University of Southern California - El Rodeo Yearbook (Los Angeles, CA)

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TIHIIE UNIVERSITY Old buildings are revered for fheir tradi- tions . . . for the life that was lived in them and the memories that they enshrine, c lthena Hall, now a part of Old Colle ,e. stands as a monument to memory. It was the birthplace of a r e a t modern university.

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The FoiDicI ' Dig of Troy Marion McKi First Pr, )AK people on the west- ern coast seem to have awak- ened early to a realization of the great potentialities of South- ern California. The outlook of Southern California has never been static ; it has always been one of receding goals. Progres- sive people fifty years ago were visioning great cities which would bring in their wakes a great distributing point of knowledge and culture. One who glimpsed a great future was the Reverend John R. Tansey, the Presiding Elder of the Los Angeles District of t he Methodist Episcopal Church. He formulated a plan for the establishment of a university, but died before he could accom- plish his purpose. Another man with the same thought was Judge Robert Maclay Widney, who collaborated with Abel Stearns for the founding of a great institution. This, too, had to be abandoned because of the sudden death of Stearns. Later Judge Widney laid a plan before the Fort Street Metho- dist Episcopal Church, of which the Reverend IVLir- ion McKinley Bovard was pastor. A proposition was soon in working order by which a college should be established in West Los Angeles on a grant of land with a donation of three hundred and eight lots. The original deed of trust was executed on July 29, 1(S79. It was incorporated as the Uni- versity of Southern California on July 30, 1880. This marks the first stage of development of the University of Southern California, that was destined to be known as the Southland ' s Own. A survey of the first four years shows the laying of the foundation of a great institution, an increase in faculty and general equipment, the growth and spirit of the student body, several proposed new buildings, and the preparations and exercises con- nected with the first commencement. The Reverend Marion McKinley Bovard was the first president of the L niversity and his brother. Professor F. D. Bovard, was vice-president at the same time. After five years of intensive work. Pro- fessor Bovard resigned. The closing years of the administration of President ]VL AL Bovard were distinguished by a great and sudden cessation of activity due to a disrupted money market. The very existence of the University was threatened ; it was only by dint of hard work and sacrifice that the Ni.EV Bovard •siJent situation was saved. By 1887 the cris is was well tided over and the University was launch- ed on a greater course with new vigor. However, in the next few years financial difficulties recurred. Because of the severe strain and pressure attendant upon the administration of af- fairs of the University during a period of financial stress. Presi- dent Bovard suffered a general breakdown in health. He was released by a leave of absence, and Dr. Matthew, as vice- (iresident, relieved him of the work. It was hoped that a long rest would restore his health, but no sign of improvement ap- peared. In 1891 the first presi- dent of the University of South- ern California died, ending a career of careful, wise and energetic discharge of duties and responsibilities. During the years from 1886 to 1889 many pro- jects were on foot for establishing academies and seminaries as branches of the University system. A proposition was made and accepted by the Board of Directors to establish a branch academy at Tu- lare, California. Defective records caused consid- erable trouble and delay. The errors were rectified and the academy was established, only to fall under the blight of a severe real estate and financial de- pression. L nfortunately the enterprise had to be abandoned. Another scheme for the opening of a seminary was undertaken at Escondido, California. Due to the efforts of the San Diego Methodist Church, land grants and financial backing were obtained, and in 1887 contracts were let. At the time of its completion, the Escondido Seminary was the most complete educational imit in the state. At the close of 1894 it became necessary to close the institution owing to lack of sufficient income. A number of projects were on foot during the era of expansion for the establishment of academies at Fresno, San Lu is Obispo, Elsinore, Nordoff, Paso Robles, Raniona, Rialto, and Montalvo, but nothing of a permanent character was ever done. The most spectacular enterprise contemplated was the founding of an astronomical observatory on the summit of Mt. Wilson. Scientists sent to approve the site were enthusiastic in their praise. Mr. E. F. Spence, a Los Angeles banker, announced the gift of aluable lands for the establishment, but [17]