Nichols High School - Log Yearbook (Oxford, NC)

Page 18 text:

A LANDMARK IN THE LIFE UF NORTH CAROLINA-1855-1958

Page 17 text:

IN APPRECIATION Q O 9 4,00,00,0 In 1924 Mrs. Katie P. Robinson came to the Oxford Or- phanage as counselor for the First Boys Cottage. At that time, there were many of the smaller boys as well as many who were in high school living in the cottage. From the beginning, she proved herself most capable and efficient in the work. Hundreds of boys have gone forth into the world and have become some of the best and finest citizens to be found any- where. From all who have lived under her supervision, praises will flow for now that they have grown into manhood, they are most appreciative and conscious of her untiring interest in them in their earlier days. Her influence for the right sure- ly will live on in the hearts and minds of those with whom she was associated . In the last several years, the children in her cottage were within a particular age limit of younger boys. They loved and respected her. Having been a mother of two outstanding sons, she knew and understood boys, and tried to direct their steps toward a richer and more abundant life. She retired November 30, 1957. In her retirement we wish for her much happiness all along the Way. Page Thirteen

Page 19 text:

ST. JOI-IN'S' COLLEGE ORTHE MAIN BUILDING J As early as the year 1838 the Grand Lodge of Masons of North Caroiina was considering the establishment of a Ma- sonic Seminaryu. The year 1850 found the Grand Lodge in po- sition to take definite action as to the location of the school. After deliberation, Oxford, N.C. was chosen. A committee con- sisting of John Gray Bynum, John A. Lillington, and P. H. Winston, was appointed to prepare and publish an address ex- plaining the course of instruction and system of education proposed. The committee urged that something of astronomy, natur- al philosophy, chemistry, geology, electricity, and galvanism should be taught, but that a larger emphasis should be placed upon architecture, the power of steam and its application to machinery, various processes of manufactures, metallurgy, natural history, and engineering.- At a time when there were only sixty-five lodges in the state, an agent was appointed to solicit funds for the estab- lishment of the college. St. John's College was decided as the name for the institution. In 1853 E. H. Hicks deeded to the Trustees of St. John's College a tract of land containing 109 acres near the corpo- rate limits of the town of Oxford. The purchase price was 334,480 In 1855 the Trustees awarded to John Berry, of Orange County, the contract for the brick work on the building at S11,106, and to J. N. Holt, of Warren County, the contract for the wood-work at 311,394, at a total cost of 322,500 On June 24, 1855, the anniversary of the birth of Saint John the Baptist, the corner stone of the structure was laid with appropriate ceremonies by the Grand Lodge. Report was made by the Trustees of the College to the Grand Lodge in December 1857, that the building had been completed at a cost of 323,000 and that 313,000 of this amount was still unpaid. The dimensions of this building areinteresting: The build- ing is 122 feet by 40 feet, the center is 63 feet, is four stories and a basement, contains 53 dormitories, a Chapel 40 feet by 60 feet, four recitation rooms, two society rooms and other rooms for chemical and other purposes. The four rooms suited for the accommodations of professors were provided each with a fire-place. A spacious chapel was provided, with a gallery around it, capable of seating conveniently 1200 persons. The doors of the College were opened July 13, 1858, with Prof. Ashbell G. Brown, a distinguished educator, in charge, 'Page Fifteei