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

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History ol Mechanics Institute (Continued) The Institute, however, could not carry on the good work without funds and a drive initiated again, in 1918 brought about the subscription of Endowment funds totalling $500,000, This and several gifts including the estate of Mr. and Mrs. G, N. Crosby brought the total to $700,000. The last drive in 1927 brought in about $2,574,000. Part of this money is to be used for improved equipment and buildings but the major part will be retained as an endowment. The first Industrial Courses offered by the school were Mechanical Drawing, Surveying, and Truss Construction. Soon, however, courses were offered under the heading of Mechanic Arts including courses in electricity, industrial chemistry, and architecture, and a four year college preparatory course. In 1905 courses in Gas Engineering and Manual Training were instigated, fhe Manual Training courses were combined with the Industrial Arts Courses in 1911. During the world war soldiers were trained at Mechanics for wartime applications of trades, before being sent to France. Likewise after the war many injured men were taught ways in which to earn a livihood in spite of their handicaps. In 1925 the department oi Industrial Arts was reorganized to carry on again the training of Cooperative students. Since that time the efficiency of the department has kept step with the efficiency of modernism and courses are offered which are equal to College courses in technical training and superior in practical applications. The Home Economics department was instigated in 1893 and included at that time, sewing, hygiene, home-nursing, and physical culture as well as cooking. These courses were popular from the beginning. In 1897 two year normal courses in domestic art and domestic science were presented and met with prompt response. I Ins course was further extended to three years and later supplemented by a fourth year of completion at the Uni- versity of Rochester. A Lunchroom has been incorporated in the Eastman building from the start and lias been taken care ot and patronized bv students. In 1906 a course in Lunch Room Management was started and was followed in 1915 by a course for Dietitians. 1 he Applied Arts Course was organized in 1945 as a separate depart- ment. Students who undertake this course have use of the best of equip- ment available and have an excellent faculty for instructors. Summing up tins history it is apparent that Mechanics is constantly changing. It is unique in that it has kept up with the times and has not become a set Institution with a staid College air. From 1885 to 1928 it has grown from a dream to a prosperous school, turning out each year many graduates better fitted to do their part in this world. 10

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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

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Carl F. Lomb President, Hoard oj Director,r II