Wheaton College - Nike Yearbook (Norton, MA)

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DANCE - 1951 S Le) n June 1, 1897, the Board of Trustees, with the consent and ad- vice of Mrs. Wheaton, named Rever- end Samuel Valentine Cole President of the Wheaton Seminary. Dr. Cole entered the office at a time of mag- nanimous changes within the Whea- ton community. Before his death, in May of 1925, Wheaton would be transformed in many ways. The semi- nary would be radically altered in ac- ademic areas as well as in its physical character. With Dr. Cole’s support and guidance, the seminary would usher in a unique era in women’s education. In the late 1890's, the seminary looked very different from its incep- ee” MARTY'’S (POLO CLUB) - 1958 tion. Course revision made academics more stringent and demanding. The teaching staff, traditionally of the highest standards, was expanded to include such illustrious members as Ida J. Everett and Sarah B. Young. In 1898, the seminary introduced the commencement of concentration work. The division of electives into literary, classical, or scientific con- centrations allowed students the free - dom to delve into specific academic work in their chosen field. In its physical realm, Wheaton continued to attract larger groupings of students. Low tuition rates and ex- cellent preparatory facilities encour- aged an increasing number of young women to enroll at the seminary. By 1898, the number of students rose to include an incredible 225 pupils; a significant increase in Comparison to WHIMS - FATHER’S WEEKEND .- 1958 YALE'S AUGMENTED SEVEN” PERFORM AT THE SOPOHOMORE HOP .- 1958

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WHEATON'S 125th ANNIVERSARY COMMITTEE .- 1959 CANDLELIGHT SERVICE - 1957 e ae CANDLELIGHT SERVICE AT PEACOCK POND .- 1958 felt they had attained their learning potential or when funds were deplet- ed. This accounts for the fact that only four out of the original forty - nine students (class of 1839) actually graduated. Residential living and the social life in the Seminary in the mid- 1860's was quite restricted. Students were prohibited to exercise individual freedom. At ten o'clock at night, all lights has to be out for at this time, quiet hours prevailed and even room- mates were not allowed to converse with one another. There were few so- cial events and weekend trips were rare. The expansion of the college in the 1850's under Mrs. Metcalf saw many additions to the teaching staff. Al- ways probing for the most qualified professors, Mrs. Metcalf hired the poet Lucy Larcom in 1854. Miss Lar- com taught at the Seminary for only eight years but her contributions proved to be valuable in the long term. Miss Larcom proved to be an innovative teacher. She steered away from the traditional textbook method oo of teaching, preferring to use a variety of sources from which to draw mate- rial. She initiated the expansion of the library in the belief that students should have the ability to refer to other sources of knowledge. In the classroom, Miss Larcom allowed free discussion of assigned readings, en- couraging students to participate and. speak their minds about various works. She also inspired the women to develop their literary talents by founding the still surviving Rush- light. Through her efforts, Wheaton CLASS DAY 1954 students found an outlet for their creativity. Writing composition be- came pleasurable as well as enriching. Miss Larcom left the Seminary in 1862 to continue her own literary ca- reer, but she left a mark on Wheaton that cannot be overlooked. By her method of teaching, she enabled her students to express themselves and make their opinions worth hearing. She promoted individualism and self- confidence in the women she taught. Her teaching style has become a model for Wheaton professors today.

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GOLF CLASS - ca. 1955 the 39 original students enrolled in 1832. By 1911, Dr. Cole realized that the seminary could better promote wom- en’s education by making Wheaton into a college. Mrs. Wheaton had al- ways dreamed of escalating Wheaton to a collegiate status, but because of limited funds, had not been able to obtain a charter. In 1911, however, the situation was very different. Alumnae funding and increased en- rollment gave Wheaton the financial support it needed. Under Dr. Cole's careful nurturing, the seminary was elevated to collegiate standing in 1912. LACROSSE ARCHERY CLASS ca. 1956 VOLLEYBALL Dr. Cole achieved much in his presidency. His belief in equipping women with the education to meet problems in later life is a theme still manifested on the contemporary Wheaton campus. The increased concentration on academics, the ex- pansion of the campus (by 1925, Chapin, Larcom, Emerson, Cragin, and Stanton dormitories had been built as well as the library, gymnasi- um, and chapel), and the collegiate status combined to provide the building blocks for the modern cam- pus. Since Dr. Cole had begun the tradition of naming important build- ings after influential college members FENCING CLASS -1955 and supporters, it seemed only fitting that the beautiful Cole Chapel was thus designated after a man who in- fluenced the college in such a monu- mental way. The end of the 19th century brought about changes to the cam- pus. The students were able to partic- ipate in the newly formed Psych Society as well as the publications Rishlight and the lesser known, The Flower and the Leaf. Social events became more common. Sewing Bees, Biblical meetings, and candy-making were very popular with the young women.