Oregon State University - Beaver Yearbook (Corvallis, OR)

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THE EVOLUTION OF 0. A. C. HE DISCUSSION of the evolution of the Oregon Agricultural College harks back to the sixties, the beginning of an era of prosperity and industrial development in the history of Oregon. “A homeseeking” class of people, rather than “gold-seeking,” were pouring into the state. The tendency of the time leaned toward agricultural development and intellectual advancement. To this disposition of the period 0. A. C. owes its existence and present location, in part. In 1862, Congress appropriated 90,000 acres of land for the support of an Agricultural College, with the condition that the college be in operation by 1867. Under this act a denominational school of the M. E. Church (South), already existing at Corvallis, was charged with the management of the Agricultural College. By so doing, the land grant was secured, and the expense of erecting a new building was saved. In this simple old structure, the pioneer students of O. A. C. were introduced into the mysteries of scientific farming. In 1867, the institution boasted of twenty-two students. From this embryonic stage the growth of the Agricultural College has been phenomenal. A decisive point in its development was the Old College of M. E. Church (South)

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year 1887, when the benevolent citizens of Benton County contributed the “Ad” building and thirty-five acres of land, in order to secure the permanent location of the college at Corvallis. Who, then, could have presaged that the one thousand O. A. C. students of the present, who at that time were not yet born or were occupants of the cradle, would have the opportunity of such a broad field of education as this college now affords? Yet, it has come to pass. The proud old “Ad” building now has fourteen descendants. The scanty thirty-five acres of land has grown to two hundred and twenty-four. From the four courses then taught, namely, Agriculture, Mechanic Arts, Household Science, and General Science, have developed nine thoroughly equipped departments which offer scientific training in as many branches of industry, as well as an education of culture and refinement. It might be interesting to know that but ten years ago only a limited number of students could take advantage of gratuitous instruction at 0. A. C. These came one from each senatorial and representative district of the state. They well nigh earned their tuition, for in addition to military drill they were required to get out with hoes and shovels and work the College farm. Parallel with the growth of the College is the growth of student enterprises. In the eighties, there were two literary societies, which seem to have expired from lack of interest in things literary. In 1891 the Hesperian Society, consisting of eighty wide-awake members, put electric lights in the assembly room of the “Ad” building. This society gave place to others of more limited membership. The Amicitian and Sorosis Societies were organized in 1895. Others followed as the Student Body increased in number. Now there are ten active literary societies, all of which are doing commendable work along literary lines. In addition to societies, numerous clubs have been formed by the students of the various courses. These afford an opportunity for the students to meet and discuss some of the practical problems relating to their chosen profession. Products of student activity since the year 1895, are the Barometer (formerly a monthly, now a weekly, paper), and the Athletic Association, embracing football, track, basketball, and baseball.