University of Central Missouri - Rhetor Yearbook (Warrensburg, MO)

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Fire strikes administrative buildings in 1915 , 1968 Founding of the main Normal Building dated May, 1881 began the steady growth of Central Missouri State Col- lege. However, tragedy struck on March 6, 1915 when a fire of unknown source destroyed the Administration Building and all surrounding structures. Only Dockery Gymnasium and the power plant were saved. Since the state legislature was in session at the time of the disaster, an immediate appeal was made by Dr. Hawkins to the governor. ln response, 3i5250,000 was appropriated for immediate building purposes. School life continued in an uninterrupted fashion for another 53 years before the Administration Building again met disaster. january 18, 1968, fire devastated the south end of the second floor of the Administration Building. The blaze was discovered at 11:50 p.m. Reduced to smoldering ashes were the recently remodeled business offices of the President and the Dean of Administration, the mail room, secretarial pool, and the sports information office. Heat from the blaze, which was thought to be the work of an arson, cracked the third-floor classroom windows and smoke damaged the newly painted ceilings of the third floor. Administrators were forced to be temporarily relocated in the College Union, Dockery Hall, and in other parts of the surrounding campus. Fire damage was estimated at 5l175,000. 4 ,...,f H tt tl at 'T ? i Many of the college activities begin at the Administration Building. .-' 7 I , I , --1 'lf' l ,UZ 1 f I 1' - ' 5 Z' Illlillttll ll In 1915, the first disastrous fire almost completely destroys the Old Normal Building. 12

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'-'f. hi.: I lg -I 'H' I x Q E13 III fl f i 0 it STATE or Mlssoum . . 4 ' V lf' I WHEREAS, on March 19, 1870, the Missouri General Assembly passed legislation creating the Second Normal School: and May 10, 1971 marks the 100th anniversary of the formal opening and be- ginning of the first classes at the Collegey and WHEREAS, the Board of Regents of Central Missouri State College has designated the period of time from Homecoming, October 24, 1970, to Commencement, May 23, 1971, for commemo- ration of its beginning and reflection on its proud history that has brought forth a legacy of educational leadership to the people of this state, this nation, and countries around the world: and WHEREAS, this significant occasion affords an opportunity to bring greetings to our distinguished State College and to share the accomplishments that have characterized its rich and hallowed past: and WHEREAS, the determination that guided the founding fathers continues to guide the institution as it has emerged from a normal school to a state teachers college to a state college of national prominence and respect, maintaining that spirit of commitment which undergirds the College as it charts its destiny into the future and unfolds a second century of education for service: and WHEREAS, the generous contributions of the people of the state to higher education have resulted in a century of splendid cooperation with this fine College which was created out of the needs of the people and continues to meet those needs in this generation: and WHEREAS, our tribute to this great College is joined by over 20,000 alumni around the world whose daily lives are vivid examples of the high standard of dedication and academic ex- cellence that they shared at this,renowned College: NOW, THEREFORER I, WARREN E. HEARNES, GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF MISSOURI, do hereby proclaim the period from October 24, 1970, to May 23, 1971, as CENTENNIAL YEAR OF CENTRAL MISSOURI STATE COLLEGE and request the appropriate observance of this historic occasion. IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused to be affixed the Great Seal of the State of Missouri, in the City of Jefferson, this 7th day of October, 1970 OVERNOR ATTESQ: 51 , 1 ' Quant! ' CRETARY OF STAT 9

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