University of Michigan - Michiganensian Yearbook (Ann Arbor, MI)

Page 19 text:

Acting-president fiutcbins. PROFESSOR JEROME C. KNOWLTON. JN the early seventies, at the University of Michigan, attendance at chapel was required of all students in the literary department. The exercises were held in the present law lecture room. After a reading- of Scripture and prayer by the President some member of the senior class delivered an oration of from five to ten minutes in length. This was an essential part of college training. In the fall of 1870 a timid and unsophisticated freshman sat in the rear part of the law lecture room and during chapel exercises listened to an oration by a grave and reverend senior. Seniors were graver then than now and more revered. The senior who delivered the oration on this occasion was none other than the Acting President of our University and the freshman who listened was the writer of this sketch. Harry Burns Hutchins came from the rock-ribbed hills of New England. Her sons and daughters have been powerful, during the past fifty years, in shaping the policy of the great Northwest. In the fall of 1867 he entered the University of Michigan as a candidate for the degree of Ph. B., which he received with the class of ' 71. During his under- graduate course his excellence in speaking and writing attracted the attention of the faculty and students. The senior class elected him class orator and managing editor of the Chronicle, then a weekly publication of great influence in our college life. He was also selected by the faculty to deliver a commencement oration. In fact, throughout his college career, whenever an occasional address was to be delivered by a student, he was one of the first of the men thought of. In 1872 Mr. Hutchins married Miss Mary L. Crocker, of Mt. Clemens, Michigan. Mrs. Hutchins is well known here. Society regretted her departure for Cornell, several years ago, and welcomed her return. Her careful attention to social and charitable obligations is of great