Northwestern State University - Potpourri Yearbook (Natchitoches, LA)

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Centennial Compiled Edited by Carla Erickson In 1714, St. Denis built a fort on the present grounds of North- western State. This fort was the first established settlement in the Loui- siana Purchase. It took its name from a local tribe of Indians, the Natchitoches. As the town became a thriving community, the quest for education grew. The Society of Sacred Heart then came to establish a school. In 1856, they bought Bullard Mansion, owned by Charles A. Bullard, at a cost of $42,000. Included in the pur- chase were the mansion and 107 acres of land. For several years the convent flourished by attaining an enrollment of 300 boarders. However, with the onset of the Civil War, the school was abandoned in 1875. After the Civil War better educa- tion became the key to earning a good living. The Louisiana General Assembly passed a bill on October 6, 1884, establishing the Louisiana State Normal School to train persons of either sex who desired to teach in the state ' s public schools. Then the question arose as to where the school would be erected. State Repre- sentative, Captain Caspari, helped Natchitoches to be selected over such places as Homer, Shreveport, Alexandria, and New Orleans. In December of 1884, Dr. Edward Sheib was named president of the school where he faced the almost in- surmountable problems of creating a school out of a wilderness. He later wrote that the Normal School opened in November of 1885, in a half-ruined building surrounded by a wilderness of thorns and trees . . . without desks, without benches, without books and blackboards, with rain pouring through the broken roof, and the wind sweeping through halls that could not be closed. For the first term sixty students were enrolled in the two year program, and the school was able to secure three faculty members, who helped develop the curriculum. After three years, President Sheib resigned, yet because of his unceas- ing labors, the school had a foundation. In 1888, Thomas D. Boyd picked up where President Sheib left off by becoming Normal ' s second presi- 1mm? dent. He was able to continue the ex- cellent work that had been started. During his term, he extended the course study to four years. He also tried to add industrial courses to the curriculum, a project which was un- successful. His reason for this endeavor was to prevent the establishment of an industrial in- stitute at Ruston (Louisiana Tech) which he felt would be a perpetual menace to the Normal. In July of 1896, Boyd left the Normal to become the president of Louisiana State University. D uring the 1890s, the Normal of- fered many benefits to the students. Tuition was free for students who promised to teach at least one year in Louisiana schools. And the State Normal offered boarding facilities for young ladies at the cost of $12 to $15 a month which included room, board, and laundry. If there was not enough space available, ladies and all men lived in approved boarding houses in town. For these students, studies were important, yet they did have a social life. Literary societies helped to pro- vide some entertainment. The two that formed during President Boyd ' s term were Seekers After Knowledge and Eclectric Literary Society. These groups grew in importance and later provided the school colors — purple and white. From 1896 to 1908, Beverly C. Caldwell served as president. Presi- dent Caldwell instituted school pro- grams, intensified the expansion of the facilities, im proved student housing, and modified the cur- riculum. Four new buildings were built. Main Hall (Caldwell Hall) was the first brick structure on campus. Normal ' s heating and lighting systems were improved by the in- troduction of steam heat and electric lights which replaced the old, open fireplaces, wood burning stoves and oil lamps. President Caldwell also in- troduced an elective system, new courses, and a summer term. Upon President Caldwell ' s resignation, James B. Aswell was elected. During his three year tenure, he instituted a quarter system and raised graduation re- quirements. Also, additional literary societies were established, the POTPOURRI was first published in 1909, religious organizations came into being, and a Normal band was organized in 1911. Sports also began to play an important part in student life. Normal ' s enrollment had in- creased to 1,863 when President Aswell resigned in 1911 to run for governor. Ill Celebration of a Century

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POTPOURRI Northwestern State University Natchitoches, Louisiana Symbolic of the early history of Northwestern are the four (now three) white columns which stood at the front of Bullard Mansion. Bullard Mansion was also the home of NSU ' s famous ghost, Isabella. The remaining three columns have become a symbol of the tradi- tions of Northwestern for the past 100 years. Celebration of a Century m

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1884-1920 Bullard Mansion was erected overlooking cane river. -1832 Normal ' s dormitories did not have bathtubs, showers, or electricity. — 1885 The first library was completed with 1500 volumes. 1886 The Science and Art of Teaching and the Practice School were the only departments at the Normal School. — 1890 Bullard Mansion and Caldwell Hall appeared together in a rare photograph. The Normal Camera Club prepared to take pictures. The next president was Victor L. Roy, who served the Normal for eighteen years. In 1918, the school began granting Bachelor degrees, and in 1921, the school changed its name to Louisiana State Normal Col- lege. The College also gained regional and national recognition as being the South ' s leading teacher training institute. In 1926 the Southern Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools accredited the Normal because it possessed strong educational qualities. Some of these qualities were brought about during Presi- dent Roy ' s tenure. For example, he i began correspondence courses and (an extension division, inaugurated a point system, and raised the stan- dards for the faculty. Three hundred acres and several new buildings were added under his guidance. Despite his outstanding achievements, President Roy is best known for his strict discipline and opposition to the new social mores of the 1920s. Feeling that he must counteract the loose tendencies of these reckless, post-bellum days, President Roy tried to prevent the girls from bobbing their hair by threatening to dismiss them. He also was opposed to the use of cosmetics. Even Coca Cola was forbidden on the campus until 1925. In reference to relationships with the opposite sex, students had many restrictions. Students could not m ingle at literary society ' s meetings, lyceum entertainments, Friday night movies, and walks to and from church services. President Roy sometimes would even flip on the lights during a movie to check for improper behavior. He also checked the length of girls ' hemlines before they left for town. Yet through all these regulations the students had fun. The CUR- RENT SAUCE began publication, and fraternities and sororities ap- peared during the late twenties. In addition, an honor system and a stu- dent government association were developed. Despite the wonderful growth of the school, President Roy was forced to resign because ol pressure from the newly elected governor, Huev P. Long Celebration of a Century N