Lawrence, Kansas
- December 11, 1939

Dear Dr. Allens

i When I received your letter of Movember 13th, I was on the point of
vettins @ reply offhand but » suspecting that there was more in your inquiry
than appeared on its face, I decided to look into the mtter somewhat more
carefully, because I knew from my own experience how leafy the memory is. I
first turned to the record as printed in an article on "Student Life" by
Professor A. G. Canfield, in the Quarter-Centennial History of the University
of Kansas, published in 1891. This record gives the authoritative statement
of the MeGook bequest. I quote Professor Canfield's language.

"Another attempt was made in December, 1889, ani the association then
formed is still in ezistence. Besides supplying a central management for the
various sports, it ou itself to the task of raising money to procure and
fit up suitable grounds for an athletic field. The need of euch a field
entirely under the control of the Gniversity os long been felt by the
stulents and frequently heen pointed out by the college papers. A subscription
was begun among the students and faculty, and about $200 raised. Cohonel
MeGook, of New York, interested himself in the plans of the association and
gave $1,500 towards ite object, with th promise of doubling whatever it
should raise up to $10,000. The association has prosecuted its work during
the present year and raised about $800, and has received a further gift from
Col. MeCook of $1,000, so that there is available for its purpose about $3,500.".

The Quivirs, the senior yearbook of 1893, repeats this history in the
following Language:

"This athletic board has also, from the beginning, endeavored to collect
money to provide a suitable athletic field and eventually a gymnasium. It
found an unexpected benefactor in Gol. McCook, of New York, who gave $1,500
for a field, and afterwards increased his gift to nearly twice that sum.

Governor Charles Robinson also came to the rescue of the association, when it