versailles, the old

Tyson Auditorium was home to the Versailles Lions and South Ripley Raiders for more than 60 years.  Because of it's "modern" seating and lighting, several teams from surrounding towns rented the gym to use as a home court, including the 1954 State Champ Milan Indians.  The facility, built with money from the Tyson Fund (an annual endowment from "Uncle Jim" Tyson, one of the founders of Walgreen Drugs), could seat 2200.  Maybe I should say 'partially funded', as Tyson was happy to pay for the church, library and school but was not particularly fond of sports, so other outside monies helped complete the project.  When the Raiders moved to their new on-campus gym, Tyson was in danger of disappearing until a group of local investors stepped in and now, because of their hard work, the old gym still echoes with the sound of bouncing basketballs & squeaking shoes. CGS/MEK.