Peru State College - Peruvian Yearbook (Peru, NE)

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A Beginning Native of Scotland founder of Normal Mr. and Mrs. (Charlotte Burch) John Marshall McKenzie, a few years before they died in Stock- ton, Cal. Mr. McKenzie, native of Scotland, established the private school in Peru, in 1866, from which grew Peru State College. From Ben Swenson, recreational director for the city of Stockton, Calif., and annual donor of the Ben Swenson award to the most outstanding athlete at Peru State College come some interesting information about the man who actually conceived the idea, of what became Pent Normal. He was John Marshall McKenzie, who founded a school at Peru in what was described as an abandoned saloon building. The institution flour- ished and in due course became Peru Normal whose genesis in 1867 ante- dates the University of Nebraska and probably was the first college for teacher training west of the Missouri river. McKenzie was bom in Glasgow, Scotland, in 1830. His family emi- grated to New York when he was two years old. His father drove the first engine over the Illinois Central tracks in the Midwest. At nine, the son, and his mother and four brothers and sisters were left alone. The youth attended school in Poultney, Vermont for a year. After teach- ing one year he entered Jonesville Academy in New York and did janitor work to pay tuition fees. After a period at Union college, McKenzie came west and taught in Upper Iowa College. The Administration at Peru State today bears little resem- blance to its earliest forefathers. The first administration at Peru also comprised the first faculty, as Initial Principal (the earliest prototype of the President) J. M. McKenzie and his wife Char- lotte , also taught all courses. The administration at Peru suf- fered from a high turnover rate in those initial years. McKenzie lasted until 1870, when he moved on to State Superintendent of Schools. He was succeeded by a procession of principals. Between 1871 and 1877, the school was led by no less than seven administrators. There have been 19 presidents in the 110 year history of Peru State Peru Normal. Some, such as James W. Crabtree (who served from 1904 thru 1910) attended classes at Peru. The President’s home, located across the street from the north border of the campus, was built, for President J. W. Crabtree in 1892. At the end of Crabtree's term, he sold the house to the incoming president, who did the same to his successor. It was Continued. . . 6

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of 1000 OAKS ing was built for classes, and today only one classroom remains. T. J. Majors Hall, also called the Education Building, was con- structed in 1917 and cost a ''whopping” (at that time) $100,000. This was regarded as one of the finest buildings of its kind in the Midwest. Eliza Morgan Hall, the girls' dormitory, was constructed in 1929. It has undergone several changes, but still serves as the social hub of Peru State. Morgan girls have the reputation of being the ''do'ers” on campus. Morgan Halls opposite, Delzell Hall, was built in 1938 to house the male populace. The beautiful Fine Arts build- ing was built in 1966. The most recent construction involved cre- ation of the Centennial Complex in 1967. Now, Pern State is involved in trying to get a new gym Health center. When this story was writ- ten, the project was still going through the legislature. This important project will have much affect on Peru State’s future. Continued. . 5

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The Inauguration of Douglas W. Pearson as President of Peru State College at Two O’Clock Saturday, April27,1974 years before the state bought the building for the college presi- dent, but this fine showcase home has been in the hands of the topmost administrator since it was built, and today Dr. Douglas Pearson, his wife, and two chil- dren call the 85-year old struc- ture home. For longevity. President Wal- ter R. Pate holds the record. He served the college from 1923 through 1946. Dr. Pate was replaced by Dr. William Nicho- las. Nicholas is best remembered as the President who was mur- dered in his office. In 1950, psychology professor Barney Baker, possibly angered over his release after 20 years of service to Peru, went into the Administration Building and shot Nicholas and another administra- tor. Baker then went home and committed suicide. President Neal Goman served the college from 1951 to 1973. He retired in 1973 due to failing health and now lives in Auburn. President Pearson now holds the reigns and is helping Peru State rebuild and look toward the future. Continued. 7