Repository: UIHistories Project: Board of Trustees Minutes - 1869 [PAGE 81]

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67

It is asked that a strip fourteen feet wide be relinquished to the public from the west side of the forty acre lot. This will make the line correspond with the west line of the University grounds and make the street of equal width throughout. I recommend also that a proffer be made of one-half of a four rod street along the north line of experimental farm, between "Wright street and Mt. Hope avenue. In order to save to the Trustees the opportunity to buy the two lots which separated our lots south of the Springfield road, and which I judged would be needed in time for buildings, I purchased these lots at very reasonable rates, and now hold them subject to the decision of the Board. The purchase price was $400.

MECHANICAL.

The shop erected last summer will not be sufficient for our work if much building is to be done this summer. I recommend that the stable now occupying one part of it be vacated and the whole be fitted up as a shop. "We have several students in the mechanical course who have sought for practice in the shop, and are already exhibiting some skill in the use of tools. If a supply of tools can be furnished they will render effective service in our building operations. We shall need at once some draughting tables or stands for the students in mechanical drawing. It should not be forgotten that instruction in Mechanics is as obligatory upon us as instruction in Agriculture, and a Professor in this department should be put on service at the opening of the fall term at latest.

THE UNIVERSITY BUILDING.

The intense heat of the last summer so nearly ruined the slate composition roofing, that only by repeated patching have we been able to keep out the rains. It is evident that the roofing must at once be replaced by something more substantial. I recommend that a good tin roof be put on and well painted. A slight inspection will also convince you that something must be done immediately to preserve the brick of the basement story from further decay. A good coating of stucco or mastic might perhaps suffice. The steeple and cornice need repainting, and I recommend also that the side walls in the several halls be painted to some height at least, that they may be more easily washed and kept clean. An ornamental gateway, the gift chiefly of Mr. John Burchard, of Beloit, is ready to be erected at the main entrance. The sidewalk on the west front should be extended to the Springfield road, if not across the brook.

FINANCES.

I report herewith a statement of the warrants issued during the year. The total expenditure for all purposes, not including the railroad donation, nor the trees, etc., donated by Champaign county, from Dunlap's nursery, ig