Repository: UIHistories Project: Dedication - Smith Music Hall Cornerstone [PAGE 2]

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ORIGIN A N D SIGNIFICANCE O F T H E S M I T H MEMORIAL BUILDING

On the fourteenth day of September, 1914, Captain Thomas J. Smith, a citizen of Champaign, Illinois, conveyed to the University of Illinois, land valued at $215,000 for the erection of a music building on the campus. He did this in memory of his wife and for the advancement of the science and art of music. The erection-of this building for this purpose is significant in two respects : First, because it marks the greatest gift yet given by a citizen of Illinois to the State University; and Second, because the new building will house a School of-Music that is unique in the country in that it was the first to be supported by appropriations from the state and not by fees of students. Among the leading aims of the School is the development of music teachers for the schools of the state, also to arouse and direct interest in public school music and in general to serve the state as community advisor in musical matters. Captain Thomas J. Smith, to whom the state is thus indebted, is a native of Virginia. He was educated in Ohio and removed to Illinois in 1858. He taught school and incidently studied law. In 1862 he entered the Federal Army as a private. In 1864 this northern soldier, who had now become Lieutenant Smith, met and married Miss Tina Weedon, a Southern girl. At the close of the war Captain Smith and his wife came to Champaign to reside. Here he practiced law, achieving distinction and financial success. For six years he was a member of the Board of Trustees of the University and' was very active in University affairs in many ways. Until her death in August, 19J5, Mrs. Smith continued to be the joy of her home and the inspiration of her husband. It was her love and appreciation of music that prompted the gift of a building that should be dedicated to music.