University of Montana Western - Chinook Yearbook (Dillon, MT)

Page 9 text:

The early administration at WMC realized that one of the foremost requirements of any sound educational institution is its reference materials. From the beginning a sizeable portion of the school's funds were set aside to supply library materials. The 180-volume library of 1897 has been expanded to the present 45,000-volume facility. This expansion reflects the interest that the administrators at Western have always taken in the improvement of facilities for future use. (Top) The first auditorium is now the site of the art gall and the music room. (Center) The first dormitory was c ploted in 1902. (Left) Students enjoyed th© home-like roc in the early dorms. (Below) in 1906 a new addition added to the first dormitory.

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(Right) Students pose on the steps in 1897. (Below) In 1898 students produced Mrs. Jar-ley's Waxworks. (Bottom) The first library occupied a space that now houses the art department. The faculty at Western has expanded from the first five in 1897 to the present forty-three full-time and two part-time members. Western's faculty members have always been noted for their skill and dedication to the advancement of education. In 1898 three students received diplomas for completion of the one-year professional course then offered. In 1967, 166 candidates received certificates and degrees. Like the faculty, the students have been enthusiastic about their training in education. They have proved themselves in schools throughout the United States. 4

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Since the placing of the cornerstone of the first building on April 7, 1895, Western has tried to expand campus facilities to meet the needs of an increasing enrollment. Building has taken place whenever funds have been made available. When students arrived in Dillon in September of 1897, they found no spacious dormitories to accommodate them. The people of Dillon had to take them into their homes. The need for on-campus living quarters was soon realized and a dormitory for seventy women students was provided in 1902. The first housing for men came in 1903-1904 with the partitioning off of part of the women's dormitory. The addition of housing has been a constant goal at WMC. (Top) Students enjoyed the parlor in the first dormitory. (Center loft) In 1937 the present Women's Residence Halls were built. (Center right) Campus- Hall was added in 1919. (Right) Styles and interior decorations changed in the dining room and recreation hall which was built in 1921.