Capital University - Capitalian Yearbook (Columbus, OH)

Page 11 text:

 An upright fence of whitewashed boards and posts Then marked the narrow campus boundaries From nearby fields and lanes. Provided, too, W ere walks to skirt the green, elm-shaded lawn. Behind the college hall there lay the best Of summer gardens, and an outhouse too. (The last too near to suit propriety). In later rears, some city residents Requested abolition of the pigs Whose quarters were quite near the dining-hall. Across the street, where Friend and Drexel joined. The red-brick walls of Christ Church rose, as work Progressed, to stop a while when storms blew down One wall. Here faculty and students toiled, Their mutual industry a lofty goal— To see a steeple touch their arch of sky. This was the school, on western frontiers built. To train as pastors those of Lutheran faith. The trail of conestogas, carts, and schooners. Which started at the far-off blue Atlantic. And ended in the grass of Illinois, Led past their door. Here magic transformations Occurred to change those speaking German tongues Into new Shakespeares, Lockes, and Ciceros. Well-schooled in classics, essays, and orations. -5 -

Page 10 text:

Capital University In eighteen hundred seventy and six Was scarcely more than just a country college. Lone and impressive, in its field it stood. Its twelve odd chimneys carrying off the smoke From each round stove. Its halt-fantastic dome Sat pompously atop the slated roof; The new-built rectangle, austerely grand. Contained accommodation for one hundred, As well as rooms for classes, library. Chapel, home for the housefather's family. And meeting place for rival social clubs Of Homonoia and Germania. Behind this dormitory stood aloof A scrawny red-brick box called “hoarding hall.” This building squatted like a sleepy pig Which only roused itself when mealtime came. The place was famed for serving thrice a day Molasses, dark and thick as liquid glue. Here, in autumnal treks the wagons came From country congregations who desired To share with Cap their bounty of supply. The bell pealed out; from classes all dismissed. Boys helped unload the carts weighed down with gifts Of apples, cabbage, butter, sausage, corn. Potatoes, spare-ribs, squash, and honey-comb. -4-

Page 12 text:

. . To train as pastors those of Lutheran faith.” -6-