Ursinus College - Ruby Yearbook (Collegeville, PA)

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A LMOST a century ago the citi- zens of the community central to Montgomery County united their efforts in an educational project that brought into existence I odd’s School. After the children of the neighborhood had received instruction in this humble little stone building for more than thirty years, the school was discontinued to make way for a far more pretentious undertaking in education. History of Ursinus College Freeland Seminary, founded in 1848, was erected on the site of what is now Ursinus College, and was formerly I odd’s School. It started with a four-story stone building, and soon added another structure. I hese two buildings arc in use today and are known as Freeland and Stine Halls, respectively. I rcc-land Seminary was what would now be called a private secondary school for boys. Its field of patronage covered the entire state of Pennsylvania, although quite naturally Montgomery County contributed the largest number to the student body. After work had been conducted successfully for twenty years, this school property was purchased by agents of the low church party of the Reformed Church as the site for a proposed college. In 1869 a charter was obtained from the General Assembly of Pennsylvania for the founding of “an institution of learning, for the purpose of imparting instruction in Science. Literature, the Liberal Arts, and the learned Professions.’’ F reeland Seminary was incorporated into the new institution as its academic or preparatory department; and on September 6. 1870. Ursinus College was formally opened and instruction was begun. The college embarked on its sea of existence without any endowment, but men of ample means manifested interest and planned to provide for its maintenance. The financial panic of 1873. however, swept away the funds that were to be devoted to the support of the college, and numerous reverses were encountered. During the first twenty years of its history, covering Twenty

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the period of the presidency of Doctor Bombcrger. many reverses impeded the progress of the institution, but a gift of $25,000 from Robert Patterson, a director from Philadelphia, brightened the outlook considerably. In 1881 the doors of the college were opened to women on an equal basis with men. Progress followed in every measure during the administrations of Presidents Super. Spangler. Ebbert. Keigivin. and under the present administration of President Omwake. I he area of the college property increased acre by acre; the faculty was enlarged: science laboratories were established and equipped; and a definite policy was adopted that destined Ursinus to a prominent place in the field of higher education. During Doctor Omwake’s administration the enrollment has been almost trebled, necessitating an extension of all departments and facilities. I he Alumni rose to the occasion by raising money for a spacious and beautiful library building. I he gifts of benefactors of Ursinus and money raised in the financial campaign of 1925 made it possible to erect two new dormitories for men in the summer of 1927. I he athletic facilities have been greatly improved and enlarged. The new Thompson-Gay gym and theatre, the new football field, and the various other improvements show that the Greater Ursinus' is being realized. A new science building, and a new dorm for women are the next steps in the expansion of Ursinus College. wenty-one