Irving College - Irvingiana Yearbook (Mechanicsburg, PA)

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Qliiainrg nf Elxhing Qfnllege RVING COLLEGE was founded in 1856 by Solomon P. Gorgas, a wealthy and public-spirited citizen of Mechanicsburg. Through his generosity and foresight the first building, commodious, convenient and well equipped, together with ample and beautiful grounds for a campus, was constituted the College, which through half a century has been an ever-increasing blessing to mankind. The Legislature of Pennsyl- vania granted a charter in 1857 conferring all the rights and privileges pertaining to the most favored institu- tions. The College was named Irving, in honor of one of America's most distinguished authors, Washington Irving-who recognized the compliment and honored the College Library with a complete set of his works. He was an interested member of the Board of Trustees of the College until his death. The College began its career most auspiciously under Rev. A. G. Marlatt, A. M., President, who served most faithfully and successfully to the close of his life, january 2, 1865. The nine years of his incumbency inspired the friends of higher education for Women with great confidence in the superior and thorough work done at Irving.

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Rev. T. P. Ege, A. M., succeeded to the Presidency. The College continued, under his management, the good work begun by his predecessor. Students in large numbers from many States enjoyed the advan- tages offered. ' Mrs. Mary L. Kessler, A. M., was the third President of the College. Her scholarly accomplishments and long experience as a teacher made this selection a good one. She added to the thoroughness and efficiency for which Irving has ever been noted. ' E. E. Campbell, Ph. D., was elected President in 1891. Under his administration the attendance increased from year to year, until every room was occupied and no more students could be received. In 1893 the hand- some Columbian Hall was erected, which more than doubled the capacity of the College. Again all rooms were illed. Additional lots were purchased and during the Summer of 1901 another building was erected for the accommodation of a rapidly increasing patronage. Never in the history of the College has the attendance been .so great as now. An era of prosperity, of expansion and development is being enjoyed. The corps of instruc- tors is large, the course of instruction is high. The Departments of Music, Art and Oratory are in a most flourishing condition. -15 -