John Brown University - Pioneer Yearbook (Siloam Springs, AR)

Page 24 text:

There was a jolly Welshrnan . . . His name was Joshua Williams and he loved music. Youlll find him fifth from the left in this picture, and ranged on either side of him are the seven university men who made up the first band. What this first band lacked in numbers, they made up in pep and ambition. They were always on hand to add the sparkle of band music to any campus occasion, meantime building their own practice quarters, the log cabin you see in the background. The band has grown with the University, until it now numbers about five times the number you see here. Of course, they long ago outgrew their headquarters and, under the direction of Mr. Paul Whit- more, the current band has developed into a concert as well as a marching band, developing real musicianship among a still greater percentage of the student body.

Page 23 text:

In July, 1922, Dr. Francis Russell, a Berkeley, California, minister, lifted the first spadeful of earth from the site that was to beg The California Building? Located on the east edge of the campus, overlooking a beauti- ful valley, the building was to furnish much needed dormitory space. Financed by friends in California, much of the Work on the building was actually done by California students. Carefully planned and constructed, it was soon ready for service, and has been the university home of hun- dreds of students each year since. For all but a very brief time, the California Building has been occupied by girls, with the boys residing in the J. Alvin Brown Hall, the South Hill Dormitory, and the Memorial Dormitory.

Page 25 text:

This was the refuge for the music makers back in the early days of the school. It is the log cabinpconstructed in 1921 by the band boys Call seven of theml to serve as a rehearsal hall for their organization. It was set somewhat apart from the rest of the school buildings and dormitories so as not to disturb the peace and quiet of the campus. Many an hour's hard work was put in here as the band prepared their repertoire for a busy year's activities. The cabin still stands today, serving as a landmark from the school's early days.