Butler University - Carillon / Drift Yearbook (Indianapolis, IN)

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MRS. NANCY E, ATKINSON In these times of pressing forward and of hopes pinned far ahead, it is often a welcome rest to stop and take a backward look over the years we have already covered. The persons who did this or that thing for the first time always catch Gur interest : for they are the symbol of the fruit which comes afterward. The first graduate of Butler College has a claim on us iji this respect. This is no longer a youthful institution, for the first class was graduated in 1856. Mrs. Nancy E. Atkinson, who now lives in Irvington, was the first woman gradu- ate and is the only living representative of that first class, which was composed of three men and herself. After graduation Mrs. Atkinson continued her con- nection with the school by teaching English in the Northwestern Christian University from 1858 until the outbreak of the Civil War. Most of the students enlisted, so her classes were disbanded. This woman, who was born in 1837, is a real and tangible connecting link with the past, and it is quite fitting and appropriate that we have her picture in the 192 1 Drift, for from our heritage our future must draw its start. Nineteen

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7he DRIFT I NORTHWKSTKRN CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY It must be remembered that for most of these years a law school was con- ducted as a part of the college. Byron K. Elliott was the head of it for a large part of its existence. Removal to a new site became necessary and this occurred in 1875. The community of Irvington, then a suburb, gave money and ground and as a result the change was made. In recognition of the benefactions of Ovid Butler, who had served for nearly a quarter of a century as president of the board of direc- tors, the name of the institution was changed to Butler College, soon after the removal to Irvington. This official action was taken February 22, 1877. In all these years there was a preparatory department in the college corre- sponding to courses now given in high schools. The last year of this depart- ment was 1906-7, and the head of the school was Omar Wilson. During 1904-07, the college was a part of the University of Indianapolis, which existed partly on paper, but represented an ideal which some day should and will be realized. members of the faculty in Thrasher, Benton, Merrill, Former students can never forget the leading these years — Hopkins, Jordan, Anderson, Burgess, Butler and Howe. The increase in buildings continued until the last one, the new gymnasium, was added a short time ago. Irwin Field had been inclosed before this, taking the place of the limited space on the main campus. The buildings were added in about the following order : the College Residence for Women, the Gymnasium, Burgess Hall, the Observatory, the Bona Thompson Memorial Library and then the College of Missions, which, though not owned by the Butler authorities, is intimately connected in its field of operations. Nor should we overlook the cafe- teria belonging to the domestic science department. Many students of Butler College went to the colors in the Great War, and their record in all respects was honorable and inspiring. The twelve gold stars in the service flag bear silent witness to those who never came back. The recent growth in the college shows a new life and spirit, and ere many }ears have passed the historian of the institution will have quite a task to keep pace with its growth. Eighteen

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ic DRIFTS The Pigskinners of Yore The eternal likeness and disparity between the old and the new is shown in football as in everything else. In ye olden times the spirit and purpose of the game were the same as now ; but look at their beard and odd clothing ! Yet this picture dates back no farther than 1890. Truly, Father Time does pretty well for an old man. The men in the picture are : Upper Rotv — Arch Hall, Cross, Henry Mann, Bob Hall, George Miller Middle Rozv — R. F. Davidson, Tom Hall Lozver Rozv — George Cullum, John Nichols, Charles Baker, Ray Meeker This team successfully combatted all opponents in the years 1890, ' 91 and ' 92, with one single exception — the old enemy — Hanover. Tzventv