The Allen County War Memorial Coliseum

by Otto H. Adams; Public Library of Fort Wayne and Allen County

In addition to his professional and business interests, Mr. Fleming is active in many civic and social organizations. As a director of the Fort Wayne Chamber of Commerce, he became interested in the earliest coliseum plans. His work in advancing this project was publicly recognized in 1949, and he was appointed to the original Board of Trustees.

James R. Fleming

He has also been a director of the Fort Wayne Art School, the Fort Wayne Civic Symphony, the Fort Wayne Community Concert Association, the Fort Wayne Civic Association, the Fort Wayne Musical Society, and the Fort Wayne and Indiana Presbyterian Foundations. He is a member of the American, Federal, Indiana, and Allen County Bar Associations; the Indiana and the Allen County Historical Societies; the Indiana Society of Chicago; the Fort Wayne Country Club; the Masons; and the Elks. Mr. Fleming is also an active member of the First Presbyterian Church of Fort Wayne. He is married and is the father of two children.

Don L. Myers

DON L. MYERS

Don L. Myers was chosen manager of the War Memorial Coliseum in 1951 prior to the completion of the edifice; he continues in that capacity at the present time. Wide recognition has been accorded him; he was awarded a trophy by the International Association of Auditorium Managers for his efficient and successful management during the 1952-1953 season.

Mr. Myers was born in Wolcottville, Indiana, February 12, 1914. He accompanied his family to Fort Wayne in 1929, attended North Side High School, and graduated in 1931. His first positions were in sales promotion and hotel work; during World War II he was employed in the essential steel industry. He was sales manager for the V. R. Myers Pump Supply Company before his appointment as manager of the Coliseum.

In 1942 Don Myers joined the Fort Wayne Junior Chamber of Commerce and was soon an active member. Through his associations in the “Jaycees,” he became a proponent of the Coliseum. Mr. Myers assisted in the formulation of the initial plans for the memorial, and when the War Memorial Commission was organized to execute the plans, he was chosen president. Later, when the memorial building was under construction, he was elected to the Allen County Council. As a councilman, he used his opportunities to expedite the progress of the Coliseum. Don Myers is a member of the First Baptist Church. He is married and is the father of two children.