Weber State University - Acorn Yearbook (Ogden, UT)

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HISTORICAL 17 committees elected to investigate. A canvassing program was begun, and some money was collected. Soon, how- ever. there came a change in school administration. Later the World War and other adverse conditions put a damper on the enthusiasm of the stu- dents. In 1920. some further progress was made, and in the summer of that year, the foundation of the building was completed. Depressing financial con- ditions during the latter part of 1920 and during 1921 caused another halt in the erection of the gymnasium; money could not be collected, and operations ceased. When President Tracy began his administration, construction was re- sumed, and through the earnest efforts of the school, the quorums and organi- zations of the four Weber County Stakes, as well as the business men of Ogden. SI 50.000 was raised. The Church had agreed with David O. McKay to pay fifty percent of the cost of the gym- nasium. Thus, this new edifice, prov id- ing adequate room and equipment for the use of many people, was completed at a total cost of .$300,000. It was form- ally opened January 9, 1925. The Inter- mountain Junior College basketball tournament has been held in the Gym each year since that date. Another step toward a better college was the organization and operation, dur- ing the year 1922-1923, of a distinct College Board of Control. J. Willard Marriott was president of the associated students of Weber College,' Francis Cragun. vice-president; and Ray R. Sco- ville, secretary-treasurer. Although the college membership was small, the offi- cers conducted a number of successful activities. The college and high school officers had been working together pre- viously, but such an arrangement was found unsatisfactory; and for this reason, a separate Board of Control, conducting college activities only, was elected, a Board which operated very successfully. The Associated Students of Weber College have been well or- ganized each year since, the officers be- ing in direct control of all student activities. It has been the desire of President Tracy to provide beautiful surroundings and comfortable rooms for the members of the college. He has striven to develop a college that will serve the community and students socially, intellectually, and spiritually, and one that can call for the support and admiration of the com- munity. Departments of Education and Psychology. Political Economy, I Iistory and Political Science, Sociology, Bible Literature, I lome Economics, Music and Art. Modern and Ancient Language and Literatures. English Language and Literature. Mathematics, Engineering, Physics, Chemistry and Geology, Botany, Zoology, Hygiene, Physical Culture and Athletics have been instituted to give this service to the students and citizens. The first College Prom, a strictly formal affair, was inaugurated in the Berthana, March 28, 1924, and the prec- edent has been continued each year since then. Many other social events of the highest type have been conducted

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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

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18 HISTORICAL i i during President Tracy's administra- tion, all of which are provided for the enjoyment and aesthetic development of the people. In his efforts to provide the proper environment. President Tracy has made many improvements in the college buildings and on the campus. In 1926- 1927, the auditorium stage was raised, and better equipment was provided for dramatic presentations. The floor of this hall was rebuilt to slope toward the front, and a complete new set of seats was installed. With the purchase by one thousand Weber Alumni of a Lee Greene Richards portrait of D. O. McKay, an art collec- tion of the outstanding paintings of Utah artists was begun, a collection which is being added to each year. About six thousand volumes of reference and text books have been pro- vided in the library. New furniture and other equipment, choice pictures and flowering plants, have added greatly to the comfort and beauty of the room. A like improvement has been effected in the offices of the president, secretary, registrar, and recorder. Throughout the entire building remodeling has been done. Through the efforts of the Church and Alumni Association, considerable property has been bought to enlarge the campus. The Grix home and the Ellis home were bought before 1923. Presi- dent I leber J. Grant, in behalf of the Church, contributed $8,000 to the cam- pus fund on July I. 1924. with which amount some property facing west on Adams Avenue was purchased. The Rich property on the corner of Jefferson Avenue and Twenty-fifth Street was purchased by the Alumni in September. 1925, at a cost of $11.000. The Eliza- beth Baxter home ($4.060); the C. J. Elygare home ($8,000); the College Inn ($3,500 paid by the Alumni toward purchase); and the Mason home ($5,700), were all purchased during 1927. The attainments reached in student activities is further evidence of the growth of a college for Ogden. Every year since Weber became a Junior Col- lege, it has won the football champion- ship of the Inter-mountain region. In December, 1928, after receiving an in- vitation from the McKinley school. Weber’s football team journeyed to Honolulu to play the McKinley team. Although they did not gain victory, the trip was a profitable one. In basketball, the Weber team has always won its way to the tournament by being either the runner-up or the champion of the north- ern division. Public speaking contests have been conducted regularly and have offered opportunity for a number of students. Great progress has been made in drama. During the last few years, a number of plays have been presented in addition to the annual school play, and always with great success. A number of pro- grams have been given and sponsored by the college during music week each May. The forensic activity has been flourishing during the last two years. Last year (1928), Weber won the Inter- i I » y r i