Baker University - Wildcat Yearbook (Baldwin City, KS)

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University Values 109 Year Histor The idea for a Methodist University in or near Baldwin originated over a century ago in a crude log house now known as Kibbee Cabin. In March 1857, a meeting was held in the structure then owned by Henry Barricklow. At this meeting, invita- tions from towns wishing to have the new Methodist college were received. The towns desiring the distinction were Topeka, Lawrence, High Prairie, Centropolis, and Palmyra. On April 17, 1857, it was decided by a convention of ministers that Palmyra be designated as the town. The Palmyra association offered 800 acres of land. It was unanimously de- cided that the school be named after Bishop Osmon C. Baker who presided at the first Kansas- Nebraska Methodist Conference in Lawrence in 1856. Land, money and labor were sacrificed to erect the first college building in Kansas. On February 12, 1858, the dream was realized as Baker University was founded as the first four year college in Kansas with a charter from the Kansas territorial legis- lature in the little town of Baldwin. The three story sandstone structure, now known as Old Castle, opened on November 22, 1858. There were 20 pupils on that first day, and by the end of the term, the num- ber increased to 50. Old Castle was used as a school building until March 1871 when faculty and students said farewell duringimorning devotions and moved to the Old Science Hall now known as Parmenter. A gunshot hole in this drum, housed in Old Castle, is a reminder of the Battle of Black Jack, the first Kansas battle between free and slave factions. Elsie Allen Organ, long a part of Parmenter Hall, found new quarters this year in the musical arts building. VN All that is left of Centenary Hall are the corner stones which flank the long walk bulletin board. Aged props in Parmenter offer an interesting art problem for today's drawing student.

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e terdayis Hopes Exist Here Toda From the first glimmering dream, Baker Uni- versity has grown. Today, it is the realization of her forefathers' ideas. Today 23 buildings stand ready to serve an increasing number of Baker students and faculty. People arrive to become students of the Baker community-a com- munity constantly fluctuating and growing. The curriculum is being examined and class changes made to keep Baker a contemporary institution. The enrollment of Baker neared the 1,000 mark this school year as students from all over the world came to receive their education. President James E. Doty became the new leader of the Baker spirit. Dr. Arthur Davidson, former chair- man of the chemistry department at the University of Kansas, was the first visiting professor at Baker. The new men's residence, East Hall, was occupied during the year. The dorm provided needed facilities for the growing Baker. More parking space was provided this year. To make Baker University an always here and now insti- tution, President Doty revealed a five-year plan for expansion and improvement. Some things of Baker, however, are not new, but are part of the present through tradition. Homecoming, chapel, classes, sports, are all traditional here and now of the university. The new and the old join to bring you, the students and faculty, Baker University here and now. Part of the new look at Baker University included the paving of parking areas. The administration building is a familiar part of today's Baker. sf' Q gf up' YQ1,iKf n 5 ' L fy ' I X15 p, T ., , t it f l Q ,gy X: Xi' . x .fu A -.1 ' if . Q1 V' , f-tl' L' , ,i W ui f bi A ,WX L 0 19 r ,v .F X ,px 'yx ifqu E Jie - ft? T r t, ff f . 7 Snr' Aff' gf ,fs Q3 ,K V5 Z 5 .f ... .V '15 if f sf xi ' i f 1 - H V 1' ' i Nlittff T? ' j -' T I .f . 1 QV . ' 3 4 ' . ff V, W E ' ' iw is 4.4, . -:uni 1111 ,L ,HMM wi: in K : kg ,V - 2 X ' 37: if fl ' ' 'I -V , Q ' 5 . rar s g , 1 gzkfgf Itlr 1 an -,.'4 q f .'f 5 L Q lv 5, . ,i,,,. , , . , . 132' ' .. , A 1 W.. .'py,f,,a,,,:,, , N V fx. , aw, ,, . 9 f 'favs L -za .Jw .. . f-'.y- .s,4!a:,a1fM'w-mf' I , we The modern facilities of the student union add to the comfort of the student away from home. The library keeps abreast with the times by constantly adding to its collection.