Emerson College - Emersonian Yearbook (Boston, MA)

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18 T h c K in e r son! a n ■f» »» »» j % %%■+ Emerson C il®§j© and Its Lo®aii®n HE phenomenal success o f the Emerson College of Oratory is clue largely to its unique system of presenting oratory to the student mind. The Emerson system is based on natural laws of mind and body. The underlying principles of this “New Philosophy of Expression is — from within out . — This develops those qual- ities of mind and heart which lie behind all forms of manifestation and which spontane- ously create the requisite artistic forms of expression. The “Evolution of Expression” is the fundamental work through the study of which the student is trained to apply the “New Philosophy of Expression” to his college work. The Emerson system of Physical Culture is based on physiological and artistic princi- ples and develops not only health and strength but also grace, beauty and responsiveness of body to the mental attitudes. Emerson College was founded, as a private school, in 1880 by Charles Wesley Emerson under the title of the “Boston Conservatory of Oratory.” In Sept. 1886, the school having outgrown its early quarters in Pemberton Square, it was removed to Wesleyan Hall, Brom- -«+

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The Emersonian INTERIOR CHICKERING HARE

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T h e E id e r s o n i a 11 19 + - ■ «» ft «» % O field Streets. Here it was incorporated as the “Monr-oe College of Oratory.” As a result of a petition to Legislature for a change of name, the Institution became known as the “Emerson College of Oratory” on Feb. 14, 1890. By the following year even Wesleyan Hall was inadequate to its growing needs. Ampler space was accordingly sought and found in Odd Fellows’ Hall, corner of Berkley and Tremont Streets. In 1889, Henry L Southwick, present dean of the college — resigned his position as Master of Elocution and Oratory in the William Penn Charter School, Philadelphia, to become Prof, of Oratorio and Dramatic Delivery at Emerson College and also partner and joint proprietor with its former principal and then president, Charles Wesley Emerson. In the following year President Emerson sold his interest and rights to Henry L. Southwick, Jessie L. Southwick and William H. Kenny. President and Mrs. Emerson remained in the College, however, until President Emerson’s failing health compelled his retirement from all teaching and public work. In 1901 the college removed from the south side of the city to its present home in Chickering Hall. From the time the new management undertook the responsibilities of administra- tion, the teaching staff has been increased from eighteen to thirty-two members, the Ora- torio, Dramatic, Pedagogic and Literature Departments have been greatly strengthened. A new department of Platform Art has been established and free private lessons included as a regular part of the curriculum. In 1905 Emerson College sent out 42 teachers; In 1906 46 teachers and many graduates are engaged in successful Lyceum and Platform work. Lender the management of Mrs. Southwick the Emerson College Dormitories were recently established. The social advantages of these college residences add greatly to the enjoy-