Occidental College - La Encina Yearbook (Los Angeles, CA)

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The History of Occidental College The founders of Occidental College at first met with discouragement On every hand, and it was only through persistent efforts on the part of these far-sighted men that our institution exists today. Early in the year ISS6, Dr. W. S. Young, assisted by the Rev. J. Nl. Beal, the Rev. W. Chichester, the Rev. W. C. Stevens, and the Rev. l. M. Condit, drew up resolutions relative to the founding of a Presbyterian College in Los Angeles. Many of the citizens of Los Angeles were inspired by the intense interest and determination of these men, and as a result several sites were offered. A tract in Boyle Heights, valued at 550.000, was accepted, and on September 20, 1887, the cvrnerstone was laid with impressive cere- monies. When the building was completed on September 17, ISSS, it was christened with the name of The Occidental University of Los Angeles, although in l89l this name was changed to Occidental College. Dr. Samuel H. Weller was the first President of the new university. Hard times and financial burdens bore so heavily upon his shoulders that he was compelled to resign his office in l89l. But the founders had faith in the ultimate success of the institution, and pressed on toward the realization of their hopes. The College on Boyle Heights The Firsl College Building, Burned January 13, 1896 Tfwenly-.fix

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College Plistory ln l894 Dr. Albert Condit, a former President of Albany College, was called to the Presidency. lmmecliately upon the heels of this hopeful event came the historic fire of January l 3, 1896. Almost everything of value was destroyed, but Occidental stood the Trial by Fire, and re-opened in the Boyle Heights Presbyterian Church. ' Three new sites were offered to the college, and the one in Highland Park, given by Mrs. Sarah Judson, was accepted. Dr. Condit resigned, and was succeeded by Professor Parkhill. Temporary quarters were estab- lished on Hill Street between Sixth and Seventh, and the next year Rev. Guy Wadsworth, D. D., was elected to the Presidency. January 3, l898, the cornerstone for a 510,000 building was laid. On June l4, 1898, the building was completed, and over sixty persons applied for positions on the faculty, showing that widespread interest had been aroused and the college was beginning to be recognized. April l8, 1904, the cornerstone for the Hall of Letters was laid, this being made possible by gifts from Mrs. Rutan, Dr. and Mrs. J. A. Gordon, and Mr. and Mrs. O. T. Johnson. ln l905, Charles M. Stimson donated the library. Shortly afterwards, Dr. Wadsworth handed in his resignation and was succeeded by Dr. W. S. Young as acting President for one year. His incumbency is remembered on account of the pledging of 3200.000 for endowment. The situation was nearing a climax. Much had been done toward the furthering of original plans, and the future logmedl full of promise. One, l A The Old Stinson Library Tfwenty-:wrn