UIHistories Project: A History of the University of Illinois by Kalev Leetaru
N A V I G A T I O N D I G I T A L L I B R A R Y
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Repository: UIHistories Project: Book - History of the University (Nevins) [PAGE 128]

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EQUIPMENT

113

ceived diplomas or full certificates. Of these, according to a calculation which took no account of teachers or women at home, 50 per cent, were engaged in technical pursuits, 9 per cent, in agriculture, 27 per cent, in the professions, and 14 per cent, in mercantile occupations. Two general surveys of the students showed conclusively that "at least three-fourths come from families that are compelled to observe a sharper economy in order that the son or daughter may go to college." There was very little building done during the decade, though it closed with the substantial achievement of a grant for a drill hall and a natural history building, for both of which the Regent lobbied actively. Dr. Peabody's administration opened with the demolition of the old dormitory, which had always been an eyesore and had now become uninhabitable; following a Storm it had to be taken apart to save it from destruction by the students. The authorities were at first alarmed that they could no longer advertise accommodations, and opened an agency for rooms in the Twin Cities, but as only one-fourth those offered were taken, a men's dormitory was never again proposed. Gregory had once wished that the University had never been burdened with one, and by now there was a considerable settlement about the campus. Up to 1888 only a few minor improvements were made. Grounds were purchased constituting the present sites of the metal shops and Natural History Building, and the arboretum or botanical garden and campus or "park" fenced.1 A

| The park remained rather carefully gardened under Dr. Burrill's direction. We learn from the lllim that part of the shrubbery was.cut into figures of implements or animals symbolizing the work of the colleges. The shops were given much new machinery, one of the important additions being a large testing machine which made possible the opening of the testing laboratory«| Electrical apparatus was also purchased before