Otterbein University - Sibyl Yearbook (Westerville, OH)

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to erect a building which would afford a larger chapel and more com- modious recitation rooms. Therefore in 1854, steps were taken toward the erection of a new building, and work was begun in the following spring. The structure was never entirely completed. The chapel was occupied, and a number of recitation rooms and halls for the Literary Societies were furnished. On the night of January 26, 1870, this building was destroyed by fire. A religious meeting was in progress at the time, and the janitor, after the congregation had been dismissed, had closed the building. At 'one o'clock a. m. the alarm of fire was given, and notwithstanding the efforts made to conquer the flames, the main building was entirely consumed. The loss was total with the exception of some chemical and other apparatus. The college library of some three thou- sand volumes, including a copy of the Sinaitic manuscript presented by the Czar of Russia, was entirely destroyed. The total loss was estimated at 350,000, fortunately relieved by 320,000 of insurance. Measures were at once taken to rebuild. The Board of Trustees met in extra session on February 15, 1870, and a little later meetings were held in Westerville, Columbus, and Dayton, to canvass subscriptions for a new location. Westerville offered the best inducements and it was agreed to relocate at this place. Plans for a college building were invited, and the one offered by R. T. Brooks, of Columbus, was adopted. The contract was finally let to A. R. Cornell, and the structure was pushed to a rapid com- pletion. The building is an imposing structure, a splendid example ofthe Gothic style of architecture. It was completed in 1871, and was formally dedicated on the 10th of August in that year. Since that time the institution has prospered in all respects, and has greatly increased its iniiuence in the Church. In 1874, Saum Hall, otherwise known as the Ladies' Hall, was partly destroyed by fire. The loss was fully covered by insurance, and in a short time was rebuilt. In 1888, the need of a conservatory of music was felt, and accordingly the building which now serves that purpose was procured, in part as the generous gift of Rev. L. Davis, D. D., whose name the conservatory bears. 9

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It has recently been remodeled, so that its efficiency has been greatly in- creased. Still later, in 1892, a movement was started by the students which resulted in our Association building and gymnasium, which will always be a monument to the loyalty of the students who largely fur- nished the means by which it was erected. In all departments the college has grown wonderfully in the past ten years. An art department has been permanently established, and now occupies a well furnished studio in one end of the main building. The college library has been greatly strengthened and increased, until it now numbers ten thousand volumes. The most noticeable improvement is found in the scientific department of the college. In the summer of 1898, Saum Hall, having been aban- doned as a ladies' hall, was remodeled to meet the demands of a good, up- to-date scientific department. The first Hoor of the building is devoted to biology and geology. There are a well equipped biological labora- tory and a lecture room, and also a very complete collection of rocks and minerals for geological purposes. The second floor is devoted to physics, and includes a lecture room and laboratory. On the third floor is the the chemical department, including a well furnished laboratory, lecture room, and several smaller rooms. The building is piped for water and gas, and all the modern conveniences are present. Much progress has also been made in the department of physical education. There is a well equipped gymnasium, and regular classes, both for ladies and gentlemen, are organized. Through the kindness of a friend ofthe institution, the equipment has been greatly augmented. Another recent improvement is the lighting of the college building with electricity. Such, in brief, is the history of Otterbein University. Its iniiuence has been great, and the blessings which have come from the institution can not be numbered. 11