Lyman Gymnasium

Lyman Gymnasium was built in 1890 at a cost of $5, 923 with the generous donation from Frederick Wolcott Lyman (1849-1931), one of the founders of Rollins College and a business, civic, and religious leader in Winter Park and Minneapolis. Mr. Lyman, first president of Rollins College Corporation, was instrumental in raising the initial funds for locating Rollins College in Winter Park.

Designed by George H. Rand to fill the athletic needs of a small college, the building primarily served as a gymnasium until 1926. Included was a regular basketball court, a running track on the second floor balcony and offices. This attractive building was also much in demand for music recitals, plays and similar events that required a considerable seating arrangement. In 1926, in response to more urgent needs, Lyman Gymnasium was converted into a recitation building with additional classrooms. In 1958, to make room for the Rose Skillman Dining Hall, Lyman was moved 150 feet southeast toward Lake Virginia. At the same time the building went through a general renovation that included the additions of five faculty offices as well as various repairs and improvements. By the early 1970s, Lyman was scheduled to be bulldozed, however, its demolition was put on hold as the building was temporarily occupied by maintenance staff and used as storage space for the theater program. Because of faulty wiring in one of the florescent light fixtures, Lyman Gymnasium was destroyed by fire on February 12, 1974. Much equipment was lost at that time.

Early Lyman Gym Photo (Lakeside Cottage can be seen to the right background)

Interior of the Lyman Gymnasium 1890s

Lyman Gymnasium on Fire

Lyman Gymnasium after the fire