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

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halls of the school from all the Northwestern States, seeking a preparation for a life of use- fulness. For four years the work was con- tinued in these leased quarters under most seri- ous drawbacks, but the demonstration of a great burning need for a strong school where practical training could be secured was complete. In the early summer of l908, it was deter- mined to seek out a permanent location for a school nearer the center of the neglected area and at a point which gave the greatest promises for the future, and here organize an institution from the foundation up, based on principles that six years of experience had taught to be the correct ones for the region. ln seeking the location the entire region was studied with reference especially to its future development. Billings, Montana, from every standpoint, was found to possess advantages over any other city of the Northwest for the home of the institution. It was after determining the location for the school that it was discovered that the concep- tion of just such a movement was in the mind of Mr. Losekamp, and the ideas and purposes which gave birth to the Billings Polytechnic Institute were united, and his dream became a reality. INCORPORATED.-A dozen of the leading citizens of Billings took the responsibility of establishing the Polytechnic, and pledged 3650,- OOO for buildings. On August 4, l908, the Secretary of State issued the incorporation pa- pers which gave official beginning to the move- ment. A tract of sixty acres of land adjoin- ing the city was selected for a campus, and the parties owning it donated it to the school. The institution thus organized was most care- fully planned during the next few months. The two directors selected by the trustees, to have the general management of the Institute, visited the leading schools of the East and Middle West, and held conferences with the prominent educators of the country regarding the best plans for an effectual school. Every detail was Y. M. c. A. Building, Wim-Q Chapel str-vices were first held. studied and the complete outline of a strong school thoroughly worked out. THE FOUNDATIONS.-The Billings Poly- technic Institute has laid its foundation at a time when the entire country seems to be awak- ening to the necessity of educating young people for the ordinary duties of life. The country has been training a small class of people for the professions while the great mass of young people have been neglected in the matter of securing a training which will be of service to them on the farm, in the oflice, and in the workshop. The Polytechnic does not depreciate the value of a thorough classical education to those who are fitted for such training, but it does exalt the importance of preparing every individual, as far as possible, for a place in life where they will make the most of them- selves and be of the greatest service to their country. The demand of the present hour and of the future in Montana, in the Northwest, and in the nation at large, is for a great body of intelligent, sane, honest workmen. ln the harnessing of its water power, build- ing of its railroads, reclaiming its arid lands, conserving its natural resources, building its fac- tories, homes and cities, this great new empire of the Northwest, demands an army of skilled laborers. It is the purpose of the Polytechnic to furnish the leaders of this army by supplying enlightened Christian men and women from its commercial college, its engineering and agri-

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The Story 'of the Polytechnic N the first Annual of the Billings Poly- technic Institute it is especially appropriate to give an account of the beginnings of the movement. History is being made, and in the future this Hrst official record of the founding of the school will of necessity have a prominent place. The birth of the Institute was brought about by the uniting of the ideas and purposes of several persons. T1-in CONCEPTION.-The name Polytech- nic was altogether unknown in the Northwest two years ago. So true was this that scarcely one person in a hundred knew what the term meant when mentioned. In fact the question is still very commonly asked, What is the Polytechnic? One person alone seems to have had a clear conception of a great practical school that should be built in the region-an idea that had de- veloped in his mind through twenty-five years of study of the educational and industrial needs of the section, and with this conception he had thought out the only name entirely suited to such an institution, Polytechnic,-an institution of learning, offering many branches of training both in the arts and sciences with particular reference to their practical application. To Hon. John D. Losekamp is due the credit of originating the idea of a great polytechnic in- stitution for the young people of the Northwest, and it has been largely through his great inter- est that the school exists today. His name will go down in history as The father of the Polytechnic. THE REALIZATION.-The idea remained within the mind of this man clearly thought out and ready to be of service, but years passed before the dream could develop into a reality. Cthers were to share in the movement. In the fall of l902, a young man came to Western Montana to join the educational forces of the State. He soon learned the needs of the region in education and the inadequacy of the public school system to meet these needs. He found that more than ninety-five per cent. of the young people of the State were actually going out into life untouched by a training which would make them intelligent, useful citizens. These conditions were presented to a brother, an educator in the Central West, and he came on the field to study the conditions for himself. The result was that the two brothers determined to open a school where any young man or wo- man might find the opportunity of securing an education that should fit for the practical duties of life. The old buildings of a defunct denomina- tional college were leased, repaired and a school organized in the summer of l904. In three months' time a hundred and fifty young people had poured into the old tumbled-down Y I. O. O. F. Building, where the Institute Opened.

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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.