Milton College - Fides Yearbook (Milton, WI)

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taught for two years until 1848, when WYisconsin was admitted to the Union. and the school was Chartered as Du Lac Academy. In 1848. a Mr. Prindle became principal, but was relieved after one term by Jonathan Allen, who was later presi- dent of Alfred University. The Rev. A. W. Coon was principal in 1849. Colonel George R. Clarke was in charge in 1851, and for the next seven years the sehool was under the jurisdiction of Ambrose C. Spicer and his wife, Susanna M. Spicer. As education became more and more widespread in this section the need for efficient teachers became more and more evident. The result was that M ilton came in 1854 to take the preparation of teachers as its chief aim. A scarcity of rooms about the town at this time led to the erection of the Ladies' Hall in 1857 at a cost of over $5,000. This building was later named Goodrich Hall, because of the part that Joseph Goodrich and his relatives had played in financing the construc- tion. This was used for a time for both men and women, but a few years later Principal W. C. XVhitford, who had been called to take charge of the school in 1858, together with his brother. Albert VVhitford, Financed the purchase of an old Houring mill for the sum of $400 and in 1863 this was converted into a Gentle men,s Hall. It was situated at a point almost directly across College Street from Goodrich Hall. Later. two floors of this building were converted into a gymnasium for the use of students. I As has been already mentioned, W illiam C. VVhitford was called to take over the principalship of Milton Academy in the year 1858. t'The name was Page Sixteen

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Japt W! 1 11'1'1' 1 g I 114:1: White House railway track. It was a one-story affair with a cupola graced by four spires. There was also a large sign, Milton Academy, over the front entrance. The purpose of the school was to accommodate the young people of the vicinity seeking higher learning. About sixty shared the advantages during the Erst year. For a year or so it was necessary to hold classes in private dwellings, and it is said that the old barn-like structure shown in this section was used as Milton Academy for a period of two years. This fact is evidence enough of the spirit that dominated the lives of those who are responsible for the establishment and continuance of the institution at Milton. The fact that there was no place to meet was a minor matter. The education of the young must go on at any cost. Further indication of this is furnished when we realize that in 1855 a new brick building was completed which had dimensions 44 by 40 and a height of three stories. This was erected at a cost of over $5,000 on property donated by Joseph Goodrich, and was paid for by the stockholders of Milton Academy. It is said that this building at that time was second to no other educational institution in the state. The building was what is now the front portion of the Main Hall. Early Teachers It seems that the First teacher in the little old Academy was the Rev. Bethuel C. Church, who had for eight years been principal of a private school at Alfred, N. Y., which afterward became Alfred University. Then the Rev. 3. S. Becknell Page Fifteen 1:60.27: 4914 :1:on gt 1 Hif'i TC 5 f3,

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QEMWE i1 haw ? changed to Milton about 1854a. Mr. VVhitford was at that time pastor of the Seventh Day Baptist Church of Milton. After a year spent with the Academy as its head, Mr. VVhitford resigned his pastorate and for forty-four years was principal of the Academy 0r president of Milton College. With the exception of time spent as a member of the state legislature and as State Superintendent of Public Instruction, President VVhitford gave his all for the institution until his death in 1902. Attempting to follow the course of events as chronologically as possible, we find that in the years 1861 to 1865 Milton Academy was extremely well represented in the armies of the Union. Students were chilled in Chapel and on the Campus. Three hundred and twelve students and graduates entered the army, formed two full companies and parts of three others. FOrty-three fell either by bullet or by disease. Sixty-nine were commissioned officers, ranging from second lieutenant to hrigadier-general. Becomes College in 1867 On March 13, 1867, a charter was secured from the state legislature which established the school at Milton as Milton College. The period since that time is, of course, the period that will he of interest to the majority of present readers, although it is essential that the growth and progress before the establishment of the College proper be given its due regard. Page Srzrcntocn