Repository: UIHistories Project: Book - Early History of University (1916) [PAGE 50]

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ANNALS

XLV

Nov. 20—Board of Trustees purchased six and one-half city lots adjacent to the University for the price of $1,850.00. The lots purchased lay along the west of what is now Illinois Field. The committee recommended the purchase of twenty-four others, between Eomine and Mathews Avenues, east of Illinois Field, which could be secured for $9,150.00. This recommendation was referred to the Finance Committee. The Board decided that all students should register in the Military Department. The school year was divided into three terms, running from September to June. Three men were elected to the faculty, William M. Baker of Springfield, 111., Professor of English and Natural Philosophy, George W. Atherton of New York, Professor of History and Social Science, and Jonathan Periam, Head Farmer and Superintendent of Practical Agriculture. March 11 was decided upon as the date for the formal opening of the University. 1868-9 Mar. 2—University " o p e n e d for reception of s t u d e n t s " with 57 students, 2 professors and the head farmer the first week. Only 3 students registered the first day altho they had been urged to present themselves for examination on the first day.t Total enrollment for first term, 77 students (all men), with 3 professors (Thomas J. Burrill being employed later during the term as instructor in botany J). Of the 77 students, 45 came from Champaign county; the rest from 19 counties of the state. The larger number of the students .were of preparatory rather than of university grade. The following departments were organized, classical as well as industrial subjects being offered: I. Science, Literature and A r t s ; I I . Agriculture; I I I . Mechanical Science and A r t ; IV. Military Tactics and Engineering; V. Mining and Metallurgy; VI. Civil Engineering; V I I . Analytical and Applied Chemistry; V I I I . Natural History, Practical Geology, etc.; I X . Commercial Science and Art.* The broad plan of organization of Eegent Gregory has had a deep influence on the entire history of tho University. Mar. 10—Willard F . Bliss elected Professor of Agriculture and Instructor in French. Mar. 11, Wed.—Inaugural Ceremonies and Formal Opening of the University. Hon. S. W. Moulton presided at the exercises. Tho music was under the direction of Geo. F . Boot of Chicago, who set to music the dedication hymn,* written by Br. Gregory. Letters from Governor Oglesby, Senator Yates, and General Logan were read. The principal address of two hours length was delivered by the Honorable Newton Bateman, State Superintendent of Public Instruction. General Hurlburt int See Journal of Regent J. M. Gregory, Illinois Democrat, Jan. 11, 1868; Rep. of U. of 111. 1867, p. 92-97, and also J. O. Cunningham, member of the first Board. *Seo Annual Register 1868. t Apr. 20, 1868, heing nominated by J. O. Cunningham. *We hall thee I Great Fountain of learning and light; There's life in thy radiance, there's hope in thy might We greet now thy dawning, but what singer's ryme, Shall follow thy course down tho ages of time? O'er homes of the millions, o'er rich fields of toll, Thy science shall shine as the sun shines on soil, And Learning and Labor—fit head for fit hand— Shall crown with twin glories our broad prairie land. And as generations, In the grand march of time, Shall fill the long ages with nnmbers sublime. Thy portals shall throng with the lowly and great Thy Science-crowned children shall bless all the state. Then hail theel bless fountain of laber and light, Shine on in thy glory, rise ever in might; We greet now thy dawning; but ages to come Must tell of the grandeur, and shont Harvest Home.