Blackburn College - Beaver Tales Yearbook (Carlinville, IL)

Page 16 text:

.OLD MAIN The old building was erected at different times. The south half was built in 1859 following the granting of the charter in 1857. Twelve years later, the tower, the north half, and the Mansard roof were erected. The building included the library, a large reading room, the chapel, five large class rooms, all the college offices and housing for 80 men. THE FIRE Early Monday morning, August 22, 1927, fire broke out in the upper story and despite the best efforts of the local fire department the building could not be saved. The fire destroyed the greater part of the library, much of the office equipment, two pianos, furniture in the five classrooms and 40 dormitory rooms. The burning of the books continued for days. The morning after photo is a view from the south. CLEAN UP While the ruins of Old Main were still smoking hot, Blackburn boys began removing the debris. Neighbors lent teams while the students loaded the wagon and helped dump the loads. With the aid of friends, neighbors, The Pullman Company and Standard Oil, railroad cars were brought to the campus. Temporary buildings were set up. The fire 12 was August 22, school opened September 15 as usual.

Page 15 text:

DR. AND MOTHER HUDSON 1912 - 1945 Emerson’s statement that “An institution is but the lengthened shadow of a man” comes to being literally true of Blackburn. Our College would not be what it is if Dr. and Mrs. Hudson had not come here, and if they had not put thirty-three years into the up- building of the institution. They built their characters and their ideals into the College to such a degree that Blackburn will reflect these qualities for decades to come. When Dr. Hudson came to Blackburn there were not more than 35 students in the College and in the academy then operated by the College. Blackburn’s financial resources were so meager as almost to be non-existent. We had no work plan. There were two buildings. When he retired there were about 300 students, six buildings, a famous work plan, and a large endowment. These physical, tangible improvements were matched by a deep and strong spirit of enthusiasm and faith. Dr. Hudson was ably assisted in all his work by Mrs. Hudson, whose devotion to Blackburn was at least as great as his. Blackburn is fortunate that the Hudsons came here. We are glad to salute them, and to honor their achievements. Robert P. Ludlum President Beaver Tales 1951 11

Page 17 text:

THE FARM The college farm, the dairy herd, the dairy and the swine herd were all operated and managed by the students. The dairy herd consisted of registered Holsteins and the swine herd of registered Duroc- Jersey Hogs. The feeding and the caring for the cows and hogs was all done by students. In 1948 the college barn burned to the ground and the decline of the farm began. World War II caused a labor shortage and even though the barn was partially reconstructed, the farm never recovered and was eventually shut down. Dawes Sport Center, now Woodward Physical Education Center was built on the site of the farm. 1. Blackburnia Miss Homestead. Raised and developed in the college herd. 2. Swine judging 3. Picking corn 4. Harvesting grain.