Ford Gymnasium

Located in the northeastern corner of the complex, the gymnasium is home of the "Vikings" basketball teams men's and women's NAIA (National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics) teams. It also continues to serve students for physical-education classes and athletic events and to provide some physical-education offices. Over the doorway the words "Recreation Building" appear in a white stone slab. Many people remember the story of the Fords' indecision over Miss Berry's request. Mr. Ford thought she had said, "Berry needs a recreation building"; Mrs. Ford insisted she had said "a recitation building," so they gave the Schools both. At one time, the lower level served as a laundry and clinic. Original plans called for a swimming pool to be built in this area, but other needs were greater. (The Richards Gymnasium on the southern part of the main campus has a swimming pool, an intramural gym, a fitness center, and offices.) The central heating plant in Ford Gymnasium, also called the "boiler room," is located in the lower level of the recreation building on the northern end. This plant controls the heating for all the Ford complex. The interior of this building has been renovated and/or repaired at various intervals. A new floor was installed in 1978. Heating, cooling, and sound have been controlled as conservation measures. Intercollegiate basketball competition was moved from Memorial Gymnasium (now Roy Richards Memorial Gymnasium) to Ford in 1964. Graduation ceremonies have been held in this gymnasium in December since enrollment outgrew Berry College Chapel.

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