In this 1920 photo, Representatives Albert Vestal, Fred Britten, Fred Purnell, and Sydney Anderson pose in the House Gym. Members used the punching bags, rowing machines, dumbbells, and steam room to stay fit. Boxing gloves and fencing foils also gave Members a way to work out their competitive aggression. After complaints that Congressmen were getting into brawls in the Capitol, Representative Florence Kahn suggested that “if they want to fight it would be a good idea for them to go to the gymnasium and have it out like men should.”
