Drexel University - Spartan Yearbook (Philadelphia, PA)

Page 14 text:

UUR BIRTH . . . CONTRIBUTING A TOTAL of approximately one million dollars to the Institute, Mr. Cyrus H. K. Curtis presented us with Curtis Hall, May, 1929, a new organ, April, 1928, and half the cost of the girls' dormitory, constructed in 1931. THE ABOVE DRAWING pictures the corner of 32nd and Chestnut Streets as it was in 1860. Erected before 1840, the building stood until 1891. It was the residence of Joseph S. Keen, father of the late Gregory B. Keen, curator of the Historical Society of Pennsylvania for many years. Anthony J. Drexel, with the help of his friend, George W. Childs, founded Drexel Institute of Art, Science, and Indus- try. Work on the main building began in 1889 and the building was dedicated on December 17, 1891. The first class entered the following January, with Dr. James McAllister acting as the Institute's first president. Under Dr. Hollis Godfrey, the third president, the School of Engineering was formed. The business department was expanded into the secretarial and business school, forerunner of today's College of Business Administration. The Home Economics College was formed and the Cooperative Program was also initiated under Dr. Godfrey and advanced by his successor, Dr. Matheson. During Dr. Mathesonls presidency, Drexel expanded

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INDEPENDENCE MALL-One of the na- tion's outstanding shrines, the Mall is sec- ond to none in respect to historical signifi- cance. The framework of our democratic government took shape here, and the pres- ence of both Indpendence Hall and the Con- stitution of the United States serve to re- mind us of this heredity. CITY HALL-Standing proudly above the cityls skyline is Philadelphiafs city hall. Its many archways contain metal tablets whose text is of a historic nature. Fountains at the art museum offset thc newer structures in the background.

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fx! YE OLDEN WAYS of honle cooking were taught in this early 20's Home Economics lab. DESIGNED BY THE Architectural class of 1899 and constructed by the Mechan- ical Arts students of 1900-1901, this handsome wrought iron gate still stands in the hall near the Auditorium entrance. through additions of Curtis Hall, Sarah Drexel VanRensselaer Dormitory for Women, Drexel Lodge in Newtown Square, and the Athletic field at 46th and Haverford Avenue. The name of the college was changed to Drexel Institute of Tech- nology in 1935. G. Ifs Hooded the campus in 1945, and Drexel, under the presidency of Dr. James Crccsc, purchased the annex at 35th and Lancaster Avenue. Dr. Creese's administration has been responsible for fur- ther academic growth in that Metallurgical Engineering and Majors in Physics, Chemistry, and Biological Sciences have been added.to the undergraduate curricula. A program of graduate study leading to the Master of Science Degree was begun. This complemented the already established courses of study in thc College of Engineering. The Evening School whose first Bachelor of Science degrees were awarded in 1952, has become the Evening College and Diploma School. In addition to these academic advances, Dr. Creese's adminis- tration has also made additions to the physical plant. The new Basic Science Laboratories were completed late in 1955, and our most recent addition, the impressive new library on Woodland Avenue, was completed in 1959. Thus far the story of Drexel . . . the story of dynamic expansion in a progressive city . . . a way of life built into an institution devoting itself to filling men's minds with knowledge, and their hearts with an appreciation and under- standing of their fellow men.