of the Hico Tigers vs. the Dublin Lions. (Dublin Progress, September 8, 1950)
By September, 29th the Dublin Progress said “About $1500 is needed to pay for the work which has been completed and an additional $500 is needed to complete the project for the year.”
Dr. Joe Pate was on the finance committee for the stadium. He had gone to everyone in town asking for donations. As time passed it was getting embarrassing because, he had to ask some people two, even three times for money. He had just about given up hope to raise the money to finish the stadium. It was then, that Joe Kennedy, manager at Higginbothams came forward. Higginbothams was willing to give the final money needed to finish Memorial Stadium. The fund raising was a success! For years afterward Dr. Pate and Joe Kennedy were best friends.
Fred Fletcher who was chairman of all the committees made a special request that thanks and appreciation be given the many who made the stadium possible. “I want to thank everyone who contributed in money, material or work in the building of our stadium. It is impossible to mention each by name as there are too many, but please remember that I thank you for the people of Dublin and I personally appreciate it.” (Dublin Progress, September 15, 1950)
The entrance of the War Memorial Stadium was bricked by local rock mason Jim Davis. There were strong feelings in our community that those who died in World War II should be honored.
