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TABLE OF CONTENTS CHAP. 1 FOUNDING OF HUNTINGTON (THEN CENTRAL) COLLEGE CHAP. 2 RELATIONSHIP TO HARTSVILLE COLLEGE CHAP. 3 HUNTINGTON (THEN CENTRAL) COLLEGE--1897-1917 CHAP. 4 HUNTINGTON COLLEGE--1917-1941 |
75 Years - Where Character and Culture Blend by J. Ralph Pfister |
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CHAPTER I FOUNDING OF HUNTINGTON (THEN CENTRAL) COLLEGE
A miracle. "A direct answer to prayer!" reported the Rev. N.D. Wolfard, secretary of the Board of Education. Huntington (then Central) College was "precipitated upon us like a clap of thunder," commented Bishop Milton Wright. For nearly a decade the General Board of Education of the Church of the United Brethren in Christ had hoped, prayed, anticipated and investigated about the establishment of a collegiate institution under its direct control. This board had planned in its annual meeting in 1896 to formulate a recommendation to present to the 1897 General Conference, that a committee be appointed to definitely solicit from cities and towns that were properly situated and that might desire to secure the institution. However, before the Board of Education met in annual session in 1896, an unsolicited proposition was received from the Huntington Land Association of Huntington, Indiana which made possible the establishment of a college in a central geographical location under the control of the Board of Education. The college and campus with some funds for equipment were a gift to the church so there was no debt involved.
The Rev. Albert G. Johnson, a minister of the St. Joseph Conference of the Church of the United Brethren in Christ, a resident of Huntington, was the leader in forming the Huntington Land Association. Associated with Mr. Johnson, who was secretary, were Jacob Himes, a United Brethren layman of Syracuse, Indiana, appointed treasurer, and three Huntington citizens—John A.W. Kintz, president, and Peter Scheiber and Elias Hewitt. This group laid plans to finance the purchase of land and the erection of a building through the sale of lots. The Huntington Land Association met with some of the members of the Board of Education in Huntington, Indiana in March, 1896, to inspect the proposed site of the new college and to learn the conditions necessary to obtain the building and campus. The Association proposed to donate to the Board of Education a campus of approximately 25 acres and to erect on this site a first class $35,000 structure on the simple condition that the Board would sell 102 lots to church people outside the city of Huntington, and equip and run a college. After due consideration a contract was drawn up between the Huntington Land Association and the Board of Education on March 11, 1896. There was to be 262 lots in the College Park Addition to be sold at an average price of $225.00. Residents of Huntington were to be responsible for the purchase of 160 lots and the church was to sell 102 lots. This plan of selling lots to finance a project was common at that time. A shoe factory had been erected on the south side of Huntington by a similar plan. The sale of the 160 lots by the Association was completed by Tuesday, March 31, 1896 at 10:30 p.m. Immediately the following wire was sent to the president of the Board of Education.
Prof. C. H. Kiracofe,
J. A. W. Kintz, An answer was received from Mr. Kiracofe by 1:20 a.m. on April 1, 1896.
J. A. W. Kintz,
C. H. Kiracofe,
Dr. Kiracofe as president of the Board of Education was appointed financial manager of the enterprise in behalf of the church. He reported to the 1897 General Conference that 89 of the lots had been sold. A tract of 60-plus acres was purchased from Mr. Kintz by the Association for the college site and the lots which were sold financed the project. This farm land was adjacent to the Kintz Addition of Huntington, just outside the north corporation line of the city. The platting of the lots and the general layout of the streets was the work of Dr. C.H. Kiracofe. In this plat a lake was included, projected to be 75 feet deep and one-half mile long. Some of the lots which were located in advantageous places on level ground were priced at $270.00. Other lots with ravines running through them were sold for $100.00. PLAT OF THE HUNTINGTON LOTS.
EXPLANATIONS. 1. The above plat shows only the lots which we have for sale. 2. The number and price are found on each lot. 3. Lots 71, 72 73 74, 75 and 76 are 50x125 feet. All others 50x120 ft. 4. Lots 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82 and 83 have the street graded and the sidewalk made along their front ends, and 41 and 77 along the end and side; 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 110, 111 112, 113, 114, 115 and 116 have the street graded along their fronts. All others are unimproved. 5. All lots, the prices of which are less than $225, have gulches in them which will have to be filled for building purposes. All others are cither level or only slightly sloping, and on a level with the street. 6. To obtain lots, cut out or copy the following contract, sign it, always giving address, and send it to C. H. Kiracofe, 119 North Summit Street, Dayton, Ohio, at once, leaving the number and price of the lots vacant, but send with it a letter, indicating your first, second, third, &c., choices, as your first choice may be already taken, and we will fill in the number and the price, as per plat, giving each one as nearly as possible his first choice. Lots marked + are sold. ARTICLE OF AGREEMENT. This article of agreement between the Huntington Laud Association and the undersigned is as follows Whereas the Huntington Land Association, of Huntington, Indiana, agrees to donate to the church of the United Brethren in Christ (old constitution) twenty-five acres of land, more or less, off the north-east corner of the College Addition to the city of Huntington, Indiana, and to erect thereon for said United Brethren Church a building of brick, with stone foundation and a slate roof three stories in height and not less than 66 by 100 feet in area for college purposes, upon condition that said United Brethren Church or its agents, sell for said Huntington Land Association, in said College Addition to the city of Huntington, Indiana, 100 lots, at an average price of two hundred and twenty-five dollars ($225) per lot ; I, therefore, in order to assist said United Brethren Church in selling said 100 lots and thus securing the above donation, hereby agree to purchase lot .......................... in said College Addition for the sum of $............. One-fourth of said sum is to be paid to the treasurer of said Huntington Land Association as soon as the foundation of said building is completed; one-half the remainder when the building is erected and enclosed with roof; the balance when the building is completed. Provided, further, that there shall be a clause in the deed for each lot sold in said College Addition forever prohibiting all nuisances, such as breweries, distilleries, saloons, &c. Signed this .................. day of .................. 1896. Name............................................... Address ................................... Payment for lots was made easy. Nothing was required until the foundation of the building was completed, when one-fourth of the purchase price was to be paid to the treasurer. Half of the remainder was due when the building was erected and covered with roof; the balance when the building was completed. A provision was included that there was to be a clause in the deed for each lot sold forever prohibiting all nuisances, such as breweries, distilleries or saloons on the land. Some of the streets were named for the Jacob Himes family. The college building was originally to be constructed on the knoll on the front campus but its location was changed to the northwest portion of the grounds. The building was not to cost less than $35,000.00. It was to be three stories and basement, constructed of stone and brick with a slate roof. The 73 by 106 foot structure contained about 20 rooms including recitation rooms, offices, laboratories, library and auditorium with seating capacity of more than 600. The building and site reserved for campus was estimated to be a gift of $75,000.00. Part of this was a cash fund of $7,000.00 designated for equipment and landscaping. Construction of the building began as soon as possible in the spring of 1896, with the Rev. Albert G. Johnson as contractor. Dr. C.H. Kiracofe, Dr. H.J. Becker and Bishop Milton Wright were appointed a committee for the church to superintend the construction of the building. Bad weather slowed progress at times, but the foundation was completed by August, 1896 and the entire building by June 1, 1897. While some men were looking over the college site in May, 1896, their attention was attracted by a peculiar rattling sound. At first they thought it was made by the rustling of snakes at the edge of the ravine. When investigation proved their theory wrong, they concluded that a heavy black cloud passing overhead had sent some hail to cause the noise. More investigation found a ground hog hard at work, digging a hole in the side of the ravine and the rattling noise was caused by dirt being thrown upon leaves. Still further examination revealed that the animal had dug into and opened up a bed of fine building sand, which saved the contractor some $500.00. The interest and cooperation of the citizens of Huntington with the establishment of a college in the community was manifested from the initial proposal. While Mr. Johnson, instigator of the Huntington Land Association, was a United Brethren minister, he was a resident of Huntington and a building contractor. He erected a number of homes in the city, as well as the buildings across the river on South Jefferson Street. Three other members of the Association were local residents. The sale of more than 60 per cent of the lots in less than a month showed concern for the institution. The participation of public officials and residents in the ceremonies for the laying of the cornerstone and the dedication of the college showed a fine spirit of unity between the city and the college. More than half of the students who enrolled in the first year of the institution were from Huntington and the surrounding areas. The cornerstone was laid with impressive ceremonies on Tuesday, August 18, 1896. Approximately 1,000 people attended the service, including Huntington citizens who had never visited the college campus. Wooden sidewalks made it possible for the residents of Huntington to walk to the foundation, Marshall Street (now College Avenue) being extended as a convenience.
Bishop H.T. Barnaby was chairman of the occasion. The welcome was voiced by Mayor Simon T. Cast. "It is a great honor to be permitted on behalf of the city of Huntington, to introduce to this vast audience the strangers who are gathered here to lay the cornerstone of an institution of learning that the city of Huntington could feel justly proud of."
Bishop Milton Wright placed the articles in the recess of the cornerstone as they were read by Dr. Kiracofe. They included a Bible, History of the United Brethren Church, 1893 Discipline of the United Brethren Church, a copy of The Christian Conservator, official church paper, Sunday school lesson quarterlies and papers, a sketch of the college enterprise, the 1896 United Brethren Year Book, the proceedings of the Board of Missions, and the card of Architect A.D. Mohler. The cornerstone, described as a neatly dressed white marble block about two feet square was put in place by Bishop Wright, assisted by two stone masons, Martin Koch and a Mr. Friend. The scripture lesson was read by Bishop H. Floyd and prayers were offered by Bishop Wright, Dr. H.J. Becker and Dr. D.K. Flickinger. A Rev. Jelison, an evangelist from Chicago, who had been holding tabernacle meetings in the city for a number of weeks, closed his meetings on Sunday night. On Monday the tent, platform and seats were moved to the college campus and set up for use for the ceremony. A band from the city provided music. After the cornerstone had been placed, the audience took seats in the tent to participate in the remainder of the program. An address was given by Bishop Barnaby in which he expressed appreciation for the co-operation of the city of Huntington in this project. "I now congratulate this beautiful city of Huntington, situated in this beautiful country, upon the prospect of having this institution of learning in your midst. I thank the good people for the interest they have taken and their presence here today." The city of Huntington was represented by Judge H.B. Sayler, who delivered an impromptu address as he substituted for Judge Watkins who was unable to be present. He concluded by saying, "My brethren, I thank you with the openness of my heart on behalf of the people of Huntington, without regard to denomination or sectarianism, but as sons and daughters of the living God, we come together and bid you welcome, thrice welcome." Bishop M. Wright and Dr. Kiracofe addressed the assembly. Dr. H.J. Becker delivered one of his popular lectures at the Opera House that evening.
A reporter of the Daily Democrat on August 15,
1896 wrote, "This new addition to our thriving city is something that all
citizens may feel proud of. The addition of a well equipped college to the
institutions of learning which we already possess puts Huntington in the
front van of progressive cities, and coming as it does simultaneously with
the location of three new and large factories and a new railroad, places our
city before the general public in a very favorable light, a light which bodes
well for the future prosperity and growth." The quadrennial report of the Board of Education to the General Conference of the Church of the United Brethren in Christ held at Dublin, Indiana, May 27, 1897 was presented by the Rev. N.D. Wolfard, secretary of the board. This report expressed gratitude for the gift received through the work of the Huntington Land Association. "The Lord has opened a way for us as a church to accomplish more for the glory of God on an educational line than our church has ever done." Participation of laymen in the college program was in evidence from the early days and has continued during the seventy-five years. A lay woman was a member of the Board of Education which was responsible for the negotiations with the Huntington Land Association. She was Mrs. Sarah L. Keezel, president of the College of Philomath, Philomath, Oregon. Other members of this board were Dr. C.H. Kiracofe, president, Revs. N.D. Wolfard, secretary, W.H. Clay, treasurer, N.R. Luce, M.F. Keiter, W.S. Titus, C.L. Wood, A.W. Geeslin, C. Bender and S.N. McBride. Other laymen who served with distinction on the board during the first two decades were S.A. Stemen, treasurer for many years, and Dr. A.M. Ferguson. Both Dr. Ferguson and Mrs. Ferguson were practicing physicians in Huntington for a number of years. Many of the people who purchased lots which were sold in the United Brethren Church were laymen. Some of these participated in this original purchase from the standpoint of an investment in the youth of the church. Later some of the lots were donated to the college or resold to other interested parties.
Dr. Kiracofe continued to promote the work of
the college project through the pages of The Christian Conservator of which
he was the editor. In an editorial of the March 31, 1897 issue he reported
that the first step in the college enterprise had been completed. The lots
were nearly all sold and the rest would be soon. Two additional steps were
outlined. All those who purchased lots who were able to do so, were
encouraged to build during the coming summer. The College Park Addition was
some distance from Huntington and connecting streets were not well improved.
With the projected opening of the college in the fall, there was need of
housing for faculty, staff and students. At least 40 or 50 homes were
contemplated. The dedication of the administration building was celebrated on September 22, 1897 and the opening of school was the next day. The service was held on the third floor of the building, which at that time extended from east to west over the entire floor. There were 1,200 people crowded in the room with many others in the halls of the building on the lower floors. Dr. C.H. Kiracofe was chairman for the occasion. The dedicatory address was delivered by Dr. P.S. Henson, Chicago, Illinois. He also lectured at the library hall in Huntington in the evening on the subject of "Backbone." The dedicatory prayer was offered by Bishop Milton Wright. "It has been Thy good pleasure, O Lord, to give Thy people this property, this building and these grounds, to be used for the purpose of Christian education. Now with hearts of gratitude to Thee, we desire to consecrate this edifice and these grounds to Thee. And now, O Lord, we dedicate this building from tower to foundation-stone with all its furniture of any and every kind and all that may hereafter be put into it in harmony with piety and propriety, and dedicate these grounds with all improvements which may be made now or hereafter with good taste and righteously, we dedicate all these to Thee, O Lord, and to the cause of Christian education in the name of the Triune God. Amen." An offering of $1,000.00 in cash and subscription was received at this service. It was to provide permanent seats for the auditorium and aid in beautifying the grounds. |
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