University of Maine - Prism Yearbook (Orono, ME)

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Principal Building» of th« SUt« Collage of Agriculture and tha Mechanic Art». Orono. Realization Of A Dream A Pictorial History Of The University Of Maine ••BE IT ENACTED liV THE SENATE AND HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMER- ICA THAT THERE HE GRANTED TO THE SEVERAL STATES. . .AN AMOUNT OF PUBLIC LAND. . . With these words from the 1862 Morrill I.und Act, the Maine State College of Agriculture and Mechanic Arts became a reali- ty. Although it was established in 1865 in Orono by vote of the first board of trustees, with Hannibal Hamlin acting as its president, the college did not acquire a faculty until 1868. On the 21st of September twelve young men passed the entrance examinations, were admitted, and the infant university. Maine State College, began its educational history. Beginning with a handful of students, a few borrowed in- structors, and several wooden buildings, the college grew and progressed. In 1807 it had undergone sufficient development and expansion to warrant the official changing of its name to the University of Maine. Not only the students of today and the graduates of the Cen- tennial year 1965, but also those who share in the common heritage of the University shall now recall the past pictorially, bringing to mind all the things “Maine” means to each of us. Many memories whether great or small, linked together, con- stitute our appreciation of a century of widely disseminated learning and growth made possible by our University.

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1865 1965

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’Twas A Long While Ago Rev. Charles F. Allen. M.A., the first president of the new university, came to Maine in 1871. His administration, one of development and prosperity, was ended in 1870. when he returned to the mini- stry. Professor M. C. Fernald was elected to fill the vacant post in 1870. While he devotedly served the college until 1803, time wrought many important changes. In the spring of 1872. six of the eighteen mem- bers of the first senior class were graduated from the Orono Methodist Church. Four courses had been offered to these early graduates: agriculture, civil engineering, mechanical engineering, and an elec- tive program. This later became the College of Arts and Sciences. In 1872 history was made as Maine became co-educational. Maine charged no tuition to state residents and their board was also provided free. Terms were ar- ranged so that students could teach during the long winter vacations. Time, however, has wrought many important changes. 3