Farragut Naval Training Station, which is now Farragut State Park had some unique buildings. Each of the training camps had drill fields called “grinders” where the recruits marched. The huge regimental drill hall in the background of the top photo allowed training during all kinds of weather. They were said to be the largest clear span (without posts) structures in the world at that time. This particular structure is believed to be the drill hall at Camp Bennion.
At least two of the drill halls found life after the Navy. One was used in Spokane for many years as a Costco. It is still there, just off the Division street exit, and now houses a Goodwill warehouse.
Another of the drill halls was donated to the University of Denver, disassembled, and reassembled on the DU campus in 1948-49 (bottom photo, as it was being torn down). It was used as a hockey arena that fans called “the old barn.” It stood on campus for nearly 50 years.
At least two of the drill halls found life after the Navy. One was used in Spokane for many years as a Costco. It is still there, just off the Division street exit, and now houses a Goodwill warehouse.
Another of the drill halls was donated to the University of Denver, disassembled, and reassembled on the DU campus in 1948-49 (bottom photo, as it was being torn down). It was used as a hockey arena that fans called “the old barn.” It stood on campus for nearly 50 years.
