Brown University - Liber Brunensis Yearbook (Providence, RI)

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. .. born in a haven for freedom, creating a liberal tradition and setting a course for the future. City of Providence from Prospect Hill.

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James Manning, first president. Two hundred years ago the Rhode lIsland General Assembly begat Brown. They baptized their progeny: Rhode Island College; and they drafted a singular birth certificate, a liberal charter. Rhode Island was a fitting birthplace. The colony was a haven for those who sought freedom, freedom of any kind. An island amidst intolerance, it was rich soil in which the seed of scholarship could germinate. Roger Williams guaranteed freedom to those who entered his colony. The new College granted the same to its inhabitants: freedom to be different, to react, to change and develop. Inception is important. Rhode Island College's was slow, sporadic. Twelve years after her birth the British interfered: Baby Brown was conscripted into the Revolution. But the infant did not perish. A dedicated godfather guided it through the conflict. He was guardian of its charter and defender of its young liberal tradition. He was James Manning, the first president. Manning educated the first Brown man, William Rogers. He applied a reedy birch. The persuasive authority which secures obedience while it conciliates esteem was liberally excercised. The Revolution won, Manning loudly supported another birth certificate, the new federal Consti- tution. Here was a man with a belief: individuals should be free. It was as simple as that, and Manning dedicated his years as president to the enactment of this belief. Brown was the beneficiary, and learned well. Manning's teachings were not forgotten, his ideals not forsaken. Many men have succeeded him as president. Each has had his own ideas, his own conception of higher education. Brown has proceeded differently under these different men. Sometimes quickly ar sensationally, sometimes haltingly or quietly. But Manning's ideals are not forsaken: Men should be free to be different, to react, to change and develop. . . .

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University Hall has served Manning through Keeney. It serves the Brown community as a reminder: a reminder of the past, of liberal tradition, of continuity, of the course for the future. It is now surrounded by many buildings; it once stood alone on the hill. University Hall houses only the Administration today. In 1776 it also sheltered the students and the library. All three were forced out by the troops during the American Revolu- tion. The edifice served those individuals who fought for a free America. When this had been guaranteed, Brown could again fight intolerance and develop free individuals. Federal troops again occupied University Hall in 1842 when festering discontent erupted into the Dorr Rebellion. The military tradition lived long after as discontented students rolled cannonballs along the corridors. This spirit of independ- ence was not new. In 1799 The old Brick resounded very frequently with the breaking of glass bottles against Tutor T's el o o o UH is functional in its simplicity. It stands elegant in its grace. Its bell summons students to class and dismisses them. It provided the first student employment for the bell- ringer until an electronic device was later substituted for the purpose. Its bricks were covered with cement when President Francis Wayland discovered that much mortar had fallen out. But Brown doesn't like to conceal decay, and in 1905 the exterior was restored to its original appear- ance. On April 9, 1963, University Hall was officially designated a national historical landmarkan outstanding example of Georgian architecture. The entire country now knows of its importance, of its beauty. Here at Brown we always have known. Simple, elegant,