Repository: UIHistories Project: Book - History of the University (Nevins) [PAGE 85]

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72

BEGINNINGS OF THE UNIVERSITY

after all been reduced by some $45,000.* The ugly brick building became as soon as completed what it has been for nearly fifty years—the center of the University. I t was justly described as one of the most spacious and convenient in the West. The large basement had windows that projected well above the surface of the ground. Above this rose four full stories, and the whole was topped by two towers for clocks and bells. The western or library wing contained on the main floors three large halls, devoted to library, museum, and art gallery; the eastern wing contained a chapel, a physical laboratory and lecture room, and draughting rooms. The main part contained thirty classrooms, on the top floor were the literary societies' quarters, and just over the entrance was the Regent's office. The arrangement was excellent, and all the rooms, corridors, and staircases were spacious for the period. The Arkansas State University later duplicated the building in Fayetteville. The chief other building erected under Gregory was the Chemical Laboratory, completed and furnished in 1878 at a cost of $40,000|| Containing five laboratories, with desk room for 300, one of them fitted up especially for intructors, and a lecture room seating 200, in its day it was adjudged one of the best structures of the sort in the country. The plans were those of Prof. N. C. Ricker* A tiny astronomical observatory was also erected, and some minor farm buildings; while during part of this period the University tried to provide dormitory accommodations for the young women, and for | time even considered converting the old Institute

*This statement of supplementary appropriations for University Hall follows that dated August, 1874, in the Board Report, 1873-74, p. 122. But the catalogue of 1874-75 states that a total of $127,000 had been appropriated for the erection and furnishing of the building.