Repository: UIHistories Project: Board of Trustees Minutes - 1904 [PAGE 138]

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114

UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS.

[June 23,

There should be ample provision in perhaps the central p a r t of the building for the use of the women in their every day school work in the way of reception rooms and rooms for study and rest. I believe that those college studies which are in their nature peculiar to wom a n ' s uses and which can be taught as well in other buildings, should not be brought within this building, for if too much is brought into this building the Household Science Department and the Department of Physical Culture for women will consequently be dwarfed and the position given to these departments will not attain that dignity and importance that they should command in a great university. I hope to be able to say that Illinois has in her State University the best department for woman's education in the world and I believe it is possible, for the education of women has not kept pace with that of man along the line of her special needs. As this is to be a building devoted strictly to woman's use I am impressed with the thought that the building should in its architectural design impress one somewhat with the idea of a home. At least in its exterior it should not partake of the character of a manufactory or even of that of a science building; but on the contrary, it should be artistic and attractive. I sincerely hope it may be one of the most attractive looking buildings in the University group because i t is for the women and because it will be known as the Woman's Building for all time. I do hope the trustees will not be content with an ordinary looking structure. I hope you will pardon me, Mr. President, if I have gone out of bounds in thus freely expressing my opinion on these matters. My apology is, if one is needed, that I am greatly interested in seeing the education of women in this institution placed upon a broader and better basis than is accorded her in any other institution in the world. I am proud of what you are doing for the young men of Illinois, I hope to be equally proud of what you are about to do for the young women. Yours very truly,

H E N R Y M. DUNLAP.

The following resolution was adopted:

Resolved, That the Committee on Buildings and Grounds select five architects to prepare sketches of elevations and floor plans for the Woman's Building upon the understanding that each shall be paid $100 for the service, and that all the sketches shall belong to the University and shall be considered at a future meeting of the Board. SOUTH CAMPUS.

In regard to the South Campus the following resolution was adopted:

Resolved, 1. That the south gate to the University grounds and the road leading to it from the house now occupied by the Dean of the College of Agriculture be closed to the public. 2. That the road running east and west in front of the Dean's house be made permanent and extended in both directions to the limits of the University grounds. 3. That Matthews avenue be extended until it intersects this road. 4. That Wright street be extended until it intersects this road, and that the ground between Wright street so extended and Burrill avenue be put into lawn as soon as practicable. 5. That the road running east and west in front of the Observatory be closed and p u t into lawn. 6. That the new agricultural structures be erected south of the road in front of the D e a n ' s house and not less than 200 feet therefrom.