Weber State University - Acorn Yearbook (Ogden, UT)

Page 16 text:

12 HISTORICAL terest increased, and the enrollment grew to one hundred seven, which condi- tion necessitated the securing of better accommodations; so in the autumn of 1889, the school was moved to the Ogden Tabernacle; in the early spring of 1890. to the Fifth Ward Institute; and two years later, to the present site on Jeffer- son Avenue. Plans had been made early for the erection of a permanent school building, but it was not finished until 1892. Although many activities and traditions were difficult to establish during these movements, the students who attended received religious as well as secular education under the tuition of competent educators. In the fall of 1892. the year the first building on the present site was com- pleted. Professor Emil B. Isgreen be- came principal, a position he held during that year. I)r. George Phillips served during the following year (1893-1894). Both men. being highly educated, left their impress on the students of the school. Dr. Isgreen is now a practicing physician in Salt Lake City. In 1894. Professor Louis F. Moench returned from a mission to his native land (Germany), and was reappointed to administer the affairs of the academy. I le stood for correct principles, was very devoted to his religion and to his labors in properly teaching those under his direction. The experiences and stories he related still live in the memory of his students. During the administration of Professor Moench, lawn and shrubs were planted on the school grounds. This beautifying program was carried on under the supervision of David O. McKay, at that time an instructor in the school. On the death of Thomas B. Stevens in the spring of 1900. Bishop John Wat- son was appointed as a member of the Board of Education, and in 1908, he suc- ceeded N. C. Flygare as treasurer. Principal Moench resigned his position in June. 1902. Courses offered by the Academy about that time were as follows; a one- year preparatory course, one-year mis- sionary course, a one-year Sunday School course, three-year commercial course, four-year scientific course, four- year classical course, and four-year normal course. David O. McKay succeeded Pro- fessor Moench as principal, a position he held until June. 1908, when he re- signed in order that he might devote sufficient time to his Church duties as a member of the Council of the Twelve Apostles. During the principalship of Elder David O. McKay, it was found necessary to provide more room and equipment to carry on the activities of the school. Accordingly, plans were made, and by 1907 an addition was com- pleted on the west side of the original building. Principal McKay loved order, believed in the development of all, and stood for principles that would build real character. He fostered music, art. and all things beautiful; for in the truly beautiful, he believed, is found the good. All of his administration was marked with progress because he did hundreds of small deeds as well as large ones, and

Page 18 text:

14 HISTORICAL always worked in the interests of Weber. 1 le is today a most loyal supporter of his and our Alma Mater. In 1903. the Acorn Staff was organ- ized. and the Acorn Literary Journal was published monthly. Joseph II. Stimpson was the editor. A few years later The Acorn was published bi- monthly; this plan was continued until 1917. During Principal Me Kay’s adminis- tration. the school flag was chosen; the colors, purple and white, symbolic of royalty and purity of character. Wilford M. Me Kendrick headed the institution between 1908 and 1910. It was during the fall of 1908 that the name of the school was changed from the Weber Stake Academy to Weber Academy. This change was made after the Weber Stake was divided into three new' stakes. At the time the name was changed, the Board of Education was reorganized with David O. McKay as president; Lewis W. Shurtliff, vice- president; John Watson, treasurer; I Ieber Scowcorft. secretary; and Charles f;. Middleton. Thomas B. Evans, David Eccles. and James Wotherspoon, mem- bers. In 1910, William W. Henderson be- came principal. He was well loved by the students because of his pleasant personality, easy manner, and his diplo- matic way of doing things. Goodwill, democracy, and solid, steady progression marked his administration. I le is now a professor at the Utah Agricultural Col- lege; he is yet a great friend and loyal supporter of Weber. James L. Barker succeeded to the principalship in 1914. and held the posi- tion until 1917. During principal Bar- ker’s tenure of office, continued develop- ment was made in literary, forensic, anti public speaking activities. I le instituted the Barker Extemporaneous speaking contest which has been conducted regu- larly each year since then. In 1916-1917. the Weber Herald staff was organized, and a school paper, containing general and social news as well as literary ar- ticles. was published by the students periodically. Erom then on. The Acorn was published only as an annual and not as a literary journal. On account of the change in policy relative to school publications. The I Ierai.d has been dis- discontinued during the last two years as an extra-curricular activity. The General Church Board of Edu- cation in January. 1916, established a Normal School in conjunction with the high school, thereby offering two years of college work. The success of this plan was slow at first, but gradually made progress each year. The title of the Board of Education of Weber was changed to Board of Trustees. In 1917. Owen E. Beal became principal, and in 1918. the title of Prin- cipal’' was changed to President” to conform with the change in the educa- tional program. This, of course, made Mr. Beal the first president of Weber Normal College. The name of the school had already been changed from Weber Academy to Weber Normal College to express the new function of normal train- ing. The following is a tribute paid to