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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
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75 Years - Where Character and Culture Blend by J. Ralph Pfister |
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CHAPTER IV
HUNTINGTON COLLEGE - 1917-1941
The fifty-five year period when the institution was officially known as Huntington College can be divided into two convenient periods. The extent of the first period is from the change of the name in 1917 to 1941, the year that Dr. Elmer Becker began his administrative duties as president which extended for twenty-four years. The era opened during the World War I upheaval when a number of the male students left the campus to enlist in the armed services of their country. An honor roll of 37 names was published in the April, 1918 issue of The Huntingtonian. A beginning of expansion characterized this period. There were three buildings on the campus in 1917—Administration Building, Livingston Hall and the Agricultural Experiment Station. Four buildings were added during the period—the Central Heating Plant, the Gymnasium the President's Home and Stemen Hall. Changes were also made in the Administration Building. The increased holdings in the library made it imperative to have larger quarters. To provide for these facilities, the chapel on the west end of the first floor was discontinued. Chapel and church services were then held in Davis Hall on the third floor. Even then people complained about the numerous steps which had to be climbed to reach the auditorium. The former chapel became the library about 1917. The south room on the first floor then became the college business office. After the gymnasium on the west end of the third floor had been abandoned the literary society rooms were moved from the second floor to the third floor. Originally the Philomatheans had met in the southwest room on the second floor, but they were given the northwest room on the third floor so that the men would not have access to the tower room. The library was moved to the west end of the second floor in 1934. An additional room on the south side adjacent to the entry of the tower room was added. Two years later another room on the south side was utilized for stacks which enlarged the reading room.
The central heating plant was erected in 1918 at an approximate cost of $15,000.00. It was reported as being capable of furnishing heat for a much larger number of buildings than were on the campus at that time. The second floor of the structure was not finished at first. Later the room was partitioned and provided classroom space for the life sciences. In 1926 the chemistry department was moved from the ground floor of the Administration Building to that area. The removal of furnaces from the basement of the Administration Building was made possible when the central heating plant was erected. The west end of the ground floor became a dining hall and kitchen known as the "commons." A tract of land of approximately twenty acres east of the campus known as the Bippus addition had been utilized by The Huntington Auto Transit Company as a park which was then called the T.H.A.T. Park. Four buses were in use for transportation of people to and from the park. The area was provided with swings and slides for children. There was also a "band stand" where programs could be presented. In the fall of 1918 this tract of land was purchased by the college and added to the campus. Many students found this park a good place to take a date for a stroll. Students in elocution found one spot that was a convenient place to stand up and practice their orations or sermons. They were to speak so that those on the other side of the railroad could hear and understand. When the library was moved to the second floor the college business office was moved to the southwest room on the first floor. The president's office was once more located in the tower room. The northwest room was converted into a lounge. A stairway was constructed leading to the dinning hall just below. Plans had been developed for a girl's dormitory as early as 1917. The board of trustees anticipated at various times that bequests would make possible the erection of one or more dormitories. Funds were solicited from the church for this purpose. Changes in administration militated against the implementation of plans. The original home of Dr. C. H. Kiracofe had been purchased by Dr. S. L. Livingston who presented this home to the college. It was a large frame building. In 1938 it was remodeled and enlarged. The completed structure made a fine brick edifice. Dormitory space was provided for 28 women and a house mother.
In the fall of 1919 the Huntington College Athletic Association was reactivated and reorganized. J. Clayton Smith was elected president. In a new burst of enthusiasm plans were initiated to raise money for a gymnasium. Preliminary sketches were published to create interest in this project. The description included basement dressing rooms and a swimming pool. Removable seats for spectators were on either side of the first floor basketball court. A track was to be around the building above the playing floor. Finances did not materialize to erect this ideal gymnasium. The first unit constructed in 1920 was a frame building 60x80 feet which cost approximately $4,500.00. The funds were raised by students, alumni and friends. Christian Endeavor societies from the United Brethren church made contributions.
The gymnasium was enlarged and brick veneered in 1934. The building was widened 12 feet. An unused brick building in the city was secured and the salvaged bricks were utilized to cover the exterior of the gym. Student activity was again manifested in 1937 when funds were solicited and the structure was lengthened to 107 feet, providing a playing floor 50x90 feet. The hardwood floor is laid over a concrete base. The gift of the senior class of 1919 was the cement side walk from the front of the Administration Building to the curb on College Avenue. The figures "1919" can be seen in two different places on the walk. The class of 1920 erected the flag pole on the front campus and donated an American flag. Other classes have made gifts to the college. Another attempt to erect a building on the campus which did not come to fruition was a cooperative venture between the College and the College Park Church of the United Brethren in Christ. The Board of Trustees of the church presented a plan to the General Board of Education on May 28, 1919 regarding the erection of a building which could be used for a chapel on the campus and for the services of the local church. The Board of Education agreed that the College would raise $2.00 for every $1.00 raised by the church, the total sum for the structure was not to exceed $12,000.00. This plan was never implemented, although the church did solicit funds from the membership. The campus has provided opportunities for study in a natural outdoor laboratory. This was expanded when the botanical garden and arboretum was developed. Dr. F. A. Loew, professor of science and agriculture, had been inspired while a student in the Michigan universities he attended to develop a botanical garden and arboretum on the Huntington College Campus. This goal was finally realized in the fall of 1935 when opportunity was given during the administration of Dr. H. C. Mason. The garden, an area north of the administration building, was laid out in plats of various designs and sizes with grass walks between them. Plants were secured from the surrounding fields and woods. The goal was to have a specimen of every plant growing in Huntington County in the garden. The first plant brought in was the large purple wild aster. The arboretum part is an extensive tract of creek bottom, ravines, banks and upland which is naturally wooded with trees and shrubs, many of them being mature.
The garden was officially dedicated on June 12, 1937 with an address by Dr. Ernest Bessey, head of the botany department of Michigan State College. "The Function of Biological Gardens" was the topic of this address. An account of this dedication was published in Chronica Botanica, Leyden, Holland. The garden was described in the History of Botanical Gardens of the World, published by Dr. C. Stuart Gager, director of the Brooklyn Botanical Garden. It has been recognized by other gardens of the United States and Canada as well as by the director of the Botanical Garden of Barcelona, Spain. Following the dedication, Dr. Loew promoted a garden day program and tour of the garden annually. For a number of years an annual report was prepared by the director. The 1951 senior class commemorated the work of Dr. Loew by erecting a marble monument with a brass relief likeness of the gardener. Stemen Hall was originally the home of Mr. and Mrs. S.A. Stemen, located on College Avenue where the library now stands. Mr. Stemen had been a member of the Board of Trustees and was treasurer in the early days. This property was secured and served as dormitory space for twelve students. Later when the library building was erected this building was moved and now serves as a music hall. The President's Home was the residence of Mr. and Mrs. P. J. Harpham, graduates of the institution. It was purchased and remodeled for the home of the president. The academic calendar in 1917 consisted of three twelve week terms with a summer term available. In some years there were short terms of varying lengths for different departments of the school. There was a spring term for normal school students and a short course for the school of agriculture. The seminary also promoted a short course for ministerial candidates who were in active service. Two eighteen week semesters were introduced in 1935 with a summer term of eight weeks (equivalent to half a semester). This change to the semester calender was authorized as early as 1931, but it was not implemented at that time. The curriculum was organized with the following areas: liberal arts, school of education with eight two year programs, theological seminary and Bible school with six different courses, school of agriculture, school of home economics, conservatory of music, school of art, department of public speaking, and academy. Accreditation from the state department of education was maintained in the school of education for the two year courses. The graduates from the prescribed two year program were granted first grade licenses as primary, intermediate, grammar grade, and rural school teachers. The two year courses in art, home economics, agriculture and music were also accredited. A second grade license was available for the completion of the first year of the program. There was also accreditation for the second grade license in high school subjects. The academy also continued to be accredited. The state department of education recommended the discontinuance of the two year elementary programs and the academy when accreditation was sought in 1925 for the four year liberal arts for high school teachers. These two programs were phased out and accreditation was received for the first and second grade high school licenses in English, Latin, French, mathematics and social studies. After some upgrading of the science laboratories and relocating the departments accreditation in science was received in 1927. The first grade special elementary license in music and art was retained. The policy of the state department was altered so that accreditation was again received for two years of the elementary teachers curriculum in 1937. From 1925 to 1935 the liberal arts and sciences were organized in eleven departments: Biblical literature, education, English language and literature, foreign language and literature, mathematics, natural sciences, philosophy, political, social science and history, physical education, religious education and speech. In 1935 the arts and sciences were grouped in four divisions: I. Arts and Letters, II. Natural Sciences, III. Social Studies, and IV. Philosophy and Religion. The curriculum also provided for a Conservatory of Music and a School of Commerce. In 1917 two degrees were offered—Bachelor of Arts and the Bachelor of Science. Other degrees were added: Bachelor of Arts in Theology and Bachelor of Science in Education in 1936; and the Bachelor of Science in Music Education in 1939. The theological seminary and Bible school offered programs to meet the needs of students. There was a Sunday School and Christian Endeavor Normal Course of one or two years. There was a two year Bible course, a four year English theological course, a Hebrew-Greek Diploma course and the Bachelor of Divinity program. A non-resident program was offered and a Correspondence Bible Course was included. In 1925 the four year college-theological course with the Bachelor of Theology degree was introduced. Demand for some of the courses was not sufficient to continue offering them. Some innovations in the curriculum were introduced. In 1917 the Laboratory Training School was developed and in 1918 the Student Army Training Corps was promoted for two months. A laboratory training school was established on the Huntington College campus by the department of education in the fall of 1917. Huntington County Superintendent of Schools, Clifford Funderburg, was the dean of education. The teachers in the consolidated schools in Huntington County thought that it was unreasonable for the county superintendent to ask them to teach more than one or two grade levels. However the economic situation forced the administration of the schools to group a number of grades together. The idea was conceived of establishing a laboratory school where a demonstration teacher would show that one person could successfully handle as many as four grade levels, all in one room. This experiment in teaching became a vital part of the school of education through the cooperation of Mr. Funderburg and President C. W. H. Bangs.
Dr. Roxy Lefforge was the teacher for this educational venture for the year 1917-18 before she went to China as a missionary. She had experience in teaching in the country schools, primary grades and high school. In addition to teaching duties she was township supervisor of schools and principal of a high school. About twenty children from the community were enrolled in the laboratory school in the first, second, fourth and seventh grades. After the children were dismissed she taught a psychology class.
The room selected for the laboratory school was room 17 of the Administration Building. It was described as the "cheeriest room of the college building, and no expense has been spared in making it ideal." The blackboards were low enough for children to reach and some of them were lined. School desks were installed. Bright curtains were at the windows. This room is now used by the public relations department. World War I brought to the campus a Student Army Training Corps Unit in the fall of 1918. This program was to train men who would be non-commissioned officers when they were drafted. In a very short time President Bangs and others associated in this endeavor recruited 100 young men for this training on the college campus. They came from Huntington and nearby villages and towns. Others were from Fort Wayne and Indianapolis. There were some from the United Brethren Church from neighboring states. These men were quartered in the old gymnasium on the third floor and in the literary halls on second floor. A few were housed in homes in the community. The mess hall was in the west end of the basement of the administration building. The commanding officer, First Lieutenant A.D. Henderson, Jr., used the tower room on the first floor as his quarters. Since the war ended by an armistice on November 11, 1918, the men were on the campus about two months. All of them were mustered out by Christmas. The training program consisted of some class work in engineering, mathematics, surveying, and history. A great deal more time was spent in drill and marching. The front campus was worn thin by the exercises which the prospective non-coms were put through. For longer drills the streets were utilized and the ten mile hikes found the group marching north on Guilford Street. Football was enjoyed by the men when they had no other duties. Singing by quartets or larger groups was an evening experience, much to the disgust of the commanding officer. Since many of the men were nearby residents they were permitted to go home over weekends. A number of the men had the flu during this period. Some were taken to the local hospital. A temporary hospital was set up on the college campus in the heating plant. One person reported that since he was a local resident he was sent home when he became ill so that he could be cared for at home. However, his mother who nursed him contracted the flu and passed away, much to his sorrow. Regular uniforms were provided by the government. Army cots were used in the quarters. Other equipment that is usually associated with the army was never issued. Wallace Reed, Paul Bouman and Robert Brown are some local residents who were enrolled in the S.A.T.C. It was already noted that the library had been relocated twice during this period. Each move was necessitated because of the lack of space for the increasing number of books shelved in the library. From about 4,000 books in 1917 the holdings increased to more than 14,000 by 1941. The majority of the books of the library of Dr. C. H. Kiracofe, the first president, were presented to the Huntington College library upon his death in 1921.
A forward step was taken for the library when a full time and qualified librarian was employed in 1923. Between 1917 and 1923 either teaching faculty members or students served as librarians. Professionally trained librarians have been: Mabel McColgin, 1923-25; Blanche Johnson Davis, 1925-27; Mary E. Kitchen, 1927-28; Anna Harwood Pugsley, 1928-32; Ruth E. Wood, 1932-34; Margaret Cook Jones, 1934-44. Four men served as president during this period—1917-1941. The average tenure in the office was six years. Dr. C. W. H. Bangs was in the midst of his four year term. Upon his resignation Bishop O. G. Alwood, president of the Board of Trustees, was elected as acting president, who served until Prof. D. R. Ellabarger was elected. His term of six years was followed by a seven year term by Dr. C. A. Mummart, the only person who has been president twice. Dr. H. C. Mason was president from 1932 to 1939. There was no president for the next two years. Dr. O. R. Stilson, dean of the college was appointed to serve as the administrative head of the college in the academic work. Bishop W. E. Musgrave wasthe representative of the Board of Trustees in administering the finance and the contact man with the church.
Prof. Daniel R. Ellabarger, president from 1919 to 1925, was born on a farm near Dublin, Indiana. He received his education in a one room elementary school and took his high school training at Hartsville College. He completed work for the bachelor's degree at Indiana University.
While at Hartsville he became acquainted with
Miss Luella Scudder, the daughter of one of the trustees and a staunch
supporter of Hartsville College. They were married and were the parents of
two children, Leora and Lowell. His daughter Leora (Mrs. Warden Stoudt) was
the author of the words of the present alma mater. He was superintendent of the Knightstown, Indiana, public school and principal of the Richmond, Indiana, high school. From 1908 to 1919 he was principal of the Piqua, Ohio, high school. After his service at Huntington College he resided on his farm at New Lisbon, Indiana and taught in the Dublin elementary school. During World War II when there was a shortage of teachers Mr. Ellabarger, at the age of 80, taught mathematics and science in the Centerville, Indiana, high school. He died at Cambridge City, Indiana, March 12, 1948.
Dr. Harold C. Mason was the only Huntington College president who was not born on a farm. His father was the proprietor of a general store at the rural village of Kunkle, Ohio. When Harold was five years old his father entered the ministry in the United Brethren Church, in whose footsteps he followed. He attended the public elementary schools but at the age of 15 he left home to enter the preparatory department of Huntington College. He received the Bachelor of Science degree in 1907. He taught a year at the Chesbrough Seminary in North Chili, New York. He was married to Alta McFate of Waldron, Michigan near the first church he pastored. There are two sons, Robert and Wendell. He entered the ministry of the Church of the United Brethren in Christ and was ordained in 1915. He served pastorates in Michigan, Ohio and Indiana while furthering his education. He received the Bachelor of Arts degree from Huntington in 1913 and completed additional work for another Bachelor of Arts degree from Adrian College. He received the graduate degrees of Master of Arts from the University of Michigan and the Doctor of Education from Indiana University. He was granted honorary degrees, Doctor of Divinity from Huntington College and Doctor of Humane Letters from Houghton College. He served as bishop in the United Brethren Church from 1921 to 1925. He was professor and dean at Adrian College for four years and superintendent of schools at Blissfield, Michigan for another four years. In the spring of 1932 the Board of Trustees of Huntington College voted to suspend operations at Huntington College for one year, due to the financial situation. However the response of the church to this emergency was such that the board decided to continue. Under such circumstances Dr. Mason was elected president and served for seven years. Despite almost insuperable financial obstacles, the college remained alive and grew in enrollment, faculty, and facilities during the depression years. After an interim pastorate at the Free Methodist church in Winona Lake, Indiana Dr. Mason devoted 18 years as a professor of Christian education at Northern Baptist Theological Seminary and Asbury Theological Seminary. His retirement years were spent at Winona Lake, Indiana, where he gave part time help to nearby Christian colleges and seminaries. His death occurred June 2, 1964. The president of the institution had numerous duties to perform in the early days of the school. Not only was he the administrative officer of the school, he also functioned as dean, caring for the academic matters. He was a member of the teaching staff. He was also the financial agent, securing additional funds beyond tuition and fees to support the ongoing educational program. At times the president was also the treasurer, dispensing the funds as well as securing them. Prof. Ray C. Pellett was the first person given the official title of dean. Prof. Charles Deich, head of the education department, was dean for a couple of years while President D. R. Ellabarger was the leader. Prof. M.J. Searle, teacher of mathematics and languages, was dean from 1921 to 1925. At times this office was vacant. Prof. W. N. Holiman was dean from 1929 to 1931 and Dr. O. R. Stilson was dean for more than ten years beginning in 1935. Rev. C. E. Atkinson, a graduate of Hartsville College, was financial agent and treasurer from 1923 to 1925. When the academy was flourishing Prof. W. H. Kindell served as principal of that department. Beginning in 1925 the secretary to the president was also given the title of registrar. Miss M. Edna Shipley who served in the registrar's office for fifteen years began her service in 1938. The seminary was directed by the leading professor in that field, but at times he was named dean. Some who filled that post were Dr. C. A. Mummart, Dr. W. H. Clay and Dr. E. C. Clapp. The increasing enrollment during this period necessitated a larger and more diversified faculty. There were more than 100 different people on the staff with others who gave part time in various areas, especially in the music field. The staff averaged 15 over the years. The rising economic standard which was being appreciated by the population of the nation made it more difficult to secure members for the teaching staff. The low income of the college due to the minimum cost for students made it difficult for the administration to compete with other colleges and universities or industry to employ qualified and experienced personnel. Those who served on a full time basis for five years or more were Prof. M. R. Searle, mathematics and language; Prof. M. C. Guha, chemistry; Dr. W. H. Clay, theology; Prof. W. H. Kindell, academy principal and philosophy; Dr. F. A. Loew, science; Prof. M. F. Wolverton, social science and church history; Miss Cora Lee Smith, English and speech; Dr. Allen Bowman, history and political science; Prof. A. Wheeler Jones, chemistry; Prof. R. W. Wood, biological science; Miss M. Edna Shipley, mathematics and physics; Dr. J. Ralph Pfister, Biblical literature; Dr. W. P. Musgrave, foreign languages; Dr. J. E. McMullan, education; Dr. M. C. Miller, history and political science; Prof. O. W. Beitelshees, education; and Dr. O. R. Stilson, philosophy. The rising cost of living during this period was manifested in the tuition charges. There was a slow gradual rise from 1917 to 1935. It was $15.00 per term in 1917, $20.00 in 1920, $25.00 in 1922, $30.00 in 1925, $36.00 in 1927, $40.00 in 1931 and $48.00 in 1934. The calendar was changed to two semesters in 1935 and the tuition charge was $75.00 per semester. It remained constant during the remainder of the period. As already noted, the general conference of 1917 set a goal of $100,000.00 to provide for a heating plant and a dormitory. The 1921 general conference planned a progressive program under the caption, "Otterbein Forward Movement." A financial goal was included for Huntington College in the amount of $400,000.00 with three-fourths of this amount to be a permanent endowment fund. The General Board of Education was in control of this fund. The total amount was never pledged and as time passed payment of pledges decreased. Eventually some of this endowment fund was invested in dormitories on the campus. There were periods during these thirty-five years when the general economy of the nation was at a low ebb. Finances were hard to raise. Various economies were practiced. The funds received for the college were not sufficient to operate on a balanced budget. Rigid economy was practiced by the administration. Some proposed improvements could not be realized because of the lack of funds. In the 30's when depression was severe there was a system of barter operating so that students could make payment on accounts by produce and some faculty members received the same in lieu of cash salary. In spite of the financial struggle that was experienced the total net assets increased from $63,699.12 in 1917 to $124,075.99 in 1941. The enrollment of students in the various departments varied across the years, depending upon curriculum offerings, requirements for the certification of teachers, and economic factors. There were 237 students enrolled in 1921-22. A large number of them were enrolled in the normal department with 28 in the liberal arts department. The lowest enrollment for the period was in 1929-30 with a total of 50, but of that number 34 were enrolled as liberal arts students. There was a total of 474 graduates, with an average of 20. The largest class of 48 graduated in 1925 and the smallest class was in 1932 with three graduates. Nearly half of the graduates completed a bachelor's degree. During the ten years that the academy was operating there were 71 graduates. The two year elementary teachers' program had over 100 graduates. There were more students and graduates from the Bible and theological courses than in the first twenty years. There was a total of 44 graduates. Nine received the Bachelor of Divinity degree, 16 completed the new four year Bachelor of Theology course and 19 others completed a Bible or theological course and received a diploma. The activity of students outside the classroom was expressed in various ways depending on the interest and ability of the individual. The literary societies which were organized in the fall of the opening year of college continued to function throughout this period. In addition to the weekly programs some social and recreational activities were promoted. The reception for new students and faculty members at the beginning of each term of the academic calendar was an interesting social function. The hayrack ride in the fall was sometimes supplemented by a moonlight hike through the ravines. Frequently the moon failed to cooperate and the hike consisted of each person clinging to the rope that was used to guide the followers over "lover's lane." The inter-society programs were usually public sessions. A "mock trial" could always create interest. Electing different officers for each term gave opportunity for the members to participate in a creative and learning situation beyond the classroom. The Y's—the Young Men's Christian Association and the Young Women's Christian Association—made a spiritual impact upon the college campus. Delegates to the Lake Geneva Assembly profited from contact with the spiritual giants who were leaders in the conferences. Fall and spring retreats were a vital part of the program. A Thanksgiving banquet was a social function sponsored by the Y's. The missionary emphasis was promoted by such fellowships as Student Volunteers and Young People's Mission Band. The Student Volunteers had committed themselves to serve Christ on a foreign mission field nothing preventing. The Y.P.M.B. fostered interest in missions through study, prayer and action. Speech as communication was highlighted in numerous ways. Oratorical and elocutionary contests and later debating were emphasized. The Rev. Elmer Ward Cole, minister of the Central Christian Church, offered $15.00 worth of books for a first prize and $5.00 in books for the second prize for an oration on the subject, "Why I Believe That Christ Is Divine." This was known as the Cole Oratorical Contest. The Swales Annual Oratorical Contest emphasized temperance. John R. Swales, a graduate, provided a silver cup upon which was engraved the name of the winner of this contest. The winner in 1916 was Earl F. Nauss. Two other names are engraved on the cup: 1917, Lyman M. Light and 1918, Jerry L. Towne. The Elocutionary Contest was for the best reading with emphasis upon artistic execution. The first prize was $5.00 and the second $3.00.
Debating received emphasis in the early 1920's
and again in the late 30's. At one time Miss Inez Schad (Mrs. Elmer Becker)
had the distinction of being the only representative of the fair sex on a
debating team in the State of Indiana. Incidentally she was a member of the
same team of which Elmer Becker was a debater. The Student Union was organized in the 1932-33 school year. This organization, in cooperation with the faculty, helps to develop and maintain the highest standards of college life in the promotion of college activities. The first students to serve as officers were: president—Isaac H. Osgood, vice-president— Leon Bowman, secretary—George Bergdall, and treasurer—Kenneth Carrick. Other organizations which have served a purpose at various times have been the Educational Club, the Music Club, Palette Guild, Commercial Club, Future Teachers' Association, the H.C.B.C. (Huntington College Booster Committee), and the C.B.A. (Collar Button Association). Men who have received letters for participation in sports are members of the Varsity Club and women who are interested in sports belong to the Woman's Recreational Association. A print shop was started in the 1933-34 school year in a very small area in the basement behind a latticed wall. Some type and a very small press were purchased and students became involved in a work program financed by some government aid. Dale Fleming was one of the first with the title of "printer's devil." The most challenging production was The Huntingtonian, printing a page at a time. An outstanding social activity of the school year was introduced in 1920, upon the suggestion of President D. R. Ellabarger. The Washington Banquet attained stature from year to year and became one of the formal occasions sponsored by the college. Students, faculty, alumni and friends from the community gathered to pay honor to the father of their country. The first banquet was held in the west classrooms on the second floor of the Administration Building. Many of those who attended the first dinner were dressed as George and Martha Washington. Some of the men had difficulty in obtaining a white wig. The problem was solved by the purchase of a mop and combing the rope strands to resemble white hair. One student made an excuse that he had to look after the fire in the boiler in the heating plant in order to take off his "wig" and wipe his brow and head because of the excessive heat generated by an additional hair piece. The second banquet became more formal and floor length gowns for the women and tuxedos for the men were worn. Some of the men had make-shift attire for "tuxs" held together with safety pins. Frequently one couple dressed as George and Martha Washington was the host and hostess for the occasion. The increased interest and attendance made it necessary to seek larger and more commodious accommodations and the dinner was housed in some banquet room of the city of Huntington.
Music and drama have continued to make a contribution to the college scene. During the early 20's a male quartet consisting of Loy Laney, Clyde Meadows, J. Clayton Smith and Titus Wilt traveled over 8,000 by "Model T" during the summer months and presented concerts in local churches and at camps and conferences. Musical groups presented operettas as well as recitals. Since 1935 an a cappella choir has been organized and has been involved in a choir tour during the Easter season. Various areas of the Church of the United Brethren in Christ and some other churches east of the Mississippi have been visited. This service was suggested by President H. C. Mason. The sacred concert includes classical music as well as the great hymns of the church. The first director of the touring choir was Miss Esther Oelrich and William A. McCoy accompanied the group as business manager. Others who were directors of the choir during this period were Lawrence R. Schoenhals and Milton U. Johnston. "Hamlet" was presented as an all school play in 1922 under the direction of Miss Emma Wyman. Some other presentations were "Just Out of College," "The Lion and the Mouse," and "The Fifteenth of January." College classes became involved in dramatic productions. Huntington College continued in the tradition of Central College of providing opportunity for "boy to meet girl." Some had the opportunity to change their name but not Esther Smith who married J. Clayton Smith. Some of those who have given leadership to Huntington College and the Church of the United Brethren in Christ were Elmer Becker and Inez Schad, Clyde Meadows and Mabel Mumma, William A. McCoy and Elizabeth Loew, Allen Bowman and Ruth Wood, Marion Miller and Viola Connor, Wilford Musgrave and Madge Slusher, Glen Betterly and Lillian Latsch, Corinth Lange and Alice Mosier, Duane Reahm and Leona Welker, Isaac H. Osgood and Bernice Hanauer, Ernest Gingerich and Lydia Burton, Kennard Schaibly and Thelma South, Otis Kerns and Martha Hollinger, Robert W. Schumm and DeLora Burk, Fred Wild and Emma Steckle, Paul A. Graham and Hazel Park, Howard Yohe and Neoma Barker.
Among others who made contributions in the
ministry and missionary activity were Preston Horst and Vivian Swoveland, Roy
Lautenschlager and Grace Miller, Ira W. Shindle and Elsie Showalter, Leslie
Huntley and Mary Bergdall, David McNelly and Anna Baker, Wilbur Fix and Grace
Hoskins, and Leland Skinner and Carol Gardner. The field of service for some was business and industry. Among them were Harry Gibson and Myrtle Stemen, Coleman Regnier and Ruth Plumley, Clifford Wechsler and Blair Wood, Glenn Birdsall and Lois Seeley, Harold Cook and Marjorie Wood, Norman Brechbill and Leona Musgrave, Richard Welker and Geraldine Coble, Milford Kindley and Ferne Kelty. An impetus to develop and maintain the spiritual life on the campus was the inauguration of a week of special services which came to be known as "Christian Life Emphasis Week." Invited guest ministers spoke in the chapel service and in an evening meeting. Students participated by serving on committees, acting as chairman of the services, leading devotions, presenting special music, and providing appropriate decorations in keeping with the theme. The challenge has been threefold—salvation, consecration, and full time Christian service. The contribution of the Gospel Volunteers in helping to create a spiritual atmosphere was important. The purpose was to develop the spiritual life and render service. Daily prayer times were observed in addition to the appointed meeting. Activity off campus included jail services, street evangelism as well as services in local churches. The climax of the college year centers in commencement activities. The events have changed over the years. Baccalaureate and commencement have remained constant. A junior-senior banquet usually precedes these other events. A musical recital was frequently included in the week. The Philomathean and Zetalethean Literary Societies usually presented an inter-society program. A program in which members of the graduating class had opportunity to participate was called the "Class Day Program." A meeting of alumni was also scheduled during the week. The baccalaureate sermon on Sunday morning was followed in the evening by a service sponsored by the campus religious youth groups. Some of the commencement speakers during this period were Dr. W. P. Dearing, president of Oakland City College—1926; Dr. Leslie E. Fuller, brother of Rev. Charles E. Fuller of the Old Fashioned Revival Hour—1927; Dr. Clarence True Wilson, general secretary of the Board of Temperance of the Methodist Church from Washington, D.C.—1935; Dr. John Timothy Stone, pastor of the Fourth Presbyterian Church, Chicago, Illinois—1936; Prof. James Henry McMurray, president of Central College from 1902-1905—1937; The Honorable Luren D. Dickenson, governor of Michigan—1940; and R. G. LeTourneau, industrialist and philanthropist—1941. Senior skip day was an early tradition and was fostered all through this period. Basketball and baseball have been the continuing sports during this period. Football tried to make a comeback but did not gain enough momentum to last. Tennis and track were also a part of the total athletic program. The construction of the gymnasium as noted earlier gave an added impetus to the athletic program, particularly basketball. Physical education for all students became a possibility. An intramural program was promoted at times.
The 1922-23 basketball season was one of the best in the history of the institution. Under the leadership of Coach Glenn Johnson the team chalked 17 wins out of 22 in their schedule. Football was attempted that year but was dropped. In the fall of 1924 some soccer was practiced in lieu of football. Baseball and tennis were spring sports. Some other coaches during this period were William Williams, Maynard Stull, Harry F. McGee, Lee R. Craft, S. P. Orvis, Cassius Keller, George Zinz and Arthur Howard. The women on the campus were involved in basketball in the winter and softball in the spring. |
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