Springfield College - Massasoit Yearbook (Springfield, MA)

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GOLDEN YEARS J T Backward, tiini backward, 0 Time, in your fliuhti G olden years Hfty of tliem, rich in tradition and filled with memories characteristic ot the unique growth of our own Alma Mater. From the northernmost frigid village in North America to the sultry and isolated habitats of Southern climes can he found the ineradicable trace of the service of Springfield men. In Christian living, education and all of the intricate phases of that vast held of human engineering, the college at Sprmgheld is saluted in tribute this year for her ideals and tremendous contribu- tion to mankind. l o see the campus today with its splendid buildings, well-kept grounds, cement walks, and beautiful shrubbery, then to try to visualize the much different college of years past is a difficult task, d hough such was actually e.xistent, for m 1884 intense plans were being formulated for the establishment of a school for the training of M. C. A. secretaries. Reverend Allen David Reed was the dominating hgure in this movement. Due to his efforts, the school was officially opened January 5th, 1885, m the old Hope Church Chapel. During the same year, a building was erected on the corner of State and Sherman streets. Lhis included a dormitory, class- rooms, a gymnasium and a suite of rooms for the Armory Hill Y. M. C. A. During this period, a very famous group of young men were formed, functioning under the title of the “Men of Good Hope.” There were no longer any doubts lingering as to the sincere ambi- tions and positive growth of this institution. Development was ap- parent. New buildings and equipment were being acquired. Gifts and financi al endowments were prominent signs of growth. From this embryo a successful college was inevitably evolving. The early rapid growth of the college showed that it was wise to orient courses m the physical directorship and secretaryship for the . M. C. A. Dr. Luther Guhck was called from Oberhn to help or- ganize, and m 1886 the department for physical training was estab- V hshed by him and Reverend Reed. In 1890 the school for Christian w orkers was separately organized. Here was where the foundation for the later school was developed. Very early the need for more V specialized training was seen. Although athletics had always been a major interest, it was not until 1887 that Dr. Roberts finally organized an active and efficient athletic program. Here it was that Springfield initiated itself into 13