University of Maine - Prism Yearbook (Orono, ME)

Page 12 text:

There Was A Pride In The Infant College Oak Hall, the first dormitory at the University, was built in 1870. Extensive repairs were made in 1895. Fire destroyed Oak in 1930, and a year later a second Oak Hall was constructed on the same site where the original building stood. The first building erected for college pur- poses was known as White Hall, but was later named Wingate Hall. It burned in 1890 and on the same site stands the present Win- gate Hall. During President Harris’ Administration it was recom- mended in the college report that a Drill Hall and Gym- nasium was needed. Alumni Hall was completed in 1901. The gymnasium was used by the men until 1926 when the new gym was built. Women’s physical education classes were held here until 1963, and now the building will house Maine's educational television station WMEB- TV.

Page 11 text:

’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

Page 13 text:

Military training was a part of the regular system of instruc- tion from the beginning of the college. The Spanish-American War raised the patriotic spirit of the students to a high pitch. “It was generally conceded that thorough training in chem- istry should be a prominent fea- ture of the college. And Closeness In Its Founders These rugged athletes of the University of Maine football team in 1896 are evidence that all was not only studies in the new college. 5