University of Oregon - Oregana Yearbook (Eugene, OR)

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Early ays At Oregon Dr. Charles H. Chapman was the first man to build upon the foundations laid by John W. John- son. He was born in Portage City, Wisconsin, and received his university training at Johns Hopkins. He was a member of the faculty of the state normal school at Milwaukee, Wisconsin, when he was called to the presidency of the University of Oregon. Dr. Chapman was president of the University from 1893 to 1899. During his administration a change in the type of courses offered at the Uni- versity was evident. He lectured on constitutional law, economics and international law. In his first year the gymnasium, erected under the Johnson regime, was made ready for use, and systematic drills and instruction in hygiene were given. An- other departure was a course of public lectures given to the student body by prominent men of Oregon. Citizens of Eugene paid for these lectures. Chapman ' s influence on the methodology of the institution was decisive, said Dr. Joseph Schafer, in his address on the Fruition Period in the University ' s History. He championed the scientific method and laboratory work was increased. He also stimulated the adoption of the lecture method wherever practicable and per- formed valuable service towards getting the University into organic relations with the school system of the state. He endeavored to get the various localities to add grades above the eighth, hoping that full fledged high schools would be added in time. In Wisconsin he had served as an institute conductor attached to the Milwaukee Normal faculty, for some time. When he came to Oregon he began a vigorous educational campaign and participated in the management of institutes. Charles H. Chapman Gymnasium and Campus ahout 1S93 21

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John W. Johnson he irst coadministration When John W. Johnson came to the Univer- sity of Oregon as its first president, in 1876, there was but one building on the campus. Some forty students were registered on October 16, when the University first opened its doors. There were three members of the faculty. John W. Johnson was born in Westport, Mis- souri, now a part of Kansas City. When he was fourteen years old his parents moved to Oregon, and the boy drove an ox team across the plains. Eight years later he journeyed down the coast of California and Mexico, crossed the isthmus of Panama, and then took a ship to New York on the way to New Haven, where he entered Yale. On his return to Oregon in 1862, he became principal of a little Baptist College at McMinnville. Later he served as superintendent of schools in Portland, and organized the first high school in the Northwest while there. He was principal of this high school when he was invited to become He was president of the University for seventeen head of the University of Oregon years. He demanded of his classes work and thoroughness and was satisfied with nothing else. It was said that his aptness at learning the untoward doings of students was un- canny ; and yet without exception he was fair in his methods of learning, and the dis- cipline imposed, though sometimes severe, was always just. Said Judge Lawrence T. Harris, ' 93, in his address on John W. Johnson, the Founder, Howsoever much the future growth of this University may be, and whether it be great or small, the stability of that growth is assured; for John W. Johnson laid a founda- tion broad enough and deep enough to sustain any superstructure. 11 f ' :. FLiciilty about 1880 . S .. Vii -:rr :; ' ■ ' ■ 20 1

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mh. -iiti LulilH : X President Strong At The SKelm The third president was Dr. Frank Strong, a native of western New York. His training was received at Yale College, where he took a full classical course, which was followed by a law course in Yale University. He began the practice of law in Kansas City, Missouri, and then went to St. Joseph as principal of the high school. Later he went to Lincoln, Nebraska, as city superintend- ent. In 1897 he received his doctor of philosophy de- gree from Yale University. He was a lecturer in the Yale graduate school when he was called to Oregon in 1899. Dr. Strong aimed to develop the institution along Frank Strong all Hnes. He conducted an investigation to show how the University of Oregon ranked among the state uni- versities. Then he pointed out what might be done to bring the higher educational facil- ities to a better standard. He planned to aid the development of high schools by train- ing teachers and superintendents and by appointing a high school inspector. Teachers might improve their training by summer school and correspondence work. Dr. Strong organized the department of philosophy and education which later be- came the school of education. He tried to build up a regular school of engineering. Ap- preciating the importance of historical studies he aided that department and endeavored to equip it to carry on research along the line of Oregon history. He pointed out the need for better library and scientific facilities, and organized a graduate school, with Professor F. G. Young as dean. In June, 1901, the University celebrated its first quarter century of activity. In 1902, Dr. Strong was offered the chancellorship of the University of Kansas, and he accepted. The Campus in 1900 ■ : 22