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

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fisir W Taft Laboratory 1942 Davis Hall 1942 same time that Dr. Howard Edwards took over the presidency, the preparatory school was abolished because after eight years of its existence, it seemed to be crowding out the regular college work. The ascension of Dr. Edwards to the president’s chair marked the beginning of another era of progress at Rhode Island College. In 1907, four degrees were obtain- able for the first time, in agriculture, engi- neering, home economics, and applied science. In this year, the first Beacon was published, the first “Soph Hop” was held, and the “Hobo Club — to promote grace in walking and prevent Sunday studying” was organized. Great organization took place among the students in this period. In 1905, the Young Men’s and Women’s Christian Associations were prominent undergraduate organizations. In 1908, the first fraternity, Rho Iota Kappa, was organized, and in 1909 the first girl’s basketball team was started. 1910 saw the establishment of the Honor System and the introduction of Freshman Rules. Rhode Island’s athletic relations with Brown also date from this year. In 1908, the system of the division of the school year into two semesters instead of three terms, was first arranged. The social calendar at this time included such functions as the Military Ball, musicales, informal hops, and an annual informal reception given to the Freshman by the Junior class. It was decided that new buildings were needed due to the over- crowded conditions that had begun to appear in classrooms and dormitories, for the attendance had increased to 170. 13

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OUTHFUL Rhode Island State College grew enormously in its first decade under the new status. At the end of two years the faculty was doubled. In 1894, the first drill was held for cadets. Soon, in response to the need for winter drilling quarters, additional classrooms, and a library, an appropriation was deemed necessary. The next year was a critical and progressive one, historically, for although College Hall, the only men’s dormitory at the time, was destroyed by fire, the first provision for boarding women students was arranged by the remodelling of Watson House. Many other noteworthy incidents occurred in these ten years during which the college was served wisely and well by its first presi- dent, Mr. John H. Washburn. In 1897, Volume I of the Grist was published, and Lippitt Hall was built. It was in this year that the organization of the poultry course took place, the first of its kind in American agricultural colleges. In 1898, a preparatory school was established under the direction of Marshall H. Tyler, for young people who were unable to attend college because they did not have access to a high school course or other proper means of preparation. In 1902, Dr. Washburn resigned his office as President of the college. In several months he was replaced by Mr. Kenyon L. Butterfield, who directed the affairs of Rhode Island for over three years. In 1904, the first Student Council was organized and member- ship in Phi Beta Kappa was restricted to “those who have not received less than four A’s in any one term record.” In 1906, at the Pres. Kenyon L. Butterfield 1902-1906 I 11 0 2 19 12 Davis Hall Afire 1895 12

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T was also decided that because the full name, Rhode Island College of Agriculture and Mechanic Arts was too lengthy for such a progressive organization, it should be shortened to Rhode Island State College. In 1910, owing to the increased interest in sports and the growing importance of football and athletic teams at the college, work for the needed funds for an athletic field and clubhouse was started by the students. During the decade from 1912 to 1922, two new buildings appeared on the campus, Science Hall in 1913 and Agricultural Hall in 1921. The main event of the Freshman calendar in these years was the Freshman- Sophmore rope pull. In 1912, Junior Week was instituted at Rhode Island State College, with the Junior Prom as its feature attraction. It was the custom for the Juniors to give a commencement ball to the Seniors. During these years a great many of the extra curricu- lar activities gained in importance on the campus. The first annual varsity debate was held in 1916, Pan-Hellenic Society made its beginning in 1919, the Chemistry Society was formed in 1920, and Phi Delta’s first play was produced in 1921. 1921 was an especially memorable year for the Rhody sports enthusi- asts, for Rhode Island was the victor by 1 point in the clash of its basketball team with that of Harvard; although the Brown Uni- versity football squad took the upper hand in their conflict, with R. I. by 1 touchdown. At the close of the decade, five national fraternities and two national sororities had placed chapters on the Rhode Island campus, Pres. Howard Edwards 1906-1930 19 12 19 2 2 East Hall 14