University at Buffalo - Buffalonian Yearbook (Buffalo, NY)

Page 16 text:

,,L,SM7e5qEQi ,p 1Sy32 -.'Qi RYHV 1914-1930 The agitation for the erection of the second Normal School building, standing today at Jersey and Fourteenth Streets, was started by Edward H. Butler as early as 1902. A bill sponsored by the late Senator Henry W. Hill for the drawing of plans was signed by Governor Hughes on June 21, 1910. Due to the intricacies oflegislative methods an appropriation was not available for starting the plan until March 6, 1912. To continue work in the old structure during construction of the new, on the same plot of ground, wings were planned flanking the Science Building on two sides. Connecting these wings was the main facade of the building with a tower modeled after that of Independence Hall at Philadelphia. Back of this facade was the wing containing the gymnasium, auditorium and science rooms. A brief but impressive ceremony marked the laying of the cornerstone of the building on October 9, 1913. President Butler, of the Board of Managers, introduced the speakers of the day, and afterwards, in the presence of distinguished guests, faculty and students of the school, he laid the cornerstone at the entrance of the new structure. The death of Mr. Edward H. Butler on March 9, 1914 was a great loss to the Normal School. He bequeathed a sum of five thousand dollars to the school for Library purposes. Mr. Robert Livingston Fryer succeeded Mr. Butler as president of the Board. In September, 1914, classes were started in the new building. Mr. Robert Livingston Fryer passed away on October 15, 1915 and Edward H. Butler, Jr. became president of the Board. In memory of her husband, Mrs. Fryer presented the Tiffany Clock for the tower, and a bronze tablet to the School. School 38 was aHiliated with the Normal School in September, 1916, for additional practice teaching facilities. The first Summer Session was inaugurated the following year. During this Summer Session in 1918, Dr. Upton passed away suddenly on July 30. On January 30, 1919, Harry Westcott Rockwell was formally appointed principal of the Normal School. Dr. Rockwell was a graduate of Brown and Columbia Universities, and came to the school following successful work at Pelham, New York. In March of that year came the double ceremony of dedication of the new building and installation of the new principal. The Board of Regents gave the Home Economics Department, in July, 1919, the privilege of offering a four year course with a degree of Bachelor of Science in Home Economics. In September, 1920, the Vocational-Industrial Department was reorganized through the transfer of a similar department from Albany State College. In June, 1922, the Normal School celebrated its fiftieth anniversary during commence- ment week, with appropriate ceremonies. The General Normal course was extended from two to three years' duration in September of that year. On April 25, 1925, the Board of Regents approved the establishment of an optional four year course for elementary and junior high school teachers leading to a degree of Bachelor of Science in Education. This important step forward was definitely authorized on June 24, 1926. With it came many important additions to the faculty. - 16