University of Wisconsin Superior - Gitche Gumee Yearbook (Superior, WI)

Page 20 text:

Sixteen ADMINISTRATION ... History o In 1803, after much agitation from various parts of the state, the Legislature voted to increase the number of normal schools from six to seven. A number of cities made bids for the new school, but the choice finally narrowed down to three: Superior, LaCrosse. and Eau Claire. From this group, the Legislature chose Superior as the site of the new school upon Superior's agreeing to contribute the land and materials for the college. The building was erected and made ready for occupancy in 1890. At the time of the opening of the school, there was scarcely a residence east of Hammond Avenue. The first president of Superior Normal was J. C. McNeill, of Kansas City, Missouri. Before his selection as president, he had been assistant superintendent of schools in Kansas City, where he had made a study of education for teachers in the elementary grades. In September, 1890, the college opened with an enrollment of 150 students. By the end of the school year, the enrollment had increased to 2-17 students, these coming from twenty counties in Wisconsin and from five states outside of Wisconsin. The training school during that year reached a total of 187 pupils. The faculty of the normal and training school numbered 15. In 1907. the first summer schools of the state normals were held at Superior and at Whitewater. The success of these schools caused the Board of Regents to organize summer sessions in all of the normals of the state. As Superior Normal increased in size, it became more and more difficult to find accommodations for the students. In 1905), the state erected Crownhart Hall as a dormitory for women. It was named in honor of Mr. Crownhart. a member of the Board of Regents, from Superior. For some time before 1914, there had been a demand for higher education in the normal schools. In that year, the college course, which was two years above high school but which offered no professional training, was established for the purpose of preparing students for entrance in the junior year at the University and at liberal arts colleges. Later, by the addition of professional work to the two year college course, the three year high school training division was created to prepare teachers for two and three year high schools. In 1923, the college course was abolished, and in 1925, the Legislature passed an act allowing the normal schools to organize a four year course for the preparation of teachers for senior high schools. By that act, the Superior Normal School became Superior State Teachers College, authorized to grant B.E. degrees. Additions to campus buildings have been numerous. The McCaskill Training school was built on the campus. Tubbs' Gymnasium was named in honor of Ira I. Tubbs, athletic director for many years. Gates Field was named in honor of Clough Gates, former regent. The present building was made necessary by the destruction of the old building by fire. The most recent addition is the new library, a magnificent structure completed during this year. The college is well equipped physically and academically to prepare for teaching. j- the (College

Page 19 text:

JIM D. HILL Pre » id e n I oo'U’tgffos ©lyrajss

Page 21 text:

Seventeen ... ADMINISTRATION history oj the Y eoi Superior Stale Teachers College began its school year with an enrollment of 738, an enrollment slightly under that of the past year. While the depression was responsible to some measure for this drop, it may be added that many former students returned to college because of the lack of employment. Three new members were added to the faculty: Dr. Paul K. Walp, Dr. Franklin D. Scott, and Professor William A. Schleip, the first two being added to the social studies field, while Professor Schleip replaced Frank C. Evert in the music department. Work on the new library addition was watched eagerly by all, for its completion meant relief from the crowded conditions existing in the main building. Several delays occurred which prevented the occupancy of the addition until some weeks after the beginning of the second semester. Upon its opening, the college was given a large reading room seating 100; the textbook and reserve libraries were moved into the new quarters. To be of greater service to the student body, the library was opened in the evenings, an innovation to which the students responded enthusiastically. The new stacks of steel construction—and commodious—have a capacity for SO.(HX) volumes. A trophy room was added in which to house the trophies won by the college. Paintings presented to the college during the present and former years are to he hung in the library. Suites of offices for conferences were set aside for the faculty in the new wing. In keeping with its policy of providin'' recreation for students, the college has sponsored a series of dances throughout the year. The student body cooperates with the social committee by selecting a social chairman in the fall. Admission to these dances has been by student pass. Other dances of social organizations, registered on the social calendar and given under the supervision of the club advisors, lia.e provided a variety of entertainment. The assembly program has featured college, local, and out-of-town talent, a noteworthy program being that of Tony Sarg and his Marionettes. The athletic program of conference, non-conference, and intra-niural games, has provided a well-rounded schedule of sports. The football season was highly successful, while basketball, not quite so fortunate in the number of games won, brought to the college opposition of high class caliber, featuring university and Minnesota college opponents. Musical organizations of the college were featured at these games. Night football at Gates Field was played under the powerful lights purchased last year by the athletic committee. Winners m intra-mural competition were rewarded with plaques. In forensics, the college made a highly satisfactory showing, winning fourth in extempore in the state contest, annexing state and interstate honors in oratory, and competing in state and regional debate schedules. The oratorical victories won by Superior representatives have given to Superior permanent possession of the trophy competed for in the state contest. Interstate laurels have been garnered with a high degree of regularity for the past four years in oratory and extempore. In other extra-curricular activities, students have been given opportunities for a wider sphere of activity. College publications have been under the direction of the Board of Publications, composed of a faculty committee and the editors and business managers of the publications. The annual Vodvil was highly successful in entertainment value, and brought forth talent from all the organizations entered. The college used the medium of radio to send its message to the Northwest. Biweekly programs were given Mondays from radio station WEBC. Faculty members spoke on various phases of the work of the college; various units of the music department contributed to the program, and soloists were featured on some of the broadcasts. While prospects for positions for graduates appear far from bright, the college graduates a large class well-trained in the principles and methods of teaching, and sends them forth with a liberal education of inestimable value. The college closes the year with pleasure in the accomplishments and activities, and feels that those leaving will remember Su| erior State Teachers College as a center of education with a program supplying the various needs of all those who attend. 3 O'? (§5011 3U5MSS 1