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 74]

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DUNLAP CONVERTED

61

chemical laboratory was opened at a cost of $2,500, and a building was erected for a mechanical shop, part of which was used as a stable. During the second year the first greenhouse was built. But better mechanical quarters and equipment, a drill hall, and above all a hall for recitations and general purposes were urgently needed. The University was constrained to place library and museum, recitation rooms and dormitory rooms, laboratories and administrative offices, under one roof. The resultant confusion was great. The students were not unknown to come down to recitations in bathrobe and slippers. Prof. Stuart suffered especially in having to carry on his experiments in small, badly-lit, and damp basement rooms. Drill in winter was impossible. And the building itself was none too good, having a roof which leaked until it was wholly replaced. In the spring of 1870 the University voted $2,000 for a drill hall, but it proved impossible to erect one for that sum. The University could not be fully launched until Gregory had in some measure overcome the prejudices prevalent against it. One important step towards their reduction was taken in the conversion of Dunlap at the Trustees! meeting in the spring of 1868. The other members, Gen. Brayman at their head, thought it intolerable that an active Trustee should criticize the University upon policies to which he had made no particular objection when they were launched. They unanimously adopted resolutions denouncing his attitude and demanding that he furnish an explanation to an investigating committee. He tried to justify his course, and the committee at once reported in favor of his dismissal from the Board. Thereupon President Burroughs, a close friend of Dunlap's, made an appeal to him in the presence of the Board; and he yielded to the majority