Roanoke College - Rawenoch Yearbook (Salem, VA)

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il R .,,,i1iHr correct LIBL ZXIQY. V i,i,i.- 5 . ,, . I-IEHgrowth of the Library liasfrbeenino less1'fre1na.rkable than that of f the-College., lt has loneihundred and forty vol- umes to twenty-two thousand. ' only a few shelves in what was formerly ,Dix Fox'sjMlg,fitL1'rE7.rQ,Q1ji,l,in old main building, 'ggpday iitwfjlls thegbeaiitiful Bz'f44g.,Me71zq?fz'a! 'f building. The accumulation .of boczks-, throughout these fifty-one years, has been going on steadily, until today Roanoke has the best Library of any college in the South, and is surpassed only by a few univer- sities. The aim of the' hrst president, Dr. Bittle, was to collect at Roanoke the largest Library and museum in the Southern States, and during his presidency of twenty-three years, he kept this one idea prominent in his mind. He took advantage of every opportunity to increase the Library, attending auctions in the large cities, denying him- self comforts, and often buying on credit, and afterwards soliciting money from friends to defray the expenses. lt was through his untir- ing energy and zeal that a great many books were presented to the Library, by friends of the College. h The hrst gift of any importance was the old Church library of the Lutheran congregation at Madison Court House. lt consisted of four hundred German and Latin books, which may be seen today in the main part of the Library. ln 1855 the Library had become so large that it required a separate room, and was moved into the one which was afterwards the Young Mens Christian Association Hall, that organization not being in existence at that time. XVhile located here a number of important additions were made. The most notable of these was a collection of I,OOO scientific works, purchased in 1856 from Rev. Henry S. Osborne, professor of Natural Science. Another worthy of mention was a col- lection of 3,ooo-volumes, the Schmucker library purchased in 1875. The Library was increasing so rapidly that it was now evident to all that a separate building was needed for it. In 1875, a building fund was started to which not only the citizens of the surrounding county, but also many Northern friends of the College subscribed. On the death of Dr. Bittle in 1876, the name, Bittle Memorial Hall, was given to the new library building, which was opened on the same day that Dr. Dreher was inaugurated president. October 17, 1879. lt seems especially appropriate that these two events should have taken place at the same time. This Memorial Hall, dedicated to the nrst president, is a lasting testimony to the enterprise and energy of Dr.

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1902 the Alumni Association set on foot a movement to supply this need, and as a result we have today a handsome building, containing Up-to-date physicial and chemical laboratories, commodious lecture moms and a greatly improved museum, a building of which every- one is proud. n I Last june the Semi-Centennial of the College was celebrated in an appropriate and impressive manner. On Commencement day, Dr. Dreher, having served in the- capacity of President for twenty-five years announced to the public the fact of his resignation. It was a surprise to all and in the hearts of many there was a feeling of sadness, but Dr. Dreher had performed his work nobly, had stood by the Col- lege, and had led her forward at all times, so all felt that, at his request, he should be allowed a rest from h1s duties as President. Dr. john Alfred Morehead, a graduate of Roanolfe, ofithe class of 1839, has succeeded Dr. Dreher. l'he intense devotion with which he is serving the College and students are marks of his sure success as President. ' n . i As the years wing their flight into the past, may the College prosper and accomplish even greater good for God and manif B P x. . .

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... I ,. . ,gf 8 K 13 'i '-.51 f Q :hw '21 1 ' . f' . . -T.- ' D ' 1:5 E-gli b . g'5,,. -4 IZEY-Xl? VIEW OE LIBRARY AND OLD COLLEGE BUILDINGS.