Summit County, Ohio - Chapter 12: History of Buchtel Colleoe, 1908

Chapter 12: History of Buchtel Colleoe

For majiy years the need of an institution of learning had been recognized by the progressive ministers and laymen of the Universalist Church. During 1865, and the early months of 1866, Ohio was canvassed for Lombard University at Galesburg, 111., and the Buckeye State contributed $20,000 toward an endowment of $100,000. That canvass intensified the desire for a school in Ohio under the management of the Universalist denomination.

At the Ohio convention, held at Mt. Gilead, in June, 1867, as chairman of the Committee on Education, Rev. Andrew Willson prepared and presented a report urging the establishment of an academy for both sexes. The report was unanimously adopted. The Committee on Education, of which Mr. Willson was again chairman, was instructed to prepare a plan for a state school and report the same at the next annual convention to be held in Dayton in June of 1868. After corresponding with the leading ministers and prominent laymen in the state, Mr. Willson prepared and presented a somewhat elaborate plan and made $50,000 the minimum sum to be pledged before the beginning of the work. Mr. Willson rather surprised the convention by stating that no place could secure the school for less than $1 0.000. He wa? finally assured that Kent would give that amount.

The report was unanimously adopted. During that year several towns seriously considered the question of obtaining the school. The principal competitors were Kent. Mt. Gilead and Oxford.

By June, 1869, when the Ohio convention met at McConnellsville, the thought of a college had found favor with many of the most interested. The trustees, Eevs. Andrew Willson, H. L. Canfield, J. S. Cantwell, J. W. Henly and 0. F. Haymaker, and the Committee on Education, Revs. B. F. Eaton and E. L. Rexford, were intsructed "to proceed to -establish a denominational school in the state, whenever a suitable location may be secured and requisite funds pledged."

In November, 1869, at a joint meeting of the Board of Trustees and Committee on Education held at Springboro, Rev. H. F. Miller, then financial secretary' of Smithson College, Indiana, was invited to become general financial secretary of the Board and Committee. He accepted the office and began work the first of the following January.

At this time Kent and Mt. Gilead were earnest com])etitors for the college. The latter place was centrally located, but not financially as strong as Kent. Against the latter there was a strong prejudice on account of its reputation of unhealthfulness. When Mr. Willson found that Kent, where he was then pastor, was not likely to win, he threw his influence in favor of Akron. He was the first to call the attention of the citizens of this city to the proposed institution, and urge the importance and advantages to the place in which it might be located.

In September of 1867 the Western Reserve A.ssociation of Universalists was held in Akron. A special car conveyed the Kent people, and Brimfield, Windsor and other places sent large delegations. The enthusiasm of that meeting quickened much interest and touched John R. Buchtel. Although he had made his will, when he clearly sa-w the opportunity of founding a college, he was not slow in grasping its meaning and its importance to the cause of education.

However, to him the opportunity did not fully a appear until early in 1870. Mr. Willson and Mr. Miller had investigated the condition in Akron, interviewed prominent citizens, including Mr. Buohtel, without satisfactory results. They did not succeed in arousing sufficient interest to justify large expectations of locating the college in that city. After visiting several places and investigating their offers, Mr. Miller decided in favor of Mt. Gilead, a centrallv located town in Morrow County. January 9, 1870, Rev. H. L. Canfield preached in .\kron and on the evening of that day several friends met at the residence of Avery Spicer and earnestly discussed the question of the location of the college. All present felt that Akron was the place. The next day Mr. Canfield wrote the financial secretary to again visit Akron before finally deciding the question of location. Mr. Miller replied that he had already called a meeting of the truste&s of the convention and its Educational Committee to meet at Columbus to decide the important question. The meeting was held but no decision was reached. A committee fwas appointed to accompany Mr. Miller to Akron and reinvestigate the situation. Rev. Geo. Messenger, an old friend of Mr. Buchtel's, gave his strong influence and the committee was satisfied that Akron was the right place for the institution. This was offered the city on the condition that the sum of $60,000 should be pledged. The offer was promptly accepted, Mr. Buchtel pledging $6,000 for a building fund and $2.5.000 as nn endowment when the college should be established.

As the records were burned when the college building was destroyed, it is impossible to recall the names of all of the original sub- .«!cribers. On the list were the following: J. H. Pendleton, Ferd Schumacher, Aver\'

Having decided in favor of Akron, the next important question was where to erect the building. The trustees of the Ohio convention, accompanied by citizens of the city, spent some time visiting diff^erent sections and considering offers from various parties. The result was the selection of the old cemetery grounds. The decision has never been regretted.

On the 31st day of May, 1870, the Board of Trustees and Committee on Education met at the Court House in Akron at 10 a. m. Trustees present: Rev. J. S. Cantwell, H. L. Canfield, J. W. Henley and Andrew Willson and Mr. 0. F. Haymaker; Committee on Education, Revs. B. F. Eaton and E. L. Rexford. Rev. H. F. Miller, financial secretary, stated that the citizens of Summit County had complied with the terms of the Trustees and Committee on Education. On motion of Rev. B. F. Eaton, it was unanimously voted to locate the college in Akron and to authorize Rev, H. F. Miller, W. Spaulding, Geo. Messenger, Henry Blandy, J. R. Buchtel. Hon. N. D. Tibbals, E. P.' Green. Col. George T. Perkins, .Tames Lantz and George Steese, together with the Trustees and Committee on Education to act as corporators.

By what name shall the college be known? This was a deeply interesting and important question and was earnestly discussed by the Trustees and Committee on Education. Some favored naming it Murray Centennial College, others Buchtel UniversaH«t College. Mr. Buchtel was invited to attend the meeting and express his opinion. Honestly and frankly he said "name it what you like. The college is yours, not mine. It shall have my hearty support. If prospered, I expect to give it one hundred thou.sand dollai's." Then it was unanimously voted to name the child of the Ohio Universalist convention Buchtel College, in honor of the man who financially most loyally aided it in its infancy.

All necessary legal measures were taken, the corporation adopted articles of association, also a seal ; elected a board of trustees, became a "Body Corporate" and then delivered all the propert}' into the hands of the trustees. This board then organized by electing Hon. John R. Buchtel, president; Hon. Sanford M. Burnham, secretary, and Hon. George W. Grouse, tre^asurer. The services of Rev. H. F. Miller as financial secretary were secured, to date from January 1, 1870.

During the first week in June the Ohio Universalist Convention was held at Kent. The attendance was unusually large. In this centennial year of the Universalist Church in America, the college occupied a prominent place in the thoughts of all delegates and visitors. The action of the Trustees and the Committee on Education was earnestly indorsed amid great enthusiasm. The following resolutions were' unanimously adopted :

Resolved, That this convention joyfully recognize the succass of the friends of Universalism in their efforts to establish a denominational institution of learning in this State; that we appreciate the magnificent gift of our friend and brother, Hon. John R. Buchtel, of Akron, for this object and pledge to him our cordial co-operation to make the enterprise so generously aided a complete success.

Resolved, that, haA'ing confidence in tihe man, in his honor, rectitude, integrity, in his disinterestedness in this friendly gift, in the positive manly virtues of his life and the example which his history affords to the stniggling youths of our country, we gratefully recognize the wisdom which gives the institution his name, and that will hereafter enable us to rank Buchtel College among the proudest monuments of our centennial year.

Miller, efliciently aided by Revs. J. S. Cantwell, editor of the Star in the West, Andrew Willson, H. L. Canfield, B. F. Eaton, R. T. Polk and many others, the canvass for funds Avas successfully pushed. The people had a mind to give, and preparations for erecting a suitable building were speedily commenced. T. W. Silloway, of Boston, was employed a^ architect and in due time Noah Carter, of Akron, was engaged to superintend the work of the building.

On the 4th of July, 1871, was laid the corner stone bearing the inscription, "Centenary of Universalism in Americ'a, 1870." In the presence of a great multitude, Horace Greeley gave an address on "Human Conceptions of God as They Affect the Moral Education of Our Race." In the evening a reception in honor of Mr. Greeley was held at the home of Hon. John R. Buchtel.

The trustees^ of the college appointed a committee, of which Hon. Henry Blandy was a member, to select a president for the institution. As Mr. Blandy had business engagements in New England, he was instructed to confer with leading scholars in the denomination and if possible report the name of some well-qualified man for that responsible position. On his return he reported that Rev. S. H. McCoUester, D. D., had been highly recommended and that he would visit Akron in March of 1872. The promi.?ed visit was made and resulted in the engagement of Dr. McCollester, who moved to Akron the first of June of that year.

By this time the chapel was nearly finished and in it was held the Ohio Universali.'st Convention. This was a memorable session for the college. There were present delegates from nearly all the churches in the State and great interest was manifested in the new institution. Early in the year Rev. H. F. Miller resigned his position as financial secretary and retired the first of April. Rev. D. C. Tomlinson was then employed to fill the vacancy, and, under his leadership, assisted by Rev. J. S. CantwcU and others, about $17,000 was pledged for the college. Subscriptions varied in amount from $1,000 to $1.50 by a little girl, Lillie Snell, of Dayton. The cost of furnishing each room was estimated at $60, and the person or church paying that sum had the privilege of naming the room. Pledges for furnishing nearly all the rooms were made before the close of the convention. To furnish a room in the name of Rev. I. D. Williamson, D. D., one of the ablest and most extensively known of the pioneer ministers, a hat collection was successfully taken.

On the building and furni.shings between $160,000 and $200,000 had been expended. The following description was given in the first catalog i.ssued. "The college building is two hundred and forty feet long, fifty-four feet wide and five stories high. Its style of architecture combines the Doric, Gothic and Norman. It is a grand structure of symmetrical and harmonious proportions. Its rooms for lectures, apparatus, cabinets, music and students, including the dining room and gymnasium, are light, airy and amply furnished with modern and most improved convenience. The building is w^armed by steam. st*am, lighted by gas and supplied by water. The site of the college is high, affording from its obser\'atory one of the most extensive and delightful prospects in Ohio." Under the supervision of Julius Sumner the spacious grounds had been laid out artLstically and received the admiration of all visitors.

There was great rejoicing when, on the 11th day of September, 1872, the college doors were open for students. On the first day ninety were enrolled. The next day the number reached 127, and during the year a total of 217. The faculty consisted of Rev. S. H. Mc- Collester, D. D., 'president; N. White, A. M., professor of ancient languages; S. F. Peckham, .profes.sor of natural sciencas ; Miss H. F. Spaulding, professor of English literature; Carl P. Kolbe, professor of modern languages ; A'lfreid WeLsh, A. B., professor of mathematics; H. D. Person, professor in normal department.

The college was dedicated September 20, 1872. On this memorable occasion President McCollester was assisted by home talent and by Rev. Paul Kendcll of Lombard University; Rev. J. E. Forraster, D. D., of Chicago ; Rev. L. J. Fletcher, of New York, who represented the Universalist Gencra.l Convention, and by Mrs. Caroline A. Soule, author of the Dedication hymn. The architect, T. W. Silloway, made a brief address and delivered the keys to the trustee. On behalf of the trustees, Hon. Henry Blandy expressed satisfaction with the w"ork and accepted the keys. The congregation then sang the following Dedication hymn, written by Mrs. Caroline A. Soule:

Dedication Hymn

Rev. S. H. McCollester, D. D., was then installed president. Hon. John R. Buchtel, president of the Board of Trustees, conducting the service. Hon. Henry Blandy then presented the keys to President McCollester who gave his inaugural address on "The Educational Demand of the Nation."

On the first Sunday after the college was opened. Rev. James H. Herron, of the Erie M. E. Conference, preached in the chapel, and froim that time regular Sunday services were held by Dr. McCollester, or substitutes. To him belongs the'credit of the organization of the Universalist Church that was intended to furnish a religious home for all who desired a denominational place of worship. He also organized the educational work and placed it upon a solid foundation.. Day and night he labored for the succass of the institution and gave generously of his means for its support,.

For some time the attendance was encouraging. Money was generously contributed and the institution seemed on the highway to great prosperity, when a dark cloud settled over the financial affairs of our country and threatened many enterprises with speedy destruction. This cloud is known as the panic of 1873. lis full force was not felt by the college until a year or so later. It was this trying ordeal that tested the loyalty of the professed friends. It was then demonstrated that John R. Buchtel was truly reliable.

In the spring of 1875 Rev.' D. C. Tomlinson resigned the office of financial secretary. Soon the Executive Committee sought the services of Rev. Andrew Willson, then pastor of the churches at. Kent and Brimfield. After being persistently urged, in the following December Mr. Willson accepted the responsible position, which he held till June. 1878. During thi.s period the college passed through its most tr^nng financial experience. Only John

R. Buchtel and the financial secretary knew how nearly it came to olosing ifc doors. In debt nearly $50,000, a large portion to banks at 10 per cent interest, it was no easy tiisk to prevent notes going to protest. All the bankers were as patient as their rules would permit, and no note was ever protested. While money for the debt was earnestly sought, special attention had to be given to securing funds for the payment of interest and regular current expenses. By 1878 financial confidence was measurably restored, and the college having passed safely through its severe ordeal, began to .plan for more aggre-sive work to meet the indebtedness and increase the endow^ment.

In the time of pressing need many besides John R. Buchtel and wife had a mind to work and give. Rev. and Mrs. George Messenger had endowed the mental and moral philosophy professorship; Mr. and Mrs. John Hilton, the chair of modern language,*; Mrs. Chloe Pierce, of Sharpsville, Pennsylvania, had given $10,000 for the chair of English literature, and the balance of $10,000 had been nearly all subscribed by many donors. Twenty-five scholarships of $1,000 each, fifteen of them drawing interest, had been established by the following donors: James Pierce, Elijah Drury, Mrs. Mary C, Roosa, James F. Davidson, Betsey Thomas. John Perdue, Eli M. Kennedv, John K. Smith,. N. S. Olin, John B. Smith, Candia Palmer, George W. Steele, Mrs. George W. Steele, Mrs. Betsy Dodge, Brice Hilton, John Loudenback, John Espv, Joseph Hidv, Sr,, Rev, H. P. and Mrs. D". E. Sage, Mrs.' E. V. Stedraan, Mrs. Henry Boszar, E. F. Loudenback, IT. D. Loudenback, Thomas Kirby, Mr. and Mrs. Isaac Kelly.

To help meet interest and current expenses generous contributions were made by Rev. S. H. McCollester, D. D., Joy H. Pendleton, Ferd. Schumacher, Avery Spicer, J. T. Trowbridge, .ludge N. D. Tibbals. M. W. Henry, S. M. Burnham, Col. George T. Perkins, Gen. A. C. Voris. E. P. Green, Esq., George Steese, Hon. George W, Crouse, I, Park Alexander, .Tonas and Frank Pierce, of Sharp«ville, Penn- sylvania; Thomas Espy, of Kenton, Ohio; W. H. Slade, Columbus, Ohio; Rev. C. L. Shipman, Girard, Pennsylvania; 0. F. Haymaker, Kent, Ohio; Edmunt Stearns, Olmstead, Ohio; E. L. Litchfield, Conneautville, Pennsylvania; Rev. H. L. Canfield, Rev. Andrew Willson and many others. Nearly all the professors and teachers voluntarily donated a part of their salaries.

In June, 1878, Rev. Andrew Willson resigned as secretary and ex-officio financial secretary. Rev. H. F. Miller succeeded him for a few months. In June, 1879, A. B. Tinker, M. S., LL. B., was elected and continued in that position until 1891, when he was succeeded by C. R. Olin, B. S. During the early work of the college, Rev. S. P. Carlton acted for a few months as canvassing agent, and at a later period Rev. W. P. Buroell devoted a few months to that business. Financial and general agents were employed as follows: William F. Crispin, from 1880 to 1885; Rev. H. L. Canfield, D. D., 1885 to 1886; Arthur A. Stearns, A. M., 1887 to 1889 ; Julius Simmons, a part of 1891 ; Rev. E. W. Preble and H. H. Hollinbeck, in 189R and 1894.

For many years the college did not have any very unu-sual financial experiences. Like all similar institutions, at was always hungry for money and thankfiil for the donations of friends. The panic of 1893 limited its resources, but did not seriously affect its financial conditions. The trAnng ordeal came December 20, 1899, when the building that wa> sacred in the estimation of the founders and early teachers and students, was totally destroyed by fire. With the building went valuable natural science collections, the gifts of Dr. McCollester, Prof. E. W. Claypole and others. Many articles cannot be duplicated. The fire was a great calamity. It shocked and saddened, but did not discourage the friends of the institution. Arrangements were speedily made to continue the regular work of the college in Crouse Gymnasium and other buildings, until a new stmcture could be erected. The calamity deeply stirred the citizens of Akron and vicinity, and the friends of liberal education throughout a large territory, and general sympathy was embodied in generous donations. New buildings were speedily planned. It was not deemed wise to erect one large structure, but to have .several separated from each other. The college received from insurance, $63,986.12. From donations, $38,- 233.95, a total of $102,220.07. Exclusive of furnishings, the new buildings cost $95,- 269.28, viz. : Buchtel Hall, $47,466.67 : Academy Building, $25,559.73; Heating Plant, $10,591.73; Curtis Cottage, $11,674.15.

The donations came from individuals and churches in various sums, varying from a fewcents by children up to several thousand dollars. The largest sum donated by any Universalist Church, outside of Akron, was $500 from Brimfield. The next was All Souls Church, Cleveland, $207. Unity Church, Cleveland, included a handsome individual subscription of $610.

Instruction Department

Wallace Mays. A. B. i Helen S. Pratt, L. A. Lizzie M. Slade, A. B. j Lillie R. Moore, A. B. Inez L. Shipman, B. S. Philip G. Wright, A. M. James H. Aydelotte, B.I Charles R. Olin. B. S.

Ryder Professorship

The Ryder Professorship of Rhetoric and Oratory was established by the Board of Trustees in memory of Dr. William H. Ryder, late of Chicago.

Messenger Fund William Pitt Curtis Fund

These scholarships are intended to aid worthy and deserving students, and are awarded by a Scholarship Committee under authority from the Board of Trustees.

The College Campus comprises six acres, is situated on the highest eminence in the county and faces on Buchtel Avenue, one of the pleasantest residence streets of the city. The Loop Line electric cars, which receive transfers from all city and suburban lines, pass the college gates.

Buchtel Hall

Buchtel Hall, designed for college classes^ in all work except chemistry, is a beautiful building, classic in design and convenient in .arrangement. The main entrance is up a broad flight of marble steps to the first floor, which is high enough to leave the basement story almost entirely above ground. In the center of the first floor is the grand staircase and an open court extending to a skylight. There are four large recitation rooms with a professor's private office connected with each on'the first and second floors. On the groimd floor, besides a work-shop and separate study, bicycle, and toilet rooms for young men and women, is a suite of six rooms well planned and equipped for the Physical Laboratories.

Buchtel Academy

The ^\^cademy is designed for the convenience of the Prepairatory, Oratory and Art Schools. It is a roomy and convenient three story building. On the ground floor are the Physical Laboratories, and the separate lockers and toilet rooms for young men and women. On the second floor are the Administration offices and the main recitation rooms. On the third floor are the large -Art Rooms and Assembly Room, which is used for Mechanical Drawing.

And Representative Citizens Astkonomical Observatory

The Observatory is intended for the use of students, and, although some of the apparatus is very delicate and costly, yet it will be freely placed in the hands of those students who prepare themselves for its use. It is furnished with the following instruments :

A meridian circle of 3 inches aperture, provided with various necessary accessory apparatus, and so mounted that it can be used as a zenith telescope.

Crouse Gymnasium

This building is named in honor of Hon. George W. Grouse, of Akron, one of the liberal benefactors of the college. The structure is a substantial brick building, one hundred and two feet in length by fifty-three in breadth. The basement contains the locker, dressing and bathing rooms thoroughly furnished. On the first floor are the directors' office and the gymnasium proper, which is eighty-four feet long and forty-eight feet broad. This room is equipped with the most approved apparatus and offers every facility for physical development. A nlnning gallery of twenty-five laps to the mile surrounds the room.

The Gymnasium is open at stated times for the exclusive use of the young women, and at others times for the exclusive use of the young men, in both instances under a trained director.

In addition to the above mentioned facilities for physical culture, the college possesses, only three squares away, exten.sive and elaborately equipped Athletic Grounds of four

At present the Chemical Laboratory occupies a suite of six rooms in the basement of the Gymnasium and is niodernly equipped for practical work.

A two-manual pipe organ has been recently erected for chapel use and instruction. The Gymnasium is also used, for the present, as the chapel assembly room.

The Heating Plant

The Heating Plant is located in a building by itself, thus avoiding any danger from fire or explosion. The plant is equipped with a thoroughly anodem smoke consuming device. By means of conduits the steam is conveyed to the other buildings where fresh air is heated and forced through the rooms by the fan system.

Curtis Cottage

Curtis Cottage is the college home for women. It was completed and first occupied in January 1905. It has eleven student rooms, uniform in size and furnishings and arranged for two students in a room, - -parlors, dining room, kitchen, laundrj' and its own efficient hot water heating plant. It furnishes also a delightful suite of rooms for each of the women's fraternities.

The Cottage is in charge of a preceptress of culture and school experience, and provides, at a m>oderate expense, a home for women students, which is most modern and sanitary in all of its appointments, convenient and comfortable in its arrangements, and delightful and elevating in its social life.

The President's House is situated on the campus within easy access of the other buildings, is a commodious, substantial brick structure wth modern conveniences and is occupied by the President and his family.

Buciitel School Of Art

Buchtel College is organized and equipped to give young men and women a wholesome phj'sical development, a most thorough mental discipline, and a practical, altruistic, moral training; to hold up before them the noblest ideals of manhood and womanhood, and to develop within them a genius for usefulness.

Instruction College Courses

These are four year courses leading to the degrees of A. B., Ph. B., and S. B., and are equal to those adopted by other similar institutions of the country.

In connection with the college, but occupying a separate building on the Campus, and a separate Faculty, is Buchtel Academy, in which students are thoroughly prepared for college entrance. Owing to limited numbers, tie student is under the personal .supervision of a strong corps of teachers and is afforded daily practical drill in class room and laboratory work.

Buchtel School Of Music

The Music School is located at the college in Crouse Gymnasium. Thorough and technical training, beginning with fundamentals, is given in instrumental course by capable and experienced specialists.

The Art School is situated at the Academy Building in a specially arranged and equipped suite of rooms and is under the personal superivsion of a trained and experienced specialist. The School offers excellent advantages for the study of art. It embraces instruction in charcoal, crayon, pencil, pastel, oil and \vater color. Students work from original designs, life, casts, and still life.

Laboratory And Apparatus

The larger portion of the basement rooms of Crouse Gymnasium have been reaiTanged since the fire of 1899 for use as chemical laboratories consisting of five rooms. A general laboratory for the use of students during the first year of work in chemistry has been fitted with all modern facilities. Drainage, gas, hot and cold water, and all necessary apparatus, are at each student's desk. The students pursuing quantitative methods have ample room and opportunities for the more refined and careful researches in a laboratory by themselves, undisturbed bj- other workers. The ventilation of the laboratories is good, special wall flues carrying off noxious vapers.

The laboratories for physics are arranged in the basement of Buchtel Hall. Six rooms are given to the use of experimental physics. The rooms for experiments in electricity and magnetism are free from iron in their construction, and solid masonrv' floors in all laboratories secure the instruments from all outside jar and disturbance.

Excellent facilitic,* for work in photography are provided by a well equipped dark-room, and students in physical science are encouraged to become familiar with the best methods of experimental illustration.

The department of Natural Science is located in the new Buchtel Hall, where three laboratory and lecture rooms are fitted for work in biology and geology'. The student is supplied with microscopes, reagents, microtomes, and other apparatus needful for thoroTigh work in biographical research. A collec-

The College is supplied with excellent surveying instruments, in the way of compass, engineer's level, surveyor's transit, with solar attachment for determining the true meridian, independent of the needle, chains, tapes, poles, pins, etc.

The Astronomical Observatory is adequately equipped with efficient, delicate and costly instruments for carrying on in a practical laboratory way that line of higher mathematics.

Bierce Library

The College Library had its origin with a collection of works donated in 1874 by the late Gen. L. V. Bierce. During the early days of the college the library was augmented by books purchased from the proceeds of a bequest received from Gen. Bierce'4 e-state. In recognition of this etxrly gift the library has been called the Bierce Library.

At the present time the Library is in Buchtel Hall and embraces about 9,000 bound volumes of standard works (exclusive of public documents). These books have been mostly selected with special reference to their use in connection with the various departments of college instruction. All are classified and arranged on the shelves by the Dewey system of ola.ssification. The whole Tibrar^' is practically one of reference, as students have access to the shelves at all hours of the day. Books may also be drawn by students, professors and officers, in accordance with the regulations, for use outside the Library.

In connection with the College Library is the College Reading Room, which has upon its files the leading periodicals and newspapers of the day. These are selected, upon recomendation of the various professors, with special reference to supplementing their classroom instmction.

Athletics

Recognizing the fact that physical training is as legitimate a part of any system of education as is the mental, Buchtel College has made ample provision for this course in education, in her large and well equipped Gymnasium and Athletic Field. Systematic instruction is given to both young men and wamen in the Gymnasium each year by trained instructors, and the young men are given systematic training and regular drill in track athletics. Public sports such as foot-ball, base ball, basket ball, and lawn tennis are permitted and encouraged so far as is consistent with the student's health and with his progress in the cla.*s-room.

Oratorical Association

The students of Buchtel College maintain an Oratorical Association to which all college students are eligible. The object of the society Ls to secure an increased interest in public speaking, with special reference to the presentation of original productions. The local association is a branch of the State Association, which includes a number of the leading colleges of the State. Each year a local contest is held by the association, the winner of which is sent by the association to the State contest. The successful contestant in the State contest represents the State in the inter- State contest.

Literary And Debating Club

A Literary and Debating Club is organized among the students. Regular meetings are held for the discussion and debating of topics of interest. Often public debates are held with the neighboring societies and colleges.

Dramatic Club

A Dramatic Organization is maintained by the students for mutual self-culture, and for the study of literature and the histrionic art. One or more public entertainments are given each year with credit to the club and the College.

The College and Academy admit students of both sexes. No sex discrimination is made in requirements, and equal educational advantages and honors are offered to each.

The degree of A. M. will be conferred upon those who have acquired the degree of A. B. or Ph. B., and the degree of M. S. upon those who have acquired the degree of B. S. These degrees will be granted in not less than two years after gi'adualion, unless the applicant, in residence, can devote the larger part of his time to his work, when the degrees may be granted in one year.

Alumni Prizes. - A fund has been established by the alumni of the College, the income of which is annually appropriated according'to the following regulations:

Lst. That student being a member of the Senior Class of the academy - who makes the highest average grade during the year in full Senior Avork in the Academy, and completes his Senior year without conditions, shall be entitled to free tuition during the succeeding year.

2nd. That student' - being a member of the Freshman Class - who attains the highest average grade during the year in the regular freshman work and completes the year without any conditions, .shall be entitled to free tuition during the succeeding year.

3rd. That student - being a member of the Sophomore Class - who attains the highest average grade during the year in not fewer than thirty-two term hours above the freshman yeai', and completes this year without conditions, shall be entitled to free tuition during the succeeding year.

4th. That student - being a member of the Junior Class - who attains the highest average grade during the year in not fewer than thirty-two term hours above the freshroan year, and completes this year without conditions, shall be entitled to free tuition during the succeeding year.

5th. In determining the award of prizes for any year, there shall be considered only grades made in regular class work at Buchtel College during that year in subjects <'ompleted before Commencement day.

7th. The prize for any class shall go to the student attaining the second highest average grade only in case the one ranking highest does not return to Buchtel College the next succeeding year.

Oliver C. Ashton Prizes. - A fund consisting of $3,000 has been established by the late Oliver C. Ashton, endowing the 0. C. Ashton Prizes for excellence in reading and recitation.

The annual income of this fund will be paid, one-third to competitors from the Senior Cla.ss, one-third to competitors from the Junior Class, and one-third to competitors from the Sophomore Class, in a first and second prize to each class, in the proportion of two to one.

Pendleton Law Prizes. - For the purpose of encouraging the study of Law and Civil Government, a fund of $1,000 has been establi,shed by Joy H. Pendleton, late of Akron, the annual income of which is u.sed as prize= for essays in the Law Class. Two-thirds of such income is annually to be paid for the best esf;ay, and one-third for the second best e.«,say, on some subject of Law or Government announced by the Instructor in Law.

High Schools. - The College offers annually one scholarship to each of several high schools, to be awarded to the student standing highest during the last year of his High School course. Each scholarship entitles the holder to two years' free tuition in College, subject to conditions which may be learned on application to the President of Buchtel College.

Township. - Two standing schohirships in the Academy are offered to pupils in each Township of Summit County who complete the common school course in the country schools. These scholarships are awarded to the two pupils in each township passing the best examination before the County Board of School Examiners, under the provisions of the Patterson Law.

Students winning the High School or Township Scholarships must begin their course of study not later than one year from the opening of the following school year.

The College has just closed the thirty-fifth j'eai' of substantial educational work. It has been ably officered and has had a well qualified faculty, one that will compare favorably with that of any similar institution in our countiy. It has had generous support and liberal patronage, and has made history of which its friends are not ashamed. This has required earnest work and large sacrifice. The founders were men and women of large hearts, who planned for the best good of humanity. Cheerfully and freely did they give time and money for the erection of buildings and the endow-ment of the institution, and if their descendants truly honor the founders, tlie College will increase in strength and usefulness as the years go by. It surely has a bright outlook.

It has brought into the City approximately one million dollars for building purposes, endowment funds and current expenses. Each year students expend thousands of dollars for board, clothing and other items.

It has increased the value of real estate, especially in its vicinity, and it has advertised the city, its various industries and enterprises as nothing else could have done. Young men and women who have spent several years in the institution will not soon cease to sound the praise of the city that gave them generous hospitality.

While the College was established by the Ohio Universalist Convention, and a very large share of the building fund and endowment has been donated by members of the Universalist Church, yet it is not, strictly speaking, denominational. It is religious but not sectarian. It tolerates and respects all religious opinions and organizations and asks no questions of students concerning their theology.

Its educational standard is equal to that of any college in Ohio. Graduates are welcomed to Harvard, Yale, and all American Universities on the diplomas received at Buchtel. More than this, .students who spend one or more years at Buchtel are everywhere credited, without examination, with all the marks that have been received. Its standing is unquestioned. With its record its friends have abundant reason to be satisfied.

Possessing buildings well adapted for the purpose designed, well equipped for teaching Science, Art, Literature, etc., with a faculty composed of able, scholarly men and women, the College has furnished the opportunity for hundreds of young men and women to obtain a liberal education at home at a comparatively trifling expense. By bringing into the city a considerable number of gifted men and women it has helped to elevate the intellectual and mora Itone of the citizens. It is now known not only as an enterprising commercial town, but as an educational center, that challenges the attention of people of character and influence. Summit County has abundant reason for being grateful to those who earnestly and successfully labored to secure the institution in its County Seat. While it has a wide field and draws patronage from several states, yet it peculiarly belongs to

Akron, and in its perpetuity and prosperity citizens should take a just pride and extend generous help. As a beacon light to Akron, Summit County, and humanity, it challenges the respect and confidence of the world and truly merits the generous support of a large constituency.