Illinois State Normal University - Index Yearbook (Normal, IL)

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IMP - rtm « Edwin C. Hevvett, President of ISNU 1876- 1890, was a gradnate of the Bridgewater, Massachusetts, Normal schooL New England born, the one-time geography instructor was an ordained Baptist minister and widely-known Bibhcal scholar. Edwin C. Hewett — A second Bridgewater Normal School graduate was named to the ISNU presidenc ' upon the resignation of Richard Edwards. Edwin Crawford Hewett, president from January, 1876, until 1890, had been associated with ISNU for eighteen years. His original capacity was that of in- structor of geography and history. Like his two prede- cessors, the 48-year-old Puritan gentleman was a native New Englander. His slight build, framing only 120 pounds, presented little indication of a vibrant, dynamic personality. The site of Worcester County, Massachu- setts, and the date of November 1, 1828, supply the vital birth statistics. Abandoning an estabHshed shoemaker ap- prenticeship at the age of thirteen, the aspiring teacher worked his way through the elementary and academ - schools. Theological practices illuminated President Hewett ' s background. He was recognized as a Biblical authority, taught Sunday School, and was an ordained Baptist minister. It was at the Bridgewater college in the year 1851 that President Hewett first made the acquaintance of Richard Edwards, then assistant to the principal. Presi- dent Hewett ' s teaching experiences at Bridgewater and Worcester, Massachusetts, preceded acceptance of the ISNU assignment. Gridnicn from an 1888 Redbird to standing room only crowds squad prepare to score. Bareheaded players utilized an improvised field in mic In the 1900 ' s, atliletics began to play a prominent role in school life. ipus and played 16

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Political issues in regard to abolition and temperance sprouted in education circles, as well as other phases of life during the Civil War era. When, in 1876, Presi- dent Edwards was nominated for Congress, he de- clined the honor, realizing fully his inability to carry out the desires of some Illinois Southern sympathizers. He was a strong fighter for the Northern cause and obtained permission from the State Board of Educa- tion to admit persons, regardless of race or creed, to the University after 1872. The town of Normal received its charter during the prosperous years from 1865-1880. An irregular feature of the franchise stipulated that no intoxicating liquors were to be sold within town boundaries. -A. street car line, e.xtending from downtown Bloomington to Old Main, providing transportation facilities for com- OH ' i iiiipii Ininu was experienced li all l.sM wtnncii cational housing (.lubs were an integral part ot the olt- the erection of Fell Hall in 1918. Co-edu- boarding program until tlie late 1880 ' s. muting students. Although co-educational housing was the rule rather than the exception until 1880, both sexes complied with strict curfew and study hours. In the course of his distinguished career, President Edwards attained the goal of being the country ' s foremost educator. He presided over the American Normal School Association, led the Illinois State Teachers ' Association, and became State Superintend- ent of Public Instruction for a one-year term in 1887. Before liis resignation at ISNU in January, 1876, the noted educator had received a call to no less than 22 normals, 13 denominational colleges, and three state Universities. Prior to his death in 1908, Richard Edwards ser ed for one year as the president of Blackburn College. 15

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His life is a great legacy. I ) A roster of sixteen members comprised the first Faculty Club organized by Cliarh School. President Hewett is seated third from the left in this formal grouping. DeGanno, assistant in the Training Journalism enthusiasts launched the first student newspaper. The Vidette, in February, 1888. Published montl ily until 1907, the magazine-like issue featured poetry, essays, and editorials. Senior class members were responsible for the undertaking. 17