Clarkson University - Clarksonian Yearbook (Potsdam, NY)

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Pictured are the interior and exterior of the Qark- son Gymnasium. The idea of a gym was first con- ceived in October of 1906, and construction was completed in the spring of 1912, at a cost of $20,000, one fourth of which was donated by Miss Lavinia Clarkson. With the completion of the new Alumni Gym on the hill, the downtown gym was converted into the Harriet Call Burnap Library in the spring of 1956. 7

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William S. Aldrich Director 1901-1911 The second prize of a song contest during Clark- son's decenial celebration later became the school's Alma Mater. In June of 1901, Clarkson awarded its first BS de- gree in Civil Engineering. William S. Aldrich became the new school Director in August. That fall's enroll- ment was up to 70 students: 64 in Engineering, and 6 in Home Science. The school was growing. Tuition was soon raised from $80 to $100 a year, and in No- vember of 1903, Omicron Pi Omicron, Clarkson's first Social Fraternity was organized and moved into 53 Elm Street. Clarkson students will remember 1904 as the year New York State passed its first speed limit law: 20 mph in open country, 15 mph in villages, and 10 mph in built-up areas. Clarkson's first degree in Chemical Engineering was awarded in the Spring of that year. The organization of Delta Sigma Fraternity and the Clarkson Tech Alumni Association were also part of the highlights of that year. 1906 marked 10 years of Clarkson's existence. The school's decennial celebration took place at the Charter Day exercises of March 19 in the lavishly decorated third floor of the school building. In October, Clarkson began preparing plans for a new gymnasium. Its esti- mated cost was $10,000. In a November celebration, in what was then frequently referred to as Chapel Hall, the Clarkson Banner was unfurled, and in the follow- ing decennial song contest, the second prize song con- stituted part of today's Alma Mater. Miss Lavinia Clarkson soon announced that she would pledge $5,000 for the new gymnasium if the balance was raised by the school. The site was chosen on a lot fac- ing Pierrepont Avenue. The close of the school year in 1907 brought an end to the courses in Home Econom- ics, with no more co-eds until 1964. Celestial fires burn on thy hearth, Clarkson Tech, Dear Clarkson, Thy fame is spreading o'er the earth, Clarkson Tech, Dear Clarkson. Thy banner, green and gold afar, Like some late risen shining star. Is borne in triumph's golden car, Clarkson Tech, Dear Clarkson. Thy words of wisdom in our hearts, Clarkson Tech, Dear Clarkson, Engender love for peaceful arts, Clarkson Tech, Dear Clarkson. Alumni from rich seed once sown. Sing thy sweet praise in joyous tone, And by their deeds thy worth is known, Clarkson Tech, Dear Clarkson. The spirit that pervades thy hall, Clarkson Tech, Dear Clarkson, To noble living moves us all, Clarkson Tech, Dear Clarkson. With honor, duty as they call. No fear be thine what'er befall. Thy teachings men of power enthrall, Clarkson Tech, Dear Clarkson. 6

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John Pascal Brooks Director 1911-1913 President 1913-1928, 1932-1933 At the commencement exercise in June 1911, John R. Brooks was announced as the new Director of the school, as Director Aldrich was retiring after ten years of dedicated service. In the spring of 1912, the gymna- sium was completed at a cost of $20,000 and physical education became required of students in the fall. The curriculum required 18 credit hours each term with three semesters of French or German and shops in woodworking, forging, machine work and surveying. All degrees up to this time were designated as a B.S. from the State University of the State of New York. On September 25, 1913, the school charter was amended changing the name from School to College, and authorizing the college to grant its own degrees. Mr. Brooks' title was also changed from that of Director to President. In March, the Trustees adapted a new school seal which is used up to this day. In 1916, Clarkson awarded its first Master of Science degree. With the advent of World War I, students as well as alumni were joining the armed forces. Clarkson promptly responded to the call for vocational training for enlisted men, setting up two month courses for auto mechanics, electricians, carpenters, blacksmiths, machinists and gas engineers. Each contingent num- bered up to 200. The soldiers were fed at the Arling- ton Hotel and used the college gymnasium and two floors of the Arlington for barracks. In 1919, construc- tion of the Normal School, (which would later become Clarkson's Snell Hall,) was completed, and the first is- sue of the Integrator was printed though it was not named until early in 1920 after a name contest. In the fall of 1919, the school's enrollment totaled 148 and tuition was increased from $100 to $150. Be- hind the main building, a new structure was completed which served as a foundry. In October, Lambda Iota Fraternity was founded, and on December 2, the Clarkson Tech Alumni Association was incorporated. In addition to the tank and cane rush, tugs of war were held across the Racquette. Some bouts lasted up to 54 minutes. In the fall a skating rink was built by some of the Clarkson men. The January 1921 In- tegrator reported, There is contemplation of a hockey team at Tech. Nineteen-twenty-one was the scene of much excitement about buying the entire Clarkson es- tate and moving the entire campus up on the hill and selling the town buildings to the State Normal. At one point it was even considered to move Old Main up on the hill. At the 1922 Alumni dinner, a new athletic field was proposed and was later brought into actuality when Miss Annie Clarkson donated the land West of Hol- croft for this purpose. In 1923, Joe E. Bushey was heard from in the pages of The Integrator. He appeared to be an astute, illiterate, rambling wreck from Canada in the class of 1926. In the fall, the students petitioned the Trustees for a week off to work on grading the new athletic field. It was granted, and in a week's work they moved 3300 8