Peace Memorial Auditorium
In 2013, Manhattan's City Commission discussed plans to dismantle the city's World War II memorial. As the result of advocacy efforts, the memorial is no longer in danger of being converted to offices and basketball courts. The M/RCPA has uploaded several documents about Peace Memorial Auditorium to provide more information about the memorial and the renovation plans. Some of the documents are large and will open slowly.
This document provides information about the history and planning of Peace Memorial Auditorium by using historical documents. It helps to explain the mindset and motivations of Manhattan residents at the time the auditorium was planned. Click the plaque image to view larger.
Please be patient -- this is a large file and will open slowly. |
If you'd like to read more about the planning and development of the Peace Memorial Auditorium, read the document prepared by the city in 1955 that was intended to be a "careful recording of the efforts." From the document, "The World War had recently ended, and the public was memorial conscious . . . "
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"Living" Type of War Memorial Has Edge in Nation-Wide Survey of Plans
The Kansas City Times, Sept. 12, 1945 Peace Memorial Auditorium is a "living memorial." The 1945 article explains the philosophy of "living memorials" and the desire to create useful memorials. |
45 organizations favored constructing a memorial building in 1946
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"Gold Star" refers to a service member who was killed in combat operations.
"A Two-Way Opportunity," Manhattan Mercury-Chronicle editorial, Oct. 30, 1946
"The 101 who did not come back, whose bodies lie in rest over the world, are still with us spiritually. Granite shafts or temples of memory have their place, but these 101, we believe, would want something more than that . . . " Click the button to read the full editorial that encouraged voters to support the ballot initiative to construct a memorial auditorium.
"The 101 who did not come back, whose bodies lie in rest over the world, are still with us spiritually. Granite shafts or temples of memory have their place, but these 101, we believe, would want something more than that . . . " Click the button to read the full editorial that encouraged voters to support the ballot initiative to construct a memorial auditorium.
Photos
Signs are popping up around Manhattan!
News Articles
Jan. 2015:
The City Commission gave consensus approval for city staff to work with the project architect and the Friends of Peace Memorial Auditorium to develop costs, scope of work, and a timeline for renovations. See news article below.
The City Commission gave consensus approval for city staff to work with the project architect and the Friends of Peace Memorial Auditorium to develop costs, scope of work, and a timeline for renovations. See news article below.
Concert to raise funds to restore Manhattan auditorium
News story from the Topeka Capital-Journal, May 4, 2014
by Jan Biles
News story from the Topeka Capital-Journal, May 4, 2014
by Jan Biles
The plans surrounding Peace Memorial Auditorium were discussed Sept. 3, 2013, at City Commission. The motion to continue with the architect and to complete final design plans as previously approved FAILED, with a 2-3 vote. Motion to direct the architect to study alternative options CARRIED by a 3-2 vote. There will be more discussions and numbers to crunch and the future still uncertain, but this was an important vote that will at least open up discussions.
Decision due on auditorium
Manhattan Mercury article, Sept. 1, 2013
Manhattan Mercury article, Sept. 1, 2013
Full-page advertisement in the
Manhattan Mercury, Aug. 25
(Click image to view larger.)
Manhattan Mercury, Aug. 25
(Click image to view larger.)
Manhattan commissioners expected to decide Sept. 3 on
auditorium renovation
Topeka Capital-Journal article, Aug. 10, 2013
By Jan Biles
jan.biles@cjonline.com
The Manhattan City Commission likely will decide at its Sept. 3 meeting whether it will move forward on a $2.9 million project to renovate Peace Memorial Auditorium or follow the suggestion of the city’s Historic Resources Board to explore alternatives to the project, deputy city manager Jason Hilgers said . . .
auditorium renovation
Topeka Capital-Journal article, Aug. 10, 2013
By Jan Biles
jan.biles@cjonline.com
The Manhattan City Commission likely will decide at its Sept. 3 meeting whether it will move forward on a $2.9 million project to renovate Peace Memorial Auditorium or follow the suggestion of the city’s Historic Resources Board to explore alternatives to the project, deputy city manager Jason Hilgers said . . .
Veterans group voices concern over renovation of Manhattan auditorium
Topeka Capital-Journal article, July 20, 2013
A Topeka-based World War II veterans group has sent a letter to Manhattan officials expressing its concern with a $2.9 million project to renovate Peace Memorial Auditorium, built in the mid-1950s as a living memorial to the 2,610 Riley County veterans who served and the 101 Riley County soldiers who died in WWII. . .
Topeka Capital-Journal article, July 20, 2013
A Topeka-based World War II veterans group has sent a letter to Manhattan officials expressing its concern with a $2.9 million project to renovate Peace Memorial Auditorium, built in the mid-1950s as a living memorial to the 2,610 Riley County veterans who served and the 101 Riley County soldiers who died in WWII. . .
Renovation of living memorial raises ire of some Manhattan residents
Plan replaces Peace Memorial Auditorium stage, seating with athletic courts
Posted: July 14, 2013 - 2:21pm
By Jan Biles
Plan replaces Peace Memorial Auditorium stage, seating with athletic courts
Posted: July 14, 2013 - 2:21pm
By Jan Biles
