PAST, PRESENT, FUTURE Once upon a time, thus all fairy stories commence, so must this as it is a fairy tale that is true — two men climbed a high, steep hill covered with long dead grass, misshapen trees, and small shrubs. It was an April morning, the earth had not yet blossomed forth in all her spring glory to cover the ugly defects of this hill. Nevertheless, these men who climbed had great visions, visions so wonderful and so happy in their culmination that this story may be called a fairy tale. The men who climbed that April morning are two friends of ours. Pres- ident Waldo and Dr. Burnham. As they gazed over the hill, when they reached the top, they saw not only the city at their feet, but looking into the future, that hill so barren and forsaken was covered with beautiful buildings surrounded by w ell kept lawns and neat shrubs. They saw in the future that which we to-day enjoy. This indeed was the beginning of Western State Normal School, though actual building operations were not started for some time. Until a building was erected, classes were held elsewhere. The first summer session met in the Vine Street School, which was then a new building. Classes the first year were held in the old Baptist College located between Oakland Drive and Lovell Street. Thus the work of organization was well started v hen the building on the hill was completed. How different the hill then looked! A part of that vision had come true. Among those who formed that first group of teachers are two that we know well — Mr. Wood, who then had the entire science department, and Dr. Burnham who had charge of the preparatory work in addition to the rural department. While the group of students was small, numbering about one hundred that first year, that democratic spirit was engendered which is so evident in the school to-day. Everyone, students and faculty attended all social functions. Athletic activities were aided by the faculty men who were not
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