Duke University School of Medicine - Aesculapian Yearbook (Durham, NC)

Page 18 text:

7-W ' M ILLER-STUART. I HISTORY OF THE COLLEGE The college is situated in the southwest part of the city overlooking the lake which is about two blocks from the campus. The college is five blocks West and two south of Main street, about ten minutes' Walk. The main building was built in the summer of 1892. It is situated in the center of the campus facing south on an eminence of ground that gives it an imposing appearance. A fine view of the lake can be had from the building. From the upper windows, Alta, six miles distant, can be seen. This is the central building and the one in which all the recitations are held. - The Ladies' Hall is in the block east of the campus and faces the West. It is a frame building providing rooms for about thirty young ladies, and has a large dining room which is used by the club for both young ladies and young men.

Page 17 text:

I - .. I . I ! -M .. ... 5 W 1 THE ORIGIN OF BUENA VISTA COLLEGE A deep love for the Master, a devotion to the Presbyterian Church, and a keen interest in the highest welfare of young men and young women, led the Rev. J. C. Gilkerson, pastor of the Presbyterian Church of Calliope Cnow Hawardenj, to thoughts of the possibility of a Presbyte- rian Academy in that' town. After consulting with the session, it was decided to purchase a build- ing, hire one teacher and open the school. We quote the following from the Indpendent of 1883: The acad- emy at this place will open the first Mon. in Oct., with Mrs. J. C. Nash as teacher. Then the week following this: The academy opened Mon- day with a fair attendance of students. A number of Scholarships have been subscribed, and not yet filled. Any one desiring information in regard to the academy should call on Rev. J. C. Gilkersonf' The opening date then, was October first, 1883. The fair attendance of students, about sixteen. But excellent work was done under the teaching of Mrs. Nash. The following year such progress was made under Professor Weaver's leadership that the promoters of the school de- cided to place it under the care of the Presbytery. But, upon application, it was deemed advisable by that body to secure a more central location, Calliope being located on the western line of the state. Accordingly, it was removed to Fort Dodge where it remained for some time, prior to its final establishment at Storm Lake. A Mr. Wm. McClure was one of the Elders that considered the opening of this school in 1883. He died at the home of' his daughter in Missouri, January 29, 1912. For the deep interest, love and welfare of Buena Vista'College, Mrs. W. C. Perkins of Churdan, Ia., requested Mrs. Mae Gilkerson of Castana, Ia., wife of the originator of this grand school at Storm Lake, to write this article concerning its early history. Rev. Gilkerson was a former pastor of Churdan Presbyterian Church and laid down his work at that place being called to his reward, having fought a good fight, finished his course and received his crown with rejoicing which was given him by the right Judge on that day.

Page 19 text:

Q PARK SCENE. The Music Hall is in the same block with the Ladies' Hall and north of it. There are four studios in it, besides three practice rooms upstairs and three living rooms down stairs, making a very commodious building for the purpose. The Miller-Stuart House is the next house north in the same block and is used by the President of the College. It is the gift of Mrs. Lois Stuart of Audubon, and Rev. Miller of Des Moines, and makes a Very comfortable home for our President.