Rochester Institute of Technology - Techmila / Ramikin Yearbook (Rochester, NY)

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Entrance to the old Municipal Building or Free Academy where the first classes of Mechanics Institute were held 1886

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Perspective View of School First Epic Chronicles of M. I. Second Epic Famous Leaders Third Epic Crusaders Fourth Epic Confederations Fifth Epic Contest and Conflicts Sixth Epic Clans Seventh Epic Pageants; Games Eighth Epic Heraldry

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History of Mechanics Institute Through 1928 Captain Henry Lomb, who came from Germany as a poor boy and worked his way to prosperity in America, first conceived the idea of a trade school here in Rochester as an aid to students and to industry, tie circulated a paper among forward looking Rochesterians of his time and as a result of this anti his constant efforts The Mechanics Institute of the City of Rt ichester adopted its charter in 1885, I he first classes were held on the upper floor of the Rochester Free Academy. At first there were eleven teachers and one thousand sixty-five students. No tuition was charged. During the early years The Institute was financed by small subscriptions throughout the city and by large contributions from interested wealth. I he second year of activity saw- the school at 15 Exchange Street to allow for an increased enrollment. In 1891 The Institute was consolidated with the Rochester Athenaeum and Mechanics Association thereby forming by adoption of a new Charter the present organization called The Rochester Athenaeum and Mechanics Institute. In 1892 the School was admitted to the State Regents and in 1893 its work was advertised and became widely know through an exhibit at the Worlds Fair in Chicago. About this time approximately half of the block now occupied by the school was purchased. Certain residences on this property were remodeled and used tor classes and a drive was initiated to obtain more money with a goal set at $120, 000. The financial crisis of 1895 intervened, so that only $90,000 was subscribed. Fart of this money was spent for the erection of the Manual Training building. During all this period Captain Lomb played a very active part in the school activities and contributed funds very generously. He was truly the God lather of the school. In the year 1900 George Eastman bought the remaining portion of the present block and caused to be erected thereon the present Eastman Building which he turned over to the school as a contribution. This large building provided the school with a new door space oi two and one third acres. In 1901 Mrs. Susan Bevier transferred to the school $150,000 to be used eventually for the erection of a Bevier Memorial Building. 1 lus building was completed in 1911 and was designed especially for Fine Arts Courses. Today with its Modern Equipment it comprises the finest Art school of its size in the country. At present the Institute possesses eight buildings including a Power Plant, a Girls Domitorv, a Practise House, the original buildings already described and the Buell house. 9