Beloit College - Codex Yearbook (Beloit, WI)

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Retrospect-Continued which has done so much for the prosperity of Beloit, and perhaps more than all other things combined, has given it a name abroad. The beginning of this immense business was the building of a small paper mill at Rockton, which was no small undertaking, as all the lumber, water wheels and heavy machinery had to be hauled from the lake by teams, and there were no banks nearer than Milwaukee. Hundreds of mills are now manufacturing various kinds of building paper-it was also the grandfather of the paper- bag business, the machinery for which was first brought west by Mr. Merrill. While a member of the legislature of Wisconsin in 1876 Mr. Merrill secured the passage of abill for the organization of mutual savings banks. In 1881 he succeeded in establishing one here, and it has been of almost incalculable value to Beloit. Of all his efforts for the Welfare of Beloit, he regards this the most important and far-reaching in its results. He had much to do in the organizing and management of the Eclipse NVind Mill Company, and of the Merrill Sr Houston Iron VVorks. He was active for many years as a member of the board of supervisors of Rock county. Wliile president of the board of trustees of the county insane asylum and almshouse, he devoted much time to the erection of new buildings. Amid all these business activities, the welfare of the church has been near his heart, and during twelve years of its critical history he served as trustee, by self-denying, per- sistent efforts greatly aiding the church at the time of the erection of the new building on the bluff. In reviewing the past, it is with great pleasure Mr. Merrill notes the prosperity of the times and the growth of the city and college. In those dark days there were no rail- roads-it took the price of a bushel of wheat to pay for a postage stamp and two days for a letter to reach Chicago. The village has grown from a little hamlet to a cityg the college from one lone building on the campus to thirteen, including Emerson Hall. The stu' dents are to be congratulated on the advantages and large liberty they enjoy. In those, days athletics were unknown, secret societies were not recognized-no spreads were allowed and prayers were at six in the morning and ive in the afternoon. Graduates of the college are scattered through the World in every occupation and profes- sion-all loyal to their Alma Mater. 23

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SERENO T. MERRILL

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