Slippery Rock University - Saxigena Yearbook (Slippery Rock, PA)

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History of Slippery Rock State Normal School The organization of Slippery Rock State Normal School grew out of the desire of the people of the town and surrounding community to have a school in their midst in which their children could secure an education without leaving their homes. In the fall of 1887 a plan was formed f« r the erection of a building suitable for an academy, and for providing funds for the support of the school. During this stage of the effort, it was discovered that no Normal School had been established in this, the Kleventh District. At once the scope of their efforts was widened to include the larger enterprise and stock was sold to the amount of almost S20.000. During the summer of 1888 and the following winter, land was procured and three frame buildings were erected—a chapel and two dormitories. Application was made to the Department of Public Instruction for the recognition of the school as the State Normal School of the Kleventh District. The first day of February was set as the date for the inspection of the buildings by the State, and the following persons were appointed members of the Inspection Committee: Superintendent of Public Instruction E. K. Iligbee, Hon. S. H. Miller, of Mercer: Col. Silas Marlin, of Brookville; Hon. William McNair, of il City, together with the City and County Superintendents of the district. The day dawned bright and fair as if in prophecy of the successful culmination of the enterprise to which the energies of the community had been directed lor many months. The forenoon was spent in showing the visitors and the Inspection Committee through the buildings. hen noon came, the doors of the dining room were thrown open and the tables were occupied, reset, and refilled until all who wished to do so had eaten, without money and without price. At one thirty the crowd assembled to hear the decision of the Inspection Committee. When the announcement was made of the acceptance of the school as the State Normal School of the Eleventh District. Governor Heaver said that he favored this largely because of the supreme faith of the people in what they had accomplished. 'I'lie next step in its organization was the formulation of a board of trusties. 'Pile following persons were elected to represent the stockholders: George Maxwell. J. K. Bard, T. S. Coulter. John C. Kerr. H. P. Griffith, Dr. A. M. Patterson. T. F. Patton. Dr. C. W. Bard. Lewis Patterson. Ncyman Christley, William Kauffman, and Benjamin Pearson. The members appointed to represent the State were John F. Dravo and J. Sharp Wilson, of Beaver: R. B. Scandrett and R. 1). McGonigle. of Allegheny, and John M. Greer and Thomas Robinson, of Butler. The Board of Trustees met and organized by electing George Maxwell President, C. W. Bard Secretary, and W. Henry Wilson Treasurer. The fol- 17