Pembroke Jones awarded a contract to C. T. Shepard to construct a buidling for use as a tennis court, ballroom and hall for private theatricals. Plans were by Charles McMillen. It was to be 50 x 100 feet with arched ceiling 30 feet high in the center. “Polished hardwood floor will make an excellent place for dancing. Seats will run all the way around the walls for the benefit of spectators of the tennis, dancing and private theatricals” (Wilmington Dispatch, January 9, 1901; Messenger, January 10, 1901).