Repository: UIHistories Project: Book - Early History of University (1916) [PAGE 53]

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XL VIII

U N I V E B S I T Y OF I L L I N O I S

a Council of five, chosen from the General Assembly. And the Executive department consisted of a President and Vice President of the Government, an Adjutant for each building, and Hall Sergeants. Feb. 24, 1871—First building appropriation for the University introduced into the Legislature. I t provided for one hundred thousand dollars a year for two years for a main building and twelve thousand five hundred dollars a year for two years for a mechanical engineering building, besides twenty-five thousand a year for run* ning expenses, apparatus, etc. This bill as passed by the Legislature, March 13, 1871, provided $75,000 for a building to cost not more than $150,000; $75,000 more was to be appropriated at an adjourned session. This was not done and the building was completed at the expense of University funds. Feb. 28.—Scientific Association organized. Mar. 7—The Eegent reported twenty-two women in attendance. Dr. Gregory was re-elected. A site for the new main hall was adopted. Van Osdel of Chicago was to be the architect. Library numbered 5,000 vols. June 4-7—Closing exercises. Address by President Erastus O'Haven, D.D. Aug. 30—The executive committee of the Board of Trustees voted to allow the Eegent to use one recitation room for a preparatory department. Contracts for the two new buildings were let, and the site of the Mechanical Engineering Hall (old woodshop) was adopted. Don Carlos Taft was appointed Professor of Geology and Zoology. He had begun teaching in April. Aug. 24—A convention of " f r i e n d s of Agriculture and Polytechnic E d u c a t i o n , " held in Chicago, appointed a committee of one from each state in which was located a college founded on the National Land Grant, to petition Congrese to establish Agricultural Experiment Stations at these colleges. Dr. Gregory was President of the Convention and appointed Secretary Flagg as Committeeman from Illinois. A circular to Illinois Congressmen was accordingly Issued in Norember. 1871-2 Sept. 13', 1871—Drill Hall and Mechanical Shops opened. On the same day the cornerstone of University Hall was laid. Hon. Newton Bateman delivered the principal address. October 4—Organization of the Alethenai Literary Society by women of the University. Oct. 8—The Chicago fire occurred during this month. One hundred and fifty-seven students were sent from the Military to assist in keeping order in the city during and after the fire. Nov.—The Student, the first publication by the students of the University appeared. Published monthly. Mar. 1872—The Trustees requested the Legislature to appropriate money to finish University Hall. Boarding Hall for women established under the auspices of the University. April 12—The Legislature adjourned without appropriating money to finish University Hall, so the Executive committee of the Board of Trustees voted to sell Champaign County Bonds, held by the Board, to secure the necessary funds. June 6—First, commencement graduates were: John J . Davis of Freeport, Willis A. Eciss of Belleville, Alonzo L. Whiteomb of Urbana, Stephen A. Beynolds of Belvidere, James N. Mathews of Mason, Charles W. Bolfe of Montgomery, Alfred M. Flagg of Eoehelle. Addresses were delivered by Dr. Mathews, and Dr. Edwards, President of Normal University. The University Band furnished music for the first time.