Drive Raises Sum For Construction Of Ice Rink Roof

Almost $250,000 has been collected by the "Working Friends of Harvard Hockey," in its campaign for funds to enclose the University ice arena, it was learned yesterday.

Despite the total, however, the organization has intensified its appeal by asking past letter winners and personal friends for the $105,000 still needed.

A total of $244,919, including about $180,000 in the past two months, has been collected for the proposed structure, which would seat about 2,000, and include team dressing rooms.

The organization, represented by Alexander H. Bright '19 and Edward L. Bigelow '21 has issued letters seeking the necessary money from ex-athletes. Limitation of the drive was necessary to avoid conflict with formal University fund appeals.

"In the 34 days prior to Christmas vacation," the letter stated, "only five days of regularly scheduled varsity practice were possible on our present uncovered rink." The increased difficulty of maintaining ice during warmer February was emphasized.

Broad use of the present uncovered rink was also pointed out. The letter noted that 35 House teams use the rink in addition to the varsity, junior varsity, and freshman sextets. Although the varsity uses the rink only for practice now, freshman and intramural games are played there.

The $150,000 outdoor rink was completed in early February, after a three year fund raising campaign. The "Working Friends," including about 55 alumni, were organized last summer, in an unsuccessful effort to collect funds for enclosing the rink this season. It is estimated that three month's time would be necessary for the construction of the enclosure.