Clemson University - Taps Yearbook (Clemson, SC)

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RIGGS HALL The Engineers of ' 28 rendered their first service to the college by dis- covering that the old engineering clock in the vine-entangled tower had stopped. For two years this engineering class, the largest in the history of the school, crowded its activities within the walls of this old building whose antiquated classrooms and equipment were in keeping with the unmoved hands of the ' clock. There were dreams of a new Engineering Building and equipment, but little hope for their realization. Then, as though fate had timed the act. Com- mencement of ' 26 found the old structure in smoldering ashes — a martvr to engineering progress. A new building was now inevitable but would it become a reality before the graduation of the class of ' 28. ' ' During the Junior year gang-plank gossip, classroom discussions, and universal speculation among the students seemed to avail little in deciding this momentous question. In the meantime, classes were being held in every available nook and corner of the campus: old dwell- ings, basements, out-grown churches and the like. Fortunately the Legislature realized the pressing need of C lemson. and through the unceasing efforts of Col. Allen Johnstone the heretofore vague hopes for a new building became a reality. The Seniors returned in the fall of ' 27 to find the new building under rapid construction. Although this class has had scant opportunity to make use of Riggs Hall, it has the satisfaction of knowing that Clemson has one of the most modern and best-equipped Engineering Buildings in the South.

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FACULTY Agricultural Department Dr. F. H. H. Calhoun, Director Engineering Department Mr. S. B. Earle. Director .n - r Textile Department V Mr. H. H. Willis. Director L m

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CLEMSON REMINISCENCES AND PRESAGES eLEMSON COLLEGE is the result of the ambition, scholarship, experience and vision of Thomas G. Clemson. The institution reflects the culmination of years of study and thought in the field of science, particularly in the field of agricultural science. The College is situated on the old Fort Hill estate. Three- fourths of the estate was willed to Mrs. Clemson, a daughter of Mrs. John C Calhoun; but at the death of Mrs. Calhoun the estate was sold at public auction to pay some old mortgages. Mr. Clemson. with the help of his wife, purchased the estate. In 1889 the General Assembly of South Carolina proceeded to convert Thomas G. Clemson ' s dream into a reality. The College was opened in July. 1893. with an enrollment of 446 students. The College made steady advancement from 1893 to 1911 under its three presidents. Clemson was beginning to be of vital importance to the state when Dr. Riggs took the president ' s chair. Dr. Riggs came to the institution in 1896 as coach and engineer- ing instructor and served in this capacity until 1901. when he was elected to direct the engineering department. In 1911 he was made president of the College. Research in the fields of agriculture, tex- tiles, livestock and fertilizers entered the constructive as well as in- structive stage during his time at Clemson. The agricultural ex- tension service became of value to the state and the engineering de- partment advanced beyond its embryonic period. While he was the executive the Clemson Tiger took many high honors. Dr. Riggs died in Washington, at a Land Grant Conference, on January 22, 1 924. The memory of him will ever be revered in the minds of those who knew him and his work. Professor Earle, the present director of the engineering depart- ment, served in the capacity of president from the time of Dr. Riggs ' death until September, 1925.