University of Rhode Island - Renaissance / Grist Yearbook (Kingston, RI)

Page 28 text:

consideration of which the University was to turn over to the State the proceeds of the original Land Grant of 1862, and to withdraw from the United States Supreme Court its suit for the Morrill Fund. The fire of January 27, 1895, destroyed the Dormitory, which was rebuilt, however, and ready for occupancy by the first of the following October. During the past winter the Legislature appropriated $45,000 for a Drill and Recitation Hall. This building faces the centre of the prospective campus, and is already progressing well towards com- pletion. Such is a brief history of the College from a statistical stand- point. Its history from a student point of view is quite different. When the farm was purchased no substantial stone buildings orna- mented it, though the ground was well sprinkled with rocks left by the glaciers of long ago. A multitude of little shanties surrounded the farm-house, which was gotten at only by means of a wretched road ; and it seemed as if a difficult job was in store for the officials of the new institution. But what a difference a few years made ! The roads were widened and improved, the shanties destroyed, the farm enlarged, and the farm-house painted. All these changes were made upon what had been. From granite quarried upon the place the Laboratory and College Hall were built, while the Boarding Hall and Mechanical Building were constructed of wood. Lawns were laid out and trees and shrubs planted. The first class entered in September, 1890, before College Hall was fully completed. At that time the institution was a school .with a three years’ course, and so it continued to be until 1892. In one tower of the first College Hall hung a bell, whose sweet tones called the students to meals, to chapel, and to class. The college history in the student’s mind contains many pranks played with that same bell, whose last musical notes rang its own death- knell.

Page 27 text:

jfcistojy. I N 1863 the State of Rhode Island accepted from the United States Government the land grant scrip, which gave to each State thirty thousand acres of the public lands for each Senator and Representative in Congress. The land was to be sold by the States, the proceeds of the sale invested, and the income appropriated for the maintenance of at least one college where the leading object should be to teach such branches of learning as are related to Agriculture and Mechanic Arts. By the Hatch Act of March 2, 1887, an annual appropriation of $15,000 was granted each State for the purpose of establishing an Agricultural Experiment Station in connection with an Agricul- tural College or School. It was not until the summer of 1888, however, that the Rhode Island State Agricultural School was established, and in the mean- time the funds for agricultural instruction had been appropriated by Brown University. Further funds were granted the Agricultural Colleges by the new Morrill bill of August 30, 1890. That these might be used in Rhode Island the Agricultural School was incorporated as a college, and has been conducted on such a basis since September, 1892. On April 19, 1894, the Legislature passed an act authorizing the State Treasurer to pay Brown University the sum of $40,000, in

Page 29 text:

Another cherished memory of the earlier graduates is connected with the time when we became a college, and that inanimate thing, “ Ben Butler,” was so filled with joy that it burst. One great trial to the students was the muddy, narrow path to the Hill, but this was banished several years ago in favor of a road, and a side-walk, which was the successful result of two “ Bees.” The students have always been interested in Athletics, and will no doubt show greater interest when there are some facilities for gymnasium training. The cadets, who had their first drill in 1894, are now organized into two companies, with efficient officers. Thus far, the Commencement exercises have been held in a marquee on one of the lawns, but the building now under con- struction will contain a hall for such uses. Although as a college we have encountered many trials, the future looks bright, and we feel confident of constantly increasing success. Our departments of study are already excellent, and with the steady advancement in standard and courses we expect to make our college one of the highest grade.