Weber State University - Acorn Yearbook (Ogden, UT)

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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

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16 HISTORICAL President Beal by students who knew him: “A man of much reserve power who wisely does not carry his true values on his coat sleeves.” During the school year 1919-1920, Henry Aldous Dixon was president. I le was another leader who worked for the improvement of Weber. I le is re- membered for his close cooperation and intimate association with the students. During this year the college class was first organized with Floyd Stuart as president; Norma Hussey, vice-presi- dent; and Thelma Stephens, secretary- treasurer. This organization sponsored a number of very successful activities. Joel E. Ricks became president in 1920 and held the position for two years. The following tribute is given him in in The Acorn: Whatever he does, no matter how small, he does seriously, weighing all chances of success and failure.” In 1922, Aaron W. Tracy became president. In the fall of that year the school included high school freshmen, sophomores, juniors, seniors; also two college grades. At this time the name of the college was changed to Weber College. The scope of the college was enlarged, including Morgan, Summit, and North Davis Stakes as well as the four in Weber County. To conform with this condition, the Board of Trustees was reorganized to include the presi- dents of the seven stakes as members of the Board. Thomas F. McKay of the Ogden Stake was made chairman and John V. Bluth, George E. Browning. Robert I. Burton. Henry H. Blood, Howard Randall, and William O. Ste- vens were members. The Church Com- missioners of Education decided to confine the educational program at Weber to college work only; accord- ingly. the high school department was discontinued in May, 1923. In 1922. the erection of the gymna- sium was resumed after two years of difficulty following 1920. Early in the history of Weber Academy there had arisen a demand for a gymnasium suita- ble to needs of an energetic student body. It had been the desire of Princi- pal Moench to provide a place where students of the school, as well as others, might receive proper instruction and training in physical culture. Students at the time were forced to use the Lester Park Pavilion and later, some unheated buildings down town. A student asso- ciation attaining the success that had characterized Weber, yet working under such adverse conditions, demanded better equipment. The faculty and students, under the direction of Princi- pal McKay, began a drive to obtain sufficient funds for a building. Their efforts resulted in the completing of the additions to the original building in 1907. This new addition improved con- ditions materially, but after being used for a number of years, it was found unsatisfactory for many occasions. Again the demand for something better was made, and progress began. Every- one was enthusiastic; regular gossip was laid aside, and the subject of a gym- nasium was discussed far and near. Rallies were held, orations given, and