Repository: UIHistories Project: UI Foundation Series - Bulletin 4 (1936) [PAGE 2]

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Two Famous Sons of Illinois Called by Death Within a Month

George Huff, Father of Illinois Athletics

Lorado Taft

H E "Grand Old Man of American A r t " has gone to his reward. Lorado Taft, the most famous alumnus of the University of Illinois, Class of '79, died at his home in Chicago, October 30th, of a paralytic stroke. Mr. Taft was seventy-six years. H i s family, consisting of his wife and three d a u g h t e r s , Mrs. Paul H . Douglas of Chicago, Mrs. Raymond Smith, Greensboro, N. C , and Mrs. Roger Crane of Grotonon-Hudson, N . Y., were at his bedside when the end came. Mr. Taft was born in Elmwood, Illinois in April, 1860, the son of Professor Don f Carlos Taft, an artist who was professor of geology at the University of Illinois from 1871 to 1882. Young Lorado was, therefore, brought up in the shadow of the University. H e was graduated in 1879 at the early age of nineteen and took a master's degree a year later. On the fiftieth anniversary of his graduation he received from his alma mater the honorary degree of Doctor of Laws. In 1927 through the energy of President Kinley, a foundation fund called the Lorado Taft Lectureship was created, by the terms of which lectures on art by well-known artists will be provided at the University for all time. The story of Mr. Taft's early struggles following his graduation from the University is typical of a r t students in general and of those in particular whom he befriended and helped in his later years. His studies at the Beaux Arts in Paris, 1880 to 1883, were completed under the most rigid economy, and his first wife, Carrie Scales, waited seven years for him to attain financial security. They were married in 1890 but she died in 1892, too soon for her to see the completion of many of his famous contributions to the art of the 1893 Columbian Exposition. In 1896 he married Miss Ada Bartlett of Boston.

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E O R G E H U F F , the father of Athletics at Illinois and director of the School of Physical Education, died at Carle Memorial Hospital October 1, 1936 of kidney and heart complications following an operation for the removal of ulcers

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years ago and cont i n u e d as ripe friendship until his death, the story of George Huff is broader than any one person's experience. H i s influence in the councils of amateur athletics has been felt in this country for more than forty years. During the twenty-four years he coached our baseball teams and in his subsequent association with the athletic department and in intramural sport, his personality left its stamp on a very large number of students who are now alumni of Illinois. His executive work in the Stadium campaign, in legislative contacts and in connection with the intimate problems of the University has made him better known perhaps than any other alumnus. And yet like everyone else he had to make a beginning. As a "prep" George was a very poor ball player. H e was a shining example of what earnestness of purpose and faithfulness to the fundamental details will accomplish. His interest in athletics, was very strong even at that time when all of our athletic contests were mere unplanned incidents in the general program. Obviously when there are no coaches, no system, practically no winter practice, no fixed schedule and only a very few traditions to make competition reasonably keen, a person's attitude toward as nebulous a thing as athletics at Illinois in 1888 must be backed by a strong desire to improve. George plugged along during those years from 1887 to 1892 and showed progressive improvement at right field, first base and catcher. Undoubtedly, there were many ideas smoldering in his mind during those early formative years, and his two years in medicine (1893-95) coupled with participation in football and baseball at Dartmouth no doubt broadened his conceptions of a well-organized athletic program. H e came back from the betterdeveloped East with his medical training and with stabilized views on sound physical education and in 1895 was appointed coach of athletic teams and assistant director of athletics. From that time on, as we all know, his progress was rapid. H i s baseball teams soon came to be recognized as the bestcoached teams in the West, and even as early as 1902, the year after he was appointed director of athletics, he took his baseball team on an extended trip east. A number of the prominent schools were played, H a r v a r d , Yale, Princeton, West Point and Pennsylvania among others, with the loss of

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only one game, that to Harvard. T h e fact that during those twenty-four years he won eleven championships in the Big Ten, tied twice and almost invariably in the remaining years was runnerup, indicates his power and judgment as a baseball coach. H e startled the collegiate world in 1913 by engaging as head football coach Robert Zuppke, then coach for Oak P a r k High School. Mr. Zuppke has held that position ever since and is dean among the coaches of the Big Ten. George Huff was a magnetic executive and a keen judge of men as indicated by the fact that practically every coach whom he selected for a special department was eminently satisfactory and remained with him many years, some until their death or retirement. Robert Zuppke, twenty-four years, Justa Lindgren, thirty-three years, and Milt Olander, ten years, in football; H a r r y Gill, twenty-eight years in track; Carl Lundgren, fourteen years in baseball; Craig Ruby, thirteen years in basketball; and Ed Manley, twenty-five years in swimming, (seven men) aggregate 147 years of service within a span of 33 years, a record few executives can equal. These men could hardly have been improved upon as to efficiency in their work, high-minded viewpoint towards college athletics and sterling influence over the young men under them. George Huff pioneered not only in the development of intramural athletics but in coaching schools of the country, our school being started in 1914 with a full four-year course by 1919. George's absolute honesty was perhaps his greatest obvious characteristic. Everybody knew exactly where George Huff stood when he was through stating a proposition. H i s energy and influence were always on the side of right, and yet this influence was exerted without bombast and without oratory, but with a simple statement of fact. His influence, we hope, will long be felt, not only at Illinois but throughout the Big Ten, in fact wherever athletic contests are conducted. So much has been said in eulogy of Mr. Huff that only a small portion of it can be reproduced here.

"The death of Director George Huff is one of the greatest losses which the University has suffered in its entire history. It is difficult, indeed, to express adequately in words the deep sorrow which the entire Illini world will feel in his passing, or the widespread sense of loss which will be felt throughout the country. No other individual had the esteem and affection of so many alumni, students, and friends. No other member of the faculty has had so fine and extensive an influence over the thousands of men and women who have attended the University of Illinois during the forty years and more that he has been on its staff. He stood for everything that was right and honorable not only in his administration and direction of athletics but all of his activities. His personal code of honor and of sportsmanship was based upon a philosophy of life which should inspire any man or woman. The influence of his career on all who knew him and the ideals he has left us will be a cherished heritage." A . C. WlLLARD "Words cannot express my sense of loss in .the passing away of Director Huff. He has been a quiet but mighty influence in moulding the character of thousands of students for more than forty years. He set high standards of life and conduct for them and without exception, they admired and loved him. He elevated the standard of collegiate and intercollegiate athletics, and the country over his name stood for what is good and manly. The University cannot fully replace him. His

career will be written in letters of gold in the history of the University and his memory will be a sacred heritage through all the years to come. Personally, I feel deeply the loss of a long time friend, for whom I have always had a warm affection and admiration." DAVID KINLEY "Along with thousands of others, I have mourned the passing of George A. Huff. I had learned to love him for his fine qualities of manhood and his devotion to the interests of intercollegiate athletics within the Big Ten Conference. As a man, George Huff was square and honest, modest, unassuming and natural. He was frank and outspoken, friendly and generous in his dealings. With him, matters had to be decided on principle. Within the councils of the Big Ten, his judgment was never partisan. Because of that, his opinions commanded the highest respect and had a great influence upon the final action. The wonderful athletic relationship which has existed between the University of Illinois and the University of Chicago during these many years, was made possible because of the mutual regard and confidence of Mr. Huff and myself. Sometime in the dim and distant past, we made an agreement for an annual football game. Thereafter, there was never any need for a contract. That was typical of the man." AMOS ALONZO STAGG Formerly University of Chicago. "For more than 35 years George Huff was my friend. And when I use the term 'friend' I mean that he was my loyal, helpful confidant. My own loss of a friend, however, is relatively unimportant when one remembers that the youth of America has also lost a friend—-a. man, who by his strength of character, his personal modesty and his inspiring teachings made more boys better men than almost any other single man I know. A loss of this kind is always a staggerir^ blow, because it strikes at the very root of all that is big and fine and worth-while in human relationships." FIELDING H . YOST University of Michigan The reputation of George Huff was largely the factor that influenced me to come to Illinois in 1913. I felt that if he was anything like the kind of man everyone said he was, I would get a square deal as a coach. I found that his reputation was more s than justified. He was a great man to work for. " G " always gave credit when it was deserved. As he was an understanding man, he knew when there was credit to be recognized. There was not an ounce of envy in his whole system. He was fair, generous and charitable. Many people prate about the Golden Rule. " G " put it into practice. He actually treated others as he wanted to be treated by them. We will always miss him but his memory will guide and inspire us. ROBERT C. ZUPPKE

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Mr. Taft's reputation as an artist rests upon a secure foundation—the many groups of sculpture from his brain and hand scattered all over the country and upon his incomparable lectures on art. But he was more than just an a r t i s t he was a patron of struggling beginners and one of art's most ardent proponents. Such salesmanship as he displayed was probably not premeditated but was born of the enthusiasm which was so much a part of him. H e was always willing

TAFT ALMA MATER STATUE, first conceived while our famous alumnus was still a student here, was completed and presented to the University on the fiftieth anniversary of Dr. Taft's graduation through the efforts of the sculptor, the graduating classes of '23 to '29 inclusive and the Alumni Fund, which conducted a campaign for funds among the alumni.

Our Stadium will always be a memorial to the men of Illinois who died in the World War, but just as surely it will always be George Huff's monument. H e and Mr. Zuppke were largely responsible for the success of the Memorial Stadium campaign. ^ H i s body, according to his desires, lies not far from its columned walls. George Huff's creed is beautifully and simply expressed by the words carved in stone on the walls of the stadium:

MAY T H I S STADIUM EVER BE A T E M P L E O F S P O R T S M A N S H I P , I N S P I R I N G T H E ATHLETES OF T H E U N I V E R S I T Y O F I L L I N O I S AND THOSE WHO CHEER T H E M AS THEY PLAY, ALWAYS TO U P H O L D T H E S P I R I T AND TRADITION OF ILLINOIS ATHLETICS: " T O PLAY M A N F U L L Y AND COURAGEOUSLY TO T H E LAST, NO MATTER W H A T T H E ODDS TO PLAY FAIRLY W I T H I N T H E S P I R I T AND T H E LETTER OF T H E R U L E S — T O W I N W I T H O U T BOASTING AND LOSE W I T H O U T EXCUSES. " M A Y THESE IDEALS O F M A N L I N E S S , COURAGE AND TRUE SPORTSMANSHIP FIND E X P R E S S I O N NOT ONLY W I T H I N T H E STAD I U M , BUT THROUGHOUT THE LIFE OF THE U N I V E R S I T Y . ABOVE ALL, MAY T H E STADIUM ALWAYS BE T H E SYMBOL O F A GREAT UNITED UNIVERSITY, DRAWING CLOSER TOGETHER I N C O M M O N BOND AND S P I R I T ALL T H E M E N AND W O M E N OF ILLINOIS."

to gamble on his judgment of young artists, helping them with actual contributions of money and allowing them to live at his studio during their novitiate or when times were bad. His sympathetic help and encouragement never failed those who came to him and the only wonder is that such a program did not bring ruin to his then slender resources. Several of these indigent proteges have since become famous artists.

Only a few of his beautiful art groups can be mentioned here—the heroic statue of "Blackhawk" on the banks of the Rock River near Oregon, Illinois; the "Solitude of the Soul" in jthe Chicago Art Institute; the bronze "Fountain of the Great Lakes" alongside the Institute; the Washington monument at Seattle, Washington; the Columbus Memorial fountain at Washington; and the "Fountain of Time" on Chicago's Midway are perhaps the best known. His last completed work, a bronze plaque commemorating the LincolnDouglas debate at Quincy, was dedicated barely a week before he was stricken. There were others in the making such as t h e W a s h i n g t o n - S a l o m o n - M o r r i s group and "Creation," a companion piece to his "Fountain of Time." Press comments on the death of our illustrious alumnus indicate the high esteem in which he was held. Out of many tributes to his genius, we quote that of President A. C. Willard: "In the death of Lorado Taft, the University mourns the passing of a distinguished son. H e was particularly a son of, the University—his childhood home was a block from the campus, his father was an early member of the teaching staff of the institution, he was graduated from the University in 1879 and 50 years later received the honorary degree of Doctor of Laws from his Alma Mater. "Mr. Taft frequently said that his interest in sculpture was first inspired when he was privileged to do some work at the University with materials received in the Gregory collection shortly before he entered as a student. "Two outstanding pieces of Lorado Taft's work in this locality are the Abraham Lincoln statue just opposite the Urbana High School and the Alma Mater group back of the Auditorium. Mr. T a f t has given unselfishly of his time and talent in appearing at the University, usually several times a year, in lectures and demonstrations. "In the field of fine arts, Lorado Taft has done more to bring distinction to the University of Illinois than any other alumnus. H i s tremendous personal interest in the University, and his unusual and inspiring personality will be long remembered by our faculty, students, and alumni."

Golden Gate Suspension Bridge

H E San Francisco-Oakland Bay and Golden Gate Bridges are already famous triumphs of engineering skill. T h e former was described and illustrated in Bulletin No. 3 of the University of Illinois Foundation Series. W e are indebted to Mr. Russell G. Cone, '22, for the names of Illini graduates who are responsible for the construction of the Golden Gate Bridge. Russell G. Cone, '22, has been in charge of the Golden Gate Bridge as Resident Engineer since the start of the work in 1933. Frank Ragland, '09, is Engineer for the Golden Gate Bridge & Highway District. H e has been on the job since the beginning and at present is in charge of completing the San Francisco Anchorage. . . H. M. Gronnerud, '22, is an Engineer on the District Staff, employed since 1935. H e has had charge of cable and

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May the men and women of Illinois always be able to live up to this creed of a true soldier and an outstanding leader.

structural steel erection, has conducted a series of extensive paint tests and is at present supervising the painting of Bridge Structure. Edward P. Davenport, '27, is Chief Structural Steel Inspector on the Marin side. H e has been on the work since 1933, having charge of the erection of both of the main towers for the Bridge District as well as the steel work on the Marin approach. Mr. Davenport as diver inspected the foundation bed for the San Francisco pier and also inspected the work performed under air pressure in the inspection wells. John R. Blondin, '28, is Chief Structural Steel Inspector on the San Francisco side for the Bridge District, has been employed since 1935 as Assistant Chief Cable Inspector and is now in charge of the structural work in the approach spans on the San Francisco side. Charles Kring, '32, has been employed

by the Bridge District since 1935 on the main cables and is now Structural Steel Inspector on the San Francisco approach. Previous to this Golden Gate work, Mr. Kring was employed by the American Bridge Company on the construction of the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge. Isadore Raffin, '12, is Manager for Barrett & Hilp who held the contract for the construction of the anchorages and approach piers, and now with the Pacific Bridge Company have the contract for the paving of the main structure. The completed San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge was opened for traffic November 12 of this year, and we are advised by Mr. Cone that the Golden Gate Bridge will be completed and open for traffic on May 1, 1937. The Golden Gate Bridge has the distinction of being the longest suspension span in the world, 4200 feet.

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