Montana State University - Sentinel Yearbook (Missoula, MT)

Page 22 text:

THE SENTINEL 19 2 4 THE STATE UNIVERSITY OF MONTANA YOUR UNIVERSITY SOME HISTORY WE ALL SHOULD KNOW A grant of seventy -two sections of land by the Congress Of the United States to the State of Montana for the maintenance of institution of higher education was the first provision made for a University of Montana. Fol lowing this the legislature of Montana passer! an act providing for the organization of such a school, the final plans for which were made at a meeting of the state board of education in June. 1895, At this meeting Oscar J, Craig, A. M. Ph. Ek, at that time head of the depart- ments of Political and Economic History at Purdue University, was selected first president of the University of Montana, President Craig chose for the faculty the following: Oscar J. Craig, A. M. Ph. D., professor of history and literature. Stephen A. Merrttt. R. S.. professor of natural science. Cynthia Elizabeth ftiely. B. S.. profes- sor of mathematics. William M, Aber, A. B„ professor of Creek and Latin. Frederick C. Srheiah. M. K.. A C., pro- feasor of modern language and tempor- arily in charge of the departments of mechanical engineering. Mary Olive Grey, instructor in music. Mary A. Craig, B. S., librarian. The Univer stly opened .September 11. 1895, in the old Millard school building. On that memorable day on students were enrolled and the University ' s record as a state institutiun began, liefrni- tin- rinse of the year, 135 were enrolled in the new in- stitution. During the following year 176 students attended the school and Morton J. El rod. professor of biology at Wesley an College in Itluomiugton, Illinois, was added to the faculty to take charge of the department of biology, which had been enlarged. The steady growth of the University soon made the old building inadeniiate and in 1897 the present site of the University was sekrted ami Main hall and the old Sri r rife hall were constructed. The en- mllment at that time had reached 2U0. The faculty was increased hy four addi- tions in tKOir and the work organized on the regulation University credit system. The need for this change is shown by the fact that the attendance had grown to more 1 nan ' tiin. The year 18! P is memorable also be- cause it was at this time that athletics took an established place in the regular University life. Football was the game firsl participated in. George IT. Kenneth, IW, wits the captain of Ihe first team. Speaking of the team, the Montana Kaimin of June, i KiJi). says.: Professor F- D. Smith, who assisted in the development of the team, also played in some of the games as half-back, an arrangement which ts not the best for the tesn , sinc e cither the coaching or the playing must Miffcr. The article however, neglected t give an account of the games played or the victories resulting from them. Dramatics also played a large part in the studenl activities r f that year when the Clark ia Literary Society presented. Plultuua, or Life in Hades . (n 1902, the curriculum of study was offered through 13 departments. The enrollment numbered 347. This was riinsidered verv (food, as there were but 16 accredited high schools in the slate from whteh to draw students. Later during this vear Doctor El rod arranged the first few specimens ;nid began what has grown into the present museum. Prior to 1903 there were no regular residence hulls for University students arid the supply of outside moms being inade- quate, plans were drawn up for what is now Craig hall. This hall, built on the most modern plans of that time, accom- modated 85 women students. The cost of residence at Craig hall, according to the president ' s report to the state of Montana