Purdue University - Debris Yearbook (West Lafayette, IN)

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I ' J.Kl IKIl Al. Ill il.nlM. AMI IIkaTI.M. I ' LANT

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pleted in January, 1904. This is the first year in wliicli we reap the benefits of the increased income, and the advantages oft ' ered by the Physics Building are being realized at this time. In order that an idea may be gained as to tlie anidunt of money necessary to keep an institution the size of Purdue in good standing, even with the strictest economy, this estimate of I.HU income is given. Interest on Endowment Fund $ 17,000 Proceeds of Educational ' I ' a.x ( estimated ) . . 140,000 From United States ( Morrell Fund) 25,000 From Miscellaneous Sources, Tuition, Etc. . 52,000 Total $234,000 It is impossible for an}- body of people tliat has never ex- ))erienced a like disaster to understand what the students of Purdue underw-ent during the calaniit - of 1903. On October the thirty-first, students and friends from Lafavette prepared to witness the annual game of foot4)all between Purdue and Indiana University, The special train, carrying the team and a thousand loyal supporters, was wrecked on the outskirts of Indianapolis. The first coach. carr ing the team, was com- pletely demolished. Seventeen of its occupants lust their li es and not one escaped serious in- , jury. All felt that words were not sufiicient to express our feelings. Inorderthat we might give substantial evidence of tlie high respect in which we held those brave boys who gave up their lives on that never-to-be- forg-ottcn day, the lemorial Gynmasium Fund was begun. Great hopes are centered in tliis building. It will l)e designed to minister to the piivsical and social needs of the University and it is certain that it will serve to draw .Mumni and students more closelv together, for in this effort we have all jdined hands and attempted to erect a suitaljle monument to our dead. The hour glass of our student da s is running low. and the future is 1)efiirc us. As we leave at this, Purdue ' s Thir- tieth Commencement time what mav we not predict for her? Looking backward, her path has been rough and strewn with difficulties. Ahead, we see nothing but .glory and success awaiting her. She has made a prominent place for herself in the world of technical engineering. Ma}- she ever keep to this ascending path, and ma ' her wa ' ever become more smooth. Mech. nic.- l Building 19

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ISTORY OF THE PAST =5aferS — YEAR ricking up the thread of University History where it was ih-iipjied l)v the last class and carr inL;- it forward t( ) the present time, we find that the past }ear has been one of steady growth for the University, Ijoth in nimiber of students enrolled, and in strength of departments. In the main there have been no hap- penings of especial character and the University has |)nrsned the even tenor of its wa . During the past few years, Purdue has entertained many distinguished visitors, but last ear was probabl) ' the first time that a prince of a foreign land visited our University, (. )n May 24, 1904, Prince Pu Lun, of China, a distinguished diplomat, and a man of the highest rank in his own country, stopped at Lafayette for a day while on his way to the Fair at St, Louis, The Prince and his escort came from Indianapolis in automo- biles, reaching Lafayette on the afternoon of the 24th, Word had been received of his coming, and preparations made at the L ' niversity to receive him. The cadets were assembled and drawn up in long file on the east side of the oval opposite a re- viewing stand that had been erected near the fountain. . n enormous crowd greeted the Prince ' s arrival with great enthus- iasm. The cadets went through the usual drill maneuvers, the scene being keenly enioxe d b the Prince, who paid the closest attention to ev,r - detail. The next da - the Prince spoke in Fowler Hall, thmugh an interjircter. and at the conclusion of his speech was treateil to a good Purdue ell. While he prob- ably did not comprehend its meaning, still he could mulerstand the enthusiasm that went willi it. 1 )nring the past ear I ' owler Hall liPs furnished us with nianv a delightful Imur of entertainment and instructiim. Here at convocation hour we have listened to addresses by men whose work and influence have made them famous throtighout the countr ' . More and more we are beginning to realize that Fowler Hall is one of the central features of Purdue life. . n idea that had its ince])tion several years ago was car- ried out for the first time at the close of the school year last |nne. Fcir a I ' mg time there had been a growing desire to make the days of Commencement week a time of general re- laxation and eniovment. a brief period in which all the classes, alumni, facultw and guests of the I ' niversity might imite in a celebration nf the year ' s work before they separated for the summer. The proposition of having ' a Gala Week was submitted to the student bodv and it met with their hearty approval and support. A program was prepared consisting of base ball games, an athletic meet, the various class functions, class day exercises, and Commencement. Eyer thing went off smoothly, and there is little doubt but that Cala Week will become a fixture in the University Calendar,