University of Pittsburgh - Owl Yearbook (Pittsburgh, PA)

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44 We Hate Ourselves r In presenting the ninth issue of The Owl, the class of 1916 places itself on record as being fully awake to the progress of the times. Hurried resumes of former year books at this institution convince the staff that this edition is, in a fair way, representative of the upward strides being made by a rapidly expanding and promising University. Obstacles encountered by past boards pale in their enormity when it is taken into consideration that, instead of chronicling the activities of a few hundred students, the work of the first board, this year’s staff found it its bounden duty to compile data in the interests of thirty-five hundred and thirty-five students, the largest enrollment in the history of Pitt. Many new features have been introduced in this year’s annual, which stamp it as a distinct credit to all concerned. Especially is attention directed to the art department, the excellency of which speaks for itself. Those who contributed to this section are indeed to be commended. Just as favorable consideration is the just reward of the literary contributors. Much outside assistance was also sought of necessity, and in all instances was this cheerfully given. To the kind friends of the University who rendered financial support in the way of advertising due acknowledgment is made, and we trust their respective establishments will be able to hire adequate police assistance to keep the crowds back as a reward of their managers’ keen business insight. And to all others who contributed in any and all ways to the success of this book the sincere gratitude of the Owl board is tendered. To publish the 1916 Owl has indeed been a great privilege and pleasure for the staff, and if the class accepts it as fulfilling its intended mission in due manner, however meager, we will feel that our efforts have not been in vain. 27

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A Word in Common Owl History As a matter of history it might be of interest to those now attending the University to note in passing that the maiden issue of The Owl was published in 1907. It was dedicated to the now deceased Honorable Thomas Mellon, then the oldest living alumnus of Pitt. He was the father of Messrs. Andrew W. and Richard B. Mellon, to whom the 1916 Owl is respectfully dedicated. A notable distinction is borne out in the fact that the loyalty shown the University by the father was not permitted to diminish by the sons. James Irwin McCormick was the first editor-in-chief and Conant Van Blarcom was the first business manager. The second volume appeared in 1908 and was dedicated to William Thaw. In 1909 Dr. John Alfred Brashear, Chancellor from 1901 to 1904, was honored. The entire student bodv was named in 1910. The builders of the University, both past and present, were named in 1911. Dr. Joseph Stockton, Chancellor of the University when it was known as the Pittsburgh Academy, was honored in 1912. The 1913 Owl was dedicated to A. J. Kelly, Jr., always a close friend of Pitt. It was Benjamin Thaw, A.B., 1878, a son of William Thaw, who was honored in 1914, and, lastly, Joseph C. Trees was named in last year’s annual. 26

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BOOK TWO 28