Rocky Mountain College - Yellowstone / Poly Yearbook (Billings, MT)

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cultural schools, its workshops, its domestic science and teachers' training courses, and its various departments for vocational training. THE BEGINNINGS.-In July, l909, ground was broken for the science building to be used as the main recitation building during the first years ofthe school. Contract was also let for four dormitory bungalows and a heat- ing plant. All contracts were to be complet- ed by the middle of November. The demand for the school was so urgent that it was decided to open in temporary quar- ters in town for two months while the build- ings were being prepared for occupancy. October 5 was set as the day of opening, and vacant store rooms and offices, the second and third Hoors of the I. O. O. F. building, the basement of the public library and the as- sembly room of the Y. M. C. A. building, were secured for class rooms. The old exhibit hall of the Fair Association, known as the Octagon, was fitted up for a boys' dormitory, and the president of the institute gave his home over for the girls' rooming house. THE OPENING.-On the opening day over one hundred young people were on hand to enroll, and during the fall the students con- tinued to come until over two hundred had matriculated in all departments. Every bit of available space in town was occupied, and a number were turned away because of the lack of accommodations. Delay after delay took place in the com- pletion of the buildings, and the two months that it was planned to remain in the improvised quarters extended to three and finally to four months. The most protracted period of severe winter weather ever known in the section was a feature that made the stay in town very un- pleasant, and at times tried the resources of those in charge to the limit. A splendid spirit, however, was shown throughout by the student body, and the burdens borne were greatly lightened by the sympathy and thoughtfulness of students and helpers. The school even in its temporary quarters was a success. HOME AT LAST.-Monday, January 31, the school moved to the new buildings amid the greatest rejoicing, for a home had been provided for the foundling. The buildings T were not wholly completed, and only partially furnishedg candles had to be used for several days, for the electric light wires had not been strung. Everything was in more or less of a chaotic state for several weeks, but it was home just the same, and everyone was happy. It is doubtful if the country ever witnessed an organization of a school under such peculiar circumstances-July l a beet field, February I-seven months later-a real live institution of learning with five buildings erected and every room in the dormitories and recitation building occupied. The capacity of the school was taxed from the start. About one hundred young men and women were able to find room and board on the institute campus and many were of necessity turned away. THE PRESENT.-The four months that the Polytechnic has occupied its permanent quarters have been full of pleasure and profit. Improve- ments are being made daily. The grounds, which presented such a rough appearance when the buildings were first erected, have been grad- ed and seeded, and the whole place begins to take on a settled condition. During the summer months about forty acres of the Polytechnic farm will be put into crops under the direction of an expert in intensified farming. The Great Northern Railway dry The Octogmi. the First Dormitory of the School.

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land demonstration farm of six acres is also to be a part of the work of the institute. The agricultural work is to be carried on by students and it is expected that next year's dining tables will be well supplied with all varieties of vege- tables. THE FUTURE.-As the first year closes the Polytechnic has promise of better equipment, a new shop building, a gymnasium, and at least two new dormitories with which to open the second year. The enrollment will no doubt reach the three hundred mark next fall, new courses will be offered and a number of new teachers will be added to the faculty. We are sure that next year's annual will tell the story of marked progress for the Institute. 'The first year of the Polytechnic's history is recorded. It has been a strenuous year indeed, full of severe trials and testings. Many lessons have been learned which will help to make the school stronger and better in the coming years. This first year was necessary if the Institute was to have a beginning, and as an initial year we are satisfied that the futiire historian will give it credit for being a most important period in the life of the school. What the future has in store for the Billings Polytechnic Institute only time can tell with cer- tainty, but those who stand nearest to its plans and possibilities predict that it is to be the great- A Cosy Nook on the Campus. est institution of learning of the Northwest. The prediction is based upon the facts of its wonderful beginning: its many strong friends, its unique and popular foundation principles, and its location at the center of a great coming empire with every promise of a marvelous de- velopment. A great future for the Polytechnic can only be assured, however, by the unswerving loyalty of all connected with its affairs. Laying aside petty annoyances and personal feelings, students and faculty must unite to make this new insti- tution of learning one of the strongest schools of the country. The glory of its success will be shared by every graduate and old student in the coming days, and the brightness of this glory will grow as the sons and daughters of the institute increase in number and influence and remain faithful to their Alma Mater. ..aiulf' UNION DEPOT, BILLINGS.